Reports that he has been very busy. Remarks on 'Edward's boy [a student from Edward Benson's school, Wellington College?]' having been elected for a minor scholarship at Trinity College, and that he had written to Bradley to tell him of the faults of a boy of his who had been elected minor scholar. Observes that Bradley and Temple 'continue banging affectionately at each other in the Times.' Looks forward to vacation, but is sure that hard work is good for him on the whole. Reports that the weather is splendid. Wonders whether their 'usual concourse of May visitors will go on increasing' as it has in the previous few years. Predicts that the typical Cambridge man 'will be an antiquarian personage who knows about the history of the colleges and is devoted to "Culture des ruines"as the French pamphleteer said.' Refers to his friend Mozley having produced his article on Modern Poets in the Quarterly Review, and fears that it is dull. Believes that he ranks Clough high, and is glad 'as it will astonish the old-fashioned readers of the Quarterly. They will regard the editor as a literary Disraeli marching with his age'. States that he enquired about Christ's Hospital for 'young [Fred] Horton', but found that he was much too old.
Asks Sidgwick if he has mastered Hegelian philosophy. Reminds him that they are all looking to him or John Mozley or both to tell them what he [Hegel] means. Remarks that [Septimus?] Hansard once said that 'he conceived his 'mission' was to translate Maurice to the people. Refers to W.D. Rawlin's 'funny voyage to America with Tom Hughes; remarks that '[w]hatever else it does for him it will probably deliver him from the [ ] represented by The Kiss of Peace.' Asks Sidgwick if he knows who wrote G[ ] Balz. Suspects that it might be Trevelyan, 'if it is not too good for the writer of C[ ].' Hopes to see Sidgwick at Christmas. Reports that he took Louis back to Eton, mainly in order that he may see Cornish, who, he reports, is quite well, and has not yet learnt the Gospel according to Matthew. Claims that it is not easy to have too many Cornishes, 'if they all take after their father.' [incomplete]
Undertakes to mention Myers' wishes in relation to the Moral Sciences Examination. Does not know 'who the other two [examiners] will be.' States that Mayor has been applied to. Is torn between 'a desire to get a good man and to do honour to the Tripos by getting a M. Sc. firstclass-man.' Says he 'quite accept[s Myer's] epithets for [D. G.] Rossetti's sonnets' which pleased him 'critically and classificatorily' since he discovered in Rossetti 'the "missing link" between Swinburne and Christina Rossetti'. Wishes Rossetti would write more.
Discusses Mozley's article on Modern poets in the Quarterly [Review], and claims that he is the first man 'who has spoken adequately of Clough.' Reports that there is a new edition of Clough in the press. States that he has not seen [Roden] Noel since he reviewed him. Remarks that 'that review has turned out unfortunate', and that '[R. H.?] Hutton likes the poems and therefore would have reviewed them...with his goldest pen.' Claims that he could not have said anything stronger in [Noel's] favour, and does not agree with Myers about the book. Declares that Markby 'is a little over enthusiastic about female prospects' and believes himself that 'the question is in a hopeful state.' Claims that 'there is no real conservatism anywhere among educated men.' Adds his opinion in relation to the use of 'esquire'.
Refers to a paper he wrote on the proposed reform in the Classical Tripos, in which he urged the introduction of philosophy 'on the ground that the subjects with which philosophy is occupied are far more directly useful in after life than those with which philology is occupied.' Refers to Mr Vansittart's answer to his argument, and claims to feel somewhat hurt at the tone of the latter's sentences. It never occurred to him in writing his paper 'that useful pursuits could be taken to mean lucrative pursuits'; thinks that it is a pity it occurred to Mr Vansittart in reading it.
To clear himself from suspicion he proposes to give 'the desired definition of usefulness in after life', in order to counter his detractor's arguments. Disputes the opinion that he should adopt 'the doctrine of Mr Mozley' in relation to the matter, and puts forward the view that Cambridge studies 'ought to be such as will be useful in after life' and that they are not sufficiently so. Adds however that he does not maintain 'that they ought to be just such studies and no others, as will be most useful in after life'. Contends that the way in which a study can best help a man forward in his occupation is by furnishing him with the general principles which apply to it.'
Applies his theory to the case of the study of theology, referring to the fact that a great number of Cambridge students become clergymen. Suggests that the introduction of Greek philosophy into the Tripos examination would be of benefit to such students. Also refers to the benefit of the study of philosophy for English lawyers. Makes reference to Aristotle, and Plato's Republic, and to a treatise by Rousseau on education. Adds that he does not question that the study of philology has its uses. Quotes 'Mr Mill', who claimed that every sentence analysed 'is a lesson in logic', and regrets that grammar 'is not at present taught very rationally at Cambridge.' Believes that the introduction of Sanskrit into the examination in place of history would ruin it. States that if a third dead language is added to the two difficult ones already required he will not have any objection to the examination as such but will 'hope to see it sink decidedly below the level of the Moral Sciences Examination, as dealing with less important subjects, and deprived of the power of conferring a degreee, as an insufficient test of a high education.'
[Referring to his honeymoon] states that the time has passed wonderfully, and reports that they have had 'several days of most appropriate weather, cloudless and balmiest air', and claims that Paris has looked as lovely as he always imagines it. Reports that Eleanor instructs him in the art of domestic decoration, and in return he is 'gradually preparing her to read the Methods [of Ethics]'. Refers to the hotel in which they are staying. Reports that friends have found them out, 'but not to any disagreeable extent', and that Eleanor has persuaded him to be photographed. Hopes that everything went off 'as well as could be expected on Tuesday, and that nobody was much bored, and that Edward's work was not seriously interfered with'. States that having Edward to perform the [marriage] service made even more difference than he expected.
Asks her to tell him about Andrew Clark and their mother, and whether anything came of Minnie's letter. Reports that their mother has written to him 'in good spirits' [see ADD.MS.c/101/135]. Announces that they intend to return to England on Tuesday 25 April, 'probably to C[arlton] Gardens for a few days', and that he has to go up to Cambridge on Friday 28 April on business. States that they 'shall not be generally supposed to be in Cambridge till Monday May 1st.' Refers to 'the Fortnight of Callers which will supervene after May 1st', after which 'the long years of serious work in Cambridge' spread out before him. Claims to feel 'equal to anything in the way of services to mankind now'. Reports that there is an article in the Quarterly Review by John Mozley on ethics in relation to Henry's book. Claims not to much like it as a criticism, but that it contains 'an interesting and well-written exposition of his own views.'
Reports that his headmaster 'has commited himself to the teaching of physics' at Eton, and is unable to find anyone to come and teach it there. Asks Sidgwick if he thinks it worthwhile to invite Danby, who is at Trinity, to the school to teach the subject during June and July. States that the post would only be temporary as Hornby 'has an Oxford man in view whom he hopes to appoint.' Claims that his contemporaries at Trinity 'are not so much interested in the enlargement of schooling', and doubts whether they knew Danby by sight. Reports that there are soon to be 'two men resident [at Eton] one professing experimental science the other natural history, [say] botany', and that the mathematical teachers begin that week 'teaching the element of mechanics and astronomy.'
Relates that seven or eight of their classical men will be working [at] French, and that a third French master is to be added to the two existing ones, but cannot be found. Also reports that their German, 'hitherto an extra master, is to teach about thirty volunteers out of the first hundred boys', that the Italian master probably will do the same, and that 'Hornby thinks of absorbing the residue, in logic, himself.' States that 'play hours remain unbroken' however. Announces that he has asked Balfour to let him see the questions Sidgwick set him in philosophy. Expresses the hope of persuading John [Mozley?] 'to do the same in King's'. Reports that a year ago he sent to the latter a schedule of Jowett's and Ilbert's subjects for essays, 'but nothing came of it.'
Assures Sidgwick that Hornby would remunerate Danby 'like any London lecturer such as Rodwell when Browning [tried]', and that he would be 'made comfortable'. Declares that Eton is 'a very pleasant place in summer.'
Marshall states in his notes [65/1-2] on the extracts that they are 'from a common place book begun in April 1866, and continued fitfully till the end of 1867'. Explains that all except the first relate to the Grote Club, and refers to its members, including those active in 1867: Professor Maurice, Henry Sidgwick, Venn, J.R. Mozley, and Pearson. States that the latter was a devoted pupil of J. B. Mayor. Refers also to the renewal of the club with the advent of W.K. Clifford and J.F. Moulton. Describes the impression that some of the conversations that took place during the meetings, especially those involving Henry and Professor Maurice, made on him.
First sheet of extracts [65/3] relates to Henry Sidgwick's descriptions of the reactions of Addison and Comte to their imminent deaths. The rest [65/4-16] relate to the Grote Club, and include dates of meetings, members present and matters discussed.
With envelope [65/17] addressed to Nora Sidgwick; annotated in her hand - 'Notes etc from Prof. Marshall. his account of the club is printed in the Memoir. To it are attached [ ] contemporary notes of meetings NB. He says J.B. Mayor will be the best person to ask about it. Early days of it. Tripos... J.B. Mayor and J.R. Mozley about early days of Grote Club.'
Marshall, Alfred (1842-1924), economistExplains his delay in replying to Nora's letter [104/67]: has been away from home; also he has been looking without success for some reference to the Grote Society in old letters and papers. Refers to an enclosed letter [104/66?], which gives J. R. Mozley's recollections of the society. Believes that it commenced in 1861, or even earlier, and recalls that he was then a lecturer in Moral Sciences at St John's College, and had consulted Grote as to how he might make his lectures work in with Grote's. Grote suggested that it would be a good thing to have periodical meetings for discussion amongst those who were interested in philosophy.
The first meeting tok place in his [Mayor's] rooms, where Grote read an introductory paper. Thinks that the next meeting was in Grote's rooms, and states that they 'fell into the habit of going to dine with him at Trumpington' and having their discussion afterwards. Believes that Henry, Venn, Pearson, Aldis Wright and Somerset-West were the first members of the society.
Supposes that the dialogue [referred to in Nora's letter] arose out of a discussion, 'but took the form of papers interchanged between [Grote and Henry].' Quotes from his diaries of 1865 and 1866, referring to meetings and his dealings with other members, including Henry. Undertakes to write to her to let her know if he should find anything else that would be of interest to her. Adds that he believes that Henry was the one with whom Grote most enjoyed discussing philosophical questions.
Thanks Sidgwick for the books. Would like to have the 'Draft Scheme' returned to him 'at some time or other', but explains that he has sent his notes independently of it, and does not need it at once. Urges Sidgwick to show it 'to whom it may concern', but warns him that it is not as yet public and it is intended for members of 'the Committee'. Informs him that he has mentioned his name to the Secretary as interested in the scheme, and that Sidgwick may hear from a Mr E. Enfield [see Add. MS c/93/124]. Explains that his pupils will not leave him until 16 [December]; otherwise he 'would go with pleasure to see' Sidgwick. Expresses his preference for Cambridge over Oxford, and also his regret that he cannot join Sidgwick for a few days in Paris, saying that 'the present state of Royal Mail Shares makes the Workhouse or the Gaol look much more likely building than the Louvre.' Says he may get to London, where they may meet, if Sidgwick cannot come to see him where he is.
Asks after Cowell and Mozley. Declares that the four [ ] on the Psalms to be funny. States that 'there is such a serene ignorance, or assumed ignorance of the wrath of the Orthodox.' Wishes that the outward form of the book were less 'Macmillan ish.' Recommends that he reads Madame Roland's book on the Revolution, and comments that her unedited letters are a 'take [on], being nearly all anterior to her real interest of the time.' Declares that he must stop writing as a pupil has arrived 'wanting a lecture on S. John[']s Gospel'.