Parliament rose on Friday week—i.e., August 8th—having completed Clause 7
of the Education Bill. Nothing of importance was done on the last day, saving the announce- ment by Mr. Balfour of the names and terms of reference of the War Inquiry Commission. Lord Elgin presides, and the other Commissioners will include Field-Marshal Sir Henry Norman, Admiral Sir John Hopkins, Lord Esher, Sir John Jackson (the eminent contractor), and Sir John Edge (member of the India Council and late Chief Justice of the North- West Provinces of India). There was, said Mr. Balfour, still another name " which I hope to be able to secure, but that, roughly speaking, gives the outline of the Commission the Government desire to see appointed." The reference, he added, will probably be in the following terms :—" To inquire into the military preparations for the war in South Africa, and into the supply of men, ammunition, equipment, and transport by sea and land in connection with the campaign, and into the military operations up to the occupation of Pretoria."
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