In our opinion, a far wiser and more statesmanlike note
was struck by Mr. S. H. Butcher, than whom Mr. Balfour has no more loyal and devoted follower. Though he very properly criticised the Bill in many details he made it clear that we ought not to shut the door to all compromise, or assume that it was absolutely impossible to build a fairly satisfactory settlement on the Government's Bill. Admirable was Mr. Butcher's defence of " Cowper-Templeism." Although it could not be taken as a satisfactory basis for a Church, it might be, and often was, a satisfactory basis for teaching children. He could not, he declared, look upon this arrangement for the single-school areas as beyond the hope of compromise. He hoped the Government would so modify the Bill as to make it a measure that could be accepted by the country. We do not know whether the Government will be able to imitate the wise and moderate spirit shown by Mr. Butcher. But of this we are sure. It was well worth while to urge them to make the attempt. His handling of the question is far more likely to commend itself to the vast majority of lay Churchmen, and to a very large section of the clergy, than that unfortunately adopted by the Leader of the Opposition. As we understand that the second reading will not be taken till after Easter, there will be ample time for conciliatory dis- cussion on the whole measure. Doubtless extreme partisans on both sides will watch such discussion with anxiety lest, in the phrase of the country attorney in the story, a compromise should "break out" between the parties. It is our sincere hope that there will be such a manifestation of moderate opinion as to force peace upon the combatants.
