§ MR. RICHARDasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is correct, as stated in the papers, that the 2,000 ounces of gold dust imposed as a fine on the King of Ashantee have arrived in this country; whether, as also alleged, the celebrated Gold Axe of Ashantee, an article held in great reverence by the King and people of that country as "an emblem of high sovereignty," and forming no part of the exacted indemnity, has, by the repeated importunities of a trading captain, Captain Barrow, been delivered up and brought to England as a present to the Queen; and, whether Captain Barrow was invested with any official authority to treat with the King of Ashantee for the surrender of this article?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKE, in reply, said, that 1,200 ounces of gold dust had been received out of 2,000, and that bonds had been taken for the remainder in six months. Papers to be laid before Parliament would show the circumstances in which the King of Ashantee had decided to send the Gold Axe. The King stated that he surrendered it on the understanding that it would be sent to England to the Queen. Captain Barrow was not in the Merchant Service, but was a distinguished military 240 officer who had acted as Political Secretary, and had been sent on various missions in the interior.
§ MR. HEALYasked whether the British Government claimed the right to exact tribute from every unhappy African King?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKENo, Sir.
§ MR. RICHARDasked whether Captain Barrow had any authority to treat with the King of Ashantee for the surrender of the Axe?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKECaptain Barrow was authorized to treat with the King of Ashantee, but not to demand the surrender of the axe.