§ MR. J. K. CROSSasked whether it was true, as stated in the newspapers of to-day, on the authority of The Republique Française, that England had admitted, without contest, the principle of specific duties, and demanded the renewal of the negotiations?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, the statement that has appeared in several newspapers seems to suppose that there has been some communication on the subject since the French Commissioners left this country. That is not the case; but we are expecting a communication from the French Government which was foreshadowed by the Commissioners. Nothing has taken place since they left England.