HC Deb 25 July 1864 vol 176 cc2081-2
MR. HENRY SEYMOUR

said, that he rose to move for papers relating to the immigration into Turkey of Circassian exiles. A great amount of suffering had been caused by the proceedings of the Russian authorities in Circassia, owing to the great miseries and suffering entailed upon an immense number of the unfortunate natives of the Caucasus. The course pursued in that quarter seemed to be but a portion of the policy of the Russian Government towards rebellious or resistant races. In Poland the same course had been pursued, and the Poles had been forbidden to hold any land in Lithuania. The object of Russia appeared to be to get rid of every people opposed to her rule, and to replace them with the pure Russian race. In short, everything pointed to a revival of that policy, which rendered her an object of so much alarm some time since. He would also remind the House that England had a great interest in the subject, besides the general one of humanity, as Russia was employing her resources in extending her power eastward.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, that She will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid before this House, Copy of further Papers showing what steps are being taken by the Turkish Government relating to the Immigration of Circassians into Turkey."—(Mr. Henry Seymour.)

MR. KINNAIRD

said, he was glad that the subject had been brought before the House, as a great and lasting feeling existed against the proceedings of the Russian Government, by the course it had pursued with regard to the gallant race of the Caucasus.

MR. LAYARD

said, he quite agreed in the opinion which had been expressed of the great crime which had been committed by Russia. The Turkish Government had behaved with great humanity. The Sultan had subscribed £50,000 from his own privy purse for the relief of the poor refugees. There was some difference as to their numbers, one account describing them at 100,000, another at 300,000. The probability was they numbered about one-half. The Russian Government had done nothing beyond placing at their disposal three or four vessels. The British Government had given every assistance in their power, by furnishing transports, and sending a largo amount of biscuits, With regard to papers, he had none that he could produce at present.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

House adjourned at half after One o'clock.