An important phase in the life of Panizzi has now been entered upon; but before detailing the facts, we premise that the high position then within his grasp was not achieved without considerable pain and heartburning, owing to the ungenerous statements of the Press.
Sir Henry Ellis having attained, in 1856, his seventy-ninth year, it was not a matter of surprise that his failing energies became inadequate to the duties entailed upon him as head of the British Museum; indeed, he must himself have felt the necessity of retiring. He was, however, forestalled in this intention by a private request, delicately conveyed to him with liberal terms attached. The understanding was that he should voluntarily resign, and should receive the full amount of his salary and emoluments as a superannuation allowance. Complying with this offer, he accordingly tendered his resignation, and, on the 9th of February, 1856, the Trustees passed a resolution thanking him for his long services. No sooner had this decision been made public than a certain newspaper, having received information of his probable successor, was guilty of publishing the annexed ungenerous paragraph, eminently calculated to wound, as it did, the susceptible feelings of Panizzi:—
“February 25th, 1856.
“We understand that Sir Henry Ellis has resigned the situation of Principal Librarian. The majority of persons employed in that Institution, and of the public who frequent it, would be delighted at an event that ought to have occurred many years ago, if it were not that an extraordinary influence is likely to obtain the appointment for a foreigner. It is of the highest importance that this affront to British genius and character be avoided, and that the right man be put in the right place. When the Marquis of Lansdowne, from the best motives, made the previous unfortunate selection, there was a regulator that no longer exists; the vigilant interference of the lamented Joseph Hume often prevented official tyranny and petty vexation.”
In accordance with the Act of Parliament 26 Geo. II. cap. 22, the Principal Librarian of the British Museum is selected by the Sovereign from two persons recommended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, and the Speaker of the House of Commons, who are (as has already been remarked) the “Principal Trustees.”
Up to the year 1850, it will be remembered that the offices of Principal Librarian and of Secretary were distinct appointments. The Secretary, whose duties and position were at first simply clerical, gradually assumed such importance that, though still nominally second to the Principal Librarian, he was practically the Chief Officer of the Museum, not always acting in unison with his superior in rank; it was found, therefore, to be more desirable for the welfare of the Museum, as well as more economical that the two offices should be blended, and they were united in the person of Sir Henry Ellis.
In reference to this subject we invite the attention of our readers to the following letter from that gentleman:—
“British Museum,
February 14th, 1856.
“My dear Panizzi,