WCP245

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Dec[embe]^r. 16^th. 1893

My dear Violet¹

The Interview was by a Mrs. Tooley² who writes for "The Humanitarian", Mrs Woodhull’s³ paper, & she asked if I would let her come to talk about my views on the woman question. She had read my article in the Fortnightly⁴ & I lent her the "Arena"⁵ article. She came about 5, having been [travelling] since 9 in the morning from Clapham Junction! & then had to drive from Bournemouth, & she stayed till about 6.40. About a [2] week after she sent me a proof of [the] Interview for [the] Daily Chronicle⁶! — I was surprised & more so when she told me that the Ed[itor]. had not asked her for it, but accepted it when she sent it! Not only that but [he] had a leader upon it!! yet he has had a long letter of mine — & a good one — on "the Unemployed" for more than two months, & has promised to insert that some Monday — but the French Anarchist Explosion [3] stopped it last Monday. He has had several nibbles at the question, & is perhaps leading up to my article.

I am glad to say my "House of Lords" article is accepted by the Ed. of "Contemporary Review"⁷ & I have just sent off corrected proof — so it will no doubt be in [the] next number.

We had a gale here last Monday Tuesday & Wednesday, but on Tuesday afternoon between 2 & 3 it was so violent that it blew down many chimneys in Bournemouth, which smashed through roofs, also in Poole, the [4] Streets being full of tiles & Chimney pots, — & several buildings unroofed, while many boats were sunk & the waves dashed over the wharfs. From Southampton to Weymouth it was worst & did great damage, & I believe killed 2 [or] 3 people. On Wednesday morning I & Ma⁸ walked to Flag Head Chine & the Folly & back by [the] lower road. The sea was not much however because the wind was nearly west, but where the road is low the spray was carried right over it. The top of our largest Fir tree on the bank was torn off & fell on to Col. Nicholls’ garden, & there were Slates in the little park blown from the houses opposite. No damage to our house. Let us know the day & hour of your arrival & of Miss Macdonald’s if she tells you in time.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

The⁹ starlight nights have been wonderfully bright lately & Venus & Jupiter most brilliant. Has no friend of your friend a telescope you could get a squint through ?

I¹⁰ suppose you w[oul]^d like a fatted Calf in the shape of a stuffed Turkey?