These arguments were vigorously assailed by Mr. Balfour, who contended
that the Bill sought to replace a cheap and valuable instrument by a hybrid and amorphous organisation. The new third battalions would only do imperfectly in war what was done adequately by the Militia. The treatment of the Militia was the central and crucial part of the Bill, and it inspired him with great anxiety and mis- giving. Mr. Smith's amendment having been negatived by 260 votes against 80, and that of Lord Talentia, excluding the Yeomanry from the control of the County Associations, by 296 votes to 89, Clause I. was agreed to without a division by the operation of the "guillotine." Clause U. was also carried, including an amendment, proposed by Mr. Haldane, pro- hibiting County Associations from giving any financial assistance to elementary-school Cadet corps in respect of boys under sixteen. On the bearing of this amendment, prompted by the representations of certain Liberal and Labour Members, we comment at length in another column.
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