The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-09-10 00:00:00

VOLUNTEER EXTRAVAGANCE.

cost.

THE success and effectiveness of the Volunteer
movement are best proved, perhaps, by the uni-
versal expression of anxiety lest any element
should exist, or any measure be wanting, in the
system, as now organised, whereby the perma-
nency of the force should be in anywise endan-
gered. Foremost among the dangerous symptoms
which have attracted attention is the disposition,
supposed to have been manifested by too many of
the corps, and their officers, to indulge in extra-
vagance. The Volunteer, being essentially a self-
supporting movement, necessarily throws a good
deal of expense upon all connected with it, but
more especially upon those who have permitted
themselves to be promoted to the front as leaders.
However economically conducted, there are cer-
tain items of cost which are not to be dispensed
with.

In the first place there is the time required to
learn the various duties of a Volunteer, and make
the proper appearances as occasion may demand—
and time to most men, now-a-days is money. A
good deal might be done to economise this valu-
able element. Then there is the uniform—there
nu'st be some sort of uniform, were it only that
facetiously described by Colonel BOUSFIELD-of
whom all Liverpool is justly proud—a moleskin
jacket, with a red chalk stripe on the sleeve'
Everybody is of one opinion in this respect, viz.;
that the less expensive the uniform adopted, the
greater the probability of its being renewed. There
seems to be a corresponding amount of unanimity
as to the fact that by far the majority of existing
corps, if not all indeed, have not only not followed
the rule of strictest economy, but positively dis-
regarded it in the most remarkable manner. In
not ti few instances it is notorious that the uni-
forms and equipments have been selected regard-
less of cost, and with reference only to elegance
and ocular effect. We find all of one mind ,as to

the impropriety of giving way to the not unnatural
desire to wear a handsome military coat id con-
nection with this great defensive organisation, but
we have not found many disposed to realise the
idea practically.
Another heavy item of expense in the conduct
of the corps is that of drill. Each company has
its own drill-sergeant, at a considerable weekly
How much money might be saved by a
more economical arrangement, so that several
companies associated together might be instructed
by one man? Of course it is but natural that
drill-sergeants should desire to make as much _out
of the Volunteer movement• as possible. We do
not blame or bring any charge of undue extortion
against them. We only ask whether a very
large amount of money might not be spared to
the Volunteers by some general understanding for
dispensing with the greater part of the large
staff of hired drill-sergeants now employed.
Ought not two or three sergeants, permanently.
attached to each battalion, to suffice. On this
subject we might go a step further, and insist
Upon the duty of the Government to afford
military instruction to the Volunteers; but until
that point is gained, why should not the most
careful economy be practised in the department
of drill expenses'?
An undoubted, and yet most pardonable, species
of extravagance has been that of band music.
This is certainly 'one of those mistakes which
most people will feel especially reluctant to
condemn. But when the question comes to
impair or peril the permanency of the Volunteer
force, in consequence of its expense, it is clear
that the pruning-knife must be applied un-
sparingly here, as well as elsewhere, whenever it
is found practicable. It is altogether absurd,
when we come to reflect on it, that there should

exist an ambition among the various companies
to have each a band of their own. Who ever
thought of every company of a regiment of the
line having its own band ? We must have
music—but why should not one or two general
bands suffice for Liverpool ? A similar criticism
applies, with equal force, to all the other heads
of expense to which our companies separately
subject themselves. Were the several companies
to combine extensively, they might, without in
any degree lqiing their individuality, reduce
their annual expenses to a fractional part of
what they now are. This must be done, and we
venture to say will be done, before long.
A grievous piece of extravagance has of late
threatened to impose itself upon those gentlemen
Volunteers who have done so much to perfect the
movement, and to whom, on that account, the
nation now owes a deep debt of gratitude. We
trust we will not be misunderstood, or supposed
to undervalue the benefits of such magnificent
entertainments to the Volunteers, as it has been
recently and to-day our duty and privilege to
chronicle, when we say that this process of feting
the men is in danger of being carried too far.
The idea must not be tolerated that it is the duty

of commanders to treat their men. There are
fortunately many Volunteer officers who are
willing and well able to follow the example set
them by Lord DERBY ; but many of the most
valuable men holding, Volunteer commissions
could not do so with justice to themselves. Why
should they be forced into an awkward confes-
sion of that inability, and be made to appear as
shabby exceptions to the rule followed by richer
officers ? We want activity, intelligence, and
efficiency in our officers, rather than wealth and
princely hospitalities. Unless some clearly marked
understanding is come to on this point we shall
be apt to lose the services of some distinguished,
but not opulent, leaders, to whom the force, as
now organised, owes very much indeed ; and
some who might other wise feel disposed to lend
their countenance and aid to the movement will
be deterred from joining it, or accepting a com-
mission involving so much extravagant expen-
diture.

It may seem ungracious to many who have
shewn the utmost enthusiasm and liberality to-
wards the Volunteers to denounce these costly
displays ; but, as we appreciate their excellent
motives, we would counsel them, for the sake of
others less able, in a pecuniary sense, and for the
sake of the whole Volunteer system, and as
they value its permanency, to set an example
to all connected with the movement of
the most self-denying economy and thrift. For
the time being all goes smoothly and gloriously
and we have no anxiety save as regards the future,
when uniforms will have to be renewed and sub-
scriptions and donations repeated, and when, at
the end of the season, people come coolly to reckon
up the cost of time and money already spent and
still demanded. We point to this as probably a,
rock ahead upon which the fair barque might
split. To be forewarned is to be forearmed ; and
we hope that . all hands will pull together
to anticipate and prevent any such lamentable
catastrophe.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE

FRANCE.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Saturday Evening, Sept. 8, 1860.
It was announced in the journals of last night
that Francis 11. had quitted Naples for Capua,
on which point the bulk of the Royal forces were
to be concentrated, and where extensive redoubts
had been thrown up, and that during the previous
night large quantities of ammunition and military
stores had arrived there; also, that the steam
frigate Borbone and the other ships of war that
remained faithful had received orders to anchor
in the roadstead of Gaeta, which was provi-
sioned for a four months' siege, and the
fortifications of which had been greatly
strengthened for some time past. It was
likewise announced that the different armed bodies
under the authority of the Dictator were being
assembled at Salerno, and that the orders which
they had received indicated that their leader had
no intention of discontinuing his military opera-
tions. Subsequent accouhts received from various
sources, on the other hand, state in positive
terms that the King had gone direct to Gaeta,
and that Garibaldi. on the invitation of a doputa-
tion of the Annexionist Committee which had
arrived at his camp, had entered Naples yes-
terday evening. This latter circumstance is so
likely to be the case that there was a strong
temptation on the part of the Sardinian journals,
which are chiefly responsible for the announce-
ment of Garibaldi's actual arrival in that city, so
that some further confirmation of the intelligence
is required before it is entitled to absolute cre-
dence. But, in any view, it is only a question of
time, and the telegraph will have put you in pos-
session of the real state of the case before this can
reach you ; one can at last therefore say of the
unhappy and deserted Prince, C'en est fait de
It is time.
I have never concealed my opinion that the
annexation to Sardinia, or rather to the Kingdom
of Italy of which the Sardinian territories form
a part, is the best and only safe move for the
friends of Italy to take ; and if the Government
of Piedmont has been invited by the friends of
order in Naples to be prepared to take possession,
as soon as the reigning dynasty has ceased to
it is positively absurd to describe such an
aext,
ctisas either unjustifiable or unwarranted. It is
the only practicable solution of the difficulties of
a situation, of which Victor Emmanuel has done
nothing to forfeit his right to become the master.

()ILE of the many rumours which I have heard
as to the future of Naples, is, that Austria is
manifesting a preference for the claims of Prince
Murat, hoping thereby, in time, to bring about the
restoration of its friends, the dispossessed Dukes,
and being unwilling to see Count Cavour installed
in the Castle of St. Elmo at any price ; but I attach
no great importance to the rumour. If it were
true, it would necessarily involve a tightening of
the rapprochement between the Emperors Joseph
and Napoleon, the period for which has certainly
not come. _ _

There is no longer scarcely any room for doubt
that the long-talked-of interview between the

Emperor Joseph, Alexander, and the Prince of
Prussia will very shortly take place, to ;which I
have now to add that the preliminaries are
said to have been arranged for a meeting between
the first of these potentates and Queen Victoria,
at Coburg ; it is also said that the petty German
Princes, not wishing to be altogether lost sight
of, intend to meet shortly at Frankfort.

Further accounts have been brought from Bey-
rout by the America. I see it stated in a letter
to one of the papers that Fuad Pasha, in addition
to the hanging and shooting of the guilty mis-
creants ordered by him at Damascus, has caused
nine of the worst of the lot to be "inipaled.;' This
mode of punishment has not been in use there for
forty-seven years, but the energetic Pasha having
laid down the rule-that in every ease tile Mode of
punishment should be proportioned to the offence,
he considered that the crimes of nine of these
wretches could not be adequately avenged, except-
ing by this exquisite mode of torture. Thdimpala-
tion took place in the quarter of the town called
Mahale Salchee, and an awful sight it must have
been. The cries Of the miserable beings were
heard at a great distance off.

Another great speech is expected from the Em-
peror at Marseilles, where preparations of unpa-
ralleled magnificence are being made for his
reception. Nice, also, as I have said, will put on
her best apparel for the occasion ; but. it has oozed
out that a police vigilante will be on the watch,
to remove any dissatisfied persons who may be so
rude as to attempt to interfere with the welcome of
His Majesty and the Empress. Meanwhile, ati
extraordinarily• furious contest is waged among
the " Nice" young ladies, as to their respective
claims for being selected to present the bouquets.
This matter is, however, to be settled by the
Prefect, and not by the Police.
The Government seems to be apprehensive that
the use of the sickle may somewhat unfit those of

the reapers who are connected -with the army for
the immediate resumption, should occasion require,
of
,their military duties, for I observe that orders
have been given 'for all the soldiers who are at
present in the Reserve, or who are at their homes
on temporary leave, to attend twice a week, as
soon as the harvest is over, at the chief town of
their district, to be trained in military exercises.
A very curious affair came before the Correc-
tional Tribunal on Friday :—A young man, aged
twenty, was brought before the court charged-
with causing a distubrance and illegally wearing
honourable decorations. It appeared that,
although young in years, he was both an old and
most impudent offender. "On the 22nd August,".
said a police-agent, "towards ten o'clock at night,
I was called• upon to arrest an individual in a
state of drunkenness, who, mounted on the driving-
seat of a cab, was insulting the passers-by in
Great Pisoy-street. I proceeded to arrest him
after having verified, the facts which had been re-
ported to me. The bearing of the prisoner, and his
almost worn-out sailor's dress,
,inspired me with
suspicions as -to his right to the possession of a
cluster of decorations which adorned his breast.
What particularly surprised me was to find in
juxtaposition to some decorations of the Legion
of Honour, a medal for rmilitary service, the
medal for the Crimea, two medals of the Exhibi-
tion, .1850, and two medals commemorative of
the annexation of Savoy to France. When he
Was interrogated on the subject, the fellow
declared that he had belonged to the sea since
he was fifteen years old, and that subsequently
he had been dismissed from the service in
consequence of his infirmities.' He declared
that, at home, there would be found not only the
warrants of the seven decorations fastened on his
breast, but those of nine others besides." Seven-
teen decorations at the age of 20 ! There was
certainly here plenty of reason for the astonish-
ment of the Commissioner of Police before whom
the soi-disant hero was conducted.. He renewed
before this magistrate the statements he had
made to the police agents, and an inquiry was

instituted. The result of it was the find-
ing, not of six decorations, but of six con-
demnations ! The prisoner turned out to be one
Edward Coretier, a journeyman painter, who was
taken " before justice" in 1853, and condemned
to three years' imprisonment for theft and
vagabondage; in 1857 to one year's imprisonment
for wearing a uniform and decoration; in 1858 to
two months for illegally wearing the uniform of
a marine; again the same year, to fifteen days for
breaking his sentence of expulsion; lastly, in
1860, to two months for rebellion. At his trial
on Friday, the.fellow had not a word to say for
himself. He tried the plea of drunkenness, but
that did not serve him, and he was oondemned
to Other thirteen months' imprisonment and five
years' surveillance.

ITALY. '
(FRom OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
MILAN, September 5.

It is scarcely six weeks since Lord Palmerston
declared, from his place in the House of Com-
mons, that the political horizon was full of
threatening clouds, which might from one
moment to another end in a terrible storm. The
Prime Minister also stated that France possessed
an army of 600,000 men, and that she had con-
siderably augmented her naval force—the number
of the' ono and the other being more than
necessary for the defence or protection of her
Empire. There can be no doubt that when
Lord Palmerston made these observations, the
threatened storm was as much expected to begin
at France as from the East or Italy ; but these
fears are absolutely 'groundless or affected,
because the Emperor has repeated the famous
Bordeaux declaration that l'enzpire c'est la paix,
which many persons say ought to read c'estl'ep'e.
Is it not outrageous, looking at the pre-
sent complicated state of affairs in the
East and Italy, to endeavour to deceive
Europe that there are no apprehensions for the
future—that all is serene and cheering, a brilliant
future, a golden age abounding with all the
blessings and fruits of a long and uninterrupted
peace ? Is such a statement consistent with the
probable consequences that are likely to arise out
of the present troubles in the East, and the
almost certain dissolution of that empire ? Is
such a statement consistent with the present atti-
tude of Austria on the left banks of the. Po ?
Is such a statement consistent with the - rapid
movement and concentration of Sardinian troops
along the Emilian line from Piacenza to Cat-
tolica ? Is it not a notorious fact that Sardinia is
secretly despatching to the Bay of Naples a
large force ready to take possession - upon
the slightest declaration in her favour, on
the part •of the army or the people, and
also making the most formidable preparations
to meet her powerful enemy ? Is it consistent
that this war will be simply confined to Austria
and Piedmont ? Does not the political atmosphere
of Europe become more sulphureous every day ?
Is it honest or sincere on the part of the Emperor,
or his mouthpiece, Count Persigny, to tell the
world that l'empire c'est la paix, or that the
military role of France in Europe is at an end.
An era of peace and prosperity is now opening
for Europe?' This is what I call a gigantic snare.
The military role of France in Europe will only
cease when she has destroyed every vestige of the
humiliating conditions imposed by the treaty of
1815, and once more extended her frontier to the
banks of the Rhine. Do these honeyed and
peaceful words correspond with the silent but
steady increase of her forces in Africa, and the
constitution of no fewer than seven new regi-
ments of Zonaves, as well as the unceasing
labours which are going on day and night
in all. the French arsenals ,and laboratories ?
France was never more powerful than she is at
present, and it is no exaggeration of her force
when I say that in less than three months she
would be able to bring into the field not less than
three formidable armies. This fact ought, to shew
us the necessity of making those sacrifices and
preparations which are indispensible for the
security of our country, and not to be lulled
into too much- faith by the poetical view which
the French Emperor wishes us to take of the pre-
sent and future state of Europe. As a concluding
paragraph to the above, the Gazette d'August
tells us that upon the authority of the best in-
formed persons at Paris, they are in a position to
state that there is almost every certainty that the
autumn will not pass away before we shall see
the commencement of another campaign, and
that the Emperor of the French seemed so per-
suaded of this inevitable conflict, that before his
departure he gave orders to the Minister of War
to mobilise a corps or 100,000, in such a manner
as to be ready to move in forty-eight hours to any
point of the frontier.

I now come to another subject which is almost as
improbable and absurd as Napoleon's Penzpire c'cst
la pax, that the well-known Queen's Counsel,

Mr. Edwin James, has been charged by Lord
Palmerston on a special mission to Garibaldi, in

order to submit to the General th 3 following pro-
positions : " Ist. That England will not permit,
under whatever pretext, any foreign interventicn
in the affairs of Italy, the British Government

being perfectly agreed with France upon the
core to be putsued.should any attempt be made

to viold.te the samet 2nd. That should Garibaldi

attempt to assail Venice, neither France nor
England could be expected to oppose the ahriies of
Francis Joseph, therefore Garibaldi and Victoi

Emmanuel would be obliged to sustain the conflict
against the accumulated arid irritated forces of
Austria." in exchange for this reiterated;

determination on the part of England and France

to support the principle of nori4ntervention;
_

Garibaldi is to bidd liimieelf—" Ist. To restrict

his operations to the NethAit.in Ftates, and to
use his utmost force for the immediaie
ca-
tion of the kingdom of the Two Sicilies. 1141.
Never to abandon the idea of the unity of tlt
Peninsula with Victor Emmanuel, Sing of Italy."

This is the substance of the mission •which, accord-
ing to the Courrier Dinutache, Mr. Edwin
James has been posted off from Iffiondon to Cala-
bria to submit to Garibaldi, instead of rollicking
among the moors grouse shooting. It is certainly

true that Mr. James arrived in Turin on the 3rd

instant, and, 1 believe, on his way to Sicily or
Naples to see Garibaldi; but that he is charged.by
Lord Falmerbton to submit the above propositions
is only another of the many absurdities which we