HC Deb 28 April 1876 vol 228 cc1834-5
MR. THORNHILL

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he has any further news to communicate to the House respecting the state of affairs in Barbadoes?

MR. J. LOWTHER

I will first read, with the permission of the House, a telegram received from the War Office from the officer commanding the troops at Barbadoes. It is a telegram from Colonel Sargent, commanding the troops at Barbadoes, to the Secretary of State for War, and was received on the 26th of April— The Governor has shown me telegrams from and to Lord Carnarvon. I agree with him that the Black troops coming in the 'Argus' will be sufficient to relieve those requiring rest. The detachment from Demerara will only be detained here for a short time. I am happy to say I have had no necessity for calling on any of the troops to fire to the present time. This telegram, it will be observed, is of even date with that alluded to in the House yesterday by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bradford. The next telegram is from Lord Carnarvon to the Governor of Barbadoes, which was despatched yesterday in consequence of the receipt of the private telegram I have just referred to. It is a telegram from Lord Carnarvon to Governor Hennessy, dated April 27— Private telegram reports 500 prisoners taken and 40 persons killed and wounded. Telegraph exact number of prisoners and of killed and wounded separately, and since what day disturbances have ceased; also whether you have any apprehension of renewed outbreaks. Answer immediately. I will now read Governor Hennessy's reply, which only reached the Colonial Office within the last half-hour, as I was on my way down to the House. It is a telegram from Governor Hennessy to Lord Carnarvon, dated April 28— Disturbances ceased since Saturday. Number of prisoners taken actually plundering, 90; afterwards, on suspicion of rioting and having received stolen goods, 320; killed, 1; died of wounds, 2;wounded, 16. Police fired twice. No sugar works injured. I have no apprehension of renewed outbreaks. My only anxiety is from gentlemen threatening extreme measures. I will only add that, on a full consideration of all the various telegrams, official and private, Her Majesty's Government see no cause for anxiety respecting the maintenance of order from the present time.