There was a debate on Monday in the Lords on
a very important question—the liability of Volunteers to be called out to put down internal disorder. There is no question that they cannot be called out as Volunteers, that is admitted on all hands. But are they not liable to be called out as special constables, and may they not then use their arms and organization ? Lord C helms- ford thinks they may, but Earl de Grey and Lord Russell thought it would be inexpedient so to use them, and Earl Grey wanted a law under which they might be called out on emergency. The Volunteers themselves object strongly to acting against their countrymen, and it would seem that the most expedient course is to forbid their being summoned. Whenever the occasion is grave enough for their services, the Secretary at War can give the order and take his bill of indemnity. He is quite sure to be supported against Fenians.
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