§ COLONEL C. LINDSAYasked the Secretary of State for War, How many men have enlisted in the Army since the last Return given by him on the 16th of February; how many have enlisted for long service, and how many for short service since that time, and how many have been accepted out of the total number enlisted since that time; and, what is the minimum measurement round the chest below which a recruit would not be accepted; also what is the minimum standard for recruits at the present moment, and what is the lowest age at which a recruit is eligible for enlistment?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, the number actually taken on the strength of the Regiments from February 1 to April 30, is 7,116; enlisted between January 28 and April 29 (long service), 6,673; from weekly Recruiting Return (short service), 1,329—total 8,002; estimated from April 30 to May 20, 1,100—total 9,102. Minimum chest measurement, 33 inches; minimum height in districts—if 19 years of age, 5 feet 4½ inches; if less, 5 feet 5 inches. Lowest age, 17 years.