Glasgow Courier. — 1848-06-08 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

THE CAPE FRONTIERS.  Within the past ten days we have had an opportunity of riding over a great portion of Upper Albany, and of ascertaining by personal observation the actual state of the country, as well as learning the sentiments of some of the most respectable and intelligent land proprietors on that part of the frontier. The country ridden over comprised chiefly the field-cornetaies of the Kat, Fish, and Koonap Rivers, and may be pronounced as among the finest sheep walks in this or any other country. Previous to the late outbreak of the Caffrey, they formed the most flourishing section of the colony, maintaining hundreds of thousands of Saxon and Merino sheep, and being dotted with farm-houses, many of which Would have done no discredit to any rural district of the parent country. Now all is desolation. Not a sheep was seen in a ride of twelve hours—but few habitations were found occupied. The roads are overgrown with rank grass and weeds, and the drifts or fords of the several streams, injured 81 they have been by the late heavy rains, are left in a state almost impassable. The grass knee high, as it soughs tohe breeze, seems to tell of desolation, and to give intensity to that feeling of loneliness which the sight of a deserted country Ant ever create. Confidence in the pacific professions of the Cairns is not general, and many are waiting the effect of the measures which have been adopted, before they return to their abandoned and ruined homes. It is right, however, we should remark, that those who indulge in those forebodings do not give sufficient weight to the fact that all Sir Harry Smith's measures terd to one common point.--the public security. (July let them be energetically carried out and acted up to in their true spirit, and it may then be depended on we have seen the last of Caffre wars on this frontier. Still those who have had longest experience of the Csffre character know full well how little dependence is to be placed in his professions; and while they admire and esteem Sir Harry Smith, they are at the same time apprehensive lest his very kindness of heart should lead him to trust to appearances, which may prove as delusive and unsubstantial as the summer vapour upon the mountain's brow. The recent murder of Ingram has increased this distrust, and the admission into the colony of Caffres without passes, many such being found wandering about, has materially added to this feeling. This requires immediate correction. No Caffres should be allowed to enter the colony without written permission, as if they be, every other regulation for their safe and quiet government will be seriously disturbed. The prevalent opinion is that the Caffres will repeat their aggressions; that as their youth grow up the same disposition to attack the colony will, as heretofore, be indulged, and that this, if not effectually nipped in the bud, will be sure to lead in the end to overt acts of violence and robbery. It is, we conceive, of importance to bring these matters thus publicly forward, lest in the Intoxication of our joy at the admirable skill of the pilot at the helm, we should, amidst a thousand perils, be lulled Into a false sense of security, and neglect to use that exertion and to take those precautions which are essential to ultimate safety. Sir Harry Smith can see as far as most, but he is not übiquitous. All governments must, if successful, be informed and supported by public opinion. This may at times be unpalatable, but if listened to by those who can distinguish between fiction and truth, who can separate the grain from the chaff, the result will be as honourable to the individual as beneficial to society at large.—South 4/Hems, Merck 29.