§ On the Motion for the adjournment,
§ The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNEsaid: My Lords, before the House rises, 1504 I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies a Question of which I have given him private notice — namely, whether he has any information to the effect that the Government of Natal have resigned or tendered their resignation; and, if so, whether he can state the reasons which led to their taking this action.
§ The EARL of ELGINMy Lords, I only received this Question about half an hour ago, and of course have not been able to get any further information than I had before. We were informed yesterday by telegram from the Governor that twelve natives had been tried by court-martial, found guilty of murder, and sentenced to be shot. No further details were given. A telegram was sent to the Governor commenting on the serious nature of this communication, and requesting him to suspend the execution of the sentence pending further information. No reply has been received to this message, and I have no further official information. I may state, however, that I understand that the news agencies have been informed that the Natal Government have resigned, but remain in office pending further communication. There is no possible intention, I may say, of any want of sympathy with the Government of Natal in the circumstances of the Colony at the present moment or any idea of interfering with a self-governing Colony; but the execution of twelve men under sentence by court-martial is a serious matter, and I have to consider it in view of possible demands for the assistance of British troops. I think it was my duty to ask for the information I did.
§ House adjourned at Twelve o'clock till To-morrow, half-past Ten o'clock.