§ MR. PERCY THORNTON (Clapham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether similar compensation for the loss of property will be allowed to the officers and crew wrecked in the Royal Indian marine ship Warren Hastings as that granted to the troops who were on board when the catastrophe occurred?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON,) Middlesex, EalingCompensation is admissible for loss of property by shipwreck, and will be allowed to the officers and men of the Royal Indian marine ship Warren Hastings. [Cheers.]
§ MR. THORNTONWhereas those most active in saving life suffered the most in loss of property, not having time to attend to such matters, I desire to ask a question regarding a concrete case which I can vouch for, and I believe not to be isolated. Will the hon. Gentleman give consideration to the case of Lieutenant Walter Windham, who was the first man to take a rope over the bow and reach the land, afterwards saving five lives from drowning, and being recommended for the Humane Society's medal by Commander Holland? He has lost all his property which was on the ship.
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONNo doubt the exceptional conduct of Lieutenant Windham will be considered, but I do not think it would entitle him to special compensation for the loss of his property.
§ *MR. THORNTONThese men have lost everything they had.