EDUCATIOX. 223' 



witli iiiucli waste of lueaiis and power : and no douLt tliis is true. • 

 A united education, it' practicalile, would possess many adA-antages. 

 It may be doubted, liowever, in the present state of denomina- 

 tional feeling, whether united education is possible. Denomi- 

 national zeal perhaps furnishes a stimulus to educational effort 

 which Avould otherwise l)e wanting. United education may come 

 in the future when denominational interests occupy men's minds 

 to a less extent; but the best policy surely is to accejit the system 

 now established and try to make the most and the best of it. It 

 must be admitted that very considerable improvements have 

 taken place in recent years, and that a far greater amount of zeal 

 and interest in tlii cause of education than formerly is felt and 

 manifested. That the separate system is much more costly must 

 be alloAved ; but as things now stand, it jirobably gives the best 

 results that could be at present attained. The recent aj^point- 

 ment of a "Council of Higher Education," composed of the 

 representatives of all denominations, is a step in the light 

 direction, and will tend to promote greatei- unity of action in 

 connection with the higher branches of education. It will also' 

 bring together men from all parties who take an interest in edu- 

 cation, and lead them to feel that here is a common ground on 

 which they can meet and act for the good of all. The necessity 

 of educating the masses who through universal suffrage are made 

 "the masters," should l)e more keenly felt by those who have the 

 direction of public affairs and by whom the destinies of the futui'e 

 are, to some extent, shaped. When, by law, every man on reach- 

 ing the age of twenty-one, is entitled to vote in the election of 

 members of the House of Assembly, the safety and well-being 

 of the commonwealth require that such a power should not be 

 exercised by an uneducated people. More than ever the thorough 

 education of the whole is now called for, as their votes are to 

 control the government of the country. It is no doubt true that 

 "Tlu' ci'owiung fact, 



Tlie kingliest act 



Of Fi'ftMlom is a Freeman's vote." 



It is, however, ecpiallv true that it is all-impoi'tant that the 

 voters should l)e men of intelligence and integrity, who will not 



