The Secretary for the Colonies, Mr. Stanhope, on Thursday received
a deputation of gentlemen interested in the South African Colonies, and explained to them the policy adopted by the Government in Zululand. The deputation was in favour of the annexation of Zululand ; but Mr. Stanhope announced that a less ambitious, though decided policy, would be adopted. The establishment of the Boers in Zulu- land and the creation of the " New Republic " had not been resisted by the British Government, and could not now be resisted without arousing the hostility of all Dutchmen in South Africa. At the same time, sufficient land must be reserved to the Zulus, and the Boers must be absolutely shut off from the coast, lest they should make agreements with foreign European States. It has been resolved, therefore, to divide Zululand,—the Boers taking the Western half, and forming a free Republic; while the Zulus, under British protection, take the Eastern. The arrangement has been accepted by the Boers, and will probably succeed for a time ; but its only merit is that avoids a struggle for the present. There is no finality in it. The Boers will not consent
to be shut out from the coast for ever ; they will press steadily upon the Zulus ; and the Zulus will appeal incessantly to the British Government. The Colonists of Natal, moreover, are so irritated, that if they were strong enough they would take the bit in their teeth, and attack the Boers. Still, with gold oon- stautly discovered, and the number of Englishmen therefore increasing rapidly, time is of much value ; and time is gained.
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