26 MARCH 1870, Page 2

In writing on the new Colonial policy of the Government,

we have given an extract from Sir Philip Wodehouse's speech to the Legislature of the Cape Colony on the subject of the process of separation which is going on in different stages in so many parts of our Colonial empire, a process for which the Cape colonists themselves were invited to prepare by accepting a "responsi- ble government." But the Cape colonists were shy of Lord Granville's offer. Their Governor had fairly warned them of what it means, and it is a meaning they don't pretend to like. They fear the Colonial Office, even when it brings gifts. They have, it seems by the last telegram, replied that they desired to re- main an integral portion of the British Empire, fearing lest, through the adoption of responsible government, they should cease, "either actually or virtually," to be a British colony. Their fears are not unfounded. If they had accepted responsible government,—perhaps even if they hadn't,—they would be sure to be held responsible for the next Caffre war, and have the last regiment withdrawn in the agony of a dangerous struggle and a universal bankruptcy.