LATE SIR HECTOR MACDONALD.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 862, 9 April 1903, Page 3

LATE SIR HECTOR MACDONALD.

{STATEMENTS MADE IN CEYLON

By, .Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. FREMANTLE, April 8. The Ceylon Observer of March 3lith Slates : “ In tlie Legislative Council a question was asked as a matter of urgenty, whether Sir Hector Macdonald was returning to the island to resume ins command.

“ His Excellency said the member had raised a very painful question, hue considering the. anxiety which had been aroused in the colony by the announcement of Sir Hector Macdonald’s impending return, I cannot but admit that his intervention is justified. It is known to all here that grave, very grave, charges have been made against Eir Heeler Macdonald. Although the offences charged are very serious, yet they are not punishable under I lie Ceylon law, and therefore cannot be subject to enquiry in a criminal court in this cedony. When the charges transpired, Sir Hector Macdonald, with my concurrence and on my responsibility, went to England to consult his friend and superiors. He has decided lo return to Ceylon to meet the charges. I have been' authorised to convene a courtmartial for the purpose,'" “ The local press, with a selfrestraint and propriety which should Darn for them the gratitude aiul admiration of all .right-minded people, have hitherto abstained from any comment on this painful subject. Therefore, it. is perhaps unnecessary that we should appeal to them to continue this honorable course, and to remember that the ease is practically sub-judiec, and Lo stiy oil the subject nothing prejudicial to the (trial, which every Englishman and every loyal subject hopes will result iilttr a full and searching enquiry in the complete and honorable acquittal of a soldier with so splendid a record of services to his King and country as Sir Hector Macdonald. _Membcrs wished to know whai status .Sir Hector Macdonald would hold on returning to the colony, and the Governor replied : “ My answer Is- that like all officers who are about to he tried by court-martial he will ,Ik* placed under arrest, lie will not again resume his duties until acquitted by, the Court.”