§ DR. TANNER (Cork County, Mid)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether further attention will be paid to the case of Mr. J. J. Michau, who was arrested at Modder 393 River by the English on 28th November, having previously boon captured by the Republican forces; if he was sent down to Gape Town, returned to De Aar, confined there in the common gaol, and finally released and told there was nothing against him; and whether, on his return from his capture by the Republicans, he found his house taken by English soldiers.
§ * MR. WYNDHAMWe have no information on this case. The Secretary of State for War has every confidence that martial law is being administered in South Africa with the least possible inconvenience to the inhabitants.
§ DR. TANNERMay I ask the hon. Gentleman why it was that this gentleman was sent down from Cape Town to be tried under the ordinary law, and then returned to this district released?
§ * MR. WYNDHAMI must ask the hon. Member to accept the reply I have given. We have no record at present of the proceedings. The application of martial law must always involve questions of principle, and, in the case of South Africa, it embraces a vast number of material facts which it is impossible to debate in this House.
§ DR. TANNERWhy was it that this gentleman was arrested and subsequently, on investigation, released?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The hon. Gentleman has already declined to give any further answer.
§ DR. TANNERI will raise the question again.