§ MAJOR ARBUTHNOTasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is intended to give Commissions in the Regular Army to all Officers who may have served two years in the Militia, and may apply for them, irrespective of age and date of entry into the Militia; if not, what is to be the limit of age at which such Officers will be eligible for first Commissions in the Regular Army; and, whether Officers so transferred will be subjected to an examination; and, if so, what will be the character of that examination?
§ MR. CARDWELLWhat I stated, Sir, was that a certain number of subalterns of Militia who had served for two years in the Militia regiments and had received favourable testimonials would be granted commissions in the Line. It was not contemplated that all officers who might have served two years in the Militia would receive them, but that the prospect would be an inducement to 1373 efficient service, and they would be subjected to an examination sufficiently strict to test their qualifications. As regards age, there is a distinction now in favour of those officers who come direct from a University, and a similar exception will be made for those who join from the Militia.
§ COLONEL WILSON PATTENasked by whom the examinations would be made?
§ MR. CARDWELLreplied by officers of the Army.
§ MAJOR ARBUTHNOTasked, whether it would be a military examination, or simply such an examination as would show the candidates had received a liberal education?
§ MR. CARDWELLI conclude they will have received a liberal education or they will not be recommended.