Item 24 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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Reports that he is well, 'pretty happy, and working very hard'. Gives an account of how he spends his day, including playing croquet after the afternoon meal. Reports that he is 'reading nothing but Arabic and lectures', and is lecturing on the Acts of the Apostles. Comments on the Times's treatment of Church extension. Mentions that he saw his and Arthur's old friend Festing that day, and they 'fraternized on the subject'. Enjoins her to read Gladstone's speech [advocating the imposition of income tax on Charities], saying 'never was he more splendide mendax, which Arthur will translate'. Reports that George [Gilbert?] Ramsay has written to ask him for a testimonial; asks her to ask Arthur to write 'something flowery about him'. Believes that Ramsay would be 'a good man for the Bear-Garden that a Scotch-lectureroom is said to be.' Fears that the Longsden-Warne job 'will be nipped in the bud.'

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, pp 95-96.