that not only in this country, but in other countries where the industry peculiarly affects our own, where the course of commerce exercises a particular influence on the industry of England, there are symptoms of amelioration and general amendment which must in time

nication with my Colleagues who have recently visited it, that it will be, as I have formerly said, most important as a place of arms," as affording a capacious harbour for our Navy, and unlimited convenience for the quartering of Her Majesty's Forces. It has entirely fulfilled our expectations, and I and perhaps sooner than the country believe will soon be recognized as one of is prepared for-bring about those adthe most important and influential posi- vantageous results which, after periods tions under the dominion of Her Majesty. of suffering, we have before experienced. My Lords, I regret very much that there But in a Speech from the Throne adhas been a feeling among certain of dressed to Parliament assembled for a your Lordships that there has been an specific purpose, upon which the attenomission in the gracious Speech from the tion of Parliament ought to be concenThrone, inasmuch as there was no al-trated, it did not appear to us advisable to lusion to the prevalent distress in the country consequent on the badness of trade. That was through no inadvertence, no neglect. Noble Lords opposite will, I am sure, agree with me in one thing that there are no persons so interested in the prosperity of the country as Her Majesty's Ministers, whoever they may be. But it is a questionable course to allude publicly to the distress of the country when it is not peculiar to the country itself; when you are not yourselves prepared with any remedial measures; and when, if you express your real opinions, you may give rise to hopes and miscalculations which afterwards may be disappointed and defeated, and which you must deplore. That is the reason that has governed us in this case. What is the real state of affairs at present? The distress in this country is great; but there are circumstances which alleviate it in the low price of provisions. Still, that distress cannot be denied; and yet it must be borne in mind that it is a commercial distress, which is shared by every other country. It has been occasioned by the same causes which occasion the distress of other countries. Her Majesty's Governmeut are not prepared-I do not suppose any Government would be preparedwith any measures which would attempt to alleviate the extensive distress which now prevails. But if we are pressed upon the subject, it is, I trust, justifiable, though I speak with the utmost diffidence, to say that the opinion of Her Majesty's Government is that the worst part of the distress has been experienced. We believe, from ail that reaches us, that there are indications, not in this country only but in other countries, of a re-action. We believe

introduce the subject, though we hope that before the year is passed we shall every day find ourselves in a better position with respect to the employment of the people, the employment of capital, and the enterprize of individuals. I will not dwell on the words of the President of the United States, though words from such an authority and such a quarter cannot be treated with too much consideration. But the enterprize of America generally precedes that of Europe, as the industry of England precedes that of the rest of Europe; and I look forward with confidence that the industry and enterprize of America will be productive of beneficial results upon this country. I should not like to sit down without thanking the noble Earl who moved the Address for the speech which he made this evening. I am sure the House listened to it with much interest. It would well have preceded a debate which, unfortunately, we are not to have. But it will be a satisfaction to my noble Friend to remember that it has been his lot, which is not the lot of all of us, to have in his time addressed both Houses, and to have succeeded in interesting both. I do not wonder at the interest which has been shown in the affairs of India by my noble Friend who seconded the Address.

I believe there is no portion of Her Majesty's subjects who have profited more by our Indian Empire than the Irish; and, what is more, our Indian Empire is, perhaps, more indebted to them for the great talent and energy which they have shown in its administration than any portion of Her Majesty's subjects. Well, my Lords, in conclusion, we are told that on Monday we are to deal with this great question which now excites public attention, and

that we are to come to a decision upon | Marquess has read me a severe lecture it. We have received intelligence to-day for indulging in personalities. I adwhich no man, on whatever side he sits, mit that there is no greater authocan read without pride and admiration. rity in either House of Parliament Whatever may be the results of that than the noble Marquess on the subbrilliant victory-and I should hope ject of personalities; but as the House that the result will be speedy and has been misled on a most important satisfactory-there can be but one opi- measure and policy which has been nion among us as to the admirable quali- maturing for two years, I think it is ties by which that victory has been ac- not mere personality to ask for some complished. Her Majesty's Ministers, explanation of what has occurred. The my Lords, have another sort of encounter noble Earl (the Earl of Beaconsfield), hanging over us. I know not what may who is himself not wanting in authority be its result. The decision may differ on a question of Parliamentary mancufrom what might be calculated upon in vring, has given me a severe lecture ordinary times. Whatever that result for the manoeuvring I have done to-day. may be individually, I am prepared to Well, I have only made a complaint meet it, as, I am sure, are my Colleagues. which I thought I was entitled to make, Whatever the result, it will be, I hope, and asked certain questions which have equal to the occasion. That the House not been answered. I had consulted of Lords will decide that they will main- the convenience of the House in not tain the Empire, and that they will not beginning a skirmishing discussion on in any way sanction that policy which the merits of a question which must be mistakes timidity for wisdom;-that is thoroughly discussed, and on which the what I most earnestly hope, and that is House will be asked to give an opinion what I believe the people of England on the early opportunity which has been expect. promised by the noble Viscount. In conclusion, I appeal to my noble Friend on the cross benches to withdraw the Amendment, which cannot be disconnected entirely from the general subject which is to be discussed on Monday.

--

EARL GRANVILLE: My Lords, may I be permitted to reply very briefly to some of the criticisms which have been made? The noble Duke has complained of my being illogical in condemning a war which I consider unjust, unnecessary, and impolitic, and yet being ready to vote the Supplies for it. He is quite right it is illogical; but when once our soldiers are before the enemy, and the honour of the country is engaged, however illogical it may be, I will not consent to deprive our army of the necessary support, however desirous I may be that the war should be brought to a speedy termination, honourable to ourselves, and just to the foe. The oble Duke complains that a disapproLation of the war will encourage the Ameer. But Parliament has been de

barred from any previous knowledge of the policy which has caused this war; and now when it has broken out, if we may not discuss this policy, lest it should encourage a semi-barbarian on the other side of the world, there cannot be much use in calling Parliament together at ail. But if I am willing to kiss the rod of an old political and personal friend like the noble Duke, I am not prepared to do the same for the rod of the noble Marquess (the Marquess of Salisbury). 1: is much too full of buds. The noble

EARL GREY said, he would not press his Amendment to a division; but he wished the Question to be put.

Question put, Whether the said words shall be there inserted? Resolved in the negative.

Then the original Motion was agreed to.

Ordered that the said Address be presented to Her Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

NOTICES OF MOTION.

HOUSE OF COMMONS,

Thursday, 5th December, 1878.

AFGHANISTAN (EXPENSES OF MILI-
TARY OPERATIONS).

MR. E. STANHOPE: I beg to give

The House met at half after One of Notice that on Monday next I shall move the following Resolution :

the clock.

Message to attend the Lords Commis- tary expedition of Her Forces charged upon "That Her Majesty, having directed a Milisioners ;— Indian Revenues to be despatched against the Ameer of Afghanistan, this House consents that

The House went ;-and having re- the Revenues of India shall be applied to defray turned ;

the expenses of the Military operations which may be carried on beyond the external frontiers of Her Majesty's Indian possessions."

MR. FAWCETT: I believe I am in

Order in giving Notice of an Amendment. I beg to give Notice that I shall oppose the Resolution.

AFGHANISTAN (MILITARY OPERA-
TIONS)-THE PEIWAR COLUMN-

TELEGRAM.-QUESTION.

MR. RITCHIE asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether any information has been received at the India Office with reference to the report of the great victory of General Roberts?

MR. E. STANHOPE: Sir, I am happy to be able to inform my hon. Friend and the House that we have received full confirmation from the Viceroy of India. With the permission of

the House I will read the telegram from the Viceroy. It is dated the 5th of December, and is as follows:

"Roberts attacked Peiwar 2nd; turning movement during night of 1st successful; surfrom that side found impossible. prised and turned enemy, but attack of Kotal therefore, continued turning movement, placing Roberts, himself in enemy's rear, with flanking column, while General Cobbe engaged attention in front. Enemy, reinforced by four regiments from Khushi, made determined resistance, but were

Ordered, That a Committee of Privi- driven from Kotal, which was occupied at 4 p.m., leges be appointed.

OUTLAWRIES BILL.

Bill "for the more effectual preventing Clandestine Outlawries," read the first time; to be read a second time.

2nd. Enemy completely defeated, leaving 15 guns and large amount of ammunition in our hands; other guns abandoned, and will be secured. Loss supposed to be very heavy. Our 23rd Pioneers, killed; General Cobbe and Lieuloss-Captain Kelso, R.A., Major Anderson, tenant Munro, 72nd Highlanders, wounded; about 50 men killed and wounded. Troops had

{DECEMBER 5, 1878)

to undergo great exertions and exposure at altitude of 8,000 feet, but behaved admirably, and are in excellent spirits. Roberts continues pursuit towards Shutar-Gardan to-day; wounded

sent into Kuram."

THE QUEEN'S SPEECH.

MR. SPEAKER reported Her Majesty's Speech, made by Her Chancellor, and read it to the House.

ADDRESS IN ANSWER TO HER MA

JESTY'S MOST GRACIOUS SPEECH. VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH: Sir, I rise with the greatest diffidence to move that an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, thanking Her Majesty for Her Most Gracious Speech. I have had the privilege of being a Member of this House but a short time, and I trust that in the few remarks I shall make I shall receive its indulgence, and that any shortcomings on my part may be attributed not to any want of confidence in the cause I advocate, but rather to the inexperience of one who is, for the first time, addressing it.

At first sight it may appear to many hon. Members a matter of great inconvenience to have been summoned to attend a meeting of Parliament at this time; but on further consideration of the questions that are before the country, and the provisions of the law by which Indian Revenues cannot be expended without the sanction of Parliament, I think there is no hon. Member who will not agree with me that Her Majesty's Government had no course open to them but to summon Parliament in this sudden and extraordinary

manner.

Since we last met many things have taken place which have caused serious apprehensions that the Treaty of Berlin, which secured peace to Europe, was in danger of being disturbed. I cannot but think that one advantage gained by the meeting of Parliament to-day will be to dispel any such illusion, for there is not the slightest fear that any Power concerned in that Treaty has any intention of not observing its conditions. I trust, Sir, that the House will permit me to say that I think the country owes much to the Commissioners in Turkey, who have done so much to bring about a solution of those problems which at present are in a state of uncertainty there.

Very recently, Sir, another question,
which at one time promised to be of a
brought, I am thankful to say, to a suc-
very troublesome character, has been
cessful and satisfactory issue. The United
States have paid over the sum of money
which was adjudged to this country in
I am sure no
the Fisheries dispute.
one doubted for a moment that that
money would be paid; and I do hope
that this amicable conclusion, of what
might have been a serious difficulty, will

tend to draw in still closer connection
the tie of friendship which I hope, and
I am sure will always, exist between the
two countries.

Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech
refers chiefly to the condition of affairs
on the borders of our Indian Empire.
With the permission of the House I
shall touch but generally on that ques-
tion, as no doubt it will be amongst
many others brought under its notice;
but I am happy to think that I can
commence at a period on which all
parties are agreed. No one can deny
that the statesmanlike ability of Lord
Mayo, his personal qualities and his
natural courtesy, created between him-
self and the Ameer of Afghanistan, I
may say I think, a feeling of good-will
-nay, even more, a feeling of friend-
ship. When, at last, we suffered a
great loss by Lord Mayo's death, he
bequeathed to his successor the same
state of good feeling. In the meantime,
Sir, a new element had been introduced.
The advances of Russia were beginning,
and the Ameer applied to Lord North-
brook for assurances of protection against
that advancing Power. What those as-
surances were it is unnecessary for me
to say. At all events, Lord Northbrook
was unable to comply in such a manner
The Russian advances still
as to give complete satisfaction to the
Ameer.
continued, and the Ameer became more
and more estranged to England, and
more willing to enter into negotiations
with the advancing Power. Lord Salis-
bury, at last, thought that the time had
come when he should be justified in
giving further assurance of protection
to the Ameer against foreign invasion,
upon condition that our officers were
allowed to be present at certain places
in his territory, in order that they might
thoroughly watch the movements on the
Frontier. To this the Ameer declined
to agree. The discussion was prolonged

shown to me, and I shall conclude by

"That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, to convey the thanks of this House for Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech:

"Humbly to thank Her Majesty for the gracious expression of Her regret that She has found it necessary to call for our attendance at an unusual, and, as Her Majesty is pleased to say, probably at an inconvenient time:

indefinitely; and, in the meantime, the
Ameer showed a still more unfriendly moving-
feeling towards our country. Suddenly,
in July of this year, we were startled
by hearing that the Ameer had received
a Russian Envoy at Cabul. Under these
circumstances, the Indian Government
felt that the time had come at which
they should consider how they would
act. They proposed a friendly Mission
to Cabul on the part of this country;
Of the circumstances which followed
the House is well aware; and when,
later on, they gave the Ameer-if I may
so use the expression-another chance,
the House is well acquainted with the
manner in which that Ultimatum was
treated. Under these circumstances, the
Indian Government felt compelled to
take those steps which are now to be
brought under the consideration of Par-
liament. We are at the present moment
engaged in a war which, I trust, will
be short, successful, and decisive; and
I can only express a hope, which I am
sure you will all feel, that our European
soldiers, as well as our Indian troops,
will, as they have ever done, do their
utmost to show that they are fully
qualified to maintain the glory and the
power of our Indian Empire.

As regards domestic legislation, I may be excused for saying that it is impossible for me to form any opinion of the work of the coming Session; but I wish I could feel sanguine that anything can be done to alleviate the distress which unfortunately prevails through the greater part of this country. In view of the bad harvests and the depression of trade, I feel that the prospects of a return of prosperity are anything but good. At the same time, hon. Gentlemen will remember that these misfortunes are not confined to our country. They extend all over Europe and America; and as, therefore, there can be no question that they are not the consequence of political causes, I think we must not despair. On former occasions we have had a similar depression of trade; and as bad harvests have been previously met by the skill and energy for which Englishmen have always been renowned, so, I trust, England will again overcome those difficulties as in former days.

I cannot conclude without expressing my most grateful thanks to the House for the kind indulgence which they have

"To express our regret that the hostility manifested towards Her Majesty's Indian Government by the Ameer of Afghanistan, and the manner in which he has repulsed Her Majesty's friendly Mission, has left Her Majesty no alternative but to make a peremptory demand for redress:

"Humbly to thank Her Majesty for informing us that, in consequence of this demand having been disregarded, Her Majesty has directed an Expedition to be sent into his Territory, and has taken the earliest opportunity of calling us together, and making to us the communication required by Law:

"To thank Her Majesty for directing that Papers on the subject shall be laid before us :

'Humbly to express the gratification with which we learn that Her Majesty receives from all Foreign Powers assurances of their friendly feelings, and that Her Majesty has every reason to believe that the arrangements for the pacification of Europe, made by the Treaty of Berlin, will be successfully carried into effect :

"To thank Her Majesty for having directed the Estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before us in due course :

"Humbly to assure Her Majesty that, after full deliberation upon the matters which have led Her Majesty to anticipate our usual time of meeting, we shall be prepared, at such date as Her Majesty may determine, to give our careful consideration to such measures for the public benefit as Her Majesty may direct to be submitted to us :

"Humbly to assure Her Majesty that our best care shall be devoted to the maintenance of the great interests of Her Empire; and that we unite with Her Majesty in praying that the blessing of the Almighty may attend our counsels."

MR. HALL: In rising to second the Address, I shall not hesitate to allude to the great subject to which the remarks of my noble Friend the Member for Down (Viscount Castlereagh) have