CITY EDITION. PUBLISHED AT 4 P.M.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7676, 8 April 1903, Page 3

CITY EDITION. PUBLISHED AT 4 P.M.

SIR HECTOR MACDONALD THE CEYLON CHARGES. A STATEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. United Press Association— By Electrio Telegraph— Copyrigh t. (Received April _, 10.26 a.m.) FREMANTLE, April 8. The "Ceylon Observer" of March 26 jays:— ln the Legislative Council a question was asked as a matter of urgency whether Sir Hector Macdonald was returning to the island to resume the. command <of the -forces. t" His Excellency said: "A member has raised a, very painful question, but -considering the anxiety which has been aroused . in the colony by the announcement of General Macdonald's impending return, I cannot but admit that his intervention is jus- ■ tified, if not necessary. It is known to all here that grave, very grave, charges liave been made against General Maodonald. Although the offences with which he is charged are very serious^ yet they are not punishable under Ceylon law t and therefore cannot be subject' to an inquiry in a criminal court in^ this colony. When the /charges transpired Sir Hector Macdonald, "With may concurrence and on my responsibility, went to England to consult his friends and superiors. He has decided to return to Ceylon to meet the charges. I have been authorised to convene a courtmartial for the purpose. The local Press, vith a self-restraint of propriety which should earn for them the gratitude and admiration of all right-minded men, have Vitherto abstained from' any comment on this painful subject. It is therefore perhaps unnecessary far me to appeal to them to continue this honourable course, to remember that the case is practically sub judioe, and, to say on. the subject nothing prejudicial fto the trial, which every Englishman anjl every loyal subject hopes will result after a. Ml and- searching inquiry in the complete and honourable acquittal of a soldier with so splendid a record of perviceS to his King and country as General I^acdonald." A "member wished to know what status General Macdonald would hold on returning to Ceylon. The Governor replied : "My answer to that 'ia that like all officers who are abcut to be tried by court-martial,, he • will be placed under arrest. He will not again resume his duties until he is acquitted v by the Court;"