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business of instruction, though of late there is among them some improvement by the introduction of case of scholars who pay for instruction, and by their having made Chinese writings the foundation of education. In the Jesuit Schools nothing is studied by the scholars for several years, but the Classics of China till religious teaching from books is deferred until a groundwork is laid by the communication of knowledge of the Classical language and literature of China as is taught in all the elementary Schools of the Chinese Continent. I deem it absolutely necessary to success that public Schools shall not be the spots where any attempts shall be made to wean the natives from their religious opinions or practices. I have nominated a Commission of Education to enquire into and to report on the most desirable course to be adopted not only with a view to providing public Servants, but the diffusion of knowledge among the people generally. And I have appropriated the £500 in the Estimates of the present year for the purpose of giving immediate effect to any useful suggestions. Independently of the Chinese a mixed population is
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