156 SOUTH AFRICA. 



numbers for a more propitious opportunity. I see 

 that in the opinion of those experts whose experi- 

 ence ought to count, the number of hits likely to 

 result from rifle fire in a general action is calculated 

 to amount to one-fifth of one per cent, of the 

 ammunition fired from the new magazine rifle. If 

 such is the case, or even if only a moderately 

 increased probability of improvement in the effects 

 of infantry fire may be assumed, it would really 

 seem advisable, considering the very scanty 

 numerical force of our army in proportion to the 

 work required of it, to take some effectual steps 

 to increase individual efficiency in the use of the 

 rifle, even if such a reform should infringe on the 

 excess of spectacular but somewhat frivolous and 

 vexatious occupations of our brave warriors. 



As a matter of course, the retrocession of the 

 country inflicted a ruinous blow on those who had 

 put their faith in the permanency of Imperial 

 occupation, and invested capital on the strength of 

 their convictions, to say nothing of the losses in- 

 curred by individuals under the rank of capitalists, 

 who, actuated by the best motives, spent a good 

 deal of money in support of Government interests 

 during the war. 



