§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONsaid, he begged to ask whether there would be any objection to lay upon the table of the House copies of any despatches which had been sent in acknowledgment of the loyal addresses, votes of money to the Patriotic Fund, and other modes in which the Colonies and dependencies of the British Crown had assured Her Majesty of their sympathy and zealous co-operation in the war in which this country was now engaged?
§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, it was intended to issue a proclamation on the subject, but that the Government considered it would be premature to do so until the accounts from all the Colonies were received. Every day fresh contributions were coming in from the Colonies; yesterday he had received a despatch from Newfoundland, transmitting 2,000l., and a few 2091 days ago a similar despatch was received from New Brunswick, forwarding a contribution of 1,600l. He was most anxious that it should not be supposed that either the Government or the country were indifferent to these contributions, but he thought it would be better to wait a little, until it was known what all the Colonies had done, before making any public acknowledgment of these contributions.
§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONsaid, he was only anxious to know whether Government contemplated any more formal acknowledgment than had been made in the despatches, in reply to those containing the contributions.
§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, he thought it might be desirable to take that course, but suggested that it would be better to repeat the question when his noble Friend the Chief Secretary for the Colonies was present.