THE LATE SIR HECTOR MACDONALD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 88, 9 April 1903, Page 3

THE LATE SIR HECTOR MACDONALD

NEWS FROM CEYLON. MR FBKBS ASSOCIATION. Fbcem&ntlb, Ap:il 7. The Oeylon Observer of 26 th March says that in ten Legislative Council a question was tsked, as a matter of urgency, whether Sir Hector Macdonald was returning to tbe island to resume command. His Excellency s»id: The member has raised a very painful question. Considering the anxiety which has been aroused in tbe colony by the announcement of Sir Hector Mhcdonald's impending return, £ cannot but admit that hfs intervention is justified, if not necessary. It is known to all here that grave, very grave, charges have been made against Sir Hector Macdonald. Although the offences charged are very serious, yet they are not punishable under the Oeylon law, and therefore cinnot be subject to inquiry in a Criminal Court in this colony. When the charges transpired, Sir Hec'or Macdonald, with my caucurrecce and on my responsibility, went to England to consult his friends and superiors. He has decided to re'urn to Ceylon to meet the charges, and I have be-n authorised to convene a court-martial for the pur-1 pose. The local press, with s>-If-restraint | and propriety, which ehould earn for" them the gratitude and admiration of all right-mioded met), has hitherto abstained from any comment on this painful subject. Therefore it is parhap3 unnecessary for me to appeal to them to continue this honourable course; to remember that the case is practicilly tubjvdice; and to say on the subj°ct nothing prejudicial to the trial wbich every Englishman and every loyal subject hopes will result, alter a full and searching inquiry, in the complete and honourable acquittal of a soldier with so splendid a record of services to his King and country as Sir Hector Mac-1 donald. I

A member wished to know what status Sir Heotor would bold on returning to the colony. The Governor replied: "My answer to that is that, like all officers who are about to -be tried by court-martial, he will bs placed under arrest. He will not again resume duties until acquitted by the Oourt.