Item 40 - Letter from J. [Ridding] to Henry Sidgwick

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Thanks Sidgwick for sending him the report of a syndicate established to inquire into the issue of the allowing of alternatives to one of the classical languages in the Previous Examination. Agrees with part II, which, he believes, would for some time be only partial and limited in its effects on schools in general'. With regard to 'the Inspection', declares that he thinks that men are not unlikely to judge from the large schools only, and that it is very possible that the large schools 'may hold aloof from inspection, unless, as Bowen says, it is sweetened with a bribe....' States that the leaving examination 'is the fact [the large schools] will appreciate.' Adds, however, that 'the mass of schools...will be [or are] bound to be inspected', and declares that for them to have an organised university system will be a very real gain. Acknowledges that there are difficulties about inspections of schools, but feels that these are exaggerated sometimes. Presumes that an organised system of examiners is feasible. Asks when Sidgwick's report will be discussed.