The Sun.
London, England, 1852-11-20 00:00:00

THE CAPE.

Lord J. RUSSELL said the Secretary for the Colo-
nies, at the commencement of the session intimated to
the house, that no very recent intelligence had been
received from the Cape, but the last accounts were of a
favourable nature, and gave hopes of the termination of
hostilities in the colony. It appeared that more recent
dispatches had since been received, and he, therefore,
wished to inquire what was the character of those
dispatches, and whether they confirmed the hopes
which he previously held out. He perceived
that some dissatisfaction was expressed by the
colonists at the non-arrival of the constitution for
Cape ; and, perhaps the right hon. gentleman would
give an explanation of the circumstances which had led
to the delay.
Sir J. PAKINGTON in answer to the first question,
said, he was happy to state that the recent accounts for
the Cape, had very much, if not entirely confirmed the
view which he took at the commencement of the session.
General Cathcart, in a dispatch, dated about the 23d of
September, said, he might now almost report,lthat
the war is at an end, adding that, though
it might be characterised as a war, it was in
fact a rebellion, and that in order to suppress it it was
necessary to chastise and subdue the subjects of the re-
bellious leaders. This, he said, had been nearly accom-
plished by a military occupation of the country, though,
he observed, it was difficult to say the exact time when
peace would be restored. One of the principal iKafir
chiefs, hostile to British rule, Macomo had been expelled
from the Waterkloof, and though he had not surren-
dered, he was lurking about with only a very few fol-
lowers. Sandilli was also still in the Amatolas,
but his followers were reduced to a very small number.
The latest dispatches did not refer to him in any manner.
In regard to the second question, the right. hon. gentle-
man entered into an explanation, showing that, though
there was no indisposition on the part of the Government
to give free institutions to the Cape, the changes which
had taken place in the Cape since the constitution was
first promised, rendered it necessary for them to exercise
great caution and deliberation ere they took so important
a step. The franchise in the colony had been very
much extended, so as to reach a portion of the po-
pulation who had been in • rebellion against the
Crown ; and, besides, before the ordnance was sent out,
the Government would have, to decide whether the

Orange. River should be retained, what should be the

eastern boundary, and whether the colony should
be divided into two governments, all of which
matters bore upon the constitution. In addi-
tion to these difficulties, • General Cathcart- -was
engaged in prosecuting the war, and obviously in
capable of devoting his attention to carrying out an
- ordnance at the present time. Under these circumstances,
the Government thought it their duty to pause until
they obtained further information, but were prepared to.
grant a free constitution when they believed it could be
done with due regard to the interests of the colony and
the duty of the crown. (Hear.)
In reply to Lord J. RUSSELL,
Sir J. PAKINGTON said there was no reservation
for altering the original constitution. He had no objec-
tion to lay the papers on the table.

CONSOLIDATED ANNUITIES.

In answer to an hon. member,

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said if
he had an opportunity of laying his financial measures be-
fore the house, he would have occasion to advert to the
consolidated annuities charged to the Poor Law Unions
in Ireland, and he would reserve his opinion as to the
remission, until then, since if he had not that opportunity
his opinion on the subject would be of little importance.
(Laughter.)
FORTIFICATION BELOW GRAVESEND.

In reply to a question from Mr. M. SMITH,
Colonel DUNNE said it was about five years ago
since the fortification below Gravesend had been con-
structed, and although, from its vicinity to the marshes
at that part of the river, considerable precautions were
taken to secure the foundations, the platform. had since
sunk to some extent. It was now proposed by the In-
spector-General of Fortifications to allow the present
foundations to settle, and then to repair them in such a
way as he might think desirable.
In reply to a further question from Mr. M. Siam,
Colonel DUNNE said 12,2001. had been expended in
the construction of the fortifications below Gravesend.

QUARANTINE REGULATIONS.--THE STEAM.
SHIP LA PLATA AT SOUTHAMPTON. •

Lord PALMERSTON—I beg to ask a question of the
right hon. gentleman, the President of the Board of
Trade. The question, as it relates to a system as well as
to a particular case, he will excuse me for asking. I see
by the newspapers that a vessel has arrived in South-
ampton river from the West Indies, on board which the
yellow fever has broken out. It is stated that the in-
tention is that the ship shall be placed under quarantine,
according to ancient custom, the crew being kept on
board and not allowed to leave until they are either dead
or cured. (A laugh.) I wish to know whether the
cal attendance, I,',ey, system has been recommended by those pOrsons who
had the quarantine laws under their consideration,
fectatienhedaiungeea:llaond
whethertl the crew will be removed from the infected ves-
sel—those
whether steps se who are sick being placed under proper medi-
dthose
proceedw ho arteo Nythheoillrydfer:teinafr otimo
nil-
aware that that allowed
will be taken to purify the ivessel ?
the control or notices nfot
Mr. HENLEYIwaaid the noble lord was pt!obably not
(Mr. Henley) believed it the Board of Trade,Athough he
a branch hnmediitely under
which was under the management of
Wail under the same roof. Re
the Consular•oftce,