BALFOUR (Arthur James, 1848-1930, Prime Minister 1902-1905, Earl)

Fine Autograph Letter signed to Mr Layman informing him "that the Home Secretary this afternoon categorically repeated the assurance which, as I told Messrs Oram and Metcalf this morning, I thought he had already given, to the effect that there was no intention whatever to remove the assizes from Herttford & St Albans, but that on the contrary the prisoners were in future to be removed at Government expense ... when they came up for trial. This will I hope do much to mitigate the feeling of alarm with which the inhabitants ... regard the abolition of the Goal, on which the Government, in consequence of the very strong report of the commission, has decided. As you will know, I did all in my power to avert the decision, but I am bound to say that as things have turned out no other was possible for the Home Secretary. I trust however that, as county business will remain at Hertford the injury to the town will be immaterial ...", 3 sides 8vo., House of Commons headed paper, 1st March

In spring 1878, Balfour became Private Secretary to his uncle, Lord Salisbury. He accompanied Salisbury (then Foreign Secretary) to the Congress of Berlin and gained his first experience in international politics in connection with the settlement of the Russo-Turkish conflict.

Item Date:  1878

Stock No:  40879      £225

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