LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25384

Winston Churchill Autograph Letter Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,125.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Winston Churchill Autograph Letter Signed
<B>Winston Churchill Autograph Letter Signed.</B></I> Signed: <I>Winston S. Churchill,</B></I> four pages, 5" x 8", London, March 15, 1905. Written to journalist Moberly Bell, commenting on the possibility of upcoming elections, and to whom most of the Irish members will owe their allegiance. He also says he is not planning to change parties again, since that has never proved successful in the past. Churchill writes: "<I>'The vicissitudes of politics are inexhaustible'. But people who quarrel with their own original party very rarely return; & I am not ambitious to be distinguished in that respect. The possibilities of the general election are I think more hopeful than you allow. The Irish 82 - is not now & will not be afterwards a united 82. There are I think nearly 20 now who are independent of Mr. Redwood's control. The Unionists who return to the H. of C. will include at least 12 who will be Chamberlain's personal opponents. As to the percentage of gain - after Brighton everything is possible - but with the deductions I have made a 40% gain would secure a tolerable working majority. I think with you that it is v. possible that alterations may be made in the ministry during its early years. The great age of those who will be prominent in it, seems to render such alterations inevitable. But I do not anticipate any coalition. The hour for that has gone by. You may be sure that no Liberal Ministry will hold office for one unnecessary hour without a general election. They would not be such fools at any rate as that. Are you quite sure nothing will happen till 1906? I wish I knew for certain, for I should like to publish my father's life in Septb. I will keep your letter.</B></I>" <BR><BR>An important letter. Churchill had changed over to the Liberal party the previous year, and never indeed changed back again to the conservatives. In December 1905, Balfour, the Prime Minister, resigned, and in the general election of 1906 the liberals under Campbell-Bannerman did indeed win decisively, and Churchill began his long career in the top echelons of government as Under Secretary for the Colonies. The Irish situation then as now was a thorn in England's side. John Edward Redmond was the leader of the Irish politicians, but while for home rule etc, was not a radical. He opposed the Sinn Fein and other extremist groups, but was finally forced from power by extreme nationalists just before his death in 1918. A fascinating letter from the beginnings of Churchill's distinguished political career, showing his grasp of the political situation even then. In very fine condition; usual folds are present; very clean and crisp.
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