A Powerful Chief. 319 



pay but little attention to the white traveller or 

 })assing ox-waggons. No alcoholic drink is per- 

 mitted by Khama to iind its way into his territoi'ies 

 or under any circumstances to be sold in his towns. 

 The penalties for violating this law are most severe, 

 and are severely enforced. Constant raids by 

 Ivhama's police, sometimes led by Khama in 

 person, swoop down upon all prostitutes and 

 immoral persons, who are forthwith banished from 

 the to^vn. Khama governs justly and severely, but 

 without cruelty. Human life is, I believe, never 

 taken. His authority is purely despotic, undis- 

 puted, unrestrained, but exercised with wisdom 

 has secured for him the affectionate respect of his 

 people. He is the most powerful chief in South 

 Africa with the exception of Lobengula, King of 

 the Matabele, nor would it be possible to predict 

 w4th any assurance the result of a conflict between 

 these two potentates. The soldiers of the Matabele 

 army are possibly more brave and ferocious tlian 

 the Bangmangwato, but the latter possess a con- 

 siderable advantage in their numbers of mounted 

 warriors, of which the Matabele are entirely 

 destitute. In the event of Lobengula attacking 

 the British settlers in ]\Iashonaland, Khama could 

 almost certainly be persuaded to go at him and to 

 effect a powerful diversion. Khama and the 

 British Government have reciprocally benefited 

 each other. The Protectorate was submitted to 

 and English authority acknowledged without 

 resistance, mainly owing to the friendly attitude 

 of Khama. On the other hand, his authority has 



