§ Mr. HOUSTONasked for the names, tonnage, speed, and armaments of British warships in West Indian waters, stating where they are at present and if they are in a thoroughly efficient condition?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe vessels are the "Melpomene," at present en route from Bermuda to Port au Prince; the "Brilliant," which is at Bermuda, and is 414 available for service in the West Indies when not employed in Newfoundland; and the "Scylla," which is returning to England, and will be relieved by the "Aeolus," now at Devonport. The "Scylla" is of 3,400 tons, and the remaining vessels of 3,600 tons; all are of 16; knots speed under ordinary conditions, and carry armanent as shown in the Return standing in the name of the late Sir Charles Dilke. They are in a thoroughly efficient condition.
§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the names, tonnage, speed, and armaments of any war ships at present stationed, or cruising, for the protection of British subjects, trade, shipping, and interests between Panama and Para, via Magellan or Cape Horn, and if they are all in a thoroughly efficient condition; and whether he can state the names of the German and American warships in these waters?
§ Mr. McKENNAHis Majesty's ships. "Kent" and "Challenger" are now at Callao. The "Amethyst" has just left Bahia to be relieved by the "Glasgow." These ships are in a thoroughly efficient condition. Tonnage, armament, and speed, under ordinary conditions:—
The armament is as shown in the Return standing in the name of the late Sir Charles Dilke. The "Yorktown," United States third-class unprotected cruiser of 1,710 tons, is at Panama. This is the only United States warship in the waters in question. There is no German warship, there.
"Kent" … 9,800 tons … 23 knots. "Challenger" … 5,880 tons … 20½ Knots. "Amethyst" … 3,000 tons … 22½ knots. "Glasgow" … 4,800 tons … 25 knots.
§ Mr. HOUSTONAm I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that there are no British warships on the east coast of South America?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have just stated that the "Amethyst" has just left Bahia, having been relieved by the "Glasgow." I think that is on the east coast.
§ Mr. HOUSTONQuite so; but the right hon. Gentleman did not pronounce the name correctly.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDWith reference to the vessels the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned, would he describe them as being on visit or on the station?
§ Mr. McKENNASome on visit, and some on station.