10 MAY 1862, Page 17

REFORM AT OXFORD :—(LETTER TO THE EDITOR). SIE,—In your interesting

article of last Saturday on the prospects of Reform at Oxford, there was, I think, one misconception, which, per- haps, you will allow me to call attention to. You speak of the act of 1854 as " practically vesting the control of the University in the College Tutors," and as " almost disregarding the professorial element."

Now the bill, as brought in by the Government in that year, would have vested a great deal of power in the hands of a body consisting mainly of tutors and professors; but as amended in the House of Commons, it composed the congregation—perhaps the most import- ant legislative body—of all resident members of Convocation. Hence I believe it will be found that Professors and College Tutors together hardly make up half the body in question. I may add, that I believe that any jealousies which may have divided Professors from Tutors are rapidly disappearing, and that very many Tutors may be found ready to testify to the benefit their pupils receive from the instruction of eminent men who are enabled to devote themselves more exclusively to one line of study than can usually be done by a College Tutor. I am, faithfully yours,