§ COLONEL SYKESsaid he wished to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government proposes to re- 1053 commend the acceptance of the offer of the Sovereignty of the Feejee Islands; and, if so, at what additional cost to the Imperial Exchequer above the present outlay of above £4,000,000 per annum for colonial purposes?
§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLsaid, the acceptance of the Sovereignty of the Feejee Islands had been very much impressed on the Government, both by persons who took an interest in the growth of cotton, and also by persons interested in Missionary labours in those islands. The matter, however, was under the consideration of the Government.
§ MR. BRIGHTsaid, he hoped the noble Lord would allow this matter to come under the consideration of the House before any final steps were taken with respect to it. He (Mr. Bright) was himself a little interested in the growth of cotton; but he protested against being supposed on that account to ask for the acceptance by this country of the Sovereignty of the Feejee Islands.