"I AM IN THE MIDST OF A GREAT PARTY STRUGGLE" DISRAELI (Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield, 1804-1881, Prime Minister and Novelist)

Superb Autograph Letter Signed "B. Disraeli" to the Prince of Wales, later EDWARD VII (1841-1910, King of Great Britain) saying that "As head of the Administration & leader of the House of Commons, I once thought it might not be deemed presumptuous on my part, if I had assisted at the welcome of Your Royal Highness, to day, at the Station, but, alas! I am in the midst of a great party struggle, & cannot leave the field of action. Sir, I took the liberty of congratulating yr Rl. Highness on your return to Europe. Let me now, welcome you, Sir, to "the inviolate island of the sage and free" which is justly proud of many things, but at this moment, prouder of nothing more that of its Prince ...", 4 sides 8vo., with original autograph envelope signed, 2, Whitehall Gardens, SW, 11th May

Disraeli enacted considerable reforming legislation in his Second term as leader from1874. These included the Artisans' and Labourers' Dwellings Improvement Act 1875, which made inexpensive loans available to towns and cities to construct working-class housing and the Public Health Act 1875, modernising sanitary codes through the nation, the Sale of Food and Drugs Act (1875), and the Education Act (1876). His government also introduced a new Factory Act meant to protect workers, the Conspiracy, and Protection of Property Act 1875, which allowed peaceful picketing, and the Employers and Workmen Act (1875) to enable workers to sue employers in the civil courts if they broke legal contracts.
In September 1875, Edward set off for India on an extensive eight-month tour; on the way, he visited Malta, Brindisi and Greece. He returned to England on 11th May 1876, after stopping off at Portugal. At the end of the tour, Queen Victoria was given the title Empress of India by Parliament, in part as a result of the tour's success.

Item Date:  1876

Stock No:  40027