§ MR. PICTON (Leicester)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a reply to the inquiries he promised to make as to the number of Matabele wounded; and if he will state what the reply is?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. S. BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, PoplarA few days ago we telegraphed to Sir H. Loch asking him whether the information in his possession confirmed the statement of the Company in reference to the treatment of the wounded. He has now replied as follows:—
I had seen telegram from White and Gifford. I had a long interview yesterday with Paget, who has been with the Company's forces throughout all operations. He assures me every care was taken of any Matabele wounded. The Mashonas were afraid to go beyond protection of white men, and therefore they also could not have been guilty of ill-treating any-wounded Matabele. Paget went home by mail steamer yesterday.He adds, in reference to the number of wounded treated in the hospitals, that, as telegraphic communication does not extend beyond Palapye, it will take 10 days or a fortnight to obtain the information required.
§ MR. LABOUCHERECan the hon. Gentleman tell us who Paget is?
§ MR. S. BUXTONMr. Gerald Paget is the son of the late General Lord Alfred Paget, and brother of Colonel Arthur Paget. I hope that his connection with the aristocracy will not tend to weaken his testimony in the opinion of the hon. Member.