Mr. Fortescue then went on to speak of Irish disaffection,
and to insist that in resisting the repeal of the Union, we must give the Irish no excuse for saying that we do not consult the wishes of Irishmen as to Irish legislation. Applying this especially to Irish education, Mr. Fortescue declared that the State must be supreme In the matter of education, whether in England or Ireland, and that the State could not always satisfy the clergy in either king- dom :—" But at the same time, the State, whether there or here, was bound to give fair consideration to the views and feelings of ecclesiastics; and also, he must add, to their educational-services, and yet more to the views and feelings and consciences of the great body of the laity who were concerned." As to primary. education in Ireland, he thought little change was wanted, except to establish better training-sohools for the training of teachers. In regard to University education, his remarks pointed to the establishing of a thoroughly National University, to give degrees to both Catholics and Protestants, but granting scholarships tenable at any college (Catholic or Protestant) during the period of the academical course. Whether the University he pointed at were an extension of the University of Dublin (as distinct from Trinity College), or an extension of the Queen's University, it is impossible to say. Probably the Government have not yet determined the matter. But we confess we wish so thoroughly sane a Minister had not surrendered Ireland to go into Trade.
