In the House of Commons on Tuesday, Major Jameson, a
Nationalist Member, moved an amendment in favour of the demands of the Christian Brothers' schools. Mr. MacNeill, in seconding, declared that ‘` all Irish Protestants worth consider- ing were in favour of doing justice to the Christian Brothers." Mr. Gerald Balfour, after assuring the House that could he have conscientiously done so, he would have been only too glad to yield to the demands made upon him, proceeded to show that the Christian Brothers were in fact asking for more than could p Nssibly be given them. Already the denominational
schools in Ireland are treated with far greater favour than the voluntary schools in England, and to give further con- cessions would be to modify the conscience clause. Practi- cally, the Christian Brothers have found that the national system of education is inconsistent with the original aims of their society, and therefore no mere modification of the rules could be of avail. There is no solid grievance in the matter, and that is proved by the fact that every other teaching confraternity belonging to the Roman Catholics is content to work with the Board. Mr. Gerald Balfour ended his speech, however, by the remark that the Government had a suggestion to make in the matter which he could not disclose then and there, but which, if treated as non-contentious, might be inserted in a Bill they were preparing. Mr. Healy at once showed signs of accepting the olive-branch, and finally Mr. Arthur Balfour, as Leader of the House, expressed his willingness to enter into communication with Mr. Healy on the subject. The Nationalists will therefore have to con- sider whether on the whole "they prefer the grievance" or- the remedy. The Address was subsequently agreed to.
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