9 AUGUST 1919, Page 3

We have heard or read lately little about the proposal

to bring the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge to some extent under Government control. The suggestions which were made public a few weeks ago, however, prove that there is a desire on the part of some ambitious schemers to place Oxford and Cambridge under the power of the bureaucracy. The powder is concealed in the jam of a promised State subsidy-of which both Oxford and Cambridge are no doubt much in need. But if Oxford and Cambridge were to accept a subsidy they would from that moment have ceased to be free. The traditions of Oxford and Cambridge are really too precious to be sacrificed. Let us continue to have free Universities in a free country.