§ MR. W. REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If it is true that Consul Johnston, of Opobo, is coming to England; and, whether it is true that this Consul has recently concluded 1288 Treaties with certain Natives in the interior of Africa without first submitting the terms of the Treaties to the Government at home?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)Mr. Johnston has arrived in England. He has from time to time concluded Treaties in the interest of British commerce with Native Chiefs under a general authority to do so given to Her Majesty's Consul in 1884, and in a prescribed form, which has been laid before Parliament.
§ MR. W. REDMONDgave Notice that on the Civil Service Estimates he should move a reduction in Consul Johnston's salary.