The Sun.
London, England, 1861-02-22 00:00:00

THE RIFLE CORPS.

Mr. BUXTON asked the Under-Secretary of State for
War whether a large number of the Volunteer Rifle Corps
had not remonstrated against the recent minute by which
rifles must be kept in a depot, instead of being entrusted to
the members of the corps ; and whether it was the intention
of the Government to insist on the enforcement of that rule.
He said that it had been asserted that it would not be safe
to allow rifles to be in the possession of private individuals
in the event of any revolutionary movement breaking out.
But he pointed to the fact that for years past there had not been
a single trial for sedition or treason, and if any such
movement did take place, he believed the Rifle Volunteers
would be found at the side of government and order.
' Some objection had been taken that the arms would not be
properly cleaned if left with private individuals, but that
could not be practically maintained.
THE CASE OF DR. R. THOMPSON, M.D.

Col. SYKES asked the Under Secretary of State for I
War, upon what ground- Dr. R. Thompson, M.D., who had
satisfied the Army Medical Director General, Dr. Gibson,
that he possessed the prescribed qualifications of a degree
in medicine and a diploma in surgery to entitle him to be
examined as a candidate for a medical commission in her
Majesty's service, and had been directed to attend on the
18th February to undergo a competitive examination, was,
on the morning of that day, in a personal interview, refused
permission by Dr. Gibson to appear before the board of exa-
miners.
Mr. BARING, in reply to the last question, explained
that a regulation had been made with respect to persons of
caste entering the medical profession, but an inquiry was
being instituted into the case in question;. and if any
grievance had been inflicted, it would lie redressed. With
reference to the previous question, there had been
remonstrance relative to the arrangement as to
having the rifles of the volunteers corps deposited in ar-
mories, which was made for the intended convenience of
the Volunteers themselves. libtvever, it was found that
this Ras practically useless in many cases, and it had not
been 'enforced.
LOSS OF LIFE ON THE COASTS.
Mr. LIDDLE asked whether the Government have
prepared any measure for encouraging or ssisting
the construction of harbours of refuge on
was the coasts
of the Unied Kingdom ; and whether it their
intention to bring the question before ParlianTent :dur-
ing the present sessionAin accordance with: al statement
to that effect made by the First Lord of the Treasury on

the 19th day of June last. The honourable member
drew attention to the numerous shipwrecks that had taken
place at Hartlepool, Shields, and elsewhere, and were ac-
companiedr.rith agreat loss of life and property. He strongly
advocated -the construction of Harbours of Refuge, which
he contended woul ultimately prove economical in pre-
venting a. vast 3 early loss of lite and wealth.
[LEFT SPEAKING.]

LONDON GAZETTE-(THIS EVENING).

THE BLOCKADE OF GAETA.
FOREIGN OFFICE, FEB 22.
With reference to the notification, dated the 6th day of
February inst., and inserted in the London Gazette of the
Bth February inst., on the subject of the blockade of the
fortress of Gaeta, it is hereby further notified that the
Right Hon. the Lord J. Russell, her Majesty's Principal
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, has received from
the Marquis d'Azeglio, the Sardinian Minister in London,
the following official communication :

The Capitulation of Gaeta on the 13th inst., having put
an end to the Blockado of that place, officially notified to
the Government of her Britannic Majesty on the 4th of
February, the Undersigned, Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary of his Sardinian Majesty, has the
honour, by order of his Government, to bring to the know-
ledge of Lord J. Ruslgell, Principal Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs of her Britannic Majesty, the termination
of this Blockade, and begs him to accept the assurance of
his highest consideration.
(Signed)
London, Feb. 19, 1861.

Y. E. D'AZEGLIO.

WHITEHALL, FEB. 20.
The Queen has been pleased to appoint the Most Noble
Georgo Douglas, Duke of Argyle, K.T. ; the Right Hon.
Thomas, Lard Kingsdowu, the Right Hon. Sir George
Grey, Bart., G.C.B ; Robert Wigram Crawford, Esq. ;
Pearce William Rogers, Esq. ; William George Anderson,
Esq.; William Strickland Cookson, Esq.; and Edwin
Wilkins Field, Esq., to be her Majesty's Commissioners
to inquire into the constitution of the Accountant-General's
Department of the Court of Chancery, and the provisions
for the custody and management, of the Funds of the
Court.