18 MAY 1901, Page 2

On Thursday the debate on the Army scheme was concluded,

and Mr. Brodrick's Resolution was passed by a majority of 142(305 to 163),—a result on which the Government, the House of Commons, and the nation are to be most heartily con. gratulated, for the scheme is a sound one and deserves

the confidence of the country. Mr. Brodrick's speech in answer to his critics was a thoroughly satisfactory perform- ance. Without rhetoric or that foolish cant of persiflage which is becoming in the House of Commons even more tire- some than rhetoric, he defended and explained his scheme, and showed that he was worthy of the great position of trust in which he has been placed. By his handling of the problem of Army reform, and by his determination to make the old machine work rather than try new and sensational devices, Mr. Brodrick has placed himself in the front rank of our statesmen.