There has been trouble with Lord Wolseley. The Ad- jutant-General
recently, at a dinner given to Sir John Pender, made some remarks implying that England was not safe in the event of invasion, and attributing her insecurity to government by party, "that curse of modern England," and which produced "the low and vicious standard of morality now uppermost in men's minds." Lord Salis- bury took these words to apply to the present Govern- ment, and on Friday week expressed his indignation, asking "what was to be thought of an Adjutant-General who spoke in that tone ?" and calling on Lord Wolseley, if he had charges to make, to make them in the Upper House, where he could be answered. The rebuke created much sensation, and it was thought that Lord Wolseley would resign ; but he took the much wiser course of explaining himself in the Lords on Monday. He adhered to his opinion as to the inadequate defence of the country, and as to its main cause ; but showed that his speech at the Pender dinner was a mere repetition of his published evidence before the Royal Commission on Defences, and earnestly disclaimed any idea of attacking her Majesty's Ministers. They had done more to remove defects in the Army than any recent Cabinet. As to producing his charges in the House of Lords, the Duke of Cambridge sat there, and it would be indecorous for him to differ publicly with his chief.
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