University Collections

Description:In this open letter to his friend, Ramsay MacDonald, which he published in Gateway, Leatham points out that the government has not delivered the socialist promises made in 1918. As Leatham states at the end of the letter, ‘What we want is to stop the State being used for the benefit of a small number of individuals at the expense of all the rest.” The article is followed by MacDonald's reply, in which he thanks Leatham for his 'admirable letter'. [show more]

Description:Letter from Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald to James Leatham. Leatham and MacDonald had a long correspondence, mainly about political matters. Ramsay writes to thank Leatham for his support of the National Insurance Bill in a leader he wrote for the Worker. Mr Snowden was not a popular member of the government, and Leatham had attacked him. MacDonald further agrees with Leatham in his view of the position of a Member of Parliament. Both believe that an MP should put the Labour party first. Self-interest does not help progress. [show more]

Description:This letter to Leatham is from Christopher Murray Grieve, better known as the writer Hugh McDermaid, who at this time was a Scottish Nationalist. The letter reads: Postponed sending p.o. [postal order] with intention of visiting you - but alas! Too often when I do that things get "snowed under". In any case - what could I have said? You and I are at opposite poles in most things: we are even "Socialists" for diametrically opposed reasons. But I read all your pamphlets with interest, and there are others I want once I get time to send you a note of the titles. My philosophy holds that there are two irreconciliably opposed types of mind - or principles - which are indispensable to each other - and that whoever would try to reconcile them or to abate their opposition to each other, is a traitor to life. Whatever opinions I hold and express therefore, I always account it good if these evoke autogenesis. How do I think it impossible to hold two or more diametrically opposed opinions on matters simultaneously – or immoral to indulge all of these in succession – so, however strongly I may combat other peoples’ ideas for tactical purposes, I am really never sufficiently one-sided to oppose them – at least altogether – in reality, and certainly never bear any ill-will although I often make a point of writing as if I did. With every good wish Yours sincerely C.M. Grieve [show more]

Description:This pamphlet is one of James Leathams's early publications. In 1891 he was a committed Socialist, who spent any spare hours campaigning for social change. This monologue is written in the Aberdeenshire dialect in an attempt to win over potential recruits to the socialist cause. The plot concerns an old agricultural labourer telling how he became a socialist. [show more]

Description:In this pamphlet, Leatham argues that land should not be owned by individuals - wealthy capitalists. Instead, it should be under collective ownership and used for the good of all.

Description:James Scott Skinner (1843 - 1927) and James Leatham (1865 - 1945) were friendly and collaborated on more than one occasion. Skinner composed this dance tune as an advertisement for LEatham's periodical, The Gateway. He published The Gateway from 1912 until his death in 1945. [show more]

Description:In this article, James Leatham considers why women should not have the vote. Socialists were not in agreement with women's suffrage.

Description:This song appeared in the Aberdeen Herald in October 1832, prior to the first general election after the First Reform Act. The song is an attack on the Aberdeenshire Tories and their candidate, Sir Michael Bruce.

Description:This song appeared in the Aberdeen Herald in October 1832, prior to the first general election after the First Reform Act. Colonel Gordon was elected.

Description:Song referring to Burgh Reform. It relates to the unelected, pre-1833 Aberdeen town council and corruption.