The Scotch Universities Bill passed its second reading on Thursday
night, receiving on the whole very general support from the Scotch Members, who evidently intend that the Bill should pass, whether they get it as much amended in Committee as they would wish to do, or not. The three points chiefly dis- cussed were the tests question, the money question, and the personnel of the Commission which is to deal with the Scotch Universities. In Scotland, the theological test demanded is of a very negative character, and only commits the Professors to not attacking or undermining the Westminster Confession of Faith, which very few of the Professors could do without rather going out of their way for the purpose. But, of course, the test is a mischief so far as it is operative at all ; and if the House of Commons does not sweep it away, as we hope it will, it will only be, we fancy, because there is still a considerable Scotch feeling in its favour. As to the money question, of course the Scotch Members want to extract more money from the State, which we are disposed to regret. We confess that we think University education should not come out of the general taxpayer's pocket, especially as there are so many rich Scotchmen who ought to be delighted to bestow endowments on their Universities. As to the personnel of the Commission, it seems fair enough if the Commission be not too large for efficiency ; but on that point we agree with Mr. Bryce. A working body of this kind should be small, if it is to be effective.
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