FREE SCHOOLS.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—Mr. Gladstone remarks, in his address, that " according to the habits of this country a contribution towards the cost of the article tends to its being more thoroughly valued by the receiver." I had a practical illustration of the truth of this statement in conversation with a national schoolmaster of great experience a few days ago. He told me that some of his pupils are allowed to attend school without payment, and that these are the most irregular in their attendance ; while parents who have to expend money in fees " are determined to have their money's worth, and consequently try to secure the regular attendance at school of children whose education has, in their eyes, a money value." If this experience be general, it would appear that free education would not be more successful in securing regular attendance at school in this country than it is in the United States.—I am, Sir, &c., GEORGE A. HAWKINS-AMBLER.
Lea Bank, Kirkburton, September 21st.
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