Of course, Mr. Forster was far too much of a
strategist to betray the secret of the proposed Bill, but it is clear enough that it will be a compromise between the plans of the Birmingham League and that of the Manchester Union. Of course, all the very numerous associations for promoting different kinds of education are lifting up their voice to have their say said before Lord De Grey and Mr. Forster put their final touches to the Bill. Isling- ton, Halifax, Stockport, and Worcester have had meetings this week in favour of the League. On the other hand, a conference at Leeds betrayed a good deal of difference of opinion, and a meeting at Shrewsbury has adopted principles opposed to those of the League. It is obvious that the League is chiefly in favour in the great towns, and the Union in the country districts, and on some marked distinction between the machinery for town and country no doubt Mr. Forster's Bill must be grounded. All we insist on is, that whatever plan be adopted to eke out the present very inadequate educational machinery, no needless injury shall be done to the existing denominational schools by underbidding them for their scholars. Whatever pecuniary advantages are given to the new schools should be as far as possible extended to the old, so long as they fulfil the conditions of efficiency laid down by the State.
