§ MR. J. A. WILLOX (Liverpool Everton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that rioting, with loss of life, has 608 occurred in the Island of St. Kitts; that extensive sugar-cane plantations have been deliberately destroyed by incendiary fires; and that the industry of the island is paralysed by the disturbances; whether the Administrator of the island has expressed sympathy with the rioters; and, what steps are being taken to restore order in the island and give insurance of safety to life and property?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI received from the Governor on February 19th a telegram reporting that serious riots had broken out in St. Kitts, that houses had been set on fire and looted, and that two of the rioters had been shot, and that Her Majesty's ship Cordelia was at St. Kitts. On February 21st and 25th the Governor sent further telegrams reporting that the state of affairs was quieting, and I was informed by the Admiralty on February 21st that the officer in command of the Cordelia had telegraphed that the riot had been suppressed. There has been no time for the Governor to send by Dispatch the full information which I shall receive by next mail. The presence of one of Her Majesty's ships will, doubtless, prevent any recurrence of disorder.