§ MR. WATKINsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, At what time the noble Duke the Chief Secretary for the Colonies received an official letter fully addressed to his Grace by Mr. George Wall, the President of the Planters' Association of Ceylon, find dated Colombo, March 5, 1868, which letter was entrusted by Mr. Wall to the hands of the Governor of Ceylon, Sir Hercules Robinson, to forward, in accordance with the usual etiquette; if he is aware of the fact that such letter so entrusted to the hands of the Governor was tampered with, and was published in a local paper called the Ceylon Herald before it could have come to the hands of the Chief Secretary, and without the knowledge or consent of the writer, or of the Chief Secretary; and, what course is intended to be taken in reference so such a proceeding?
§ MR. ADDERLEY, in reply, said, the noble Duke the Colonial Secretary received Mr. Wall's letter dated Colombo, March 5, in a Despatch, dated March 21, on April 27, and a further letter from Mr. Wail, dated April 17, complaining of the first having been published in a local newspaper. On inquiry it appeared that this publication was without the authority, consent, or even knowledge of the Governor, but much to his annoyance, as unfair to himself. But the substance of the letter, and of one of the League Committee of the same date, was sent by Mr. Wall himself to a local newspaper before even the transmission of the documents from the island. The Governor, however, had been requested to ascertain, if possible, whether the letter appearing in a local newspaper supporting the Government had been effected by any Government officer or by any breach of official duty. An answer had not yet been received.