HC Deb 04 May 1855 vol 138 cc113-6
MR. FRENCH

said, he rose to put a question to the First Lord of the Treasury, of which he had given notice some days ago. It was to ask what steps had been taken and what decision, if any, had been come to in relation to the proposal made by the Earl of Dundonald for the destruction of the Russian fortresses. He might remind the House that, after an expenditure of some 30,000,000l. upon the conduct of the war, the result, if not humiliating to this country, had at least been most unsatisfactory. He believed the number of available British bayonets in the Crimea did not exceed by more than 1,000 what it was when the battle of Inkerman was fought; that the army was still unable, as when they were stationed at Varna, to take the field for want of the means of transport; that a large portion of the cavalry was still dismounted; that a considerable body of the Artillery was without horses; and that, according to the statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty the other night, the only possible road by which our army could take the field—namely, that by Mackenzie's Farm—had been occupied by a force of between 50,000 and 60,000 Russian troops. He thought that hon. Members would admit that the question which he had just addressed to the noble Lord at the head of the Government was one which an independent Member of that House might legitimately and fairly bring forward. The public out of doors would hold that House responsible if they allowed a Government to remain in power which, failing to conclude an honourable peace, neglected any means which might be placed at its disposal calculated to bring the war to a speedy and successful termination. The plan to which his question referred was one that had been long prepared and well matured by one who had had great experience in naval warfare and in attacks upon fortified places. Lord Dundonald had distinguished himself by his exploits in the Basque Roads and the Bay of Callao and on other occasions, and he (Mr. French) would venture to say that in respect of scientific acquirements, professional knowledge, and personal gallantry, the noble Lord had not a superior, if, indeed, he had an equal among living men. One of Lord Dundonald's most uncompromising political opponents, Sir Archibald Alison, speaking of him under his earlier title as Lord Cochrane, said that he was, "after the death of Nelson, the greatest naval commander of that age of glory—equal to his great predecessor in personal gallantry, enthusiastic ardour, and devotion to his country, and perhaps his superior in original genius, in mental power, and inexhaustible resources." He (Mr. French) had said that the plan of the noble Lord had been long considered and well matured. So far back as the reign of George IV., at the request of that Sovereign, Lord Dundonald's plan was submitted to Admirals Lord Exmouth and Lord Keith, and such was their opinion of the terrific efficiency of the noble Earl's invention, that they expressed their opinion that, for the welfare of the human race, it was advisable that the noble Lord should carry his secret with him to the grave. The noble Lord at that time acquiesced in this view; but last year, seeing the predicament in which his country was placed, and being anxious to promote the cause of civilisation against barbarism, he tendered his plan and his personal services to the late Government without fee or reward, He at the same time offered his services to go to the Baltic and destroy Cronstadt. To these tenders he got no answer, but a reference was made to three admirals and two scientific persons. These admirals were of opinion that at present it was not expedient to carry the plan into effect; but he believed the scientific men gave it as their opinion that the force employed by the noble and gallant Lord would be perfectly irresistible. On the return of Sir Charles Napier from the Baltic the plans were shown to him, and, after giving them the fullest consideration, he came to the conclusion, as he (Mr. French) was informed, that the noble Lord was able to carry out everything that he undertook to accomplish. It was in these circumstances that he now wished to put a question to the Government. The Government might, on the ground of the high reputation of the noble Lord (Lord Dundonald) have safely availed themselves of the plans which he had submitted to them; but they had forced him to divulge those plans to seven or eight persons, and it might possibly be that the first experiment they heard of them would be in the destruction of our own forces. If the noble Lord the First Minister of the Crown would state that the Government were determined not to give a trial to the plans of the noble and gallant Admiral, it would be easy for him to appeal to the country, and to obtain a sum of money sufficient to enable him to carry out those plans in defiance of the apathy and indifference of the Government.

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

Having, Sir, already made a speech upon the Motion before us, it is only by the indulgence of the House that I can be permitted to give an answer to the question put by my hon. Friend. I trust, however, that the House will not refuse to grant me that indulgence. No man can entertain a higher opinion than I do of Lord Dundonald—I have had the pleasure and honour of his acquaintance for a great number of years. He stands as high as any man ever did stand in his profession with regard to naval affairs; he is a man, moreover, of great and extensive scientific attainments; and, therefore, any opinion deliberately entertained by him is entitled to the highest and fullest consideration of the Government. The plan which Lord Dundonald proposed last year was, as my hon. Friend states, necessarily submitted to the consideration of a certain number of professional and scientific persons; and the effect of their inquiries and consideration was, that there appeared to be such difficulties of execution and such doubtful expectations as to the result that nothing was then done upon it. The plan has recently been again pressed on the consideration of the Government by Lord Dundonald. The matter is still under their consideration, and is far from being so free from doubts and difficulties as my hon. Friend seems to imagine. But all I can say is, that it is under consideration; and I think that, if there is a plan from Lord Dundonald or any other person, which is calculated to accomplish the ends and objects stated by my hon. Friend, there can be no great advantage in publicly discussing it, or pointing out to the enemy against whom it would be employed either the probability of its immediate execution, or anything which might enable them to guess the manner in which it might be applied.