CHAMBERLAIN, (Arthur) Neville (1869-1940). Prime Minister 1937-1940.
Autograph Letter Signed to Professor William Augustus Tilden (1842-1926, chemist), 4 pages 8vo on writing paper of Elliott's Metal Company in Birmingham, 12 January 1900. Suggesting that Tilden's technical expert might be suitable for a post he has vacant, and discussing the salary to be offered.

'... I offered 2 men, who were fresh from college & who seemed otherwise suitable, £75 for the 1st year to be increased to £150 the Second year if they proved satisfactory. They declined.
It seems to me that my offer was reasonable ... However if academic distinction has really a higher value in the market than this I suppose I must modify my ideas. What do your young men generally begin on? ...'

Chamberlain pursued a successful business career in Birmingham, after a rather less successful attempt to grow sisal in the Bahamas. Though he took an active interest in politics, he did not go into the field himself until 1911 when he was elected to the Birmingham City Council.
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