There is every probability of a r.evr war in South
Africa. The Government of the Cape have cent the Mounted Rifles into Basutoland, and parties of them have been attacked twice,—one by 1,200 natives and another by 5,000. They beat off their assailants, with the loss always reported after engagements with natives ; but they lost an officer in one skirmish, and since the engagement the Tambookies have joined them. The Cape Government, therefore, have for- warded six hundred Volunteers to the front. As these men cost in pay alone 8s. a day each, it may he considered certain that the Government expect serious resistance. The head chief of the Basutos has not yet declared war;but his son has, and is followed by most of the young men. No reason has been alleged for attacking the tribe, which was perfectly loyal, except the re-
fuss] to surrender their arms ; and writers from the Cape declare that the real motive of the colonists is to confiscate the Basutos' land. That is probably a calumny, but it is clear that no local authority has the calmness to decide wisely on native questions. If the Mounted Rifles are once defeated, there will be a demand for Imperial troops.
