WCP2144

[1]¹

Feb 12/01

Dear Sir

I have just finished reading your two volumes of Studies Scientific & Social² with much pleasure and profit. I have made a number of marginal notes copies of which I should be glad to send if you care to see them.

I was naturally pleased to see your reference to my book³ in the "Morning Leader"⁴ early in the year, and doubt not that it will direct much attention to the subject.

The Tory party is in power, and we are tending to Militarism and Ruin: The Liberals are without any [2] a policy or election cry, and seem afraid to take up any question of real interest & use to the people, but until this is done no progressive party can get into power.

I am trying to get the Social Democrats and the Independent Labour Party to join with the advanced Radicals, agree upon a policy & fight for it at the next election which cannot be far off, I suggest "The Housing of the People, The Education & maintenance of the Children, & the provision of Pensions & homes for the aged [3] worker of all classes."

The adoption of these would compel the nationalization of the land & other important [illeg.] also, but I look upon these as a means to an end & the Education, Maintenance, Housing & Pensionry of the People being the end itself.

Can you help in any way?, with such a programme I think we could win. We should want to send at least 10 good stalwart men to Parliament, and I have already had offers of nearly £1000 towards a fund for the purpose.

I am arranging to publish a cheap edition of 'How it can be done for propaganda purposes. The first 7 chaps & two others as suggested by you[.] [4] It will be published simultaneously in London, Glasgow, New York, Chicago, Australia, New Zealand & South Africa for edition of 25,000 & more as req'd for stereotyped plates[.]

If you would be kind enough to write a "Forward" or Preface for it I should be obliged, and I am sure it materially add to its sale and influence[.]

I am leaving for Brighton on Thursday morning and should be pleased to have your reply addressed to me

"Belvedere Mansions Hotel

Kings Road

Brighton

where I shall be till about the end of the month[.]

Meantime I remain | Yours very truly | John Richardson⁵ [signature]

Prof Russel Wallace