REPORT OF THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY COMMISSION.
[Presented to both Houses of Parliament by command of her 141esty.]
The Report embraces a wide field of subjects, and discusses them in atone of moderation and practical earnestness. It touches shortly upon the history and legal status of the University, with a special reference to the question agitated as to the Crown's right of visitorship ; to which the leaning of the Commissioners is naturally favour- able. They express doubts as to the power of the University to make changes in the Laudian Code of its own authority, and consequently as to the legality of all changes so made heretofore. They proceed to describe the constitution and system of government of the University; dwelling forcibly upon the injurious effects of the exclusive power at present exercised by the Hebdomadal Board. They propose to correct this evil by reviving the House of Congregation ; to be composed of Heads of Houses, Professors, Public Lecturers, and Proctors ; and to have legislative authority, subject to the veto of Convocation. The defective state of academical discipline—including the various forms of juvenile idleness and extravagance—is pointed out, and suggestions are offered for improvement; though on this point the Commissioners rely far less on the force of mere regulations than on good management and control on the part of the governing powers, University and Collegiate.
The.expense of education is estimated variously ; it appears that the mini- mum is about 1501, per annum. Calculations are introduced showing the possibility of reducing it by nearly or quite one-half.
The Commissioners urge strongly the importance of University extension. They criticize the various plans proposed for this object : upon none of which do they see sufficient reason for relying exclusively, though all deserve rea- sonable encouragement. The admission of students under due superintend- ence, but without requiring connexion with any College or Hall, is in their opinion best calculated to answer the desired end. Considering that their functions simply relate to the University regarded as a local institution, they do not consider any of those schemes which have reference to the diffusion of the University system in other parts of the country as falling within the scope of their inquiry.
They examine the course of studies pursued; comparing the present and past methods of instruction. They notice in terms of commendation the improvements which have been recently made, and point out further im- provements of which the system is susceptible. They recommend the esta- blishment of Boards of Professors to preside over different departments of study. They lay great stress on the utility of more frequent examinations, particu- larly at matriculation. They desire to adapt the system of education to the special service of the professions of law, medicine, and divinity.
They compare the respective merits of the Tutorial and Professorial modes of instruction. They do not propose to abandon the Tutorial system, but they desire greatly to increase the efficiency of the Professoriate ; and having special reference to the plan of admitting students unconnected with Colleges and Halls, they propose to add a new class of University teachers subordinate to the Professors.
They describe the existing state of the Libraries and Museums, and sug- gest various means of making them more generally useful and supplying their deficiencies. They recommend them to be placed under the care of a Delegacy of Professors.
The subject of University revenues is but slightly touched upon, and the information given rather scanty ; a defect arising from the circumstance of the University authorities having declined to furnish the Commissioners with materials, The aggregate income of the University, applicable to general purposes and not to special objects, is stated to be small, (but the precise amount is not shown,) exclusive of the profits of the Clarendon Press, esti- mated at about 80001. a year. The University is said to be subject to heavy charges ; and in particular, about 24001. a year is paid to Government for stamp-duties upon degrees. The Commissioners recommend that this tax be repealed. Publicity of accounts, revision of fees, restriction of expenditure to purposes strictly academical, investment of funds in land, and the re- laxation of the law of mortmain in favour of the University, are the principal recommendations under this head.
As to the Colleges, the Report contains a general outline of their origin and history, with their general principles of constitution and leading cha- racteristics. It compares the Collegiate system as practically administered with the statutable conditions (poverty, non-residence, &c.) imposed by founders ; and deduces from the changes which have already taken place an argument in favour of the right to make further changes according to the exigency of circumstances. It examines the question of oaths in restraint of change of statutes; their reasonableness, lawfulness, and effects; and the competency of the supreme power of the State to annul them by legislative enactment The subject of close Fellowships is fully discussed, and their mischievous tendency strongly urged. The principles applicable to such special and limited endowments is argued, with a view to proving the lawfulness of de- viating from the strict terms of founders' wills, in order to fulfil their higher objects. The particular conditions of residence, poverty, and taking of holy orders, at present affecting the tenure of Fellowships, should, in the opinion of the Commissioners, be removed. The condition of celibacy, they think, in general ought to be retained. The abuses which have heretofore prevailed in the election of Fellows, with- out regard to fitness or qualification, are pointed out, as well as the improved practice of modern times. To provide a farther remedy for these abuses, va- rious suggestions are made ; the principal of which is the establishment of a Board of Electors in each College. A general view is given of College revenues, their extent, and mode of ap- plication. The aggregate revenue of the Colleges is stated at about 150,0001. per annum. The value of Fellowships varies in different Colleges, from 201. to 500/. per annum ; but these we understand to be rare extremes. This dis- parity is considered objectionable : it is proposed to fix them at not less than 150/. nor more than 3001. per annum. The Commissioners devote special attention to the best mode of making College revenues available to the great, eat extent for the objects required. In particular, they recommend the sup- pression of superfluous Fellowships, and the application of funds thence arising towards the endowment of Professorships, Lectureships, and Scholar- ships. They would prohibit the purchase of advowsons out of College funds. The present mode of appointing Heads of Colleges is criticized impartially. Although admitting defects in the system, the Commissioners do not appear on the whole to be favourable to any fundamental change. They propose adding to the powers of Visitors, and recommend a more fre- quent and vigilant exercise of such powers. The Report adds a separate notice of all the material information which the Commissioners have been able to collect respecting each College in par- ticular; but as in most instances the Colleges have declined to recognize the authority of the Commissioners, or to supply information, the Report is ne- cessarily defective in this respect. With regard to the admission of Dissenters, the Commissioners avoid the question, as one "which they were instructed not to entertain"; but they speak in terms of disapprobation of the present mode of requiring subsenp- ton to the Thirty-nine Articles at various stages of the University career.. The Report concludes with a summary of recommendations, which we will endeavour to present to our readers in our next number.
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