MR. DODSON: It appears to me that the exemption or abatement, as suggested, would work unfairly to other ratepayers, whose rates would be unduly increased. Moreover, the special cost involved in such an arrangement would, in the vast majority of instances, be out of all proportion to the modicum of relief afforded to the tenant. Friend the Secretary of State for War. | tural Holdings Bill is to encourage the In reply, I have to say that a scheme of employment of tenant capital on the life assurance applicable to soldiers was land, the Government will introduce in submitted by Captain Upton to the War Committee provisions to prevent the Office. It was duly considered; and it raising of the rates on improvements was not thought advisable to adopt the made by tenants for a reasonable time? scheme. Speaking of it in general terms, as the hon. and gallant Baronet asks me the Question, the scheme was to give some Insurance Office, which was unnamed, a monopoly of the business to the prejudice of other Insurance Offices; and the Pay Sergeants and Sergeant Majors of the Army were to act as collectors and agents for it. It is considered at the War Office that if any scheme of assurance for soldiers should be adopted, it should be in connection with the national system of insurance which is preparing by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster General, and will be carried on under the auspices of the Post Office. CUSTOMS AND INLAND REVENUE BILL-DUTY ON TRAMWAYS. Chancellor of the Exchequer, in relation "So as to embrace any vehicle drawn or propelled upon a road or tramway, or elsewhere than upon a railway, by steam or electricity, or any other mechanical power," If he will be so good as to explain what is the definition there implied of a tramway liable only to the Carriage Duty, as distinguished from a railway liable to the Passenger Duty? venue Bill. THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS): My hon. Friend speaks of the Customs and Inland ReThe Bill became law some time ago, and while it was passing through the House I answered more than once a Question similar to the one he puts now. But it is not my function to interpret Acts of Parliament; and I can only say that the distinction between a tramway and a railway is one which has been recognized for purposes of taxation for many years, and that no difficulty on the subject has presented itself. JAMAICA-COST OF THE COMMISSION CAPTAIN PRICE asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether a Vote in Supply will be taken for the payment of salaries and expenses of the Commission of Inquiry recently held upon the affairs of Jamaica ? MR. EVELYN ASHLEY: The expenses of the Commission of Inquiry on the affairs of Jamaica will be charged to the Colonial funds up to the date of their leaving that Island; so there will be no Vote in Supply for the costs of this Jamaica inquiry. KITCHEN AND REFRESHMENT ROOMS (HOUSE OF COMMONS). MR. SHEIL asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Whether it is proposed to grant a further sum of £500 per annum, in addition to the £500 per annum now granted to the manager of the Kitchen Department; and, if so, whether a full opportunity of discussing the grant will be afforded? MR. COURTNEY: The Kitchen and Refreshment Rooms Committee have made this recommendation; but it has not yet been officially brought before the Treasury. When this is done it will be our duty to present a Supplementary Estimate for the purpose. POST OFFICE-OVERHEAD WIRES. MR. O'DONNELL asked the PostAGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS (ENGLAND) | master General, If he can state what BILL-RATING ON TENANTS' IM PROVEMENTS. MR. SEVERNE asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Whether, since the object of the Agricul Sir Arthur Hayter precautions are taken to protect the public against the fall of the enormous and increasing mass of metal used in telegraph and telephone wires stretched overhead the public thoroughfares? MR. FAWCETT: In reply to the hon. Member, I may say that only a small proportion of the overhead, telegraph and telephone wires in London belong to the Post Office, and that the majority belong to private Companies. As I previously stated, in one of the leading thoroughfares in the City, out of 97 wires, only three belong to the Post Office. As regards the poles and wires of the Post Office, every care is taken, by frequent inspection, to see that they are in proper condition. SIR MICHAEL HICKS BEACH asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is now able to state whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to propose a Vote in Supply for the purpose described in his Notice of Motion, of "making adequate provision for the interests" of any South African Chief "who may have just claims on them;" whether he can inform the House of the course which Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue with respect to the Transvaal Convention and Basutoland; and, whether he can now fix a day for the Debate on South Africa? MR. GLADSTONE: This Question embraces three different subjects, and I will take the second of them first-that is to say, whether I can inform the House of the course which Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue with respect to the Transvaal Convention and Basutoland. When I last addressed the House on this subject I stated that the views of the Government, so far as they were at present developed, had been embodied in a despatch which was on the eve of being sent to South Africa. Since that time the Earl of Derby has had the opportunity of communicating with a Member of the South African Government (Mr. Merriman), who is now in this country, and has taken the opportunity of expressing more fully his views in the contents of that despatch. The despatch will probably go by mail to-morrow. The Basutoland question, being in what I may call so active a state, will occupy the attention of the Lord High Commissioner, or the Acting High Commissioner at present, and will prevent him from undertaking duties at a greater distance connected with the present state of affairs in South Africa. Her Majesty's Government, therefore, with reference to the question of the Transvaal Convention, have determined to advise the sending out of a Special Commissioner to South Africa. The business of that Special Commissioner will be to consider our present relations with the Transvaal Government, and the terms and conditions of the Convention, now that they have been illustrated by the working of a certain time, and by the experience thus afforded. The func tions of the Special Commissioner will, of necessity, bring within his view the state of Bechuanaland, which it will be his duty to consider in concert with the High Commissioner at Cape Town. The right hon. Baronet and the House will have observed in the newspapers certain telegraphic communications within the last few days to the effect that Mankoroane has signed a Petition, together with his Councillors, praying for annexation to the Cape of Good Hope. That, of course, opens up a very important question. We are not informed at present that any definite resolution has been taken by the Government of the Cape; but still we have certain preliminary information which leads us to believe-though I cannot say the proposition will be accepted by the Capethat it is probable it will be entertained. These are matters of great importance with respect to the future. I trust that in the course of a few days I shall be able to state to the House who the Commissioner we propose to send out will be. Under these circumstances, I have no answer to give with regard to any Vote in Supply, or with reference to any possible demand that may have arisen under certain circumstances in South Africa; nor can I suggest or advise anything at the present time with regard to a debate on the subject; but, of course, I am aware of the engagement made by the Government, and I do not at all say that that engagement should not be fulfilled. SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH: Will the despatch which the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned be laid upon the Table; also the instructions to the Special Commissioner? MR. GLADSTONE: The instructions to the Special Commissioner are not yet prepared; but, of course, they will be laid on the Table, and, I hope, on an early day. But I will take the opportunity of considering the matter with my Colleagues. With regard to the Basutoland despatch, I will also consider what shall be done. My own impression is that, considering that this is not a matter dependent on our own will exclusively, but a rather complex matter, which we have to conduct, in a certain sense, with the Government of the Cape, it is very doubtful whether that despatch should, in the first stage, be laid on the Table before it has been received and acted upon at the Cape. SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH: I will repeat my Question at a later date. DOMINION OF CANADA-THE NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL. MR. O'DONNELL asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he took any steps to ascertain the opinion of the Canadian people or governments before nominating the Marquis of Lansdowne as Governor General of the Dominion? MR. GLADSTONE: The hon. Gentleman is probably aware that Her Majesty's Government are, of necessity, engaged from time to time in the nomination of Governors of very important Colonies, and of Canada among the rest; and I do not ever recollect having seen it asked whether we had taken steps to ascertain the opinion of the Canadian people or Government with regard to these appointments, nor am I aware of the particular motive that has suggested that Question in the case of Lord Lansdowne. All I can say is that we never have taken, nor do we intend to take, any measure of that kind; but I believe that in this case, as in every other case, Her Majesty's Government, with the assistance which they possess, have ample means of ascertaining what are the general sentiments of the Colonies with regard to the sort of persons they wish to receive, and of insuring that they will be well received. I should think if a Gentleman happens to be possessed of station, high character, and great ability, these are requisites which go a long way towards insuring him the best possible reception, and which very few persons in this House would deny to be possessed in rather an eminent degree by Lord Lansdowne. Mr. Gladstone LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART THE ASHBURNHAM MSS. the Treasury, Whether the Treasury has refused to purchase the Ashburnham MSS. at the price asked for by the owner, and approved by the Trustees of the British Museum; whether the refusal is final, or whether a further effort will be made to secure these valuable manuscripts for the Nation; and, if he could state what is the amount in dispute? MR. CARBUTT asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If there is any truth in the statement in Monday's papers that, notwithstanding the acceptance by the Government of the honourable Member for Burnley's resolution in favour of economy, they have consented to expend £70,000 in the purchase of a portion of the Ashburnham Manuscripts? MR. GLADSTONE: This question had not been treated as a Treasury question, but as one that demanded the consideration of the Government generally. With regard to the purchase of the Ashburnham Collection on the terms asked by the noble Lord, and recommended by the Trustees of the British Museum, the Government did not think. they would be justified in entertaining the proposal for the purchase of the entire Collection. With respect to a purchase of a portion of the Collection, the negotiations are still going on, and I think hon. Members will agree that in that case it would be better for me not to enter into the matter at present. With regard to the Question of the hon. Member (Mr. Carbutt), I must ask him to suspend his judgment, as I do not wish to depart from the spirit of the answer I have just given. LAW AND JUSTICE (IRELAND)-MR. JUSTICE LAWSON. MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether his attention has been called to an article in the "Pall Mall Gazette" of the 18th of June, in which it is stated, with reference to the Corrupt Practices Bill, that "There notoriously resides in the bosoms of some Irish Judges a very bitter hatred of Mr. Parnell and all his works. What is to prevent Mr. Justice Lawson and a Court composed of finding that there has been undue influence, and Judges of similar temper and leanings from thereby making Mr. Parnell incapable of being elected to or sitting in the House of Commons | Parliament when made in English newsfor ten years; and, whether, in view of the great difficulties which beset the administration of justice in Ireland, and of the dangers with which judges and juries who do their duties with honesty and courage are surrounded, and of the terrible crimes which have been incited by similar attacks in Irish papers upon those who administer the public services in Ireland, Her Majesty's Government will take steps to punish the authors in the English Press of such grave imputations? MR. GLADSTONE: I have examined the Question of the hon. Member, and have considered the passage to which it refers. I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman imagines that the Government have power to notice the passage under the existing law, or whether they ought to alter the law to meet the case. We have no power under the existing law to notice the passage, and we do not see any occasion for proposing a change in the law. The character of the Judges of the land is, I think, generally best secured by public confidence, which alone can give dignity and satisfaction in their high office. I greatly doubt whether it is expedient that a man in an official position should undertake to be a critic of criticisms of this kind, and to have his criticisms criticized by others; but as Mr. Justice Lawson is named in this particular case, and as I have had the honour of his acquaintance, and co-operating with him in former years in important matters, I may say that, so far as I understand this passage, it is one of very considerable scope and extent. It amounts, I think, to an impeachment of Mr. Justice Lawson's judicial impartiality; and, therefore, I wish to bear testimony, as an individual-for I have no right to speak officially about it that from long experience of Mr. Justice Lawson, I have always regarded him as a gentleman of great capacity and perfect honour and integrity, and I know that no temptation would induce him to deviate from the path of official duty. MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT: Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the severe condemnation passed by the Government on similar statements in the Irish papers, he will not find it possible even to condemn statements of the kind from his place in papers? MR. GLADSTONE: I have nothing to add to what I have already said. INDIA-THE PERMANENT UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE-MR. GODLEY. MR. ONSLOW asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is true that Mr. Godley has been appointed to the vacant post of permanent Under Secretary of State for India; and, if he can state what official experience this officer has had in Indian affairs? MR. J. K. CROSS: As this Question relates to the Indian Department of the Government, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked me to answer it. In consequence of the contemplated resignation of Sir Louis Mallet, whose health, after 42 years' continuous service, no longer allows him to devote himself to the very onerous duties of the Office which he so ably fills, it will become necessary to nominate his successor; and it is the intention of the Secretary of State for India to nominate Mr. Godley. In appointments of this kind the absence of special Indian experience has not hitherto been considered a disqualification. MR. O'DONNELL: Might I ask is this another case of promoting a Premier's Private Secretary? Subsequently, LORD GEORGE HAMILTON gave Notice that on Monday he would ask, in consequence of the intimation given to the House that Mr. Godley had been appointed to succeed Sir Louis Mallet at the Indian Office, How many years Mr. Godley had been a member of the English Civil Service; and, whether, as Permanent Under Secretary of State for India, he would not have under him upwards of 600 clerks, many amongst them men of great capacity and ability, who had served the State faithfully for a period of 30 or 40 years? COLONEL NOLAN begged to give Notice that, when the noble Lord asked that Question, he should also ask, What was the age of Mr. Godley and what was the age of the noble Lord; and whether the noble Lord had not precisely the same number of clerks under him in that Department four or five years ago? LAND IMPROVEMENT AND ARTERIAL DRAINAGE (IRELAND) BILL. COLONEL COLTHURST asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the Government can promise any day for the discussion of the principles involved in the Bill which has been lately introduced to remove some of the obstables that impede the intentions of Parliament with respect to the development of the system of arterial drainage in Ireland; and, if such day cannot be granted, whether the Government will consent to withdraw the Bill now before the House, so as to enable a discussion to be taken upon the Motion which stands first for Tuesday next? MR. COURTNEY: As the hon. and gallant Member knows, the Bill of the Government deals with the whole question of drainage and land improvement, and contains provisions for removing, in an immediate practical way, difficulties which are daily felt; it has been carefully prepared, and, although its progress is at present blocked, it would be inexpedient to withdraw what is a complete project of legislation, in order to facilitate the discussion of an abstract Resolution. The question can, of course, be reconsidered later on; but we do not despair of passing a Bill which we believe is wanted. MR. FAWCETT: My attention was not directed to this subject until I received a letter from my hon. Friend. I me that the Post Office has nothing can only say that it really seems to whatever to do with the matter. Our duty is, when letters are sent to the Dead Letter Office, to try to return them to those by whom they have been sent, and it is not a part of our duty to find out if the letters are forged or not. In reply to the hon. Baronet, I can only say that I do not think it any part of statements made on public platforms. my duty to inquire into the accuracy of PARLIAMENT-BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. MR. GLADSTONE: I wish to say House as to the course of Public Busione word for the convenience of the ness. The hon. Member for Mid Lincolnshire (Mr. Chaplin) said he would day; but the Notice did not appear. I put a Question on the subject on Thurshave been led to make a good deal of inquiry on the subject, and I am led to believe that there is a considerable ceed with the Agricultural Holdings amount of desire that we should pro(England) Bill before the Parliamentary Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Bill. [Cries of "Yes, yes!" and "No, POST OFFICE-THE MUNICIPAL RE- no!"] The Government confidently FORM LEAGUE-FORGED TICKETS. MR. FIRTH asked the Postmaster General, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Dead Letter Office had recently sent to the offices of the Municipal Reform League more than 750 letters, containing forged tickets for the Municipal Reform Meeting at St. James's Hall, and which had been addressed to the defunct Conservative Associations, Liverymen, and City Guilds, and persons connected with the City of London; and, whether he could give facilities for discovering the authors of this attempt to interfere with the free right of public meeting? SIR TREVOR LAWRENCE asked whether the Postmaster General, at the same time, would inform the House as to the accuracy of the statement made by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Chelsea (Mr. Firth) on the platform at that meeting, that these letters were sent round by the Corporation of the City of London? reckon on proceeding with both these Bills. The Parliamentary Elections. (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Bill will be taken this evening, also to-morrow; and on Monday I may be able to say whether the Agricultural Holdings (England) Bill may not have precedence. The only thing inadmissible is our going backwards and forwards from one Bill to the other. I will endeavour, as far as I can, to ascertain what is the feeling of the House. Probably tomorrow, at 2 o'clock, we shall be able to judge whether on Monday we shall take the Agricultural Holdings (England) Bill and go through with it, or continue in the present course with the Parliamentary Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Bill. One of either course must be taken. MR. H. H. FOWLER asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the present state of Public Business, and the supreme indifference which the House showed to Motions |