14 DECEMBER 1872, Page 2

Among Dr. Stanley's supporters was Dr. Hayman, the head master

of Rugby, who has pursued a policy of " masterly inaction " in relation to his own difficulties, and who may possibly have thought a Liberal vote on such an occasion not a bad mode of hedging against the great stake he risks on a Conserva- tive support which is growing languid. In fact, his steady refusal to defend himself against the very grave charge implied in the resolution of the Rugby governors on the subject of his relations with Mr. Scott, the Assistant-Master, has naturally enough paralysed his friends both in the world and in the press, for it is, of course, assumed that he would not choose to labour under so grave a censure and so serious a disability as a teacher as any imputation of unfairness, if he had what he even believed to be an adequate reply. But we cannot exonerate the governors from grave blame for passing a censure which was far more than enough, if just, to make it morally obligatory on them to dismiss the head master, and yet shrinking from dismissing him. Parliament might as well pass a vote of no confidence in a Minister, and at the same time decline to demand his resignation.