THE VIVISECTION DEBATE IN TAE OXFORD CONVOCATION.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR:1
Sia,—Might it not be well in future for the authorities of the University of Oxford, whenever they think it expedient (as they did yesterday on the question of endowing the Physiological Professoriate) to untie the tongues of members of Convocation by giving permission to speak in English, to exclude from the Sheldonian Theatre all but qualified voters ? While gratefully acknowledging the good service done by the undergraduates yesterday in shouting-down some person (little known, I suppose, for I could not ascertain his name), who seemed disposed to found a ridiculously inapposite and somewhat profane argument on the Gospel miracle of the devils entering into the herd of swine, an argument which he offered to Canon Liddon as "a nut to crack," I, in common, I doubt not, with many other non-residents, was grievously disappointed at not being allowed to hear what eminent men on either side were prepared to tell us. The Bishop of Oxford had an anecdote, doubtless well worth hearing, which he only withdrew in deference to the senseless clamour which greeted every attempt to enunciate it (" old Oxford" used to have a character for deference to Bishops, but what shall we say now ?) ; and the latter part cf Professor Freeman's vigorous and able speech was quite inaudible from the noise. I must add that the speakers on the other side seemed to be treated with equal unfairness, and that the admirable forbearance and courtesy which the ViceChancellor and Proctors displayed had but little effect in stilling the tumult. Pray, Sir, with your usual reasonableness, advocate that, if speaking in English is to be permitted in Academical legislative assemblies, the speakers on both sides shall have fair-play and courteous treatment, and not be liable to be interrupted, as Sir Henry Acland was, by exclamations more forcible than elegant, such as " Humbug !" Surely the fervid expressions of juvenile enthusiasm (by no means unpleasant in the abstract) might be restricted to occasions when, the speaking being in Latin, nobody—or next to nobody—does speak. Deeply regretting the conclusion arrived at yesterday as being, in an old Oxonian's point of view, another step in the downward progress of our beloved Alma Mater, I am, Sir, &c., EDWARD MEI-RICK GOULBTRN.
Deanery, Norwich, March 111h.
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