§ MR. OCTAVIUS V. MORGAN (Battersea)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, what steps were taken to prevent the recent riot, which took place at Moree, near Cape Coast, and which resulted in the loss of over twenty lives?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR the COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS,) Liverpool, East ToxtethOn hearing from the Chief of Moree that a disturbance was apprehended 1444 between two of the companies of the town, the District Commissioner of Cape Coast issued 20 summonses, and bound over the people summoned to keep the peace. He ordered them to cease from building a post on which to exhibit a flag, which was the cause of dissension, and, after sending for them and warning them several times, he got them to agree, on the 7th of February, that the whole matter should be decided by him as District Commissioner in Court, with certain of the leading natives of Cape Coast to assist him. On the same evening, however, they began to fight; and before a sufficient force of police could be collected to cope with the rioters, the town had been burnt and 35 persons killed. As soon as the news reached the headquarters of the Government, prompt measures were taken to despatch a force of police; no further disturbance has occurred, and 62 persons have been arrested and committed for trial, on charges of murder, riot, and arson. The action of the District Commissioner is being inquired into, and no opinion respecting it can be expressed at present.