One hundred years ago The situation in Zululand is becoming
unintelligible. It is reported on all hands that Cetewayo, pressed by his European adviser, Mr Grant, has surrendered himself to the British Resident, and is again, therefore, a prisoner. It is also asserted that Usibepu, the chief who has proved himself the strongest in the re- cent conflicts, will be acknowledged by the British as general Chief in Zululand. There is no objection to the latter course, which, indeed, is essential, unless we are to annex; but why should we interfere, either to protect or to arrest Cetewayo? We ought, no doubt, to have restored him nominally to his old posi- tion; but as he accepted the terms, why not leave him to fight his battle, and win a throne or lose his life, by himself? It seems as if in Zululand, as in Afghanistan, a true non-interference, carried steadily out to its logical conclu- sion, was too much for the tempers of the authorities on the spot. They will look on calmly up to a point, but then the wish either to set things right or to moderate the victor gets the better of them. If it is necessary to settle Zululand, let us settle it, in our own way and with a persistent policy; but if it is not, let the Zulus fight it out to the end.
Spectator, 20 October 1883
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