THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI wish to ask the noble Marquess whether he has any information as to the reported seizure of an English steamer by the Portuguese Authorities in South Africa?
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYThe transition from the last subject is severe. We have no information other than is before the public, and well known. The circumstances which are most required to be known in order to judge of the character of the act of the Portuguese are not known to us yet. As far as I can see, if the ship was engaged in landing arms in territory which is undoubtedly Portuguese, the Portuguese had a right to arrest the ship if smuggling. But if the ship as stated in one account, was simply coming down the river, I doubt very much whether any ground for arresting her on the part of the Portuguese can be shown. But we must inquire into the circumstances more thoroughly before we can express any opinion upon the question.
§ House adjourned at ten minutes before Six o'clock, till Tomorrow, a quarter past Ten o'clock.