§ 33. Mr. HOGGEasked the Under Secretary for War how many non-commissioned officers have been given commissions in the New Army; and whether he will consider the advisability of using non-commissioned officers as officers for the period of the War only, recompensing the men with extra pensions, etc.?
§ Mr. TENNANTCommissions are given to any ex-non-commissioned officers and to those who have enlisted for the period of the War and have become non-commissioned officers whenever a commanding officer recommends them, but I am unable to give a number. In regard to the second part of the question, special terms of gratuity and pension have already been approved for non-commissioned officers who are given commissions during the War in the Regular Army. As I stated on the 16th instant, 438 commissions from the ranks have been given up to date.