Glasgow Courier. — 1855-02-15 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

ROEBUCK'S MOTION.  The motion of Mr. Roebuck still excites interest in France, and the general opinion is, that whatever be the new ministerial combination, the inquiry into the state of our army in the Crimea, and of the causes that led to it, will be followed up, unless indeed that motion was intended as a mere party maineuvre to get rid of a Cabinet, to some members of which so much unpopularity was attached. It is believed that whatever be its form, whether official or otherwise, it will take place, as not only necessary, but indispensable. The curiosity of the public on these points is plainly traceable to the revelations published in the English press, and the comments made on the expedition itself, and on the conduct of the generals. It is not forgotten that a great diversity of opinion existed on these points among the chiefs of the army previous to its leaving Varna, and it has been frequently stated that even to • very recent period enanituity was not restored. People are anxious to ascertain who really are those who advised end those who opposed the expedition to the Crimea; who resisted to the last, and to the very last who insisted on its taking effect? It is also thought desirable to know the exact reason why, after the battle of Alma, the Russians, panicstricken as they were, were not pursued and completely beaten, instead of being allowed time not only to escape, but to receive reinforcements, and to strengthen their position with formidable defences which did not exist till then? Why, for instance, mince the '2Olll of September, have the allies remained in complete inaction—lnaction which has proved more murderous ..than • pitched battle, more terrible than a slege, and which may be regarded as an act of suicide? NV by, for instance, after the battle of Inkerman, Prince Napoleon (for his name is once more mixed up with these curious inquiries), commanding, as he did, the Third Division, was not summoned to attend the council of war held on the 6th of November, and at which, as is now positively stated, it was resolved that the assault should be indefinitely postponed? What were the motives, it is asked, on which such a decision was founded? Was there, in reality, any other cause than the one so often alleged, for the chief of the Third Division of the French army quitting the Crimea on the Bth of Nov., declaring at the same time that he should not return, and renouncing all command under the orders of the present General-in Chief of the French army ; and if there be any other cause, what is its nature? Was there any reason, other than the plea of ill-health, for the Duke of Cambridge giving up his command and quitting the Crimes' And though last, not least, was ill-health the only cause of General Evans leaving, and, if his health had been robust instead of feeble, were there any reeenwe seldela would hese rendered his rtunaietlig in the Crlntea iffseemeable, difficult, if not impossible? These are the questions which have been asked ever since Mr. Roebuck gave notice of his motion, and which It is anticipated in Paris can only be satisfactorily answered by means of au inquiry. By an inquiry not only will the less important pout onto the original supporters and opposers of the expedition be elucidated, but also the far more grave one, to whom ought to he attributed the deplorable condition to which the army is reduced.  ti. i I