The Sun.
London, England, 1860-06-14 00:00:00

THE SUN,7LONDON, THURSDAY 7', EVENING, JUNE 14, 1860.

NATIONAL DEFENCES.

in course of execution ; the whole amounting to
£11,850,000, as detailed below.

It will be remembered that a royal commission
Was issued last August to inquire into " the present
state, condition, and sufficiency of the fortifications
. .

Recommendations of
Already
the Royal Commission.
autho?
Place. Purchase of Erection rised, but Total.
Land. of Works not voted
------ - -
£ £ £ £
Portsmounth .... 330,000 2,070,000 400,000 2,800,000
Plymouth 755,000 1,915,000 350,000 3,020,000
Pembroke 150,000 450,000 165,000 765,000
Portland lOO,OOO 150,000 380,000 630,000
Thames
1 180,000 Nil. 180,000
Medway & Sheer- 1 50,000 400,000 Nil. 450,000
TI CSS
Chatham .... ..... 180,000 1,170,000 Nil. 1,350,000
Woolwich 300,000 400,000 Nil. 700,000
Dover 20,000 150,000 165,000 335,000
C0rk..... — 120,000 Nil. 120,000
Armament of
Work's . ...
Floating Defences 1,000,000
Total

existing for the defence of the United Kingdom,
and to examine into all works at present in pro-
gress for the improvement thereof, and to consider
the most effectual means for rendering the same
complete, especially all such works of defence as
are intended for the protection of the royal arsenals
and dockyards, in case of any hostile attack being
made by foreign enemies, both by sea and land."
The report of the commissioners, dated February
7, 1860, was published yesterday.
In the outset of the report the commissioners
state their opinion that a fleet alone is insufficient
for the defence of the United Kingdom. The in-
troduction of steam and other causes have operated
to our disadvantage. (The importance of an effi-
cient channel fleet, however, is fully recognised.)
The consequent necessity for protecting dockyards
is therefore laid down. The difficulty of prevent-
ing the landing of an enemy is admitted, and the
commissioners proceed to consider the means of de-
fence against an enemy when landed. Our regular
army is and must always be small, and the volun•
teers could not at first be able to meet the regularly
disciplined soldiers of continental armies on any-
thing like equal terms.

" It is to be observed that the above sum includes
the provision of barrack accommodation, for the
most part bomb-proof, for about 30,000 men, with
all the space and conveniences provided for troops
under ordinary arrangements ; and for nearly
double that number when the works are fully gar-
risoned for defence. This accommodation must have
been equally provided under any other system of
defence, and is already urgently required in many
of the places it is proposed to fortify.
" Judging from works for which contracts are
already undertaken, those which your commis-
sioners recommend may very well be executed in
three years; but it would be deFdrable to allow
three years and a quarter for the completion of the
whole, in order that contractors may have the bene-
fit of the months from April to June, inclusive, in
the fourth year. The payments would therefore
extend over four years, and the reserves, which
may be taken at 5 per cent. on the entire estimate,
would not be paid until after the completion of the
contracts.

" Having carefully weighed the foregoing consi-
derations (say the commissioners), we are led to the
opinion that neither our fleet, our standing army,
nor our volunteer forces, nor even the three com-

billed, can be relied on as sufficient in themselves

for the security of the kingdom against foreign in
vasion. We therefore proceed to consider that part
of our instructions which directs our attention espe-
cially to fortifications. The objects proposed to be
obtained by fortifying any place are, to enable a
small body of troops to resist a superior force which
may attack it, or to enable partially-trained bodies
of men to =tend successfully with those more
perfectly disciplined than themselves. There seems
no reason to doubt that such troops as may be got
together from the disembodied or less perfectly
trained portion of the militia, with local or other
`volunteers, would, with an admixture of regular
soldiers, be able to defend our dockyards against
very superior numbers, when fortified with due re-
gard to these principles."
The commissioners indicate that either an in-
crease of the army or fortifications is absolutely
necessary, and they compare the cost of the two :
" A large permanent increase to the regular army,
taking into account pay, clothing, provisions, bar-
racks, pensions, and all other expenses, would in-
volve an annual charge to the country which may
be calculated at from £60,000 to £70,000 per one
thousand men. This sum would be irrespective of
the expenses of raising the men, which we take at
a man, and of the necessary increase to barrack
accommodation, which on the present scale would
amount to at least £lOO a man ; making a first
charge of £lll,OOO per one thousand men, and an
annual charge of £60,000 to £70,000.
"We do not express an opinion as to the perma-
nent increase to the army which would be neces-
sary under the circumstances supposed. It would,
however, cost upon this calculation about eight
millions at the outset, and nearly four millions an-
nually afterwards, to double the number of regular
troops now at home—viz., about 66,000 men, ex-
traordinary increase if the aid of fortifications were
to be rejected.
"The same eight millions expended in fortifica-
tions would be far more effectual for the defence of
the dockyards than any such increase of the regular
army, would incidentally provide barrack accom-
modation for some thousands of men, and would
entail no future annual charge, beyond a small sum
for maintenance, and therexpense of embodying the
substitutes for regular troops, whether volunteers,
fencibles, or militia, for three weeks' training;
which could not much exceed one-twentieth of the
cost of an equal regular force."
It is laid down that we cannot fortify the whole
assailable portion of the coast—and that fortifica-
tions should be restricted to vital points. The royal
dcckyards are said to be vital points.
Woolwich, which is at present our only great
depot for munitions of war, whether for land or sea
service, and the place in which these stores are pro-
duced, must also be considered a vital point. It is
difficult to over-estimate the consequences of the loss
or even of a temporary suspension of the operations
of that great arsenal, as at present constituted, dur-
ing a state of war. It would be felt throughout the
empire. Lastly, we cousiderthe harbour of Portland,
from its situation and capabilities; that of Dover,
from the position which it occupies; and that of
Cork, the naval station of Ireland, to be points re-
quiring more or less special consideration with
respect to fortifications for their protection."
As to the defence of London, the commissioners
say—

" It is probable the land would be paid for, two-
thirds in the first, and one in the second year. As
regards the works themselves, the expenditure on
their account will no doubt be less in the first year
than in either of the other two, both because of
unforeseen delays which might take place in par-
ticular instances, and on account of the nature of
the work that would be performed at the outset,
which, consisting chiefly of excavations, is less ex-
pensive than the building part of the fortifications.
" The entire expenditure may be apportioned as
follows :

Ist year :
Land £1,250,000
For works proposed ....
{ Works 1,300,000
For works already sanctioned 500,000
For floating defences
For armaments

2d year :
For works proposed.. .. Land 635,000
f Works 2,361,000
For works already sanctioned 760,000
For floating defences
For armaments 125,000

3d year :
For works proposed 2,361,000
For works already sanctioned
For armaments 125,000

4th year:—
For works proposed 983,000
For armaments

£3,675,000

4,381,000

2,686,000

1,108,000

Total £11,850,000

" With respect to works of land defence which
mutually support one another, such as those with
which it is proposed to surround Portsmouth, Ply-
mouth, and Chatham, we conceive that the follow-
ing principles should be adhered to :-
1. That each work should have its principal
salients and flanks partially armed, even dur-
ing peace ; a very few guns will suffice for this
purpose.
2. That there should be in reserve in each work,
but not mounted, unless the perishable car-
riages and platforms will be under cover, as
many more guns and carriages as will extend
the protection of the flanks and faces to what
we would term a war armament, as distin-
guished from a siege armament.
3. Lastly, that there be a general reserve, in
some convenient central depot in each position,
of a further number of guns and carriages suf-
ficient to complete the armament of any one of
the fronts of attack to its maximum or siege
establishment, together with the proper pro-
portion of every description of store to effect
repairs and replace casualties.

" The magazine accommodation, the provision of
store-room, and the conveniences for filling shells
and fixing fuzes, should be calculated generally for
the siege armament.
"We subjoin a concise statement, in tabular
form, of the number of guns, amount of barrack ac-
commodation, and probable expenses of all the im-
portant work they recommend, together] with simi-
lar information respecting the works in.progress.

C •
o
- • .4.1,d
,?1 415 g
A.O-.
aa
PORTSMOUTH AND ISLE or WIGHT. Guns. Men. £
Recommended by Royal Commission 987 7320 2,400,000
In works in progress 2BO 1500 400,000

Station.

"The defence of London has not been brought
under our consideration, and it is therefore only
necessary to point out that it does not materially
affect the conclusions we have arrived at with regard
to the fortification of the dockyards. If London were
placed in such a state of defence as to render an
attack on it improbable by an enemy established on
shore, even in such force as to be able to hold in
check any army that could be brought against him,
an invader's attention would then be turned to the
dockyards and arsenals, as by the destruction of
these he might hope to annihilate the naval power
of the country, and deprive it of further resist-
ance. If, on the other hand, London cannot
be rendered capable of resistance after the
defeat of the army in the field, the dockyards
and arsenals, if fortified, become places of refuge
from which the defence of the country can
be protracted, or means of resistance organised ;
and unless these are capable of resistance,
onr naval means fall within the capital, and the
whole power of the nation is practically in abey-
ance. Indeed the fortification of the dockyards and
arsenals by land would aid materially in the de-
fence of London itself ; for whilst by means of the
system proposed the vital points of the empire
would be protected against either capture or bom-
bardment, the fortifications by land would set the
manoeuvring army free to operate against the
enemy."
There are some works of defence now in pro-
gress.

Total
PLYMOUTH.
Recommended by Royal Commission
In works in progress

Total
PEMBROKE.
Recommended by Royal Commission
In works in progress

Total
PORTLAND.
Recommended by Royal Commission
In works in progress

Total
THAMES.
Recommended by Royal Commission
MEowAy AND SHEERNESS.
Recommended by Royal Commission
CIIATMAM.
Recommended 'by Royal Commission 335 3550 1,350,000
Recommended, by Royal Commission .. 150 1500 700,000
Dm-En.
Recommended by Royal Commission
In works in progress

Total
Con K.
Recommended by Royal Commission

Total Guns and Barracks 3721 :30,580
Armaments of Werks recommended by Royal Com-
mission
Floating Defences
Tota. Estimate of Expense £11,850,000

"During the last two years, more especially,
plans of fortification, involving an ultimate expen-
diture of about a million and a half sterling, have
been sanctioned by Parliament for works of con-
siderable extent at Portsmouth, Plymouth, Pem-
broke and Portland; and contracts have accord-
ingly been entered into for the construction of those
defences, which are now in active progress, and to
which we will more particularly refer when con-
sidering the defence of each of these places."

The commissioners do not recommend stationary
floating batteries, but moveable floating batteries
are approved of.
The following is laid down as the principle on
which the proposed defensive works should he
constructed :
" The nature of the works which we propose for
defence against a naval attack will of necessity
vary according tojthe locality. We have proposed
open batteries, secured against a coup-de-main by a
tower or defensible barrack in their rear, wherever
they could be made to answer the object desired ;
but where the sites were so circumscribed as not to

afford sufficient space for the requisite amount of
fire, and 'in cases where great expense must be in-
curred in constructing foundations on shoals, it is
absolutely necessary that sea batteries should be
casemated, so as to obtain by tiers of guns as nearly
as possible the same effect that is produced by open
batteries extended over a considerable length of
shore.
"The works should be so designed as to be de-
fended by a small body of men against a coup-
de-main ; but that they should at the same time
have capabilities of resistance that will enable them
to
withstand any attack likely to be brought against
them.
awnithe `frith this view they should be provided
nredoubts
lat their gorge, by means of which
work if he sh cli be prevented from holding the
of it. should succeed in obtaining partial pos-
session
of affording aehmain ramparts should be capa-
blehetry in those ey
fire of artillery and directionsDills-
approach over which an enemy must
make his
should be provided for and the bomb-proof cover
thef garrison. In situations
where the ditches can be with water, no re-
vetment need be constructed;
not the case, they should
Walrlshave escarps and
eithebut wherever this is
counterscarps or detached o f masonry;bothby a
ratnad.
in either case they should be flanked
lery and musketry."
The next question is the cost.
" The amount of our special estimate ;
£10,390,000; of which sum £1,885,000 is for fis
purchase of land, £7,005,000 for the fortifications
we recommend for erection, £500,000 for the arma-
ment of werks, as shown below (sec. 39), and
.
.1,000,000 for floating defences. To this must be
-added £1,460,000 for works already sanctioned and

.o.

_ .
The commissioners reserve for a subsequent re-
port the question of an internal arsenal. Their re-
commendations are unanimous, and they submit
them to her Majesty " with a firm conviction that
their adoption will place the power of this country
for self-defence on a par with its other elements of
greatness and strength ; will give security to its
industry and commerce ; afford a guarantee to the
:maintenance of peace, and add a new glory to your
Majesty's reign."
The report is signed by " Harry I), Jones, Major-
General ; D. A. Cameron, Major-General ; George
Elliott, Rear-Admiral; F. Abbott, Major-General;
A. Cooper Key, Captain R.N. ; J. H. Lefroy, Colo-
nel R.A. ; Jas. Fergusson. Wm. Drummond Jer-
vois, Major RE., and Assist. 1,G.F., Secretary."

to show the limited sense in which the defence of I
the country against foreign invasion is understood
by the authors of this report. They do not once
suggest that by any contrivance the landing of an
enemy on English soil may be rendered impossible.
No enemy would make the attempt unless prepared
for a considerable sacrifice of men and materiel in
carrying out his object, bat if so prepared there are
bays and harbours!along the:coast suitable for land-
ing his stores and men, the use of which it would
be impossible to forbid him. "In the line of coast
from the Humber to Penzance, which is about 750
miles lone.;, there is an aggregate of nearly 300
miles op. which a landing may be effected," and
which it would be impossible either to fortify, or,
if fortified, to defend so as to prevent the landing of
a. determined enemy.

We now see whit the Commissioners do not pro-
pose to give the nation for its £12,000,000. At
the end of their report they publish a paper by
Lord Overstone, in which we have, on his lord-
ship's high financial authority, a description of
the appalling evils which must follow upon the
mere landing of an invading army, without refe-
rence to ulterior operations," the shock which
would be felt " upon the first touch of our soil by a
" foreign invader." But it is now laid down on
high military authority that we are not to look for
i any scientific expedient or any material combina-
tion by which in return for a given outlay we may
acquire absolute exemption from the necessity of
I defending ourselves like men. The whole question
1 is thus referred once more to the calculations of
moral probability and the instincts of courage. The
Commissioners say that " there can be no doubt
that the main object of an enemy invading the
country would be to push for the capital, in the
hope :that if he succeeded in obtaining command
of lit, such a disaster would result in o'ir buying
him off upon any terms he might think it expe-
dient to exact." But they do not propose any
plan for the defence of London, that subject not
being within the scope of their commission. So
that after spending twelve millions on the plan
suggested by the Commissioners, we should still
have to consider how to shield the heart of the em-
pire, the main object of an invading foe, from at-
tack.

The:plan of the Commissioners contemplates an
enemy established within our frontiers. It is
assumed, as we have already seen, that the Fleet
cannot be certainly relied on to repel his approach.
Neither can the Commissioners admit that move-
able batteries of field guns and the few thousand
riflemen who might be available on any given
point would effectually prevent his landing, even
if they were at hand exactly when they were re-
quired. The enemy having got into the island,
it is suggested that it will be one of his first con-
cerns to destroy our dockyards, because that would
be one of the most effectual modes of depriving us
of the power of refitting our Fleet. The royal
dockyards furnish the means of retaining our
power at sea, by the vast stores and the appliances
for the construction and repair of ships of war
which they contain. Thus they are vital points,
and we must therefore either fortify them or main-
tain in each, of them such a body of regular troops
as should be able to resist in the field any corps that
might be brought against them ; otherwise it would
be necessary to detach a corps from the main
manoeuvring army for that purpose. The general
objection against fortifications is, that they lock up
the troops which ought to go to swell the field force.
The enemy passes by them, and marches to some
vital point which is not defended. But the Com-
missioners say that these dockyards are vital points,
that they cannot be left undefended, and that to
make them strong is to acquire the means ofsetting
free regular soldiers for field service. They say that
such troops as may be got together from the disem-
bodied or less perfectly trained portion of the militia,
with local and other volunteers, would, with the
admixture of regular soldiers, be able to defend our
dockyards against any superior numbers, when
fortified upon sound principles. They say that if
we will not fortify the dockyards we must increase
our regular army ; that we cannot do so for less
than a first charge of £lll,OOO per thousand men,
and an annual charge of £60,000 or £70,000 more ;
that to double the regular troops now at home to a
strength of 66,000 men, exclusive of the Indian de-
pots, would cost eight millions at the outset, and
nearly four millions per annum afterwards. The
advantage they claim for their plan is that " the
same eight millions expended in fortifications would
be far more effectual for the defence of the dock-
yards than any such increase of the regular army,
would incidentally provide barrack accommodation
for some thousands of men, and would entail no
future annual charge beyond a small sum for main-
tenance, and the expense of embodying the substi-
tutes for regular troops, whether volunteers, fenci-
bles, or militia, for three weeks' training ; which
could, not much exceed one-twentieth of the cost of
an equal regular force."
Such, without entering into technical particulars,
is the recommendation of the Royal Commission.
At present it is not before the public as the propo-
sal of a Ministry. It is one on which no hasty
decision must be asked by the Government, which
for four months has kept it in a pigeon-hole. There
are a hundred questions arising out of the plan,
some of them going to its essence, and others affect-
ing its details to an important extent. We cannot
possibly have the protection of the proposed works
for the next three years. Shall we be more likely
to need them then than we do now ? Is it so cer-
tain that Britannia needs bulwarks and "towers
along the steep ?" Are we sure that the rifle-
guns now coming into use will not make vain
many of the precautions on which we have been
hitherto relying ? Is it more likely that the dock-
yards will save London, or that London will save
the dockyards in a given case ? We shall have to
return frequently to this subject.

(From the Times.)

The Report of the Commission on the Defences
of the United Kingdom, though by no means short of
its title or instructions, will probably dissipate some
popular anticipations. The Commissioners were not
instructed to consider the defence of the country, at
every part of the coast, from all manner of attack.
The simple fact which they mention—that, of the
900 miles of coast from the Humber to the Land's
End, 500 miles admit of a landing under ordinary
circumstances—serves to show the impossibility of
fortifying these islands. The instructions were, to
begin with an examination of the works in progress
at Portsmouth, including the Isle of Wight and
Spithead, Plymouth, Portland, Pembroke, Dover,
and Chatham and the Medway ; to treat them as
part of any general scheme of defence • to take into
account the small amount of force, andespecially of
artillery, available for defence, and to give their first
attention to Portsmouth. These instructions are
much the same as those which have been frequently
given before, and on which have been formed the
works existing or in progress. The single novelty,
at least to the living generation, was the conclud-
ing instruction, to consider the defence of Wool-
wich from attack by river or by land, particularly
as bearing on the defence of the metropolis.
The Commissioners have met this last instruction
as carefully as the rest, but it may be as well to
say at once that their suggestions on this head have
been abandoned for the present ; and nothing is
proposed for the defence of Woolwich or the me-
tropolis. A subsequent instruction reminded the
Commissioners that it had been decided not to con-
centrate any longer our guns and materiel at Wool-
wich, and directed them to consider the defence of
(Film? the Daily News.) Weedon. It also called their attention to the de-
The long-expected Report of the Commission ap- fence of Haulbowline and Queenstown. It will be
pointed to consider the Defences of the United seen, then, that the task imposed is not of a very
Kingdom was issued yesterday. It bears date the wide or exhaustive character. The existing arsenals,
7th of February, 1860, and has consequently been dockyards, and harbours are treated as the vital
in the possession of the Government four months, points of the country, and the report confines itself
almost from the meeting of Parliament. The Corn - to the improvement of their defences. Whatever
mission, it will be remembered, was appointed in opinion may be entertained as to the weakness of
August last year, in accordance with a promise our shores, and the liability of the metropolis itself
made by Lord Palmerston in the House of Commons to a sudden attack, the estimate for what is actu-
and to satisfy the requirements of honourable ally proposed will sufficiently account for its stop-
members who objected to the desultory manner in ping short where it does. The expense of the works
which the public money had usually been voted for recommended or already in progress, including pur-
works of fortification. The Commissioners were chase of land, is estimated at £2,800,000 for Ports-
Major-General Sir Harry Jones, of the Royal Engi- mouth and the Isle of .Wight, £3,020,000 for Ply-
neers ; Major-General Sir Duncan Alexander Came- mouth, £765,000 for Pembroke, £630,000 for Port-
ron, late of the 42d highlanders; Rear-Admiral El- land, £lBO,OOO for the Thames, £450,000 for the
not ; Major-General Sir Frederick Abbott, of the Medway and Sheerness, £1,350.0000 for Chatham,
Indian Army ; Captain Astley Cooper Key, -T? .....I\T .; £700,000 for Woolwich, £335,000 for Dover, and
Colonel J. 11. Lefroy, of the Royal Artillery, and Mr. £120,000 for Cork. The armament of these works
James Fergusson, a civilian, and author of a new they estimate at £500,000 and add £1,000,000 for
system of fortification. These gentlemen have floating defences. The total is £11,850,000, of
visited the existing works of defence, have examined which about a million and a half has been already
the plans of those in course of construction, have authorised, although not veted. It is the intention
called, professional and scientific witnesses before of Government to proceed promptly and vigorously
them, and, on a view of the whole, they now pro- on a great portion of the report, but to abandon
pose a scheme involving an expenditure of at least the attempt to defend Woolwich. The estimate for
£0,000,000 sterling. Before we examine their Woolwich is not so considerable as to affect the
recommendations, let us in justice state that their financial aspect of the question at this moment
commission, notwithstanding the largeness of cer- but it is proposed to expend in all only about eight
taro of its phrases, did not embrace the general and a-half millions, instead of the eleven
i
defence of the country. They were appointed as a and three-quarter millions of the report.
" Fortification Commission," and to fortification This includes £1,850,000 for the purchase
their report is confined. of land, which it is proposed to acquire at
The Commissioners begin their report with the once under the Defences Act. As only a small por-
unpleasant statement that the fleet is not to be tion of the land will be wanted for the works, and
entirely relied on for the defence of our shores, nor the remainder will merely be kept clear for build-
would be even if we were willing and able to main- inns, the latter will be let out, and need not be an
taro it on the scale of that which we had at the be- unprofitable investment. Government will propose
ginning of the century, which the Commissioners to commence the works immediately, and the Com-
say would be a waste of public motley. This is a ' missioners have pointed out how they may be avail-
very important statement, and it is very explicitly able for defence in three or four months, even while
made, The Commissioners say plainly, " Since the far short of completion. It is intended to raise the
application of steam to the propulsion of vessels we money by terminable annuities, so that the whole
can no longer rely upon being able to prevent the sum may be absorbed in twenty-five years.
landing of a hostile force in the country." We give It is impossible to give here even a general sketch
prominence to this statement, not as by any means of the works proposed; and all that can be attempted
acceptingit as absolute and final, unanimous as the is to indicate some of the considerations which
Commissioners are in subscribing it, but in order appear to have guided the Commissioners. Our

army must always be comparatively small ; our
navy always more or less scattered; so we cannot
pretend to secure ourselves against a landing every-
where, or to be able everywhere to encounter with
overpowering numbers a force so landed. ,As we
cannot be all fleet or all army, the next best thing
is to secure against a sudden blow the means of
sustaining the fleet and supplying the army. The
destruction of Portsmouth or Plymouth would
cripple our power of repairing the waste of war or
weather, and place us at once in a fatal disadvan-
tage. Such an event would now be more serious
even than during the late war, in proportion as
steamers are more delicate fabrics and more perish-
able than sailing vessels. But if dockyards and
arsenals are more necessary, if possible, now than
formerly, they are also more easily assailed. For the
destruction of Portsmouth it would no longer be
necessary that a fleet of liners should work their way
I into the harbour, or even to an anchorage at Spit-
head, and there measure broadsides with our batteries
or guardships. With the means of defence at our
command they would soon go to the bottom, But
what are the means of defence arc also the means
of offence. If only one or two vessels, of no
great size, could approach and maneeuvre within
8,000 yards, or four miles and a half, of Ports-
mouth Dockyard, they would be able to throw
shells into it with most dangerous precision, and
one such shell might do the work of a week's,bom-
bardment, and lay the whole arsenal in ashes, as
well as the ships in the harbour. It is therefore
necessary to advance the fortifications so as to com-
mand the approaches to a much greater distance.
1 It is proposed to place works at every weak point
of
,the Isle of Wight, and wherever a gun can be
brought to bear on the Channel, either by Spithead
or the Needles. On various points on the shore,
or on shoal ground, are to be erected batteries with
one, two, or even three tiers of guns, like those
that baffled us at Cronstadt; and did our fleet so
much damage at the entrance of Sebastopol Har-
bour. Works consisting of forts, with lines of
communication, are to be carried inland, in order
to keep at a respectful distance any force that might
be landed on another part of the shore. The Com-
missioners propose the improvement and enlarge-
ment of the existing fortifications ; and it is satis-
factory to find that they do not pronounce the
same unqualified condemnation of these works that
we hear or read in some quarters. For the present
it is :net necessary to say more of the other har-
bours and dockyards than that they are treated in
the same thorough manner. The Commission pro-
pose a guard of moveable floating batteries, and
they suggest means of stopping the channels, to be
ready in case of emergency. They recommend
that all the new works shall be supplied with the
most improved guns, and that the guns of obsolete
fashion or irregular calibre they have found about
the country shall be disused.
The one point to which the public attention will
be ;immediately attracted is the immense cost of
works which, after all, can only be considered as
an improvement of existing defences, and still far
short of what may be some day called for. Here
is an expenditure of twelve millions, and the
metropolis still unprotected. The Commissioners
themselves observe on the certainty that any
considerable force once landed on the southern
coast would make for the metropolis ; and, once
there, would be able to exact what !terms it
pleased, Accordingly, the Commissioners propose
to enclose with a line of works Shooter's-hill on the
one side, and the marshes round East Ham and
Barking on the other. All this part of the plan,
however, is given up or postponed, yet their esti-
mate is twelve millions. If this be necessary, and
if it also be sufficient, it must be considered as so
much added to the value of the estate. We pay for
gates and fences, we pay for police ; security is no
small proportion of even our private expenditure.
We must expect to pay for peace. There are those
who think we had better fight it out at once with
the supposed foe, and so give him a lesson which
may save many earthworks, and some large annual
items. Possibly it might be the less costly course
of the two ; but, even so, dear peace is better than
cheap war, which is dear at any price. Our pre-
sent expenditure is enormous and intolerable. We
must escape from it in one way or the other.
Simply to disband and disarm might inspire con-
tempt, and so provoke aggression. A gratuitous
war is at best a dangerous speculation. These for-
tification may enable a moderate army and navy to
do the work of much larger forces, and may so
enable us to rest from our labours and recruit our
finances. Many anxious patriot might sing his
Nunc dimittis, if he saw all the vital points of our
coast and our national harbours so well fortified that
no foreigner would dare to run the gauntlet of the
batteries. Our old statesmen may naturally wish to
see the fruits of their lives' toil secured to their
country. Yet it certainly is a singular sequel to the
Commercial Treaty. We are admitting everything
French or continental without duty ; and now wo
are called on to pay £12,000,000 merely to keep
out foreign produce in the shape of our new cus-
tomers.

LA TV INTE'LMGENC.E—June 13.

COURT OF EXCHEQUER.
Sittings at Nisi Prius.—(Before Mr. Baron Wilde
and a Common Jury.)
BAINES V. BROWN E.-EXTRAORDINARY LIBEL

(From the Morning _Herald.)

Is it peace or war ? To look at the present con-
dition of Europe it is scarcely possible to arrive at
any other conclusion than that we are on the brink
of such a war, or rather such a series of wars, as that
of which we knew something half a century ago.
What does it all mean ? From one point of view
nothing can be more absurd than to suppose that
we are likely soon to witness a general war in
Europe. It was only the other day that a Treaty
of Commerce was ratified between France and Eng-
land, and Louis Napoleon tells us himself that he is
only anxious to maintain pacific relations with the
other Sovereigns of Europe, and to develop the
material resources of the splendid country over
which he rules. This very day, moreover, the Im-
perial master of France will leave his capital to take
part in a German Congress, of which the alleged
object is to put an end to differences of opinion which
might contain the germs of future quarrels. All this
looks peaceful enough. Before many days are gone
we shall witness the arrival of many thousand
Frenchmen in this country, who will be received,
not with rifled cannon and Armstrong guns, but,
wee hopern
with open arms, and who will
tu
reminiscences of neighbours
return with pleasant believe,
whom they have been taught, perhaps, to look upon
as rivals. In addition to all this, who is not ready to
descant on the blessings of peace ? Who is there
who would not gladly live to see that second golden
age in which the soldier would find his occupation
gone, and sovereigns settle their differences by
friendly arbitration ? This is what we all profess to
desire. It would, probably, be difficult to find any
one tvho would argue that war is a good in itselcand
who would not give his vote in favour of universal
peace ?
And yet the facts of the case are against such
dreams as these. France is arming. Prussia is arm-
ing, Austria is armed, and, as for England, we have
now before us the Report of the Royal Commission
appointed last August to inquire into the state of
the national defences. According to this report we
are not safe. Something must be done without de-
lay. We are living in an island, and our coasts are
not defended as they ought to be. We will not now
enter into details, but merely state that the commis-
sioners consider it absolutely necessary to take im-
mediate steps towards placing our national defences
on a proper footing. There are only two possible
remedies to be applied. We must either increase our
army or our fortifications, and the whole question
resolves itsel into one acost. The calculation is that
if we adopt a permanent increase to the regular
army, it would cost- about eight millions at the
outset, and nearly four millions annually after-
wards, to double the number of troops now at
home. The commissioners, however, consider that,
it is not necessary to incur this enormous expendi-
ture. It is quite possible to accomplish all that is
to be desired by increasing and strengthening our
fortifications, and, in this case, " the same eight
millions expended in fortifications would be far
more effectual for the defence of the dockyards, than
any such increase of the regular array. ' It is
clear that the sum spent on fortifying the " vital
points" of our coast, and the annual sum required
for keeping them up, would be comparatively
small. The only additional expense would be that
of embodying substitutes for regular troops, and it
would probably amount to little more than one-
twentieth of the sum required for a permanent in-
crease of the army.
We have elsewhere published an abstract of the
report, and we shall have abundant opportunities
for discussing it in detail. In the meantime we
have but two observations to make. In the
,first
place, the large expenditure we may be called upon
to incur is solely for the purpose of national de-
fence. No one will accuse us of entertaining
aggressive designs against our neighbours, It has
never formed part of our policy to make war for an
" idea," and we have already territory enough to
preclude the notion that we should ever attempt to
encroach on that of our neighbours. But we must
also observe that the necessity for this enormous
expenditure is laid upon us. We all know what
is the real cause of the prodigious military activity
that is now to be witnessed in Europe ; and while
we feel it incumbent on us to prepare for every
contingency we do not the less desire that those
who are the arbiters of peace or war on the Con-
tinent would consent to furnish us with some sub-
stantial proofs of their pacific intentions.

We understand that the Great Eastern, en her
return voyage, will make Milford Haven her port of arrival.
The authorities at Milford engage to extend the " gridiron"
at the Haven, thus allowing the bottom of the great ship
to bo effectually cleaned, and to supply coals at the cheap
rate of 12s. per ton. The results of the trial trip being
looked upon as satisfactory, passages continue to be booked,

said unless we could prove anything criminal we
could do nothing. I don't know that I ever told
Dr. Browne anything much of it. He found it out
himself.

I called on Mr. Billings -with. Miss Smith and Mrs.
Burroughs.
Mr. Macaulay—What did you tell him ?
Mr. James—l object to this.
Examination continue d—l recommended a soli-
citor to Mrs. Burroughs. I did not know what
proceedings were taken in the Divorce Court. I
never got any information from Prior as to what
he had seen. I heard it from Mr. Webb, the soli-
citor. I wrote this letter which is the libel to Mr.
Britton. I wrote it because it was circulated in the
neighbourhood that I had. eloped with Mrs. Bur-
roughs, and wished as far as I could to contradict
the statements made against myself. I wrote the
letter as a private communication. I think it pro-
bable that when Prior was in Mr. Burroughs's ser-
vice, I promised to get him a place. I had nothing
to do with getting him a place at Mr. Holmes's, but
I had at Devonport's. I never asked Prior ques-
tions as to what he couild prove.
Cross-examined—l met Mrs. Burroughs and her
aunt at the Pimlico station, because I had received
letters from Miss Smith anal Mr. Holmes. I said to
many persons at Horsham, that Mr. Burroughs had
intrigued with Mrs. Baines. I will not deny or
affirm that I said that he had intrigued with her.
I narrated the stories I had heard. I had met Mr.
Britton twice at the railway station at Brighton,
and dined with him twice at Mr. Burroughs's.
By the Court—l said to Mrs. Baines's brother
that it was Lunfortunate Mr. Burroughs was so
smitten with her, but I could. not believe all the
stories about her. I cannot swear that I did not
say she was the most virtuous woman we had about
or that I did.

The Judge—How do you know ?
Witness—Because he did.
The Judge—Mind what you say, witness, or I
shall have to commit you.
Witness—He did not tell me he had found it out.
Of course I saw him about coming here. I was " spe-
nied" up here. (Laughter.) Ann Rudgman was at
the coffee-house.

Mr. James—You have sworn who was there, and
she was not one of them. Oh, this is shocking
Mr. Macaulay—Don't say that.
Mr. Baron Wilde—lt is disgraceful.
The Foreman—lf I may say so, my lord, we have
made up our minds that there is not the least evi-
dence of adultery on the part of the plaintiff, and it
is now only a question of damages.
Mr. Baron Wilde—That is certainly my opinion,
gentlemen. Here is the only witness called to
prove the adultery, and he cannot be believed.
Mr. James—Of course the matter will end here.
We have no other evidence.

Mr, Macaulay—l hope the jury will not ye
make up their minds.

Mr. Baron Wilde—The jury have heard the case
with extreme patience, and have not interposed un-

til the only witness called to prove the adultery
cannot be believed on his oath.

Mr. Macaulay—l desire to put a few questions to
the witness, to show that his answers have been
founded on misconception.
Mr—Baron Wilde—The jury are ready to hear
you, and so am I.
Re-examined—While I was at Mr. Holmes's I
gave my evidence to a lawyer. I told him what I
have told to-day. Dr. Browne promised to get me
a good place in London because I left Mr. Burroughs,
when I gave warning because the other servants
left, and Mrs. Burroughs went away, and I would
not stop with Mr. Burroughs. My evidence was
taken afterwards by Mr. Hincks.

Mr. James—Have you not read the petition
which Mrs. Borroughs has presented to the Divorce
Court ?
Witness—l have never read it through.
Air. James—Do you not know she charged her
husband of adultery with Mrs. Baines ?
Witness—l did.
A Juror—Was it at the time you were circulating
these reports that you saw Mr. Brown I'
Witness—lt was.
This closed the case for the defence, and. Mr.
Macaulay then addressed the jury on the question
of damages.
Mr. James then replied on the whole case.
Mr. Baron Wilde having summed up,
The jury retired for about a quarter of an hour,
and returned into court with a verdict for the plain-
tiff—damages, £350.
[We have been requested by Mr. Charles Lloyd,
upholsterer, of Horsham, to state that he is not the
person of the same name alluded to in the course of
this trial.]

Mr. Macaulay—The jury will understand that
the first attorney, Mr. Webb, was Mrs. Burroughs's
attorney in the matrimonial suit, and Mr. Hincks
is Dr. Browne's attorney.
Mr. James—That does not account for his being
in the coffee-shop with Dr. Browne. (Laughter.)
Mr. Macaulay—Because a defendant's witness
happens to be in his company it is no reason why
he should not be believed.
Mr. Baron Wilde—That is not the reason, Mr.
Macaulay. The witness is not believed because he
has conducted himself most disgracefully, anal am
not sure that I have done right in not committing
him for perjury.
Mr. Macaulay—With an ignorant witness a good
deal of this prevarication, it you will, may arise
from a fear that some mischief is intended.
Mr. Baron Wilde—l don't care what is intended.
He is here to speak the truth on his oath.
A Juryman—Hear, hear.
Mr. James—An ignorant witness, if he speak the
truth, will often give evidence better than a scien-
tific one.
Ellen Tenfold, a dressmaker at Horsham, exa-
mined—l used to work at Mr. Burroughs's house
with Mrs. Baines.
Mr. Baron Wilde—Do you think it worth while,
Mr. Macaulay, after what the jury have said, to
pursue evidence which has reference to the gentle-
man of a house being seen in one of the rooms with
his servant ?
Mr. Macaulay—lt would not be worth a feather
unless this gentleman had put it on the high ground
that no familiarities had taken place between him
and his servant.
Mr. Baron Wilde—We have to try this cause on
the issues raised. The plaintiff complains that she
has been charged by the defendant with having
committed adultery, and that issue is on you as I
shall tell the jury.
Mr. Macaulay—Suppose the adultery is not
proved, still on the question of damages it is im-
portant to know whether, though the proof of the
last act of intrigue fails, there had or had not been
familiarities.
Mr. Baron Wilde—l do not say you are not en-
titled to go on, but I put it to you whether you will
decrease or inflame the damages by an endeavour
to blacken the character of Mrs. Baines.
Mr. Macaulay—l protest against it being said
that blacken character after the opening.
Mr. Baron Wilde—Not you, but the tendency of
the evidence is to do so.
The examination of the witness was then pro-
ceeded with. She deposed that in October she had
seen Mr. Burroughs and Mrs. Baines walking to-
gether about nine in the evening, and she had told
this to Mrs. Nightingale.
Miss Anne Smith examined—l am Mrs. Bur-
roughs's aunt. I had no knowledge of anything
existing as to Mr. Burroughs and Mrs. Baines until
about the Bth of December. My niece had made
no communication of her suspicions before that. I
remember my niece being ill when the cook and I
were sitting with her. I think it must have been
that time when the cook made a communication to
my niece. Mrs. Baines was sitting with me when
Dr. Browne called at the door and called her out.
That was when Mrs. Burroughs was at the theatre.
She left the room.
Mr. Baron Wilde—That is the very thing which
Mrs. Baines has sworn.
Mr. Macaulay—lt has been pointedly denied.
The judge turned to his notes of Mrs. Baines's
evidence, and it exactly corresponded with that of
the witness.
Examination continued—l have no ground what-
ever for suspecting any improper intimacy between
Dr. Browne and my niece.
The Judge—l can understand why you put that
question, but I submit to you is it worth while to
pursue this when it is not in issue?
Mr. Macaulay—l submit that on the question of
damages this question is at the bottom of the mat-
ter, when Mrs. Burroughs is charged with adultery.
Mr. Baron Wilde—There is no evidence of adul-
tery on the part of Mrs. Burroughs.
The Jury—No, my lord. We entirely exonerate
Mrs. Burroughs. There was a great deal of inti-
macy between her and Dr. Browne, but there is
not the slightest proof of adultery.
Mr. Macaulay—My lord, I am amply satisfied
with what you and the jury have said.
Mr. Baron Wilde—There has been evidence of a
great intimacy, but none whatever of adultery.
The Foreman—Mr. Macaulay, if you will now
leave the case in our hands I don't think you will
suffer.
Mr. Macaulay—l am much obliged to the gentle•
man who has made that observation, but I have a
few remarks to make on the question of damages.
I should wish, before I do that, my lord, to call Dr.
Browne, in order that he may exonerate himself
from the charges which have been made against
him in the course of this cause.
Mr. Baron Wilde—lt is quite competent to you
to do so, and I will add it is a very proper course.
Dr. Browne examined—l got a note from Mrs.
Burroughs, of the sth or 6th December, telling me
the children were well. Beyond her complaints that
Mr. Burroughs was too often in the nursery, and
indeed that I was too, I had no idea that Mrs. Bur-
roughs entertained any suspicion of Mr. Burroughs's
infidelity with Mrs. Baines. On the Bth December,
when I arrived, the little boy and Ellen met me
at the station, and said, "I am glad you have come
home, papa has been so cruel to mamma." I went
to the house and made no allusion to what the boy
had said. When Mrs. Burroughs was going to bed
she said, " I have had some little differences
with Frederick." I sat up with him and said, "Fre-
derick, what are these differences?" He said, "Do
not talk to me—my wife shall go ; my purpose is
irrevocable. Her temper is such that I will not put
up with it any more." He did not impute anything
to her beyond that. I said, "You know you have
given her cause for anger by going too often to the
nursery. I told him I had waived my right to go
there lest it might appear that I was setting him
an example. We said no more. Mr. and Mrs.
Burroughs held no conversation, except, perhaps, '
" I will thank you for a slice of that beef."
(Laughter.) Before Mr. Frank Burroughs, Miss
Smith said, "Mr. Burroughs is going to turn his
wife out of the house. She has no one but me to
rely upon, Will you assist me in this matter ?"
I said I would. She told me that Mr. Burroughs
had been in Mrs. Baines's room at night, and that
she had been in his dressing-room, and that Mrs.
Burroughs had seen her husband coming down the
stairs in his shirt. Mrs. Burroughs was no party
to this conversation with Miss Smith. On the fol-
lowing morning I said that if Mr. Burroughs was
determined to act in a harsh manner, I would place
my children with Mrs. Burroughs if she, as her
aunt, would take care of her niece. I thought it
would prevent the appearance of anything i iideli-
cate if Mrs. Burroughs was under her aunt s pro-
tection. I felt bound in honour to carry out this
promise, and I have done sctoßtahien
Baines
best
was
sf
themy
ability. I never said that Mrs.
only virtuous woman in the house.
Mr. Baron Wilde—l don't recollect that.
Mr. Macaulay—l
am sorry I have made a mis-
take; it was to Jeremiah Brown, Mrs. Baines's
brother.
Witness—The day of the break up, I said to Mrs.
Baines, " See what you have done, and she took
Mrs. Burroughs's hand and said, "Forgive me, it is
all Mr. Burroughs's fault." I said to Mr. Bur-
roughs, " Frederick, I cannot see murder committed
—you are killing your wife." He said be would
kick me out of the house, and I afterwards left. I
told Miss Smith at Mr. Holmes's she might still
claim my promise that I would pay Mrs. Burroughs
£ll5 a year for the care of my children. I did not
ask questions and get narratives from the servants.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.—June 13.

BOW-STREET.—Robert Page, the conductor of
a Brixton omnibus (No. 2,144), was summoned for
loitering on his journey, and for costs, under the
following circumstances :
The complainant, Mr. F. Walker, watchmaker,
of 23, Acre-lane, deposed that he got into defend-
ant's omnibus at the Green Man and Still,- Oxford-
street, at half-past 11 o'clock on the sth inst., in-
tending to return to his residence at Brixton. It
was the last omnibus on the road...On arriving at
Charing-cross the driver pulled up•and remained
there ten minutes. Witness knew the conductor,
and requested him to go on. He replied, "If you
are in a hurry I am not," Witness repeated his
request, adding that if he did not proceed at once
on the journey he (complainant) would get out and
take a cab, charging him (conductor) with the ex-
pense. Defendant said if he liked to take a cab he
might do so, but he would have to pay for it him-
self; his time of leaving Charing-cross was a quarter
to twelve, and he should not go before. Witness
told the defendant it was already past that
time (it being only thirteen minutes to twelve),
but he still remained, upon which witness and his
sister got out of the omnibus, hailed a cab, and so
completed the remainder of the journey, resolved
to try the question as to whether the expense could
not be recovered from the defendant by application
to a police-court. He had brought his sister to the
court to-day, in another cab, to give evidence if
necessary in support of the charge.
The defendant said it was usual to stop at Char-
ing-cross ten minutes, and he had not been there
more than five minutes when the complainant got
out and took the cab. In support of this defence
the conductor called another passenger.
Mr. John Wright, of 13, Trinity-square, Brix-
ton, stated that the omnibus had not been detained
at Charing-cross more than five minutes when the
complainant interfered.

Mr. Jardine said the defendant had no right to
stop at Charing-cross even for a minute. The
police were directed to prevent omnibuses from
loitering on the road; but they could not be expected
to be always at hand. He (Mr. Jardine) was glad
the public were taking up the subject for them-
selves, as the magistrates had the power to inflict
a penalty of 10s. and costs in each case. He should
fine the present defendant 55., and the expenses in-
curred by complainant in taking a cab home, and
also for his cab in attending the court—making
6s. 3d.
The fine and costs were paid.

LAMBETIL—Mrs. Eliza Harriet Mary Fel-
tham, the lady who had been examined at this
court on Monday last, on a charge of stealing an
embroidered toilet and a pair of mittens, from the
stall of Lady Emily Peel, at the Bazaar or " Fancy
Fair," at the Crystal Palace, on Saturday last, sur-
rendered to her bail.

Mr. Wontner, on behalf of the charity for the
benefit of which the " Fancy Fair" was holden, at-
tended to prosecute, and Mr. James Lewis appeared
for the prisoner.
Lady Emily Peel was examined by Mr. Wontner
—Her ladyship said that on Saturday last she had
charge of a stall at a Bazaar or "Fancy Fair" held
in the Crystal Palace, for the benefit of the schools
belonging to 'the Clerks and Warehousemen's
Society. The embroidered washhand stand doyley
produced was part of the things on her stall which
had been for sale, and she had not missed it, or the
gloves or mittens, when they had been brought to
her by Bell, the officer.
Mr. Elliott—Can your ladyship say when they
were on the stall, or when you last saw them ?
Lady Emily—l observed the doyley in the fore-
noon. The doyley was pinned to the stall and
hung down, and the gloves, though I don't wish to
swear to them, were on the stall.

Mr. Elliott—You had such gloves, or mittens, on
your stall P

- Lady Peel—Oh, yes; but yet I do not like to
swear to them.

Mr. Elliott—The articles on the stall were your
own?

Lady Peel—Yes, they were all supplied by me.
Mr. Elliott—Do you recollect the price of the
doyley
Lady Peel—l cannot at this moment recollect.
Mr. Elliott—l understand it was labelled 10s. ?
Lady Peel—Well, that was the price at which
it should be sold.

In cross-examination by Mr. Lewis, Lady Peel
admitted that there was a considerable crowd
throughout the day about her, and that there was
a possibility of the article getting pushed off by
the pressure of the people. Her ladyship added
that she thought it had been in danger of dropping
off, and she recollected turning it up on the stall ;
but the pin by which it was formerly held still
held it attached to the stall.
Mr. Elliott observed that, however respeAable
the party, it was his duty to see justice carried. out,
and he must therefore send the case before a jury.
The prisoner was then committed for trial to the
Surrey Sessions, but was admitted to bail in two
sureties of £5OO each.

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Ointment, aided by Holloway's Pills, will cure all sores,
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BIRTHS.
CRESSWELL.—On the 13th inst., at Twickenham, the wife
of C. N. Cressuell, Esq., of a son.
CAPEL.--On the 12th inst., at 25, Princes-square, Bays-
water, the wife of Arthur Capel, Esq., of a daughter.
WYLLIE.—On the 7th inst., at Ellerslie, near Barnstaple,
the wife of Lieut.-Col. R. Wyllie, of a son.

MARRIAGES.
EDMONDS—COOKE.—On the 12th inst., at Chiswick
Church, Mr. T. J. Edmonds, of Hounslow, to Maria,
daughter of the late T. M. Cooke, Esq., of Chiswick.
MELIITIISIL—WALTBR.—On the 12th inst., at St. John's,
Margate. Mr. F. W. Melhuish, of Gilbert-street, Gros-
venor-square, to Maria Ann, eldest daughter of Mr. C.
D. Walter, of Margate, and of Bell-yard, Temple-bar,
London.