Correspondence with Herbert Sidebotham (1872-1940), journalist, relating to a request by Sidebotham to be considered for employment at the Manchester Guardian, with reference to a meeting with Scott, and a discussion with [Charles Edward] Montague, journalist and writer, about his desire to enter journalism, which is declined, but with the suggestion that Sidebotham might carry out occasional work for the paper. Also included is a letter of recommendation for Sidebotham from R.W. Raper, bursar of Trinity College, Oxford.
There is also an offer by Scott of work at the paper, writing leader articles and miscellany, with discussion of potential terms of employment, which is followed by an offer of a short engagement of employment, intended to last for a few years. There are discussions of Sidebotham's work, increases in his salary, and an occasion in which he is in temporary charge of the paper owing to the absence of Scott and Montague. There is a request by [Alfred] Gardiner, newspaper editor, for permission to approach Sidebotham regarding an offer of employment at the Daily News, which is granted. Also included is a letter of support for an application by Sidebotham for a passpost for Finland, where he will act as a correspondent for the Manchester Guardian.
There is discussion of Sidebotham's qualification as [a barrister], and his request to write upon legal subjects for the paper, and potentially to practise law, and Scott's decision that the staff of the paper cannot also be employed elsewhere. There are arrangements for meetings between Scott and Sidebotham to discuss the subject, with praise of Sidebotham's work, reference to salary, and an offer made to Sidebotham of a position as a director, and of preferences shares in the paper, which are accepted.
Also included is correspondence relating to the waiving by Sidebotham of his fee as a director of the paper at the beginning of the [First World War], their later repayment, and a request by Sidebotham for an increase in salary, which is declined. There is discussion of requests by Sidebotham to contribute articles to the Sunday Chronicle, and to work on an [unknown] project with [Chaim] Weizmann, Zionist leader and president of Israel, which are declined. There are letters of resignation from Sidebotham, addressed to Scott, and to J.R. Scott, with discussion of Sidebotham's regret at leaving the Manchester Guardian.
There is a request by Scott for an article by Sidebotham on the right to capture at sea, which is granted, with the provision that it is published without Sidebotham's signature, and discussion of his obligations to other papers. There is also discussion of the provision of a second article, which Sidebotham suggests may be published under [his pseudonym] 'Student of War', but if this occurs, he will deny having given permission for it to happen. Also included is an internal memorandum by Sidebotham entitled 'the Barcelona punishments' with discussion of the conflict between Spain and Morocco. There is correspondence between Sidebotham and E.T. Scott, relating to Sidebotham's concern for the health of Harold Dore, journalist, and discussion of the effect of his health upon his work as a parliamentary reporter for the Manchester Guardian, which is acknowledged with thanks by E.T. Scott.
GDN/A/S51/1 is a proof of a letter to the editor by Sidebotham entitled 'The Liberal Party and the Elections' in the Manchester Guardian, 1895.
GDN/A/S51/51 is an article and interview with Sidebotham, accompanied by photographs, entitled 'Cameralogues', [1936].
GDN/A/S51/52 is an obituary for Sidebotham in the Manchester Guardian, 1940.