REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 
403 
authority. They had no right to take upon themselves more than 
what the law allowed them to do. In seeking such legal opinion, 
the object was, not to set aside a debt which was plainly due, but 
to know how far the law would bear them out in acting upon their 
own inclinations. 
Mr. Field stated, that when the Committee undertook their re- 
sponsibilities it was a voluntary risk, but expecting that the money 
advanced would be returned by the profession. Before the Char- 
ter was obtained, Mr. Thomas Turner called on him (Mr. F.) and 
said that he (Mr. T.) would advance all the money wanted out of 
his own pocket. He (Mr. F.) advised him not to do so, but to get 
several others to join. The advice was acted on : the responsibi- 
lity was shared voluntarily by these parties, and the obtaining the 
Charter was a gratuitous act. By having chosen to procure a 
Charter, they had also chosen to incur pecuniary liability. He 
(Mr. F.) as one of the lenders might lose his money ; he might not 
have any claim on any party; but he would rather do so than that 
the Council should do any thing but what was legal, safe, and just. 
Mr. Field said that he was disposed to believe that Sir James 
Graham would, from several causes, be inclined to listen to the 
wishes of the veterinary profession, and grant any reasonable im- 
munities which might be asked for. The Minister of the Home 
Department had become aware of the importance of restraining 
unqualified practitioners. 
Mr. W. Arthur Cherry , Mr. Gabriel , and Mr. Henderson took 
similar views as to the propriety of settling the question on honour- 
able and equitable grounds, and that it would be more satisfactory 
to the body to take a legal opinion. 
Mr. Braby considered that counsel’s opinion would be against 
the Committee ; for as they allowed their money to be paid into a 
banker’s in the name of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 
and alone answerable to their drafts, it might be considered as a 
free gift from the Committee to the body corporate. 
Mr. IV. Arthur Cherry moved, and Mr. Percivall seconded, 
“ That the Report be received, with a view to its being laid before 
counsel.” 
Mr. Cherry proposed and Mr. Ernes seconded an amendment, 
“ That the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons adopt the re- 
sponsibilities of the Committee.” 
For the amendment there appeared only the mover and seconder. 
The original motion was, therefore, carried by a large majority ; 
and it was moved and carried that the report be forwarded to Mr. 
Walter, in order that the opinion sought might be obtained. 
On the motion of Mr. W. Arthur Cherry , seconded by Mr. 
Field , it was proposed “ That a public dinner should be arranged, 
