A great debate has been going on in the French
Assembly as to the future Universities of France, the Radicals wishing to place at least the Degree-giving power completely in the hands of the State, while the Bishop of Orleans and the Catholic party gene- rally have fought hard for the Free Universities, and for their power to confer degrees without the interference of the State. At length what seems a very fair compromise has been arrived at. Nothing of course would be more absurd than to leave the Degree- conferring power in the bands of uncontrolled voluntary bodies, if, at least, it were desired that the degree should retain any value as a test of study and attainments ; and on the other hand, nothing would be more dangerous in its tendency to encourage the bureaucratic spirit, than to lodge all academical privileges in the hands of the Government. M. Paris's amendment, which provides for a jury of examiners for degrees, selected partly by the State abso- lutely, and partly from the professors of the Free Universities, has been carried. M. Jules Ferry's amendment, which maintained the exclusive right of the State, was rejected by 369 votes to 323; and M. Paris's was carried by 379 to 335 votes. The con- clusion taken seems to us the moderate and wise one, though M. Jules Simon and many of the ablest Liberals were in favour of the exclusive privilege of the State.
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