The Sun.
London, England, 1870-08-02 00:00:00

feloniously cutting and wounding Selina Ford, with
intent to murder her or do grievous bodily harm, and with
afterwards attempting to commit suicide. Mr. John
Rouse, an inspector of the K division of police, produced
two statements made in the London Hospital by the
prisoner and Ford on the 10th of last month. He had
taken them down in writing in the presence of Mr. Leap-
ingwell, house surgeon of the London Hospital. It
appeared that the prisoner and Ford had lived together
as man and wife in Hungerford-street, Commercial-road,
On the 10th of July they had been drinking and quarrel.
ling, and while he was cutting up tobacco on their return
home another quarrel took place and he stabbed her on the
left breast with the knife he was using. She fled towards.
the hospital, and fell down from weakness and loss of
blood on the way there, and was raised from the ground
by two men, who carried her to the hospital, where she had
remained under medical treatment until this day. The
wound inflicted upon her was a very serious one,
and she is still very weak and ill. The pri-
soner stabbed himself several times after he
had struck the woman. He is in a very
precarious condition. He was seated during the investi-
gation, and it was stated by Inspector Rouse that the
medical authorities of the London Hospital had declared
it would be dangerous to remove the prisoner in the
prison van to the House of Detention if he was
remanded. Mr.. Rouse was compelled to ask for
a remand, because Mr. Leapingwell, who at-
tended on the parties, was at present in the country.
The woman was very reticent, and it was with difficulty
any evidence was elicited from her. She endeavoured to '
make it appear that she was wounded in a struggle while
her paramour had a knife in his hand. Mr. Lushington
remanded the prisoner, and he was removed in a cab to
Clerkenwell Prison.

THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

The public services on Sunday were well attended. Dr.
Foster, one of the American deputation, preached for the
president in the evening. It was a remarkable sermon.
The ex-president presented the president with a cheque
for one hundred pounds, to distribute amongst
the ministers becoming supernumeraries this year.
Thanks were also tendered to Dr. Jobson, the pre-
sident. Dr. Osborn, a presiding Elder, from tile
Methodist Episcopal Church of America., spoke of the
remarkable openings for ministers in Mexico, where sixty
Protestant churches had been pawned in sixteen months,
and large portions of church property had been offered
by Jaurez at a nominal price for Protestant purposes.
into which the Americans were, he stated, not able fully to
enter at present.—Doctor Osborn hoped the English Con-
ference would be able to commence a mission in Mexico.
—Questions commenced, " What ministers are to be-
come supernumeraries ?" and " What supernume
raries would be returned to full work ?" John.
Tydlan, John D. Jultan, William Seccombe,
John W. Dawson, John D. Alexandra, Dr. Waddy,
Joseph Spencer, John Phillip, James Mitchell, John
Bartley, john Hughes, Hender Geach, John Bissell,
Elijah Loyne, Frederick Payne, Joseph Sykes, Andrew
Mackintosh, John Dawson, Joseph Floyd, James
Spensley, John J. Merff, David Griffiths, Charles
Nightingale, John Watson, Edward Barbour, John
Randerson, Samuel Merrill, and William Wilson, were
ordered to return to work.

WAR NOTES.

THE LATE SKIRMISHING,--The last skirmishes in
the Saar country nearly all originated in a wish of the
French to give as good as they had got, and destroy ne
railway or other on German soil. In no case did they
jsucceed. I refrain from details, presuming you are in
regular receipt of the official telegrams from the seat of
war. The German troops were at first startled at the
immense range of the Chassepot, but soon discovered
that the enemy being unable to take aim at
these large distances, lets fly at random, and makes more
noise than he does execution. On their part the Prussians
follow the opposite method. Cautiously approaching till
they can obtain a sure aim, they fire only when they have
a fair chance of hitting their man. Thus far their tactics
answer so much better than those cf the French that, if
our intelligence is accurate, the losses on the French side
in these skirmishes were about five times as numerous as
on the German.—Times' Berlin Correspondent.
THE GERMANS INTEND TO ADVANCE.--I have
heard it stated on good authority that the King
of Prussia has resolved to make strenuous efforts to carry
the war into the enemy's country, and thus sparing Ger-
many from the infliction of being the theatre of
battle. In the event, then, of a forward movement
the German forces will lie divided into three sepa-
rate armies, each engaging on something like
good terms with the enemy in its front ; and all
handled with a view to co-operate and concentrate on any
given point. If these tactics should be pursued the great
and decisive engagement to which every one looks for-
ward will probably be delayed until the opposing forces
shall have completed their manoeuvres and selected their
positions. It is obvious that if the Germans press for-
ward they will be able to force the French to alter plans
involving an offensive movement towards the Rhine.
Had the French followed up their declaration of war by
an occupation of the Palatinate, they would have
acquired a superiority of which they could with
difficulty have bgen dispossessed. It is now admitted
that Prussia was not prepared for such a contingency.
It is the subject of congratulation in military circles that
the French paused instead of acting. The speculations in
which some of your contemporaries have indulged are
founded on that view of the case. However absurd it
may now appear, the probability ten days ago, was in
favour of the Prussians retiring from the frontier and
concentrating their forces in the vicinity of the several
fortresses which command and guard the Rhenish prO-
vinces. But at present there is no thought of following
such a course.—Daily News Correspondent at Frankfort..
SHELLING SAARBRUCK. While I wag run-
fling to the train the drums beat, the population turned
out into the streets, and the troops took up their position
on the bridges among the barricades. A crowd came
along the main street of St Johann round a man who was
bringing in the first shell fired. It had struck a soft piece
of ground and had not exploded. If, as we suppose, it
is the first shell fired in the war, it will probably he
preserved with honour, and become historicaL The
little Bellevue Inn 44 the top of the hill behind the town,
the spot where the picket is stationed, and where we used
to refresh ourselves in the course of our observations of
the French is the first house ruined by the war. It was
this that the French took as a mark for their artillery,
probably in order to get the range of the town for some
future occasion. A shell wept through the front wallinto
the room where we used to get our ale, exploded inside it,
broke up both floor and ceiling, and turned it into a mere
wreck of boards, table-legs, and broken glass. Another
shell struck the face of the house higher up, and made a
great dent, without doing further mischief. Another
went through the roof of the stables behind. Nobody was
in the house at the time; the inhabitants had decamped
at the first sight of French artillery. Only six or seven
shells were fired; three, if not four, of these struck the
mark, though the range was at least a mile. I wish that
there were no heavier loss to relate to-day. The shells
hurt no one, but a bullet has brought down our first Uhlan
this evening. He was moving about at this side of the valley
in which th French picket is ; the French had been firing
at intervals all day long in this direction, from. a rough
piece of ground where some poplars had been cut down on
the slope of the hill which rises to the left of the Forbach-
road. This is the first of our men they have mortally lilt.
—Daily News Correspondent at Saarbruck.
WAR MISERY IN GERMANY.—The war is 1111..
doubtedly popular, but it seems strange that it should be
se. The industrial resources of this part of Germany
have within the last few years been developed wonder-
fully. Coal mines, iron works, and manufactories
of various kinds give employment do thousands,
while agriculture, though in rather a backward
state, brings comfort and prosperity to count-
less families. Now business is at a
,standstill ;
the mines and factories are drained of workmen, and
there is scarcely one household which has not lost its most
efficient breadwinner. The wheat and rye crops are
ripening fast, but there are few men left to reap them.
This, perhaps, is not of so much consequence as women
here do ?most of the field work. There must, however, be
a vast amount of want and misery in store for the country,
Families with a house and croft of their own may perhaps
manage to live, but what is to become of those poor crea-
tures who depend on the wages of a husband or father I
cannot conceive. He certainly can spare nothing from
his soldier's pay. That provision in the Mosaic law
which excused a newly-married man from serving
in war has certainly no counterpart in King
William's dominions. A young man, whose three years
of regularmilitary service would have expired this month,
came home for a few days at Whitsuntide, and was then
united to the girl of his heart. A house was being got
ready for the young couple, and they were to have taken
possession of it immediately on the bridegroom's return.
Now, of course, his return is postponed indefinitely, per-
haps for ever. His is by no means a solitary case. Num-
bers of poor fellows have had their honeymoon unexpect-
edly cut short, in some instances after having been
married only a day or two.— Times.
NOTES ON THE Two ARMIES.—I started last night
for St. Avoid, and having thrown a rapid glance all over
that country, I have come back to Metz, and have scarcely
time to write you a few lines by this mail. Peltre, *t.
Avoid, and Saarguemines up to the extreme point on the
frontier are crowded with troops of all arms. The Emperor
has been through those different points and came back to
Metz in the evening. Everywhere in the different camps you
find the same good organisation, and a spirit of quietness, as
if the army were only camping for ordinary drill exercise.
The officers quietly smoke their cigars, drink their wine
and beer with the same comfort as in the quiet garrisons ;
they speak of all subjects but the war. If it were not for
theimmense stores and munitions and the busy clerks of
the war commissariat,. you would be inclined to fancy that
all is going to remain in the same status quo for some time ;
but I do not think that will be the case. Vague
rumour tells me that something now is near at hand, and
that the great struggle will soon begin in desperate
earnestness. I have obtained this morning a few notes
from Wissemburg. The Bavarian and Badoise army
are concentrating their strength in the Rhenish Palati-
nate. The soldires lodge with the inhabitants, who hope
to receive a sum of 30 kreutzers per day for each man.
The equipment of the Bavarians is in a deplorable state,
the boots of the men cannot hold out during a few days'
march. The Prussians are, on the other hand, in splendid
condition. Traffic is entirely interrupted on that territory,
and a spirit of uneasiness about what is taking place on
the French side is especially to be noticed.—Standard.

lIHE MONEY M ARKET

AND

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE

CITY, Two O'CLOCK.
On the Stock Exchange the result of last night has had
an assuring effect for the future, but notwithstanding
scarcely a transaction has taken place. All securities are
lower, including the Funds. Rates are easy for bills, the
quotation of three months' paper is 41 to 5 per cent.
Money is plentiful.
Consols are now 881 to 891 for money, and 881 to
89 for account ; Three per Cent. Reduced, 891; New
Three per Cents., 891 to 891; ditto. (April 1885), 111 ;
Exchequer Bills, 6 to 2 prem.; India Five per Cents.,
1091; ditto Four per Cents., 100 to 101: ditto. Four per
Cent. Bonds, 12 8 prem.; Bank of England Stock, 41 per
Cents., 233 ; Metropolitan Board of Works, 31 per Cent.
Stock, 901.
In the Foreign Market Brazilian Bonds of 1865 are
86 ; Egyptian Seven per Cents. of 1864, 82; ditto
of 1868, 681 to 671; Spanish of 18C', 23 to 24 ; ditto of
1869, 24 to 231 ; ditto Quicksilver, 66 to 67 ; Peru-
vian, 831 to 3; Turkish Five per Cents. of 1865, 371 to 38
ditto of 1869, 481 to 481 ; and Five per Cent. Italian of
1865, 82.
The Railway Market Metropolitan are 641 ;
Great Eastern is 30* to 30; London and Brighton, 34 to 35;
Caledonian, 75 ; South-Eastern 65 to 67 ; Manchester,
Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, 391 to 40; Great Northern,
1131 ; ditto (A), 1181; North Eastern, 129 ; London
and North-Western, 1231 ; Midland, 121 ; Lancashire
and Yorkshire, 127 ; Great Western, 611.
Canada Five per Cents. are quoted 100 ; New
South Wales -Five per Cents., 97 to 99 ; New
Zealand Five per Cents., 92 to 94 ; Queensland 103 ;
Victoria Five per Cents., 98 to 97/; and ditto Six per
Cents., 108.
Telegraph Shares—Anglo-American, 85 to 851; British
Indian, 61; China, 51 to 5 dis.; Falmouth, 91; French
Cable, 15 to 151 ; and Construction and Mainten-
ance, 221.
In American Securities, Five-Twenty Bonds are quoted
at 82 to 83; Ten-Forties, 79 to, 80; Erie Shares, 15
to 16,; Illinois, 98 to 100 ; Atlantic and Great Western
Consolidated Mortgage Bonds, 19 to 21; and ditto De-
bentures, 25 to 30.
In Bank shares Alliance are quoted 122 ; Anglo-
Austrian, 151; Chartered Mercantile, 26 to 28;
Consolidated, I ; ImperiarfOttoman, 101 to 0 ; London
and County, 491; London and Westminster, 5961; London
Joint Stock, 31 33 ; and Union of London 351.
In Miscellaneous Shares Berlin Water Works are quoted
11 12 pm; Viceroy of Egypt 7percent. Mortgage Loan, 671;
National Discount Company, 101; and Peninsular and
Oriental Steain, 39 41.

,In relation to the anticipated impediments to the ship-
ping of merchandise between the ports of North Germany
and England during the present hostilities, the Austrian
Minister for Foreign Affairs has notified to the Austrian
Minister at Berlin that the executive have placed them-
selves in communication with the Board of the Austrian
Lloyd, and have arranged for a regular and direct line of
vessels between Trieste, London, Liverpool, and South-
ampton. By this means goods from the manufacturing
centres of North Germany for England, as well as Trans-
atlantic ports, will be enabled to be forwarded to their
destinations, notwithstanding the existence of any blockade
of the North German ports, provided they are sent via
Trieste.

The Neue Preie Presse states that the Vienna banking
establishments have shown during the recent crisis a
very gratifying state of solidity, and have universally ex-
hibited a desire to help the small capitalists out of their
embarrassments when it could be effected with prudence.
It has been notified by the Consul-General of the
North German Confederation in London that the
subscription for the 5 per Cent. Loan of the North
German Confederation for a sum equal to 15 mil-
lions sterling will be open on Wednesday and Thurs-
day next in Berlin, Frankfort, and Hamburg. The price
is to be 88, with dividends payable in Berlin on the 2d of
January and the Ist of July. According to the advices
from Frankfort and elsewhere there seems to be no doubt
in the present state of feeling throughout Germany of the
entire loan being at once absorbed.

As Spain, from her geographical situation, seems likely
altogether to escape entanglement in the war, it is certain
she will benefit largely from the demand it will create for
her produce. Her harvest this year has been abundant,
and it is stated that during the past week purchases of
wheat, wine randy, &c., have been made there, on ac-
count of the French Government, to the amount of
£3,200,000.

The death of Mr. Alexander Devaux, the head of the
well-known house of Charles Devaux and Co., has been
announced.

The half-yearly meeting of the North-Eastern Railway
Company will be held on August 16.

THIS MORNING'S NEWS.

(CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAMS.)
THE ROYAL MARINES.
Orders have teen received at Plymouth, directing that
efforts are to be made at once to augment the Royal
Marine division at Stonehouse barracks, which last year
was very greatly reduced. All marines discharged since
January 1, 1869, may rejoin, and will haye a free kit pro-
vided, as well as good bounty money, and their railway
fare from the places where they are residing paid them.

- -
THE CONCENTRATION OF THE FEENCH.—I said in a
former letter that certain indications had convinced me
where the concentration was taking place ; and I may
now mention what somq, of these indications were. Inde-
pendently of the large camps which we saw, and which
told something, there were other suggestive facts.
At E6tsche the train was entirely emptied of
the officers and soldiers whoi. were travelling by
it. Officers of several regiment of infantry, of artil-
lery, and of staff got out here. Soldiers of several regi-
ments and of several battalions of Chasseurs did the same.
My companion and myself had a first-class carriage
entirely to ourselves the whole way from Bitsche to Saar-
guemines. The grand guard of an army corps had its
tent within sight of the railway at Bitsche, though the
mass of troops was concentrated behind the reverse elope of
the hills. There were many other signs of the presence
of large bodies of troops. For example, there were
Chasseurs of several battalions to be seen. Now, there
is only one battaligt of Chasseurs to each division of the
army, so every fresh number off the Chasseur's shoulder
strpp implies a fresh division. There were several divi-
sions about Bitsche, reckoning by the Chasseurs I saw,
add doubtless I did not see all, or nearly all. We reached
Saarguemines. Our carriage filled again, but this
time not with regimental officers, but with staff and
engineers, and military looking men in plain clothes. They
discussed movements. They described General de Failly's
reconnaissance with a division. They named the division
which had marched the previous night for Boulay. The
engineers gave, orders to a clerk of the works just
as the train was starting, with reference to defence
of the line. They all got out at Bening Merbach, the
junction with the Metz-Saarbruck line. They were join-
ing the left wing of the army, Here we saw a whole
division encamped beside the rail, and signs unmistake-
able of a large force near. The left point of concentra-
tion is marked by this station. Long before this can
be published, the whole of the troops froth Thionville,
from Bouzonville, and even frpixt Boulay, will have been
closed to their right on Bening Merlbach ; and I pro-
phesy with little hesitation that to-day or to-morrow the
left will advance from Forbach on Saarbruck and Neun-
kirchen, and the right from Bitsche on Zweibrucken and
Homburg, turning the River Saar. The troops from
Strasburg were being dispatched to Bitsche as fast as
their legs and the rail could carry them ; those from
Metz towards Forbach. By this time the Guard is pro-
bably on the frontier, if indeed the whole army is not
iicross.—Staniard.

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVE ING, AUGUST 2. 18 70

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF LORDS.—MONDAY.
ROYAL COMMISSION.
The royal assent was given to the Irish Land Bill,
Exchequer Boads (21,300,000) Bill, the Consolidated
(29,000,000) Bill, the Sugar Duties' Bill, the Customs and
Inland Revenue Bill, the Stamp Duty on Leases Bill,
Land a number of other public and private acts.
CALLING OUT THE MILITIA.
Earl RUSSELL brought in a bill to enforce the Crown to
embody and call out the militia.—After the Lord Chan-
cellor had remarked that the measure was introduced
without notice being given to the Government the bill
was read a first time, and the noble earl said he should
move its second reading to-morrow.
The Army Enlistment Bill passed through committee,
and was reported with amendments.
In reply to Lord Cairns, Lord Dufferin said that the
additional volumes of the appendix to the Royal Commis-
sion on Primacy Education in Ireland would shortly be
presented, but there yet remained portions of the
appendix which required revision.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION BILL.
On the bringing up the report of amendments on this
bill Earl De Grey, in reply to a question from Earl Rus-
sell, said that the power given the Educational Depart-
ment with regard to inefficient school boards was that
where there was neglect or default the department might
order a new election, or, in case of default, nominate a
board until another could be elected ; a mendments to
provide for the inspection of voluntary schools by inspec-
tors, not her Majesty's inspectors; for the purchase of
land by managers of public elementary schools, the re-
transfer of school board to managers and other matters
having been made the third reading of the bill was fixed
for to-morrow.
The Annuity Tax Abolition Amendment Bill was read
a third time, as was also the Sheriffs Scotland Act
Amendment Bill.
The Factory and Worshops Bill, which placed print
and bleach works under the same kw as factories, was
read a second time.
The following bills were also read a second time :
Local Government Supplemental BiH, sewage Utilisation
Supplemental Bill, Vestries (Isle of Man) Bill, Extradi-
tion Bill, Turnpike Act Oontinuance Bin, and Sanitary
Act Amendment Bill.
The Earl of FAVERSHAM asked when it was intended to
issue breech-leaders to the militia and volunteers.
Lord NORTHBROOK said it was altogether ridiculous
and untrue that there were only 30,000 Snider rifles in
store, but he was sure their lordships at this particular
time would not wish him to state the amount of military
stores they at present possessed. The desirability of sup-
plying the reserve forces with Snider rifles had been con-
sidered, and 53,000 had already been issued, leaving
about 30,000 to be armed. The yeomanry had also
been armed with the Westley-Richards carbine, and
steps would be taken to arm the volunteers with SniderS,
but it would be necessary to have some guarantee that the
rifle should be kept in good order.
The Census Bill and the Petroleum Bill. were read a
second time.
Their lordships adjourned at five minutes past eight.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY.
The Speaker took the chair at five minutes to four
o'clock.

ROYAL COMMISSION.

The Speaker went to the House of • Peers

- --- -
to hear the Royal Assent given to forty-
three bills, including the following :--The Irish
Land Bill, Consolidated Fund (X 9,000,000) Bill, Ex-
chequer Bonds (1,300,000) Bill, Customs and Inland
Revenue Bill, Sligo and Cashel Disfranchisement Bill,
Sugar Duties (Isle of Man) Bill, Stamp Duties on Leases
Bill, Dividends on Stock Bill, Salmon Acts
Amendment Bill, Charitable Funds Investments
Bill, Rents and Periodical Payments Bill, Ecclesiastical
Patronage Transfer Bill, Magistrates in Populous Places
(Scotland) Bill, Cattle Diseases (Ireland) Bill, New Zea-
land Guarantee Loan, Petty Customs (Scotland) Supple-
mental Bill, Liverpool Admiralty District Register Bill,

INCREASE OF THE BRITISH
FORCES.

A supplemental estimate was laid on the table of the
House for £2,000,000 to meet the expenses of 20,000 addi-

tional men of all forces, which it had been decided to
raise and maintain during irhe continuance of the war
abroad. (Loud cheers.)

referred to the law officers of the Crown.
The law officers of the Crown have given
their opinion, which we should adopt, that if colliers are
chartered for the purpose of attending the fleet of a
belligerent, and supplying that fleet with coal, for the
purpose of enabling it to pursue its hostile operations,
such colliers would become to all practical
intents and purposes store ships attached to
a belligerent power—(applause)—and if the facts were
established, they would be liable to the operation of the
English law, provided they were within reach under the
provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act, (Applause.)
I need not say that it is the absolute duty of
the Government—and they are acting upon that
duty, when such a report arises, that immediate and
searching inquiries should be instituted, so far as the
Government are able, into the existence of any such case.
(Renewed applause.)

THE WAR ON THE CONTINENT,
On the report of Supply,
Mr. DISRAELI rose to call the attention of the House to
the position of this country, mith reference to the war on
the Continent of Europe. He remarked that before they
dispersed there should be some notice taken by the House
of the present critical state a affairs on the Continent of
Europel Since he had been a merrier of the House he
had witnessed the origin of several great European wars,
and he would observe that ultimately much injury had
been occasioned by the silence and reserve which the
House of Commons, actuated by the most praise-
worthy motives had thought it necessary to adopt. To a
Minister in such a critical state of affairs as at present, he
believed there was nothing more valuable than
an intelligent and discriminating sympathy of the
House of Commons. (Cheers and " Hear, hear.")
He appealed to Parliament in vindication of his
policy, remembering that he was no longer influenced by
those considerations, and the conveniences which were the
necessary results of their usual Parliamentay discipline,
but that he could appeal with confidence to a patriotic
Parliament, that Minister, he contended, was in a strong and
proud positions (Cheers.) But, speaking from experience in
these matters, the right hon. gentleman said he was bound
to say that the House of Commons had not in general ap-
preciated the situation in such a state of affairs,
or the position of the Minister. They had
thought that by silence they were aiding the
Government, and it had generally ended that
by that silence they had embarrassed it. (Cheers). After
anxious consideration he had, said the right hon, gentle-
man, felt it his duty to make a few observation with the
view of eliciting an explanation from the Government,which
he could not help thinking, would be to the advantage of
the public. (Cheers.) England should clearly understand
its position with respect to the belligerent powers. Re-
ferring to the pretexts alleged for the war between
France and Prussia, the right hon.. gentleman said
they would have been a disgrace to the eigh-
teenth century, and he was certain that they
could not influence any considerable body of men seriously
in the age in which we now lives In fact the pretexts had
now disappeared, and the cause was not now difficult to
be known. The cause, indeed, of the present war might
be ascertained in a great degree by the declarations
which had been made by the most eminent
statesmen of both belligerent powers. The right hon. gen-
tleman then referred to certain papers in the correspon-
dence which had already been published. He also
alluded at some length to the treaty engagement
of this country and Russia• in reference to the South
German provinces. In conclusion he remarked that
° her Majesty's Government had announced its general
policy, and he for one gave it his most earnest
support. The policy of the Government was
4 policy o 5 neutrality, and the policy of
Russia was a policy of neutrality, but when
both Powers professed the same general policy, and
both had a particular engagement, there they had the
elements by which a policy of neutrality might at
the same time partake of the degree of art
active character, that its representation at the
proper moment, might. lead to the restoration of
peaces The first) object of a policy of neutrality was
no doubt to protect our fellow-subjects from the
calamities of war, and therefore their policy should not
only be one of neutrality, but an armed neutrality. The
right hon. gentleman then referred to the naval and mili-
tary strength of the country, suggesting the questions to
the Government whether they were sufficiently strong
to meet eventualities. He did not, he said,
insinuate charges against the Government, but
at such a moment as the present it was
absolutely necessary that instead of vague descrip-
tions, they should have detail upon such vital points.
The Government might under such circumstances appeal
to the House of Commons, who would not
criticise the estimates. They could now appeal to
the House, which would feel that the estimates were
brought forward with a sense of responsibility adequate
to the oecasiou. In the course of his remarks Mr.
Disraeli asked how the right hon. gentleman could
reconcile with his duty to the country and the House
to have during the last two years reduced the army,
and banished the dockyard ernploy4s to Canada.
In concluding his speech, the leader of the Opposition
appealed to the House not to let them find themselves in
the same humiliating position which led to the Crimean
war, in which, he remarked, our army no doubt obtained
renown, but to which, he asked, could any statesman look
back save with feelings of a very blended character? That
war might have been prevented if the Government of
England had spoken with firmness. If the Government
spoke with firmness and determination, he believed this
country would not be involved in this war. More than
that, he believed that the influence of England, especially
combined with the influence of Russia, might speedily re-
store peace. The duty of the Government was plain, and
that was, to declare in a manner which could not be mis-
taken that England would, as heretofore, maintain her
treaty engagements, and thereby restore the rights and
independence of nations. (Great cheering.)
Mr. GLADSTONE, who on rising was received in a very
enthusiastic manner, said : Mr. Speaker, I will endeavour
to separate in the observations which it is my duty to
address to the House the diplomatic portion and the his-
torical portion of the speech of the right hon. gentleman
from that portion of the speech in which he has arraigned
the policy of the Government with regard to military
establishments. Now, as respects the historical review
taken by the right hon, gentleman. I am not able to
agree •with him In recollecting or assigning a period when
the House upon the eve of European complications have
embarrassed the Government by its silence. (Cheers.)
Such is not my recollection of the year 1853 ; such is not
my recollection of the course taken by the right hon.
gentleman himself in the year 1853. This House is the
only judge of the degree in which upon occasions of this
kind it shall maintain reserve and rely upon the executive
or in which it shall demand information, and claim to
itself an immediate share in the conduct of affairs. In
these matters the House is supreme. The Government
retain, however, its own duties to indicate to the House,
so far as its position renders it right, the degree in which
they think the public interests may be served by reposing
confidence in those who hold public office. Sir, the right
hon. gentleman has said much in which lam able to agree
with regard to the position of this country. He in the
terms of lifs motion desires to know what is our situation
relatively to the war which is now going on, and
I answer that our situation has been that of a mediator
between the contending nations. It is now that of a
friend. (Cheers.) It has been the situation of a mediator °
unsuccessfully, but yet not officiously, because the inter-
vention which was undertaken by us was an intervention
undertaken at the urgent appeal of France. But the
right hon. gentleman with something short, I think, of
perfect consistency, declares that the candidature of the
Prince Hohenzollern for the Thvone of Spain lias really
had nothing to do with this matter, and at the same time
in another portion of his speech he treats it of such vital
importance that he says he would have convicted us of total
incapacity for holding the office we fill unless we had been
aware long before it was publicly announced of the posi-
tion of affairs with regard to the Prince of Hohenzollern.
(Cheers.) lam not able to take advantage of the scheme
which the right hon. gentleman provides for me when he
says that 1 at least must have known everything that
was about to take place or was taking place with respect
to that candidature, and I could not therefore have been
taken by surprise. Sir, I perfectly hope that as regards
that particular incident it did come to me in the nature
of a surprise. (Cheers.) We must distinguish between
that particular incident, and the state of things of which
I so far agree with the right hon. gentleman
as to think that perhaps we should regard that particular
incident, and likewise the mode in which it was received,
as a symptom. The high tension of feeling and the vast
military enlargement in two great neighbouring nations
s,..ss a state of things thet caused us great anxiety. At the
same time, although it was not possible to contemplate it
without apprehension for the future, those apprehen-