The debate on the second reading of the Education Bill
was continued on Thursday, Mr. Balfour opening it in a speech strongly hostile to the measure. No doubt Mr. Balfour was careful to declare that he spoke only for himielf, but, as the Times points out in an admirable leading article, he is the Leader of the Opposition, and cannot divest himself of the responsibility attaching to that position. The Times goes on to say that Mr. Balfour's pessimism as to the nature of the settlement amounts to a serious charge against the religious leaders of both sides, who have made an effort to reach a com- promise tolerable to both, though in certain senses not wholly satisfactory to either. After a debate which included a power- ful speech from Mr. Asquith, and a speech from Mr. Butcher for which we desire to express gratitude on behalf of those who agree with what we may term the Speetator view of the educa- tion problem, the second reading was carried by a Majority of 166 (323-157).
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