IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 115, 18 May 1906, Page 2

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

« THE EDUCATION BILL

ATTITUDE OF THE HOUSE OF

LORDS

MEETING OF CHURCHMEN

[press association.] . ' (Received May 18, 12^44 a.m.) ' LONDON, May 17. The Earl of Portsmouth,, speaking afc'Dover, said that there .were unquestionably tAj'o main principles in Mr Birrell's Bill. ' He affirmed that the general elections ; were unprecedentedly decisive in' their expression of opinion. If the Liberals, with a majority of over 200, alloAved the ToryEpiscopal party in the House of Lords to repudiate the nation's deliberatelyexpressed voice, they would stand convicted of political sterility. If the extreme policy of uncompromising hostility AA'ere still continued, the Government Avas prepared to accept the challenge. The certain issue of a general election fought over the Education Bill would be to strengthen the cause of Disestablishment. He added that Avhile folloAving the main principles' of the Bill, the Government would, approach any reasonable amendment with an open mind.

Mr Hobhouse presided over a conference of 60 Ministerialist Churchmen, Avhich resolved, Avhile maintaining the leading principles, to support such, reasonable concessions in matters of detail as to promote the safe passage and smooth working of the Bill. A great meeting of City Churchmen, the Hon. A. J. Balfour and Sir E. Clarke being the chief speakers, protested against the Education Bill, with only five dissentients.