On Monday a letter was published from the Archbishop of
Canterbury to Dr. Horton expressing his firm conviction that the differences dividing Nonconformists and Churchmen on the education question are much smaller than is commonly supposed. He therefore suggests some further conference, which, however, would only be valuable if certain large and leading principles can be agreed upon, and these principles he sets forth as a ground for discussion in conference. The publication of the letter was followed by a statement by Dr. Clifford in the Westminster Gazette repudiating all idea of a settlement, by a speech from the Archbishop, by a subsequent letter from him to a correspondent published in Thursday's papers, and finally by, on Friday, a communication from Dr. Horton which shows that he hopes very soon to give a favourable reply to the Archbishop's proposals. If people are going into conference, the less said by outsiders the better, and we shall therefore refrain from any comment, only ex- pressing the hope that the leading Nonconformists will be able to adopt the plan of a conference, and that out of it some agreement fair and acceptable to both sides will be agreed upon. We desire, however, to impress upon our Nonconformist readers the fact that when the Arch- bishop shows the moderation he does, and exhibits so strong a desire for peace, this is due to no politic wish for a compromise, but is native to the man. Fair-mindedness, large- mindedness, and comprehension in the fullest sense are part of his nature, and the admirable tone he shows in his dealings with all questions that concern Nonconformists is due neither to mere courtesy nor to calculating policy, but to conviction. There is nothing of the "haughty though polished Anglican" about the Archbishop.
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