This was expected, but either encouraged by this victory, or
in pursuance of some secret understanding, Lord R. Montagu moved an amendment, the effect of which would have been to make the 25th Clause compulsory, and create a burning
excitement over the whole country. If School Boards fail to pay to denominational schools the fees for children of poor parents, the Boards of Guardians were to take their places, and to be bound to pay them. Mr. Forster at once pointed out that this amendment would revive the controversy about the 25th Clause with increased acrimony, and Lord Bandon agreed to let it alone ; but Sir Stafford Northcote rose in his place, flung over the Vice-President of the Council, and agreed in the name of the Cabinet to the amended clause. The Liberals, justly furious at the surprise, demanded an adjournment, but the Catholics were against them, and at first it seemed as if the Government were determined to carry the vote that night by sheer persistence. After seven divisions, however, the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave way, on condition that the debate should be resumed on Friday ; and on Friday a compromise was offered which, am hastily reported in the evening papers, we do not understand, but which Mr. Forster accepted.
