THE LATE SIR HECTOR MACDONALD.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11726, 29 October 1903, Page 3

THE LATE SIR HECTOR MACDONALD.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS. (FROM OtR OWN’ CORTtrsrON’DEN’T.) LONDON, September 26. A report of six Commissioners, who were “appointed to enquire into the circumstances affecting the death of tire late Sir Hector Macdonald,” lias been, issued. The report is published from the Government Buildings, Colombo, and says that the Commissioners individually and collectively, declare on oath that after the most careful, minute, and exhaustive inquiry and investigation of the whole of the circumstances and facts connected with the sudden and unexpected death of the late Sir Hector Macdonald, they unanimously and unmistakably find absolutely no reason or cause whatsoever which would create feelings such as would determine suicide in preference to conviction of any crime affecting the moral and irreproachable character of so brave, so fearless, so glorious, so unparalleled a hero.” The Commissioners further state that “they believe the suggestions of crime were prompted through feelings of spite. While honourably acquitting the late Sir Hecton Macdonald of any charge whatever, we cannot but -deplore the sad circumstances of the case that have fallen so disastrously on one whom we have found innocent of any crime attributed to him. The names of the Commissioners are Angus Macdonald, Dr. Matthew Wilson, I). D. MacNaughton, James Brodie, Gerald Heathcote. and Arthur Lang.