The Basutos.

Manawatu Herald, 28 October 1899, Page 2

The Basutos.

The cablegram that the British Commissioner for Basutoland has found it difficult to keep the Basutos under control, should prove to the world the desire Britain has to do what is fair. A well informed writer says :— From twenty-five to thirty thousand wellarmed, skilful and courageous horsemen are waiting for the signal. After the first Basuto waf, the Free State retained A portion of Basutoland, now known as the Conquered Territory, and for this reason there is a feud between the Free Staters and the natives, and the latter are eager for itevenge. When we consider that for years President Steyn, supported by President Kruger and the Cape Dutch, has been quietly maturing plans against British supremacy and in favour of a Dutch Republic, and when we also consider that the Free State has always been treated by the British Government with the greatest fairness, there Is no doubt that Britain would be quite justifiedip availing herself of this splendid auxiliary force. A glance at the map will show what a serious thing such a course ot action would be for the Free State. At present it is in a splendid position to attack the I British from both its eastern and 1 western borders, but if the Basutos rushed in upon it, it would be powerless, and the British would practically close two lines of attack.-