Dr. Epps has written a very sensible letter to Mr.
Spring Rice, in favour of establishing freedom in regard to Educational Honours. He remarks, that if the proprietors of the London University had obtained the charter they sought, a monopoly of teachers would have been esta- blished in the Metropolis ; as those pupils only who went to the Uni- versity would have obtained degrees ; and thus an injurious superiority would have been given to men, who might, perhaps, in the business of conveying instruction, be inferior to those who had no power of grant- ing degrees. The Doctor considers the Government plan of appoint- ing a Board of Examiners, authorised to confer degrees, an improve- ment on that of the London University; but he objects to the privilege conferred on the scholars of the London University and King's College of being admitted at once to examination, while other educational bodies are to wait until the Crown may permit them to send their pupils for examination. Dr. Epps proposes that " literary and scientific honours shall be open to every indiVidual who can prove himself qualified to possess them ; -and that " these honours being gained, the individuals gaining them shall have every legal privilege connected with the quali- fication." This seems to be the true and only just principle on which Government can interfere. It is an absurdity to deny a qualified per- son a degree because be has not been educated at one of a certain num- ber of seminaries. Mr. Spring Rice has sent a courteous reply to Dr. Epps, and promises to pay all due attention to his suggestion.
Previous page
