674 
MR. MAYHEW’S LETTER 
should be conscious of his ability to discharge the other, or the 
word which ought to confer distinction may expose to ridicule. 
I would not assert that the gentlemen to whom I have alluded 
do not enjoy more than sufficient genius to grace a far higher sta- 
tion than that in which they are placed : I will advance no opinion 
on such a point. I rather seek to know how the parties imme- 
diately concerned feel upon the matter ; and as I cannot learn that, 
when the Editorship was undertaken, it was in consequence of any 
urgent solicitation from the members of the Association, or any 
deliberate appointment by the members of its Council, I must 
conclude that Messrs. Spooner and Simonds assumed the office 
because they were urged to do so by an impulsive conviction of 
their superiority and fitness. If they were so instigated, the act 
was generous; and if their convictions were right, perhaps the deed 
was wise. From kindly feeling, no doubt, they sacrificed their 
personal pride, or else they would have waited till their pre-emi- 
nence was acknowledged, and the post they were so well qualified 
to fill was forced upon their acceptance by the universal voice. 
It is possible, however, for men to mistake themselves. Con- 
ceit has a microscopic vision, and a large allowance should be made 
for its optical delusiveness. A little hesitation had been well — a 
few moments spent in self-examination had not been thrown away ; 
for, as the title of Editor lends some dignity to the name after 
which it is appended, so it is just possible a very envious man 
might suspect an ambitious individual having the power, had un- 
warrantably assumed the honour, for the purpose of puffing him- 
self into social notoriety and professional repute. Did the Presi- 
dent of a scientific association use his influence to prostitute the 
credit of the body over which he presided for personal ends, or the 
Treasurer sanction the appropriation of the funds in the hope of 
gaining a false repute, the case would, indeed, be bad. It is not 
enough that persons holding such offices are not accused ; they 
should be beyond the reach of accusation. The influence attached 
to public societies is sacred to its uses. A false representation put 
forth under such a cover becomes an actual crime, a positive im- 
position and a moral enormity. In such a case it is no justifica- 
tion to appeal to the notorious custom of the booksellers : a public 
society cannot regulate its conduct by such a standard, but is to be 
judged by higher principles than those of trade. 
Let me not, however, be understood to assert any thing concern- 
ing the individual merits of Mr. Spooner or Mr. Simonds : I have 
made only a few general observations, on the justness of which I 
think all will agree. Those gentlemen are announced to be con- 
ductors of the press, and, considering whence the announcement 
issues, few will question the fact. I only wonder at the sudden- 
ness of their elevation. I stare at the mental activity which gains 
the top at a single bound. However, being there, they invite at- 
