THE AFGHAN WAR.

Bruce Herald, Volume XI, Issue 1080, 21 January 1879, Page 7

THE AFGHAN WAR.

[Bt Telegbaph, fbgm Auckland.] The following is the Queen's Speech, delivered on the occasion of the opening of Parliament to . cousider the Afghan question :— " My Lords and Gentlemen — I regret I have been obliged to call for your attendance at an unusual and probably to most of you inconvenient season. The hostility towards my Indian Government manifested by the Ameer of Afghanistan, and the manner in which he repulsed my friendly mission, left me no alternative but to make a peremptory demand for redress. This demand having been disregarded, I have directed an . expedition to be sont into his territory, and hare taken the earliest opportunity of calling you together and making to you the communication required by law. I have directed that the papers on the subject shall be laid before you. I receive from all foreign States an assurance of their friendly feelings, and I have every reason to believe that arrangements for the pacification of Europe, made by the treaty of Berlin, will be successfully carried into effect. Gentlemen of the House of Commons — The estimates for the ensuing year are in course of preparation, and will in due time be submitted tojou. My Lords and Gentlemen — J propose that after lull deliberation up<m' matters which have led me to anticipate your usual time of meeting, >nd after suitable receps, you should proceed to the consideration of various measures for the public benefit which wi 1 then be laid before you. I^onfideutly commit to your wisdom the great interest of my Empire, and I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend your couusels." In the House of Loids, in debate on the Speech, Earl Grany.lle complained of several omissions in the Queen's Speech, particularly the absence of any mention of war in the south of Africa, which was received with, great anxiety by those best acquainted with the colony. Nobody doubted the absolute prerogative of the Crown to make war or peace; but it was perfectly certain that the continual recurrence of such surprises would seriously weaken the foundations of the prerogative! Earl Lytton's communica. tion to the Ameer of Afghanistan were harsh and indiscreet. He concluded as follows :— " However unnecessary war may have been, however much we may be convinced that you have completely played into the hands of our great rival, we urge this House to cooperate in the strongest manner with the House of Commons to make the most ample provision for the sake cf our gallant troops. We trust the Government has not made fallacious estimates in underrating the expenditure, as in the Abyssinian war." Lord Cranbrook declared that he accepted responsibility for his despatch, pointed out that Lord Granville, in 1873, declined to intimate to Russia that any aggression on 'Afghanistan would meet with British resistance. Earl Beaconsfield then addressed the House. He criticised the attitude of the Opposition, and challenged them to attack directly the justice and policy of the war. He stnted that the inspection of Cyprus by his colleagues showed that the island has surpassed ail Government expectation, and would soon be recognised as one of the most influential positions in the British dominions- In conclusion he said the Government were prepared to meet Parliament's decision, however it might affect the ministry individually ; but he hoped the House would decide to. maintain the Empire, and not sanction the policy which mistakes timidity for wisdom. j The amendment moved by Earl Grey .was rej«c; ed, and the address. adopted without a division. The Marquis of Hartington, in the House of Commons, made a declaration similar to rthat of Lord Qranviile. He Raid the war having been commenced, it was necessary, for the security of India, to conduct it vigorously. Mr Gladstone spoke briefly, expressing the hope that the House would have more information before a vote of credid was asked. Sir Stafford Northeote denied that the Government had purposely picked a quarrel with the Ameer, or desired an extension of territory. The Address was ad op^d by the Houm without a division.