§ SIR GEORGE BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale) (for Sir RICHARD TEMPLE) (Worcester, Evesham)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he can state the latest result of the communications between the British Representatives and the Chinese Authorities on the Yangtsze Kiang regarding the upward passage of the British steamer now lying near the rapids of that River?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)The latest information received on this subject from Her Majesty's Minister in China is dated the 19th instant, to the effect that in the early part of last month the Yâmen had caused a Proclamation to be issued by the Authorities at Tchang, warning the public that a steamer would start on the journey to Ching King, on the Upper Yangtsze River; that the steamer had a right to do so; that native interests would not suffer thereby; and that any attempt at interference would be severely punished.