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the same time for giving his evidence against the Caldwells.
The Assessor to the Commission, Mr. Day, was gratified with my place. His death, in the following month, opened the way to the present occupant, Mr. Green, a gentleman of honour and courage, and one who has openly expressed his disgust at the manner of my suspension, and the pretences alleged for it.
And now I find, from the newspaper reports of parliamentary proceedings, that Sir John Bowring, driven from the ground taken by him on the 24th July, is engaged in an attempt to divert attention from his disaster, and to arrest it upon a counter charge against myself.
Sir E. Lytton has informed the House, that Sir J. Bowring imputes to me a breach of special confidence, in giving the evidence I did give before the Commissioners.
A few words will show the absurdity and untruthfulness of that imputation.
You will have seen, that I not only took no part in the promotion of that method of inquiry, but, on the very ground, that thereby the official confidence of the Imperial Government would of necessity be violated, protested against it. It was the spontaneous act of Sir John Bowring's Government.
By the terms of their warrant of Commission, as printed by authority,[1] the Commissioners were directed to call for whatsoever evidence they thought fit, and more especially such as, without a plenary absolution
- ↑ Report and Minutes, Pref. p. i.
