UNION WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE. 685 
that they had lost some invaluable privileges. From data thus 
improperly drawn, differences arose, party spirit crept in, and 
imaginary grievances were made at length to take the form 
of substantive difficulties. Hence the sad spectacle was pre¬ 
sented to the country of a profession divided into sections, 
torn and rent asunder by party feeling, each opposing the 
other, and doing its utmost to prevent a reconciliation. 
Strange as it may seem’, both parties were found to be fight¬ 
ing under a standard which bore the same inscription,—pro¬ 
tection to the interests of the veterinary profession, and no 
surrender;—and stranger still, while thus battling for its 
welfare, they could not be made to see that they were striving 
hard to accomplish its ruin. 
These things are alluded to only to show, that at length 
calm deliberation took possession of the minds of some, and 
seriously they began to inquire what in reality have we gained 
by the Charter at the expense of others, and what have they 
lost to produce this commotion ? Impartial examination led 
them to see that the quarrel, like most other quarrels, had 
its origin in a trifle. 
Another course of action was then begun, and soon its 
beneficial effects were made apparent. In a short time the 
authorities of this College saw that they had, in fact, lost but 
little of anything, and nothing of importance ; and the Council 
of the corporate body also found out that they had gained 
just what we had lost, and no more. Suffice to say, that a 
reconciliation and amalgamation were quickly brought about; 
and now, our interests being admitted to be identical, we are 
united in the “ bond of brotherhood ” and friendship, under 
the same banner we had before been marching to the battle¬ 
field. Well, gentlemen, it is just this union that I wish to 
see turned to a lasting account ; rightly considered and acted 
upon, here is the foundation of all our future success, both 
as a School of Science and an Incorporated Profession. 
To understand something more of this, let us glance for a 
moment at some of the things besides those before mentioned, 
which are needed by this Institution, and also those required by 
the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. You, 
the Council, want a u local habitation as well as a name,” in 
which all that concerns your ordinary proceedings, together 
w r ith the proper examination of the pupils, can be conducted. 
Well, I will suppose this Institution is removed from St. 
Pancras, and so centrally placed as to suit the convenience 
of all parties. Have w r e not, w ithin these walls, let me ask, 
all you w^ant, a room for Annual Meetings, as well as those of 
Council, a fitting place, also, for the examination of the pupils, 
as well as the means of rendering that examination of a higher 
