VISCOUNT ENFIELDThere have been some unfavourable rumours about the intention of the Government in regard to the Vote of Thanks to the Army in the Soudan; but it is generally advisable to assume that those with whom we have the honour to act are likely to act in a just and generous spirit whenever the Army and Navy are concerned. Considering the deep admiration, and respect we all entertain for the gallant services of the Army and Navy, it would be presumptuous on my part to allude to the campaign which has just passed—a campaign which has brought out the conspicuous gallantry of our troops. I will, therefore, content my self with asking Her Majesty's Government, If they can state when they propose moving a Vote of Thanks to the officers and men of Her Majesty's Sea and Land Forces who had taken so distinguished a part in the recent campaign near Suakin?
§ LORD STANLEY OF ALDERLEYsaid, that it had always been understood that the noble Viscount (Viscount Enfield) was a firm supporter of Her Majesty's Ministers; and he (Lord Stanley of Alderley) was at a loss to understand why he put this Question, which might be embarrassing to them. The noble Viscount seemed to make no distinction between hostilities carried on in defence 1294 of the safety or honour of the country, and these at Suakin, for which there was no justification or reason. Did the noble Viscount ask for a Vote of Thanks for Admiral Hewett for his Proclamation, which had brought so much discredit on the country? He (Lord Stanley of Alderley) felt bound to say that Admiral Hewett had shown all the frankness of the Naval Profession in withdrawing this Proclamation, and in undoing the mischief he had done, as far as that was possible. No reason had been given for these hostilities. He would not do the Government the injustice to suppose that they were for show-off, and to prove that our troops, with all the resources of civilization, could beat men armed with rudimentary weapons, such as swords and spears. It was not to open the road to Berber, since, after these victories, the Government had refused to send on any Cavalry to Berber. It must have been to seize upon Osman Digna. Osman Digna had written a remarkable letter, which showed that he had much knowledge of the internal state of England, and of the fact that a leading portion of the Government had adopted and supported an Atheist openly professing Atheism on all occasions. He would quote the judgment of Milton on similar hostilities. Milton speaks of the Syrian King—
Who, to surprise one man, assassin-like, had levied war, War unproclaimed.He would always object to Votes of Thanks for hostilities that were piratical.
THE EARL OF MORLEYIn reply to the noble Lord opposite (Lord Stanley of Alderley), I confess I do not see what bearing his remarks have upon the conduct of the troops. In respect to the Question put by my noble Friend behind me (Viscount Enfield), I have to say that Her Majesty's Government have most carefully inquired into and considered the precedents bearing on the point. The decision, whether the Thanks of Parliament should be given, or not, to troops engaged in military operations, does not appear to have depended entirely either on the success of the campaign, or on the severity of the fighting which has occurred. I can assure your Lordships that Her Majesty's Government, and, I am sure, Parliament also, most entirely appreciate the ability displayed by both General Graham and 1295 Admiral Hewett in the conduct of the recent operations, and also the great courage and conspicuous gallantry displayed by the troops themselves, and also the sailors who co-operated with them under circumstances which were quite sufficient to try the steadiness and gallantry of any troops. Parliament will also thoroughly appreciate the success which has attended both the ability of the Commanders and the gallantry of the troops. It will be a subject of great regret if the answer I am about to give were to imply any doubt or hesitation on that point; but the Government feel that to move a Vote of Thanks to those engaged in an undertaking which cannot be considered an independent operation, but rather as an incident in the Occupation of Egypt, would give an extension to the practice of voting Thanks which the Government do not think desirable. I may add that the question of the rewards to be conferred on the officers and men engaged is still under the consideration of the military authorities, and the result will shortly be announced.