WCP2708

[1]

Free Public Library,

Redruth,

May 20th 1897.

Dear Sir,

I thank you very much for your kind letter¹ & the book² you send with it. I shall always prize both very highly for the sake of the giver, and I am glad to be able to say that I have long been convinced of the truth of the social or may I say? Socialist, ideas which I understood you to favour.

During ten years' residence in Rochdale, Lancashire, I imbibed much socialist doctrine, which I try in my small way to pass on to the minds with which my work brings me into contact. [2]

I am allowed by our library committee to place the "Clarion" on the tables weekly, which may also, I hope, do something towards spreading the truth.

But your book on "Bad Times"³ has made clear to me much that was a puzzle in connection with the problem with the land & since living in Cornwall I have noticed many former little farmsteads about this county, now desserted & ruinous because the leases were made determinable upon the death of three lives & could only be renewed by payment of a heavy fine.

Impecunious landlords have crippled the whole industry of this county — both mining & agriculture.

Again thanking you for your letter & gift, which are worth very much to me,

I remain | yours truly | William G. Hale⁴ [signature]

Alfred R. Wallace, Esq.

Dorset