The House of Commons during the earlier part of the
week was chiefly occupied with the Education Bill, with which steady progress was made. During the debate on Wednesday Mr. Balfour, we are glad to see, laid down the very proper principle that Nonconformists who desired to become teachers should have greater facilities, and he hoped that Colleges would be constructed for their accommodation. Sir John Kennaway, who spoke in a wise, liberal, and moderate spirit, declared that Nonconformists should be admitted under a conscience clause into Church of England Training Colleges; but we fear that there will be a good deal of opposition to such a course. If there is, it will, in our opinion, be a great mistake. The Church of England in such a case ought to adopt the widest and most liberal attitude, and should refuse to take up a narrow or sectarian view. The Nonconformists admitted under a conscience clause could do no possible harm to a Church Training College, but would, on the other hand, by learning something of the Church at close quarters, recognise that many of their anti-Establishment prejudices were untenable. We devoutly trust that the just and manly spirit shown by Sir John Kennaway in this matter may prevail.
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