Lords Sitting of 30 March 1874

MINUTES.
PUBLIC BILLS—Committee—Report—Attorneys and Solicitors * (6).
Royal Assent—Consolidated Fund (£7,000,000) [37 Vict. c. 2]; East India Loan [37 Vict. c. 3].

ASHANTEE WAR.

  VOTE OF THANKS TO THE FORCES.
  Moved, "That the Vote of Thanks to the Forces engaged on the West Coast of Africa take precedence."—(The Lord President.)
  Motion agreed to.
  THE DUKE OF RICHMOND: My Lords, it now becomes my duty to perform the pleasing task of moving your Lordships to agree to a Vote of Thanks to Her Majesty's Forces lately engaged in the operations on the Gold Coast. I describe this as a pleasing duty, because I am confident that there is not one of your Lordships who will not join me most cordially in approbation of the conduct of all who took part in these difficult operations; for I am sure we all view with pride and satisfaction, the conduct of our troops, both of the Army and the Navy Services, by whom they wore brought to this successful conclusion. My Lords, I am also sensible that the duty which now devolves upon me is one of some delicacy, because I cannot but be apprehensive that my own short-comings may seem to detract from the high honour proposed to be conferred on the men who are to be the objects of the Thanks of this and the other House of Parliament. My Lords, the recognition of their services by the Queen, the Parliament, and the country is one of the highest honours—if it be not the highest honour—which can be conferred upon any body of our countrymen for services even so arduous and important as those which have boon recently brought to so successful an issue.
  My Lords, I shall but very briefly call your attention to what was done during the late expedition to the Gold Coast; and, in so doing, my desire is—and I hope I shall succeed in that desire—to touch upon nothing of a controversial nature. I shall not touch upon the causes which may, in the opinion of some, have led to the war, and I shall not in any way

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  allude to the question whether my noble Friend opposite, the late Secretary for Foreign. Affairs, was wise and judicious in the policy he adopted in all the varying circumstances which led to our occupation of territory on that Coast—because I believe that on an occasion like this the honour intended is much diminished if there be not an unanimity in the expression by which it is accompanied. For this reason, my Lords, I shall confine myself exclusively to the brilliant services of the Forces to whom we wish to accord our Thanks.
  My Lords, in my opinion, one of the most marvellous circumstances attaching to this war was the extraordinary rapidity with which it was commenced, carried on, and brought to a successful issue. Your Lordships will recollect that it was in the middle of December that the English battalions were first sent from this country to the Gold Coast; and on the 4th of February Coomassie had fallen, and in what had boon the capital of the Kings of Ashantee three cheers wore given for the Queen; and within two months of that period these troops have had the honour of being reviewed—and I think Her Majesty had great satisfaction in reviewing them—beneath the walls of Windsor Castle. I venture to think that the rapidity with which that operation was carried out is strong proof of the great skill, great energy, great zeal, and soldier-like qualities of the General in command of the troops. No doubt that General had an able and efficient Staff; but I think too much praise cannot be given to Sir Garnet Wolseley, when we consider the circumstances under which he was placed on his arrival at the Gold Coast—when we remember that on the 3rd of October, when he arrived to take the command of the forces then on the West Coast, he found himself at from 150 to 200 miles from the head-quarters of the enemy whom he had to reach; that he found himself separated from that enemy by an almost impenetrable bush; and found himself without roads of any description. From the 3rd of October up to the middle of November he was continually engaged with warlike tribes who opposed his advance; yet with no European forces but Sailors and Marines, he had so far conquered all opposition, that by the 25th of November he had driven the Ashantees back
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  beyond their own frontier of the Prah. When we recollect the circumstances, my Lords, I think we see in the proceeding a fitting commencement of operations afterwards so brilliantly executed. But, in addition, Sir Garnet Wolseley had before him a consideration which might have appalled a less daring man—that, unless all the operations were completed, and he could bring his men back before the middle of March, a pestilential climate and swollen rivers must prevent him from getting them back to the Coast. It is now a matter of history that he overcame all the difficulty, and conducted back his victorious troops before the fatal season.
  My Lords, as I have said, up to a certain period Sir Garnet Wolseley had only a small force of Sailors and Marines: but now comes the time when Her Majesty's troops from this country arrived upon the Coast. My Lords, so admirable were the preparations made by Sir Garnet Wolseley for the advance of the troops, that immediately on their arrival they were sent forward into the interior:—when they commenced their march through the bush they found a road cut and huts erected and depôts of provisions established along the line of march, so that they were able to fight their way on without being exposed to privations or to those disasters arising from want of provisions or from exposure to a pestilential atmosphere which would have been sure to await them but for those timely and effective preparations. When we remember the difficulties of transport in that country we shall greatly admire the arrangements made by the gallant General; because we see by a despatch from Commodore Hewitt how little reliance could be placed on the native Kings or Chiefs. The gallant commander called a number of them together and told thorn that unless they provided men to carry the supplies, the troops who had come out to fight their battles could not advance—yet, though they had promised faithfully that these should be ready, in one night no fewer than 900 of those baggage carriers deserted from their posts. It would be an oft-told tale were I to repeat particulars of the gallant exploits performed by our forces on every occasion when they have boon engaged in war; but I venture to think our gallant forces were nevermore

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  severely tried than during these operations. They had to encounter a foe of whose numbers they wore ignorant, only that they were fighting against odds of which they had no knowledge, and a foe who had a perfect knowledge of a country of which they were themselves perfectly ignorant; they had to force their way through an almost impenetrable bush, exposed to perils of an almost deadly climate. Nothing but perfect discipline and that confidence which British troops always repose in their leaders could have enabled the Soldiers, Marines, and Sailors to go through what they did on this expedition. My Lords, I think it is matter of satisfaction that in those operations representatives of all our war forces, with the exception only of the cavalry, took a part, and that the Marines and the Sailors fought as well on shore as if they had been fighting on board ship.
  And here, my Lords, I think it due to those Services, to recognize that their services did not commence only when Sir Garnet Wolseley arrived to take the command. So far back as the month of June very gallant and important services were performed by the Sailors and Marines in repelling the enemy and defending the fort of Elmina; and I think I should not be doing justice to the gallant officers and men of that Service unless I mentioned briefly some of the services they rendered. Your Lordships are aware of the services of Colonel Festing; but as that gallant officer commanded in the engagements which preceded the arrival of Sir Garnet Wolseley, he cannot express the opinion of his own deeds which we know they merit; but no one can road his despatches without realizing the fact that the greatest possible thanks and praise are due to him and those who acted under him. But Colonel Festing can and does speak of those who supported him, and I ask your Lordships' permission to road a passage in one of his despatches which refers to a naval officer, the appearance of whose father (Lord Cottesloe) as a Member of your Lordships' House we have all hailed with much pleasure. From the 4th of January down to November, the Marines and Seamen of the Navy were engaged under Colonel Festing. Captain Fremantle was the senior naval officer on the station, and Colonel Festing thus speaks of him—
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  "From the moment we took the field, and any of his own men were landed, Captain Fremantle, R.N., without any hesitation, most unreservedly placed them under my orders, at the same time coming himself and adding his valuable services; this stop put matters on a good footing and allowed of no divided directions."
  Again, my Lords, Colonel Festing expresses his thanks in those terms—
  "I beg leave to express my best thanks to Captain Fremantle and to his officers and men for the great assistance they have rendered in those engagements, and may I venture to add say admiration of the personal gallantry displayed by him when cheering on his men within pistol-shot of the enemy?"
  My Lords, I need say no more as to the Sailors and the Marines. I think they fully maintained their ancient prestige and that the latter justified their motto, Per mare, per terram. When we come to the Land Forces we have to deal with three most distinguished regiments of Her Majesty's Service—the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the 42nd Highlanders, and the 2nd Battalion of the Rifle Brigade. Your Lordships will be satisfied by the mention of such names that the honour of this country was in safe keeping. Having thus done justice to the European troops, I should be unwilling to pass over the service of the Native troops, and of the gallant officers by whom they were raised and organized;—and while referring to the latter I cannot omit to mention Captain Glover. My Lords, it may not be generally known that this gallant officer has served in all parts of the globe since about the year 1841. In 1863, he was appointed Administrator on the Gold Coast, and he remained there from that time. He organized the Native force known as the Houssas, and I believe he is best known in that country as "the Father of the Houssas." In 1873, he offered his services in this affair with the Ashantees, and they were accepted by the noble Earl the late Secretary for the Colonies. Captain Glover set about raising a force specially for the expedition, and in the course of three months did got together about 20,000 of the Natives. But unfortunately it turned out that he was dealing with a class of men who could not be relied on as soldiers. When he commanded them to advance into the enemy's country they distinctly and decidedly declined to obey, and he was left with a force consisting of only 700 of his own Houssas. But,

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  though finding himself in such an embarrassing predicament, he did not hesitate to lead on his 700 faithful followers and between the place whence they started and Coomassie, they engaged several fighting parties of the enemy—some of them, tribes who attacked him with much larger numbers—but he defeated them all and reached Coomassie about the time it was taken by the force under Sir Garnet Wolseley, but there can be no doubt that the way in which he had shown himself on the advance to that town, and his arrival at that juncture, had very considerable influence on the King in his dealings with Sir Garnet Wolseley. Whether that were so or not, there can be no doubt that Captain Glover did good service in this war.
  My Lords, it is impossible to name all the officers who distinguished themselves, and it seems invidious to make a selection, where all have vied with each other in the gallantry and devotion of their conduct, but perhaps I may be pardoned if I allude to a noble Lord who is a Member of your Lordships' House and also a relative of my own (Lord Gifford), and who exhibited much skill, zeal, and intelligence in leading a very useful body of scouts. He is a very young officer, and was without any very great experience in the field. I cannot, then, conceive a more difficult position than he must have found himself in, when leading through a country of that kind those irregular forces and doing such good service.
  Having, my Lords, alluded to the various points which afford us cause for so much satisfaction, I must come to that dark side of the picture which, even on occasions like the present, we cannot leave wholly out of view. I am sure I need not bespeak the sympathy of your Lordships for those afflicted persons who are now mourning the loss of some relative or attached friend whom they shall see no more. It may be that some of your Lordships had a relative or a friend who fell during those operations, or if you are more fortunate, it is but too certain that you are acquainted with those who have lost relatives and friends in this war. Young and ardent and full of the hope of distinguishing themselves, some have succumbed through fever or by the bullet of the enemy. Your Lordships regret their loss and sympathize
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  with their relatives and friends, but they are not less deserving of the gratitude of the nation.
  My Lords, I ask your Lordships to express a feeling of thankfulness for the great deeds achieved by your countrymen, who in Western Africa have maintained the glorious name that has ever signalized our forces in every quarter of the globe, under every combination of circumstances, and against every description of foe. The noble Duke concluded by moving the Resolutions.
  The Resolutions having been read by The LORD CHANCELLOR,
  EARL GRANVILLE: My Lords, I consider it one of the highest privileges of this House, and certainly one of the most agreeable, to co-operate with the Sovereign and the other House of Parliament in acknowledging on behalf of the country great services rendered by our military and naval forces whenever unfortunate necessity calls for their exertions; and it certainly is a great honour for any individual to be permitted to propose such a Vote of Thanks or take a part in proposing it, I have, therefore, great pleasure in seconding the Motion of the noble Duke. My Lords, probably owing to the very great liberty of discussion which happily prevails in this country, there is sometimes a danger, in talking of our military affairs, of indulging in exaggeration on the one side or the other—sometimes speaking in terms of decided and unfounded depreciation, and at other times in exaggerated terms of particular acts of our Army and Navy—as if the success of our arms were in fact a novelty. It is, therefore, a subject of special satisfaction that, in dealing with this question, my noble Friend the noble Duke, in his singularly lucid statement—in which I think he has given your Lordships a most skilful sketch of the campaign and the difficulties encountered by our forces—did not, as it appears to me, use a single word going beyond the merits of of those engaged in it. With regard to Sir Garnet Wolseley, I believe your Lordships will agree with what has fallen from the noble Duke. It was the simple and naked troth. The noble Duke spoke of one peculiarity of the gallant General's conduct of the affair—namely, the rapidity and promptness with which it was carried out. Your Lordships are

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  aware that when Sir Garnet Wolseley was asked and willingly consented to go to the Gold Coast he gave up a high office in this country to undertake a command in which there was no great hope of his acquiring additional distinction; but it did afford him the opportunity of again displaying the peculiar qualities which he has more than once exhibited. It is only four years ago, in July, 1870, that Sir Garnet Wolseley consented to lead an expedition of some 1,100 colonial troops to the Red River. He then had one of the most difficult tasks to perform which possibly could have fallen to the lot of an officer, and celerity was then as important an element in what he had to do as it was during the late campaign. In the one case he had to insure that his army should not be detained by the snows of the North; in the other, he had to provide against the sultry heats of a West African climate. He succeeded then as signally as he has succeeded now. There was one word used by the noble Duke in his address which does not appear in the terms of the Resolution, and which seems to me to have a singular significance. It is the word "foresight." I think foresight had more to do with what Sir Garnet Wolseley accomplished in both these expeditions than even the skill and gallantry with which his plans were carried out. I have never known a case in which a campaign was so completely planned from the beginning, and carried to a successful end by the General who conceived it. My Lords, I believe it was the knowledge of those great qualities of Sir Garnet Wolseley which created so strong and general a desire on the part of the officers to be engaged with him in this Ashantee War—which of itself had no temptation for soldiers, and in which no great military reputation was to be gained—I believe the sole inducements were the interest they took in their profession, and the confidence felt in the man who was to have the command. With regard to the conduct of those officers, in respect of which the noble Duke has so well expressed himself, I shall only say that, whether we regard them as volunteers, or consider the way in which they performed the parts allotted to them, it would be impossible to say too much. The whole conduct of the British officers was admirable. With regard to the Navy and
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  the Marines, the noble Duke referred to the way in which they fought on land. I think, my Lords, there is an esprit de corps which makes them anxious to show that they can fight as well by land as by sea, and therefore, my Lords, I think we ought not to forget—and this is applicable to both arms—the excellent cordiality and co-operation of the two services. My Lords, with regard to the non-commissioned officers and privates, I think not one word too much can be said. It is true that this cannot be regarded as a great war—one in which our troops would have had to meet a civilized and well organized army; but I am not sure whether it did not afford even a stronger test of the qualities of the men engaged. Discipline and endurance they were sure to display; but I am not certain whether the sort of fighting required in this warfare is not the greatest test of each individual man. Very rarely indeed have regular troops been successful in bush-fighting. Such was the character of the fighting in this case. Hardly ever in sight of their officers, hardly seeing more than one or two of their comrades by their side, hardly able to see the enemy they were attacking, it did require great confidence in their officers and great self-reliance and courage to perform what our men did. I was glad to hear the compliment which the noble Duke paid to Captain Glover, and also his allusion to a noble and gallant officer. It is difficult to select names where all did so well; but there is another officer whom in justice to the Indian Army we must remember—I allude to Captain Sartorius. My Lords, it is impossible for me not to say one word on the melancholy topic to which the noble Duke alluded. I do not know a case in which it is more difficult to say anything which can afford consolation to those who are mourning relatives or friends; but it is, at least, some consolation to the country to feel that the loss was smaller than, owing to the unhealthy nature of the climate, any of us could have ventured to anticipate. There is another consideration, also, that in great wars the mortality is so great that the individual loss is not so marked in the public mind; but in this case I doubt whether in England, Scotland, or Ireland, there is anyone who is not aware of the names of those who have fallen in this short and successful campaign

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  and of their services; and we have also the consolation of knowing that, by the foresight of Sir Garnet Wolseley and of the authorities at home, all the resources of surgical skill, and all that good nursing and nourishment could supply to alleviate their sufferings, was provided for those who were sick or wounded. My Lords, I have not the slightest doubt that your Lordships will give the additional value of unanimity to the Vote of Thanks proposed by the noble Duke.
  THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE: My Lords, though I do not doubt for a moment that, in the words of my noble Friend who has just addressed your Lordships, this Douse will pass with unanimity the Vote proposed in such admirable terms by my Friend the noble Duke, still, I may be permitted to add a word, in order that, as head of the Army, I may express my sense of the manner in which this operation—small though it may be called, but yet important—has been performed by the gallant General and troops whom Her Majesty this morning honoured by reviewing them. My Lords, I said this war was a small one, and so it was, so far as the numbers engaged; but the difficulties were as great, if not greater, than in the case of a large army placed in the field. Everything had to be Learnt by the General and his troops. You may call it an unknown country. I believe that not a road laid down in any map was correct; the distances were not known; everything had to be explored; and within the short period of three months all the white troops must be brought on the land and got off again, because the climate was such as would in a few months kill any white man who remained there; and that was a circumstance of which the enemy would be sure to take advantage. All those obstacles were overcome, and the gallant General and his troops have proved to this country and the world that British troops can go anywhere if only they have reliance on the spirit of their officers—which was the case on this occasion, which has been the ease on all occasions, and which I am satisfied will always be the case as long as the same high spirit exists among us. I know it has been said that the spirit of the nation is no longer what it was. I rejoice to think that there is no ground for that
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  assertion—this expedition has shown that the spirit of the nation is exactly what it always has been; and as to the Army, the only difficulties the authorities had was to know how to choose the few officers required from the large number who came forward—men in the enjoyment of health, and of position in society—who were anxious to do their duty by their country, and show themselves worthy of the Services to which they belong. I can answer for it that in the applications to go to the Gold Coast we had the greatest difficulty to know whom to select to go and whom to keep quiet at home. So far as regards the anxiety of officers. As regards the troops, they went with cheers to an arduous, a dangerous, and a deadly undertaking. They wore only delighted to be sent, and they went with that spirit which carried them to Coomassie, and has brought thorn back in triumph within so short a time. The noble Duke (the Lord President) alluded to the cordial feelings which existed between the Naval and Military Forces. It so happened that the contest commenced at a period when it was impossible for Europeans to remain on the coast except for a few hours at a time, and therefore there was no alternative but to leave the first brush to the Marines. We had the advantage of having there a most distinguished officer, Colonel Festing. No man could have performed his duties more admirably. I rejoiced when I heard the tribute borne by ray noble Friend the noble Duke to Captain Fremantle, who, owing to the illness of Commodore Commerell, was the senior Naval Officer, and who so readily gave up his command in order that Colonel Festing should have the control of the whole force that was then upon the Coast. It was during that period the Royal Marines and the Sailors of the Navy were engaged, and performed their duty so well. I think, my Lords, I ought not to omit to mention the services of the 1st and 2nd West India Regiments, who performed efficient service during this campaign, though the circumstances in which they were placed prevented them from receiving the same distinction as the others have done today. The conduct of these troops was admirable. But there were others of the Native Forces that were unfaithful, and who left their officers to their own resources. My Lords, when Sir Garnet

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  Wolseley went to the Gold Coast, accompanied by the officers who went out with him, there was this further difficulty—that several of those gallant gentlemen were employed in raising Native levies, and were left very much to themselves. The unsatisfactory nature of this duty is shown by the case of Captain Glover, who, after raising a force of 20,000 men, was left with his 700 Houssas. Those officers really had a most difficult task. They wore sent to raise the Native tribes on the Coast, and it is not surprising that they could not perform the same service with these materials as they might have done had they had their own troops to command. Every sort of promise was made to them; but those promises were forgotten, and they were left to take care of themselves. One of these officers, Captain Butler, has returned in bad health, I believe, but I hope he may soon be sufficiently restored to reap the reward to which he is fully entitled. Those gallant officers acquitted themselves well of the task assigned to them. The falling away of his Black levies did not prevent Captain Glover from completing the part in the operations that Sir Garnet Wolseley had assigned to him, and it is impossible not to see that not only must the movement of Captain Glover have had a very great moral effect, but that the efforts of other officers who with their troops were not actually present at the taking of Coomassie very materially contributed to the result finally obtained by the expedition. I can only say, that so long as that spirit continues that now animates our Army and Navy it will be impossible to be otherwise than proud of our country. The sentiment which filled the minds of the troops was that of perfect confidence in their officers:—And why? Because they know that their officers had a thorough knowledge of their duties—that they knew how to control their men—that they would be well treated—that everything would be done not only to ensure success but to provide for their personal welfare and comfort. Now, so long as English gentlemen lead English soldiers, so long will the feelings of the British Army and Navy be sound to the core. It is the foundation of good professional service. I wish, my Lords, to mention that the distinguished Regiments which were sent out from this country—the 23rd Welsh Fusiliers, the
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  42nd Highlanders, and the 2nd Battalion of the Rifle Brigade—were not selected for the duty—they were sent out because they were the first three on the roster. It would have been a great indecorum of my noble Friend (Viscount Cardwell) or myself if either of us had selected them, for our land and sea forces are so constituted that those troops who stand first for service are as reliable as any troops we could have selected. Those three regiments were sent because they were the first three for service, and I am certain that if three regiments that had not had the good fortune to be so distinguished in every part of the globe had been sent out on this occasion, the same excellent performance of duty would have been seen; but it did so happen that the regiments despatched for this service were regiments that had done good service and had distinguished themselves in every quarter of the globe. I am sure, my Lords, that the position of some of the officers who were not able to get to the front must have been of a painful kind, because in the front, excitement keeps up men's spirits, and they do not feel what they have to go through—yet those troops that were not lauded, or were kept behind, maintained their discipline and morale as perfectly as if they had been kept at home. My Lords, we must all be pleased to see so many of those who went out, back among us and looking so well. I was down at Windsor to-day, and assure any of your Lordships who were not there that it would have done your hearts good to see the three distinguished regiments to which we have been referring. I assure your Lordships that at this moment they look so fit for service that I should not hesitate to set sail with them to any place to which the country might wish to send us. I must say that as long as the composition of the Army is such as that of the battalions that paraded before Her Majesty this morning, Her Majesty will be well and faithfully served—the country may justly be proud of our naval and military forces, and your Lordships will never repent having voted to them the Thanks of this House. With regard to Sir Garnet Wolseley, no doubt he is a most fortunate man, and I believe he would be the first to admit it. He is fortunate in having had opportunities of distinguishing himself, but he has always availed himself of those opportunities,

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  and shown the true spirit and instincts of a soldier. I hope I may be permitted to say that he himself told me when he came home that there was not a single thing he had required for the use of the troops which had not been liberally placed at his disposal. My Lords, I feel certain that the greatest liberality is the greatest economy in such a case, and I am sure that this House will participate with the other House of Parliament in expressing approval at the way in which the Expedition has been conducted, and satisfaction at the successful return of our gallant troops.
  Motion agreed to.
  Resolved, nemine dissentiente, That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General Sir Garnet J. Wolseley, Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, for the exemplary skill with which he planned and the distinguished courage, energy, and perseverance with which he conducted the recent Expedition into Ashantee, resulting in the expulsion of the enemy's army from the British Protectorate, the defeat by Her Majesty's Forces of the Army of the King of Ashantee, and the capture and destruction of Coomassie:
  Resolved, nemine dissentiente, That the Thanks of this House be given to—
  Commodore John E Commerell, Royal Navy, Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Victoria Cross.
  Commodore William N. W. Hewett, Royal Navy, Victoria Cross.
  Captain the Honourable Edmund K. Fremantle. Royal Navy, who was in temporary command of the Squadron, and
  Colonel Francis W. Festing, Royal Marine Artillery, who was in temporary command of the Troops on the Gold Coast,
  for the distinguished gallantry, indefatigable zeal, and great ability which they displayed in conducting the Operations on the Gold Coast, and to all the above Officers for the cordial co-operation which they afforded to Her Majesty's Land Forces:
  Resolved, nemine dissentiente, That the Thanks of this House be given to Brigadier-General Sir Archibald Alison, Baronet, Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, and to all the other Officers of the Navy, Army, and Royal Marines who have taken part in the Operations on the Gold Coast and the Expedition to Ashantee, for the energy, gallantry, and ability with which they have executed the various services which they have been called on to perform in a most unhealthy climate:
  Resolved, nomine dissentiente, That this House doth highly acknowledge and approve the discipline, gallantry, and endurance displayed by the Petty Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Men of the Navy, Army, and Marines, whether employed in the front, on the line of communications, in reserve on land, or off the
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  coast, and that the same be signified to them by their respective Commanding Officers:
  Resolved, nemine dissentiente, That the Thanks of this House be given to Commander John Hawley Glover, Royal Navy, for the energy, courage, and ability with which as Her Majesty's Special Commissioner to the Eastern Tribes of the Gold Coast, and with the aid of other gallant Officers of the Army and Navy, he led a considerable Native force from the River Volta to Coomassie, thereby largely conducing to the success of the main operations under the Major-General commanding:
  Resolved, nemine dissentiente, That this House acknowledges with admiration the distinguished valour and conduct of those who have perished during the operations against the Ashantees in the service of their Country, and desires to express its deep sympathy with their relatives and friends: (The Lord President).
  Ordered, That the Lord Chancellor do communicate the said Resolutions to Major-General Sir Garnet J. Wolseley, and that he be requested by the Lord Chancellor to signify the same to Commodore John E. Commercll, Commodore William N. W. Hewett, Captain the Honourable Edmund R. Fremantle, Colonel Francis W. Festing, Brigadier-General Sir Archibald Alison, and Commander John Hawley Glover, and to the several Officers of the Navy, Army, and Royal Marines who served in the said Expedition.

THE GOLD COAST—FUTURE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT.

  QUESTION.
  EARL GREYsaid, he understood it was the intention of the noble Earl the Secretary for the Colonies to make a statement as to the intention of the Government with respect to the Gold Coast, and he wished to ask the noble Earl, Whether he was now prepared to make that statement?
  THE EARL OF CARNARVON: I think the noble Earl (Earl Grey) must have somewhat misunderstood me in a conversation I had with him. I think your Lordships will agree with me that this is not the time to make such a statement as the noble Earl seems to anticipate—an exposition of the intentions of Her Majesty's Government as to our future policy on the Gold Coast. Before we arrive at a conclusion on so serious a subject, there are many views to be taken and many considerations to be weighed; and from time to time, even within the last few days, information has been coming which makes me feel how very imprudent it would be to state to the House the intentions of Her Majesty's Government on so serious a question. But I may make a short statement

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  of the present position and of the measures adopted for what may be called the provisional government of the Gold Coast. It may be convenient to the House that that statement should be made, and I am so far glad that my noble Friend has asked this Question. There is this further reason, perhaps, for stating nothing positively at this moment—that the Treaty which it was one of the main objects of Sir Garnet Wolseley to obtain from the King of Askantee is not yet signed. When that signature will be given, and the Treaty completed, it is, of course, impossible to say. Africans, under any circumstances, are slow in action; they do not consider the value of time, and, therefore, I attach, perhaps, less weight to it than I should to similar action on the part of civilized Powers. If I remember rightly, it took the King something like five years after the first great war of 1826 before he could finally make up his mind to sign the Treaty, which is almost the only one now in existence regulating our relations with the Ashautees. It must also be borne in mind that the whole civil life of the Settlement is in abeyance. Though the war is concluded, the civil life of the colony has hardly recommenced, and till that commences it is impossible to speak with any precision or certainty as to the future. I may, however, state, as regards the number and disposition of the troops on the Gold Coast, that, so far as we can judge, they are amply sufficient to provide means of defence. The 2nd West India Regiment was under orders to sail, and has probably left the coast. The 1st West India Regiment is detained there for the present, but only provisionally, until matters can be hold to be in a settled condition. The total strength of that regiment is 550, of whom 150 will proceed to Sierra Leone: so that the total force which will be available will be 100 men. In addition to that there are about 600 armed police, who will be scattered on various parts of the coast and inland stations, with a view of maintaining order and securing the peace of the district. I may take the opportunity of observing that the detachment stationed by Sir Garnet Wolseley—I think very prudently and discreetly—half way between the Prah and the coast, and at a point on that river itself, will keep open those paths where the Ashantee traders come
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  down from the interior to trade, the closing of which has often been the subject of great and, I believe, legitimate complaint, and where they have suffered serious molestation, amounting sometimes even to murder. Other detachments will keep open the mouth of the rivers—the Volta and the Adda—and regulate our relations with those refractory and rather lawless tribes on the eastern part of the Protectorate, who have given so much trouble, and might easily be inclined to do so again if they had the opportunity. Under present circumstances, it is no doubt desirable that a military officer should be in command for some little time to come, or, at all events, that the officer governing the Settlement should be a military man. It is rather sad to say; but Sir Garnet Wolseley offered this post to no less than four officers in succession, who thought themselves obliged, under the circumstances, to decline it. At last, Colonel Maxwell, of the 2nd West India Regiment, undertook the charge; but I regret to say that his state of health has rendered it necessary for him to come home, and the administration will, for the present, be placed in the hands of a distinguished officer on that coast (Captain Deedes), who has been Administrator once before, and is Collector of Customs at Lagos. It is obvious that no good government can exist unless there be an adequate revenue, and, of course, affairs on the Gold Coast have undergone during the last 12 months so complete a dislocation and disturbance that the financial well-being of the colony might be presumed to be equally disturbed. Such, however, docs not appear to be the case. There has for many years been a steady rise in the revenue of the settlement; and even in this year of disturbance there seems every probability that the revenue will show a considerable surplus over the expenditure. The figures are so striking that I may, perhaps, be allowed to mention them. In 1862, the total revenue of the Gold Coast was very little above £9,000; five years after it had only increased to £10,800; but in the following year it was £18,000, the next year £24,000, and the next £30,000, while in 1871 it was very nearly £20,000, and in 1872, £40,000—having more than quadrupled in ten years. This last year, in spite of exceptional disturbances, it was estimated to produce something like

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  £52,000, while the expenditure is set down at about £40,000. The exports and imports tell very much the same tale. The imports in 1862 were of the value of £145,000, and in 1872 they had nearly doubled, being £260,000. The exports in 1862 were £100,000, and in 1872, £385,000, having nearly quadrupled. My belief is that there is considerable power on that Coast to enlarge the revenue; and it must be borne in mind that the uniform duty which it was the object of the noble Earl opposite (Earl Granville) to produce when the transfer of the Dutch forts was made ought to produce a very much larger sum in years to conic than at present, when it has hardly had time to be brought into play. These are the main points which it is necessary at present to lay before the House. I am sure your Lordships will not expect me to state at this moment the future intentions of the Government as to the Gold Coast. It is a matter requiring the greatest consideration. On the one hand there are doubtful gains, the chances of wars like this, I he terrible loss of life, the fatal character of the climate; on the other hand, there are obligations which cannot be wholly overlooked; and the question is, how far all these things can be reconciled into a harmonious and consistent system of government, under which you might maintain what interests you have on the Coast, exercise what duties you have, and, above all, put yourselves in a position to see your responsibilities and liabilities, whatever they may be, in a clearer light than has been the case for many years. Whatever may be the ultimate result, that is a point which I shall desire to keep in view—namely, to define a little more carefully our relations with the different tribes, the nature of our obligations to them, and our moral liabilities. The information from time to time coming in, may modify many of our conclusions, but meanwhile we require time to consider carefully and dispassionately the different questions which will naturally arise in connection with this matter.
  THE EARL of LAUDERDALEwas sorry to find that our force on the Coast had been reduced to nearly the same number as before the war began. In his opinion a considerable naval force and the West India regiments should I have been left until some sort of settled
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  government had been formed in the Protected Settlements.
  THE EARL OF CARNARVONsaid, his noble Friend had misunderstood him. What he said was that 400 men would be stationed at different points; and that, in addition, there would be 600 armed police—making a total of 1,000 men.
  THE EARL OF LAUDERDALEwas glad to hear that statement. There should be on the Coast a considerable force until the Native tribes were induced to form that federation which had been attempted before the war, but which was mismanaged and fell to the ground. He wished to state that the Fantee men were the greatest cowards on the face of the earth, but that the Fantee women had come forward and supported the British forces in such a way as that but for them it would have been difficult to reach Coomassie. He hoped that the Government would let those women know that we were aware of the great service they had done. They carried a large portion of the ammunition and provisions for the troops; and at the commencement of the war they sold their gold ornaments, and subscribed money to buy powder and lead.
  EARL GREYexpressed a hope that before the close of the Session the noble Earl (the Earl of Carnarvon) would take an opportunity of bringing clearly before the House the policy Her Majesty's Government intended to pursue with respect to the Cold Coast Settlements, and that their Lordships would also be afforded an opportunity of considering how it was that the war had been brought upon us. It could not but be satisfactory to their Lordships' House and to the country that an understanding should be arrived at both with respect to the future and also in reference to the circumstances out of which the war had originated.
  House adjourned at half-vast Six o'clock, to Tuesday the 14th of April next, at half-past Four o'clock.