asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the alterations in the pay of the honorary Colonels of Cavalry Regiments recently appointed under the Royal Warrant of 27th December 1870 is legal, no Royal Warrant having since been issued authorizing the change?

I need, Sir, scarcely say that, if I had any reason to suppose the course illegal, I should not have proposed to take it. I have always understood that when any reduction is contemplated it is the rule only to permit an appointment to be made on condition that it is accepted subject to the new arrangement, if it shall be carried into effect.