30 MAY 1874, Page 2

Mr. Beresford Hope revived the objections to Oxford as a

military centre on Friday week, and was defeated by a majority of 99. In the course of the debate, Sir W. Har- court informed the House that 300 years ago Oxford (the University, not the city, it need hardly be said,) sent up an influ- ential memorial against the study of Greek, which fortunately was disregarded ; and Mr. Hall reminded honourable gentlemen that, within living memory, a Member's memorial had unfortu- nately succeeded in preventing the main line of the Great Western Railway from being run past the town. The only attempt at an argument on the question was that which Lord R. Churchill (shade of Malbrook I) stated, in his alarming vision of the " ming- ling of learned Professors and thoughtful students with roystering soldiers and licentious camp-followers." But what is the neces- sity for their mingling ? In Germany, where they do mingle con- siderably, does learning or war suffer thereby ? Would even boat-racing? After all, the proposal only amounts to establishing a staff of 100 persons, specially selected, we assume, for pro- priety of conduct and strictness of discipline, in an excellent recruiting district. The University Volunteer corps will gain by their neighbourhood, and not even a don will lose. Finally, as Mr. Henley said, the House, having made up its mind, must put its foot down, else some one will be asking to have the Irish Church re-established, or the Heptarchy.