MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire W.)I beg to ask the Secretar of State for the Colonies, whether he can give the House any further information with reference to the extension of the revolt in Matabeleland and the movements of the Chartered Company's troops?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINAll the important information I receive is at once given by me to the Press, and I have nothing further to communicate, except what is contained in a telegram which has been received since those published in the morning. It is a telegram received from Sir F. Carrington addressed to Lieutenant General Goodenough at the Cape, and is to the following effect:—
Regret to inform you that Lieutenant Bremner, 20th Hussars, reported killed by Mashonas at Marandellas, 60 miles south of Salisbury. Turner's patrol to Beatrice mine suprised rebels and destroyed Oloki's kraal, but met severe opposition during retirement, abandoned wagon, lost two natives killed, four whites wounded, six horses killed, nine wounded; rebels fought exceptionally well. Request your sanction 200 additional Imperial troops being ordered to Macloutsie from Mafeking; Lord Grey concurs.This was the telegram from Sir F. Carrington, and Lieutenant-General Good-enough goes on to say:—I have sanctioned movement of troops. Bremner was on leave from 20th Hussars, and had applied for Carrington's permission to serve Regret loss of promising officer. Inform Secretary of State for War.
§ MR. W. REDMOND (Clare, E.)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can explain why it is that these people are called rebels when they are only fighting to protect their own country?
§ SIR ARTHUR FORWOOD (Lancashire, Ormskirk)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the serious character of the disturbances in British South Africa, and the large number of settlers who have been murdered by the natives, Her Majesty's Government intend to increase the number of Imperial troops in the district, with a view to bring to as speedy a termination as possible the present state of affairs, and not to continue to rely upon the Chartered Company's forces or volunteer efforts?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI am already in communication with the Acting High Commissioner, who has been requested to consult Sir F. Carrington.