§ MAJOR DICKSONsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is his intention to abolish the rank of Cornet and Ensign, notwithstanding the promise made to the House on March 14th that this should not be done pending the Report of the Royal Commission now sitting to consider the Purchase System; and, if this is not intended, why the Circular, dated May 25th, 1870, fixing the Establishment of Subalterns of Infantry Regiments at fourteen Lieutenants and no Ensigns, has been addressed to Officers commanding Regiments?
§ MR. CARDWELL, in reply, said, he had not the smallest intention of departing from the declaration made by him on the 14th of March.