§ COLONEL BERESFORDasked the Secretary of State for War, What examination, if any, a subaltern of two years' service in the Militia will have to pass previously to receiving a commission in the Line; and whether he will be allowed to exchange from the Line into a Cavalry regiment?
§ MR. CARDWELLIt is proposed, Sir, that gentlemen who have served two years as subalterns in the Militia, and have given sufficient proofs of competency, shall receive a certain number of commissions without purchase in the Line. The Militia will be under the general superintendence of the general officers of the districts, assisted by colonels on the Staff, specially appointed, and reporting on the qualifications of the officers. It will remain for consideration what examination shall be required. Service in the Militia would seem to be a preparation for the infantry rather than for cavalry. If an officer desired to be permitted to exchange into the cavalry, he would have to prove separately his qualification for that arm of the service.