24 JANUARY 1880, Page 1

The correspondent of the Standard, evidently a responsible person and

probably inspired, telegraphs, in very decided lan- guage, his view of the need that the Government should declare its policy. Till then, all is unrest and excitement. The dissatis- faction exists among our own people, as well as the Sirdars.

Strenuous efforts are being made to induce the leading men of the country to co-operate with the Government, but it is certain that they will not do so until we have definitely announced our purpose of withdrawal or of remaining. In either case, we should stand better than we do now. If we remain permanently, many of the chiefs, assured of the folly of resistance, would at once accept the situation ; should we announce our intention of withdrawing, all the chiefs would co-operate in selecting a Government to succeed us. Until we announce our policy, nothing can be done; on that head, all opinions are in agree- ment." It is impossible for either party to question that this is sound advice.