Letter about his wish to enter the parliament (21 september 1900)

From The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia
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This letter was written by Arthur Conan Doyle on 21 september 1900 from 27 Rue des Batignolles (Paris 17th district, France) about his wish to join the parliament.


Letter

27 Rue des Batignolles
Paris
Sept 21, 1900.

Dear Sir

It has struck me, after writing to you this morning, that it might not be time wasted if I were to state what qualifications I should have for appealing to the Elections of Central Edinburgh, so that the Committee might consider that point before I arrive.

In the first place I was born in Edinburgh, Picardy Place near York Place. I spent my boyhood there, visited it every year afterwards, spent five years at the University and took my MD there. It is in every sense my native town.

I have been a Liberal Unionist since such a thing existed. I was secretary of the Portsmouth Liberal Unionist Association for years, worked at canvassing, spoke at all political meetings and had a good share in...


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... is proclaimed. I desire to enter parliament as I desired to serve in Africa because I believe that I can be of some use to the country, having some special knowledge on these points and no personal interests one way or the other.

On local points I would be open to conviction, but all minor things must be overshadowed by the necessity of supporting the men who made and against so many difficulties carried through the war. My general political point of view is rather that of those whigs, who were once so prominently associated with Edinburgh.

Yours very truly

A. Conan Doyle









  • Source: Brian Pugh Collection.

  • Letter auctioned at Sotheby's (London), 17 december 1998, Lot 353.