After
I introduced the courts, a chief was discovered to have put one of his
tribe to death for witchcraft. I had the affair gone into, whereupon the
chief contended, "You are aware of the undertaking we got, and trial for
witchcraft is part of our customs."
'He fancied there could be no answer to this, and the other chiefs within
hearing grinned approval. "Very well," I addressed him, "let us take it
that way. But as you have killed this man you must support his widow.
That has nothing to do with any question of custom." 'All the chiefs
rolled on the ground, splitting with laughter. Knowing the penalty they
might incur, the heads of tribes henceforth thought twice, before sending
any man to death on a charge of witchcraft. They knew I had the means of
compelling them to maintain the widow and family. I could stop the
necessary amount out of their salaries. It was cheaper, and more
effective, to give a bonus to a native chief than to keep a large
standing army in Kaffraria.'
Sir George had worn the red coat, but he was never anxious to have it
picturesquely dotting a country-side, when other measures were possible.
He had bartered with Downing Street for the allowance to his chiefs.
Paring down on a Budget, Disraeli bethought himself of saving half of the
grant for Kaffraria.
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