Lloyd George’s Loyalist The Political Achievement of John

Kenneth O. Morgan tells the story of the pre-eminent Welsh Lloyd Georgian, Sir Herbert Lewis. Member of Parliament for first Flint Boroughs and then Flintshire and finally the University of from 1892 to 1922, Lewis was a junior minister under Asquith and Lloyd George for the last seventeen of those years. He was a devoted servant of Welsh intermediate and higher education, the National Museum of Wales and, especially, the National Library of Wales at Aberystwyth. Never achieving high office, he nevertheless played a crucial role as one of those who kept Lloyd George politically – and perhaps personally – honest.

18 Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 Lloyd George’s Flintshire Loyalist The Political Achievement of John Herbert Lewis

e had no friends out of his career at regular inter- then Flintshire and finally the and d id not vals cannot be disputed; nor can from 1892 de ser ve a ny.’ his casualness with money, prin- to 1922, junior minister under Thus A. J. P. ciples and loyalties. His career, Asquith and Lloyd George Taylor’s dismiss- too, was littered with decent- for the last seventeen of those ‘Hive judgement on David Lloyd minded colleagues, Charles years, devoted servant of Welsh George.1 Like several of that Masterman, Christopher Addi- intermediate and higher educa- historian’s famous aphorisms, son, Llewelyn Williams, with tion, the National Museum and the effect is more arresting than whom he quarrelled fatally, especially the National Library accurate. The comment echoes breaking off relations with a at Aberystwyth, was foremost a common view, memorably resounding crash. The picture amongst these. His unbroken reinforced by J. M. Keynes in is all too easily drawn of the attachment to the younger Caer- his account of the major par- casual Welsh freebooter, aggres- narfonshire Liberal whom he ticipants at the Treaty of Ver- sive, arriviste, contrasted with served with total loyalty makes sailles in 1919, that the Welsh the assured Balliol values of the him pre-eminent amongst the premier was but an unprinci- Asquithians on the other side. Welsh Lloyd Georgians. With pled maverick, ‘rooted in noth- But there is also a massive all deference to the late Eirene ing’, using people ruthlessly and element left out in this crude White, Lewis’s creative relation- callously, then throwing them pastiche – the long sequence of ship with his leader makes him away in pursuit of his career and honourable, high-principled, probably the most influential his ambitions.2 Novelists from intellectually respectable fig- Flintshire politician in modern Arnold Bennett to Joyce Cary ures who found in Lloyd George times.4 have nurtured this view.3 To a life-long inspiration and icon Herbert Lewis’s background adopt the musical tribute to the – C. P. Scott of the Manchester was significantly different from late Princess Diana, LG appears Guardian, the historian H. A. L. that of . at best as simply a candle in the Fisher, the pioneering Quaker Born in December 1858 at wind. So far as he had close sociologist, Seebohm Rown- Quay, the Flintshire associates, they tended to be tree. And in Wales, there were a man was brought up not in a hangers-on rather than personal whole generation of decent, hon- shoemaker’s cottage but in an friends, on the pattern of the est, moralistic Liberals for whom affluent commercial family with press lords, ‘hard-faced’ capital- Lloyd George was always a hero strong connections with ship- ists and adventurers like ‘Bronco throughout all vicissitudes, men ping, including the new steam- Bill’ Sutherland, Basil Zaha- like the preacher-poet Elfed, the ships. From childhood, his life roff or Maundy Gregory, in the very embodiment of the folk was punctuated by frequent darker phases of his peacetime values of y werin. In the political expensive travels to the sunny premiership of 1918–22. That realm, Sir Herbert Lewis, mem- John Herbert climes of the Mediterranean people like these did flit in and ber for first Flint Boroughs and Lewis (1858–1933) or the Middle East during the

Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 19 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist winter months. Dr Erasmus cor- Lewis’s humour. In addition, Lewis’s radical-socialist Independ- rectly remarks that ‘there can diaries reveal him as a persist- ent minister, proto-nationalist have been few Members of Par- unbroken ent hypochondriac, constantly and land nationaliser, and the liament that have travelled more staying indoors to recover from influence stuck. This radical widely.’5 In 1884–85 he spent a attach- ‘chills’ and other maladies, great outlook also made him close to year on a world tour, travelling or (usually) small. As late as that other youthful Welsh leader, across the United States, and ment to the 1932, Lloyd George spoke to , a man whose Fabian moving on to Japan, China and younger Sylvester and other associates of creed of social and national India. He also had a far more how Lewis was a lifelong val- improvement might have made extensive and privileged educa- Caernarfon- etudinarian. Years earlier, when him a more naturally appropri- tion than Lloyd George – Den- speaking at Liverpool, Lloyd ate colleague of Lewis’s. Ellis bigh Grammar School, a period shire Liberal George had been told of how gave Lewis powerful advice on in the University of Montreal the Flintshire man was in bed in the drafting of his forthcom- in his teenage years, and finally whom he Plas Penucha dying of tubercu- ing election address in October Exeter College, Oxford, where served with losis: ‘there he was, coddled and 1891: ‘Nationality and Labour he studied law, though with- muffled up by his wife’.8 But the are our two main principles, out great distinction. He began total loyalty wife it was who died, not Her- are they not? I think we ought training as a solicitor in 1881, bert. Lewis later survived a seri- to make clear that, when Dis- first in Chester, then moving makes him ous fall in a quarry in 1925 which establishment is settled, Wales on to a more glamorous life in broke his spine, but he remained will throw itself heart and soul London. pre-eminent mentally active, even though in the Labour movement’, not in Unlike Lloyd George, his amongst the bedridden. He wrote a letter of fact advice to which Lewis’s later public and private life spoke of farewell to Lloyd George, the career showed much response.12 sober respectability, as did the Welsh Lloyd latter told Frances Stevenson, For all of them, the advent dapper suits, wing collars, shiny but then wrote for the papers of local government reform pointed shoes and trim beard Georgians. and ‘received medals of recog- and the political revolution of which newspaper cartoons of nition for his work for Wales’.9 the county council elections him featured.6 He was an earnest Sylvester observed, ‘LG always of 1889 was an immense break- Calvinist Methodist, teetotaller said that Herbert would live to through. Ellis, an enthusiast for and public moralist. His mar- see all his contemporaries die, the cantons of Switzerland and ried life was beyond the most and write a letter of condolence the Tyrol, was the advocate of puritanical reproach. His first to their relatives.’10 civic populism in Parliament, wife, Adelaide (‘Ada’) Hughes, Even so, over thirty years and and from platform and pulpit.13 the daughter of a prominent more, they were good friends Lloyd George was too, in a more Liberal publisher, was and good travelling companions. openly class-conscious fashion, upright and honourable – and Lloyd George lived for a time and served on the first Caer- also a vigorous Liberal femi- in 1895 in Lewis’s flat in Pal- narfonshire County Council as nist and advocate of women’s ace Mansions in Addison Road ‘the boy alderman’. But Lewis suffrage, more forcibly so than in London. When he needed was more directly involved than Lewis himself. When she died, comfort and companionship in any of them. Elected unop- much to Lewis’s distress, just Cannes after the tragic death posed as Liberal Councillor in before the 1895 general election, of his young daughter, Mair, it the Llanasa district, he became he then married in 1897 Ruth, was his faithful Herbert who Chairman of the first Flintshire the daughter of the temperance travelled there, leaving his own County Council, at a meeting in leader W. S. Caine. Compared family behind in Flintshire. Mold in January 1889 at the age with Lloyd George, his private The transformation of Welsh of barely thirty, testimony to his life was a model of sobriety and social and political life in the already powerful local standing. restraint. Nor was he flamboy- years following the Reform Act He went on to become Chair- ant as an orator. On the contrary, of 1884 and the advent of demo- man of the County Intermedi- he himself lamented his lack of cratic politics in Wales during ate Education Committee and rhetorical flair in election meet- Gladstone’s heyday, soon drew rapidly built up the new system ings,7 especially in comparison him and Lloyd George together of ‘county schools’ in his native with the meteor from Llanys- in the pursuit of the noncon- county. Intermediate schools at tumdwy already beginning to formist and Liberal objectives Mold, Rhyl, Holywell, St. Asaph dominate the Welsh scene. His of the day.11 Soon he became and Hawarden resulted. He also quiet personality, too, might not Treasurer of the North Wales worked hard to promote techni- have been expected to endear Liberal Federation. It is signifi- cal education in the county. His him to Lloyd George on their cant, too, that an early private achievement here showed both various jaunts overseas. No one tutor of his was the Rev. E. Pan the careful attention to detail on could accuse him of a sense of Jones of Cysegr Chapel, Rhewl, committees that distinguished

20 Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist

his later career as a government most consistent nationalist and the Saxon gold’ in the view of minister and also a notable dyna- devolutionist of them all. more extreme patriots.17 Lewis mism and capacity for leadership His links with Lloyd George was among those who put pres- that made Flintshire foremost in assumed a wholly new dimen- sure on the Welsh Parliamentary getting its new network of sec- sion when he was elected to Chairman, Stuart Rendel, with ondary education established. Parliament for the marginal whom he had a good relation- He remained Flintshire County constituency of Flint Boroughs. ship, for a Royal Commission to Council’s Chairman until 1893 It consisted of eight small towns be appointed to investigate the by which time he was a Member with a combined population of Welsh land question. This was of Parliament. 23,251, of which Flint, Mold, a fairly standard view amongst It was through his pioneer- Holywell and St. Asaph were the the Welsh Liberals at this time, ing efforts in local government most significant, but which also and Gladstone was compelled that he became close to national included Lewis’s own Caerwys. to acquiesce.18 Far more chal- politicians. He was in close con- The constituency’s electorate in lenging was the episode when tact with Tom Ellis throughout 1892 was a mere 3,710, a thou- Lewis (Joint Secretary of the the parliamentary passage of the sand fewer even than Caernar- Welsh Parliamentary Party by Intermediate Education Act in fon Boroughs. Anglicised and now) joined Lloyd George, D. A. 1889, already being considered as with some landlord and Church Thomas and Frank Edwards in a a mature and serious politician influence, balanced to a degree rebellion against the new Liberal whose judgement was valued.14 by nonconformist strength in Prime Minister in April 1894. He also championed the wider rural areas and some miners They threatened to withhold ‘nationalist’ cause of using the and quarrymen at Holywell and their support from the Rose- County Councils as the basis of a Mold, it was not a wholly secure bery government (whose small putative Welsh National Coun- seat for Lewis and his eventual and diminishing majority was cil which would propel Welsh move to the county seat from wholly dependent on the Irish) Liberalism into a more nation- 1906 was a distinct improvement. on the issue of Welsh disestab- ally conscious direction and pro- At the same time, his remarkably lishment, and urged their Lib- mote the idea of some kind of rebellious career in Parliament eral colleagues to do the same. devolution or home rule. In this over disestablishment and other He told Tom Ellis, ‘It is with the connection, he urged Ellis in Welsh causes in the early nine- greatest regret that I have taken 1891, with characteristic insight, ties, during the South African a step which means independ- ‘not to offend the South Wales War and later the Welsh ‘revolt’ ence of the Liberal Party. My people. They are touchy in the on education in 1902–05, is tes- recent talks with Ministers and extreme ….’15 It was this nation- timony to an uncomplicated members have convinced me alist initiative that particularly attachment to principle whatever that Wales is simply being led chimed in with the the possible electoral impact for on from step to step without any sentiment of the early nineties, himself. Like other rural Liberal definite goal in actual view, that of which the most vocal cham- solicitors, he had long visualised we have nothing to gain by sub- pion was David Lloyd George, a parliamentary career. He had servience to the Liberal Party, elected in a dramatic by-election worked hard for Lord Richard and that we shall never get the for Caernarfon Boroughs. By Grosvenor in the 1885 election, English to do us justice until we 1892 it was clear that Lewis was and was only narrowly beaten show our independence of them.’ amongst the closest allies of the for the Flintshire Liberal nomi- He asked Ellis rhetorically, ‘Will radical group of young Welsh nation in 1886 by the English- you come out and lead us?’ – a Liberals who emerged as the new man Samuel Smith, with whom pretty forlorn hope when writ- political elite of the late years of he always had an awkward rela- ing to one who was now the the century – Lloyd George and tionship.16 When the Flint Dis- government’s Chief Whip. In Ellis, of course, D. A. Thomas, trict Liberal nomination came At an early this episode, Lloyd George Sam Evans, Llewelyn Williams, up in 1891 Lewis was strongly appears to have regarded Lewis Ellis Griffith, William Jones, placed to win it, and in the 1892 stage, the as a particularly valued ally. the most inspired generation of general election he defeated the new Flint Whereas D. A. Thomas was a Welsh political leaders until the squirearchical Unionist, P. P. maverick coal tycoon and Frank rise of Bevan, Griffiths, and the Pennant, by 359 votes. Boroughs Edwards a relative lightweight products of the Central Labour At an early stage, the new Flint (who was to lose his seat in the College after 1918. Herbert Boroughs member was part of member was 1895 general election), ‘Herbert’s Lewis, always correct, modest, the awkward squad. He was dis- presence amongst us will in itself uncharismatic, was their enthu- tinctly cool in his comments on part of the be a source of great strength’, he siastic and courageous lieutenant. Tom Ellis’s agreeing to become a awkward wrote to his brother William.19 Indeed, of all the younger Welsh junior whip in Gladstone’s final Lewis was also foremost Liberal MPs, he was perhaps the government in 1892, ‘grasping squad. amongst those who backed

Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 21 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist

Lloyd George’s new attempt interrogating the ­hapless doctor frequent oratorical and tactical to turn the ‘revolt’ on Welsh whom he correctly suspected assistance.24 He also showed a disestablishment into a wider of giving a wrong diagnosis of good deal of tactical shrewdness, campaign for Welsh home rule. Mrs. Lewis’s medical condi- using personal contacts and links Lewis was not a natural zealot tion, and arranging for a post with journalists with a skill not for Cymru Fydd. For one thing, mortem. He described the scene far behind that of Lloyd George he was not anywhere as gifted poignantly to his wife: ‘His himself. When, in the famous in Welsh as were men like Lloyd grief was appalling. The poor meeting of the South Wales Lib- George or Llewelyn Williams. T. boy was trying to pack. He was eral Federation at Newport on Marchant Williams (with much distracted. I couldn’t leave him 16 January 1896, Lloyd George exaggeration, admittedly) was in that state, so I took charge was shouted down by the ‘New- to ridicule Lewis’s attempts to of him. By degrees I quieted port Englishmen’ and Cymru give a Welsh speech during the him down.’ It was he who took Fydd was rejected, Lewis took Montgomeryshire by-election Herbert to grieve alone in the this as merely one battle in an of April 1894. He speculated large empty house in Caer- unending campaign. ‘This will that Lewis’s audience in Llan- wys.22 The whole episode casts be the end of the negotiations brynmair might have imagined light on a tender, gentle side of with them [the SWLF] and the they were listening to ancient Lloyd George which his critics WNF [Welsh National Federa- Hebrew or modern Greek.20 often miss. tion] will go ahead’.25 Through- Lewis did improve his com- Despite this bereavement out 1896 and 1897 Lewis acted mand of Welsh considerably as there is no doubt that Lewis was as though Cymru Fydd was very his career progressed, though it totally supportive when, a few far from defeated. He drafted is notable that his lengthy diary, days later, Lloyd George tried a scheme for a Welsh national which he kept from 1888 until to tack on a Welsh National organisation, based on the his death in 1933, was almost Council to administer the sec- premise that they should not be always written up in English. ularised Church endowments, provoking the South Wales Lib- Even so, Lewis appears to have within the framework of clause erals and encouraging national had no problem with Lloyd nine of the Welsh Disestab- sentiment in Glamorgan and George’s undoubtedly divisive lishment Bill. Many severely Monmouthshire. This proposal tactics in trying to turn the Lib- criticised Lloyd George for his for a Welsh National Liberal eral Federations of North and role at this time. On 20 June, Federation, however, aroused all South Wales into a framework the tottering government’s the old animosities of the Cymru for his quasi-separatist Cymru majority fell to only seven on Fydd episode and it finally col- Fydd League. Lewis’s influence the Welsh bill. The next day, lapsed in February 1898 in the was important in winning over the Rosebery government was face of further attacks from the the North Wales Liberal Federa- defeated by seven votes in the Liberal Association.26 tion. Meanwhile Lloyd George Commons on the trivial ‘cord- Lewis had been its main pro- reassured him over opinion ite vote’. It resigned almost in ponent. He showed, indeed, within the South Wales Liberal a sense of relief, amidst much rather more persistence in pro- Federation. ‘I do not see any rea- criticism of Ellis’s competence moting the idea of a Welsh son for discouragement in the as party whip, while Liberals National Federation at this fact that South Wales has not like J. Bryn Roberts and, more period than did Lloyd George yet “risen’’ to the Cymru Fydd Lewis argued notably, Asquith, the former himself. In his diary in Febru- movement. It is only a question that Lloyd Home Secretary, condemned ary 1899, he noted his surprise of getting a thoroughly good Lloyd George for disloyal tac- that Lloyd George was reluctant organiser.’21 George was tics that weakened Rosebery’s to give his backing to a Welsh The sudden death of his government at a critical time.23 amendment to the Address: ‘it beloved wife Ada on 7 June absolutely Herbert Lewis never did. On was curious that I should have 1895, which left Lewis grief- the contrary, he argued that had to argue the subject in such a stricken, removed him from right in try- Lloyd George was absolutely quarter’.27 Two months later, he the political forefront for a ing to push right in trying to push Welsh turned down an offer from the short time. It is significant that Liberalism in a more openly new Liberal Leader, Campbell- Lloyd George was with him Welsh Lib- nationalist direction. After he Bannerman, that he should take in the Gwalia Hotel in Llan- narrowly retained his Flint Dis- up a junior whipship. In Lewis’s drindod Wells when he heard eralism in a trict seat in the general elec- view this would compromise his the news, and was the first to tion, he watched with consistent role as an independent voice for comfort him. Indeed, it is tes- more openly approval Lloyd George’s autumn Welsh Liberalism.28 The fires timony to his close relationship nationalist campaign in the south Wales of rebellion still surged within with Lewis at this time that he valleys to win support for Cymru him. Lewis flatly refused to fall spent much time and trouble direction. Fydd. Lewis himself gave him into the same trap as his recently

22 Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist

deceased colleague Tom Ellis for Anglesey, the barrister Ellis There is no local constituency association.37 had done when he took office Griffith, who actually repre- It was perhaps the noblest and under Gladstone in August 1892. sented Dr Edwards, to Lloyd doubt that most selfless phase of his career, In the years of opposition George’s intense fury. Politically, as much so as that of Lloyd after the 1895 general election, Lewis was with Lloyd George at his approach George, which has been so fully Lewis was Lloyd George’s man, every turn. Following a jaunt to was based recorded in relation to Birming- though not exclusively so. He Boulogne together, they were ham Town Hall and elsewhere. remained friendly with Ellis to suspended together in a parlia- solely on Virtue was rewarded when the extent that they travelled in mentary protest against the 1896 Lewis got home, with an South Africa in the autumn of Education Bill. The Bishop, the principle, an increased majority of 347 (11 1895; they met Cecil Rhodes, a Brewer and the Squire were per cent) in the ‘khaki election’ momentous encounter for both, constant targets of Lewis’s meas- old Liberal’s for Flint Boroughs that Octo- though Lewis, a ‘little Englan- ured oratory. adherence to ber. But he pursued his crusade der’ in his view of the world, His association with Lloyd against the war to the bitter end, appears to have been more George’s brand of radicalism the historic with all the more passion when guarded than Ellis in his enthu- reached a dramatic new level Emily Hobhouse’s account of siasm for so aggressive a voice for when the South African War imperatives the deaths of thousands of Boer empire.29 At the end of 1898 he broke out in September 1899. mothers and little children in again went on holiday with Ellis, Like Lloyd George (who was of peace, Kitchener’s concentration camps 38 this time to Egypt and Palestine; in Canada when the war broke retrench- in the Rand was published. this was a more sombre trip in out), Lewis was an immedi- Since the effect of the war was view of Ellis’s delicate health, ate and vehement opponent of ment and to strengthen radicalism in the and indeed he was to die shortly the war. No one was a more party under Campbell-Ban- after his return to Britain, at the consistent ‘pro-Boer’. Not for a reform. nerman’s leadership and to give age of only forty.30 But on the moment does he seem to have the pro-Boer minority a new great contemporary issues, Lewis flinched from vehement attacks stature, the outcome was politi- was always in Lloyd George’s on the government, on Cham- cally advantageous to Lewis. camp and manifestly regarded berlain and on imperialism. On But there is no doubt that his his younger colleague as having 20 April 1900 he deplored how approach was based solely on unique gifts of leadership. He leading Liberals in Holywell principle, an old Liberal’s adher- went on holiday with him also, were ‘all more or less jingo. Mil- ence to the historic imperatives to Patagonia in the autumn of itarism has got hold of my peo- of peace, retrenchment and 1896. Their correspondence and ple in the most extraordinary reform. diaries do not shed much light on way. The light of Gladstone, Equally principled, though the details of their visit though Bright and Cobden, is quenched perhaps intellectually more tor- Lloyd George does comment on in darkness.’34 The precarious- tuous for a member of the legal Lewis’s enthusiasm for the deck ness of his election majority had profession, was Lewis’s promi- game of shovelboard.31 At any no effect in moderating Lewis’s nent role as Lloyd George’s rate, Lewis does not show any passionate anti-war crusade. lieutenant in the ‘Welsh revolt’ great qualms for Lloyd George’s Like Lloyd George he faced against Balfour’s Education Act involvement in the bizarre Pat- danger and violence from jingo of 1902 which nonconformists agonia gold scheme, with which ruffians at election meetings. He bitterly condemned for favour- he himself had an indirect finan- spoke with Lloyd George and ing and subsidising the schools cial connection.32 Bryn Roberts at a great anti- of the Established Church. On a more serious personal war rally in Caernarfon, which Lewis, unlike Lloyd George, issue, Lewis gave Lloyd George in fact proved to be distinctly had professional expertise in the the strongest backing during the more orderly than one of Lloyd organisation of education and Edwards paternity and divorce George’s at Bangor.35 Lewis was much technical experience in case when Lloyd George was one of four ‘pro-Boer’ Welsh the development of intermediate accused in late 1896 of adultery members (Lloyd George, Hum- schools. But he had no qualms in and fathering an illegitimate phreys Owen and Bryn Roberts endorsing Lloyd George’s strat- child. Lewis’s response was being the others), in the vote on egy that the Welsh county coun- tough and to the point. He told Sir Wilfrid Lawson’s anti-war cils should collectively act to Lloyd George: ‘the line you are motion in the Commons on 25 thwart the operation of the Act taking is right and necessary. I July 1900 when the Liberal Party in Wales. Indeed he often gave am confident you will come divided three ways.36 Lewis’s his friend useful tips on the legal out of the business stronger sense of moral outrage was such loopholes that could be identi- than ever.’33 Lewis’s position that he even considered resign- fied to their political advantage. was far more straightforward ing his seat rather than trim to For Lloyd George’s oratory and than, say, the Liberal member the jingo views of some in his tactics, his admiration knew no

Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 23 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist

bounds. When they both took King at a social engagement at The years on Lloyd George’s remarkable part in meetings at Cardiff in Lord Tweedmouth’s, Lewis lent success in settling a threatened May 1902, Lewis observed: ‘I him his own, since they were of Liberal national railway strike the previ- have heard Lloyd George make roughly the same size.42 They ous October. many brilliant speeches but the were also frequent partners on hegemony Lloyd George’s further four speeches he delivered at the golf course, notably at Lewes begun by advance to become Chancellor Cardiff were a perfecttour de force. in matches arranged by Timo- of the Exchequer in April 1908 He did not repeat himself by a thy Lewis, Liberal Welsh MP the election after Asquith became Prime single sentence and every part and the husband of one of Lloyd Minister propelled Lewis’s idol of the speech was on the same George’s mistresses. landslide to new heights of constructive high level.’39 He was equally The years of Liberal hegem- statesmanship. The ‘People’s enthusiastic over Lloyd George’s ony begun by the election land- of January Budget’ speech on 30 April using the Educational Revolt to slide of January 1906 brought a 1906 brought 1909 was badly delivered, Lloyd promote Welsh national objec- golden period for Lewis no less George rattling through his tives as over disestablishment in than Lloyd George. He observed a golden lengthy text and almost losing 1895. When the Welsh members, his friend’s rapid ascent to power his voice: Lewis was at hand to influenced by cautious figures with unbridled admiration period for provide a restorative glass of egg like Bryn Roberts and Hum- and affection. He endorsed his and milk. But it was ‘the most phreys-Owen, were divided attempts to sort out the Welsh Lewis no less daring budget we have ever seen over tactics on 12 November clauses of Birrell’s abortive Edu- than Lloyd … one of the most remarkable tri- 1902, Lloyd George ‘swept eve- cation Bill of 1906, even though umphs of LG’s career’, especially rything before him in the most this resulted in a phantom Welsh George. in the way he managed to arouse peremptory fashion and car- Minister of State who was soon enthusiasm on behalf of the taxes ried them in favour of the Eng- wiped out from the Bill. Lloyd to be levied to finance social lish plan’. Lloyd George’s and George’s triumphs at the Board reform.46 Like Gordon Brown Lewis’s ultimate aim at this point of Trade appeared endless. Over in 2002, Lloyd George had made appears to have been to create a the 1906 Merchant Shipping Act, ‘tax and spend’ policies popular. Central Board for Wales for ele- ‘LG has succeeded where Cham- Throughout the prolonged cri- mentary schools, in addition to berlain failed. To have brought ses of the Budget, the conflict that already set up for secondary about an entente between capi- with the Lords and the final schools in 1896, on ‘a red letter tal and labour and to have pro- passage of the 1911 Parliament day for Welsh nationality’. ‘LG moted a measure which is to the Act, Lewis was an unflinching showed tremendous determina- interest of shipowners and sailors and vocal supporter at every tion and driving force in carry- alike has meant a display extend- turn. The National Insurance ing the thing through.’40 ing over several months of tact, Act of 1911 was a further tri- During the tortuous nego- astuteness and a power of man- umph – ‘probably the greatest tiations of the next three years, aging men which has put LG in social scheme ever put forward revolt against the government the front rank of constructive in this or any other country’. and default over operating the statesmanship.’43 The President’s Lloyd George had raised the Act, combined with attempts rattling through most of the idea in colourful fashion when at negotiations variously with 1907 Patents Bill in three hours discussing policy with Lewis at Sir William Anson and Robert in committee only brought the Criccieth in April 1908, imme- Morant at the Education Board comment: ‘that wonderful man, diately after he became Chan- and even with A. G. Edwards, by tact, suavity, concession, cellor.47 Lewis also sympathised the serpentine Bishop of St. adroit manoeuvring and skil- with Lloyd George’s troubles Asaph, Lewis was constantly ful handling very nearly got the at the hands of the suffragettes, at Lloyd George’s side. He was Bill through …’44 In February and was severely critical of the a shoulder to lean on when his 1908, Lloyd George, emerging militant tactics being adopted hero was nearly roughed up by from the trauma of the death of by them at Lloyd George’s hostile crowds – admiringly, he his beloved youngest daughter, meetings. The latter con- noted how Lloyd George kept Mair, triumphed in the very dif- fided in Lewis his fear of being a mob at bay on St. Albans sta- ferent sphere of labour relations. murdered.48 Lewis, like Lloyd tion platform by the expedient He achieved his ‘third great tri- George, was a women’s suffra- of very deliberately lighting umph’ in conciliation by settling gist, especially when his first his pipe.41 Nothing, it seemed, the engineers’ strike, appeal- wife was alive, but a distinctly should come between a man and ing to the humaner instincts gradualist one. On balance, his his right to smoke. When Lloyd of the engineering employers’ enthusiasm for women’s suffrage George impatiently inquired leader, Sir Andrew Noble of the seemed to wane over the years; of Lewis whether he needed a munitions manufacturers, Arm- the disruption of Lloyd George’s court suit when meeting the strongs.45 This followed close day at the Wrexham Eisteddfod

24 Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist

in September 1912 provoked the prospects for a Welsh Disestab- George, there was no one to comment ‘the usual insane suf- lishment bill in 1907 when many speak for Wales throughout the fragette demonstration’.49 But Welsh Liberals and nonconform- entire ranks of government, but here again Lewis was totally ist leaders were critical of Camp- he used his powers of man-to- convinced that Lloyd George bell-Bannerman. A strongly man diplomacy extremely well. was on the right lines and would pro-disestablishment speech by In early March 1909 after private triumph in the end. Lloyd George in a convention meetings with Lloyd George, Apart from this hero-worship, at Cardiff ‘restored equilibrium’ Lewis was able to announce his own career was also progress- in Lewis’s words. There was grants of £4,500 to the Library, ing, even if only as a minister of further doubt when the Welsh £2,000 to the Museum, and the second rank. In December Church Bill of 1909 fell by the £16,000 of grants to the Welsh 1905 he did take a whipship, as wayside. Lewis could in the end Colleges. ‘LG has behaved Junior Lord of the Treasury, and point to the introduction of a with great courage and deter- retained that post for four years. conclusive Disestablishment mination.’52 A year later, there Lewis worked well with J. A. Bill in 1912, on which he spoke was even better news, with the Pease, the Liberal Chief Whip, several times, and to its poten- Chancellor agreeing to £4,000 a in trying to impose discipline tial enactment under the terms year to the Library and a further on ‘a great mob of new members, of the Parliament Act in 1914. grant of £500 per annum for most of them absolutely ignorant Lewis was very apprehensive at two years towards cataloguing of the ways of Parliament’, and the apparent lack of enthusiasm the manuscript collections: ‘A with much effect. Lord Althorp amongst English Liberals for courageous action on LG’s part’, told him that he was ‘the popular the Welsh Bill. ‘Many Liberal given the depleted state of the whip … it is because you are a members are apathetic and even nation’s finances.53 Lewis was Celt’, whatever that meant.50 In hostile to the passage of the Bill. able to persuade such local prima 1909 Lewis moved to the Local They say it will do them a great donnas as Dr John Williams, the Government Board under the deal of harm in their constituen- Library’s president, and John unpredictable leadership of John cies.’ However, Lloyd George’s Ballinger, its imperious librarian, Burns, whose egotism alterna- ‘magnificent’ speech on 25 April that there was a secure financial tively amused and dismayed him. (he accused the Cecil family of basis for this national treasure- It is clear that Lewis, a most It is clear seizing Church endowments house at last. capable administrator, under- and pillaging monastic estates Lewis was therefore a pivotal took a good deal of the more that Lewis, a in the time of Henry VIII, leav- and characteristic figure at this difficult and detailed business in ing them with ‘hands dripping high noon of Welsh Edwardian handling committees and depu- most capable with the fat of sacrilege’) ‘gave Liberalism. He was involved in tations in place of his wayward the Bill a lift which it greatly most of the political, social and President. Lewis stayed here administra- needed’.51 cultural achievements of the until after the outbreak of war in tor, under- More constructively, perhaps, period. He was also a voice for 1914, on the whole a congenial he lobbied Lloyd George with that style of progressive, reform- role for one long versed in the took a good much effect on behalf of his ist liberalism which captured minutiae of local government, cherished cause of the National the public mind before the First and one that considerably broad- deal of the Library, along with the Museum World War, a constructive phase ened his political horizon. Thus and the funding of the Univer- in our politics to which Tony when war broke out, he was more dif- sity Colleges. This was a life- Blair amongst others has looked immersed in the complexities ficult and long crusade of his: since his first back nostalgically. Lewis was a of a committee on poor relief in entry into Parliament he had perfect symbol of how the Old London. detailed pursued the question of museum Liberalism gradually yielded Many of his endeavours as a and library grants being applied to the New. The older issues minister, inevitably, were con- business in to Wales. As champion of the of disestablishment, Church cerned with Welsh issues, with new copyright National Library schools, temperance and land many positive results. Lewis was handling in Aberystwyth, Lewis was reform remained unfinished heavily involved with patron- committees extraordinarily effective. He business. But increasingly social age matters: for instance he used his friendship with Lloyd welfare was dominating the persuaded Lloyd George to sup- and depu- George to excellent purpose in public agenda. Lewis viewed all port the Oxford history don February–March 1909, at a time Lloyd George’s new enthusiasms Owen M. Edwards for the post tations in when the Chancellor was heav- with equanimity. At the same of Chief Inspector of Schools, ily engaged in dealing with the time, it is clear that for him the when the Chancellor himself place of his financial troubles of the naval reforms served in some measure had his doubts. Lewis was inevi- wayward estimates and preparing the as a bulwark against socialism. tably prepared to accept Lloyd People’s Budget. Lewis noted The national strikes of 1911–14 George’s assurance over the President. privately that, apart from Lloyd disturbed him as they did other

Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 25 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist traditional liberals, with their his ­reluctant resignation in 1904 Lewis His friend ‘has taken a greater violence and apparent threat to as a consequence of some tortu- part in the world’s affairs than the constitution and economic ous local manoeuvres.57 Apart certainly any Welshman that ever lived’, fabric. He worried at the impact from significant pockets of non- Lewis reflected.60 of the 1912 miners’ strike, not conformists, there was a good showed He felt apprehension at least on the Flintshire miners industrial vote for the Liberals plenty of Asquith’s Liberal government in the small pits around Buck- in Connah’s Quay and Shot- giving way to a coalition in May ley in his own constituency. He ton, and Lib-Lab miners around intellectual 1915, and reluctantly accepted thought an ILP socialist like Buckley. Hence both the 1910 the new post of Under-Secre- Fred Jowett was callously una- elections were won with some energy tary at the Board of Education ware of the attachment of Welsh comfort even though ‘territo- on 28 May. He would have pre- miners to ‘home and people and rial persecution was rife in some in this ferred a complete break from language’ and the importance parts of the county, particularly important office, he confided to his diary, to them of the rents they paid in Maelor and the Bodfari dis- giving vent to his usual concern on their cottages.54 Tom Ellis’s trict’, and the Trade ‘being very new post, at his delicate health. But, in old advice to him back in 1891 keen and active’.58 Lewis, now fact, he continued as an active, to focus in the longer term on into his middle fifties, was still especially in even robust minister, and was labour issues did not appear to full of zest for the fight, despite to serve in his new depart- bear much fruit in Lewis’s case. littering his diary with accounts piloting the ment for almost seven and a half Other Flintshire Liberals, like of endless colds and ‘chills’, and 1918 Educa- years. He struck up a good rela- Fred Llewellyn Jones, the solici- days spent almost incomprehen- tionship with his initial Presi- tor and coroner of Isfryn, Mold, sibly in bed. In June 1914, when tion Act dent of the Education Board, were to gravitate in time towards Lloyd George was shortly to tell Labour’s Arthur Henderson. the Labour Party. For Lewis that the London Mansion House through the This period saw Lewis launch could never be an option.55 audience that ‘the sky was rela- with a grant of £25,000 the But a combination of meas- tively blue’ in the international Commons supremely important initiative ured social reform (Lewis field, Lewis himself had a cheer- with much of the Department of Scientific became friendly with Lloyd ful tour of Germany, going on and Industrial Research, which George’s reforming doctor asso- from Hamburg and Bremen as far aplomb. he saw as bringing the universi- ciate, Dr Christopher Addison) as Berlin.59 His diary notes show ties and the business world closer and beguiling Lloyd Georgian no sign of detecting an imminent together. He worked even bet- labour conciliation would steady international catastrophe. For ter with Henderson’s successor the ship and keep the Tories at Herbert Lewis of Plas Penucha, it from December 1916, H. A. L. bay. To read Lewis’s diaries and seemed, smiling and serene blue Fisher, the distinguished Lib- letters down to August 1914 is skies also lay ahead. eral historian and future War- in no sense to gain an indication Then came the war. Of course, den of New College, Oxford.61 of what Dangerfield so mislead- it brought a seismic transforma- Lewis certainly showed plenty ingly described as the ‘strange tion in the role of Lloyd George, of intellectual energy in this death’ of Liberal England – or coalition with the Tory enemy important new post, especially Wales. Lewis enjoyed power. He and an eventual almost six years in piloting the 1918 Education felt that the Liberals had control in 10 Downing Street, fol- Act through the Commons of it, deserved it, and had the lowed by his abrupt ejection with much aplomb. Like Mark greatest Welshman in history in from office forever. Herbert Twain’s death, Lewis’s decline place to ensure that they retained Lewis followed him faithfully was distinctly exaggerated. it. The Tories, wrong-footed on at every turn. Like his colleague, After the ‘coupon election’ of National Insurance, yoked with he accepted the necessity and December 1918, he continued at difficult allies like the Diehard indeed morality of the war. It Education for almost four more peers, the Welsh bishops and was being fought, he believed, years, his energies apparently the Ulster Covenanters, unsure on behalf of liberal principles of undiminished. in their philosophy about either self-determination and natural Lewis followed closely the state or social cohesion,56 justice. He was fortified in this the twists and turns of Lloyd were not in Lewis’s view close view by having to handle the George’s political career dur- to returning to power at all, and reception of immigrant Bel- ing the war. As his oldest liv- certainly did not deserve to. gian refugees who migrated to ing friend, he saw the Prime His confidence was forti- Britain in the autumn of 1914, Minister quite frequently: his fied by his strength in his new which he did with character- diary records a series of lunches, county constituency. He had istic efficiency. Lloyd George’s breakfasts or political conversa- been elected for Flintshire in growing role in war strategy as tions with Lloyd George through January: his dour predecessor, well as war finance in early 1915 the war years, often at ­Downing Samuel Smith, had announced evoked only further admiration. Street. Lloyd George saw in

26 Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist

Lewis a reliable, totally discreet he dismissed Maurice scorn- Central Welsh Board, as his observer of the political world fully as a disappointed general most reliable sounding-board on in general. Lewis’s expertise on not worth an undue amount of Welsh education. It was a con- the shipping industry was espe- bother.64 The ferocity of Lloyd structive time of change. Edu- cially useful to him during the George’s rhetoric (e.g. ‘cocoa cation, after all, was a foremost war years. He also introduced slop’) does not seem to have dis- element in the government’s the Premier to the progressive turbed him. proclaimed intention of a brave young naval officer and critic of In 1918 he loyally accepted new world of social reform after the Admiralty, Commander J. Coalition Liberal nomination the election. Things became far M. Kenworthy.62 Nearer home, for the new University of Wales more difficult from 1920 with Lloyd George used Lewis skil- seat: he himself had been active the rigours of economy and fully in March 1915 in persuad- in alliance with Lord Kenyon ‘anti-waste’ being applied to the ing Welsh Liberals that the in securing a parliamentary seat government’s educational pro- government intended to perse- for the Welsh university in the grammes. Lewis joined Fisher in vere with the disestablishment of Representation of the People strong defence of the day con- the Welsh Church, until it came Act, after an initial defeat on tinuation schools. They threat- into operational effect after the amendment.65 With his elec- ened a joint resignation against war, despite the government’s tion address rightly emphasising Cabinet proposals which ‘would temporary tactical confusions. his long service to Welsh edu- automatically have the effect of Prophetically, Lloyd George cation, he trounced a woman scrapping the Education Act’. He was recorded as saying that ‘he Labour candidate, winning 80.8 wrote to thank the Prime Min- believes that the great question of per cent of the vote. After the ister in backing them in Cabinet reconstruction which will arise election, indeed, for a time his in the face of economy propos- after the war will peremptorily career rose to new heights of als from the Chancellor, Austen push aside sectarian controversy’. activity. After receiving many Chamberlain.67 They got their Lewis concluded: ‘After all, but accolades (including from Fisher way but had an even tougher for him there would have been himself) for his role in carrying fight in resisting the Geddes Axe no Parliament Act and no Dis- through the new Education Act, which loomed over education in establishment Act’.63 he was also variously preoccu- 1921. In fact, the ministers had Throughout the tortuous pied with teachers’ superannua- somewhat more success in fend- political manoeuvres of 1916, tion, a Libraries Act, educational ing off educational cuts than is Lewis (like Ellis Griffith but grants for ex-servicemen and frequently represented, notably unlike Llewelyn Williams) the Royal Commission on the over the school entry age, the backed Lloyd George solidly For his part, University of Wales. In 1921, he size of classes, and maintain- over military conscription told E. W. Evans, editor of the ing the Burnham awards on (despite his own Gladstonian, H. A. L. Cymro, that his experience at the schoolteachers’ salaries. Lewis anti-military background). He Fisher clearly Education Board showed how felt able to claim afterwards that was amongst the hundred-odd far more could be achieved for the bulk of Fisher’s achievement who signed up secretly when regarded Wales within a British govern- for public education remained Addison, David Davies and oth- ment rather than in independ- undisturbed.68 ers canvassed Liberal MPs that Lewis, ent sorties on the political fringe. Politically, Lewis appeared to spring about the prospects of a Fisher’s educational policies had have no problem with the Coa- Lloyd George premiership in rather than brought tangible and measur- lition government. He saw in succession to Asquith. He was a the local able benefits to Wales: the ‘Fisher the Coalition a government of wholly committed supporter of formula’ would give Wales an national unity, ‘the embodiment the new Prime Minister from worthies on additional £100,000, while the of the spirit of accommodation’. December 1916 and stayed on Education Act of 1918 would ‘Party’, declared Lewis, ‘would at Education; if he was disap- the Central give new educational opportu- rather have no bread than half a pointed at failing to gain fur- nities to 20,000 boys and girls.66 loaf ’.69 Ever loyal to his master, ther promotion, Lewis does not Welsh Board, By comparison, the Secretary he was one of the Liberal min- show it. He backs Lloyd George as his most of State for Wales proposed in isters who attended the meeting at every turn, including the some Liberal circles by men like of the National Liberal Federa- crisis of the Maurice Debate reliable the shipowner MP Sir Robert tion at Leamington Spa in May in May 1918 when the Prime J. Thomas, was a trivial matter. 1920, a famous brawl when gov- Minister was accused of falsely sounding- Manifestly, the youthful nation- ernment ministers were heck- representing the strength of the alist rebel of 1894 had long since led by Asquithian partisans and military reserves at the western board on vanished. walked out in collective defi- front. Lloyd George’s speech of Welsh For his part, H. A. L. Fisher ance.70 Lewis was also prepared self-defence, said Lewis, was ‘a clearly regarded Lewis, rather to take part in the turbulent ­triumphant vindication’ while education. than the local worthies on the Cardiganshire by-election in

Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 27 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist

February 1921 when two Lib- But that of Herbert Lewis, who mate friend for nearly forty years, erals, one Lloyd Georgian, one had announced his resignation the focus of so much of his ener- Asquithian, contested the seat from Parliament long before and gies and his admiration, simply in a passionate atmosphere. He planned an extensive series of dropped him. In the great cam- told his wife Ruth, ‘This elec- overseas tours to tropical climes paign against unemployment tion is dividing up families in to celebrate freedom at last, and industrial stagnation, the the most peculiar way.’ The out- undoubtedly was. At least he crusades for the Green, Yellow come was a narrow, but decisive ended up with a knighthood. and Orange Books in 1925–29, defeat for the Asquithian Liberal Herbert Lewis’s last phase even as a name to be used in candidate, Lewis’s old ally of was conducted largely away election propaganda, Herbert Cymru Fydd days, W. Llewelyn from the limelight and on the Lewis need never have been. He Williams, now a bitter oppo- margins of politics. His major died in November 1933, almost a nent of Lloyd George, who had public concerns now were his forgotten man. broken with his old friend over continuing campaign to get But his achievement tran- conscription and later lreland.71 proper funding for the National scends the ages. Indeed, so many No doubt some of his bitterness Library of Wales, and his work of the badges of modern Welsh spilled over in the direction of for Bangor and the University of nationality – Museum and Herbert Lewis as well. Wales.73 He continued to cam- Library and University; county However there were limits to paign for improved grants for councils, county schools and the political compromises that the National Library, he bought administrative devolution along even Lewis might make. At the major collections of manuscripts with Welsh legislation from curious meeting of Coalition from his own funds to present Intermediate Education in 1889 Liberal ministers on 16 March to its archives, and he was to to Church Disestablishment in 1920, when Lloyd George and serve as its President. His impos- 1919 – are an essential part of Churchill tried to persuade ing bust casts its gaze on visitors his legacy. The Liberalism of them to endorse a ‘fusion’ with to the library today. His tragic pre-1914 remains the source of the Coalition Unionists, Lewis accident when he fell down a so much of the institutional and was one of many who dis- quarry at J. H. Davies’s home in cultural distinctiveness of mod- sented – perhaps the only time north Cardiganshire in 1925 and ern Wales, and Herbert Lewis in his career when he and Lloyd broke his spine otherwise effec- was not the least of its archi- George were at odds. ‘In Wales tively ended his career. Lloyd tects. Indeed, his supreme objec- it would be practically impos- George ignored him from now tive, that devolution for which sible to get anything in the on. Lewis had nothing more to he campaigned in vain in the shape of fusion between the offer. As has been noted, Lloyd 1890s, has now come into vig- local Associations.’72 Even in the George regarded him somewhat orous fruition, a hundred years very changed politics of post- quizzically as a long-term survi- late. In accounts of the career war, with the old aspiration of Lewis vor who was somehow miracu- of Lloyd George, the devoted Church disestablishment now lously still alive despite decades friendship of Herbert Lewis accomplished amidst a sense of remained of alleged ill-health. Prior to his is hugely underestimated. He anti-climax, Lewis remained accident, Lewis toured India. sustained his tempestuous col- the traditional Liberal of Glad- the tradi- He received Welsh and other league in numerous crises – the stonian days. He would not honours by the score. He had 1894 disestablishment rebellion, give up the old faith, the old tional Liberal become, as he approached his the Cymru Fydd crusade, the principles, certainly not the old of Gladsto- seventies, the classic embodi- South African War, the Educa- party name. In the end, he and ment of late Victorian and tion Revolt – when they were Lloyd George’s followers were nian days. Edwardian ‘official liberalism’ young colleagues and rough forced into a political cul-de- and a conformist nonconform- political equals. But as a source sac. The Liberal supporters of He would ity, a public-service professional, of disinterested advice and reas- Lloyd George had nowhere else a symbolic remnant of a disap- suring judgement, Lewis was to turn when the rank-and-file not give pearing past in a new society always there whenever Lloyd Tories broke with them in Octo- up the old dominated by the polarity of George felt he needed him – and ber 1922 over Lloyd George’s capital and labour. he frequently did. No doubt he handling of the Chanak cri- faith, the old Many politicians kept in close had to turn a frequent blind eye sis which threatened war with touch with him, especially Fisher as he pursued higher political Turkey. The Unionist revolt at principles, who developed a warm admira- causes. Neither Lloyd George’s the Carlton Club on 19 Octo- tion for his sterling qualities, and peccadilloes with money or ber 1922 abruptly turfed Lloyd certainly not used Lewis as a sounding-board women get a mention in his dia- George out of office and out of the old party for his concerns for the various ries. He backed his friend to the power. His political career, in crises of Liberalism in the twen- hilt when he was accused of cor- the event, was far from over. name. ties.74 But Lloyd George, his inti- ruption during the Marconi case

28 Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist in 1912, while his observations 73. In a foreword to a book of Herbert 10 A. J. Sylvester, p. 63. on Dame Margaret (whom he the present writer’s, Taylor also 11 For these matters, see Kenneth O. greatly admired) never suggest advanced the view that Lloyd Lewis was Morgan, Wales in British Politics that the Lloyd George family George ‘was the greatest ruler 1868–1922 (Cardiff: University of home was anything other than a of England [sic] since Oliver one of those Wales Press, 1963 (new paperback nest of domestic bliss. But in the Cromwell’: Kenneth O. Morgan, who kept ed., 1992)), pp. 76 ff. broader context, Herbert Lewis Lloyd George (London: Weidenfeld 12 Ellis to Lewis, 31 October 1891 was one of those who kept Lloyd and Nicolson, 1974), p. 8. Lloyd George (NLW, D.R. Daniel papers, A19k). George politically and perhaps 2 J. M. Keynes, Essays in Biography 13 See especially his Addresses and personally honest – not at all a (London: Mercury, 1961 ed.), p. 36. politically Speeches (Wrexham, 1912); Neville straightforward task. He helped 3 Arnold Bennett’s Lord Rainqo Masterman, The Forerunner (Lland- to ensure that, throughout all (1926) depicts Lloyd George as and perhaps ybie: C. Davies, 1972); and Ken- the vicissitudes of party and the Scotsman Andy Clyth, while personally neth O. Morgan, ‘Tom Ellis versus coalition, of industrial turmoil Joyce Cary’s Prisoner of Grace (1952) Lloyd George: the Fractured Con- and economic decline, in war depicts him as the Englishman (? honest – sciousness of Fin-de-siècle Wales’, and in post-war reconstruc- Devonian), Chester Nimmo. in Modern Wales: Politics. Places and tion, his charismatic Welsh col- 4 The most helpful study of Lewis not at all a People (Cardiff: University of Wales, league remained at bottom the is the Welsh-language collective 1995), pp. 362 ff. same populist democrat and book edited by his daughter, Kitty straightfor- 14 Cf. Ellis to Lewis, 24 July 1889 committed progressive that he Idwal Jones, Syr Herbert Lewis ward task. (NLW, Daniel Papers, A19k). had always been. Men such as 1858–1933 (Cardiff, 1961). Two of 15 Lewis to Ellis, 15 August 1891 (NLW, Lewis, like C. P. Scott, ensured the authors wrote centenary trib- Ellis Papers). See also J. Graham that Lloyd George stayed a man utes in Flintshire Historical Society Jones, ‘Alfred Thomas’s National of the centre-left, part of that Publications, Vol. 18 (1960) – Sir Ben Institutions (Wales) Bills of 1891–2’, fount of reformist energy which Bowen Thomas, pp. 131–41, and Welsh History Review, Vol. 15. No. 2 men like Beveridge, Keynes and W. Hugh Jones, pp. 142–55, the (December 1990). pp. 230–31 . Michael Young later replenished. latter dealing with Lewis’s work in 16 Cf. Samuel Smith to Lewis, 12 Sep- If Lloyd George never lapsed local government. A useful thesis is tember 1904 (NLW, Lewis Papers, into the fate of Joseph Chamber- Timothy P. Erasmus, Herbert Lewis A1/173). lain, still less of Ramsay Mac- and Welsh Radicalism: A Study of the 17 J. Arthur Price to J. E. Lloyd, 14 Donald, if he retained his radical Political Career of John Herbert Lewis October 1892 (University of Wales, impulses even during the later (1858–1933) With Special Reference to Bangor Library, Lloyd Papers, MSS. years of Hitler-worship and the the Period 1892–1906 (Bangor: Uni- 314, no. 449); Lewis to Ellis, 19 May final descent into an earldom, it versity of Wales, unpublished PhD, 1892 (NLW, Ellis Papers). was decent, honest free spirits 1988). The author summarised his 18 Ellis to Herbert Lewis, 7 and 18 like Plas Penucha’s guardian of conclusions in ‘In His Earnest Way: November 1892 (NLW, Ellis Papers, the faith, who kept him so. A Brief Outline of the Life and 2896, 2899); Lewis to Ellis, 17 and Political Career of Herbert Lewis 22 November 1892 (NLW, ibid., Kenneth O. Morgan (Lord Mor- (1858–1933)’, a lecture to the Flint- 1403, 1404); Rendel to Lewis, 14 and gan of Aberdyfi in the County of shire Historical Society, 31 October 15 November 1892 (NLW, Lewis Gwynedd) has been one of Britain’s 1992. I should like to pay my per- Papers). More generally, see Morgan, leading modern historians for over sonal tribute to the late Mrs Kitty Wales in British Politics, pp. 123–26. thirty years, and is known espe- Idwal Jones who gave me generous 19 Lewis to Ellis, ? May 1894 (NLW, cially for his writing on Welsh his- hospitality and guidance when I Ellis papers); David Lloyd George to tory, Lloyd George and the Labour first worked on the Lewis papers in William George, ? April 1894 (NLW, Party. His books include biographies Plas Penucha in 1960. William George Papers, 252). of David Lloyd George (1974), Keir 5 Erasmus, ‘In his Earnest Way’ , p. 4. 20 Marchant Williams, The Welsh Hardie (1975), Christopher Addison 6 For example, a cartoon by Will Members of Parliament, p. 22. (1980), James Callaghan (1997) and Morgan in T. Marchant Williams, 21 Lloyd George to Herbert Lewis, Michael Foot (2007). The Welsh Members of Parliament 22 June 1894 (Lewis Papers). The (Cardiff, 1894), p. 20. Lewis Papers are a rich mine of This article originally appeared in 7 Lewis’s Diary, 22 January 1906 information on the Cymru Fydd the Journal of the Flintshire His- (National Library of Wales, Lewis movement, 1894–96. torical Society (Vol. 36, 2003) and Papers B20). 22 W. R. P. George, Lloyd George: is reprinted here with the kind per- 8 Colin Cross (ed.) A. J. Sylvester, Life Backbencher (Gower Press: Lland- mission of the Editor, Mr G. Veysey, with Lloyd George (London: Mac- ysul, 1983), pp. 168–70; David Lloyd and of the author. millan, 1975), p. 63. George to his wife, 7 June 1895, in 9 A. J. P. Taylor (ed.), Lloyd George. A Kenneth O. Morgan (ed.), Lloyd 1 A. J. P. Taylor, English History Diary by Frances Stevenson (London: George Family Letters. c.1885–1936 1914–45 (Oxford: OUP, 1965), p. Hutchinson, 1971), p. 245. (Oxford and Cardiff: OUP and

Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08 29 lloyd george’s flintshire loyalist

­University of Wales, 1973), p. 45 Lewis’s Diary, 25 February (ibid., B28). National Expenditure’, meet- 85. 1908 (ibid., B22). 60 Lewis’s Diary, 8 February 1915 ings between 10 January and 17 23 J. Bryn Roberts to H. H. 46 Lewis’s Diary, 29 April 1909 (ibid., B29). February 1922 (Public Record Fowler, 5 October 1895 (NLW, (ibid., B23). 61 See H. A. L. Fisher, An Unfin- Office, CAB 27/165), and Bryn Roberts Papers, 236); 47 Lewis’s Diary, 4 May 1911 (ibid., ished Autobiography (London: Austen Chamberlain to Fisher, Asquith to Ellis, 30 November B25); Bentley B. Gilbert, David OUP, 1940) and the chapter 13 January 1922 (Bodleian 1895 (NLW, Ellis Papers); Mor- Lloyd George, Vol. I (London: by B. B. Thomas in K. Idwal Library, Oxford, Fisher Papers, gan, Wales in British Politics, pp. Batsford, 1987), p. 339. Jones (gol.), Syr Herbert Lewis, box 1). To a degree, Fisher was 156–58. 48 Lewis’s Diary, 24 November pp. 84–95. using statistical and other mate- 24 Lewis’s Diary, 1895 (NLW, l911 and 5 September 1912 62 D. Lloyd George, War Memoirs I rial supplied to him by Herbert Lewis Papers, B7); D. Lloyd (ibid., B25, B26). (London: Odham’s Press, 1938), Lewis. George to Lewis, 5, 11 and 31 49 Lewis’s Diary, 5 September p. 698. 69 Lewis, ‘Notes on the Coali- December 1895, 4 and 16 Janu- 1912 (ibid., B26). 63 Lewis’s Diary, 24 March and tion Government, 1920’ (NLW, ary 1896 (ibid., D/30/36–43). 50 Lewis’s Diary, 22 March 1906 15 March 1915 (NLW, Lewis Lewis Papers). 25 Lewis’s Diary, 16 January 1896 and 24 April 1907 (ibid., B20. Papers, B29). 70 Morgan, Consensus and Disu- (ibid., B8). B21); Cameron Hazlehurst and 64 Lewis’s Diary, 9 May 1918 (ibid., nity, p. 202. 26 Memorandum, Lewis to Lloyd Christine Woodland (eds.), A B32). 71 Lewis to his wife, 17 February George, 1897 (NLW, William Liberal Chronicle: Journals and 65 Lewis to Beriah Gwynfe Evans, 1921 (Lewis Papers) and Lewis’s George Papers, 4271). Papers of J. A. Pease. 1908 to 1910 30 January 1918 (NLW, Lewis Diary, 18 February 1921 (ibid., 27 Lewis’s Diary, 6 February 1899 (London: The Historian’s Press, Papers). B35). Also see Morgan, ‘Car- (NLW, Lewis Papers, B12). 1994, p. l4. 66 Lewis to E. W. Evans, 7 Janu- diganshire Politics: the Liberal 28 Lewis’s Diary, 27 April 1899 51 Lewis’s Diary, 25 April and 22 ary 1921 (ibid.). Ascendancy, 1885–1923’, in (ibid.). May 1912 (NLW, Lewis Papers, 67 Herbert Lewis to Lloyd George, Modern Wales, pp. 242–47. 29 Lewis’s Diary, 1895 (ibid., B7); B26); Lewis to his wife, 24 13 and 20 December and 72 Lewis’s Diary, 16 March 1920 cf. T. I. Ellis, Cofiant Thomas April 1912 (Lewis Papers). For ‘Nadolig’ 1920 (House of Lords (Lewis Papers, B34). Edward Ellis. Cyf. II (Liver- Lord Hugh Cecil and Lloyd Records Office, Lloyd-George 73 For important material on pool: Evans, 1948), pp. 122–23, George’s speeches, see H. of C. of Dwyfor Papers, F/32/22–24). Lewis’s work for the University for Ellis’s earlier enthusiasm for Parl. Deb., 5th ser., XXXVIII, 68 Kenneth O. Morgan, Con- College at Bangor, of which he Rhodes. 1294ff. sensus and Disunity: the Lloyd became Vice-President in 1906, 30 Lewis’s Diary (Lewis Papers, 52 Lewis’s Diary, 26 February and George Coalition Government, see J. Gwynn Williams, The B11). 11 March 1909 (NLW, Lewis 1918–1922 (Oxford: Clarendon University College of North Wales: 31 Lewis’s Diary, 1896 (ibid., B8) Papers, B23). Press, 1979) pp. 288–94. For Foundations 1884–1927 (Cardiff: refers to his enthusiasm for 53 Lewis’s Diary, 23 February 1910 Fisher’s comparatively success- University of Wales, 1985), pp. this (to me) incomprehensible (ibid., B26). ful resistance to the economies 125–27, and B. B. Thomas, op. game. 54 Lewis’s Diary, 1 March 1912 proposed by the Geddes com- cit., pp. 131–41. 32 Ibid. (ibid., B26). mittee and the Chancellor, 74 There are several reflective let- 33 Herbert Lewis to Lloyd George, 55 Fred Llewellyn Jones, later Sir Robert Horne, see ‘Report, ters from Fisher to Lewis in the 2 November 1896 (NLW, Wil- Frederick Llewellyn-Jones Proceedings and Memoranda later 1920s in the Lewis Papers liam George Papers, 4219). (1866–1941), one of the last of of the Cabinet Committee on in NLW, Class A. 34 Lewis’s Diary, 20 April 1900 the Liberal grandees of the (NLW, Lewis Papers, B13). Ellis-Lloyd George era, joined 35 Lewis’s Diary, 24 April 1900 the Labour Party in March 1918. History Group on the web (ibid.). However, he later rejoined the The Liberal Democrat History Group’s website, www. 36 The Times, 31 July 1900. Liberals and became Liberal liberalhistory.org.uk, is currently undergoing an extensive 37 Lewis to P. Harding Roberts, (later National Liberal) MP for revamp and reorganisation (see also advert on page 15). 23 July 1900 (NLW, Lewis Flintshire, 1929–35. Thanks to funding kindly provided by the Joseph Rowntree Papers). 56 See on this general theme, Reform Trust for the Liberal History Online project, we have been 38 Lewis’s Diary, 1901 (ibid., B14). Ewen Green, The Crisis of Con- able to extend the website’s content well beyond our original 39 Lewis’s Diary, 21 May 1902 servatism (London: Routledge, expectations, with the result that its internal architecture was no (ibid., B 15). 1995). longer able to cope well. So it has been radically redesigned to 40 Lewis’s Diary, 12 November 57 See John Owen to Lewis, 23 provide a more easily navigable internal structure. This is a lengthy 1902 (ibid.). June 1903, R. Llew Jones to process, however, and is not yet complete – please bear with us while it is in process! 41 Lewis’s Diary, 6 February 1904 Lewis, 22 August 1903, P. (ibid., B18). Harding Roberts to Lewis, 31 42 Lewis’s Diary, 6 March 1904 August 1903 (NLW, Lewis Email mailing list (ibid.). Papers, A/143, 150, 151) for If you would like to receive up-to-date information on the Liberal Democrat History Group’s activities, including advance notice of 43 Lewis’s Diary, 16 November aspects of these manoeuvres. meetings, and new History Group publications, you can sign up to 1906 (ibid., B20). 58 Lewis’s Diary, 24 January 1910 our email mailing list: visit the website and fill in the details on the 44 Lewis’s Diary, 9 August 1907 (ibid., B24). ‘Contact’ page. (ibid., B21). 59 Lewis’s Diary, 3–6 June 1914

30 Journal of Liberal History 57 Winter 2007–08