Thanks Sidgwick for his letter of 12 August. States that, in his view, there are two points on which 'the [Royal] Commission [on the Financial Relations between Great Britain and Ireland]' would like to receive Sidgwick's opinion, one being '[t]he value of assessment to income tax, or of [net] receipts from income tax as a guide or part guide to the relative taxable capacity of two countries', and the other Sir Robert Giffen's suggested method of obtaining the relative taxable capacities of the two countries. Suggests that Sidgwick write a short paper 'pointing out...any objections to this method', and believes that the paper 'would be of service in assisting the Commission to form their conclusions.' Announces that he has already asked Professors Marshall, Foxwell and B[ ] for their opinions on the subject, and they are considering the matter. Also states that he has directed copies of Sir Robert's evidence and tables to be sent to Sidgwick. Gives the address to which Sidgwick should send his paper 'by the end of September'.
Reports that he has that day heard from Leeds, Bradford, Keighley and Halifax, who had a joint meeting on the previous Friday, and outlined their requirements in relation to lectures and lecturers; Political Economy for Leeds and Halifax, Physical Geography for Leeds and Halifax, and Constitutional History for Bradford and Reighley. Leeds also wants a third subject, i.e., astronomy, and 'expects Wakefield to join [on] and ask for astronomy'. Discusses their course needs in more detail. Refers to [Edward] Carpenter, of Trinity Hall. Mentions that Stoke upon Trent want Physical Geography after Christmas and talks of sending Sollas there rather than keeping him at Halifax. Mentions that [Herbert?] Foxwell 'wants to go during the Lent term'. Asks Sidgwick for his opinion on what they should do in relation to the arrangement of lectures. Suggests sending [Bonser] to lecture for the October term. Asks Sidgwick to take the letter to Browne to see what he says. Asks if [Bonser] will be in Cambridge the following week. Thinks he will return there himself the following Saturday, if he is able. Reports that he has only been out in the garden yet, but is steadily, but slowly, getting better. Announces that he is going to meet the Liverpool Committee on the following day.