§ MR. CHISHOLM ANSTEYrose to more for copies of the papers and correspondence concerning the investigations made by Colonel Outram, into the existence of corrupt relations between the Guieowar or his subjects and certain officers pf the Bombay Government; and also concerning the removal of the said officer from his post of resident at Baroda.
§ MR. BAILLIErose to order; he said he thought he might save the time of the House if he mentioned that those papers, which had been moved for on several former occasions, had only arrived in this country by the last mail a day or two ago, and that they were at this moment under consideration by the India Board. He begged to suggest to the hon. and learned Member, therefore, the propriety of postponing his Motion.
§ MR. CHISHOLM ANSTEYsaid, notwithstanding he should press the Motion to a division. There was no doubt about the facts. They were admitted, and the only question had been the propriety and prudence of their being brought before the notice of Parliament by him, as they had long since been brought before the notice of the, public, and particularly the natives of India, by the servants of the Company themselves. The existence of corruption at Baroda was not denied. The participation of officers high in the, confidence of the Bombay Government could no longer be concealed; but the question yet remained to be decided whether or not it was fitting, when so much was already known, that the Government in this country or in India, or the Court of Directors in Leadenhall-street, should be permitted to come forward and obstruct as far as they could the process of inquiry 1228 into what still remained to be known, the only result of long concealment being net the evasion of shame and disgrace', for shame and disgrace already attached to the Government, but the evasion and impunity of the real offender. With Colonel Outram he (Mr. Anstey) had nothing whatever to do, and in moving for these papers he did not concern himself to ask in what way their production would or would not affect the pecuniary interests of that officer.
§ Notice taken, that Forty Members were not present; House counted; and Forty Members not being present,
§ The House was adjourned at a quarter before Eight o'clock.