MAYHEW V. SPOONER. 
157 
they attended there to discuss ; and if that discussion had been con- 
ducted temperately, and properly, and decently, no man would have 
a right to complain of such observations as fairly arose out of the 
subjects of discussion, that were legitimate ; and even if something 
had been said by one or the other, attacking in the course of the de- 
bate, upon public grounds, the opponents of the measure or its 
friends, nobody could have made the slightest objection. 
In the course of the discussion, the Memorial having in some 
degree addressed itself to the question of the fitness of the parties 
at the Veterinary College to exercise the rights, powers, and pri- 
vileges over the profession which they were seeking to assume and 
arrogate to themselves — I believe the Memorial had pointed out 
certain objections to the manner in which the business of the Ve- 
terinary College was conducted, and to the want of zeal and want 
of attention that was paid to the discharge of their duties by the 
professors and the teachers in that establishment — Mr. Spooner at- 
tempted to vindicate himself against these charges. Amongst 
other things, it had been stated, with reference to the most import- 
ant disease in horses, called the glanders (one of the most fatal 
diseases with which animal life can be affected), that no lecture had 
taken place on this important disease, and no attempt had been 
made to elucidate it, or throw any light on the nature of its treat- 
ment. Mr. Spooner, in the most emphatic terms, denied that, and 
declared that he had lectured upon the subject. A discussion arose 
upon it, and Mr. Mayhew, the plaintiff, who, having been on the 
establishment for some time, knew perfectly well what had taken 
place (as the subject-matter of Mr. Spooner’s lectures during the 
whole period he was there, because it was part of his duty and 
functions to make the anatomical preparations for Mr. Spooner’s 
lectures), being perfectly satisfied that no such lecture had ever 
taken place, and no observation had been directed to the subject of 
this particular disease, he told Mr. Spooner he was under a mistake 
with regard to that — it was not the case — and Mr. Spooner must be 
perfectly aware he was stating that which was incorrect. Mr. Spoon- 
er again addressed the meeting, and called on them to be aware of 
what credit they attached to the statements of the man who was ad- 
dressing them, “ for,” sayshe, “he is a convicted libeller ! and, what 
is more, he is a desecrator and ridiculer^of the Christian faith!” 
Mr. Mayhew was a little startled at hearing such language spoken 
of him in the presence of the leading members of the profession, 
and, in the heat of the moment, he said, “ That is a lie! ' I do not 
disguise that, and let my learned friend make the best he can of it : 
on which, Mr. Spooner again deliberately reiterated the statement 
he had made, stated that he was a convicted libeller, and a dese- 
crator of the faith of a Christian, and he could prove it. Mr. 
VOL. XXI. Y 
