In view of the arrangements under which the Scotch Education
Department have been empowered to nominate twelve candidates from Scotch schools for direct com- missions in the Army, Lord Balfour of Burleigh has issued an admirable circular indicating the principles upon which the selection will be made, and appealing to the school authorities to recognise the responsibility which will rest upon them as well as on the Department. Briefly summarised, these principles are (1) the recognition of all-round com- petence as opposed to special intellectual equipment ; (2) insistence on adequate proof that the candidate has made good use of his educational opportunities ; (3) the production of satisfactory evidence that those selected possess, in ample measure, the qualities of character and physique specially needed in the career of arms. Lord Balfour is con- fident that this method of selection ought to confer very high honour upon the Candidates selected, and must imply a large measure of confidence in the schools from which they are chosen. We sincerely trust that Lord Bal. fonr's wise words will not be thrown away on the English public-school masters, who, owing to the independence of ismondary schools in England, are left practically uncontrolled
in the nomination of candidates for commissions. It would be a real disaster if this method were regarded as a new back-door into the Army, as a method of slipping in boys who would not pass for Sandhurst, instead of a great oppor- tunity for reinforcing the efficiency and brain-power of the Army.
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