MR. SCOURFIELDasked the Secretary of State for War, If he would state to the House under what charge, under the denomination of discreditable conduct, was Lieutenant Robins, Senior Lieutenant of the 60th Rifles (and who had passed for promotion), placed under arrest on the 6th of June 1871, and removed from the Army after having been kept in arrest until the 22nd of March 1872, and refused a court martial though repeatedly applied for; and, whether he was not twice offered the price of' his Commission, which he declined, feeling that he had committed no act to justify his removal from the Army?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, the charge was disrespectful and insubordinate conduct towards his commanding officer. The Commander-in-Chief, Lord Napier of Magdala, ordered a Court of Inquiry, and, after reviewing its Report, considered Lieutenant Robins to be unfit to remain any longer in Her Majesty's service. He therefore recommended his removal, unless he should anticipate the decision by retiring with the sale of his commission. His Royal Highness confirmed the recommendation, giving him a further opportunity of retiring by sale. The time is explained by the time occupied by the inquiry and the necessity of the references to and from India. In order to save unnecessary delay, His Royal Highness's decision was conveyed by telegraph.