MR. GLADSTONEI may perhaps be allowed to refer to the question of the intelligence received from Sir Peter Lumsden. I was obliged to inform the House yesterday that it was in my power to communicate very little in addition to what I had previously stated; but I signified to the House that important instructions had been addressed to Sir Peter Lumsden on the 10th of April, to which we had not then received a reply, but to which we were in constant daily expectation of receiving one, so far as one can use those words with regard to a country with which communication is somewhat variable. That reply has been received to-day. It contained what I may call a full and detailed account of what Sir Peter Lumsden considers to be the main points of the case connected with the painful incident of the attack near Penjdeh. And it will serve to show how seriously Sir Peter Lumsden has been at issue with General Komaroff on important points connected with that attack. It would not be in my power—it is a long telegram, entering into details with particulars for which we had specifically asked—it would not be in my power to state its effect in a few words. But we will lay it on the Table, as it is a document which is, I think complete in itself, and gives important and valuable information to the House. In fact, it has been laid on the Table, and it will be circulated generally tomorrow morning, and copies of it will, I believe, be accessible to hon. Members in the Vote Office at an early hour this evening.
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSIs it proposed also to lay on the Table the telegram that was received on Friday night from Sir Peter Lumsden?
MR. GLADSTONENo, Sir. Any question with regard to that telegram would embrace also the previous series of telegrams, and with regard to these I am very doubtful whether they would add anything to the information contained in the telegram received to-day. I do not refuse to review it if it is desired for the purpose of examining exactly how that matter stands; but the series contain a good deal of hearsay, a good deal of here-and-there expressions of opinion, and do not present a narrative of what took place. I think that when hon. Gentlemen have seen and considered the telegram received to-day, they will be able to say whether it is desirable to press us to examine the old telegrams in order to see what portions should be laid on the Table.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEThen none but this particular telegram will be presented; none of the other communications will be produced?