§ MR. THOMAS BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether the Land Commission appointed by Her Majesty's Government in 1892 to deal with the disputes of the Matabele in regard to their land and cattle has reported; and, if so, has it been approved by the Secretary of State; and, will he lay upon the Table of the House the Report of the Commission.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThe Matabeleland Commission was appointed in 1894, not 1892, and reported in the same year. The report was approved by the Secretary of State. I have already, on the 4th inst., in answer to the hon. Member for West Denbighshire, stated that the Papers will be presented.
§ MR. PHILIP STANHOPE (Burnley)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether, in order to avoid further bloodshed, he will instruct Sir Frederick Carrington to enter into negotiations with the rebels now concentrated in the Matoppo Mountains, in order if possible to effect a peaceful settlement before any further military operations in the nature of reprisals are entered upon?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThe information before me would not justify me in taking the course suggested in this Question, but I will make it my care to see that considerations of humanity are not lost sight of so far as is consistent with the suppression of the rebellion, the punishment of murderers, and the prevention of a recurrence of the present troubles. [Cheers.]