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THE COUNCIL, AND THE CHARTER. 
The charter, thus opposed by men who strangely are permitted 
to play with the names of dukes and baronets, marquises, lords, 
and members of parliament, may well have become inoperative. 
There is no room for wonder, if, with falsifiers in its walls and 
slanderers in its lobbies, its council has been occupied more in 
refuting accusation than seeking advantage. Nor must it be for- 
gotten that the Government was distracted upon this question, no 
less than the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. 
The grant of the charter was universally regarded as presaging the 
relief of the veterinary profession from certain liabilities from which 
they have long sought to be released; but how can any Govern- 
ment be expected to introduce into Parliament a measure for 
such a purpose, when they behold the list of names arranged 
against the very charter upon the existence of which the bill must 
be proposed ? 
* * *■ * 
From the profession the chartered body claims all indulgence. 
The Royal grant called on them to exercise certain powers which 
are at all times difficult to wield, and which, in fresh hands, are 
seldom exercised adroitly. If, however, they are allowed the 
plea of youth, we have a right also to expect that they shall exhibit 
the energy of juvenility. In this respect we admit they appear de- 
ficient. The right is with them, but they seem not to be actuated 
by the courage a true cause ought to inspire. They appear to 
pause when we would have them act, and talk when they should 
strike. Their opponents are too far committed to be fit subjects 
for mercy, and commiseration to these is treachery to the party 
whose interests the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons are 
appointed to defend. Let “ the truth, the whole truth, and nothing 
but the truth,” be spoken, and there is no fear for the issue. The 
spirit of truth must animate the Council. A few of courage may 
in a crowd have their cheers overpowered ; and such voices as 
Messrs. Mayer and Gabriel could exert might, if not seconded, 
be lost amidst the confusion which the turpitude of one or two 
could designedly occasion. The welfare of the country, no less 
than that of the profession, demands the total reform of the London 
Royal Veterinary College, and the establishment of the Royal 
College of Veterinary Surgeons. 
