THE LORDS ON THE AFGHAN WAR.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 115, 22 January 1879, Page 3

THE LORDS ON THE AFGHAN WAR.

(From the ‘ New Zealand Times.’) In the house of Lords, in the debate on the Speech, Earl Granville complained of several omissions in the Queen’s Speech, particularly of the absence of any mention of the war in South Africa, which was viewed 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 is perfectly certain that the continual recurrence of such surprises will seriously weaken the foundations of the prerogative. Earl Lytton’s communication to to the Ameer of Afghanistan was harsh find indiscreet. He concluded ns 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 co-operate in the strongest manner with the House of Commons to make most ample j revision for the sake of our gallant troops. We trust the Government has not made fallacious estimates, under-rating the expenditure, as in the Abyssinian war. Lord Cranhrook declared that he accepted responsibility for hi? despatch and pointed out that Lord Granvi le, in 1873, declined to intimate to Russia that any aggression on Afghanistan would meet with British resistance. Earl Grey moved an amendment to the address, expressing regret that Parliament was not summoned a? soon as possible after war became probable. The Duke of Somerset cordially supported the prosecution of the war. The Marquis of Salisbury repelled the charges that he Lad deceived Parliament, denying there -had been any change of policy towards Afghanistan. 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 stated that the inspection of Cyprus by his colleagues surpassed all Government’s expectations, and it 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 afiect the Ministry individually, but hoped the House would decide to maintain the Empire, and not sanction a policy which mistakes timidity for wisdom. The amendment moved by Earl Grey was rejected, and the address was adopted on division. The Marquis of Harrington made a declaration similar to that of Lord Granville. He said the war having commenced, it was necessary for the security of India to conduct it vigorously. Gladstone spoke briefly, expressing a hope that the House would have more information before a vote of credit was asked. Sir Stafford Northcote denied that the Government had purposely picked a quarrel with the Ameer, or desired an extension of territory. The address was adopted by the House without division.