The Sun.
London, England, 1860-10-31 00:00:00

THE ARMY.

The promotion of Col. R. J. Stotherd, RE., the
commanding Royal Engineer at Dover; to the rank
of Major-General will, according to the rules of the
service, necessitate his going on the unemployed
list of officers of the corps, but, in consequence of
there being at the present time so few officers of the
Engineers available for duty, the authorities at the
Horse Guards have deemed it advisable to break
through the rule and retain the Major-General in
his command at Dover until the whole of the im-
portant works of defence now in progress on that
part of the coast have been completed.
Major-Gen. W. F. Forster, the Military Secretary
at the Horse Guards, has issued the following me-
morandum in reference to officers of Militia who are
candidates for commissions in the army :
"It having " MEMORANDUM.
en decided that officers of Militia
regiments who be
n:eizandidates for commissions in the
army should
as
threquired to undergo the same
examination
laid down in the memorandum
dated Horse Guar
regulations .will be adopted 1, 1859,' the following
of Militia officert who henceforth in the cases
such for 18 months. have served continuously as
" The Examining Board
of three field-officers, will consist (if possible)
" This Board is to report to the Military
tary, for the information of the G Secre-
eing-in-Chief,' that the candidates Possess the re-
quired qualifications as follows:
" SUBJECTS OF EXAMINATi oNti
" L English spelling and compositi -°;*
can-
didates' proficiency in these respects —• The
11 be esti-
mated from their written answers to the examina-
tion questions.
" 2. Regimental accounts, and regimental
in ''ffs -banks accounts. Candidates will be expectedtv
to be well acquainted with this subject, which is
essential to qualification.
" 3. The candidates must have a thorough know.
ledge, and must give an account, of the duties they
have to perform as regimental orderly officers, as
officers commanding guards, or as subaltern officers
of guards under officers of superior rank.
" 4. They must have a thorough knowledge of,
and be able to put a company through the manual
and platoon exercise, and be capable of exercising
both a squad and company in the drill and evolu-
tions as prescribed in the first two parts of the re-
gulations for the field exercise of the infantry.
" 5. They must know exactly the place of all the
company officers in every situation of the batta-
lion, and be able to command a company in batta-
lion exercise,

" 6. They must be acquainted with such parts of
the Queen's regulations and orders for the army as
relate to the duties and conduct of a subaltern
Officer, and with the Mutiny Act and Articles of ,

War so far as is necessary for the performance of
their duties as members of a court-martial.

" 7. They must be acquainted with the Queen's
regulations in regard to pay and messing of the
troops, and the supply of necessaries.
" 8. They must know the weight of the knapsack,
the weight of the soldier's firelock, with and with-
out the bayonet ; of his pouch, with and without
ammunition ; the quantity of ammunit ion it is cal-
culated to carry, and the weight of his accoutre-
ments.

" The Board of Examiners will ascertain by prac-
tical experience, and not by the acceptance merely
of verbal or written answers to questions, whether
the officer is instructed in:the subjects specified in
the above paragraphs 4 and 5.
" The general or other officer commanding the
districts or stations will forward the report of the
Board (with the written questions and replies) to
the Military Secretary, accompanied by his own
observations thereon.

TILE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT.

THE LANCASHIRE RIFLE CONTEST AT

HIGHTOWN.

LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY.

The active business of this important contest
commenced at llightown Rifle Range yesterday
morning. It was expected that the opening would
have been honoured by the presence of the
Earl of Sefton, Lord• Lieutenant of the county, but
in consequence of indisposition his lordship was
unable to attend. Letters of apology for unavoid-
able absence were also received from the Earl of
Ellesmere, Lord Stanley, Lord Elcho, and Lieut.-
Colonel Wilson Patten, M.P. Probably on account
of the unpromising aspect of the weather, the
attendance of spectators was not very numerous,
but among those present who evidently took a deep
interest in the proceedings were—Earl Spencer, the
Hon. Algernon Egerton, M.P., Col. the Hon.
Arthur Egerton, Col. Wilbraham, C. 8., Sir Charles
Bright, his Worship the Mayor of Liverpool, Lieut.-
Colonel W. Brown, Major Walker, Inspector of
Volunteers for Scotland, and several gentlemen of
local note.

The shooting of yesterday was not considered up
to expectation, and, with the exception of the com-
petition for the prize given by Lieut.-Colonel
Brown, it was rather under than over the average,
although the numerous entries proved that the
interest taken in the matter was extensive. The
comparatively indifferent quality of the shooting
was undoubtedly caused in some degree by the
haziness of the atmosphere, and the unequal and
boisterous state of the wind.

The first prize competed for was the Hightown
Stakes, value £5O ; second prize, £2O ; third prize,
£lO. This prize was open to competition by the
members of regiments of the Line quartered in the
county, the Militia, and the Volunteers of Lanca-
shire—two 'from each company; distances, 300.
500, and (300 yards ; long or short Enfield, Govern-
ment pattern ; five shots at each range ; entrance,
ss. For these stakes there were 58 competitors,
and notwithstanding this large number, there were
no ties. Corporal Charles Ball, of the 11th depot
battalion, was the winner of the first prize, for
which he scored 12 points ; the second prize was
carried off by Capt. W. Bluett, of the 10th Foot,
whose score was 11 points ; and the third fell to
the lot of James Jervis, of the Ist Manchester Rifles,
who made 10 points. At the 300 yards' range
there were 6 fives, 6 fours, 12 threes, 9 twos, 14
ones, and 11 who scored nothing ; at the 500
yards' range thee were 1 eight, 1 six, 1 five, 3
fours, 11 threes, 6 twos, 9 ones, and 23 who scored
nothing ; at the 600 yards there were 1 five, two
threes, 3 twos, 15 ones, and 37 who scored nothing.
The total score was 256, giving an average of very
nearly 4 to each competitor.
The next prize was a purse of £25, presented by
Lieut.-Col. Brown, with a second prize of £l5, -and
a third prize of £lO added by the committee. This
match was for the Liverpool Artillery Volunteers,
to be competed for with the regulation carbine at
distances of 200 and 300 yards, five shots each
range ; entrance ss. The number of competitors in
this case was 18. The first prize was won by Capt.
Brabncr, of the 20th Liverpool Artillery Volunteers,
who made 10 points. For the second prize there
were three ties—Lieut. C. B. Bean, Lieut. J. B.
Stanley, and F. H. Michatowski, having made 8
points each. The shooting off was spirited, four
rounds being fired before the victory was deter-
mined. 'The result was that the second prize was
won by Mr. Michatowski, and the third fell to
Lieut. Stanley. At the 200 yards range there were
3 sixes, 1 five, 3 fours, 4 threes, 1 two, 2 ones, and
2 who scored nothing, At the 300 yards ranie there
were 1 six, 5 fours, :3 threes, 4 twos, 1 cne, and 4
who scored nothing.

The third and last match for the day was a silver
cup, valued at 50 guineas, given by Mr. W. Preston,
second prize, 12 guineas, presented by Messrs.
Webb and Hunt, to be competed for by the Rifle
Volunteers of Liverpool ; distances 300 and 500
yards. Five shots at each range; entrance ss. In
this match there was atie between W. H. Richards,
39th Liverpool Rifle Volunteers, and C. C. Pole sth
Liverpool Volunteers, each having made 11 points.
The tie was shot off at 600 yards, one shot each.
Richards made a centre against an outer by Pole,
and consequently took the first prize, the second
falling to C. C. Pole. At the 300 yards range there
were 3 sevens, 3 sixes, 5 fives, 1,0 fours, 10 threes, 15
twos, 21 ones, and 12 who scored nothing. At the
500 yards there were 1 six, 5 fours, 9 threes, 11 twos,
23 ones, and 27 who scored nothing. In this match
there were 81 competitors. The total score was 311,
giving an average of rather better than 31 to each
competitor.

Col. Kennedy, the umpire, stated his opinion that
the shooting was highly creditable to the skill and
general proficiency of the competitors.

ROYAL NATIONAL RIFLES.
A public meeting was held last night in the
Duke of Wellington's Riding School, Knights-
bridge, for the purpose of promoting the formation
of the Royal National Rifles. The large building
in which the meeting took place was crowded, and
considerable enthusiasm prevailed throughout the
proceedings. A large detachment of the corps,
many of them attired in their new uniform,
marched into the riding school, headed by drummers
and fifers of the Grenadier Guards. Sir J. Shelley,
M.P., Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant, took the
chair amid loud cheers.

t Sir J. SHELLEY, in opening the proceedings, ob-
served that any cavil at the volunteer movement
was best answered by the decided manner in which
it had been taken up throughout the country, and
which had shown to foreign countries that any
attempt to invade Great Britain would be met by
every man of whatever station. (Hear.) The
movement was merely a popular movement, not
receiving assistance from Parliament or the Go-
vernment, and therefore he thought it was certain
to succeed. He felt that great honour was due to
the Duke of Wellington, Lord Elcho, Lord Rane-
lagh—(hear)--and others who had so cordially
supported the volunteer movement. Honour was
also due to the regular army, which, instead of
manifesting jealousy, had rendered. great assistance
in bringing the movement into practical operation.
(Cheers.) His hon. and gallant colleague, Sir De
L. Evans, had taken great interest in the formation
of the Royal National Rifles, and had consented to
become its colonel. This corps head been started not
in antagonism to existing corps, as had been at one
time suggested, but in order to perm it all classes to
take part in this great national movement by re-
ducing the necessary expenses to the lowest possible
scale. The difficulties which had. prevented the
Lord-Lieutenant from recommending the services
of the Royal National Rifles for hear Majesty's ac-
he hoped they
ce
ptance had been removed, and in a very few days
would receive the sanction of the
Government. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. H. BERKELEY M P , in proposing a resolu-
tion, approving
the
, warned the formation Volunteers
of t
ag
ahenst Royalbeing National
misled
nion
bßyifitehse fluctuations of public opi
said, would the Emperor of the Frenehlt(fmorigithwt base
no use disguising the fact that he was the only So-
vereign who could) invade this country . He had
what purpose
given us a liberal tariff, and entertained no
intentions towards England; but fo
was he building those great warlik hulls cased in
a
(Hear, hear.) The Gloire could not be in-
t lniu
endedr ;or the defence of the foreign trade of France;

it could not be intended to overawe Spain and to
put down the Pope. (A laugh.) If ever the Gloire
and its sister crafts were intended to fight any
enemy, that enemy would be found in the British
Channel. (near, hear.) He did not approve, and
had voted against, the Government scheme of laud
fortification, as he had no faith in masonry, and he
would rather trust first to our " wooden walls," and
next to a wall composed of " bricks" such as he saw
before him. (Laughter.) Our army, one of the
smallest, but also the best in the world, could not
in a time of pressure perform all the duties which
the country would require, and therefore it ought
to be aided and backed up by that best and most
constitutional force, a volunteer army. (Hear,. hear.)
Colonel the Hon. S. VEREKER, of the South
Middlesex Rifles, seconded the motion, and repu-
diated all feeling of jealousy towards the formation
of the Royal National Rifles. The value of the
service of volunteers had been shown in repeated
instances in the American war, by Garibaldi's
troops, and by our own countrymen in the native
war which had recently broken out in New Zealand.

Mr. HUME WiLuAms supported the resolution,
and, observed that all doubt of the success of
the Volunteer Movement had now been set at
rest, as it had been that day announced that
there were no less than 200,000 citizen soldiers
within these realms. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Albany Fonbianque and Colonel Evelyn also
supported the resolution, which was unanimously
adopted amid loud and long-continued cheering.
Thanks were voted to the Duke of Wellington
and Sir J. Shelley, and the proceedings terminated.

The contest between the St. George's Rifles ana
the Victoria and Westminster for Mr. Twining's
plate took place last week. The St, George's corps
were the victors.

The Airedale Rifles (35th West York) held their
first open-air drill on Saturday in the grounds ad-
joining Eastwood-house, near Keighley, the seat of
Mr. I. G. Sugden. The men were addressed by
Mr. Ferrand, of St. Ives, the captain elect, who
complimented them upon the progress which they
have made in drill durlng the short time they have
been engaged in it. The corps already number
more than 80 members, exclusive of the band, and
there is no doubt before long there will be a'suffi-
cient number of Volunteers to form two companies.
The total amount of money subscribed up to the
present time, including the building fund, is about
£475, of which the Duke of Devonshire has put his
name down for £5O. The services of the corps were
formally accepted last Thursday, and the officers
expect to receive their commissions during this
week.

The competition for the large number of valuable
prizes offered to the members of the Leicestershire
companies commenced on Monday at the Leicester
rifle range. The first prize, value £5, 200 and 300
yards, was one by C. Billson (Leicester) ; 2d, £2,
Private Leadbetter (Melton) ; 3d, £l, Private
Bankart (Leicester). Second prize, value £7, 300
and 400 yards, was won by Private Whitehouse
(Melton); 2d, £2, Private:Sturges (Melton.) Pri-
vate Hamel (Leicester) made the highest num-
ber of points (14), but was disqualified, having
entered for a class in which he was not entitled to
compete. For the third prize a tie has to be shot
off. The competition for the all corners' prize,
value £lO, was commenced to-day, but, owing to
the large number of entries, it could not be con-
cluded, and it was decided to recommence the
shooting the next morning (Tuesday). At the
close of the day Lieut.-Colonel Crawford (Robin
Hood Rifles) presented the prizes to the successful
competitors.

On Monday the 4th Warwickshire (Rugby)
Company of Volunteers concluded a shooting for
prizes which had been commenced on the previous
Wednesday. The first prize was a handsome sil-
ver cup, offered by Captain Benn, for the greatest
number of points ; the second prize, value ,E 3 10s.,
was given by the other officers of the company for
the greatest number of hits. These prizes were
shot for by men in the second class at 200, 300,
400, and 500 yards, five rounds at each distance.
The silver cup was won by Sergeant Haynes,
who made 19 hits, scoring 22 points ; the second
prize was won by Private Kenning, who made 16
hits and 20 points. A prize of a silver tankard,
shot for by men in the third class, was won by
Private Clarke, who made 7 hits and 12 points, in
10 rounds, at 200 and 300 yards. Corporal Chater,
in shooting for the first prize, made 15 hits and 21
paints, and the shooting of the whole of the men
was excellent, the score exceeding the Hythe
average. The prizes were presented to the winners
at a supper, presided over by Colonel Scott, late
Lieut.-Colonel of the Scots Fusilier Guards, and
now Colonel of the 2d Battalion of Warwickshire
Volunteers. Many of the county gentry were
present, and the Rev. 11. Fox, the Hon. C. L.
Butler, and Mr. C. M. Caldecot severally an-
nounced their intention to give prizes to be shot
for by the company next summer. Mr. Edmunil
Edmunds, on behalf of the town and trade of Rugby,
also guaranteed a prize for next season, so that no
doubt there will be keen competition and corre-
sponding excellence in shooting. The Rugby com-
pany now numbers upwards of 80 effective mem-
bers, and is rapidly improving in numbers and
discipline, there being a steady determination on
all hands to make this company second to none in
any town of the same size in the kingdom.

A second company of Rifles has been raised at
Penrith, consisting of 65 men, thus raising the
total number of Volunteers to 142 members,—a,
large proportion for a small town of 7,000 or 8,000
inhabitants. The members have elected for cep-
tain Mr. L. Harrison ; for lieutenant, Mr. M.
Nicholson; and for ensign, Mr. W. B. Arnison.
Since their enrolment they have made rapid pro-
gress in their drill, under the superintendence of
Sergeant Wolfe, of the 15th Regiment, drill in-
structor to the first company (Inglewood Rangers).