Froude endeavoured loyally and faithfully to carry out the policy of the Colonial Office, and his relations with Lord Carnarvon were relations of unbroken confidence.

His objects were purely unselfish and patriotic.

It was his misfortune rather than his fault to become involved in local politics, from which it was essential for the success of his mission that he should keep entirely aloof.

Circumstances brought him into much greater favour with the Dutch than with his own countrymen, for it was thought, not without reason, that he had brought Carnarvon round to see the truth about the Diamond Fields and the Free State.
He made them speeches, and they received him with enthusiasm.

With Molteno, on the other hand, he found it impossible to act, and the Governor supported Molteno.