Item 6 - Letter from C. Kegan Paul to Henry Sidgwick

1 doc

Asks Sidgwick to 'procure and send [to him] specimen papers given to pass men at the Previous Examination, and final examinations at Cambridge'. Explains that he has with him a pupil 'who is very stupid, but wishes much to take a degree', and he [Kegan Paul] believed that Cambridge requirements for 'pass men' are below the Oxford standards. Refers to an enclosed letter [not included], which relates to a document which he sends by Book Post, and which he believes will interest Sidgwick because it is 'an attempt at a more progressive Religion [than they] as yet seem able to attain.' Declares that in answer to the letter he consented, provisionally, 'to be on the Committee', and that the paper he sends to Sidgwick is the 'draft scheme, which may be modified when the Committee really meets.' Would like to hear Sidgwick's views on the paper, and asks him to return it at the end of the week. Gives his own criticisms of the paper, and words and phrases that he would substitute in the original text. Doubts whether ' the admission of Congregations, and the establishment of a Central Church wouldn't be an evil, by adding inevitability to the number of sects, in spite of all endeavours to the contrary.' Claims that the representation of Congregations 'would throw the power of such a Congress as is contemplated mainly into the hands of those who have pledged themselves to the negation of certain dogmas, which is a different thing to the dislike of Dogma altogether.' Reminds Sidgwick that the paper is private, but tells him that he may show it 'to anyone likely in the main to sympathize.' Refers to the effect of his views on his own position as a member of the clergy, but claims that he cannot feel he would be doing right in giving up his position. Claims that [Congreve] has nearly convinced him 'that names ought always to be signed to what people write', and if he continues to write with this conviction the question of his remaining where he is may not impossibly be settled for him. Reports that he saw Sidgwick's brother in Oxford the other day and that there was a rumour that he was to take the incumbency of Merton Chapel, 'and make it a centre of liberalism'. Claims that 'the pendulum has swung the other way, and all the young people at Oxford are virtually Catholic.' Inquires as to whether Sidgwick is coming to visit them at Christmas. States that they shall be there [Bailie, Wimborne] most of the time, 'but may go to London after Christmas for a week or ten days.'