§ SIR W. HARCOURT (Derby)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, having regard to the outrages recently reported upon European residents at Wusueh and other places in China, whether he will state what measures have been taken for the protection of British residents on the Chinese coast; and what is the present situation in that region?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONIn a letter from the British Admiral on the China Station, dated Shanghai, May 23, he stated that he had strengthened the force of British vessels in the River Yangtze Kiang, and that four would be stationed there; in addition, there was a German gunboat at Hankow, and three ships of war in the river. Sir John Walsham reported on the 21st ult. that there were nine foreign men-of-war in the river and also a strong naval force at Shanghai on the day following the outbreak of the riot. The Chinese Government appear to be fully alive to the gravity of the situation, and on the first outbreak at Wuhu telegraphed to the Viceroy to take immediate action. In reply to the representations made to them on the part of Her Majesty's Government, they have given assurances that a rigorous investigation would be made into the circumstances attending these anti-foreign riots, and that none of the guilty parties should go unpunished. Two men have been executed at Wuhu, two condemned to death at Wusueh, and several mandarins degraded. Correspondence on the subject will be laid before Parliament as soon as it can be prepared.