§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he can give the House any further information with regard to the telegram which arrived at Cape Town from the interior on July 13th, and which he read to the House last Monday; and especially in confirmation or otherwise of the success of the Bechuana Chiefs to regain possession of the farms of which they have been despoiled by freebooters?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYSir, before answering the right hon. Gentleman, I would ask leave to correct his Question in this respect, that the despatch I road to the House did not point to any success of the Bechuanas to regain possession of their farms, but to preparation for an attempt to do so. However, we have inquired by telegraph of the Acting Governor at the Cape, whether there was any confirmation of the report that Mankoroane had gathered together 2,000 men for an attack on the freebooters, and the reply is that he has no confirmation. But, perhaps, in justice to myself, or rather in justice to the argument which I used in debate, the House will allow me to draw their attention to pages 96 and 98 of the last Transvaal Blue Book — [Mr. W. E. FORSTER: I quoted them myself.]—in which will be found that Mr. Bethell, the Resident with Montsioa, whom the right hon. Gentleman has quoted more 2093 than once in this House, as worthy of trust, makes the following statement:—"Montsioa has arranged confederation of Chiefs in West and South-West; that a Native outbreak would occur in July; that the freebooters were quarrelling among themselves; and that the 12 confederate Chiefs intended in a month to drive out the freebooters from Stella-land." That statement, I think, is corroborated by this message. Whether it turns out true or not, there we have Mr. Bethell, who represent sone of the Chiefs, and whom my right hon. Friend has quoted, making a statement to this effect; and, therefore, in quoting Mr. Bethell, I have quoted what I think is reasonable confirmation.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked, whether it was the case that Mr. Bethel, on account of the Chief he represented, complained that he could not get ammunition?
MR. GORSTasked, whether Mr. Bethell's observation, quoted from the Blue Book, did not refer exclusively to Montsoia, and not to Mankoroane?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEY, in reply, said, certainly not. On page 96 of the Blue Book the hon. and learned Member would find that Mr. Bethel said that 12 Chiefs had confederated to drive out the freebooters from Montsoia's territory and Stellaland. It was quite true, as his right hon. Friend said, that Mr. Bethel had complained of not being able to get ammunition.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked, if the telegram would be circulated?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYYes; it was already in the hands of the printer.