§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether 683 orders have been given to Admiral Sir William Hewett, now commanding Suakim, to attempt the relief of the starving garrison of Sinkat? The hon. Member also asked, whether Her Majesty's Government had received any confirmation of the rumoured massacre of the garrison of Sinkat, which had been so long neglected by them?
MR. GLADSTONEI do not think that any public end would be gained by my taking any notice of the statement which the hon. Member has interpolated into his Question, that the garrison has been long neglected by Her Majesty's Government, nor do I think it a fair and equitable method of proceeding that such statements should be insinuated into Questions. There is no doubt it is unhappily the fact that the garrison of Sinkat has been "cut off," or, as another telegram expresses it, "cut to pieces." When I have an opportunity afforded me of addressing the House I shall state fully the instructions which have been given to Sir William Hewett, and shall also state fully all the difficult circumstances having reference to the business.