HC Deb 08 March 1872 vol 209 cc1643-6
SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

I wish to say one or two words in explanation of the Question of which I have given Notice. At the close of the Abyssinian campaign, when Magdala had been taken and King Theodore killed, the Queen and her infant child fell into the hands of the British troops. The Queen shortly afterwards died. Before her death she asked Captain Speedy to take charge of the boy, and he accordingly brought him to England, Lord Napier of Magdala confirming the arrangement. The question then arose, who should be entrusted with the child, and how he should be educated? The idea conceived was that it would be undesirable to bring him up with any notion of Princely life, and that he should be treated as far as possible as a private person. He was, therefore, committed to Captain Speedy, who was much attached to him. Captain Speedy had an appointment in India, and the boy went with him. I understand that quite recently the boy has been taken from Captain Speedy and brought to England. I wish, therefore, to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether Prince Alamayon of Abyssinia has been withdrawn from the care of Captain Speedy; and, if so, for what reason; what arrangement has been made for his future care and education; and, whether he will have any objection to produce any Correspondence that may have passed on the subject?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, the right hon. Gentleman's statement is, I believe, perfectly correct, and I have only to take it up where he puts it down and finish the story. Captain Speedy has employment under the Government of India. He was transferred during last year from Oude to Penang, where, I think, he is police magistrate. It appeared to the Government that they stood in loco parentis to the child, and were bound to provide for his education as well as the peculiar circumstances permitted. They came to the conclusion that India was a bad locality for educating him, and that it was not creditable to the Government that his movements and residence should depend upon those of a gentleman in the service of the Indian Government who is ordered about as suits their purpose. They thought that, without blame to anyone, he would not receive a very good education in India, and that there were obvious disadvantages in the education of a boy there. It was therefore determined that he should come to England, and Captain Speedy took care of him on the voyage. Captain Speedy is naturally unwilling to give up his appointment at Penang, unless appointed elsewhere. Our first thought was that the boy should be sent to a school in England, in order, not only that he might have good teaching, but, what is better still, the society of boys of the same age. He is an exceedingly bright, tractable child, and promises extremely well. Sir William Jenner and Dr. Quain were consulted, and they advised that it would be inexpedient to send him to an English school, as he might meet with rough usage, and his health might be injured. He is now 11 years old, and that opinion was of less consequence, inasmuch as he has no elementary knowledge; so that he would not be fit even for the humblest school, such as gentlemen's children attend. He is of promising ability, but I believe he cannot really read or write; at least, we were not allowed to see specimens of his performances. Under these embarrassing circumstances we resolved to send him to the head master of one of the best schools in the kingdom, Cheltenham School, which contains two departments, one scientific and the other classical; not, however, to the school, but to live with this gentleman's family, and to receive the instruction he so much needs. The head master is to report from time to time—I hope to receive a report in a month or so—as to his progress and what can be done with him. We hope that when he has made up some ground and when we understand him better we may hit on some scheme, so that in a school or some other way he may get a good English education. I am anxious he should have a good practical education, not only for his own sake and because we are under a sacred duty towards him, and not only because Her Majesty takes the deepest interest in him, but because the day may come—no body can foresee what may happen—when his personal character and acquirements may be of the greatest consequence as a means of civilizing one of the most backward and miserable parts of the world. I cannot produce the whole Correspondence, but quite sufficient to explain fully why he has been withdrawn from Captain Speedy, without in any way casting blame on that gentleman.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Captain Speedy accepted the appointment at Penang, in exchange for Oude at a lower salary, for the sake of the health of his charge?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

I am not aware of that. If such was the case it would make no difference.