[43] It is neither customary nor convenient to speak publicly of a parent, and I desire to let facts speak for themselves as much as possible. I feel, however, bound to remark that of all the mistakes made by a succession of rulers in Natal, perhaps the most foolish and unnecessary has been that jealousy of episcopal “or unofficial” interference, which has blinded them to the fact that the Bishop has always been ready to give any assistance in his power to the local Government in carrying out all just and expedient measures towards the natives, without claiming any credit or taking any apparently prominent position beyond his own; and, so long as justice is done, would greatly prefer its being done by those in office. He has never interfered, except when his duty as a man, and as the servant of a just and merciful Master, has made it imperatively necessary that he should do so; nor does he covet any political power or influence. To a government which intends to carry out a certain line of policy in defiance of justice and honour, he would ever be an opponent; but one which honestly aims at the truth would assuredly meet with his earnest support. [44] “The recollection of past events”—that is to say, of the slaughter of many men, women, and children, the destruction of homes, and the sufferings of the living;—this can hardly with reason be said to be _kept alive_ by attempts to ameliorate the condition of those that remained, and to show them some small kindness and pity. How “a good feeling” was to be restored between the victims and their conquerors by other means, Sir Garnet does not suggest. [45] In common only with the rest of the tribe. [46] Three women and two children only have been allowed to join him. [47] Which did not prevent their being of the utmost importance in considering the case of the chief under trial at the time the statements were made. [48] Sir B. Pine complains in his despatch, December 31st, 1874, of the “intolerable injustice” of charges being made against Mr. J. Shepstone, upon evidence taken by the Bishop _ex parte_, without the _safety of publicity_ and the opportunity of cross-examination. Yet Sir Garnet Wolseley refused to allow publicity or searching cross-examination by experienced advocates. [49] One of the original four. [50] Mr. Shepstone says in his second report that a day or two previous to the meeting with Matshana, he had received information to the effect that the chief’s intentions were to put him and his people to death at the expected interview, and all the efforts made by Mr. Shepstone and his witnesses were to prove, first, the murderous intentions of Matshana; and, secondly, that _nevertheless_ Mr. Shepstone had no counter-plans for violence, and did not fire upon the people. [51] Author’s italics. [52] Rather by the determination of their rulers to preserve their land from Boer encroachments.