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Mind, volume 10, number 37.

Three letters relating to the Clark lectures: Stephen offers himself as a candidate, citing his credentials in a letter dated 2 Apr. 1883; resigns the day after finishing the first course of 20 lectures because of pressing and time-consuming engagements in a letter dated 18 Mar. 1884, and clarifies that it is the number of lectures that makes it impossible for him to continue in the lectureship in a letter dated 29 Apr. 1884.

The end of term is close: 'in fact there are less than 1,000,000 seconds' until it comes. The exam [for Harrow?] will be 'very exciting'. Though he has not yet decided on a 'present for Mr A[rnold]', Robert thinks he 'would like best something for his writing table, like a good paper-weight'; thinks it would be almost as good to get it at 'the beginning of the hols', though if his mother has already found something she could send it to Robert now.

Has written to C[harlie] today. G[eorgie] is 'quite well now, and is doing very well in his class'; Robert hopes he will be placed first or second. They did not go in for the history exam with the rest, as they were 'not good enough', but took it a month afterwards. Mr Arnold has got Mr [E.E.?] Bowen to 'look them over', and if they are good enough Mr Arnold will 'give a prize like Mr Bowen's'; if not, just an 'ordinary prize'.

They were beaten three-nil in the Farnborough match. Is reading 'Leslie Stephen's life of [Henry] Fawcett', and thinks it 'very interesting'. Is glad 'Spi[der?' is all right'; it is 'a great pity about Mr Gladstone'.

Quoting a letter from Leslie Stephen to K.S. States that he would like her to say that he has nearly finished his article [on Henry Sidgwick, for Mind; cf 103/111], which, because of its brevity, is inadequate. Believes that if there is 'a fair supply of letters, a singularly interesting life might be written.' Does not know whether Nora Sidgwick would undertake it herself.

Thanks Nora for sending him the letters [his own to Henry Sidgwick]. Is still reading Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, and is grateful for the opportunity to know Henry's early manhood. Refers to Henry's visit to Berlin, the Franco-Prussian War, 'the reference to George Eliot', the references to the Savile Club and to the Stephens, and says that Henry's experiences in some way mirror his own. Declares that the 'compelling force' of the book is due to the fact that Nora has 'made him reveal himself more fully and more deeply to those who come prepared by some previous knowledge of him, of his mind and character.' Refers to 'a small printer's error' in relation to the spelling of the name of a German poet. Adds that he will be at the address given on the letter - Leinster Square, Bayswater - for only a day or two longer, and suggests that if she were write to him, she should address letters to 'University College, Gower St.'

Refers to a letter from Leslie Stephen to himself, of which an extract is included, and about which he had previously spoken to her. Remarks that it 'tells nothing that [she] did not know'. 'Extract from a letter from Leslie Stephen to F. W. Maitland' of 2 September 1900 included, in another hand. Stephen states that he turns to Maitland 'by a natural association' on hearing of Henry Sidgwick's death. Admits that it came as a shock. Claims that he had known Henry for forty years, and that the latter had always been 'most friendly', and that his death seems like 'the snapping of [ ] strongest link with the old Cambridge days.'

Writes how she likes Sidgwick and [his letters]. Thanks him for writing, and hopes that they will see him at the Ball. Refers to 'dear Dr Stephen', and to the fact that she will only be attending the ball for a short time. Asks Sidgwick to tell her about what he is doing. Explains that she cannot write a nice letter because 'everything seems so sad...'.

Writes that Leslie [Stephen] came to see her the previous day and told her [about Henry Sidgwick's condition], and that evening a letter came from Blanche Cornish 'with a bitter report.' Sends their love to him and asks Mrs Sidgwick to tell him that they 'think and long for his easier moments and recovery.'

Writes from 7 Athelstan Road, Margate;, having stayed last year in nearby Ethelbert Terrace; comments that 'all this part of the town was built by some fanatical Anglo-Saxon'; intends to be there for ten more days. Thinks that he never wrote to thank her for Miss Thackeray's books. Relates that he has been staying with the [Leslie] Stephens since he left Cambridge, where he has seen Miss Thackeray. Reports that she is going to write 'another Fairy Tale - Jack and the Bean-stalk', which is still a secret; she also told him some interesting things about Browning and Red Cotton Nightcap Country'; will tell his mother if she has ever 'read or tried to read that singular production'.

Recommends Mrs Cornish's novel Alcestis and Mrs Webster's dramatic poem The Auspicious Day; this made him cry while he was supervising the Local Examination in London, though he 'was perched so high that sixty-five young ladies could see... an Examiner Weep'. Asks her tell Arthur 'that Symonds's Greek Poets is very good in parts - on the whole, better than [Symonds's book about] Dante - and will improve his mind.' Asks how are all her affairs. Reports that 'many sympathizing strangers in London enquired after Rugby', but that he told them that the situation was unchanged. Reports also that all the M.P.s he has seen 'believe in the "Conservative Reaction" so that possibly H. H[ayman] may be made a Dean soon'.

Acknowledges receipt of two of Patterson's letters. Reports that he had been away visiting a sick friend at Davos [J. A. Symonds?]. Regrets to hear that Patterson's health has been poor. Declares that he would like to help him in any possible way with regard to the matter of English literature, but confesses that he is 'a mere amateur in this department'. Tells Patterson to send him any questions that arise in the course of his studies, he will try to get them answered by others if he cannot answer them himself. Suggests that he may be able to help him in picking up useful books at secondhand. Remarks that the subject of English literature is fascinating, but unlimited, and that he ought to have some idea of the course Patterson is to teach before giving suggestions. Promises to try to answer the questions in his first letter when he returns to Cambridge, and to find out whether Leslie Stephens books are obtainable cheaply secondhand. Remarks that all of the latter's works are worth reading, but that he has been 'lately almost crushed under the burden of editing the dictionary of biography'. Confirms that he lost his watch at [H. M.?] Stanley's wedding. Remarks that he always look forward to finding time for a journey to Hungary, but explains that he is at present busy with bringing out the Elements of Politics. Observes that Patterson does not say anything about politics, and therefore supposes that 'neither Socialism nor the failure of Macedonia are at present disturbing the Hungarian mind much.' Remarks that in England there is a temporary lull: 'everyone feeling that the next session will be decisive for the reputation of the Government. Passes on the 'kind remembrances' of Mrs Sidgwick.

Regrets that he cannot come to town, due to pressures of work. A review of Herbert Spencer and an article on the Sophists are due in the middle of March. Thinks that he shall be in town on Sunday 30 March, when he shall have time to meet Mrs H. H[ ]. Must give lectures every day next week, and 'could not conveniently get away for a night'.

Accepts an invitation to go to Brandon House [Myers' home in Cheltenham] in April, unless he needs to take sea-air for his health; if so, he will go to Freshwater, where the air agrees with him, 'and occasional contemplation of the Laureate affords one of the purest pleasures that [man's] fallen nature has to give'. Leslie Stephen will probably also be there, and he need not tell Myers that 'one who cultivates his pen ought also to cultivate editors'. If these reasons do not seem 'adequate' to Myers, he should add that Sidgwick wishes to work on his book as he intends to bring it out after all.

Asks Myers to convey his thanks to Lady Monteagle for her kind invitation. Explains that he could not get away on Saturday as 'SC is coming up to discuss academic organisation with [him]'. [Note in Myers' hand explains that this is a reference to 'Sidney Colvin a critic']. Claims that he feels moved to criticise Herbert Spencer somewhat severely, and is 'in fear and trembling' lest he does so ignorantly.

States that he forgot to mention in his last letter [Add.MS.b.71/27] that Henry Sidgwick signed a petition drawn up by him [Sully] and Leslie Stephen in 1883 to the Home Secretary [Sir William Harcourt] asking him 'to reduce the sentence of a year's imprisonment passed on a man P[ ], an avowed Atheist, for blasphemy.' States that some, including Sir F. Pollock, believed that the sentence was not excessive, but that he [Sully] and others thought that it was, and they 'mustered a fair number of good names, including Prof. Huxley, Rev. [ ] Davies, Mr C[ ] [ ], and others.' Adds that Home Secretary acknowledged in the House of Commons that he had received the petition, but stated that he did not intend to act upon it. States that some days previously he came across the empty envelope in which Henry Sidgwick had enclosed his signature [included with letter, Add.MS.b.71/27a].

Thanks her for letting him see 'these most interesting proofs' [of Nora and Arthur Sidgwick's memorial of Henry Sidgwick], and states that he quite understands that she will have to shorten the draft. Refers to some 'scraps' written to [Henry Graham] Dakyns, which are 'not worthy of insertion'. In answer to questions she had put to him, claims that he cannot remember the exact date of a letter about 'In Memoriam'; that the reference to Wilfrid Ward is to an article on his [Tennyson's] father; and that the reference to Leslie Stephen is to 'an attack of his on the Idylls of the King'. Suggests 'Tod' might refer to [Alpheus] Todd's Parliamentary Government in the British Colonies. Refers to notes in his father's autobiography - Memoir of Alfred Lord Tennyson - in relation to the interpretation of a letter. Adds that he hopes that Nora's brother - Arthur Balfour - 'will s[ ] Parliament soon - for the feeling of unrest [ ] to Arnold-Forster and Co is becoming rampant.' Sends his wife's kindest remembrances.

Refers to a letter to the Royal Society from Lord Dillon on behalf of several interested gentlemen, including Arthur Balfour, James Bryce, Lord Acton, HS, Professor Jebb, W.E. Lecky, Leslie Stephen, and others, in relation to the formation of a British Academy.

Also refers to Henry Sidgwick's plan for the the institution of a new academy or section. Lays out plan, including the ways in which the Royal Society might aid in the project. Refers to its proposed scope in terms of subject-related sections. Refers to the participation of the Royal Society in the foundation of an International Association of the principal Scientific and Literary Academies of the world, and to a scheme drawn up for the organisation of the Association, which provides for the division of the Association into two sections - ' "Scientific" ' and ' "Literary" '. Points out that there is no existing institution 'competent to represent the United Kingdom in the Philosophico-Historical [Literary] section', and this fact is used as an argument for the foundation of a new Academy.

Includes proposals 'submitted to the Committee' on ways in which the demand for the representation of Philosophico-Historical studies in an Academy might be dealt with, including the creations of an organisation independent of the Royal Society; the creation of two ' "Academies" ' within the Royal Society; the creation of two or three ' "Sections" ' of the Royal Society; and the creation of twenty-five to fifty Fellows 'representing the Philosophico-Historical subjects, to serve as a nucleus, and creation of three or four committees, similar to those already existing, viz., one for Ethnography and Archaeology, one for Philology, one for Statistics and Political Economy, and one for Psychology...'.

Reports that the above schemes were discussed at an interview with a number of representatives of the Philosophico-Historical Sciences, and that the general opinion of these gentlemen was in favour of the creation of two or three sections of the Royal Society. Refers to the issue of whether the Royal Society 'will be more useful if the area of its interests is enlarged.' Discusses the divisions between the Natural Sciences and the Philosophico-Historical group of sciences, and the manner in which each group is treated in other European countries. Raises the question of Government grants, and suggests that if new subjects were to share in these grants it might have the effect of dividing the Royal Society into sections with comparatively weak common interests. Refers also to the effect of the scheme on expenditure and on the organisation of the staff.

Has only just finished reading Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir; explains that they [she and her husband?] went abroad in March. States that as a biography it is 'vividly interesting from the first page to the last....' Remarks on the strong sense the letters 'unconsciously give of the expansion and development of [Henry's] life'. Refers to his attainment of a fellowship and the establishment of Newnham College, and describes his marriage as 'the crown to the perfecting of his life.' Refers also to how nobly he met his fate. Relates that they used to call him Socrates. Invites Nora to come to spend a day with them at Wych Cross during the holidays. Speaks of Henry's conversational gifts, and declares that she liked Leslie Stephens' and Mr Bryce's accounts of 'his talk'. States, however, that she and her sisters feel that the 'irrecoverableness' of the charm of Henry's conversation 'is not ever guessed in the letters.' Refers also to his recitation of poetry, and claims that his talk 'was the expression of his whole being....' Claims that she can think of six men - including her brother [Richmond] Ritchie - 'who can none of them at all tolerate each other, who all lay down their arms and speak with unqualified and enthusiastic admiration of [Henry]'. Hopes that they may meet before long.

Refers to a memorial meeting [for Henry Sidgwick] held that afternoon. Feels that she will forgive him for not having written in August. Remarks that it must have comforted her to hear what was said of Henry at the meeting, 'and still more the tone in which it was said by Mr Bryce, Leslie Stephen, Canon Gore, Dicey, and Maitland...' Suggests that it must be a help to her to know how his memory lives [on] in the hearts of such men, and to be able to carry on herself 'at least one branch of his work'. Claims that he often wished he knew Henry better, but that he had no excuse for approaching him. Adds that he has happy memories of him at the Ad Eundem and remembers their journey in the same train the previous May.

Is 'out of reach of the bulk of [his] books, not to mention the Athenaeum and the London Library' but says there is 'a good deal about the Metaphysical Society up and down various recent memoirs': mentions Leslie Stephen's life of James Fitzjames Stephen and Wilfrid Ward's book about his father W.G. Ward. Sees no reason why Sir James Knowles, who has the minute book of the society, should not be willing to let Nora see it. States that Shadworth Hodgson is about the only living person who was an active member before he [Pollock] joined the society. Does not think that there is much relevant information on it in Huxley's biography, but suggests that it would be worthwhile to look. States that Dr Martineau was the last chairman of the society.

Remarks that it was surprising that its members stayed together for so long, and states that the Synthetic Society is 'a kind of modified revival of it.' Does not believe that Henry Sidgwick came to the society's meetings often during Pollock's time, but states that he had many better opportunities for discussion with him outside the society. Relates that at one time Knowles 'thought or preferred to think the [society] was going to define the fundamental terms of philosophy and prepare the way for a general agreement', and states that the members certainly were not up to such a task. Refers also to a plan that he and Henry had around 1897 to set up 'a smaller speculative club or brother-hood with enough common tendency to hold it together but no dogmas', but it came to nothing. Is glad that Nora liked his review [of Henry's The Development of European Polity]; states that he was especially impressed by 'the excellence of the medieval part.' Adds that 'the Society was intended to satisfy Tennyson concerning the immortality of the soul', and states that he believes that the latter attended one meeting.

Announces that she is collecting the facts for a memoir of Henry Sidgwick, which she and his brother [Arthur Sidgwick] and hope to publish. Is anxious to know to what extent Henry wrote for the Athenaeum when he was young. Explains that she learnt some time ago through Sir Leslie Stephen that MacColl had spoken of Henry's contributions to the Athenaeum under his editorship, and wonders if he would mind telling her about these which she presumes were mostly anonymous reviews. The proposed memoir will probably consist mainly of Henry's own letters, and will be 'to that extent autobiographical', but the letters will need supplementing. With emendations.

Typewritten copy of letter. Refers to 'some rough memoranda [included] about the share which Henry Sidgwick took in College and University business.' Adds that he is not writing anything 'with a view to its incorporation, solid, in [Stephen's] article', and that he is merely putting down a few facts, and that Stephen may use them how he wishes.

Memoranda including information on awards and scholarships, appointment and resignation as fellow, etc., taken from the Trinity College admissions book, the university calendar, the ' "Bursar's Minutes" '. Also contains Jackson's own recollections of Sidgwick, with reference to himself and others. Refers to Sidgwick's membership of the 'governing body' [of Trinity College], and his promotion of the abolition of tests in the University and his campaign for the repeal of all religious restrictions on the election and conditions of tenure of Fellows as then contained in the statutes.

Relates Sidgwick's' involvement in the campaign for women's education. Remarks, however, that he was not 'at first one of the active promoters' of the plan for examinations for women. States that the prime mover was F.W.H. Myers, 'inspired by Mrs Butler, and refers to a meeting held in London in December 1866 or 1867 to discuss the establishment of a private association to examine women, which Sidgwick did not attend. Claims that after the University had taken up the project and instituted the Higher Local Examination, and a demand arose for teaching in Cambridge to prepare women for it, Sidgwick 'threw himself with unexpected energy into the work of organizing lectures, and from that time forward his zeal for the cause never flagged.'

Refers to 'the abortive College statutes of 13 December 1872', in which Sidgwick had no part because he was not at the time a fellow; and to the Burn-Morgan memorial of 5 December 1872, which Sidgwick signed, and which specified 'four reforms which "would increase the educational efficiency of the University, and at the same time promote the advancement of science and learning." ' Claims that the matter was settled at his [Jackson's] rooms. States that Sidgwick was not a fellow when the existing codes of college statutes were made under the powers of the Commission of 1877-1881, but that in December 1879 and January 1880 he was 'one of a group of academic liberals who met at Trotter's rooms to discuss the Commissioners' tentative scheme of University and College legislation.' Relates that Sidgwick was nominated in 1882 by the Special Board for Moral Science to be its representative on the General Board of Studies, and that he supported the argument for the money derived from the colleges to be spent in the partial endowment of many posts, rather that in the complete endowment of a few.

Speaks of his admiration for Sidgwick during the debates on the duties of professors, and claims that, despite being a professor himself, Sidgwick took 'a large and generous view' of the work that they should be expected to do. Refers to his [Jackson's] regret at HS' departure from the General Board of Studies. Refers to Sidgwick's interest in the difficulties that the colleges faced in relation to the payment of taxes to the University, and claims that his scheme of relaxation failed 'by reason of its excessive subtlety and elaboration.' Refers to his membership of the Council of the Senate from 1890 to 1898, and states that he attended regularly, and took an active and lively part in discussion. Remarks that he seemed to him 'to have conservatized, and he had little sympathy with uneducated people.' States that he was 'a frequent, ready, and singularly effective speaker in our little parliament held in the Arts School', and adds that it would not have surprised him if he had stood for Parliament.

Refers to his fairness in regard to debates, and his impartial treatment of opposing views. Defends him against the charge that he ' "sat on the fence" ' on certain issues, and claims that he held very strongly the view that he took, but 'was apt to change his point of view.' In relation to Sidgwick's 'munificent benefactions to the University', states that he is continually grateful for the gift which brought Maitland back to the University. Concludes by saying that he does not know how to write about the years between 1862 and 1872, 'when his astonishing maturity made him potent among the younger Trinity men', and claims that during the previous summer he [Jackson] has been 'living perpetually in that time.'

Refers to Sidgwick's intention to writing a piece for Mind 'on a subject inclining to the sociological'. Asks if he would be willing to write a short notice of Gizycki's Moralphilosophie for the April issue. Also asks him for his impressions on his [Robertson's] notice of E. Gurney. Reports that he has promised L. Stephen to write Gurney's biographical notice for the National Dictionary [Dictionary of National Biography], and that the latter's friend, N[orman?] Grosvenor, is to come to him to give further information on his musical development. Reports that Gurney's elder brother [Rev. Frederick Gurney?] has taken exception to his having connected Gurney's physical breakdown 'with the ardour of his psychical research.' States his intention of writing to the brother 'to learn from him directly what is on his mind.'

Letter of 16 Dec. 1865 a copy of a letter of recommendation for Henry Jackson. Accompanied by notes on Sidgwick sent to [Leslie?] Stephen, and the printed "Report of the Proceedings at a Meeting for Promoting a Memorial of the Late Henry Sidgwick" in the Cambridge University Reporter dated 7 Dec. 1900.

Three hard-backed black notebooks pasted together inscribed on inside front cover 'Notes from Lectures on English Literature Lent Term 1884'.

First notebook inscribed 'Notebooks from lectures on English Literature by Mr. Leslie Stephens' [sic].

Second notebook inscribed 'Notes from lectures by Prof. Seeley on Napoleon Bonaparte' October 1882.

Third notebook inscribed 'Notes from our tour in France', 1882. A little intercalated material.

Declares that 22 October will suit him to give a lecture, whose subject is 'Moral Personality and Legal Personality'. Adds that the title 'Corporation Theory' might be more suitable in relation to its subject matter. Is very grateful to her 'for a sight of Leslie Stephen's letters' to Henry Sidgwick, and hopes that she will allow him to keep them for a week or two. Refers to the letter in which a reply is made to the review of The Science of Ethics. Reports that Stephen often regretted not being better acquainted with Henry, due to his shyness, and that in 1900 'he entered in a sort of chronicle of events "Henry Sidgwick, one of my best and oldest friends, taken ill"'.

Pamphlets by Joseph Bickersteth Mayor, W. H. Girdlestone, Leslie Stephen, and Robert Burn. Papers by Whewell, J. C. Williams Ellis, T. B. Wilkinson, H. Latham, Robert Burn, Leslie Stephen, N. M. Ferrers, flysheets by C. B. Clarke and H. R. Luard.

Meeting held on Monday, 26 November 1900. Lists those present and those who sent their apologies. Includes the speeches made by the Master of Trinity College [H. M. Butler] and the Vice-Chancellor, Mr Chawner; Sir Richard Jebb, the Right Hon. James Bryce, Leslie Stephen, Canon Gore, the Bishop of Bristol, Professor A.V. Dicey, Professor Maitland, Professor Marshall and Professor James Ward, as well as comments made by the Rev. J. Wardale and Professor Sorley. A motion proposed by Jebb that there be a memorial in Cambridge to Sidgwick was unanimously carried.