THE NATAL NATIVE TROUBLE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 87, 11 April 1906, Page 8

THE NATAL NATIVE TROUBLE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Don't you think it strange that history so often repeats itself, and yet statesmen do not learn, and what has lately happened in Natal had a precedent at Cawnpore in 1857. Sir Colin Campbell was sent out by the then British Ministry to put down the rebellion of the Hon. East India Company's Sepoys. Of course, like all wise generals, he stipulated, before leaving home, that he be allowed to use his own judgment in quelling that rebellion. Well, he fought the battle of Cawnpore on the 6th day of December, 1857. After that date all Sepoys captured under arms were strung up to the nearest top of trees. Now, about Christmas, up comes Lord Canning from Calcutta post haste, and a confab takes place. Thus, says the Governor-General: "Look here, Campbell, this work will never do. You are stringing Sepoys up by the dozen; what will the people of England say? Desist, I will not allow it." £C Very well," replied Campbell, "of course, you know I was sent out here to put down this rebellion in my own way; and for every one I hang now I am saving a thousand lives. You, as Viceroy, can cancel my commission as commander-in-chief; -I will return home, and you take all responsibility." Canning was not the man to do it. So, Sir Colin went on his way rejoicing. Now, the same thing happened here in the Waikato between Sir G. Grey and General Cameron (the Lochiel). And , the same thing has occurred lately with 1 Kitchener, one of my corps. Sir, it is no use proclaiming martial law in your enemy's country unless you carry it out. If not, then the whole . thing is a farce. Fancy Gladstone handing back the Transvaal to the Boers. after they saying they had beaten the whole British Army. You see we veterans have these things under our belts. —Yours, ete^ JOHN SHAW, Sear-, RJE,