Item 272 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to F. W. H. Myers

1 doc

States that 'the watch spoken of by the prophet would be highly acceptable', but that his mother 'has other ideas' [for a wedding present]. Supposes that Myers is coming to Cambridge, and informs him of his movements over the next week or so. Reports that they have not yet got over the shock of Lord Salisbury's speech [introducing a Bill to set up a commission to reorganise the colleges and university of Oxford along lines favoured by Sidgwick and other Cambridge Liberals], and suggests that the latter does not know what academic conservatism is, or does not care; perhaps 'Oxford Conservatives are unlike Cambridge ones.' Has 'nothing to do but suppress [his] exultation and see what turns up'. Announces that Arthur Balfour 'is expected daily now'. Reports that Nora is staying that night with the Marquis [of Salisbury], but Sidgwick is afraid that 'he won't talk to her about University Reform'. Hopes that Myers' brother [Arthur?] 'is still convalescing'.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 301.