Autograph letter signed by philosopher Auberon Herbert dated 1900

HERBERT, Auberon Edward William Molyneux (1838–1906). Autograph letter signed (“Auberon Herbert”) to R. Campbell, Esq. Old House, Ringwood, March 10, 1900.
 
one sheet (110 × 170 mm), embossed “OLD HOUSE, RINGWOOD” at head, written over two pages. Old horizontal fold; light toning and a few faint marks; otherwise very good.
 
A letter from Herbert, the British political thinker and former Liberal MP best known for his advocacy of “voluntaryism” — an individualist doctrine opposing coercive state power and party domination. Writing from his Hampshire home, he reflects on “the struggle of our politicians for power” as among “the greatest dangers”, warning that “the prize of power… leads to the corrupting of the people by politicians”. He refers explicitly to “Voluntarists, as we call ourselves”, and expresses hope that sympathy may be found for their effort.
 
At this stage of Herbert’s career, he had largely withdrawn from parliamentary life and was articulating a sustained critique of the growing authority of the modern state.