§ THE MARQUESS OF RIPONMy Lords, I beg to ask the noble Earl the Under Secretary for the Colonies a Question of which I have given him private notice—whether he can give the House any information as to the state of things at St. Vincent, or in the Windward Islands generally, including Martinique, for I am sure your Lordships all feel, in common with the people of this country, the deepest sympathy with the French nation in the great calamity which has fallen on them.
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (The Earl of ONSLOW)With regard to St. Vincent, all the information we have has, I think, appeared in the Press; but, as the noble Marquess mentions it, I will repeat it. The following telegram has been received at the Colonial Office:—
From Governor Sir R. B. Llewelyn at St. Lucia:—By latest reports St. Vincent damage confined to the north of the island. Deaths estimated at 500. I leave on 'Indefatigable' this morning.With regard to the lamentable catastrophe which has befallen the French colony, Martinique, we have received the following communication from Administrator Bell, Dominica—Martinique catastrophe appears even more terrible than at first reported. Refugees arriving this morning north end island state new craters opening many directions; rivers overflowing banks; large areas north side island submerged; other districts crowded survivors; almost total darkness continues. Do not believe Guadeloupe can adequately relieve stupendous distress.