The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1881-02-12 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

In the HOUSR Or LORDS, February 7, in reply to Lord
Brabourne, the Earl of Kimberley said he would read a
telegram which had been received at the Colonial Office
from the Lieutenant-Governor of the Gold Coast. It was as
follows
"Telegram from Lieutenant-Governor Griffith to the Earl
f Kimberley, dated Gold Coast, January 24, 1881.
(Received Colonial Office 3 a.m., February 5, 1881.)

"It is with the deepest regret I have to state to your
Lordship my belief that the Ashantees intend to force
another war upon the Gold Coast Colony, and that they
May commence hostilities at any moment. On the 18th of
January, an Ashantee Prince, who had escaped from
Coomassie, entreated British protection; next day a mes-
senger from the King of Ashantee, bearing his gold axe
and accompanied by ambassadors, one being Saibee Enquie,
who signed the treaty of peace with Sir Garnet Wolseley at
Fomunnah requested an audience, when they demanded
that the refugee should be given up to them. I declined,
whereupon Enquie, supported by the others, stated that if
I did not surrender the man the King of Ashantee would
attack Assin. I called Enquie's attention to the Treaty,
Articles I and 111, and wacned him that the consequences of
breaking them would be very serious; the messenger and
suite then left, but subsequently I instructed them to
remain at Cape Coast until to-day, considering it best to put
my reply to the King's demand in writing.
"The refusal of a demand from Ashantee, accompanied by
the gold axe, means war on the part of the Ashantees, that
they will cut their way to the accomplishment of their
Purpose. The gold axe was sent down in 1273, and war fol-
lowed. All chiefs, public officers, and respectable merchants
Warned me to prepare for war with the Ashantees, and that
It is imminent. lam very loth to believe it, but, neverthe-
less, am taking every available measure and precaution in
my power for the protection of the colony. I shall carefully
avoid provoking hostilities and shall act strictly on the
defensive."
No information had reached Her Majesty's Government
Previously to the receipt of that telegram of the probability
of a war with Ashantee. They had heard vague rumours of
Possible misunderstandings, but nothing whatever indicating
that anything serious was likely to happen. The Lieutenant-
Governor stated that he had available 1,000 men, composed
of West Indian troops and Houssa police, and Her Majesty's
Government had ordered reinforcements to the numPer of
400 West Indian troops.
On the motion of Lord Huntly, a Bill directed against
noxious gases was read a first time.
- -•-

_ On the motion of Lord Spencer, the order for referring the
Rivers Conservancy and Floods Prevention Bill to a Com-
mittee of the whole House was discharged, and the Bill was
referred to a Select Committee.

Lord Lytton; in moving for various letters which passed
between Russian Generals and the Ameer Share All Khan,
stated that the reasons which caused the late Government
to refuse their production no longer existed, and justice to
him and to that Government demanded their production
slow, when their policy of retaining Candahar, which was to
a considerable degree based on the revelations in those
letters, was impugned and repudiated by their successors.
He urged also that the reference made in their Lordships'
Rouse a month ago by the Duke of Argyll to those docu-
ments rendered their production necessary.
Lord Granville offered no objection to the production of
the papers, but said that copies of them having been given
by him to the Russian Ambassador at this Court, who for-
warded them to Russia, representations had come from ths
Russian Foseign Office to explain that in consequence of
omissions, mistranslation, and a confusion in the use of the
Words.'" alliance" and "friendship," those documents were
likely to give rise to misconception.

Lord Lytton gave notice that at the earliest opportunity
he would bring forward a resolution on the subject of the
evacuation of Candahar.

The Duke of Argyll vindicated his reference to the papers,
and repeated his opinion that the Ameer Shere All was
drive' into hostility against us by the threats of Lord
Lytton when Viceroy.

The motion was agreed to; and after some other business
their Lordships adjourned at six o'clock.

In the HOUSE OF COMMONS, Mr. Grant Duff, in answer to
a question from Sir S. Northoote, read the telegram from
Lieutenant-Governor Griffith stating his belief that the
Aahantees intend to force a war upon the Gold Coast Colony
and that an attack is imminent.
Mr. R. Davies asked what were the conditions on which
aPost-office savings-bank and money-order office were opened
at any post-office.

Mr. Fawcett, in reply, Bald: I am glad to have an opportu-
nity of giving the information which my hon. friend asks for,
as inquiries on the subject are being constantly addressed
to the Post Office from different parts of the country. It is
now the invariable rule to establish a savings-bank at any
Post-office at which money-orders are issued. The Depart-
Ment is continually extending the number of money- order and
Savings-bank offices, as they are opened at every post-office
Where the surveyors report that the business is likely to be
remunerative. In addition to the increase of the number of
Money-order and savings-bank offices which is thus taking
Place through the voluntary action of the Department, ap-
Ocations are constantly received from various places for
the opening of these offices. Inquiry is at once made as to
Whether it is likely that the savings-bank and money-order
business at these places will be remunerative, and if the
surveyors report that it is, the application is granted. If
the surveyors report that the business is not likely to prove
remunerative, a savings-bank and money-order office will at
once be established if the inhabitants will guarantee the
estimated deficiency. The guarantee required is for a
kOriod of five years, and is paid in a lump sum in advance.
The entire amount required cannot exceed £l6 and may be
as little as £2. If it is found, after the savings-bank and
Money-order office has been opened, that the business done
is greater than was estimated, the whole or a portion of the
gnarantee will be returned.

In answer to questions from Mr. O'Shea. Mr. Bryce, and
Other members, Sir W. Harcourt said he had ordered a
._raedical examination of Davitt, and finding him to be suffer-
Lag from bronchial catarrh he had ordered him to be treated
With all possible indulgence, and that he should receive
everY possible attention and consideration required by his
health.
Mr. Bourke gave notice of his intention to ask what in-
structions have been given to Mr. Goschen on the Turco-
Greek frontier question; and Sir C. Mike, answering a long
citiestion from Mr. Ashmead-Bartlett, said that no proposal
for a conference had been entertained by any of the Great
PLowers, but a Turkish proposal for negotiations between
the Ambassadors at Constantinople had been made and was
'till under consideration.
„Ili answer to a question from Mr. Labouchere, Mr. Glad-
'4olle declined to take any steps by the appointment of a
Select Committee or otherwise to review Mr. Speaker's
action last week, believing that after what had been done no
tarther investigation was needed ; and in answer to The
O'Deneghne, the Prime Minister said lie hoped to bring in
the Land Bill not only before Easter, but at a comparatively
early period.
Mr. Labouchere gave notice that in Committee on the
. Coercion Bill he would move a clause for the protection of
tenants against eviction.
The adjourned debate on the Coercion Bill was resumed
DI• '
Sir It. Blennerhassett, who supported the Bill, though
reluctantly, as required by the best interests of Ireland.
Synan and Mr. Redmond opposed the Bill.
Mr. Stansfleld said he should vote for the second reading,
but With the greatest reluctance, though without any dis-
trust as to the spirit in which it would be administered. The
till would require amendment in committee with regard to
its retrospective action.
...The debate was continued by Mr. Tottenham, Mr. Wills,
_M. Bellingham, Mr. Rodwell, Mr. Macfarlane, Colonel
Kithurst, Mr. Inderwick, and other hon. members,
d eventually the debate was adjourned, on the motion of
'IL Schreiber, and the House adjourned at half-past twelve

lii the HOUSE OF LORDS, Feb. 8, Earl Cadogan asked the
Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there was any
Itdditional news from the Transvaal.
The Earl of Kimberley, in reply, read the following tele-
gram, which had been received that day :
"Prom the General Officer Commanding Natal and Trans-
vaal to the Secretary of State for War
"February 7.
"All quiet in front. Post between here and Newcastle
at°l3Ped today by strong Boer patrol. Reinforcements
marea,_
up, but weather very unfavourable. Death since
last return-68th Regiment, T. Fitz Harris."
, The Earl of Shaftesbury inquired if there were any truth
ila the statements that a treacherous use had been made of a
White flag by the Boers.
Lord Kimberley said the Government had no information
nn those cases in addition to that which had appeared in
Print. Toubert, the Boer commander, had expressed his
ilorror at the murder of Captain Elliot, and stated his
'l4:termination to punish the offenders. While asking their
rflailiPs and the public to be on their guard against
!ll:orations, the noble earl assured them of the deternai-
,.,_,—' On of the Government to insist on justice being ad-
-7_l_4oastered to those who violated the laws of civilized war- .
mre.
.„I,ol'd Cairns, on moving the first of his four law Bills,
through to the Government to assist in carrying them
"'rough the House of Commons,. as they had met with
!lenerai approval, and the Lord Chancellor, on their intro-
unction, expressed a favourable opinion of them.
„ The Lord Chancellor said that the two referring to the
• tation of actions and solicitors' remuneration the
vernment would not be unwilling to give their assistance
Passing; but they thought that if the laws relating to
;Pal property and settled estates were to be comprehen-
rj!lY dealt with, Lord Cairns's Bill referring to those sub-
"°,l would have to be modified.
The four Bills were read a second time.
...The Select Committee on the Rivers Conservancy and
',oeds Prevention Bill was nominated, and their lordships
tOle at twenty minutes to six.
_ln the HOUSE OF COMMONS, Mr. Williamson asked the
estmaater-General whether he could give satisfactory in-
:on:nation to the House with regard to the operation of th
nellities recently provided by the Pest Office for investing
'Mall sums in the Government funds.
h BirW. Barttelot asked the Postmaster-General whether
„e would state the number of new saving bank accounts
receiving
had been opened through the agency of the plan for
is. deposits at the Post Office Savings Banks by
"'sans of stamps.
Fawcett said: In reply to the questions of my hon.
"lends, I have to state that the scheme for the investing of
B'll4l Sums in Government stocks through the Savings Banks
intopperation on the 22nd of November last. During
ale ten weeks which elapsed between that time and the
824 of January, the amount invested through the Post Office
af'dings Banks was £230,087. Of this sum only £1,289
7..7 been sold. The number of persons purchasing Govern-
rsat stocks through the Post Office Savings Bank has
p,e,n 3,700, and the average amount of their investments
Of the £230,000 which has been thus invested,
.'"P,000 was deposited in the Savings Bank for the purpose
inatnediate investment, and £02,000 was withdrawn from
• sting deposits. In spite of this withdrawal of deposits I
zu glad to be able to state that during the period of ten
i',seks to which I have referred, the amount deposited in
Post Office Savings Banks has exceeded the amount
last year the excess of deposits over withdrawals
rithdrawn by £828,000, whereas in the corresponding
tetiod of
„.,Ls only £4V2,000. Besides the amount invested in Govern-
j;s4ent stocks through the Post Office £.3o,2ooehas also been
:rested. through the trustee savings banks. Although the
for receiv,ing is. deposits at any Post Office Eavings
in the form of stamps has only been in operation
tn•
t lighout the entire ,country since the 15th of November
the number of new savings bank accounts that have
th-a“ °Pened throukh its agency is no less than 131,500, and
'number of stamps deposited has been 3,600,000.
tlrellr*lt. Fowler asked the hon. baronet the member for
c.b4 University of Loudon whether, considering that
the Iknlas Day falls this year on Sunday, and thus deprives
a t.,.conuriercial community of riholiday, he would bring in
ul to make Saturday, December 24, a bank holiday.
Sir
lea 3,• J. Lubbock said that in the present state of public
h„,,`neaa there was a little chance of passing such a Bill. He
had no opportunity of ascertaining the views of the corn-
ho erew community on the question; but in a few days he
Ped to be able to give a more definite answer.
ottnswering a queation from Mr. Firth as to the auditing
iiate°,!l metropolitan accounts, Mr. Dodson said he had no
oeinr_abton of bringing in a, Bill for the appointment of
,Laki auditors.
clue ering
Ana,. •
_questions from Baron De Worms, Mr. M.
facet' and Air- Bourke, Sir C. Dilke said it was not the
She that. Russia had declined to give an assurance that
thofiF,-, th t°l-11d Pot advance on • Merv. On the contrary,
ere had been no negotiations, the Govern-
intrt. had reason to believe that she had no such
her s• As to the Tunis incident, France had ordered
' consul. Orders G eneral not to interfere, and similar
h
: Go ad been given to our Consular agent. In regard to
itr-acti he had not received any fresh written in-
laten °ns, but he would go back in full possession of the
:views of the Government conveyed to him by per-
in,terviews and communications, most of which would
“arAmiar in the coming Blue-book.
whetuerßitCecil wished to ask the Secretary to the Adtairalty
of hoataitt 'ells the intention of the Government, in the event
brigade for bteaking out with Ashantee, to lona a naval
proper co lerviee on the West Coast of Africa, with the
Mplement of Marines and guns.
Mr. TreveLvan, in reply, said ; I need not remind the noble

lord that the Admiralty are only responsible for what is
going on afloat, and that a naval brigade would not be landed
except at the rogue's% of the Colonial Office or the War Office.
It is, however, their business to see that their ships are in
a position to afford prompt assistance. At this present
moment all the heavily-manned portion of the squadron is
at Durban, and the available drafts of the crews have been
landed to serve with Sir George Colby. The senior officer
in command on the Gold Coast is, no doubt, concentrating
his gunboats for the proteetien of the settlement. By the
last advices, one, the Foam, was there already, and four
others--the Rambler, the Firefly, the Fionoer, and the Flirt
—siay be there at any moment. But, in order to provide
against any need that may arise, the Admiralty has taken
the following step :—The Champton, a fine corvette, with a
crew of 264 men, is to-day at Madeira, on her way to join
the Pacific squadron, under the command of Captain George
Hope. We have telegraphed to her to proceed to St. 'Vincent
for orders, and, if necessary, she will go on from ISt. Vincent
to Cape Coast Castle, collecting the gunboats on her arrival,
if not collected before. This would place a good officer of
high rank and an effective available force, with Gatling
guns, on the scene of action within twelve days from this
lime.

The adjourned debate on the second reading of the Bill
for the Protection of Person and Property in Ireland was
resumed by Mr. Schreiber.
Mr. Cowen insisted that the irrepressible discontent and
disaffection of the Irish people sprang from their supremely
wretched condition, and regretted that the Government
had no better means of meeting it than by refurbishing the
old weapon of coercion. The information on which the
House was asked to act was notoriously untrustworthy, and
afforded no warrant for the Bill. Dealing with this part of
the subject, Mr. Cowen, amid loud cheers from the Third
Party, asserted that Devitt, whom the Government had just
arrested, had done more than anyone else to prevent
outrages. The Bill, he further argued, would generate a
spirit of lawlessness, and it would,have been better to show
some toleration for outrages than to resort to the evil pre-
cedent of suspending the Constitution. Mr. Cowen con-
cluded a vigorous speech by an animated attack on the in-
consistency of Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Bright, and a pre-
diction that their Ministry would be knoll n in history as the
Ministry of Coercion.

After speeches from Mr. Ritchie, Mr. T. D. Sullivan, The
O'Donaghue, Mr. Sullivan, Sir H. Holland, and ether hon.
members, Sir Stafford Northcete observed that the question
was the demand of Ministers for exceptional powers, and the
points at issue were whether a case was established, aad
whether the Government was one which they could trust
with such powers. The first point, he thought, was made
out; and as to the second, he was prepared to trust the,
Government with those powers, and he did net believe elf&
would abuse them.

The Attorney-General for• Ireland spoke on behalf of the
Government.

Mr. M'Carthy moved the adjournment of the debate, to
which Mr. Gladstone objected, and this was negatived by
422 to 44.

Mr. Metge then proposed another motion, to which Mr.
Gladstone gave way, and the debate was accordingly again
adjourned.

After some other business, the House adjourned at half-
past one o'clock.