The news from the Cape is not favourable, the victories
of the Kaffirs against the Transvaal troops making all natives believe that they can defeat the white men. No threats have yet been directed against the colonists, but plans for organising all the settlers as militia are very seriously discussed. This condition of affairs decidedly promotes Federation, the Colonies separately being unable to support an effective militia, as does also the retirement of Sir Henry Barkly, and the appoint- ment of Sir Bartle Frere as Governor of the Cape. Sir Bartle Frere as a Governor has always been more acceptable to his superiors than to the public, his financial capacity being very questionable ; but he is a man of great tact and management, and has probably been selected for those qualities. A French Intransigente is good-humoured by the side of a discontented Cape politician.
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