§ MR. MACDONALDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If he will state the name of the seaman recently tried on board the admiral's ship at Sheer-ness, and who was sentenced to two years' imprisonment with hard labour, and seven days in each month of that period in solitary confinement; if he will state whether he was an ordinary seaman or an A.B.; what was his repute prior to the present conviction; and, whether ever a sentence of equal 183 severity has been passed on any one since he entered the present office?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHThe seaman's name is Michael John Regan; his rating, ordinary seaman, 2nd class. His character during his three years' service has been unsatisfactory; only four months of this time has it been above "fair." He deserted in 1878, and has been punished altogether 15 times for various offences; and at the time he committed the offence for which he is now under sentence he was in the second class for conduct. Similar sentences have been passed during my tenure of Office.