'") University College, situated in the
constituency for which I am offering myself as representative in
the next London County Council. In this Memorial the Principal
was invited to ease the public mind with respect to rumours
(widely prevalent) concerning certain practices in the
laboratories under his charge, either by denying them or
inviting a public inquiry. I was not aware of this document--to
which I should have been happy to add my signature--until last
night, when a copy of it was put into my hands, with an
additional list of signatures by more than a hundred local
residents. This morning I have had an opportunity to peruse
the answer sent by the Principal (Sir Elkin Travers) to the
Hon. Secretary of the Memorialists.

I cannot consider this answer satisfactory. Sir Elkin is
content to meet the allegation with a flat denial, and rejects
the reasonable request for a public inquiry in language none too
courteous. Unfortunately a body of testimony by residents in
the close vicinity of the College, as to the noises and outcries
heard proceeding from the laboratories from time to time, if not
in direct conflict with the denial, at least suggests that, with
the growing numbers of his professors and students, Sir Elkin
cannot know what is going on, at all times, in every department
of the Institution: while his peremptory rejection of an
investigation which he might have welcomed as an opportunity for
allaying public suspicion will be far from having that effect.
If all is well inside his laboratories, why should Sir Elkin
fear the light?

May I point out that considerable sums of public money are spent
on these University Colleges, and even, indirectly, in promoting
the very researches incriminated by the Memorialists. We should
insist on knowing what we are paying for and whether it is
consistent with the consciences of those among us who look upon
dumb animals as the friends and servants of man.

I am, Sir, Your obedient servant,

P. FARRELL.

The Acacias, Wimbledon,
Thursday, March 7, 1907.

I dressed and breakfasted in some haste. I heard Jimmy splashing and
carolling in his tub, and for one moment had a mind to knock in and
read him the letter, which worried me. But I didn't. . . . It really
wasn't Jimmy's business. .