§ MR. J. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)I beg-to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty could despatch one of Her Majesty's ships to search for, or join in a search for, the British steamer State of Georgia, of Aberdeen, which is now about 20 days over due at Nova Scotia, to which she was bound, and which has, in the opinion of competent seafaring men, probably been caught in the ice fields in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean, whence she might still be rescued were help promptly sent?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYThe whole of the squadron on the North American station is now-cruising in the West Indies, more than 2,000 miles distant from the supposed position of the State of Georgia. With the best possible disposition to render aid in such circumstances, it is clear that timely rescue by them would be impossible. Halifax, on the other hand, is only distant from 500 to 600 miles, and though it is not perhaps for me to make the suggestion, it would seem that the 690 readiest manner of ascertaining the facts as regards the unfortunate vessel, rendering help if not too late, is for a steamer to be chartered at Halifax to undertake the search.