There is a general report in Oxford that the Professorship
of Ecclesiastical History is to add another to the long list of jobs which have lately disgraced the higher University appointments. The story is, that it is to be given, through private interest, to one of two gentlemen, neither of whom is really fit. One is a man of fair ability, and a successful schoolmaster, but his life has been spent in the routine of school-work, be has abso- lutely no knowledge of Church History, or any collateral sub- ject, and his general abilities are certainly not more distinguished than those of some half-dozen gentlemen who have foolishly devoted their lives to this specialty. The other may know a little more, but is a man of no power, and his only real claim is that he is brother to a great official. We trust Lord Palmerston will inquire a little outside the Court circle before he sanctions any flagrant injustice of this sort. As matters stand at present, a scholar, however eminent, appears to have no chance of prefer- ment unless he can canvass his college for elections, or is a friend of the friend of a Minister.
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