Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/159

 suggestions which I think must conduce not only to the advantage of this University, but to the advantage of the Universities all over India. All three Universities, Calcutta, Madras and Bombay, were instituted by simultaneous Legislative Acts in 1857. They have worked on their own system with little interference from above and with perfect mutual independence. Some differences in their system are due to local peculiarities, and such must ever be the case; but I cannot but think that it would be well for all were occasional conferences and discussions to be held. One instance of assimilation I will mention which can give no offence. It has been stated to me that in this last year, for the first time, this University has removed the restrictions as to admission before the age of 16, whereas in Madras that restriction has never obtained, and was removed in Calcutta some years since. Certainly, if it is right to do this in 1882 it might have been done with advantage in earlier years, and possibly it would, had there been such consultations as I have spoken of. I would remind you that great good has been done in the public schools in England by the annual conferences of head-masters, and thus, besides a friendly rivalry which takes place between those ancient institutions, an useful co-operation has also been the result. It would be better indeed that any changes and improvements in such an institution as this should take place from voluntary action and co-operation, rather than from any pressure from without. The consideration of University teaching is expressly excluded from the order of reference to the Education Commission. It may be that on some collateral points information has been given on the University course, but I think it impossible that recommendations could be made with regard to us by a body in which we are not represented. In the history of this University we look back with just pride to the moderation which has ever been present in its councils and the friendly harmony and agreement which have always prevailed between the members of the governing body, of whatever denomination or sect. It would not be difficult, were such moderation not shown, for the Native members to outvote the European. At this moment I believe the number is as nearly as possible equal, but as the Europeans pass from this country, while the Natives remain, I think it highly probable that in future years the Natives will be in a majority. But there never, I am told, has been a question on which the Senate has been divided in which Europeans and Natives have not been found on either side in nearly equal proportions, nor has there been any division attributable to nationality or race. Such a