MR. SULLIVANasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to the state in which the main body of the Royal Cumberland Militia marched through the streets of Carlisle on the 8th instant, when, according to the report in the "Carlisle Journal" of the 9th July, "several of the men had to be supported by their comrades," others fell to the ground, and were "escorted through the station door by two policemen," "one was so drunk that he lamed his hand, and had to be taken to the hospital besmeared with blood," while "others wandered about the station in such a bewildered state that they had almost to be dragged into the carriages;" and, whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
§ COLONEL STANLEY,in reply, said, that his attention had not been called to this statement until he saw the Question of the hon. and learned Member. The commanding officer of the district, however, appeared to have noticed the statement, and to have called for a Report, from which it was evident there had been considerable exaggeration in the account of what had occurred. The men had to assemble at Carlisle, where they received their clothing and equipment, and then they had to march to the railway station to proceed to Appleby. When they paraded at the castle in Carlisle the men were steady, though on the march some half dozen men, who might have had some drink, fell out, for the day was very hot. There was no delay, however, and the man who was taken to the hospital, having fallen over a stone and cut an artery, was able to proceed to the camp the same night. Under these circumstances, he was inclined to think no further steps need be taken in the case.