§ MR. ANDERSONasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, What steps Government is taking to maintain the neutrality of this Country in the South American War; and if he is aware that munitions of war are arriving from New York at Glasgow for reshipment to Valparaiso for the use of the Belligerents?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, I understand that the Law Officers of the Crown are now considering the propriety of advising Her Majesty to issue a Proclamation of Neutrality. With regard to the second part of the Question, I had no information up to one moment ago as to the circumstance of Glasgow. I had caused inquiry to be made, and while the Question was being put, I had this communication put in my hands—
293 cases of ball cartridge marked A and B, and addressed to certain persons at Valparaiso, were landed from the steamer Kate, of Indiana, from New York, and were yesterday forwarded to Liverpool by the steamer Sardonyx.
§ MR. ANDERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to intercept these cartridges, or do something at Liverpool to prevent their going on to the belligerents?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI do not know whether we have the power to do so.