Page:William-morris-and-the-early-days-of-the-socialist-movement.djvu/221

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198
WILLIAM MORRIS

for you, and see as much of the branch as I can during my stay: please arrange with Mavor. You understand that I would not have gone merely for the Art gammon and spinach; but it was an opportunity of seeing you chaps free of expense. I have much to say to you... As to Commonweal I rather imagine that it will come to trying the four page sheet for a while, but I honestly confess to myself that I don't feel very sanguine about it. The truth must be faced, the Communists of the League are in a very weak position in the Socialist Party at present. We have been much damaged both by parliamentarians and Anarchists, and I don't think we are strong enough to run a paper; although, numbers apart, there is something to be said for us.

You see John Burns has got some of his desires—rather him than me in the position—ugh![1]

May 13th, 1889.

Dear Glasier,—Have you seen Grant Allen's article in the Contemporary 'Socialism and Individualism'? It is of little importance in itself: but as the manifesto of Herbert Spencer etc. against Herbert Spencer is of some interest.

I suppose you have seen or read, or at least tried to read, 'Looking Backward.' I had to on Saturday, having promised to lecture on it. Thank you, I wouldn't care to live in such a cockney paradise as he imagines.

I hope to hear from you soon that you are getting on.

August 15th (1889).

My dear Glasier,—Thanks for the letter, the business transaction does not seem likely to call me to Glasgow just yet: so I shall put off my visit if I can till I can be of most use to the propaganda up there. As to the Scottish Land and Labour League, I think one may assume that the

  1. Elected as Liberal-Labour member on the London County Council.