"Your Excellency may rest assured that every care is taken to secure safety of camp followers, and that no undue severity has been or will be exercised in our dealings with the people. The result of our short sojourn in Kuram is more satisfactory than I could have hoped, and the punishment inflicted here on the 7th inst. was not more than the occasion deserved, and the safety of the force necessitated. Everything is quieting down now, and I hope we shall have no more trouble. Had I been less prompt it might have been different." And on the 13th he adds But "The people have had a severe lesson. as they are being treated with the greatest kindness and consideration, they are rapidly becoming reassured." As to the details mentioned by the correspondent of The Standard, I must ask the House to suspend its judgment until we receive General Robert's Report; but, although our forces have been much exposed to marauding attacks, I have reason to think that General Roberts is as anxious as anyone could be to inflict as little punishment for such outrages as is consistent with justice and with security. tice will be administered in accordance with the law of England, as far as circumstances will admit, and this Court will exercise jurisdiction over British subjects and foreigners. The Ordiand will be laid upon the Table of nance was made on December 21 last, the House. With regard to the next Question, the law administered in Cyprus prior to the publication of this Ordinance was that embodied in the Ottoman Codes; but provision has been made for the attendance of the British Commissioners at the trial of all civil and criminal cases to see that justice is done. As to the third and fourth Questions, the answer I have given to the first Question will answer generally both of them; but I must also say that it would be unsatisfactory to give a summary of the exact state of things under the new law in answer to a Question. As to the last Question, an English barrister was refused permission to appear in a Court of Justice on the ground that, according to the Turkish law, it is necessary that the advocates practising in these Courts should submit themselves to the regulations of the Ministry of Justice. That ISLAND OF CYPRUS - THE LAW OF decision was arrived at by Sir Garnet ENGLAND.-QUESTION. SIR HENRY JAMES asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he would state to the House, whether any Ordinance has been published in Cyprus by virtue of which the Law of England will be administered to hybrid subjects in that island; and, if so, the date of such Ordinance; if such Ordinance has been published, what Law was administered in Cyprus prior to its publication and since its occupation by English troops; to what law are the Christian people of other nations residing in Cyprus now subjected; do Her Majesty's Government claim to exclude the jurisdiction of other States over their own subjects in Cyprus; and, whether an English barrister was by the High Commissioner refused permission to appear on behalf of an English subject in a Court of Justice in Cyprus without the permission of the Turkish Minister of Justice; and, if so, whether such refusal meets with the approval of Her Majesty's Government? MR. BOURKE: Yes, Sir, a temporary Ordinance has been passed by the Legislative Council of Cyprus establishing a High Court. In that High Court jus VOL. CCXLIII. [THIRD SERIES.] Wolseley, and under the circumstances his conduct has been approved of by Her Majesty's Government. But I may add that before the High Court, now established under a temporary law, barristers will be able to practise provided always they are duly qualified. I may also mention that the measures which have hitherto been taken to secure the proper administration of justice in the Island are of a temporary character, and a comprehensive scheme of judicial reform and re-organization is now receiving the careful consideration of Her Majesty's Government. SIR HENRY JAMES asked, Whether the hon. Gentleman would answer more explicitly the fourth Question, with reference to the jurisdiction of other States? MR. BOURKE: Sir, the Ordinance which has just been passed has not yet come into operation, nor am I aware that it has been published. All I can say, is that it has been passed by the Legislative Assembly simply. At present Her Majesty's Government have not seen it in the form in which it has been passed. I am sorry that I cannot answer the Question more definitely, 2 U and I must refer the hon. and learned | able additions to the garrison of India Member to the Ordinance itself, which in the form of extra batteries, regiments, will be in the hands of hon. Members and battalions, in excess of the numbers shortly. in the Estimates of the current year, was concurred in by the Council of India and, whether India is to bear the cost of this increase in the European force, as also for the cost of the Native troops specially raised for the frontier operations? INDIAN COINAGE ACT-THE CUR RENCY. QUESTION. MR. GOSCHEN asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he will undertake that no changes shall be made in the regulations affecting the Currency of India without Parliament having the opportunity of discussing them prior to their coming into force? THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER: Sir, the right hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware that under the Indian Coinage Acts the Governor General in Council has the power of regulating the details of the currency without fresh legislation; and, therefore, I cannot give so large an undertaking as the right hon. Gentleman desires. I have communicated with the Secretary of State for India, who has authorized me to state that should any radical change be adopted while Parliament is sitting, he will take care that Parliament shall have the opportunity of expressing its opinion on the matter before it finally comes into force. GAS COMPANIES-THE ELECTRIC LIGHT LEGISLATION.- QUESTION. SIR WILFRID LAWSON (for Sir JOHN LUBBOCK) asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether Her Majesty's Government intend to bring in any general measure with reference to the Gas Companies in case the electric light should be perfected for general use? THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER: Sir, Her Majesty's Government have no general measure in contemplation of that character. I understand from the Chairman of Ways and Means that he proposes to refer various Private Bills that have been introduced this Session to one strong Committee, who shall consider the whole question. ARMY (INDIA)-INCREASED EXPENSES. QUESTION. GENERAL SIR GEORGE BALFOUR asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the application for the consider THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER: Sir, I understand that telegrams passed in October last between the Viceroy and the Secretary of State for India on the subject of retaining in India certain batteries of Royal Artillery which would in the ordinary course have come home in the winter. It was decided that two batteries should be so detained, and that three garrison_batteries be sent out instead of two horse batteries which otherwise would have gone. These telegrams, I am informed, were submitted in the usual course for the information of the Council; but the proposals were not formally laid before the Council for approval. I am not aware whether any distinction will be made between one class of expenditure and another. MR. BOURKE: The Spanish Government has adhered to its refusal to give compensation in the case of the Lark; and, in view of the conflicting nature of the evidence in the case, Her Majesty's Government do not feel justified in pressing the claim any further. I have no objection to lay the Papers on the Table, except that they are very voluminous. If any hon. Members wish to see them they are quite at their disposal. With regard to the Octavia, Her Majesty's Government have reason to hope that a satisfactory solution will be arrived at between the two Governments; but, as the matter is still under discussion, I do not think it would be desirable to present Papers to Parliament at present upon this subject. DIVINITY SCHOOL, DUBLIN UNIVERSITY. QUESTION. MR. PLUNKET asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether, having regard to the Report of the Dublin University Commission (1878), Her Majesty's Government is prepared to make any proposals with a view to the future management and support of the Divinity School, connected with Trinity College, and the University of Dublin? MR. J. LOWTHER, in reply, said, that the subject referred to was now engaging the attention of the Government, and if his hon. Friend will kindly repeat his Question in a week's time he hoped to be able to answer it. HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE GRAND DUCHESS OF HESSE (PRINCESS ALICE). HER MAJESTY'S ANSWER TO THE ADDRESS OF 16TH DECEMBER, 1878. THE VICE CHAMBERLAIN OF HER MAJESTY'S HOUSEHOLD (Viscount BARRINGTON) reported Her Majesty's Answer to the Address [16th December 1878], as followeth : I thank you sincerely for your loyal and dutiful Address, and especially for the affectionate expression of your condolence with me on the loss of My beloved Daughter. It is highly gratifying to Me to feel assured of the interest which you take in everything that concerns Me and My Family, and of your loyalty to My Throne, as well as your attachment to My Person. SOUTH AFRICA-THE PAPERS. THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether care would be taken that the Papers on the South African Question should be presented to Members of Parliament as soon as possible? In explanation, he might state that he understood the Papers which had been presented to most hon. Members that (Monday) morning were in possession of the Press on Saturday morning, and not only so, but copies of them were seen in some of the clubs, There might be some convenience in the Papers being sent to the Press; but he thought care should be taken that they should be in the hands of Members of Parliament as soon. It was only fair that such information should be communicated to hon. Members at the earliest possible date. THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHE QUER, in reply, said, that matter should be attended to. He was not aware that what the noble Marquess described had occurred, and he hardly supposed that his right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary, who was not then in his place, could have known of it. But the Government would do what they could to put such Papers as soon as possible in the hands of Members. He understood that another batch of Papers were to be laid on the Table in the course of a week or so, and they would, no doubt, be printed and distributed as quickly as possible. MOTIONS. 1800 ORDERS OF THE DAY. Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Orders of the Day be postponed until after the Notice of Motion relating to the Business of the House."--(Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer.) SIR CHARLES W. DILKE said, that sufficient Notice had not been given of the Resolutions which the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposed to submit to the House with reference to the Business of the House to enable hon. Members to deal satisfactorily with the subject that night. An opportunity had not been given for placing Amendments on the Paper; and, therefore, if they went on with the debate that evening, they would have to discuss proposals of the greatest importance which they had not seen until they were suddenly sprung upon them. It was desirable that more time should be given for their consideration. On Committees of this kind the Government of the day was always very largely represented. There were originally five right hon. Gentlemen on a Committee of 15; and when the Committee was increased to 17, it included only three independent Members of the Opposition sitting below the Gangway. reasons that may be perfectly right, the Chancellor of the Exchequer selected, and induced the Committee to adopt, an extreme proposal that one which limited the independence of hon. Mem All of these latter differed from the Report, which, therefore, did not come before the House with the weight which it would possess had it been unanimously adopted. There were other reasons for postponing the considera-bers the most. This extreme proposal tion of these Resolutions of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Many hon. Members were of opinion that they ought to be discussed in a Committee of the Whole House rather than in the House itself, with the Speaker in the Chair. No doubt the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who was Chairman of the Select Committee, and whose own Resolutions many of these were, must take the leading part in the discussions; and the right hon. Gentleman would be able to speak as often as he pleased in Committee of the Whole House. Besides, it would be more in accordance with precedent that Notice should be given of Amendments; and for this reason, also, it was desirable that the consideration of the question should be postponed. The original proposals laid before the Select Committee had not been published with the evidence, and were not in the possession of the House. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition, and the Members for Chester, Sandwich, North Warwickshire, Glasgow, and Cambridge University all submitted schemes, which, if the Resolutions were proceeded with to-night, would probably be proposed in the shape of Amendments. Sufficient time ought, therefore, to be given to enable those Gentlemen to place their Amendments on the Paper. MR. BERESFORD HOPE: I must second the appeal made by the hon. Baronet the Member for Chelsea (Sir Charles W. Dilke). A discussion of this sort is a delicate and difficult one; it is far more wide-reaching than, perhaps, any of us imagine. Therefore, it ought to be entered upon not only with calmness, but without any possible feeling of grievance. This first proposal of the Chancellor of the Exchequer goes much further than those who have not studied this subject can have any idea of, for it indirectly affects our proceedings on all days. There were various proposals submitted to the Select Committee for altering our Rule of Monday Supply. Some restricted the liberties of hon. Members more than others. For the right hon. Gentleman has embodied in his first Resolution. I think, therefore, we have a claim for ample time. I was one of the few Members present before Christmas, when an interlocutory debate on the question was unexpectedly started by the hon. Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. Newdegate). On that occasion, the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave the ordinary stereotyped intimation that Resolutions upon the Business of the House would be brought forward during the Session; but certainly it did not occur to me, or to anyone else, that that promise would be redeemed by taking the very earliest possible opportunity of doing so. As my hon. Friend (Sir Charles W. Dilke) says, the Notice of these Resolutions is so short that hon. Members have not had a fair chance of placing Amendments on the Paper, for they had only Friday. Three or four hon. Members, myself amongst the number, have put Amendments down; but the House generally has not had an opportunity of studying these Resolutions and considering Amendments. For my own part, I confess that, instead of reading more pious books on Sunday, my attention during much of yesterday was bestowed upon the Blue Book. It is idle to say that that Blue Book appeared before the close of last Session. Practically, Members are not expected to take up a past Session's Blue Book till the consideration of the matters contained in it approaches; while our duty has lately led us rather to study those relating to Afghanistan, to Turkey, and, unhappily, to South Africa. Under these circumstances, would it not be only fair, as a matter of equity, to give us a little more than from Friday morning to Monday evening to study these Resolutions, and not so long as that for the Amendments upon them? I trust that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will assent to the suggestion of my hon. Friend (Sir Charles W. Dilke), and not send us into the discussion with a sense of something like irritation. MR.MITCHELL HENRY said, he was very anxious to support his hon. Friend the Member for Chelsea (Sir Charles W. Dilke). They were now in probably the last Session of the present Parliament; at any rate, it could be hardly denied that they were approaching the period when the present Parliament would expire by lapse of time. It must be remembered that this Committee was appointed chiefly in consequence of some Occurrences which took place during the last Session, and in which some of his hon. Colleagues were supposed to be concerned. The changes which had been made of late years in the procedure of the House had been all in one direction-that of curtailing the rights of discussion. One by one the opportunities for free discussion had been cut away. It was not many years ago that hon. Members in presenting a Petition had an opportunity of debate upon that Petition. That was one of their most valuable privileges. It was, however, abolished in consequence of the pressure of time. Of course, it was natural that the Government in power and those who were on the front Opposition Bench should support the present proposal; but if there were sufficient reasons why the Rules should be altered, he submitted that those reasons ought to be laid before the Members of the House. What was the case? The Chancellor of the Exchequer made his statement on Thursday last, and he prefaced it by saying that he was going to lay on the Table some Resolutions in regard to the Business of the House. He believed most hon. Members were disappointed in the statement of the legislative measures proposed, and on the Friday another statement-most important to the people of Ireland, whose liberties were at stake-was made; but these Resolutions did not appear before the House until last Friday. Was it fair to expect hon. Members to have posted themselves on this subject in that short time? It was not like an ordinary Blue Book placed on the Table of the House. The whole of the evidence and the whole of this Report was of an entirely technical character, to form an opinion upon which required a thorough acquaintance with the Rules of the House and the Rules which formerly governed the House. He had no hesitation in saying that if these Resolutions were passed they would strike a blow at the liberties of the people of this country, and that therefore they ought to have a discussion on the general principles governing the case. The Resolutions ought to be taken as a whole, and read in connection with the other Resolutions submitted to the Committee, and the kind of questions which had been asked in Committee, and they ought to be considered carefully in order to know what was the direction of the mind of those who asked questions in the Committee. He did not understand, also, why evidence given before the Committee should be struck out. It was occasionally done, he believed; but not in matters of this kind. He strongly objected to the postponement of the Orders of the Day in order that the Government might get an advantage in Supply. Everybody must know that these Resolutions would take a very long time to consider; that they would be opposed by some hon. Members; and that additional Amendments to those on the Paper would be added to by others; and he therefore suggested that it would be better for the Government to give a week's Notice of what they desired to do. It would be conducive to the good feeling existing between the Government and the House if they would agree to a postponement. these Resolutions were carried as they stood, hon. Members would be more and more deprived of the opportunities of vindicating the privileges of the people-the chief object for which they were sent there. The principal Business of that House was not to pass Bills and to vote money to the Government; but that they should speak out what was in their minds as the Representatives of the people. He hoped these attempts to fetter discussion and to restrict the liberties of private Members would not receive the sanction of the House. If MR. MOWBRAY said, however specious and plausible the reasons for delay urged by hon. Gentlemen below the Gangway on both sides, he hoped the Government would not be prevailed upon to set aside the Business which the House was called upon to discuss. For two or three years past, the hon. Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. Newdegate) had repeatedly pressed on the Government that the time had come for appointing a Committee to sit on the Business of the House. In 1877 the Chancellor of the Exchequer said the |