Ada Butchart - 1921-11-30

Sunday Evening
8^th May 1921

Dear Miss Gauss,
                            I was very pleased to get your letter of 2^d April with its interesting contents.  When I sent you the 'Glasgow Herald' Ada and her mother (my sister) had been talking of you and yours and I had previously observed that you were interested in affairs so I sent the paper as the leader that day seemed appropriate.  More recently I sent you a 'Scotsman' and marked the part dealing with the painful Irish trouble.  I daresay you had seen early reports of the Lloyd George letter, but I wanted you to handle both our leading Scottish Journals - good specimens we consider.
        You rightly guessed my relationship.  My wife and I often speak of your Uncle Shirley - a delightful man to know, and it is sad to think, even now that he has passed away.  I remember my wife, who is Scots-Irish giving him on his departure, some flower or sprig to take to his wife, and when she appologised [sic] for troubling him with such a thing he replied in his own gracious way that he would carry it gladly even though he had to take it in his hand all the way!
        Ada and her mother went up last week to a place near here named Bridge of Cally for a little change.  There seems quite a different air there though only seven miles off. It is more Hig[h]land with heather all around.
        Referring to your remark about the Irish Question and what your friend Mrs Palmar said that it was a religious question there is no doubt a certain amount of truth in that, but on the other hand it has always struck me that the explanation comes too readily from people who do not want to be troubled thinking.  There have of course been sad and serious grievances but for the past generation there have been continuous efforts to make amends and recent legislation has been on the most generous lines.  I have been a Home Ruler for 30 years, my wife who is from Cork is the same, but now we have lost all patience with this mad revolt.  on Friday and Saty.  there were some signs that things might mend and if that should happen, and the wild men in the Coal fields come to their senses, and further if the Germans like the "Deil" would "tak a thocht and mend" we might begin to breathe more freely in this distracted country.  I know of course that you have your share of troubles in your land, but the possibilities are not so serious as with us.
        I read the St. Louis leader with much interest also the cuttings, though of some of them contained news which we probably read here before you!  Is that not likely?  Have not thought it out, but my wife and I frequently made the remark during the 2 years we were in New York (1882/1885.) i.e. about British News in the New York morning papers.
            I dont quite know what is meant in the leader bout "the maelstrom of contending passions" at the Versailles conference." Breath of Victory and Scent of spirls[?]" "Hatred seonled[?] at the Council table &c &c &"
        There would be grevious differences of course and how could it be otherwise, and this we know in a general way.  But there has been a supreme effort I think to give and take all round.  Only the other day who could blame France if she wanted to march into Germany, and who could blame Britain for feeling reluctant.  As Lord R. Cecil and Lloyd George both told the House of Commons we must have consideration for France in her terrible experiences, and something similar could be said for Italy and ourselves, if required.
        The one great thing now is that U.S.A and Allies should not get to cross purposes, and I think our press on the whole is most discreet in this line.
            Well I have said more than enough and just end with kindest regards from my wife and self.

Yours very sincerely.     D. B. Burns

Note:  This gentleman had lovely, neat handwriting, but it is difficult to read.  The envelope has a Blairgowrie postmark.