GENERAL AIGIBURNHAM.
During the debate on the Address, the Marquis of CLANRIOARDE brought up the subject of General Ashbuinham, who after he had departed from this country to take the command in China, had been attacked in the Time*, by subordinate officers, with charges of incapacity and cowardice during the Sutiej campaign. Lord Clanricarde thought that retribution should be inflicted on the chief accuser, an officer whose name is said to be known, but which he preferred not to know.
Lord PA.:INURE joined in vindicating General Ashburnham and condemning the officers. The officer who anonymously traduces a brother officer is unfit to bear a commission, or to associate with his companions in the profession. Lord Panmure showed that the charge against General Ashburnham 'arose out of his having steadfastly refused to disobey orders ; and that he had been rewarded for his gallantry in the field. "But he did more than exhibit mere gallantry when opting against the enemy: In quarters, as well as in the field, he allowed himself well capable of serving his Sovereign. He converted one of the towns to which he was sent, from being one of the dirtiest and filthiest, into one of the best-regulated quarters. He did more—he cared for the health and won the affections of the troops that he commanded, more than almost any other officer in India. Convinced, therefore, of his professional experience, and of his capacity to superintend troops in hot climates, her Majesty's Government selected him for the command to which they have appointed him : in which command I know he will distinguish himself if an opportunity offer."
Earl GREY called upon Government to put down the system of newspaper criticism by subordinate officers, which would be fatal to rent discipline in the Army. The allusion to this subject called out the Earl of CARDIGAN on Friday, with approval of Lord Paninure's "good remarks " ; and with the suggestion, that when an officer publicly attaeks another, he should be compelled to prove his statements, or be dismissed the service. Lord PA.NMURE believed it beat to treat anonymous charges with
contempt; but if Lord Cardigan wished to take any steps in the matter of the attacks on himself; he would afford him every assistance in his power to bring the libellers to justice.
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