ATTACK AND CHALLENGE

Evening Star, Issue 15513, 8 June 1914, Page 6

ATTACK AND CHALLENGE

SOME PLAIN SPEAKING. A challenge addressed to Mi- Swift Mjo Xeill, K.C., MP, to repeat outside charges made in the House of Commons retpjrdim: the British South Africa Company not having met with a. response, Mr "P.. F. Hawksley. the solicitor of the t-ompariT, has published the correspondence, in which Mr Swift MacVeili is referred to in contemptuous terms. It will be recalled that on March 1£ Mr Swift MaeNeill made an attack ori the company, in which he* made charges respecting its finanoial and general conduct. The folowing phrases indicate the character of the speech: I shall do my best to see that the white settlers who go out there shall not ■have to pay ruinous rents for the watered-down capital of a. gang of swindlers . . . having regard to what we know of the shocking transactions of this company, which has actually been degenerating in the sink of fraud and public deception. Any company that lias bfen the direct cause of two wars has committed atrocities. Following the epeech, Mr Hawksley demanded of Mr.MaoNeill — to state definitely whether you arv prepared to withdraw the slanders you uttered in the Horse of Commons, or to repeat them where you axe not sheltered by privilege.

Two letters (March 27 and 31) having failed to elicit a reply, Mr Bawksley wrote on April 4 ; If I am to accept your silence as a refusal either to withdraw or repeat your danders, it is only left to me to denounce you as a sneak and a coward, and a disgrace to the House of Commons that gives you the privilege you abuse.

Another letter followed on April 17. to which no reply had reached Mr Hawfcsley.