| Description | Letter written from Southbourne, Augustus Road, Birmingham dated 8 September. Chamberlain writes to Anderson [1819-1896, politician] about a misunderstanding over a conference and complains about Mr J. Guthrie Smith and Mr Jackson in connection with the error. Chamberlain writes that he suggested that a conference 'of delegates from Scotch boroughs' would be useful but never intended to organise or preside over such a meeting. He believes that if the West of Scotland Association wishes to organise a meeting along the same lines as the National Federation of Liberal Associations in England they can do so and should not require the presence of Lord Hartington or Mr Gladstone. He writes that he agreed to attend an evening meeting only because he was assured by Glasgow representatives that his presence was wanted, but he will happily be replaced as he has other pressing work. |