§ COLONEL RUSSELL (Cheltenham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether four British subjects, the alleged leaders of the Rand at Johannesburg, were arrested more than ten weeks since on charges which have not been formulated, no preliminary investigation having as yet been held; whether these gentlemen have recently been again consigned to close confinement, even ordinary exercise being prohibited; and, whether he will make representations so that they may be brought speedily to trial, and that, until found guilty and condemned, the rigour of their imprisonment may be relaxed?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI understand that the preliminary investigation has been completed, and that the State Attorney is considering whom he will decide to commit for trial. I learn by a telegram dated the 24th inst. that the conditions of imprisonment substantially remain as stated by me on the 5th inst. I am making representations on the subject of the prisoners being granted bail pending the trial.