The absence of continuous, wise, and statesmanlike policy, which has for the most part marked the tone of those, who have had the Imperial guidance and control of South African affairs in the past, has had the effect of sowing the seeds of enmity to the Government of the Mother Country, which it will require all the wisdom, and tact, and conciliatory sympathy possible to be displayed in the future, in dealing with this magnificent part of the Empire, to allay.  It will demand the greatest skill to prevent the permanent alienation, and estrangement of South Africa from Great Britain.

This has all been brought about by our unaccountably careless and culpable want of accurate knowledge at home, of the actual situation.  We lost a splendid chance of consolidating South Africa in a homogeneous union under the British crown.  Our insular in difference, our ignorance, the fierce animosity of our party political prejudices, made us neglect the opportunity.  It has had the effect of creating the sorest feelings against us, on the part of the large English population, spread over the land, which is uncontaminated and uninfluenced by the party spirit of local colonial politicians.  It is melancholy, and most deplorable to observe the indications of this feeling, which are constantly apparent.  The old love for the British flag is still widely cherished; but it was impossible for me to shut my eyes to the evidence so continually brought before me, that the British Government is neither loved nor respected.  No confidence whatever is felt in it—­and no wonder!  Everywhere there are proofs of how all have been allowed to suffer and smart under it.

Either from ignorance, or carelessness, or indifference—­probably from all combined—­and perhaps even unconsciously, but at the same time as surely, we have deceived the Natives, the Boers, and the Colonists.  This is only the natural consequence of the feeble, vacillating, uncertain course, which is followed, when the State machine is guided without compass, and where there is no firmness, nor courage at the national helm.  What we have to do, however, now, is to advocate union and co-operation between the two dominant races—­the British and the Dutch—­and to do all we can to promote harmony and goodwill between them.  True, their mental character, and natural instincts are different.  Our own race is essentially energetic and progressive; while theirs is slow, unemotional, and phlegmatic.  But if sympathy, and tact, and cordial good temper, are invariably practised in our intercourse with them, I am persuaded it will ultimately have the effect of promoting co-operation in securing their mutual interests.  This, I trust, will ultimately neutralise the effect of the fatal course of past political action, which unnecessarily developed race jealousies, and stimulated national friction and animosity; and will bring about in the future, a blending of the Dutch in friendly union and fellowship with the British, such as has been undreamed of in the past.