§ COLONEL MAKINSI wish to put a Question to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, of which I have not given him Notice; and therefore, if he wishes, I will give Notice of it for tomorrow. It is this—What steps are to be taken with respect to the very painful circumstances that are said to have attended the attempt to execute the prisoner John Lee?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI have no objection to answer that Question now. The Under Sheriff of Exeter came up to London this afternoon to see me, and told me the facts of this painful case; and after considering them I thought that it would shock the feelings of everyone if a man had twice to incur the pangs of imminent death. I, therefore, this afternoon signed a respite in his case, to continue during Her Majesty's pleasure.
§ COLONEL MAKINSasked, whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman would not take severe notice of the conduct of the gaol authorities, or of those, whoever they might be, who were responsible for the proper working of the gallows machinery?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTYes; most certainly.