WCP245

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Dec^r. 16th. 1893

My dear Violet¹

The Interview² was by a Mrs. Tooley 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 article⁴ in the Fortnightly & I lent her the "Arena" article. She came about 5- having been 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 Interview for Daily Chronicle!⁵ — I was surprised & more so when she told me that the Ed. had not asked her for it, but accepted it when she sent it! Not only that but 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" article⁶ is accepted by the Ed. of "Contemporary Review" & I have just sent off corrected proof — so it will no doubt be in 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.. 3 people. On Wednesday morning I & Ma⁷ walked to Flaghead Chine & the Folly & back by 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.

I⁸ suppose you w^d. like a fatted Calf in the shape of a stuffed Turkey?

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?