In short, we should gain, I believe, by argument, but should very likely lose more by hardening a mass of fluid prejudice, that may otherwise evaporate in the natural course of events. So that, on the whole, I am slightly[47] opposed to your making the attempt, on public grounds only: and even if the balance between probable gain and loss is about even, I should hardly like to advise you to incur so much trouble that could not possibly benefit yourself. If you do come, I need not say that I will do anything I can to assist you, and generally to make your stay in Cambridge as pleasant as possible. My _instinct_ is to tell you to come, but that is because I like a fight: my soberer judgment is the other way. Believe me, Yours very truly, HENRY SIDGWICK.” Footnote 47: “Slightly” is interpolated in the original letter. “Trin. Coll. Mar. 8. MY DEAR MISS JEX-BLAKE, I am sorry that we shall not have the pleasure of seeing you: but, as regards the application, I am quite convinced that your decision is right. Just at present the reformers here do not want stimulating, and I think the neutral people want management. As regards the Scotch Universities, I am afraid I cannot help you personally.... I have taken counsel with a friend here—J. Stuart—who is now examiner at St. Andrews. He has promised to write to you and to send introductions to two or three people there whom you may like to visit. I imagine that either Edinburgh or St. Andrews will be more likely to serve your purpose than Glasgow or Aberdeen. If I can find any means of aiding you at Edinburgh, I will write again. I may have friends who know some of the Professors. Masson is the only one of whom I know anything,—he having once been an editor of mine. I should think he is very likely to help you, Shairp, I should fear, not; but I may be wrong. Of Ireland I know nothing: but from what I have heard I should think our Conservatism here is nothing to the Conservatism of Dublin— particularly when Gladstone is Disestablishing. With best wishes for your success, I am, Yours very sincerely, H. SIDGWICK.” On the following day came a letter from Mr. Stuart, offering all the help in his power: “I hope you will excuse my unceremoniousness in thus writing to you by the belief that I have your success much at heart.”