The line, in respect
of both aims, was to retain the control of the New World for the Anglo-
Saxon. That meant freedom, because the non-intrusion of arrayed nations,
which would hinder it.
When Greece needed a king, Sir George Grey was mentioned as one with
likely parts for the post. 'I should think,' wrote Freeman the historian,
'he would be just the man to deal with any unruly elements in the
country.' The absolute offer of the crown of Greece would not have
tempted Sir George for an hour.
As he said seriously, while joking on the point, 'In the far south there
was literally nobody to lead, whereas Greece had men sufficient to mould
her destinies. Anyhow, one given the administration of Greece, would not
have had a work more honourable than the development of Australasia, a
larger business altogether. 'Here was a region where several kingdoms
were in the raising, where the pattern could take something from
yourself. What drew me to the far south, as a fairy-tale might, was that
charm, "Yes, it's all new. Hardly anything has yet been done. It's mine
to do with as I will."'
There was the white man's history to fashion, and the black man's history
to discover. Sir George did not neglect the second inquiry, because the
other was the more important.
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