Miss Sewell, the future head of the (Southwark) Settlement proposes to arrange four lectures on Civic Duty, Socialism, etc., by Mr. Bernard Bosanquet (whose name I daresay you know), in Southwark, to which the Settlement might invite their various associates, workers, and friends. They would have tea and coffee, and a little informal talk afterwards. I think it an excellent plan, and that it would greatly tend to bring the whole body of members and friends together and to work. They asked about the Hall; and it seemed to me that for such an object (which is practically starting good work in Southwark), especially as it is in the afternoon, we ought to lend it freely.
April 26th, 1891.
As to Cadet Corps.
The only duty I have is to remind all who can judge that our object is to train good, useful, and healthy men, capable of becoming volunteers; but that we are pledged, by our own lives and convictions, and by the trust reposed in us by others, not to weigh for a moment military training against good, natural, healthy influences. Having said this, and I say it here in this letter, I have said all I know; and I am quite happy to leave the decision to the Committees.
June 21st, 1891.
To Mr. Sydney Cockerell.
I am really grieved at what you say. I can imagine the “push” may be very distasteful; but the decision I should have thought would have been there, and all good; and one hoped such clear power of business as you have, combined with other gifts, would have done instead of “push” even in this age.
I remember a great actress, acting Shakespeare to an untrained audience, being asked how it was they were so silently attentive; and she said, “When they shout ‘louder’ from the gallery, I lower my voice.” I always remembered that story. I can’t help clinging on to the hope of the possible success of useful business, with all its manifold training, bringing one into touch with things, and the high ideals. But we shall see.
MORRIS’S LECTURES ON ART
July 19th.