Reform Club, S. W. (on embossed notepaper for the Cobden Club). - The Committee have directed him to send Houghton a copy of a letter from Goldwin Smith, for consideration at the next meeting to be held in Feb. 1868. With enclosure: copy of letter, 10 Jul. 1867, from Goldwin Smith to [Thomas Bayley] Potter. Address given as Mortimer House, Reading. Potter asks 'how the Cobden Club can be made most useful'; thinks that 'Political men are the best guides', but will give his thoughts. Seems 'impossible, if it were desirable, now to restrict the Club to the circle of Cobden's personal friends and disciple, or even to the special propagation of his economical & international doctrines', though believes this was the 'original conception'.
Suggests that there might be one principal meeting in the year, at which a paper 'on some economical or international subject' might be read before dinner and afterwards printed by the Club; that dinner should be 'good but plain and short, if possible not much exceeding an hour', and that afterwards the 'leaders' should be given the opportunity of speaking to their 'assembled followers Parliamentary and non-Parliamentary about the political subjects of the day'. There could also be evening parties two or three times each session of Parliament, to which they might 'admit ladies, and invite foreigners'. Cobden Club business might be 'got up' by 'any member you liked'. The party 'needs a social board'; the Committee should select those chosen to give the annual paper; discussion of whether Parliamentarians would be able to make the paper and dinner.
Reports that he has written to Sidgwick's brother [Arthur?], and expresses the hope that he 'may be able to meet his wishes.' Claims to be ashamed of himself for not writing to Sidgwick as he promised to do, 'about Baudeau, Letr[ .], [ ].' Explains that his failure to do so 'was due to absolute incapacity.' Claims that '[his Life of Richard Cobden?]...is a narrative and a biography...and not a treatise.' Expresses the wish that Sidgwick would write an article on George Eliot for the Fortnightly Review.
Morley, John (1838-1923), 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn, politician
Wakefield. - T. H. Marshall's improper conduct of a Court action involving Seal at Wakefield in Jan. 1949; complaint supported by R. Cobden but petition to Lord Chancellor was unsuccessful; Cobden will present petition in House of Commons but further action needed; solicits Milnes' support.
With enclosures: letter, 12 Dec. 1849, from Charles Romilly, Count of Chancery, to Richard Cobden. - acknowledges Seal's communication to the Lord Chancellor, County Court Statute does not permit appeal;
letter, 1 Feb. 1850, from Richard Cobden to Samuel Seal. - presentation of petition in the House, other duties prevent his forwarding a motion.
Chelsea. - Asks FitzGerald to look over 'Two Leaves [of proofs] on Naseby'; the new Cromwell letters and 'botherations' are 'really very distressing' to him as he has to find a way to incorporate them into his Cromwell book when he thought it was done with. Discussion of Cobden and Corn Law repeal. Asks whether Davy will know anything about Sir John Burgoyne, MP during the Long Parliament, and his son Roger.
London. - Acknowledges Bawtry freeholders' requisition concerning North Road Turnpike Trust; will gladly assist, but becoming a trustee for the purpose would be unprincipled; Mr Beckett Denison doubts whether as MPs they would be eligible in any case.