The Sun. — 1866-02-23 (London, England)

CHARLES BUXTON.  _ " 7, Grosvenor-terrace, S.W., Wednesday." Now, in the first place, let mo tell the hon. member that I am not one of those who are in the habit of saying things behind a man's back which they dare not say to his face— (cheers)—aye, even in the House of Commons. I am not one of those who shrink from my duty. Now, sir, perhaps, as I have been challenged to repeat what I said at Leeds, the house will perhaps allow me to read a short extract from that speech, which has galled the hon. member so exceedingly. ("Hear, hear," from Mr. Buxton.) These were my words :  " Colonel Edwards said he wished to make one or two observations with regard to the Jamaica question. Was there ever anything in this world so disreputable as the conduct of certain parties ? Let them take the facts as they stood. An insurrection planned years ago broke out before all the plans were matured. He thanked God that it did; and it showed that there was a Providence which overlooked us all, and no doubt the premature outbreak of that insurrection was a means to an end. The intention of half a million of negroes was to massacre the 15,000 white men in the island, and to take possession of the soil to the exclusion of its rightful proprietors. Fortunately before these plans were matured the plot exploded, and they had to thank Governor Eyre for the prompt and energetic manner in which ho crushed that rebellion. He hanged its ringleaders, and what then followed? By the return mail thanks and congratulations were sent out by Lord Russell and the Colonial Minister, who appreciated these services of Governor Eyre, and also the services of the army generally. Immediately this was known there was a great howl in Exeter-hall amongst the Baptists and philanthropists. Mr. Bright denounced the Government of Jamaica and everybody connected with its policy, and said it was wrong altogether; but the fact was, that had it not been for Governor Eyre's promptitude in the way in which he dealt with those atrocious murderers, who had already sacrificed the lives of numbers of our countrymen, the whole white population of that island would have ceased to exist months ago. Earl Russell, feeling the iron hand of Mr. Bright, trembled in his shoes, and wrote out at once to suspend Governor Eyre ; that a commission would issue forthwith, thus punishing him prematurely, and the troops, instead of receiving honour from the Crown, had to abide the result of the inquiry. Was there ever such a miserable piece of administration ? Was there ever such a gross injustice done—not merely to Governor Eyre, but to the gallant troops under his command ? If the troops of the British isles—if the troops under the command of her Majesty were to receive no thanks from this weak, impotent, degraded Government, where were they to look ? Where would the country find troops to servo her, or governors to protect her colonies, if they were thus treated ?" I must thank the hon. member for the honour ho has done me in bringing my name before the house, for it gives me' an opportunity of allowing the world to know what my opinions are respecting the atrocities committed in the island and the conduct of the Government towards the Governor. This certainly was an after-dinner speech— (cheers and laughter)—and therefore, perhaps, would not