This period, while including great developments in the movements in which Octavia was specially interested, was also marked by public discussions, which greatly affected her work. She was much interested in the controversy between General Booth and the Charity Organisation Society, about the General’s huge scheme of centralised, and despotically managed, relief; and in this, as in so many other matters, she warmly approved of the efforts of Mr. Loch, Secretary of the C.O.S., to produce wiser views of administration of charity.[114] The same friend also assisted her in discussions with the poorer municipal voters, on the best method of distributing the payment of rates between landlord and tenant, and the most economical method of providing houses for the poor.
This time was also marked by another of the many proofs of Octavia’s desire to connect her interest in art with her efforts for moral and physical progress. The fine hall in Red Cross Garden, was used by the neighbourhood for entertainments; and, on Sundays, very good music was performed there by numerous friends, to large gatherings of the people. Among other friends, who helped, was Mrs. Julian Marshall, who trained a band of Southwark boys to play in the Hall. It was now proposed that the walls of the Hall should be decorated with representations of peaceful heroism; and Mrs. Russell Barrington enlisted Walter Crane’s help in the matter, who most generously designed the pictures. The first of these was that of Alice Ayres the servant girl, represented in the act of rescuing children from a fire in Southwark. Her connection with the neighbourhood greatly interested the tenants.
In 1898, Octavia was much encouraged by the growth of appreciation felt for her work, which was shown by the presentation to her of her portrait painted by Sargent.[115] A large number of friends had subscribed for this; and, at the presentation, Mr. Loch was the spokesman. Some of her words in answer will be quoted at the conclusion of this book. She was much touched by this proof of affection; and the large gathering of friends included those who had known and worked with her for years, and the descendants of others.
But, important as were the developments in her work in the houses, perhaps the most notable of all the events of this period was connected with the Open Space movement. By the efforts of Sir Robert Hunter and other friends, “The National Trust for Preserving Places of Natural Beauty and of Historic Interest,” was founded, which undertook to buy or accept from donors places described by the above title, and to care for and manage them for the people. And Canon Rawnsley became Hon. Secretary.
A special outcome of this movement, in which Octavia was much interested, ought to be particularly noticed; the acquisition of places in the Lake district, secured partly on account of their beauty, and partly to provide access to the lakes, for the general public.
A different kind of open space, in a very different neighbourhood, was the “Postman’s Park”—a recreation ground secured near the General Post Office, where deeds of heroism are recorded by Watts, though without the addition of such pictures of the heroes as were painted in Red Cross Hall. This time saw the band of foreign imitators of Octavia’s work notably increased, by the visit to England of Dutch ladies, who formed warm friendships with Octavia, and who have shown in Holland such excellent results of the training which they received.
Octavia Hill.
From an Oil Painting by Sargent. Presented to her in 1898.
... All goes well with us here. My room has been our last household pleasure. It has turned out so pretty; and I am so astonished because it was the room where all the leavings naturally gravitated. But you know it has a pretty bow like the back drawing-room; and my one extravagance has been a very nice brass curtain rod. On this, with large curtain rings which draw easily, we have hung the curtains which Minnie gave,—crimson—and they look so bright in the western sun, and so snug when drawn at night. Then I have my writing-table in the bow, and my pretty dark book-case, and the old drawing-room carpet from Nottingham Place, which looks quite handsome, as good things do. My photographs group themselves prettily on the walls; and altogether it is very nice....
One feels that the more intercourse with honest, truthful people they[117] can have the better; and that our work, when least it shows outward progress, has this of value—that there are, in and out among them, those who are trying to fulfil at least the ordinary daily duties of life, as in God’s sight. I am myself a little cheered about the place just now; and, of course, looking to Miss Chase’s return to them with hope. She has so very much human sympathy, and feels, thro’ all their faults, so instinctively down to all that is human and good; never palliates their wrong, but loves them in spite of it, and clings to the good in them.
I hope I shall manage to take care of myself, and not give you all trouble again by any stupidity. It is much more easy to be obedient than discreet.
Deptford went quite wonderfully yesterday. I do think it begins to improve. Miss Chase’s joy in it is refreshing, and also contagious; and she always tells one nice things about the people. Ossington too went well to-day. I had a large group of workers.... Each took a staircase, and came back to report to me. I had time to see and help each.
I am extremely sorry if any words of mine have tended to intensify any dissatisfaction you may feel with your work in life.... When work is good in its object, as merchant’s work must be, is it not pretty sure that a good man, whose path has led him straight into the thick of it, seeing its abuses and temptations, has a distinct calling? The difficulties are the foundation of the triumph. The world is all full of them. We grope about, and seem hardly to see our way; but if honestly, moment by moment, we do as much as we see, somehow the place is better for our presence; and in the long years, looking back, we find we have been led on by paths we did not see, towards ends we hardly dreamed of reaching. Some men sit down in their studies, and imagine a world all different, or speculate as to whether, if they turned it all upside down, selfishness would not vanish because comfort had come. We don’t know what this world would be if it were altered; but we do know how God has given it to us; whom He has put near us; where He has called us; what power He has given us.... I do not believe in this God’s earth there can be a place where right is impossible. If it is difficult, the more glory is there in very humbly, very steadily, leading a forlorn hope.... Remember there is a Truth of things, as well as of words. Our words are indeed feeble exponents of Truth; but, whatever fact we meet in life, that is God’s own permitted Fact or Truth, possibly not eternal, but meant for us to accept or to resist; but always to deal with, for which effort He gives strength.
Thank you for reminding me about the Brier Rose. Six of us have been to see it at different times, all thanks to you. The colour is, indeed, wonderful, and the vision complete; and, if there is wanting a certain strenuous life about it, it is unfair, perhaps, to look for that in a fairy tale. As allegory, I seem to miss the energy of life and thought; but, then, the beauty of colour!
I enclose tickets for the opening of the lawn. I send those for Fawcett House for Mrs. Cockerell and Olive. They would there see the general view of things, and the Royal party would pass quite close.... I most earnestly hope that you will be able to help us as steward; we shall sorely need reliable ones. I am much distressed that, in spite of almost superhuman efforts, I seem unable to escape being taken up by the necessity of “receiving,” and so shall not be free to rush where need may be to see how all goes, and so shall need much to have really trustworthy fellow-workers, who will stay where they are asked, and can be trusted really to give signals to those who have to perform any part of the little ceremony.
I am to see Sir F. Knowles, who represents the Prince, for final settlement of programme on Monday at 2.30 o’clock; and, after that, we have a committee, and I hope much will get definitely settled and communicable; and that I may send to the printers. Next week I have a series of interviews on the ground with the builders, vestry, workmen, police, volunteers, band, and guard, etc. Thursday, a committee to settle distribution of tickets, and after that we shall despatch them. The week following we must get to more detailed decisions as to individuals and their duties, and see the execution of what the corporate bodies plan....
Princess Louise and the Prince and Princess of Wales were delighted and thoroughly at one with the people. The Prince of Wales was about to enter his carriage, when he bethought him of returning and making his way through the crowd and seeking out Lester to shake hands with him.... Octavia was delighted with the workmen. She says it was entirely due to them that the order was so good. Miss Chase was most sprightly and full of delight with the fun. Miranda in the house ... was a most happy and useful hostess. Mr. K. and A. were most complimentary to Octavia as to the arrangements. She says they have taken three weeks’ “hard work;” and her “hard work” means something.... I do rejoice that our Royal family use their great position as they do.
We went to see the Poors’ Land at Bethnal Green on Tuesday. You know it was left to trustees 200 years ago with an emphatic clause prohibiting all building. It has been let to a lunatic asylum built on adjoining land, which has used it for a huge garden, six-and-a-half acres. The authorities there are strong against the proposed building.... We went to Oxford House the same day to meet some members of the Poors’ Land Committee. They showed us a workmen’s club there, numbering 600 members, to which is attached a co-operative store, doing £10,000 a year business. It is all under the wing of Mr. and Mrs. B., who used to go backwards and forwards from Hampstead to work, but now have taken a large old house adjoining the club, and live there entirely.... They have a sacred-looking little chapel, where they have family prayers, which opens from their house and from the club, so that any who like can join. They say few do; “but they know there is prayer going up for them in all their troubles, and in what strength and hope we work.” ... At night we went to Bethnal Green to be present at a meeting of the local committee. They met in the first floor room over a cheesemonger’s shop, the cheesemonger being himself one of the trustees. The committee was all composed of tradesmen of the neighbourhood, except that there was one very young but very capable lawyer from Oxford House. Then there was a negro, who, they say, has been most helpful. He has a wonderful gift of oratory, and has addressed numbers of open-air meetings. It was a strange and interesting sight, but oh! so difficult to get any business done, tho’ they were all very zealous and touchingly eager to do all which would enable us to take up the matter. Then yesterday, by way of contrast, we drove over to a farm ... to see Mr. S., who, we heard, would give us information we wanted to record by way of protection for (a) common. He is said to have fought in old days for common rights.... He was a very fine, upright, noble-looking man, and spoke out in a quiet, independent way. The table cloth was laid, and I saw neatly marked in red marking cotton on it E ... S ... 1822; and one felt the care bestowed, and the dignity, by the continuity, of the life.
... Everyone has been so very loving and helpful that indeed I have had a sense of blessing about the time.... Nor was I much concerned about the Queen St. matter,[118] except that I could not take it on my own shoulders from dear Miss Chase. I know how little such things mean, and how real a blessing the quiet people feel in our rule; they dare not but pretend sympathy at the moment, but in their hearts they are thankful. We had a perfectly calm day to-day; everyone specially bright and friendly to Miss Chase. Mrs. W.[119] got tea ready for her, she says, on Thursday, but dare not offer it in the street; she meant to send it to the station, but thought Charlotte would be tracked. Miss Chase was as bright as a sunbeam; and all seems as past as if it were a century ago.... I hear two of the White Cross cottages are let, tho’ they are not finished. I am so glad. I was a little nervous, because Miss I. says the street is such a difficulty.
I cannot defer writing to tell you how entirely and heartily I hope that a very happy and full and noble life may be opening out for you both. I have not the pleasure of knowing Miss Wallick, but I trust she is all you deserve; and, if she be, she must be good indeed. As to sacrifice, I don’t know; perhaps there is no great good possible without it; but what one feels is the immensely deeper meaning and joy which comes, when, as Ruskin says, one gets the equality “not of likeness,” but of giving and receiving; the souls that are unlike, and the nations that are unlike, and the natures that are unlike, each receiving something from, and of, the other’s gifts and the other’s glory. And of such interchange all noble love has much.
That a great new gift has come to you, all your friends will greatly rejoice. You, who have done so abundantly much for the poor, you who have thought so little of self, best of all seem to deserve such graciousness of blessing as a wife will be. I am so very, very glad, and earnestly hope all good things for you both.... Whatever change it makes in the work, in which you have been the main stay, indeed which you alone have made possible, I trust you know that I shall feel it all right. Such changes ought to come; you have worked long and hard; and, wherever you are, you will work; but, besides this, all we are working for is to make individual life noble, homes happy, and family life good; and so all foundation of noble married life is a gain to what we are working for, tho’ our small schemes of philanthropy may crumble away....
The deep affections which gather round places, and the immense power for good among men which their knowledge and love of us give, make me often feel that the continuity of work in one place is a great blessing and duty.
You are right in thinking that we want to settle quite near our present house on account of work and nearness to Hampstead too. We have found a house that we very much like in the Marylebone Road. It is smaller than this, and with much smaller rooms; but it is quiet, light, and cheerful (having its chief rooms with a south aspect), and cheap. It is also not a great risk, as we shall take it by the year—at any rate till we know how we like it. It has a garden in front—and a yard behind—to our great delight; a little light space and quiet being our chief requirements. The Marylebone Road used to be noisy; but now it has a wooden pavement, a great boon. There will be room for Octavia and me with Miss Yorke and two of the friends now living with us, Miss Pearson and Miss Sim. It would be a great sorrow to part with them; so we are thankful to get a house large enough for us all.
Octavia’s work is so wide and many-sided, and she is so large-hearted and wise in giving all her fellow workers leave to work in their own way, that she often hands a little domain over to me to work in my own way. So there is no sense of not carrying out my own ideas.
I have never really thanked you for sending me Booth’s book. They are all reading it with interest. I believe I shall do so, some day, if we may keep it so long; but I prefer “Old’s News,” like a true disciple of Ruskin’s, and would rather read it when the fuss is a little over. I know in my heart of hearts, what I think; and that is that it all depends on the spiritual and personal power; and that we must measure, if at all, in the courts, rather than in the book. But the book would interpret at least the aim. So, thank you much.
Thank you so very much for sending me “The Dream of John Ball.” I began reading it yesterday, but have not had time to get very far in it. Still I hope to do so soon, and send you many heartiest thanks for your kindness in thus sending it to me.
I have to thank you for such thoughtful and powerful help in the past year, I hardly know how to begin. I only hope that the conduct of our business which now falls on you, and so much of the help at the Hall, is not weighing too heavily on you, or curtailing too much your time for refreshing change. You must be sure to tell me if it does. I shall try hard to supplement; and I think, with all our work in Southwark developing as it is, we ought to reinforce there; but, in any way, it is the greatest blessing to have such strong, careful help.
I should certainly think that it would be right to retain statement that the Churn articles appeared in C.O.S. Review. It is only courteous and truthful. There is a tendency to accept the help of C.O.S., and then to avoid identifying ourselves with it, which I, most of all, should be careful to avoid.
When they give us a lift, we must be most careful to help an heroic and unpopular body, by, at least, having the grace to state the facts.
Miranda was much better on Friday, and ventured to the play. We both enjoyed it greatly. It is very pretty. Helen’s character beautifully imagined, and Maud very natural and cheerful. We thought of you with gratitude.
Thank you for Morris’s pamphlet. I read it all with interest. There are some parts in it that I should like to talk over with you. I felt the practical part very poor. I also think the miseries of the middle ages slurred over in a marvellous manner! That doesn’t much matter practically; but it gives the sense of a crooked way of looking at things. On the other hand I felt heartily one with the author in his longing to better things, and tried hard to see if he threw any fresh light. In fact I thought the aim of the book helpful, but nothing else.
Miss Sewell, the future head of the (Southwark) Settlement proposes to arrange four lectures on Civic Duty, Socialism, etc., by Mr. Bernard Bosanquet (whose name I daresay you know), in Southwark, to which the Settlement might invite their various associates, workers, and friends. They would have tea and coffee, and a little informal talk afterwards. I think it an excellent plan, and that it would greatly tend to bring the whole body of members and friends together and to work. They asked about the Hall; and it seemed to me that for such an object (which is practically starting good work in Southwark), especially as it is in the afternoon, we ought to lend it freely.
The only duty I have is to remind all who can judge that our object is to train good, useful, and healthy men, capable of becoming volunteers; but that we are pledged, by our own lives and convictions, and by the trust reposed in us by others, not to weigh for a moment military training against good, natural, healthy influences. Having said this, and I say it here in this letter, I have said all I know; and I am quite happy to leave the decision to the Committees.
I am really grieved at what you say. I can imagine the “push” may be very distasteful; but the decision I should have thought would have been there, and all good; and one hoped such clear power of business as you have, combined with other gifts, would have done instead of “push” even in this age.
I remember a great actress, acting Shakespeare to an untrained audience, being asked how it was they were so silently attentive; and she said, “When they shout ‘louder’ from the gallery, I lower my voice.” I always remembered that story. I can’t help clinging on to the hope of the possible success of useful business, with all its manifold training, bringing one into touch with things, and the high ideals. But we shall see.
Far be it from me to say one word against any decision to stick to business. You know how much I honour it, and feel it worth sacrifices; and, somehow, its regular duties seem to give ballast to characters.... We shall miss you at Erleigh.
We have just parted from our Christmas party of dear ones. Mama, Minnie, Edmund, and Florence left yesterday, and Margy[120] on Sunday. Miranda and I are settling in to our usual most interesting daily work again, in this new home, which is becoming very dear.
I wish thou had’st ever seen it. Perhaps, when spring time comes again, thou may’st come. Larksfield, too, would interest thee; and thou would’st find it grown, I think.
I am more and more delighted with the exquisite book. It is indeed lovely. My sister Florence and many others have been rejoicing in its beauty. I have been rejoicing in its beauty. I have only read the preface straight through once. I do not think it strikes me as necessarily very revolutionary, tho’ I can believe some people might think the aim that Morris sets before us can only be obtained by revolution. I do not think this, and did not notice that he says so. What struck me was not that it was revolutionary, but that I did not feel that it was very true. There are people to whom Art is a very great joy, and to whom pleasure in making lovely things is great; and one could believe the number might and should increase, and the joy increase. But I think there are, and may rightly be thousands, the main work of whose days may be some little or even great effort, and their work be joyful rather in its result than in its doing; and that this effort is a natural and right discipline. The joy of many, by far the greatest, is the home joy which glorifies and gladdens the daily work. And this I may say without forgetting the blessing of all natural and created beauty; without wishing to explain away the undue sadness, and unhealthy conditions of much modern work. Only I think Morris over-estimates the sorrow for most men.
Perhaps few but Cambridge men will remember the joke referred to in the following letter. Doctor Thompson, of Trinity, said of a young Fellow whose action on a certain occasion he had resented, that “the time which he could spare from the adornment of his person he devoted to a conscientious neglect of his duties.”
I fear you must think me very neglectful, but I really seem to have my time very full. You see, there is all “the time I spend in the neglect of my duties,” to say nothing of the rest. You will not suspect me of devoting much to “the adornment of my person;” but I have ordered a new hat and dress.
Mr. Mocatta came in on Friday, and so did Miss Astley and a friend. Mr. Mocatta gave a very interesting account of the Jews’ expulsion, and what they are doing.... He says that they are mainly descendants of the Jews, who were spoiled by the Crusaders; and that they found themselves obliged to migrate from the whole line of march of the Crusaders, and settled in Poland.... There they lived in peace till the partition of Poland. Then the Russians restricted them to the “pale,” which was large, all towns, no villages or country. Certain people, university graduates, retired soldiers, etc., might “live out of the pale,” and gradually others did so also, by bribing police or escaping notice.... Then lately the old laws were enforced, and people, who for forty or fifty years have lived elsewhere, were all ordered back to the pale. He says they all want to get to America, and used to come to England hoping to be helped further.
He spoke, with great approbation, of Baron Hirsch’s scheme. He has a vast tract in the Argentine Republic—lovely climate and fertile soil; but it must take a year to get ready.
You ask about the House of Commons, My evidence went all right. I think I scored; but I felt from the first it was no use, and they considered that they could not go into the question on what I call its important grounds. Having passed the second reading, they could not alter the matter so much in principle. They only really heard me as to access to the Park for the poor, and a few other things. It was rather interesting to see the crowded Committee room, and the row of wigged lawyers, and the small Committee, and to hear the evidence and cross-examination.
We went to a wonderfully beautiful exhibition of pictures at Guildhall. There is a very beautiful Burne-Jones, “The Wheel of Fortune.” Of course Fortune is blind, but it is really grand. Also “Love among the Ruins”; very lovely—the woman’s face really so, and the colour exquisite.
I hope we may get the Bell St. freehold. It would be a great relief.
We had a delightful day yesterday at Lady Pollock’s with a party from Southwark. We had refreshing drives in waggonettes, dinner and tea out of doors, uninterrupted sunshine, and the greatest kindness. At the station Hallam Tennyson came up and reintroduced himself; he was so kind and friendly, and invited me to luncheon there, saying that his father would be so very glad if I would go. I am to write to him to fix a day.
... I went to Tennyson’s on Monday. Mrs. Hunter sent me over. It was an exquisite drive over the spur of Blackdown, among the heather, and with the loveliest views on each side towards promontory of hill beyond hill descending to the plain. Then, through a long quiet lane arched with trees, reminding me somewhat of lanes in the Isle of Wight; then out again on to the open heath, and then into Tennyson’s grounds. The house ... is not interesting; it stands among terraces set with great evergreens standing rather like cypress at the Pitti; between them the blue distance of valley and hill. Lady Tennyson was very kind, and looked as spiritual and full of heart as ever. Lord Tennyson and I had some talk before luncheon, but nothing of any real interest; at lunch some Americans arrived, and the lady was next to him, and I on Hallam’s right, so I got no talk, and after luncheon he was tired. So far as he was concerned, it was disappointing. But they were all most kind, begged me to go again; and I felt as if I had got a real glimpse of the home. Young Mrs. Tennyson was charming, and I had a quite delightful afternoon with her. She showed me a set of large beautiful photographs of the characters in the “Foresters,” which has been acted in America. She has a large room, with a balcony, and a lovely view at the top of the house near her children.... Lady Sophia Palmer has asked me to go to them next Sunday to meet the Bishop of London and Mrs. Temple, and Jowett, but I am not going. The Hooles are coming here.
Dear Miranda is so sweet; we read Dante all three together, which is very interesting....
I am going to try to avoid going up to town next week. I seem to long for a little time of quiet; and ten days here would be so restful. We shall see.
Thy beautiful letter arrived duly, and was the greatest joy to me. Thanks and blessings on thee for it! I don’t ever feel it easy, of late years, to say anything except about practical things, but thou knowest how incessantly my thoughts fly back to thee, not only now, but as thou ever wert to me in the old, old days.
I have just finished rough draft of very dull article for Nineteenth Century, also marking map of footpath for Quarter Sessions.
I am sending off Alessandri’s lovely Venetian work to the Arundel, after which I hope to send it to Mary Harrison, and I hope thou wilt see it. I am sure thou wilt delight in the beautiful Doge. He lies before me now, so still and grand.
I came down to breakfast one morning and found on my table a letter from Mrs. Russell Gurney, whom I had not seen for many years, saying she had left to me in her will a block of model dwellings,[121] which she and her husband had built years before, but that she would like me to take it now. The gift went right to my heart, and I was delighted. But I asked her to make it a trust, and she kindly consented to let it be added to the trust.
We have had a very busy time. Our Southwark Flower Show, the first held at Red Cross Garden, was a great success. We found the plants grown by the poor people much healthier than we had dared to hope in such an atmosphere. Great interest was felt by the poor people; and they seem to feel encouraged; and many more intend to exhibit next year. The scene was very pretty, the garden decorated with flags, and little tables with tea under the balcony where people sat, as in a foreign town. There were two bands, one of them the Southwark Cadets; and the scene was enlivened by their bright coats. The plants were under cover in the hall. Out of doors the people danced Sir Roger de Coverley to the music of the band. Octavia is busy with plans for new cottages. We are so glad that the Ecclesiastical Commissioners are interesting themselves to build such. They have consulted her about plans.
If I don’t see you before you start, be sure my love and blessings go with you out into the strange, new world.[122] I hope you will be very happy, and that the lifting of the horizon, which is such a joy to the young, and to those who, as they grow older, still keep the child heart, may be a great refreshment. You leave behind you so much love, and a year so soon slips over, that I hope the sense in parting will be almost all of gain and hope.