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stage of the cause, that I endeavoured to mark the moment when national progress was set on foot by individual energy.[1] I know that when Lancaster's theory was made public, the Duke of Bedford and Lord Somerville became eager supporters of his scheme; that the King and all the Royal Family warmly assisted him (as they afterwards did his some-time rival, Dr Bell); and that in process of time, the liberality of the public became so general, that the Lancastrian schools seemed supported rather by the levying of a national tribute, than by the payment of collected subscriptions. But that which I insist upon, is the small beginning from which these great results were evolved. Not by national acclamation of an all-pervading plan, but by the resolute and patient struggle of a private individual—that great scheme of National Instruction was begun! When it appeared likely to fail for want of funds, a private individual (Mr Joseph
- ↑ In 1787—that which Mr Lancaster achieved many years afterwards for England, was attempted for Ireland by Mr Thomas Sheridan, son of Dr Sheridan (the friend of Swift), and the father of R. B. Sheridan. Though not a scholar by profession—as Dr Sheridan was—he had great classical attainments, and the degree of Master of Arts was conferred on him both at Oxford and Cambridge. He wrote much on practical education; the necessity of learning "common things;" and the folly of confining instruction so much to the study of the dead languages. He had long planned a National Establishment for Ireland; funds for which he believed might in the first instance be raised, by putting down free schools where, from gradual abuse, no duty was done. When his two sons, Charles and Richard Brinsley, were in conspicuous public situations—Charles as Secretary-of-War in Ireland, and the younger, and more distinguished, in the zenith of his fame in England—Mr T. Sheridan reckoned on obtaining the notice and support of Government for his educational schemes, more especially as Mr Orde (Secretary to the Duke of Rutland), took an eager interest in them. The death, however, of the Duke, and the removal of Mr Orde, checked his projects; nor was it likely he would at that time obtain much encouragement. The then Ministry was far too busy with the intrigues of a divided Court—the impeachment of the Governor-General of India— the payment of the Crown Prince's debts— and the disputes whether Fox had or had not mocked the English Senate with a deliberate falsehood, sealed with that Prince's word, relative to the marriage with Mrs Fitzherbert—to have time to spare for a sanguine Irishman's plans for educating his countrymen; and in the ensuing year Mr Sheridan died.
