§ MR. ROEBUCKsaid, that on the night of the 22nd instant both the noble Lord at the head of the Government and the Under Secretary for War (Mr. F. Peel) stated that the proceedings against General Beat-son were continuing; that the charges were, in fact, at that very time held over his head. On the following morning, that of the 23rd of July, General Beatson received a letter acquitting him of all the charges which had been made against him. Had the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Peel) been in his place he (Mr. Roebuck) should have put to him this question—"Seeing that your acquittal was passed in consequence of your having had in your possession for at least one fortnight documentary evidence respecting the charges against General Beatson, did you at the time that you made the declaration, that the charge was 1490 still hanging over his head, contemplate writing the letter of the 23rd? If you did, you misled the House by that statement, and any statement you may hereafter make must be taken with the consideration that you made such a statement."
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER,said, he apprehended that it was not competent for the noble Lord (Lord Dalkeith) to make a Motion on the question of adjournment. His hon. Friend the Under Secretary for War would be in his place on Tuesday and would then give any explanation that might be required. He would no doubt, on the same day, answer the question of the hon. and learned Member for Sheffield.
§ Motion for the adjournment of the House till Tuesday agreed to.