THE PROGRESS OF THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 5, 23 May 1884, Page 15

THE PROGRESS OF THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

OR a time the secularists had it all their own way on this question. Secularism first obtained a permanent footing in America. Then it was imported into Europe, and last of all the colonies took it up. The triumphal car of godless schools proceeded on its course over three continents, and it was thought, that men had seen the last day of Christian schools. But it was not so. The Catholic Church in America met the procession in the only way practicable, and established everywhere thioughout.the

United States and Canada Christian schools in which millions of children receive a thoroughly Christian education. In Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, the United Kingdom, and the colonies, she pursues the same course. This is an opposition and an obstacle which secularism did nofc expect. It was known, indeed, that the Church, would condemn secularism, but its patrons never calculated ou the devotion and generosity displayed by the Catholic laity. It was thought by men devoid of faith that the pounds shillings and pence argument would before long prevail, and, like themselves, Catholics would abandon that which demanded the steady pursuing of principle and large pecuniary sacrifices without any other return than that which arises from imparting a truly Christian education to children. In all the countries mentioned above, the efforts made by Catholics are enormous, and instead of relaxing in these efforts as time wears on, the indications are that they are more determined than ever to persevere in the course on which they have entered with so much spirit and generosity. Not content with establishing Catholic schools, they have now entered on a new phase of opposition. They have long deplored the injustice that compelled them, whilst manfully supporting Catholic schools, to support also un r Catholic and anti-Catholic secular schools. But now they think the time has come when deploring should be changed into active endeavours to rid themselves of the unjust, burden imposed upon them by an iniquitous law. In many parts of North America, as for example, in the dominion of Canada, they have succeeded in securing fair play, and in the United States their exclusion from all participation in public funds set apart for the purposes of education is not universal. No doubt, then, numbers and determination to obtain equality will before long produce a still deeper impression than hitherto on public opinion, and bring about the reign of justice. "We are glad to see that in England an effort is being made, not by Catholics alone, but by all advocates of Christian schools, and in the United Kingdom these are legion, to obtain a fair share of the education rate for denominational schools. All that is required on the part of these advocates is union and perseverance to secure success. The denominationalists in the United Kingdom constitute the vast majority of the people, but their opponents have hitherto been successful by their union, and by adroitly playing off nationality against nationality, and denomination against denomination. A bitter experience has taught the denominations where has lain their own weakness and the strength of their enemies, and it is more than probable that these denominations will now close their ranks and present a united and determined front to the dismayed and outnumbered secularists. We sincerely hope it may be so. And what as to ourselves ? — Well, the fates are fighting for us. Financial difficulties and considerations come to aid our efforts, and that which a sense of justice could not secure, necessity is likely to wring from bigotry and tyranny. The conjuncture is favourable, and it only remains for us to avail ourselves of the advantage given us by the financial position of the Colony, and press our claims with more energy, determination, and union than ever before. Now is the time, now, on the eve of a general election, to petition Parliament, register, and organise to give a warm reception, on the hustings and in the polling booths, to all who would maintain the present iniquitous education law, and compel conscientious men to pay practically double taxes.