[Presentation copy of printed pamphlet.] The University of Wales. Its past, its present, and its future. An Address delivered befoer the Cardiff Cymmrodorion Society, On November 7th, 1905, in reply to Professor Henry Jones and others.

43pp., 12mo. Stapled. In grey printed wraps. 'With the Author's compliments' in manuscript at head of front cover. In good condition, with light age and wear, and stamp, shelfmark and red label of the Board of Education Reference Library. Williams puts his case clearly and persuasively: 'Under the present arrangement, the Vice-Chancellors have signally failed to preserve a continuity of University policy, and, owing to the demand of their own Colleges upon their loyalty and good services, they have always been prone to take narrow parochial views, if I may so call them, which have usually proved to be more or less inconsistent with the interests of the University. [...] All my critics, from Sir John Williams and Principal Rhys down, persist in asking me to specify the duties such a person as a salaried Head would have to discharge, and they rightly point out that neither the Charter nor the Statutes of the University prescribes any duties for such an officer. [...] Those of us who are in favour of the reform of the University are not in a hurry. We have no personal ends to serve, no dignities to keep or to covet. Speaking specially for myself, I seek neither Power nor Place in the Educational field. For many years, Education was the one main business and study of my life. That was long ago. It can never be so again. I have no chafing thraldom to escape from. In devoting some of my leisure to the work of the University I am endeavouring, to the best of my ability, to serve its highest interests. I am ever ready and willing to make way for younger, yes much younger men. In the meantime, however, I submit to the University authorities and the people of Wales generally a scheme of reform that appears to me to be inevitable, that is, if the University's integrity is to be maintained, its original aims and purposes restored, its national character clearly and firmly established, and its democratic basis made secure for ever.' Scarce: no copy in the British Library, and the only copies on COPAC at Oxford, Cardiff and Liverpool.