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Horsmak said that a neutral policy had been carefully maintained since the first commencement ot tne Italian complication . Prom the speeches and conduct of the present ministry he inferred that they entertained the wish , ifiH > t the intention , of diverging from that policy , and becoming participators , in controversies with which all foreign questions were now entangled . That the responsible minister should not , during the recess , commit the country to a course so contrary to the judgment of Parliament and the opinion of the public , it now behoved the House to take aU necessary precaution , lor this pupose he recommended them to adopt Lord Elcno s resolution . England by taking part in the conference rould do no good to Italy , but would merely relieve France from perplexities by taking them upon herself . —Mr . S . Herbert denied that Lord 1 a . labout into
bierstox had said anything going conference to settle the details of the Treaty of ViYlafranca . The Government had never been asked to join in settling those details , nor had they , as alleged , snatched at the notion of joining the conference . Although we had not been belligerents , that was no argument against entering the conference ; and would it be right for England , if asked on terms which afforded a chance of success , to refuse to take part in a conference by which a more permanent arrangement might be made for the security of Italy ? He did not say they were going difficulties removed
to the conference , but if were and objections at an end , a refusal to do so would be a dereliction of duty on the part of the Government . ¦—Mr . WiiiTEsiDE controverted the objection to the resolution that it unduly crippled the action of the executive . In adopting it he maintained , oh the other hand , that the House would but follow established precedents , to some of which he referred , and enforce a policy of non-intervention and neutrality which had hitherto been so wisely observed through the whole course of the perturbations in Italy . The Congress of Paris tried to settle the Italian question and failed . What hope was there of better success from a renewal of the attempt at a congress held elsewhere ? He proceeded to remark upon the
peril and mischief which would ensue if the conduct of discussions at any such congress were entrusted to the present ministers as representing the interests and upholding the honour of England . — Lord J . Kusseh- commented upon the negative and illusory character of the resolution . The House was asked to address the Crown for the purpose of preventing something being done whicli there was no intention of doing , and which in all probability no one would ever wish or propose to do . But the discussion had chiefly turned upon the general question of Italian affairs . On this point he noticed that the supporters of the resolution had almost unanimously assigned the responsibility for the war to the King of Sardinia , an
allegation which he considered altogether unfounded , expressing his approval of the domestic administration and of the foreign policy of that state . Respecting the congress , the noble lord stated his belief that there was a very serious obstacle to any participation by England in its discussions , and much probability that it would be found most advisable to stand altogether aloof . On the other hand , there were circumstances , some of which he explained , that might render English diplomatic intervention expedient ; and he could not assent to a peremptory self-denying ordinance compelling the Government to abstain from taking part in the councils to which all other ICuropean powers had sent their representatives . The matter , ho submitted , was one which
ought to be left to the responsibility of the executive . The noble lord then remarked upon the state of Italy , contending that by their recent conduct the Italians had proved themselves "worthy of liberty He proceeded to explain and defend the part taken , by himself and his colleagues in the communications interchanged with Franco and Austriaduring the war , for the purpose of bringing about the final pacification . —Mr . DitiKAKiwi observed that the Chancellor of the Exchequer had evaded the practical question under consideration . He liad frankly plucod his Italian policy before the Houso ; and if these largo and decided views were shared by his colleagues , and indicated the predominant opinion of the Cabinet , then
sifted . He did complain , however , of an expression which had been used the day before by Mr . Bright ; in his absence , for the first time in his life in connexion with his name , —the word " fraud . " Mr . Overend entered into very full details of the transaction in question , supported by correspondence , whence he inferred that the original object of the arrangement between him and Mr . Childers was that there should be a dignified withdrawal of the petition , and he insisted that his seat had never been in issue . When the matter was agreed to be referred ( the referee , it transpired subsequently , being Lord March ) , he had protested against the question of the seat being entered into , but it appearing that misunderstan between the
there had been a ding agents of the several parties as to the terms of the agreement , Mr . Childers ' s agents withdrew from the reference , although he ( Mr . Overend ) ultimately consented to all matters being left to the referee . — Mr . Bkight disclaimed the position of an accuser in this matter . The case , he said , had appeared to him as of such a nature that he could not refuse to present the petition . —Mr . Diskaeli observed that , in his opinion Mr . Overend had placed himself quite right in the matter , and had been actuated by a sense of honour , and he had no reason to doubt that Mr . Childers had been influenced by motives equally correct . The petition referred to circumstances , he ht before the
remarked , which ought not to be broug cognisance of the House , and he asked what was the remedy sought by Mr , Childers ? Sir G . Gre y said , if the mere question raised by the petition was whether there had been a compromise between Mr . Overend and Mr . Childers , and the former had not fulfilled the stipulations , he agreed that the question would be withdrawn from the cognisance of the House but that Svas not the whole question , for the petition alleged a matter as to the sum to be paid by Mr . Childers as a consideration for giving up the petition , which would be a corrupt compromise , and fully deserved the consideration of a committee . — The motion was agreed to , and the committee nominated .
EUROPEAN TROOrS IN INDIA . On the order for considering the European Troops ( India ) Bill , as amended . —Sir C . Wood explained the particular reasons for introducing this bill . He stated the limitations which had been imposed upon the East India Company as to the number of their European troops , which had been increased by Act of Parliament in 1853 . to 24 , 000 , but that number had been at one time exceeded under a doubt which this bill would remove , legalising what had been done , and giving a margin for an increased force to the extent of 30 , 000 . The opinions of the members of the Boy al Commission differed as to the expediency of a local army in India ; but he thought the weight of which
and the Sardinian Governments respectively , when he characterised that of the latter as arnbiguous , and eulogised the spirit of dignified conciliation manifested by Austria . lie xlenied that any approbation had been expressed of the paper received by the French Ambassador , and , with respect to the conference ,, the Government ^ he said , were not proposing to go into a conference at all , but if they did , it would not be to upset the arrangements of 1815 . He was of opinion that Austria would be stronger if she had no Italian possessions ; but it was one thing to hold this opinion , and another to enter into measures to change arrangements founded upon treaties that were the basis of a great European
settlement . He then reviewed the discussion that had just taken place , replying to various questions and criticisms ,, and contending finally that the case made out by the supporters of the resolution did not justify any interference by the House with the discretion of the Government . —Lord Elciio , in reply , defended his motion , which , however , he did not press . He was satisfied with the result of the debate , and felt inclined to bow to the advice of the right hon . gentleman opposite not to persist in his motion . This was the 9 th of August , and it would put
the country to great inconvenience if so close upon the 12 th there was to be a change of Government . ( Laughter . ) It was not his wish in pressing the motion to exhibit any hostility towards the Government . He accepted , therefore , the amendment of Mr . A . W . Kinglake , whose speech as well as his motion he was willing to accept . The " previous question " was voted without a division , and the House passed to the other orders of the day . The Consolidated Fund ( Appropriation ) Bill was passed through committee . Other bills were advanced a stage , and the House adjourned at a few minutes to three o ' clock .
Tuesday , August 9 . MILITIA LAWS AMENDMENT ^ In the House of Lords the Earl of Ripon moved the second reading of this bill . —Lord Stratford de Redcliffe regretted the suspension of the ballot for the militia at a time when a large force was so much needed for the defence of , the country . In the present condition of Europe , which he reviewed at some length , it was not only necessary , but an absolute duty to have a . sufficient force to maintain our position and independence as a nation . At present our position was not one of strength , and as lo . itg as wo remained in that position he earnestly hoped that Ave should not enter into the congress , as we should
not do credit to ourselves , nor exercise a beneficial influence for the interests of others . —Lord Kingsdown pointed out the difficulties which existed in finding men for the army , navy , and militia , and insisted hot only on the necessity of retaining the ballot for the militia , but advocated a system of compulsory service , or conscription . — - Lord RiroN assured the House that the attention of the Government had been most earnestly devoted to the subject of procuring sufficient forces for the defence of the country , and deprecated the adoption of such measures as those proposed by Lord Kingsdown , especially in time of peace . Their lordships adjourned at six o ' clock . called
of authority was in favour of a local force , he pointed out some of the advantages . The late Government had come to a decision that a local army should be maintained , and the present Government had arrived at the same conclusion . Referring to the discontent of the European troops in India , he observed that he did not think they had any substantial grievance ; but there were palliatives of their conduct , and he did not think it fair to treat them as wrongheaded or mutinous . Most of the malcontents were rnen who had recently arrived in India , and he considered it was a mistake to send out raw recruits there . —General Pi ? el said the bill proposed to increase the local army of India contrary to the
In the House of Commons , Mr . Bright attention to certain matters in relation to the withdrawal of a petition against the return for Pontefract . The subject was deferred . On the consideration of the East India Loan Bill , as amended , a conversation arose regarding the expediency of granting an Imperial guarantee . Other bills were forwardod a stage . In the evening , Mr , Mack . nin . vox obtained leave to bring in a bill to establish equitable councils of conciliation to adjust differences between masters and operatives . The House was countod out at a quarter to seven . Wednesday , August 10 . This House of Lohds mot at four o ' clock , and passed a long series of bills through their respective stages of progress . The European Troops ( India ) Bill , and some other measures , wore brought Tip from the Commons , and rend a first time . Their lordships adjourned at half-past five . In the Housh of Commons , Sir M . Seymour anil Mr . Dunn took the oaths and their seats as members respectively for Devonport and Dartmouth . THE l'ONTIi ^ RACT EJECTION . Mr . Bniuux moved for a select committee to inquiro into tho circumstances connected with tho withdrawal of a petition from Mr . Hugh Chiklors , tho unsuccessful candidate at the late election for I ' ontofraot , challenging tho return of Mr . Overdid at that electlon . r— Mr . Ovkkknd said ho did not complain of Mr . Childars for presenting tho petition , or of tho motion for a committee to inquire into allegations affecting his honour ; on tho contrary , his desire was that the whole matter should be thoroughly
opinion of the report of the commission , and a bill of such importance should not have been hurried through Parliament as this had boen . This increase of the Indian army was , no doubt , a question of patronage , and with such views was no doubt recommended by the Council for India ; but he would much rather increase their salaries if necessary , than thus add to their patronage , lie regarded tho conductof the European troops in a more serious light than Sir C . Wood , and lie asked whether the Government had received any communication from Lord Clyde and General Mansfield respecting tho mutiny . Ho was of opinion that the enlisting men in tins country for India would weaken the resources of tlio recruiting Militiaand
market for tho regular army and , saw no roason , ho said , why Germans or other forojgnors might not bo onlistod for India . Uv , however , objected to any increase of the local force , and bolioved that Sir C . Wood had adopted a purely Indian view of the caso , which was nothinff more or loss than a question of patronage . — - Sir Ukokoh Evans repudiated tho Ulcaot employing foreigners , and contended thut . the disallowed troops in India hud good ground for complaint that the promises held out to them by tho iirst Minister of ¦ ho Crown had not been carried out . Ho thought tho bill was not contrary to tho recommendations of ho commission . —After some observations from Mr . S . Herbert , Colonel North , Colonel Dunne , Mr . Ayrlon , Sir F . Smith , Colonel Sykou . and other hon . mombors , tho bill wus read a third time and passed . Other bills wore forwarded ft stage .
tho policy under which tho Government proposed to enter tho conference was to put an end to tho sottlomont of furty-nve years ago , and he pointed out tho consequences of this policy . With reference to the comimmicatkm from the French Ambassador , Lord J . Rusaoll ' s explanation , ho said , had been ample , except upon tho most material point , whether ho had generally approved of tho proposal , and whether that approbation was communicated to tho Emperor of tho French . He objeotedto the motion that it ca , llod upon tho House to give an opinion upon tho question on what was practically tho last night of the session , and lie trusted that Lord Eloho would not proas it to a division . —Lord Pai-mkrhton commented upon tho romarks made by Mr . Disraeli in the last Parliament upon the conduct of tho Austrian
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»?„ * on . Ai , » . 13 . 1859 . 1 THE LEADER - 939
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Leader (1850-1860), Aug. 13, 1859, page 929, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2307/page/5/
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