1 de Aar
2 Dec= 16th 1907
3
4 Dear Laddie
5
6 I enclose a cutting in addressed envelope to save you the trouble of
7addressing. I fear you are very very busy now.
8
9 Have you read "Biographical Studies" by Walter Bagehot"? They are all
10political study.
11
12 If ^you’ve^ not read them get them at once. They are most delightful,
13such deep political insight, especially the one on Peel.
14
15 I have read & re-read all his other works as he is a great favourite
16of mine.
17
18 Curiously enough though he is accounted a Conservative I hardly ever
19find a line in his writings I don’t agree with, except his review of
20the Reform Act of 1832 & a few kindred points. He is not in sympathy
21with the mass, that men can govern themselves for better than much
22better & cleverer persons can, just because being clever & better they
23don’t understand their needs.
24
25 Poor old Cron is looking terribly worn & thin. I am anxious lest he
26should break down. Things in B West have been a great pain to him. I
27have not lived through my seven years of anguish in Hanover for
28nothing. Nothing in that way can pain or surprise me any more.
29
30 I am ?continuing very unfit with my heart. There are times when it
31seems to me the end must be near; but I can’t leave Cron while he is
32so surrounded with difficulties or worries, or I should go away nearer
33to the coast at once. I may yet be compelled to but not as fo long as
34I can keep on my feet. Don’t trouble to reply if busy. I hope our
35young ones will do well at the exams.
36
37 ^Olive^
38