The Sun.
London, England, 1870-02-21 00:00:00

THE GOVERNMENT EDUCATION BILL.

SATURDAY.
The chief officers of the National Educational League
have addressed a circular to the officers of the various
branches, calling attention to the degree in which the
Gcvernment measure agrees with the scheme of the
League, and asking for an immediate expression of opinion
upon certain points in which the bill is regarded as objec-
tionable. They state their gratification that the Government
has brought in a measure which is greatly in advance of all
former Ministerial proposals, and one which, even if it
fails in all respects to meet the desires of educational re-
formers, is capable of being mended in such a manner as
substantially to provide for the necessities of the country.
The Government practically recognises and embodies the
leading principles of the League. They regret, however,
that the necessity of unsectarian teaching is pro-
posed in a manner altogether inadequate. Messrs.
Joseph Chamberlain, Chairman of Executive Committe ;
John Jaffray, Treasurer; Jesse Collings Honorary
Secretay illiam Harris, Chairman of Finance Com-
mitte ; Thackray Bunce, Chairman of Publishing
Committee ; R. F. Martineau, Chairman of Branches
Committee, by whom the circular is signed, point out the
following principles advocated by the League, and men-
tioned by Mr. Forster as being embodied in the
Government Bill. "1. The obligation of local
authorities to provide school accommodation for their
districts. 2. Local rating, supplemented by Government
grants. 3. Management of schools by elected local autho-
rities, combined with Government inspection. 4. Linsec-
tarian instruction, so far as it is secured by the exclusion
of religious teaching from inspection ; by the admission
of secular schools to public grants ; and by the recogni-
tion (though in an unsatisfactory manner) of the principle
that secular and religious instruction may be separated,
at the will of parents or by the resolution of school boards.
5. Free education, by authorising local authorities to
establish free schools, maintained by rating. 6. Direct
compulsory attendance. " While congratulating the members
of the League upon the important points in which the
Government scheme accords with that of the League, they
submit as objectionable features of the The length
of time allowed to elapse before the Government measure
comes into operation. Though nominally one year, this
may practically be three years, as a considerable time must
be devoted to inquiry ; then one year must be allowed
for the development of voluntary effort, and at least
one year will be required by school boards to get into
action, and to supply the necessities of their districts. 2.
The permissive authority given to School Boards to en-
force attendance, instead of rendering the exercise of such
power obligatory upon them. This may seriously inter-
fere with school attendance in the agricultural districts;
and in districts where schools are pronounced sufficient in
number, there will be no power—not even permissive—of
enforcing school attendance, because no School Boards will
be appointed in such districts. 3. The authority con-
ferred upon School Boards to give free tickets
of admission to schools ; thus creating invidious
distinctions amongst the children. There will be extreme
difficulty in carrying this provision into effect, as it will
be most perplexing to distinguish between the classes
entitled to receive free tickets, and those who may be con-
sidered able to pay school fees. 4. The provisions relating
to religious instruction in public rate-supported schools,
are highly objectionable. By authorising school boards, at
their discretion, to decide upon the kind of religious instruc-
tions to be given in such schools, those provisions of the bill
must directlyand necessarily import into the election of school
boards religious prejudices and animosities, encourage a
spirit of sectarian rivalry, excite bitter contests through-
out the country, and cause the choice of members of
school boards to turn exclusively upon theological opinions
instead of upon personal fitness. It may also be pointed
out that these contests will not only be renewed annually,
but that, as one party or the other secures a victory, they
will necessarily lead to corresponding changes in the reli-
gious teaching imparted in schools under the direct control of
local boards. We may further suggest that if this provision
be carried into effect in England and Wales, it must seriously
affect the maintenance of the undenominational system at
present established in Ireland. There are other points in
Mr. Forster's statement which require attention ; but
those above mentioned appear to us to be of urgent impor-
tance, and we therefore venture to lay them before you
without delay. In order that we may be prepared to
report the opinion of the branches at the meeting of the
Executive Committee on Thursday next, we 13eg the
favour of an early reply? embodying any resolution you
may have to communicate, or the expression of any
opinion you may wish to offer.