§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any report has been received from Lord Selborne of his inspection of coolies in the Chinese compounds on the 27th instant; whether his attention has been called to the fact that representatives of the coolies declared that they were fairly treated and comfortable, and earned more than they could earn in China; that they did not want to go home, and if compelled to do so against their will would demand three years wages; and what further inducements do the Government intend to offer to the Chinese to break their contracts and return to their own land.
§ MR. CHURCHILLLord Selborne has made a report of his inspection of the coolies in their compounds on May 27th, and the account which my hon. friend reproduces is generally correct.
§ MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)Do the coolies who declared that they could earn more than they did in China include "the ruined gamblers and thorough scoundrels" alluded to by Lord Selborne in his recent dispatch?
§ [No Answer was returned.]