The Sun.
London, England, 1860-07-24 00:00:00

NATIOVAL DEFENCE.

The following " Copy of Minute by the Defence
Committee, relative to the Report of the Royal
Commissioners for National Defence," was pub-
lished yesterday :

Horse Guards, April 9, 1860.
The Defence Committee have, at successive meet-
ings, had under consideration the very able an 4
valuable report of the Royal Commissioners on
National Defence, submitted to them by the Secre-
tary of State for War. They have had the advan-
tage of the presence at their deliberations of Major.
General Sir Harry Jones, the President of the
Royal Commission, who is also a member of this
committee, and have further been assisted
by their secretary, Major Jervois, who has
acted as secretary to that commission.
These officers, though taking no part in this
report, have been enabled to enter fully into details
with reference to the report under consideration,
and their presence has given rise to valuable and
interesting discussion and elucidation.
The committee accept the arguments of the com-
missioners in favour of fortifications for the defence
of the arsenals and dockyards of the kingdom,
which arguments the committee consider to be most
convincing and conclusive.
Persuaded that it is for the true interests of this
country to check the alarms, caused by fear of in-
vasion, which from time to time take possession of
the pub'ic mind, and that this can only be effected
by placing the defences of the kingdom upon such
a footing as to give security from attack, the com-
mittee have great satisfaction in giving a hearty
support to the projects of the commissioners, and in
bearing their unanimous testimony to the ability
and scientific knowledge displayed in the conside-
ration of the various measures suggested by them
for the defence of the dockyards and arsenals, both
by sea and land. Though possessing a general
knowledge of most of the localities, the committee
have not, like the commissioners, had the advan-
tage of a minute reconnaisance of the ground in the
neighbourhood of these places ; they therefore do
not enter into the reasons, so clearly given by the
commissioners, for recommending each project in
detail, but content themselves with an expression
of their general approval of the proposed works of
defence, which, on the whole, they do not consider
to be more than sufficient for the objects to be at•
tain ed.

With respect to the garrisons for the works, it
appears to the committee that, when the extent of
the defences already constructed and in progress,
as well as of those now proposed, and the number
of guns to be placed in battery, are taken into con-
sideration, the men assigned by the commissioners
as the full complement required for the fortifications
is certainly not over estimated.
Thus, the committee concur with the Royal Com-
mission to the full extent of their propositions,
both as regards works, and the number of men ne-
cessary to garrison them ; but they are of opinion
that, of the whole force required, a larger propor-
tion of the well-trained troops of the regular army
will be necessary 'than appears to be contemplated
by the commissioners. Believing that the report
of the Royal Commission will tend to create an im-
pression that the defence of the dockyards, when
fortified, will be provided for to so great an extent
by the irregular forces, that the standing army will
not be trenched upon to a degree worthy of men-
tion, the committee consider it their duty to ex-
press their opinion, that, in order to inspire that
confidence which is necessary in the defence of such
important works, the proportion of regular troops
will be so considerable that it must be taken into
account. Certainly, a large proportion of well-
trained artillerymen will be essential, more espe-
cially on those sea batteries which are intended to
oppose ships—a service requiring that the guns
should be worked with great rapidity and accuracy.
It being, therefore, the opinion of the committee
that a considerable proportion of regular troops
should be allotted to the defence of the fortifications
in the event of a war, it is their duty to state, that
this portion cannot be supplied from a regular army
of the present strength ; an increase to it would,
therefore, then become necessary to afford the
numbers requisite for the defence of the kingdom at
large, including the defensive works. It is not,
however, submitted that such an increase would be
consequent upon the construction of the works now
under consideration ; on the contrary, it would be
required to a very much greater extent if these
works were not carried into execution ; and it is
essential, in order to complete the defensive sys-
tem of the country.
Measures are being taken to increase the Channel
Fleet, and the public mind is satisfied that this, the
first line of defence, is being put into an efficient
state ; and doubtless it will be equally satisfied that
the fortifications proposed by the commissioners
will, if efficiently garrisoned, place the arsenals
and dockyards beyond the reach of sudden de-
struction by a hostile force, either by land or sea.
Further, if the regular force of the country were
brought up to the required strength, a like confi-
dence would be felt in our ability to meet an enemy
who may have succeeded in effecting a landing in
force upon our shores.
Seeing the altered circumstances produced by
the introduction of steam, which has necessitated a
larger military organisation than has hitherto
existed in this country, the committee consider that
they would be shrinking from their duty if they did
not bring forward, on the present occasion, their
opinion as to the insufficiency of the present
strength of the regular army, and they trust that
it will be admitted to be wise and prudent to place
it on a scale corresponding to that of the other
branches of defence ; for it can never be forgotten
that, however essential and valuable the militia and
volunteers may be, they can only be treated as re-
serves and auxiliaries to meet great emergencies
which may arise.
The committee cannot conclude these observa-
tions without drawing attention to a subject which
was not included in the instructions of the com-
missioners. They advert to the possession of the
Channel Islands, and the seas surrounding them, as