The second reading debate on the Education Bill opened in
the Commons on Monday with a strong party speech from Mr. Wyndham. The first part of the Bill he denounced as a violation of the principle of religious equality. The State ought to be neutral in regard to religious education, and he denied that the last Education Act violated the principle of neutrality. Fortunately, he declared, the provision as to the Commission of three to deal with trusts was not likely to work. Trustees would defend suits which would be brought against them throughout the length and breadth of the land, and the consequent litigation would last for years. The special facilities provided were wholly inadequate. He ended a very partisan speech, which con- tributed nothing to peace, but a great deal to the spirit of strife, by declaring that if the Government persisted with their proposals they would have to face a period of religious war. Sir Henry Fowler, who spoke for the Government, repudiated the imputation that they were inspired by any desire to destroy the Church of England. In the debate that followed Mr. T. P. O'Connor insisted that he had never known Roman Catholic feeling to be so deeply stirred as it now was against the Bill, while Dr. Macnamara protested against the talk of confiscation. In his opinion, Clause IV. ought to be mandatory.
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