The Cape Government is evidently determined to have its own
way with the Basutos. The tribe were willing to yield to the Crown, but not to the Cape Colony, and they had reason. On the declaration of the armistice, the Colonial Ministry tele- graphed. eight conditions, which read as if they were framed to be rejected. The Basutoa must submit to the Colony, must surrender their arms, must send in their three principal chiefs for trial, must pay simeh fine as Parliament may determine, must cede Moirosi's country, and must accept these terms with- out discussion in twenty-four hours. On the arrival of these. terms in Loudon, Lord Kimberley telegraphed to Sir H. Robinson that the Government greatly regretted the " peremp- tory and severe terms" imposed on the Basutos; but obtained in return nothing but a rebuke from Mr. Sprigg- not froth Sir H. Robinson, as was at first absurdly reported— who published a Minute censuring the Secretary of State for his telegram, as calculated to encourage continued resistance. The tribe have not accepted the offered terms, and the war must therefore recommence, in the teeth of the protest of her Majesty's advisers. It does not appear that while the Queen's troops are not employed, anything can be done; but the Cape Colonists are rapidly forcing this country to consider whether subjects who will not obey orders on questions of peace and war, yet demand. troops in time of difficulty, are worth retaining.
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