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

every profession have been brought up under the
auspices of one or other of our public schools, it is
not surprising that any interference with their
management, any trenching on their privileges
should be regarded with some jealousy, indepen-
dently of the close scrutiny with which every
attempt at innovation or reform, is generally
watched. It is not surprising, therefore, that the
Public Schools Commission Bill, which was last
night under discussion in the House of Lords,
should meet with considerable opposition. At the
same time, it must be admitted that the question is
one which demands grave deliberation. There is
much to be said on both sides. The Government
supporters urge the advantages to be derived by the
infusion of a new spirit into the direction of the
schools, and by the addition of distinguished men to
their governing bodies. Their opponents, on the
other hand, declare that such additions will leave
room for the appointment of Government nominees,
will neutralise the efforts of the Head-Master, who
is the most interested in the wellbeing of the school,
and complain that while hampering the manage-
ment of the school, the bill provides no particular
reform in the mode of instruction. If scientific
men who have attained distinction in any especial
study are to form part of this directing body, they
will, it is said, desire to bring their own favourite

science into too great prominence. There are
counter arguments brought forward against these,
and it may be said with reference to the interference
with the rights of the head master, that if a wise
and benevolent despotism has its advantages, con-
stitutional government is safer in the long run.
Dr. ARNOLD or Dr. VAUGHAN might be wiser than
their councillors, but every head master of a public
school is not An ARNOLD or a VAUGHAN ; and if
the general results of our public education have
been creditable and satisfactory, it must be candidly
admitted that there are many points in which the
system needs reform. Perhaps no system so ancient
could fail to have some imperfections, however
admirable in the main, even as our political consti-
tution, excellent as it undoubtedly is, has needed
from time to time additions or removals. It is very
necessary, however, to proceed cautiously in any
movement of the kind, the more so as in strict
legality the wishes of the founders deserve to be
borne in mind. Some of the objectors consider that
the present bill will only result in leaving things as
they are, while others dread excessive interference.
There can be no doubt that it is a question of very
great difficulty ; and after the most careful legisla-
tion the good conduct and efficiency of a school
must depend to a great measure on the individual
character of the head master. If the new measure
so limits the power and interferes with the position
of the master as to disgust really eminent and
capable men with the post, it will be a very great
evil, and one which no body of governors will be
able to counteract. Under all circumstances, Lord
DERBY'S suggestion of a select committee seems to
have been the wisest ; and although it was indig-
nantly rejected by the mover of the bill, it is pro-
bable that such. may be its ultimate destination if
the question is to be fairly and impartially settled

The distribution of prizes to the successful com-
petitors in an exhibition is usually rather a matter

f course, but the ceremony which took place las,

Saturday at the Lambeth Baths was somewhat
/exceptional in its character. The exhibition which
it concerned was in some measure peculiar, belong-
ing to that new order of industrial exhibitions
which reflects so much credit on our artisans and
mechanics. The fact of Lord PALMERSTON, the
venerable statesman who occupies the foremost
plaee among the subjects of the QUEEN, coming to
Oesent to these working men the tokens of success
was also very significant. It showed the progress
of that sympathy between classes, that kindly ,

interest which those at the top of the ladder
take in those beginning the ascent, which
are among the most gratifying features of our time.
Lord PALMERSTON, himself a working man during
his whole life, and still a working man at a period
when most men cease from their labours, was a
most fitting president for such an occasion, and his
straightforward words of encouragement to those
he addressed must have impressed them the more,
from the well-known character and position of the
speaker. He bade them remember that the highest
posts in the land were open to honest industry ; but
while they might not reach the Cabinet or the
Woolsack, he would have them also remember
that such application and ingenuity as they had
displayed would benefit themselves and their coun-
try in any grade. Such are the true sentiments
which should govern those exhibitions--not the
petty desire to eclipse one's fellows, but the honest
endeavour to produce something really good, and
to cultivate and refine the taste. The ridiculous
individuals who tried to distinguish themselves, by
an ebullition of bad temper and a display of bad
manners:were no specimens of the English work-
ing classes, and the audience expressed their opinions
pretty clearly-. The address of Lord PALMERSTON
was worthy of himself and of his hearers, and his
presence on the occasion will add to his popularity
in Lambeth.

THE CORPORATION OF TIIE CITY OF LONDON

AND THE POLICE FORCE.—The Police Committee of
the Corporation of the City of London, after careful consi-
deration of the claims of the several grades of officers con-
nected with the City Police Force, have agreed to recom-
mend for the sanction of the Court of Common Council a
new scale of wages, embracing the whole of the classes of
constables, sergeants, and inspectors. We are in possession
of the several progressive amounts, and the actual detail in
relation to each class ; but until the report is ratified we
can merely state that the constables are hereafter to be

vided into three classes; no one appointed to the lowest

to receive less than 21s. par week; the highest of the three
classesto have 275. 6d. ; the sergeants, a corresponding ad-
vance ; and the maximum, or inspectors' class, to reach 10s.
beyond their present amount of weekly wages. It is
understood that upon a special day, at an early date, the
report will be brought up for the final decision of the
Court.

CURIOUS AND COSTLY HISTORY OF THE CAMEL.

—One of the first publications of Messrs. Day and
Son, under their new management as a limited company,
is " The Camel ; its Anatomy, Proportions, and Paces,"
by Elijah Walton, in large folio. The work was under-
taken by the author " to afford to artists, who love to illus-
trate the fascinating scenes and incidents of Eastern travel,
the means of representing the noblest animal of. the East
with truth and accuracy." The means taken by the author
to produce a really valuable book aro most extraordinary.
He first purchased a camel, engaging two Bedouins to assist
him. The following series of studies was then proceeded
with :-1. A number of smoothed spaces having been made
on the sand, the camel was driven over them at all the
different paces, the spaces between the footprints were
accurately measured, and drawings of the footprints in each
case carefully made to scale. 2. The author next executed
a number of drawings of the camel in all its different atti-
tudes, comprising front, back, and side views. 3. The
animal was then killed, and drawings made of the muscles
and the tendons, ,and, finally, the bones ; these com-
pletely illustrating its anatomical structure. Contrary to
custom, the council of the Royal Society subscribed for a
copy previous to its publication.

SIR JOHN DEAN PAUL, BART.—The Hertford-
shire Express says that the late banker, Sir John Dean
Paul, Bart., is now residing at Gustard Wood, Wheat-
hampstead, about eight miles from St. Albans, and has
commenced the business of a wine and spirit merchant.
On Tuesday his tender was accepted by the St. Albans
board of guardians for the supply of spirits to the union
workhouse.

-KNARESBOROUGII.—A member of the legal pro-
fession and of a family long resident in the town is under-
stood to be privately canvassing the electors with a view
to offer himself as a candidate in the Liberal interest at the
forthcoming election. The preponderating strength, how-
ever, of the Conservative party, renders this attempt upon
the independence of the borough and the seat of the present
members, Mr. Woodd and Mr. Collins, hopeless.