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Aurora, July 29th.
Dear Miss Eddy,
I have just recd yours about the literature. I believe that it can be disposed of, if you are willing to contribute it to the cause, free. In my experience, I find that the larger Societies want to print their own literature, as that appeals to their constituents; and the smaller societies have'nt much money for anything but their expenses and salaries. I will write to Green and see what he can do.
The presidency of the new society was offered me, but I saw the objection that was evident. When David wanted to build the Temple, he realized that he had been too much of a man of war ; and passed it to Solomon. I have been too much a fighter ; and the place should be held by some one less prominent in the battlefield. Taber read Dr. Gould's book, and felt that here was just the man. I told him to go ahead and ask Dr. G.- if he would accept presidency of a society with our objects, - but at the same time, I told Taber that Dr. Gould did not dare to take the position, and would find some means to creep out. And that was just what he did. Taber sent me a copy of his letter to Could, replying to his declination. It did seem as if Dr. Gould thought he could throw a lot of dust into Taber's eyes ; he wrote, practically taking back everything he had ever written against vivisection. Perhaps I can send you Taber's reply with this.
The trouble is in selection of five directors who can be pretty sure to pull together. Mr. Brown is rather indifferent ; Mr. Kennedy is too busy; Dr. Cochran too old ; and others are not certain of being ableto be present at the annual meetings. I think Mr. Taber has agreed with me upon three; but we should have two more. Would not Mr. Ballou be willing ? We could manage to meet at Boston or Providence, I should think.
The new pamphlet is not so much for general distribution, as for the leaders of public opinion, - editors, educators in colleges, and the like. I think I wrote to Mrs. Hall some time ago, to this effect. but
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will write again. There is no haste - in midsummer. All professors of colleges are rusticating.