itso would be very great, for it would be a positive
proof of the good disposition of the Colonial Government. The
greater claims could, if necessary, wait for the Parliamentary
Commission, but I would deprecate even this delay, and though for
the distribution of the L30,000 I would select those on whom the
responsibility of such distribution could be put, without
reference to the Colonial Government, for any larger sums perhaps
the colonial sanction should be taken.

"I urge that this measure of satisfying the Loyals is one that
presses and cannot well wait months to be settled.

"In conclusion, I recommend (1) that a National Pitso be held;
(2) that the Loyals should at once be paid off.

"I feel confident that by the recommendation No. 1 nothing could
be asked for detrimental to colonial interests, whose Government
would always have the right of amending or refusing any demands,
and that by recommendation No. 2 a great moral effect would be
produced at once, and some heavy expenses saved."

Attached to this memorandum was the draft of a proclamation to the
chiefs, etc., of Basutoland, calling on them to meet in Pitso or
National Assembly without any agent of the Colonial Government being
present. It was not very surprising that such a policy of fairness and
consideration for Basuto opinion, because so diametrically opposite to
everything that Government had been doing, should have completely
taken the Cape authorities aback, nor were its chances of being
accepted increased by Gordon entrusting it to Mr Orpen, whose policy
in the matter had been something more than criticised by the Ministers
at that moment in power at the Cape. Gordon's despatch was in the
hands of the Cape Premier early in June, and the embarrassment he felt
at the ability and force with which the Basuto side of the question
was put by the officer, who was to settle the matter for the Cape
Government, was so great that, instead of making any reply, he passed
it on to Lord Kimberley and the Colonial Office for solution. It was
not until the 7th of August that an answer was vouchsafed to Gordon on
what was, after all, the main portion of his task in South Africa. In
the interval Gordon was employed on different military and
administrative matters, for he had had thrust on him as a temporary
charge the functions of Commandant-General of the Cape forces, which
he had nev