In the House of Commons last night one of the
earliest incidents was the administration of the oath to Mr. Cobden, who took his seat for Rochdale. He sat behind the Treasury bench.
Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT gave notice that on Monday he will move the reappointment of the Committee on Military Organization. In reply to Sir JoHN SHELLY, Mr. HERBERT also said that the Government pro- posed to accept the rifle corps on certain conditions. First, that a safe and sufficient range existed in which they might prac- tice. In order to secure this, it was proposed that a military officer should be sent down to examine the bounds. He thought it must be obvious that without such a precaution any corps would be useless for practice. The se- cond condition was, that the arms should be in safe custody ; third, that the rules should be sanctioned by the Secretary of State for War; and fourth, that the corps should be under military inspection. Upon these conditions being fulfilled, the Government would supply a certain proportion of arms. It was not necessary that every man should be armed. It was proposed to issue twenty-five per cent of rifles, so that one section would be always armed. Lord &olio asked whether those men might arm who pleased at their own expense. Mr. HERBERT said there would be no objection to an in- dividual purchasing an arm. Lord GALWAY asked what arm would be used. Mr. Mummer said the Enfield rifle of the pattern of 1853. Mr. OWEN STANLEY recurred to the ludicrous breach of privilege ques- tion which is coupled with the name and temptations of Mr..Gilpm. Explanations showed that the letters proffering bribes to Mr. Gilpm were written by a lady, said to be connected with a member of the late Govern- ment. Mr. GILPIN said he declined to give names. The whole thing is so ridiculous, that he was surprised any one should put questions to him an the subject.
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