90 LIFE OF SIR JOHN LUBBOCK ch. 



on Prehistoric Times. They have not quite 

 given it up as to present times, and views so new 

 as Sir John's and so entirely contrary to strong 

 traditions will not be thoroughly understood, 

 much less universally accepted, for many years. 

 Argument moves men but very slowly, then 

 there is a great inertia to oppose it." 



In 1867 one of his first acts, after appointment 

 as Honorary Secretary to the London Bankers, 

 was to suggest the publication of the Clearing 

 House returns. The Committee agreed to do 

 so, and the following is a copy of the circular 

 which he addressed to all the London Clearing 

 Banks in order to carry out the plan. 



London, 7 Feb. 1867. 



Dear Sir — The Committee of Bankers at their last 

 meeting passed a resolution that it would be desirable 

 to publish regularly — say once a week — the total 

 amount passing daily through the Clearing House. To 

 effect this, it will only be necessary that the principal 

 Clearing Clerks should enter, on the sheet given to the 

 Inspector, the total of each side of his account, as well 

 as the balance, and that the Country Clearing amount 

 should also be brought in. 



The Inspector on duty will then add the amounts 

 together, and thus obtain the total, which, of course, is 

 all that would be of Public interest. 



It is not apprehended that any objection will be 

 entertained to the Publication of these daily totals, 

 without which, indeed, our Commercial statistics must 

 always be regarded as deficient, and the Committee 

 therefore hope that the proposal will meet with your 

 approval. 



If I do not hear from you to the contrary, I shall 

 conclude that this is the case. — I remain, dear Sir, your 

 very obedient servant, John Lubbock, Hon. Sec. 



No difficulty was raised by any Bank, and 

 the publication has been continued ever since. 



