Programme with Question for Debate with J. R. M. Butler listed, and menu. Verso signed by participants, including U.S. President Taft.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Hopes Robert has forgiven them for keeping Elizabeth and Paul for another half-week; will miss Paul's voice about the place very much. A shooting party today with John [Spencer?] Trevelyan, Ralph Spencer, Sir Arthur's 'very pleasant' nephew Lambert Middleton, and Buddell Atkinson [sic: Frank Buddle Atkinson] the master of the hunt. Agrees with Robert about 'spending great sums on sensational masterpieces'; includes the Velasquez among these, but did not like the Van Dycks much and the Hals even less. Looks forward to seeing Robert's "Sisyphus". Supposes Taft is elected [as President of the United States]. Is sorry that Roosevelt is 'descending into private life'. Glad Bessie liked his "Fox" [ from the final volume of Sir Georges' "American Revolution"]; the last part of the chapter should be 'lively' and Fox was indeed 'a unique being'.