13 MARCH 1847, Page 2

By abstaining from introducing their educational scheme into Parliament, Ministers

do not avoid opposition to it ; though they do forego some of the advantages of support which a determined stand might have won for them. Leeds has become the focus of the agitation against the scheme ; Mr. Edward Baines junior facile prineeps. The Government scheme cannot be said to have a champion : Dr. Hook manfully came forth to vindicate educa- tion, and compassionately lent a hand of help to Ministers; but he is not the advocate of their plan—it does not go half so far as he would. He observed, that on this question Dissenters and Churchmen have changed places ; a remarkable truth. Dissent- ers seem to be absorbed in fighting over doctrinal points and fig- inents about contingent sectarian influences : Churchmen have learned to waive their sectarian prejudices, from considerations as to the vital necessity of worldly instruction for the people, and its practical tendencies to make those who are taught better citi- zens and better men. The quondam Ministerial Morning Chro- nicle assails the scheme on the score of the influence which is given to the Church : the objection is answered by the fact that the Dissenters excluded themselves through their general anta- gonism and repudiation of every practicable measure. The Chro- nicle quotes an advertisement issued by the managers of Holbeck National School, at Leeds, holding out the prospects offered to scholars, even of " a provision for life " : the Dissenters have re- fused to participate in such advantages ; nay, by obstinate im- practicability, by refusing to join in counsel upon a common ground apart from all sectarian differences, they voluntarily waived all share in devising the arrangements. The State is forced to go on without them.