§ On the Motion for Adjournment,
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)I would ask whether the Government has anything to communicate as to events in China.
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (MR. BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordWe have received two brief telegrams, each confirming the information received from unofficial sources that Tientsin has been relieved. The first comes from the consul at Tientsin, dated 23rd June, viâ Chefoo, 27th June, and is as follows—
British column, under Major Morris, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and Naval Brigade, under Commander Cradock, arrived at noon, 550 men strong; 1,500 Russians are reported to be at Tientsin railway station; 150 Americans and 50 Italians have also arrived.The second telegram left Ta-ku, 25th June, 3 p.m., viâ Chefoo, 27th June, and is from the Rear Admiral—Commander Cradock, commanding British contingent Tientsin relief, reports Tientsin communicated with and reinforced 23rd June. Commander-in-Chief reported ten miles from Tientsin, hampered by sick and wounded, and engaged with enemy.That is the extent of our official information; but the House will recollect that the unofficial telegrams to the same effect, which were correct in other respects, stated that the force had moved north in order to communicate with the Commander-in-Chief.
§ Adjourned at twenty minutes before Six of the clock.