There is one subject on which this Government has a
conviction, and that is that competitive examinations ought to be abolished. It has not yet ventured to abolish them for the Army or the Civil Services, but it has swept them away in the Navy. The system of nominating cadets is to be restored. Mr. Shaw-Lefevre moved on Tuesday, in a most able speech, that this was inexpedient, showing that the cadets were stronger and healthier than most public school-boys, and arguing that the command of a ship now demanded scientific knowledge of a high order. Mr. Hunt, however, defended the change on the ground of the mental overstrain involved in the present system, but gave no proof of this, except that some of the boys were headachy after the exami- nation. Mr. Lowe supported Mr. Shaw-Lefevre, but the House knew that if competition were abolished its sons would have the preference for the Navy, and Mr. Hunt was supported by 133 to 76. The Squires are not " going to vote for that damned intellect."
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