Cardiff,
January 23, 1891.
MY DEAR MISS SKENE,
This gorgeous paper[[11]] is that which the town of Cardiff supplies for the use of its mayors. As I have had nothing to do personally with originating it, I may freely say that I think it very pretty. And the arms of the town are certainly interesting historically, as a memorial of the De Clares, Lords of Glamorgan, of whom the last male representative fell at Bannockburn in 1314.
I get on pretty well with my civic government here. My official confidants are nearly all Radical Dissenters, but we manage in quite a friendly way. They only elected me as a kind of figure-head; and although they are good enough to be glad whenever I take part in details, I am willing to leave these in the hands of people with more experience than myself, as far as I properly and conscientiously can do so.
I have, however, felt it to be my duty (owing to some terrible facts) to insist upon the enforcement of the laws for the protection of little girls; and here I find unanimous and hearty support from quite a majority of the officials, who differ from one another as widely as possible upon every religious, political, and social question. I learned yesterday of a certain lot of children whom I have been honoured to be the instrument of getting out of a bad house of the worst kind. This will cheer me on my death-bed—or beyond, for I shall have forgotten, but Another will not.
Sincerely yours,
BUTE.