Henry Wellcome to Burroughs

Manuscript letter, dated 22 March 1899, in reply to "yours of the 19th from Salsburgh" [Salzburg].

A discursive letter considering the relationship between politics, religion and business, in the context of the business partnership of Burroughs and Wellcome, and their business practice (particularly the inclusion of political circulars in communication with customers).

Wellcome gives his views on Henry George and Charles Bradlaugh: "Now, while I hold Mr George's character and integrity in high regard I do not agree with the greater part of his political theories. I am an ardent admirer of the grand abilities of Chas Bradlaugh - whom you petitioned to exclude from Parliament. I hold in high regard his honesty of purpose, his sense of humanity, right and justice among men[,] but though I do not agree with his religious theories I did decline to sign your petition on the ground that to exclude him from Parliament because his religious beliefs differed from yours and mine was neither just nor manly" [sheets 4-5].

Wellcome argues strongly against "placing political documents in any form into goods going to our customers...." [sheet 11], and then refers to the opening of the Dartford factory [6 July, 1889], at which Henry George spoke: "I must remind you of the fact that after you had most sacredly pledged that no politics should be in any way touched upon that opening day and that Mr George would not touch upon political questions ... - you, after making these pledges to me[,] particularly arranged for the political addresses which were delivered in our works that evening and then you extensively advertised the fact by circulating reports of these addresses among our patrons and thereby have called down upon our firm the severe condemnation of many of our valued business supporters" [sheets 12-13].

22 March 1890

1 file 15 sheets

Copyright assigned to the Wellcome Trust