MR. J. W. LOWTHER (Cumberland, Penrith)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will present to Parliament any Papers relating to the late expedition under Colonel Sir Francis Scott against the King of Kumassi and the tribes to the north of the Gold Coast Colony, and showing the decision of the Government in reply to the application of certain tribes for an extension to them of British protection?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. S. BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, PoplarSir Francis Scott's expedition was not "against the King of Kumassi and the tribes to the north of the Gold Coast Colony," but for the protection of tribes within the protectorate against an apprehended attack by the Ashantis. The Colonial forces did not go beyond the Protectorate. Her Majesty's Govern- 794 ment are in communication with the King of Ashanti, through the Government of the Gold Coast Colony, and are awaiting the King's reply, and when this is received the Secretary of State will consider whether it is desirable to lay any Papers.
MR. J. W. LOWTHERThe hon. Gentleman has not answered one part of my question, in reference to the decision of the Government in reply to the application of certain native tribes to be allowed to come within the British Protectorate.
§ MR. S. BUXTONIt is correct that an application has been made by certain tribes, and that it is being carefully considered in connection with the communication received from the King of Ashanti.