§ Resolution [16th May] reported.
§ First Resolution read a second time.
§ MR. PARNELLobjected to the Resolution, because the amount included £289 for the printing in connection with the Queen's Colleges, Ireland. Whatever might be the merits of the system of education in Ireland, he, and the great majority of the Irish, were opposed to it, and he could not conscientiously allow any Vote on its behalf to pass unchallenged. It was impossible for him to express the extent to which he felt himself responsible in this matter; and if hon. Members looked into the way these Queen's Colleges had been worked, if they saw how they had failed in carrying out the ideas of the Legislature, it would be perfectly apparent why Irish Members should feel deeper interest in the question of education than in any other Irish subject which came before the House. The Queen's Universities were formed for the purpose of supplying University Education to those classes in Ireland who could not conscientiously avail themselves of the education afforded at Trinity College, Dublin. But, well-meaning as the determination on the part of the Legislature was, these Colleges had been to a very great extent——
§ MR. SPEAKERI would remind the hon. Member that, on the question of a Vote for Stationery, it is not competent for him to enter into a general discussion regarding the Queen's Colleges.
§ MR. PARNELLsaid, he bowed to the decision of the Speaker; and, as he could not, by the Forms of the House, 349 move to leave out the one item of £289 for Stationery for the Queen's Colleges, he should move to reduce the Vote by £271,000, the whole amount set down for Stationery.
§ Amendment proposed, to leave out "£376,545," in order to insert "£105,545,"—(Mr. Parnell,)—instead thereof.
§ Question put, "That '£376,545' stand part of the said Resolution."
§ The House divided; Ayes 115; Noes 13: Majority 102.—(Div. List, No. 142.)
§ Resolution agreed to.
§ Subsequent Resolutions agreed to.
§ House adjourned at a quarter after One o'clock.