I congratulate you on the latest by “Historicus”; but do you sufficiently intensify the intolerable tyranny of the permanent Tory majority in the Lords that has meant a real single chamber government for so many years? The Radicals are on the win and no one can stop it. We exaggerate the consequences. The silly thing is to have a General Election. Who gains? Everybody loses! Certainly the Tories won’t win. Tariff Reform dead. Winston’s last speeches have been very high class, especially where he shows how far greater issues are settled by the Government than anything appertaining to legislation without the House of Lords having a voice and we have always taken those risks in the past without a thought! What is this about Kitchener hoisting out French as Inspector General? Anything to get Kitchener out of England! [King Edward VII. died on May 6th, 1910.] 1910. _May._ _(Saturday.)_ What an _inexpressible_ sorrow!. How we both know the loss! What a great National Calamity! And _personally_ what can I say? _What a splendid and steadfast friend!_ No use saying any more to each other--is it? _I really feel heart broken!_ * * * * * 1910. _May 24th._ KILVERSTONE HALL. ... I really can’t get over the irreparable loss. _I think of nothing else!_ Treves gave me a wonderful account of the King’s last day. I rather think the King was coming to see me here, had he remained at Sandringham. The Queen [Queen Alexandra] has been very sweet to me. She stopped to notice me going up the steps of St. George’s Chapel and so did her Sister [the Empress Marie]. I appreciated it very much--but most of all my interview with her.... She told me she would come here to see me and how the King had told her about me being disappointed at her not having been to Kilverstone before. You’ll think me morbid writing like this. I dined with Asquith, McKenna and George Murray last week in London. If the Tories weren’t such d--d stupid idiots I should rejoice at things being certain to go well.... My day is past. I have no illusions. You will enjoy the roses I’ve planted when you come here. How one’s life does change! * * * * * 1910. _May 27th._ ... The Commonwealth Government [of Australia] have just sent a confidential telegram to Sir George Reid to ask me to go as their Guest to advise on the Navy. I’ve declined. I’d go as Dictator but not as Adviser. Also they have commenced all wrong and it would involve me in a campaign I intend to keep clear of with the soldiers. By the wording of the telegram I expect further pressure. Besides what a d--d fine thing to get me planted in the Antipodes! [Kitchener and the Australians, in drawing up their scheme of defence, forgot that Australia was an island. So do we here in England.]