The Press.
London, England, 1854-02-25 00:00:00

HOUSE OF COMAIONS.-FRIDAY.

- -
In answer to a question from Sir H. Halford,
Mr. BAINES said that the souses in the Leicester
prison were under the consideration of the Govern-
ment.
Lord Dudley Stuart haring asked when the
Government proposed to introduce the bill for medi-
cal reform,
Lord PALMERSTON replied, that the Government
were waiting for a report of a committee now
sitting.
Mr. MACARTNEY inquired the intention of the
Government as to the wives and children of the
soldiers sent to Turkey.
Mr. S. HERBERT said that the usual rule was to
allow six soldiers out of the hundred to take their
wives with them ; but the present occasion was a
special one, and it had been thought expedient to
reduce the rule to four out of the hundred The other
two would receive half rations, and, if necessary,
sent back to their native homes.
On a motion for a committee of supply,
Mr. MActilui complained of the removal of Irish
persons from England the moment they required
parochial relief, under whatever circumstances, and
for a time however short.
Mr. BAINES admitted that the present law of re-
moval was in an unsatisfactory state, and proposed
that the subject should be fully considered when
the correspondence which had already been moved
for was produced.
Lord C. HAMILTON said that the correspondence
would show but a very small part of the evils of
the existing system.
Sir J. WALSH called attention to the imperfect
military organisation of the country in the actual
crisis. Too much disposition had been shown of late
to underrate the resources of ltus°ia. Though the
Government was despotic, the national and patriotic
feeling was strong. The holy alliance had taken for
its principle a disclaimer of all territorial aggrandise-
ment; this had been one of the causes of the long
peace. Russia had now abandoned this policy, and
thus a new element wai introduced into the question.
It was necessary for England to adopt a new policy
adapted for its fresh etigencies. War was to be, for
ears to come, the normal state of things. England,

181

to maintain her position, must develop her military
as well as her naval resources.
Mr. ALCOCK argued that by taking energetic
measures in the Black Sea we could ensure a cer-
tain triumph.
Sir DE LACY EV %NS recommended a reduction of
the forces now stationed in the colonies. The cob).
nies ought to defend themselves. He complained,
besides, of the great age of general officers ; recom-
mended more frequent brevets, or that generals
should sometimes be appointed for merit ; and pointed
out the inconveniences of the system of granting
temporary rank for occasional purposes.
Mr. F. FRENCH complained that the Turks had
been prevented from defending themselves : if Ad-
miral Slade had been allowed his own way, the dis-
aster of Sinope would not have occurred. The
weakness of the foreign administration of the country
had done all the mischief.
Mr. HATFIELD lauded the Government for avoiding
an appeal to arms till the last moment.
Lord Jolts RUSSELL complained that a lengthened
debate had arisen on a vote for going into a com-
mittee of supply, and hoped that business might at
once be proceeded with.
The house then went into committee, on which
Mr. S. HERBERT stated that the present estimates
should not be considered final. The apparent increase
was 10,000 men ; but the real increase was larger,
by completing the numbers of the colonial regiments.
The real increase was 11,000 men. The army expenses
had increased by the prices of previsions and new
establishments; yet such had been the economy that
their expenses bad diminished by 33,0(X11., making
the increase of expenses in the increased number of
troops only 270,000/. The army had already been
concentrated ; army education had been organised ;
and three classes of schoolmasters had been estab-
lished, with fixed rates of payment, with promotion
from one to the other. Hitherto the system had
worked well. For the offices of examinations, the
first should be conducted on general and liberal
grounds ; but the second examination was profes-
sional, in which the candidate should show technical
knowledge. It was proposed to appoint district captains
of instruction, under whom each subaltern might go
through a course of lectures, upon which would be
founded examination for lieutenants and captains.
In the instruction of the war, the volumes used in
the military libraries were greatly increased; in
1804 the number was about 5,000, it was now 118,000,
with 16,000 subscribers. For the education of medi-
cal officers it was now proposed to superadd to gene-
ral lectures others on military surgery. No army
required medical aid so much as our own, quartered
in unhealthy situations in unhealthy climates. Army
surgeons should understand tropical diseases as well as
those belonging to camp. A professorship of mili-
tary surgery was about to be established for instruc-
tion on this head. The army had lately much im-
proved ; reward had been substituted for punishment,
and the effect had been wonderful. He enumerated
the encouragements now given to soldiers for good
conduct. Their rations and transport accommoda-
tion had been improved. As an instance of the im-
provement of the men, they had invested in the
savings bank, in 1844, 1,8001.; and in 1853, 124,000/.
He read letters proving the decrease of military
offences, from the effects of reward and education.
Last year an establishment had been founded at
Hythe for musket practice. At present every regi-
ment contained many soldiers masters in the art of
shooting, of which he quoted several striking instances.
With respect to the colonial force, that in Canada,
the Cape, and the West Indies had been reduced;
those in the Mediterranean stations had been in-
creased. In Australia a regiment had been raised
and paid by the colony. As to the age of general
officers, a commission bad been issued to inquire
into the mode of bringing younger men into promi-
nent positions. With respect to the number of men,
the present was not a war estimate, and he feared
that before long he should have to propose a supple-
mentary vote. He concluded by moving the techni-
cal votes of the number of men.
Mr. HUME congratulated the house on the improve-
ments in the system of army punishment, and on that
of military education and provident conduct. He
quoted his own experience as to the deficiencies of
army surgical education in former years, and hoped
the Government would persevere without partiality.
He trusted that merit instead of patronage would
ensure advancement.
The first vote, granting 112,000 officers and men
for the army service, was agreed to after some fur-
ther d:scuasion. The consideration and passing of
some following votes upon the military estimates oc-
cupied the remainder of the sitting.

The Paris Moniteur publishes an official report by
Omer l'acha, dated Shumla, the 29th of January,
containing important details of the serious affair
which is already known to have taken place before
Kalafat. The Turks gained a complete victory. The
l'acha estimates the Russian troops on the Danube
at 77,000 men, and adds, "We have a sufficient force
of men and artillery."

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182

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR

During the past week the first detachments of
troops intended for service in the Turkish war have
embarked fur the Mediterranean. On 11,nday there
was a grand inspection of the Grenadier Guards (3rd
battalion) and Scotch Fusilier Guards (Ist battalion)
on the parade at the WellingLn Barracks, St. James's -
park, in presence of' Prince Albexj, the Duke of
Cambridge, the Commander-in-Chief7Lord Hardinge,
and Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar. A large num-
ber of distinguished military officers were also pre-
sent within the barrack precincts, and around a
dense throng of spectators mustered, including a con-
siderable section of the fashionable denizens of
London. Immediately after the inspection, two
officers, with fifty non-commissioned officers and men
of the Grenadier Guards, proceeded by railway to
Southampton, for the purpose of superintending the
shipment of their regimental baggage, &c., on board
the Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam-ships
Ripon and Himalaya.
A day's interval being allowed for last preparations
and leave-takings, the 3rd battalion of Grenadier
Guards left London on Wednesday, and embarked at
Southampton en route for Constantinople. The mon
were mustered at three o'clock a.m., and, although
their leave was not restricted, not a man was absent
when the roll was called. At half-past four o'clock
the battalion, mustering nearly 1,000 rank and file,
fell into close column in marching order. At five
o'clock, all being in readiness for the march, the
barrack gates were thrown open, and the march
commenced amid loud cheers from the assembled
multitude outside, which were echoed from the ranks.
In passing down the Strand they were cheered by
large crowds who at that early hour had assembled
to witness the sight. The battalion arrived at the
terminus of the South-Western Railway at a quarter
before six o'clock, and a parting cheer was given by
the thousands who had accompanied them from the
barracks. Two trains were provided, and, all arrange-
ments being complete, at a quartet before seven
o'clock the trains were set in motion, and were soon
lost to sight.
The convoy reached Southampton at two p.m., and
found that place in a state of kreat excitement, and
crowded with an interested and enthusiastic popula
Lion. At an earlier hour the 2nd battalion of Cold-
streams had arrived, having travelled quietly from
Chichester. The troops were mustered on their
arrival, and marched at once from the terminus to
the docks, where they were distributed between three
steamers, the Orinoco, Manilla, and Ripon. This
operation being terminated, the vessels immediately
got under steam. The Manilla, the smallest of the
three ships, and which is fitted with the bomerang
propeller, led the way about two o'clock, having 250
rank and file of the Grenadiers, and six officers, with
a large quantity of baggage and stores on board.
Soon after three the Ripon paddle-wheel steamer
followed, having on board 600 rank and file of the
Grenadiers, 28 to 32 officers, and 32 women. Last
of all, and detained for more than two hours later by
the want of water in the dock, the Orinoco took her
departure, with 854 rank and file of the Coldstreams,
28 to 32 officers, and 32 women. She had also on
board of her Colonel Bentinck, Colonel Eyre, and
their respective staffs. The three steamers remained
in the Southampton Water during the night, a judi-
cious arrangement, by which the men were initiated
into shipboard life before being exposed to the rough
tossing of the open sea. Immediately after day-
break next morning the steamers weighed anchor
and sailed for their destination. The wind had
veered round to the northwest, and these fine ships,
therefore. started under most favourable auspices
with a fair wind down Channel. The Ripon and
Mani/la will call at Gibraltar for coals on their way
to Malta, hut the Orinoco will proceed to that island
direct, and, after landing the Coldstreams there, is
under engagement to go Gibraltar to take on board
the 44th Regiment, destined to form a portion of the
auxiliary army.
Throughout Wednesday the gigantic Himalaya
was moored alongside the quay at Southampton, in
a state of almost complete readiness for her own
voyage, which was to commence some forty-eight
hours later. The public were admitted on board for
some hours during the day upon payment of a small
entrance fee, from which the South Hants Infirmary
has benefited to the amount of nearly 701. Yester-
day (Friday) evening this splended steamer left
Southampton, taking with her 150 Sappers, 211 of
the Rifles, 8 officers, 12 women, and 20 children.
From Plymouth, on Monday, she will take on board,
in addition, the 03rd Highlanders, consisting of 800
rank and file, 31 officers, 44 sergeants,lB drummers,
54 women, and from 75 to 100 children. She will
thus have on board 1,320 effectives and 186 non
effectives, besides 12 horses, all accommodated in a
manner hitherto unknown to the transport service.
Regiment embarked at Liverpool on Wed •
Malta. They arrived at an early hour
in two trains comprising forty-nine car-

THE PRESS.

The Ist battalion of the Scotch Fusilier Guards
ha e been relieved from garrison duty, and on Tues
day morning, at four o'clock, will leave the metropolis,
vial South-Western Railway, for embarkation at
Southampton. The battalion musters 850 rank and
file.
The Ist battalion of Coldstream Guards will em-
bark on Wednesday next also from Southampton.
The battalion will be under the orders of Col. C.
Muiray Hay. The place of rendezvous for the British
corps d'armee is Malta.
About 250 men of the Bth Hussars will march
from Do: chaster to Portsmouth on the 7th of March,
for embarkation for the East. The same number of
the 17th Lancers will leave Hounslow for the same
destination. These troops are intended fur escort
and orderly duty.
The 4th King's Own Regiment, instead of coming
to the south by rail, will embark at Leith on board
the Golden Fleece, which will proceed to that port as
soon as her fitting up is completed, The 77th , at
Glasgow, will also embark at that port in the Atrato.
The orse Artillery are to be embarked in nine
sailing-ships taken up for their conveyance. They
will be received on board at her Majesty's Victualling-
yard, Deptford. One of the transports is ulread)
there and being fitted for their reception.
The Government have chartered the Australasian
Pacific Mail Company's screw steamer Kangaroo for
the conveyance of troops to the East. The Kangaroo
is of 1,000 tons burden, and will shortly be ready for
sea.
The workmen of the bakery at her Majesty's vic-
tualling establishment at Devonport have commenced
working day and night.

Colonel Pennefather, Deputy Quartermaster-Ge
neral of the Army serving in Ireland, has received a
similar appointment in the force about to embark for
Turkey.
The members of White's Club will this (Saturday)
evening give a grand farewell dinner to the Duke of
Cambridge, at the clubhouse, on the occasion of his
going on foreign service. Boodle's Club have also
invited his Royal Highness to a similar entertainment.
A striking proof of the military ardour of the
Scotch Fusilier Guards exemplified itself on the re-
giment being draughted for Constantinople. Several
of the corporals who were not required to go with the
regiment were reduced to the ranks at their own spe-
cial request, in order that they might be eligible to
march with their comrades to the seat of war.
The carbine rifles for llinie balls have been served
out to the batteries under orders for foreign service.
The new arm is a remarkable piece of workmanship,
and is about three feet six inches in length, including
the stock and barrel, with a light, although substan-
tially-finished, percussion-lock. The wood of the
stock is not stained, bat left of the natural colour of
elm, and polished. The barrel has three grooves in
the bore, and the outside has the fine dark blue tinge
of the mainspring of a watch, and, being highly
finished, has a very elegant appearance. At the
breech of the barrel a sliding sight is placed, which
will enable the gunner to take correct aim up to 800
yards, and fire with the greatest accuracy at that long
range compared with the range of old " Brown Bess,"
although the new arm (so far as weight is concerned)
is a plaything compared with the old musket of the land
service. Instead of a bayonet the gunner is supplied
with a sword about two feet long exclusive of the brass
handle, which he carries in a neat steel scabbard.
By a contrivance in the handle it can be attached to
the carbine to serve as a bayonet, and this forms a
weapon of defence five feet six inches in length. The
sword has a double edge about eight inches down the
back, and must prove a powerful instrument of war in
the hands of an active soldier. The pouch is a great
improvement on the former cumbrousthip-pouch which
was veryannoying to the men when bouncing u p and
down as they mounted and dismounted from their
seats on the limbers. The new pouch, although in
appearance remarkably small, is made to contain 30
rounds of cartridges and rests, similarly to those used
by the Rifle Brigade, in the hollow of the back, to
which it lies quite close, and well adjusted by the
belt passing over the left shoulder, and under the
right arm. The belt is of the natural colour of the
leather, and the last vestige of pipeclay is now be,
nished from the artillery branch of our land forces.
The General Commanding-in-Chief has deemed it
essential that a soldier when actually in the field
should carry no more kit in lis knapsack than is ab-
solutely necessary for his effi2iency. The remainder
is to be carried in a square bag (four of which will
be allowed to each company) at the public expense.

A Horse-Guards circular issied provides for the aug-
mentation of the army. The men to be raised will be
borne as supernumeraries until the Ist of April next, from
which date the increased estahlshment will be authorised
by the War-office. The first battalion of Grenadier Guards
is to be augmented from 800 to 1,000 rank and file; and
the six remaining battalions of the Foot Guards from 040
to 800 rank and file. The follawing seven regiments are
to be increased from 900 to 1,600 rank and file—namely,

The2Bth 11
nesday for T 1
from Preston
riages.