POSTSCRIPT.
'DIE House of Lords sat a very short time, chiefly that the Royal assent might be given to severalibills.
In the House of Commons last night, Sir ROBE= PEEL called attention to a communication which he had recently received, describ- ing another instance of Spanish intolerance, and to the 'misconduct of a British Vice-Consul, in refusing British merchants to have religions worship at his house .under the British flag—he brine a Roman Catholic. Sir Robert said that the Foreign Secretary seemed to treat this subject with so much indifference, that it was desirable the matter should be more vigorously dealt with by the noble lord at the head of the -Government.
Lord PAIKEBSTON said he had received an address from the hon. baronet for submission to her Majesty on the subject of the Spanish persecutions, and the result was that full instructions had been for- warded to our Minister at Madrid to make the most urgent remon- strances on the subject to the Spanish Government. But that required to be done with great discretion, because the Spaniards were particularly sensitive in respect of foreign interference, and more especially upon religious matters. Concessions had been made, enabling British Protestants to enjoy religious and educational privi- leges in their own houses, and if the complaint of interference with them in this respect turned out upon inquiry to be well founded, he was quite sure that ample redress would lie afforded.
With regard to the general question, it ought not to be forgotten that Spain had been governed on the most intolerant religious principles. Great improve- ments had been made, 'but it was still behind other countries. Free institutions
and a free press, by leading to discussion, -would, he hoped, -produce farther i im- provement in the direction of religious toleration. No opportunity would lost by the British Government of usefully promoting these principles. With respect to the conduct of the Vice-Consul referred to, he had no doubt, if it was -properly represented to the Secretary. for Foreign Affairs, that right would be done. Mr. WI:tuna= moved resolutions to the effect that the advantages afforded by the parliamentary grant for education in Ireland ought not to be denied to any school on the ground that the Holy Scriptures are dally taught therein; that discretionary powers should be vested in those who have the administration of the grant to assist with books and other school requisites all persons anct societies in Ireland who, though they may decline to subscribe to the rules of the National Board, were to submit their secular education to the inspection and control of the Board, and that the recent reconstruction of the National Board is not calculated to ensure a satisfactory administra- tion of the grant. In support of these resolutions the right hon. gentleman entered at great length into the details of the educational systemin Ireland, and condemnecliu strong language the construction and administration of the .National Board. The national system of education in Ireland, as at present conducted, was, he contended, de- clining and not advancing. The official reports were fallacious and misleadingord the standard of secular education in these purely re- ligious s s inferior to that given by the Christian Brothers in con- junction with religious instruction. TAB O'C3orition Pot opposed the resolution in ainaiden speech of great ability, at the close at which he was warmly congratulated by manymembers onboth sides of the House, including Mr. Cardwelland Mr. Disraeli
Theliouse was then "counted ont,".athalf-past eight o'clock.
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