Request for a message of congratulations from John Herbert Lewis for a cymanfa ganu to be held at Mostyn. Refers to the conference of Welsh Independents of Flintshire and Denbighshire where a motion was passed on the Disestablishment question. Claims that the Flintshire representatives gave full backing to the 'revolters', but that the motion was modified by the Denbighshire representatives. 'Not often have I seen a hotter place'. Refers to land at Ffynongroew. Welsh.
Gwenogfryn [Evans] is the only one to catalogue the Welsh manuscripts properly; helpers would be a nuisance. Could John Herbert Lewis contribute to Wales? 'I want to do my best to arouse a feeling of patriotism in places where Welsh is extinct'.
Cannot be at Mold on Friday. Wishes the county school scheme in Flintshire 'an enthusiastic start'. Much appreciates John Herbert Lewis's conduct of 'the Flintshire Education business'. Cannot accept a seat on the County Governing Body as resides in the county for only three months a year. 'Private & Confidential'.
Some preparation must be made for Stafford Howard's visit in connection with the Crown Wastes. Owen Williams might make the arrangements. 'I hope you did not for a moment suppose that any of the remarks which I made upon our silent members referred to you. It struck me at the time that I could say something which would strengthen the hand of you few, without Directly referring to the revolt - and might do some little good in the way of calling attention to the shortcomings of some of our members'. Typescript copy.
There is a need to prepare for the inquiry on afforestation, especially in view of the hostility of the Woods and Forests authorities. Congratulations on the success with the record office. Is about to begin a driving tour of the county. 'I see the Guardian has a screed in our honour. Our action seems to have given general satisfaction'.
It would be difficult for Jo to attend the meetings of the Flintshire Governing Body, but will become a member if this will help. 'I certainly retain my sincere wish to see them a thorough success for the future of Wales will be shaped in them'. Comments on the state of religion in Wales. 'Private'.
P. Mostyn Williams was an employee of the Council of Aberystwyth College. He proved to be 'an excellent advocate, and equally at home in Welsh and English'.
Outlines the details of a scheme to award scholarships to entrants to the county schools. George Kenyon, writer's uncle, could serve as a County Governor. 'Private'.
Could John Herbert Lewis write an account of the campaign for intermediate education in Flintshire to be published in Wales? (See Wales, Vol II (1895), pp 294-5).
Mr Peter Roberts is 'a splendid acquisition' to the County Governing Board. It is important to appoint graduate assistant masters and recompense them adequately. 'You must manure every field when first cultivated... Staff is the key to the whole position'. Would have been delighted to help on the County Governing Board. There is a need for Welshmen to co-operate. 'Wales will surely miss RG in this movement: he was so devoted, honest & capable in the cause'. 'Private'.
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.
Had sent John Herbert Lewis's 'whip' to Vachers before receiving the telegram. Has let the whip stand, but is not bringing forward a motion or raising a question of privilege. 'I am simply asking the House after the ostentatious way in which the order is being defied, to refuse to perform what has become an annual farce, as Bradlaugh did in 1886'. This will provide an opportunity 'of shewing up the Duke' [of Westminster]. A1/77 is a typescript copy of A1/76.
The Sessional Orders and the meeting of the Welsh Members. Harcourt is anxious for GOM not to raise the question of the Duke of Westminster fund, but feels unable to 'retreat'. 'The fact is I am not quite a free agent in this matter into which I have been in a manner forced by a strong outburst of feeling in my constituency where about 3 candidates are more or less subsidized out of the fund'. A1/75 is a typescript copy of A1/74.
Thanks for letter and Mr Kelly's enclosure. Will consult Lord Kenyon and Mr Warburton Lee on the subject. It would be wise to defer discussion of the matter until the Spring when the re-ected County Councils meet.
