All they claimed was complete freedom to manage their own affairs, to federate or not to federate, as they pleased and when they pleased.

They had only just acquired full constitutional rights; and if they sometimes exaggerated the effect of them, the error was venial.

If Carnarvon, instead of writing for publication an elaborate and official despatch, had explained his policy to the Governor in private letters, and directed him to sound Molteno in confidence, the Cape Ministers might themselves have proposed a scheme; and if they had proposed it, it would have been carried.

Had Froude said nothing at dinners, or on platforms, he might have exercised far more influence behind the scenes.

But he was an enthusiast for Federation by means of a South African Conference, and he made a proselytising tour through the Colony.