Lord Rosebery received on Tuesday two deputations from members of
the convocation of the London University, in relation to the scheme for the foundation of a Teaching University of London in connection with the present Examining University, whose headquarters are in Burlington Gardens. The first deputation was earnest in support of the main features of the plan sketched by the Gresham Commis- sion on the subject, while the second deputation saw the difficulties of that plan, and evidently inclined to the opinion that the functions of the Teaching University would more or less interfere with the proper discharge of the functions of the existing Examining University, and introduce conceptions and methods which might seriously deteriorate the efficiency of its tests, and probably conduce to the degradation of its degrees and other diplomas. Lord Rosebery received both deputations very graciously ; but it was evident that his own judgment was favourable to the new scheme, and that he wishes at least to contribute to its success. And as in the subsequent meeting of Convocation a decided majority declared for the union of the Teaching and the Examining University in a single body, we may hope that the experiment,—to which we wish all success so long as it upholds the present high standards,—may be fully and fairly tried. At the same time, Lord Rosebery must not conceal from himself that it cannot be fairly tried without very liberal aid from the resources of the State; and how Sir William Harcourt will regard that new demand upon the Exchequer, we cannot predict. It is quite certain that, without ample resources, the scheme will be a failure; and we feel no confidence, though we sincerely hope this will not be the case, that the two distinct functions may not be found to involve rather seriously conflicting educa- tional policies and standards of judgment.
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