§ SIR W. EVANS-GORDONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to certain passages occurring in two papers published in London, on 8th and 15th June, in which it is stated that the perpetrator of the recent outrage in Madrid was no criminal, but sacrificed his life in the interests of humanity, and in which regret is expressed that the object of the outrage, namely, the death of the King and Queen of Spain, had not been attained; and whether he proposes to take any steps against the persons responsible for these publications.
§ * MR. GLADSTONEI have seen translations of the passages referred to. The sentiments expressed are highly objectionable, but, as I am advised, it would not be expedient to take proceedings.
§ SIR W. EVANS-GORDONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman in what respect this case differs from that of a man named Most, who in 1882 was convicted of approving the murder of the Tsar of Russia, and was sentenced to a long term of imprisonment, and whose, press was broken up?
§ * MR. GLADSTONEThe case is a different one, but it is quite obvious that I am unable to state the difference across the floor of the House.
§ SIR W. EVANS-GORDONMay I ask in what respect the cases are different?
§ [No Answer was returned.]