§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEI wish to ask my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the Government can give to the House any information as to what has taken place or may be taking place in the way of negotiation between the Boers and Sir Evelyn Wood? There are reports on this subject which I think require explanation or confirmation.
MR. GLADSTONEI quite agree that the Question put by my right hon. Friend is extremely seasonable. The report which has appeared in some of the newspapers that an arrangement has been made with the Boers is premature. Communications with a view to 1251 such an arrangement are proceeding between Sir Evelyn Wood and the leaders of the Boers. I do not think, however, that it is for me at the present moment, in the interest of the Public Service, to express an opinion as to the probable issue of such communications.