Item 98 - Letter from Leslie Stephen to Henry Sidgwick

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Confesses that he has unintentionally thrown Sidgwick's letter, which had been signed by Jebb, into the fire. Hopes that he has another copy and expesses his regret. In relation to 'the matter', he admits that he is in some difficulty. Reports that he wrote to [Furnevale] as soon as he got 'his idiotic document', protesting against it and saying that if the [ ] truly had been in any way [ ], he [Stephen] would have resigned at once. The reply said that his views would be considered. Fears that his letter may be seen as condoning [Furnevale's] offence, and explains that he could not sign Sidgwick's letter. Proposes writing to the secretary of the N.I.I. giving notice of a motion for the following meeting, 'saying that the Society disapproves of [his] language and directing their disapproval to be communicated to H. Philipps.' Remarks that after such a letter as Sidgwick's the question 'should be raised in some such way, unless, of course, the Committee gives in at once.'