Enemy of Landlordism Berkley Farr James Wood East Down’S Liberal MP Mira Matikkala William Digby and the Indian Question J

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Enemy of landlordism Berkley Farr James Wood East Down’s Liberal MP Mira Matikkala William Digby and the Indian Question J. Graham Jones Thomas Jones’s Lloyd George York Membery A statue for Lloyd George Report Liberals and local government in London since the 1970s Liberal Democrat History Group An LSE Archives / Liberal Democrat History Group / Richard Scurrah Wainwright Trust seminar Torrington ’58: Liberal survival and revival, 1945–1979 10.30–16.45, Saturday 14 June 2008 London School of Economics, S75 St Clements Building, Houghton Street, London WC2

On 27 March 1958, Mark Bonham Carter, Asquith’s grandson, won the parliamentary by-election in the Devon seat of Torrington by a margin of just 219 votes. It was the first Liberal by-election gain since the 1920s. Although the seat was lost in the 1959 general election, it marked the beginning of the first major Liberal post-war revival, under the leadership of Jo Grimond.

To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Torrington by-election, the Archives of the London School of Economics, the Liberal Democrat History Group and the Richard Scurrah Wainwright Trust are holding a seminar to investigate the post-Second World War experience of the Liberal Party – from the defeats of the 1945 general election to the general election of 1979, when 13 Liberal MPs were elected.

The keynote address will be given by Lord Dholakia and Lord Wallace, on Campaigning Liberals in the 1950s and 1960s. Other sessions during the day will include: • Liberal campaigning: elections and by-elections • Local government – grassroots survival • Leaders and leadership • Collaboration – pacts and other parties.

Speakers include Lord Kirkwood, Lord Greaves, Michael Meadowcroft and Martin Wainwright. Correction Cost: £10 (including refreshments) In the report of the Liberal Democrat History Group’s ‘Great Liberals’ fringe meeting in September 2007, included in Journal of Liberal History 57 (winter To book your place contact: 2007–08), on page 13, Lord Morgan is reported as Archives Division, London School of Economics having said near the end of his speech: ‘In my view, 10 Portugal Street2 Lloyd George’s career was Britain’s moment of maternity’. London This was a transcription error: in fact, what Lord WC2A 2HD Morgan said was: ‘In my view, Lloyd George’s career was Britain’s moment of modernity’. Our sincere apologies to Lord Morgan (and to David Lloyd Tel: +44 (0)20 7955 7223 George) Email: [email protected] Anyone wishing to make jokes along the lines of ‘Lloyd George knew my mother’ should keep them to Supported by the Richard Scurrah Wainwright Trust themselves; we’ve already heard them.

2 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 Journal of Liberal History Issue 58: Spring 2008 The Journal of Liberal History is published quarterly by the Liberal Democrat History Group. ISSN 1479-9642 James Wood: East Down’s Liberal MP 4 Editor: Duncan Brack The life and political career of James Wood, victor of the East Down by-election Assistant Editor: Lysianne Egan in February 1902; by Berkley Farr. Biographies Editor: Robert Ingham Reviews Editor: Dr Eugenio Biagini Deputy Reviews Editor: Tom Kiehl William Digby and the Indian Question 12 The first secretary of the National Liberal Club was also a radical political Patrons organiser and agitator for India. Dr Mira Matikkala examines his activities. Dr Eugenio Biagini; Professor Michael Freeden; Professor John Vincent Letters to the Editor 21 The greatest Liberal? (Roy Douglas); Lloyd George and Hitler (Vernon Editorial Board Bogdanor). Dr Malcolm Baines; Dr Roy Douglas; Dr Barry Doyle; Dr David Dutton; Professor David Gowland; Dr Richard Thomas Jones’s Lloyd George 22 Grayson; Dr Michael Hart; Peter Hellyer; Ian Hunter; Dr J. Graham Jones; Tony Little; Professor Ian Machin; Dr Dr J. Graham Jones tells the story of the writing of one of the best single- Mark Pack; Dr Ian Packer; Dr John Powell; Ed Randall; volume biographies of Lloyd George. Jaime Reynolds; Dr Andrew Russell; Iain Sharpe A statue for Lloyd George 34 Editorial/Correspondence Lloyd George’s statue unveiled in Parliament Square; by York Membery. Contributions to the Journal – letters, articles, and book reviews – are invited. The Journal is a refereed publication; all articles submitted will be reviewed. Report: Liberals and local government in London 35 Contributions should be sent to: since the 1970s Duncan Brack (Editor) With Cllr Sir David Williams and Mike Tuffrey GLA; report byGraham Lippiatt. 38 Salford Road, London SW2 4BQ email: [email protected] Reviews 40 All articles copyright © Journal of Liberal History. Aldous, The Lion and the Unicorn, reviewed by Dr J. Graham Jones; Torrance, The Scottish Secretaries, reviewed by Ewen A. Cameron; Cash, John Wilkes, The Advertisements Scandalous Father of Civil Liberty, reviewed by Nancy LoPatin Lummis; Toye, Full page £100; half page £60; quarter page £35. Lloyd George and Churchill: Rivals for Greatness, reviewed by Dr J. Graham Jones; Discounts available for repeat ads or offers to readers van Schie & Voerman (eds.), The Dividing Line Between Success and Failure, (e.g. discounted book prices). To place ads, please reviewed by Saeed Rahman. contact the Editor.

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Cover design concept: Lynne Featherstone The Liberal Democrat History Group promotes the discussion and research of topics relating to the histories of the Liberal Democrats, Liberal Party, and SDP, and of Liberalism. The Published by the Liberal Democrat History Group, c/o Group organises discussion meetings and produces the Journal of Liberal History and other 38 Salford Road, London SW2 4BQ occasional publications. Printed by Kall-Kwik, For more information, including historical commentaries, details of publications, back issues 18 Colville Road, London W3 8DL of the Journal, and archive and other research sources, see our website at: April 2008 www.liberalhistory.org.uk. Chair: Tony Little Honorary President: Lord Wallace of Saltaire

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 3 James Wood East Down’s Liberal MP

4 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 James Wood East Down’s Liberal MP

‘I thought you might he object of our inter- its expression of praise of James est was a thick leather- Wood and the political stand he be interested in this,’ bound book covered took. was the understatement in embossed decora- It reads: from George Whyte tion and measuring Ttwelve inches by fourteen inches Dear Sir of Crossgar, who had in size. The title page, in richly- After your contest at the decorated lettering of gold, red late General Election to remain come across something and green, interwoven with flax Liberal Representative of East of fascinating flowers, read, ‘Address and Pres- Down in the Imperial Parlia- entation to James Wood, Esq., ment, your supporters in that local interest at a Member of Parliament for East Division, and numerous friends Belfast auction. Down, 1902–06 from His Late elsewhere, are anxious to Constituents.’ Another page express to you in tangible form Auctions provide contained a sepia photograph of their admiration for the gen- much television a serious-looking James Wood tlemanly manner in which you in a high collar and cravat, sur- conducted your part of the con- entertainment, but they rounded by a decorated motif tests in the interests of Reform, can also be a valuable of shamrock, flax, roses and Sobriety, Equal Rights and thistles.1 Goodwill among men – as source of local history, In Victorian and Edward- against the successful calumny, ian times, illuminated addresses intemperance, and organised and this find was to were a popular way of expressing violence of your opponents shed new light on an esteem for a person, particularly who have always sought to as a form of recognition for pub- maintain their own private episode in Irish history lic service. The one presented to interests and class ascendancy a hundred years ago. James Wood contains the sig- under the cover of false and Title page and natures of twenty-two promi- selfish Unionism, which has so Berkley Farr looks at page 2 of the nent local people, who collected long embittered and kept Irish- the history behind the Address and money to pay for the presenta- men apart. Presentation to tion. The address, in copperplate Your election for East Down auction-house find. James Wood handwriting, is forthright in in 1902 virtually turned the

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 5 james wood: east down’s liberal mp

scale in favour of an extended happiness to support, on the farm labourers tended to support Land Bill, which was passed Platform and again in Parlia- Unionist or Nationalist parties the following year, and which ment, the great principles of and Liberal representation was with some compulsory amend- Reform, Temperance and wiped out. Gladstone’s con- ments will settle for ever the Charity in all things. version to Home Rule further tragic history of Landlordism Signed on behalf of the divided the weakened Ulster in Ireland. Subscribers Liberals, with the majority As a Tenants’ Advocate in Gawn Orr M.D., Ballyles- becoming Liberal Unionists. It the Courts of Law, on the Pub- son Chairman was 1895 before another Lib- lic Platform, and in the High William Carse B.A., Magh- eral was elected, and although Court of Parliament, your erahamlet Secretary representation remained until practical knowledge, zeal and Belfast 28 September, 1906 1918, no more than three were perseverance have been invalu- returned at any general election. able; so that we are proud to The pages containing the signa- I first heard of James Wood reckon you among the great tures are decorated with charm- on 15 March 1962, while visit- Land Reformers of your coun- ing watercolour miniatures by ing James Barnes and his sister try. For without efforts such J. Carey of scenes from the con- Jean on the night of the famous as yours thousands of Tenants, stituency, including the Bally- Orpington by-election. They who are now the happy owners nahinch Mountains, Killinchy came from a Liberal family of their farms, would have been village, Dundonald, Dundrum in Greyabbey, and their din- ground to poverty under the ‘Your elec- Castle, the Giant’s Ring and ing room was dominated by an old rack rents, or ejected from Scrabo. enormous portrait of Gladstone. their holdings, and driven with tion for East As a boy, James recalled how his their starving families into for- ~ father took him to look across eign lands like so many of their Down in Strangford Lough to see the countrymen. Inevitably the discovery of any bonfires burning on the hilltops You have sympathised with 1902 virtu- historical item, such as the illu- of Killinchy to celebrate the vic- every Reform for the eman- ally turned minated address, raises many tory of James Wood in the 1902 cipation of Labourers in town questions. Who was James by-election. and country; and with the the scale in Wood? How did he become the James Wood was born on 17 New Democratic Movement in Member of Parliament and what July 1867 in Co. Monaghan. He Ulster for Independent thought favour of an were the causes he espoused? came from Clones to Belfast at and action among the sons of Who were his supporters, par- an early age and began his educa- daily toil; and you have always extended ticularly those who signed the tion at Mountpottinger National aimed at the Co-Operation and Land Bill, address? What was his historical School. He was an apprentice Union of all creeds and classes legacy and how did these events with the legal firm of Messrs H. for the improvement of their which was relate to the wider context of the and R. J. McMordie, Lombard common country. Edwardian period? Street, Belfast and qualified as Your geniality, your buoy- passed the In the middle of the nine- a solicitor in 1893. He entered ant temperament, and the teenth century the Liberals and into partnership with John unselfish devotion of yourself follow- Conservatives were the two Moorehead who later became and your distinguished Part- ing year, dominant parties in Ireland, and the first Chief Crown Solicitor ners to the interests of others a significant number of Irish of Northern Ireland.2 He lived at have won you innumerable and which Liberal MPs were returned to Mount Salem, Dundonald, Bel- friends all over Ireland. Westminster. The last general fast where he also farmed. And with you we here asso- with some election with these two parties In his professional and politi- ciate Mrs Wood, who has borne as the sole players was in 1868, cal careers, James Wood played her share in the turmoil of your compulsory when the Liberals won 65 of the a prominent role in the strug- elections; and now at this great amendments 104 Irish seats. The subsequent gle for tenant rights at the time Banquet given in your honour, rise of the Home Rule Party, of the fight against landlord- while we beg to present to you will settle however, decimated the Liber- ism in Ireland. One of his ear- this Bank Cheque, we also beg als, particularly in southern Ire- liest memories of that grim Mrs. Wood to accept this solid for ever the land, and by 1874 only nine were period was of his own parents Silver Tea and Coffee Service returned. By 1880, the number being evicted from their hold- which may remain, along with tragic history of Liberals elected had increased ing in Co. Fermanagh because this Address and Illuminated of Land- to fourteen, but Gladstone’s his father would not vote for a Album, as a visible token and Reform Act of 1884 extended Tory candidate at an election.3 heirloom in your family. lordism in the franchise in the counties and Gladstone had begun the proc- And we pray that you may at the election in the following ess of tackling the Land Ques- long be spared in health and Ireland.’ year the newly-enfranchised tion in his Land Acts of 1870 and

6 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 james wood: east down’s liberal mp

1881, but the conflict between and the demand for compulsory Pages 3–6 of In January 1902, J. A. Rentoul landlords and tenants continued purchase of farms continued the Address and became a judge and resigned as and resurfaced in 1894–95 with to grow. Russell began a new Presentation to the MP for East Down, causing a the tenants being led by T. W. campaign, launching the Ulster James Wood by-election. East Down was one Russell, the Liberal Unionist Farmers and Labourers Union of the four constituencies in the MP for South Tyrone. Despite and Compulsory Purchase Asso- county between 1885 and 1918. a Conservative Act of 1896, ciation in the Ulster Hall, Belfast It included Downpatrick and landlords still refused to sell in June 1901.4 Ballynahinch and stretched from

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 7 james wood: east down’s liberal mp

T. W Russell, editorial strongly supported Col. Liberal Unionist Wallace and expressed concern MP who broke that T. W. Russell was a friend with the party of Redmond, the Nationalist over land reform leader.9 Despite attempts by his and finally joined opponents to introduce other the Liberals. issues such as Home Rule, the Boer War and a Catholic university, James Wood insisted that the election was about the single issue of a permanent and final settlement of the land question. The Executive of the East Down Division of the United Irish League met in the John Street Hall, Downpatrick, and unanimously decided to support James Wood as a champion of compulsory purchase and resolved ‘that all Nationalist electors should register their vote in his favour and poll against landlordism’.10 Contrastingly, the Lecale District Loyal Orange Lodge No. 2 passed a resolution, ‘That we, the Orangemen of Lecale, rejoice that an Orange candidate has solicited the suf- frages of the electors of East Down, in the person of Brother Dundrum and Ardglass north to Fifth Royal Irish Rifles, who Colonel R. H. Wallace’.11 Killinchy, Saintfield, Drumbo was serving in South Africa. The by-election took place and Lisburn. It was regarded as The contest was to be between on Wednesday, 5 February 1902, a safe Unionist seat, having only a Presbyterian solicitor with a mild, dry, day, and out of 8,136 been contested in one of the six practical experience of support- electors, 7,035 recorded their previous elections, when in 1886 ing tenants, and a local landlord votes (an 86 per cent poll), and the Unionist polled 5,093 against from Myra Castle. there were only thirty spoiled a Nationalist 2,561.5 As most Major J. N. Blackwood-Price papers. The count took place on elections in the north of Ireland DL, the High Sheriff of Down, Thursday morning in Down- between Unionists and Nation- received the nominations in patrick courthouse and shortly alists are based on a religious Downpatrick courthouse on before 11 o’clock the result was head count, it was common, 29 January, 1902. Col. Wallace announced: even as late as the 1960s, for seats was proposed by W. Johnston Wood 3,576 to be unopposed where there was MP, Ballykilbeg, who was the Wallace 3,429 a clear religious majority for one champion of the Orangemen’s side. While Nationalists could right to march.6 James Wood Although Wood’s majority was not win a constituency with a was accompanied by his agent, 147, the detailed breakdown Protestant majority, a Liberal or James Moorehead, and was pro- from the polling stations is of a candidate with an appeal across posed by J. Carr JP, Killyleagh, even more fascinating interest the religious divide would have and seconded by Rev. W. Carse, for the psephologist. The Down a greater chance of success. Magherahamlet.7 Recorder listed the approximate The by-election created a Meetings in support of both returns for each polling district great opportunity for Russell’s candidates were held through- and also included the number of compulsory purchase campaign, out the constituency. About Nationalists (i.e. Roman Catho- and James Wood offered him- 250 people gathered in the yard lics)– see Table 1.12 self as a candidate following the of Denvir’s Hotel, Downpat- Wood succeeded in com- unanimous vote of support at a rick, to hear James Wood and bining strong support from meeting of representatives in T. W. Russell, but the meet- Nationalists with a remarkable Saintfield. The Unionists picked ing in Ballynahinch broke up following in Presbyterian areas, Colonel R. H. Wallace of the in disorder.8 The Down Recorder notably Drumbo, Saintfield and

8 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 james wood: east down’s liberal mp

Killinchy, in what Carson called After the declaration of the Wyndham’s Land Act of 1903 ‘an unholy alliance’ of Catholics result, Wood and Russell were was the response of Balfour’s and Protestants.13 As we look carried shoulder high to the Conservative government. It back over a century to 1902, it is Down Hunt Arms Hotel, where was more generous in purchase to be remembered that another they addressed the crowd. Wood schemes for both landlords and 104 years earlier these areas were said they had been opposed by tenants and, although compul- strongholds of the United Irish- the strongest possible combina- sory purchase was not finally men in the 1798 rebellion. tion, but they had beaten the adopted until 1925, it succeeded The nature of Wood’s sup- press, the landlords and Bal- in removing the land question as port is demonstrated by the lykilbeg (the home of William a major election issue.16 names on the illuminated Johnston, the militant Orange The general election of 1906 address as well as those reported MP for South Belfast). Rev. was a watershed in British his- during the campaign. While R. Lyttle of Moneyrea advised tory, with Balfour’s Conserva- Gawn Orr was a doctor in Bal- people against being led into tive and Unionist Party losing lylesson and William Carse a strife and pointed to the peace- 250 seats in a landslide to the Presbyterian minister in Magh- ful example shown the previous Liberal Party, which gained a erahamlet, many tended to be day when Protestant and Roman large majority over all other owners of relatively large farms Catholic worked side by side for parties.17 The new government or were prominent in their own Mr Wood. That night bonfires of Sir Henry Campbell-Ban- localities. Joseph Carr JP lived were lit in various parts of the nerman, including figures such at The Gocean in Killyleagh, constituency. The local news- as Asquith, Lloyd George and where his family had founded papers differed in their head- Churchill, was to embark upon the Flax Spinning Mill. James lines regarding the result. The one of the great eras of reform. Silcock JP owned Marybrook Newtownards Chronicle reported In Ireland three Liberals were Mill between Crossgar and Bal- ‘Victory for the Compulsory returned, holding North Tyrone lynahinch. James Hutton JP had Sale Candidate’ while the Down and South Tyrone (T. W. Rus- a large farm at Bell’s Hill and Recorder regretted ‘A Nationalist sell) and gaining North Antrim. was a leading member of the Victor y’.15 The loss of East Down and North Downpatrick Board of Poor- The East Down result was a Fermanagh indicated, however, Law Guardians. The family major boost to Russell’s cam- that the Russellite campaign was tradition of John Clarke JP of paign for compulsory pur- now in decline. Lisnastrain, Lisburn was that he chase and his growing support Although Russell had begun was for the Liberals and against was again demonstrated in a his career in South Tyrone in the landlords. If a hat was not 1903 by-election in North Fer- 1886 as an outspoken Union- doffed when paying rent at managh where his candidate, ist, the land issue caused him to Hillsborough Castle, a flunkey Edward Mitchell, defeated the move across the political spec- would remove it with a stick.14 Official Unionist James Craig. trum, so that by 1906 his followers were clearly identified as Russellite Liberals. Depend- Table 1: Breakdown of vote by polling station ent on class, Russellite Liberal- Stations Voters For Wallace For Wood Nationalists ism had sought to transcend the Ardglass 571 155 416 436 religious divide, and appeal to Ballyculter 276 88 188 197 Protestant and Catholic farm- Ballynahinch 707 531 176 152 ers; this worked so long as Prot- estant farmers had to choose Crossgar 469 278 191 151 between self-interest and tradi- Downpatrick 923 431 492 364 tional sectarianism. The dan- Drumaness 254 50 195 188 ger to Russellism came when Drumbo 692 321 371 4 farmers no longer had to make Dunmore 270 50 220 209 a clear choice: when the main Killinchy 256 107 149 21 Protestant party was prepared to offer both sectarian and eco- Killyleagh 433 218 215 92 nomic satisfaction.18 One major Kilmegan 290 151 139 234 outcome of the threat he posed Lisburn 774 634 140 202 was that the Unionists improved Saintfield 646 228 418 124 their organisation through the Seaforde 265 124 141 134 formation of the Ulster Unionist Council – an umbrella body of Tyrella 170 54 125 126 the Orange Order, constituency Totals 7,005 3,429 3,576 2,634 associations and MPs – in 1905.19

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 9 james wood: east down’s liberal mp

The 1906 election marked the they had now to see that the mis- The 1906 but lost by 974 votes. He contin- effective end of landlord domi- takes of the past were repaired, ued as a solicitor with an exten- nation of County Down poli- that this great province, with election sive practice, especially among tics.20 Unionist candidates now its splendid traditions, its living marked the the farming community. He had to be selected by constitu- actualities, and its great capaci- died on 31 October 1936 at his ency organisations and were no ties, would not be known, as it effective end home, Marino House, Holy- longer the sole preserve of land- now unfortunately was, as the wood, Co. Down. The Irish lord families. The new Union- most retrograde, stupid, and self- of landlord News reported that regret would ist Constituency Association in ish portion of the United King- be felt throughout Northern East Down invited the defeated dom in political affairs.24 domination Ireland: North Fermanagh by-election Ulster Liberals continued to of County candidate, James Craig, a Pres- be a force in the period of the Unsparing in his efforts on byterian businessman, to contest Liberal government up to the Down behalf of the downtrodden the 1906 election, thus starting a First World War. In 1907, they small farmers under the regime career which would lead to him successfully defended North politics. of landlordism, Mr Wood was becoming Northern Ireland’s Tyrone, the most marginal seat a staunch tenant-righter and in first Prime Minister. Craig in Ireland, despite the major- that cause he fought as a Liberal polled 4,011 against Wood’s ity being reduced from nine a famous election in 1902 in 3,341 – a majority of 670. In a 91 votes to seven in a poll of 6,019 East Down, which he won by per cent poll, Wood’s proportion – 99 per cent of the electorate!25 a large majority over his oppo- of the vote fell from 51 per cent (North Tyrone stayed Liberal nent, the Orange Order leader, to 46 per cent.21 from 1895 to 1918.) In 1910, Colonel R. H. Wallace. … The On 28 September 1906, a ban- the seats of North Antrim and late Mr Wood proved himself quet was held for James Wood South Tyrone (T. W. Russell) an able supporter of his leader by his East Down supporters in were lost, but in 1913 London- Mr T. W. Russell. He was a the Wellington Hall, Belfast.22 derry City was won by David keen debater and, as [an] orator Following toasts to ‘the King’ Cleghorn Hogg in a by-election. fluent in delivery. … There are and ‘the Lord Lieutenant (Lord The last Liberal to be elected few of Mr Wood’s contempo- Aberdeen) and Prosperity of from Ireland to Westminster was raries alive today but those who Ireland’, James Wood was pre- Sir James Brown Dougherty, are will always remember him sented with a cheque for £600 who was returned unopposed as a straightforward gentleman, (MPs were not paid until 1911) for Londonderry City in 1914 honest in his dealings with and Mrs Wood with a tea and following Hogg’s death. The his fellows, kindly and broad- coffee service in recognition of removal of the land question as minded towards those who his services as Member for East a major issue and the return to differed from him in either Down. After a toast to ‘East the constitutional struggle after religion or politics. In religion Down,’ Rev. W. Carse related 1912 reduced Liberal appeal to a Presbyterian, he was a loyal the history of the testimonial an increasingly polarised elec- member of his church, impa- to James Wood and said that no torate. The First World War and tient of anything that savoured fewer than 1,422 individuals had the 1916 Easter Rising changed of oppression or tyranny, of subscribed to the object.23 the political landscape of Ireland. which he was an implacable T. W. Russell MP spoke No Liberal contested the 1918 foe.27 highly in praise of the new election, which saw the triumph House of Commons with a man- of Sinn Fein and Unionism and, After the death of his son in the date in favour of the application apart from in 1929, when five 1990s, his papers were given to of Liberal principles. He was not candidates were defeated, Liber- the Linen Hall Library in Belfast, quite sure that the strength of the als were absent from the political which is now also the home of House of Commons was always scene until the late 1950s. the illuminated address of a hun- recognised in these parts, but T. W. Russell continued as dred years ago. Perhaps someone they must not judge the House MP for South Tyrone and later will discover the whereabouts of of Commons by the quota con- North Tyrone until 1918, serv- the accompanying silver tea and tributed by the Orange Order. ing for eleven years as Liberal coffee service from that Belfast He was glad to see James Wood Vice-President of the Depart- banquet of 1906. being honoured and he felt his ment of Agriculture and Tech- election in East Down was one nical Instruction for Ireland. He Berkley Farr is a former Chairman of the great turning points in became an Irish Privy Council- of the Ulster Liberal Party and was the land war. He ought never to lor in 1908, a baronet in 1917, candidate for South Down in 1973. have been lost to the House, but and died in 1920.26 This article is based on one published accidents would occur in poli- James Wood contested East in the Lecale Review: a Journal tics as well as in other things and Down again in 1910 as a Liberal, of Down History, in 2006.

10 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 james wood: east down’s liberal mp

1 Address to James Wood, Linen 9 Ibid. Macmillan, 1981) p. 28. 1997) p. 321. Hall Library, Belfast. 10 Ibid. 18 Jackson, ‘Irish Unionism 21 Walker, Parliamentary Election 2 Details from James Wood 11 Ibid. and the Russellite Threat, Results in Ireland, 1801–1922, p. archive in Linen Hall Library 12 The Down Recorder, 8 February 1894–1906’, p. 397. A study of 343. and The Irish News, 3 Novem- 1902. the relationship between Liber- 22 The Northern Whig, 29 Septem- ber 1936. 13 Alvin Jackson, ‘Irish Union- als and Ireland over the last two ber 1906. 3 Ibid. ism and the Russellite Threat, centuries is to be found in Jour- 23 Ibid. 4 Frank Thompson, The End of 1894–1906’, Irish Historical Stud- nal of Liberal History 33 (Winter 24 Ibid. Liberal Ulster: Land agitation ies, XXV, no. 100 (Nov. 1987) 2001–02), including Berkley 25 A. D. McDonnell, The Life and land reform 1868–86 (Belfast: p. 400. Farr on ‘Liberalism in Unionist of Sir Dennis Henry, Catholic Ulster Historical Foundation, 14 Personal communication, Alan Northern Ireland’. Unionist (Belfast: Ulster His- 2001) p. 297. Clarke. 19 Eamon Phoenix, ‘On this day’, torical Foundation, 2000) p. 5 B. M. Walker, Parliamen- 15 The Down Recorder and The The Irish News, 3 November 24. tary Election Results in Ireland, Newtownards Chronicle, 8 Feb- 2005. 26 Jackson, ‘Irish Unionism 1801–1922 (Dublin: Royal Irish ruary 1902. 20 Brian Walker, ‘Landowners and the Russellite Threat, Academy, 1978), p. 342. 16 Thompson, The End of Liberal and Parliamentary Elections 1894–1906’, p. 403. 6 The Down Recorder, 1 February Ulster, p. 298. in County Down, 1801–1921’, 27 The Irish News, 3 November 1902. 17 Michael Kinnear, The Brit- Down History & Society edited 1936. 7 Ibid. ish Voter; An Atlas and Survey by Lindsay Proudfoot, (Dub- 8 Ibid. since 1885 (London: Palgrave lin: Geography Publications,

Centenary commemoration supported by the Liberal Democrat History Group Campbell-Bannerman COMMEMORATION Sunday 27 April 2008 Meigle (Perthshire)

The Rt. Hon. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, GCB, 1836–1908

Sir Henry, born (as Henry Campbell) at Kelvinside House, Glasgow on 7 September 1836; Liberal MP for Stirling Burghs (Stirling, Dunfermline, Culross, Inverkeithing and Queensferry) from 20 November 1868; Prime Minister from 5 December 1905; resigned as Prime Minister on 3 April 1908; died in Downing Street on 22 April and, after a memorial service in Westminster Abbey on 27 April, was buried beside Lady Campbell-Bannerman (died 1906) in Meigle on 28 April 1908.

The Commemoration Programme on Sunday 27 April 2008 will include a visit to Belmont Castle (Sir Henry’s last Scottish home) at 11.30 a.m., lunch in Meigle at 1.00 p.m. and a wreath-laying at the Campbell-Bannerman grave beside Meigle Parish Church at 2.30 p.m.

For further details and tickets (for the Belmont Castle visit and lunch), contact Dr. Sandy Waugh at: email: [email protected] phone: Banchory (01330) 823159 before 17 April.

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 11 William Digby and the Indian question

William Digby, the first secretary of the National Liberal Club, was also a radical political organiser and agitator for India. One of his many exposures of Indian poverty was referred to as ‘one of the most terrible indictments ever probably written of a governing race’. He assisted Charles Bradlaugh, and acted as election agent for Dadabhai Naoroji, the first Asian elected to Parliament. Dr Mira Matikkala examines his life and interests.

12 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 William Digby and the Indian question

illiam Digby the Indian government began to names.’1 According to Digby, was born in organise public works and food five months later the figure was W i s b e c h , shipments to Southern India, nearly 3,900.2 Cambridge- and a substantial relief fund was However, it seems that Digby shire in 1849. launched in London. The Indian was somewhat too dynamic for HeW began his journalistic career famine was the turning-point the secretaryship. The Club was early, becoming an apprentice in Digby’s life, leading him to not meant to be anything other on a small local newspaper in devote himself to Indian reform ‘than a social meeting-place 1864. In 1871, he left England until his death. for progressive politicians’,3 but for Ceylon, to become the sub- His wife having died in India, Digby was far from satisfied editor on the Ceylon Observer in Digby returned to England in with this. In June 1883 he wrote Colombo. In Ceylon he soon 1879. For the next few years to Herbert Gladstone: became involved in a major tem- he edited first the Liverpool and perance campaign, and another Southport Daily News and then I thank you very much for your campaign for the abolition of the Western Daily Mercury at detailed criticisms of the sug- food taxes brought him honor- Plymouth. Then, in November gestions I put on paper respect- ary membership of the Cobden 1882, he was elected as the first ing the political work of the Club in 1876. secretary of the newly-estab- Club. Those criticisms are, in The following year Digby set- lished National Liberal Club. the main, adverse to my sug- tled in India, where he became After months of preparatory gestions. … If the National the editor of the influential daily work, the Club was established Liberal Club is to be a social Madras Times. The years of severe at a meeting on 16 November club merely … I, for one, famine which followed soon led 1882. According to an active Digby’s portrait should be grievously disap- him to question the rationale of member, the meeting ‘was at the National pointed, and should regret hav- British rule in India. He wrote largely attended by leading Lib- Liberal Club, ing given up journalism (where his first major pamphlet, the erals from all parts of the coun- by J. C. Forbes, now and then I could be of two-volume Famine Campaign in try … On 29 November, Mr. presented to some service) for the secretary- the Club in 1905 Southern India, in 1878, and used William Digby was appointed ship. … I could add page upon (courtesy of the Madras Times extensively, as secretary. Success immediately page of conversations I have Simon J. Roberts, well as The Times in London, to followed. By 31 December 1882, secretary of the had with leading Liberals from stir up both the government and the list of original members was National Liberal all parts of the country. They the British public. As a result, closed with more than 2,500 Club) (the leading Liberals) look,

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 13 william digby and the indian question

with eager expectancy, to the ‘If the in times of famine than the Brit- meeting in October 1881 recom- Club to become a central party ish one. This was, he argued, mended extensive circulation for organisation, and are prepared National Lib- because native states availed Digby’s pamphlet among Liberal to support it accordingly. If it eral Club is themselves of local Indian expe- Associations, and stated that the is merely ‘social’, then, I am rience, whereas the British did Federation could be of great convinced, there will be a great to be a social not.8 service in the cause of Indian falling off in numbers and in Furthermore, Digby chal- reform along the lines Digby influence.4 club merely lenged the widely-held view indicated. Digby was appointed ‘that India had no cause of com- a member of the General Com- Nevertheless, Digby did not ... I, for one, plaint against Great Britain, as mittee of the Federation ‘with a have his way. When he informed should be she was not made to contribute view to his re-opening the sub- Herbert Gladstone of his resig- anything to this country’. While ject at a convenient time’.11 nation four years later he bitterly grievously acknowledging that no direct However, after the occupa- acknowledged ‘that what the contribution had been paid, tion of Egypt in 1882, the Liberal Club wants is a thoroughly capa- disap- Digby stressed that indirectly Party became less supportive of ble hotel manager’.5 England was ‘draining India, its critics of empire. Once again, pointed’. not simply of its surplus, but India was to pay for the Brit- actually of its very life-blood’. ish expedition, and this caused ‘Indian Problems for English As an example of this unequal a conflict between the Viceroy, Consideration’ partnership, Digby stated that on Lord Ripon, and the home gov- Digby’s criticism of British rule seven occasions India had been ernment. The Secretary of State in India sprang from humani- made to pay for English wars: for India and Gladstone argued tarian grounds, having its twice for China and New Zea- that the Suez Canal was much roots in the famine, but in the land, and once each for Crimea, more important to India than to 1880s he extended it to broader Persia, and Abyssinia. In all these England; thus, the charges had themes: first demanding full imperial undertakings, Britain to be met by the Indian govern- economic and racial equality, had borrowed Indian troops and ment. Ripon strongly disagreed, soon also calling for representa- India had paid. On the other but succeeded only in having the tive government for India, and, hand, when reinforcements had sum reduced.12 finally, advocating full self- been sent from Britain to India government. in the 1840s and 1857, India had He began his Indian agitation been made to pay ‘every fraction ‘India for the Indians – and in Britain with a pamphlet enti- of the pay of the troops from the for England’ tled Indian Problems for English moment they left England’.9 Digby greatly admired Lord Consideration, published by the Most importantly, Digby was Ripon, who, as Viceroy of India National Liberal Federation in a strong advocate of John Bright’s from 1880 to 1884, re-established 1881. Digby argued that Indian scheme for decentralised gov- the freedom of the press after reform was ‘a Liberal duty’, and ernment in India as the answer Lord Lytton’s Vernacular Press defined India as ‘a larger Ire- to India’s difficulties. Bright Act of 1878, furthered education, land’. He predicted serious trou- had insisted since 1858 that it and extended local self-govern- bles in India, unless Englishmen was impossible for one man, the ment. During the ‘Ilbert Bill’ and Indians would ‘be brought Governor-General or Viceroy, controversy in 1883–84, which to know one another better, and to rule India. Thus, the country resulted from Ripon’s attempt to understand each other’s posi- should be divided into five or six to extend the right of qualified tion to a fuller extent than they presidencies, equal in rank and Indian magistrates to try Euro- now do’.6 He testified that ‘our each under a separate governor peans in criminal cases, a short- fellow-subjects in the east are who would be in direct com- lived British India Committee like-minded with ourselves in munication with the Secretary worked assiduously in support of all that constitutes good citizen- of State for India in London. In Ripon, and Digby was actively ship and law-abidingness’.7 Digby’s view, Bright’s idea was involved in this work.13 After He also insisted, bluntly, that ‘practicable and necessary’, and Ripon’s arrival in Britain, Digby the British had failed to govern he even predicted it would result organised a dinner in his hon- India properly. He argued that in competition for good works our on 25 February 1885, in his there were ‘forty million starv- between the presidencies.10 capacity as the secretary of the ing’ and nine million had ‘died With the help of a Liberal National Liberal Club. from want of food’ under the friend, Richard Tangye, Digby Digby was furious about the ‘crushing weight of administra- managed to get 10,000 copies of criticism of Lord Ripon and tion’. Moreover, Digby asserted Indian Problems for English Con- responded to it with a book, that the native Indian adminis- sideration printed and circulated. India for the Indians – and for Eng- tration functioned much better The Liberal Federation’s annual land, published in February 1885.

14 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 william digby and the indian question

In the preceding December he in addition, in British prov- to considerations such as I have had written optimistically to inces traditional village and described, and may He help me Herbert Gladstone: communal life had been largely to be more true to the cause destroyed. He even argued that of ill-governed India in the In that work I produce (almost famines were more frequent in future.20 entirely from official docu- British provinces than in Indian ments) evidence of the most states, due to severe failures in remarkable character, evidence administration.17 The election of 1885: ‘India’s which if true (as I believe it ‘I never wrote a book or an Interest in the British Ballot to be to the very smallest sen- article for a newspaper into Box’ tence) ought to lead to a re- which I put so much of myself as The matter was left at that and consideration of our position I have put into this book’, Digby Digby was made a Liberal parlia- in India; wrote to Herbert Gladstone at mentary candidate for the forth- the time of publication.18 Glad- coming election. When he was but nonetheless stressing that, stone, however, as Digby him- ‘no longer in hostility towards self put it, was not willing to ‘go the wishes of the Committee’, he My suggestions (I believe) are into the merits of the case’ and approached Herbert Gladstone in no degree wild. I recognise opposed Digby’s actions. The to get some ‘pecuniary help’ all the good England has done main problem from Herbert towards his expenses from the in India and is doing at the same Gladstone’s point of view was, as Liberal Central Association.21 time that I show the marked Digby put it, Previously he had approached superiority of native rule under his Indian friends in a similar English over-lordship. The title … the propriety, or otherwise, way, asking them to guarantee, of my little book, viz. India for of the secretary of the National in case of election, his election the Indians – and for England, Liberal Club, in his private expenses, all office expenses, shows I am no revolutionist in capacity and from his private and an honorarium of £1,000 my ideas.14 address, calling attention … to per year.22 The requests were as a state of things unparalleled unsuccessful as his attempt to get In the book, Digby reproached by anything the government into the Commons. the Anglo-Indians’ ‘ecstatic has had to deal with in either In British politics Digby admiration of themselves and South Africa or North Africa was an advanced radical and a their doings’ which led Brit- – at home or abroad. You staunch supporter of Gladstone. ish statesmen to adopt the same declare, inferentially rather He was determined to make attitude of admiration towards than directly, my conduct to be Indian reforms part of the Lib- them and to underestimate the incompatible with the position eral programme, but ended up Indian character and capabili- I hold.19 disappointed. Indian national- ties. Thus, Digby produced a ists were not eager to interfere powerful testimony in favour of Hence, Digby was to give up his in British party politics, believ- Indians and their administrative criticism of the Raj or resign his ing that reform would be best capability.15 In his opinion, Brit- connection with the Club. His accomplished by appealing to ish rule in India ought to have answer was: ‘In that work both Liberals and Conserva- adopted a merely supervisory I produce evi- tives alike. In 1885, even Dada- role, so ‘that the British, as they Should an occasion again arise bhai Naoroji, who was later alone can in India, should keep in which I shall be situated as I dence of the to become both Digby’s close the peace. That done they should was situated when I wrote and friend and a Liberal MP, held this stand aside, allowing the people issued the letter you condemn, most remark- opinion.23 Furthermore, neither to rule themselves according to I shall act as I acted then. With Digby nor anyone else managed their own ideas and experience this difference, however, a dif- able charac- to get William Gladstone – who 16 of what is best.’ ference caused by your letter to ter, evidence was wholly preoccupied with He also repeated his economic me: I shall inform the Commit- the Irish question – significantly statements from 1881, arguing tee what I am about to do and if which ought interested in India. that the British legal and scien- they consider my conduct to be Before the election, Digby’s tific approach was too rigid, and incompatible with the official to lead to a book was briefly reviewed inThe that India required adaptability position which I feel it an hon- Times. The reviewer averred that and sympathy. Native-governed our to hold, then as a man of re-consider- it contained many points which villages were financially secure, honour and conscience I shall ation of our were ‘worthy of serious con- due to flexible administration, have no course before me but sideration’.24 Soon afterwards, whereas in British India the to resign the secretaryship. … position in Digby published yet another collection of land revenue was God forgive me for having, in book, India’s Interest in the Brit- harsh even when crops failed; the past, been too indifferent India.’ ish Ballot Box. 20,000 copies – a

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 15 william digby and the indian question

Indeed, the book was to a the fore. In addition to Digby’s great extent a major apologia efforts, this was accomplished for Ripon’s Indian policy. After through the candidacy of Lal- discussing Ripon’s Viceroyalty mohan Ghose in east London in detail, Digby further empha- and the visit of a three-man del- sised the vital need for local egation from India. In the end, self-government which Ripon both Ghose and Digby were had sought to advance. He also defeated.30 criticised the fact that the promises made to employ Indians in the government of their own The Indian Political Agency country had not been kept. The At the end of 1885, the Indian first step forward, Digby argued, National Congress formulated would be a ‘Royal Commis- its programme and from then on sion of Enquiry into the whole Digby was a staunch advocate of administration of India’.27 its demands: the ‘Indianisation’ Digby was convinced that the of the Indian civil service, con- Indian issue could be warmly and siderable reductions in military successfully espoused by support- expenditure, a parliamentary ers of Liberal politics. He wrote inquiry into Indian affairs, abo- confidently in the preface: lition of the India Council, and Indian representation in the leg- I remember how keenly my islative councils of India. countr ymen resisted the stamp- It was at this time that Digby ing out of Polish nationality by befriended the leading Con- the despotic empires of Europe gressman, Dadabhai Naoroji, quarter of which went to mem- Dadabhai and how warmly they sympa- who settled in London in 1886, bers of the National Liberal Club Naoroji, Liberal thised with the aspirations and hoping to become a Liberal par- – were printed and all circulated MP for Finsbury the efforts of the Italians to free liamentary candidate. When by the end of September.25 Central, 1892–95, themselves from the hateful Naoroji first visited Digby in ‘I do not know of a more com- the first non- yoke of the Austrians at Ven- April 1886, he found the latter white to sit in plete task of the kind ever having ice and of the French at Rome. ‘depressed’ because ‘he had not the House of been attempted or carried out’, Consequently, I am sure that suitable and proper representa- Commons Digby wrote to Lord Ripon, the affairs of their fellow-sub- tives of India’. Then ‘he over and who paid the expenses. ‘From jects in India and in the Crown over again repeated that now the purely business point of view Colonies will not be pushed that I had come, be the result only there is more than value for aside as of little concern. … about my object what it may, he the money. I have never before The system of administration will be able to work for India, known so much work done for now existing in India is as cer- with more heart and zeal. He so small an amount’, he assured tainly doomed to early over- was extremely desirous to do all Ripon when sending the bill. throw as was Negro slavery in that lay in his power to promote The readers of the book had ‘the the United States.28 my object.’ When they met opportunity of seeing what your again ten days later, the work lordship’s policy in India really In contrast to Indian nationalists, was well under way. To begin was’; and furthermore, ‘in case Digby stressed that Indian reform with, Digby strongly recom- of future depreciation of your had to be made a party question: mended that Naoroji change his work, the facts received will be ‘None but Liberals are prepared Parsi headdress to an English top useful, and will be availed of, for the annoyance, vexation, hat: ‘better to appear altogether for reference’. ‘There has not yet misrepresentation, misunder- like an Englishman’. He also been time for people to read the standing, which always accom- intended to get Naoroji a ticket pamphlet, but such remarks as I pany the initiation of reform to a Liberal meeting in favour of have heard from those who have – whether for one’s own coun- the Irish Bill, and advised him read portions are full of admira- try or for another’, he explained, to prepare to speak in favour tion at what they regard as the predicting that sooner or later of Irish Home Rule at some moral grandeur and material ‘special broadly-defined Indian point.31 beneficence of your administra- reforms will take a regular place Disappointed by the non- tion,’ Digby asserted; ‘your lord- in the programmes discussed on political, leisurely social atmos- ship will see how your policy is Liberal platforms’.29 phere at the National Liberal accepted as the guiding star for The election of 1885 was the Club, Digby resigned his secre- the reformation of India’.26 first to bring the Indian issue to taryship in 1887. The following

16 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 william digby and the indian question

April he formed an Indian such instances, entirely unrep- and, coincidentally, brought the and Political General Agency, resented and without a voice or crucial roles of Digby and, espe- which was to provide services direct influence’,37 but soon after cially, Bradlaugh forward.40 The for Indian political associations, the Agency was founded, Bra- first collection, India in England, native states, and individuals dlaugh was ‘chosen’ instead.38 also included Digby’s interview alike.32 Digby’s main intention From 1888 until Bradlaugh’s with William Gladstone on was to serve the Indian National death in 1891, Digby coached Indian matters. Congress, and he thus suggested him on numerous Indian issues ‘I have always had good will that all Indian political associa- for questions in the Commons towards the Indian people and tions should jointly appoint him and energetically assisted him in have done for them, from time as their agent on a yearly fee of promoting two successive Indian to time, all that has seemed to me £250 plus expenses.33 Reform Bills. A few samples of possible’, was the ‘assurance of Naoroji’s friend W. C. Bon- Bradlaugh’s frequent messages sympathy’ from the Grand Old nerjee, who was visiting London, to Digby serve best to reveal the Man when inter viewed by Digby personally guaranteed Digby’s nature of their relationship: in April 1889. Digby sought expenses for 1888.34 The cam- to convince Gladstone that ‘if paign got off to a highly prom- Have you a spare copy of the ever there was any organisation ising start, and in the winter of Memorandum which you pre- in the British Empire which 1888–89 Digby visited India to pared officially and circulated deserved the hearty support of attend the fourth Congress and last year when it was thought all English Liberals, it is this of to secure financial support for his my motion would come on the Congress’, emphasising the Agency. There he collaborated for Royal Commission? Give constitutional manner in which closely with A. O. Hume, who me the exact references to the the Congress acted. ‘Indeed, I pressed upon Congress-workers Lansdowne and Trevelyan am speaking sober truth when the vital need for British propa- referred to in it. You prom- I say there is no loyalty in the ganda on an adequate scale: ised me a complete copy of the British dominions more sincere Dufferin Minute. If you have than that of the Indian reform- Our only hope lies in awak- it kindly send it as early as you ers’, Digby insisted. However, ening the British public to a can together with a complete Gladstone was rather suspicious sense of the wrongs of our peo- copy of the Lansdowne Minute of the ‘seditious native press’ ple – to a consciousness of the of February. (16 June 1890). which, he had heard, contained unwisdom and injustice of the ‘writings of a disloyal character’. present administration. The Mr Asquith wants you to give Digby assured Gladstone that he, least we could do would be him particulars so that he may who was an expert on the Indian to provide ample funds … to speak for us on the Indian press, did not know of any such carry on agitation there, on the Councils Bill. I wish you instances; ‘but as a matter of fact lines and scale of that in virtue would do it as early as you can, Digby district officials in India are such of which the Anti-Corn Law for we may be surprised any irresponsible despots that they League triumphed.35 day by having the Bill thrust coached resent all comment on their on us. Our duty is clearly to be actions however mild, and call During his visit Digby became ready for the fight always. (28 Bradlaugh that sedition what probably any the English representative for June 1890). unprejudiced person would say several Indian papers, and Lon- on numerous fair criticism’. Gladstone ‘could don correspondent of the Hindu Reid wants you to pen him a Indian issues well believe that’.41 in Madras and the Amrita Bazar short brief from which he could In July 1889, Digby’s Agency Patrika in Calcutta, both emi- speak in support of my amend- for questions was merged with the newly- nent daily newspapers.36 The ment. (1 July 1890). established British Committee financial question, however, in the Com- of the Indian National Con- remained unsolved. When Bradlaugh’s ‘membership gress, and Digby was made its In his Agency work, Digby for India’ became more famous, mons and first secretary. When the Com- received extensive help from the dozens of letters poured in from energetically mittee began publishing its own Liberal MP Charles Bradlaugh. India to him, and he forwarded paper, India, in 1890, Digby also Having a parliamentary repre- them regularly to Digby to assisted him became its first editor. Funded sentative ‘of its own’ was one of answer on his behalf.39 mainly by Indian nationalists, the most important things for the In order to gain financial sup- in promoting India was distributed free to par- Agency. Prior to the founding port from India, Digby produced liamentarians, political clubs and of the Agency, Digby had asked two considerable collections of two succes- the British press, and in these Herbert Gladstone ‘to do some- articles and interviews which sive Indian important spheres it was fairly thing to safeguard the interests of eloquently presented various successful. However, money was the Indian people who are, in all sides of the British campaign Reform Bills. an issue. Whereas the Anti-Corn

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 17 william digby and the indian question

Law League, Hume’s model, with the last issue of India of issue of Indian reform, which had spent more than £200,000 1890. This ‘Christmas number’, stated the Congress demands.51 in 1843–46, the Committee’s called ‘The Kashmir Injustice: A In 1891–92 Digby also acted yearly income averaged around British Disgrace’, was, in effect, as election agent for Naoroji, £3,000.42 Indian financial sup- an exhaustive defence of the Liberal candidate for Central port for the British Committee deposed Maharaja of Kashmir.47 Finsbury. During the long elec- remained limited. Digby had continued the com- tion campaign which culmi- mercial practice of his private nated in Naoroji’s winning the Agency alongside his work for seat, Digby was his staunchest Radicalisation and defeat the Committee, and his dual supporter, taking care of many Encouraged by Lord Ripon, roles as secretary to the Com- practical things and guiding Digby organised another British mittee and, simultaneously, as Naoroji in Liberal circles and tour for a Congress delegation in head of his private Agency, were political practices. the spring of 1890. The deputa- anomalous and confusing. His In 1885 in North Padding- tion of eight notable nationalists paid agitation on behalf of the ton, Digby had secured 1,797 arrived in early April and began Maharaja of Kashmir as well votes (42.0 per cent) against his with public meetings in Lon- as those of Nepal and Mysore Conservative competitor’s 2,482 don, which Naoroji and Digby ‘became increasingly a source of votes (58.0 per cent). In 1892 also attended.43 At Bradlaugh’s embarrassment to the Congress in South Islington he achieved request, the nationwide tour in India and its Committee in 2,873 votes (47.4 per cent) against was then started from his con- England’. Furthermore, Digby his Conservative competitor’s stituency, Northampton, where irritated the Indian government 3,194 votes (52.6 per cent).52 the meeting was held with ‘very through his interference with ‘Deeply disappointed’ but ‘not good attendance’.44 the government’s sensitive rela- overcome’, he wrote to a friend: Undoubtedly Digby also tions with the princely states.48 ‘I believe, if elected, I could aimed to further his own cause Matters became even worse have done India and this coun- within the Liberal Party through when Digby unleashed his anti- try some service. I ought to have the delegates. They were sum- imperialism in the following won. And, I should have won moned to a meeting at the issue, called ‘An Open Letter if I had been fighting an hon- National Liberal Club in order to the Members of the House est foe. The 300 votes by which to ‘acquaint them with the proof Commons on The Dark Side I lost were, literally, taken from gramme of the campaigners in of British Rule in India: a side me by means which will ill bear Britain and to see in what way so dark as to make it doubtful investigation.’53 they could help’. He also empha- if British rule has been and is a Digby thanked his support- sised to the readers of Hindu blessing to the masses of India’. ers and explained his defeat in that ‘everywhere Liberals have ‘I have He cited an impressive array India, the Hindu, and the Amrita assisted the delegates and formed always had of statistics, exposing the huge Bazar Patrika. In his opinion he the audiences: nowhere have the dimensions of India’s poverty, was beaten ‘because, in the last Conservatives even attended the good will and blaming Britain.49 This ‘sta- four days of the fight, our oppo- meetings to learn what Indian tistical revelation’ continued in nents almost literally snatched grievances are’.45 Moreover, towards the subsequent numbers, and Digby many of those who had prom- Digby organised the tour so also repeated his strong argu- ised us their support, out of our that it finished conveniently Indian peo- ments in an interview in Greater hands’. Among other things he with a meeting with William ple and have Britain, whose editor described complained that his competitor Gladstone. When the delegates Digby’s letter as ‘one of the most had replaced all Digby’s posters affirmed their hopes for the first done for terrible indictments ever prob- – ‘Vote for Digby and for Real steps in representative govern- ably written of a governing Unity and Home Rule for Ire- ment in India by the expansion them, from race’.50 At the same time, Digby’s land’ – with his own.54 and reconstitution of the coun- position in the Committee was The last issue of India which cils, Gladstone responded: ‘Well, time to time, weakened by the death of his Digby edited appeared in Sep- it seems you must be prepared to all that has patron, Charles Bradlaugh, in tember 1892. In January 1893, wait a little longer for the reali- early 1891. India began its new series with sation of your hopes. You will seemed to Nevertheless, Digby’s ener- H. Morse Stephens, Lecturer in have to wait a while.’46 getic efforts carried him ahead Indian history at Cambridge, as At around the same time, me possible’, in radical Liberal ranks, secur- its editor. The Committee con- Digby began to radicalise, ing him a candidacy for South tinued on moderate lines, while which soon led him into disa- Gladstone Islington in 1892. His election Digby sometimes criticised it greements with the Committee, assured programme was similar to the rather severely in his letters to which stressed moderation. The official Gladstonian programme the Amrita Bazar Patrika and the first sign of trouble appeared Digby. apart from the inclusion of the Hindu.55

18 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 william digby and the indian question

In the following decade, and ‘render it easily digestible’. In 1891 Digby organizations and Indian reform’, p. Digby and Naoroji joined forces The campaign did shape public 295. several more times on Indian opinion in Britain, but in the published 14 W. Digby to H. Gladstone, 12 matters. As late as 1904, the year eyes of Indian nationalists this ‘An Open December 1884, British Library, Digby died, they addressed the happened far too slowly. Viscount Gladstone Papers, Add. London India Society, an organ- Certainly, being a critic of Letter to the MS 46051, f. 37. isation of Indian students in empire in late-nineteenth-cen- 15 W. Digby, India for the Indians – and Britain, together. Digby began tury Britain was far from easy. Members of for England (London: Talbot broth- by stressing the need for Indian Dissenters and pioneers were ers, 1885), passim. self-government, and Naoroji often ridiculed, and William the House of 16 Ibid., p. 22. followed in similar vein. In the Digby was no exception; as a Commons on 17 Ibid., pp. 46–94. more radical atmosphere of the consequence, he suffered a severe 18 W. Digby to H. Gladstone, 17 Feb- early 1900s, their suggestion mental breakdown in 1886, from The Dark Side ruary 1885, British Library, Vis- ‘was at once and almost univer- which it took years to recover count Gladstone Papers, Add. MS sally approved by the national- fully, and when he died in 1904 of British 46051, ff. 53–54. ist press in India’.56 By this time, at the age of 55, it was said to be 19 W. Digby to H. Gladstone, 19 April both Digby and Naoroji had of ‘nervous exhaustion’. Rule in India: 1885, British Library, Viscount fully developed their ideas in a side so dark Gladstone Papers, Add. MS 46051, huge volumes, both published Dr Mira Matikkala is a researcher at f. 110. in 1901. In Poverty and Un-British the University of Helsinki and com- as to make it 20 Ibid. Rule in India, Naoroji put the pleted a Cambridge PhD thesis on 21 W. Digby to H. Gladstone, 18 finishing touches on his ‘drain ‘Anti-imperialism, Englishness, and doubtful if August 1885, British Library, Vis- theory’ – namely that Britain Empire in late-Victorian Britain’ in count Gladstone Papers, Add. MS was draining wealth out of India 2006. British rule 46051, f. 172. – and Digby’s satirically entitled has been and 22 D. E. Wacha to Dadabhai Naoroji, ‘Prosperous’ British India: A Reve- 1 R. Steven, The National Liberal 13 May 1885, in R. P. Patwardhan lation from Official Records consti- Club: Politics and Persons (London: is a blessing (ed.) D. Naoroji, Correspondence, Vol. tuted a major indictment of the R. Holden & Co., 1925), p. 14. II: Part I. Correspondence with D. E. financial and economic impacts 2 W. Digby to H. Gladstone, 2 June to the masses Wacha, 4.11.1884 to 23.3.1895 (Bom- of the Raj. 1883, British Library, Viscount bay: Allied Publishers, 1977), p. 9. Despite their best efforts, Gladstone Papers, Add. MS 46050, of India’. 23 B. Martin, New India, 1885: British Digby and his co-agitators did f. 84b. Official Policy and the Emergence of not succeed in making Indian 3 Steven, The National Liberal Club, p. the Indian National Congress (Berke- reform a major issue in Brit- 23. ley: University of California Press, ish politics. The official British 4 W. Digby to H. Gladstone, 2 June 1969), p. 215. response to the campaign was 1883, British Library, Viscount 24 The Times, 22 September 1885. wavering and suspicious, and Gladstone Papers, Add. MS 46050, 25 W. Digby to Lord Ripon, 26 Sep- tended to avoid defining the f. 84b. tember 1885, British Library, Ripon aims of Indian policy in clear 5 W. Digby to H. Gladstone, 19 Sep- Papers, Add. MS 43635, ff. 160–62. terms. Since Indian nationalists tember 1887, British Library, Vis- 26 Ibid., ff. 160–63. expected prompt legal reforms, count Gladstone Papers, Add. MS 27 W. Digby, The General Election, they soon became frustrated 46052, f. 260. 1885: India’s Interest in the British Bal- with the constitutional approach 6 W. Digby, Indian Problems for English lot Box (London: Talbot brothers, and this frustration doomed the Consideration, a Letter to the Council 1885), pp. 75–91 passim. reform effort to failure. of the National Liberal Federation (Bir- 28 Ibid., pp. v–vi. Nevertheless, with his work mingham: National Liberal Federa- 29 Ibid., pp. 3, 9. Digby did his best to keep Indian tion, 1881), pp. 3–6. 30 Digby’s election contest has been concerns in the British media, 7 Ibid., p. 7. described in more detail in Martin, and the British people gradu- 8 Ibid., pp. 30–42. New India, 1885. ally became more familiar with 9 Ibid., pp. 46–47. 31 Naoroji’s notes, 19 and 29 April Indian affairs. Previously, the 10 Ibid., pp. 57–61. 1886, quoted in R. P. Masani, Dada- British Raj had been a subject 11 W. Digby, ‘English political organi- bhai Naoroji: The Grand Old Man of of interest only to experts and zations and Indian reform: A record India (London: G. Allen & Unwin, Anglo-Indian officials, but dur- of what has been attempted’, India, 1939), pp. 233–34. ing the 1880s it became discussed No. 15 (5 December 1890), pp. 293, 32 India, No. 1 (February 1890), p. 16. among the wider public as well. 295. 33 W. Digby to P. Mehta, 24 April Indeed, Digby succeeded in 12 A. Denholm, Lord Ripon 1827–1909: 1888, quoted in M. D. Morrow, his most important objective – A Political Biography (London: ‘The Origins and Early Years of the namely to familiarise the British Croom Helm, 1982), p. 153. British Committee of the Indian with the Indian administration 13 Digby, ‘English political National Congress, 1885–1907’

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 19 william digby and the indian question

(unpublished PhD thesis, Univer- Congress, 1829–1912 (Oxford: Oxford II. Mr. Digby’s ‘Record’ (London: A. sity of London, 1977), p. 30. University Press, 2002 [1913]), p. 70. Bonner, 1892), p. 35. 34 India, No. 15 (5 December 1890), p. Hume was the son of Joseph Hume, 37 W. Digby to H. Gladstone, 23 Feb- 296. an Anti-Corn Law League activist. ruary 1886, British Library, Vis- 35 A. O. Hume to the Indian nation- 36 ‘Mr Digby’s “Record”’, in W. count Gladstone Papers, Add. MS alists, 10 February 1889, quoted in Digby, The General Election of 1892, 46052, f. 34. Sir W. Wedderburn, Allan Octavian South Islington: I. Address of the Lib- 38 Digby’s notes of an interview with Hume: Father of the Indian National eral Candidate, Wm Digby, C.I.E. Lord Ripon, 10 November 1888, RESEARCH IN PROGRESS If you can help any of the individuals listed below with sources, contacts, or any other information — or if you know anyone who can — please pass on details to them. Details of other research projects in progress should be sent to the Editor (see page 3) for inclusion here.

Hubert Beaumont MP. After pursuing candidatures in his native The Liberal Party in the West Midlands from December 1916 to Northumberland southward, Beaumont finally fought and won the 1923 general election. Focusing on the fortunes of the party in Eastbourne in 1906 as a ‘Radical’ (not a Liberal). How many Liberals in the Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Looking to explore election fought under this label and did they work as a group afterwards? the effects of the party split at local level. Also looking to uncover the Lord Beaumont of Whitley, House of Lords, London SW1A 0PW; beaumontt@ steps towards temporary reunification for the 1923 general election.Neil parliament.uk. Fisher, 42 Bowden Way, Binley, Coventry CV3 2HU ; neil.fisher81@ntlworld. com. Letters of Richard Cobden (1804–65). Knowledge of the whereabouts of any letters written by Cobden in private hands, autograph collections, Recruitment of Liberals into the Conservative Party, 1906–1935. and obscure locations in the UK and abroad for a complete edition of Aims to suggest reasons for defections of individuals and develop an his letters. (For further details of the Cobden Letters Project, please see understanding of changes in electoral alignment. Sources include www.uea.ac.uk/his/research/projects/cobden). Dr Anthony Howe, School personal papers and newspapers; suggestions about how to get hold of of History, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ; [email protected]. the papers of more obscure Liberal defectors welcome. Cllr Nick Cott, 1a Henry Street, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE3 1DQ; [email protected]. Cornish Methodism and Cornish political identity, 1918–1960s. Researching the relationship through oral history. Kayleigh Milden, Life of Wilfrid Roberts (1900–91). Roberts was Liberal MP for Institute of Cornish Studies, Hayne Corfe Centre, Sunningdale, Truro TR1 3ND; Cumberland North (now Penrith and the Border) from 1935 until 1950 [email protected]. and came from a wealthy and prominent local Liberal family; his father had been an MP. Roberts was a passionate internationalist, and was Liberal foreign policy in the 1930s. Focusing particularly on Liberal anti- a powerful advocate for refugee children in the Spanish civil war. His appeasers. Michael Kelly, 12 Collinbridge Road, Whitewell, Newtownabbey, parliamentary career is coterminous with the nadir of the Liberal Party. Co. Antrim BT36 7SN; [email protected]. Roberts joined the Labour Party in 1956, becoming a local councillor The Liberal Party’s political communication, 1945–2002. PhD thesis. in Carlisle and the party’s candidate for the Hexham constituency in Cynthia Messeleka-Boyer, 12 bis chemin Vaysse, 81150 Terssac, France; +33 6 the 1959 general election. I am currently in the process of collating 10 09 72 46; [email protected]. information on the different strands of Roberts’ life and political career. Any assistance at all would be much appreciated. John Reardon; Liberal policy towards Austria-Hungary, 1905–16. Andrew Gardner, 17 [email protected]. Upper Ramsey Walk, Canonbury, London N1 2RP; [email protected]. Student radicalism at Warwick University. Particulary the files affair in The Liberal revival 1959–64. Focusing on both political and social 1970. Interested in talking to anybody who has information about Liberal factors. Any personal views, relevant information or original material Students at Warwick in the period 1965-70 and their role in campus from Liberal voters, councillors or activists of the time would be very politics. Ian Bradshaw, History Department, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL; gratefully received. Holly Towell, 52a Cardigan Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 [email protected] 3BJ; [email protected]. Welsh Liberal Tradition – A History of the Liberal Party in Wales The rise of the Liberals in Richmond (Surrey) 1964–2002. Interested 1868–2003. Research spans thirteen decades of Liberal history in Wales in hearing from former councillors, activists, supporters, opponents, but concentrates on the post-1966 formation of the Welsh Federal Party. with memories and insights concerning one of the most successful local Any memories and information concerning the post-1966 era or even organisations. What factors helped the Liberal Party rise from having before welcomed. The research is to be published in book form by Welsh no councillors in 1964 to 49 out of 52 seats in 1986? Any literature or Academic Press. Dr Russell Deacon, Centre for Humanities, University of news cuttings from the period welcome. Ian Hunter, 9 Defoe Avenue, Kew, Wales Institute Cardiff, Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff CF23 6XD; rdeacon@uwic. Richmond TW9 4DL; 07771 785 795; [email protected]. ac.uk. Liberals and the local government of London 1919–39. Chris Fox, 173 Aneurin Williams and Liberal internationalism and pacificism, Worplesdon Road, Guildford GU2 6XD; [email protected]. 1900–22. A study of this radical and pacificist MP (Plymouth 1910; Liberal politics in Sussex, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight 1900–14. North West Durham/Consett 1914–22) who was actively involved in The study of electoral progress and subsequent disappointment. League of Nations Movement, Armenian nationalism, international Research includes comparisons of localised political trends, issues co-operation, pro-Boer etc. Any information relating to him and and preferred interests as aganst national trends. Any information, location of any papers/correspondence welcome. Barry Dackombe. specifically on Liberal candidates in the area in the two general elections 32 Ashburnham Road, Ampthill, Beds, MK45 2RH; [email protected]. of 1910, would be most welcome. Family papers especially appreciated. Ian Ivatt, 84 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3JT; ianjivatt@ tinyonline.co.uk.

20 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 william digby and the indian question

British Library, Ripon Papers, Add. 51 Digby, The General Election of 1892, MS Eur F216/49. MS 43636, f. 149. pp. 11–17. 54 The Hindu, 27 July 1892 and The 39 Letters and telegrams from C. Bra- 52 F. W. S. Craig (ed.), British Parliamen- Amrita Bazar Patrika, 29 July 1892, dlaugh, December 1889 – January tary Election Results 1885–1918 (Lon- quoted in India, No. 33 (26 August 1891, British Library, Oriental and don: Macmillan, 1974), pp. 38, 25. 1892), p. 216; India, No. 33 (26 India Office Collections, Wil- 53 W. Digby to Sir George Birdwood, August 1892), pp. 216–18. liam Digby Collection, MSS Eur 10 July 1892, British Library, Ori- 55 Mehrotra, A History of the Indian D767/7. ental and India Office Collections, National Congress, p. 96. 40 India in England, Volume II: Being Sir George Birdwood Collection, 56 Ibid., p. 120.‚ a collection of speeches delivered and articles written on the Indian National Congress, in England in 1889 (Luc- know: G. P. Varma & Bros, 1889); W. Digby, Indian Politics in England: The Story of an Indian Reform Bill in Parliament Told Week by Week; with Other Matters of Interest to Indian LETTERS Reformers (Lucknow: Ganga Prasad Varma & Bros, 1890). The greatest Liberal? 41 ‘Mr. William Digby’s interview So Liberal historians, seeking Germany. We should be wel- with Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone’, ‘the greatest Liberal’ ( Journal 57), coming Germany as our friend’. 8 April 1889, in India in England, have rejected Gladstone, Asquith In 1936, he sought in the Vol. II, pp. 61, 66. and Lloyd George who actu- Commons to justify Hitler’s 42 M. D. Morrow, ‘The British Com- ally held office, and they have remilitarisation of the Rhine- mittee of the Indian National rejected Keynes and Beveridge land; and, after meeting the Congress as an Issue in and an who, while never in office, sub- Fuehrer later in the year, he Influence upon Nationalist Poli- stantially influenced events. declared that Hitler was ‘indeed tics, 1889–1901’, in K. Ballhatchet They have chosen instead the a great man’, and wrote an and D. Taylor (eds), Changing South theoretician John Stuart Mill article about him in the Daily Asia: Politics and Government (Hong who sat only briefly as a Liberal Express, headed ‘The George Kong: Asian Research Service, MP, and lost his seat in the very Washington of Germany’, in 1984), p. 58. 1868 general election which set which he said that: ‘The idea 43 India, No. 4 (11 April 1890). in office the first government to of a Germany intimidating 44 C. Bradlaugh to W. Digby, 8 Feb- which the name ‘Liberal’ can be Europe with a threat that its ruary 1890, British Library, Ori- applied without any hesitation. irresistible army might march ental and India Office Collections, Is there a moral, perhaps across frontiers forms no part William Digby Collection, MSS an unfortunate one, here? Do in the new vision’, and that ‘the Eur D767/7; India, No. 5 (25 April Liberal historians actually pre- Germans have definitely made 1890), pp. 87–93. fer theorists to people who do up their minds never to quarrel 45 W. Digby to the Hindu, 25 April things? with us again’. Explaining away 1890, in Digby, Indian Politics in Roy Douglas the concentration camps, he England, pp. 133, 135. declared Mein Kampf to be Ger- 46 India, No. 9 (21 June 1890), p. 175. many’s Magna Charta; and even 47 India, No. 15 (19 December 1890). Lloyd George and Hitler after the declaration of war, in 48 S. R. Mehrotra, A History of the I was astonished to read in the November 1939, he had to be Indian National Congress, Vol. I, report of the discussion at the dissuaded from sending Hitler 1885–1918 (New Delhi: Vikas, 1995), History Group meeting on ‘The a letter of congratulation fol- p. 96; Morrow, ‘The Origins and Greatest Liberal’ ( Journal 57) lowing the Fuehrer’s fortuitous Early Years of the British Commit- that Lloyd George ‘was credited escape from an assassination tee’, pp. 37–41. with being one of the first to attempt! 49 India, No. 16 (16 January, 1891). warn of the dangers of Hitler’. I All this is well known to 50 ‘The Man of the Month: Mr. W. hope that no one believed it! most historians. It seems to me Digby, C.I.E.’, Greater Britain, No. Speaking at Barmouth in to disqualify Lloyd George from 4 (February 1891), p. 310; and Dig- September 1933, Lloyd George being regarded as ‘The greatest by’s detailed answers to the editor’s argued that, if Hitler were to Liberal’ or indeed as a liberal of comments in W. Digby, ‘British be overthrown, Communism any sort. It is a pity that none of Rule in India: Has it been, is it now, would come to Germany. In this is mentioned in Kenneth a good rule for the Indian people?’ November 1934, in the Com- Morgan’s account, Greater Britain, No. 5 (March 1891), mons, he said: ‘Do not let us Vernon Bogdanor (Professor of pp. 340–44. be in a hurry to condemn Government, Oxford University)

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 21 Thomas Jones’s Lloyd George

Dr J. Graham Jones discusses the classic biography of Lloyd George written by Thomas Jones, the eminent Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet from 1916 until 1930. In this unique capacity he served four very different Prime Ministers at the hub of British political life. His closeness to Lloyd George (and Baldwin) was proverbial – yet his biography was unpopular with Frances, Lloyd George’s wife. Published by Oxford University Press in 1951, how has Jones’s Lloyd George stood the test of time?

22 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 Thomas Jones’s Lloyd George

h o m a s J o n e s philosopher Sir Henry Jones. David Lloyd George, since 1908 (1870–1955), a nota- During his period at Glasgow he the Chancellor of the Exchequer ble civil servant and joined the Independent Labour in Asquith’s government. When public benefactor, was Party and helped to found the Lloyd George succeeded Asquith born at Rhymney in local Fabian Society. In Decem- as Prime Minister in December Tnorth-west Monmouthshire on ber 1902, Jones married Eirene 1916, Tom Jones was appointed 27 September 1870.1 He received Theodora Lloyd, one of his fel- first a member, and subsequently his early education at the Upper low students at Aberystwyth. Deputy Secretary, of the Cabi- Rhymney board school and the The marriage was to produce net Secretariat, where he was fee-paying Lewis School, Pen- three children, one of whom, to remain until 1930. His origi- gam. His undoubted early aca- Mrs Eirene White, served as the nal hope for the position was demic promise seemed to come Labour MP for Flintshire East to develop himself into ‘a fluid to an abrupt end when, at just from 1950 until 1970. person moving among people fourteen years of age, he left Although the strength of Tom who mattered and keeping the school to take up a position as a Jones’s religious beliefs waned PM on the right path as far as is clerk in the local ironworks. But somewhat during his years at possible’. 2 In this unique capac- the young Tom Jones continued Aberystwyth and Glasgow, his ity he was to serve four very dif- reading avidly and excelled at social conscience grew and con- ferent Prime Ministers – David scripture examinations, eventu- vinced him of the importance Lloyd George, Andrew Bonar ally winning the highly-coveted of social improvement work. Law, Stanley Baldwin and James ‘Gold Medal’ of the Calvinistic His close friends included Sid- Ramsay MacDonald – at the Methodist denomination. ney and Beatrice Webb and hub of British political life. Dur- In the autumn of 1890, with George Bernard Shaw. In 1909 ing the post-war coalition gov- the avowed aim of becoming he became the first Professor of ernment, Jones dealt especially a nonconformist minister, he Political Economy at Queen’s with industrial and labour ques- entered the relatively new (it University, Belfast, but he was tions and also played a key role had been established in 1872) soon to be persuaded by David in achieving the partial settle- University College of Wales, Davies, of Llandinam, to return ment of the vexed Irish question Aberystwyth. Ironically, how- to Wales to take up the post of in 1921. He was also a trusted ever, although displaying aca- Secretary of the King Edward adviser to Baldwin at the time of demic potential, Jones’s abject VII Welsh National Memo- the General Strike of May 1926. failure in mathematics, a core rial Association, which the His closeness to both Lloyd subject, meant that he could multi-millionaire Davies had George and Baldwin was pro- not graduate from Aberyst- set up and financed to tackle the verbial. That a man originally wyth. Eventually he secured a dreadful scourge of tuberculo- firmly on the left of the politi- highly-distinguished first class sis. Between 1912 and 1916 Jones cal spectrum could end up as a honours degree in philosophy then served as Secretary of the close friend and trusted adviser and economics from Glasgow Welsh Insurance Commission, to Stanley Baldwin, even draft- University in 1901, where his based in Cardiff, in which posi- Thomas Jones in ing his political speeches, seems mentor was the renowned Welsh tion he came into contact with 1937 rather bizarre, but it would seem

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 23 thomas jones’s lloyd george that Jones’s opinions had been In this had left a sore which continued writing privately to a friend at transcended somewhat over the to fester for the rest of his life – the beginning of March, ‘I’m years by his deep admiration for unique even after he had been elected less and less equal to things and Baldwin as an individual. capacity he President there in 1944. But problems. Signs of old age and Jones’s retirement from this the initiative with which Jones decay of body rapidly multiply- position in 1930 certainly did not was to serve seemed ‘divinely obsessed’3 was ing now.’6 mark a retreat from public life. the establishment in 1927 of The prospect of researching He continued to engage in a vast four very dif- Coleg Harlech in north-west and writing a biography of Lloyd range of activities and built up a Wales, a pioneering residen- George proved enticing. He had huge number of friends and asso- ferent Prime tial adult education college to developed a great deal of admi- ciates. He still moved in political Ministers – provide a unique opportunity ration for Lloyd George from circles and was consulted regu- for working-class young men. 1916 until at least about 1940. larly on appointments and the David Lloyd Before the Second World War, But he had looked askance at the award of honours, especially in more than 220 young men passed former Prime Minister’s obsti- Wales. He continued to serve George, through its doors. Parallel to this nate refusal even to contemplate Stanley Baldwin in the latter’s dynamic initiative was Jones’s joining Churchill’s coalition role as Prime Minister of the so- Andrew staunch support for the Educa- government in 1940 (or even to called ‘National Government’ Bonar Law, tional Settlement Movement in lend general support to the con- (even drafting his 1935 general south Wales. His loyalty to Wales duct of the allied war effort), and election speeches), made numer- Stanley was always unquestionable. he had listened sorrowfully to ous trips abroad (including two In the spring of 1945, Tho- A. J. Sylvester’s incessant tales of controversial visits to Nazi Baldwin mas Jones, accompanied by his the bitter family quarrels which Chancellor Adolf Hitler at Ber- unmarried sister Liz, leased a had erupted during the build-up chtesgaden), and was an active and James house at Aberystwyth, initially to Lloyd George’s second mar- member of the Unemployment Ramsay Mac- for a period of fifteen months. riage to his private secretary Assistance Board set up in 1935 By this time he was a widower; Frances Stevenson in October with the aim of taking the vexed Donald – at his wife Rene, to whom he was 1943. Lloyd George’s acceptance question of unemployment relief totally devoted, had died, after of a peerage in January 1945 was out of politics. His main preoc- the hub of a brief illness, in July 1935. The a further thorn in Jones’s flesh. cupation from 1930 onwards, main reason for the move to On 2 February he had written to however, was as the linchpin of British politi- Aberystwyth was that he had his old friend Violet Markham, an array of philanthropic, cul- cal life. recently accepted a commis- a prominent long-term Liberal tural and educational activities, sion from Harvard University activist and public servant: particularly within Wales. To Press in the US to write a life of this end he served from 1930 Lloyd George, and was anxious When criticising the Earldom I until 1945 as Secretary to the Pil- to make full use of the resources was not thinking of this aspect grim Trust (originally financed of the National Library of Wales: of his story, as of the deep & by the American oil tycoon ‘We have taken it from May 1st widespread disappointment in Edward Harkness) which dis- unfurnished. Its attraction for Wales with one who has been tributed more than £2,000,000 me is its nearness (5 minutes) to proud always to keep close to during the long 1930s for the the National Library.’4 In 1946 the common people & who did relief of the unemployed and he moved into another property boldly always stand up to the for heritage protection. Jones owned by the National Library, land & money, power & privi- was also a member of many of situated at the end of its drive. lege in the countryside. Now the committees of the National This was to be his main base he & F[rances] play the local Council of Social Service. until 1954. A second reason for squire & lady bountiful, which Tom Jones’s formidable the migration to Aberystwyth is rather nauseating. I could not contribution to educational in 1945 was Jones’s election the get myself to write congratula- concerns ran parallel to these previous year as President of the tions on his marriage or peer- activities. He was for more than local University College. Now age, partly because I did not half a century a pillar of the he was to be ‘a President of the want to take sides in the family Workers’ Educational Associa- College in residence’.5 This fol- squabble & I have a warm cor- tion, and gave exemplary sup- lowed his recent resignation as ner for Megan & admiration port to the University of Wales the long-term Secretary of the for Dame Margaret’s dignified (most especially the University Pilgrim Trust. Although he silence through twenty years of College of Wales, Aberyst- had enjoyed his work for the humiliation.7 wyth), the National Library and Trust immensely, he was now the National Museum of Wales. in his seventy-fifth year and Just eight short weeks later Failure to secure the position of had become very much aware Lloyd George died at his Principal at Aberystwyth in 1919 of the inevitable ageing process, new north Wales home, Ty

24 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 thomas jones’s lloyd george

Newydd, Llanystumdwy. The have been a pleasure for LG also, evening’ over dinner with Lady BBC broadcast a tribute by and I do not know how you got Megan Lloyd George and his Tom Jones on the day of Lloyd hold of any idea to the contrary.’11 daughter Eirene. He at once George’s death, and an obitu- Following their meeting (during found Megan ‘most approving of ary penned by him was also which they went together amica- the notion’ that he should write published in The Observer.8 The bly enough to see Lloyd George’s her father’s life ‘& very willing Lloyd George family generally impressively simple grave on the to help. I don’t imagine she has considered Jones’s assessments banks of the river Dwyfor), how- any documents, only her own to be too impersonal, clinical ever, Frances refused to lend any personal impressions.’14 and detached, and it was widely help or support to Jones’s venture: Before the end of the same felt that his relative detachment ‘I do not feel very happy about the month, an announcement had from his subject during the last book which you say you are pro- been made that an ‘official life’ five years of his life had coloured posing to write on LG … It cuts of Lloyd George was to be writ- his judgement – for the worse. right across the book for which I ten by ‘Mr Malcolm Thompson, The day following the broad- am negotiating … which I would for many years on the staff of the cast, Violet Markham wrote to personally supervise, providing, Liberal Party Organisation’. The Jones, ‘I felt that subconsciously of course, new material and all announcement was greeted, it at the back of your broadcast lay the necessary documents.’ She was noted, ‘with considerable something of the nausea you went on, surprise’. Was not Dr Thomas have experienced of late over Jones ‘the name that most natu- the affairs of LG & his family & During these latter years you In the rally occurs’ in any consideration the sordid turns they have taken. were engaged in serving his of the most suitable biographer You were so anxious to avoid political opponents, whose immediate for Lloyd George? Jones, it was anything of fulsome eulogy that chief aim, at whatever cost to widely known, was engaged in perhaps you a little underplayed the country’s welfare, was to aftermath his own biography, ‘but without your hand.’ She went on: keep LG out of office. Quite access to the public and private frankly, therefore, I do not of Lloyd papers in the Dowager Countess The Earldom is a great misfor- think, if you will pardon my George’s Lloyd George’s possession. For tune as it has turned out. You saying so, that you would be the it is the Dowager Countess who know I defended LG’s action on best biographer of this period. death, Tom controls the situation as regards the ground that a seat in the Lords In any case, I am sure you will material for the biography.’15 would keep him in public life & understand that under the cir- Jones suc- Both Malcolm Thomp- give him a platform from which cumstances it would be difficult son and Dr Thomas Jones CH his voice could still be heard. for me to give you any help or ceeded in were the latest in a long line But to take a title & die on it is material for your book.12 convincing of Lloyd George biographers to have the worst of all worlds. and chroniclers.16 His earliest Frances as a dowager countess is In response, Jones attempted to himself that, biographers had been Welsh- ridiculous, so are the rest of the be conciliatory: men like J. Hugh Edwards and family. I wonder whether Megan ‘now that Beriah Gwynfe Evans, staunch will drop the ‘lady’. I should do LG … is big enough to have Liberals, steeped in the ethos of so in her place.9 many more books written one has the Cymru Fydd, who tended to about him without exhaust- freedom eulogise their subject somewhat Yet, in the immediate after- ing the subject. … I am only uncritically. English writers math of Lloyd George’s death, too conscious of my imper- of history’, from the same period like Her- Tom Jones succeeded in con- fections as a possible student bert du Parcq (who published a vincing himself that, ‘now that of any period of LG’s life, but it was pos- four-volume multi-biography in one has the freedom of history’, perhaps I can say with complete 1912), Harold Spender and E. T. it was possible to be relatively truth that in serving his politi- sible to be Raymond also tended to sym- ‘detached’ and objective in writ- cal opponents I did not entirely relatively pathise with Lloyd George. A ing a biography of Lloyd George. forget that I had served him. new phase was, however, inau- Hence his decision to accept the Indeed the charge against me ‘detached’ gurated following the collapse of invitation of Harvard Univer- as a civil servant might well be the post-war coalition govern- sity Press.10 Within a month he that I carried any old loyalty to and objective ment in October 1922 and the had made contact with Frances, him to extreme lengths!13 subsequent beginning of Lloyd now the Dowager Countess in writing a George’s so-called ‘wilderness Lloyd-George of Dwyfor, who Other members of the Lloyd years’. Disillusioned Asquithian responded that it would be ‘a great George family were, however, biography loyalists like J. A. Spender, A. G. pleasure’ for her to welcome Tom predictably more supportive. of Lloyd Gardiner and Charles Mallet all Jones to Ty Newydd, although During the following Novem- relished the opportunity to deni- adding rather tartly, ‘It would ber, Jones spent ‘an hilarious George. grate Lloyd George’s good name,

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 25 thomas jones’s lloyd george a trend reinforced by the verdict (which he declared to be ‘a judi- of a septuagenarian & a slow one of the economist J. M. Keynes cial attempt at interpreting a at that.’24 In response, Sylvester in his bitter ‘essay in biography’ genius’20), he resolved to shun anticipated Jones’s ‘frank expres- published in 1933. The same year the use of private papers and sion of opinion on the work had seen the publication of Lord official documents other than which has been executed against Riddell’s War Diary, a highly those already available in print. time’, and continued, ‘But I am revealing source which did not ‘I am sure the job of writing a waiting for your Life, for you always portray Lloyd George in life must be terribly difficult to can give the Celtic touch, with a favourable light.17 On the eve do without papers’, wrote Lady your knowledge and experi- of the Second World War there Megan Lloyd George consol- ence of the subject, which no appeared W. Watkin Davies’s ingly in May 1946, ‘but it may other can excel.’25 During Feb- Lloyd George, 1863–1914 (Lon- end in a much more human nar- ruary and March 1947, lengthy, don: Constable, 1939), the most rative. What is needed is a live potentially sensational extracts valuable account to date of Lloyd portrait – and that I feel sure from Sylvester’s forthcom- George’s life and career up to the you will give.’21 To compensate ing book were published in the First World War, a study which for the lack of primary source Sunday Dispatch and gave rise to contemptuously dismissed Lloyd materials, Jones requested mem- much interest and, by and large, George’s post-1914 political oranda from individuals who commendation.26 career as ‘purposeless’, a period had worked closely with Lloyd Thomas Jones, undaunted, when he had been ‘left to his George or who had a specialist plodded on resolutely with own devices and seconded by knowledge of important events. the task in hand. ‘I go to the charlatans whose grip of political During 1946 it became more [National] Library almost principles was even weaker than widely known that Tom Jones daily’, he wrote to his old friend his own’.18 The image of Lloyd was engaged in preparing a life Abraham Flexner at the end of George which emerged from of Lloyd George. The news at April, ‘but am experiencing Lord Beaverbrook’s Politicians once gave rise to ‘much enthu- a great decline in my powers and the War, 1914–1916 (2 vols, siasm’ for the ‘intrinsic interest’ of work which I suppose is to London: Butterworth, 1928 and of the proposed work and as a be expected!’27 He was some- 1932), too, was at best mixed. potentially ‘fascinating display what frustrated by the long He emerged as power-crazy by a master in the art of walk- delay in the appearance of Syl- and anxious only to assume the ing the tight rope’.22 The author vester’s eagerly-anticipated The premiership. was, however, reminded that Real Lloyd George, caused by an Thomas Jones (and indeed constraints existed on the free- acute paper shortage, problems Malcolm Thompson) had the dom of former civil servants to over binding, and the auster- advantage of undertaking their publish.23 This thorny ques- ity which inevitably reigned in research at a greater remove tion had already been raised in post-war Britain. He arranged from the events which they the House of Commons on 1 to meet Sylvester in London at were describing and after their August 1946, and was relevant the beginning of July: ‘I wish I subject’s death. Jones at least at the time in the context of had gone into partnership with savoured the many long hours the proposed biography of Lord you over it – sharing the profits which he spent researching at Baldwin being written by G. He soon and supplying the ballast! My the National Library of Wales. M. Young and the publication effort makes slow progress and He soon became a familiar fig- of the diaries of Lord Hankey, became a of course I blame the weather.’ ure in the little seaside town, the first ever Cabinet Secretary familiar Both men were much annoyed habitually clad in a grey or fawn back in 1916. At the end of the by the lack of availability of pre- cloak and a battered deerstalker year, Jones read in the press that figure in the publication copies of Sylvester’s hat. On 1 April 1946, he wrote The Real Lloyd George, authored tome, the author responding to Violet Markham, ‘I have no by Lloyd George’s former Prin- little seaside to Jones, ‘When I think how I news in this remote region, cipal Private Secretary A. J. sweated and rushed everything where the sun shines daily & dif- Sylvester (an old acquaintance town, habit- through, and how long I have fuses most welcome warmth. I of Jones’s) was to be published ually clad in a waited – well, it’s just too bad.’ am carried daily by your benev- during 1947. Although he must Sylvester was apparently most olence to the [National] Library have felt some resentment that grey or fawn anxious that Tom Jones, whose where I try to read fifty books Sylvester had to some extent views and opinions he respected, at once in an effort to keep track ‘stolen his thunder’ by bring- cloak and should write a full review of of the elusive LG.’19 Between ing out his book so promptly, the volume.28 By September, 1945 and 1950 researching and Jones wrote to him, ‘You must a battered Jones had evidently received an drafting the book were to prove have worked very hard on it & deerstalker advance copy of The Real Lloyd his main preoccupations. Early it is sure to meet with great suc- George and sent an effusive con- on in the extended enterprise cess. For myself my pace is that hat. gratulatory message to his old

26 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 thomas jones’s lloyd george

associate who replied, ‘Com- Sir Robert Horne, On the face of it, relations too far in the other direction.’31 ing from an old friend and col- David Lloyd between the two authors were Reading Sylvester’s tome had league, who knew Lloyd George George and amicable and harmonious clearly induced him ruthlessly so well, I value it all the more.’ Thomas Jones enough. But the following July, to eschew much of his personal Sylvester would feel ‘honoured’ at the Cannes by which time Jones had already knowledge of Lloyd George should Jones wish to quote from conference in drafted a considerable part of which he had originally planned 1922. the book in his own writings.29 his proposed biography, he did to include. Now he was very Within a week, Jones had sent not mince his words in a pri- conscious of the potential risks to Sylvester a list of minor fac- vate letter to Violet Markham: of submitting to excessive per- tual errors within the volume, ‘I had such a revulsion reading sonal prejudice. expressing the hope that they Sylvester on Sylvester that I was At about this time there was might perhaps be corrected in a determined mine should not be an attempt to revive the idea of second edition.30 TJ on TJ. I’ve probably gone a national memorial to Lloyd

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 27 thomas jones’s lloyd george

George, first mooted by Frances By this time, great sale, but that the Ameri- the publication in The Times, during April and May 1945. can agent was discouraging in a much-truncated form, of a Then, in the immediate after- Sylvester’s about an edition in that country lengthy obituary which he had math of Lloyd George’s death, The Real as no one was interested in LG. prepared several years earlier recalled Jones, ‘I [had] tried The family dislike the book. I led Tom Jones to reflection. The to dissuade her, as I knew that Lloyd George am to dine at the House with biography of Baldwin then being attempts to do him honour in Megan on Wednesday next written by G. M. Young, Jones his lifetime had to be artificially had captured & shall hear what she thinks. anticipated, would be ‘a first buttressed.’ Frances had retorted Nothing approaching the truth rate job of work’. He mused on sharply by stating her intention the popular can be expected to please her. the four premiers whom he had to request that Winston Church- imagina- Not one of the family, nor the served between 1916 and 1930: ill launch the appeal. Jones went Countess, has acknowledged on, ‘I [had] tried hard to get LG tion and had the presentation copies sent by Of the four PMs for whom I to subscribe to [Coleg] Harlech the author.34 worked SB was the most con- in vain!’ By now, Frances had gone out of siderate & grateful chief & the already disposed of their north A week later he spent an evening best friend in all weathers. His Wales home, Ty Newydd – ‘the print within at the House of Commons with religion had given him a qual- house that I went over with weeks of Lady Megan Lloyd George, the ity of modesty & forbearance & Dame Margaret when it was des- Liberal MP for Anglesey since forgiveness of human frailties tined for Lady Carey Evans. You publication. 1929, an interlude which he felt & he had a more intense love see what a nasty mind I have. to be ‘more enjoyable than profit- of the countryside & its beauty How much are the LG family able’. He found her to be ‘furious than had LG; Bonar [Law] had subscribing? They are notorious with Sylvester & I cannot hope none. But I must not wander for giving nothing to anything that my objective treatment of her on like this. I can sum up by or anybody.’ On reflection, he father will not deeply disappoint saying how greatly I prize the readily admitted that, in relation the family. I tried hard to prepare two words he [Baldwin] sev- to the proposed Lloyd George her for this but I made little or eral times inscribed on books memorial, ‘I am much too prej- no impression.’ There followed he gave me: ‘With gratitude & udiced to be fair to it.’32 two meetings with A. J. Syl- affection.’37 By this time, Sylvester’s The vester: ‘His bitterness is reserved Real Lloyd George had captured for the Countess who seems to He plodded on with his writ- the popular imagination and had have promised at first to use him ing as 1947 gave way to 1948 and gone out of print within weeks in connexion with the Life of still corresponded widely. A. J. of publication. Severe paper LG, & then to have dropped him Sylvester proudly recalled his shortages had made a second edi- completely in favour of Malcolm own role in securing the index- tion impossible. Some members Thompson – hence S[ylvester]’s ing of the massive archive of of the Lloyd George family had speed in rushing out his book to Lloyd George’s papers and in the generally welcomed the book – get his blow in first.’35 researching of the War Memoirs with the predictable exception Shortly afterwards Jones sent in the 1930s: ‘May your book be of Frances. One of the admirers the first 126 pages of his manu- a best seller, and I shall be one within the family was Richard script to the officials at Treasury of the first to purchase it when Lloyd George, now the second Chambers for their approval. As it is out. Whatever you do get it Earl, who had himself published they dealt with the period before out before Frances.’38 (This was Dame Margaret: the Life Story of his appointment to the Cabinet presumably a reference to the his Mother (London: Allen and Secretariat, no objection was ‘official biography’ by Malcolm Unwin, 1947).33 At the begin- raised.36 Before the end of 1947 Thompson, then known to be ning of November, Tom Jones he was reasonably satisfied with in an advanced stage of prepara- wrote to Violet Markham: the writing of the book: ‘I … tion.) A large number of associ- have made enough progress with ates commented in detail on the I came up on Tuesday to the it, in my slow fashion, to see the first draft of Jones’s book dur- Athenaeum with Irvine & end approaching.’ He then antic- ing the spring of 1948, and their found Baldwin there. He had ipated a volume of some 150,000 observations were then incorpo- come up for the unveiling of the words which he hoped to com- rated in subsequent revisions.39 statue to George V. He asked plete by the spring of 1948. The Sylvester, simply one of many to me at once what I thought of final product would be ‘more lend assistance in this connec- Sylvester’s book with its rev- a class text book than a sensa- tion, found the experience ‘very elation of the autocratic chief. tional story, with LG against the interesting. It has whetted my Later in the week Sylvester background of events in which appetite to read the book when came to see me for half an hour he played a part’. At this point, it is ready. One thing only do & said the book was having a the death of Earl Baldwin and I wish to say: Let URGENCY

28 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 thomas jones’s lloyd george be your motto. If you intend to partial side that is what one Lady Megan also assisted in the publish it in this country, there is would expect. Of course it selection of illustrations and pro- not a minute to lose.’40 overlaps my effort in all sorts vided Jones with some of her Mastering the array of of ways & from sales stand- father’s original speech notes, printed sources alone had point it w[oul]d have been well commenting, ‘Blessed is he who proved a formidable task. But if I had hurried a bit to be out can read them in the original.’48 in the summer of 1948, the full first, but I don’t find hurrying The winter of 1949–50 saw Jones text of the book, running to easy any more. Looking back put the finishing touches to his some 170,000 words, had been I wish I had thought of doing text, responding to comments sent off to its American pub- the book or preparing to do it from friends and associates, lishers. It was generally well when I went to the P[ilgrim] among them Violet Markham, received, but the company’s T[rust] in 1930 & had some sur- to whom the author observed, rather patronising reader in the plus energy. I think this pub- ‘Re-reading it I feel it is more US eventually concluded that lication may confine mine to political history than personal the text had to be pruned ‘rather USA. We’ll see. And anyway biography, & far too much like extensively’. The coverage of I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the a memorandum by a civil serv- the period before 1914 needed National Library.44 ant, as I think you said. Any- to be abbreviated, and the chap- way I can’t attempt to rewrite ters devoted to the years after (Even after the eventual publi- it, nor do I suppose I should 1922 axed ruthlessly: ‘They all cation of his own volume in the succeed any better.’49 Later the deal with Lloyd George’s fail- autumn of 1951, these emotions same month saw the aged patri- ures when he was out of power. did not disappear. As he then arch dutifully plodding up to … The details are certainly of wrote to an associate, ‘I often the National Library of Wales less interest to an American wished in writing the LG that to make the final amendments, audience than to a British one.’41 I had made the other choice’, lamenting, ‘There is loss as well Jones dutifully tackled the task a reference to the possibility of as gain. They [the American of extensive revision which he preparing a biography of Stanley publisher’s readers] fight shy found irksome and laborious. In Baldwin rather than Lloyd of human touches & points of November he opened his heart George.45) Just before Christ- interest to us in this country. once more to Violet Markham: mas 1948 he submitted his ‘final Some I am re-inserting.’ He ‘I’ve reached the stage when I script’ of the Lloyd George biog- anticipated that this thankless think the LG book is “rotten” & raphy ‘reluctantly – should like task would continue for several ought to be completely rewrit- now to rewrite it and properly, weeks. Jones then reflected on ten. I had no business to attempt but unequal to it at seventy- a curious plan hatched in 1922, it knowing the strict conditions nine. Should have started when when the coalition government laid down for civil servants. … I went to the P[ilgrim] T[rust]. I was conspicuously tottering, What a number of snags & slips hope G. M. Y[oung]’s opus [on It was gen- for the well-heeled Davies fam- I find in this attempt at a final Baldwin] progresses towards ily of Llandinam to purchase revision. … So much of what perfection.’46 erally well The Times newspaper and install I’ve written is stale for scholars In January 1949 Tom Jones Lloyd George as editor: & dull for the general reader.’42 sought the permission of Lloyd received, He had long since concluded George’s elder daughter Lady but the com- I am in correspondence with that accepting the commission Olwen Carey-Evans to include Stanley Morrison on the nego- to write the book was ‘a piece in the book a full-page photo- pany’s rather tiations for the sale of The of impertinence because of its graph of her mother Dame Mar- Times in 1922 which took extraordinary difficulty’.43 His garet, continuing: patronising place before it was bought by negative feelings were accen- J. J. Astor. I went for LG to tuated by the appearance in I have purposely avoided con- reader in the Scotland to see DD [David December of Malcolm Thomp- sulting you, Gwilym and US eventu- Davies, of Llandinam], Gwen son’s ‘official biography’ of Megan closely so that you & Daisy with a view to their Lloyd George. As he put it to may truthfully say when it ally con- buying it & making LG edi- his daughter Eirene: appears that none of you has tor!! on the fall of the coalition. any responsibility for what I cluded that DD & G[wen] were willing but The LG ‘Official’ Life came have written. I confess I had no Daisy objected on the advice of today & first impressions are idea when I lightly promised the text had their stockbroker. DD & LG as very favourable. It is v. well to do the book how difficult I to be pruned owner & editor would not have produced, easy to handle, & should find the task at my age. lasted a month together.50 well illustrated. Have only Had I started twenty years ago ‘rather just savoured the text, which is it would be far more adequate At this point he still hoped that fluent & readable, & if on the than it is.47 extensively’. the book would appear in the

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 29 thomas jones’s lloyd george autumn of 1950, at least on the the chapters on these years were will not have any ground for a other side of the Atlantic: ‘At again cut back quite substantially prosecution.56 the moment I am checking bib- – as the result of the directives of liographical references, & tak- the reader employed by the Har- The proofs were duly returned ing out commas with which vard University Press who had to the printers on 12 February, they have plastered its pages in insisted that the American read- and the final pages were printed USA! I don’t like these three ership at least would not be ‘much and numbered by 22 April, by first months of the year & prefer excited by the long drawn-out which time Sir Geoffrey White- to hug the blankets, but I can’t demise of the Liberal Party and head, a former civil service man- complain.’51 His attention was Lloyd George’s part in it’.54 darin at Whitehall, was busily absorbed, too, by the progress The dawn of the new year – at work preparing the index.57 of the February 1950 general 1951 – saw poor Tom Jones, now Whitehead had completed his election campaign, in which his fully eighty years of age, literally laborious chore by 10 May and adored daughter Eirene was the ‘up to the eyes with LG proofs. lavished praise on Jones’s ability Labour candidate at highly-mar- What an exacting & exhausting as a biographer ‘to pack [in] an ginal Flintshire East. In March job it is – grammar, punctuation, extraordinary amount of matter Churchill was approached to capitals, quotations. I go daily to and at the same time to keep [the write a foreword to the volume – the NLW. … I have 176 pages chapters] most readable’, while ‘So far as he [Lloyd George] ever out of 300 in page form.’ At this the final chapter surveying Lloyd had a political friend you were late stage, a further cruel blow George’s character had emerged that friend’ – but the Tory leader was received when Lord Beaver- as ‘a really balanced and fair esti- rather churlishly responded, brook, by then the owner of the mate of a fascinating and com- ‘Alas, I cannot add to my tasks copyright for the Lloyd George plex character’.58 at the present time’, adding, ‘I Papers, obstinately refused per- On 20 August 1951 Tom shall await the publication with mission to Thomas Jones even Jones was thrilled to receive his great interest!’52 At the end of to quote passages from the first advance copy of the final November, Jones was delighted published War Memoirs on the published tome, now due to be to receive from Harvard the rather spurious grounds that he published simultaneously in final, complete typescript text [Beaverbrook] had already com- Britain and America on 4 Octo- of his biography – ‘It begins at missioned Robert Sherwood ber. Its proud author considered last to look like a book’ – which to write a biography of Lloyd the bound volume ‘an admirable had been quite savagely pruned George. ‘I’m having lots of both- piece of bookcraft & worthy of to some 120,000 words (a cut ers over the LG book’, lamented the Press. … I am most proud in the region of 50,000 words) Jones at the end of the month, of the Index!!’ He much regret- and contained just six illustra- attributing at least some of his ted, however, the decision to tions. The volume was expected difficulties to the fact that ‘I am charge one guinea for each copy to sell at fifteen shillings. On 1 not one of the favourites of the rather than fifteen shillings – December the text was returned Countess’.55 The refusal to allow ‘few buyers in Wales I imagine to Oxford to be converted into him to quote from the Lloyd will stretch to a guinea for any long galley proofs.53 George War Memoirs in particu- book’.59 The final volume ran to In fact, the rewriting and lar he felt to be ‘a nasty set-back’, 330 pages and contained a full elimination of material had and his publishers considered bibliography of the sources used been much more ruthless than Beaverbrook’s churlish obsti- The dawn and a magnificently detailed Tom Jones had suggested in his nacy ‘unprecedented in their of the new index. Ironically, as the publica- correspondence to friends and experience’, but Jones resolved tion of the book approached, the associates – to the immense loss not to challenge the press mag- year – 1951 indefatigable Jones was busy at of historians of modern Wales. nate’s decision as: work on the final proofs of his The eventual published volume – saw poor autobiographical volume Welsh focused primarily on the period Beaverbrook is so incalculable Tom Jones, Broth ‘& feeling rather sorry from 1914 to 1922, although the that I decided not to write to that I ever bothered to print it. blame for this did not lie with him. I suspect the refusal comes now fully I could have had a few copies Jones. A great deal of important from another source. So I set to typed for circulation “within early Welsh material was cut out. & have eliminated several quo- eighty years the family”. But I’ve gone too far A whole chapter on the campaign tations & traced several to their with the publishers to draw back to secure the disestablishment of sources from wh[ich] LG took of age, liter- now.’60 He regretted that the offi- the Welsh church between 1886 them & altered footnotes &c ally ‘up to the cial launch of the Lloyd George and 1914 re-emerged as just one – a great costly nuisance. The biography coincided with the brief paragraph. Although Jones incident quite upset me. How- eyes with LG beginning of the October 1951 had been close to Lloyd George ever I am now recovered & C. general election campaign, ‘& during the period after 1922, is satisfied that Beaverbrook proofs’. its sales will be damaged for the

30 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 thomas jones’s lloyd george moment at any rate’. But he was In the when Jones himself was actually (eventually to be published as ‘much comforted’ by the gen- present. The final chapter was Tempestuous Journey by Hutchin- erous letters which he received pages of ‘the best’, and throughout his son in 1954), suggested that Jones from friends and reviewers who the Evening study Jones had been impres- had been far too guarded and had been given advance copies sively ‘wise. Political biography over-cautious – ‘What a story of the book.61 Standard, has in the past suffered from too Tom Jones hasn’t told!’ Owen Generally, indeed, the much sugar. A dash of vinegar himself was to make very exten- response of the reviewers was Blake hailed is a welcome change.’63 In The sive use of the massive archive most gratifying. The Countess Observer, Dingle Foot hailed the of Lloyd George’s papers sold by Lloyd-George, however, was Jones’s work book as ‘a remarkable achieve- the Countess to Beaverbrook in predictably unimpressed. As she as ‘the clear- ment’ where ‘the controversies 1949. A. J. Cummings wrote of wrote privately to Ann Parry, of 1916 to 1922’ were ‘recorded Jones’s biography as ‘competent, Lloyd George’s former ‘Welsh est and most and analysed with a high degree clear-cut, critical, with an air of secretary’ and now the curator of of objectivity’, whereas a review scrupulous fairness … but it is the new Lloyd George Museum authorita- in the Manchester Guardian con- not by a long way – and could at Llanystumdwy: cluded that Jones had ‘come not very well be – the whole of tive account nearer grasping the man entire Lloyd George’.65 Such critical Have you seen Tom Jones’ … of the than any previous biographer’. views were, however, very much book? I just glanced at it & In The Spectator, the respected in the minority. don’t think much of it, & I am greatest Welsh academic (and former On the whole, Jones him- told that apart from the papers Liberal MP for the University of self was ‘quite satisfied with the where he has a pull, it has not interest. … Wales) W. J. Gruffydd welcomed reception. It’s amusing to watch had very good notices, & that the volume as ‘an impressive what is quoted’, while recog- it is not a good book. Beaver- In less than attempt’ to write ‘an excellent nising that, ‘Future Lives will brook asked me: ‘What was 300 pages text-book … indispensable for do more than I have to stress Tom Jones’ quarrel with LG?’ the student of modern politics – the greatness & the warts.’ He That will give you an idea of Dr Jones has but the student of society must hoped that readers would ‘read the tone of the book. Do you turn elsewhere. … For reli- the book straight through & think we ought to have a copy been able ability and accuracy, no other not in snippets’. By 9 October for the Museum?62 biography of Lloyd George can the Oxford University Press to describe compare with this work.’ Gruff- had resolved to initiate a second But the reviews which appeared nearly eve- ydd did, however, criticise Jones print-run of 3,500 copies. A full in print from reputable, unbiased for being ‘unduly circumspect’, 4,000 copies had already been reviewers were encouraging. rything that tending to ‘skim over’ discredit- sent to the US.66 The flood of Perhaps the most welcome was able episodes in Lloyd George’s reviews extending over several that of Robert Blake, a future matters.’ career such as the Marconi affair weeks continued to prove ‘most doyen of political biographers, in and the use of the Black and Tans diverting’ to the aged author, 1951 a thirty-four-year old tutor in Ireland after the war. In the although many reviewers felt in modern history at Oxford Daily Telegraph, Lord Birkenhead that he should have been ‘more University, who was himself described Tom Jones’s volume expansive. I couldn’t if I tried. writing a life of Andrew Bonar as ‘the best and most objective I’ve forgotten the good stories. Law. In the pages of the Evening book on Lloyd George … schol- … Meanwhile my secret service Standard, he hailed Jones’s work arly and erudite … painstaking tells me that Beaverbrook paid as ‘the clearest and most authori- without being dull. … He has the Countess £18,000 for the LG tative account … of the great- austerely refrained from idola- papers. They show that LG had est interest. … In less than 300 try’, while ‘discuss[ing] with been involved in four divorce pages Dr Jones has been able to candour … the more dubious suits, but had managed to extri- describe nearly everything that aspects of Lloyd George’s public cate himself from all of them.’67 matters.’ Inevitably, claimed conduct’. Although he felt com- Encouraged by the recep- Blake, the severely-compressed pelled to stop short of hailing tion accorded to the Lloyd narrative degenerated into ‘a the work as ‘a great biography’, George biography, Tom Jones crowded catalogue of events – Birkenhead welcomed it gladly then began to consider publish- and catalogues are often dull’, as a ‘restrained and able book ing lengthy extracts from the and Jones tended to play down … a true step forward in the detailed diaries which he had the importance of Bonar Law attempt to assess this fascinating kept throughout his period in in Lloyd George’s life and was and baffling character’.64 public life. He recognised from notably ‘sparing of personal Some critics, inevitably, were the outset, however, that pub- reminiscences’ such as the cele- not so generous. Frank Owen, lishing the diary material was brated visit to Hitler at Berchtes- himself at work on a mas- ‘a most difficult proposition in gaden in the autumn of 1936 sive volume on Lloyd George my life time. I am toying with its

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 31 thomas jones’s lloyd george preparation but the task of selec- Tom Jones’s just three weeks after his 85th March 1945 (private collection). tion is a nightmare – so many birthday. 7 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH Papers people are alive – & kicking. I biography of Tom Jones’s biography of T7/131, TJ to Violet Markham, 2 hope to manage one if not two Lloyd George, Lloyd George, published as long February 1945. volumes.’68 Indeed, after the ago as the autumn of 1951, has 8 A transcript of the broadcast was publication of his biography of published as stood the test of time, regu- published in The Listener, March Lloyd George in the autumn larly being cited and quoted by 1945, and was also made available of 1951, Jones devoted much long ago as authors and scholars ever since. in pamphlet form. There is a copy of his time and energy during In February 1972, Kenneth O. in the NLW, Dr Thomas Jones 1952 and 1953 to the prepara- the autumn Morgan, in a marvellous sur- CH Papers, file 7/58. The obituary tion of a volume of his diaries of 1951, has vey of the historiography of appeared in The Observer, 1 April interspersed with correspond- Lloyd George, still referred to 1945. See also Thomas Jones, ‘Lloyd ence. Oxford University Press stood the the book as ‘by far the best one- George: some personal memories’, had again agreed to publish. volume study of Lloyd George Contemporary Review, May 1948, pp. The task kept him ‘fairly alive & test of time, to date’.71 Although it is prob- 260–64. Jones had received ‘a sud- active at Aberystwyth’ through- ably fair to say that that acco- den and urgent request’ to prepare out 1953.69 The selection of pho- regularly lade was subsequently taken by an obituary notice for Lloyd George tographs for the volume proved being cited Peter Rowland in his magisterial as early as April 1943: see NLW, Dr an immensely difficult task, as biography published three years Thomas Jones CH Papers T7/79, its author had studiously avoided and quoted later – Lloyd George (London: TJ to A. J. Sylvester, 16 April 1943 being photographed with the Barrie and Jenkins, 1975), run- (‘Private and Personal’) (copy), and Prime Ministers whom he had by authors ning to 872 fact-packed pages – Sylvester to TJ, 19 April 1943 (‘Pri- served. The book, A Diary with Jones’s volume certainly remains vate and Personal’). Letters, 1931–1950, was eventu- and scholars a most concise and useful source, 9 Ibid., T3/55, Violet Markham to TJ, ally published by OUP on 21 ever since. an essential short guide for the 27 March 1945. October 1954 and was dedicated student of Lloyd George. 10 Ibid., T7/40, TJ to Violet Markham, to Jones’s wife Eirene Theodora 30 March 1945. Jones (1875–1935). A most sub- Dr. J. Graham Jones is Senior Archi- 11 Ibid., A1/69, Frances Lloyd-George, stantial volume running to no vist and Head of the Welsh Political Tŷ Newydd, Llanystumdwy, to TJ, fewer than 582 pages and priced Archive at the National Library of 26 April 1945. at thirty shillings, its author con- Wales, Aberystwyth. 12 Ibid., A1/70, Frances Lloyd-George sidered it ‘too dear to give away’. to TJ, 20 May 1945. Within a month, Frank Owen’s 1 A superbly authoritative and schol- 13 Ibid., A1/71, TJ to Frances Lloyd- biography of Lloyd George, Tem- arly biography of Dr Thomas Jones George, 22 May 1945 (copy). pestuous Journey, had also seen the CH is available in E. L. Ellis, T.J.: 14 Ibid., T7/154, TJ to Violet light of day, a mammoth study a Life of Dr Thomas Jones CH (Car- Markham, 10 November 1945. which Jones was quick to dismiss diff: University of Wales Press, 15 The Spectator, 30 November 1945. as mere ‘first rate journalism’.70 1992). The contents of this volume 16 A most helpful survey, written from By this time Tom Jones was were subsequently summarised the vantage point of the early 1970s, in his eighty-fifth year and his in E. L. Ellis, ‘Dr. Thomas Jones, is Kenneth O. Morgan, ‘Lloyd health had begun to fail. Con- CH, of Rhymney: a many-sided George and the historians’, Transac- sequently he resolved to resign Welshman’, in the Transactions of the tions of the Honourable Society of Cym- the Presidency of UCW, Aber- Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion, mrodorion 1971, Part I (1972), pp. ystwyth and Coleg Harlech and 1992, pp. 183–97. See also the help- 65–85. This was originally given as the Chairmanship of the Pilgrim ful article by Rodney Lowe in the a lecture at the House of Commons Trust. He decided to leave Aber- new Oxford Dictionary of National on 22 February 1972. ystwyth and move to Manor End Biography, Vol. 30 (Oxford: OUP, 17 See the review in the New Statesman near Birchington in Kent which 2004), pp. 649–52. and Nation, 17 June 1933. was just ten minutes’ journey 2 Keith Middlemas (ed.), Thomas 18 W. Watkin Davies, Lloyd George, away from his son Tristan and Jones, Whitehall Diary, Vol. I (Lon- 1863–1914 (London: Constable, his family, and where he might don: Oxford University Press, 1939), pp. 279–81 and 289. See also see more of his daughter Eirene, 1971), p. 15. the review by R. H. S. Crossman since February 1950 – to Jones’s 3 Ellis, T.J., p. 299. in the New Statesman and Nation, 25 great delight – the Labour MP 4 National Library of Wales (here- March 1939. for Flintshire East in north-east after NLW), Dr Thomas Jones 19 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH Papers Wales. Her second re-election CH Papers T7/40, TJ to Violet T8/8, TJ to Violet Markham, 1 in this marginal constituency Markham, 30 March 1945. April 1946. in May 1955 brought much joy 5 The phrase is that used in Ellis, T. 20 Cited in Ellis, T.J., p. 494. to her ailing father, who even- J., p. 471. 21 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH Papers tually died on 15 October 1955, 6 Thomas Jones to David Astor, 3 A1/72, Lady Megan Lloyd George

32 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 thomas jones’s lloyd george

to TJ, 31 May 1946. 41 Ibid., A1/79, ‘A Second Note on A Kettner Lunch / Liberal Democrat History Group meeting 22 Ibid., A1/73, J. A. Barlow, Treas- THE LIFE OF DAVID LLOYD ury Chambers, to TJ, 25 November GEORGE by President Thomas David Lloyd George 1946. Jones’ by Donald C. McKay, 6 23 Ibid., A1/74, TJ to Sir Edward August 1948. Cf. ibid., A1/78 for Owen Lloyd George, the present and 3rd Earl Lloyd George of Dwyfor, the grandson of Liberal Prime Minister David Bridges, Treasury Chambers, 27 McKay’s preliminary report. Lloyd George, will speak about his famous ancestor at the November 1946; ibid., A1/75, 42 Ibid., T8/104, TJ to Violet Kettner Lunch (organised jointly together with the Liberal Bridges to TJ, 2 December 1946. Markham, 9 November 1948. Democrat History Group) to be held at the National Liberal In the former letter TJ added, ‘PS. 43 Ibid., S3/86, TJ to Abraham Club on 15th April. Perhaps I should add that I have not Flexner, 28 December 1947. The lunch takes place at 1.00pm and costs £15 for two sought access to the Official Papers 44 Ibid., X10/139, TJ to Eirene courses, followed by coffee and mints. You do not have in the keeping of Countess Lloyd- Jones, 15 December 1947. On to be a member of the National Liberal Club or the History George’. Thompson’s volume, see the Group to attend. 24 NLW, A. J. Sylvester Papers, file D6, comments in The Spectator, 17 To reserve your place please contact Peter Whyte on TJ to Sylvester, 23 December 1946. December 1948, and NLW, A. 01344 423 184. 25 Ibid., Sylvester to TJ, 29 December J. Sylvester Papers, file C94, 1.00pm, Tuesday 15 April 1946 (copy). Sylvester to TJ, 4 January 1949 National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place, London SW1 26 See J. Graham Jones, ‘The Real Lloyd (‘Personal’) (copy). George’, Journal of Liberal History 51 45 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH (Summer 2006), pp. 4–12. Papers A7/59, TJ to Geoffrey Markham, 2 February 1951. 27 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH Papers [?Fry], 9 October 1951 (copy). 57 Ibid., T8/192, TJ to VM, 12 Febru- S3/81, TJ to Abraham Flexner, 24 46 Ibid., W7/158, TJ to Geoffrey ary 1951; ibid., T8/196, TJ to VM, April 1947. Fry, Christmas Eve 1948 (copy). 22 April 1951. 28 NLW, A. J. Sylvester Papers, file D6, 47 Ibid., A1/83, TJ to Lady Olwen 58 Ibid., A2/28, Geoffrey Whitehead TJ to Sylvester, 10 June 1947; ibid., Carey-Evans, 25 January 1949 to TJ, 10 May 1951. Sylvester to TJ, 17 June 1947 (copy). (‘Personal’). 59 Ibid., T8/207, TJ to VM, 20 August 29 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH Papers 48 Ibid., A1/84, Lady Megan Lloyd 1951. 7/79, A. J. Sylvester to TJ, 25 Sep- George to TJ, 16 June 1949. 60 Ibid., T8/208, TJ to VM, 4 Septem- tember 1947. 49 Ibid., T8/147, TJ to Violet ber 1951. 30 NLW, A. J. Sylvester Papers, file Markham, 3 January 1950. 61 Ibid., T8/209, TJ to VM, 23 Sep- D6, TJ to Sylvester, 2 October 1947; 50 Ibid., T8/151, TJ to Violet tember 1951; NLW, Llewelyn Wynn NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH Papers Markham, 23 January 1950. Griffith Papers P1/2, TJ to LlWG, 7/79, Sylvester to TJ, 7 October 51 NLW, A. J. Sylvester Papers, file 25 September 1951. 1947. C95, TJ to Sylvester, 27 January 62 NLW, Frances Stevenson Family 31 Ibid., T8/89, TJ to Violet Markham, 1950. Papers FCG1/3, Frances Lloyd- 1 July 1948. 52 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH George to Ann Parry, 11 October 32 Ibid., T8/83, TJ to Violet Markham, Papers A1/85, TJ to Sylvester, 13 1951. 5 June 1948. March 1950 (copy); ibid., A1/86, 63 Evening Standard, 4 October 1951. 33 For reviews of both books, see The Churchill to T. J. Wilson, 27 64 The Observer, 7 October 1951; Man- Listener, 16 October 1947. The Real March 1950. chester Guardian, 11 October 1951; Lloyd George is also extensively 53 Ibid., T8/185, TJ to Violet The Spectator, 12 October 1951; reviewed in the Times Literary Sup- Markham, 26 November 1950. Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1951. plement, 4 October 1947. 54 Ibid., A1/80, David Owen to T. 65 Daily Express, 4 October 1951; News 34 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH Papers J. Wilson of the Harvard Uni- Chronicle, 4 October 1951. T8/68, TJ to Violet Markham, 2 versity Press, 18 August 1948. 66 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH Papers November 1947. The final typescript of the vol- T8/210, TJ to VM, 7 October 1951; 35 Ibid., T8/69, TJ to VM, 9 Novem- ume is available, ibid., A3 and ibid., T8/211, TJ to VM, 9 October ber 1947. the working proof, ibid., A4. On 1951. 36 Ibid., A1/76, TJ to Sir Edward the final rewriting process, see 67 Ibid., T8/215, TJ to VM, 12 Novem- Bridges, [13 November 1947] also Morgan, ‘Lloyd George and ber 1951. (copy); ibid., A1/77, Bridges to TJ, the historians’, 1971, p. 70. 68 NLW, Llewelyn Wynn Griffith 1 December 1947. 55 NLW, Dr Thomas Jones CH Papers P1/2, TJ to LlWG, 25 Sep- 37 Ibid., S3/86, TJ to Abraham Papers T8/189, TJ to Violet tember 1951. Flexner, 28 December 1947. Markham, 19 January 1951; ibid. 69 NLW, A. J. Sylvester Papers file C95, 38 Ibid., 7/79, A. J. Sylvester to TJ, 20 file 1/3, Edith Barnes, Curtis TJ to Sylvester, 11 August 1953. December 1947. Brown Ltd., London WC2, to 70 Ibid., TJ to Sylvester, 10 November 39 See the correspondence ibid., Class TJ, 19 January 1951 (copy); ibid. 1954. A2. W7/160, TJ to Geoffrey Fry, 24 71 Morgan, ‘Lloyd George and the his- 40 Ibid., 7/79, A. J. Sylvester to TJ, 27 January 1951 (copy). torians’, 1971, p. 70. February 1948 (‘Personal’). 56 Ibid., T8/190, TJ to Violet

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 33 York Membery reports on the unveiling of the statue to David Lloyd George, Liberal Prime Minister 1916–22, in Parliament Square. a statue for Lloyd George

he great and the good put aside political differences, Tat least for a few hours, to unveil a statue of Liberal Leader and Prime Minister David Lloyd George late last year. The weather might have been suita- bly Welsh, but the drizzle failed to dampen the proceedings at than Lloyd George – see Journal After the statue’s unveiling, the event in Parliament Square 57) and Conservative Leader guests withdrew to the Meth- on Thursday 25 October, when David Cameron. odist Central Hall for a cham- the £350,000 statue to the The unveiling of the statue pagne reception attended by the ‘Welsh Wizard’ was unveiled – designed by Welsh sculptor Prince of Wales and Sir John by the Prince of Wales and the Professor Glynn Williams – was Major among others. Duchess of Cornwall in front of organised by the David Lloyd Perhaps fittingly, given the Royal Welsh bandsmen. George Statue Appeal Trust fol- controversy he attracted in life, ‘In the course of a decade, lowing a long campaign to erect the unveiling of Lloyd George’s David Lloyd George established a fitting memorial to one of statue itself proved contro- himself as one of the greatest Britain’s greatest premiers. versial, even though it took social reformers and war leaders The Patrons of the Trust place more than sixty years of the twentieth century’, said included the Prince of Wales, after his death. On the day of Prince Charles. ‘And though he Paddy Ashdown, Betty the unveiling, a letter in The never forgot his Welsh roots, it Boothroyd and John Major. Daily Telegraph signed by Nobel is as a national and international The trustees included Michael Prize-winning playwright statesman that he will best be Heseltine, Emlyn Hooson, Lord Harold Pinter and left-wing remembered.’ Morris of Aberavon (the former journalist John Pilger attacked The official party included Labour MP) and Dick Newby. the bombing by British war Prime Minister Gordon Brown The late Ted Heath and Jim planes of the Middle East dur- and former premiers Marga- Callaghan had also been trus- ing Lloyd George’s premier- ret Thatcher and John Major. tees until their deaths. ship, which they claimed made Prince Charles was Patron of ‘It’s been a long time in the ‘today’s celebration of Lloyd the Appeal Trust Commit- making, but it’s there now’, George’s legacy highly topical tee formed to commission the said Professor Williams at the and disgraceful’. statue in recognition of Lloyd unveiling of the eight-foot-tall But rubbishing their attack, George’s contribution to public bronze statue, which stands on the historian Kenneth O. life. Also present were acting Welsh slate between two states- Morgan surely spoke for Lloyd Liberal Democrat Leader Vince men who were close to Lloyd George supporters everywhere Cable, leadership candidate George – Field Marshal Jan when he observed, ‘Lloyd Chris Huhne (who last year told Smuts, and his friend and some- George was a great radical and the Journal of Liberal History that time political rival Winston a democrat who deserves to be his political hero was none other Churchill. honoured’.

34 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 continued with another nine- REPORT teenth century quotation: ‘Of all studies, the study of politics is the one in which a man can make himself most useful to his Liberals and Local Government in London fellow creatures and that of all lives, public, political lives are since the 1970s capable of the highest efforts’. This comes from the autobi- Evening meeting, 4 February 2008, with Cllr Sir David ography of Anthony Trollope; Williams and Mike Tuffrey GLA; Chair: Cllr Stephen Knight David said it had been an inspi- ration for his political activity Report by Graham Lippiatt from a schoolboy interest at the time of the Suez crisis, through his presidency of the Liberal inning local elec- Council in 1974, was its leader Club at Durham University and tions has been a for eighteen years (probably into Liberal politics in Rich- Wkeystone in Liberal the longest ever serving Liberal mond in the early 1970s. (Democrat) success in the years leader of a local authority) and Richmond was unusual at since the adoption of the com- led the Liberal (Democrats) on that time. It had had Liberal munity politics strategy at the the Association of Metropoli- councillors in the early 1960s Eastbourne Assembly in 1970. tan Authorities, the London but none were elected after There have been spectacular Boroughs Association, the the first local government advances across London, from Association of London Gov- reorganisation of Richmond- the heartland of the south-west- ernment and on the Local Gov- upon-Thames Council in 1964 ern boroughs to Southwark and ernment Association during until Stanley Rundle got in at Islington, and, more recently, its first few years of existence. a by-election in 1966. He lost there have been breakthroughs He also played a prominent the seat in 1968 but was re- to share power in Camden and role on the post-GLC London elected at another by-election in Brent. But there are still black Boroughs Grants Committee; 1969. Rundle was an amazing holes – ten London boroughs he was given a knighthood man. He spoke fluent Italian, with no Lib Dem representa- in 1989 for services to local helping to compile a defini- tion, and places like Harrow and government. tive English-Italian dictionary Tower Hamlets where the party David began by confess- for Cambridge University. He controlled the council only to ing that his favourite historical held a PhD in languages and see a near wipe-out follow. Liberal figure was David Lloyd claimed a working knowledge The meeting, which fol- George, but felt that the quota- What has dis- of thirty-three languages, one lowed the History Group AGM, tion on the statue of Gladstone, of which was Welsh, as he grew was chaired by Cllr Stephen in the entrance to the National tinguished up in a bilingual part of Wales; Knight, who has spent the past Liberal Club, provided him he allegedly swore in Welsh. ten years supporting Lib Dem with a fitting starting point for our party Additionally, he held a chemis- councillors on what used to be his talk. The quotation is from a try degree and was a scientific called the Association of Lon- speech Gladstone made not long from the translator. Politically, he was a don Government, and is now after switching his allegiance other two brilliant exponent of commu- known as London Councils – a from the Tories to the Liber- nity politics. He was one of the time of change for local and als: ‘The principle of Toryism is over the first to make use, in the 1960s, regional government in Lon- mistrust of the people qualified of local community newsletters. don. Stephen introduced the by fear. The principle of Liber- years, as it David showed us one of the meeting by looking back to alism is trust in the people qual- first issues ofKew Comment, 1986, one of his earliest politi- ified by prudence’. Trust in the still does produced by Stanley Rundle in cal recollections, which sparked people remains an important today, is that 1963, quoting from it to dem- his interest in London politics, component of Liberal (Demo- onstrate that Rundle was the recalling that at that time Ken crat) philosophy today and has we are a bot- true forerunner of thousands of Livingstone was Leader of the guided the party’s approach to Focus editors over the coming Greater London Council, which local government since 1970. tom-up party years. Effective coverage of an was about to be abolished by What has distinguished our issue should state what the prob- Mrs Thatcher. party from the other two over whereas lem is, say how it came about Our first speaker was Cllr the years, as it still does today, is they are top- and then say what was to be Sir David Williams. David that we are a bottom-up party done – laced with some modest was first elected to Richmond whereas they are top-down. He down. self-promotion and finishing

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 35 report: liberals and local government in london since the 1970s with the invitation to the reader Effective cov- their own, similar, leaflets and it professional, well-educated to get in touch if the problem became necessary for the Liber- people who took to com- recurs. While the copy in ques- erage of an als to respond. Rundle refused munity campaigning. They tion reads in a dated fashion issue should to go negative. He said he only scared the living daylights out today, it was high-impact and mentioned the Tories in his of the Tories and obliterated truly ground-breaking at the state what leaflets to congratulate them Labour. The Liberals gradually time. The format inspired Dav- on supporting Liberal policies. got better at fighting and win- id’s own efforts as editor of the the problem One of David’s responses to the ning elections, winning nearly Ham & Petersham Comment. He opposition’s efforts to mimic the every by-election, and in 1982 fought his first election in 1971, is, say how it Liberal leaflets was to print in the Alliance ended up with coming third. Rundle’s reac- came about imitation Victorian copperplate: twenty-six seats, matching the tion was to say it was good he ‘Distributed to every resident in Tories. The Tories retained had lost first time but not to lose and then the neighbourhood, always ask control of the council only on again. Since then he has been for Comment by name, accept no the Mayor’s casting vote. The elected eight times, so there say what inferior substitutes, beware of strategy for the Alliance group must have been something in imitations!’ This was an effec- was to maximise attendance Rundle’s thinking. was to be tive riposte and the other parties to take advantage if any Tory In 1973, Graham Tope’s suc- done – laced became abusive after that, to councillors failed to show up cessful parliamentary by-elec- their political cost. and force every issue to the tion took place in neighbouring with some From the earliest editions casting vote. This meant that Sutton & Cheam. Trevor Jones of Comment, there were action the vote to elect the Mayor came down from Liverpool modest self- stories about local issues, allit- each year was crucial and was to assist with literature and erative headlines, opportunities in effect the vote to decide who campaigning, and Richmond promotion to say what the councillors and controlled the council. Then learned from these techniques. and finishing campaigners were doing and came a double by-election Then, later in 1973, came a local invitations to the public to send which offered the chance to by-election in what had tradi- with the invi- in comments and complaints. win control outright. Neither tionally been a Labour–Tory David was also keen to stress ward was especially promising: marginal. Labour expected to tation to the that humour had its place, quot- one had the largest Tory major- win, having been successful ing from a joke questionnaire ity in the borough, while the in by-elections in 1972. The reader to get (underlining a serious political other had a Liberal majority of Labour candidate was Bob Mar- in touch if message that Liberal candidates one. Despite this, confidence shall-Andrews (now a famous were local and worked hard was high and so many helpers MP) and he finished nine the problem to represent their wards) and came from all over the coun- votes from the Tory – but the commenting how this approach try that there was sometimes Liberal candidate John Waller recurs. piqued the other parties. He nothing for them to do. The (later four times parliamentary then showed us a series of Rich- Tory leaflet campaign was not candidate for Twickenham) mond newsletters from the impressive. On one leaflet the was 400 votes ahead of both of early 1980s to the present day headline ‘Tories keep promises’ them, a triumph. One of the which were now more modern was followed immediately by innovations was a ‘good morn- in style and format, with many the words ‘more heavy lorries ing’ leaflet, and it was backed photographs, but which showed in Hampton Wick’. The Lib- by a well-planned polling day a clear lineage in content and eral seat was held with a com- organisation. political philosophy going back fortable majority of over 300. In many places local politics to the innovative, original edi- The Tory seat was gained with had become stale, decayed and tions of Comment put out in the a majority of more than 700. complacent. The Labour and early 1970s. Once in control, one of the Conservative Parties put out The success of the com- innovations the Liberals intro- one traditional glossy election munity politics approach in duced – trusting the people, address; no one flooded the area Richmond was due not simply consistent with a bottom-up with localised leaflets. The other to campaigning techniques ideology – was the pledge not to parties canvassed and got post- and literature design, nor the go ahead with any major devel- ers up, but they were essentially hard work put in by candi- opment proposal until a major- going through an established dates. The basis of the success ity of public opinion was in routine. The Liberals filled the was teamwork, without which favour. The Conservatives and vacuum with a campaigning initial electoral victories can- Labour both failed to under- style and energy which were not be consolidated or main- stand the philosophy behind new and of their time. It was tained. The demographics this approach, arguing publicly not until later that the opposi- of Richmond were kind in that councillors were elected to tion parties began putting out that there were many young make decisions and should not

36 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 report: liberals and local government in london since the 1970s be ‘passing the buck’ to the peo- to me which is some profit to in London and to review the ple for their opinions. this day. I learnt … that it was politics of London-level gov- Richmond was the first little use going through the ernment over the period in majority Liberal administra- woods after a period of quiet question. Mike first moved tion in Greater London but it and calm weather, for I gener- into Lambeth in 1981, just after was to be followed by others, ally returned empty-handed. the disturbances in Brixton. and many other local council- But after a great storm, I always He came from Liberal roots; lors in London were elected as a came back with an armful. We his grandfather, a Quaker, result of the community politics are in for rough weather. We was a Liberal councillor in the approach. After 1986, the make- may even be in for a winter Midlands in the 1920s and his up of London councils allowed of storms which will rock the mother was a Liberal activ- Liberals to take a leading role forest, break many a withered ist in Orpington. In Lambeth in two key London-wide com- branch and leave many a rotten in the early 1980s, where the mittees on voluntary grants tree torn up by the roots. But Liberals had not tradition- and planning advice. Through when the weather clears, you ally been strong, there was a holding the balance of power may depend upon it, that there very active SDP group, but the on the grants committee, Liber- will something brought within Falklands War meant that just als ensured that the voluntary the reach of the people that will one councillor was elected at sector was placed on a sound give warmth and glow to their the 1982 borough elections, in footing on a London-wide basis, grey lives. Something that will Prince’s Ward. In 1985, Mike despite all the political uncer- help to dispel the hunger, the was elected to the GLC at the tainty and turbulence of the despair, the oppression and the Vauxhall by-election, for which times. raw cold which now chills so election Patrick Mitchell, now In conclusion, David stressed many of their hearts. the History Group’s Member- the continuity flowing from ship Secretary, was his agent. In the words of Gladstone about Our next speaker, London 2000 Mike stood unsuccessfully trust in the people, through Assembly Member Mike Tuf- for the London Assembly but the political philosophy of his frey, first came to prominence got in after the resignation two hero Lloyd George, to Liberal in 1985, when he was elected to years later. political success in Richmond the old GLC in a by-election Turning to regional gov- and across London. Commu- for its last year in existence. He ernment, Mike explained that nity politics put Liberalism into later became a councillor in following the referendum of practice in a new and effec- Lambeth, then a hotbed of what May 1998, which approved the tive way from 1970. It built on came to be described as ‘the setting up of a regional assembly the legacy of previous Liberal loony left’ under Labour, serv- for London, we have today the greats, trusting in people, ing between 1990 and 2002. In London Assembly, comprising believing in them, and moving that time the Liberal Democrat twenty-five elected members, towards community engage- group went from four members fifteen elected by first-past-the- ment and empowerment. to twenty-five and became the post voting in single-member In conclusion, David quoted largest party on the council. constituencies, and the remain- from a provocative speech Lloyd From 1994–98 Mike was joint ing ten through a top-up list George had made in December Leader of Lambeth Council system. This ensures that the 1909, during the campaign for when there was no overall con- total number of Assembly the January 1910 general elec- trol and all three political parties Members is proportional to the tion. This followed the politi- took turns at the leadership. votes cast in the list election. cal tumult of the 1909 People’s This presented the opportunity The Liberal Democrats Budget and the issue of ‘Peers to transform Lambeth into a strongly supported setting up versus the People’: much more efficient and well- In some a regional assembly in London organised authority. In 2002 respects, but had serious reservations, Yesterday, I visited the old vil- Mike succeeded to the London and still do, about some aspects lage where I was brought up. I Assembly as a member of the the Mayor is of the machinery of London wandered through the woods Liberal Democrat list, replacing government and the role of familiar to my boyhood. There a Lib Dem member who had an elected the Mayor. In some respects, I saw a child gathering sticks resigned. Since 2006, Mike has the Mayor is an elected dicta- for firewood and I thought of led the Liberal Democrat group dictator with tor with very few checks on the hours I spent in the same on the Assembly. very few his powers. The Assembly pleasant and profitable occupa- Mike used his personal and Mayor are responsible for tion; for I am also something of experience of Liberal politics checks on his strategic planning, advisory a backwoodsman. And there in London to help illustrate the strategies for local councils was one experience taught regional tier of government powers. on issues like water and noise,

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 37 report: liberals and local government in london since the 1970s transport (through Transport came into being following the Adrian Slade share falling to 7.8 per cent. In for London), fire and emergency Local Government Act of 1894 1981, Adrian Slade won back planning (with the boroughs), and the London Government wrote in Richmond, and there were near police (jointly with independ- Act of 1899, which reduced the his memoir misses in Twickenham and Sut- ent members), and some newer powers of the LCC. Arguments ton, with good second places in responsibilities for housing, over the proper place for various that Mike’s Croydon South, Orpington, skills and waste management responsibilities have been taking Hackney & Shoreditch and as well as the London Devel- place ever since. Mrs Thatcher’s victory was Tower Hamlets and 30 per cent opment Agency. However, it abolition of the GLC was there- of the poll in Lewisham Dept- should be noted that there is still fore part of the historic trend ‘a minor ford, which seemed to Mike to a Government Office for Lon- of political struggle between triumph’; defy logic and analysis (other don, with a government min- national, regional and local voices at the meeting suggested ister for London and the 2012 government. Mike said he it had to do with the candi- Olympics, so decentralisation is As to Liberal electoral per- date’s running a semi-religious not totally complete. formance at the London-wide thought it campaign). In 1981, Simon It is interesting to note that level, Mike took us back to 1964 Hughes was the candidate in many of the issues being grap- and surveyed the scene since was ‘a bloody Southwark & Bermondsey, pav- pled with today go back to the then. One consistent feature miracle’. ing the way for his successful time of the GLC and before, and over the years was the extreme parliamentary campaign in the there is still tension and ongoing difficulty for any third party by-election of 1983. debate between and within the trying to break into represen- Overall, the Liberal vote national, regional and local tiers tation at the London regional was up to 16.6 per cent, and of government (and the political tier, until the introduction of Mike felt that 1981 was a missed parties) in London about which proportional representation in opportunity, with the Tory is the right tier for particular 2000. However, support for the vote down nearly 13 per cent. London-wide responsibilities. Liberals can be tracked through Labour underwent a left-wing When the GLC was established election results in the different coup shortly after the election, in 1963 it had responsibility for parts of London. The revival when ‘Red’ Ken Livingstone planning, major roads, refuse came first in outer London, in deposed Andrew Macintosh. disposal (collection was with the places like Orpington, Sutton It might not have taken many boroughs), the fire service, the and Richmond. More recently, more votes to have elected a ambulance service, traffic man- there has been a clear upward sizeable third-party group at agement and research; it shared trend for the Liberal Democrats County Hall, and then the responsibility for housing, in inner London areas. whole history of London gov- recreation, parks, sewage and In 1964, Liberal candidates ernment from 1981 onwards land drainage. The boroughs won ten per cent of the Lon- could have taken a very differ- retained responsibility for social don-wide vote. From 1964 to ent path. Another feature of the services, environmental health, 1970, when the elections were 1981 election was the appear- local roads and libraries, with based on borough boundaries, ance of Social Democratic Alli- schools being a half-way house: only Labour and Conservative ance candidates in Lambeth the outer London boroughs had candidates were elected; Liberal and Islington, the SDA polling responsibility for education, but candidates got nine per cent of respectably there as a forerun- inner London was served by the the vote in 1967 and only five ner of the SDP. Two who were separate Inner London Educa- per cent in 1970. However, in elected as Labour members but tion Authority. The ambulance 1973 there came a breakthrough who later defected to the SDP service was taken away from the when Stanley Rundle, who had were Anne Sofer in St Pancras GLC in 1974, joining the rest stood in Richmond in 1970, North and Paul Rossi in Lewi- of health under the NHS, but gaining 16 per cent of the poll, sham East. Anne Sofer took the there is still a debate today about won the seat with 44 per cent, view that, having defected, she the role of borough councils and Ruth Shaw won in Sutton, should resign and fight a by- in relation to health provision. building on Graham Tope’s election, which she duly won Transport and housing were success in the parliamentary by- in October 1981. Rossi chose taken from the GLC in the early election of December 1972. The not to do so and there was soon 1980s. Liberal percentage of the poll therefore an Alliance group of Looking further back, the across London in 1973 increased three on the council, rising to London County Council (LCC) to 12.5 per cent, with second four with Mike’s own election had been set up in 1889 at a places being achieved in Orp- in the Vauxhall by-election of time when parish and district ington and Croydon. 1985, which he won in a straight councils in London were not In 1977, the Liberals lost fight with Labour. Adrian well developed. The boroughs both GLC seats, with their poll Slade wrote in his memoir that

38 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 report: liberals and local government in london since the 1970s

Mike’s victory was ‘a minor Susan Kramer was the mayoral change has been the challenge triumph’; Mike said he thought candidate. She gained 12 per to the duopoly of Labour and it was ‘a bloody miracle’. Patrick cent against Livingstone’s 39 the Conservatives, first by the Mitchell had reminded Mike per cent and Frank Dobson’s Liberals and the Alliance, and that the canvass returns were 13 per cent. In 2004, Simon more recently by other third indicating that something was Hughes increased the Lib Dem parties too. London-wide, the possible, although there was no vote share to about 15 per cent. Liberal vote has increased from great belief in the possibility of The Lib Dem Assembly vote in as low as 5 per cent in the 1970s victory. Most activists went to 2000 was 15 per cent – disap- to the mid-teens today and the pub after the polls closed, pointing at the time but his- the impact of PR has been to thinking it a lost cause. Those torically consistent with former introduce a fragmentation of the who went to the count learned GLC elections. In 2004, the Lib vote. This effect has also begun the truth, but those in the pub Dem vote rose to just under 17 to filter down to borough level, (including Tim Clement-Jones per cent. In 2000 four Liberal with the Greens appearing more and Helen Bailey) took some Democrats were elected under regularly and the BNP making convincing that there actually the top-up list system, with an inroads in east London. was a victory celebration to extra seat being gained in 2004. London government will attend. In the list election, Labour continue to be argued over, as At the same time as the managed only 24.4 per cent, it has been historically. There Vauxhall by-election, there one of their worst London- is no settled cross-party con- was one in Putney. The can- wide performances ever. The sensus on the relative functions didate for the SDP was Jer- Conservatives were not far of national, regional and local emy Ambache, who is now at ahead, with a vote of 27.8 per government London-wide. number four on the Liberal cent. What was noticeable was The electoral system itself may Democrat list for the Assembly the growth of the minor party change and PR may be aban- elections in May 2008, with a vote, with the Greens on 8 per doned, but at present the Liberal realistic hope of being elected. cent, UKIP also with 8 per cent Democrats are clear beneficiar- After 1985, the GLC was (the elections coinciding with ies of the Labour government’s truly operating on borrowed the Euro elections in which (and Tony Blair’s) insistence that time, the Queen signing the UKIP polled strongly), and the when the regional tier was re- Royal Assent to its abolition on BNP and Respect both get- introduced to London it should the day Mike attended his first ting just under the 5 per cent have an element of PR. full council meeting. Mike said threshold for representation. he developed a life-long dislike Looking back over the years Graham Lippiatt is Secretary of the of Ken Livingstone from his to 1970, therefore, the main Liberal Democrat History Group. time on the GLC. Livingstone’s method was to make radical speeches and gestures proposing illegal or undesirable initiatives in the knowledge that sufficient numbers of the Labour group’s Three hundred years of right-wingers would refuse Liberal history to endorse his irresponsible plans. He also encouraged other The Liberal Democrats are the successors to two Labour stalwarts such as Paul important reformist traditions in British politics – Boateng, who was Chair of the liberalism and social democracy, which became GLC Police Committee, to separated in the early part of the twentieth century but are now reunited with each other in do likewise, particularly after the shape of the Liberal Democrats. the second set of disturbances in Brixton, which were partly The History Group’s pamphlet Liberal History is in Mike’s ward. The GLC a concise guide to the story of the Liberal Party, SDP and Liberal Democrats, from the origins continued until 31 March of Liberal political thought in the seventeenth 1986. ILEA carried on and the century to the aftermath of the 2005 general Liberal-SDP share of the vote election: 300 years in 24 pages! in the ILEA elections of 1986 Copies can be obtained for £2, or £1.50 to Journal was 21 per cent. subscribers, plus 50p postage per copy (UK). To complete this account of Send a cheque (made out to ‘Liberal Democrat London-wide voting history, History Group’) to LDHG, 38 Salford Road, Mike took us forward to the London SW2 4BQ. Assembly elections. In 2000,

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 39 competently with the com- REVIEWS plexities and intricacies of the Second Reform Bill of 1867 and the moves which led to Disraeli becoming Prime Minister in the Dizzy and the Grand Old Man same year. We read intriguing accounts of the death of Albert, Richard Aldous, The Lion and the Unicorn: Gladstone vs the Prince Consort, in 1861 and the holding of the Great Disraeli (Hutchinson, 2006) Exhibition the following year, Reviewed by Dr J. Graham Jones the death of the frail Mary Ann Disraeli in 1872, the decision of Queen Victoria to become ver the years both first time as guests at a dinner Empress of India in 1876 (in part William Gladstone party given by Lord Lyndhurst. so as not to be eventually out- Oand Benjamin Disraeli, Their first real clash was during ranked by her daughter Vicky, Earl of Beaconsfield, the politi- the Budget debate in February the Princess Royal, who was in cal giants of the mid-Victorian 1852, an altercation cemented line to become in due course age and bitter (political and by a nasty dispute over the the German Empress), and the personal) arch-enemies, have wearing of the Chancellor’s frenzied Midlothian campaigns inspired several biographies robes. There is a brief epilogue, of 1880. He displays an enviable and other studies. But Richard ‘In Memoriam’ (pp. 320–26), mastery of the course of nine- Aldous’s absorbing volume is which jumps to Gladstone’s teenth-century political history. the first joint biography of these death in May 1898, seventeen The author also gives Disraeli two larger-than-life characters. years after his arch-rival’s. his due as an accomplished Although an array of individu- Ironically, he was laid to rest at author and writer and refers to als flit across the canvass of this Westminster Abbey at the foot many other important literary book, the focus is through- of Disraeli’s monument; Dis- publications throughout the out kept on the two central raeli himself had been buried at text. Disraeli’s many important characters. his Buckinghamshire home. and widely read novels are fully The author has clearly quar- There is a real sense of ten- assessed in the text. ried avidly all previous biog- sion and drama in each chapter raphies and political histories as this political drama unfolds of the period, and has made over several decades. Each sec- widespread use of Gladstone’s tion throughout the text is most own most extensive diaries as helpfully introduced by a head- well as those of John Bright, ing giving the date and place of Lord Derby, Lord Grenville its setting – ‘Hawarden Castle, and Albert, the Prince Consort. 19 April 1881’, ‘St. George’s He has even consulted the let- Chapel, Windsor, 1861’, or ters from Queen Victoria to her ‘Cabinet Room, 13 March 1873’. beloved daughter Vicky. He also Each scene is then set in detail, makes extensive use of the pub- and at times there is at least a lished volumes of speeches of small element of poetic licence Gladstone and Disraeli and has beyond the point of historical consulted widely the volumes certainty. This provides the of the new Oxford Dictionary of narrative with great pace and National Biography (2004). It is absorbing interest. notable, however, that he makes Throughout there is a neat no use of primary manuscript balance of personal and politi- source materials. cal history, and the story of The book begins with a the two central figures is nar- ‘Prologue’ which looks at rated against the backdrop of Gladstone’s reaction to the national events. A recurring long-anticipated death of his theme is Gladstone’s need for political rival Disraeli in April sexual excitement beyond the 1881. Thereafter it follows a marriage bed – his search for strictly chronological approach, ‘fallen women’ to ‘rescue’, the beginning in January 1835 resultant temptations and bouts when the two men met for the of self-flagellation. Aldous deals

40 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 reviews

The author, clearly, has an The author, in discussing either. When which give the sources of the eye for the memorable phrase. apart, the Gladstones wrote to direct quotations in the text In middle age, an exasperated clearly, has each other most days. These and other guides to further Catherine Gladstone exclaimed an eye for letters were frank, but also reading. Although this practice to her trying husband, ‘Oh, contain more than a hint of is now academically fashion- William dear, if you weren’t the memora- emotional detachment’ (p. 52). able, it can be a little confus- such a great man you would be Of her husband we read, ‘Glad- ing, and the present reviewer a terrible bore!’ (p. 52). In 1876 ble phrase. stone was seen as a difficult, at least would certainly prefer Disraeli thundered to Lord prickly character. He was a conventional numbered foot- Derby, ‘Posterity will do justice In middle habitual resigner, even creating notes which are an easier read. to that unprincipled maniac age, an problems for those he admired Helpful, too, would have been Gladstone – extraordinary such as Peel and Aberdeen. His a full systematic bibliography mixture of envy, vindictive- exasperated preachy, arrogant manner had of all the sources used by the ness, hypocrisy and superstition often infuriated fellow MPs. author while undertaking his – whether prime minister or Catherine Even those who admired him, research. leader of opposition – whether such as John Trelawny, found The book is a gripping read preaching, praying, speechi- Gladstone him aloof and cold (p. 144). from cover to cover, likely to fying or scribbling – never a exclaimed Of Disraeli in the mid-1850s reawaken interest in the poli- gentleman’ (p. 274). When it we read, ‘His health had never tics of mid-Victorian Britain seemed very likely that Glad- to her trying been particularly robust, but and in the extraordinary lives stone was about to become the onset of middle age was and careers of these two central Prime Minister for the second husband, taking its toll. He had begun characters. It will appeal to aca- time following the Liberal vic- to develop a marked, painful demics, students and lay readers tory in the general election of ‘Oh, William stoop, which ached when he sat alike. Although Richard Aldous 1880, a distraught Queen Vic- dear, if you in one place for too long. His is most objective and scrupu- toria, beside herself with rage, weak lungs were susceptible to lously fair throughout his study, let rip – ‘she screamed that she weren’t such infection in the damp, foggy one detects a slight predilection would “sooner abdicate than London winters. Jet-black locks in favour of William Gladstone. send for or have any commu- a great man now only retained their colour This is Aldous’s third major nication with that half-mad with the assistance of hair dye’ book. His previous publica- firebrand who would soon ruin you would (p. 99). There are similar pen- tions include a biography of Sir everything and be a dictator”’ be a terrible portraits of key players like Sir Malcolm Sargent. One eagerly (p. 306). Clem Attlee’s reaction Robert Peel, the Duke of Wel- anticipates further volumes from to reading Gladstone’s letter of bore!’ lington and Lord Palmerston as the pen of this brilliant young proposal to Catherine Glynne they flit across the pages of this academic who is currently Head is recorded in a sublime foot- enthralling tale, though they are of History and Archives at Uni- note – ‘He really was a frightful firmly relegated to the sidelines versity College, Dublin. old prig … He was a dreadful of the main story. person.’ (p. 29). Aldous does The book is enhanced with Dr J. Graham Jones is Senior not, however, weary his reader a large number of most attrac- Archivist and Head of the Welsh with over-long quotations in tive pictures and photographs, Political Archive at the National the text. most taken from Getty Images. Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. The volume, although There are detailed endnotes clearly based on meticulous, wide-ranging research and reading, reads like an historical novel from cover to cover. Richard Aldous writes in a Governing Scotland captivating, enthralling style which makes it difficult for the David Torrance, The Scottish Secretaries (Birlinn, 2006) reader to put down the book. Reviewed by Ewen A. Cameron There are a number of most engaging pen-portraits of the major characters. Of Catherine Gladstone we read, ‘She rarely avid Torrance, a free- nine men and one woman (the read books or even newspapers, lance journalist and redoubtable Helen Liddle) who and could be shockingly unin- Dparliamentary aide to have held the office of Secre- formed. Catherine attended the Shadow Secretary of State tary (of State since 1926) for both church and parliament for Scotland, has written a col- Scotland since 1885. The posi- regularly, but had little interest lective biography of the thirty- tion is an oddity: a territorial

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 41 reviews

objector in the Calton Jail, note of John Sinclair that he demolished to make way for his attracted praise and scorn in new workplace. almost equal measure, and was Arthur Balfour, who first seen as a creature of Campbell- encountered rebellious Celts Bannerman. Nevertheless, he during his short stint as Scot- had a long tenure after his mas- tish Secretary in 1886–87, went ter’s death and presided over on to be Prime Minister and important land and educational others – John Gilmour, Walter reforms. Elliot, Ernest Brown, Archibald Indeed, the essay on Sinclair Sinclair – held other more illustrates some of the faults of or less senior offices, as have this worthy but rather dull book recent incumbents since George (in this it is rather like many Younger in the 1980s. There of its subjects). Torrance has a have, however, been many good eye for anecdotal and per- political nonentities at Dover sonal material, but his political House: the 6th Duke of Rich- analysis tends towards legislative mond (1885–86), the 13th Earl of description, such as the vexed Dalhousie (1886), the 1st Mar- case of the Small Landholders quis of Linlithgow (1905), the 6th (Scotland) Bill in Sinclair’s case. Earl of Rosebery (1945), Wil- Thomas McKinnon Wood and liam Adamson (1924, 1929–31), Robert Munro presided over Joseph Westwood (1945–47). some of the greatest political Lord Balfour of Burleigh excitement in Scotland: the rent (1895–1903), Thomas Johnston strikes of 1915, the industrial (1941–45) and William Ross struggles on the Clyde, the forty (1964–70 and 1974–76) have hours strike of 1919. As serv- ministry among functional been among the most substantial ants of wartime governments departments; sometimes Scot- figures to hold office and were and, in Munro’s case, Unionist- land’s representative in the politicians who made an active dominated coalitions, they Cabinet; sometimes the Cabi- choice to ‘confine’ their careers scarcely had the opportunity to net’s representative in Scotland; to Scotland. Hector McNeil have a Liberal influence. These sometimes not in the Cabinet (1950–51) may have gone on to cases exemplify the difficulty at all. Unlike the Irish Viceroy higher things had he not died and misconception of this book. and his Chief Secretary there in 1955. Unlike Roy Jenkins’s stimu- was little dignity (nor, it is fair Readers of this journal will lating collective biography of to say, much danger) attached be most interested in what Chancellors of the Exchequer, to the position, a point perhaps Torrance has to say about the the biographies are not suffi- noted by G. O Trevelyan who Liberals, of various kinds, ciently interesting to merit the served at Dublin Castle and who held the office. Of these, treatment they receive here. Dover House. John Sinclair (1905–12) and The major figures have been Until the inter-war period Robert Munro (1916–22) were dealt with in other contexts, the Scottish Office had few the only ministers to hold the either with their own biogra- civil servants; most were post for long enough to make phies or in the wider context of responsible to a series of a mark. They are scarcely the the governments of which they autonomous boards operat- most distinguished Liberals to were members. ing in Edinburgh. Indeed, serve in this capacity, however. The real interest of the post until the 1930s the Scottish Sir Archibald Sinclair, who of Scottish Secretary lies not Office had hardly any base in deserves that description, was in its holders’ biographies, but Scotland. St Andrew’s House, in office for too brief a period in the dissonance between its opened in 1939, gave the posi- to have much impact. Godfrey constitutional position – to tion some architectural dignity, Collins (1932–36), from the conduct government policy in and an office with a fine view notable Glaswegian publish- Scotland where, prior to devo- of Edinburgh. As he entered ing family, and Ernest Brown lution, a separate legal system St Andrew’s House in 1947, (1940–41) were Liberal Nation- necessitated distinctive treat- Arthur Woodburn may well als; Lord Novar and John ment of many issues – and the have reflected that ‘what’s Colville, of the Lanarkshire political role often adopted by for ye’ll no go bye ye’, as he steelmakers, were former Lib- its incumbents – to be, like recalled his Great War impris- erals who had turned Union- Thomas Johnston, a chauvin- onment as a conscientious ist. Torrance is surely right to istic defender of Scotland’s

42 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 reviews national interests. These points example – about which it would precedents that ensued, to are discussed in passing but be good to know more, Tor- the culmination of his pub- they are submerged in a welter rance’s accounts do not provide lic career as Alderman, Lord of personal detail. Although much additional detail or inter- Mayor and Chamberlain of the Torrance has read quite widely est and readers wishing to know City of London. Cash argues in fairly well-thumbed second- more would be better advised to that ‘John Wilkes had estab- ary sources and has ploughed turn to the Oxford Dictionary of lished for Great Britain and through a good deal of manu- National Biography. subsequently the United States script material and diary com- two closely related principles: ment, he seems unaware of Ewen A. Cameron is Senior Lec- within the simple limits of much recent research on mod- turer in Scottish History at the Uni- constitutional law, the people ern Scottish history. While versity of Edinburgh and co-editor of can elect as their representative there are some cases – those of the Scottish Historical Review. whomever they please regard- Walter Elliot or Willie Ross, for less of the approval or disap- proval of the legislature … [and] the first ten amendments to the American Constitution, the Bill of Rights, were written Man of contradictions by men to whom Wilkes was a household word’ (p. 3). The Arthur H. Cash, John Wilkes, The Scandalous Father of Civil book then sets about the narra- Liberty (Yale University Press, 2006) tive of the man’s life and deeds with a careful analysis of the Reviewed by Nancy LoPatin Lummis significance, in legal and political terms, of his bold actions, which prove the success of his e was a mass of contra- French philosophes. George III fight for the primacy of law and dictions. John Wilkes referred to him as ‘that devil show his stamp on the develop- Hwas gentleman, jour- Wilkes’, a characterisation ment of the modern constitu- nalist, a captain in the King’s echoed by Lord Mansfield, George III tional state. army and a carousing liber- William Hogarth and numer- Beginning with his family tine. He was a landowner who ous judges and politicians, as referred to background, formal education continually over-borrowed well as the cuckolded husbands and ill-conceived arranged and depended on others to of his many lovers. Then there him as ‘that marriage, the biography moves get him out of debt. He was were those, like Horace Wal- on to Wilkes’s early forays a careless student but a lov- pole, who hated the man but devil Wilkes’, into sexual experimentation, ing father, committed to his admired his belief in liberty a characteri- his local charitable and politi- daughters’ education. He was and electoral freedom. All, cal causes, and the birth of his also a flamboyant rabble-rouser however, would agree that sation ech- political career. Wilkes entered and trouble-maker who stood John Wilkes was a formidable Parliament as a Pittite MP for before courts, jubilant crowds force, whether ally or enemy. oed by Lord Aylesbury in 1757. The ensuing and Parliament, attacked gov- This superb new biography political battle between his fac- ernment abuses, sat in prison to of John Wilkes by Arthur H. Mansfield, tion and the followers of Lord dramatise injustice, and fought Cash gives an entire picture of William Bute, following the accession tirelessly to sit in the parlia- this amazing historical figure. of George III, rapidly became mentary seat to which electors A politician, fugitive and ren- Hogarth and more than simply a battle for had, by popular vote, returned egade legal reformer, Wilkes’s attaining and securing political him. He was a fugitive in exile, life is revealed as one filled numerous position. The infamous role of negotiating for a safe return to with principle and immorality, the North Briton, originally a England, while a national hero self-interest and tremendous judges and response to court papers such seeking political power. James generosity and, above all else, politicians, as the Briton and the Auditor, Boswell adored him, as did joy. Cash traces the life of this and part of the larger propa- his daughter Polly, seeing him rogue and sometime dema- as well as the ganda war for public opinion, as a caring man, committed gogue from his early marriage changed rapidly because of the to strong principles. Voltaire and parliamentary career sit- cuckolded suppressive tactics adopted by found him charming. He was ting for Aylesbury, through the King’s ministers. While an impetuous country squire the enormously important husbands Wilkes’s original intention who identified with the work- publication of issue no. 45 of of his many was to have Bute removed ing man, an outlaw defended his North Briton and the legal from government office, his by the eighteenth-century and parliamentary battles and lovers. political arguments progressed

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 43 reviews

Cash, ‘Wilkes’s history lay respect and abide by the laws of behind the guarantees of a free the ancient English constitu- press, the right to privacy, the tion – a perception not lost on freedom from unreasonable the North American colonists searches and seizures, and the making their own case for lib- prohibition of non-specific erty and finding a sympathetic arrest warrants’ (p.3). advocate in Wilkes. Wilkes’s conviction in The admiration and success absentia for libel (he fled to the Wilkes experienced upon his Continent) only confirmed release from prison in 1770 and government abuse and cor- his election as a High Sheriff ruption to the masses. He in the City of London the fol- became a hero, even as an lowing year were a response outlaw exiled in France, when to the firm belief that justice Lord Chief Justice Mansfield had triumphed – thanks to its improperly (and quite politi- champion John Wilkes – over cally) instructed the jurors so the forces of corruption and as to secure a guilty verdict on abuse. The man himself did Wilkes, seemingly confirming not maintain unquestioned that all the King’s men were admiration and loyalty, how- corrupt as could be. Whether ever. While he was elected or not the reading public Lord Mayor of London and believed that Wilkes’s An Essay in 1774, returned as the MP on Women (produced at around for the County of Middle- the same time as issue 45 of sex, other forces were taking the North Briton) was indecent charge on the issues of liberty and libellous, as the Bishop of and government abuses. The Gloucester accused it of being, Americans, parliamentary to making the case that the he was seen as the stoutest reformers, and followers of King’s government continu- defender of a free press and of Charles James Fox took the ally and wilfully violated the civil liberty in general. Ten- reins in the political, legal and very rule of British law every sions only mounted when the military struggles for English time it searched and seized electors of Middlesex returned liberty and the rule of law. property it believed had been him as MP in 1768 upon his Wilkes barely kept his seat in acquired without payment of return to England as an outlaw. the House in 1784 and retired excise taxes. His more per- Political manoeuvring, an from politics soon after. sonal attacks, in issue 45, had eleventh-hour redefinition of His remaining years were further-reaching consequences what arrest warrants encom- spent socialising in London than his arrest for libel against passed and the declaration as and Bath, going to the Royal the King. The open war- illegitimate of warrants that Society, spending holidays with rants issued by Lord Halifax failed to name specific indi- his daughters Polly and Har- on behalf of the government viduals, changed the law, but riet at Sandown Cottage on (which resulted in the arrest of did little to change Wilkes’s the Isle of Wight, and talking forty-nine people, when only position. His imprisonment in with friends like Boswell and three were named on the war- 1768 only emboldened both Sir Joshua Reynolds. He died rant), and the confiscation of the man and the public which in 1797, believing himself an personal property that ensued had returned him to Parlia- advocate for ‘everyman’ to the produced a public outcry so ment. No longer an outlaw, but end. His will directed that ‘six great that general warrants a prisoner and an MP unable to of the poorest men of the par- would be outlawed by the be sworn in to office, Wilkes ish’ carry his coffin, for which courts. Wilkes countered with attacked the Commons as the they would receive clothes and a civil suit against the govern- agency of repression. New legal a shilling (p. 391). ment for false arrest, violation precedents were established. Throughout his life, John of privacy and destruction of When the House received writs Wilkes was a friend of the peo- private property; he opened declaring Wilkes the winner of ple and a man who loved and new legal arguments and his by-elections and opted to ignore fiercely defended the rights and trials served to educate the them in favour of illegally liberties he believed all English- public regarding the uses declaring the election void, the men were entitled to through and abuses of government people attacked the Commons. their ancient constitution and power before the courts. For No institution now seemed to the rule of law. His clever, often

44 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 reviews histrionic, plans to protect those With this wonderful new been made of the revealing rights created the right balance biography, light is shone on his letters from Lloyd George to of public drama and litigious amazingly rich and interesting his younger brother William embarrassment to expose a wide character, accomplished and over several decades (though array of government officials influential far beyond tradi- it would seem that these were who had grown to believe that tional teaching. not quarried to illuminate inheritance and appointment those crucial weeks during trumped fundamental principles Nancy LoPatin-Lummis is Profes- November and early December and the rational application of sor of History at the University of 1916 which saw Lloyd George’s law and history. However com- Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She is inexorable rise to the premier- plicated the man, meritorious in the author of Political Unions, ship as Asquith’s successor). some areas, offensive in others, Popular Politics and the Great In the case of the letters from he was a critically important Reform Act of 1832 (London: Lloyd George to his first wife figure in British – and Ameri- Macmillan and New York: St. Dame Margaret, however, can – political and legal history. Martin’s Press, 1999). the author relies exclusively on the published volume of correspondence Lloyd George: Family Letters, 1885–1936 edited by Kenneth Morgan in 1973, The two great wartime leaders rather than consulting the original letters at Aberystwyth. Richard Toye, Lloyd George & Churchill: Rivals for Greatness This is a shame as only a selec- (Macmillan, 2007) tion of the correspondence was published by Morgan and much Reviewed by Dr J. Graham Jones of interest was omitted. There is an admirable sense of balance and fair play n 2005 Robert Lloyd George of the skin of his own mother in throughout the book as the (Lloyd George’s great-grand- order to sound his own praises’ author uses a judicious selec- Ison and the second son of (p. 5). The book’s central theme, tion of sources, both published the present Earl Lloyd-George to which Toye returns time and and unpublished, to tell his tale. of Dwyfor) published a very again (see the telling comments He displays an absolute mas- readable, attractive volume, on pp. 146-47 and 149) is that tery of such complex themes as David & Winston: How a Friend- ‘Churchill’s loyalty to Lloyd Lloyd George’s and Churchill’s ship Changed History (reviewed George was episodic’ (p. 98), involvement in the framing of by the present writer in Journal and the converse was certainly the ‘People’s Budget’ of 1909; of Liberal History 48 (Autumn equally true, perhaps even the military, diplomatic and 2005), pp. 49–50). This book more so; Lloyd George made political manoeuvres of World was hailed, on publication, as many unpleasant, bitchy com- The book’s War One; the Anglo-Irish ‘the remarkable story of the ments about Churchill. There negotiations and ensuing treaty enduring friendship between is, throughout, a nice balance central of 1921; and the steps which David Lloyd George and Win- of political and personal history led to the fateful Carlton Club ston Churchill’, a clear indica- with a store of fascinating anec- theme … is meeting of October 1922, tion of the line adopted by the dotes and asides. that ‘Church- which heralded the end of Lloyd author. Now Dr Richard Toye, The amount of research and George’s ministerial career one of the most able political reading which underpins the ill’s loyalty – for ever, as it was to prove. historians at the University of present volume is humblingly The author has an eagle eye for Cambridge (since moved on to complete. Dr Toye has con- to Lloyd the many, many myths which pastures new at Exeter Univer- sulted a rich array of archival have grown up around both sity) has produced an outstand- sources scattered in libraries George was Churchill and Lloyd George as ingly full and balanced survey and record offices through- episodic’, and individuals and around the long, of the political and personal out the UK. Some have not complex relationship between relationship between the two been used before. The present the converse them. He totally debunks the great wartime leaders, spanning reviewer was delighted to widely-held, grossly over- five decades. He sets the scene see the extensive use made was certainly sentimental myth, perpetuated for what follows in his intro- of the various Lloyd George by Robert Lloyd-George and duction, with a pungent quota- archives in the custody of the equally true, other writers such as Martin tion from Lloyd George about Welsh Political Archive at the perhaps even Rintala, that the two men Churchill in February 1934 National Library of Wales. always remained close personal – ‘He would make a drum out Especially effective use has more so. allies no matter how bitterly

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 45 reviews they might disagree on policy and interpretations. Boldly to Throughout the book, matters. bracket Lloyd George with the analysis is extremely full, The text is also genuinely Churchill as simply ‘non- with an immense amount of helpful to and supportive of the Christian’ in the introductory fascinating detail packed into non-specialist reader. Dr Toye section (p. 2) is surely a great its pages. Just occasionally, does not presuppose a special- exaggeration. Lloyd George however, one feels that there is ist knowledge and explains the was at least a regular chapel- an element of ‘overkill’ as one identities of less well-known goer both at Criccieth and in battles to absorb all the detailed individuals in his account. London, on occasion express- facts and the sometimes-com- Freddie Guest, we are told, was ing a belief in an after-life and a plicated analysis supporting ‘Churchill’s cousin and Lloyd curious interest in spiritualism. them. This is especially true George’s ex-Chief Whip’ (p. It is strange that the enthral- of Chapter Six, ‘Master and 148), Kerensky was ‘the lead- ling account of the suffragette Servant’, which is devoted to ing figure in the Russian pro- campaigns does not include any the complexities of the post- visional government toppled reference to the agitation which war coalition government of by the Bolsheviks in 1917’ (p. accompanied the opening of the 1918–22, and of Chapter Ten, 261); and potted accounts of Llanystumdwy Village Insti- ‘I shall wait until Winston is the political careers of Neville tute by Lloyd George in 1912 bust’, which chronicles the Chamberlain and his less well- and at the Wrexham National repeated, but ultimately abor- known half-brother Austen are Eisteddfod the same year. The tive, attempts to persuade the presented on page 252. Sir Wil- all-important ‘Green Book’ ailing Lloyd George to accept a liam Berry is recorded as ‘soon (The Land and the Nation) and governmental or official posi- to become Lord Camrose, an ‘Brown Book’ (Towns and the tion, possibly even a cabinet influential newspaper owner Land), both published in 1925, post, during the early years whose titles included The Daily are tersely passed over in just of the Second World War. Telegraph and The Sunday Times’ one sentence (p. 260), while the This latter chapter raises the (p. 266). Liberal Party captured a total of utterly baffling issue of whether Given the wide scope of fifty-nine seats, not fifty-six (p. secretly, in his heart of hearts, the book, it would be impos- 270), in the all-important gen- Lloyd George hoped to wait sible not to disagree with eral election of 30 May 1929. until Churchill had failed and some of Dr Toye’s comments Moreover, is it really accurate then to succeed him as Prime to describe the newly-elected Minister himself and negoti- Aneurin Bevan as, almost over- ate a compromise peace with night, ‘a rising Labour star’ (p. Hitler, for whom he still had 275) immediately upon his elec- a lingering regard. These two tion to the Commons? It is by chapters could well have been no means certain that Jennifer pruned a little to make them an Stevenson (born in 1929) was easier, less demanding read. As Lloyd George’s natural daughter it is, Dr Toye can rest assured (p. 372); the weight of evidence that he has written perhaps the now available would seem to last word on a sometimes tem- suggest that she was fathered pestuous relationship, which by Colonel T. F. Tweed, Lloyd extended over several decades George’s Chief-of-Staff at Lib- and influenced the course of eral Party Headquarters and history. Frances’s lover for a long period. Overall, this volume is a Finally, Dame Margaret Lloyd compelling, illuminating read. George suffered her fall (which It is certain to command an ultimately led to her death) not immense amount of interest ‘at their North Wales home’ and respect. The revelation Brynawelon, Criccieth, dur- concerning an unpublished ing January 1941 (p. 378), but at article allegedly written by Garthcelyn, the home of Wil- Winston Churchill in 1937 on liam and Anita George, her in- ‘How the Jews Can Combat laws, on 28 December 1940. But Persecution’ has already given these are, of course, relatively rise to fierce, partisan debate minor points of detail which do amongst academics. One not detract in any way from the now looks forward with great value of Dr Toye’s admirable anticipation to the publication, and pioneering volume. scheduled for later this year, by

46 Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 reviews

Mr Ian Hunter of his edition companion volume to the liberalism. It was heavily associ- of the correspondence which present tome. ated with the 1848 revolutions passed between Churchill and and things went downhill from Lloyd George, more than 1,000 Dr J. Graham Jones is Senior there on. Despite being the communications in all, dat- Archivist and Head of the Welsh main voice for German unifica- ing from 1904 to 1945. It will Political Archive at the National tion, its regionalism stifled its undoubtedly be an admirable Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. development – always looking towards the state instead of the people, whom it might be said to fear. Not only the National- liberale Partei (National Liberal Liberalism in Germany and the Netherlands Party) on the right but also the Deutsche Volkspartei and Patrick van Schie and Gerrit Voerman (eds.) The Dividing Fortschrittliche Volkspartei Line between Success and Failure (Lit Verlag, 2006) (Progressive People’s Party) on the left (in particular) had a Reviewed by Saeed Rahman chequered history under Bis- marck and the Kaiser; while they had some successes, they y first encounter with one tends to see a synergy were increasingly marginalised continental liberal- between the Dutch Volkspartij on the national stage. However, Mism was a happy one, voor Vrijheid en Democratie the Kulturkampf was as much some time in the mid 1970s. – VVD (People’s Party for Free- their policy as Bismarck’s, Steve Atack, then Chair of the dom and Democracy) and the reflecting the anti-clericalism National League of Young Lib- German Freie Demokratische that characterises much conti- erals, brought a delegation from Partei – FDP (Free Democratic nental liberalism (and the fact the Youth Wing of D66 down Party) on the right or economic that Roman Catholicism was to Maldon to meet a Young Lib- wing. The Dutch Democraten a major force for the darkest eral branch. The meeting over, 66 – D66 (Democrats 66) on the forms of Conservatism for many we all went to the pub, returned other hand represents the left years to come). home and we, as hosts, skinned or social wing of LI and is more The precursors of D66 and up. ‘Ahhh, ze Eenglisch joint’ commonly allied with the Brit- the VVD in the Netherlands said one of our Dutch fraters (we ish Liberals. enjoyed a less traumatic history. didn’t even have joint-sized This split between economic Despite what one might expect Rizlas). They then produced and social liberals is common their stash … in Europe and was also the case This book bears an in Germany before the shame- unpromising title, and when it ful capitulation to Hitler. It is goes on to explain that it is ‘a unfortunate that the contribu- comparison of liberalism in the tors to this anthology do not Netherlands and Germany in touch on this matter – why not the 19th and 20th centuries’, are is perhaps the most pressing we greatly encouraged? Mark question we would put to them. Smulian, reviewing the anthol- Both the Deutsche Demokra- ogy for Liberator, wasn’t, but as I tische Partei – DDP (German pointed out, he was wrong. Democratic Party) on the left It was not only in Britain and the Deutsche Volkspartei – that liberalism suffered a decline DVP (German People’s Party) after the First World War, and were important, if declining, whilst there are generalisations players in the Weimar Republic, that can be gleaned from the but signed away constitutional study of our sister liberal move- powers to Hitler in the belief ments, it is evident that local that he was a politician whom factors played a part in both they would be able to moderate. decline and recovery. There was German liberalism has a little interplay between the lib- proud intellectual heritage, eral movements of Germany and counting Kant and Hegel the Netherlands until relatively among its ranks, though Hum- recently. On the Liberal Inter- boldt (through John Stuart Mill) national (LI) stage nowadays is its main influence on British

Journal of Liberal History 58 Spring 2008 47 A Liberal Democrat History Group fringe meeting WORKING WITH OTHERS: THE LIB-LAB PACT From March 1977 to October 1978, the Liberal Party kept Jim Callaghan’s Labour government in power through the Lib-Lab Pact. Labour ministers consulted systematically with Liberal spokespeople across a wide range of policy areas. Arguably, the Pact restored a degree of political and economic stability to the country, but its achievements from a Liberal point of view were highly limited and it did not appear to be popular with the country at large.

Yet, in the longer term, the Pact can be seen to have paved the way for the concept of different political parties working together – which led in the following decade to the Liberal–SDP Alliance and may – ultimately – lead to coalition government at Westminster.

Twenty years on from the Pact, key participants from both sides discuss its history and impact.

Speakers: David Steel (Leader of the Liberal Party 1976–88); Tom McNally (Head of the Prime Minister’s Political Office 1976–79);Michal Steed (President of the Liberal Party 1978–79, and academic psephologist). Chair: Geoff Tordoff (Chairman of the Liberal Party 1976–79).

7.00pm, Monday 14 July National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place, London SW1

given the character of the but amazingly, the liberals re-emerged within the movements of Germany and Dutch, a liberal party did went on to form a single current rounds of internal the Netherlands, though, not emerge until 1885 – the party – the aforementioned squabbling in the VVD and alas, one cannot go much Liberale Unie – LU (Liberal FDP – which, in view of D66. In particular there further with the Dutch Union) – and then only as the nature of the country’s is the danger of populism without a knowledge of that a rather loose coalition. Its political system, has enjoyed which the successes of Pim language. Given the ascend- decline in the 1930s was considerable success, albeit Fortuyn exposed them to. ancy that they enjoy within associated with economic as a junior coalition partner. There is little on Dutch LI and their greater grasp of policies which could not The book’s contributors liberalism available in Eng- the balances between social endure in the times in which agree that the FDP lacks a lish, so this is a welcome vol- and economic liberalism, a they were implemented – sound electoral base, which ume from that aspect alone. closer examination of these the dislocation of the free I suspect mainly reflects Frölich’s piece on German parties might serve the Lib- trade system in the wake that old lack of faith in the liberalism in Journal of Liberal eral Democrats well. of the First World War is people. The VVD, on the History 41 (Winter 2003–04) certainly one of the reasons other hand, has gone from left many questions unan- Saeed Rahman read German for the weakness of liberal strength to strength, whilst swered on the FDP and Det- History at the LSE and has movements in that period. D66 has played a signifi- mar Doering’s contribution been active in Liberal and inter- After the Second World cant role in Dutch politics. in this book meets some of national Liberal politics since the War, Germany was again The authors speculate on these. Overall, the anthol- 1960s. fragmented and its liberal- merger, then dismiss the ogy makes a good starting- ism at first reflected this, idea, though it has since point for studying the liberal