that, although it was desirable that assist- | education at a very small expense; and he ance should be given for the promotion of did not think that the public would grudge this object, it would not be sound policy the expense. It would, however, be prefor the Government to step in and initiate mature to form any decision on a subject very expensive measures on the subject. which was now under the consideration of Those who sought to originate such mea- a Committee of the other House. That Comsures were those who were interested in the mittee would, no doubt, throw a light on manufacturing prosperity of the country. the subject, and make practical suggesMr. Whitworth's gift was a step in the tions which the Government would, he right direction, and showed the value he hoped, be able to adopt. It would, perattached to correct instruction in science haps, be for the convenience of their Lordconnected with the industry of the manu- ships, that he should lay the Minute of facturing population. The noble Earl had Council on Mr. Whitworth's gift upon stated-and the Minute of Council which the table. had been made public had shown-the action of the Department in regard to Mr. Whitworth's munificent gift. At present the Department had only received an intimation of Mr. Whitworth's intention; and they had at present no knowledge of how he wished the gift to be administered and the exact manner of its practical application. A communication had been made to Mr. Whitworth requesting him to furnish the Department with information on this subject, and the Committee of Council had expressed their willingness to assist him so far as was practicable. They were now awaiting his reply. In all probability Mr. Whitworth would wish to retain the general management of this fund in his own hands during his life-time; but he would, no doubt, be desirous that the Government should assist him by some mode of examination by which the comparative merits of the candidates for the scholarships should be tested. As soon as the Government were in possession of the precise terms of Mr. Whitworth's gift they would give the matter their best consideration, with the desire of aiding him as far as they could. As to the general question of how far the Government could assist the progress of technical education, he believed that the suggestions of the noble Earl were well worthy of attention. He thought that at a very small expense, and without going the length advocated in some quarters and by some of the deputations that had waited upon the Government on the subject, very considerable assistance and great encouragement might be given to the progress of technical education generally, following out the great principle that local exertions should be set on foot in the first instance. By giving some assistance to professors or to Colleges either now existing or which might hereafter be called into existence, he thought that considerable encouragement might be given to technical LORD TAUNTON said, that there could be only one sentiment in the minds of the public-especially that portion of it which was connected with manufactures-as to Mr. Whitworth's gift. That very noble gift came at a most opportune time, when public attention was specially directed to the application of science to manufacturing and industrial processes. One of the advantages of the Paris Exhibition had been that English manufacturers and the most intelligent artizans had returned to this country deeply impressed with the feeling that they could not afford to throw away any advantages they could obtain, and that we were bound to educate our people as highly as those of other nations. It appeared to be admitted that many important branches of our manufactures were beginning to feel the effects of a closer competition than they had ever before experienced. It was singularly appropriate, therefore, that, at the present moment, this movement in favour of technical education should have originated from so eminent a mechanician as Mr. Whitworth. He hoped that his example would be followed, as there was every reason to suppose it would, by others, and he had no doubt it would stimulate not only the munificence of individuals, but also that of commercial bodies. It had been supposed that much might be done in ordinary schools of instruction to teach the elements and rudiments of technical education. Having been engaged in an inquiry into the present state of educacation of the country, he must express his opinion that the education of the children of the middle classes ought not to be of a technical, but of a general character. The general elements of science applicable to all arts ought to be taught; and a boy who had learnt these would be much better prepared to receive a technical education such as had been pointed out, than he was at present. He heartily concurred in thinking that the country was under great obligations to Mr. Whitworth for his splendid donation. The result would be much greater than the mere gift of money; because it gave the country an example to be followed, and which would in the end produce the most important benefits. HOUSE OF COMMONS, Friday, April 3, 1868. MINUTES.]-NEW WRITS ISSUED-For Laun- SELECT COMMITTEE-Report-On Army (India PUBLIC BILLS-Ordered--Entail Amendment * First Reading-Entail Amendment (Scotland) # THE EASTER RECESS. THE DUKE OF SOMERSET said, he wished to bear his testimony to the great value of the gift. He had known Mr. Whitworth pretty intimately for the last twenty years, and had had the pleasure of going down and seeing his establishment in Manchester. It was most interesting to see there the union of science with practical knowledge by which Mr. Whitworth had risen to the great eminence he now enjoyed. There were plenty of good Third Reading workmen and scientific men; the difficulty was to find a good foreman, who, with the skill of the workman, united a superior scientific education. Mr. Whitworth was himself the very example of the man possessing the knowledge most wanted in this country, as he combined in the highest degree the two qualities. He admitted that it was difficult to give technical education in many branches, but an important step had been already taken by the Govern ment in this direction. A few years ago, with the concurrence of noble Lords opposite, he commenced a system of teaching at Kensington by which shipwrights in the dockyards had an opportunity of acquiring scientific knowledge, so as to combine this with manual skill, and the plan had worked very satisfactorily. He believed an analogous system might be adopted by the introduction of scientific education in combination with manufacturing skill, though he was not an advocate for the Government undertaking technical education in all its branches. Minute by the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council on Education respecting the Scholarships proposed to be founded by Mr. Whitworth: Presenied (by Command), and Ordered to lie on the Table. PARTITION BILL [H.L.] A Bill to amend the Law relating to Partition -Was presented by The LORD CHANCELLOR ; read 1a. (No. 67.) House adjourned at half past Seven MR. DISRAELI: The right hon. Gen. tleman the Member for South Lancashire (Mr. Gladstone) addressed to me yesterday an inquiry, respecting the adjournment of the House for the holy days; to which I replied that it might be convenient to adopt the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman that the adjournment should not be moved until after the conclusion of the debate. From what has reached me since, however, I am led to suppose that it would be for the general convenience of the House that the adjournment should be moved at once; although I would not press the Motion now if the right hon. Gentleman strongly objected to it. The Motion I have placed upon the Paper is that the House, at its rising, do adjourn until Monday, the 20th of April. As far as all human arrangements may be considered certain there can be no doubt that the debate will finish to-night. It is possible that there may be two divisions; but, under any circumstances, the House will divide to-night. The ground is a delicate one to touch upon; but I am sure that, in the present unimpassioned state of the House, I may safely allude to what is likely to happen. Either the right hon. Gentleman will have a majority, or he will be defeated upon his Motion that the House do go into Committee. I wish to inform the House what will be the course of the Government under these circumstances—and, in case of a general agreement on both sides, there is no reason whatever why this Motion should not be made at once instead of amid the confusion and excitement that may prevail at the conclusion of the debate at three or four o'clock in the morning. Of course, if the right hon. Gentleman is defeated, the question altogether falls to the ground. But, supposing for a moment-such a sup position, of course, appears most unreasonable that the right hon. Gentleman has a majority, the course of the Government would be that which was clearly indicated by more than one of my Colleagues, and especially by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. What I should propose would be that I should offer no further opposition to the Motion that the Speaker leave the Chair. I should be content that the right hon. Gentleman should go into Committee pro formâ, and immediately to report Progress; because I think it my duty to facilitate in every possible manner the right hon. Gentleman in proceeding with his Resolutions. I shall be quite ready to give him a day immediately after the Easter Recess, but upon this point I am entirely in the hands of the House. It might be inconvenient, in consequence of the Royal visit to Ireland, which may detain Irish Members in that country, for the House to go into Committee upon the right hon. Gentleman's Resolutions on the next day after we re-assemble; and the following Thursday has been appointed for the Budget, which, in my humble judgment, should not be deferred. It is of the utmost importance that the financial statement should be made on that day. Should, however, the following Monday, the 27th of April, be a convenient day to the right hon. Gentleman for going into Committee that day shall be at his service for the discussion upon his Resolutions, to which I need hardly say I shall give my most unqualified opposition. The right hon. Gentleman concluded by moving that the House upon its rising should adjourn until Monday, the 20th of April. MR. GLADSTONE: I do not know whether I am justified in interposing between the House and my right hon. Friend (Mr. Horsman) who had risen at the same moment, but I feel bound to make a protest against the Motion of the right hon. Gentleman opposite, though upon one ground only. I do not intend to persist in my opposition should the right hon. Gentleman not be disposed to give way, nor to press the question to a division. The ground of my opposition to the Motion is that there is a manifest inconvenience in altering to-day that which was settled last night and has gone forth this morning, and has been taken for granted by many hon. Members who are not now in the House. If, therefore, there had been any feeling shown by the House against the proposi tion of the right hon. Gentleman, I should have felt bound to press my objection. As it is, however, I by no means intend to insist upon it. I will now, with the indulgence of the House, briefly state my view as to the course that should be adopted with reference to the future progress of this question. I am bound to say that in a matter of this magnitude; if it had not been for the circumstance that by doing so we must have encroached upon the Easter holydays, I should have been more satisfied had we proceeded with the consideration of the Resolutions immediately. I should have been ready for that purpose to have made a sacrifice; but, on the other hand, I admit that such a course could not have been adopted without a great departure from precedent and from the customary usage of this House, and it would have been attended with inconvenience, especially as we must have devoted several days to their consideration. Moreover, the very last thing that I should wish to exhibit to the country would be any appearance of hurry in reference to this matter. This is a question which it is very desirable that the House should sift to the bottom, and as, for that purpose, the evenings of Monday and Tuesday next might be insufficient, and as I do not think anything would be gained by commencing the consideration of these Resolutions and then leaving off in the midst of the discussion, I am reluctantly prepared to forego the chance of making progress before the holydays. I have, of course, in the remarks I have made, been proceeding upon the supposition, which the right hon. Gentleman regards as so entirely impossible, that there might be a majority on the Motion for going into Committee. [Mr. DISRAELI : I said unreasonable.] Well, we have all seen so many things happen that were strange-the right hon. Gentleman himself has seen so many things happen that were unreasonable, that I think I may venture to contemplate as a possible result the Motion for going into Committee being carried by a majority. As to the arrangements after the holydays, I think the proposal of the right hon. Gentleman upon this subject is altogether proper and satisfactory. I CIVIL SERVICE ESTIMATES. do not think it right to ask him to alter | before the House, and not to proceed with the arrangement made for the Financial the Scotch Reform Bill before the Irish Statement, which, owing to the date at Reform Bill had been read a second time. which Easter falls this year, is necessarily somewhat late. I am quite satisfied, with the assurance of the right hon. Gentleman, that the first day after that appointed for the financial statement shall be devoted to the consideration of this great and grave question. I have, therefore, no disposition to oppose the proposition that we shall go into Committee on Monday, the 27th of April. MR. HORSMAN: I do not intend to oppose the Motion of the right hon. Gentleman; but I must say that I think the course he proposes to take upon this matter is a very unusual one. When the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Lancashire (Mr. Gladstone) brought forward his Resolutions, the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister said that a very serious and solemn issue was raised, an announcement that was followed by cheers from his supporters. But now, after the question has been debated for four nights, Her Majesty's Government come forward and state that, whatever may be the issue of the debate, and whatever the decision of the House, they will treat it with such indifference, if not with such contempt, that they will not give it even a respectful consideration. I recollect that last year when the right hon. Gentleman was out-voted on a minor question of Reform, he took two days to consider the course that the Government should take upon the matter. I think that out of respect for the House the Government should have waited to take into considera: tion the new position in which they may find themselves. They might have anticipated the possibility-however unreasonable it may be of defeat; and have been prepared to announce whether they had arrived at the conclusion that it was for the public interest, and consistent with their own character, that they should carry out the decision of the House. In reply to Mr. CHILDERS, MR. DISRAELI said, that the Civil Service Estimates would be proceeded with immediately on the re-assembling of Members after the holydays. RETIREMENT OF FIELD OFFICERS OF MR. DIMSDALE said, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, Whether the Government intend to take any steps towards facilitating the retirement of Field Officers of the Indian Army? SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE said, in reply, that it was considered that the existing arrangements were sufficiently liberal for the purpose, and that it was not considered desirable to re-open the question. LAND WRITS REGISTRATION (SCOTLAND) BILL FEES.-QUESTION. MR. CHILDERS said, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the to fees in the Land Writs Registration Treasury have considered the Clauses as (Scotland) Bill (Clauses 13, 22, 23), the Titles to Land Consolidation (Scotland) Bill (Clauses 60, 63, 102, 147, 148, 178, &c.), and the Court of Session (Scotland) Bill (Clause 13), and whether they will be amended so as to require all fees to be paid into the Exchequer; and, why some Courts and departments were omitted from of the fees levied in Scotland by these the Return, No. 223, of Session, 1867? MR. SCLATER-BOOTH was understood to say, that he believed there would be no difficulty in making the amendment alluded to by the hon. Gentleman. With regard to the second Question he was informed that there were no salaries charged Motion agreed to. House, at rising, to adjourn till Monday, by Law on the fees taken in the Courts 20th April. THE SCOTCH REFORM BILL. QUESTION. In reply to Mr. CRAUFURD, MR. DISRAELI said, he intended to adhere to the Resolution which he had expressed with regard to the Reform Bills mentioned. BANKRUPTCY (IRELAND). QUESTION. MR. SERJEANT ARMSTRONG said, he wished to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether he sees any objection to extending to Ireland the provisions of the Bankruptcy Bill and the Judgment Debtors | a title of dignity on one of the Members for Bill, as presented by the Lord Chancellor the Borough of Thetford; and whether this to the House of Lords; and, whether he honour is due to any arrangements with will introduce a Bill for the purpose during the Government as to the Representation the present Session? of that Borough? THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WARREN) said, in reply, that there was no objection that he was aware of to the introduction of such a measure; but, as the English Bill consisted of more than 500 Clauses, he did not think there would be any chance of extending it this Session to Ireland. BOARD OF TRADE-PRIVATE BILLS. QUESTION. MR. WALDEGRAVE-LESLIE said, he wished to ask the Vice-President of the Board of Trade, Whether, Parliament having required a Report from the Board of Trade as to their opinion upon certain Bills, and the Board of Trade having reported their opinion unfavourably to them, the Board of Trade intend taking any steps to prevent the following Bills passing into Law in their present shape, namely, the Tower Subway Bill, the Fareham and Netley Railway Bill, the Dungarvan Harbour Bill, the North British Railway (Forth River Railway) Bill, and two Isle of Wight Railway Bills? MR. STEPHEN CAVE in reply, said, the duty of the Board of Trade was confined to making these Reports for the information of Parliament, and especially of the Committees to which the Bills were referred. Formerly, the Board of Trade made Reports on all Railway Bills; but those Reports were of little value, though they caused much expense and trouble. They were discontinued last year; and the only Reports now made were in case of Bills which, in the opinion of the Board's professional officers, were likely to affect injuriously tidal waters. The Reports were very carefully made; but, at the same time, they represented merely the opinion of individuals. It was, however, of course competent to the Committees to require the attendance of those officers for the purpose of testing their conclusions, or making further inquiries. MEMBER FOR THETFORD-TITLES OF DIGNITY.-QUESTION. MR. DARBY GRIFFITH said, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is the intention of the Government to advise the Crown to confer MR. DISRAELI: Sir, it is the habit of my hon. Friend to ask Questions which do not comply certainly with the conditions of social life and, as far as my experience in Parliament is concerned, scarcely with those of political life. I am at a loss to ascribe any definite meaning to this Question of my hon. Friend. At one time I thought that probably some one of whom he had been making similar inquiries had been practising on his frank intelligence. Then I thought it might be that he was made the instrument of bringing before the consideration of the Government the claims of some particular friend. The third interpretation I put upon it was that perhaps my hon. Friend desired to remind us that, should it be the intention of the Government to offer any advice to the Crown to confer titles of dignity, and especially the title of Baronet, there was one person who had paramount claims to such a favour. It is always my anxious desire to give the utmost information in my power to the House when any hon. Member, in the exercise of one of his most important privileges, interrogates the Government; but I will ask the House, in its candour to weigh the language in which this inquiry is made, and to sympathize with me in the trouble which grappling with so abtruse a Question entails upon me. The hon. Gentleman asks me whether it is the intention of the Government to advise the Crown to confer a title of dignity on one of the Members for Thetford, and whether the honour is due to any arrangement respecting the representation of that borough? Now, Sir, I think the House will agree that when inquiries of this nature are made of a personal and delicate kind they should at least be precise. No hon. Gentleman is justified in making such inquiries unless he is in possession of some information. How am I to understand to whom my hon. Friend refers by "one of the Members for Thetford?" I have inquired into the representation of the borough of Thetford, and find that it is represented by my right hon. and learned. Friend the Lord Advocate, who has recently appeared before the constituency; and therefore the only interpretation I can put upon this inquiry is that the hon. Gentleman wishes to know whether, in order to induce the Lord Advocate to stand for the borough |