§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether Her Majesty's Government have information confirming the report of the intended arrest of Mr. Cecil Rhodes by the Cape authorities or others; and whether, in view of the great interests involved, and of the serious injury caused to industry, and of the belief entertained in certain quarters that the people of Johannesburg were induced to disarm under a misunderstanding, Her Majesty's government will take steps to put an end to this period of disquiet by urging upon all responsible a general amnesty for recent events in South Africa.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI am informed that there is no truth in the statement as to the action of the Cape authorities. I have no information as to such action by any others. In reply to the second part, I have to say it appears to me that any such representations would be premature and unattended by good results at present.
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great anxiety which prevails and that serious injury is being done to large and important industries?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI cannot answer as to the anxiety of individuals, and, as to the injury to industry, I have already answered that.
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETTAnd the right hon. Gentleman, agrees?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINdeclined to answer.