XXV.. AT HOME AND ABROAD 39 



therefore, in very strong hands, and all we want now is 

 the right sort of public man as President to make our 

 prospects look bright. 



Of course, there is always a fight for money. We 

 need £1500 a year to carry on our work, and we could 

 do with another £500 to further develop it. So far we 

 have always succeeded in making two ends meet, but it 

 has been by perpetually keeping ourselves in evidence, 

 and by interesting the City Companies. On the whole, 

 it is easier now than formerly to do this, because we are 

 a bigger body, and have more prestige. But it needs a 

 little generalship. — Yours very sincerely, 



A. MiLNER. 



Sir John had for some years been a member 

 of the Imperial Federation League, and was 

 Chairman of the City Branch. Quite unex- 

 pectedly—by him at least — the Council issued a 

 circular recommending the dissolution of the 

 league. This course was opposed by the City 

 branch and some others, but at a general meeting 

 was carried by a bare majority. The minority 

 then determined, at a meeting held at Sir John's 

 house, to found a new organisation, and he was 

 authorised to write to the Duke of Devonshire, 

 asking him to accept the Presidency. 



High Elms, Fabnborough, 

 19 December 1894. 



My dear Duke of Devonshire — I do not know 

 whether it will be in your recollection that last summer 

 the Council of the Imperial Federation League by a 

 majority of one decided to close. It has always been 

 a question whether that was legal without a general 

 meeting. 



However this may be, the City branch which opposed 

 the winding up, is anxious to start a new body with 

 similar objects. It is not expected that much practical 

 legislation can be effected, but it is thought desirable 

 to keep up the flag of Unity and to show our desire to 

 maintain the integrity of the Empire. 



