The Sun.
London, England, 1864-06-18 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, JUNE 18, 1864.

West Indies. (Hear, hear.) It is found, unfortunately,
that, though born in the West Indies, they have not that
immunity which belongs to their race in respect to the
effects to which Europeans are exposed ia the African
climate. It was the duty of the Government—and I say
that duty has been performed---0 take every precaution
hiecrh tt,e n
medically,gem n t
or
theya as
respects the commissariat, and
h
could take in order to protect
the troops froen the effects of the climate. More owt r r
parti-
cularly we felt it incumbent upon us to take those
precautions, because, although the men might be ex-
pected to have immunity from the effects of the climate, yet
the officers were Europeans, and could not be expected to
be equally protected from the climate, (Hear, hear.) And
I contend that any man who will read those papers, any
man who has listened to this debate, must see, and if they
are impartial men will acknowledge, that there is nothing
which the Government could have done which they have
failed to do. (Oh, oh.) Oh, Ido not expect hon. gentlemen
opposite to agree with that. (Oh, oh, and cheers.) I am
addressing all those who have not formed a foregone con•
elusion. I appeal to the body of the house, and I say they
ought to make allowance for a Government who have to
follow a course of policy marked out by those who went
before them. That policy could not be followed without a
great loss of life ; still, it was felt the honour of the country
ought to be maintained, and it was their duty to make an
effort. lam glad to find this expedition was not so fatal as
was feared by some and has been represented by others. I
only hope the house will act with judgment in the matter,
and that, instead of supporting the censure of the gallant
officer, they will go into committee of supply, and will in
fact outvote the motion. (Cheers.)
Mr DISRAELI, who was received with loud cheers, said
—I cannot refuse the challenge of the noble lord, although
so far as I am concerned I should like the debate to be
closed. I am, glad, however, that the noble lord deigned
in the latter part of his speech to address the house in that
tone of gravity which I think somewhat becomes the sub-
ject. (Cheers.) I must say for my own part I rather prefer
the noble lord when he gives us the advantage of his long ex-
perience and speaks to us without that affectation of unne-
cessary levity—(oh, oh, and cheers)—which it does not be-
come the leading statesman of the greatest country in the
world to adopt, but which the noble lord seems to think ne-
cessary in compliment to the House of Commons to introduce
into every debate. (Cheers.) The noble lord says it is very
easy to make loud and unfounded assertions, and I quite
agree with him. (Laughter and cheers,) I listen to the
noble lord often and admire the manner, and as I would
say if 1 were speaking of any one else in the house, the
happy effrontery with which he makes unfounded asser-
tions. (Oh, oh, and cheers.) But I think to-night the
noble lord has exceeded himself, and I will show the house
that he has far exceeded any achievement of that class
which has ever before illustrated his name. The noble lord
has dwelt on a subject which has not engaged our attention
to-night, the policy of the war. But not content with
leaving his opponents untouched on that subject, his vin-
dication was this, that he followed the policy traced out
and established by the Government of Lord Derby. I have
been an humble member of that Government, and I am un-
aware that—
Lord PALMERSTON—If I said the Government of
Lord Derby I made a slip of the tongue. (Laughter.) It
was the policy of a Government of which Lord Derby was
a member.
Mr DISRAELI—The noble lord says that he has made a
slip of the tongue—(opposition cheers)—but he is in error in
his subsequent statement also. The noble lord has recalled
his first statement that it was the policy of Lord Derby's
Government. He now says that it was the policy of a
Goverment in which Lord Derby was Secretary of State.
I presume the noble lord refers to the Government of Sir
R. Peel in 1841. Unless lam entirely misinformed and
have mistaken what 1 read, the protection of the Fantee
tribes, and of all those tribes who have engaged our atten-
tion to-night, was placed under this country at the conclu-
sion of a war in 1826, when the Cape Coast settlement was
established. (Cheers,) When the noble lord therefore
speaks of bold and unfounded assertions he ought to
have irearmed himself of the events which happened
in leis own official experience—he ought to look at
home, he ought not to make statements which were utterly
unfounded, or addressed the house under the circumstances
in which he addressed them, and with a confidence that
was so characteristic of him. (Cheers.) In that style of
Parliamentary language which distinguishes the noble lord,
he says that the resolution is founded on an untruth. The
noble lord did not prove that assertion. The language of
the resolution is that sufficient provision was not made to
preserve the health of the troops employed in this service.
Will any one maintain that there was sufficient provision
made for maintaining the health of the troops ? (Hear.)
The resolution then speaks of the want of foresight which
caused this loss of life. Will any one maintain that there
was no want of foresight ? There was sufficient provision
made to produce disaster, and sufficient foresight to see that
calamity would be accomplished. (Hear.) The somewhat
blustering statement of the noble lord must end in the refu-
tation of the very position he has endeavoured to take. It
has been said that we on this side took care to declare that
this was no party question. I have not remarked that ex-
pression particularly from this ride of the house, Ido
not know that I have heard it except from the colleague
of the noble lord who made that peculiar speech to-night,
from which it would appear that he wns speaking about
what he did not know. (Cheers.) But if great disas-
ters have occurred in the conduct of an expedition, is
it not the duty of the Opposition to call the attention
of Parliament to it. (Hear, hear) Is it not in accordance
with the very spirit of constitutional Government to do
so ? (Hear, hear.) Is it not our duty to ask what is the
cause of public disaster, and who are responsible for results
that have filled the country with mourning ? I should be
ashamed of ourselves if such incidents were passed un-
noticed. (gear, hear.) But if the noble lord thinks that
any concerted scheme was got up to make a trial of
strength, he speaks with inaccurate information on the sub-
ject. (Hear, hear.) Nothing was more natural than that
my hon. and gallant friend should have called attention to
this subject. (Heir, hear.) He drew the resolution him-
self. Only one word was omitted, which some friends told
my honourable and gallant friend was not a parliamentary
phrase. I think it is expedient and desirable to follow the
precedents of language on these occasions, by following
which we generally manage to conduct affairs without any
unnecessary acerbity of expression, (Hear.) But my hon.
and gallant friend did not wish to conceal that his object
was to pass a censure on the administration, which is either
guilty or not guilty. (Hear, hear.) I maintain that the
house of Commons could not pass over this occurrence un-
noticed. It is parliamentary and constitutional to ask the
opinion of the House of Commons on such a question, I
have heard no answer to the statements which hs.vo been
made, and I maintain that the tone of the prime minister
is quite unworthy of the subject. (Cheers.)
Lord PALMERSTON—What I stated in reference to
Lord Derby was, that the protectorate was resumed in 1842,
when Sir It. Peel was prime minister and Lord Derby was
a member of his Government.
Mr DISRAELI—Yes ; but it was resumed on the report
of a committee of the House of Commons recommending
the resumption. (Hear, hear.)
The house then divided, when the numbers were
For the original motion
For the amendment
Majority for the government ........ —7
As soon as the voting paper was taken by Mr Brand, the
result of the division, being revealed before the numbers
were announced, was greeted with prolonged cheering by
the ministerialists.
After the announcement of the numbers the cheering was
taken up by the opposition, and continued for many seconds
from both sides of the house.
The report of supply was brought up and agreed to.
The Superannuation (Union Officers) Bill passed through
committee.
The Greek Loan Bill was read a second titue.
The Chimney Sweepers Regulation Bill was read a second
time.

Valuation of Rateable Property (Ireland) Bill was read
a third time and passed.
Servants' Hiring (Scotland) Bill, as amended, was com-
mitted.
County Constabular) Superannuation Bill was read a
third time and passed.
Sale of Gas (Scotland) Bill passed through committee.
The house then adjourned at two o'clock.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE,

NEWTON SUMMER MEETING.-FRIDAY.

The Scurry Handicap of 3 sous each, with 30 added, for
all ages. Once round. 7 subs.
Mr T. Griffith's Puss, 5 yrs, 7st 101 b .. (H Grimahaw) 1
Mr J. Osborne's Gaily, 4 yrs, Bst slb (Whiteley) 2
Mr W. Phillips's Master Joe, 3 yrs, 7st ..(Carroll) 3
Mr T. Cliff's Sandford, 4 yrs, Bst 71b (H. Taylor) 4
Mr Ford's Abbeyfield, aged ist 131 b (T. French) 5
Betting—Even on Gaily, 2 to 1 agst Sandford, 6 to 1
agst Puss.

The latter jumped away with the lead, which she main-
tained throughout, and won cleverly by a length and a
half; Master Joe was third ; three lengths from the favou.
rite; Sandford finished fourth, half a length from Master
Joe; Abbeyfield tailed off.

The Lyme Park Stakes, of 10 sous each, h ft, with 50
added, for two-yr-olds; alts, Bst 10lb ; fillies, &c.; Bst
71b; penalties and allowances; second to save his stake.

Red House in, about five hrlongs. 14 subs.
Mr Samuel's Blackbird, Bst 21b (Doyle) 1
Mr Warters's Foxholes, Bst 101 b. ......... (J. Osborne) 2
Mr E. Buckley's Success, Bst 101 b...... Grimshaw) 3
Mr H. Owen's Filbert, Bst 1)1b (J. Mann) 4
The betting opened at 4 to 1 on Foxholes, and closed at
5 to 4 on Foxholes, 7 to 4 agt Blackbird.
The latter waited upon Foxholes and Filbert to the dis-
tance,from Foxholes; Fit-
and won easily by three
lengths;tance , where
Successsh e
wascam h
e third,tr OEI
length
bert beaten off.

The South Lancashire Tradesmen's Cup of 100 sous,
added to a Handicap Sweepstakes of 10 soya each, sft,
and 3 only if declared ; vinners extra ; the second to
save his stake. About one mile and a quarter. 26 subs,
14 of whom declared and paid 3 sous each.
Mr Samuel's Fontenoy (bred a France), 4 yrs, 7st 131 b
(Doyle) 1
Mr J. Osborne's Flytrap, 5 yis, Bst 101 b .. (J. Osborne) 2
Mr J. Osborne s Gaily, 4 yrs,7st 131 b Whiteloy) 3
agßsteGttianilgy. 5 to 4 on Flytrap 7 to 4. agst Fontenoy, 6 to 1

Fontenoy rushed to the flout the instant the flag fell,
and making play at his best pate throughout won in a canter
by eight lengths. Gaily was last throughout, beaten four
lengths from Flytrap. Mr Osborne declared to win with
Flytrap.

Blithfleld was struck out of the Cup this day (Friday),
at 1 30.

The Selling Handicap of 3 sous each, with 30 added; the
winner to be sold for £4O; the winner of any race value
50 soya after June 6at noon 71b extra. One mile and a
quarter. 10 subs.

Mr T. Cliff's Sandford, 4 yre, Bst 81b (IL Taylor) 1
Mr Murray's Richmond Lass, 3 yrs; 7st 12Ib
(
Mr Peace's Madame) Tagliafico, 3 yre, 7st 7lbWhiteley) 2
(Williamson) 3
Jack's Alive and Boeotian also ran.
Betting-6 to 4 agst Sanford, bto 2 agst Jack's Alive, 6
to 1 agst Boeotian.

Won by half a length; same between second and third;
bad fourth.

The Warrington Handicap of 100 soya for all ages; winners
extra. Red House in, abort 5 fur.
Mr W. Phillips's Persuasion, 4 yrs, Sat ....(T. French) 1
Mr Wallace's Golden Drop, 4 yrs, Sat
....41b

(H, Grimshaw) 2
Mr Jackson's Lady Louisa, 6 yrs, Oat Lb (J. uoyle) 3
Kilkenny and Fluke alas ran.
Betting-6 to 4 agat Persuasion, 6to 1 agat any other.
Won by a length and a half; hale a length between
second and third.

LATEST BETTING ON THE COURSE,
NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE.
7to 1 agst Found Again (taker)
Bto 1 agst Sir Roger (taken)
Bto 1 agst Tottenham (taken)
10 to 1 agst Caller Ou (offered)
100 to 8 agat Limosina (taken)
100 to 7 agat Borealis (taken)
THE DERBY OF 1865.
40 to 1 agst Wild Charley (taken)
50 to 1 agst Ostregor (taken)
1000 to 15 agst Reinfrid (taken)

to Evelina, Jupon, Liston, Cockcrow, and Mario, out of
Ascot engagements.
June 6, at 9 a.m. Bonny Glen, out of 50 soya Stakes,
Swinley Course, at Ascot.
June 6, at 9 a.m. Toscana, Victoria Cross, and Lady
Palmerston's dam colt, out of New Biennial at Ascot.
June 6, at 9 a.m. Sussex Stag, Kili'em and Eat'em, and
Weatherboard, out of New Biennial at Ascot.
June 6, at 9 a.m. Anti-Macassar and Cacula, out of the
New Stakes, Ascot.
June 6, at 9 a,m. Bonus and Keepsake, out of the Ascot
engagements.
June 6, at 9 a.m. The Elligtonian, out of the Ascot
Triennial.

June 6, at 11 30 a.m., all Mr Hill's horses, out of their
Ascot engagements
June 6, at 11 55 a.m., Archimedes, out 7th Bennial and
New Stakes at Ascot

June 6, at 11 55 a,m., Lysander, out of the New Stake
at Ascot
June 6, at 11 55 a.m., Nimbler and Joker, out of their
Ascot engagements
June 6, at 2 55 Whip, out of 7th Ascot Biennial
June 6, at 2 25 p.m., Warhorse, Bearing Rein, Agra colt,
Marabout, and Atherstone's dam colt, out of their Ascot
engagements

June 6, at 0 30 p,m„ Pantomimist, out of Ascot engage.
ments

June 6, at 0 30 p.m. Accident, out of Royal Hunt, ai
Ascot

June 6, at 3 25 p.m. Coup d'Etat, out of Ascot engage-
ments

June 6, at 4 38 p.m. Deerstalker (dam Sprightly), out o:
all engagements

June 6, at 5 40 p.m. Beauregard. out of the Ascot Derby
June 6, after 6 p.m. Light and Zisca, out of their Ascot
engagements, 1864
June 7, at 730 p.m. Edinburgh, out of Fernhill Stakes
at Ascot

June 8, at 5 20 p.m. The Princess c.f Wales and Lady
Tredegar, out of their Ascot engagements.
June 8, at 1 45 p.m Erin-go-Bragh, out of Hunt Cup
June 9, at 3 p.m, Boadicea, out of all engagements
June 10, at 11 45 a.m. Syren out of Hampton engage-
ments

Juno 10 at 9 a.m. Cadeau, out of Newton engagements
June 11, at 9 a.m. Atna and Bel Demonio, out of New-
ton engagements
June 14, at 9 a.m. g by Vedette, out of Quicksilver's
dam, out of all engagements
June 14, at 9 a.m. Nebuchadnezzar, out of all engage-
ments at Hampton
June 14, at 1 p.m. Canzonette and Myrtle, out of Wor-
cestershire Stakes, and all Mr Ten Broeck's horses out of
handicap races at Stockbridge
June 14, at 1 p,m. Rose of Denmark and Lady Superior
out of Chelmsford engagements
June 14, at 5 30 p.m. Moulsey, out of Newton St, Leger,
and Wild Rake out of Manor Cup
June 15, at 3 p.m. Verdiere aad Anfield, out of Stock-
bridge engagements

SPLIT' OP THE PUBLIC JOURNALS,

TIMES.—The debate in the House of Lords last
evening represents with accuracy the present feel-
ings of the country upon the Danish question.
The anxiety and irritation of the public are ex-
pressed by Lord Ellenborough, the caution of the
administrator appears in the speech of Lord Rus-
sell, while Lord Derby speaks like one who knows
that his party were bent upon a vote of want of
confidence, but who also knows that the
most complete success would only impose on himself
unwelcome responsibilities. The practical result of
the debate was an announcement from Lord Russell,
" disclaiming a threat of any kind," that " her
Majesty's fleet is fully prepared for any services
which it may be called upon to render." We know
not what effect these words will have upon the Ger-
man Powers, but if they indicate any tardy inten-
tion of the Government to support the King of
Denmark, and, as is rumoured, to insist that
Germany shall be content with the line of
the Schlei, they deserve most serious conside-
ration both by the two belligerent States and by
the petty Princes who have been urging them on.
It is the general testimony of persons writing from
abroad that the Germans are highly elated at the
victory they conceive they have gained over the
English Government, and by the impunity with
which they have shown their disregard of its re-
monstrances. They could not have conceived that
a Power with the past reputation and the present
strength of England would have allowed them to
advance to the destruction of a small State by such
a series of misrepresentations and broken promises.
They invaded Holstein and set up a Pretender,
after assuring this country that only a process,
called "Federal Execution," to carry out certain
definite objects was intended. They entered
Schleswig under engagements to our Govern-
ment, which they at once throw off when they
had gained a military success. The joint note of
Austria and Prussia in January expressly stated
that the two Powers recognised the succession
of Christian IX. in both Duchies, in accordance
with the treaty of 1852; yet within a few months
they declare that Treaty a dead letter, proclaim
their intention of wresting both Duchies, or all but
a small fraction of one of them, from the Danish
Kingdom, and coolly tell England that war has an-
nulled the treaty by which they, in common with
all the chief States of Europe, have solemnly bound
themselves. It is with a great effort of self-control
that the mere impulsive part of the English people
have restrained themselves during the progress of
these outrages. On the one side are the sympathies
of the country, which have been so strong in this
matter that they have almost carried us into acts
of too hasty interference; on the other side have
been the calmer judgment which bids us refrain from
foreign quarrels, and the patience which endeavours
to settle the dispute by appeals to the conscience of
the invaders, and by showing them the reprobation
with which their actions are regarded by the world.
The German Powers will have themselves to thank
if the former impulses gain the victory and the
British Government finds itself unable to maintain
any longer its peaceful attitude. With the support
or the acquiescence of all political parties the Queen's
Ministers have tried for more than six months the
policy of patient expostulation. If the result be that
the German Powers reject all counsels, and pride
themselves on the military brusqueness with which
they treat us, it will be a difficult matter for the
Queen's Ministers to persuade their adversaries or
the public that the policy they have adopted is the
best to be used with such a people. Lord Ellen-
borough expressed feelings which are very general
out of doors when he said last night that the only
way to make Prussia give up its hold of Jutland
and North Schleswig was by distinctly intimating
that the British Government would not only pro-
tect the islands, but Jutland and Schleswig also, and
that they would give the assistance of a British
force to blockade the ports of Germany, in order to
protect these provinces. If these be the opinions
which possess the public mind after so many months
of patience, we cannot but consider that the recom -
mencement of the war by the German Powers must
lead to serious difficulties. There is growing up an
opinion that the honour of this country is concerned
in resenting behaviour like that of the Prussian and
Austrian Governments, and however clearly it may
be shown that we are not bound to support the
integrity of the Danish kingdom, yet no politician
can answer for the temper of the country under such
repeated slights. If any proof were wanted of the
effect which the duplicity and violence of the German
Powers have produced on the Continent, it would
be found in the general expectation that England
can no longer submit to see her wishes disregarded
and herself contemned, but must make the renewal
of the war on the 26th the beginning of a more
active police. England, which has been so long
blamed for its warlike tendencies, is now instigated
by invidious comparisons, almost by taunts, to take
up arms in this dispute. it is looked upon as a duty
which, in the division of labour which belongs to
the Great Powers, this country may fitly impose on
itself. France has shown her own chivalry and dis-
interestedness on many fielde. The Italian and the
Mexican bear witness to the prowess of France, as
the Turk did a few years before. Why should not
England follow this example ? We have Large
arrears of heroism and philanthropy to make up.
Although we fought with our neighbours so the
Crimea and in China, we have shown ourselves of
late slack in the pursuit of glory. For these reasons
it is intimated to us that we should do well to show
a little alertness in the protection of our friends.
Other reasons leading to the same conclusion are
found in the supposed interests of England in the
Baltic, and in the family alliance which exists be-
tween the reigning Houses. These last arguments
have been put forward by the Constitutionnel in
an article of more than usual significance. In this
article the necessity which will compel England to
interfere is contrasted with the perfect liberty of
action enjoyed in France. Whereas a state of things
which the English Cabinet has created for itself
bids us send our fleets to the Baltic and our troops
to the Danish Peninsula, France, through the Tare
seeing wisdom and moderation of the Imperial Go-
vernment, may look on with impartiality, and thus
avoid making general a war which the intervention
of England will, after all, not prevent from being
limited. All these are signs of the times, and should
indicate to the German Powers that the hour is
approaching when it will be difficult for this coon..
try to avoid doing whit a large class of its own
people, and nearly 1,11 foreign lookers-on, think that
it ought to do. Wat' in such a case would be an
enormous calamity, as it would divide Powers,
which have generally been ante'
d in the affairs of
Europe, it would put enmity betwet,l
I nations that
have most in COMMOD, and would, mor,2"erf lead,
in all probability, to territorial changes, ~.enae of
which are not desired by Englishmen. From e7'ar
this country has shrunk with a scrupulosity which
its neighbours cannot understand, and which, it ap-
pears, its opponents interpret through the medium
of their own vanity, We still anxiously desire to
avoid it, all the more as the pretensions of the
Germans are based to some extent on the wishes o".

the people in the Duchies, and Englishmen will
not willingly enter upon an attempt to coerce any
body of men. But that all danger of a conflict may
be avoided it will be necessary that the German
Powers return at length to the paths of justice and
moderation.

PosT.—After a long and animated debate, and
by a small majority, the House of Commons refused
to endorse a vote of censure on the Government in
respect to their policy in the conduct of the Ashantee
war. Ministers have gained a victory, but it must
be confessed that it was a close one. The House
was composed of four hundred and sixty-four mem-
bers, including the Speaker and the tellers—two
hundred and twentysix having voted in favour of
Sir John Hay's motion, and two hundred and
thirty-three against it. It was a fair trial of

strength on an issue which, as Mr. Disraeli observed,
properly constituted a party question, and the Oppo-
sition were defeated. With the verdict of the House
of Commons the country will concur. Much irrele-
vant matter was introduced into the debate, but the
point at issue was extremely simple. The expedition
against the King of Ashantee was confessedly unsuo-

ceisful, and attended with results which everyo n
one
t
must deplore. But ill success and disaster do
necessarily imply blame to the sufferers, eros,papnodsittiohne
strongest arguments employed by h
rested upon appeals to sympathy,which,
alone, no one could have refasedtoeneitlg of regretenrtain.Bu
though it was impossible to avoid a feeling
standinge
_
that the war in Ashantee should ever have been
undertaken, the majority of the House of Commons
did not allow their sympathies to distort their
judgment. Failure may sometimes follow in the
train of the most carefully-devised projects, but, be-
yond failure, the Opposition could lay nothing to
the charge of the Government. The result of last
night's division must, therefore, be accepted as a
proof that in the opinion of the House of Commons
the Administration had done everything in their
power to securu success, and that, although they
cannot boast of its attainment, they have at least
deserved it. The circumstances under which the
unfortunate campaign against the King of Ashantee
came to be projected, though dwelt on in detail in
the course of last evening's debate, are already
known to the public. We possess a narrow strip of
land on the seashore in the immediate neighbour-
hood of Cape Coast Castle, and assume, on grounds
the policy, if not the soundness, of which may well
be questioned, the exercise of a protectorate over
a not very extensive line of country which inter-
vanes between our possessions and the territory of
the King of Ashantee. A refusal upon our part
to deliver up to the Sovereign two thieves who
had fled from Ashantee and taken refuge in this

neutral ground was followed by those acts of reta•

list whicti invariably merle ee'le commencement of
•
-waded the terri-
savage warfare. The Ashanteeie and carried
tory which had afforded the asyloae ^er, of any
• away or destroyed property, not, hove,
. -e ended
considerable amount. The matter might ha' ^Ong-
• here, but the Governor of the settlement, e-
) dering that the dignity of Great Britain was ou.
• raged by the invasion of territory acknowledging
I his protectorate, conceived the idea "of punishing.'
the aggressor. In a series of despatches written
by him to the Home Government in the early part
F of last summer, Governor Pim broached this proa
r ject, and in the month of August a conditions''
authority was given him by the Colonial SecretarY
• to undertake offensive operations against the King.
of Ashantee. The garrison ordinarily maintained
at Cape Coast not exceeding 400 men, Governor
• Pim of course found it necessary to ask for rein-
- forcements if an aggressive policy was to be pur-
r sued, and this not unreasonable demand (assuming
that the vindication of British dignity by force a
arms was expedient) received the assent of the Hone
• Government in the month of December. Instruca
• tions were sent to the authorities in the West Indies
to detach from the native regiments such a force as
was considered necessary to carry into effect the
.
policy of the Governor of Cape Coast, now citfilal'
Lively ratified by the Imperial Government, eeut
meantime, the Governor was authorised to inaugu-
rate those operations which, on the arrival of the
reinforcements, it was hoped he might be able t.o
bring to a speedy and successful conclusion. 11,
force of about 400 men was accordingly despatched
into the interior, and a depot, which was to furnish
the base of future operations, was established close
to the Ashantee frontier. A considerable time,
however, elapsed before the reinforcements from the
West Indies arrived ; and when they at length
reached Cape Coast Castle the rainy season bad
begun, and the prosecution of offensive operations
was rendered impossible. Then commenced what
must unquestionably be admitted to have bee° a
series of disasters. Little preparation had been
made for the reception or the accommodation of the
newly-arrived troops at the settlement, mainly be'
cause it had been in contemplation to despatch tbef°,
forthwith to the interior, and, arriving as they d'"
at the most unhealthy season of the year, large Pum,.
bers died, and many more were prostrated by
ness. Of the force which had been sent to the frulv
tier within a few weeks one half had died or bee°
placed hors do combat; out of 19 officers four alone
being left fit for service. Such was the state of thing&
brought under the notice of Parliament in the course
of last month, and on the facts which it disclosed
Sir John Hay framed the motion which he sub'
mitted to the House of Commons last evening. M
her Majesty's Government had already resolve°
on putting an end to hostilities commenced 00
inauspiciously, and had despatched instructions
to that effect to the Governor of Cape Coast
Castle, the only issue raised by Sir John 1110
motion was whether the Government were deserving
of blame for the deplorable results of the exPed"
tion. Into the discrepancies between Sir John 1-leY'e
statement and that of the Marquis of Hartingt°°.
it is not perhaps very material to inquire, at least
so far as they concern the policy which, in the fir!'
instance, dictated offensive operations against the
King of Ashantee. But it is undoubtedly of WI
portance to consider whether, when hostilities Were
resolved upon, the Government took proper tees"
sures to preserve the health of the troops employe°
in such a dangerous service, and that they did net
adopt such measures constituted the gist of the
charges advanced against them. The eacnlpatir
of the Government was based on the fact that, 2°
truth, every possible precaution had been taken to
secure the welfare of the troops, but that, oWing
to a series of unlucky accidents, those precautions
were frustrated, and the men fell victims to a
the
mate at all times notoriously pestilential. In t"":
first place, the transport conveying the reinforce-
ments from the West Indies was delayed, and (ill
not reach the settlement until the 9th April, instead
of two or three weeks sooner, whilst on the other
hand the rainy season, instead of beginning as It
use.lly does in May, set in this year in the middle
of March. To complicate matters further, an e 131:
demic of small-pox broke out in the colony a lA"'
time previous to the arrival of the troops, and in
consequence buildings which might otherwise have
been appropriated to their use were rendered unin-
habitable, and they were consequently obliged to
encamp under canvass. With respect to the charge
that the troops were badly provisioned and incur"
ciently provided with medical officers, the Under
Secretary for War showed that rations of fresh meat
were served to the men each alternate day, that no
complaints had at any time been made by the office
in command of insufficiency in the supplies of pro-
visions or of medical stores, and that, though the
entire force in the settlement never exceeded four-
teen hundred men, the medical staff attached to it
had always numbered, at least, six officers. The
concurrent testimony of the principal officials en-
gaged in the conduct of the expedition equally
tended to acquit the Home Government of blame in
neglecting to provide for the wants of the troops.
It was, as we have already obeerved, a question,
not of sympathy, but of fact, which the House of
_ _

Commons was called upon to decide, and in the pre-
sence of the evidence adduced by the Government
it would have been much to be regretted if it bad
arrived at a different conclusion from that which

the country is left to gather from the vote of last
night.