§ MR. W. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for War, When he intends to introduce the Mutiny Bill; and if he will omit or alter the Clause usually inserted which provides that no soldier can be compelled to maintain any relation or child, or pay for the support of any illegitimate child?
§ MR. CARDWELL,in reply, said, that the Mutiny Bill was always introduced by Order of the House as soon as the Resolution as to the number of men was reported to and accepted by the House. He stated on Monday that he intended to omit altogether the obnoxious provision in Clause 40 relating to the maintenance of illegitimate children, and to substitute for it such precautions as the possible absence of the soldier on service might render necessary, in order to guard against either an oppressive or a collusive exercise of the power of' proceeding against him.