25 MAY 1867, Page 2

Our good correspondent, "A Liberal Officer," ought to send Sir

John Pakington a letter of thanks, he has justified his state- ments so completely. The War Minister has actually inserted a clause in the Militia Reserve Bill, making twelve years' service in

the Line the penalty of certain offences in the Militia. Now, we frankly admit officers and gentlemen may fairly be protected by law from association with convicts. When taxed with this clause in -the House by Mr. 0. Stanley, Sir J. Pakington feebly said he had put it in "under pressure," and always intended if the House objected to take it out. There was a precedent for it somewhere. Mr. Disraeli will yet have to shed Sir John Pakington.