WCP1612

[1]

Fife Arms Hotel

Braemar

N[orth]. B[ritain]. [Scotland]

22 July 1879

Dear Sir,

It was because I had read with so much interest and sympathy your article in the "Nineteenth Century"¹ that I ventured to trouble you with a copy of my pamphlet.² It is therefore especially gratifying to me to receive your note. and to find that our opinions are so much in union. I have asked my Secretary to send a copy at once to Prof. F[rancis]. W[illiam]. Newman. [2] Have you read the article on the Federation of the Empire in the current N^o. of the Westminsiter Review? A parliamentary friend writes to tell me that it goes very far in my direction, but I have not yet seen it.

I have been thinking the subject out for many years, and for some time past have believed that the nation is becoming (however unconsciously) prepared for such a policy. The jealousies of various interest and classes are, however, so great, that only a wide and comprehensive scheme can either gain sufficient support, or neutralize [3] sufficiently the opposition of powerful sections.

Besides, only such a wide and definite policy can kindle the imagination and enthusiasm of the working men,— on whose support all depends. They are far more inclined to it than is generally admitted;— and it is the fear of an alliance between them and the agricultural interests for the establishment of such a policy, which is maddening Mr. Bright and the Manchester School, and impelling them to raise the unprofitable English "free land" question at this moment, as a means of [one word illegible] them & so preventing it. [4] I may tell you, in confidence, that only a few days ago I received a letter from the Secretary of the chief Weaver’s Trade Union in Lancashire,— a perfect stranger to me— speaking in the highest terms of my pamphlet, & asking how it could best be published for circulation to all their [one word illegible]. I have no political or personal opinion to serve; but in the interest of the industrious working class, amongst whom I have spent my life, I confess that I published my views (the fruit of long and careful thought) in the strong hope that they might be instrumental in gathering together many scattered forces [5] for united action.

And I am sure time progress,— for events are moving fast;— and before another Parliament has seen its course, much of this great good may have past[sic]out of our reach for ever.

Yours faithfully | William Farrer Ecroyd³ [signature]

Alfred R. Wallace Esq^r

I am here until the 27^th. or 28^th.