§ * SIR E. ASHMEAD - BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)asked whether the Secretary of State for the Colonies had received any request from Sir F. Carrington for military reinforcements, and if so, whether Her Majesty's Government proposed to send more troops to South Africa?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINUp to the present I have not received any communication of that kind.
§ MR. RADCLIFFE COOKE (Hereford)asked whether the right hon. Gentleman had received any information, in addition to what had appeared in the newspapers, with reference to the defeat of the British forces?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINNo; I do not believe that there has been any defeat of British forces. [Cheers.] The only information I have is in the following telegram:—
Lieutenant-General Goodenough to Mr. Chamberlain. Received 11 p.m., July 26, 1896. July 26.—Following telegram received from Carrington:—(Begins) July 25.—Nicholson engaged enemy to-day in Inugo Gorge; failed to draw them out into open from position in kopjes. Cape boys stormed kopjes. Our casualties seven wounded; British South! Africa Company's Police Troopers W. E. Cheves, W. Bern, R. Heathfield, J. Bell, Corporal J. Porter, and two Capo boys. Nicholson's force expected back here to-night (ends). Christian names will be sent when received.