+ r \t DECEMBER ft); 1929. EARLY DAYS OF SHEPSTONE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HINZA WITH SIR BENJAMIN D’URBAN

FIRST PUBLICATION OF LETTERS AND DIARY ENTRIES

By C. J. UYS.

Below is published the first of an important series of articles compiled from the letters and diaries of Sir Theophilus Shepstone. The articles will appear daily in these columns, and will become more and more absorbing as the interests and importance of the young Shepstone developed. In this article the story is told of the great Natalian’s first command. Under Sir Benjamin d’Urban he served with Colonel Harry Smith against Hinza. His know- ledge of the native and his language ivas even then such that he was chosen to organise a force of 6,000 Fingos. This he did to the satisfaction of his commander and the surprise of the enemy. To-morroiv’s article deals with the acquisition to the Empire of “ Queen Adelaide’s Province,” and dramat­ ically describes the attempted escape and death of Hinza. It describes the establishment of a military post at Kingwilliamstown, of which the Governor said: “ There never was a site more perfectly prepared by nature for a splendid provincial town.” SOUTH AFRICA’S TALLEYRAND

IR John Robinson, the first promotion, for the entry wag made S Premier of Natal, who was casually iu the margin. Many a Xosa intimately associated with the iinpi had to bite the dtist before the late Sir Theophilus Shepstone for swiftly delivered attacks of the de­ over thirty years, once stated that spired Amafengo under Shepstone, and while much had been said and lieard it was not long before Hinza realised about the building up of a South that 'he must give in. African Dominion, if it were built up April 28. * ‘To-day five more mes­ the historian of the future would sengers came with this message from reckon Sir Theophilus Shepstone as Hinza: ‘Why must I die? May I not the least im come and ask the portant of its reason myself ?* To pillars.” The Do­ which the General minion is in being, replied: He was and the part the representatiwe played by Shep­ of the King of stone in its crea- England and would tion may be receive no mes­ estimated. The sage from him ; but task is rendered if he wishes to say easier by the fact anything he must that a number of come himself and his letters and say it, and nothing papers have now would stop his been made avail- troops from pro­ ayle to the his­ ceeding as they torian, and will ihad done but shortly be pub­ Hinza himself, and lished in book the General pledged form. They shed Ihis honour that a new light on Hinza sihall return “South Africa’s without molesta- Talleyrand,” a s tation after the Sir Bartle Frere conference. T h e once called him. messengers then The eldest son rode away.” of the Reverend Aipril 29. “ To-day William Shepstone, the four men who one of the foun­ were kept from the ders of Wesleyan 27th were released Missions in South with the same Africa, Theophilus REV. WILLIAM SHEPSTONE. message as the Shepstone was messengers r e- •born at Westbury-on-Trim, near Bristol. ceived yesterday.” While Hinza was William Shepstone removed to Gra- {hesitating, Colonel Smith made his de­ hamstown, where he started in business cision for Ihim. He returned with 6ome as architect and builder, and was re­ 1,800 head of cattle, and at “ about 5 sponsible for the erection of the first p.m. Hinza and 20 of this attendants Wesleyan Methodist place of worship in appeared in sight of the camp, an

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FACSIMILE OF FIRST ENTRY in the diary of Sir Theophilus Shepstone. The last entry which will be published later will show how little the hand­ writing of the great Natalian changed in the course of the years.

26, 1835, he entered in a hand which to the Colony with some despatches, remained unchanged until his death: was murdered a week prior to these *‘Journal commencing with my depar­ negotiations.) ture from Grahamstown with His Ex­ cellency Sir Benjamin D ’Urban.” Like George IV. Sir Benjamiu further demanded that Sir Benjamin and his staff proceeded H :nza should pay “ 25,000 head of to Eort Willshire, to the camp of cattle, to be delivered to the Colonial Colonel Harry Smith, and had not Government, and 500 horses, one year been in the field more than a month from this date. In the evening dined when Sir Benjamin, who had already with Colonel Smith, and after dinner realised the ability of his interpreter, wo stopped talking to him until 11 decided to organise a force of the p m., when we retired.” It is to be Fingos, and gave the command to regretted that Shepstone did not leave to posterity a description of Hinza’ s young Shepstone. personality; but Colonel Smith quaintly In his diary of April 26, Shepstone de&cribed him as “ a very good-looking states: “ To-day I received my appoint­ fellow, his face, though black, was ment as Commander-in-Chief of the the very image of poor dear Fingos, about 6,000 in number” — but George IV IV. he was not unbalanced by this sudden To be continued|

* t THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1929. EMPIRE BUILDING IN AFRICA

Death of Hintza and Foundation

at ip of Kingwilliamstown er P- ly MORE EPISODES IN EARLY LIFE OF SIR lie e, THEOPHILUS SHEPSTONE 'h

10 By C. J. UYS.

HEPSTONE goes oji to relate in a • • . bringing the intelligence of tho S delightful and unaffected manner death of Major White and Hintza. liovv peace was proclaimed and Hintza died on the 12th inst., and poor how ultimately, when the chief failed Major White on the 14th. The circum­ to comply with the conditions imposed stances of the death of the former were upon tyim, his territory was annexed. as follows:— In ascending a steep hill His views as to the unwisdom of cer­ Hintza walked sharply up so as to get tain of the Governor’s actions in this to the top before any of the rest; he connection show that he already had a immediately jumped on his horse and sound knowledge of native psychology. urged him to his full speed; Colonel u This morning,” he wrote, “ all the Smith, who was the only one on horse­ officers were forpied into a line on the back, spurred his horse, and, coming left hand of the General, and Hintza np with him after about 150 yards, With his “ heemraden” appeared in the called out “ H intza!” fron (t) of the General. Colonel Smith appeared on the part of Hintza, who Hintza's Dealh pledged his good faith to the British He turned round and smiled ; the Government, w’hen the General shook Colenel then drew a pistol and pre­ Hintza by the hand and the three guns sented it to him— it snapped; he drew fired and feace was proclaimed through­ another, which snapped also; he then out Hintza’s territory. threw one of his pistols at him, which struck him on the head. This only Large Presents served as a fresh impetus to him— he After this large presents were made urged his horse afresh and appeared as to Hintza to the amount of about £150. if he would escape. However, the W hat tendency this will liaye I know Colonel, having spurred his horse to the not; 1 fear a very bad'one. . . .” utmost, he did not know howr to attack The peace so solemnly concluded was him as he was armed with his assegais.

SIR THEOPHILUS SHEPSTONE,

but of short duration; both Hintza and He, however, determined upon seizing his son Kreli, encouraged by the good­ .him and trying to dismount him. He will extended to them by the General, accordingly seized the athletic chief by voluntarily consented to stay in the the throat and hurled liom to the camp until the required cattle and ground; by this tumble he broke his horses were delivered. But two days chin; he, however, immediately stood later an express came from Colonel up and threw an assegai at the Colonel, Smith to say that “ the Fingus were whoso horse, however, fortunately did being murdered in every direction by not stop but went past, which saved tlie Kafirs. The General came up to him the wound, which otherwise he them (i.e., Hintza and his brother must have received. He then tried to Buru), gave the letter to me, ordered make his escape on foot by precipitat­ me to read it in a most angry manner, ing himselt down a kloof into a river; and threatened to tie up Hintza and but about this time Mr. G. Southey Buru and shoot them on the spot! He coming up within about 200 also demanded that he send twro men to yards, fired and wounded him a little stop the again murdering of the Fingus above the ankle, which caused him to and saying that for every Fingu that limp a little. He, however, still con­ was murdered after this wTarning he tinued to run. Mr. S., having loaded would put to death 1,000 Kafirs. . . .” a second time, fired just as he was May 4.— “ ^fliis is the last day of the about jumping dowTn a precipice about Treaty and no cattle have as yet made ten feet high. The ball struck him their appearance on the part of Hintza. through the wrist and went through a Buru last brought 19 head in part pay­ part of his side. Mr. S., having re­ ment of the fine imposed upon him on loaded, jumped down the same place account of the murder of Purcel and into the water and nearly upon him, Armstrong, which were turned out of when he attempted to stab him. Mr. the camp and their drivers kicked out!” S., however, discharged his gun and Messenger after messenger was sent blew the W’hole of his skull to out by Hintza but no cattle came for atoms. . . . his relief; from the 6tli Hintza, his son Kriel (Rilli) and Buru were con­ Necklace Chain sidered prisoners of war, and Shepstone &s Something very remarkable: A few was sent out by the General “ to order hours previous to his attempt each of the Fingus to be ready to march in the his men gathered a single piece of ii morning with Colonel Somerset’s divi­ grass, which Hintza collected and tied sion which will march to the Colony. te in a circle and appended it to his neck­ . . . .” That the trusty Fingus of lace ; more than probable this was fo Shepstone did help themselves at the intended for a charm, as he thought it Iv cattle of Xosas is evident from their would stop the bullets or favour his Commander’s remark that they brought escape. He died crying for mercy, al­ re up the rear of the 2nd Division and though he tried to the very last to kill Re that I never saw such a number of Mr. Southey. cattle together in all my life.” No \ pe “ A lengthy and vivid account then wonder poor Hintza’s people could not followed of the death of Major White, pay the heavy fine, and that they had ,who had eleven assegai wounds.” to ifttack the Fingus in order to do so! Moving on towards Brownlee Mission f 1 Memorable Day Station,N situated on the Buffalo River, :ie the General and his party reached that Ma^ 10 (Sunday).— “ This day will le place on Monday, May 25, and Shep­ ever be a memorable day to the Colony stone records that “ this morning the [lie at lai'ge. On the east bank of the Kei Governor named this situation and de­ tfie at 8 o’clock the whole of the troops termined that it should be the site (sic)! were formed into a large square, iwith n. of a town which is to he called “ Kyig the officers, Hintza, Buru and Itili m William’s Town.” The Governor (o f the middle. The General came with realised that this situation promised to at Colonel Smith into the middle of it. become more than a mere military es­ Colonel Smith then read the proclama­ tablishment, for he considered that bt tion, and after that the General read “ there never was a site more perfectly an the declaration which tOok possession prepared bv nature for a svlendid pro­ he of all the country west of the Kei River. vincial town.” After the declaration was read a royal fial salute was filed, which was 21 guns. There were manifestations of joy throughout the Colony when the news be After the guns were fired the General said, “ God save the King” ; then the became known that Hintza was killed of Colonel said, “ God save King William and that his territory was proclaimed od the Fourth” ; and three cheers were British. Even the Boers who had served during the campaign departed of given, which had an astonishing effect on Hintza and Buru. Colonel Smith for their farms in the best of spirit, for ad took a division of'the army and Hintza on June 9 Shepstone tells us that a li­ to get the 50,000 head of cattle and “ last night the Boers had permission en t 1,000 horses which were demanded of to return from the campaign to their homes, from which they had been ab­ is t him. Buru and Rili are retained as hostages for the delivering of the sent more than five months; they left on - about 9 p.m., and before they left com­ cattle and horses. . . menced such a firing that all turned len- May 14.— “ To-day the new territory out and stood to arms, although after­ ned takes the name of “ Queen Adelaide’s Province.” In the meantime the wards we found out they merely in­ rea- General, accompanied by Shepstone, tended it as a salute to the Governor pm. took a survey of the recent acquisition and King William’ s Town . . . they Of to the British Empire, marking out continued firing as far as we could hear sites for the proposed line of fortifica­ them, until the report died gradually nd- tions.” away. . '. .” May 17.— “ Colonel Smith returned T’o be continued. ' MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1929. a nil SHEPSTONE AND re fat THE DUTCH

liul Famous Natalian Who “Could liaJ Pass as a Boer” £ try >m MORE TALES OF THE EARLY in at DAYS c By C. J. UYS.

OMTSEU” was honeymooning at your attention to the subject, and to in­ the foot of Table Mountain struct you not only to transmit to me S when the bugle called him any information which you may procure away from his M aria: he was in regard to it, but to assist the East selected to accompany the first party India Company’s agents at the Cape in of British troops'sent to take military procuring sufficient samples of the coal.” possession of Port Natal (the present (C.O. 40-34 Desp. 29.) When Nap ier re­ plied that coal was found only at a dis­ Durban). - This body consisted of about tance of 100 miles from Port Natal, a hundred men of the Royal Artillery which was a very dangerous harbour, and 72nd Highlanders. Stephen ruefully added a footnote: “ This Between the reversal of Sir Benjamin appears to me to amount to little or no- D ’ Urban’s policy in 1835 and 1838, a thing. ’ Four days later he told his new great wave of farmers burst out of the chief, Lord Stanley, who had a short Colony into the country beyond the spell at the Colonial Office, “ ...... it Orange River. The Great Trek broke has for a long time past been down the frontier line and swept across njy opinion that territory in South the new policy of non-expansion and Africa is not worth the having non - interference in trans - frontier % * * . and that our true policy affairs. It placed the British * • . . would be to abandon all the Col­ ony excepting the sea-port towns.” (C.O. Government on the horns of a 48-214). When, however, the encouragi dilemma; it had to choose be­ ing report of the Bombay Mine Engineer tween following up the trekkers for was filed in Downing Street, stating that the sake of protecting the natives, or, Natal coal contained only per cent, un­ to let the trek be for the sake of combustible matter, whilst the best Burd- economy, which weighed as heavy as wan coal leaves a refuse of 14.6 per cent., humanitarianism. Stephen told Lord Stanley quite a, dif­ The first action taken by the British ferent story : “ This refers -to a curious Government to meet the new position and quite important subject, namely, the was to refuse to admit that the emi­ existence of available mines of coal at or grants could throw off their allegiance near Port Natal. Of the fact there seems to be no doubt, and, of course, the ad­ to the British Crown, and, following vantage of a steady supply of that ar­ precedents already established in Hon­ ticle, at such a place, would be exceed­ duras and New Zealand, the “ Cape of ingly great.’* (C.O. 48-215, December 8, Good Hope Punishment Bill,” was 1841.) passed which gave colonial magistrates jurisdiction over British subjects be- America Feared yound the borders of the Colony, as far This report, perhaps, together -with the as the 25th parallel of latitude. It fear of America occupying Port Natal, was under the provisions of this Act impelled the British Government to re­ that Theophilus Shepstone was ap­ cede from its policy of non-expansion in pointed to exercise magisterial power fcouth Africa. At a meeting held in the within the territory of the “ Slambie, iTeemason’s Hall at the end of October, Congo and Fingo tribes .... to en­ 1841, Mr. Toohey eulogised the natural quire into all crimes and offences com­ possibilities of Natal, with its abundant mitted • . . „ by Her Majesty’s sub­ coal supply, and added that “ the Ame­ jects . * . .” In November, 1845, he ricans were already commencing the dis­ was raised to a similar position with semination .of their “ notions” . * regard to the tribes inhabiting Natal. should a war arise between America and England, th<*y would also find it a most Logical Outcome excellent port from whence they micrht annoy the trade of England . . . a^ u t The logical outcome of the Act was six weeks since , . . . the Levant, Ame­ the annexation of the territories it rican brig . * . . landed a general cargo concerned. Sir George Napier, the suc­ for sale . . * cessor to Sir Benamin D ’Urban, was the first to recognise the absurdity of A unanimous resolution was carried insisting that the Boers were amenable in favour of approaching the Home to British Law, and yet doing nothing Government to annex Natal. And it to control them. He, therefore, ad­ «'as on the despatch which transmitted vised the annexation of Natal, where the bulk of the organised and military this information that Lord Stanley section of the emigrants concentrated. He charged Major Charters to take Na'tal £nal ° rdeiS f° r re-° ccuPJ’i° g possession of the Port and to inform Shepstone’s diary on the fateful the Volksraad that their occupation of morning Ifccember 16, 1838, when Natal was unwarranted, and that the had he known.it, the emigrants under atrocities which had occurred had been Pretonous were pitted against Dingaan precipitated by their acts. at Rood Rn-er, ,n a battle in which No official record so well reflects the their lives and the future of Natal events arising from Major Charters’ offiV iat SUke’ is conoerned with the expedition as the “ Journal kept of the official ceremony. Military Occupation of Port Natal from Sunday, December 16. “Beautiful December, 4tlj, 1838, to . . . (March morning; at twelve o’clock the 26, 1839), which is the second of Shep- ceremony of ‘taking possession’- stone’s series of diaries. ^ urre,d- Mali (a servant) was November 20, 1838: “ Left Table Bay astonished at the tremendous fir­ on board the bark ‘Helen’ on the ex­ ing both of great guns and small pedition fitted out to take military arms, and on being told it was a possession of Port Natal . . . Who salute to the British flag, which can know the melancholy thoughts, the had been hoisted for the first time gloomy prospects and unenviable anti­ on the occasion of taking posses- cipations, but one who from experience Nata1’ Claimed: has felt them his? Thus did Shepstone W hat that pocket handkerchief begin a diary, which is largely coloured stuck up there-'’ and was perfectly with dismal entries, yet not entirely amazed at the prodigality of throw­ devoid of pleasant and adventurous in­ ing away so much powder instead cidents. To be torn away so suddenly of keeping it to defend ourselves from a young bride was perhaps enough rrom our enemies.” to depress the greatest optimist! On the passage to Natal no entries Want of Foresight were made; but on Monday, December To Mali this “ feu de joi ” was “ a 3, Shepstone noted, without enthu­ childish want of foresight, as it was siasm, that “ after a voyage of fourteen quite impossible the Queen could be days, which upon the whole has been sensible of the honour paid her so far a pleasant one, we have at length away. This evening at Mess drank anchored off Port Natal, together with the Queen’ s health, and as usual— “ ab­ the Brig of W ar called the ‘Leveret* sent friends.” which accompanied us from Table Bay. On the southern point of the entrance December 19. “ . . . . Questioned was displayed the banners of its in­ men relative to the property of habitants ; a table cloth (!) Im­ Fynn’s estate— both recognised me as the boy they had seen with the mediately after casting anchor, Captain Rev. Mr. Boyce, and one said: ‘I Jervis with 40 men was landed in four have good cause to remember you, boats. for when we with our master had been dr.iven from this land by Din­ Generous Treatment gaan, I sought for refuge with the rest at the station; you were then “ The voyage being ended, I cannot but a boy, and, seeing me sitting but feel highly gratified at the generous very disconsolate, walked up and manner in which the captain of the asked me if I had had anything to vessel treated the whole of our party. eat that day. I said nothing had His kindness and civility were un­ entered my lips— you immediately bounded and constant— but with all went to the house and brought me these advantages and privileges at sea, a pi^ce of beef cut from the leg of there is nothing like ‘terra firma.’ Sir an ox./ ?Jiis happened six years Theophilus was never a friend of the ago. Were I writing for the peru­ It sea and by a strange irony the “ Wind­ sal of anyone else, I should pause sor Castle,’ which carried him back in before relating this, as it would 1876, with the commission to annex appear as if its relation had orig­ the Transvaal in his pocket, was in- inated in egotistical motives and auspiciously wrecked near Dassen feelings.”* Island! This modesty and unselfishness was On landing, Shepstone learned from a dominant not* throughout Shep­ a storekeeper named Dunn, that: stone’ s career. The unaffected signs of “ The Boers had gone out a few gratitude he received on such and days ago to attack Dingaan . . . in all similar occasions drew him ever closer probability to-day will decide the fate of to the “ black house.”- the expedition . . The battle was fought at Blood River on December 16. December 20. “ . . .After breakfast set off with Dr. Malcolm on a sail­ Not before the 7th did the troops come ing excursion to the Boer camp, in contact with the emigrants, who were encamped near the bay. “ "We found a five miles off on the opposite veTy superior woman, named Baden side of the bay— had a beautiful horst,” wrote Shepstone. “ She spoke sail; there (at the camp) fair English remarkably well, and to hear her w’ind and tide found nothing but recount the many hardships and priva­ wretchedness and want staring us tions she had been obliged to encounter in the face, wherever we went and was still suffering under together about the camp; but still, the in­ with her family of young children, was fatuation is so strong that they heart-rending. They had been living on all scorn the idea of returning to meat alone for three months, which had the Colony. Saw a young lady caused a fever amongst them.” Shep­ who had lost all her relations and stone sent them “ a small parcel of tea, was herself saved certainly by an coffee, sugar and biscuits.” interference of Providence.” Interesting Information Studying Dutch The young man retufned to the Very interesting information, which had camp and gathered what [provisions important bearings on the subsequent he could lay hands on for those who history of Natal, was supplied by Mr. were in need at the Boer camp. W e Toohey, one of the first English resi find him at the same time applying dents, ‘‘from whom we learned that coal himself with all his energy to study­ existed in abundance at a distance of about sixty miles from Port N atal; also ing Dutch, assisted by an old German the oaTs (sic.) of copper, lead and tin.” settler, “ who has as much idea of The news of the existence of coal engag­ translation as I have of navigating the ed the full attention of the Home Gov­ moon.” His knowledge of Dutch (or ernment. “ If this is so,” wrote Sir James Afrikaans) was so perfect in later life Stephen, the permanent Under secretary that Dr. Jorissen observed that “ in for Colonies, “ it might be of inestimable habits, manners and speech. . . he value in steam communication with In­ could pass as a Boer, and in fact he dia.” . Napier was instructed to lend as­ was one. » * sistance to obtain further inormation. “ I have* therefore, most earnestly to call To be continue^ _TUESDAY,______DECEMBER 17, 1929. .

r- a BOER AND ZULU IN 19 r- ie NATAL h ■______’ / is r- ifj •Shepstone’s Part in a Famous [n ;o Chapter of History d 1. l By C. J. UYS. g le HEPSTONE was undoubtedly a “ suddenly an immense snake lifted sincere, upright and God­ up its head some height above the il S fearing man. This found ex­ tallest grass . . . the unwel­ g pression time and again in this come friend made good his retreat .d diary, which was not intended into the bush . . . - not, how­ for perusal by others. The letters ever, without depriving us of our r. from his father, he wrote on the 11th, best dog. . . , In half an hour i! “ caused me a painful smart of self- after the bite he died in the most ir condemnation and much inward com­ horrible manner that can be imagined. «• punction of soul. May God in His mercy enable me to follow the precepts “ The natives considered the ap­ it he has laid down, so that finally we pearance of this animal, which d may indeed meet as a family complete they call ‘lmamba,5 as a very ill omen to our excursion, and from h around the Throne of God.” The mili­ the coincidence, it would certainly '8 tary services were abhorrent to him. “ Church parade this morning,— oh, justify them in believing it a ir how unlike a Christian Sabbath! God secod time, as the sequel will J forbid I should continue long in such prove.” ie a situation.” The adventure Shepstone had on hie first hunting excursion in Natal made 1. He despondently added: “ Here I am in a tag end of the universe— and that a profound impression on his mind. ;e tage end entirely cut off from all cofn- Though a man of great courage, as ha ir munication with the more civilised proved on many occasions, to the end g e 'e il ly it ie >k m ■ ><' e of re id in ig 10 id 1*3 3d fi- ar id M id r le in to to re k- id tie is >d

LADY SHEPSTONE.

part of the world.” He continually of his life he would never approach^ thought of his Maria; “ I cannot but even a tame elephant. feel anxious on her account as I know After tracing the spoor of a buffalo she does on m ine; and her very in vain, and attempting to shoot an anxiety renders me anxious; and, then alligator without success, the party comes my beloved (parents and family startled a large wild boar, which they — for these I am continually anxious.’ * followed, but it led them, unfortu­ His misery reached its climax on nately, into the midst of a troop of January 8, his 22nd birthday. He elephants, the presence of which they nervously asked “ Where am I? W hat did not perceive until an elephant at­ am IP Now, in the 23rd year of my tacked them. age— I am -at Port N atal; a married man, far awav from the object of his Retreat Cut Off affections— neither benefiting himself On .seeing “ Som tseu/ the animal nor anyone else.” But the idea that ut off his retreat. he would soon return gave him some “ I ran forward . . . followed by hope: “ Thank heavens we are to start th§ elephant, which turne4 from from this about the 20th •January.” the native after me. I had not Vague Rumours run many feet or yards when an­ other huge animal rushed at mo The first vague rumours of Dingaan’ s from my left, making the most defeat reached the Boer Camp shortly w fu l noise it is possible to im­ before Christmas, but this news was agine, causing the very earth to taken as “ Exceedingly doubtful .... tremble. On perceiving my second they anticipated the worst tiding, as pursuer about five paces from me, nothing had been heard of them since and my first in the pathway be­ they left.” New Year’s Day passed hind mes. I attempted to dodge equally gloomily for the unfortunate into the bush on my right, but tho women and children, and only on moment I made the attempt my January 2 was the truth revealed by feet became entrangled in the authentic reports from the Commando. thicket and I fell. . . . On looking “ , . . The Boers had encamped up I saw my two pursuers pass at a distance of about three days’ nearly over me. . . . I, however, journey from Dingaan’ s residence, recovered myself immediately, and when that Chief determined to at­ leaving my gun and shoes behind, tack them before they reached his I rushed forward for about a hun­ place, and sent out three regiments dred yards. . . . Naught but silence for this purpose; he then set fire reigned and I became apprehensive to his kraal and houses, buried his as I had not seen any of the party ivory and other property and re­ since the first momept of tho treated with the remainder of his attack.” people into the mountains. “ The Zulu force attacked the Shepstone viv.icfly describes the awe­ Boors at daybreak on Sunday, the inspiring attack of the animal: “ The 16th. They had formed a circle of crash of the trees, accompanied by the their wagons, which answered well terrific scream he uttered in his rush as a breastwork of defence. After upon us, was awful beyond descrip­ sustaining a very hot fire from the tion. nothing appeared to be the least Boors for more than two hours, impediment to him; the largest trees the Zululs at length gave way and snapped like reeds before him .” When retreated, but were hotly pursuod the hunters went back to gather the bv the Boers to a very considerable guns they had dropped Shepstone . distance from the site of the Emi­ i noticed that the place where his gun grants. The next morning the lay, which was the spot iwhere he fell, number of killed on the Zulu side I “ was but one pace from the footmark was found to amount to 3,140 men, ! of the animal where he trod when h© without a single man on that of | passed me.” On their return thev the Boors. Three Boors, amongst ! shot a boa of over fifteen feet. Such whom was Commandant Pretorius, was the virgin state of the suburbs of were slightly wounded while count­ Durban in those days. ing the number of slain on the field of action . « • New Year Reflections Pathetic Picture Shepstone’s reflections and resolu­ Shepstone draws a pathetic picture tions on flie first day of 1839 give a of the discovery of the skeletons of the striking picture of his mind and hid Retief party. serious character at twenty-two. “ Their bodies appeared to have dried Whilst the soldiers were making merry up, as their bones were still covered and gambling, he wrote in his diary: with the clothes in which they “ The rejoicing which is usually ob- were murdered. Strange to say, served and kept up on the day com­ they also discovered a small mencing a new year appears to me to ]>ortmanteau. containing Retiet’s be /inconsistent altogether with the papers, tied round his waist, constitution and frailty of mortal man, amongst which appears a Treaty especially if lie believes in the exist­ into which Dingaan had entered ence of future rewards or punishments, with the Boors. Sons recognised knowing as he must do, that death their fathers; fathers their sons, will sooner or later overtake him. . „ and sons their brothers in the rai­ Should the past year have been a ment they had worn when they misspent one, it cannot but be a took leave of them for the last matter of regret that an ill-spent time on earth— when will all this twelve months has ebbed into bloodshed cease?’7 eternity, bearing with it the record Shepstone’s allusion to the Retief- of his sins and follies; and, should Dingaan Treaty is interesting in the j it, on the contrary, have been a light of the controversy which there well-spent (and consequently a has been about the document. happy portion of his existence) True to his Kaffir name “ Somtseu,” the year having flown w.ith all its Shepstone appreciated the sport to be enjoyments and mercies, can cer-f found on the banks of the Umgeni, tainly not be a cause for particu­ where already on the first day “ the lar rejoicing, but grateful humil­ large waterfouls, called by the Boers ity and unfeigned thankfulness for the wild muscovy duck,” attracted his past mercies should under any attention. The fresh water lake on circumstances be the characteris­ “ the other side of the Umgeni” was tics of a New Year’ ® day.*' crowded with hippopotami, “ rolling Yet Shepstone was never sanctimo* about like so many porpoise, and occa­ nious. sionally a huge crocodile or rather Valuable glimpses at the political alligator, lies on its surface, basking relations between the Boers and the in the sun.” representatives of the Queen add to The day after his birthday, he and the interest of the diary. For ex­ three others set out on an elephant ample, Commandant Landman was hunt along the Umgeni. They soon empowered by the Volksraad to treat came across with Major Charters in regard to in­ “ fresh spoors of elephants and dependence. After much altercation buffaloes, also where they had a Major Charters put the question to few hours previously been spout­ them whether or not they considered ing out the water . . . traces themselves amenable to the authority of these animals we followed of the British Government. Their un­ through dense bush for several equivocal reply what that ‘ ‘having miles . . . we bivouaced at a crossed the boundary of the acknow­ small spring where the elephants ledged jurisdiction of the Government and buffaloes appeared to come they considered themselves conse­ every night for the purpose of quently no longer amenable to its laws drinking.” or Government.” (January 14, 1839.) The next morning the hunting expe­ dition was resumed, and, To be continued. '

*1 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1929'. NATAL SAVED FOR THE EMPIRE

How Shepstone Frustrated Proposed Abandonment of Colony MORE PAGES FROM HIS OFFICIAL LIFE

By C. J. UYS. HEPSTONE’S joy knew no Andries Stockenstrom was highly* S bounds when the news came satisfied with ihim and informed him that he was to accompany in a very interesting letter written Majoi Charters back to the Colony. from Capetown on August 6, 1840, that On January 20 they left Port “ I from the first to the last have every Natal, handing over the command t(» reason to be satisfied with your conduct Captain Jervis. The journey was to and character, both private and be via Faku’s great place in Pondo- public. . . land, from whom the Major had already received a messenger, “ very flattering Diplomatic Agent and full of compliments.” This mes­ When it became known at the end senger, says Shepstone, was astonished of December* 1845,' that Shepstone was at the regularity of the movements of appointed Diplomatic Agent over the the soldiers. “ He said he never saw Natal tribes, congratulations were our superiority so much displayed as showered upon him. Colonel Hare, in the management of our troops; he the Lieutenant-Governor of the Eastern exclaimed: “ If Faku had but one regi­ Province^ was pleased at “ this mark ment so well trained, he w’ould be in­ of confidence” reposed on Shepstone. vincible 1” “ Tihe zeal and intelligence which you (February 5.) The name and fame have manifested in the discharge of of “ Somtseu” had already become your duties in your capacity of Agent known in Natal to the natives, for, wii>h the Slambie and Congo Tribes, ^ on crossing the Illovu on bis return the diligence with which you have journey, _ “ a boy whose father and watched over their interests and pro­ mother has (sic) b£t>n killed and him­ moted their good; the unwearied exer­ self wounded by the Zulus, came to the tions which on every occasion you have wagon, hayincr henrfl of ‘Somtseu’ to be displayed in preserving the peace and niiJn 1 dp— tookTii jn a a a servant-nice tranquility of that quarter of the ’y boy. ’ Ibis youn^ servant n^ver left frontier Horder placed under your the family. When Shepstone subse­ superintendence, have justly drawn to­ quently returned as Diplomatic Agent wards you the favourable opinion of to Natal, he accompanied him, and in the Colonial Government, of which it after years appeared as a character in has given you the best proof in ap­ one of* Rider Haggard’s books. pointing you in the new and. important office at Natal.” At Buntingville The career of Shepstone in Natal On February 11 the party reached stands out as a happy relief to the> Buntingville, on the Umgazi, “ the storms that swept the colony before his j scene of my boyhood— at least a part ariival. During the thirty years of of it.” It was while the young hie tenure of office peace prevailed and Theophilus was at this mission station the country prospered, and both peace that he assisted Mr. Boyce in the trans­ and prosperity were due in large mea­ lation of portions of the Bible, and in sure to his efforts. He conceived a discovering the underlying rule govern­ scheme for improving the financial ing all Bantu languages, the Rule of condition of the district by introducing Euphouic Concord. It is said that a Native Hut Tax of seven shillings when the otherwise sedate Umfundisi (Isikombisa), which proved to be a suddenly became aware of the euphonic huge success, gaining him undying re­ principle in Bantu grammar, he ran putation with the Colonial Office, and, about as if robbed of his senses, caper­ simultaneously, he brought into opera­ ing and shouting at the top of his tion a novel scheme for managing the voice: “Eureka, Eureka! I have found vast hordes of natives in N a ta l; based it; I have found itl” on the principle that Native By the end of March Shepstone was should be administered through the back among his old friends, the Congo agency of the chiefs, thus reconstruct­ and Fingo tribes, but this time as their ing the “ tribal system.” Earl Grey Diplomatic Agent. All that worried noted on the despatch which conveyed him was the fact that his wife had • these ideas, that proper legal effect not yet arrived; boat after boat came should be given “ to that system for in from Capetown without her, nor the government of these tribes, which did he receive any letters in explana­ Mr. Shepstone has recommended in his tion of her non-arrival. A t last the

\*C I______WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1929. NATAL SAVED FOR THE EMPIRE j How Shepstone Frustrated Proposed Abandonment of Colony MORE PAGES FROM HIS OFFICIAL LIFE

By C. J. UYS. HEPSTONE’S joy knew no Andries Stockenstrom was iiighlr bounds when the news came satisfied with him and informed him S that he was to accompany in a very interesting letter written Majoi Charters back to the Colony. from Capetown on August 6, 1840, that | On January 20 they left Port “ I from the first to the last have every Natal, handing over the command tc» reason to be satisfied with your conduct Captain Jervis. The journey was to and character, both private and be via Faku’s great place in Pondo- public. . . land, from whom the Major had already received a messenger, “ very flattering Diplomatic Agent and full of compliments.” This mes­ When it became known at the end senger, says Shepstone, was astonished of December* 1845, that Shepstone was at the regularity of the movements of appointed Diplomatic Agent over the the soldiers. “ He said he never saw NataL tribes, congratulations were our superiority so much displayed as showered upon him. Colonel Hare, in the management of our troops; he the Lieutenant-Governor of the Eastern exclaimed: “ If Faku had but one regi­ Province, ^vas pleased at “ this mark ment so well trained, he would be in­ of confidence” reposed on Shepstone. vincible 1” “ Tihe zeal and intelligence which you (February 5.) The name and fame have manifested in the discharge of of “ Somtseu” had already become your duties in your capacity of Agent known in Natal to the natives, for, wii/h the Slambie and Congo Tribes, y on crossing the Illovu on feis return the diligence with which you have journey, “ a boy whose frther and watched over their interests and pro­ mother has (sic) b£t>n killed and him­ moted their good; the unwearied exer­ self wounded by the Zulus, came to the tions whioli on every occasion you have wagon, hfyydng heard'of ‘Somtseu’ to be displayed in preserving the peace and >i .1 took^liim as a servant— nice tranquility of that quarter of the % boy. 5 rl his young'servant n^ve.r £eft. frontier border placed under your { the family. When Shepstone subse- superintendence, (have justly drawn to­ I quentlv returned as Diplomatic Agent wards you the favourable opinion of to Natal, he accompanied him, and in the Colonial Government, of which it after years appeared as a character in has giv'en you the best proof in ap­ one of* Rider Haggard’s books. pointing you in the new and important office at Natal.” At Buntingville The career of Shepstone in Natal On February 11 the party reached stands out as a happy relief to the Buntingville, on the Umgazi, “ the storms that swept the colony before his I scene of my hoy hood— at least a part ariival. During the thirty years of of it.” It was while the young his tenure of office peace prevailed and Theophilus was at this mission station the country prospered, and both peace that he assisted Mr. Boyce in the trans­ and prosperity were due in large mea­ lation of portions of the Bible, and in sure to his efforts. He conceived a discovering the underlying rule govern­ scheme for improving the financial ing all Bantu languages, the Rule of condition of the district -by introducing Euphonic Concord. It is said that a Native Hut Tax of seven shillings when the otherwise sedate Umfundisi (Isikombisa), which proved to be a suddenly became aware of the euphonic huge success, gaining him undying re­ principle in Bantu grammar, he ran putation with the Colonial Office, and, about as if robbed of his senses, caper­ simultaneously, he brought into opera­ ing and shouting at the top of his tion a novel scheme for managing the voice: “Eureka, Eureka! I have found vast hordes of natives in N a ta l; based it; I have found i t !” on the principle that Native By the end of March Shepstone was should be administered throu#i the back among his old friends, the Congo agency of the chiefs, thus reconstruct­ and Fingo tribes, but this time as their ing the “ tribal system.” Earl Grey Diplomatic Agent. All that worried noted on the despatch whidh conveyed him was the fact that his wife had • these ideas, that proper legal effect not yet arrived ; boat after boat came should be given “ to that system for in from Capetown without her, nor the government of these tribes, which did he receive any letters in explana­ Mr. Shepstone has recommended in his tion of her non-arrival. A t last the nble and interesting letters, which is post brought him word— “ a few lines substantially entirely in accordance from my wife, which states that the with my own views,” (!). “ Unfor­ steamer will leave about the 17th of tunately,” he added in the same the month; why not on the lo th ?” he breatih, “I cannot sanction the estab­ impatiently /asks. “ She has h a d, lishment of an expensive machinery of plenty of time to do this— but that government at the cost of this heavy casket, Mr. Filmatters, will country.” doubtless keep her an extra day, or Abandonment of Natal my wife’s expensive veil; confound their politics!” When Downing Street informed th£ Between the time when Theophilus Lieutenant-Governor, Mr. Martin Shepstone assumed duty as Resident West, that the intention was to aban­ Diplomatic Agent witih the Hlubi tribes don Natal, ifc was Shepstone who and Superintendent of the F'ingoes at opened the eyes of the Colonial Office Fort Peddie, until he returned to as to what could be effected in Natal Natal, in 1846 there is a huge hiatus for advancing civilisation and spread­ in his diaries, the collection having ing the word of God. Earl Grey was evidently been despoiled. For what we fully persuaded and agreed “ with M r. know or him during this period, we Shepstone that the present? state of must depend on native tradition. He Natal and the black population appears to have followed the advice fiffords a noble opportunity for the dif­ given him by Sir George Napier witih fusion of Christianity and civilisation, regard to secrecy; this idea was fur­ whidh it would be a disgrace to thi^ ther drilled into him by tihe colonial country to neglect.” The upshot was secretary, John Montagu, who ad­ that the determination of abandoning monished him not to give “ any infor­ Natal was frustrated for all time. mation to the editors of tihe papers.” A further series of extracts from Ho negotiated treaties with Swidi and the lif e of Sir Theophilus Shepstono his father, for which he was duly will appear in subsequent issues of thanked by the Government. Sir The Natal Witness. MONDAY, JULY 7, 1930. SHEPSTONE'S LETTERS AND DIARY

Light Shed on an Obscure Page in History of South Africa ANNEXATION OF TRANSVAAL IN 1877

First of four articles specially written for The Natal Witness b y MR. C. J. UYS.

O E L O W is the first of a series of four articles, being a continuation of those which appeared during December last in these columns. They are based on the hitherto unpublished private correspondence and diary of S,r Theophilus Shepstone, who requires no introduction to readers. The articles deal exclusively with those events which precipitated the short-lived annexation of the Transvaal Republic by Sir Theophilus in 1877; whilst at the same time some unexpected revelations are made as to the part played by men like President Burgers, Paul Kruger and Sir Garnet Wolseley, the first High Commissioner of South Eastern Africa.

HEN Shepstone first visited the Transvaal was annexed, it should England, the country where W he was born, in 1817, he was be the result of a voluntary session j entrusted with the secrets and rudi- on the part of the Boers.' j ments of the “ Federation Policy” on One point of course requires very j which Lord Carnarvon, the colonial great attention— and it is one of no minister, had set his heart. small difficulty—-on the one hand it Shepstone had to moot this ques­ is of great consequence to secure the tion in South Africa on his return. TVansvaal; on the other hand it is From entries in his diary it appears most desirable to make the cession as far as possible the act of the Dutch that the Molteno Ministry, which was part of the population. then in power at the Cape, summarily dismissed the overtures of Lord Car­ If they think or have it in their power to say that they have been narvon. On January 4, 1875, he made coerced into union, most of the good the following significant entry:— of the annexation will be lost, for they Discussed politics with the Ministers will remain a discontented element in and the Governor— found Ministers the body politic, allying themselvea unable to accede to Lord Carnarvon’s with anything that is factious, trouble­ request. some and anti-English. This initial failure did not, however, “ You will of course remember that stop Carnarvon from proceeding with in South Africa we have to deal not his scheme. He promptly called a only with the Dutch in the Dutch conference in London, where the mat­ States, but outside of them-—and that ter was to be thrashed out thoroughly. any feeling of anger within, is likely At this conference, Shepstone repre­ sented Natal. He was made a Knight to communicate itself to those with­ for the purpose. He daily discussed out, especially at the Cape • • • but the “ Transvaal War question” with the question is one, I am sure, of the Lord Carnarvon and Sir Garnet W ol­ highest importance; it is extremely seley, but stated that after they had desirable to have the consent of the gone thoroughly into the matter, they “ came to the conclusion that the Volksraad to a cession of the State, news was not of sufficient authenticity and it would be dangerous to take over to warrant action.” the country against their desire, Burgers, the president of the South except under circumstances so grave African Republic, was just then em­ as to justify us on the ground of un­ broiled in war with the chief questionable general safety.” Sekukuni. Carnarvon’s idea was not to conquer Two Months Later the Transvaal as Wolseley had sug­ gested, by marching troops into it; on Two months after Shepstone had made the above entry in his diary, the contrary, he opined that “ it news arrived which was considered to would not be desirable to move a be of sufficient weight to justify action. soldier into the Transvaal unless you On September 20, Sir Henry Barkly see your way clearly to take and pro­ despatched the following “ secret” claim it.” telegram to the Colonial O ^ c e : “ Army V rom the above citations it is clear of President totally routed— deserters pouring into Pretoria— Sickakuni pur­ that Carnarvon, at any rate, was suing in for^e— meeting at Landdrost honest towards the Transvaal, and this office Letdenburg— agreed to ask Brit­ fact stands out as a happy relief to ish Government to take over Trans­ the coup d’etat proposed by Wolseley. vaal.” Shepstone, then on a visit in Scot­ Ill-omened Voyage land, was recalled by Carnarvon and On his ill-omened voyage back to consulted on the position. On Septem­ South Africa, Shepstone was made the ber 21 he wrote: “ . . . reached London at 10.35 and was in time for my meet­ bearer of a “ Secret” communication ing. To my consternation Lord Car­ addressed by Lord Carnarvon to the narvon tells me 1 must start for the Cape Governor, Sir Henry Barkly. Cape to-morrow. He wished me to This letter, which lucidly outlines the go out as a Special Commissioner ...” object and reasons for Shepstone’s Lord Carnarvon had probably then mission, was drafted by Sir Theophilus already decided that the Republic himself, the original of which is pre­ should be annexed, whatever the for­ tunes of war brought Burgers, for served in the collection. In this epistle, Shepstone added that “ he said he which will be quoted at some length hoped I should succeed and that I in the next article, Shepstone masterly should have the honour of being the projected his own views on the condi­ first governor of the Transvaal.” tion of affairs in South Africa. On this point Sir Garnet Wolseley Shepstone was also the bearer of a was very emphatic: “ I believe that a bold policy on your part can, under confidential despatch to Barkly, In any circumstances, alone bring back this document Carnarvon regretted the Transvaal to us,” he told Shep­ that he had to forego the advantage stone in a letter dated October 2, “ and which he would have derived by Shep­ I feel sure that you will adopt it should stone’s longer stay in England, “ but you see the slightest chance.’ * his peculiar knowledge both of the Wolseley, who all along during this romantic episode excelled himself in natives and of the districts affected giving Jesuitic advice, added that by the present war, and his great ex­ British troops should march into the perience in all South African matters Transvaal “at the invitation of the . . . qualify him in a very exceptional annexation part ‘for the purpose of manner for the delicate and responsible securing life and property from Kafir attacks’ .” duty which I propose to entrust to him.” “ The Good Fortune” He pointed out that he refrained W ith him it was not a question of from giving detailed instructions, but rendering the Transvaal secure against that he relied on their “ joint discretion Kafir attacks, for he further advised as to the particular course to be fol­ that “ no assistance whatever should lowed.” (22-9-1876.) be afforded to the Transvaal unless we saw our way clearly to taking over The good ship, the Windsor, that the countrj7. Its difficulties are our brought Shepstone back to this coun­ opportunities and we should not try, foundered near Dassen Island, but scruple to use it . . . (sic.) the passengers were all miraculously Wolseley envied Shepstone “ the saved. This event is vividly recorded good fortune” of finding himself in in his Diary. the midst of the “ stirring events” as cabled from South Africa. * “ The noise she made,” he noted, “ Those events appear as if ex­ I“ seemed to proceed from something pressly created to further Lord Car­ having life in it. Agony and the sense of having received a fatal wound were narvon’s policy,” he wrote nine days conveyed by it— a fitting death scream later to Shepstone, “ and it would in­ deed, I think, be unfortunate if due for a great and apparently conscious Leviathan of the deep! I hope never advantage were not taken of them. They ought to result in the transfer to hear the like again . . . only for the accident having happened during of the Transvaal territory to the Brit­ an exceptionally calm evening, we ish Empire, but that desirable end can must, most of us, if not all of us, in my opinion, only be achieved by the adoption of a bold policy on your have perished; thank God it was so , . . !” part. The pear will not mature un­ assisted and drop into our mouths; Chasing a Hare we must force it a little * . .” He reassured Shepstone that the Another “ omen” occurred to him on universal tone of the English Press his way to Pretoria, and the promin­ ence given to it n the Diary proves was in favour of “ your endeavour to bring back the Transvaal to British that it did not fail to fill him with strange misgivings as to the success allegiance . . . .” of his mission. His party was met Lord Carnarvon expressed himself by a small party of Boers, who were with greater moderation on the Trans­ chasing a hare in front of them. This vaal question. He was essentially a little harbinger ran straight up to statesman with prescience; Wolseley Shepstone’s horse and passed under was the blustering soldier. it. Private and Confidential “ An omen!” he noted in his pocket In a “ Private and Confidential” book. / letter dated October 4, 1876, he strongly emphasised the fact that if (To be continued to-morrpw.}

i TUESDAY, JULY 8. 1930.

ed its SHEPSTONE'S LETTERS nd ace ely AND DIARY ost eth c is Moderator of Dutch Church Invites and ssi- British Government dis- man and ANNEXATION OF TRANSVAAL as rld- IN 1877 any red Second of the series of four articles specially written for The Natal ern Witness by C. J. UYS. ces- has the g E L O W is the second of a series of four articles (the how first was published yesterday) being a continuation of

of those which appeared during December last in these und columns. ung They are based on the hitherto unpublished private ands han correspondence and diary of Sir Theophilus Shepstone, era- which are soon to be published in book form. any • N the secret” despatch which was same ground and had arrived at lily J referred to in yesterday’s article, oxarflv : j ion Lord Carnarvon ioMtold the Cape - ^ COnC1U^ ° ns our discussion of the same difficulties. Governor that the Transvaal war was mer i here is no doubt that what is desired endangering British interests and that tors to be done should be done in a manner it called for decisive steps on tlie part that will be hereafter justified, and if both of the British Government. it cannot be so done just now, it must - ure He maintained that the war was an stand over till it can.” ore unwarranted attack on Sekukuni, Who then misled Shepstone as to “ with a view of adding to the ter­ nt. the feelings of the Boers? He tells ritories of the Republic” ; this cannot tion it himself in this letter. be allowed, especially since this chief “ I have fortunately met with a re- “ wishes to place his country under the gentleman in whom I can fully rely, by Queen’s protection; * . . Cetywayo, on about to visit the Transvaal; he has as the part of the Zulus, is inclined to undertaken to ascertain the real feel­ the same course; while it is alleged ■fact ing of the Boer population and is of that the Amaswazi . » , connected ge'y sufficient standing to enter into con­ themselves to the Transvaal Republic versations with Burgers.’* a in the first instance under a mistaken This self-imposed “ informant” was is impression that they were coming no other than Mr. Fred Jeppe, an ex- ble under Her Majesty’s control . . .” Transvaal civil servant, who entered This despatch was drafted by Sir ess- into communication with Burgers, Dr. Theophilus. ase Rutherford, editor of the Transvaal Basing his conclusions on these Advocate, and various ministers, in­ ex- premises, Lord Carnarvon concluded cluding the Rev. Jooste, who died just rge that “ there can be no doubt that the recently. ter* safety and prosperity of the Republic Their replies, which have been pre­ would be best assured by its union s ot served, were largely responsible for with the British colonies, when no nee. Shepstone’s premature step. Before occasion for local wars would continue he had received “ information” ten­ for to exist.” dered by Jeppe cum suis, he told the ir of Such a closer union would ensure Colonial Office “ that any hasty step pro- several benefits: “ a uniformity of just now would do more harm than policy in Native Affairs si^ch as is e for good . ^ * delay up to a certain point expedient to obtain, and as may pre­ "ious must show the people what apparently vent the recurrence of these rash and they do not yet fully see— their own ally ruthless wars by which the safety and abject condition, and the state of col­ the prosperity of every European commun­ lapse into which their Government has ity in South Africa are endangered.” ) * fallen. , But Lord Carnarvon voiced the de­ ther “ I am quite ready to undertake any sirability of the Boers themselves ask­ ~ide justifiable responsibility the moment I ing to become British subjects. see my way clear to do so, but I will e ot “ Should the people of the Transvaal not, if I can help it, involve Lor& Car­ ve a Republic consider it advisable under narvon in any questionable proceeding the circumstances to invite Her when for his own sake even more than for Majesty’s Government to undertake the my own.’1 the government of their territory, on He proceeded to tell the Under­ and terms consistent with the now well- secretary, Mr. Herbert, that he would added known policy of H .M .’s Government, be “ very slow to take soldiers into I am of opinion that the request could d in the Transvaal, nor should I think of not properly or prudently be declined been doing so at all, except to protect, and ...” (22-9-1876). refer at the request of the Transvaal people There is, therefore,, no doubt that themselves. To coerce the Boers to P up Sir Theophilus was fully aware that join us would, I believe, entail chronic e and the Transvaal should only be annexed trouble.”- (12-11-1876.) i some when the majority of its inhabitants in the wished it. Before the Crossing More No Answer as Yet Prior to his crossing into the Trans­ ead are vaal with his little escort, Shepstone tihe inr The all-important question, to which was under the impression that Presi­ no answer has as yet been forthcoming, by tjie dent Burgers might wreck his scheme. is whether he was acting in bad faith »ll-heing Writing to Herbert from Heidel­ it move- towards the Boers and the British berg on January 18, he said that s should Government when he proclaimed the “ much depends upon what course Transvaal British territory on April unate a Burgers takes, and if I can get him to >f home 12, 1877. co-operate with me, I think I see a society The documents at our disposal fair chance of success. ng and answer this question in the negative. “ My journey through the Transvaal nunitics Shepstone was under the impression has been a continual ovation, and I that a vast majority would welcome pendent believe I am to be very heartily re­ the annexation; the attitude of respon­ society, ceived at the seat of Government . . sible Boers, including the President, e home Wolseley also feared that Burgers Mr. Burgers, himself, justified Sir to an would prove to be a stumbling block Theophilus in concluding that nothing is a in Shepstone’s way, but he hoped was more desired than the hoisting sens fot “ that all the recent hard work and of the British banner at Pretoria. is likely excitement that Burgers has gone Shortly after the annexation was lals can through may prove too much for his made, Shepstone was warmly con­ weak condition, and that the difficulty and co- gratulated by men of influence, of of the game you have to play may bo ime and whom the name of Rev. Lion Cachet, reduced by his disappearance from of the the first Moderator of the Dutch Re­ earth and that he may be afforded an imanity. formed Church of the Transvaal, may early opportunity for testing the \e those be mentioned. correctness or otherwise of his theories ream of Writing “ Privately and Confidenti­ regarding the correctness of the old as been ally” to Shepstone, he said that he gentleman’s tail!” (2-10-1876.) jramunal would not discuss Burgers’ Govern­ What attitude Burgers would adopt who set ment “ which I have always opposed was soon revealed to Shepstone. When rents in . . . because he was reckless in politics, he entered Pretoria on January 22 he com- in religious matters and in money was met by a large number of in­ ;pect a matters. I had hopes that the country habitants a few miles from the town, primi- might be saved under a man as Mr. and he says in his Diary that “ on parent Reitz, but Mr. Reitz would not stand. alighting from the carriage (which the loyal From that time I considered the Re­ President had sent to meet him), Mr. ;ver is public lost.” Lys read an address of welcome to ea for He continued and exultantly ex­ which I read a reply, whereupon be \ egisla- claimed: “ . . . You have at length struck up singing ‘God save the an set done what I said in 1869 (in the# Natal Queen,” and the crowd heartily joined. would Mercury) ‘I then said.” .... The The words ‘send Her victoriously to causes Modus operandi is very simple. All reign over us’ *c) were sung with home that England has to do is to issue much emphasis id sounded strange a proclamation that ‘the Transvaal od in in this yet strange land.” territory is British’— nothing more . . )me of a royal proclamation is all that is uccess- Two Days Later needed . . . Thus I wrote some six would Two days later he recorded the visit or seven years ago and it is clear of Burgers and Kruger— a visit which houses that I have not been wrong in my ons to surmise. The last Government has decided whether Shepstone would wives most effectually paved the way for the annex the Transvaal with the consent present change of Government, and le that of the inhabitants or with the consent . . . I am the first to declare openly of the President alone! ife has for the Queen’s Government . . .” eaction Cachet refers here to an article he “ President Burgers called with Paul - wors t anonymously wrote to the Natal Mer­ K ruger; when th latter left I had a cury, under the heading “ A voice from this is long talk with former, and he the Transvaal Republic.” This article wing of assured me of bit> readiness to co­ perhaps more than the Sekukuni war operate with me. He would, he said, home precipitated the Annexation of 1877. sacrifice himself rather than the good ?av the Private Views of the country.” help- That Shepstone was fully persuaded From his conversation with Burgers affee- of the wisdom of Lord Carnarvon’ s and Kruger, Shepstone was satisfied as on be- private views is but too clear from to which direction the wind was blow­ ing ; he had already seen and heard e most his reply to the afore-mentioned letter, dated at Maritzburg on November 12. enough and on January 26 he gave to use “ Strangely,” he says, “ it happened Herbert the benefit of his observations wer to that half an hour before I received and conclusions. of our your letter, Sir Henry Bulwer and I (The third of this series of articles had in conversation gone over the will appear on Thursday.) THURSDAY, JULY 10,1930. of SHEPSTONE'S LETTERS AND DIARY 16 Kruger Heads Opposition Against British Government

s rS ANNEXATION OF TRANSVAAL V- af- IN 1877 ^nt ion By C. J. U YS. be- the E L O W is the third of a series of four articles (the first i^h B and second appeared on Monday and Tuesday of respectively) specially written for The Natal Witness by sed C. J. Uys. be They are of great interest as they are based on the "'or hitherto unpublished private correspondence and diaries eat of Sir Theophilus Shepstone, which are shortly to be pub­ me lished in book form. een The fourth and final article of the present series, which is a continuation of the series we published during en- December last, will appear to-morrow. rive the RIT1NG from Maritzburg on told me that he saw no difficulty in ec- November 12, 1876, Sir paying off all the debts and in sub­ rt. w Theophilus Shepstone in­ duing all native recalcitrants; he is a formed the Colonial Under-Secretarv, ■UI very shrewd, clever man, but without Mr. Herbert, “ That the Transvaal dis­ education • he is a^ dreamer of dreams of turbance is an inflammatory spot in and a seer of visions, and his followers ice, the body politic of South Africa and believe in him.” has produced internal fever more or ill If Shepstone had made a mistake less severe in all its members . . .” in his dealings % 'ith the Transvaal, g s Twelve days later, still in Maritz­ then it was his under-estimation of burg, he explained to Wolseley in what this historical figure, whose name has depressed financial’ condition the Re­ since become a ‘•household word in public was, adding that the position South A frica; neither did lie correctly was getting worse by the day. interpret group psychology; he knew “ This is a process which will ripen “ that his followers believe in him” yle, the pear more thoroughly than almost and further added, “ they are a com­ n t any other. pact body, who terrorise over and bully er “ Of course,” he added, “ the great the^ rest,” and should have taken thing is to get tlifc people themselves go> better account of this faction than of to be their own emancipators; but tn, the sweet stories of Burgers, cum Burgers remains inexorable and is said suis. % * hs, to possess the wonderful faculty of a being able to convince himself of im- possibilities.’* I Dare Not Say “ No"! ical Sir Theophilus was soon to be dis­ “ It is natural, therefore,” he con­ ~ m - illusioned as regards the attitude of tinued to tell Barkly, “that Paul ion. Burgers, and he had to discover that Kruger and his party should be the the in Kruger he would have a harder nut uncompromising opponents to the in­ to crack. troduction of British rule in the not Transvaal, and the feelings and con­ se- After lie had made the acquaintance duct of this party account for what I of Burgers and had that confidential so frequently hear said: ‘Don’t ask interview with him to which reference me for what I dare not say ‘yes,’ but into was made in Tuesday’s article, he if you take me, I dare not say ‘no’ !” s a completely changed his views. Not only was Shepston'e misled by Although the country was actually the so-called “ leaders” of the Boers, in financial straits, yet he no longer but not unseldom did a sycophantic depended upon the economic factor to farmer “ drop in” to chat with “ Mister “ ripen tjie pear.” He knew that a Sepston,” sip his wine, try his cigars, presidential election was shortly to be and assure him how unanimously all rica, held; that Mr. Reitz from the Orange “ respectable” .Boers stood by him! rlia- Free State had declined to contest the election, and he had also been informed This general desire for annexation rrote , that “ there is a strong party headed was made the subject of a letter dated itish by M r. Paul Kruger, which resists all March 28, to Barkly, when Shepstone tihe interference that will in any way affect told him that “ I frequently receive private visits from Boers of more or s in the technical independence of the State. Paul Kruger himself thinks less influence, who are anxious that six- the British flag should be hoisted with­ that he is capable if elected President, i and of curing all the evils the Republic out delay, and who urge it, but nothing would induce these men to lirty is suffering, of retrieving its financial sign any such wish if it were written his condition, of settling all native ques­ tions, and of reconciling all the down for the purpose; and they will in ting factions in the country now so bitterly all probability sign with apparent zeal Suc- arrayed against each other. Argument for the independence of the country, any protest against it that may he ined seems thrown away upon such a man, presented to them. These are the band and one can only admire the Elysian effects of perfect faith.” (Shepstone elements with which I have to deal.” rote, to Herbert, 26-1-1877.) The position of Burgers, who was nuch used as a cat’s paw by Shepstone and ■quir- Burgers' Confession mistrusted by his own followers, waa and To Shepstone Burgers confided that daily becoming more untenable. jrOOd- he had but small hope of re-election, “ He knows that the whole thing and he assured Shepstone that he called Government here is a sham and f his would work in his direction. “ He cannot be maintained .and he fully pecu- knows that it will be best for the. agrees that the only thing to be done vould country and for him self; he told me is what I propose to do, but he seems pssful to-day that many of the Boers see to fear the fanatics and thinks that now that for me to retire without his best course to steer clear of them and making a change, would produce the will be to protest when I proclaim, find gravest consequences. All the intelli­ which I must do some day this week. which gence of the country is with us, but He has been with me the whole of this evening making this arrangement and s and there is a class and a large one too, that must see the strong arm before asking how various other details are other they will yield.” to be carried out, so that this protest liim- is a sham too!” Influenced by the President and liis lbered State-Secretary, Mr. N. J. Swart, This revelation of the origin and id o f ; Shepstone unfortunately abandoned his value of Burgers’ “ Protest” was made to Sir H . Bulwer four days prior to atient strongest and most effective weapon: that of a silent and passive spectator, the annexation! erlock allowing financial factors and party struggles to do the necessary. Onerous Task These two gentlemen, fearing that Six days after the annexation, Shep­ the “ Dopper-Party” under Kruger stone gave Lord Carnarvon a succinct would come into power, prevailed upon account of how he acquitted himself Shepstone to take the final step and of the onerous task which was im« annex the country. posed upon him. With the same object Dr. Jorrissen, “i must give myself the pleasure of the Attorney-General, stalked into sending you a line of congratulation Shepstone’s private apartments at on the success of the mission which dawn on February 27. He assured you set on foot. It is only six days Shepstone that “ the Government of since the Transvaal became British the Republic could not be carried on Territory, and . . . the opposition is any longer, and much as he regretted already turning into grateful accept* to have to ask it, he begged that what­ ance. 1 think, therefore, that you may ever had to be done should be done safely assume the complete success of without delay . . . he said he had your plan.” come to me to unburden his mind and The question may well be asked to make the request lie had made.” whether Shepstone was himself mis­ No wonder that Shepstone held led, or blind to the facts. lopsided views as to the real state of In this letter he completely let the feeling of the majority of the Bqers, cat out of the bag in regard to and from the documents at our dis­ Burgers’ attitude. posal we are satisfied that he thought “ 1 promised Mr. Burgers, who is lie was acting in accordance with the clever at sitting on two stools at wishes of the majority and in strict once and then shifting on to the safer, obedience to Lord Carnarvon’s wishes. that I would recommend him to you “ Things have gone too far to for a pension of a thousand a year, in recede,” he told Herbert at the consideration of his loss of position Colonial Office, and not even the and offiqp. I did this at the com­ formidable demonstration of 400 armed mencement of my stay here, but I Boers impressed him. said that he must give me grounds for my recommendation; he has cer­ “ A deputation from these people was tainly managed the last part of the told that 1 had come in a friendly way matter very cleverjy ; and 1 shall have to treat with the Government on native to make the recommendation. This will questions and with the object of give you the key to his conduct all establishing unity among the Colonies through.” and States of South Africa. Upon this answer- being announced to the crowd Writing to Herbert on the same day, per- a memorial was agreed upon in which Shepstone was more open and free in bf his the signers declare that they don’t his language. deep want ‘federation’ or ‘confederation’ or “ I hope you will all approve of what striv- any other ‘-ation’ that will bring them I have doae and the manner of it,” into closer contact with Her M ajesty; tihe he wrote, adding that “ there was no and then rode off quietly, thinking ruth, real opposition in the country. But they had settled the matter. . , ” (To what is worse still, there is no money tures Sir H , Bulwer, 7-2-1877.) either .... You need not trouble the yourself much about the protest and had The Head and Brain delegates; I don’t believe that the latter will start on their mission;— wo ative Shepstone described the “ Dopper- shall see. ena. Party” of which Kruger was the head “ You will perceive that I had rather listie and brain, as consisting of persons who “ hate English rule because they have a difficult task in writing my dispatch d be (about the annexation) ; 1 had to steer been taught to do so from infancy, but clear on the one hand of giving the “Pt- they can give no reason for their Boers the idea that the Government in- hatred; they think that somehow' or (Burgers and Company) were consent­ out other all the State difficulties will come right; they like to think that they ing parties, and on the other of con­ ill veying the notion to readers at a dis­ have got a Government and a flag, tance that in fact they were not so. ur- and that they call freedom!” You have now got the Transvaal and to On February 16 he told Barkly that a magnificent acquisition it is. The “ all the leaders of the people, whether Orange Free State must soon follow, self-constituted, or not, agree that it but I hope that Delagoa Bay will fol­ is impossible for the State to maintain low first because it is the natural sea­ its independence, except Paul Kruger who expects to be the successful candi­ port of this country, and must be had if possible.” • date for tho office of President. He FRIDAY. JULY 11, 1930. ion of this Statute, Division would come SHEPSTONE’S LETTERS on than that already i appeal from the The decision raises AND DIARY e expediency of the trol in the adminis- in Soutli Africa, a may say is peculiar The object of the How Kruger Could Have Saved the Lion Act of 1927 was commissioners wuo Position Had He Wished ed entirely by the artment, and had as t>artment of Justice, not, in the strict ANNEXATION OF TRANSVAAL ers; although they ecide civil, cases, IN 1877 sing out of native purely administra- t entirely to the D E L O W is the last of a series of four articles (the first, ■ive Affairs Depart- second and third appeared on Monday* Tuesday decision raises the and yesterday respectively) specially written for The lis dual separation Natal Witness by Mr. C. J. Uys. pedient. In our tion is justifiable They are of great interest as they are based on the that such officers hitherto unpublished private correspondence and diaries |ives to the adminis- of Sir Theophilus Shepstone, which are shortly to be ustoms. If they published in book form. this decision of the The present series is a continuation of the series we t appears to imply, published during December last. fficers and to inter- Law of South Africa [decisions of our H EPSTON E’S own defence is about the matter he reassured the perhaps the best to quote in js, then chaos will S Under-Secretary that “ there are not refutation of the blame which a hundred men in the country who The decision will is commonly laid on him for the pre­ would wish the act of annexation to | N ative Affairs De­ mature annexation of the Transvaal. be reversed. bate necessity ior He committed several vital errors: “ Paul Kruger does not bear the ho failed to gauge the Boer sense of of affairs which highest of characters, with either blac k patriotism; he took no cognisance of or white, and he is accused of some this judgment by the rising tide of liberalism in Eng­ most fearful atrocities towards natives aent to the Native land, headed by John Bright and Glad­ stone, and he signally failed in esti­ [of 1927. mating the part to be played by Disraeli’s Opponents [ONALITY Kruger, a factor which he completely under-estimated. This “ Protest” was eagerly seized It may come as a shock to orthodox upon by Disraeli’s opponents, who lias come to be a historians to know that Kruger, more suddenly championed the cause of the than anybody else, was responsible for Republic. The whole affair was held land certainly con- the annexation of the Transvaal. As up to the public in a most ludicrous fcninspiring quality. Commandant-General he had it in his fashion by that smooth-tongued John f*roic about it. It power to combat Sekukuni successfully, Bright and by Courtney. a virtue. Neither yet he it was who first turned the “ This I could not help,” Shepstone back on the enemy and fled with his grand scale, such regretted, “ because the protest was followers, in order to put a spoke into against my intention, which I had lipanies real excel- the wheels of President Burgers, whom communicated, and not against the leart. A lukewarm he thoroughly hated. act itself, so the protest got the start |n which analysis It was Kruger’s aim and object to of a mail, and this was further secured by the difficulty of getting my pro­ Jncerity, dullness, let the expedition fail, for “ the Presi­ dent’s term of office had at this time clamations printed . . . I am afraid fiess. A thing that expired, and a new election had become that the delay will cause, or has Ind tim e; and noth- necessary . . . 1 was asked . . . to caused, inconvenience to Lord Car­ |than a convention present myself as a candidate . . . ” narvon.” (Kruger’s Memoirs.) Our method of True! it caused Carnarvon sleepless nights and ended in his resignation. with a handshake He further admitted that “ all the difficulties which President Burgers en­ Thus Burgers played on Shepstone a mumble probably countered through his Own fault (!) trump card, when actually he intended the South Sea were employed by the English to bring to assist him! But knowing that there lubbing of noses, about and justify the annexation . . was a strong opposition under Kruger, h^ should never have allowed Burgers, Ition in one primi- Kruger played the same game with whom he had in his power, .to issue his President as his (Kruger’s) Com­ to us. English such a document. mandant-General, Piet Joubert, played to receive with an with him subsequently! To gratify Herein Shepstone proved amply that I a foreigner’ s bow their ambitions they sacrificed their he was not such a skilful judge of bob” of his chiU country. human nature as he thought he was. “ He would have been great in Con­ [prise is no doubt Step Justified tinental diplomacy forty years ago,” [ the foreigner who Frere once wrote. But he signally offhand English To Sir H . Bulwer Shepstone justified failed in the ’ Seventies. his step in a letter written six days Shepstone was, however, sanguine lishwomen in Italy 2 after the annexation. i lions as to 1 ‘South- that his proclamation and address “ I look upon every circumstance con­ would hold water even in England. [uoyed to find that nected with the culmination of the “ Here, I am proud to say, not a single , does not enjoin matter, as concurring to prove that statement has been challenged.” the position 1 have assumed is the up to ladies of H e further put Herbert at ease by right one, and the step the only pos­ saying that “ the difficulty you will am. If we could sible one under the circumstances. If have to contend with is to believe [-grandparents, the my facts are correct then my action yourselves the extent of the success strike us would cannot be very wrong; the Protest and every measure that looked like that it has been my good fortune to [tlous and repulsive opposition were really taken in order achieve for you. man who begged to facilitate my action, and to save “ I am myself surprised at it, but Ipay his addresses the members of the Government from so it is,— the Government and this country have been conquered for Lord Irvould regard with being accused of Treason . . . ” Carnarvon by moderation and reason flit, who, with no Writing a week later to Sir Bartle Frere, he assured him that “ all danger . . . and the strangest part of all is all, breezily sug- of opposition has passed away and it that the people now fear lest they' Imarriage” to the is now fully evident that the great should lose me as their ruler and talk of sending memorials to Her Majesty |he chaperoned and majority of the people are in favour of the change, convinced of the im­ on the subject! W hat I wish to im­ ould be horrified possibility of any lpnger governing press upon you is that the country is [of freedom and themselves. fairly, openly and honourably won, and the modern girl, it only remains for you to say you “ Daily influential Boers come from intend to keep and rule it. at papa’s insis- a distance ‘to make the acquaintance “ It is a magnificent addition to Her bv his children, of the new head of the State,’ and all, while they regret the necessity for the Majesty’s dominions and will in a very [cry fie upon those change, admit the existence of the few years be capable of more than vho prefer bobbed necessity for it. It is remarkable that supporting itself.”- (ice cap's and knit- not the slightest resentment against Private Interview can find amuse- me is exhibited;— they all admit the truth of my assertions in my pro­ kf the conventions Shepstone also tells Herbert some clamations and addresses and their facts about Kruger, which have hither­ J The fact, for in­ vexation is that their rulers should to remained a secret. In a private evening dress is have furnished me with such an interview, Shepstone told Kruger that lie from the uni­ armoury of damaging facts.” he would soon be annexing the coun­ try, but that he wished to retain the waiters ; or that On the same day he told Bulwer that “ the Boers are fond of me, think latter’ s services, and that he would Ig his1 Queen calls me a wonderful man and travel long recommend him “ as a sort of honorary ^elegant monosyU distances to Pretoria just to see this member of the Executive Council, to [it girl addressing wonderful ‘Old Man’ ! be called upon for his advice when re­ quired, and that he should receive there is some- “ Altogether the situation is most £300 a year for life. bnt of convention strange and wonderful, and is a re­ markable instance of the powei of “ Mr. Burgers would to all appear­ | insincerity. It is truth for it is true that in spite of ances not have been re-elected presi­ bat all Americans their wishes and longings they can no dent, but then he was in possession ; each other when longer govern themselves. I attribute Kruger would have succeeded Burgers, my success to this inherent power so he had a solid chance. all brides are operating in opposition to inherent “ When I said this to Kruger, he ([delightful and all weakness and to my knowledge of said he was a representative man, that nor that Mrs. human nature, which enabled me to he had to act according to the feelings try time she says : select the best time. Human nature of those he represented, but that when is the only thing I profess to know [come.” But the he was released from these trammels, anything about.” he could act according to his own con­ rto be both rude victions . • . ” stipulates for the Posterity Can Judge This ambiguous rejoinder was char­ |ng but the truth. As to Shepstone’s consummate know­ acteristic of Kruger. As usual Shep­ Chump, feeling ledge of human nature, posterity can stone ended his letter with “ Every­ feed a l i e /’ sud- judge for itself, but that he did choose thing is quiet!” the most opportune moment is but too But in June he began to realise that pstess that never clear from what Paul Kruger once told ominous clouds were gathering in the en so bored ; or him. Transvaal under the influence of the Mrs. B. at the “ He said I had taken them at a dis­ Cape Dutch. Carnarvon had foreseen this and had warned him against Is that you advantage, that the time I had chosen was the most favourable possible for eventualities. [got a little more me, and the reverse to them ; that a “ You must remember we have the 1st time.’ ’ Both little earlier would have been too Dutch outside the Republics to reckon livention to the early, and a little later too late, and with,” he had warned Shepstone. To his usual “ Everything is quiet” |>solute sincerity; that I had just pounced upon them iu their helpless condition.” he added this tim e: “ and there would prefer to meet Shepstone proceeded to tell Bulwer be no reason to suppose that the quiet Ivention which Is that “ men who had induced hundreds would not continue if those busy bodies Idiiness. And if of Boers to sign a secret bond to at the Cape would but mind their own resist to death upon pain of death to business.” strong enough, be inflicted by their own officers, any hcerity about it; entrance of troops into the country or “ Narrow Places ” is not bounded any attempts to subvert the then Only after eight months from his arrival in the Transvaal did Shepstone I considerable en- existing Government, were at once shorn off their feet by the magic sound fully realise in what peril he had [a dull party or of Her Majesty's name, or as the placed himself, and one caniiot but ad­ (conventions are natives say, by the great shadow of mire his courage. He gave expression weak human the House, which the issuing of that to his relief in a letter dated'July 23, proclamation revealed.” in which he illustrated to Herbert 4 good sense and Time and again Shepstone had im­ through what “ narrow places” he had |many a stumble pressed upon the Colonial Office the to pass and added: “ I wonder at the even enmity. fact that Kruger and Co. would never temerity I was guilty of, without feel­ |ie that is forced be able to raise the sum of £2,000 ing at the time the gravity of the posi­ to enable them to proceed to Europe tion in which I had beyond recall ne article ; for in order to lay their sic|e of the case placed myself. into a hospit- before the British Government; but “ I thank God this now all belongs iling face has a such was the reliance the Boers placed to the past. The only considerations ler as well as on in the sense of justice of her Britannic that really supported me when I felt Majesty,— in spite of Kruger's state­ the weight of the responsibility I was hich it appears ment that she was a “ kwaai vrou,” — incurring, were the conviction that I [itions and con- that the money was actually sub­ was doing the right thing . . . and py can no more scribed. that you . . . felt confidence in my It was with no little disappointment prudence and judgment . . . ” (luded en masse that Shepstone reported to Herbert A man who thus acted according to iials who have the departure of Kruger and Jorissen his convictions, carries away the re­ for Europe, and to hide his uneasiness spect— if not gratitude— of posterity. Echoes 01 ohepstonec K # > u . and , o , the Transvaal Annexation j Bryan, M.A. |

This is the concluding article of a wer’ s reply is again pacifist in tone, series in which Mr. iBrvan, basing but says he is not going to attempt himself on original documents in to override military instructions “ as the Archives, sets out the circum­ the matter is not one in which my stances of the Transvaal annexa­ sanction is sought.” tion over fifty years ago. But he was no cypher, and we find him writing rather acidly (and quite justifiably so) to Sir A. Cunynghame UBSEQUENTLY to the actual asking: “ If you will kindly cause me event of the annexation, noth­ to be acquainted with tihe exact dis­ S ing further seems to have been position of Her Majesty’s forces in exchanged until towards the end of this Colony” ; and again: “ I have to April, when Sir Bartle Frere ad-] thank Your Excellency for the steps dressed a “ confidential” despatch of you have taken to prevent the re­ some kind to Sir Henry Bulwer. occurrence of a similar mistake.” The latter was evidently perturbed By May 30, the “ civil character” by it, for he transmits on May 4 a of the missioif seems definitely to long defence of himself with respect have been abandoned as far as Natal to the character of the troops dis­ was concerned. Mr. Morcom says patched as being ‘military’ or ‘un­ Sir H . Bulwer, in a letter to Shep­ military. * There is no recorded evi­ stone, has returned to duty, and Mr. dence in the official records, but it is Fynney may be expected shortly. incomprehensible that Bulwer was ig­ When may Mr. Osborne, Captain norant of the warrant carried by Clarke and the detachment of the Shepstone, and it would seem that Natal Police be expected? the whole thing is official camouflage, W hat was Shepstone doing mean­ as is also Carnarvon’s late delay in while ? confirming Shepstone’ s action of annexation. He was carrying on the Govern­ But Bulwer must at least be given ment as he had promised in the the credit of the vision of the future Proclamation, with one important ex­ trouble, and we can well appreciate ception, that of the establishment of his very proper desire to avoid any a Legislature. The member of the consequent role of scapegoat; for Executive of the Volksraad, with the again in this despatch he does make exception of Piet Joubert, had taken it quite clear, by reference to corres­ office under Shepstone, but this mat­ pondence quoted in the preceding ter of the Legislative was never hon­ article, that his view of the troops oured, and there are historians who was their employment for civil assist­ are of opinion that this was the reef ance and not for any military purpose. on which the shipwreck occurred. A Newcastle Garrison Getawayo and, the Transvaal This is yet again stressed on May However, Shepstone was definitely 5, when Bulwer wrote to Colonel in command under the British Crown, Durnford, who had mentioned on April for there was shortly forced upon 30 the desirability of stationing 300 Bulwer (in December of this year, men and two guns at Newcastle, in a 1877) the necessity of (pointing out to despatch in which the following in­ Cetewayo, in the matter of his claim teresting passages occur:— to the disputed territory, as against (i) W hen you were good enough the Transvaal Government, that the to call on me with reference to cer­ Transvaal was no longer under the tain instructions from the Lieuten­ rule of a year ago, but under British ant-General Commanding as to \ rule, as was Natal. The Zulu king measures to be taken in the event had been manifesting a bellicose atti­ of the troops recently stationed at tude, and his meeting with Shepstone Newcastle proceeding into the Trans­ and Mr. Rudolph, the Landrost of vaal— measures which had been Utrecht, had had an unsatisfactory anticipated by the actual departure or negative result. War seemed of the troops from Newcastle 10 imminent. The incident has no direct days before tihe receipt of the in­ connection with the Annexation be­ structions— I take the opportunity yond showing that Sir H . Bulwer ac­ of expressing to you the strong opin­ cepted it and its consequences. ion that I entertain of the undesir­ * * * ableness of making any military de­ Such is the 6tory of the Annexa­ monstration beyond what is abso­ tion as viewed from the desk of the lutely necessary.” Governor of Natal. At this distance (ii) “ A military garrison is now in time, the innocence of the official for the first time stationed at Pre­ seems extraordinary. Is it possible toria in the Transvaal territory, and that he knew nothing of Carnarvon’6 the question is whether another instructions to Shepstone and of the military station should be formed warrant he carried with him, or is it on the line of communication be­ all part and parcel of Carnarvon’s tween Pretoria and Maritzburg (380 delay in “ confirming” Shepstone’s miles). Should His Excellency be obedience ' to those instructions? of opinion that such a station is Personally, I believe that Sir Bartle desirable, and should he wish New­ Frere was the only man who did not castle to be that station, I shall know, and that Disraeli, immersed at then be prepared to consider how the time in the Eastern question, left far in the interests of this Colony the whole thing to a man who it may be and otherwise . . . I n thoroughly believed that the Annexa­ the meantime I am not aware of tion was a necessary prelude to the any reasons for the immediate dis­ permissive Federation Act. patch of troops to Newcastle, and How mistaken this notion was, are not prepared to sanction, etc., and how thoroughly the temper of the etc. southern Dutch had been misunder­ To this, Durnford evidently wrote stood, time was to prove early and asking to bo allowed to carry out his late, and the thorns of that misunder­ O .C .’ s orders— namely, to take tihe standing are choking the garden of troops and guns to Newcastle. Bul­ South Africa to-day. AY 4. 1931'. Echoes^ of_ the Past C l

ES The Shepstone on days of th piiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiininiiiiiiiiinitiiiiiiiiiHiiHiiiHiuiiininnnuniiiniiiiitiuitiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiuiwiiHi^ Visitc Mr. I HIS is the third of a series of r Res articles to appear at comp Policy Ha intervals, in which the (by He late Superintendent of Pe Education will give the by-. Sc results of his browsings , amid the City Archives. Hugh Bryan M.A. s Or- T ivill cover, for the Cafe. The Zulus are very much tho same, first time hy morally and intellectually, as the /any newspaper in South frontier kafirs; they are just as blood­ T| thirsty and treacherous, but not so v f Africa, the now famous dangerous, because they lack the train­ p la j Shepstone letters. ing (many years of war on the fron­ age! Ship- tier) of the frontier kafir, and are un­ mai Re- armed (meaning, probably, have no mol guns) ; but their armoury is becoming i l better. Pe| Deceit and falsehood arc viewed by n of N the previous article Shepstone’ s is them entirely in their social aspect; views o.n the population, land and noi they have no spiritual significance I control questions were given. whatever. They have a word for lying, Rich He also answered on labour, social but it connotes no moral consideration, customs, etc, taxation and justice as does ours: it conveys no reproach, the (moral) issues. save in the estimate of the crime (? eissi- covered by the lie). toi| ador” (4) Labour They have no word for gratitude; On the nearest is “thankfulness.” There soil usical [The question

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