On the whole, we are still optimistic in regard to
the Bill, and believe that it will end by embodying what we have ventured to call the Spectator's five points. These are
(1) That teachers in the transferred schools shall not be dis- qualified by statute from giving religious instruction; (2) that facilities for denominational teaching shall be given to all denominations in all schools; (3) that Clause IV. shall be made mandatory; (4) that religious instruction, whether denomi- national or undenominational, subject to a Conscience Clause, shall be an obligatory portion of the regular curriculum; and (5) that Voluntary schools, except in single-school areas, shall be allowed to contract themselves out and return to the status quo ante 1902,—i.e., shall get a Government grant, but no rate- aid. Before we leave the subject we should like to endorse the Archbishop of Canterbury's regret that the leaders of the Nonconformist ministry are not Members of the House of Lords and present in the House to discuss the subjects of the Bill. We see no possible reason why a certain number of life-peerages should not be given to the heads of the chief denominations. Such Nonconforming Spiritual Peers would add a most valuable element to the Upper House.
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