REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 
343 
These views are founded on the facts, that not a single complaint has been 
made against it by any one member of the profession unconnected with the 
Colleges of London and Edinburgh, and that the objections raised by the 
parties connected with these establishments have not been grounded on the 
improvement and advancement of the profession at large. 
They would also adduce the important proof of the approbation of the body 
of the profession, given at the Annual General Meeting, in the re-election of 
five out of six of the retiring members of the Council. 
Under these circumstances the Council would take the liberty to observe, 
that they cannot conceive any points of view in which the Charter with which 
they have been honoured can require revision. 
But at the same time, wishing to treat with the greatest respect the high 
source from whence these intimations have emanated, they will be prepared 
to give to any suggestions, when made known, that grave and mature con- 
sideration which their importance will doubtless demand. 
An anxious duty of the Council has been to prepare a code of bye-laws 
tending to the improved education and future well-being of the members of 
the body politic and corporate : they have done this to the best of their 
ability ; but they are well aware that alterations and amendments may still 
be necessary to render them perfect, and any modications or revisions that 
may be suggested, having these objects in view, will receive their undivided 
attention. 
I have the honour to be, 
Sir James, 
Your most obedient servant, 
Thomas Turner. 
311, Regent Street , 
Sept. Ylth, 1845. 
Sir, Whitehall , 11th Nov. 1845. 
I am directed by Secretary Sir James Graham to acknowledge the receipt 
of your letter of the 12th September, in which you state that the Council 
of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is prepared to receive and ma- 
turely consider any suggestions which may be laid before them by the Secre- 
tary of State for the alteration of their Charter. 
In proposing a revision of the Charter Sir James Graham is influenced by 
the same desire for the improvement of the veterinary profession by which he 
was guided in advising Her Majesty to grant it. 
Notwithstanding the arguments adduced by you in proof of the general 
acquiescence of the profession in the provisions of the Charter as now consti- 
tuted, Sir James Graham has received intimations that this satisfaction is not 
shared by several important bodies deeply interested in the advancement of 
your profession. To some of these institutions are mainly due those improve- 
ments in the knowledge and skill of veterinary surgeons which entitled you 
to ask for recognition by the Crown as professing a liberal science ; and from 
that and other considerations they possess claims which it is impossible to 
overlook. It is anxiously desired by Sir James Graham, that means should 
be found of interesting them in the progress of your College, rather than that 
they should continue to urge hostile pretensions, which cannot but be detri- 
mental to your prosperity, and might possibly lead to the establishment of a 
rival institution, which would weaken your influence and utility as much as 
their union with your body would impart to it strength and dignity. 
The main change which Sir James Graham is desirous of recommending in 
your Charter would be the reconstitution of your Council, so that it should 
consist partly of practising members of the profession, partly of nominees of 
