COLONEL DAWNAYsaid, he was desirous of making a short personal explanation. In putting a Question, on Monday week, as to an assault alleged to have been committed by a Native servant of the Gaekwar of Baroda on an English gentleman, he (Colonel Dawnay) inadvertently cast an imputation on the Viceroy. Such an imputation was never intended on his part; and, in reference to the Gaekwar, he was glad to be able to state, from communications he had received through the courtesy of the hon. Gentleman the Under Secretary of State for India (Mr. J. K. Cross), he had satisfied himself that this Question should have referred to another Native Prince, and not to the Gaekwar of Baroda, who, he was sure, was utterly incapable of acting in the manner alleged. He wished also to add that he did not believe Lord Ripon had taken any action in reference to the affair of the kind attributed to him—that of hushing the matter up.
§ MR. J. K. CROSSSir, I am glad that the hon. and gallant Member for Thirsk has put the matter right by withdrawing and apologizing for the statement contained in his Question. It is unnecessary for me to say a word on behalf of Lord Ripon; but he wishes me to say that the Gaekwar is quite incapable of committing such an act as that 385 attributed to him. The Gaekwar is an accomplished Gentleman, a Prince of the highest reputation, and he will feel keenly and resent deeply the charge made against him. I am very much obliged to the hon. and gallant Gentleman for what he has said, and am glad that it is withdrawn.