THE EARL OF GALLOWAYmoved that there be laid before the House a Return showing the numbers and respective ages of non - commissioned officers and privates in the Army who died or were invalided home from Her Majesty's Indian, Colonial, and other Foreign Possessions during the five years from January 1, 1874, to December 31, 1878, in a tabulated form, set forth in the Notice of Motion.
§ THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURYhoped the Return would be granted, as it was of the utmost importance to know whether the present system was responsible for all the offences laid to its charge. It might be that the statements were not just; but it was most important to the nation to know whether there was a fearful waste of life and strength of these young men of 18 or 19 years of age. It was, in truth, a point for great inquiry whether, by reason of losses by shipwrecks, explosions in mines, and other ways, the manhood of the country was not being exhausted.
§ VISCOUNT BURYsaid there was no objection to granting the Return.
§ Motion agreed to; Return ordered.
§ House adjourned at half past Seven o'clock, till To-morrow, half past Ten o'clock.