Untitled - Electric Scotland

158 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP TAIT [CH. vi.
tests were circulated broadcast among the clergy, and
the Ecclesiastical and Conservative newspapers joined
loudly in the cry. Prince Albert incurred some un
popularity by taking the opposite line, and it became
very clear that the Commissioners, when appointed, would
have no easy task.
It was a serious matter to oppose the opinion of so
great a majority of those entitled to speak officially for
the University, and it began to be rumoured that the
Government would, at the last moment, give way, pro
bably under the pretext of postponing action for a time.
In a series of vigorous letters to TJie Times, signed
*
Oxoniensis, Mr. Goldwin Smith, who was already pro
minent in Oxford, tried to stimulate their drooping
courage, and Dean Tait thought
it well to assure Lord
John privately that he, at least, was not afraid to go for
ward.
" MY
The Dean of Carlisle to Lord John Russell.
LORD, The
. . .
"DEANERY, CARLISLE, 29 June 1850.
more I consider the state of the
University, the more convinced I am that the Commission ought
to lose as little time as possible in setting about and completing
its work. I shall hold myself in readiness to begin at once, so
soon as I hear who my colleagues are to be, and that we are
authorised to proceed. The mere publication of such a Report
as the Commission is sure to put forth drawing attention to evils,
many of which the several Colleges might alter any day if they
pleased,
must do much towards the removal of such evils. . . .
I confess a careful perusal of the Debates in Parliament only con
firmed my opinion as to the wisdom of issuing such a Commission,
and the great benefits which the University and the nation may
hope for if it rightly discharges
Thus encouraged, Lord John
its duties . . ."
resolved to stand to his
guns. The appointment of a Royal Commission rested
of course with the Government, and not with Parliament,