AFRICA. 321 
very powerful reafons for obferving, th^t the 
forefeeing eye of policy has been opened too late 
on thofe pofleffions which are at a diftance, 
and which every day become more remote 
from the metropolis. I have feen that the 
authority of a governor, however great it may 
be, does not extend far enoiigh to check at 
their fource thofe dreadful irregularities, which 
are continued, and ftill increafmg, in the inte- 
rior parts of the country. Should it ever hap- 
pen that the CafFres, inceflantly harafTed, unite 
in fupport of the common caufe with the 
neighbouring nations, who begin alfo to com- 
plain of the planters, their union would cer- 
tainly occafion the greateft diforder ; and who 
knows what might be the confequence of fuch 
a confederation, formed for the purpofe of de- 
fending inalienable rights, and of avenging 
ancient injuries ? There are many methods by 
which government might prevent thefe misfor- 
tunes; and it is full time that they iLouId be em- 
ployed, for the danger increafes by delay. There 
have been inftances of the governor, when 
informed of fome cruelties exerclfed againft 
the favages, fummoning in vain the perfoii 
who was the author of them to come to the 
Cape, and give an account of his condud. The 
Vol. I, y crimlaal 
! 
