TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12 13, 1869. PRICE, TO NON-MEMBERS, ONE SHILLING. BIRMINGHAM: "THE JOURNAL" PRINTING OFFICES, NEW STREET. 1869. NATIONAL EDUCATION LEAGUE. OFFICES: 47, ANN STREET, BIRMINGHAM. PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE. GEORGE DIXON, Esq., M.P., Chairman, Birmingham. JOHN JAFFRAY, Esq., Treasurer. COUNCILLOR JESSE COLLINGS, Hon. Sec. FRANCIS ADAMS, Secretary. HOLLAND HENRY, Mayor of Birmingham. BAKER, GEORGE, Councillor, Tennant Street, Birmingham. BEALE, W. J., Westbourne Road, Edgbaston. BUNCE, J. THACKRAY, F.S.S., Wordsworth Place, Small Heath, Birm. CHAMBERLAIN, J. H., Christ Church Buildings, New Street, Birmingham. CHANCE, R. L., Chad Hill House, Harborne Road, Edgbaston. CLARKE, REV. C., F.L.S., Edgbaston. CROSSKEY, REV. HENRY W., F.G.S., George Street, Edgbaston. DAWSON, GEORGE, M.A., Hawksley, West Heath, Worcestershire. FIELD, A., Parade, Birmingham. HARRIS, W., Councillor, Stratford Road, Camp Hill, Birmingham. HAWKES, H., Alderman, Grampian House, Bristol Road, Edgbaston. HESLOP, T. P., M.D., Temple Row West, Birmingham. HOLLIDAY, W., J.P., Chad Valley, Edgbaston. JOHNSON, G. J., Waterloo Street, Birmingham. KENRICK, TIMOTHY, J.P., Maple Bank, Edgbaston. KENRICK, JOHN ARTHUR, J.P., Fallowfield, Edgbaston. KENRICK, WM., Mountlands, Edgbaston. LLOYD, G. B., Wellington Road, Edgbaston. MATHEWS, C. E., Augustus Road, Edgbaston. MIDDLEMORE, WM., J.P., Elvetham Road, Edgbaston. RYLAND, ARTHUR, Alderman, Cannon Street, Birmingham. TIMMINS, SAMUEL, F.R.S.L., Elvetham Lodge, Edgbaston. WIGGIN, H., J.P., Alderman, Metchley Grange, Harborne. The following is a copy of the first circular which was issued by the Provisional Committee. Sir, NATIONAL EDUCATION LEAGUE. Birmingham, February, 1869. I am requested by the Provisional Committee, formed for the promotion of a National Education League, to forward to you the annexed draft of a scheme which they have drawn up for the furtherance of a system of education which shall reach all those children who are now growing up in a degree of ignorance injurious alike to their own interests and to that of the community at large. The Provisional Committee are of opinion, that in those parts of the country where a sufficient school organization does not exist, the deficiency can be speedily and adequately supplied only by the combined action of the central and local authorities. The new machinery to be provided by this joint action need not injuriously interfere with those existing schools which are satisfactorily educating the people; but the Provisional Committee are of opinion that it is all-important that no time should be lost in bringing a good education within the reach of even the poorest and the most neglected children in the country; and they are also of opinion, that when the means of education shall everywhere exist, the poverty or apathy of parents ought not to be allowed to prevent those means being availed of by their children. If you are willing to assist in carrying out the objects of the proposed League, I shall feel obliged by you signing and returning to me the enclosed form. I am Your obedient servant, GEORGE DIXON. NATIONAL EDUCATION LEAGUE. OBJECT. The establishment of a system which shall secure the education of every 1. child in England and Wales. MEANS. Local Authorities shall be compelled by law to see that sufficient school accommodation is provided for every child in their district. 2. The cost of founding and maintaining such schools as may be required shall be provided out of the Local Rates, supplemented by Government Grants. 3. All Schools aided by Local Rates shall be under the management of Local Authorities and subject to Government Inspection. 4. All Schools aided by Local Rates shall be Unsectarian. 5. To all Schools aided by Local Rates admission shall be free. 6. School Accommodation being provided, the State or the Local Authorities shall have power to compel the attendance of children of suitable age not otherwise receiving education. The payment of an annual subscription shall constitute membership. The Executive Body shall be a Council elected at a general meeting of the members, convened for that purpose. The Council shall appoint a Chairman, an Honorary Secretary, a Treasurer, and such paid officers as may be required. The general business of the League shall be conducted by the Council, and they shall make all arrangements for the formation of branch societies, collect and disseminate information, and prepare the way for such legislation as will carry out the objects of the League. |