xxvni LONDON UNIVERSITY 47 



To most of the " Constitution " I can subscribe ; 

 but much as I should like to be able to swallow (C), I 

 hardly think I can at present get it down, if it is the 

 case that the adoption of the first par. of it would mean 

 risking the loss of possibly a great part of the £260,000,000 

 of British Export Trade to Foreign Countries, without 

 thereby securing the retention of even the present 

 Britisii Export Trade (£93,000,000) to the Colonies. 



Although, however, I may not be able to advocate 

 the modification etc. I could of course " consider the 

 operation of such portions " etc. — Yours very truly, 



Robert G. N. Herbert. 



A month later the Duke of Devonshire writes 

 to Sir John, still hesitating whether to accept the 

 Presidency, but virtually consenting, under pres- 

 sure to do so, and proposing " Colonial Associa- 

 tion " or " Imperial and Colonial Association " 

 as titles for that which was eventually named the 

 " British Empire League." 



Sir John replied : 



\Sth May 1895. 



My dear Duke of Devonshire — We are all most 

 anxious to have you as President, and would save you 

 almost all trouble. 



Sir R. Herbert has kindly consented in that case to 

 act as Chairman of the Council. 



Our friends are very anxious to be having the meeting. 

 Might I say that subject to the acceptance of Sir R. 

 Herbert's susrgestions you would accept the Presidency ? 



We could then call a meeting and come to you with 

 the final draft. 



The Lord Mayor would then call a meeting at the 

 Mansion House, where I am sure you would receive an 

 Ovation ; though it is not necessary that the President 

 should attend, if you would prefer to be selected in your 

 absence. — I am, yours very sincerely, J. Lubbock. 



His Grace, the Duke of Devonshire. 



And the matter was at length settled by the 

 Duke's assent, thus briefly given : 



