39 Marina, St Leonards. Engagement of George Butler jun to Josephine Gray, Mrs Hollond.
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.'
Sans titreChristening of Eva Butler.
Refers to a previous letter, which was 'the happiest quaintest combination of pathos and fun'. Claims that he liked [Myers'] verses, and 'those in nomine F.M' he liked the best. [Note in Myers' hand explains that this is a reference to the 'first poem about Gertie.'] Refers to his 'Heinesque piece'. Also mentions that he had expressed a wish that Myers 'would traverse the globe in the company of J[ames] S[aumarez]'.
Is trying to work, but is not making much progress. States that he shall be delighted to see Myers on 23 [August], but claims that going to Cornwall 'would be too patent a confession of defeat': his 'moral sense would never get over it'. Adds that 'Butler is canvassing against Childers, as too contagious, at Pontefract.'
Asks Henry, on behalf of Miss Clough, for his opinion of 'a Mr. James Stuart as to his qualifications for a Lecturer on Historical, literary and scientific subjects', adding that he was mentioned to Miss Clough by Mrs George Butler. Reports on the weather, and to Henry's hay-fever. Says that Arthur is well, and that he enjoyed his Yorkshire visits, where he saw Uncle Robert and Uncle Christopher; he was in Bolton on a lovely day, and was 'charmed with it', and went to Leeds also. Arthur saw Wordsworth Donisthorpe at his father's house, and 'thought him pleasant and clever.'
Thanks Henry for his letter, and refers to his reflections on bachelor life therein. Claims that she would like to have one of Mrs Paul's books some day. Announces that is has just been settled 'at a Master's meeting that a Tercentenary meeting and dinner of Old Rugbeians is to be held at the Town Hall on the 20th June, and that the Speech day is to coincide with it....' Asks Henry if he will come. Reports that Mrs Jex Blake has a seventh daughter [Bertha], and that Mrs [ ] has a daughter also.
Reports that she wrote to Mrs [Blanche?] Clough, and that the latter sent it on to her sister-in-law [Anne Jemima Clough]. Mrs Clough tells her that 'through Mr. and Mrs. G. Butler she [her sister-in-law] has succeeded in inducing a Mr. Myers...to undertake to lecture once a week [on Italian history] to [these] schools in Liverpool', and that Mr Hales' services will not therefore be needed. Asks Henry to inform Hales of this development, and also to let him know that a similar scheme may be established in Manchester, where his services may be required. Describes the end of term at Rugby. Reports that Mr [Henry?] Brandreth dined with them the previous day, and that he regretted not having seen very much of Henry. States that they are all well. Does not know when William is coming, and hopes that Henry will be able to come by the time Arthur returns from his visits to London, Clifton and Cheltenham.
Sans titreExplains that the reply to Sidgwick's letter to Johnnie has been sent back to her in Clifton by Storke, who was afraid of directing the post to Amsteg. Reports that Johnnie has been 'rained up in [Maderaner Tal?]' all that week, and would have been glad of receiving some post. Thinks that he is content, and reports that he likes his companions. Declares that Mrs Butler was at [Mürren], as was F. Myers, and around twenty other people. Gathers that the [Lee?] Warners 'were a bore, but that he liked the [F.E?] Kitcheners very much indeed.' Johnnie says that Mrs Kitchener reminded him of Lady Sabine. Refers to Sidgwick's loss of interest in the English hills, and urges him to forget that he has seen the Alps. Maintains that comparisons are odious. States that she was at Tintern the previous week, and suggests that this has perhaps given her a new love for the quietness of the English scenery.
Sans titre