Refers to Patterson's article, which appeared in the Academy two weeks previously. Hopes that his 'Rouman professor' has not heard of it. Reports that he is making a final attempt to persuade 'the faithless editor' of the National Review [Leopold Maxse] to put in Patterson's former article. Having been told that there was no interest in the subject of Home Rule in Austria-Hungary, Sidgwick learned that Earl Crewe, recently Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, has written an article on Irish Home Rule in which he refers to Austria-Hungary as a parallel. Refers to what Patterson told him about his political situation. Reports that in England 'the prospects of ecclesiastical bodies seem to be looking up - in the general [rout] of the so-called Liberal Party.' Does not think it will go very far, however. Reports that 'there is a general calm' in the political atmosphere of England, 'such as normally succeeds a decisive Conservative reaction'. Reports that [the Sidgwicks] are at present on their holidays 'enjoying weather quite unusually delightful.' Expresses regret at hearing of Patterson's trouble about his brother [Patterson's half-brother Samuel Evan Williams?].
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'.
Hathersage. Dated 5.4.15 - Is on holiday but thanks him for the GB index which has arrived at the house; thanks him for the Sir Roger de Coverley article in the 'Saturday Review', mentions the S.R. is still canonising L. J. Maxse as a neglected prophet; thanks him for his letters on the Comparative Religion chair [at Manchester], his colleagues are unwilling to renew R.D.'s [Thomas William Rhys Davids] term: 'for one thing, though a great man, he's a shocking bad lecturer'.