Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 16043 - Autographs, Historical Documents, Ephemera and Postal History
Lot: 84

(x) Documents
Lord Milner
1906 Public Address to Lord Milner, a group of documents relating to the censure of Lord Milner in the House of Parliament. This group of papers, relating to John Packham Stilwell, who served on the committee including a postcard with thanks for collecting 100 signatures, A.L.S. from Sir Bartle Frere, a copy of a letter from Stilwell & Sons to Sir Bartle Frere. A fine and comprehensive group.





Alfred Milner, 1st Viscount Milner KG GCB GCMG PC (1854 – 1925) was a British statesman and colonial administrator who played an influential leadership role in the formulation of foreign and domestic policy between the mid-1890s and early 1920s.



In March 1906, a motion censuring Lord Milner for an infraction of the Chinese labour ordinance, in not forbidding light corporal punishment of coolies for minor offences in lieu of imprisonment, was moved by a Radical member of the House of Commons. On behalf of the Liberal government an amendment was moved, stating that 'This House, while recording its condemnation of the flogging of Chinese coolies in breach of the law, desires, in the interests of peace and conciliation in South Africa, to refrain from passing censure upon individuals'. The amendment was carried by 355 votes to 135. As a result of this left-handed censure, a counter-demonstration was organized, led by Sir Bartle Frere, and a public address, signed by over 370,000 persons, was presented to Lord Milner expressing high appreciation of the services rendered by him in Africa to the crown and empire.



From The Spectator, 11th August 1906
Lord Milner expresses special satisfaction that the movement should have been initiated by Sir Bartle Frere, "the son of one who in his day was exposed to much undeserved but transient obloquy"; and, in conclusion, assures all his old friends and fellow-workers in South Africa that no personal annoyances have affected him to anything like the same extent as the trials and dangers to which South Africa is once more being exposed, and which make her immediate future such an anxious one. Without altogether sharing Lord Miler's pessimistic outlook, we can cordially congratulate him on this remarkable proof of the respect in which he is held by his fellow-countrymen. The principle involved in the vote of censure was one which cuts at the root of loyal public service, inasmuch as it sought to substitute administrative for Ministerial responsibility. By this address to Lord Milner the nation has, in great measure, repaired the injustice of its Parliamentary representatives.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£95