The Sun.
London, England, 1857-07-24 00:00:00

THE SURVEY OF SCOTLAND.

Sir D. NORREYS inquired whether there was to be
any supplemental estimate to make up the deficiency in
the amount req uir.d for the survey of Scotland /

Mr. WILSON .aid there would be mica an estivate,
THE DIVORCE BILL.

In reply to a qtp.stinn from Lord J. MANNERS,

Lord. i'ALNIkRSTON said it was still the intention
of the Government to proceed with the Divorce Bill on
the following day.

INDIA,

Ou the motion of Col. SYSES, a return was ordered of
"the area and population of each division of each presi-
dency of India, from the latest inquiries ; comprising
also the area and estimated population of native states."
WASHING AND DRYING FOR SOLDIERS.
On the question that the Clerk do proceed to read the
orders of the day,
Col. NORTH rose to move for a copy of any corre-
spondence which had taken place between the War De-
partment and Mr. Huthnance, relative to his apparatus
for a drying-room to be attached to a laundry ; and
copies of any reports which had been made on this sub-
ject by any officers to whom the question had been re•
feered.

Sir J. RA.MSDEN said the apparatus to which his
hon. and gallant friend alluded was one of a great num-
ber of inventions which bad recently been submitted to
the War Department, which had been referred to com-
petent officers to be reported upon.
The motion was negatived without a division.
THE ORDER OF THE BATH.
Lori HOTHAM. caned the attention of the Fret
Lord of the Treasury to the existing practice of exacting
from officers appointed to be members of the military
division of the most honourable Order of the Bath an
engagement that the insignia of the Order, which they
have received from the S.ivereign in person, or which
have been transmitted to them by her Majesty's com-
mands, shall after their death be returned. Tne noble
lord remarked that from time to time an investiture took
place by the S •vereign, but directly the person receiving
the deeoration left the Q presence he was presented
with a printed form, which he was required to sign, pro•
viding that the insignia shall be given up to the Crown
on his death. In the case of a knight the star was made
of such paltry materials that the first thing a knight had
had to do was to go to his jewellers and to provide him-
self, at the expense of about l 4 , with a star which was
fit to wear with his uniLri33. (Hear, and laughter.) At
Sebastopol there was an investiture, at which French,
Sardinian, and English officers received the decoration,
and while silver stars were, as they ought to have been,
sent out by this country for the French and Sardinian
officers, tinselled stars were publicly given to our own
officers which it was impossible for them to wear with
their uniforms. The noble lord alluded to the orders of
Maria Theresa and St. George of Russia, the greatest
orders in Europe, the insignia of which were small in
sere, light in appearance, and convenient to wear. He
trusted that Lord Palu3ereton would tender such advice
to her Majesty as would lead to some satisfactory
change.

Sir W. CODRINGTON said that these orders bad
been very greatly improved litely. Formerly a G.O B.
cost 2821., and that of Knight Commander was 901 ;
but those extravagant charges were now moderated. At
the same time he hoped tho present tinselled decoration
would soon be supplied by one which was worthy of the
honour conferred by the Sovereign. A star would' not
cost more than 71. or 81., and not more than eight or
ten were conferred every year. In the Crimea when the
Fr nch and Sardinian officers were decrated, their stars
were placed on their coats, while the tinselled stars were
slipped into the hand.; of the English officers, while the
French and Sardinian officers were standing by. This
was a source of great regret to him when he was in the
Crimea. (Hear.) _ _

Lord PALINURSTON did not think that there was
anything unseemly in the fact that the honours should
be returned at death. What were required to be deli-
vered were the riband and the badge. Thester, which was
at present purchased by the officer himself, was not re
turned. In reference to the remarks of the gallant gene-
ral (Sir Wm. Codrin,gton), no doubt it might be consi-
d,red neces-ary to recon-ider the practice of giving a
piece of ornamental tinsel which it c never be ex-
pected any officer should wear. The expense would cer-
tandy not be much, and when a mark of honour was
g,,ven for distinguished services, it ought not to be attended
with expenses to the individual. It was not correct to
say that fees had been abolished. They were now paid
by the public, and be did not see why the same prin-
ciple should co'. apply to the stars and other decorations.
Tne subject should have every consideration from the
Government.