No complaints had been recorded about Steadman Aldis's teaching; his students liked him; and he was regarded as good at his job, so it is likely that the public agitation was a factor in his dismissal.[1] In particular O'Rorke was known to be a heavy drinker, whereas the Aldises were active in the temperance movement.[2] Although a number of prominent people rose in his defence, including Sir George Grey, Sir Robert Stout, and Sir William Fox, supporters of his dismissal claimed his large salary (£800 per annum) was unaffordable. A public campaign in England to discourage other mathematicians from taking the vacated post may also have worked against him.[3][27]