[ Austen Chamberlain; Birmingham University ] Autograph Letter Signed ""Austen Chamberlain" to "Mr. [Cecil] Harmsworth", [Cecil Bisshopp Harmsworth, 1st Baron Harmsworth (1869 –1948), businessman and Liberal politician. With note by Harmsworth.

Author: 
Austen Chamberlain [ Sir Joseph Austen Chamberlain, KG (1863–1937), statesman].
Publication details: 
[Headed notepaper] 9 Egerton Place, S.W., 25 Feb. 1909.
£220.00
SKU: 20480

4 pages, 8vo, bifolium, black-bordered, very good condition. With original envelope. "Some years ago when the B'ham University was founded I undertook to canvass the Members for Midland constituencies, served by the University, for support & received promises of sums ranging from £2000 to £100. | The University is now making a fresh appeal & I have undertaken the same task. I venture to ask you [...] if you will kindly help as your predecessor did. | " He is sending a copy of the printed appeal so that he can assess what has been done and "what remains to do". He lists the donations from himself (£250) and his father (£1000), and J.W. WIlson, "the only other member to whom I have yet spoken, £105". He says that subscriptions can be made in instalments. "I hope you may be willing to support this great institution of the Midlands & that you will not think that in a non-political matter our party differences disqualify me for applying to you." Cecil Harmsworth adds a short note in pencil at the head of the letter: "52.10 this year (1909) & a similar amount next year 'if I can afford it' | CBH".