§ SIR G. CAMPBELLI beg to ask the representative of the India Office whether he can give the House any further information with regard to the disaster at Manipur? Are we to understand that the Sepoys have reached their destination in safety as well as the British force?
§ *THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir J. FERGUSSON,) Manchester, N.E.Thinking it probable that a question might be asked I inquired at, the India Office, and was informed that all the information possessed by the Secretary of State on this subject had been forwarded to the newspapers, consequently I am not able to add anything. If, however, the House wishes to know anything as to the cause of the affair I can give it, but only in a brief form.
§ SIR G. CAMPBELLThen I will ask the right hon. Gentleman to state all the information he is prepared to give.
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONI may say, very shortly, that the affair at Manipur was caused entirely by domestic differences between the Maharajah and his brother, and the former, being alarmed for his safety, took refuge in the Residency. He subsequently abdicated, and retired from the territory of the State, leaving affairs in a condition in which they could not be allowed by the Government of India to allow them to remain. Accordingly, the Commissioner of Assam went up to take the necessary measures, and met with resistance from the brother of the Maharajah, who was the commander of the troops, which led to a deplorable reverse and loss of life. Of course, active measures have been taken to restore order and to place the Government of the State on a secure footing. A Despatch from the Government of India has been received on the subject, and will shortly be laid on the Table.