Written at House of Commons. Has been listening to Churchill's naval statement in the Commons. 'Much more moderate than I feared'. Is not unduly concerned although Balfour will attempt to 'work up a Naval Scare on it'. Had 'a most delightful time' with Sir John Barker and took tea with Sir John Gilbey, 'a thoroughly sound Radical & a wholehearted supporter of Lloyd George finance'. The doctors have passed a resolution to work the Sanatorium benefit - which gives him six months to arrange the other medical benefit.
Written at House of Commons. Has been listening to a 'dreary droning speech' from Fowler moving his amendment on the Finance Bill: 'His failure is a complete justification of the criticism directed against his selection for the leadership of the attack on the Budget'. Haldane is now speaking - 'too dull & inaffective [sic] for words'. The very fine meeting at Oswestry. 'I travelled up Saturday night. Crowd saw me off - great cheering'.
Written at House of Commons. Has been invited to dinner by Sir Edward Grey, but declined as he was half-expecting the executors of the estate of William Jones. Feels unwell.
Written at House of Commons. Has been invited to Buxton by Frank Edwards. Will have no opportunity to speak on the Black Motion. Is to go to Elfed's induction meeting that evening.
Written at House of Commons. Has been invited by Professor Stuart to contribute a weekly letter to the Weekly Star. Has succeeded in securing the first slot on Friday for his motion condemning Beresford.
Written at House of Commons. Has been invited by E. R. Davies to speak at Llanhaiarn [sic] on Friday. Proposes a meeting at Llanystumdwy 'after the Tory meeting'. R. O. Davies feels that his mother's health would be imperilled if she went out in such weather. R.O.D. believes that Harry Owen will vote for William George. Is now enjoying peace for preparation.
Written at House of Commons. Has been highly praised for his speech by the Montgomery papers - 'very effusive'. Olwen's health. 'We are now voting down the Lords amendments on Parish Councils'.
Written at House of Commons. Has been entertaining Anita and her governess to tea: 'Frawd os oes rhywbeth yna ti fe ddylet osod dy gap am yr ieuengaf. Geneth brydferth a chall a chlen i'r eithaf. Dyna fy marn disymmwth i'. Is to meet W. J. Parry that evening. The Herald concern - 'to me a matter of business ... I must be allowed to charge for negotiating the business'. Legal matters. Has sent Uncle Lloyd 'a very amusing & shrewd book on Parliamentary life'.
Written at House of Commons. Has 'been engaged on the work of Christian forgiveness'. Had lunch with a 'very penitent' Massingham - 'A personal vendetta is never worth cherishing letting [sic] alone pursuing'. Maggie has given 'a most cheerful account' of Uncle Lloyd. Robertson Nicoll's account of the Free Church Council Annual Meeting at Norwich - 'Noncons in a high state of enthusiasm. They rose & cheered for five minutes at the mention of my name'.
Written at House of Commons. Has been discussing with Clifton a possible 'sort of partnership' to share some legal work - '... the profits being shared & with economic living I could jog along nicely until I picked up a little journalistic work'. J.T. at Sir John Puleston's.
Written at House of Commons. Has been awarded the honorary degree of D.C.L. by the University of Oxford and is to be invested on 24 June: 'Quite unprecedented for so young a Minister. They gave it to Gladstone & Disraeli & C.B. when they were Premiers'.
Written at House of Commons. Has been attending a meeting to consider the installation of the Prince of Wales attended by Lords Cawdor, Tredegar, Powys and Plymouth, the Welsh bishops and nonconformist leaders. Caernarvon was agreed upon. Is to speak on the Budget the next day.
Written at House of Commons. Has been attacking Balfour and Chamberlain: ''B[alfour] delighted when I attacked Joe - wretched when I came to him'. His speech has been highly praised by Harcourt and Sir Gilbert Parker. Incomplete.
Written at House of Commons. Has been asked to take the place of the Prime Minister at the annual meeting of the National Liberal Federation at Liverpool the following Thursday week: 'Regard it with fear & trembling'. 'After all he is the Prime Minister & if I talked with the tongue of angels I could not make up for the disappointment felt by the delegates'.
Written at House of Commons. Has been addressing Liberal Churchmen on the Disestablishment Bill - 'Very useful meeting. Think it will break force of intrigue proceeding against Disendowment'.
Written at House of Commons. Has been acquiring facts about Canada. There is uncertainty whether there will be a debate on preferential tariffs the following day or not. Campbell-Bannerman and Morley both believe that the government is likely to resign soon: 'C.B. already forming Ministry. He & J.M. acknowledge that I must be in the Cabinet - probably in Local Govt B[oar]d (a £2000 job). That would be a good start'. Margaret's improved health.
Written at House of Commons. Has attended the Nonconformist meeting to consider the terms of his resolution on education: 'We had an excellent attendance & they approved of the line I proposed to take'. Was invited to breakfast that morning with Munro Ferguson. Has discovered a man 'who could put Quarries thro' ... a Tory MP - Scott Montagu. I hope they are still in the selling mood'.
