On the other point proposed we are disposed to think
Mr. Forster was in the right. It is hardly right or possible to forbid absolutely the establishment of schools intended chiefly for specific religious teaching, and if not, it is impossible to interfere with a provision which conditions that the governors of such schools shall be of the religious creed intended to be inculcated, or that the religious
influences brought to bear on boarders (as distinguished from day scholars) shall be of the same characteristic hue. To abrogate such provisions would be to abrogate the religious character of the school altogether, and accordingly the Act of 1869 only took power to amend the schemes under which such endowments are used, for all other than the religious purposes, and to ensure a conscience clause for day scholars. To repeal these limitations on the power of the Commission would be to break faith with the religious sections of the community within two years of a formal contract which very much modified and limited their powers. Sir John Lubbock's Bill was rejected by a majority of 158 (222 to 64).
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