SIR E. ASHMEAD-BAKTLETTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a force has been sent in relief of Captain Wilson; and whether he has any information as to the position of Captain Wilson and the 35 men with him?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. S. BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, PoplarSir H. Loch telegraphed last night that nothing had then been heard of Captain Wilson, but that a patrol and native spies had been sent out to obtain information.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTThe hon. Gentleman has not answered the first part of my question.
§ MR. S. BUXTONI said the patrol had been sent out.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTAre we to understand the patrol will be capable of carrying relief, or is it merely a scouting party?
§ MR. S. BUXTONI cannot state the exact nature of the patrol, but we are sure that Colonel Goold-Adams and Dr. Jameson are doing all they can to send relief.
§ MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)May I ask whether, inasmuch as the Government are assuming the responsibility of this war, they will not give directions to their officers to send a proper party of relief?
§ MR. S. BUXTONThe Government do not intend to give any such instructions, because they are confident that Colonel Goold-Adams and Dr. Jameson will do all in their power to relieve Captain Wilson's party.