MR. BOYD-KINNEAR (Fife, East)asked the Secretary for Scotland, Whether it is true, as stated in the newspapers, that Dr. Donaldson, Professor of Latin in the University of Aberdeen, has been appointed Principal of the University of St. Andrews; and, if it is true, whether he will state the grounds on which a stranger to the University has been appointsd over the head of candidates connected with it?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. TREVELYAN) (Hawick, &c.)It is the case that Dr. Donaldson has been appointed Principal of St. Andrews University, on the ground that he is a very learned man, of varied experience in teaching, who holds very enlightened views on University education. [Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL: Hear, hear!] Well, it appears from the exclamation of the noble Lord that he thinks no one should be appointed Principal who is not a Conservative. While duly appreciating the qualifications of other candidates, I came to the conclusion that he was the best man for the position. I am not aware that there is any usage of appointing Professors to the Principal-ship of the University with which they are connected.