[H. H. Asquith, Liberal Prime Minister.] Autograph Signature to Printed Circular regarding 'the University Settlements' [in London's East End and elsewhere] as a solution for 'social problems'.

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The ‘settlement’ movement was the result of growing unease among the educated classes regarding the condition of the poor. The two most celebrated settlements, both still active, are Toynbee Hall in Whitechapel and Oxford House in Bethnal Green. From the papers of Sir William David Ross (1877-1971), Vice-Chancellor of Oxford. The present printed circular is 1p, 12mo. Printed on wove watermarked paper. In good condition, lightly aged and folded once. Asquith’s signature is genuine. Reads: ‘October, 1911. / DEAR SIR, / It will readily be admitted that social problems have not diminished but rather increased in gravity since the foundation of the first University Settlements. Believing that the Settlements are still one of the best ways in which Oxford men may become familar with those problems and in some degree contribute to their solution, we venture to call your attention to the meeting of which a notice is enclosed, and to the accompanying paper drawn up by the promoters of the meeting. / Yours faithfully, / [W. H. Asquith]’. See Image.