railway. Now we have 2,000 miles. Twenty-five years ago there was
no national feeling at all. Now there is a strong South African
feeling, which is destined to grow and build up a South African
policy. As to the talk about a settled and firm policy, Sir Philip
Wodehouse was the last Governor who had a grand scheme from Downing
Street. A more honest, conscientious, and able man did not exist;
but his policy was a failure. Then came my friend Sir Henry Barkly.
His policy was distinctly opposite. It was a true policy for South
Africa. It was a policy of _laissez-faire_. The result was, things
went on as merrily as a marriage bell, Dutch and English drew
together, the natives were quiet, South Africa was prosperous, and
everything went on as happily as possible till Mr. Froude and Lord
Carnarvon hit on the grand scheme of uniting South Africa. From
that day our misfortunes began. One of the most able, courteous,
and high-minded gentlemen in the British service--Sir Bartle
Frere--was sent to carry out this firm policy. What was the result?
Failure. I will say nothing more about it. Then Sir Hercules
Robinson reverted to the _laissez-faire_ policy. South Africa was
under a shade--nobody would look at us. But now we are gradually
righting ourselves, and getting into a prosperous condition. Now
are being raised again the cries for a grand policy. I caution you
against them. Let us manage our own affairs. _Laissez faire,
laissez aller_--that is our policy for South Africa. There are no
nostrums required. The one thing required is the gradual bringing
of the Dutch and English together. There are no two races more
fitted to unite. You know how like they are to Englishmen. The Boer
is as like the English farmer as possible. There are no people more
fond of manly sports than the Dutch; they enter into them
heartily, and in the cricket and football fields they are among the
best players. They are as fond of riding and shooting as Englishmen