FLOGGING IN THE ARMY AND NAVY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 900, 22 September 1879, Page 2

FLOGGING IN THE ARMY AND NAVY.

After an almost unparalleled struggle the Army Discipline and Regulation Bill passed through Committee m the House of Commons. The "scenes" which have occurred during the passage of the measure have been numerous, and m some cases by no means edifying ; but the pertinacity of the opponents of the laah has, m effect, met its reward. It is felt by those who object to this mode of punishment that the introduction of the Bill afforded a fair opportunity for opening up the whole question, and accordingly it has been discussed on every available occasion and from every possible point of view, with the result, it is generally felt, that if flogging does not altogether disappear from the army and navy it will be a punishment seldom resorted to. The Marquis of Hartington, who has hitherto to some extent supported "the Government against the attacks of the Irish members and those of his own colleagues below the gangway, offered a compromise to make the lash a substitute for the death-penalty only, as he had supported its continuance under the idea that it was necessary to the maintenance of discipline ; but Government had already conceded so much that it seemed scarcely worth while to retain the remainder. The Secretary for War, however, insisted that Government had gone as far as they could m the way of concession, and would take their stand on schedule of punishments laid down. It is believed that the Liberal party have come to an understanding and that they will " vote straight," and it is also stated that pressure has been put upon several Conservative members by their constituents to record their votes m favour of the abolition of flogging, so that if no compromise can be arrived at the division is likely to be a close one. There can be no doubt that 'the feeling of the country is m favor of abolishing the lash altogether, but it is admitted by those who really, understand the subject that there are circumstances under which it is difficult to find an alternative punishment except death ; and, much as they may abhor flogging, English people would still less like to hear that a soldier had been shot for what might be a very serious breach of military discipline, although to non-military minds a comparatively slight offence.