Glasgow Courier. — 1846-08-06 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

THE ARMY. On the motion for the House resolving itself into committee of supply, Captain LAYARD moved that an humble address be presented to her Majesty, praying that she will be graciously pleased to direct inquiry to be made how far the reduction of the i period of service n the army from the present unlimited term would tend to procure a better class or recruits, diminish desertion, and thus add to the efficiency of the service. The hon. gentleman contended that the system of unlimited service occasioned much of the irregularties on the part of soldiers, and was a fertile source of desertion and suicide. It would, in his opinion, be an immense improvement if parties were allowed to enlist fore We know not exactly which is least complimentary to period of ten years. Mr. P. MAULE would not pledge the Government one way or the intelligence of the people of this country, via., the the other upon this question, hut he could assure the House there readiness with which they change their views on what they was the strongest disposition to ameliorate and improve the condition of the soldier, and to take this question of temporary enlist- call for the time being questions of principle; or the ease ment into its consideration as well as other'matters pertitning to with which, supposing them to be such, they allow themhis position. Under these circumstances he hoped the hon. and gallant gentleman would not press his motion to a division, selves to be reasoned out of them. Between principle and Sir DE L. EVANS said that some steps should be taken to expediency there is this difference, that the first i‘in rerun prevent the soldier from giving himself up to the service for the natura, unalterable, while the second is not. A. principle whole period of his life; and the army ought in his opinion to feel . obliged to the hon. and gallant gentleman who had brought for- Implies necessity, inevitable necessity; expediency, again, la ward the motion, more plastic, and involves a choice of one or more methods Mr. B. OSBORNE supported the motion. Suicides in the army of proceeding, either of which may be recommended by were ascertained to be about in a ratio of 1 to 20 of the deaths, whereas as related to the whole population they were only in a considerations of fitness. In the one case there may ratio of Ito 340, a clear proof that the mind gave way when it was be room for a compromise, in the other there is none found imposiible to escape from a service which, to many young men who had foolishly enlisted, was subsequently found to be in_ If adopted at all it is inflexible in its demands. It may be tolerable. There was no other country in the world which per. abandoned, but its obligations are of permanent force. As mitted a man thus to enslave himself for life, with the exception the representative of an abstract truth it must be treated of England alone. Captain LINDSAY advocated the advantages likely to result with reverence, and the man who violates it commits a sin from the adoption of a system of limited enlistment, against the immutable laws of morality. Mr. HUME also supported the motion. Mr. BERNAL hoped that after the pledge given by Mr. Fox Such is principle philosophically and theologically underMettle, that the subject would be carefully considered, his hon. stood, but it has another and a looser signification, and in friend, Captain Layard, would withdraw his motion. • that sense it embraces those fluctuating emotions which Mr. WILLIAMS was never opposed to any expense which was Incurred for the real comfort of the soldier; and in this case he tstrength for what make up by theirtemporary at they want hoped Captain Layard would not relax in his exertions until he in stability. A vivid, impression thus becames a principle, Succeeded in his object. and a strong feeling supplants a rational conviction. Men After some observations from Colonel T. Wood, Colonel SIBTHORP said they should let well alone. The act upon it under a belief in its omnipotencB. In this British soldier had done great things, and would again, and they way you may have as many principles as there are should not, therefore, be meddling with his happy condition in , . ~ the spirit of what they called reform, which he hated. subjects of popular discussion; and in a free country like Mr. CURTEIS said the speech of Captain Layard had opened Britain you generally have. One frenzy begets another, his eyes to the necessity of a radical reform in the army. Captain LAYARD said that after what had fallen from Mr. F. and each successive burst of excitement is recommended to Matile he would not press his motion to a division, the world by the same energy of demeanour and the same Tire motion was then negatived without a division, emphasis of declamation as another. There is no difference Mr. OSBORNE, in postponing his motion respecting flogging In the army, took occasion to defend Colonel Whyte from the between them. They are all equally important while they attacks upon him in reference to the case of Mathewson, who was last; but by-and-bye the fury abates, reason resumes her examined on the inquest at Hounslow. sway, and the great "principle" is forgotten. Colonel PEEL said he had the power of proving beyond doubt that Colonel Whyte had acted with the greatest forbearance in How many of these mesmeric appeals to passion and pre. the case of I.l•liewson, but In the absence of the coroner he would indica we may have had during the last thirty years in not enter upon the question. Great Britain it would be difficult to tell; but they have Mr. M. GORE said that the blame, if any, was to be attributed to the system, and not to Colonel Whyte, who had always main- been more numerous than beseems the credit of the nation. tallied the highest character for humanity, though he wan bound to Strangers may well smile at our zeal. It is a curious phecarry out the regulations of the service. After a few words from Mr. P. HOWARD, the subject dropped. nomenon, and has excited remark, for it has circumscribed