Leopold Maxse Letter

Leopold Maxse (1864-1932) and John St. Loe Strachey (1860-1927) were the editors of Conservative publications 'The National Review' and 'The Spectator' respectively. Maxse played the role of media spokesman for the party faithful, and was renowned in Conservative circles for his ability to castigate and condemn well-known political personalities of the period such as Asquith. Strachey was uncompromising in his opposition to Liberal policies concerning tariffs and social welfare. This letter highlights how the Parliament Bill was being drawn into a maelstrom with other political proposals such as the Conciliation Bill (which would have enfranchised some women), mass creation of new peerages, and Home Rule, which the Irish Nationalist members had brought to the negotiating table in exchange for their support for the Parliament Bill.