It has always been a question as to how far interference from Downing
Street with the freedom of action of a Self-Governing Colony was wise
or practicable. In other instances, the exercise of great freedom of
colonial self-government has had happy results, as in Canada and
Australia.

Far from our South African policy having represented, as is believed by
some, the self-assertion of a proud Imperialism, it has been the very
opposite.

It seems evident that some of the greatest evils in the British
government of South Africa have arisen from the frequent changes of
Governors and Administrators there, _concurrently with changes in the
Government at home_. There have been Governors under whose influence and
control all sections of the people, including the natives, have had a
measure of peace and good government. Such a Governor was Sir George
Grey, of whose far-seeing provisions for the welfare of all classes many
effects last to this day.

The nature of the work undertaken, and to a great extent done, by Sir
George Grey and those of his successors who followed his example, was
concisely described by an able local historian in 1877:--"The aim of the
Colonial Government since 1855," he said, "has been to establish and
maintain peace, to diffuse civilization and Christianity, and to
establish society on the basis of individual property and personal
industry. The agencies employed are the magistrate, the missionary, the
school-master, and the trader." Of the years dating from the
commencement of Sir George Grey's administration, it was thus
reported:--"During this time peace has been uninterruptedly enjoyed
within British frontiers. The natives have been treated in all respects