28 JUNE 1902, Page 19

This equalisation proposal, though complicated, is, we think, sound in

theory. Of course, the best and most effec- tive form of equalisation would be to put the whole cost of elementary education on the Imperial Exchequer; but if that were done it would be impossible to secure efficient and economical local administration. On the whole, then, the com- promise seems to us a sound one. Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman met Mr. Balfour's announcement by moving to report progress, on the plea that the Government had trans- formed their Bill, and that time was required to consider the change. Mi. Balfour resisted the Motion as dilatory, and it was ultimately lost by 80 votes (251 to 171).