| Description | Nine page letter dated 1 October. Russell [1834-1920, first Baron Russell of Liverpool, newspaper editor and proprietor] writes to Chamberlain after hearing about plans to 'develop the Demonstrations and to accentuate them by publicly raising a fund'. He thinks this a 'grievious mistake' and more likely to decrease than increase support as it will give the impression that 'money & wirepulling have done it all'. He argues that support for the bill would be better communicated through speeches, which would show that 'our leaders are determined; that there is no compromise in the air'. He believes that this is Chamberlain's intention and sends his support. He writes that they need to reply to Sir Stafford Northcote and suggests that Gladstone could do this in Liverpool. He criticises local leaders who he accuses of 'apathy & bad management'. He adds that if the bill is thrown out he thinks Gladstone 'ought to resign rather than dissolve', but if he dissolves his colleagues who hold 'advanced opinions' should resign. |