The Sun. — 1868-09-30 (London, England)

EARL GRANVILLE ON EDUCATION.  earl having referred to the local candidates, proceeded to speak with regard to the acquirement of modern languages, which he considered of vast importance, not only as regarded the culture of the mind, but also on account of the practical value thereof by reason of our intercourse with foreign nations. • While he felt sorry to see that not a single candidate had presented himself for examination in German, he must heartily congratulate them that so many had passed successfully through their examination in the language of that country from which they in that part of England were separated by so few miles of sea, and with whom they were being closely associated by ties of national amity every day, rather than being separated by feelings of jealousy and hatred. He felt it would not be of the slightest use to make observations at meetings like the present if he could not criticise as well as praise, and he felt sorry to say there were two columns in the returns Mr. Hill had sent him that were blank. He was fully aware that the same columns were blank in every district except one or two. Still, he must say he should have been pleased to see a few names in each of the columns he referred to. The first column was " Mechanics," and the second " Chemistry." There might be some difficulties in the way, but they must remember the Government had afforded increased facilities for the acquisition of those branches of knowledge by means of the Department of Science and Art, and he was happy to say public opinion was growing in favour of these acquirements, the study of which formed a valuable discipline for the mind, and upon their extension depended in a great measure the success of this country in the arts of both peace and war. He hoped the committee would allow him to offer a prize to be given to the best candidate in future years in mechanics and chemistry. He should leave the matter in the hands of the committee, but might communicate himself with the Oxford authorities to settle the conditions of the prize. (Hear, hear.) He now came to the effect these examinations had upon the boys, and could any one doubt that they had a beneficial result ? Could any one doubt the value these examinations gave to the instruction the boys received? Could any one doubt these examinations added to the esprit of the schools which had been successful? He believed they gave an entirely different spirit to the school. They gave boys a notion how useful instruction was, and caused more attachment to those masters who had imparted the instruction that had led to such satisfactory results. These examinations also encouraged the tutors themselves, and produced a generous rivalry among them. He knew there were some boys who, from illhealth or other causes, could not distinguish themselves as some of their fellow-students did ; but if there were any who had not succeeded becanse of idleness he would impress upon them the absolute necessity of strenuous exertion if they would be successful in anything they undertook.  Mr. GEo. Brunt, of Sheffield, who bad just been committed for trial for the attempted murder of hispartner one Mr. Slater, has committed suicide. On Sunday, while coming from the prison chapel, returning to his cell, ho pitched himself over the bannisters, causing almost immediate death.  How TO