Mr. Brodrick ended his speech by pointing out how every
Army reformer was necessarily unpopular, and how in par- ticular any .attempt towards decentralisation was sure to lead to bitter feeling. "I earnestly believe," said Mr. Brodrick, "that we have in our present Army system a sound and neces- sary policy. I know that the personnel is daily growing more efficient I can show that the material of war of all theforces that have been organised is now provided, and we are setting up a standard which will never, I trust, be cast down. If we succeed in our object it may cost the existence of one Minister; but that Minister will not have suffered in vain." ' That last personal touch was perhaps irresistible in a, peroration, but it was certainly unnecessary. No one wishes to make a personal sacrifice of Mr. Brodriek. Sir Edward Grey was the only Opposition speaker of import- ance on Monday night. He made an excellent contribution to the debate when he pointed out that the question which the House had to consider was how many men could be spared to devote themselves to the profession of arms naval as well as military. This is the essential argument against an unduly large professional Army.
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