He might be compared to a charioteer driving two
horses, one white in two shades, jibbish at a corner, the other black as
Satan, unbroken to the bit. But the chariot must move forward steadily,
evenly, to its greater glory.
Kaffraria had to be put on a peace footing. The ideas, at the root of the
tribal system, were averse to the growth of civilisation, but instead of
pruning these violently, and so causing friction, Sir George would adapt
them. The chiefs were largely dependent for their wealth in cattle and
other chattels, on the punishments which they meted out to the tribesmen
for offences, or imaginary offences. Let a Kaffir prosper, and he was
certain to be charged with witchcraft. That was sudden death, and the
cattle went to the kraals of him who ordered it.
The chiefs had every incentive to create witchcraft cases, thus keeping
the land dark. Sir George met that, and farther bonded them fiefs of the
Queen, by giving them small salaries as magistrates. He established
regular courts, and in these the chiefs had their seats and a white man's
guidance, while the fines went to the Government. A scarred warrior
exchanged his dripping assegai for the Queen's commission as a J.P. He
swaggered mightily at his bargain.
'It had,' Sir George brought up an apt anecdote, 'been promised the
natives that their laws and customs should not be interfered with.
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