It is understood that the Government has resolved to defend
Bechuanaland from the incursions of the Boers, at first through a local European police force—armed, of course—and afterwards, if needful, by an expedition. This course, which has become indispensable, if we are to retain authority in South Africa at all, was strongly recommended by Mr. Forster at a meeting of persons interested in South Africa, held in the Westminster Palace Hotel, on Thursday. Mr. Forster made too much of the " insult " offered to the British Government by the Trans- vaal—Sovereigns cannot be insulted, only defied—but his sketch of the faithlessness of' the Government of Pretoria was very powerful, and was enthusiastically received by a meeting which no Liberal Government will disregard. It included, practically, the representatives of the entire English philanthropic and missionary world, and was clearly in earnest in demanding that Bechuanaland shall be cleared of filibusters, and kept clear.
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