4 NOVEMBER 1871, Page 2

The grades of Cornet and Ensign are abolished, The proba-

tioners, called Sub-Lieutenants, receive their first commission as Lieutenants, and rise by seniority to be Majors. A Majority, how- ever, can be held, and a Lieutenant-Colonelcy likewise, only for five years, after which the officer holding it must be reappointed. From the Lieutenant-Colonel upwards every officer is to be "selected" by the Commander-in-Chief, and elaborate regulations are laid down for enabling him to know his men. Speaking broadly, every stmerior is to report on every inferior ; but in the event of a grave charge the subject of such charge is to be in- formed of it. The purchase of vacancies is prevented by demanding from the officer who resigns and the officer wlio succeeds a declaration on honour that the one has not received or the other paid, directly or indirectly, any consideration whatever. Any violation of this pledge will be followed by a prosecution under the Statute prohibiting Purchase, and we presume by a Court-Martial for conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. We have commented on this Warrant elsewhere. With many merits, it entrusts an extraordinary amount of power to the Commander-in-Chief, and will need, and receive, discussion.