The Chartered Company, supported by the South African colonists, are
very anxious that Mr. Rhodes should be allowed a "free band" to settle Mashonaland, and the Cape Govern- ment has addressed the Colonial Office with that view. There can be no doubt that Mr. Rhodes has displayed great ability, that he has been as successful as Englishmen usually are when outside the paralysing influence of the House of Commons, and that he is the hero of South African imagina- tions. Nevertheless, the Government has no right to grant him a free hand. Its duty is to see that the conquered are justly treated, that the land is opened to all Englishmen, not segues- trated for the Company's benefit, and that the administration is of the kind which Parliament can sanction. The greatest consideration should be shown to Mr. Rhodes, who has conquered a wide province off his own bat, but the Govern• ment should not emancipate him from British control. We rather fear, however, that this may be the result of Parlia- mentary debate, for the defence of the wise course has unfor- tunately fallen into the hands of faddists and of extreme Radicals, who, while justly intent on making their ideas prevail, are blind to all facts, and fail entirely to see that nerve and ability in governing are merits.
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