The Sun. — London, England, 1854-12-16 00:00:00

I so; on the contrary, for God's sake, encourage that spirit —that till, which is, under Provid(mee, the wark, the safeguard under which you can hope to bring this war to a successful and honourable issue. But if you wish to damp that spirit—if you wish to run counter to this feeling or prejudice (call it which you will)—if you check the national ardour at this moment—if you desire by legislation to attain these results, then, my lords, pass this bill. (Loud cheering.) The Duke of ARGYLL did not wish to introduce any acrimonious feeling into this debate. lie could not doubt for a single moment that the noble earl and his friends would give their support to any measure which they be lieved for the interests of the country. But he protested against the noble earl (Earl of Derby) assuming to him self upon every occasion such extraordinary magnanimity. He did not believe the noble earl would oppose a measure which he considered absolutely necessary for the safety of the country ; but the noble earl took every opportunity of detracting from the merit of Government, mad imparting party spirit into the debate. A noble duke, ono of the supporters of the noble earl, had borne his testimony to the efficiency of those mercenaries, as they were now termed, and he regretted to see that that noble duke was to night purposely absent. The measure would probably add 10,000 or 15,000 men to the service of the country ; and interested as they were in reducing the power of Russia, no real objection had been or could be urged against He again warned noble lords not to be led away by the clap-trap of the two noble earls (Ellenberough and Derby), whose speeches ought not to be permitted to influence the decision of their lordships' house. The Earl of DERBY did not propose to notice anything that fell from the noble duke, who had, however, permitted to leak out the important secret that the number of foreign troops which the Government meant to employ was 10,000 or 15,000 • but what , he wanted to correct was the erroneous s tatement of the noble duke with respect to his noble and gallant friend the Duke of Richmond, who was not purposely absent, but had, in accordance with what he had stated on the previous occasion, gone down to com mand his regiment. (Hear, hear.) Their lordships then divided, when there appeared, for going into committee on the bill— Content .. 55 Non-content Majority for going into committee — 12 Their lordships then went into committee on the bill. The Duke of NEWCASTLE, in reply to a question of Lord Derby, said the Government did not propose to place any restriction on the employment of foreigners other than that which the House of Commons might impose in the granting of supplies—that was to say, the Government did not propose to fix any particular number. He hoped the house would allow the bill to pass through committee, so that it might be passed before the Christmas holidays. The Government proposed to take the third reading a the bill on Monday next. The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH was understood to ob ject to the course proposed by the Duke of Newcastle. The bill then passed through committee. Their lordships adjourned at haif-past nine o'clock till to-morrow (this day) at two o'clock. HOUSE OF COMMONS—(YESTERDAY.) The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock. PETITIONS. Mr. THORNLEY presented a petition from Black burn, praying for an alteration in the Sale of Beer Act. Sir J. JOHNSTONE presented a petition from Scar borough against any alteration in the system of licensing public-houses. SMALL ARMS. Oa the motion of Mr. MUNTZ the following return was ordered :—Return of all orders given, and contracts entered into, by the Board of Ordnance for small arms, since the Ist day of January, 1853, with the dates thereof, the time of the delivery of each pattern, and also, when each material was given out to, be set up; specifying separately London, Birmingharri, and foreign orders ; and stating what part of them have been re ceived, and what number of materials, and muskets, or other guns have been accepted of 577 bore, and all other kinds, and when. ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL. Mr. LABOUCHERE wished to put a question to his right hon. friend the Commissioner of Works upon a subject of considerable importance to the metropolis. The house was probably aware that owing to the improve. ments which had lately been made in the City there was now a large vacant space on the north-east side of St. Paul's Cathedral affording a most excellent view of that magnificent building. Now it would be disgraceful to the country and the metropolis if that vacant space were allowed to be again built upon. It might be pur chased for a sum of 60,0001., and he should be glad to know from his right hon. friend whether he would direct his attention to the subject, with the view of pre venting the space being again covered over. (Hear.) Sir W. MOLESvircRtH. said, some months ago his attention was called to the question, and he entirely agreed with his right hon. friend that the space ought not to be covered. (Hear, hear.) But this was a ques tion which did not belong to the Government ; it be longed to the Corporation of the City of London, who estimated the value of the laud at 60,000/. ; but it would be a gross act of Vandalism to cher the ground with buildings. As Commissioner of Works, however, he had no power to prevent it, nor had he any funds - wherewith to purchase the land. (Hear.) He did not think Parliament ought or would give the authorities of the city 60,0001. to induce them to do their duty, but he should be happy to consider any plan to prevent the land being built upon, provided it would not involve any outlay of public money. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. In'reply to Mr. J. B. SMITH, Mr. CARDWELL stated that agricultural statistics had been collected in part of Ireland, the whole of Scot land, and eleven in English counties, and the results would be ready for delivery after Easter. CHURCH RATES. Mr.PACKE asked the noble President of the Council whether it was his intention, during the present session, to bring in a bill to settle the question of Church Rates. Lord J. RUSSELL replied that he should bring the subject on soon after Easter. (Hear, hear.) THE APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR TO THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER. Mr. WISE rose to ask the circumstances under which the appointment of Mr. Bertolacci to the office of Auditor of the Duchy of Lancaster took place. Mr. STRUTT said that it was not his intention to say one word disrespectful of the gentleman who last filled that office, beyond remarking that he as a literary Dian was not one the most likely to fill an office of that character, and when by his death the appointment became vacant he, thinking it might be blended with some other, had asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to point him out some one holding an other office who could undertake it. The gentleman referred to (who to that time was a perfect stranger to him) was named, and finding that he in every respect bore a high character, the appointment had been made at a reduction of half the previous salary of 4001. a year. Mr. MUNTZ called the attention of the house to a statement which had appeared relative to an explosion which bad occurred on board a steamer from Glasgow to Portsmouth, by which it appeared that the safety valve of the boiler could only open inwardly, and that it had been shut all the way. Mr. CARDWELL said that the inquiry had been set on foot. CHAPLAINS AND SCRIPTURE READERS AT THE SEAT OF WAR. Mr. HAMILTON rose to ask the Secretary at War, whether it is the case, as has been reported, that Scrip ture readers are prohibited from visiting such of our wounded soldiers in hospital at Scutari as are desirou3 of their services ; while other benevolent persons, com prising among them Sisters of Charity, and members of religious orders are admitted into the hospitals. And, whether any and what regulations have been made, by which members of religious orders are pre vented from impressing their peculiar religious opinions upon any but those of their own communion; The hon. member, in putting the question, wished to know if they had been expelled by the Sisters of Charity for their own private ends. Mr. S. HERBERT said that the Sisters of Charity Were placed upon a different footing from those who were gent when the Government determined to send out nurses to Scutari. They were sent out of all creeds, but under the guidance of one, and that one a Protestant ; and when they, the Sisters of Charity, offered their ser vices, Government accepted them upon the understand ing that they were to be bound by the saline regulations as the others who had preceded them, and they made not the slightest objection. The regulations by which they were bound was that they should not make any use of their position to tamper with the religious principles of Patients of a different persuasion to their own. With re• gard to the Scripture readers they were differently situated. The Government had selected chaplains as near as they could in numbers to snit the Scrip tural wants of the . soldiers, who were divi ded into three badieS, Church of England, Presbyterians, and Catholics, and it was most important that nothing like religious controversy should take place, and every precaution had been taken to prevent it. He had seen the account in the papers about the- alleged expulsion of the Scripture readers, and only supposed that they had, by giving away tracts or some other course, infringed on the rules, and thus theirexpulsion had becomea matter of trcetsity. He did not say this was the case, buthe thought it would be found to be the cause of the matter alluded to. He concluded by assuring the house that every effort had been made to afford spiritual consolation to the troops of all denominations, but at the same time to prevent controversy. In reply to Mr. SCULLY, Mr. S. HERBERT stated that the army in the East Was composed of two-thirds Protestants and one-third Roman Catholic, and Government had sent out 12 chaplains for the Church of England and four for the Presbyterians. TREATY WITH AUSTRIA, Lord J. RUSSELL, by command, brought up a copy of the treaty entered into with Austria, which was ordered to lie upon the table. FUEL FOR THE ARMY. Mr. EWART wished to know from the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps had been taken for supplying the army in the Crimea with fuel ? Sir J. GRAHAM AMAM said the authorities at Malta and ether stations had received orders to forward a supply of coal to Balaklava. 'VOTES OF THANKS TO THE ARMY AND NAVY IN THE EAST. Lord J. RUSSELL rose amid great silence and pro ceeded as follows :—" Sir, in rising to perform tho task Ivhinh I have undertaken, I have the satisfaction of think ing that, however feebly and incompletely that task may be performed, I am sure of the sympathy of this house. (sear, and cheers.) I cannot doubt that all those who are concerned in and approve of the expedition which has been sent out to the Crimea will heartily join in acknow ledging the deeds of valour, the constancy, and the forti tude which they expected would be performed. (Rear, and cheers.) I should say still more strongly that those who t hought that the expedition was undertaken with inade onato means, and that our army was exposed to unequal ;gill 1. c still Inone inclined to admire the superhuimtn efforts which hare been made by that army. (Hear, and cheers.) therefore, sir, proceed to this task in confidence that tho house will approve a the motions which I shall submit to it., (Hear, and cheers.) In performing that task I may, perhaps, at the outset be permitted to state that I shall endeavour as far as possible to avoid repeating the details of actions, the narrative of which has been given by Lord Raglan in his own clear and admirable language. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) I shall also endea vour to avoid entering into questions of tactics and mili tary criticisms. I hold that we are none of us well quali fied to perform a task which can only be adequately per formed by those-who are not only perfectly familiar with the art of war, but also know all the circumstances of ope rations which may be undertaken, and the manner in which they have been performed. If I may give an illustration, I would mention that in the history of the French empire the historian, in recounting the operations which belong to the battle of Wagram, states that the 'first Napoleon having carried the battle to a certain extent, and seeing the victory inclined to be in his favour, ordered certain manceuvres to be perfortned, said afterwards that another manoeuvre, which would have been far more decisive, would have produced more splendid results, but that his army was not at that time composed of the veterans whom he was accustomed to lead, but that many of the troops were young and inexperienced men, upon whom he did not rely for their steadiness in a manoeuvre which was so difficult to be performed. Now, a military critic having discovered that such a manceavre might be performed, might have blamed the great commander for not under taking it ; but ho, knowing all the circumstances,—being aware of the position of the ground—the character, the temper, and disposition of his troops—no doubt judged rightly with respect to the conduct which ought to be pur sued. So, likewise, in regard to every military operation —unless you know exactly the nature of the ground —un less you can count exactly the force of the enemy, and likewise the state and temper of his army—it is impossible to judge with respect to the operations to be performed. I say this, because it is my intention only to state what operations have been performed. I have no doubt that they were performed with very great ability—l have no doubt they were ,carried out according to the best judg ment under the circumstances ; but I do not intend on this occasion to meet objections which may be made to any par ticular course of conduct on a certain day. Now, sir, let me proceed to state the position of Lord Raglan. Lord Raglan was chosen by her Majesty to command the expe dition which was soot out to the East, _Thou dictated by the refic.tiou or tile services which he had ren dered to his country, and the character which he had ob tained both in the army and in office. Lord Raglan, when a very young man, might have used the influence of a very powerful family to obtain any position to which he might have aspired, but the only thin g he asked for from the Go vernasont of that time was to be attached to the staff of Sir Arthur Wellesley. He was attached to that staff, and from that time every step he has gained, and the emi nence which he at present holds, are due to his own me ' rits and ability. (Loud cheers.) I perfectly remember that on several occasions, when I had the honour of being at the head-quarters of the Duke of Wellington, in the Peninsula, that he performed all the duties of military cor respondent to that great captain, when he had not only to conduct the military correspondence of the army, but also that of the Government at home— with the Secretary . of State and the Secretary-at-War, and also with the Por tuguese and Spanish Governments. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) There was business enough to employ any office in the country which has the most business to conduct, but it was all performed by Lord Raglan, owing to his clear head and the great facility with which he discharged it; and though amid the hurry of arms, it did not for a moment divert his attention from the :duties to be per formed in the field. Ho was in the company of the Duke of Wellington through his long career, and he was at length wounded, in the service. He returned to this country to perform other duties. If the character of Bri tish (slicers in the army stand high—if the selections which have been made show how much desert has been attended to—it is in a great degree to Lord Raglan that the country has been indebted for those selections. (Loud cheers.)- Such is the man, therefore, who has been ap pointed by her Majesty to command the army in the East; and let me say, further, that having been so ap pointed, he at once commanded the confidence and the affection of the British army, and in a very short time he gained the entire confidence and hearty co-operation of the generals of our ally, the Emperor of the French. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) When we have to consider that these operations were to be conducted in tom mon with the forces of our ally with whom we had not been accustomed to co-operate in the field, however intimate may have been the two Powers during the exist ence of peace, the house will see at once that it was not only by valour in the field, though more brilliant valour was never displayed, but it was by other and not less ne cessary qualifications that the character of Lord Raglan has been of service to his country. (Hear, and cheers.) Now, sir, I will proceed to that expedition and those con flicts in which the best blood of this country has been shed —and when I say the best blood, I by no means intend to notice persons of any particular rank, military or social, but among the best blood of this country -is the blood of those sons of labourers and others who have entered the military profession, and have devoted their whole hearts to duty—who have stood on the field of battle without those expectations of being distinguished by those rewards which reach other and higher classes, but who have per formed their duty fearlessly and faithfully, and at the same time with a feeling of religious obligation which has prevented them, while foremost in assailing the enemy, from committing any outrage in the field. (Loud cheers.) I am sure that these children of Britain aro not less de serving of praise than the sons of the highest and noblest in the land, (Loud cheers.) The embarkation of the British troops took place towards the end of August. It was in the despatch of the 29th of that month Lord Raglan mentioned his obligation to the officers of the British navy, to which I will hereafter allude, and the assistance ren dered-by the sailors in the embarkation of so large a num ber of troops. The expedition proceeded to the Crimea There was some question with regard to the place of de barkation. Lord Raglan himself preceded the fleet in a swift steamer, and on surveying the coast found that some points which had been thought of for landing the troops were guarded by redoubts and fortifications, and at length ho fixed on a place, to which he obtained the assent of Marshal St. Arnaud, the commander of the French army. The selection was so judicious that.the whole army disem barked without opposition, and that important operation was successfully accomplished in a comparatively short period. That was already a proof of the skill and ability of Lord Raglan, which gave great satisfaction to the coun try. Having landed on the 14th, the army set out and marched a considerable distande by the 19th. On the 20th they lead got two miles further, and then the Russian army was perceived on the heights of the Alma. In the space of two hours our troops made themselves masters of those heights, and the Russian army made no further attempt to occupy or retake that position. (Hear, hear.) It was a position of great natural strength—so strong that one por tion of the heights was quite unassailable from the nature of the ground. It is generally believed that Prince Men schikolf, whet then commanded, wrote to his master to say that it was a position which would enable him to keep the Allied army at bay for three months, and thereby prevent them proceeding with the siege of Sebastopol. Yet such was the brilliant valour of the British and French troops, that they carried those heights. The Light Division of the British army was encountered by a showerof musketry and grape, which for a time thinned their ranks ; but the brigade of guards came up and attacked the Russian posi tion with such fierce vigour and determination that the Russians yielded their position and heights, never again to attempt to regain it. (Loud cheers.) I haye already ob served that, as to the details, of this action, Lord Raglan himself has given them in the clearest language. I may, perhaps, however, mention some circumstances relating to the noble lord himself. Marshal St. Arnaud carried at the same time the left of the Russian position. The charge of the French troops was so impetuous and so vigorous that the enemy soon yielded, and the French army . was esta blished on the heights which had been occupied by the Ruisians. (Cheers.) On the British side a great mass of Russian troops were collected. Lord Raglan, seeing the peat force with - which he had to contend, remarked to one of theofficers of his staff that it would be desirable to place some cannon on a height which he pointed out, which could be brought to bear upon the Russian cplumns, and asked him if he thought guns could be placed on those heights. The officer returned, and said he thought it was possible. Lord Raglan then ordered 2 guns to be taken to the heights. The Russian artillery was so powerful and destructive, that - most of the artillerymen who accom panied these guns were killed in ascending the heights, but the guns ware placed as Lord Raglan had desired. It was an officer of his own staff that fired the first shots from these guns. At first they were not effective, but presently they got the range, and wer.4 so directed against the mass of the Rus'sian infantry, and made such deep passes,through that great body of men, that after a time the whole mass began to move, the columns were shaken, and the Russians commenced a retreat. (Cheers) Such is a proof, I con ceive, of the military eye and the skill of Lord Raglan, who, surveying the enemy, and perceiving how they might be best assailed, directed the movement with that coolness and decision which are his characteristics. (Hear, hear.) And when I speak of the coolness of Lord Raglan, I may be perhaps permitted to mention a circumstance which came from an officer of his own staff. One of his staff ob served to Lord Raglan that he was exposing himself too much, and going too far in advance—that the Russian fire in that part was so hot that the life of the British com mander ought not to be so risked. When this -remon strance was made, that he' ought not to expose himself so much, Lord Raglan replied, " Don't speak to me now ; I am busy." (Loud cheers.) Now, there is nothing of epi grammatic wit iu this—nothiug, perhaps, of heroic senti mentthese words • but they were the words of an Elglishin gentlemeafi any n tlen d d a i n n ge g r to th h a is t t d h u r t o y a , te a n n e d d whohim .himself. quite regardless o_ After the battle of the Alma was gained, (Hear, hear.) were t e e r d fora time , ei,ii.wnhilstb assistingot h and the , m i l ary and th e onward. Aft e r the tle e s a e r a m m y e n il a p proceeded esti carrying.. woundedtha the to E the gls ships,English nd without any Russian force They crossed the Katcha river 11Fnrdenich buryingarmy disputing its banks; but wh en they came to the Belbeck, been there erected with they found that certain works h ad artillery nec essary. It was stores, A f res h con sultation became a view o f p reven ti n g the debarkation of the and considered wh e th er th os e works should be attacked— ther the arm should proceed, as was - its origin al intention, e to attack the north side of S e b as topol, or whether some other course should not bo taken. It was considered that instead of occupying themselves in redu ing these forts, the army should at once, at all risks, march across the woods to the south of Sebastopol, and endeavour to make themselves masters of Balaklava. That march was accom pwiiitshhegdreoant 25ththe o ar f m S y eptember It was accomplished danger of a fresh attack. at io suc cessfullyapn o 10, 0 a commander ( at performed , nhde ea a army Englishmya nTheyd between Fivi i Thebei n l g . a o r . f o h course, was, l say, exposedmost to the surprised ßehak i te th m e o.ns r c e ee a r r . of n t d he se ß b u a s s : port and Sebastopol. I believe that . w ht a s s them selves masters of Balaklava and the heights showed very great skill. after that operation, Lord Raglan had t a o n l; 1 1 . (gear b a al i m enn aawmod between eduriaattttieoalnyt) m N e y zt that that officer with whom he had co-operated, consulted as to the original design of the expedition—the whom he nature of the expedition the mode and place of debarka- tion, and respecting the battle of the Alma, was re duced by illness that lie could no l onger con ti nue in com mend. mend. Marshal St. Arnaud, however, showing a heroic spirit, determined to persevere to the last in the perform ance of his duty to his Sovereign and his country. (L oud cheers.) He was resolved that, although in a few month°, perhaps in a few days , . nothing weuld remain but his dea.Cl- body, that that body should beCovered with glory. (Cheers.) In a day or two Marshal St. Arnaud died. ' He was an officer who .had shown gallantry and heroism, and our army had every reason to be satisfied with his conduct. He was in short a brave soldier, who, to the last day of his life, performed his duty. (Cheers.) I cannot hero omit to mention t 1 w0r,1.,-, in which "M:krAril St. Ai nmid spoke of L ,rd Raglan's conduct at the battle of the Alma, because they wore words worthy of the brave and generous nation whose general spoke them—they show in a striking manner the generous mind of Marshal St. Arnaud, and the character of the man concerning whom they were mentioned. The marshal said that the bravery of Lord Raglan reminded him of tho heroes of antiquity—in the. midst of cannon and musketry shot, the coolness and valour displayed by him was unequalled. (Cheers.) The command of the French army devolved upon General Canrobert, who at once, as wellas since then, had acted in *concert in every sense with Lord Raglan. They acted together with most perfect accord. There was no other rivalry between them than which of them should best serve the common cause. (Loud cheers.) There was no paltry spirit of jealousy, each admired the chais.cter and actions of the other. On the 28th of September the army occupied the heights in the neighbourhood of Sebastopol. About ten days elapsed, when, after a full examination of the ground, the impression of Sir John Burgoyne and other eminent officers—l mention Sir John Burgoyne, because he is best qualified to give an opinion on that subject—the impres sion on Sir John Burgoyne's mind, I say, was, that the task would be far more difficult than had been supposed. It was imagined that the regular fortifications of Sebas topol on the land side, wore not suck as would prevent the Allied army getting close to the town, and destroyin gits defences with such artillery as they had ready, and so the reduction of the town would soon be accomplished. When I look back to the letters which were written about that time by various officers, and transmitted to us by our am bassador at Constantinople, I found there was a confident expectation that Sebastopol would soon fall. Sir John Burgoyne, however, found, upon examination of the ground, that the hills which slanted towards Sebastopol had large ravines, and were separated from each other, so that troops placed on one part of the hill could not co operate with those placed on another. It was, therefore, found very difficult to carry on the operations originally intended, and that it would be dangerous to let any por tion of the English force be unsupported on such ground. Accordingly, it was determined to bring as much heavy artillery to the batteries as could be brought, and to work our soldiers day and night, and they did so with the utmost cheerfulness and good-will. (Loud cheers.) The object was to place heavy artillery in such po sitions as would destroy the defences of Sebastopol. It was obvious, however, from the moment that this de termination was taken, the prospect assumed a very dif ferent character ; and the Russians having a great quan tity of heavy artillery in Sebastopol, and all the heavy guns of the ships lying there as well as their crews,together with the garrison, not counting the population of the town, were enabled very speedily to repair the breach which one a a as aa i a s 4 • Teas, I.M, suerefore, I repeat, became one of great labour and difficulty —no thing was left undone, either on the side of the British or the French, to hasten on the works. On the 17th of Oc tober our fire opened, and that fire produced a very con siderable effect. Many of the guns of the Russian bat teries wore dismounted. One of their works was, for a time, nearly destroyed. At the same time, the English and French fleets came near the forts, towards the side, and for some hours kept up a formidable fire upon those defences. But that fire not having effected an opening place to make an assault, the Russians occupied the night in repairing the defences that had been destroyed or Un paired by our fire, and in remounting guns, of which they had nbundance. In this manner, therefore, the siege went on until the 25th of October, when the Russians, coming round by the valley of Balaklava, made an attack upon certain redoubts in that neighbourhood, defended by the Turks, and made themselves masters of them. A great body of their cavalry then advanced, but the heavy cavalry of the British charged them, though in vastly inferior numbers, and forced the Russians to retire. (Cheers.) Later in the day, by the miscontsruction of an order of Lord Raglan's an attack was made by the light cavalry on the lines of the Russians, who, notwithstanding the great superiority of the enemy in n um b ers , an d that bat teries played upon them, still charged in the bravest man ner. (Cheers.) Indeed, nothing could be more admirable than the bravery shown by those troops. (Loud cries of "Hear, hear," and cheers.) I believe that a t no ti me i n the annals of British army—(hear, hear)—has courage been more signally displayed. We may lament that the occasion did not produce greater results, and that it was not so fruitful of advantages as if it had been directed in a different manner; but that is not the slightest disparage ment to the valour of those men who were ready at any risk, and with innhense odds against them, to charge the enemy whom they saw before them, and whom they were directed to chats,. The works of the siege, neverthe less, were proceeded with, and notwithstanding that the troops were thinned by sickness—for the cholera had not ceased in the camp of the Allies - they worked night and day at the trenches, it was then, and under these cir cumstances, that an immense effort was made by the com mander of the Russian forces—perhaps I ought rather to say, by the Emperor of Russia himself—for two of his sons were present—in order to overwhelm the force of the Allies. That attempt was made, it is said, by more than 60,0)0 men—l should think it probable that the number was not less than 80,000. They were troops who had not been pre sent at the battle of the Alma—troops that did not know the enemy whom they had to' encounter. These troops were raised to the hi g h es t pit c h o f f anat i c i sm, and it is said that their courage was animated by other means—(a laugh) —came in vast Columns to take the British position at Inkorman. Lord Raglan has related the events of that battle. He has stated how, in the darkness of the night and the fog of the morning, the Russians were able to place very considerable artillery—no less than 90 pieces —and to advance their columns close to the English position. In that darkness and that thick fog it was impossible for any commander to exercise any power of discrimination--it was impossible to survey the field and witness those dark ope rations. There were but 8,000 British men in that field. (Loud cheers.) But though the numbers were few—though they were weakened by sickness and thinned by battle— although wearied with continual labour and watchings— although the darkness scarcely allowed them to distinguish their comrades from their euemies—although they were then after 24 hours' hard work in the trenches—although they had had but little rest, and only time to swallow a scanty meal—still, when they met this powerful enemy, the spirit, unquenched and unquenchable, of the British soldier rose in each man's breast, and enabled him to achieve a glorious triumph. (Loud and prolonged cheers.) My right hen. friend the Secretary at War said truly the other night that "this was the battle of a soldier;" but yet that band of heroes, exposed as they were to an artillery force, against which nothing for a very long time could have stood, might at last not have been driven from the field, not have been defeated, but they might have left their bodies upon those heights, and those heights might have been kept by the enemy, rom the smallness of their numbers, had not the armed reinforcements of our French allies come at the moment and shared with them in the glory of repelling that tremendous attack. (Cheers.) These reinforcements were commanded by General Bosquet, one of the most distinguished chiefs of, the French army, who commanding them with skill and valour, rushed up with an impetuosity that carried the position, and saved both armies from the fate that might have awaited them had the Russians obtained possession of any part of their posi tion and attacked them from the heights. (Hear.) And yet, with the assistance of those French allies, there were but 14,000 men that fought that famous battle. (Cheers.) I believe that, in point of destruction of an enemy scarcely any battle will endure comparison with it. More than 5,000 dead were left upon the field by the Russians ; and, taking the average of the wounded as three times that of the killed, we find that 14,000 men caused a loss of far more than their own number. (Hoar, hear.) I believe, sir, there aro no modern annals that contain the history of a battle more to the honour of those who fought it than that of Inkerman. It has caused, indeed, the loss of many gallant men, and it has caused d ee p sorrow an d affliction to many ; but I am persuaded that the renown of that battle, and the effect which it will produce will last to future generations. (Cheers.) We have seen that in the course of that battle there were at one time various changes of forces on the part of the enemy, but we have seen the heroism of the Allies prevail, and I fancy that those who have to give an account of what it i s t o a tt ac k those troops, will be slow to think that Russia can ob tain the advantage in the war which she is waging against two such nations. (Hear, hear.) I will now only advert to the general operations of the siege which has been undertaken, and to the assistance we have received from the navy. (Hear, hear.) The general operations at sea, although conducted by officers of great experience, have been of a most laborious and perilous nature, and the sufferings and privations of the men have been very great. Aud hero, in alluding to the losses which we have expe rienced, I cannot forget the name of a general of f icer who fell at the battle of Inkerman, and from whose talents and former services the country had every reason to expect a complete military commander. I allude to Sir George Cathcart. (Hear, hear.) The gallant officer behaved at all times with the greatest spirit. Ho was so generally esteemed by every one that, when the question arose of sending out a general to the Cape, the Duke of Wellington, who know him best, concurred in saying that no more skilful com mander could have been found for the service. (Hear, hear.) I remember seeing him on his return from his command at the Cape, when he spoke in terms of exulta tion at his good fortune in having been appointed so soon to a command in the Crimea. This feeling of exultation was experienced by him to the last, and even at the closing instant of his life, we are assured that he was animated by the same sentiment.' He had no.other ambition or wish than to give his life for his country; and to spend the last drop of his blood in her service. (Cheers.) Those are the men who do honour to their country, and such are the men whose names can never be separated from her glory. (Hear, hear.) The next vote, which it is my intention to propose, is a vote of thanks to the navy for their co-opera tion. (Hear, hear.) I have already mentioned that Lord Raglan states that _rem the commencement of the opera tion the zeal and efficiency of the navy, in assisting tho troops, was beyond, all praise, and that from Admiral Dun das, down to the lowest sailor ,in the fleet, the same heroic enthusiasm was manifested. Lord Raglan has also men tioned, in the highest terms, the conduct of Sir Edmund Lyons. In describing the battle of Alma, after expressing the gratitude he entertained for their ser vices, They watched the progress of the clay deep he feeling say .with intense anxiety; and, to show their sympathy for the forces engaged, they never ceased to provide for the sick and wounded, and to carry them down to the beach—a service in which even the officers participated. I mention no names lest I omit some that ought to be in cluded; but I will mention that Sir E. Lyons was, as he always is, most prominent inrendering assistance, and that lam deeply grateful to him for his exertions." his is the mention made of one who is an honour to his country, and one from whom we expect great and brilliant services in the war in the ensuing campaign. Sir E. Lyons followed up these operations with the greatest energy and zeal, and entered the harbour of Balaklava at the same time that Lord Raglan was making good his occupation of the place. When the fire was opened against Sebastopol, Lord Rag lan and General Canrobert asked Admirals Dundas and Hamelin to co-operate with them by firing on the batteries defendirg the harbour. That service was willingly under taken. The injury done to the land batteries was not such as to enable the troops to attack the place by assault, and therefore the fire did not produce any effect, excoptfor the time, but had the Allies been able to storm the place, the diversion caused by the fire of the navy would have been most useful. As it was, there is only one opinion that e a I ma n engaged in the fleet performed his duty with z tkll-anti to t theo proposesatisfaction a vote of thanks tho t commandingothenavy, and, from offieers. nowventure the feeling that pervades the country, I am sure that thohouse will readily agree to it. I mean, also, to propose a vote of thanks to Gen. Canrobert, and to the officers and men in the French service who co-operated with her Majesty's ered— (he thear, ex hibited by the two na hat I believe a bondof f • iendship forces in this strugg f e . tio S ns ir, in suc c h on h s a e s q b u e en en ce t o h f e t f h ee e l g in a gllan t acts performed by each, t e m as o il s y t enlightened, sev most intelli sent, and the most spirited in Europe—will hear)—that e a a s r 1 )) t n h f a o t r formed e w t h w i o c which t i o l u n s t t b h e e alway s act in alliance, and will set an example to Europe of duties r es ol u t e ly performed, and of p rinci p les ade quately maintained. (Loud cheers.) I also mean t o Propose a vote lamenting the fate of those who have perished in the action, and offering our condolence with THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 16, 1 54. the families of those brave men who died in battle There is another part of the task which- I have to per Limo, and which I cannot allude to •without feelings of deep regret. All the accounts which we have received frau those who witnessed the last action agree in stating that when the officers and soldiers of the -allied armies fell wounded on the field of battle, the Russians, instead or taking them prisoners, i mme di a t e l y use d their bayonets and despatched these men on the field of battle. Lord 'Raglan and General Canrobert thought the introduction of such a practice so abhorrent to humanity, so different from the usages of modern warfare, that they could not pass it unnoticed. (Loud cries of " Hear, hear.") Lord Raglan ordered evidence to be taken by the judge-advocate on the spot. Twenty-four persons deposed to have been witnesses of those acts of barbarity, which, it was stated, were in some cases instigated by Russian officers. The commanders of the Allied forces then sent a flag of truce to represent the circumstance to Prince Menschikoff, and to state that they felt that such acts of barbarity wore committed against his orders, and trusting that he would take the most severe measures to prevent such barbarity in future. I wish I could say that the answer returned by the Russian commander expressed the horror which one would have expected from an officer in his posi tion. Ho said it was not the custom not to give quarter in the Russian army, but that his troops might have been incensed at the circumstance of a church having been sacked by the troops set the allies. They say that a church belonging to them was taken and sacked; but, even if this were the case, it was no palliation for such barbarity; and I must say that the answer was not to the credit of the Russian commander-in-chief. We all know what was the conduct of the French and English to each other when they were fighting upon the battle-fields of Europe. We all know that in the Peninsula, after a battle was over, the soldiers would—as the Duke of Richmond stated — meet in their cross-belts, help each other in friendly offices, and converse in the most friendly manner; thus showing that they were animated by sentiments of mutual respect. We also know that when the army was going to ad vance, they scorned to take the single life of a picket, but that the pickets helped each other on with their knap sacks, and retired to warn their respective armies that the foe was advancing. (Hear, hear.) These are the practices of civilised nations, and one would have hoped that a war carried on in the 19th century would have been conducted in such a spirit. But I am afraid that the cir cumstance to which I have referred that, although the Russian officers might not have ordered their men to show no quarter, and that although the great Sovereign of their country might not have countenanced such barbarity, that such a spirit shows that if Russia were to obtain command over a large portion of Europe, instead of civilising and im proving, she would destroy the arts of peace, and even ,j.,.- ion the arts of war. (Loud els e e ea _e T 5......i.._ al faoured, andwe forrreirtanoonelymay b e this tr r in ea m so p n h , au tZat b t e h li e ev c in au g s t e h o a f t Eitngis lcombined with all the best interests of civilisation, the progress of humanity, and the spirit of real religion. (Cheers.) Men who had been thus excited by fanaticism, as we know the Russians were previous to the battle , of Inkerman, and who were called upon to take up arms in the name of the Christian religion, were afterwards found to commit acts which outraged at once humanity and reli gion. Let us trust, however, that the Government of Russia will take some means to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities. (Hear, hear.) I have only one more duty to perform, and that is of a more agreeable nature to myself, as I feel persuaded it will have the approval of the house. It was said with regard to one of the victories gained in the late war—and said by Mr. Wyndham—that for " his part he would rather celebrate a gallant feat of arms by the Walsh forces, than conquer the entire archi pelago of sugar islands." I am convinced that speech was as wise as it was spirited. It is in such things the life of a nation consists. It is in such actions that the spirit of a nation is maintained from age to age—in such battles as we and the French nation have to record ; and it is by such battles and victories that each nation has its separate existence, and is prepared to defend its independence at whatever cost. (Hear.) We have been for years engaged in speculations and in practice concerning the progress of wealth, and the development of arts and manufactures. We have shown thatattention to these studies, and devotion to these pursuits, has not in the least abated that fire which belongs to the nation. We have shown, whether it be Eng land, Scotland, or Ireland, that a similar spirit animates the entire United Kingdom, and that we are, ready to peril in a just cause all that is most dear to men. I say again, sir, that no victory that has been gained in such a cause as the present, and with such a spirit as the nation has shown, must I not only] redound to our honour, but must also redound to our fame in future generations, by enabling the nation itself to present to future generations an object of regard, respect, and admiration to the world.- (The noble lord resumed his seat amid loud cheers from all parts of the house.) Mr. DISRAELI—There have bee n occas i ons i n th e his tory of this country, when votes similar to these have been proposed to the house, when members have entered into a criticism upon the conduct of commanders and the policy of Ministers ; but I am sure, however much we may venerate Parliamentary proceedings, the house must have sympa thised with the noble lord, when he said there would be no difference of opinion upon the motion he was about to propose. (Hear, hear.) Sir, the noble lord has treated the thenie which he has introduced in a ananuer so entirely worthy of its interest, that it' would be unnecessary and unbecoming in me to enter intosany detail of those actions which recently commanded the admiration of the world. (Hear, hear.) But I feel that I am expressing the opinion of all present when I. say that these are no common achievements, and this is no common war that will some day be covered with the mere dust of history, and which will be referred to as events to refresh the memory of men. I feel that this is a war which will rank with those great struggles that produce not only historians, but even poe t s, , and sail i fit that di:- con tinue,the t o straggle celebrate continues,t hei r lasting as i t wo must be prepared to support it in the spirit m aa a h 7c v ortin en u t e a , which has already produced these groat exploits. I say if it does continue, it will figure with those famons deeds which the Crusades, and other groat struggles of that cha racter, have handed down to the memory of men—many of which have been accomplished on the memorable scenes where these great exploits 'are occurring. (Hear, bear.) If I may for a moment allude to it, there is a singular coin- pleteness in this the first campaign of the allied armies which can scarcely escape observation. The campaign commences , by the Allied troops taking by storm one of the most diffi cult positionsin the world, an almost impregnable position, and it concludes virtually two months after by the same force defending a position from a similar attack from an immense horde. Thus we see, both in assault and in de fence, that these are the same troops—(hear hear)--exhi biting the same admirable an d unequalled qualities. Between these almost epic events, I ought not to for g et that there was a most brilliant episod e —th a t fight ofßalaklava—a feat of chivalry resplendeht in consummate courage, and bright .with flashing valour—(hear, hear, hear)—and though I cannot presume, with the authority of the noble lord, to single out the names of great commanders for the applause of the House of Commons — I cannot forget, I cannot refrain from calling to your recol lection that the two commanders on that memorable odes sion almost recently sat amongst us on these benches, and that they, I am sure, will peculiarly value the sympathy of the colleagues whom they have quitted. The noble lord has very properly said that it is not for us to criticise the tactics and the strategy of campaigns,but it is open to us to draw some moral conclusions from the great events which are occurring around us ; and I will say that we may at least draw such conclusions from the war which is taking place. I think wh it has occurred has shown that the arts of peace practised by afree peopl e ere not enervating. I think that the deeds to which the noble lord has alluded, both a mongst the Commanders and common soldiers, have shown that education has not a tendency to diminish, but to refine and raise the standard of martial character. (Hear.) I think we may recognise the might and prowess of a free and ancient people, when led by their natural and tradi tionary chiefs. There are circumstances and conditions which are favourable to our confidence in the progress of civilisation, and flattering, I hope, Englishmen. (Hear, h ear.) Sir, to the conscience of there is oars point on which I could have w i s h ed that the noble lord h a d a l so touched; I know th ere were so many subjects which he could not avoid to uc hi ng, that I share the admiration of the house at the compl eteness with which he appeare d t o have mastered his great the me —'h ear, h ear ) —but when the noble lord recalleilto our recollection the deeds of admire, ble valour and of heroic conduct that have been achieved on the heights of Aline, 13alakl ava , and Inkerman , I cou ld have wished that the no bl e lord had also publicly recog nised that the deeds o f h oriosm in this camp a ign have not been merely confined t o th e field of battle. (H ear , hear.) We ought to remember that many prec i ous lives have been given to the pestilen ce o f Varna, and to the inhospitable R s hores of the Bla c k — ea ; and the men who thus lost their lives, in my op i nion, were animated by as hero i c a spirit as those who have been the victors amongst the flash of artillery and the triumphant sounds of trumpets. (Hear, hear.) No, air, I do, not think that language can do justice to the endurance of the troops under the ex traordinary privations—and that they were inevitable at the time I sin not prepared t o deny—under the extraor dinary privatio ns w hi ch circumstance have obliged them to endure. Th e Snide of an E ng lish gentleman might have sustained him under circumstancoss which he could not have anticipated to encounter ; but the same proud qualities have been found amongst the rank and filo of our army—(hear, hear)—and it is these high moral qualities which have contributed as much as others, apparently more brilliant, to those great victories which we are now acknowledging. (Hear, hear.) The noble lord has taken a wise and gracious course in combining with the thanks which he is about to propose to-night to the British army and navy, the thanks also of the House of Commons to the army of our ally. That alliance, which has now for some time prevailed between the two great nations of France and Engl an d , h as in peace been produc ti ve of advantage ~ but it is th e t est to which it has been app l ied by recent circumstance s w hi c h , in my opin i on, w ill t en d more than any other c ourse t o confirm and conso lid a t e t h at intimate union. Th a t o bj ect is one which, in my opinion, does not depend on dynasties and diplomacy. It is not one which has not been sanctioned by names to which we all look up with respect, and with feelings even of a high character. The alliance between France and England was encouraged by the imperial mind of Elizabeth, and sanctioned by the profound sagacity of Cromwell. It exists not more from feelings of mutual respect than from feelings of mutual interest, and I believe that it will be mai n t a i ne d by a noble spirit of emulation. (Hear, hear.) There is still another point upon which, although with reluctance, I will dwell f og a moment. It is a theme on w hi ch thenoble lord touched ; but, nevertheless, I fed that I must refer to it. I was glad to hear from the noble lord that he intended to propose a veto of condolence with the relatives of those who have fallen in this contest,. Sir, we have already felt even in this roem of public assemblage how bitter have been the consequences of this war. We cannot throw our eyes over the accustomed benches where we miss .many gallant and genial faces, without feeling our hearts ache, our spirits subdued, and our eyes moistened. (Hear.) But if that be the feeling bore, when we miss the long com panions of our'public lives and labours, what mist be the anguish and desolation which now darkens so ma n y hearths? (Hear.) Never has the youthful blood of the country been so profusely lavished as it has been in a great and just cause--never has a greater sacrifice been made, and for ends which more fully sanctify the sacrifice ; but we can hardly hope now, in the greenness of the wound, that oven these recollections can serve as a source of solace. Young women, who have become widows as soon as they lad become wives —mothers, who have lost not only their sons, but the brethren of those sons—the beads of fami lies, who have seen abruptly closed all their hopes of an hereditary line • these are th e p angs w hich eve n th e con sciousness of duty performed, and which even the lustre of glory cannot easily or speedily be allevi ited and assuaged. (Hear, bear.) But let us indulge, at least, in this hope— in this conviction—that the time will come when the pro ceedings of this evening may be to such persons a source of solace and consolation—(hear)—and that the memory of those who are departed may be mitigated by the recollec. ' tion that their death is, at least, as sociated with imperish- Lbledeoli—with a noble cl , iqe, and a lin tnrlo. The resolution containing the vote of thaitks of the house to Field-Marshal Lord Raglan, for the energy, skill, and ability with w hi c h h e h a d commanded her Majesty's forces in the Crimea, having been read, Lord HOTEIAH said that he was unwilling to trespass upon the time of the house, but he wished to say a few words on the present occasion, and to express how entirely he concurred in the resolution which the noble lord oppo site had moved. The noble lord alluded to the time when he was at the head-quarters of Lord Wellington, and when he..hatl had an opportunity of witnessing the aaliduous way in which Lord Raglan performed the complicated and difficult duties of his office. (Hear, hear.) He (Lord Hotham) also remembered that time, and ho had often seen Lord Raglan in tho field by the side of his illustrious commander, learning those lessons in the art of war which he had now turned to such good account. He therefore hoped that it might be permitted him, as one who had wit nessed the manner in which the noble lord had performed his duties, to express the satisf a ctio n w hi c h h e f e lt a t seeing that roblo lord placed in a position of such emi nence, in which he had rendered services of such a nature as justly to entitle him to the thanks of both Houses of Parliament. (Hoar, hear.) He was confident that a British army had never before been exposed to greater diffi culties and dangers, and he was glad that Parliament was about to recognise their distinguished services by a vote of thanks. (Hear, hear.) The House of Commons had just reason to be proud in recollecting that many of its own members had shared in the triumphs which they were now about to acknowledge. They had unfortunately lost some of those whom they had been in the habit of seeing sitting amongst them : others had fortunately been preserved to their country. According to the rules of the house, there was only one member who would be named in the vote —the honourable and gallant member for Westminster ' • and he (Lord Hotham) must be permitted to say, that whatever differences of opinion might have existed be tween that (the Opposition) side of the house and the hon. and gallant member for Westminster, those who 'sat oppo site to him were not the less disposed than his most inti mate friends were to appreciate his distinguished services. He could say, moreover, that when the vote should be put in the presence of the hon. and gallant member, whose re turn, he hoped, with renewed health and vigour, would not long be postponed, that they on the Opposition side of the house would concur in the vote with the same cor diality as the nearest and dearest friends of the hon. and gallant member. (Hear.) He (Lord Hotham) did not forget that they were also about to vote the thanks of the house to the sister profession. It would be presumptuous in him, not being connected with the navy, to say that it fully deserved the thanks of the house. He would merely done - rendered support to her Majesty's army ; and he was sure that if that army were engaged in any difficult operations, that it might safely and securely rely upon the ready co-operation of the sister service. He was sure that that co-operation and assistance would con tinue to be rendered in the most ready, zealous, and meri torious manner. (Hear, hear.) He only wished to add one word in allusion to another vote which the noble lord intended to propose—that to the army of his Majesty the Emperor of the French. Whether that vote were usual or unusual—whether it was sanctioned by precedent or not, he was of opinion that the occasion fully justified the course which the Government proposed to take. It only remained for him to say that he should as fully and cordially concur in that vote as in the other votes to which the noble lord had referred. (Hear.) Mr. LAYARD said that as he had personally witnessed the heroic conduct and the sufferings of the men to whom the house was about to vote its thanks, he trusted that they would permit him to say a few words. It had been almost his misfortune to have taken a part in opposition to her Ma jesty's Government, and it now gave him great satisfaction to add his voice to the general expression of feeling which prevailed in the house on the present occasion. From the knowledge which he chanced to have on the subject, he wished to bring under the notice of the house one or two individual examples of heroism and courage. The noble lord the President of the Council had given the house a detailed account of this campaign. In alluding to the first event, the landing in the Crimea, he must recall to thei recollection that that landing was effected under ex traordinary circumstances. Thu troops had been visited at Varna with pestilence, and they were suddenly taken away and landed upon an inhospitable shore. - If anything was likely to try the courage and confidence of the troops, it was the position in which they were then pistol. But the very moment that they put their foot on shore they showed that they were of the old British material. In the first encounter they showed what might be expected of them. On that occasion, as in everyother, one officer, whose name ho would mention, had particularly distinguished him self—Captain Maude, of the Horse Artillery. It must be remembered that the greater number of men engaged that day had never soon war before. Many trembled for the result; but they stormed heights almost impregnable, on which the Russians were entrenched with a formidable ar tillery. Whilst he bore this testimony to the admirable ,qualities of the British troops, ho must bear his testimony also to the courage and gallantry of the French army. Gen. Bosquet on that occasion showed great bravery and military skill. In less than three hoursthe Russian forces were driven from their position upon the heights of Alma. He gladly took that opportunity of mentioning the great services which were rendered immediately after the battle by our navy to the British forces. The navy on that oc casion, with a kindness of manner which entitled them to every praise, carried the wounded of our army down to the ships, where every attention was paid to their suffer ings. There were numerous instances of similar kindness on the part of the navy throughout the campaign. He had pleasure in publicly bearing testimony to the distinguished bravery of General De Lacy Evans, whe had added to his well-known military reputation. The noble lord had spoken in terms of well-merited praise of the deeds of our brave army, and he (Mr. Layard) might be permitted to say a few words in praise of eur navy. That gallant com mander Sir Edmund Lyons brought his ship Agamemnon _within 800 yards of the fortress of Sebastopol, and with undaunted courage anchored her with only two feet of water under keel. From 12 o'clock in the day till sunset he bore the entire fire of the Russian batteries. It was of course necessary to ascertain the soundings in order to enable Sir E. Lyons to judge how near to the Russian bat teries the Agamemnon might go. Sir E. Lyons sent for a young man in the navy named Bull, to whom he promised a commission if ho would ascertain the soundings. That young man never hesitated, and with the utmost calmness set out to ascertain the soundings, which he did under the , most terrific fire that could be imagined. (Loud cheers.) Ho (Mr. Layard) might mention :Another instance of gal lant bravery on the part of one of our young naval officers. It was considered of the utmost importance that one of our ships of war should be brought by the side of the Agamemnon in order to take off part of the terrible fire which she was undergoing. Sir E. Lyons expressed his wish upon quarter-deck that a communication to that effect should be made to one of the British squadron. A gentleman named Cole, a nephew of Sir E. Lyons, at once undertook to . make the desired communication, and he nobly accomplished that undertaking. He (Mr. Layard) should also mention that it having become known to the men engaged in the ship of Sir E. Lyons that he was about to change his ship, the men at once assembled, and, by a spokesman, said to him they thought it was hard that, after having done all the work, they should be de prived of the pleasure of taking part with him in the as sault upon the Russian batteries. (Laughter and cheers.) That assault was made, amid the most terrible fire on the right and on the left, with a heroism and constancy that had never been equalled. A small squadron of the French Chasseurs do l'Afrique undertook the assault of the bat tery on the left, and that assault they made with an indo mitable courage that was above all praise. (Cheers.) With reference to the battle of Balaklava, he thought it was only just to attempt to remove the aspersions which he thought had been unfairly made on the character of the Turkish troops. It was exceedingly easy to caste blame upon them with respect to matters for which our own troops were perhaps mere to blame than any. He admitted that the English troops were probably able to hold out longer than any other troops, but he believed that it would have been impossible for tho Turkish troops to have held out five minutes longer at the battle in question. Tho despatch of Lord Raglan, in which that battle was described, removed all the misrepresentations that had bean circulated in this country with respect to the conduct of the Turkish troops. He (Mr. Layard) believed that no znil itary authority doubted that the only prudent course which was open to these troops was that of retiring. The gallant services which were ren dered by the French division of General Bosquet to our forces, when they were in a most critical positioneentitled our French Allies to the gratitude and praise of the British army and nation. Under a terrible fire from the enemy, General Bosquet himself examined the enemy's position, and then returnel with his troops to the place of action, and their noble services at once decided the fortunes of the day. The French artillery on that occasion distinguished itself beyond all praise. At a time when our artillery was almost completely destroyed, the- rench artillery advanced and took up a position in front of the Russian batteries, and for some hours sustained the brunt of the battle. On his (Mr. Layard's) return from the Crimea to France, he saw several men of the French army in the Crimes- return ing home wounded from their services there. Amongst them were many privates and non-commissioned officers. On their breasts they bore the insignia of the Legion of Honour, and he begged to suggest to his right hon. friend the Secretary at War the desirable ness of conferring upon our men who were engaged in the Crimea some similar marks of honour for their brave deeds. (Hear.) Ho (Mr. Layard) thought it was a matter of deep regret that England did not imitate in this respect the course adopted by France. Such tokens of a nation's gratitude would have a great influence on the future con duct of those of our soldiers who had conferred new glory upon their country by their bravery in the East. (Cheers.) .Such a reward, would be prized far more highly than a pe"- cuniary reward hastily bestowed un tho field of battle. (Hear.) He hoped, therefore, that his suggestion would not bo forgotten by her Majesty's Government. In conclusion, ho begged to say that he was one of those few individuals who thought that the time had come when, however great , our sacrifice might be, a war of this kind was almost ne cessary to the national safety and to the national honour. There were many who believed that the people of this coun try had relapsed into a kind of effeminacy—that a long course of years of pea ce had destro y ed that old British sprt to which we owed our liberties and our position in the scale of cations. But the splendid exploits in the Cri mea by our brave countrymen must have removed all fears of that nature. Would that the grrat military leader whom we had lost a little while ago had lived till these times, when he would have sees that the British soldier had sot degenerated. (Cheers.) Had ho lived he would have seen that the union of tho two great nations of France and Eng land bad been cemented on the battle-field, by the effusion of the blood of some of their bravest mon, in a common cause. (Cheers.) Mr. M. MILNES said that this was a commemoration, not only of the living, but of the dead. It was impossi ble to forget how many oyes had been closed in death in the region of the Crimea. He hoped that her Majesty's Government would take into their immediate considera tion the position of the families of those British officers who had died in the battle-field. When we asked the British officer to sacrifice his life for his country, we just demand. But when by our army made upon him a regulations we asked him to go forth for the defence of his country's interests, and to leave his family in a reduced position, and, i n many cases, in absolute penury, we asked more than a nation had a right to demand of any man. He (Mr. Milnes) was aware of the difficulties with which cases of the kind to which ho referred were sur rounded—he knew how the organisation of our army was mixed up with our social position—but he was sure that her Majesty's Government would only be carrying into effect the desire of tho country if they at least repaid to the family of those officers who had fallen, or might fall, in this war, the price of their commission. (Hear, hear.) His right hon. friend th e member forßnckinghamshirehad stated that more than one case had occurred of brothers having fallen in the present war. He (Mr. Mince) begged to call the attention of the house to a case in which two brothers had fallen at Jnkerman. Those brothers were -officers in the same regiment, and both of them there sacri ficed their lives for the honour of their country. One of them had left a widow with several children. Those bro- Viers had invested the whole of their fortunes in the pur cl:,,,-2 t) tilu naLiou \i,as new returning tilanks, was lett NVitil no other inheritance, and no other means of support but the c , :ntributions of the benevolent and the glory of the flan.° which they bore. lie could assure his right hon. friend the Secretary at 'War that he could not do better than direct hisßattention to the cases he had referred. He trusted that this country would not, when next it had to return thanks to the officers of the British army, be troubled with the disgraceful reflection that no effectual requital had been made to those families who had been ruined by the fali of their relatives in the battle-field. Mr. DRUMMOND was very glad to bear the noble lord (Lord J. Russell) deliver a well-deserved rebuke to those dilettanti civilians who, notwithstandin g their utter incom petency to the task, had ventured to criticise the tactics of our military and naval chiefs in the Crimea. He (Mr. Drummond's) own experience enabled him to give an illus tration of the folly of those incompetent critics. He remembered dining at Paris with Sir George Murray at the closet, of the last war., Count Nugent and several other celebrated men were present. It was mentioned in conversation that Marshal Soult had stated that the Duke of Wellington had taken a false step with regard to Tou louse. He (Mr. Drummond) asked Sir George Murray his opinion upon the matter. Sir George frankly replied that Marshal Soult, according to the ordinary principles of strategy, was right ; but the marshal was not aware of the moral character of the troops with which he had to deal ; that the whole success of the battle depended upon that, and that, unless the marshal was thoroughly acquainted with that moral character, he was totally incompetent to form an opinion as to the plan adopted by the Duke of Wellington. (Cheers.) He (Mr. Drummond) was aware that something like a return to penitence had been mani fested by the hon. gentleman (Mr. Layard) behind him — (laughter)—for he had thought it necessary to stand up and vindicate the character of the Turkish troops, who not only ran away from the battle-field, but also helped them selves to the dinners of the British officers. (Laughter.) He hoped that the hon. gentleman would proceed in the path of justice upon which he bad lately entered. Made novel virtute peer. He hoped that they should have no more criticisms upon admirals from the hon. gentleman. We owed many thanks to our brave men in the army and navy. Above all, we had to thank Admiral Dundas that, despising the criticisms of men incompetent to judge of his conduct, despising ill-advised diplomatists, despising "our own special reporters"— (laughter)—he had preserved his fleet in such a condition that it might do good service to our forces, who were now no longer the besiegers but the besieged, and enable them to achieve a glorious victory. (Cheers.) _ . . Mr. LAYARD trussed in justice to his own character to h - a - diu — st — sa -- t - d - o - wn —j no " Cl ' Lhi ‘j' a7ll " l.;decric; :Inv& en th,,TP%t w h i t2 (Mr.l Layard's) which had been unfortunately made public contrary to his (Mr. Layard's) wish, and in which the con duct of Admiral Dundas was censured. However, that blame was justified by a • letter which ho had seen, and which had been written by a gallant captain in her Majesty's ser vice. He had expected that the friends of Admiral Dundas would not have been so indiscreet as to refer to the matter in that house. He (Mr. Layard) had long borne quietly the odium that has been cast upon him in reference to that letter, which was a private one, and which had ben unfortu nately published in the columns of a newspaper ; but as the hon. gentleman (Mr. Drummond) had challenged him upon the subject, he was quite ready to substantiate in his place in that house the charges preferred in that letter against Admiral Dundas. He should bo able t) substantiate this) charges by despatches written by her Majesty's Govern ment, and upon the evidence of those who had served under Admiral Dundas, and had witnessed his conduct in the present campaign. It was with regret that ho (Mr. Layard) expressed himself ready to take that coarse, because he felt that the character of a British Admiral, and, indeed, of the British navy itself, was at stake. He had hitherto borne calmly the charge of being an anonymous slanderer, but ho was now ready, if any one should dare him thereto, to prove the charges which he had made. The several votes of thanks, which were in the following words, were unanimously agreed to : " That the thanks of this house !be given to Field-Mar shal the Right Hon. Lord Raglan, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, for the energy and dis tinguished abilitity with which he has conducted the opera tions of her Majesty's forces in the Crimea, for the brilliant and decisive victory obtained over the enemy's army on the Alma, and the signal defeat of a force of vastly superior num bers on the heights of Inkerman. " That the thanks of this house be given to Lieutenant- General Sir John Fox Bu rgo y ne, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. " To Lieutenant-General Sir George Brown, Knight Com mander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. " To Lieutenant-General his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. " To Licutenaut-General Sir de Lacy Evans, Knight Com mander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. " To Lieutenant-Ganeral Sir Richard England, Knight Com mander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. " To Lieutenant-General the Earl of Lucan. " To Major-General the Earl of Cardigan. " To Brigadier-General, now Major-General the Hon. James York Scarlett. " To Major-General Henry John William Bentinck. "To Major-General Sir Colin Campbell, Knight Comman der of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. "To Major-General John Lysaght Pennefather, Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. " To Major-General William John Codrington. "To Brigadier-General, now Major-General Henry William Adams, Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. " To Brigadier-General, now Major-General Sir John Camp bell, Bart. " To Brigadier-General, now Major-General George Buller, Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. " To Brigadier-General, now Major-General William Eyro, Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. " To Brigadier-General, now Major-General Arthur Welles ley Torrens. " And to the several other officers for their zeal, intrepi dity, and distinguished exertions in the several actions in which her Majesty's forces have been engaged with the enemy. _ c , That this houso loth highly acknowledge the distinguished discipline, valour, and exertions displayed by the non-com missioned officers and soldiers under the command of Field- Marshal Lord Raglan in-all the operations in the Crimea ; and that the same be signified to them by the commanders of the several corps, who are desired to thank th em f or th e i r dis tinguished and gallant behaviour. " That the thanks of this house be given to Vice-Admiral James Whitley Deans Dundas, Companion of the Most Hon. Order of the Bath ; to Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Hon. Order of the Bath ; and to the several'eaptains and officers in the fleet tin der the command of the said Vice-Admiral ' • and also to the officers of the navy and mar i nes employed on shore in the siege of Sebastopol, for their indefatigable activity and exertions in conveying her Majesty's land forces to the Crimea, in effecting their disembarkation, and in co-operating with them during the siege of Sebastopol. " That this house doth highly approve of and acknowle Igo the services of the seamen and marines on board the ships under the command of Vice-Admiral Dundas, and also of the seamen and marines employed on shore in the siege of Sebas topol, in their indefatigable activity and exertions in convey ing her Majesty's land forces to the Crimea, in effecting their disembarkation, and in co-operating with them during the siege of Sebastopol ; and that the captains of the several ships do signify the same to their respective crews, and do thank them for their praiseworthy and gallant conduct. " That this house acknowledges with admiration the dis tinguished valour and conduct of those who have perished during the present struggle in the service of their country, and feels deep sympathy with their relations and friends. " That the thanks of this house be given to General Canro bert and the French army, for their gallant and successful co-operation with her Majesty's land forces in the attack on the enemy's position at Alma, for their energetic and timely assistance in repelling the enemy at Inkerman, and for their distinguished exertions, in common with her Majesty's troops, in the siege of Sebastopol and that Field-Marshal Lord Rag lan be desired to convey to thorn the present resolution. " That the thanks of this house be given to Admiral Hamelin and the French navy for their cordial co-operation with her Majesty's fleet in conveying the allied forces to the Crimea, in effecting their disembarkation, and in the sieg 3 of Sebastopol, and that Vice-admiral Olinda: be desired to convey to them the present resolution." • Captain DUNCOMBE bore testimony to the gallant and heroic character of Admiral Dundas, an officer whose abilities and services were so distinguished that he was glad to see that the Admiralty did not deem it necessary to say anything by way of defence to the unworthy charges that had been brought against him. • Sir J. GRAHAM entirely concurred in what had fallen from the gallant officer. Admiral Dundas's character and ser vices were so eminent and well known, that he should have scarcely thought it necessary for any member of the Govern ment, much less for him (Sir J. Graham) to say a word in de fence of them. Ire would inomir uhserve that, in his opinion, and in that of her Majesty's Government, the thanks of Par liament were eminently due to Admiral Dundee, and if at any future period the hon. member for Aylesbury should think it his duty to bring any specific ( barge against that gallant officer, he (Sir J. Graham) would be in his place to protect him. At present, however, it would be most unseemly to enter into any such defence. Sir T. BARING, also bore testimony to the high profes sional merits of Admiral Dundee, and was confident that a rev i e w of„ his gallant friend's conduct could not redound other wise than to his credit. He could not refrain from calling the attention of the house to the painful position in which officers in command, at .the present moment, were placed. (Hear, hear.) The hon. member for Aylesbury had declared that his letter had been published without his consent He (Sir T. Baring) had seen other letters also which ought never to have been printed, but which had obtained publicity by the conduct of officers who ought to have known better. It was a deplorable thing to think that an officer in command, serving his country on a distant station, was liable to such a persecution as this, thf.t the small talk and tittle-tattle which was ever rife in a fleet should be printed and published and circulated through England, and received as though it repre sented the feelings and opinions of the whole service. (Hear, hear.) It was indeed unfortunate that any man's reputation should be at the mercy of such idle stories. But he appealed to the justice and generosity both of the house and the nation not to permit that while his gallant friend was serving his country abroad his character should be frittered away at home. (Hear, hear.) Mr. LAYARD, in explanation, observed that there was but one alter na ti ve — e ith er Admiral Duudas was to blame, or the Government were so. In the Duke of Neivcastle's de spatch there was a special suppression of the name of Admiral Dundee. The expression was, "their lordships cordially ac knowledge the valuable services rendered by Sir E. Lyons and the officers and seamen of the British Rau." Sn when the Goverument, in this marked manner, mentioned y the name of the second in command, and omitted the name i of tho first, it was a little too bad to accuse him (M r. Lay:Lt.( ) of unfairness to Admiral Dundas. Sir J. GRAHAM observed that the circumstance to which the hon. gentleman alluded—namely, the omission of Ad miral Dundas's name from the Duke of Newcastle's despatch —was suceptible of the most natural explanation, rea son of it was simply that the thanks were intended The le d to have special application to one particular service—the service of his landing the troops, which service, as every one knew, bad been particularly assigned to SirE. Lyons. (Hear hear.) If there was one trait in Admiral Dundas's character t and con duct more worthy of admirat i O n than another, it was the noble generosity with which, commanding-in-chief, he had delegated so much of responsibility and of honour to his second in command. It was A dmiral Dundas who had made sleetion of Sir E. Lyons for the service of landing the troops; and the excellence of the choice and the soundness of the discretion were sufficiently attested by the brilliant success of the achievement. It was too hard that that which Admiral Dundas did in so fine a spirit, and with so sound ajudgmeut, should be turned against him now. Admiral - WALCOTT, as a naval officer, felt wounded to tho quick by - the aspersions that had been cast upon his gallant friend, Admiral Duudas, an officer whose gallant conduct was deserving of the highest honour. He rejoiced that the First Lord of the Admiralty had in so courageous and manly a manner risen to do honour to his gallant friend's merit. Six weeks ago he (Admiral Walcott) had received a letter from his gallant and beloved relative (Sir E. Lyons), in which that officer eta ed that he was above all things indebted to the conielauder-in-Chief for the perfect responsibility he had vested in his hands, and for the confidence he had displayed in 111111 -ft confidence which had been his greatest encourage ment iu the performance of his duty. (Hear, hoar.) Capt. SCOI3ELL explained that the reason why the Com-. mauder-in-Chief had not superintended the landing o: the troops was simply that be was the Commander-in-Chief. (Hear, hear.) Tile officer who held the command-in-Chief never undertook a detached duty. They might as well have expected Lord Raglan to take command of a detachment as Admiral Dundas to superintend the landing. (Hear, hear.) He had had a letter from Admiral Dundas, written before the letters were written from the maintop of the Agamemnon, in which the gallant officer seemed to be very sensible of the unfair comments made on his conduct. It was cruel that such attempts should be made to traduce the character of a gallant officer Serving his country bravely abroad. Mr. OTWAY remarked that it was not the hon. member for Aylesbury who first mentioned the name of Admiral Dundas in this debate ; it was the hon. member for Surrey. The subject then dropped, and the house :adjourned, at half-past seven, till Monday. P I.IiLIAM.ENTARY DIVISION. THE FOREIGN ENLISTMENT BILL. MAJORITY FOR GOING INTO COMMITTEE. Lord Chancellor Fingall BARONS. DUKES. Fortescue Ashburton Argyll Granville Byron Bnccleuch Grey Camoys Newcastle Harrowby Campbell MARQUISES. Ilchester De Manley Abercorn Sefton Foley Breadalbane Spencer Glenslg Clanricarde Somers Godolphin EARLS. Waldegravo Hatherton Aberdeen Yarborough Kinnaird Airlie VISCOUNTS. Milford Bessborough Canning MOSty n Bruce Enfield Monteagle Clarendon Hardinge Overdone Chichester Sydney Poltimore Cawdor • Torrington Stanley of .Alderley D ac i e BISHOPS. Says and Sole - Durham Kilmore Wrottesley Effingham Oxford Wodeheuse Ellesmere Salisbury ja..,.I,.;„I,IM_INORITY AGAINST THE BILL. DUKES. Glengall St. Vincent Tr., ...I ‘.,4 nlr. sLa.norrea. Hamilton . Harewoosl Abinger Montrose Lanesborongh Berners MARQUISES. Malmesbury Blaney Bath Mayo Calthorpe Exeter Orkney Colville of Culrou Salisbury Orford Colchester EARLS. Powis De Lisle Cidogan Romney Dynevor Derby Sandwich Grantley Delawarr Sheffield Kilmain Darnley VISCOUNTS. Redesdale Desart Canterbury Vivian Ellenborough Exmouth Walsingham Egmont Hawarden Wynford PAIRS. Worcester, Bishop Devon Strangford Manchester Willoughby d'Eresby Leeds Longford Cottenham Ailsa Crewe Clancarty St. David's Ventlam Lilford The Earls of Lonsdale and Talbot were accidentally shut out from the division. THE AUSTRIAN TREATY. The following is a copy of the Treaty of Alliance be- tween her Majesty, the Emperor of Austria, and the Emperor of the French, signed at Vienna, December 2, 1854, which was last night presented to both Houses of Parliament :-- Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, his Majesty the Emperor of Austria, and his Majesty the Emperor of the French, being animated with the desire of terminating the present war at the earliest pos sible moment, by the re-establishment of general peace on solid bases, affording to the whole of Europe every guarantee against the return of the complications which have so un happily disturbed its repose ; being convinced that nothing would be more conducive to that result than the complete union of their efforts until the common object which they have in view shall be entirely attained ; and acknowledging, iu consequence, the necessity of coming to au immediate un derstanding with regard to their respective positions, and to arrangements for the future ; have resolved to conclude a Treaty of Alliance, and have for that purpose named as their plenipotentiaries : Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Right Honourable John Fane, Earl of Westmoreland, a Peer of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, a General in her Britannic Majesty's Army, Colonel of the 56th Regiment of Infantry of the Line, Knight Grand Cross of the most Honourable Order of the Bath, and Commander of the Military Division of the same Order, Knight of the Imperial and Military Order of Maria Theresa, a Member of her Britannic Majesty's Privy Council, and her Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to his Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty, &e., &c. His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, the Sienr Charles, Count de Buol-Schauenstein, his Chamberlain and Privy Councillor, Minister for Foreign Affairs and of the Imperial House, Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of Leopold, Knight of the Order of the Iron Crown of the first class, dra,, ke„ His Majesty the Emperor of the French, the Sieur Francis Adolphus, Baron de Bourqueney, his Envoy Extraordivary and Minister Plenipotentiary to his Imperial and Royal Apos tolic Majesty, Grand Officer of the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honour, &e., &c. . . Who, after having communicated to each other their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed upon and signed the following Articles : ARTICLE I. The high contracting parties refer to the declarations eon. tained in the protocols of the 9th of April* and the 23d of May+ of the present year, and in the Notes exchan ge d on th e Bth of August last and as they reserved to themselves the right of proposing, according to circumstances, such condi tions as they might judge necessary for the general interests of Europe, they engage mutually and reciprocally not to enter into any arrangement with the Imperial Court of Russia with. out having first deliberated thereupon in common. ARTICLE 11.. His Majesty the Emperor of Austria having, in virtue of the Treaty concluded on the 14th of June last with the Sublime Porte, caused the Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia to be occupied by his troops, he engages to defend the frontier of the said Principalities against any return of the Russian forces ; the Austrian troops shall for this purpose occupy the positions necessary for guaranteeing those Principalities against any attack. Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and his Majesty the Emperor of the French, having likewise concluded with the Sublime Porte on the 12th of March a Treaty § which authorises them to direct their fortes upon every part of the Ottoman Empire, the above-mentioned occupation shall no t i n t er f ere with the free movement of the Anglo-Freneh or Ottoman troops upon these same territories against the military forces or the terri tory of Russia. There shall be formed at Vienna between the Plenipotentiaries of Austria, France, and Great Britian, a Com mission to which Turkey shall be invited to send a Plenipo tentiary, and which shall be charged with examining and regulating every question relating either to the exceptional and provisional state in which the said Principalities are now placed, or to the free pass a ge of the different armies across their territory. ARTICLE 111. In case hostilities should break out between Austria and Russia, her *Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, his Majesty the Emperor of Austria, and his Majesty the Emperor of the French, mutually promise to each other their offensive and defensive alliance in the pre sent war, and will for that purpose employ, according to the requirements of the war, military and naval forces, the num ber, description, and destination whereof shall, if occasion should arise', be determined by subsequent arrangements. ARTICLE IV. In the case contemplated by the preceding article, the high contracting parties reciprocally engage not to entertain any overture or proposition cm the part of the Imperial Court of Basis, having for its object the cessation of hostilities, without having come to au understanding thereupon between themselves. ARTICLE V. Iu case the re-establishment of general peace, upon the bases indicated in Article 1., should not be assured in the course' of the present year, her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, his Majesty the Emperor of Austria, and his Majesty the Emperor of the French, will delibe ra t e without delay upon effectual means for obtaining the object of their alliance. ARTICLE VI. Great Britian, Austria, and France will jointly communi cate the present treaty to the Court of Prussia, and will with satisfaction receive his accession thereto, in case it should promise its co-operation for the accomplishment of the com mon object: ARTICLE VII. The present treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be exchanged at Vienna in the space of a fortnight. In witness whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the same, and have affixed thereto the seal of their arms. Done at Vienna, the 2d of December, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-four. (L.S.) WESTMORELAND. (LS.) B UOL-SCHAUENSTEIN. (L.S.) BOURQUENEY. . Laid before Parliament in Part VIII. of Eastern Papers. t Laid before Parliament in Part IX. of Eastern Papers. ::: Laid before Parliament in Part XI. of Eastern Papers. § Already laid before Parliament. HULL. d—a to A James Clay, Esq., late M.P. magnificent silver epergne has j ust b een for this b o rough, by a few of. the principal merchants o f the pre place, without distinct i on of political opinion, in grateful acknowledgment of his constant attention to the eon- mercial interests of his late constituents. Since the lose _ of his seat, Mr. Clay has refused several invitations- to stand for other boroughs, on the round that be pledged to contest thi s b orough at the next gener al g election. AEIVIRANCE COMPANY AMBITILLTION C l portant arbitration case has just been decided in favour of a leading a ssurance company, h which will shortly be b e f ore the public. It appears that for some years a pers on h ad been assuring te b d i s et i a i i fe s :and irnmedi diately of ls disposing of the policies for a trifle above the premiums paid. His decease took place about twelve months back, and it was then found that nearly 18,0001. had been assure d by p o licies obtained by doubtful re presentations from 13 offices, who, upo n di scovery o f the circumstances, at once combined to resist the claims made. The award now arrived at has been given by the arbitrators (two of whom are members of the bar), after a sitting of more than 30 days, and the exanaina tion of nearly 50 witnesses. The numerous robberies that have been committed lately in the neighbourhood of Southampton have ex cited the utmost alarm. The inhabitants are subscribing liberally to pay for assistance in capturing and prose cuting the robbers. The police force is about to be increased, and housekeepers are arming themselves with revolvers. It is supposed the robbers are ticket-of-leave convicts.