Item 29 - Letter from J. B. Payne to Henry Sidgwick

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Reports that he heard of 'the Century' from his brother [Joseph?], and that the latter promised to put his name down, but he became ill and 'it must have dropped through him hands.' Asks Sidgwick to help him join, so that he may enjoy the advantages of it at Easter. Reports that Sidgwick's brother [William] was at Wellington College from Oxford some days previously. His own brother, who got the Radcliffe and is to go abroad on it the following summer, 'is threatened with gout or [ ] in the head'. Mentions [Tobey] - whom he asks Sidgwick to greet - and Pollock. Claims to find the Common Room 'horribly unequal', and would like to live in lodgings, or to take his meals in his own room. Of Eve he comments that he does not think him very able, but believes him to be perfectly intelligent and open-minded. Discusses the latter's teaching practices, and observes that 'he has acquired from the constant intercourse with inferior minds [W[ellington] C[ollege] Masters and boys] a very unpleasant habit of paradox...' Refers also to his misogyny and his views on religion. Of another man [illegible], he claims that it is a great pleasure when he asks him [Payne] to walk with him. Declares that the love of art 'is a great link.'