The Express.
London, England, 1866-07-14 00:00:00

BREECH-LOADERS.

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Earl DE GREY wished to ask a question of which he I
had given notice on a question of much importance, and i
which was of • l interest at the present moment. 4
What he wanted to know wee the • position of the 1
question of the supply of breech-1 ers to the army.
The Earl of LONGFORD said that two years ago the
government then in office had resolved on supplying the
army with breech-loaders, and suspended the manufacture
of all other description of arms. Their choice lay between 1
an entirely new arm and the conversion of the old ones,
and they determined, as he thought wisely, on conversion.
They succeeded after a course of experiments, which 1
eertainly were not very quickly conducted, being Bur-
rounded with difficulties, in obtaining what he believed
to be an excellent arm, carrying its own ignition. The
expense of conversion was about one pound per gun,
and would probably be less when the machinery was more
complete. The trade price was a little higher. There
were 600,000 stand of arms capable of conversion, and
arrangements bad been made to have 40,000 ready by the
end of the military year, in March next. At the time
when that arrangement was made we had what was
deemed to be a very good arm, and the circumstances of the
time were not considered to be urgent. Since then. how-
ever, circumstances had become more urgent, and them-
fore when the present government came into office
they made arrangements for increasing the supply to
150,000—(hear, hear)—partly from the government factory,
and partly by entering into a considerable contract with
the trade in Birmingham. (Hear, hear.) After the 31st
of March next the facilities for conversion would be very
much increased. There had been some expressions of im-
pitience at the time which had been occupied in trials, but
be hoped that neither the present government nor its pre-
decessors had neglected the subject.
The Duke of CAMBRIDGE wished to endorse what had
been said by the noble earl near him. He had been in con-
'dant communication with successive secretaries of state
as to the state and condition of arms for the troops. The
question had in fact long attracted the attention of her i
Majesty's government, and the only delay hail arisen hi
consequence of the anxiety that there should be no mia-
take in the sort of arm adopted. (Hear, hear.) That
might seem a very simple matter to arrive at, but if their
lordships knew all the difficulties with which the question
was surrounded they would see the absolute necessity of
caution. He must now say a word on a subject
which was in everybody's mouth, namely, the Zundnadel-
Gewehr, or needle-gun. He believed that so far as breech-
loading was concerned, it was far from being the best
breech-loader ; he believed that the least good breech-
loader we bad was better as a breech-loader than the needle-
gnn ; yet that the Zundnadel-Gewehr was better than any
muzzle-loaderwas proved by recent events vrith which e very
one was acquainted. It was well that this should b.:
known, else it might go forth that the converted gun was
not so good as the needle-gun of which they heard so much.
It should be knows that the generality of breech-loaders
we now had were much superior to the special arm with
which the Prussian army was provided.
The Earl of DALHOUSIE wished to make one sugges-
tion. He quite approved of the course which the govern-
ment had taken, but still it was quite evident that it must
be only a temporary arrangement. It was quite evident
to any one who examined the Snide!. gun, that great im-
provements might yet be made. A committee known by the
name of the Ordnance Committee had been appointed.
It was well worthy the consideration of the Secretary of
State for War whether he should not establish a com-
mittee separated from the Ordnance Committee, and
that should direct its attention to the fabrication of
small anus. lie thought that that committee should
consist of officers of regiments who had obtained the
highest marks of merit, and that there should be associated
with them gentlemen ill private life who had given their
attention meet to all inventions appertaining to breech-
loading arms. He felt quite sure that his right hon. and
gallant friend the Secretary for War would not leave tiny
means untried in reference to this question.
The subject then dropped.
PRIVATE BUSINESS.

The following bills were read a third time and passed
Laugharne Railway, Rhyinney Railway, Kingabridge
Railway, Devon `'alley and North Rritish Railway
Companies (Arrangements), Redford and Northampton
Railway, Gmat Yarmouth Fiah Wharves and Tr unways,

l'eterbOiough, Wisbeach, and Sutton Raiiway, and Sotuerki

sad Dorset Railway Bills.
THE COLONIAL CHURCH.
The MAN) of LONDON, on the part of the Archbishop
of York, undertook, if the Colonial Bishopric 11111 of the

late government was not passed, to withdraw a motion
which stood for a select committee to consider the peti•
tion of Miss Burdett Coutts in reference to the colonial
bishoprics which she had endowed ; bat if the bill was
proceeded with it would be necessary to go on with the
motion.

Lord ST. LEONARDS moved for copies of all document
and correspondence and acts of colonial legislatures relat-
ing to the endowment by Miss Burdett Colitis of several
colonial bishoprics, with a view to show under whose
authority and on what trust and conditions, and for whose
benefit the money was advanced, and contended tlmt
sinless the conditions on which it was advanced were can
tied out, she was entitled to repayment of her money.
The Duke of ARGYLL said that it was premature to
discuss the subject, as the question of the status of colonial
bishops was before the courts. He was of opinion that the
late derision of the Privy Council was effectually to sever
all connexion between the imperial government and colo-
nial bishops, whatever might be the ease in reference to
the established church.

The discussion was continued by Lord Lyveden, the
Earl of Carnarvon (who stated that it was not intended to
proc,ed with the Colonial Bishoprics Bill). I.y the Bishop
of Oxford, and the Earl of Harrowby, and the motion was
withdrawn. I AroIMMO ttV4Pe
The Bishop of LoNnoN obtained a return giving very
full statistics of the colonial bishoprics and their appoint
ments.
The Crown Linda Bill and the Grand Juries Present-
ment Bill passed through committee.
The National Gallery Enlargement Bill and the Carriage
and Deposit of Dangerous Goods Bill were read a second
time.

The Law of Capital Punishment Amendment Bill was
read a third time and passed.
The house adjourned at half-past 8.