Showing 51 results

Mill House :- Thanks her for the letter and the tie, which he thinks 'a very pretty one'; wonders if he should wear it at [Charles and Mary's] wedding. He and Bessie have just been to visit the Waterfields at Sandwich for a couple of days. Their own 'plans for the house are getting on', and they are due to see the architects again next Monday; they hope the 'legal difficulties' are now 'practically over'. Encloses the 'Bryce Review' [of The American Revolution?] which his father sent him, with thanks; since Bryce is, Robert supposes. 'a scientific historian, his evident approval of the book is all the more valuable'. Hopes that, as Bryce says, his father will go on to include 'rather more... of the English Parliamentary history': what he has already said is good, but it is possible it will 'come more naturally in later volumes'.

Bessie is 'delighted' with Caroline's present of a handkerchief, and will soon write to thank her; it was very kind of Caroline to send something for the Enticknaps. Mary Fletcher, who has just returned from America, is staying with them today; they will all go up to London tomorrow 'to see architects, dentists, dress-makers etc'. They are all just about to call on Lord Farrer and 'the new Lady Farrer', whom Mary knows. He and Bessie hope C[harles] and G[eorge] have enjoyed their stay at Wallington. Have written to Aunt Margaret [Holland?] that they will dine there on the 5th, after going to the pantomine in the afternoon.

Seven letters written in 1906 re: Irish Universities Bill and one letter to Henry Cholmondeley Jackson dated 20 Jan. 1922, two days before his death.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Julian has just left; hopes he will get comfortably through the long journey. He had a 'great game' here last night with the others [his cousins]; will miss him very much. The H.Y.Ts [Henry Yates Thompsons] and Lord Bryce are coming today; will be good for Sir George to have company. The 'terrible news is so exciting and tiring'; Elizabeth must be anxious about the Netherlands. Janet and her children come on Friday. Feels 'very idle in all this turmoil' but actually is as busy as she can manage. Sends love to Robert; sure he will be as glad as Elizabeth to have Julian back.

Saint Blaise (Switzerland) - Sends a copy of a paper he has published [not present] and the prospectus [present, headed 'The Life of a South-African Tribe', with a note of support by Frazer and James Bryce], hopes it sheds new light on the Banta.

Meeting held on Monday, 26 November 1900. Lists those present and those who sent their apologies. Includes the speeches made by the Master of Trinity College [H. M. Butler] and the Vice-Chancellor, Mr Chawner; Sir Richard Jebb, the Right Hon. James Bryce, Leslie Stephen, Canon Gore, the Bishop of Bristol, Professor A.V. Dicey, Professor Maitland, Professor Marshall and Professor James Ward, as well as comments made by the Rev. J. Wardale and Professor Sorley. A motion proposed by Jebb that there be a memorial in Cambridge to Sidgwick was unanimously carried.

Reports having heard from Bryce, who said that he had written, through [J .R. ?] Thursfield, and that he hoped to see Sidgwick's letter. Suggests that if Patterson could 'defer arrangement for a fortnight or three weeks, probably the matter would have got into a stage when [ ] more could be said about it'.

Saint Blaise - Concerning the new edition [of 'Les Ba-Ronga', later entitled 'The Life of a South African Tribe'], he was rejected by Macmillan and is now going to try to publish via subscription; his friend Dr [James?] Bryce has suggested he get Frazer to write a supporting statement; [Charles Arnold] van Gennep suggested that the future International Ethnographical Institute might wish to publish the book.

St. Keyne's, Cambridge. Dated 30 Sept. 1913 [and] St. Keyne, Grange Road, Cambridge. Dated 8 October, 1913 - Two letters concerning a propoal to speak to [James] Bryce, whose connection to Andrew Carnegie and the Carnegie Institute might result in funding [for a proposed expedition]. In the first letter he proposes to write Bryce; apologises that they cannot accept their invitation for the summer; reports that Lilly has just published another French book for children and is writing another for the Cambridge University Press, while he is working on volume VII of G.B. In the second letter, he has spoken to [W. H. R.] Rivers about the idea of approaching Bryce; Rivers is hopeful that an anthropological branch of the Carnegie Institution will be founded soon, but warns there are those who want to cultivate American archaeology instead.

Wallington. - Likes Julian's poems: he 'evidently has a good ear, & can Rhyme very prettily'. Had a 'great party to tea yesterday from Cambo' which 'looked like a school treat'; does not know how they all fit in the house. Glad Elizabeth has had friends; is very interested about Mrs Tovey; thinks [Donald Tovey's] decision to 'have a sensible person to look after him' was very wise. Glad that Miss B[arthorp, the new governess] and Julian are getting on. Mrs Sidgwick and the Bryces are coming next week, then Dr Hadow. They can only have two or three people staying as they have 'few servants & one sitting room', and Sir George gets too tired when 'there is anyone to talk to'. Sorry Elizabeth has had to change her 'girl'; they have trouble getting them. Sir George is reading her "These Twain", the last of Arnold Bennet's "Clayhanger" series.

Reports that he is not going any farther east than Munich that year. Explains that his time is very short, and that Bryce has asked him 'to go with him to some high Alpine place'. His wife's health necessitates 'the same treatment'. Expresses regret that he won't see Patterson.

The Athenaeum, Pall Mall, S.W.—Asquith’s speech last night confirmed Bryce in his opinion that he is the true heir of Gladstone: he handled questions of compromises with tact and skill, and inspires the same confidence in his sincerity, courage, and composure that Gladstone did.

(Carbon copies.)

Refers to Patterson's last letter, which reached Cambridge a day or two before Sidgwick contracted influenza. Explains that he is in Seaford, Sussex, for convalescence. With reference to Patterson's article on 'Home Rule in Austria-Hungary', suggests that unless he is strongly moved to alter it, he should not do anything with it. Reports that the editor [of the National Review, see 98/48: Leopold Maxse] has accepted it but does not want to publish it, because he mistakenly thinks it is about Irish Home Rule. Thinks that if the reference to Home Rule were to be eliminated 'its interest for English readers generally would be impaired', but that the editor would probably find some other excuse not to publish it.. Declares that he will try to see the editor in London about the matter. Reports that Bryce is very busy now; he is chairman of a Royal Commission as well as President of the Board of Trade. Sends greetings to Patterson's wife and daughters. Reports that Mrs Sidgwick is 'temporarily absent, attending her Royal Commission'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Apologises for not writing sooner; knows Elizabeth will be busy with Julian 'on her hands''; hopes Miss Boucher [?] will return soon and be more content. The Bryces were here last Sunday; she is 'so much nicer for having seen more of the world', and he and Sir George had 'no end of talk'. The meadows are 'flooded up to the road' but it is not cold. The cook has gone for a holiday, while Hearn [the butler] is not well; fortunately they have no company at the moment. Maria [Springett] came from Gros[venor] Cr[escent] yesterday; the vans have been unloaded here and at Wallington, so the 'house is really given up'. The rest of the contents will be sold on Tuesday; she has brought away all they care for and is curious to know what the rest will fetch. Has never been without a house in London, so it is a strange feeling. Sir George is fairly well, though 'up & down in spirits with the news'. Booa [Mary Prestwich] was very tired, but not over-done by her hard week in London. Wishes she would not work so hard, but has 'no influence over her'. Sends love to Julian, and asks if he is strong yet.

Refers to a memorial meeting [for Henry Sidgwick] held that afternoon. Feels that she will forgive him for not having written in August. Remarks that it must have comforted her to hear what was said of Henry at the meeting, 'and still more the tone in which it was said by Mr Bryce, Leslie Stephen, Canon Gore, Dicey, and Maitland...' Suggests that it must be a help to her to know how his memory lives [on] in the hearts of such men, and to be able to carry on herself 'at least one branch of his work'. Claims that he often wished he knew Henry better, but that he had no excuse for approaching him. Adds that he has happy memories of him at the Ad Eundem and remembers their journey in the same train the previous May.

Expresses his sympathy with Patterson on hearing of his misfortunes, and reports that he has instruct his bankers to send him an order or draft 'on some banker at Gra[ ] for the equivalent in Austrian money of 5.' Reports that he leaves for the Continent on Friday, and gives the address in France where he will be found until the end of the following week. In relation to Patterson's articles, explains that he sent him Bryce's letter [98/40] in order that he might order 'the Speaker. Does not know whether his article appeared or not in the 28 July issue of that publication as Bryce had promised.

Has only just finished reading Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir; explains that they [she and her husband?] went abroad in March. States that as a biography it is 'vividly interesting from the first page to the last....' Remarks on the strong sense the letters 'unconsciously give of the expansion and development of [Henry's] life'. Refers to his attainment of a fellowship and the establishment of Newnham College, and describes his marriage as 'the crown to the perfecting of his life.' Refers also to how nobly he met his fate. Relates that they used to call him Socrates. Invites Nora to come to spend a day with them at Wych Cross during the holidays. Speaks of Henry's conversational gifts, and declares that she liked Leslie Stephens' and Mr Bryce's accounts of 'his talk'. States, however, that she and her sisters feel that the 'irrecoverableness' of the charm of Henry's conversation 'is not ever guessed in the letters.' Refers also to his recitation of poetry, and claims that his talk 'was the expression of his whole being....' Claims that she can think of six men - including her brother [Richmond] Ritchie - 'who can none of them at all tolerate each other, who all lay down their arms and speak with unqualified and enthusiastic admiration of [Henry]'. Hopes that they may meet before long.

MS copy letter. Since he last wrote to Bryce he has been 'going pretty steadily the wrong way, as regards convalescence'. Is writing now before Bryce goes to the Alps; hopes he will have good weather 'and a favourable selection of fellow-countrymen' in his hotel. Hopes to see him and his wife when they return: does not wish to think of Hindleap Lodge, as he has had to do with the Alps, as a place he will never see again. Had a conversation with Arthur Balfour about 'the "New Academy" - i.e. the question that will present itself in case the Royal Society will have none of [them].' Discusses the selection of members, and remarks that there were probably always rejected candidate supported by cliques, but that the number in their age 'is likely to be indefinitely larger, and the cliques indefinitely more noisy.' Balfour suggested that it might be worth while to get the Prince of Wales to interest himself in the subject. Wishes Bryce a bon voyage.

Believes Bryce to have returned, and announces that he received a letter from him a day or two previously, in which he informed Sidgwick that he was on the point of starting for England. Promises to think over the matter 'with the new lights', and declares that it seems difficult to do anything 'if one does not know the editor or Walter.'

Refers to a letter to the Royal Society from Lord Dillon on behalf of several interested gentlemen, including Arthur Balfour, James Bryce, Lord Acton, HS, Professor Jebb, W.E. Lecky, Leslie Stephen, and others, in relation to the formation of a British Academy.

Also refers to Henry Sidgwick's plan for the the institution of a new academy or section. Lays out plan, including the ways in which the Royal Society might aid in the project. Refers to its proposed scope in terms of subject-related sections. Refers to the participation of the Royal Society in the foundation of an International Association of the principal Scientific and Literary Academies of the world, and to a scheme drawn up for the organisation of the Association, which provides for the division of the Association into two sections - ' "Scientific" ' and ' "Literary" '. Points out that there is no existing institution 'competent to represent the United Kingdom in the Philosophico-Historical [Literary] section', and this fact is used as an argument for the foundation of a new Academy.

Includes proposals 'submitted to the Committee' on ways in which the demand for the representation of Philosophico-Historical studies in an Academy might be dealt with, including the creations of an organisation independent of the Royal Society; the creation of two ' "Academies" ' within the Royal Society; the creation of two or three ' "Sections" ' of the Royal Society; and the creation of twenty-five to fifty Fellows 'representing the Philosophico-Historical subjects, to serve as a nucleus, and creation of three or four committees, similar to those already existing, viz., one for Ethnography and Archaeology, one for Philology, one for Statistics and Political Economy, and one for Psychology...'.

Reports that the above schemes were discussed at an interview with a number of representatives of the Philosophico-Historical Sciences, and that the general opinion of these gentlemen was in favour of the creation of two or three sections of the Royal Society. Refers to the issue of whether the Royal Society 'will be more useful if the area of its interests is enlarged.' Discusses the divisions between the Natural Sciences and the Philosophico-Historical group of sciences, and the manner in which each group is treated in other European countries. Raises the question of Government grants, and suggests that if new subjects were to share in these grants it might have the effect of dividing the Royal Society into sections with comparatively weak common interests. Refers also to the effect of the scheme on expenditure and on the organisation of the staff.

Typewritten copy. Believes that he is 'progressing in convalescence', but is having his 'ups and down '. Has read with much interest the report that Bryce sent, and thinks it to be 'decidedly improved' by the additions. Awaits the result with interest. Presumes that the report will be published at some stage, and asserts that 'even if the Council decides against action, it will be a good thing to have some discussion of the matter....' He and Nora return to London for a day or two on the following Monday or Tuesday, and then go to the Rayleighs for a few days, and then to Cambridge. Adds that 'it still seems very uncertain what degree of working faculty' he shall get back to when his convalescence is completed.

Typewritten copy. Nora hoped to have had an opportunity yesterday to explain to Bryce the sudden change in their foreign travel plans. There is a crisis impending in the affairs of the Society for Psychical Research: three chief members of their group of investigators, F.W.H. Myers, O. J. Lodge and Richet, 'have convinced themselves of the truth of the physical phenomena of Spiritualism', and have been experimenting with an Italian medium called Eusapia Palladino on a small island in the Mediterranean. The Society has for some years had a reputation for 'comparative sanity', and fears for it now if its most representative men 'come forward as believers.' He and Nora, therefore, feel bound to accept Richet's invitation to go to the Île Roubaud and, if possible, obtain personal experience. The length of their stay is indefinite, but they hope to have time to go to Switzerland afterwards. Suggests that Bryce send him a postcard when his plans are fixed. Gives his address on the island, and undertakes to write to Bryce from there. They intend to return to Cambridge on the following Saturday.

Typewritten copy. Thanks Bryce for his criticisms [of Sidgwick's Elements of Politics?]: will think over his advice in relation to the last chapter. If he does not take Bryce's advice, will introduce his '"questiuncules" with an apology'; he will also add a statement on his view of the question of sovereignty. Confesses that he despairs of the general reader, but undertakes to think over Bryce's suggestions. Says he has little to say of concrete interest, and that to conceal his 'barrenness of practical wisdom', he takes refuge in analysis. Sends the spare proof of chapter thirty-one [not included]. States that he is inclined to agree with him that the legal and practical questions have been confused in the discussion. Adds that he and Nora were sorry to miss the Bryces on the previous Sunday.

Typewritten copy. Thanks Bryce for his comments [on part of Sidgwick's Elements of Politics?]; is particularly glad that he has 'drawn attention to the "ramblingness" of the chapter'. Explains that this effect is due to matter written at two different times, and the combination of two subjects. Is unsure whether he can make the chapter really coherent, but states that he can 'at any rate turn a halfunconscious digression into an avowed change of subject....' Hopes that Bryce had a successful visit to Cambridge the other day.

Typewritten copy. As Bryce had said that [A.W.?] Ward would call on him about the Historical Review, he did not answer his letter. Does not believe that there is a single man in Cambridge competent to deal with modern history in an intelligent way. Refers to Dr Guest, Luard, and the '[Professor?] of "Anglosaxon" and early English literature, and people who poke into ecclesiastical holes and corners.' Refers also to William Aldis Wright. However, there is no one who he should call 'a historian.' Of those who study ancient history, mentions Jebb who would be by far the most effective he knows of for literary purposes 'who would contribute to such a review.' He himself 'once was conceited enough to write reviews of historical works', but that he would now not venture out of his proper line so far. Hopes that the scheme will succeed. Does not think that their press authorities 'would be likely to subvent the undertaking': the University is so poor 'and pressed for funds that [the] Press is requested to devote itself to lucre.'

The Warden's Lodgings, New College, Oxford - Thanks Frazer for his congratulations on his Order of Merit, is glad Frazer liked his life of Bryce, whom he admires.

Typewritten copy. Sent Bryce's note to [Henry] Fawcett, being away from Cambridge; Fawcett had already sent his draught bill to [J. L.?] Hammond. Has always been in favour with 'Compromise with the Right Centre' in Cambridge, but Fawcett is opposed for several reasons, which Henry counters with the argument, amongst others, that Gladstone wants it. Lays out the concessions he would be willing to make to the Nonconformists, including the maintenance of Anglican service in chapels and of officers specially appointed to conduct it, restriction of official theological teaching in Colleges to clergy of the Church of England, and restrictions of headships. Intends to talk to [W. H.?] Bateson about the last concession. Asks Bryce what metropolitan liberals he represents, who are drawing up a bill, and what bill it is. Adds that the 'Right Centre' at present want tutorships, which they cannot grant.