Item 74 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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Reports that he has been very busy with work, including his membership of sub-committees of the Board of Moral Sciences, which undertake the work of remodeling the Moral Science examination; by doing this kind of work one gains influence, and he wants as much as he can get to 'carry through [his] ideas on the subject, which are rather strong'. Fears that the election of Professor Maurice will bring an end to 'the peaceful times' at Cambridge, and that they 'shall presently be steeped in polemics almost to the same extent as Oxford.' Reports that they had that day been electing the Council of the Senate, and for the first time the parties have been organised enough to 'construct "tickets" of candidates - à l'Américaine'; is not sure whether anything will come of this but an 'increase of party feeling'.

Sends Arthur one of his pamphlets [not included; on reforms to the Classical Studies examination], and asks his mother to tell him that he can send one or two more, if he thinks that 'there are any Rugby people who may be made to come up and vote in case the question comes before the Senate.' Regrets that he did not see William, who had written to say that he could not spare the time. Fears that 'he is partly in the same state of irresolution in which he was in the summer.' Doubts that he shall manage to go to France at Christmas, and states that he may 'turn up again at Rugby.'

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, pp 153-154.