Sir Louis S. Jackson sends to the Times an account,
obviously authentic, of the quarrel between the Cape Govern- ment and Colonel Gordon. The Cape Ministry offered that brilliant officer the supreme command under them, in order that be might bring the troubles in Basutoland to an end. Colonel Gordon accepted the appointment, and in May pro- ceeded to Basutoland, under a distinct understanding with the Ministry that if he visited Masupha, the most dangerous chief, he could not afterwards fight him, as he would think that treacherous. He did visit Masupha ; and while he was negotiating with him, the Cape Ministry, or, at all events, the Secretary for Native Affairs, as Sir Louis Jackson affirms, instigated another chief, Lerothodi, to at- tack Masupha. Colonel Gordon, justly indignant, telegraphed his resignation, which was accepted, with the remark that, "After the intimation that you would not fight the Basutos, and considering the tenour of your communication to Masupha, the Premier regrets to record his conviction that your continu- ance.in the position you occupy would not be conducive to the public interest." It is quite possible that Colonel Gordon, who always thinks of b lineal as a delegate from God rather than from any Government, offered Masupha too much ; but the Cape. Government have still to explain why they attacked Masupha, during authorised negotiations, and why they reprimanded, Colonel Gordon for acting on views he had previously expressed to them. Until they do this, they will find it difficult to induce, men of honour to take commands in their service.
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