23. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he has official information to the effect that no medical attendance whatever was vouchsafed to the blind exiled chief, Bai Sherboro, in spite of the fact that the medical authorities of the Gold Coast were informed of the serious illness of this exile, and that medical men in Government service lived less than half a mile from the hut to which the old chieftain was exiled?
§ 25. Mr. JOWETTalso asked whether Bai Sherboro has died in exile; if so, whether at any time during the period of his exile he was allowed a trial; and whether, as assorted by Bai Sherboro, from the date of his arrest he had never been informed of the cause of his arrest and exile?
Mr. HARCOURTI have no information concerning the fact or the circumstances of the death of Bai Sherboro, but I will make inquiries. He was not brought to trial during his exile; but I cannot doubt that he was well aware of the reason of his exile, which was complicity in the rebellion of 1898, in the course of which so many persons of both sexes were murdered in circumstances of unspeakable atrocity. His share in this rebellion was admitted even by his children and relatives when petitioning for his release. I may add that a year or two ago I carefully considered whether, in view of his age and infirmity, it was possible to allow Bai Sherboro to return to Sierra Leone, but I was satisfied that such a step would be dangerous to the peace and good government of the Colony and Protectorate.
Mr. E. HARVEYWill the right hon. Gentleman communicate the result of this inquiry to my hon. Friend?