§ MR. P. A. TAYLORasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether it is true, as stated in "The Times," that 4,000 people received corporal punishment for private offences in Mysore in the year 1877–8.
§ MR. E. STANHOPEYes, Sir, it is true that, during the year 1877–8, whipping was inflicted in more than 4,000 cases, in lieu of other punishments in Mysore. It must be remembered that, in consequence of the terrible Famine and distress, there was in that year an enormous increase of crime. The gaols were full to overflowing, and ordinary punishments were impossible. I may add that two years before whipping was only inflicted in 216 cases. I hope a return to better times will facilitate a return to ordinary punishments.