§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the honourable Member for Eye, Whether, since the Prime Minister has promised to take measures to obtain a full and true account of the state of things in Bulgaria, he proposes to proceed with a Motion calling attention to the condition of the surviving Mahommedan population which still stands in his name?
§ MR. ASHMEAD BARTLETTSir, with the indulgence of the House, I will very briefly state why I considered it my duty to proceed with the Motion which stands in my name on the Paper. I cannot consider the reply of the Prime Minister as satisfactory. When—["Order!"]
§ MR. SPEAKERI beg to point out to the hon. Member, that it will be irregular to anticipate the discussion of his Motion by any statement of reasons.
§ MR. ASHMEAD BARTLETTSir, I had no intention to proceed with the discussion, but merely endeavoured to reply to that portion of the Question which assumes that the Prime Minister has promised to take measures to obtain full information, &c, I thought I was in 1339 Order in endeavouring to reply; but, if not, I have simply to state to the hon. Member that I do not intend to proceed with my Motion.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLIn consequence of that Answer, I beg to give Notice that, on the day when the hon. Member proceeds with his Motion, I shall call attention to the excessively one-sided character of the Blue Book on Eastern Roumelia recently presented, and produce the evidence of myself and others that, notwithstanding the enormous difficulties of the case, the general condition of the Mahommedan population in the Roumelian Provinces is in the main, as far as can be ascertained, as tolerable as could be expected.