Record

LevelItem
Finding Number (Click this to view full catalogue structure)JCLAdd/36
TitleLetter from Joseph Chamberlain to W[alter] S[towe] Bright McLaren (1853-1912, politician), Oaklands, Inverness [Inverness-shire], 25 Aug[ust]
Extent1 item
Date1885
DescriptionLetter written from Highbury, Moor Green, Birmingham. He suggests the 19th as a suitable date for a meeting, in order to avoid a clash with the 'Northern Gathering'. He also requests an 'explanation...on some points in which [he] is in doubt' following the Report of the Crofter's Commission. Namely, the population levels in the Highlands as cited in the Report, statements made concerning the conditions of the crofters, and the claim that there is insufficient land in the crofter's districts 'to secure a livelihood' for the population there.

He criticises the 'drastic remedies' recommended by the Commission, and is anxious to receive responses to the proposed measures from the crofters themselves. He declares that he has 'the greatest sympathy with the crofters and very little for the so-called rights of property', but maintains that it is imperative that a 'reasonable' alternative 'scheme is put forward'
Access StatusOpen

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