Very truly yours；
H。 Rider Haggard。
Some weeks after my return I had a brief interview with Mr。 Lyttelton at the House of mons — it may have extended to half an hour； though I think it was less。 He expressed himself delighted with the Report； which was in his hand。 When I asked him if he was satisfied with my work； he replied； “Satisfied？ I think it splendid；” adding； “I wish the Prime Minister would take it up。 But Arthur won’t read it — you know Arthur won’t read it！”
I thought to myself then； and am still thinking； that this “Arthur won’t read it” was a summary of much of the action； or lack of action； of the Government of that day。 Mr。 Balfour； it has always seemed to me； during his ten years or so of unquestioned power； had the greatest opportunity which God has given to any Englishman of our generation。 What exact use he made of it is not a matter upon which I am qualified to express a judgment。 He and those who were in his counsel alone can answer that question。 Yet； speaking as a mere member of the public； it does appear as though more might have been done。 For instance； the House of Lords； which was； as it were； in his pocket； might have been reformed； thereby averting all the national dangers and terrible trouble which have ensued； and the final surrender to the threats of the Radical party； made more feeble； some may think； by the bold and whirling words with which it was preceded。
Again； a Redistribution of Seats Bill might have bee