§ The House met at a quarter before Three of the Clock.
§ Mr. Speaker informed the House that he had received the following Communications expressing the condolence of the Portuguese Chamber of Deputies on the occasion of the destruction of the city of Kingston by an earthquake:—
§ "Portuguese Legation,
§ "March 23rd, 1907.
§ "Sir,
§ "I have the honour to enclose herewith a letter addressed to you by the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Portugal enclosing a copy of the expression of condolence unanimously passed by that House on the occasion of the destruction of the city of Kingston, and also a translation of both documents into the English language.
§ "I have the honour to be, with the highest consideration,
§ "Sir,
§ "Your most obedient
§ "humble Servant
§ "SOVERAL."
§ "The Right Hon.
§ James William Lowther, M.P.,
§ Speaker of the House of Commons, etc., etc., etc."
§ Translation.
§ "Camara dos Deputados. Illustrious and Excellent Sir.
§ "The Chamber of Deputies unanimously resolved in session of the 26th of this month, that in the respective act, to transmit their condolence on account of the seismic destruction of the city of Kingston and the almost total loss of the inhabitants. Conforming to my duty, I direct to your Excellency, in conformity of the determination of this Chamber, an authentic copy of the extract of the act which contains that determination. God guard your Excellency (signed) Alfredo Pereira. To the Illustrious and Excellent Presi- 1450 dent of the House of Commons of Great Britain and Ireland."
§ Translation.
§ "Authentic copy of the extracts of the session of the 26th of January, 1907, which contains the condolence transmitted to the British Nation on account of the destruction of the city of Kingston. The President permitted Snr. Pereira de Lima to discourse on an urgent matter. Snr. Pereira de Lima justified the following proposal, proposing that the Chamber should be asked to place in the act of the day our condolence directed to the British Nation for the seismic destruction of the city of Kingston, and principally for the almost total loss of the inhabitants, and this to be sent by telegram addressed to His Majesty King Edward VII. The expression of sincere sorrow manifested by the members of the Chamber of Deputies of the Portuguese Nation at the same time to be remitted to the President of the House of Commons of Great Britain, and also a copy of the part of the act referring to the co-participation of the national mourning. (signed) J. M. Pereira de Lima.
§ "The Minister of Public Works joins in the name of the Government in the proposal of Snr. Pereira de Lima.
§ "Snr. Arthur Montenegro in the name of the Progressive Party joins in the proposal of Snr. Pereira de Lima.
§ "Snr. Joao Pinto in the name of his political friends joins in the proposal presented to the Chamber.
§ "Snr. Aristides da Motta in the name of the reformed Liberal Party joins in the proposal of Snr. Pereira de Lima.
§ "Snr. Antonio Jose de Almeida joins in the name of the Republican deputies the same proposal.
§ "Snr. President in view of the manifestations of the Chamber declared the proposal of Snr. Pereira de Lima approved by acclamation.
§ "In conformity, Direction General of the Secretary of the Chamber of Deputies this 28th of January, 1907.
§ "The Councillor, Sub-Director.
§ "JOSE JOAQUIM MENDES LEAL."