§ MR. R. N. FOWLER (LORD MAYOR)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received any information concerning the statement which appeared in the "Daily News"of February 4th, as to certain cruelties alleged to have been inflicted on his Native prisoners by Paul Vister, a Hottentot Chief residing in the country north of the Orange River; and, whether, if that statement is officially confirmed, Her Majesty's Acting High Commissioner at Cape Town will be instructed to take such steps as may be practicable to prevent a repetition of such enormities?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEY,in reply, said, that no news whatever had been received at the Colonial Office with reference to this matter, and they did not even recognize the name "Paul Vister," described in the Question as a Hottentot Chief. If they heard anything about the matter, he would inform the right hon. Gentleman. As to the second part of the Question, he had to point out that they did not claim any jurisdiction whatever, or power of interference, in the territory referred to.