The Sun. — 1870-02-19 (London, England)

TIIE EDUCATION BILL.  The Globe says of the Education Bill that it fears there will be difficulty in harmonising the new system it introduces with tho old which has already its position. Our contemporary quite credits Mr. Forster with a sincere wish to bring this harmony about ; but does not think that he fully realises the great premium which, so to speak, this bill offers to the school boards and the consequent damper it throws upon voluntary efforts. This voluntary exertion is too important and useful an ingredient in the national welfare to be wisely disouraged by the Legislature, much less for it to be extinguished gradually. It is to be greatly feared that it would be. The supporters of a school—there would of course be no " managers " in the sense appropriated to that word by the bill—are to have no power of compelling attendance, and consequently cannot ensure the numerical success of their elementary school in comparison with their neighbours. This also involves the possibility of the receipts by school fees being smaller than in the compulsory scheme, while there is no power of coming upon the rates. "We greatly doubt " (the Globe goes on), "if it is possible that the two systems can co-exist side by side, if the system of compulsion is introduced into rate-supported schools while excluded from the voluntary. We think that it would be more in accordance with the spirit even of this measure that we should first give a fair trial to the non-compulsory system supplemented and expanded as it will be by this bill. Mr. Forster acknowledges that in his belief the majority of English parents are in favour of some religious teaching for their children. We think lie will also acknowledge by-and-bye that, when a really sound elementary education is offered, the parents will be tempted to ensure their children's attendance, and that no compulsory clauses are needed." The Echo thinks Mr. Forster's bill a distinct triumph for the League. That organization has so far gained a momentous and fruitful victory that it has brought Mr. Forster to admit and to consider in his legislation the paramount importance of the ends at which the Birmingham organisation aims. Moreover, it has advanced by a large stride towards the adoption of the methods it has deliberately chosen, in procuring from a Minister of the Crown the concession of the compulsory principle. And, lastly, the League has reason to rejoice that the Ministerial measure, although falling short of the logical impregnability of an unsectarian system, has take's useful precautions against intolerance by enforcing universally an undenominational inspection, and by exacting from every school receiving State assistance a conscience clause equal in its application to all religious bodies, and stringent in its operation. With these considerable achievements the Echo does not ask the League to be content, since the plan expounded by Mr. Forster is in parts based upon reasonings the cogency of which it cannot acknowledge and cannot accept. But we entirely agree with Mr. Dixon's appeal to the ccimtry to back the Government in passing the bill —if it be possible, with amendments improving its working machinery, which Mr. Forster declared himself willing and anxious to receive, but at any rate in enacting as law during the present session a bold and comprehensive scheme for the elementary education of the English people.  The trial of Peter Barrett for murder has commenced in Dublin. Captain Lambert was examined, and adhered to his positive identification of the prisoner.  The consecration of Archdeacon Parry, the snffra,gan-Bishop of Dover, is f,xed for the 25th of next m.)nth. The ceremony will take place at Lambeth Palace. The Dean of PaiaterlAiry lylW Keachtli.gli_ermon,