MR. MACDONALD CAMERON (Wick)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, with regard to a reply given by the late Secretary of State for War to a question asked on 6th September, 1886, respecting the circumstances attending the death of Troop Sergeant Major Holmes, of the 7th Hussars, whether, when the charge of dishonesty was brought forward against the late Troop Sergeant Major Holmes, the books, which would have substantiated such charges were found to have been destroyed, and could not be produced to satisfy his widow' and other relatives as to his indebtedness; why it is that, when the late Sergeant Major Holmes died with a clean de faulter's sheet, together with the highest testimonials as to efficiency, sobriety, and honesty from his Commanding Officers, and the War Office Authorities having officially stated that no debts could be proved against him, the charges of drunkenness, inefficiency, and dishonesty have not been publicly withdrawn; and whether, in consequence of the official letters which have since been written to Mrs. Holmes, which show that these charges have since been found to have been unjustly made, he is now prepared to publicly withdraw them, and to inquire into the conduct of those who are responsible for their having been made?
§ *MR. E. STANHOPEThere is no knowledge in the War Office of any books having been destroyed; and having carefully considered all the evidence adduced in this painful case, I am bound to say that the answer given by my predecessor was correct; at the same time, I have no hesitation in saying that the irregularities in the conduct of the Serjeant Major—who undoubtedly did good and gallant service in Egypt—arose after, and were probably consequent on, a severe attack of sunstroke from which he suffered.
MR. M. CAMERONHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact that the jury in their verdict distinctly stated that death had been caused by the worry to which this unfortunate man had been subjected; and if he is further aware that all the commanding officers under whom he served bore testimony to his high character for honesty and sobriety?
§ *MR. E. STANHOPEWith regard to the last question, I believe that Sergeant Major Holmes had previously borne an excellent character.
MR. M. CAMERONI beg to give notice that, in consequence of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, I will bring the subject before the House on the Estimates.