Mr. Richard on Monday asked Sir M. Hicks-Beach whether Cetewayo
had declared to the Government of Natal that he had never desired the war, that he had conceded all Sir B. Frere's original demands, and. that he was ready to make peace? The Colonial Secretary replied that such a mes- sage had been sent to Bishop Schroeder, with the addi- tional statement that Isandlana was an accident; but Cete- wayo's professions were not believed on the spot. Any real proposal for the submission of the Zulu King would be enter-. tamed, but it was necessary for the safety of the Colonies that it should be complete. We do not quite see this, if Cetewayo will agree to reduce his army to 10,000 men, but it is at pre- sent useless to talk of negotiations. They cannot begin to any practical purpose until the column about to relieve Ekowe has succeeded or failed. It is stated on authority that news of the relief, which was to begin on March 28th, will reach St. Vincent on Wednesday, and of course, be in London by telegraph on that day.
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