DR. GEORGE MACDONALD.
(TO TIER EDITOR OF TUE "SPECTATOR.")
SIR,—Will you allow me a few words with regard to the memorial of Dr. George Macdonald, a subject which has received some attention in your two last issues ? In assuming that "the people of his native place in Aberdeenshire are about to erect a memorial to celebrate the services and genius of Dr. George Macdonald," the writer of that interesting article, "A Great Scottish Teacher," was giving us more credit than, as yet, we deserve. Briefly, the facts are these. A letter appeared in the Tinnily Express a week or two ago suggesting, in view of the celebration of Dr. Ma.cdonald's golden wedding, that something should be done to perpetuate our admiration for, and appreciation of, Huntly's most dis- tinguished son. Ere this letter crossed the Tweed the sugges- tion had, somehow or other, become a fait accompli, and hence the natural error into which your contributor had fallen. The result,however, has been to draw wide attention to the suggestion, and I doubt not that it will be taken up with much heartiness, alike locally and otherwise. Mr. G. Tidman Gill's letter in last week's Spectator will give the memorial—whatever form it may take—that universality which the object of it deserves. Personally I have had many letters and interviews on this subject. I may quote from a letter received on Friday week from "A Son of Deveronside" in London:—" I hope the Huntly people will be successful in getting up the Macdonald Memorial.' If so, please put my name down for ten guineas (210 105.), and let me know when I will send on the same." A circular will be sent out locally and to those directly con- nected with Huntly, but the interest and help of all who know Dr. Macdonald and his work will be gladly welcomed. Any contributions which may be sent meantime will be placed in the North of Scotland Bank, Limited, here, acknowledged directly, and also through the columns of the Huntly Express. When proposals have assumed a more definite shape I shall communicate again with you. I have to apologise for the length of this letter, but I thought it best to let your readers know how matters really stand.—I am, Sir, &c., " Express" Office, Huntly, N.B. JOSEPH DITNBA.R.
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