NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE papers explaining the changes in the control of affairs in South Africa have been presented to Parliament. They show that differences had arisen in Natal, discussed elsewhere, which compelled the Government to unite military and civil power in Natal, the Transvaal, and beyond the frontier, in one hand. As that one must be a soldier accustomed to civil administration, Sir Garnet Wolseley was sent out. The announcements made to the different officers concerned are, however, widely different in tone. Lord Chelmsford is blamed for not settling his quarrel without reference home, and is, though formally exempted from censure, told in a freezing despatch that all communications with Cetewayo and all military command are entrusted to Sir Garnet. Colonel Lanyon, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Transvaal, is merely informed of the facts, with- out any implication or censure whatever, and Sir Henry Bulwer is explicitly told that the Government approve his administration, and still trust to his zeal, though his responsibility is diminished. But to Sir Bartle Frere the Secretary of the Colonies is almost apologetic, explaining anxiously that Sir Bartle's presence at the seat of war has become impossible. The Government think that " he has laboured with singular zeal and energy " during his absence from Cape Town, and that he must now attend to the larger and more complicated questions connected with confederation,
on which I shall shortly address you." The tone, in fact, is that of a Government compelled to supersede an official, whose resignation it, nevertheless, greatly dreads.
