§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Notice inviting candidates for service in Bechuanaland to call at 8, New Coventry Street, Leicester Square, was authentic; for what period, and on what terms, young gentlemen were being enlisted for this service; and, whether any expectation of land grants was held out to them?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe state of the case is this:—Sir Charles Warren has been commissioned by Her Majesty's Government to raise an irregular force in South Africa for service in Bechuanaland, should circumstances compel a resort to force. Finding that many young men in England wish to join this force, he, I understand, appointed an agent in this country to give information to intending recruits, and to facilitate their going to the Cape, where, if approved and they still desired to enlist, they would be enrolled in the force. The period for which men of this force are to be engaged is left open for the present till Sir Charles Warren tests the feeling of the class from which he hopes to recruit; but it will not exceed six months. The pay for a private is 2s. a-day, with 1s. a-day deferred pay and free rations. No expectation of land grants has, so far as I am aware, been held out to them.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLHas any pecuniary assistance been promised to these young men?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONAn arrangement has been made by which a passage will be furnished to them, and which will be restored if they do not enlist.