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    628 _____ ¦¦ ¦.¦^JEJL-J^A-PJ^.fi-'.:.......

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    Imperial' Parliament, Monday, June 2slh....

    ENDOWED SCHOOLS ( ilSKLANl )) . Mr . Kirk moved to call the attention of the House to the report of the Commissioners of Endowed Schools in Ireland , and to urge the necessity of prompt ven . eJios being applied to the evils and abuses which that report disclosed . He had been K < 1 lo make this motion through i circumstance which would be iu the recollection of the House . " The report in four volumes was so large , that it was said it would be impossible ibr any member to read it ; but the fact was that the whole }> ith was contained in a book of 280 pages , ami on that book'his motion was founded . The Commissioners' report stated that the Diocesan Free Schools-and the Royal Free Schools are at the present moment the best conducted

    schools in the country . Another class of schools arc those founded by Erasmus Smith , which are endowed by that gentleman , who was an alderman of London in the time of the Protectorate . These schools were some years afterwards handed over to the Government by charter ; but he complained that the provisions of that cbarter ^ bad been evaded by expending the funds , which were to have been employed in extending the means of educating the poor , in the erection of new buildings at the richly endowed Trinity College . A fourth class are what are called the Society's Schools , and a fifth class those which were established in 1792 by the Society for Discountenancing Vice . But all these bear a sectarian character . In 1824 , a commission was appointed whose

    report was referred to a select committee of the House of Commons ; and that committee passed a series of resolutions which were the foundation of the present national system of education . In 1834 there was another commission , which reported in 1838 , and in consequence of that report another change took place , viz ., the establishment of the Queen's Colleges . All the several classes of endowed schools in Ireland had been grossly mismanaged . There are at the present moment 976 endowments in operation , the total value of the lands with which they are endowed being 68 , 570 ? . a year . There are 296 endowments hot in operation ; the value of lands is 2170 / . a year ; and there are 29 contingent endowments—the contingencies which were to bring

    them into operation not having yet arisen ; the value of these is 683 ? . a year . There are besides 170 lost endowments / and the present value of the property with which these are endowed is 2574 ? . a year . The object of all tbe endowments , to afford free education to the poor , had been defeated for want of proper management . In the Royal schools , with 9000 ? . a year , there are but 36 free scholars , and these have only been admitted since the agitation on the subject has arisen . In the Erasmus Smith schools , only 700 ? . a year i 3 expended in the fulfilment of the charter , although the total income is 8000 ? . a year : and in all the others the same disregard of the objects of the founder is observable . He believed that the great evil is in the constitution of the boards of

    management , which generally consist of church dignitaries , judges , and state officials , -who cannot find time to attend ; and another ground of complaint is , the absence of any efficient system of audit . " Having pointed out other incidental evils , Mr . Kirk continued :-r- He should probably be asked if he was prepared to point out a remedy . He thought the remedy was easy . He would appoint a board in Dublin which should fairly represent all classes in Ireland . He would give that board by act of Parliament the sole management of the endowments . He would vest the appointment of its members in the Crown , and he would have no ex officio members upon it . lie would give them power to do away with the boarders on the one bund , and the free

    scholars on the other , in the endowed schools . When a locality wanted a school , it should be required to subscribe a third of the expense before any grant was made . He would have the schools , land and premises , con veyed to the board , so that they could become the property of the State , and it would bo impossible for them to lapso into the hands of individuals . Let the endowments which were given not bo permanent , but varying during pleasure ; let the amount be regulated by the requirements of the town or locality ; and let the board fix . the fee to be paid , so as to make the school selfsupporting . The middle classes had a strong claim on the Government for prompt action in the matter of endowed schools . "

    Lord Naas said that the question is ono of the greatest importance , and that there is no doubt the system of intermediate education In Ireland is iu a very unsatisfactory state . Commidaionera had been appointed to inquire into the endowments , and the report disclosed a most extraordinary state of things . It was impossible , however , for him then to indicate how the Government intended to deal with tho question ; but , during the recess , they would give it thoir best attention , and hoped to lay some scheme before tho House next session . (// e « r , Aear . )—A few remarks wero made by v « rious hon . members , pointing out tho necessity for some change ; and Mr . Kirk , then withdrew his motion . ORANGE LO DO ICS ( iREtAND ) ,

    Mr . J . D . "Fitzgerald called attention to the address of the House of Commons to bin late Majoitty of tho 24 th of February , 18 . 16 , and his Majesty ' s answer thereto , and to tho recent appnintmont of Mr . Cecil Moore , Grand Secretary of the Tyrone Orange Lodge to the oflko of Sessional Crown Prosecutor for the couwy of Tyrone . Ho also moved tho following resolution :

    — " That the appointment to offices connected with the administration of the criminal law of members of the Orange confederation , or of any other political confederation founded ou principles of religious exclusion , inculcating secrecy on its members , . and acting by means of delegates or representatives , and of affiliated branched , tfcinls to create well-founded jealousy and suspicion , highly detrimental to the ends of justice , and ought to lo discouraged . " The organization of the Orange party had ramified , not only through Ireland , but in England , Scotland , and the colonies , and had -been used everywhere as an eimine for political purposes . It had

    stimulated religious animosity , and proved a fertile source of disturbance and danger to the country . In 1836 , that House condemned the body ; but the society had never really been dissolved , and it still retains all its original power of mischief . The course of : justice is often defeated by it , as , when Orangemen are charged with heinous crimes , the funds of the society are applied to save them . He did not desire to see the Orange Lodges forcibly put down ; but he did wish that they might no longer receive encouragement from the Government by tlie selection of their members for official appointment ? .

    Mr . Whitesidb said that Mr . J . D . Fitzgei-ald had supported his motion by arguments from exploded reports and by a series of detached and insignificant facts . The Orange confederation , during the later years of its activity , was engaged in resisting the efforts of O'Connell , which threatened to destroy Protestantism in Ireland , and to annul the Union . Zeal might occasionally in those days have led the Orangemen too far ; but tlieir principles of organization are strictly legal and practically unobjectionable . In justifying his appointment of Mr . Moore , he produced a testimonial in his favour signed by deputy-lieutenants , magistrates , gentry , and clergy , including four Roman Catholic priests ; and he mentioned that Mr . Moore had acted as Sessional Crown

    Prosecutor under Mr . Fitzgerald himself when Attorney-General for Ireland . Mr . Moore does not now hold the office of Grand Secretary of the Orange Lodge , which he resigned last October ; and , when he ( Mr . Whiteside ) made the appointment , he was not aware that Mr . Moore had ever held an office under the association . —Mr . Fitzgerald , in bis reply , declared that he was not cognizant of Mr . Moore having acted as Sessional Crown Prosecutor under him , or of his having ceased to be Grand Secretary before his appointment . —After a few words from Mr . G . Fortescuk in reference to the appointment referred to by Mr . Whiteside as having been made by the late Government in the county with which he was connected , denying that he , who had recommended that appointment , was aware that the party was connected with any secret society , Lord Palmerstok said he could

    not allow the debate to close without expressing the pain he felt at this apparent revival of animosities connected with a state of things which they had hoped had altogether ceased , or was fast dying out . He recommended that the question should not be pressed to a division . —Lord John Bussicix asked whether it wa 3 desired to overturn the resolution of 1836 . —The Chancellor of the . Exchequer censured the motion , and denied that anything had passed which justified the suggestion of Lord John Russell . The policy of Government with regard to Ireland would be adapted to the changed circumstances of the country , -would be generous and conciliatory , and would not recognise any difference of creed or party . —Mr . Roebuck said he could not vote for the motion , which would be a direct and undeserved censure on Mr . Whitoaide . —The motion

    was then negatived . The second reading of the Game Law ( Ireland ) Bill was discharged , and tho bill was withdrawn . —The Funded Debt Bill , was rend a third time , and passed . The House adjourned at twenty minutes to two o ' clock . Wednesday , June 30 th .

    MARRIAOB LAW AMENDMENT BILL . The adjourned debate on going into committee- on this bill was resumed by Mr . Lyoox , who moved to defer the committee for three months . Tho bill differed in many important respects from the bills of 1840 and 1855 , and , considering the lateness of the session , ho thought it would be bettov to postpone legislation for the present . <—A brief conversation ensued , and , upon a division , the amendment was negatived by 91 ) to 58 . The House then went into committee on tho bill , tho clauses of which wore agreed to , after a good deal of resistance , and Hie proposal of several amendments which were either defeated or withdrawn . MIBCELLANKOUS UUSINKH 3 .

    Mr . Deedk 8 moved tho second reading of tho Pkotkotiok of Female Chilurkn Bill , tent from tho House of Lords , whero it had received tho Banction of tho Lord Chief Justice . —Tho bill waa read a second time . Mr . Hunt moved tho second reading of tho Mkmiiishh ' Freedom prom Arrkst Bill , urging that tho reasons for the privilege have ceased , and that its rotontioti is unnecessary . —Mr . Uouvkuuc oppesod tho bill . Mr . Hunt had misconceived tho naturo of this privilege , which is not tho personal privilege of member * , but tho privilego of constituencies and of tho House itself . Ho moved to defer tho second reading fur throe months . — This amendment was supported by Mr . Crai / iotud nnd

    Mr . Henry Berkeley . —On a division , the . amendment was negatived by 129 to 75 , and the bill was reud a second time . . The House adjourned at five minutes to six . Thursday , July 1 st . In the House of Lords , in presenting petitions for the abolition of church-rates , the Earl of Derby /" who appeared for the first time since his illness ) stated that he totally dissented from the prayer of the petitioners and , when the Bill on the subject came on for discussion ' he should move , if no other peer did so , that it be read a second time that day three months . VICTORIA SrATIO . V A 2 it > 1 'lMl . WO RAILWAY BILL

    The debate on the Earl of Donoughmore ' s motion that the First Commissioner of Public Works have leave to appear by counsel before the select committee against this bill was resumed . —The Loki > Ciiancelxor said he had considered the subject , and had come to the conclusion that there was no necessity to have the consent of the Crown to the progress of tlie measure . As the standing orders would now prevent the presentation , of the petition , he suggested that Lord Donoughraore should move that the standing orders be dispensed with for tbe purpose of enabling the present First Con ) wia ~ sioner to present a petition to be heard against the bill . —After a brief discussion , the Earl of Dosoughmore intimated that he would adopt the suggestion of the Lord Chancellor .

    ADMISSION OP JEWS TO PAIILIAMENT . Before the order of the day for the second reading of Lord Lyndhurst ' s Oaths Bill , the Earl of Debby iatimated his intention of adopting the bill of Lord Lucan on tl \ e same question , which he preferred to the other as being simpler . He thought it would be better to send down the original bill as it stood , accompanying it with Lord Lucan ' s bill as a separate measure . His opinion on the abstract question remained unchanged ; but he saw no other method than that -which he then adopted of terminating the difference with the other House . — Lord Lyndhurst expressed surprise at the course taken by Lord Derby . His Lordship had , on a former occasion , clearly expressed his views , and on those he ( Lord Lyiidhurst ) had founded his bill . However , lie had no objection to the principle of Lord Lucan ' s measure ; but he observed in it a defect of detail It dealt only with one part of 'the question : the abjuration of tbe descendants of the Pretender would still ; remain . That mi ^ ht-be . remedied * in committee ; but then the measure would be exactly the same as his own . Still , he would postpone his own bill for the sake of Lord Lucan ' s . —The Earl of Lucan then moved the second leading of his bill , which was opposed by the Earl of Clascarty , who moved that the bill be read a second time that day six months . — -Lord Bebnkbs denounced the bill as dangerous both to the peerage and the monarchy . —Earl Gkanville gave his support to the measure , though he did not think it the best mode of settling 1 he question . — Tlie bill was further supported by the Duko of Cleveland and opposed by the Duke of Htjtland . —Lord RiiDESDALB pointed out what he thought a constitutional objection to the bill : it would enable the House of Lords , at some future time , to admit a Jew suddenly , and by a resolution , without the discussion required to pass a bill . —Lord Buougiiam said the objection was groundless : tho resolution necid not apply ' to any particular individual ; it might be a general one . The fact that a Jew may now sit and vote in n committee , performing nine-tenths of the duty of a member of Parliament , without taking any oath whatever , had materiully altered the circumstances in which tho question cume before them . —Tho Bishop of Oxi'Oisw snid he should again oppose the measure by his vote , for tho same reason ho had always done ; namely , that tho man who denied the main principle of the Christian revelation could not bo safely trusted with the power of making laws for a Christian community . —Lords l ) vsoannon and Cardigan also opposed tho bill . The House then divided . Tho numbers wore , — Content—Present ... ... 79 Proxies ... . . G 4 —143 N " ot content—Present ... ... Gd Proxies ... ... 33 ~ - 97 Majority for the second rending 40 The bill was then rend a second timo , and tho consideration of tho reasons for insisting on the amendments of the original bill was fixed fornost Tuesdny . Their Lordships then adjourned sit a qnnrter-pnst nine . At tho morning sitting of tho IIourk ov Commons , tho NlSW GlCNUltAL PoST-OKKJtCIS ( Kl > IK » Ultnil ) lill . lwas read a third time , and passed . UNIVERSITIES ( SCOTLAND ) HILL . Tho House again went into committee on this l » il '> mul , on clause 1 !) , Mr . Baxter objected to any part of tho funds beings devoted to tho nuiintcnniicc or establishment of theological clinic * . There w « n u i-tro » g fooling in Scotland against tho application of public money to miy kind of religious endowment ; mid '" - moved , by way of proviso , that no nioiu-y hu s ° " P " plied . —Tho proviso , after discussion , - "was cniricil Ij . v JO ' - aguinnt 94 . Tho result was loudly rhcuriul by tho Opposition ; and the cluusc , as amended , wns agreed to . —

    628 _____ ¦¦ ¦.¦^Jejl-J^A-Pj^.Fi-'.:.......

    628 _____ ¦¦ ¦ . ¦^ JEJL-J ^ A-PJ ^ . fi- ' .:.... ; ^ J ^ JlJyj ^^ v 1858 .

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), July 3, 1858, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_03071858/page/4/