22 MARCH 1913, Page 3

On Thursday Parliament adjourned till Easter Monday. Proceedings began by

a vote expressing "indignation and deep concern " at the murder of the King of Greece, moved by Mr. Asquith. Then followed a debate on the Army Estimates, in which the principal speakers on the Opposition side were Mr. Arthur Lee and Mr. Amery. We cannot unfortunately find space to-day to describe their criticisms in detail, but must note that they were of a very serious kind, and that the Government's answer cannot be described as satisfactory. In the course of his speech Mr. Harold Baker, the Financial Secretary, used the following words in regard to National Service : " There will be no alternative to the voluntary system until the party opposite take it up." "If," he went on, "they do not take up conscription or com- pulsion in some form, it never will be taken up." We are not so sure. Parties often put out statements of this kind before they change their minds. If once the country is converted neither party will be afraid of National Service.