Observes that 'there does not appear to be any English book worth much as a systematic statement of any political theory.' In answer to a question asked by Sidgwick, he suggests the names and works of writers on politics, economy and philosophy, and comments on their writings. Refers to Locke's Treatises on Government; Liberty Lord Bolingbroke's Patriot King; Hume's political essays; any of Burke's works, including the speeches on American taxation and on economical reform, as well as 'the reflexions on [the] French Revolution', which 'preceded Godwin and are therefore not included [ ] by your limit of time...'; Tom Paine; Bentham's Fragment on Government, which, he believes is 'too much in the controversial way and dependent upon [a] Blackstone'; [Priestley]; [Tucker]. Admits that he has given too long a list, and states that his preference would be for Locke, Hume, Burke, Godwin and Bentham.
Stephen, Sir Leslie (1832-1904), knight, author and literary criticThe Orchard, Oxford. Burke a good exemplar for written English, Trevelyan's Garibaldi.
Thanks Sidgwick for the copy of his book, which he sent to him. Acknowledges 'the scrupulous fairness and moderation of [his] polemic', and observes that the title was well-chosen, from the author's point of view. Comparing himself to Warren Hastings on hearing Burke's speech, he admits that 'for the moment [he felt himself] a criminal'. Refers to Sidgwick's attitude to lying, and to his statement about the Bible. Reports that some days previously a bishop had warned a friend of his 'against the dangerous views of Gore and declared that the still more orthodox [Uttley?] was not much better than a Deist.' Refers to the statement '"Born of the V[irgin] M[ary]"', and states his belief that 'no statements could be plainer, less susceptible of being explained away [or] less believed by clergy who accept O[ld T[estament] criticism than the [statement] [at] [ ?hiat?]...' Refers also to the fourth commandment which is refuted publicly and weakly.
Encloses a cheque [not included] for the amount of his debt. Explains that he has marked with a cross the items in the bill which he returns. Reports that he is getting on 'tolerably well' [in Cambridge], but has more to do for the following term than he had expected. States that he is 'getting on with' his stammering, and has been reading aloud, including Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France. Claims that the latter is the best reading aloud he knows, not excepting [ ] Macaulay. Is glad to hear that things are looking up for his mother, and remarks what a wonderful place Rugby is for changing. Asks is not Scott's house small. Reports that he heard 'all about the Butler.' Hopes that Edward 'is not much depopulated by the additional anxiety of sick masters'.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Thanks Robert for his letter of the 9th [46/275]; that is 'rather good for the British Postal Service nowadays', and Caroline received a letter from Aunt Anna dated the 9th this morning. Sees that Harrow have lost [the cricket match against Eton at Lords] again; there have been several long reports in the Times recently about 'Harrow festivities and anniversaries', quoting a number of speeches which mentioned nothing but cricket; one would think nothing else was taught and yet Harrow has not won a match for more than fifteen years. In his own day, they talked and cared about plenty of things, yet won nine matches in ten years against Eton; is 'rather ashamed of the whole business'. Will read [Jonson's] Volpone again soon; recently read [Plautus's] Mostellaria, and the Alchemist must be 'good indeed' to better it, while the Silent Womanis a 'rare good play'. Has just had the 'most remarkable literary contrast' in his reading today: between some 'glorious chapters' in [Cicero's] De Natura Deorum, II.37-40, and the 'olla podrida of conceit and self-laudation in the following few; wonders that they could have been written 'by a man of 60' - and such a man as Cicero; imagine Burke, Charles Fox, Canning or Macaulay doing such a thing. Will be a 'most marvellous, and indeed, miraculous thing' if the 'Irish effort' [truce talks] comes off.
Trinity Lodge, Cambridge Dated Jan. 10, 1917 - The Addison [Works by Hurd, he is giving as a gift] will be with him soon; thinks the MS pages found in vol. 5 belong to his grandfather Rev. Weeden Butler, who visited [William] Dodd at Newgate and who accompanied him to the scaffold; and who was visited by [Edmund?] Burke.