§ Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is able to give the House any information as to the progress of the Abor expedition; whether upwards of 100 Abors have now been killed in avenging the death of Mr. Williamson; whether the object of the expedition has now been accomplished; and what it is estimated to have cost up to the present time?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)The Government of India report that, so far as can be judged at present, the political and military objects of the Abor expedition have been attained, and that the expedition will shortly return. Fines were imposed on the villages directly concerned in the massacre of Mr. Williamson's party, and were readily paid. Five of the suspected ringleaders in the massacre were captured and are awaiting trial; two others were killed during the operations. Abor casualties are stated to have been thirty-nine killed and twenty-two wounded. A memorial tablet to Mr. Williamson, with a cairn, was erected, with suitable ceremony, in Komsing at the scene of the massacre. Punitive measures against the Abors ceased some time ago, and since their cessation the column has been engaged in carrying out the surveys mentioned in No. 19 of the White Paper of November last. I am unable to state the cost of the expedition up to date, but the total estimated cost is Rs.23,85,000 (£159,000).
§ Sir W. BYLESCan Papers be laid?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not think that there are any further Papers that can be laid at present. When the expedition returns there will probably be other Papers?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIf the hon. Gentleman will give me notice I will inquire.