§ MR. ROEBUCKsaid, by some mistake a Motion of his had been put on the paper for that night instead of for Tuesday next. It was as follows:—
That the Under Secretary for War having admitted that, upon anonymous information, a secret inquiry had been ordered into the conduct of a general officer, this House feels itself bound to express its reprobation of such a proceeding.
§ MR. FREDERICK PEELsaid, he wished to offer some explanation on the subject.
§ MR. ROEBUCKHad you not better defer it until I have made the Motion?
§ MR. FREDERICK PEELNo; it is pressing. As regards the conduct of General Vivian—
§ MR. ROEBUCKSir, I rise to order. How can I answer the statement of the hon. Gentleman when there is no Motion before the House?
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman can only make his explanation under the indulgence of the House.
§ MR. FREDERICK PEELThe point, Sir, is simply this. Certain charges have been made against General Beatson in connexion with transferring the command of the Turkish Contingent, and they came to the knowledge of the War Office through—
§ MR. G. A. HAMILTONsaid, the hon. Member was clearly out of order.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREMy hon. Friend simply intends to offer a personal explanation.
§ COLONEL FRENCHI rise to order, Sir. This discussion is quite irregular, and ought not to be continued.
§ MR. FREDERICK PEELI only wish to say—
§ MR. ROEBUCK—Order, order. Sir, I insist the hon. Member is quite out of order.
§ MR. SPEAKERruled that the hon. Member was out of order, and the matter dropped.