[Alfred Emmott. Liberal. ] Five Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Alfred Emmott'), one discussing the 'moral effect of military training'; with ALS from his brother George, on his time at the Quaker school, Kendal; all to C. J. Holdsworth of Wilmslow.

Author: 
Alfred Emmott, 1st Baron Emmott (1858-1926), Liberal Member of Parliament for Oldham and cotton magnate [ Charles James Holdsworth; Stramongate School, Kendal; Quakers; Society of Friends ]
Publication details: 
AE's five letters on letterheads of 30 Ennismore Gardens, S.W. [ London ] (3); and Spring Bank, Oldham (2); four of them from between 1905 and 1907, the other undated. GHE's letter on letterhead of 35 Grosvenor Road, Claughton, Birkenhead; 1903.
£125.00
SKU: 18179

The six items, totalling 9pp., are in fair condition, on lightly-aged paper, George H. Emmott's letter having slight wear at head. The recipient was Charles J. Holdsworth of Sunnyside, Wilmslow, Cheshire. AE's first letter responds briefly to Holdsworth's congratulations (on Emmott's appointment as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee); the second letter sends what 'appears to be an old scrap book of Henry King's' (Holdsworth's uncle), with reference to 'old Friends' books of his'; the third (no more than a note) states his 'only objection' as 'publication in the newspaper' ; the fourth (and longest, at two full 4to pages) gives his views (27 April 1907) on 'Haldane's Territorial & Reserve Forces Bill': 'I do not vote, on account of my official post, but I do not want to pass by this communication from the Society of Friends without acknowledgment'. He is not commenting as he is 'out of political strife for the time being', but is 'tempted to say (privately) that I am told the number of volunteers from boys who have been in Cadet Corps is far smaller proportionately than from the general male population. The reason stated is that military training, even of that imperfect kind, lessens rather than increases the military spirit. I wonder if it really is so. If it is, we need not fear the moral effect of military training very much. For any danger but that of the military spirit is not to be feared & the physical results are good enough.' AE's fifth letter refers Holdsworth to his brother George, who, with his wife, will probably know 'who took most of these books'. George H. Emmott's letter, dated 12 July 1903, is 3pp., 8vo, and discusses AE's school days at the Quaker School in Kendal: 'I remember, however, that on one occasion when his half yearly report came home, it contained the remark from Henry Thompson that he combined the good qualities of both his elder brothers, - meaning, I believe my studiousness and love of books, and our brother John's love of games & outdoor exercise. I do not know how it arose, but his nickname at school, where he was quite a general favourite, wwas "Madam," [...]'.