24 Middle-Class Education. 



In Wurtemberg also education is under the supervision of a 

 Minister of Education and Ecclesiastical Affairs. In 1840, 

 besides classical seminaries, there were 2500 elementary schools, 

 and to the honour of this little country it is stated that in that 

 year there was no single individual of the inhabitants above the 

 age of 10 unable to read and write. 



The above statement will abundantly show how thoroughly, 

 in other countries of Europe, the education of the middle classes, 

 as well as that of the higher and loAver, is provided for and 

 secured by the State.* 



On a general review of this part of the subject it would 

 seem quite clear that theoretically the whole question admits of a 

 very simple solution, viz., that the State should provide schools, 

 teachers, and funds, and make education compulsory. 



There is only one objection to such a scheme, but it is a fatal 

 one ; — it is simply not practicahle. 



It would be looked upon with a jealous eye, as an interference 

 with the liberty of the subject. The middle classes would not 

 submit to be, as it were, pauperised, by receiving State assist- 

 ance, and the State would not grant the assistance, without 

 retaining to itself the right of inspection and supervision ; and, 

 lastly, apart from political questions, there would immediately 

 arise the one great difficulty, insuperable in this country, the 

 religious element. 



Does, then, the problem admit of no — even partial — solution, 

 or are there in this country any means that could be made avail- 

 able for the purpose, unaccompanied by the drawbacks at which 

 I have hinted ? 



I should answer, simply, there are institutions existing already, 

 which, with such modifications from State intervention as we may 

 hope will result from the Commission recently issued, would go 

 a very long way to supply the existing defects. I refer to the 

 Endowed Grammar Schools of England ; these may be put down 

 in round numbers as at least TOO.f They are scattered in nearly 

 equal proportions through the various counties of England, and 

 without any violent changes in their present constitution, they 

 might in a very great measure be made to carry out the object 

 proposed. It is pretty clear that such was their original design, 

 and if so, that their founders, could they be recalled to life, would 

 gladly consent to such modifications as would adapt them to the 

 requirements of the present age. 



* All allusions to universities and the higher order of schools have been pur- 

 posely omitted. 



t Including those foundations which are very small, and would not fall under 

 consideration, there are said to be about 2000. 



