Education Act, 1870. 1834, in popular education, aided by the state. Elementary But as the system was entirely founded upon local and voluntary efforts, it too often happened that the places which most needed the civilising agency of the schoolmaster were left destitute. All parties admitted the necessity of providing more effectual means for the general education of the people; but the old 'religious difficulty' caused the widest divergence of opinions concerning the principles upon which education should be conducted. The church party naturally desired to retain the teaching of the church catechism, with a liberal conscience clause for the satisfaction of dissenters. Another party, known as Secularists, advocated secular education only in the schools, leaving religious instruction to be sought elsewhere. Another party, again, insisted upon religious instruction in the schools, while they objected to the church catechism and formularies. In 1870, Mr. Gladstone's government were prepared with a scheme for the settlement of this great social question. The country was divided into school districts under the government of elected school boards, and provision was made for the support of schools out of local rates. The voluntary system, which had already accomplished so much good, was retained but a more complete organisation and extended means were provided. This wise and statesmanlike measure-which was carried through the House of Commons, with great ability, by Mr. Forster, -was nearly lost by the intractable differences of the several parties, upon the religious question. It was at length settled, however, upon the principle of a conscience clause exempting every child from any religious instruction or observance to which his parents should object, and of excluding from schools, provided by a school-board, every denominational catechism or formulary. No measure in which religious jealousies are concerned, can be settled to the satisfaction of all parties; and this scheme, accepted by the church and by a very large proportion of nonconformists, was naturally obnoxious to the secular party. But already its general acceptance by all religious denominations in the country, and the earnest spirit in which it is being carried into effect, promise well for its practical success. The last question of constitutional policy which need be referred to, is that of the ballot. The Ballot. This question had long divided the Liberal party. It had been the distinctive principle of advanced Liberals: but had been opposed by Lord Palmerston, and by most of his Whig followers. In 1869, however, the recent extension of the representative system, disclosures at the late general election, and the altered relations of the leaders of the Liberal party to that section of their followers who favoured secret voting, brought about a change of policy in regard to that question. Ministers accordingly proposed an inquiry into the mode of conducting Parliamentary and municipal elections, with a view to limit expense, and to restrain bribery and intimidation; and it was generally understood that this inquiry was designed to prepare the way for the general adhesion of ministers and the Liberal party to the principle of secret voting. Ballot Bill, 1870. This committee continued its investigations throughout the session; and being reappointed, in 1870, presented a report, recommending several changes in the mode of conducting elections, and the adoption of secret voting. The government introduced a bill founded upon this report: but the education bill and other important measures interfered with its further progress. Ministers, however, and the Liberal party now stood committed to the principle of the ballot; and this most important constitutional question, which for nearly forty years had been discussed rather as a political theory than as a practical measure, was accepted by a powerful Government, and a large majority of the House of Commons, as the policy of the state. In 1871, another bill was brought in and passed, Ballot Bill, after protracted discussions, by the Com1871. mons: but it was received by the Lords at so late a period of the session that they declined to consider it; and this complement to an extended franchise still awaits the final judgment of Parlia ment. Such have been the constitutional measures of the Conclusion. last ten years. In all, we recognise the development of those liberal principles which had characterised the policy of a previous generation. In politics, more power has been given to the people in religion, more freedom and equality. INDEX. ABB Mr. Catholic relief, iii. 141, 142; Abercromby, Mr., his motion on Scotch representation, i. 359 Addington, Mr., mediated between George III. and Pitt on the Ca- Additional Curates Society, sums Affirmations. See Quakers Liberty of; Political Associa- ANN test of party principles, ii. 147, Anti-Slavery Association, the, ii. 277-404 Appellate jurisdiction of the House of Lords bill, i. 298 268 ! Army, the, duty of muster-mas- BAR ii. 276; Orange lodges in, 402; Army and Navy Service Bill, the, Arrest, on mesne process, iii. 29; Articles, the Thirty-nine, subscrip- Auchterarder Cases, the, iii. 242, 244 Australian colonies, the settlement B the use of the king's name, i. 69 DAKER, Mr., his motion against Ballot, vote by, motions for adop- Barré, Colonel, deprived of his |