The Sun.
London, England, 1868-01-24 00:00:00

THE HOME OFFICE AND 7HE CORONERS.

TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

A conference on the subject of Technical Education,
was held under the auspices of the Society of Arts
yesterday. The president was Mr. William Hawes, F.G.S.,
chairman of the council, and invitations to attend the
conference were issued to the Mayors and Chambers of
Commerce of the principal towns throughout the country.
The CIIAIII3IA_N, in opening the proceedings, stated that
ho assumed the office of president purely as a matter of
duty. The following was the programme which the coun-
cil submitted for discussion :
"1. The necessity for improved national educationforthe
working classes generally. (a). Improved primary educa-
tion, and the measures necessary for securing the same.
(b.) Additional facilities in primary schools for affording
the elder children the means of learning the elements of
scientific knowledge. 2. The necessity for the establish-
ment of schools for technical and industrial education in
relation to science and art, in which pupils after leaving
the primary schools may obtain instruction suited to the
special industries with which they may be connected, as
workmen, foremen, or managers. 3. The best measures
for securing the foregoing object. 4. How far technical
education can be promoted by the aid of existing educa-
tional endowments. 5. To request the council to appoint
a standing committee of members of the Society of Arts
and others, to take whatever steps may be required to
advance the objects approved by the conference, and to
send deputations to the Government to support such appli-
cations as may seem desirable."
—The first resolution would be moved by Dr. Lyon
Playfair. It was : " That to establish and maintain a
system of technical education adequate to the requirements
of arts, manufactures, and commerce in the United King-
dom, the followine; educatjonalreforms should be effected:-
1. That in the universities, grammar-schools, and other
educational institutions for the upper and middle
classes of society, instruction in science and art
should he placed upon the same favourable foot-
ing as :et. studies. 2. Efficient means of primary
and secondary • instruction- should he brought within
the reach of the working classes everywhere, and
encouragement should be given to the study of science and
arts in the upper classes of all schools receiving Govern-
ment aid. 3. Special institutions for technical instruc-
tion, adapted to the wants of the various classes and to
the various industries of the country, should be established
throughout the United Kingdom."
Dr. PLAYFAIR, in moving the 'above resolution, cited
lasarious instances of. the deficient arrangements which ex-
isted for the spread of technical education in this
country, and urged that, though it ought not to
supersede the classics, the study of physical science
cught to occupy a prominent place in the curriculum of
the grammar school and the university.
Earl RthasEeo rejoiced to second the resolution
proposed by lir. Playfair. Happily, the nation was in
connection with the question of technical education in a
far better position than it was a few years since. As
Cobbett observed of one of the works in which he was en-
" the straw moves ;" for although it was
not perhaps complirneutary to compare it to a rat-
hunt, it was a pleasant fact that the subject of techni-
cal education was arousing attention in all quarters. At
Harrow he rejoiced to know the authorities had. adopted
the scheme of teaching physical science, though it had
not yet been made a part of the regular curriculum. Still
what had been done was a move in the right direc-
tion. It was necessary, however, to be cautious. In
Oaf., cl exertions were being made by some of the
most eminent professors to adopt measures for making the
study of the physical sciences a part of the recognised
course of instruction, and before long he trusted that those
who proved tioineielves efficient in them should receive
rewards equal to those who attained proficiency in- classics
and mathematics. In Liverpool, his lordship had heard
that young men about to proceed to Oxford had imme-
diately their attention turned away from the study of physical
science and manufactures, because at Oxford the highest
honours could only be obtained by classical scholars. By
and bye—and before long, he hoped—the universities would
become really national ; and sutely it was necessary for a
nation not only to be acquainted with Xenophon and
Thncydides, but also Halpin and Macaulay. Lord
Brougham, referring to Pope's well-known line, " A little
knowledge is a dangerous thing," had on one occasion con-
tended that half a loaf was better than none. And so it
was, and many at the universities, if their course of
stcluy were properly regulated, would be able to
gain much knowledge of useful writers, though,
perhaps, from want of funds or ability, unable
to take advantage of the higher studies of mathematics
and classics. The noble lord then proceeded to state
that in the house of Commons he had some time ago con-
tended that it was an indisputable axiotsi that it was the
moral right of every child to have education brought
within its reach. That axiom was becoming more and
more clearly recognised, and, as it was developed, the duty
that, as Milton had it, belonged especially to England, of
teaching ;other nations how to live, would he fulfilled.
There would no doubt be some difficulty in the
matter of compulsory rating and voluntary effort. To
dovetail the two would of necessity be a very nice task.
Wishing Mr. Bruce every succes;ln his proposed scheme
to be brought forward in the House, hit lordship congratu-
lated himself that the task did not devolve on him. It
would not, he thought, be asking too much that Govern-
ment, when the Abyssinian expedition, about the
success of which he had no doubt, was concluded,
should devote some of the immense sums which it
was able to raise to the kind of education under dis-
cussion. Having done their duty to the captives
at Magda.la, they should not refuse to do it towards the
thousands of children who were captives in the prison-
house of ignorance. Having referred to -the disclosures
contained in the pamphlet lately issued by Mr. Samuelson,
his lordship concluded by seconding the resolution.
Mr. DixoN, for Birmingham, dwelt upon what ho
conceived to be the duty of Government in connection
with technical education in the manufacturing districts.
Mr. SAIICELSO'N was cf opinion that it wad a great error
to underrate-what England had done. She was, he was
persuaded, still keeping the lead in all those branches of
industry in which she had of old excelled. She had,
however, maintained her position at an immense cost, which
cost was caused by the ignorance of manufacturers, to
whom the advantages of technical instruction had not been
afforded. Mr. Sanuelson warmla- urged the establishment
of special schools for technical education.
The Right lion. Mr. BituCE believed that the
meeting would agree that hard work was cut
out for those who proposed to push the suggestions con-
tained in the resolutions. The most important question
was how to provide for the education of the middle
classes, and for the solution of that question he (the
speaker) anxiously looked for the report of the Commis-
sioners on Eeuca'eion. It was a question whether Govern-
ment should take the initiative in founding schools in large
towns, lout Government should at once announce the it
would cordially and liberally support those schools which
were founded. If asked 11.3 w the middle-class schools
were to be supported, he would answer at once,
by the application of local endowments. A good use of
these would furnish nearly em-ugh- schools. inthe great
centres of industry. With regard to the aid the State. could
give to the edueaton f the working classs he thought
must be conce.led that the voluntary's. -t.ea'rnadbshewin
that it was not and could not he sufficient that some
syem of local taoss.tion must be adopted. The effect of
t ,e Revised Cone an many of the schools had beta
excellent, but it still left much to be done. Mr.
Bruce then pr, cceded to urge the necessity that
existed for children being kept at school a sttflicient
at least until trey were 14 years of age ; and wiled that
unless they could bethus kept at school, it would be useless
to give them advanced instruction, and the science
classes might be looked upon as worthless.
Mr. ROUNDELL explained that ss thin the last few years
the University of Oxford, of which he was a Fellow, had
done much for natural science. At his own college one of
tae open Fellowships had been offered for natural science.
Before long, it might be hoped, the example would be fol-
lowed Isy the other colleges. Care must, however, be
taken that in the introduction of those studies which did
not of necessity demand a liberal education, the ancient
dignity of the universities was not lowered.
Ears Greaxvi Lea observed that there were two great prac-
tical objects in the meeting—the one to ascertain the
opinion of the public on the subject of technical education.
and the other to stimulate th 3 public to new and in-
creased, exertion. It was of the extremest important•
that those who were really well versed in the necessity of
the
ease Should seek, to influence the public, and, he would
uhdii(iiliehnite
erlilajesty's Government also. With regard to the
blishmentas'lla-ammar schools, and other educational esta-
be brought abireiotvement in the direction desired could only
were fashions by the force of public opinion. Teere
sand years old, and education some of which were some thou-
imperstvere apparently becoming worn out ;
and it was of
that the nation desired. The
know what was the fashion
of the natural sciences into introduction of the study
the universities, he believed,
raise, ratheeratihdan lower, the standard of
would tend to
leorning. The noble lord
attend inspector, had stated that Mr. Norris, late a
thosewere schools where the
reading and writing of the scholarsthe best were just
those where the higher branches of instruction were given,
which --sould do away with a fear existingouil.teseClnteo detract
Its;vespntleirat arrange
quarters
that the higher course of instruction w
from the lower. Earl Granville rejoiced to
irenta bad been made at Harrow for the
uit of
scientific study in that school. It had not been fairly
tested hitherto, because it had never been actually includedall.
n the curriculum.
Professor ROGERS, without depreciating the value of
classical studies at the universities, strongly urged the
`aims of natural science, and argued that the various
charitable funds and endowments which were now misap-
propriate, inight be applied to providing the means and
the regards for such Lftudies.
Mr. BOIVRLNG agreed with Dr. Playfair that a goon
sabstratunt of primary education was essential to the
effectual carrying out of the object of the resolution.
Mr. FIELD, President of the Chamber of Commerce o.
.oirreinediani, argued that the supplanting of the English
mailufacturer in the United States of America by the
domestic manufacturer was clue to the growing intelligence
of tac American workmen. Mr. Field proceeded to
paint out that the schools in the United States
were generally free, and were divided into three
classes--the free, the grammar, and the high schools.
Li Boston, Mr. Field had found from Mr. Philbrick
that such a thing as compulsory education was almost:
unkown. An American citizen looks upon education a
his dearest right, and never fails to cause his child to talc-
advantage of it. In Boston almost the only persons a
whoa.. compulsory education applies were the Irish an
-English residents.
The PROVOST of Duesrozz expressed his adhesion to tho
proposition contained in the resolution.
The discussion was adjourned.

A dispute has frequently arisen between a coroner and a
bench of magistrates as to the right of the former to have
a prisoner brought before a jury during the prog,lc.is of the
inquest. It.has now been settled by Mr. Gathorne Hardy's
deciding that the coroner has no right to make such a
demand, and that the Home Secretary has no legal power
to grant it. Dr. Lankester, the coroner for Central
Middlesex,has just held an inquest at the Bank of England
Tavern, Cambridge-place, Paddington, relative to the
death of a child, the illegitimate son of Ann Wickens,
a domestic servant. The jury having been empanelled,
the Coroner said the mother was apprehended by the
police, taken before a police magistrate, and remanded.
Since he had been coroner it had always been customary
in cases of supposed murder or manslaughter to apply
to the Secretary of State to allow such suspected
persons to be present before the jury, in order
that they might hear the evidence against them.
That was the ancient system, and revived in modern
times, after the introduction of stipendiary magis-
trates and justices of the peace. He had accordingly
applied to Mr. Gathorne Hardy, the Home Secretary, to
have Anne Wickens brought before the court on the pre-
sent occasion, but bad met with a refusal, although his
application was sent on one of the printed forms which he
possessed. Ile would read the letter he had received :
Whitehall, Jan. 20, 1868. Sir, lam directed by Mr.
Secretary Hardy to acquaint you that his attention has
been called to the practice which he understands has pre-
vailed for some years of producing before coroners' juries
persons in custody of the metropolitan police on charges of
murder and manslaughter. It appears that in cases of this
kind the coroner makes an application to the Secretary of
State to authorise the person charged to be brought before
the inquest (which is always fixed for the day on which the
prisoner is to be taken before the police-magistrate forfur-
ther examination) on his way to or from the police-
court. Seeing, however, that the Secretary of State
has no legal authority to give any such orders, and
that he, therefore, in every such case steps beyond the
law, he is of opinion that the practice in question,
which exists only in the metropolitan police district,
cannot properly be continued. I am directed, therefore,
on general grounds, and without reference to any special
case, to intimate to you that after this date Mr. Hardy
will not feel it to be his duty to give any instructions to
the metropolitan police for the production of prisoners at
coroners' inquests. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
JAMES FERGUZSON.—E. Lankester, Esq., Coroner's Office,
Great Marlborough-street." The Coroner said that it re_
ained now to be seen whether Mr. Hardy was right or
wrong. He felt that there was an intention on the part of
;he present Government of the country to withhold a pri-
soner under the hands of the police from coming before a
soroner'3 court, which afforded special opportunities both
to the accused and the jury. He was of opinion that the
police and the coroner's courts clashed with each other,
and the sooner a member of Parliament should bring this
case under the consideration of the Legislature the better
as the matter then would be settled. The j iry expressed
their extreme dissatisfaction at the letter read.

TIIE VOL UNTEEL?S.

On Thursday night the prizes won in the various Enfield
competitions of the past year by members of the St.
George's Rifle Corps were distributed in the Duke of
Wellington's Riding-school at Knightsbridge.
Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. C. H. LINDSAY, M.P.,
said that a more intelligent and more military organisa_
don was about to be given to the reserve forces of the
country, through the instrumentality of the new War
Office Controller. What that control would be he knew
not ; but it was clear that the volunteers ought to receive
the assurance, first that they would be armed with breech.
:oaders as soon as possible ; secondly, that their equip-
ment should be completed as soon as possible, and stored
for immediate use when necessary ; and thirdly, that the
capitation grant should be increased, according to the desire
which had been expressed to the Secretary of State for War
Oy various commanding officers of volunteers throughout
the country. The communication of those three assurances
would be bailed with intense satisfaction, because it would
3-ivo additional life and vigour to the movement, and
would assist materially in recruiting the ranks of the ser-
vice. He did not presume to give any decided opinion at
present on the new system about to be introduced ; but if
it was to be a success there must be but one ruling mind
for the government and control of all the military forces
of this country, both regular and reserve. The organi-
sation of the reserve force was a matter of very great
importance, and it could not be separated from that of the
regular army. The two must be so linked together that
at a moment's notice unity of action may be realised and
the usual discreditable confusion avoided. Much had
been said with .regard to forming district brigades, with
staff machinery and reserve force. Great advantage
would be gained by so doing, and additional advantage
would be derived from the two forces working together
when possible. But great discretion would be required
,in carrying out such a system to prevent too severe
a tax on volunteers whose time was not their own. Any
decided interference with the regular conduct of business
would militate against the interests of the volunteer ser-
vice. With regard to the general staff of the reserve force,
he thought it ought to he a permanent military body,
with power of unlimited extension in its working ma-
chinery. There was a difference of opinion as to what
should be the system of carrying en the new organi-
sation of the military forces of the country ; but he felt
that any distinction between the regular and the reserve
forces would ha impracticable, because volunteers, if
called out, would becothe part and parcel of the regular
ermy, and therefore there should be but one controlling
power in each department, no matter whether in trans-
port, in commissariat, hospital, or provost - marshal.
Each department should possess power of expansion
to an unlimited extent in the working of its
machinery. Otherwise there could be-no perfect organi-
sation. Some decided action was decidedly pressing, first,
because the efficiency of the reserve force, and he might
add of the regular army, was not equal to their cost ; and,
secondly, because the reserve force would have to be con-
siderably increased. He entirely coincided with Lord
Elcho in regard to enforcing the ballot for the militia, the
only exemption being an effective membership in a volun-
teer corps. Considering the military organisations going
on on the Continent, he thought that step would soon be-
come necessary. Its adoption would increase the numbers
and efficiency of the volunteer force, and enable a reserve
volunteer force to be raised on the plan suggested by Lord
Truro, the members of which would not be required to
procure uniforms till it became necessary, though they
would be made an efficient body so far as military training
was conoerned.