The Sun.
London, England, 1846-04-03 00:00:00

THE MILITIA.

Dr. BOWRING wished to know whether the Go-
vernment, in the course they had pursued towards re-
organising tho staff of the militia, had any ulterior
design of re-establishing the militia?
Mr. SIDNEY lIERBERT, in answer stated that it
was only the intention of the Government to fill
up such vacancies as may have occurred in the
staff of the militia.

VOTES OF THANKS TO THE INDIAN ARMY.
Sir R. PEEL—Sir, the motion which takes prece-
dence this day of all other motions, and which I am en-
titled to bring forward, is that of which I gave notice
immediately on the receipt of the intelligence of our re-
cent successes in India. I am about, Sir, to make a
motion which, interposed as it is between discussions of
great political importance, leading to much eager and
angry controversy, and great differences of senti-
ment and opinion, will, I know flout past expe-
rience, meet with a perfect and unanimous concurrence.
I am about to make a motion which will enable the re-
presentatives of a great empire, proud of their military
skill and valour, to unite in acknewledging the protective
hand of Almighty God, the giver of all good, but at the
same time to express their exultation in this ex-
ample of heroism, which has maintained, and
even raised the military character of this country.
—(Hear, hear.) I am about to make a motion
which will enable us to pay the tribute of cordial
gratitude to the generals and the officers, and to the
men who have been concerned iu the victories that have
been lately achieved on the banks of the Sutlej
:Cheers.) It will enable us also to min2le with our ad-
miration for their skill the expression of manly, but
seartfelt sorrow for the loss of their comrades, who have
tacrificed their lives in the defence of their country, and
in the maintenance of their Sovereign's rights. The r-,50.,
lution which I shall move will convey the grateful ;tallow.
edgements of this House for two spleial;d victories,
achieved within a very limited period, and also in a
limited space, but I have felt it to be my duty not to in-
torporate our thanks for these vii:;tories in one resolution,
)ut to move that for each victory the separate
icknowledgements of Ode House be presented to the
[ndian army. It 'nas been my good fortune since
he month of February, 1843, upon five separate occa-
ions, to pror!:ise to this house that the thanks of the
Donpnon, of England should be conveyed to the Euro-
ean and native army for their exertions in the service
)f their country. At the termination of the Chinese
war, I proposed the thanks of the House to the army,
and on different occasions I have moved the thanks of
he House for victories achieved in that part of the
;lobe, but the repetition of those acknowledgments
n no degree tend to dim their lustre. The rational gra-
itude must, and ought, to keep pace with the advance
)f national achievements, and our acknowledgement of
every achievement adds lustre to our national honour.
sir, I propose to make two separate motions, one in ac-
mowledginent of the distinguished and gallant conduct
)f. Sir Henry Smith and the division under his corn-
nand, and the other conveying an equal acknowledge •
vent for the glorious services rendered by the army
tnder the command of Sir Hugh Gough.—(Cheers.)
the louse, no doubt, recollects that on the termination
if the battles which already entitle the Indian army to
kir best thanks (I mean the battles of Moodkee and
?erozgee), the army with whom we had
o contend displayed great military skill, to-
;ether with that undaunted and characteristic
iravery for which they have been so long distinguished,
totwithstanding the reverses they had met with on the
.Bth and 21st of December, collected on the banks of
he Sutlej in considerable force, and protected by a
towerful artillery. They established themselves on the
ight bank of the Sutlej in considerable force, retaining
iossession of the bridge, by which they were enabled
o pass from the north to the south side of the river.
rhey established on the left bank of the Sutlej an en-
renched camp, and by constant accessions to their force
hey were enabled to collect au army of not less than
15,000 men, supported by seventy pieces of artil-
ery, of great range and heavy calibre. They not
fly did this, after the battle of Moodkee, in the face of
he British army, then under the command of Sir Hugh
lough, but also detached a force of not less than 20,000
nee of great skill and courage to conduct an operation
gainst the city of Loodianah, from which our forces were
tecessarily withdrawn at that time by other duties.
['hey did this not merely for the purpose of investing
or occupying tte city, but also with a view to threaten
iur communication and intercept the arrival of our
artillery, which was then advancing towards that
int with a reinforcement. In order to prevent
hat most skilful movement, Sir Henry Smith
vas detached by Sir Hugh Goughce, and Sir Hen
Elardinge, who reserved their fors for the purpose o ry
f
cur
defeating the formidable enemy that threatened
u
communication with the rear, and by that means
sf ransfer the seat ofgeneral. war from the neighbourhood
Ferosiepore. It as intended that Sir Henry Smith,
sefore he attackedforces under the command of
the Seikh leaders, not the
than 24,000 strong, with GO
pieces of artillery, should aststaelc. the division at Loodiana—
and that desperate actiothne result
golfit under the command
Gf Sir Henry Smith—
y,
the capture
was the com-
plete discomfiture of the enem
disorganisation
of his
Wiu„claepture of all his
guns, the
and the
flight of that army, with the severest army,los across the
River Sutlej. These operations were des 'er,
much precision—(llear, hear)—all these op with
without exception (be they described by whom t-h—esv,
may), are described with such fulness and such beautiful clearness, and the Housse must he so familiar with every
one of them, that I will not attempt to weaken the effect
by attempting the description over again. All that I
can say is, that the hand that held the pen wielded
it with the same success as it wielded the sword.
--(Hear, hear.) But the House and the country
know only of the successes of Sir Henry Smith ; and
I will now speak—with confidence that it will be to his
honour—af the interruptions and checks which he re-
ceived. There cannot be an uninterrupted success in
war ; and I like to see the man who recovers from tem-
porary disappointment, for it adds to his real glory.
It is unwise to conceal reverses for which he is not re-
sponsible, and I will endeavour to present to the Hour.
the reverses which took place before that battle in which
he was so successful. In the accounts which we have
only recently rmsived, there is no .account of the diffi
culties and disappointments encountered by him with
the same spirit with which lie afterwards achieved the
victory. It is because those difficulties were so
encountered that he is so well entitled to our
thanks. On the 21st of January, and in the battle
which was fought on that day, Sir Henry Smith did
meet with that which some persons would consider a
reverse. He was encountered before he could effect a
junction with Colonel Wheeler and the five regi-
ments which were at Loodianah ; and in the
absence of all intelligence, he encountered the
enemy, tttid was exposed to a serious loss. Now
let me -seed to the House in what manner he extricatd
himself. In writing on the 21st, after having succeeded
in relieving Loodianah, he says that he bad effected that
operation, but it was under circumstances not so favour.
able as those which he had before. In the letter of
Sir Hugh Gough he says that ;he enemy were
moving Parallel
Villagesto"They i n their , each of w was ,
capable of being
The enemy rmed into anfrsnt entrenched hich
position.
was moving on roads, and I wss moving over
sands. He was in advance beyond the right flank of tlis
Elitoirooupenei a
eollns, with a numerous array of infantr and un.
r nou, cannonade of thirty-fivy e gungs of
very large, calibre, and, as usual, they were right well
served. My owbjheic,thboeving to unite myself with the force
at Loodianah,
in sight, for it wag very I expected to appear
clock, I moved parallel
to the enemy, resolved to laitttualek the moment the
Loodianah hrce reached me,
so_. pressed upon
him that the effect was considereble! prepared
to form a line upon this wing of thgehetnelatawyiasseven regi-
.reashiwith the
ments, with their guns, being at right
eh force.
line I was about to attack w
insinthat
Now, we were under the impression,ithc'
position the enemy might obtain, it would not bye ateveyr
difficult matter to overpower them, but these atver-
whelming numbers were of such superiority as)vetr. their guns, I had no alternative but to throw back my
line on its right, forming a small line on the hypotti-
neuse of a right angle—that is to say, the two divi,ions
of the enemy's army formed two sides of a right-
angled triangle," Sir Henry Smith being placed between
them on the shorter line. I will make the matter more
clear by reading an extract from his dispatches.—(hear,
hear.)—He says, " the enemy thus had me encompassed
with a powerful force, and I, therefore, gradually with-
drew my infantry and cavalry in the direction of Loo-

dianah, in the man time expecting to see the approach
of that force of the army, being one regiment of cavalry
and four regiments of infantry." That was the force at
Looodianah. They then made a vigorous attack. The
ground was very sandy, and therefore dill:wait to
move in. " The enemy," he says, "moved on me in
the neighbourhood of Loodianab, but my wing moved
with as much steadiness with the cannonade as if they
were on parade— (Cheers)—native as well as British.'
(Loud cheers.) The movements of the cavalry were
under Brigadier Cureton.--(Cheers.) He said, "It
was the most perfect thing I ever saw, and one
which I could not expect."—(Hear, hear ) Now, Sir,
difficulties were such that it is plain that the successful
termination is to be attributed to the skill, valour, and
high character of this commander.—(Cheers.) It was
necessary that all his energies should be used, and he
has proved, by his use of those energies, hew
faithfully he has served his country—nothing
could make him despond.—(Loud cheers.) Sir,
of' the battle itself I will not speak. The victory
was complete. It is so well described by the Gallant
Commander that I will not go further into it. And, Sir,
_
what have been the services of that Gallant Officer ?
These events add a new lustre to his name.—(Cheers.)
He was at the capture of Monte Video. He
in the was at the capture—at the attack that was
made on Buenos Ayres. He served
Penin-
sular war ; he was at the battle of Vimiera.
and at the battle of Corunna. Ile was at the action of
Cuidad Rod rigo . and at Torres Vedras. He was at the
batttc of Salamanca, and at the battle of Vittoria. He
was at the battle of the I'3 renees, the battle of Toulouse ;
he was at New Orleans, and at Waterloo.—(Cheers.)
Sir, what a series of gallant services—(Cheers)—
and how rejoiced I am to find that there should
be an opportunity through these signal services,
of bringing before the view of a grateful
country a long life of military exertions such as these.
After he had achieved that signal success, for which we
are about to give him our especial thanks—after he had
driven back the enemy across the river, he instantly re-
turned to join his commanding officer, Sir Hugh Gough.
He arrived on the Bth, two days before the signal
victory was gained under Sir Hugh Gough, and
Sir Henry Hardinge. For his services, for the victory
which he gained on the 28th, I propose that there should
be a distinct and separate vote, and that there should
be another vote for the other, net more glorious, perhaps,
but more important victory which he afterwards gained.
But, Sir, again I will not weaken the effect which the
recital of that victory, as detailed in the dispatch of the
gallant officer by whom they are written, by any
attempt to detail their contents. But I will say this of
the fellow-countrymen of the Generals of that gallant
army—l will do them the justice to say, that they
are familiar with them.— (Cheers.) Sir, it is right at the
time to do justice to the bravery of the enemy with
whom we had to csntend. After the successes gained
over them on Dec. 18 and 21, they had so far recovered
that undaunted courage which had distinguished
them as to come again into the field, and to expose them-
selves again to the force of the British army. Sir Henry
Hardinge, speaking of them, says—" Such was the
bravery of the enemy, that they took the bridge which
they had formed, and in the middle of the river disdained to
seek for quarter." Sir, I will not enter into details of the
battles on the tenth. The House is aware that our gallant
army obtained a complete and signnl victory over
the Seikhs whose loss was enormous—that after the ex-
hibition of great talents they were driven across the
Sutlej in great nun:hers, and that the British
army, crossing at places lower dawn the Sutlsj,
and crossing at the point at which the battle was fought,
birthed with the forces which had so crossed, and marched
towards this capital of' the Seikh territory. Sir, thus in
a period not exceeding seven weeks, from the day
on which the incursion was made into our
territory, the enemy have been signally defeated
in every action in which they encountereL In every
action the British were successful. Tan those engage-
ments not more than onothir -
Europeans, but the exam- of the forces were
;le they set was worthily fol-
lowed by the native t....00p5. Four .uceessive desperate
battles have been ',ought in which the British name has been
sustained by .:ne commanders and men of every regiment—
—and without any imputation on the British arms.
We were not influenced by any grasping desire. The attack
was made upon us in a time of profound peace. Those who
took no part in the engagements have, since the defeat of their
countrymen, frankly admitted what was the object which they
had in view; they thought that they could overthrow the
British army in consequence of their artillery, and formidable
infantry and cavalry. They expected to be enabled to over-
come the two detachments of the British force which were sta-
tioned at the two extremes of the line—Ferosepore and Loo-
dianah—and having overpowered them, to have been en-
abled to march into Delhi, and that' a successful attack would
have shook the allegiance of the Indian soldiers and our own
European troops. That was the object they had in view.
There was no breach of truce, but they admitted that if they
were defeated by the British, that they would receive con-
solation, because their army was mutinous, anti that they should
not regret their dispersion and annihilation by the British.
Sir, for successes so gained, in consequence of conflicts so
boldly conducted, I cannot doubt there will be an universal
expression of gratitude on the part of this House.—
( Cheers) There is nothing, Sir, to sully the glories of those
victories. 1 do hope that that which has been effected will
long be a state of quiet and peace. There will be, as the re-
sult, a general conviction of our power—a conviction of the
superiority of the British arms that will assure us a long en-
joyment of that state in that country, and the application of
all our efforts to the improvement of the native resources of
India. —( Hear, hear.) Anticipating that this may be the
last war—hoping that it may be so, and that we may now
direct our attention towards the improvement of the resources
of that country--in that anticipation this House will, I am
sure, refer to some events and some circumstances which may
fill the heart of every subject with joy and gratitude.—
(Cheers. ) Sir, the two commanders of that army, the
Governor-General of India and the Commander-in-Chief,
have, through these operations, set the example of
cordial concert and harmony.—( Hear.) There was an
entire forgetfulness of themselves.—(Cheers.) And it is this
circumstance which has greatly contributed to these successful
and glorious results.—(Cheers. ) All punctillios were sacri-
ficed.—(Cheers.) Sir Henry Hardinge consented to serve as
second in command.—(Cheers.) There was net a suggestion
offered by Sir Henry Hardinge which was not joyfully accepted
by the Commander-in-Chief. Sir, anticipating that this may
be the last occasion upon which I shall have to perform even
the gratifying duty of proposing a vote of thanks, and return-
ing public acknowledgments for victories in India, and a public
expression of my admiration of the bravery and gallantry of our
India army, I will, with the permission of the House, refer to
some documents. Since I entered the House I have had put
into my hand a letter from Sir Henry Hardinge to a private
friend, which was not, however, intended to meet the public
eye. I have only seen it since I came into the House. But
it does describe with such clearness and force the conduct of the
British army that I cannot refrain from reading it to the House.
The letter eulogised the valour and heroism of the foe, and
added, if the country of the writer required it, he could have
wept over their slaughter. Frequent attempts, the writer
continued, were made to induce the sepoys to desert, by offers
of inct eased pay, but he was glad there were not three deser-
tions during the whole of the campaign, while the discipline
of the army was so perfect that the trade of the British districts
remained throughout undisturbed.—(Cheers.) Sir, continued
the Right Hon. Baronet, the example set by these gallant
officers, who thought not of their personal interest or safety,
but whose thoughts were exclusively directed to their coun-
try's honour and the safety of the army, demands the highest
admiration.—( Loud cheers.) Sir Hugh Gough, in speak-
ing of a young officer, relates acts of devotion, which
I am proud, through the medium of the British House
of Commons, to publish to the world.—( Hear. hear.)
Sir, while we are awarding that praise, let us not forget the
example set by that Commander-in-Chief, who thinks fit se to
praise those under his command.—( Cheers. ) On all occasions
there was the most perfect understanding and discipline ob-
served ; and it was that example, no doubt, that influenced the
conduct of the men acting under their command. I am sure,
Sir, the House will permit me, whilst giving utterance to these
expressions of gratitude, to mingle my feelings of deep regret
at the loss, the serious and sorrowful loss, that has been sus-
tained.—( Hear, hear.) I had on a former occasion to lament,
and enlist the sympathy of this House, when referring to the
memory of the gallant General Sale, who was known to most
of us, and not alone known, but admired and beloved—( Hear,
hear)—and now, Sir, I have to lament the loss of several
officers of the most gallant bravery. The first I will name is
Sir Robert Dick, an officer long distinguished for his great
personal bravery.—(Hear, hear.) He entered the service in
12, accompanied the army to India in 1807, where he was
present_ at the taking of Moodkee. In 1809 he accompanied
the Peninsular
likewise
lion os the 42d expedition,
and commanded the second batta-
comaama so present at the battle of Salamanca, where he
length he hasa;latd
rig°. He Regiment, during the siege of Cuidad Rode-
likewise
battalion of the 42d Regiment ; but at
gallant 'ten, bravely fallen. On the same day fell
Lieutenant-Colonel r'Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor, son of
another
._( Hearf the 20th Light Dragoons, who
also fell gloriously
there,
whn,,inantdhocshoeberr
isaantAvlaicsi rSi
hhaovwe
many there are
es,
lost friends and relative,, with
bound up. Sir, almost dail whom almost their lives were
one, e rssaa., it is my lot to meet with
lant son—l allude to Lord Fifer 'curtune to lose a gal-
plore the loss of a gallant
youn°Y Somerset, who hat to de.
would have supported the honourgofinhains, _who, had he lived,
I• wish I could do justice to my own ffeethlres name. Sir,
many of the illustrious men who have distineas, by naming
in this glorious victory, but the list is age Lreendt themselves
that I should prefer the injury of omittinggthem .lhitoegar)—;
Hear)--
rather than read the entire list to the House. Sir, w-heetnhei
view the names of those who have taken a distin-
guished part in these single victories—when 1 see
the names of Sir Henry Smith—(Hear, hear)—
of General Packe, and many others, I recollect with satisfac-
tion that those illustrious men received their military creden-
tials under the auspices of the Duke of Wellington.—(Cheers.)
Sir, it does add, in my opinion, a new lustre to his immor-
tal renown—(Cheers)—to see men who have been brought up
in his school, and who have profited by his experience.—(Near,
hear.) Sir, I aim • ld speak with equal praise of those who
have not hadthe immediate benefit of having served under him.
Those officers in the Company's service who may not have
been brought up under the immediate command of the Duke of
Wellington, have still had an opportunity of profiting by the
memory of the victories which he achieved in India.—(Hear,
hear.) At d when they have witnessed the victories of the
battle of the Sutlej, they will recollect a lesson that was taught
by men who had served immediately under the Duke of Wel-
lington ; and therefore, though they have not served immedi-
ately under the Duke of Wellington, they have still had the
benefit of his experience. In the battle of Assaye, the ex-
ample of his moderation—his valour and devotion to the inte-
rest of his country—his regard for all, whether European or
otherwise, is one which is worthy of emulation. It is possible
at this moment—indeed it is more than probable—that the
Noble Duke of Wellington has reserved for him in
another place an opportunity of bearing his grateful and wil-
ling testimony to the merits of those gallant
men. It will be his 'consolation that, through his example of
valour and military skill, his patriotism, and his devotedness to
the interests !of his country, even when we shall have lost
him in the ordinary course of nature, will be imitated by brave
and worthy men, capable, like him, of maintaining the honour
and reputation of the country. These men will be the bul-
warks which will never fail us against our enemies, and who
will always, like the Duke of Wellington, be prepared to make
every effort in a just cause, and yet to set so glorious an
example of forbearance, enduring
,valour, and desperate and
reckless eonrage, when circumstances of a desperate nature
require the exhibition of such a quality. And I hope, that
through a succession of men whose principles are formed in
such a school, this example will descend to posterity, and
in a righteous cause render this great and glorious country im-
pregnable against the assault of an enemy. I must now con-
filde by moving that the thanks of this House be given to Sir
Henry Siiith, and to the troops under his command.
Sir JOHN CAM HOBHOUSE said that he considered it
a very great distinction to be permitted to second the motion
of the Right 1i0n,13 -
(wow, auct he Limed the Howse that, after

the able and affecting appeal made by the Right Hen. Gentles,
man, it would be superfluous in him to do more than in a very
few worsts explain what the House had to consider when
it paid this tribute to the Gallant General hod the
troops under his command. Genetal Smith, as the night
Hon. Baronet said, hal, bY this action, maintained the
glory and cheratter of this country, and by this great achieve-
ment had conti ibuted to the subsequent success which is to
form the subject of a second motion for a vote of thanks this
evening by the Right Hon. 13arocet. He would take the
libel ty to observe, that never in the annals of Parliament 1311.!
it the good fortune of a Minister to propose tWo votes of
thanks on the same evening on two such splendid victories as
the present. While that Gallant Officer spoke of the deeds of
those who were under him, he made no allusion to his own
exploits, thereby showing that his modesty was equal to his
valour. It was, as the Right Hon. Baronet, had stated, in
his right hand he held the sword, and with the same hand he
also held the pen. As was said of a great character of
antiquity—

Eadem animo scripsit quo bellavit."

Allusion had been made to the Governor-General, and perhaps
he (Sir J. Hnbhouse) might be excused for saying a few words
with respect to that Right lion. Gentleman. It was a great
consolation to the Members of that House to dwell over the
statement of the Right Hon. Baronet with respect to the Go-
vernor-General. They had mingled with him in discussion,
and he had won the esteem—however, he might have differed
with them in opinion—of those with whom he had, happily for
them, ever come in contact. There was something like
Roman grandeur in that Right Hon. Gentleman step-
ping from the floor of that [louse to command great
and mighty armies, and performing deeds which were
sufficient for a life, and to immortalise any man.
Sir Henry Hardinge, from the 17th December up to the time
they were speaking, had performed exploits and achieved con-
quests that would illustrate the life of any commander. —(Hear. )
He hoped, with the Right Hon. Gentleman, that this might
be the last triumph which they should have to record. lie
could not help concluding by saying, whether it was the last or
not, they should still remember with gratitude and pride that
an officer so well known for his abilities in that House was
equally distinguished in the field, and that he more than up-
held the renown which he previously obtained. He most
cheerfully seconded the motion of the Right Hon. Baronet.
The SPEAKER then read the resolutions, which will be
found in another column, under the head Parliamentary
business.

Mr. C. RUSSELL said the House would remember that
on the last occasion the House passed a vote of thanks to the
army in India for the victories at. Moodkee and Ferozeshah,
a petition was presented by the Hon. Member for Durham
(Mr. Bright) from the town which he (Mr. lbws,ll) had
the honour to represent—Reading—and that a very just
rebuke was conta►ned 111 that 'petition on the Right Hon.
Baronet at the head of her Majesty's Government. He had
received a request from the inabitants of that borough, through
its mayor and magistrates, that he would express their regret,
and he might add their shame, that such a petition should have
been presented, and the assumption that it emanated from
them. They had carefully examined that petition, and found
attached to it the names of many women and school children,
together with the names of many persons who were hardly able
to write; and besides, several of the signatures were forged,
and many of those whose names were attached to the petition
had indignantly denied that they had signed them, showing
that this was another instance of palming fraudulent petitions
on the House.—( Cries of "Oh ! oh I") He had been re-
quested to discharge a duty imposed upon him by his constitu-
ents, and he trusted the House would allow him to do so. He
had been requested to state that there was no town in her Ma-
jesty's dominions more cordially rejoiced at the victories
achieved by our arms in India, and more desirous to concur in
a tribute of praise to the gallant troops by whom those victories
were obtained. It would be presumptuous in him to attempt
to swell the just panegyric which had been passed on the gallant
army in India. He had held a commission in that army for
many years.
Sir ROBERT INGLIS entirely agreed with the latter
part of the speech which his Hon. Friend had just delivered.
He congratulated the Hight Hon. Baronet on the opening por-
tion of the dispatches, which ascribed to Him to whom alone
praise is due, the glorious result of our arms. He wished to
follow up l'ne opening remarks of the Right Hon. Baronet,
ar „peCially to call attention to the dispatches of Sir Hugh
Gough. The Hon. Baronet then briefly alluded to the dis-
patches which had been transmitted after the victories of Blen-
heim, the Nile, and Trafalgar, which all equally acknowledged
the interference of a superintending Providence in obtaining
the victory, and the Right Hon. Gentleman instituted a com-
parison between those dispatches and a recent dispatch of Sir
H. Gough.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL would take this opportunity of
expressing his cordial co operation in the vote of thanks which
had been proposed by the Right Hon. Gentleman. He had
never known au instance where a vote of thanks had been pro-
posed with greater feeling than had been evinced by the
Right Honourable Gentleman on the present occasion.
Perhaps he might be permitted to say there was no person
connected with Sir Henry Hardinge, either by political ties or
private friendship, who could feel greater gratification than he
did at the issue of the recent transactions, and the high honour
which he had obtained. Let him say further, with respect to
Sir Hugh Gough, that he was glad to see a native of Ireland
add another laurel to the wreath which Irishmen had wrought.
He felt great satisfaction at the glory which the British arms
had obtained ; their achievements had been altogether un-
equalled. The disordered state of the Punjaub rendered it
necessary for a prompt interference of the British army.
From the manner in which Sir Henry Hardinge had con-
ducted the affairs committed to him, there was no doubt he
was entitled to the highest distinction. If the utmost prepa-
ration had been made with a view to suppress the disturbances
in the Punjaub, there could not have been a more brilliant
series of successes than that which had attended our arms on a
sudden call. He begged leave to express his cordial concur-
rence in the motion.

Sir DE LACY EVANS entered into a general defence of
the military operations which Sir Henry Smith had thought
proper to adopt in the recent conflict on the banks of the
Sutlej. He did not think there existed a victory on record,
which equalled this brilliant achievement. He knew full well
what were the effects of unjust criticisms, both on officers and
men, and therefore would refrain from entering into any par-
ticular details. He knew of no achievements in the annals of
history which equalled in brilliant execution that which had
distinguished the brief career of the Governor-General of
India. Sir Hugh Gough has been the successful Commander-
in-Chief during two wars. and he believed that there scarcely
existed an example, with the exception of the illustrious Com-
mander-in-Chief of the English army, when in the space of
two years so many gallant victories had been obtained.
Sir H. DOUGLAS did not precisely agree with the Hon.
Baronet in regretting the sacrifice of human life which had
occurred in the recent battles, as without that sacri-
fice the victory would not have been achieved.
The Hon. Baronet then read a letter giving a geographical
description of the scene of action, and the natural difficulties
which the face of the country presents to the march of troops,
as well as the many other difficulties arising from other causes
which the British troops had to encounter, and concluded by
declaring that a more tremendous or crowning victory for the
future peace of the country had never been achieved.
Mr. BROTHERTON said that, but for the speech of the
Hon. Member for Reading, he would not have risen to say
one word upon this subject. But lest it might appear like
pusillanimity upon his part if he gave a silent vote upon
this question after that speech, he had risen to say
a few words in delence of those principles of peace
of which he was an advocate, and which he was
always ready to vindicate. He had been waited upon
a short time ago by a number of friends, who requested him to
present a motion to this House which might not appear to be
in accordance with the wishes of the House, and as he did not
wish to do anything that might have the appearance of at-
tempting to interfere with the unanimity of the House, he had
declined to have anything to do with it.—(Hear, hear.) At
the same time he should say that his heart was as warm and
his gratitude as full as that of any other man, for the conduct
of those who had achieved acts ler the general benefit of the
country.—( Hear, hear.) But he did not wish to mix up war
with the name of religion, for he looked upon war as the
greatest scourge that ever a country could be visited with, and,
therefore, he did not think it right for this House to implore
the ble3sing of God on such acts.

Lord HOTHAM said he hoped he should be pardoned by
the House if he availed himself of the opportunity which his
seat in the House gave him for offering a few observations on
this subject ; and he promised they should be few, for it had
already been disposed of in a masterly and brilliant manner by
the Right Hon. Baronet the First Lord of the Treasury. These
proceedings in India had been characterised by the most con-
sumate ability and skill, and nothing could be more satisfactory
than the conduct of the troops. It was also gratifying to know
that the gallant officer who had achieved so much honour for
himself and the British arms, Sir Henry Smith, had had
the advantage of having served five years under the command
of the Duke of Wellington in the Peninsula, where he dis-
played a remarkably quick perception, ardent zeal and devo-
tion, and the most undaunted resolution—( Hear, hear)—and
to those qualities might be attributed the signal success which
has carried his efforts in India.—(Cheers.) With these few
observations he begged to say that this proposition was one
which had his most cordial approbation and support.—( Hear. )
Mr. HUME said, that before this resolution was passed,
and passed he hoped it would be unanimously, he wished to
say a few words. He was sorry that the policy of war had
been introduced into this question, for they had now before
them merel' a proposition of the Government.—( Hear, hear.)
He would also wish to say a word in reference to the native
troops. 't he Right Hon. Baronet opposite had stated that two-
thirds of the army in India consisted of native troops; and he
(Mr. Hume) would say, that he had had some experience of
them in a small way, and he could add that no men in any
army were more remarkable for their bravery, loyalty, and
fidelity.—(Hear, hear.) In his experience of them, he could
say that in many instances bribes had been offered, but in no
case had any of them been known to desert.—(('h.,-'s..) llc
was sorry that the forms of the House prevented them from
taking_ notice of them in the way deserved, but he trusted that
the East India Company would do their duty by them,—( Hear,
hear.) With regard to what had been said about the grasping
character of the Governor-General in India, he could only say
that in the present case not the least honourable trait in the
c_l_ asr ei dr
VOTE unanimouslyno.
pp
E THANKSEL tnis unnecessary favourT oo f
SIRi t .
conduct of Sir Henry Hardinge was his forbearance.—( Hear. )
The SPEAKER then put the question, and the House de-
clared
with anyAoNbsDervS: HUGHißonson
the
motion which
HfoErNmßeY
tollAtrßouDblleN GthEis
I am about
to lay before it, and which proposes
that the thanks of this
House should be given to Si;
en,Cl Hardinge and to Sir Hugh
Gough. The Hon. and Gallant
stood m? if he thought that I
meant eto ier must have misunder-
Smith bad sustained any reverse.
ammply that Sir Henry
indeserved compliment for the action whichpersetcaendelsit anxious
to pay a
late de-
cisive action. So far from intending to apply the term
verse," I said that he had extricated himself from his diTfificu"ltriee's
with singular dexterity, and that justice had not been done to
his conduct. I was most anxious to show that previously to
the glorious victory which he subsequently gained, he had ex-
tricated himself from great difficulties, without any supportor
reinforcement, with consummate skill. With regard
to the Hon. and Gallant Officer Sir Hugh Gough,
I shall to-morrow have the satisfaction of communi-
eating, to his son that her Majesty has been gra-
ciously pleased to confer upon him the honour of the British
Peerage, for the gallant example he has set.---(Loud cheers.)
I trust that his family will be prepared to accept for him this
distinction which he so strongly deserves. I may, perhaps, be
allowed to take this opportunity of bearing public testimony
to the valour shown by the Prussian Prince Waldemar ;
and I may also be permitted to place upon the record of this
debate, the words which my Gallant Friend, Sir Henry
Hardinge, speaks of him. lie says that the army was ho-
noured by the presence of Prince Waldemar of Prussia, and
two noblemen of his suite. They were present at Moodkee,
Ferozeshah, and also at a third action. They did not con-
tent themselves with a distant view of the action, but were in
the middle of it, and exposed to every danger. I may also be
permitted to supply an omission its not having borne sufficient
testimony to the conduct of General Gilbert. Their is in the
course of these dispatches the highest testimony borne to the
conduct of this brave commander, and also to all the other
officers who were engaged on the day when the late battle was
fought. Sir H. Gough speaks of General Gilbert in the
highest terms, and says. that he has not words to express his
gratitude to him, not only for his zeal and activity, but also
for his intelligence. And I have referred to this document,
in order that we might have the opportunity of placing also on
the record of this discussion the opinions of more competent
judges than we are in these matters.

Sir DE DACY EYANS said that either he had iraper.

A I!

fectiy expressed himself, or he had been misunderstood,
with reference to some expressions which he had alluded to as
having dropped, from the Rhlht Hon. Boronet oi the subject
of the motion for the vote of thanks to Sir Henry Smith. He
did not maintain for a moment that the intention of the Right
Hon. Baronet was other than that which was obvious to the
whole House. He merely, as a professional min, objected to
a wort', of which he, in that. capacity, might be more cognizant
of than the Right Hon. Baronet. The Right Hon. Baronet
had communic,,ted that thu honour of the peelage was to be
confeired on Sir Hugh Gouoh, and he did not in the least
doubt that the announcem6ent was gratifying to the
House; but he wished to say that, on his part, his gratifi-
cation would be great if he had communicated that the
British Peerage was to be conferred upon. Sir Henry
Hardinge. His Honourable Friend, the Member for
Montrose, had alluded to the moderation of the Governor-
General, in his operations, and seemed to dcubt whether ho
hail not been too moderate. He ( Sir De Lacy Evans) con-
ceived that no part of the conduct of the Governor-General
was marked by more wisdom, judgment, and sound policy than
his conduct after the late victory; and he believed that the
line of conduct adopted by the Governor-General, would be
most conducive to the permanent power of the British in '
India, and to the well-being of the people mho were more
or less connected with us. He wished also t) call the. atten-
tion of the House to another circumstaree. Sir Hugh
Gough had, in his dispatches, ih the warmest and most set
terms, alluded to the brilliant conduct of no less than twelve
brigadiers in his army, and particularly to the conduct of
brigadiers Stacy and Cuerton. He confessed that be did not see
why the precedent of the names of these twelve gallant
.officers
being inserted in the vote of thanks should not be admitted.
In this case the ordinary rule might be departed from, and
the names of men so distinguished might be inserted in the
vote of thanks. He would call the attention of the House to
the fact, that during the last war, no less than fifty briga-
diers had been included in the Parliamentary thanks, and yet
these twelve gentlemen were to be an exception.
Sir R. 11. INGLIS said that he wished to refer for one
moment to the generous suggestion made by his Gallant
Friend opposite. That suggestion would have come with grace
and propriety from any one, but the suggestion of the honour
to be conferred upon Sir Henry Hardinge came from him very
appropriately. If the Right Honourable Baronet should, in
his discretion, think fit to make such a recommendation to her
Majesty, it would meet the grateful thanks of the House.—
( Hear, hear..) The conduct of General Thackwell should not,
on this occasion, remain unnoticed, as his conduct during the
late action had been peculiarly deserving of admiration.
Sir R. PEEL—This subject has alreldy been spoken of, but
in. order to prevent the possibility of any doubt upon it he
felt it necessary to say that before these dispatches had been
one single hour under the consideration of her Majesty, she
intimated her wish that the honour of the British peerage
should be conferred upon Sir Henry Hardinge and Sir Hugh
Gough. With regard to that gallant officer Colonel Taylor,
before these last dispatches reached England it was determined
to make him one of her Majesty's aids-de-camp, but the
account of his death had intervened.
The motion was then unanimously agreed to.
THE ORDERS OF THE DAY.

Sir JAMES GRAHAM, after a few words which did not
reach the gallery, intimated his wish that the orders of the
day should be postponed until to-morrow (this day). He
should move the first reading of the Preservation of Life in Ire-
land Bill at five o'clock.

INTERMENT IN LARGE TOWNS.
Mr. MACKINNON said that lie wished to ask the Right
Hon. Baronet the Secretary for the Home Department whe-
ther he was prepared to take any step on the motion he (Mr.
Mackinnon) was about to make ? fie brought the subject
forward at the suggestion of the chairman of the Committee
appointed to take the subject into their consideration. Last
year that House came to a resolution that the nuisance of in-
terment in' lar.l-e towns deserved the serious attention of the
Legislature. He was ►.ow induced to apply to the Right Hon.
Baronet to ascertain whether it was the intention of her Ma-
jesty's Government to take any steps in accordance with the re-
commendation of the Committee of the House, the recom-
mendation of the Commissioners, and the resolution which the
House came to on the subject during the last session of Parlia-
ment ? He would ask whether, in the event of his bringing
forward this motion, it would have the countenance and sup-
port of the (love! cement? He would wait for the answer of
the Right Hon. Baronet previously to proceeding with the
motion.

'sir J. GRAHAM said that the House would remember the
resolution alluded to by the Hon. Member, which was carried
in opposition to his (Sir J. Graham's) strong remonstrances
on that occasion. He certainly did admit the great importance
of the subject, and he was bound to say that he was prepared
to take some steps on the motion for leave to bring in this
Bill. He should cordially support his lion. Friend in the
introduction of this measure, and give it every consideration
in his power, and do his best to aid him in preparing the
measure, and to further any suggestions that might be made
on the subject. He was happy to receive his Hon. Friend's
assurance that he was now going to take the right course, and
bring forward a substantive measure with regard to this
subject.
Mr. MACKINNON said that, after the observations that
had fallen from the Right Hon. Baronet, it would be unneces-
sary for him to call the attention of the House to the measure,
and to enter into any diacu sion upon it. Ha would only say
that be felt great difficulty, as an individual member of that
House, in bringing forward a measure of this great importance.
He was in a very peculiar situation in being compelled, as a
private individual, to bring forward this motion, but he had
recommendations from nearly every town in the kingdom,
pressing him to come forward with this proposal, and he
would, therefore, endeavour to do the best he could. He was
sorry to see that a feeling had gone abroad in this country,that
it was the opposition of the clergy which prevented the Right
Hon. Baronet from entering upon this subject. He was satis-
fied, from what he knew of the clergy generally, that as a body
they were anxious to promote this measure ; and he confessed
that one of the chief inducements which had led him to bring
forward this measure, was to exonerate the Church and the
clergy from any attack, in consequence of certain observations
which had gone abroad. This opposition did not originate
from any of the legitimate members of the Church, for he
believed that one of the reasons which had prevented the
carrying of this measure before, was the great difficulty
in legislating upon it. The only way to make a Bill on this
subject effective would be to enable every town to apply to the
Privy Council by petition, and to allow a sort of inspector,
who would see that the nuisance should be abated. He hoped
that the first and second reading of this Bill would be unop-
posed, and after the second reading it could be referred to a
Committee, who in the course of their labours might be able
to submit many valuable observations en the subject to the
consideration of the House. Under these circumstances, there-
fore, it was unnecessary for him to enter into further particu-
lars. There were Hon. Gentlemen present who could assist
him in submitting this Bill for the approbation of that House.
He should also have the assistance of some of those Hon Gen-
tlemen in Committee, and by that assistance he trusted to en-
able the House to adopt such measures as would seem neces-
sary to carry out that important subject. The Hon. Member
concluded by moving that leave be given to bring in a Bill to
do away with the practice of interment in the metropolis and
in large towns.
Mr. lIUME considered that some step was absolutely ne-
cessary to be taken on the subject. The great difficulty in
legislating on such a question as this was the Church. He re-
collected that, in 1805, the Spanish Government framed a
decree, after a Committee of Inquiry had investigated the
matter, that no interments should be made in walled towns.
The Government and the House bothered themselves often
with matters of very little importance, while they refused to
forward measures like the present, that were imperatively
required.
Sir JAMES GRAHAM would not offer any opposition to
the introduction of the Bill, but would reserve himself to a
very early stage of its progress. It was not requisite to go
into the main question then, only he would say that the
Church was not the only interest that was concerned in the
present Bill, as the Dissenters of the metropolis, and other
large towns, had burial-grounds within their precincts.
Leave was then given to bring in the Bill.
LECTURE AND READING-ROOMS.
Mr. DUNCOMBE rose in pursuance of a notice he had
given to ask leave to introduce a Bill to amend an Act
passed in the 39th year, Geo. 111., cap. 79, commonly
called the Corresponding Act. By its provisions, lecture
and reading rooms were required to be licensed by a magis-
trate,
or else any person receiving or paying money at the
door was liable to a heavy penalty. 'f his was provided in the
15th clause of the Act; and, according to this, there was
scarcely a single lecture-room, reading-room, or mechanics'
institution, in the country, that was not liable to a penalty of
201. for receiving money at the doors. A case happened last
year at Hull, where a person, for standing at the door of a
lecture-room and charging money for admission, while
a lecture was going on, was fined twenty pounds. The
decision of the magistrates on this occasion was brought under
the consideration of the Court of Queen's Bench, when the
infliction of the penalty was affirmed. The Court decided that
the penalty ought to be paid. There was not a single lecture-
room, reading-room, mechanics' or literary institution in the
country, not licensed by a magistrate, that the door-keeper of,
for charging money for admission, was not liable to a penalty of
1001., and those who paid the money to a fine of 20/. He had
recently moved for a return of all rooms in the counties of
Middlesex and Surrey, which were not licensed, but it had not
been produced. When it was, it would be seen that very few
were free from the penalty. ie restricted the returns in order
that there might be less trouble in furnishing them. There
were often Shakesperian readings in the Argyll-rooms, and
every party who officiated there in taking money
or in paying could be subjected to a fine.—(Hear,
hear.) Not only was it so here, but every house in
London that permitted a lecture, or discusssion, or any public
meeting to take place, was subject to the same penalty. The
case which had occurred at Hull had impressed upon his mind
the necessity of bringing tho ',unmet under the consideration of
Luc nouse, oruer w protect institutions where lectures emu
readings took place, and also to protect benefit societies, which
were placed in a very awkward position by the operations of
this law, the clauses relating to corresponding societies inter-
fering with the operations of the latter; and the object of the
Bill he had prepared was to do away with the restrictions of
such societies by the operation of the corresponding clauses of
the Bill now inexistence, and to remove the penalties inflicted
The Hon. Member concluded by asking leave to in-
troduce the Bill.
rooms.
under the provisions of the present law, relating to unlicensed
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL would not offer any
opposition to the introduction of the Bill. The
Honourable Member had stated several grievances under
the existing law, but as it stood he (The Attorney-General)
wasdi na
considered it served in many instances for the great protection
of the public. Great danger might arise if the law requiring
the thelicensingee t Billa closely,n would roomsofand h
reregulate his conduct in relation to the Bille
would seee wwhaeyth with. He would watch
it was objectionable
or
accordingly. At present he would not pledge himself to any
particular course.
Mr. HUME said the great protection of lecture-rooms was
publicity. If any person was free to enter, there could be no
danger in any thing that might be done within. They had
WATSON,
got rid of many old things, and they should get rid of these
penalties among the rest. He hoped they would have free
trade in debate as well as free trade in other things.re
which we inaudible in the gallery,
AlninanDsuwesr. toomsoßEe
said
dstehrvaat titohnes 3
Bill did not
apply to
Ire-
land at present.
Leave was then given to bring in the Bill.
THE PORT OF LIMERICK BILL.
Mr. J. O'BRIEN postponed the motion of which he had
given notice, respecting the port and harbour of Limerick.
IMPRISONMENT OF FACTORY GIRLS.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE rose to call the attention of the House
to a petition presented by William Scott, chairman of a public
meeting held at Dundee, complaining of the illegal treatment
and imprisonment of six factory girls. Judging from the alle-
eations of the pet h
ition, e had rarely known
a case of greater
ardship. Four out of the six girls were fatherless and un-
protected, and in the present case
fthey were opposed by many
leading persons in Dundee, manu acturers, great and powerful
merchants, bankers, and shipowners, and others engaged in
trade and commerce—many of thern great and liberal men—
great free traders, too, who bad subscribed 6001. to the Anti-
Corn-law League.—(Loud cries of Hear,
hear," from the
Protectionists.) It was against these powerful parties that he
asked for justice on behalf of these poor girls. The oldest
was 20 years of age, and the youngest was between 14 and 15,
and they had been in the service of the Messrs. Baxter, of Dun-
, dee, ever since they were nine years of age.
During that period
, not one of them had been guilty of the slightest offence or ne g
lect till then. And what did it amount to?
It appeared that
. those girls were earning from ss. 6d. to 55, 91. per week ; and