Page:Correspondence between the Warden of St Columba's College and the Primate of Armagh.djvu/23

 of a school in regard to public affairs beyond the precincts of his school, is not to be subject to the cognizance of the Patron and higher authorities of the Institution. Were a Head Master to embark in a scheme of political agitation, such an act of indiscretion would plainly indicate that the person who committed it was not possessed of the solid judgment, the forbearance, and the quiet devotion to the business of his office, which are so requisite in one to whom the character of youth is entrusted; and the injury to the School which would result from it, would fully justify the interference of its Patron. And when a Head Master comes before the public as a leader in a new ecclesiastical agitation, the well-judging portion of the community will, I am confident, coincide with me in opinion, that such a person manifests a want of discretion that must militate against the welfare of the School: and in the particular case before me, the School thereby becomes liable to the suspicion, which I have already adverted to, of being a place in which the extreme opinions of those with whom the Master has allied himself are inculcated.

You are of course aware, that on a former occasion, previous to your appointment, I found it necessary to interfere for the purpose of freeing the College of S. Columba from what was in a similar way injurious to it; and both at the time I gave my sanction to your filling the office of Warden, and on other opportunities which offered, I have very distinctly informed