The Sun.
London, England, 1855-05-15 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, MAY 15 1855

were directed to salute the Russian flag ; Od€,nssa. ARMY BF:Pi,
MITT.
was spared ; Polish levies rejected, and PLI-1,11;1.

mentioned ; everything done indeed to show
that Russia was to be hurt as little as possible.
It was not by such processes our great com-
manders conquered India, and quieted in later
times the formidable Sikhs or the Burmese. In India
we have always diminished the territory of the
aggressors and enfeebled their power. Nor will
any other policy teach the CZARS to respect the
rights of civilised States.

There is one reason which must decide all but
the "most unworthy of statesmen to concede
not a ship to Russia in the Black Sea ; and
that is, that we could now, at no very heavy
expense, take permanent possession both of
that and the Baltic, and let Russia do her worst.
If we saw good to withdraw the greater part of
our troops, or to maintain any reasonable number
of them in the Crimea, we could completely im-
prison Russia for tweaty years, if she choose to
stand out, and at a very small annual cost to the
Allies. All her articles of produce would be
speedily furnished us from other countries ; her
sailors would forget how to steer a ship ; her trade
would be ruined, her exchequer bankrupt, and,
probably, domestic insurrection would close the
scene. But for the necessity of emancipating Po-
land, a naval siege of Russia, as it is by far the
cheapest, so it; might even be the best means of
humbling her arrogance.

LATEST NEWS.

EXAMINATION OF LORD ABERDEEN AND
CONCLUSION OF THE COMMITTEE.
The committee re-assembled at the usual hour, and
proceeded to examine Lord Aberdeen.
Mr. Layard—Be kind enough to state to the committee
when the Government first made preparations on a con-
viction that war with Russia was imminent.—l should
think about three months before the actual declaration
of war preparations were made in contemplation of that
event. It had been more or less apprehended by the
Cabinet for some time, but, of course, there was a
difference of opinion in the Cabinet as to the probability
of its occurrence. Preparations were made in January,
three months previous to the declaration of war in the
March following. On the 9th February a large force
was sent to Malta, with a view to being forwarded to
Turkey in case of a declaration of war being made.
Then, previous to January the Government was under
the impression that hostilities would not be proceeded
with ?-0n that subject there was a difference of opinion.
Perhaps I was more sanguine than any other member
of the Government, in the hopes of preserving peace.
During the previous year, had steps been taken to ob-
tain information as to the state of the country or the
enemy's forces, when hostilities were likely to take place?
—Yes. Endeavours were made to procure necessary infor-
mation, but there were great difficulties in obtaining
correct information as to the state of the Russian forces
and various matters it was desirable to obtain. The
most correct information the Government received was
in this country, and not from the East.
Then before January no actual preparations were
made in the Commissariat, or other departments, in an-
ticipation of the war ?—I think not in actual contempla-
tion of the war.
After the declaration of war were all the matters
connected with the war and the army sent to the East
submitted to the Cabinet ?—All matters of importance
were, but not the details, which were attended to by
the heads of the departments.
Were Cabinet Councils continually summoned until
the breaking up of Parliament ?—Yes.
It has been stated to the committee that, from nearly
that time till late in the autumn, no Cabinet Council
was held ?—From the prorogation of Parliament in the
middle of August to the middle of October no Cabinet
Councils were held.
At that time were all the members of the Cabinet
present in London ?—No. At the prorogation of Par-
liament the various members of the Cabinet dispersed
themselves in different directions. The Duke of New-
castle remained constantly in London. I remained until
the end of September, and notdhaving left London for a
year before, I went home for a week, and was one week
in attendance on her Majesty. Mr. Sidney Herbert
was almost constantly in London.
And during that period the expedition sailed from
Varna to the Crimea, the landing of the troops took
place, the battle of Alma was fought, and the siege
commenced ?—The order for the expedition was for-
warded at the end of June.
Did your Lordship not think it necessary during
the period above referred to, to submit any questions
connected with the expedition to the Cabinet ?—I think
the precise nature of the meetings of the Cabinet are nut
understood. I apprehend it is no part of the duty of the
Government to hold these meetings at any stated
time, but only according to the necessity of
the public service. It is true, that during
the meeting of Parliament I had the Cabinet summoned
for every Saturday, but that was for the progress of
legislation in Parliament and for the currant businesa of
the week, and did not render difficult the meeting of
the Cabinet on other services when required. Any
Minister can summon a Cabinet when he pleases, and for
any object, either of that connected with his own depart-
ment or anything else, and it has bee❑ usual for such
intention to be mentioned to the first lord, who accord-
ingly summons the Cabinet.
Is it your lordship's opinion that in cases of offilial
emergency the Cabinet should be summoned ?—Cer-
tainly ; and if there had been occasion for its rneetin;,
arrangements were made before separating at the end of
the session fur its summoning and assembling within 48
hours.

Are you not of opinion it was of more importance to
have a Cabinet in case of public events occurring of great
importance during the time of Parliament not sitting
than when it was ?—That would depend on whether
the event was of importance to require it. We
then had but the same subject to discuss and the same
determination to arrive at.
When the army landed in the Crimea, I believe the
Government was under the impression that Sebastopol
would almost immediately fall by a coup de main ?
That was the general opinion.
It was during the above period you ascertained the
army could not take it ?--Yes.
Was not that of sufficient importance to cause the
summoning of a Cabinet ?—I do not know that the hold-
ing of a Cabinet would have caused any other instruc-
tions being sent to the generals. The Minister for War
was in London, and if he found himself in any difficulty,
and wished the decision of the Cabinet on any question,
he could have summoned one.
Did not the fact you have stated, that Sebastopol was
found much stronger than was anticipated, and the army
would have to establish a regular siege, completely alter
the complexion of the expedition ?—No.
Supposing the Government had anticipated that Se-
bastopol would not have fallen, and there would have
been a long siege, would the Government still have
thought the expedition was not commenced too late in
the year ?---As I have already stated, instructions
directing the expedition were forwarded at the end of
June, and there was no reason to have supposed it would
have been carried into execution earlier than it was.
At the time when the expedition sailed there was suffi-
cient time—
The beginning of September ?—They did not think it
too late for the expedition to be undertaken. The gene-
rals had discretion not to undertake it at an unseasonable
time.

Te what did the Government attribute their belief that
Sebastopol would have been taken eari.ier ?—To a great
many causes.
On account of any want of preparations on our part ?
—Certainly not. I believe, however, there was some in-
sufficiency of boats—some delay on that account. That
was not the principal cause of the delay.
By Lord Seymour—Were any proposals made by Lord
John Russell_ to the Government for the consolidation
of the office at an early period of last year ?—No ; I had
conversations with him on the subject, but I thought it
was also Lord John Russell's opinion that it was not
then a fit time to carry any alterations into effect,
on the grounds that there would be a risk of under-
taking them in a time of war, of its leading to inconve-
nience in the management of the offices, and produce
effects injurious to the public service.
His lordship then adverted to the correspondence be-
tween him and Lord John Russell about the end of
November, recommending the consolidation of the offices,
at the end of which Lord John Russell stated that he had
come to the conclusion it was not desirable t) carry it
into effect.
By Lord Seymour—Lord John Russell, I believe, ob-
jected to the retention of the office of Secretary for War
by the Duke of Newcastle ?—Yes, he did. The first in-
timation I had that Lord John Russell differed from the
Cabinet, and which much surprised me, was when he
wrote
,me after Mr. Roebuck had given notice of his
motion.

In answer to other questions from various members of
,he committee, his lordship said that, previous to the
corresepondence above alluded to, Lord John Russell
offered no objections to the Government. The propo-
sitions made by Lord John Russell were not submitted
to the Cabinet. The correspondence ends with a declara-
tion, on the part of Lord J. Russell, that he should. sub-
mit the subject to the consideration of the Cabinet, as I
did not concur with him, but he never did it ; he changed
his mind, and never mentioned it.
By Lord Seymour --Then, both with regard to the
Duke of Newcastle and the consolidation of the offices,
you were under the impression that Lord J. Russell had
altered his original opinion ?—Yes. As to the consoli-
dation of the offices, all the members of the Government
thought it desirable, but it was a question of time when
it should take place.
By Mr. Layard —Did her Majesty's Government ob-
tain as much information as it was possible under the
circumstances of the enemy's strength at the time
of undertaking the expedition to the Crimea ?
They obtained different information, leading them to
different conclusions, and were unable to ascertain what
amount of credit to give to it. On the whole, the most
correct information they obtained was from a gen-
tleman in this country who had recently been
in the Crimea. It turned out to be partly correct as to
the amount of the forces of the enemy and the state of
the country.
In your lordship's opinion as much information was
obtained as was necessary to authorise the expedition to
the Crimea ?—lt was sent to the military authorities.
The information stated the enemy's force to be about
70,000 men in the Crimea, about 30,000 or 40,000 being
in Sebastopo;.
Was the condition of the army in the Crimea after
August brought to the notice of the Cabinet ?—Yes ;
very late. I believe they were aware of a great deal of the
distress existing before they received official information
from the public papers and private sources.
Should not the Cabinet have been furnished with that
information ?—Certainly.
To whom do you attribute the neglect of not furnish-
ing the Cabinet with that early information ?—To the
parties on the spot, whose duty it was to complain of
anything amiss.
About what period were you officially informed of the
state of things in the Easi ?—lt was very gradual. At
first not receiving information it was more or less dis-
credited, but it became confirmed by degrees. I was
in ignorance of the real state of the army longer than
ought to have been.
His lordship, in continuation, said, that having ap-
pointed the various heads of departments, he considered
himself responsible for the manner in which they dis-
charged their duties. When he took office, he found Lord
Raglan Master General of the Ordnance, and on his hen),
appointed to the command of the army in the East, it
was thought the removal of the office of Lieutenant-
General would prevent any inconvenience arising to the
service. The duties of the office were, of course,
much greater in times of war than in peace. It
lia:d been in contemplation before the breaking out of the
war to abolish the office of Master-General of the Ord-
nance, Lord John Russell made no specific complaint
with referenco to. the different departments to war-

rant any interference. If the Mike of Newcastle
had said to me at the end of August that he could not
go on with the Ordnance department as it then
existed, I should have considered the necessity
of a change. The Duke of Newcastle gave
orders to the committee without taking the
responsibility. The transfer of the Commissariat depart-
ment from the Treasury to the War department took
place contrary to my opinion, fnd the late Duke of Welling-
ton thought it should not betaken from the Treasury. It
was not necessary, though desirable, that the Secretary
at War should be a Cabinet Minister. On the present
occasion it was very desirable, and that the offices be kept
as a means of controlling the expenditure of the army. I
have no recollection of the details given as to the state
of Sebastopol and the Crimea.
His lordship's evidence being concluded, the room
was cleared ; and after about half an hour's deliberation,
the committee announced the evidence closed.

:;1. 0N E Y MA RKET

AND

COJIMFBCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, Two O'CLOCK.
The Cotton Market at Liverpool yesterday
closed very firmly, and with a hardening tandency.
The sales were estimated at 20,000 bales, (2,000 of
which were taken for export, and 9,000 on specu-
lation), comprising 400 Pernam and Maranham, at
51d. to 60. ; 600 Bahia, at 6id. to 60. ; 1,200
Egyptian, 6d. to Bd. ; 2,500 Surat, at 31d. to sd. ;
and 220 Sea Islands, at 100. to Is. 11d. per lb.
The Railway Share Market was very buoyant, and
prices advanced 1- to per cent.
How the war with Russia can ever be brought
to a conclusion while we feed our armies with our
gold is a problem which Statesmen may be able to
solve, but which men of business are certainly not
in a position to work out. The alleged inconveni-
ence to our population of a cessation of the supply
of tallow or hemp from Russia can be as nothing
contrasted with the loss of life and property by a pro-
longa ,ion of the war, nor is it a hard task to demon-
strate that we could procure supplies of the articles
just named, both from our own colonies and South

America, and that substitutes could also be found

in part aid. The question of allowing Russian
produce to be admitted here since its prohibition
would effect all that is desired in preventing the

transport through Prussia is again to be venti-
lated in the House of Lords ; but, we apprehend
that with the present indisposition to grapple with
what at a distance appears much more difficult
than it really is, the same fate will attend the
motion to be made as has resulted in similar cases
previously. This forms no ground, however, for
neglecting the discussion of the matter out of Par-

liament, and facts may acceptably be produced
whenever forthcoming.
The treaty of commerce between Holland and
Belgium has been duly signed, and the ratifications
have been exchanged.

In the English Stock Market the business done 1
bas been of very limited extent, but the quotations
are firm. The large majority for Ministers has un-
doubtedly some effect, the opinion being pretty
general that Lord Ellenborough's discretion is not
sufficient to make his advent to office at all de3ir-
able. There have been transactions in Consols at
88 to 89k for transfer, and 89 toy for account.
The New 3 per Cents, have been 88k to and the
Redticed 874 to 88k. Bank Stock is flat at 208 to

2091. Exchequer Bills are ss. to Bs., and India
Bonds 18s. to 20s. premium. The Ownium is :1-

premium.

In the Foreign Market there has been an ex-
;ensive business done in Turkish Bonds at an al.

vance to 75i and 76i- upon a rumour that a new
loan of 2,000,0001. is to be brought out, guaran-
teed by the Allied Governments, and that the ex-
isting Bonds will in some way be specially bene-
fitted by the new arrangement. Peruvian Stock is
at 67k. Spanish Bonds are nominal. Dutch 2i
per Cents. have been 631.
The following are the nominal prices of foreign
stocks :—Grenada Deferred Bonds 6i to 7 ; Mexi-
can, 201 to 21 ; Peruvian, 67 to 69 ; ditto Three
per Cents., 47 to 49 ; Portuguese Four per Cents.,
41 to 43 ; Russian Five per Cents., 98 to 100 ;
ditto Four-and-a-Half per Cents., 87 to 89 ;
Spanish New Deferred, 18i to 18a ; Ditto 3 per
Cents., 36i to 37/ ; Ditto Certificates, 4 to 41 ;
Ditto Passive, i to 4.

This is "ticket day" in the Railway Market,
and the chief attention being absorbed in arrange-
ments for the settlement, the dealings aro extremely
circumscribed. The quotations, however, are
generally higher. There is scarcely anything doing
in the Foreign or Colonial lines.

Mines are dull also ; the Joint Stock Banks, and
Crystal Palace are rather better; and in the Mis.

cellaneous there is no particular change.

5
BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE 0'(;14.; n.. 20
(From the Ogcial Lift.) 20

Buqiness done
Q ink Stock ... .
3 per Cent. Reduced Annuities
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities .
New 3 per Cent. Annuities • 88$ 4 4
Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860
India Bonds, £lOOO . .
Consols :or Account, 30th May B9 ?I
Omnium
exchequer Bills, 24 d.
21000
~.... ..... . 5, 8
2500 5 8
Small
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CI40:-IK
Peruvian Bonds, 44 por Cent. 64
Russian Bonds, 44 per Cent —
Ditto Small
Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun 4
..
l'arkish Bonds, 6 per cent 75,1, 4
Ditto for the Account. . .
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Dutch Exchange, 2,i per Cant. 12 Gu11.., 63i
Ditto 4 per Cant. Certificates .....
HALF-PAST TWO.
Consols
Ditto, May Account .~

MARKET NEWS—(THIS DAY.)
HAY MARKETS.
SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, 21 16s to 51 04 Od ; cloves
ditto, 3/ Oa to 6/ 03 ; and straw, 1/ 5s to 1/ 103 per load.
A moderate supply and a steady trade.
CUMBERLAND. Meadow hay, 21 183 to 'EI Os ; clove]
ditto, 3/ Os to 6' Os ; and straw, 11 63 to 1/ 12s per load.
Trade tolerably firm.
WIIITECEIAPEL.—Meadow hay, 2/ 173 to 5! Os; clover
ditto, 3/ OS to 6' Os; and straw, 1/ 5s to h 103 per load.
Supply tolerably good, and trade firm.