§ EARL CADOGANsaid, that their Lordships would, perhaps, allow him to make a short statement in reference to 1606 a matter which formed the subject of discussion in the House on the previous night. His right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies was asked this afternoon, in "another place," whether he could produce any communication from Sir Bartle Frere similar to that which was alluded to in the despatch of Lord Chelmsford dated February 9? His right hon. Friend replied that he had no official communication to produce; but that he had received a confidential telegram, dated the 28th of January, 1879, an extract from which he would now read, with their Lordships' permission. Sir Bartle Frere wrote—
Late events have impressed me with the great risks we run should anything happen to Lord Chelmsford. He is very strong, but much exposed to danger, and we should stand still if he were to knock up. There ought to be at hand a second in command capable of taking up his work in all departments, if necessary, as Provisional Governor and High Commissioner, as well as General.