MR. MAC NEILLI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. James Smith of Stanley, Falkland Islands, who forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies two memorials, dated respectively the 1st May and 7th May, 1889, making grave and specific charges against Mr. Ker, the Governor of those islands, has had any opportunity of seeing the explanation forwarded by Mr. Ker to the Colonial Office in reference to those charges; has the Secretary of State for the Colonies been satisfied with an ex parte statement of the Governor in answer to charges which Mr. Smith has expressed himself ready and willing to prove, and for which, on behalf of the colonists, he demands a searching public investigation; and will the Secretary of State for the Colonies have any objection to lay upon the Table of the House Mr. Smith's memorials and the answer of the Governor thereto, which have been forwarded to the Colonial Offices?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSMr. James Smith has not seen the explanation sent by the Governor in reference to his charges. The Secretary of State is satisfied with the Governor's statement in answer to the charges which appear to have been made on imperfect information. Mr. Smith has asked for an inquiry, but has not expressed himself ready and willing to prove his allegations. There is nothing to show that he represents the views or wishes of any other colonist, and he has on previous occasions shown personal hostility to the Governor. The Governor is expected to come to England shortly on leave, when he will be able to give any further information that may be required with reference to these personal attacks upon him. Pending his arrival the Secretary of State must decline to present any papers, nor can he promise that he will do so.
MR. MAC NEILLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Smith, in making these charges, was backed up by the public opinion of the country expressed at public meetings?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSNo, Sir; I am not aware of that.