§ COLONEL SYKESsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether, as the military defence of the Tartar city of Shanghai has been ordered by Her Majesty's Government, and joint expeditions of French, English, and Tartars appear to have recently taken place against the Taepings, provision has been made to prevent the Tartar Civil Governor (Toutai) of Shanghai from executing prisoners taken in conflict with the Taepings. The hon. Member read extracts from journals and letters from China, and urged the necessity of interference to prevent the cruelties practised on Taeping prisoners by the Imperial forces, as described in these communications.
§ MR. LAYARDsaid, he would not at that hour go into a discussion of the policy of her Majesty's Government in reference to China, but would merely observe that 1187 his hon. and gallant Friend's information was not strictly correct. He held in his hand a later impression of the Chinese paper in which the statement to which the hon. and gallant Member referred was made, and it contained a paragraph, expressing regret that the statement had been made, and explaining that the publishers of the paper had been misinformed. An inquiry had taken place, and it appeared that the persons captured were not rebels, but pirates and marauders. The hon. and gallant Member might rest assured that as long as French and English officers were employed they would not allow any cruelties to be inflicted. Her Majesty's Government sent out instructions that in the event of any prisoners falling into the hands of the troops no act of inhumanity should be committed. As to the operations at Shanghai, they were purely defensive measures.
§ MR. WHITEsaid, he believed that Government was drifting in another China war. What it had done had provoked the hostility of a powerful party in China, and would not prevent the calamities of the rebellion. He did not participate in the gallant Member's feelings of affection for the Taepings; but they certainly cherished a most profound respect for British power, and, in the instance of a near relative of his, had allowed a British subject to leave their lines in perfect security. They respected British property, and allowed trade to be carried on with facility. He thought that the joint occupation by the English and French forces was detrimental to British interests. The object of England was trade, while that of France was the propagation of the Roman Catholic religion. He would suggest that they should declare Shanghai a free port, and leave the Imperialists and the rebels to collect dues on exports and imports passing into or from their lines respectively. The object was one of great importance, and must on an early day be more fully discussed.
§ LORD HOTHAMsaid, he wished to appeal to the Government not to proceed with the Merchant Shipping Bill at that hour (twelve o'clock). The first order was Supply; and if it were too late to proceed in Committee, they ought not to take other business. It was unusual, unreasonable, and in his humble opinion improper, to enter upon fresh matter not in order upon the Votes.
§ MR. MILNER GIBSONsaid, that if 1188 they went into Committee on the Merchant Shipping Bill, it would be merely pro formâ. He should not propose to go on with any clause which was disputed.
§ Question put, and agreed to.