A rumour was circulated early in the week that the
Govern- ment of Natal had presented an ultimatum to Cetewayo. He was to surrender within ten days, or he would be arrested. Either, however, the rumour was incorrect, or orders were sent from the Colonial Office to abstain from action against the King, for the story was officially declared unfounded. The King, therefore, remains in the Reserve, gathering forces or awaiting attack from Usibepu, whom a majority of Zulus look upon as the coming man. We can see no sound reason what- ever for forbidding the Zulu tribes to fight the quarrel out. They evidently desire a general ruler, and their method of elect- ing one has at least the merit of finality. We would protect the border, announce that if it were crossed by any party Zulu- land would be conquered, and then leave the clans to their own devices. They will not exterminate each other, though they will introduce a short period of anarchy, and any King who can maintain order will suit us.
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