The Sun.
London, England, 1860-02-20 00:00:00

THE ARMY.

A number of 32 pounder guns cast in the old
Royal gun factory in Woolwich Arsenal, recently
closed, were last week fired at the proof butt,
Woolwich, under the inspection of Colonel Tulloh,
Superintendent of the Carriage Department, and
were pronounced fit for service. On Friday eight
68-pounders (95 cwt. each) cast in the same foun-
dry, were loaded for a similar purpose with the
original proof charge of powder and shot, and
were fired in succession, when six of the number
burst. Two of them stood the first charge well,
but were struck by some of the fragments and ren-
dered useless. _ _

A new muzzle-loading rifled gun of peculiar con-
struction, the invention of Commander Scott, R.N.,
and which it is expected will yield some extraordi-
nary results, will be fired in a few days, under the
authority of the War Department, in the long
range at Shoeburyness.
The Government, in accordance with the recom-
mendations made, have decided on carrying into
effect several important alterations and improve-
ments at Chatham garrison, which will involve a
considerable outlay. In addition to the sum of
£17,000 which has been set apart for the purchase
of the land for a new rifle range for the troops be-
longing to the garrison, a further sum of £7,000
will be required to be expended in levelling and pre-
paring the range, and erecting thereon huts and
other buildings for the accommodation of the rifle
instructors, and the officers and troops who will be
stationed there during the period they are undergo-
ing instruction. The spot which has been selected
by the War Department is a large extent of marsh
land adjoining the Thames, and, being bet a short
distance from Chatham, will be easily accessible by
the troops from the garrison. The land has already
been purchased, and the levelling and preparation
of the range will be effected by convict labour.
Several important works are also to be carried into
effect at Brompton Barracks, including the erection
of a new library for the officers of the Royal and
Indian Engineers, together with an additional lec-
ture room, laboratory, and school room. A large
and exceedingly commodious mess room for the offi-
cers attached to the Royal Engineer establishment
has already been commenced by the Government
contractor. The whole of the alterations and im-
provements to be carried cut at Brompton Barracks
alone will involve an outlay of £lO,OOO, beside
which various improvements of a minor character
are to be effected in other parts of the garrison.

(From the Army and Navy Gazette.)
A generally well-informed contemporary an-
nounced last evening that Sir J. Penuefather would
be transferred from the 46th Regiment to the 22d,
in succession to Sir Wm. Napier, and that Major-
General the Hon. Charles Grey wouldbe appointed
to the vacant colonelcy of the 46th. The first portion
of the statement is likely to prole correct, for no
officer could be made so appropriately colonel of the
22d as Sir John Pennefather, under whom the regi-
ment so nobly acquired its Indian honours. As re-
gards the appointment of General Grey we have
some reason to know that our contemporary is
misincormed. General Grey is Equerry to her Ma-
jesty. Though he commanded the 71st Light In-
fantry for some years, he was not fortunate enough
to see active service, and his employment has
been for a very long time that of a courtier rather
than a :soldier. At the present moment, when pub-
lic attention is wholesomely directed to military
patronage, and when the office of Commander-in.
Chief is under the consideration of a parliamentary
committee, an appointment like that of General
Grey would be a kind of death-warrant for the
Horse Guards. Personally we have not a word to
say that is not in favour of the general, but we are
sure that when her Majesty desires to reward an
esteemed member of her household she will do it in
some more appropriate way than one involving the
exclusion of old and gallant officers who have
fought and bled for their country all over the world,
and to whom, in the ordinary course of events, na-
ture is not likely to permit more than a brief esjoy-
ment of the honours and rewards they long since so
richly earned. The appointment of General Grey
would be the deliberate misapplication of funds
granted by Parliament as rewards for distinguished