Thanks Sidgwick very much for offering to propose him as a member of the Dining Club, and asks clarification on some of the rules of membership. Encloses a letter from Tawney [not included]. He also received a letter from 'A. J. P.' [Patterson] Reports that he went with Payne to see Conklin, and has also seen Wilkinson, who gave him an introduction to [Home]. Asks Sidgwick how he is to return his two books to him. Refers to Sidgwick's 'prophecy about the Oriel fellowship' being fulfilled, and reports that his 'people' are due back the following week. In relation to the war he writes that he has heard that Francis Joseph Maximilian and Napoleon have agreed that Mexico is not to recognize the Confederate States; expresses regret at this news 'because it may prolong the war'. Declares that he is making 'a collection of tit-bits of atrocity for [his] future history' including Colonel Dahlgren's instructions, and also 'a choice morsel from New O.' Sends his love to Arthur.
Announces that they are sending the letters [from Henry Sidgwick to her father, A.J. Patterson] to Nora that day, and apologises for the delay. States that there are not as many of them as they had previously thought there were. Asks Noa to acknowledge receipt of them.
Patterson, Margaret Esther (b 1883) daughter of Arthur John PattersonRefers to the letters from Henry Sidgwick to her father [A. J. Patterson], and states that her mother regrets having taken so long to finds them. Says that in all they number about sixty, and that 'almost all date since the year 1886.' Offers to send them to Nora. Adds that if her father kept the letters from years prior to 1886, these 'must be still in London, either at the Stores or at the Bank', and she regrets to say that they are not yet at her mother's disposal.
Patterson, Margaret Esther (b 1883) daughter of Arthur John PattersonObserves that Patterson's 'plunge into Magyardom is more serious than [Patterson] anticipated' and Sidgwick has been considering any suggestions he could make to him, but can find none. Believed that a man such a Patterson ought to be able to earn £200 a year 'without going to Hungary', but does not now think that there is much prospect of him achieving this result.
Refers to Patterson's letter of 20 June 1885, which he has 'grossly neglected'. Admits to not knowing of any good essays or books of at all a scientific kind, in English, on methods of history and different schools of [historiography].' Suggest a series of essays written by Seeley a year or two previously in Macmillan's Magazine on the method of writing history. States also that there were four articles in some of the months of 1879, and 'a sort of a[ ] in the Contemporary [Review] for June'.
Explains that he has been 'bothered and unsettled' since he came to Berlin, and that he is now living 'en famille' at the home of Dr Lüdde-Neurath, 1 Markgrafen St. Describes his lodgings as 'very simple and homely', and comments favourably on its cheapness, as Berlin 'is a dear town for Germany'. Reports that he has a big room to himself, with a good view, and that he gets 'boarded and instructed as well...for under £10 for 6 weeks.' Refers to his linguistic skills. Reports that Patterson, who went to Germany with him, developed 'an infinite disgust of Berlin, the Germans, their manners customs and language', and Henry could not persuade him to stay for longer than a fortnight, after which he went off to tour on his own account.
Declares himself to be 'a wretched man for seeing sights', but he went to Potsdam the other day; says that its palace is prettier and more interesting than the 'Schloss' in Berlin. Remarks on the 'intense hatred' that the Germans have for the name of Napoleon. Reports that they passed the palace where the Princess Frederic William resides. Claims that he saw the report of the 'W[ellington] C[ollege] speeches' in the Times, and remarks that he was glad to see that she was 'giving further support to the sinking literature of [their] country...'
Reports that he gained nothing from his spirit-rapping 'but experience in the lower forms of human nature.' Claims that the woman involved, who accomplished 'some very remarkable liftings of the table', 'was a complete humbug', but that the experience does not at all shake his [qualified] belief in spirit-rapping. Asks if Ada [Benson] is still in Dresden, and how long she is going to stay there. Announces that he is to spend a day or two there at the end of September, and is then going to the Riesengebirge, and thne on to Prague.
Reports that the previous day he paid a very pleasant visit to Dr Rau[ ] in the evening, but claims that his German in not yet up to scratch. Announces that he intends to call upon Dr Rau[ ]'s brother that day. Reports that he ate beer-soup that day, and describes its composition. Finds that he is in Berlin 'just at the wrong time, 'as there is no university and almost no society now.' Complains that the worst feature in Berlin 'is the abundance of ---s and ----s.' Sends his love to Edward and his mother.
Announces intention of coming to London the following Friday [10 April 1885]. Offers to meet Patterson for a talk. Invites him to Cambridge on the following Wednesday or Thursday if the latter would prefer.
Explains that his delay in writing is due to the unsettled state of his plans. Reports that he has been staying in lodgings in Berlin for nearly a fortnight, and has to change his plans so that he will spend only a short time at the end of the Long [Vacation] travelling. Announces also that he has been obliged to separate from Patterson, who has to return to England earlier than he does. Admits that he has not studied much German as yet, but undertakes to work really hard at it when he goes to stay with a family. Professes to liking the town of Berlin very much, and to having great admiration for Germany. Does not believe that the Prussian policy or the real position of Prussia in Germany is generally understood in England.
Explains his delay in finding a family to live with as being due to two of the three professors to whom he had letters of introduction from E. W. Benson were away, and the third, Dr Wiese, was 'either too busy or unable to assist [him].' Professor H[errig], when he returned, found a residence and instructor for Henry for six weeks. He is lodging with a Dr Lüdde-Neurath, and undertakes to send the full address soon. Reports that he travelled to Berlin via Antwerp, Aix, Hanover and Magdeburg, and at the latter witnessed the ceremony of the Greater Relics and bought some commemorative medals. Remarks on the cathedral there, where he saw the relics. Reports that he had a bad bout of hayfever in Aix, and so chose to go to Hanover by night. Crossed the Rhine at Dusseldorf. Describes the new part of Hanover as 'a very nice town', and his visit to the palace where he saw the portraits of the Four Georges. Sends his love to Minnie and Edward.
Reports having heard from Bryce, who said that he had written, through [J .R. ?] Thursfield, and that he hoped to see Sidgwick's letter. Suggests that if Patterson could 'defer arrangement for a fortnight or three weeks, probably the matter would have got into a stage when [ ] more could be said about it'.
[Sent from London]:- Reports that he has been unexpectedly detained in England, due to Patterson having delayed his arrival in London for two days. Has decided not to go to Heidelberg until the Autumn, and has decided on Berlin as the place of his residence. Announces that Edward Benson has given him introductions to professors there. Reports that he has not heard from Mrs [A ], but he may yet, as his letters from Cambridge have not yet been forwarded on to him. Expresses his wish to visit Heidelberg 'and enjoy the wonderful beauty of the castle', but does not intend to stay there as long as he had at first intended. Hopes that his mother received his parcel 'and found the philosophy soothing and elevating'; and also hopes that she continues with her walking.
Reports that he is now staying with his friend Cowell, 'who is living here now en garçon, as his family are gone to Norway'. Claims to be enjoying himself a good deal. Reports that he went to see Holman Hunt [Hunt's picture, The Finding of Christ in the Temple] again, and maintains that the picture improves every time he goes. Announces that that night he is going 'to witness some spirit rapping'. In relation to poetry, states that he has 'no "[afflatus]" ', and can't write any. Reports that at Cambridge he is considered 'irretrievably donnish.' Reports that there is another book lately published by the ' "[ ] etc" ' Praises the Saturday Review, and predicts that he will miss it in Berlin. Sends his love to William. Asks her to send Arthur's address to him in Berlin.
Reports that he is not going any farther east than Munich that year. Explains that his time is very short, and that Bryce has asked him 'to go with him to some high Alpine place'. His wife's health necessitates 'the same treatment'. Expresses regret that he won't see Patterson.
Intends to see a friend from the Times that morning. Asks Patterson to meet him that evening at the Great Northern Hotel. Announces that he shall be in the [British] Museum Reading Room almost all day, if Patterson is not able to come to dinner.
Refers to the invitation to accept an honorary doctor's degree' made by Patterson to him in his letter of 24 April, which would like to accept if possible. Regrets that he is not able to come to Budapest to receive it in person on 13 May. Explains that he must attend an important meeting of the Council of the University of Cambridge on 11 May, and the journey that he would have to undertake to reach Budapest in order to attend the ceremony would have a detrimental effect on his health. Asks Patterson to express his grateful appreciation to Professor [Béla?] Földes of the honour, and his regret at not being able to accept his invitation. Expresses sympathy with Patterson about the bad state of his health. Asks him where he expects to be in August. Explains that he must go to a Congress at Munich early in that month, 'and afterwards proposed to go to some Bavarian or Austrian mountains', and suggests that they might meet. Asks him to send him a postcard when his plans are fixed. Sends greetings to his family and to Professors B[eothy], Medveczky and Lánczy.
Refers to Patterson's article, which appeared in the Academy two weeks previously. Hopes that his 'Rouman professor' has not heard of it. Reports that he is making a final attempt to persuade 'the faithless editor' of the National Review [Leopold Maxse] to put in Patterson's former article. Having been told that there was no interest in the subject of Home Rule in Austria-Hungary, Sidgwick learned that Earl Crewe, recently Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, has written an article on Irish Home Rule in which he refers to Austria-Hungary as a parallel. Refers to what Patterson told him about his political situation. Reports that in England 'the prospects of ecclesiastical bodies seem to be looking up - in the general [rout] of the so-called Liberal Party.' Does not think it will go very far, however. Reports that 'there is a general calm' in the political atmosphere of England, 'such as normally succeeds a decisive Conservative reaction'. Reports that [the Sidgwicks] are at present on their holidays 'enjoying weather quite unusually delightful.' Expresses regret at hearing of Patterson's trouble about his brother [Patterson's half-brother Samuel Evan Williams?].
Reports that he got Patterson's article typewritten and sent it off to the editor of the Academy, but has as yet not had any reply. Explains that the interest in England in Hungarian and Roumanian [sic] matters is very limited. Suggests that the article 'would have been better if it had had more the air of giving a summary of the controversy, and less the appearance of being two reviews rolled into one.' Reports that they [in England] are taking more interest than usual in Austrian affairs, 'owing to the general upsetting of arrangements that seems to be going on', and that their interest is being stimulated by the 'object-lessons' that they think they are receiving in the working of Federalism. Declares that 'the political barometer is pointing to Federalism as the next form in which the Irish question is likely to come before [them].' Observes that at the present the Liberals and the Home-Rulers seem to be losing ground. Hopes Patterson is better than when he wrote, and sends greetings to his wife and daughters. With envelope.
Refers to Patterson's last letter, which reached Cambridge a day or two before Sidgwick contracted influenza. Explains that he is in Seaford, Sussex, for convalescence. With reference to Patterson's article on 'Home Rule in Austria-Hungary', suggests that unless he is strongly moved to alter it, he should not do anything with it. Reports that the editor [of the National Review, see 98/48: Leopold Maxse] has accepted it but does not want to publish it, because he mistakenly thinks it is about Irish Home Rule. Thinks that if the reference to Home Rule were to be eliminated 'its interest for English readers generally would be impaired', but that the editor would probably find some other excuse not to publish it.. Declares that he will try to see the editor in London about the matter. Reports that Bryce is very busy now; he is chairman of a Royal Commission as well as President of the Board of Trade. Sends greetings to Patterson's wife and daughters. Reports that Mrs Sidgwick is 'temporarily absent, attending her Royal Commission'.
Two cuttings from Hungarian newspapers. One article entitled 'Angoltudás Magyarorszagr[]l.' The other article begins with the sentence 'Ha Budapest a j[]v[] het esztend[] alatt ugyanannyit halad, mint a mennyit a legközelebb mult h[]t []v alatt haladt, akkor egyike lesz Európa legjobban []p[]lt es legszebb varosainak.'
Attributes his delay in replying partly to 'the uncommunicativeness of the editor' to whom he entrusted Patterson's 'priceless M.S.' States that the editor had committed himself to publishing it, but not at any specific time. Reports that on receiving Patterson's letter he wrote at once to the editor to ask him why he did not publish the article He received the reply that 'the British public at present would not read anything about Home Rule'. Explains that he wrote again to him suggesting that the title should be altered, as the article was not about Irish Home Rule, and asked him to send it back to him so that Patterson could make some alterations to it. States that he has not yet received a reply. Sends Patterson a copy of his paper, so that he may make some alterations to it. Refers to the fact that he [Sidgwick] had written a few introductory sentences to the article. With envelope.
Reports that he has been to the Union and has found that the Speaker of 28 July contained the article [see also 98/40], and has asked Macmillan and Bowes of Trinity Street, Cambridge to forward it to Patterson.
Expresses his sympathy with Patterson on hearing of his misfortunes, and reports that he has instruct his bankers to send him an order or draft 'on some banker at Gra[ ] for the equivalent in Austrian money of 5.' Reports that he leaves for the Continent on Friday, and gives the address in France where he will be found until the end of the following week. In relation to Patterson's articles, explains that he sent him Bryce's letter [98/40] in order that he might order 'the Speaker. Does not know whether his article appeared or not in the 28 July issue of that publication as Bryce had promised.
Letter, 6 May, referring to enclosed cutting from the Pall Mall Gazette : letter from D.I. Ghica to the editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, extracted from the latter of 5 May 1894: 'The Roumanians in Transylvania', a reply to the letter by 'Mr. Molnàr of Buda-Pest on the subject of [Ghica's] article concerning the Roumanians in Transylvania [from Pall Mall Gazette, 26 Mar 1894]'.
Reports that he finds that he shall be unable to come before Friday. States that he has invited Patterson. Hopes that [J. B.?] Payne will come for a few days. Mentions the idea of using [F.E.?] Kitchener's lodgings. States that he is very busy with examinations and college politics, but that he has had an idle term on the whole. Reports that they had a very pleasant dinner on Tuesday, and that Arthur's speech 'gave great satisfaction.' Refers to his mother's question about Browning; states that he doesn't particularly care for the poem in question, and is not sure that he understands all the terms of feeling in it. Undertakes to bring the book with him to show her what he thinks of it. Reports that he could not get a good photograph of Ewald, but that he made Professor Benfey promise to send him one.
Letter from Sidgwick to Patterson, referring to an enclosed letter [from James Bryce, see below], which will show Patterson that 'the article on Civil Marriage on Hungary is launched on its course'. Reports that he tried to have it published in the Pall Mall Gazette, but the sub-editor wrote to him 'that it was too "ancient history" for a daily newspaper.' States that on closer inspection Sidgwick perceived that 'it proclaimed a triumph of the "Liberal Party" in Hungary', from which he inferred that it was 'not really suited to a Conservative organ, and so handed it on to Bryce'. Perceives that 'a division of labour is desirable in placing [Patterson's] article before an English public', States that 'those that relate to the claims of nationalities are likely to suit a Conservative taste, but those that relate to the claims of religious denominations must be allotted to Liberal editors.' Hopes that Patterson is in better health.
Letter from Bryce to Sidgwick, stating that the Speaker will insert Patterson's article next week. Hopes that the latter's health is, 'if no better, at any rate no worse'.
Sidgwick, Henry (1838-1900), philosopherBelieves Bryce to have returned, and announces that he received a letter from him a day or two previously, in which he informed Sidgwick that he was on the point of starting for England. Promises to think over the matter 'with the new lights', and declares that it seems difficult to do anything 'if one does not know the editor or Walter.'
Explains that Fairfield's letter, which he had sent to Patterson, was a cutting from the Pall Mall Gazette. Has not yet received news from [Knowles]; declares that he shall now 'give him up and try Fa[ ]. Has sent on Patterson's enclosure 'on the chance - to the editor.'
Suggests that the enclosed [not included] will seem to Patterson 'to render unneccessary any further refutation of [Ghika]'s article.' Asks him to let him know if this is so, and says that he will then send [Patterson's] other paper 'to fresh editors'.
Agrees to wait before taking further steps about the paper, 'until the P[all] M[all] G[azette] has decided about it.'
Acknowledges receipt of his paper on '"Home Rule" etc.', and notes that there is no covering letter. Asks Patterson whether he has any choice as to the magazine in which it is to appear. Suggests the Fortnightly or Macmillan. Asks if he minds Sidgwick altering a word or two, 'and occasionally adding a sentence or two'. Sends greetings to Mrs Patterson and their daughters 'and all Hungarian friends.' Refers to his own change of address; states that he is living there 'as an appendage to [his] wife who is principal of this institution [Newnham College]'.
Refers to the forwarding of a book to R.L. Stevenson. States that he would have sent it from Budapest. Suggests that he send it to Stevenson's publishers, with a letter asking them to forward it, and that he send money to cover the costs also. According to Sidgwick's 'Postal Guide', the cost of sending a package to 'Navigators Islands [Samoa]' is one penny for every two ounces. Offers to take care of it if Patterson forwards it to him.
Reports that he has only found time that day to go to the Union and look through 'the file of P[all] M[all] G[azette]s from Sept. 30th onward'. Regrets to inform Patterson that he could not find the article to which he refers.