INTRODUCTION. 25 



objection, I confess, is plausible enough, but it will retain its 

 plausibility so long only as the larger mass of the people 

 remain in their present state of ignorance. The knowledge of 

 reading, writing, and arithmetic confers a privilege only in those 

 countries where there exists an unqualified mental darkness. 

 On the other hand, it cannot be denied that the lowest primary 

 instruction is the first step to religious and industrial teaching ; 

 that this instruction is the more essential in those countries 

 where it is absolutely necessary to impart to the people both 

 religious and social ideas and habits. But I, at the same time, 

 contend that man has, besides the brain in his head, a heart in 

 his breast ; besides an intellect to develop, morals to improve. 

 To this end education must be religious as well as secular ; and 

 the state, to be impartial, must leave the former entirely to the 

 clergy, though not without aiding, whenever practicable, in the 

 combination of both. Whatever scheme is adopted^ I have 

 come to the conclusion — not without experience founded on 

 diligent observation — that a purely secular education must 

 necessarily conduce to complete indifference in matters of 

 religion, and subsequently to infidelity. 



The system of primary schools established by Lord Harris 

 was exclusively secular; ministers of religion were even for- 

 bidden the entrance of the schoolroom to impart religious 

 instruction. Such a system could bring forth only poisonous 

 fruits. 



In the year 1838 Governor Keate, the successor of Lord 

 Harris, succeeded, against the strong opposition of the Catholic 

 community, in establishing, on the same principle, the Queen's 

 Collegiate School. 



In the year 1870 Sir Arthur Gordon made material changes 

 in the scheme of Lord Harris and the arrangements of Governor 

 Keate. Those changes were borrowed from the Irish National 

 System. Government aid was granted, and two classes of 

 schools were formed : (1) Those under the exclusive control of, 

 and entirely supported by, the Government ; (2) those assisted 

 by the Government, but under the control of local managers. 

 Religious instruction became permissive in the school premises 

 at certain fixed hours. 



Denominational schools of secondary instruction were invited 

 to become affiliated, under certain conditions, to the Queen's 

 Collegiate School, the name of which was changed to that of 

 the Royal College, which, however, remained a purely secular 

 institution with only day pupils. The Catholic school then 

 existing became affiliated, the principal receiving £500, and 

 £500 more being set aside to pay results'' fees at the end of 

 each year. 



