§ SIR JAMES ELPHINSTONEasked, Whether it is true that a letter was written to Mr. Baxter Langley, by the direction of the Secretary of State for War, stating that the workmen employed in the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich—the constituents of the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister—would be allowed a holiday on the Day of Thanksgiving for the recovery of the health of the Prince of Wales, while at the same time an application made by the Captain Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard for a similar favour to be granted to the workmen employed there was refused on the ground of expense?
§ MR. CARDWELLreplied that it was true that a letter, such as the hon. and gallant Member referred to, was written to Mr. Baxter Langley; but it was not correct that any pressure had been exercised in urging the request by that gentleman, or anyone else, upon him (Mr. Cardwell) in regard to the matter. The reason why the order for a holiday was issued, was because the Government were of opinion that the 601 artizans in the service of the Crown within the metropolitan district should have an opportunity of sharing in the general thanksgiving.