Believes in calling the attention of the country and the Commons to 'the gravity of the situation in South Wales'. Proposes the adjournment of the House, and would like John Herbert Lewis to sound out the Welsh Members on this. Intends to repeat on Thursday his question to the Secretary of State for War, and will approach the Radical & Labour Committee.
Wishes John Herbert Lewis to send a copy of WR's letter giving his views on Disestablishment to the editors of Y Genedl and The Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald.
Arrangements have been made for a Welsh-speaking interpreter to attend the examinations for Certificates of Competency for the Liverpool and South Wales Mining Districts.
Supports John Herbert Lewis's notice but wishes to add to it. 'I propose on the reading of the Sessional resolution prohibiting Peers & Prelates from taking any part in the election of Members of the House of Commons to call attention to the action of the Duke of Westminster and other peers on the 18th of June last in providing a fund to defray the election expenses of all Church candidates for Welsh seats at the next general election'. Tom Ellis approves of the idea. A1/70 is a typescript copy of A1/69.
Thanks for letter and enclosure. GOM's protest will not require any 'notice'. Agrees with John Herbert Lewis's terms. Acland and almost all the Welsh MPs will attend the dinner on 9th February. Asquith cannot make it.
The 'Peers and Prelates' resolution will come on at 1.45, and GOM cannot join the meeting of Welsh MPs until later. Does not propose to raise the question as a breach of privilege but to take the same course as Alex Sullivan in 1880 and Bradlaugh in 1886 i.e. to argue that, after 'such a palpable defiance' of the privilege of the Commons by the Duke of Westminster, it is 'a mere farce' to pass a sessional order which the Lords treat with contempt. Is anxious to 'shew up' the 'whole "Grosvenor House" plot'. Hopes John Herbert Lewis and Frank Edwards will act as tellers in the division. A1/73 is a typescript copy of A1/72.
North Wales would benefit greatly from the establishment of schools teaching art. Plas Mawr would be an admirable centre, suitable as a museum and a national art gallery. It is essential for Wales to receive state aid as do England, Scotland and Ireland. A1/82 is a typescript copy of A1/81.
Is relieved that John Herbert Lewis can bear the terrible shock of his wife's death. Believes the corrected Constitution is an improvement, but the constituencies and branches should enjoy much more independence. Plans to set up small Liberal Federations would cause dissension in South Wales and would jeopardise prospects of a single National Federation. Gives details of the Aberystwyth Convention and anticipates the Llandrindod meeting tomorrow. Hopes a motion will be passed that 'the whole of Wales should be united in one Federation'. The corrected edition of the Constitution should be made more intelligible.
Thanks for John Herbert Lewis's help. Describes the voyage and experiences at Capetown, Kimberley, Bechuanaland and Bulawayo. Discusses conditions and politics in South Africa. Hopes that the character of Lloyd George has been 'publicly vindicated'.
Thanks for bringing to the attention of Parliament the question of irregular attendance at elementary schools. Has been critical of failure to deal with offences against the 1870 Elementary Education Act. '3,500 children in Flintshire are playing about the roads or are illegally employed.... Compulsion is a mere farce in this country'. Many parents are too greedy and selfish.
Thanks for letter and enclosure from Mundella. Is sorry Acland is retiring from Parliament - 'a material loss, especially so in view of the troublesome times that are before us over elementary schools. He has great capacity, great energy & a safe seat'. Anticipates his first Assize on the 22 and 23 July.
Cadwaladr's health. Could Frank Edwards write again to Cadwaladr? 'Is it any use trying to defeat this blundering Government? The only hope is that they will go on until they hang themselves with their own ropes'. Cadwaladr would welcome further letters from John Herbert Lewis.
