The Sun.
London, England, 1865-04-04 00:00:00

PUBLIC SCHOOLS BILL.

The Earl of CLARENDON, in moving the second read-
ing of this bill, said that the measure was the result of the
commission which had been appointed to inquire into the
subject, and stated the reasons that made an inquiry neces-
sary, and the manner in which it had been conducted by
the Royal Commission. The members of that Commission
were persons entitled to the confidence of the country, and
the report they had issued deserves serious consideration.
He then described the provisions of the bill, which he be-
lieved would not alter the great features of our public
school system, and its results,--a manly spirit of independ-
ence, and love of freedom, combined with a respect for
authority, by which Englishmen are distinguished. The
first change proposed by tho bill was in the governing
bodies of public schools, in which some modificaLluus Lad
been rendered necessary by the lapse of time and the pro-
gress of knowledge and opinion. The bill in this point, as
in others, follows the recommendations of the report.
The governing bodies will be changed only by the addi-
tion of new members, not by removal of the old. To these
bodies, so constituted, will be left full power to draw up
any rules as to the management of the school; or the course
of instruction to be adopted in it. With these details the
measure in no degree interferes. But in any alteration of
tho statutes, or the ancient constitution of the school, the
new governing body is subjected to the control of Parlia-
ment and the Crown. In all other respects the power of
the governing authorities is not limited by the act. Hav-
ing read some extracts from the evidence taken by the
Commissioners, Lord Clarendon said the measure was
necessary, judicious, and moderate, and might, indeed,
from its moderation, expose the Government to censure
from the two extreme parties—those who wished for a
greater change, and those who opposed any alteration
whatever. He concluded by moving the second reading,
assuring the House that any amendments proposed in the
committee after Easter would receive the fullest and fairest
consideration.

Lord STAN/TOPE, though be would not oppose the
second reading of the bill, objected to many of its details.
He especially deprecated the introduction of Government
nominees into the governing bodies of the public schools.
He feared it would also introduce some degree of party
among these authorities. He pointed out some other ob-
jections, the object of which, he thought, would have been
better effected by some distinct body.
Lord DEVON supported the bill, and defended the
change proposed in the constitution of the governing
bodies.

The Bishop of LONDON was disposed to agree with
Lord Stanhope in a regret that, in a reform of the public
schools, the precedent set by the reform of the Universities
had not been followed. It*might have been better had an
Executive Commission been appointed to carry the objects
of this bill into effect. In proportion to the popularity of
such schools as Eton with parents, they should be made
efficient as places of education ; and that there *ere defects
in the public school system there could be no doubt. But
whether those defects would be remedied by the change
made in the constitution of the governing bodies was ques-
tioned by the present authorities. All that could be ef-
fected by the appointment of what was called " men of
science" could be better done by the head-master. He read
an opinion expressed by Dr. Temple, head-master of Rugby,
against these appointments. Still he should be glad to find
that the measure would tend to promote the improvements
required.

Lord DERBY objected to the bill that it did not really
effect any one recommendation of the Royal Commis-
sioners. It changed nothing in the present course of in-
struction in the schools. It merely modified the constitu-
tion of the present governing bodies, leaving it to them to
carry out the desired reforms in the system of education.
He thought the appointment of Government nominees
among the authorities of the schools would be the ad-
mission of a vicious principle, whether the number of such
nominees were large or small. In the appointment of the
men of science" there was also this danger, that they
would naturally be, disposed to insist on the introduction of
the study of that particular science they had themselves
pursued. There was .an understanding that the second
reading should not be opposed, but after Easter he hoped
the Government would consent to refer the bill to a select
committee. If not, he should himself move that this course
be adopted. - • . •

The Archbishop of CANTERBURY briefly addressed
the house, expressing a preference for giving the powers
required to an Executive Commission rather than to the
newly constituted governing bodies, as proposed by the
present bill.
Lord STRATFORD DE REDCLIEFE acquitted the
Government of any desire to produce a prejudice against
the public schools, but ho saw many serious objections to
the bill ; and unless greatly altered in committee he should
find it very difficult to give the measure his support.

Lord LIOUGHTON thought the appointment of an
Executive Commission would be more convenient andmore
satisfactory to the public than giving, the control of the
schools to seven or eight different commissions, which the
governing bodies would be. The plan adopted was very
cumbrous, and not likely to succeed.
After some observations from Lord Powis,

Lord LYTTELTON supported the bill. Ho thought
it probable that legislation might horeafterhave to go oven
farther.

Lord CLARENDON replied. In reference to the pro-
posal of Lord Derby to refer the bill to a select committee,
ho could not assent to it, the suggestion having taken hint
by surprise.

'rhe bill was then read a second time.
The Mutiny Bills went through committee.
Their lordships rose at 20 minutes to 9.

HOUSE OF COMMONS—LAST EVENING.
The SPEAKER took the chair at 4 o'clock.
NEW MEMBER.
Mr. T. ACLAND took the oaths and his seat for North