§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether the Governor of Madras has recently drafted 200 extra police into the Salem District, and billeted them there at the cost of the inhabitants; whether this heavy cost to the Natives is in addition to the heavy fines levied on the participators in the late riots there; whether it is true, as stated in the Madras papers, that an official "reign of terror" exists in that district; and, whether he will cause immediate inquiries to be made should the Indian Office have no information on the subject?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSAn additional police force of some 216 men has been temporarily employed in Salem, the cost of which will be defrayed from a local cess. This cess is wholly independent of any fine which may have been levied 626 under judicial sentence upon persons convicted of participation in the late riots. The Madras Times of the 14th of March contains a communication from a correspondent, who speaks of a "reign of terror;" but what one man calls a reign of terror, another may consider a wholesome fear of the law. The Government of Madras have only taken such steps as appear to them necessary for the preservation of the peace. A despatch to the Government of Madras goes by to-morrow's mail, directing them to report on the whole subject of the Salem riots.