§ Bill considered in Committee.
§ (In the Committee.)
§ Amendment proposed, in page 1, line 27, to leave out the word "continue," in order to insert the word "cease."—(Mr. Naoroji.)
§ Question proposed, "That the word 'continue' stand part of the Clause."
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. G. RUSSELL,) North Beds.said, he was desirous of explaining that, as introduced in another place, the Bill contained the proposition now made. But in Committee an Amendment was introduced providing that the Commanders should retain their seats. The Secretary of State accepted the Amendment in order to secure the passing 1054 of the Bill, but reserved his freedom of action when the Bill reached the House of Commons. It was hardly becoming that they should make any alteration now, and he was, therefore, prepared to accept his hon. Friend's Amendment.
§ SIR R. TEMPLEsaid, he must strongly object to the course which the Government intended to pursue. It was of great importance that the Bill should remain as it was, and that the word "continue" should stand part of it, so that the Commanders should retain their seats in the Councils. He would repeat what had been said in favour of that course; but he thought it was quite clear last night that the Committee intended to stand by the Bill as it came down from the Lords. He could not but regard this as a most extraordinary surrender, and he objected to this being done by the Secretary of State in opposition to the feeling and opinion of the Military Authorities. It would be a great misfortune if they did not adhere to the arrangement previously made. The matter had gone so far that a certain amount of friction could not be avoided, he feared; but much would be done if the Government would stand by their Bill as passed in another place, and passed with the sanction of noble Lords who had held Office under the Crown. The right hon. Gentleman the Member for Manchester and himself—and he thought they had had experience which entitled them to be heard—were not in favour of this alteration, and would once more very earnestly appeal to the Government to stand by their measure. If necessary, he would be—if in Order—ready to divide the Committee on this question.
§ SIR C. W. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)said, it was evident the hon. Baronet (Sir R. Temple) was strongly opposed to the Bill, and that he wished to defeat its object, which was the centralisation of military authority in India. There might be some feeling hostile to this change in the minds of high Bombay authorities; but he (Sir C. W. Dilke) believed the opinion now expressed by the Mover and supporters of the Amendment was approved by successive Governor Generals, and military opinion generally. Military opinion, indeed, was very strong upon the question.
§ SIR R. TEMPLEsaid, he was not dealing with the question as a local one, but from his acquaintance with the needs and requirements of the countries to which the Bill would apply.
§ SIR C. W. DILKEsaid, he understood the hon. Baronet to say that he had authority to speak for the Military Authorities.
§ SIR R. TEMPLEsaid, he could not allow the question to pass unchallenged. He would, therefore, move "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."
§ MR. TOMLINSON rose, and was understood to say that he could not agree with the views set forth by the right hon. Baronet (Sir C. W. Dilke).
§ Question put, and negatived.
§ Remaining Clause agreed to.
§ Bill reported; as amended, to be considered upon Thursday.