50 
SOUTHERN AFRICA. 
ever, from 1835 to that time, continual Kaffir 
aggressions and petty thefts were being carried 
on along the Eastern frontier. This is most 
fully borne out by the several official documents 
of that period, which also bear numerous testi- 
monies to these aggressions being invariably on 
the Kaffir side, and never provoked by the co- 
lonists ; who, on the contrary, are throughout 
fully and amply exonerated from all or any such 
accusations. 
The dread of inability, to maintain and defend 
these extended possessions, has lately led to 
an effort to reduce them, by abandoning the 
Orange Eiver Sovereignty — the most impo- 
litic step, it is to be feared, that has ever yet 
been taken with respect to this country. This 
may seem strong language to use ; but, never- 
theless, it is both just and true, and such, more- 
over, as can easily be supported, not only by re- 
ference to the colonial history, but, also in the 
evil effects already arising from the measure. 
Undoubtedly this colony — although, as above 
shewn, a rapidly increasing, and, comparatively, 
a flourishing one within itself — is not a satis- 
factory one to the home country. The constant 
demand for troops to protect it from its border 
tribes; the "two millions" required periodi- 
cally for the expenses of " Kaffir wars;" the 
small returns of export produce ; the outcry of 
tho colonists against the introduction of unre- 
