§ MR. R. N. FOWLERasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he can give the House any information about the contest between the Boers and Montsioa; and, whether it is true that the Boers are organising forces for a fresh attack?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYThe only information the Colonial Office has received is contained in a telegram received four days ago, which stated that 100 freebooters having disposed of Mankoroane, were then about to proceed to assist Moshette against Montsioa. We have no official news of their defeat, as reported in the newspapers. I may take this occasion to state that the proposed mounted police force to which I referred the other day as having been agreed to by Her Majesty's Government has for the moment been suspended, owing to the Orange Free State having declined to join and the Transvaal having not yet given a definite answer.
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYYes, Sir; we are continually protesting.