“Referring to ‘Miss Buss’ earliest attempts to start the training college,’ Dr. Ward writes saying how he remembers the regularity of her attendance at the earlier meetings of the committee, and ‘her anxiety to get Newnham and Girton interested.’ She brought the scheme for the college before the Head-mistress’ Association, secured their interest and an arrangement by which a representative on the college council was to be appointed by them. Miss Conolly for several years was the representative.”
Miss Hughes adds some interesting memories of the help given by Miss Buss and Miss Clough, as she says—
“One of the most useful parts of my education at Cambridge was the opportunity of talking over this educational experiment with these pioneers. I shall never forget their patience under the difficulties that were always springing up, their wise foresight to prevent such difficulties, their earnest desire not to make unnecessary enemies, and, at the same time, their persistent intention to carry out the experiment. I remember the wonderful insight into character which Miss Buss showed, and how quick she was to note the strength and value of each additional member of the committee. She had her own views, clear and definite, and for some of them she was ready to fight; but she was quite reasonable and ready to be persuaded that the special conditions of Cambridge required special arrangements. When a beginning at last seemed possible my heart so failed me that I felt unfit for the post, and had almost decided not to apply for it. Miss Buss came from London to talk it over, and I then realized how much her heart was set on the scheme, and how much she had thought about it.... When we began, Miss Buss came often to see us, keenly interested in all our doings and in the many and great difficulties that tried even my optimism. I should certainly have given up in despair but for her help and advice....
“I have found few persons, few women especially, who are capable of seeing a subject in its right perspective, grasping its fundamental points and being full of enthusiasm, but without spending time and energy in elaborating its details. Miss Buss had this unusual power to an unusual extent, and, in addition to this, she had a strong interest in details when they were brought before her notice. I was struck with the marked difference between her treatment of work for which she was responsible and that in which she was interested but not finally responsible. In her own school she was not only interested in every detail, but felt herself responsible for it. Sometimes, indeed, those who loved her wished that she could have realized that her own strength and energy were far more valuable to the school than were the details on which these were spent. On the other hand, I think one of the best lessons she ever taught me was the vast importance of looking after every detail one’s self. Her attitude towards our own college was quite different; and, interested as she was in every detail, however small, she always seemed to realize the two or three important points which must never be lost sight of, and to be perfectly willing to allow others to settle the detail. I mention this because it was suggested to me when she helped to start this college that she was so accustomed to be responsible for every detail in her own large institution that she would probably wish to exercise the same management in our college. Nothing could be further from the truth, for she always knew the line beyond which help and suggestion ceased to be real help....
“The college, however poor in one sense, is rich in memories of her interest in it. She made so many visits in early days, chatted with the students, sent us books and pictures, and loved us and believed in us with a love and faith which will go far to make us what she hoped we might become!
“What I owe to her personally I cannot put into words. Her belief in me was a constant inspiration, and her love for me a constant comfort. My life is infinitely richer because I have known and loved her, and I am hoping to pay interest on the heavy debt I owe her by holding out occasionally a helping hand to other teachers.
“I often think that we cannot yet realize the vast difference it has made to our development of secondary education for girls that our pioneers were large-hearted, unselfish women like Miss Buss, Miss Clough, and Miss Davies. We are passing on to new times and new difficulties, having lost many of the old leaders, but the memory of their wise words and brave deeds is still with us, and I do not think that English teachers will ever forget the life of Frances Mary Buss.”
Note.—At the opening of the new buildings of the Cambridge Teachers’ College, by the Marquis of Ripon, on October 19, 1895, fullest recognition was given by all the speakers to Miss Buss’ share in the origination of this work. The ceremony began by the planting of trees to the memory of Miss Buss and of Miss Clough, by the Rev. S. Buss and Miss B. A. Clough; followed by the “Hymn of Work,” which has for motto—
“We work not for school, but for life;