Pièce 34 - Letter from [G.] Z. M[ ] to Henry Sidgwick

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Acknowledges receipt of Sidgwick's 'kind note and the copy of the University Reporter which accompanied it.' Writes in relation to the question of the institution of French and German in the Previous Examination. While stating that it would be useless to discuss the theoretical question of a classical as opposed to a modern, 'or what is "called" Modern Education', declares that he believes that a classical education is better. States, however, that modern departments of schools must become an increasingly important element, so long as they do not swallow up the classical departments.

King's College School has lately sent several boys up [to Cambridge], 'with very considerable success'; predicts that others will soon be following their example, but believes that many boys who are capable of distinguishing themselves in mathematics or science could also go up, 'if the knowledge of languages could be accepted as it stands, and they were not required to do Greek.' Suggests that they could present Latin, German and French, while their friends 'on the Classical side could present Greek, Latin, and French'. Thinks that it would be '[ ] to be able to push these boys well on with Latin, French, German, and Mathematics and send them up [ ] the Universities, instead of to Tutors in or about London.' Adds that he does not think that the numbers seeking exemption from Greek would at any time be very large at the Previous Examination, but does believe that to those seeking it 'the Scheme would be a matter of much importance', and that it would enable them still 'to [connect] important divisions of [their] schools with the universities' and to give the boys a definite external standard. Concludes that he sympathises with the arguments on the other side, but 'facts are facts.'