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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/36796-8.txt b/36796-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2c78388 --- /dev/null +++ b/36796-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6843 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bygones Worth Remembering, Vol. 2 (of 2), by +George Jacob Holyoake + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bygones Worth Remembering, Vol. 2 (of 2) + +Author: George Jacob Holyoake + +Release Date: July 20, 2011 [EBook #36796] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BYGONES WORTH REMEMBERING *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + + +BYGONES WORTH REMEMBERING + +By George Jacob Holyoake + +"Look backward only to correct an error of conduct for the next attempt" + + George Meredith + +Volume II + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. CONVERSATIONS WITH MR. GLADSTONE + +Were I to edit a new journal again I should call it _Open Thought_. I +know no characteristic of man so wise, so useful, so full of promise +of progress as this. The great volume of Nature, of Man and of Society +opens a new page every day, and Mr. Gladstone read it. It was this which +gave him that richness of information in which he excited the admiration +of all who conversed with him. + +Were Plutarch at hand to write Historical Parallels of famous men of our +time, he might compare Voltaire and Gladstone. Dissimilar as they were +in nature, their points of resemblance were notable. Voltaire was +the most conspicuous man in Europe in the eighteenth century, as Mr. +Gladstone became in the nineteenth. Both were men of wide knowledge +beyond all their contemporaries. Each wrote more letters than any other +man was ever known to write. Every Court in Europe was concerned +about the movements of each, in his day. Both were deliverers of the +oppressed, where no one else moved on their behalf. Both attained great +age, and were ceaselessly active to the last In decision of conviction +they were also alike. Voltaire was as determinedly Theistic as Mr. +Gladstone was Christian. They were alike also in the risks they +undertook in defence of the right. Voltaire risked his life and +Gladstone his reputation to save others. Mr. Morley relates of the +Philosopher of Ferney, that when he made his triumphal journey through +Paris, some one asked a woman in the street "why do so many people +follow this man?" "Don't you know?" was the reply. "He was the deliverer +of the Calas." No applause went to Voltaire's heart like that Mr. +Gladstone had also golden memories of deliverance no one else moved hand +or foot to effect, and multitudes, even nations, followed him because of +that. + +On the first occasion of my going to breakfast with him he was living +in Harley Street, in the house in which Sir Charles Lyell died. As Mr. +Gladstone entered the room, he apologised for not greeting me earlier, +as his servant had indistinctly given him my name. He asked me to sit +next to him at breakfast. There were seven or eight guests. The only one +I knew was Mr. Walter. H. James, M.P., since Lord Northbourne--probably +present from consideration for me. One was the editor of the _Jewish +World_ a journal opposed to Mr. Gladstone's anti-Turkish policy. Others +were military officers and travellers of contemporary renown. It was +a breakfast to remember--Mr. Gladstone displayed such a bright, +unembarrassed vivacity. He told amusing anecdotes of the experiences of +the wife of the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whose charm he said he could +only describe by the use of the English rural term "buxom." On making a +time-bargain with a cabman, he observed to her ladyship that "he wished +the engagement was for life." Mr. Gladstone thought no English cabman +would have said that. Another pleasantry was of one of Lord Lyttelton's +sons, who was very tall and lank. He being in Birmingham and wishful to +know the distance to a place he sought, asked a boy in the street who +was passing, "how far it was." "Oh, not far," was the assuring but +indefinite answer. "But can you not give me some better idea of the +distance?" Mr. Lyttelton inquired. "Well, sir," said the lad, looking up +at the obelisk-like interrogator before him, "if you was to fall down, +you would be half way there." + +These incidents were not new to me, but I was glad to hear what was +probably the origin of them. From Mr. Gladstone's lips they had a sort +of historic reality which was interesting to me. + +Afterwards he spoke of the singular beauty of the "Dream of Gerontius" +by Cardinal Newman, and turning to me asked if I knew of it, as though +he thought it unlikely my reading lay in that direction. He was very +much surprised when I said I had read it with great admiration. He said +it was strange, as he had mentioned the poem at three or four breakfast +tables, without finding any one who knew it. + +As I left, Mr. Gladstone accompanied me downstairs. On the way I +took occasion to thank him for a paper that had appeared in the +_Contemporary_ containing definitions of heretical forms of thought, so +fair and accurate and actual, that Shakespeare or Bunyan, who had the +power of possessing himself of the minds of those whose thoughts he +expressed, might have produced. There had been nothing to compare with +it in my time. Theological writers described heterodox tenets from their +inferences of what they must be--never inquiring what they actually +stood for in the minds of those who held them--whereas he had written +with unimputative knowledge. Stopping on the first platform of the +stairway we reached, he paused, and (holding the lapel of his coat with +his hand, as I had seen him do in the House of Commons) he said he +was glad I was able to think so, "for that is the quality in which you +yourself excel." This amazed me, as I never imagined that he had ever +taken notice of speeches or writings of mine, or formed any opinion upon +them. Nor was he the man to say what I cite from mere courtesy. + +The second time I breakfasted in Harley Street was in the days of the +Eastern question. Mr. John Morley was one of the party. Mr. Gladstone +had again the same disengaged manner. Before his guests broke up he +entered the room, bearing on his arm a pile of letters and telegrams, +and apologised for leaving us as he had to attend to them. That morning +Mr. Bright came in, and seeing me, said, "Poor Acland is dead. Of course +there was nothing in the house, and a few of us had to subscribe to bury +him." James Acland was the rider on a white horse who preceded Cobden +and Bright the day before their arrival to address the farmers on the +anti-Corn Law tour in the counties. Mr. Gladstone's grand-daughter was +to have arrived at Harley Street that morning, but her nurse missed the +train. When she appeared, Bright, who had suggested dolorous adventures +to account for her non-appearance, proposed, when the child was +announced to be upstairs, that a charge of sixpence should be made for +each person going to see her. + +That morning one of the guests, who was an actor, maintained that it was +not necessary that an actor should feel his part. Mr. Gladstone, to whom +conviction was his inspiration--who never spoke without believing what +he said--dissented from the actor's theory, as I had done. + +Towards the end of his life, I saw Mr. Gladstone twice at the Lion +Mansion in Brighton. On one occasion he said, after speaking of Cardinal +Newman and his brother Francis, "I remember Dr. Martineau telling me +that there was a third brother, a man also of remarkable power, but he +was touched somewhere here," putting his finger to his forehead. "Do you +know whether it was so? It is so long since Dr. Martineau named it to +me, and my impression may be wrong." I answered, "It was true. At one +time I had correspondence with Charles Newman. He would say at times, +'My mind is going from me for a time. Do not expect to hear from me +until my mind returns.' In power of reasoning, he was, when he did +reason, distinguished for boldness and vigour." Mr. Gladstone said, +"When you write again to his brother Francis, convey to him for me the +assurance of my esteem. I am glad you believe that the cessation in his +correspondence was not occasioned by anything on my part or any change +of feeling on his. I must have been mistaken if I ever described Mr. +Francis Newman as 'a man of considerable talent.' He was much more than +that. His powers of mind may be said to amount to genius." + +Mr. Gladstone asked what I would advise as a rule of policy as to the +Anarchists who threw the bombs in the French Chambers. I answered, +"There were serious men who came to have Anarchical views from despair +of the improvement of society. There were also foolish Anarchists who +think they can put the world to rights, had they a clear field before +them. There are also a class who are quite persuaded that by killing +people who have nothing to do with the evils they complain of, they will +intimidate those who have. They take destruction to be a mode of +progress. These persons are as mad as they are made, and you cannot +legislate against insanity." + +I mentioned the case of a Nonconformist minister, who was so incensed by +the injustice done to Mr. Bradlaugh that he took a revolver, loaded, to +Palace Yard, intending to shoot the policemen who maltreated him. But +the member for Northampton was altogether against such proceedings. The +determined rectifier of wrong in question had a project of throwing +a bomb from the gallery on to the floor of the House. I had great +difficulty in dissuading him from this frightful act. He was no coward, +and was quite prepared to sacrifice his own life. To those ebullitions +of vengeance society in every age has been subject, and its best +protection lies in intrepid disdain and cool precaution. The affair of +Phoenix Park showed that the English nation did not go mad in the face +of desperate outrage. However, Mr. Gladstone himself gave the best +answer to his inquiry. He said, "The Spanish Government had solicited +him to join in a federation against Anarchists. But how could we do +that? We cannot tell what other Governments may do, and we should be +held responsible for their acts which we might deplore." + +He added, "It fills me with surprise, not to say disgust, to see it said +at times in Liberal papers that the Tories of to-day are superior +to their class formerly. Sir Robert Peel was a man of high honour, +patriotism, and self-respect He would never have joined in nor +countenanced the treatment to which Mr. Bradlaugh was subjected. I never +knew the Tories do a meaner thing. Nothing could have induced Sir Robert +Peel to consent to that." + +On one occasion, after reference to out-of-the-way persons of whom I +happened to have some knowledge, Mr. Gladstone said, "I have known many +remarkable men. My position has brought me in contact with numbers of +persons." Indeed, it seemed when talking to him that you were talking +to mankind, so diversified and plentiful were the persons living in his +memory, and who, as it were, stepped out in his conversation before you. +The individuality, the environment of persons, all came into light. +His conversation was like an oration in miniature. Its exactness, its +modulation, its force of expression, its foreseeingness of all the +issues of ideas, came at will. I never listened to conversation so easy, +so natural, so precise, so full of colour and truth, spoken with such +spontaneity and force. + +Mr. Morley, in his "Life of Gladstone," cites a letter he sent to me +in 1875: "Differing from you, I do not believe that secular motives are +adequate either to propel or restrain the children of our race, but I +earnestly desire to hear the other side, and I appreciate the advantage +of having it stated by sincere and high-minded men." This shows his +brave open-mindedness. + +A few years later it came into my mind that my expressions of respect +for persons whose Christian belief arose from honest conviction, and was +associated with efforts for the improvement of the material condition of +the people, might lead him to suppose that I myself inclined to belief +in Christian tenets of faith. I therefore sent him my new book on +"The Origin and Nature of Secularism: Showing that where Free Thought +commonly ends Secularism begins"--saying that as I had the honour of his +correspondence, I ought not to leave him unaware of the nature of my own +opinions. He answered that he thought my motive a right one in sending +the book to him, and that he had read a considerable part with general +concurrence, though, in other parts, the views expressed were painful to +him. But this made no difference in his friendship, which continued to +the end of his days. + +An unknown aphorist of 1750, whom Mr. Bertram Dobell quotes, exclaims: +"Freethinker! What a term of honour; or, if you will, dishonour; but +where is he who can claim it?" Mr. Gladstone might claim it beyond any +other eminent Christian I have known. It was he who, at the opening of +the Liverpool College some years ago, warned the clergy that "they could +no longer defend their tenets by railing or reticence"--a shaft that +went through the soul of that policy of silence and defamation pursued +by them for half a century. Mr. Gladstone was the first to see it must +be abandoned. + +It is Diderot who relates that one who was searching for a path through +a dark forest by the light of a taper, met a man who said to him, +"Friend, if thou wouldst find thy way here, blow out thy light." The +taper was Reason, and the man who said blow it out was a priest Mr. +Gladstone would have said, "Take care of that taper, friend; and if you +can convert it into a torch do so, for you will need it to see your way +through the darkness of human life." + +At our last interview he said, "You and I are growing old. The day is +nearing when we shall enter----" Here he paused, as though he was going +to say another life, but not wishing to say what I might not concur in, +in his sense, he--before his pause was well noticeable--added, "enter +a changed state." What my views were he knew, as I had told him in a +letter: "I hope there is a future life, and, if so, my not being sure of +it will not prevent it, and I know of no better way of deserving it than +by conscious service of humanity. The universe never filled me with +such wonder and awe as when I knew I could not account for it. I admit +ignorance is a privation. But to submit not to know, where knowledge +is withheld, seems but one of the sacrifices that reverence for truth +imposes on us." + +I had reason to acknowledge his noble personal courtesy, notwithstanding +convictions of mine he must think seriously erroneous, upon which, as I +told him, "I did not keep silence." + +He had the fine spirit of the Abbé Lamennais, who, writing of a book of +mark depicting the "passive" Christian, said: "The active Christian who +is ceaselessly fighting the enemies of humanity, without omitting +to pardon and love them--of this type of Christian I find no trace +whatever." Mr. Gladstone was of that type. It was his distinction that +he applied this affectionate tolerance not only to the "enemies of +humanity," but to the dissentients from the faith he loved so well. + +At our last meeting in Brighton he asked my address, and said he would +call upon me. He wished me to know Lord Acton, whom he would ask to see +me. An official engagement compelled Lord Acton to defer his visit, of +which Mr. Gladstone sent me notice. It was a great loss not to converse +with one who knew so much as Lord Acton did. + +Mr. Gladstone knew early what many do not know yet, that courtesy and +even honour to adversaries do not imply coincidence in opinion. As I was +for the right of free thought, I regarded all manifestations of it with +interest, whether coinciding with or opposing views I hold. Shortly +before his death I wrote to him, when Miss Helen Gladstone sent me word, +"To-day I read to my father your letter, by which he was much touched +and pleased, and he desired me to send you his best thanks." I shall +always be proud to think that any words of mine gave even momentary +pleasure to one who has given delight to millions, and will be an +inspiration to millions more. + +In former times, when an eminent woman contributed to the distinction +of her consort, he alone received the applause. In these more +discriminating days, when the noble companionship of a wife has made her +husband's eminence possible, honour is due to her also. Therefore, on +drawing the resolution of condolence to Mrs. Gladstone, adopted at the +Peterborough Co-operative Congress, we made the acknowledgment how much +was due to the wife as well as the husband. I believe no resolution sent +to her, but ours, did this. Sympathy is not enough where honour is due. +In the splendid winter of Mr. Gladstone's days there was no ice in his +heart Like the light that ever glowed in the temple of Montezuma the +generous fire of his enthusiasm never went out. The nation mourned his +loss with a pomp of sorrow more deep and universal than ever exalted the +memory of a king. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. HERBERT SPENCER, THE THINKER + +A star of the first magnitude went out of the firmament of original +thought by the death of Herbert Spencer. His was the most distinctive +personality that remained with us after the death of Mr. Gladstone. +Spencer was as great in the kingdom of science as Mr. Gladstone was in +that of politics and ecclesiasticism. Men have to go back to Aristotle +to find Spencer's compeer in range of thought, and to Gibbon for a +parallel to his protracted persistence in accomplishing his great design +of creating a philosophy of evolution. Mr. Spencer's distinction was +that he laid down new landmarks of evolutionary guidance in all the +dominions of human knowledge. Gibbon lived to relinquish his pen in +triumph at the end of years of devotion to his "History of the Decline +and Fall of the Roman Empire "--Mr. Spencer planned the history of the +rise and growth of a mightier, a more magnificent, and more beneficent +Empire--that of Universal Law--and for forty years he pursued his mighty +story in every vicissitude of strength with unfaltering purpose, and +lived to complete it amid the applause of the world and the gratitude +of all who have the grand passion to understand Nature, and advance the +lofty destiny of humanity. + +Herbert Spencer was born April 27, 1820, in the town of Derby, and died +in his eighty-fourth year, December 8, 1903, at 5, Percival Terrace, +Brighton, next door to his friend, Sir James Knowles, the editor of the +_Nineteenth Century_. At the time of his birth, Derby was emerging from +the sleepy, dreamy, stagnant, obfuscated condition in which it had lain +since the days of the Romans. + +It is difficult to write of Spencer without wondering how a thinker +of his quality should have been born in Derby--a town which had a +determined objection to individuality in ideas. It has a Charter--its +first act of enterprise in a thousand years--obtained by the +solicitations of the inhabitants from Richard I., which gave them the +power of expelling every Jew who resided in the town, or ever after +should approach it. Centuries later, in the reigns of Queen Anne +and George I., not a Roman Catholic, an Independent, a Baptist, an +Israelite, nor even an un-molesting Quaker could be found in Derby. + +There still remains one lineal descendant of the stagnant race which +procured the Charter of Darkness from Richard I.--Mr. Alderman W. +Winter, who opposed in the Town Council a resolution of honour in memory +of Spencer, who had given Derby its great distinction, because his views +contradicted the antediluvian Scriptural account of the Creation, when +there was no man present to observe what took place, and no man of +science existed capable of verifying the Mosaic tradition. The only +recorded instance of independency of opinion was that of a humble Derby +girl, who was born blind, yet could see, like others, into the nature +of things. She doubted the Real Presence. What could it matter what the +poor, helpless thing thought of that? But the town burned her alive. The +brave, unchanging girl, whose convictions were torment-proof, was only +twenty-two years old. + +The only Derby man of free thought who preceded Herbert Spencer was +William Hutton, a silk weaver, who became the historian of Derby and +Birmingham. In sagacity, boldness and veracity he excelled. The wisdom +of his opinions was a century in advance of his time (1770-1830). + +There were no photographs in the time of Mr. Spencer's parents, and +their lineaments are little known. Mr. Spencer's uncle I knew, the Rev. +Thomas Spencer, a clergyman of middle stature, slender, with a paternal +Evangelical expression. But his sympathies were with Social Reform, in +which field he was an insurgent worker for projects then unregarded or +derided. + +When I first knew Mr. Herbert Spencer, he was one of the writers on +the _Leader_ newspaper. We dined at times at the Whittington Club, then +recently founded by Douglas Jerrold. At this period Mr. Spencer had a +half-rustic look. He was ruddy, and gave the impression of being a +young country gentleman of the sporting farmer type, looking as unlike +a philosopher as Thomas Henry Buckle looked like a historian, as he +appeared to me on my first interview with him. Mr. Spencer at that time +would take part in discussions in a determined tone, and was persistent +in definite statement In that he resembled William Chambers, with whom +I was present at a deputation to Lord Derby on the question of the Paper +Duty. Lord Derby could not bow him out, nor bow him into silence, until +he had stated his case. + +In those days Mr. Spencer spoke with misgivings of his health. Mr. +Edward Pigott, chief proprietor of the _Leader_ (afterwards Public +Examiner of Plays) asked me to try to disabuse Mr. Spencer of his +apprehensiveness, which was constitutional and never left his mind all +his life, and I learned never to greet him in terms which implied that +he was, or could be well. Coleridge complained of ailments of which no +physical sign was apparent, and he was thought, like Mr. Spencer, to be +an imaginary invalid. But after his death Coleridge was found to have +a real cause of suffering, and the wonder was that he did not complain +more. + +There must be a distinct susceptibility of the nerves--which Sir Michael +Foster could explain--peculiar to some persons. I have had two or three +friends of some literary distinction, whom I made it a rule never to +accost, or even to know when I met them, until they had recovered from +the inevitable shock of meeting some unexpected person, when they would +spontaneously become genial. + +Mr. Spencer's high spirit was shown in this. Though he often had to +abandon his thinking, he resumed it on his recovery. The continuity of +his thought never ceased. One form of trouble was recurring depression, +so difficult to sustain, which James Thompson, who oft experienced it, +described--when a man has to endure-- + + "The same old solid hills and leas; + The same old stupid, patient trees; + The same old ocean, blue and green; + The same sky, cloudy or serene; + The old two dozen hours to run + Between the settings of the sun." + +Mr. Spencer was first known to London thinkers by being found the +associate of economists like Bagot; philosophers with a turn for +enterprise in the kingdom of speculation--as George Henry Lewes, Darwin, +Huxley, Tyndall; and of great novelists like George Eliot. In those +days the house of John Chapman, the publisher, was the meeting ground +of French, Italian, German and other Continental thinkers. There, also, +congregated illustrious Americans like Ralph Waldo Emerson, and other +unlicensed explorers in the new world of thought. There Mr. Spencer +became known to men of mark in America, who made his fame before his +countrymen recognised him. If it was England who "raised" Mr. Spencer, +it was America that discovered him. Mr. George lies, a distinguished +American friend of Mr. Spencer, sends me information of the validity +of American admiration of him, on the authority of the _Daily Witness_: +"Mr. Spencer's income is mainly drawn from the sale of his books in +America, his copyrights there having yielded him 4,730 dollars in the +last six months. A firm of publishers have paid in the last six months +royalties amounting nearly to ten thousand dollars to Mr. Herbert +Spencer and the heirs or executors of Darwin, Huxley and Tyndall. The +sales of Spencer's and Darwin's books lead those of Huxley and Tyndall." + +During the earlier publication of his famous volumes, his expenditure +in printing and in employing assistants in gathering facts for his +arguments, exhausted all his means. Lord Stanley, of that day, was +understood to have offered him an appointment, which included leisure +for his investigations. But he declined the thoughtful offer, deeming +the office to be of the nature of a sinecure. Wordsworth accepted such +an appointment, and repaid the State in song, as Spencer would have +repaid it in philosophy. + +I had the honour to be Mr. Spencer's outdoor friend. He asked me to make +known the publication of his work to persons whom I knew to be friendly +to enterprise in thought. For years I assiduously sought to be of +service in this way. + +One day in 1885, being the guest, in Preston, of the Rev. William +Sharman, he showed me a passage in one of Mr. Spencer's volumes, +published in 1874, which I had not seen, and which surprised me much, +in which it appeared Secularists were below Christians in their sense of +fiduciary integrity. Mr. Sharman said, "Defective as we are supposed to +be, you will see that Secularists are one degree lower in morality than +the clergy." Mr. Spencer had given instances which, in his opinion, +"showed that the cultivation of the intellect does not advance +morality." If that were so, it would follow that it was better to remain +ignorant--if ignorance better develops the ethical sense. The instance +Mr. Spencer gives occurs in the "Study of Sociology" (pp. 418-19), +"Written to show how little operative on conduct is mere teaching. Let +me give, says Mr. Spencer, a striking fact falling under my observation: + +"Some twelve years ago was commenced a serial publication, limited in +its circulation to the well educated. It was issued to subscribers, +from each of whom was due a small sum for every four numbers. The +notification periodically made of another subscription due received from +some prompt attention, from others an attention less tardy than before, +and from others no attention at all. After a lapse of ten years, a +digest was made of the original list, when it was found that those who +finally declined paying for what they had year after year received, +constituted, among others, the following percentages: + +Christian defaulters............. 31 per cent. + +Secularist defaulters............ 32 per cent." + +I wrote to Mr. Spencer as follows: + +"Eastern Lodge, Brighton, + +"_December_ 1, 1885. + +"My dear Mr. Spencer,--I am like the sailor who knocked down the Jew, +and when he was remonstrated with said, 'He did it because he had +crucified his Lord and Saviour.' When told that that occurred 2,000 +years ago he answered, 'But I only heard of it last night.' + +"It was but a few days ago that your notice of Secularist fraudulency, +made in 1874, became known to me. + +"From so dispassionate and analytic an authority as yourself, your +reflection on the ethical insensibility of Secularists justifies me in +asking your attention to certain facts. By what test did you know that +32 per cent of defaulters were Secularists? The names I gave you were of +persons likely to take in your work if prospectuses were sent to them. +But many of them were not Secularists. Some of them were ministers of +religion, others Churchmen, but having individually a taste for +philosophical inquiry. You do not say that these persons sent in their +names as subscribers. Yet unless they did, they cannot be justly +described 'as regardless of an equitable claim.' Had you informed me of +any whose names I gave you, who had not paid for the work, after +undertaking to do so, I could have procured you the payment, for all +whose names I gave I believe to be men of good faith.--With real regard, + +"George Jacob Holyoake." + + +Mr. Spencer sent me the following reply: + +"38, Queen's Gardens, Bayswater, London, W., + +"_November_ 16, 1885. + +"Dear Mr. Holyoake,--You ask how I happen to know of certain defaulters +that they were Secularists. I know them as such simply because their +names came to me through you; for, as you may remember, you obtained for +me, when the prospectus of the 'System of Philosophy' was issued, sundry +subscribers. + +"But for my own part, I would rather you did not refer to the matter. +At any rate, if you do, do not do so by name. You will observe, if you +turn to the 'Study of Sociology,' where the matter is referred to, that +I have spoken of the thing impersonally, and not in reference to myself. +Though those who knew something of the matter might suspect it referred +to my own case, yet there is no proof that it did so; and I should be +sorry to see myself identified by name with the matter.--Truly yours, + +"Herbert Spencer." + + +But Mr. Spencer had identified Secularists as lacking ethical +scrupulousness, and as I was the reputed founder of that form of +Freethought known as Secularism, some notice became incumbent on my +part. The brief article on "Intellectual Morality" in the _Present Day_, +which I was editing in 1885, was my answer--the same as appears in my +letter to Mr. Spencer, above quoted. + +In 1879 the great recluse meditated going to America. As I was about to +do the same myself, I volunteered to take a berth in the same vessel +if I could be of any service to him on the voyage. He thought, +however, that our sailing in the same ship might cause the constructive +interviewers out there to confuse together the opinions we represented. +Yet my friends would not know his, nor would his friends know mine. +But I respected his scruples, lest his views should become colourably +identified with my own. I had myself a preference for keeping distinct +things separate, and I sailed in another ship and never called at his +hotel but once, when he was residing at the Falls of Niagara, which I +thought was a curious spot (the noisiest in Canada) to choose for one +whose need was quietude. He would take an entire flat in a hotel that he +might be undisturbed at night. In Montreal, Mr. George Iles gave me the +same splendid, spacious, secluded bedroom which he had assigned to Mr. +Spencer when he was his host there. Professor von Denslow, who told me +that he was the "champion non-sleeper of the United States," asked me to +give a communication from him to Mr. Spencer. That was the reason of +my single visit to him in Canada. At the farewell banquet given to Mr. +Spencer in New York, famous speakers took part; but Henry Ward Beecher, +in a speech shorter than any, excelled them all. + +After his return to England, I had several communications from him +on the subject of Co-operation. Like Mr. Gladstone, he usually made +searching inquiries into the details of every question on which he +wrote. One of his letters was as follows:-- + +"2, Lewes Crescent, + +"Brighton, + +"_January_ 6, 1897. + +"Dear Mr. Holyoake,--I should have called upon you before now had I not +been so unwell. I have been kept indoors now for about three weeks. I +write partly to say this and partly to enclose you something of interest +as bearing upon my suggestion concerning piecework in co-operative +combinations. The experience described by Miss Davenport-Hill bears +indirectly, if not directly, upon them, showing as it does the +harmonising effect of piecework.--Truly yours, + +"Herbert Spencer." + + +Busied as he was with the recondite application of great principles, +he had practical discernment of the possibilities of Co-operation, +unthought of by those of us engaged in promoting co-partnership in the +workshop. Trades unions were mostly against piecework as giving more +active workers an advantage over the others. Mr. Spencer pointed out +that in a co-partnership workshop the fruitfulness of piece work was an +advantage to all. The piece-workers increase the output and profits of +the society. The profits, being equally divided upon wages, the least +bright and active members receive benefit from the piece-workers' +industry. + +Occasionally Mr. Spencer would come to my door and invite me to drive +with him. Another time when he had visitors--Mrs. Sidney Webb and Prof. +Masson, whom I wished to meet again--he would, if in the winter season, +send me a card from "2, Lewes Crescent, Jan. 24, 1897.--I _will_ send +the carriage for you to-morrow (Sunday) at 12.40. With the hood up +and the leather curtain down you will be quite warm.--H.S." He would +occasionally send me grouse or pheasant for luncheon. Very pleasant were +the amenities of philosophy. + +The first work of Mr. Spencer's which attracted public attention was +"Social Statics." Like Mr. Lewes' "Biography of Philosophy," it had a +pristine charm which fascinated young thinkers. Both authors restated +their works, but left behind their charm. Mr. Gladstone's first address +to the electors of Newark contains the germs of his whole and entire +career. "Social Statics" contains the element of that philosophy which +gave Spencer the first place among thinkers of all times. Bishop Colenso +found the book in the library of the builder of his Mission Houses in +South Africa. Mr. Ryder, of Bradford, Yorkshire, procured it through me +and took it out with him. It was a book of inspiration to him. + +Ten years before "Social Statics" appeared I was concerned with others +in publishing, in the "Oracle of Reason," a theory of Regular Gradation. +Our motto, from Boitard, was an explicit statement of Evolution. Five +out of seven of us were soon in prison, which shows that we did not +succeed in making Evolution attractive. Intellectual photography was +then in an infantine state. Our negatives lacked definition and our best +impressions were indistinct. It was not until Darwin and Spencer +arose that the art of developing the Evolutionary plates came to be +understood. + +Before the days of Spencer the world of scientific thought was mostly +without form and void. The orthodox voyagers who set out to sea steered +by a compass which always veered to a Jewish pole, and none who sailed +with them knew where they were. Rival theologians constructed dogmatic +charts, increasing the confusion and peril. Guided by the pole star +of Evolution, Spencer sailed out alone on the ocean of Speculation +and discovered a new empire of Law--founded without blood, or the +suppression of liberty, or the waste of wealth--where any man may dwell +without fear or shame. + +The fascination of Mr. Spencer's pages to the pulpit-wearied inquirer +was, that they took him straight to Nature. Mr. Spencer seemed to +write with a magnifying pen which revealed objects unnoticed by other +observers. His vision, like a telescope, descried sails at sea invisible +to those on shore. His pages, if not poems, gleamed with the poetry of +facts. His facts were the handmaids always at hand which explained his +principle. His repetitions do not tire, but are fresh assurances to the +reader that he is following a continuous argument. A pedestrian passing +down a long street is glad to meet the recurrence of its name, that he +may know he is still upon the same road. In Spencer's reasonings there +are no byways left open, down which the sojourner may wander and lose +himself. When cross-roads come in sight, fingerposts are set up telling +him where they lead to, and directing him which to take. Mr. Spencer +pursues a new thought, never loses sight of it, and takes care the +reader does not. No statement goes before without the proof following +closely after. + +When the reception was given to me at South Place Institute, London, in +April, 1903, on my eighty-sixth birthday, he had been confined to his +house from the previous August, yet he took trouble to write some words +of personal regard to myself beyond all my expectation. To the end of +his days--save when the weather was inclement--I used to walk up the +hill to his door to inquire as to his health, and when I could not do +so, Mr. Troughton would write me word. Mr. Spencer's last letter to +me was in answer to one I had sent him on his birthday. It was so +characteristic as to deserve quoting: + +"Thanks for your congratulations; but I should have liked better your +condolences on my longevity." + +He wanted no twilight in his life. Like the sun in America, his wish was +to disappear at once below the horizon--having amply given his share of +light in his day. + +Like Huxley, Mr. Spencer would not have slept well in Westminster Abbey. +He needed no consolation in death; and if he had, there was no one who +knew enough to give it to him. His conscience was his consolation. His +one choice was that his friend Mr. John Morley--than whom none were +fitter--should speak at his death the last words over him. Mr. Morley +being in Sicily, this could not be. The next in friendship and power of +estimate--the Right Hon. Leonard Courtney--spoke in his stead, at the +Hampstead Crematorium. Mr. Spencer had a radium mind which gave forth, +of its own spontaneity, light and heat. None who have died could more +appropriately repeat the proud lines of Sir Edward Dyer:-- + + "My mind to me a kingdom is; + Such perfect joy therein I find + As far exceeds all earthly bliss + That God or Nature hath assign'd." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. SINGULAR CAREER OF MR. DISRAELI + +I prefer the picturesque name of Disraeli which he contrived out of the +tribal designation of "D'Israeli." Had it been possible he would have +transmuted Benjamin into a Gentile name. Disraeli is far preferable to +the sickly title of Beaconsfield, by which association he sought to be +taken as the Burke of the Tories, for which his genius was too thin. + +Disraeli is a fossilised bygone to this generation; though in the +political arena he was the most glittering performer of his day. Men +admired him as the Blondin of Parliament, who could keep his feet on +a tight-rope at any elevation. Others looked upon him as a music-hall +Sandow who could snap into two a thicker bar of bovine ignorance than +any other athlete of the "country party." He was capable of serving +any party, but preferred the party who could best serve him. He was an +example how a man, conscious of power and unhampered by scruples, could +advance himself by strenuous devices of making himself necessary to +those he served. + +The showy waistcoat and dazzling jewellery in which he first presented +himself to the House of Commons, betrayed the primitive taste of a +Jew of the Minories, and foreshadowed that trinket statesmanship which +captivated his party, who thought sober, honest principles dull and +unentertaining. + +Germany and England contemporaneously produced the two greatest +adventurers of the century--Ferdinand Lassalle and Benjamin Disraeli. +Both were Jews. Both had dark locks and faith in jewellery. Both were +Sybarites in their pleasures; and personal ambition was the master +passion of each. Both were consummate speakers. Both sought distinction +in literature as a prelude to influence. Both professed devotion to +the interests of the people by promulgating doctrines which would +consolidate the power of the governing classes. Lassalle counselled war +against Liberalism, Disraeli against the Whigs. Lassalle adjusted +his views to Bismarck, as Disraeli did to Lord Derby. Both owed their +fortunes to rich ladies of maturity. Both challenged adversaries to a +duel, but Disraeli had the prudence to challenge Daniel O'Connell, who, +he knew, was under a vow not to fight one, while Lassalle challenged +Count Racowitza, and was killed. + +It was a triumph without parallel to bring to pass that the proud +aristocracy of England should accept a Jew for its master. Not +approaching erect, like a human thing, Disraeli stealthily crept, +lizard-like, through the crevices of Parliament, to the front of the +nation, and with the sting that nature had given him he kept his enemies +at bay. No estimate of him can explain him, which does not take into +account his race. An alien in the nation, he believed himself to belong +to the sole race that God has recognised. The Jew has an industrial +daintiness which is an affront to mankind. He, as a rule, stands +by while the Gentile puts his hand to labour. Isolated by Christian +ostracism, the Jew tills no ground; he follows no handicraft--a Spinoza +here and there excepted. The Jew, as a rule, lives by wit and thrift. +He is of every nation, but of no nationality, save his own. He takes no +perilous initiation; he leads no forlorn hope; he neither conspires for +freedom, nor fights for it. He profits by it, and acquiesces in it; but +generally gives you the impression that he will aid either despotism +or liberty, as a matter of business--as many do who are not Jews. There +are, nevertheless, men of noble qualities among them, and as a class +they are as good or better than Christians would be had they been +treated for nineteen centuries as badly as Jews have been. + +Derision and persecution inspire a strong spirit with retaliation, and +absolve him from scrupulous methods of compassing it. Two things the Jew +pursues with an unappeasable passion--distinction and authority among +believers, before whom his race has been compelled to cringe. An ancient +people which subsists by subtlety and courage, has the heroic sense +of high tradition, still looks forward to efface, not the indignity of +days, but of centuries--which imparts to the Jew a lofty implacableness +of aim, which never pauses in its purpose. How else came Mr. Disraeli +by that form of assegai sentences, of which one thrust needed no +repetition, and by that art which enabled him to climb on phrases to +power? + +A critic, who had taken pains to inform himself, brought charges against +D'Israeli the Elder to the effect that he had taken passages of mark +from the books of Continental sceptics and had incorporated them as his +own. At the same time he denounced the authors, so as to disincline the +reader to look into their pages for the D'Israelian plagiaries. In the +novels of D'Israeli the Younger I have come upon passages which I +have met with elsewhere in another form. As the reader knows, Disraeli +delivered in Parliament, as his own, a fine passage from Thiers. So +that when Daniel O'Connell described Disraeli as "the heir-at-law of the +impenitent thief who died on the cross," he was nearer the truth than he +knew, for there was petty larceny in the Disraelian family. + +When Sir James Stansfeld entered Parliament he had that moral distrust +of Disraeli, which Lord Salisbury, in his Cranborne days, published +a _Review_ to warn his party against. Sir James (then Mr. Stansfeld) +expressed a similar sentiment of distrust. Disraeli said to a friend in +the lobby immediately after, "I will do for that educated mechanic" The +vitriolic spite in the phrase was worthy of Vivian Grey. He kept his +word, and caused Mr. Stansfeld's retirement from the Ministry. It was +the nature of Disraeli to destroy any one who withstood him. At the same +time he could be courteous and even kind to literary Chartists who, like +Thomas Cooper and Ernest Jones, helped to frustrate the Whigs at the +poll, which served the purpose of Tory ascendency, which was Disraeli's +chance. + +In Easter, 1872, I was in Manchester when Disraeli had the greatest +pantomime day of his life--when he played the Oriental Potentate in the +Pomona Gardens. All the real and imaginary Tory societies that could be +got together from surrounding counties were paraded in procession before +him. To each he made audacious little speeches, which astonished them +and, when made known, caused jubilancy in the city. + +The deputation from Chorley reminded him of Mr. Charley, member for +Salford. He exclaimed, "Chorley and Charley are good names!" When a Tory +sick and burial society came up he said "he hoped they were doing a good +business, and that their future would be prosperous!" When the night +came for his speech, the Free Trade Hall was crowded. It was said that +2,000 persons paid a guinea each for their seats. + +Mr. Callander, his host, had taken, at Mr. Disraeli's request, some +brandy to the meeting. It was he who poured some into a glass of water. +Mr. Disraeli, on tasting it, turned to him and said in an undertone, +"There's nothing in it." This wounded the pride of his host, who took it +as an imputation of stinginess on his part, and he filled the next glass +plentifully. This was the beginning of the orator's trouble. For the +first fifteen minutes he spoke in his customary resonant voice. Then +husky, sibilant and explosive sentences were unmistakable. Apprehensive +reporters, sitting below him, moved aside lest the orator should fall +upon them. Suspicious gestures set in. An umbrella was laid near the +edge of the platform, that the speaker might keep within the umbrella +range. For this there was a good reason, as the speaker's habit of +raising himself on his toes endangered his balance. All the meeting +understood the case. The orator soon lost all sense of time. He, who +knew so well how to suit performance to occasion, was incapable of +stopping himself. The audience had come from distant parts. At nine +o'clock they could hear the railway bell, calling some to the trains. +Ten o'clock came, when a larger portion of the audience was again +perturbed by railway warnings. Disraeli was still speaking. Eleven +o'clock came; the audience had further decreased then, but Disraeli was +still declaiming hoarse sentences. It was a quarter-past eleven before +his peroration came to an end; and many, who wished to have their +guinea's worth of Parliamentary oratory, had to sleep in Manchester that +night Everybody knew the speaker would have ceased two hours earlier if +he could. His host in the chair was much disquieted. His house was some +distance from the city, and he had invited a large party of gentlemen to +meet the great Conservative leader at supper, which had long been +ready. Besides, he was afraid his guest would be unable to appear at it. +Arriving at the house Disraeli asked his host to give him champagne--"a +bottle of fizz" was the phrase he used--which he drank with zest, when, +to the astonishment of his host, he joined the party and was at his +best. He delighted every one with his sallies and his satire. + +The next morning the city Conservatives were unwilling to speak of the +protracted disappointment of the evening before. The Manchester papers +gave good reports of the long speech, which contained some passages +worthy of the speaker at any time--as when he compared the occupants +of the front bench of the Government in the House of Commons to so many +extinct volcanoes. As some members of Her Majesty's Government were +known friends of Mazzini and Garibaldi, the aptitude of the simile lives +in political memory to this day. When the _Times_ report arrived it +was found that a considerable portion of the speech was devoted to the +laudation of certain county families, which were not mentioned in the +Manchester reports, and it was said that Disraeli had dictated his +speech to Mr. Delane before he came down. But though he lost his voice +and his memory, he never lost his wit, for he praised another set of +families that came into his head. + +Only in two instances has Mr. Disraeli been publicly charged with errors +of vintage. In his time I heard members manifestly inebriated, address +the House of Commons. On a memorable night Mr. Gladstone said Disraeli +had access to sources of inspiration not open to Her Majesty's +Ministers. + +In the _Morning Star_ there appeared next day a passage from Disraeli's +speech, reported in vinous forms of sibilant expression. On that +occasion Lord John Manners carried to him, from time to time during his +oration, five glasses of brandy and water. I saw them brought in. There +was the great table between the two front benches, which Mr. Disraeli +said was fortunate, as he feared Mr. Gladstone might spring upon him. +All the while it was not protection Mr. Disraeli wanted from the table, +but support, for he clutched it as he spoke. Sir John Macdonald, Premier +of Canada, whom I had the honour to visit at Ottawa, not only resembled +Disraeli in features, in the curl of his hair, but in his wit. One +night Sir John made an extraordinary after-dinner speech, which had the +flavour of a whole vintage in it. When Sir John found he had astonished +the whole Dominion, he sent for the reporter, who appeared, trembling +with apprehension. "Young man," said Sir John, "with your talent for +reporting you have a great future before you. But take my advice--never +report a speech in future when you are drunk." + +Connoisseurs in art who went to the sale of his effects at Disraelis +Mayfair house were astonished at the Houndsditch quality of what they +found there. Not a ray of taste was to be seen, not an article worth +buying. The glamour of the Oriental had lain in phrases, not in art. + +It was the Liberals who were the champions of the Jews, and who were the +cause of their admission to Parliament. Mr. Disraeli must have had some +generous memory of this. Mr. Bright would cross the floor of the House +sometimes to confer with Disraeli. There must have been elements in +his character in which Mr. Bright had confidence. It was believed to +be owing to his respect for Mr. Blight's judgment that he took no part +against America, when his party did all they could to destroy the cause +of the Union in the great Anti-Slavery War. It ought to be remembered to +Disraeli's credit, that he made what John Stuart Mill called a "splendid +concession" of household suffrage, although he took it back the next +night, by the pernicious creation of the "compound householder." Still, +Liberals owe it to him that household suffrage came to prevail when it +did. + +Disraeli's attacks upon Peel were dictated by the policy of +self-advancement. He was capable of admiring Peel, but he admired +himself more. Standing outside English questions and interests, he was +able to treat them with an airiness which was a political relief. Yet he +could see that our Colonies might become "millstones round the neck +of the Empire" if we gave them too much of Downing Street, or maybe of +Highbury. + +To say Disraeli had no conscience would be to say more than any man +has knowledge enough to say of another; but he certainly never gave the +public the impression that he had one. He devised the scheme of giving +the Queen the title of "Empress." Mr. Gladstone opposed it as dangerous +to the dynasty, lowering its dignity to the level of Continental +Emperorship, and taking from the Crown the master jewel of law, which +has been more or less its security and glory for a thousand years. + +Disraeli seemed to care for the Queen's favour--nothing for the +integrity of the Crown. He declared himself a Christian, and said in the +presence of the Bishop of Oxford, with Voltairean mockery, that he +was "on the side of the angels," and elsewhere described Judas as +an accessory to the crucifixion before the act, and to that ignoble +treachery all Christians were indebted for their salvation--an idea +which could never have entered a Gentile mind. This was pure Voltairean +scorn. + +In his last illness he was reported to have had three different kinds +of physicians--allopath, hydropath, homoeopath; and had he chosen the +spiritual ministration of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi, +and Mr. Spurgeon, no one would have been surprised at his sardonic +prudence. + +I had admiration, though not respect, for his career. Yet I was for +justice being done to him. When it was thought the Tories would prevent +his accession to the Premiership, which was his right by service, I was +one of those who cheered him in the lobby of the House of Commons, to +show that adversaries of his politics were against his being defrauded +of the dignity he had won. + +How was it that Disraeli's standing at Court was never affected by what +would be deemed seditious defamation of the Crown in any other person? +When I mentioned in America the revolutionary license of his tongue in +declaring the Queen to be physically and morally incapable of governing, +the statement was received with incredulity. The reporters who took +down his Aylesbury speech containing the astounding words hesitated to +transcribe them, and one asked permission to read the passage to Mr. +Disraeli, who assented to its correctness, and the words appeared in the +_Standard_ and _Telegraph_ of September 27, 1871. The _Times_ and _Daily +News_ omitted the word "morally," deeming it incredible. But it was +said. His words were: "We cannot conceal from ourselves that Her Majesty +is physically and morally incapacitated from performing her duties." +This meant that Her Majesty was imbecile--a brutal thing to suggest, +considering family traditions. + +At a Lord Mayor's banquet Mr. Disraeli gave an insulting and defamatory +account of the Russian Royal Family and Government, and boasted, like +an inebriate Jingo, of England's capacity to sustain three campaigns +against that Power. As the Queen had a daughter-in-law a member of the +Royal House of Russia, this wanton act of international offensiveness +must have produced a sensation of shame and pain in the English Royal +Family. I well remember the consternation and disapproval with which +both speeches were regarded by the people. Whatever even Republicans may +think of the theory of the Crown, they are against any personal outrage +upon it. Yet Mr. Gladstone, who was always forward to sustain, by +graceful and discerning praise, the interest of the Royal Family, and +procure them national grants, to which Mr. Disraeli could never have +reconciled the nation, was simply endured by Her Majesty, while to Mr. +Disraeli ostentatious preference was shown. It was said in explanation +that Mr. Gladstone had no "small talk" with which Mr. Disraeli +entertained his eminent hostess. It was not "small talk," it was Tory +talk, which the Queen rewarded. + +I am of Lord Actons opinion, that Mr. Disraeli was morally +insupportable, though otherwise astonishing. The pitiless resentment +of "Vivian Grey" towards whoever stood in his way was the prevailing +characteristic of the triumphant Jew. Like other men of professional +ambition, he had the charm of engaging amity to those who were for the +time being no longer impediment to him. When showing distress at a few +drops of rain falling, news was brought Her Majesty that Mr. Gladstone +had returned from a voyage and addressed a crowd on the beach. Disraeli +exclaimed with pleasant gaiety, "What a wonderful man that Gladstone +is. Had I returned from a voyage I should be glad to go to bed. Mr. +Gladstone leaps on shore and makes a speech." + +The moral of this singular career worth remembering, is that genius +and versatility, animated by ambition without scruple, may attain +distinction without principle. It can win national admiration, but not +public affection. All it can accomplish is to leave behind a name of +sinister renown. If we knew all, no doubt Lord Beaconsfield had, apart +from the exigencies of ambition, personal qualities commanding esteem. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. CHARACTERISTICS OF JOSEPH COWEN + +I + +Political readers will long remember the name of Joseph Cowen, who won +in a single night the reputation of a national orator. All at once he +achieved that distinction in an assembly where few attain it. After a +time he retired to his tent and never more emerged from it. The occasion +of his first speech in Parliament was the introduction of the Bill for +converting the Queen into an Empress. Queen was a wholesome monarchical +name, which implied in England supremacy under the law; while Empress, +alien to the genius of the political constitution, is a military title +of sinister reputation, and implies a rank outside and above the law. +Like Imperialism, it connotes military government, which, in the opinion +of the free and prudent, is the most odious, dangerous, and costly of +all governments. + +Mr. Cowen entertained a strong repugnance to the word "Empress," which +might become a prelude to Imperialism--as it has done. + +Mr. Cowen's father, who preceded him in the House of Commons, was +scrupulous in apparel, never affecting fashion, but keeping within +its pale. His son was not only careless of fashion--he despised it. He +employed local tailors, from neighbourliness, and was quite content with +their craftsmanship. He never wore what is called a "top" hat, but a +felt one, a better shape than what is known now as a "clerical" hat It +was thought he would abandon it when he entered Parliament, but he +did not He commonly left it in the cloak-room. He had no wish to +be singular. His attire was as natural to him as his skin is to an +Ethiopian. His headgear imperilled his candidature, when that came +about. + +He had been two years in Parliament before he addressed it. When he rose +many members were standing impatient for division and crying "Divide! +Divide!!" Mr. Cowen, being a small man, was not at once perceived, but +his melodious, honest, and eager voice arrested attention, though his +Northumbrian accent was unfamiliar to the House. It was as difficult to +see the new orator as to see Curran in an Irish Court, or Thiers in the +French Chamber. Disraeli glanced at him through his eyeglass, as though +Mr. Cowen was one of Dean Swift's Lilliputians, and of one near him +he asked contemptuously, as a Northern burr broke upon his ear, "What +language is the fellow talking?" + +The speech had all the characteristics of an oration, historical, +compact, and complete--though brief. In it he said three things never +heard in Parliament before. One was that the "Divine right of kings +perished on the scaffold with Charles I." Another was that "the +superstition of royalty had never taken any deep hold of the English +people." The third was to describe our august ally, the Emperor Napoleon +III., as an "usurper." The impression the speech made upon the country +was great. It so accorded with the popular sentiment that some persons +paid for its appearance as an advertisement in the _Daily News_ and +other papers of the day, and the speaker acquired the reputation of an +orator by a single speech. Mr. Disraeli's contemptuous reception of it +did not prevent him, at a later date, from going up to Mr. Cowen, when +he was standing alone by a fire, and paying him some compliment which +made a lasting impression upon him. Mr. Disraeli had discernment to +recognise genius when he saw it, and generosity enough to respect it +when not directed against himself. If it were, he was implacable. + +For years, as I well knew, Mr. Cowen spent more money for the +advancement and vindication of Liberalism than any other English +gentleman. He was the most generous friend of "forlorn hopes" England +has known. How many combatants has he aided; how many has he succoured; +how many has he saved! If the other world be human like this, what +crowds of grateful spirits of divers climes must have rushed to the +threshold of heaven to welcome him as he entered. + +Penniless, and his crew foodless, Garibaldi steered his vessel up the +Tyne. Mr. Cowen was the only man in England Garibaldi then sought +or confided in. Before he left the Tyne, Mr. Cowen, on behalf of +subscribers (of whom many were pitmen), presented Garibaldi with a sword +which cost Ł146. Goldwin Smith says, in his picturesque way, Henry +III. had a "waxen heart." Mr. Cowen had an iron heart, steeled by noble +purpose. He knew no fear, physical or mental. Not like my friend, George +Henry Lewes, whose sense of intellectual right was so strong that he +never saw consequences. Cowen did see them, and disregarded them; he +"nothing knew to fear, and nothing feared to know"--neither ideas nor +persons. How many men, not afraid of ideas, are much afraid of knowing +those who have them? Unyielding to the high, how tender he was to the +low! + +Riding home with him one night, after a stormy meeting in Newcastle, +when we were near to Stella House (he had not gone to reside in the +Hall then) the horse suddenly stopped. Mr. Cowen got out to see what the +obstruction was, and he found it was one of his own workmen lying drunk +across the road. His master roused him and said: "Tom, what a fool thou +art! Had not the horse been the more sensible beast, thou hadst been +killed." He would use these Scriptural pronouns in speaking to his men. +The man could not stand, and Mr. Cowen and the coachman carried him to +the door of another workman, called him up, and bade him let Tom lie in +his house till morning. Then we drove on. + +Another time a workman came to Mr. Cowen for an advance of thirty +shillings. Being asked what he wanted the money for, the man answered: +"To get drunk, sir; I have not been drunk for six weeks." "Thou +knowest," said Mr. Cowen, "I never take any drink, because I think the +example good for thee. Thou will go to Gateshead Fair, get locked up, +and I shall have to bail thee out. There is the money; but take my +advice, get drunk at home, and thy wife will take care of thee." How +many employers possess workmen having that confidence in them to put +such a question as this workman did, without fear of losing their +situation? No workman lied, or had need to lie, to Mr. Cowen. He had the +tolerance and tenderness of a god. + +When I was ill in his house in Essex Street, Strand, he would come up +at night and tell me of his affairs, as he did in his youth. He had for +some time been giving his support to the Conservative side. I said to +him, "Disraeli is dead. Do you not see that you may take his place if +you will? It is open. His party has no successor among them. +He had race, religion, and want of fortune against him. You have none +of these disadvantages against you. You are rich, and you can speak +as Disraeli never could. He had neither the tone nor the fire of +conscience--you have both. You have the ear of the House, and the +personal confidence of the country, as he never had. In his place you +would fill the ear of the world." He thought for a time on what I said +to him; then his answer was: "There is one difficulty--I am not a Tory." + +I saw he was leaving the side of Liberalism and that he would inevitably +do Conservative work, and I was wishful that he should have the credit +of it. He was under a master passion which carried him he knew not +whither. + +It was my knowledge of Mr. Cowen, long before that night, that made me +oft say that a Tyneside man had more humility and more pride than God +had vouchsafed to any other people of the English race. Until middle +life Mr. Cowen was as his father, immovable in principle; afterwards +he was as his mother in implacableness. That is the explanation of his +career. + +The "passion" referred to--never avowed and never obtruded, but +which "neither slumbered nor slept"--was ambition. It might be called +Paramountcy--that dangerous war-engendering word of Imperialism--which +only the arrogant pronounce, and only the subjugated submit to. + +The Cowen family had no past but that of industry, and in Mr. Cowen's +youth the "slings and arrows of outrageous" Toryism, shafts of +arrogance, insolence, and contempt, flew about him. He inherited from +his mother a proud and indomitable spirit, and resolved to create a +Liberal force which should withstand all that--and he did. Then, when +he came to be, as he thought, flouted by those whom he had served (the +common experience of the noblest men), he at length resented and turned +against himself. He had reached the heights where he had been awarded +an imperishable place, and then descended in resentment to mingle and be +lost in the ignominious faction whom he had defeated and despised. Those +who had enraged him were not, as we shall see, worth his resentment + +It was not for "a handful of silver" he left us--for he had plenty--nor +for "a ribbon to stick in his coat," for he would not wear one +if offered a basketful. It was just indignation, stronger than +self-respect. + +Not all at once did the desire of control assume this form. By his +natural nobility of nature he inclined to the view that all the +supremacy inherent in man is that of superior capacity, to which all men +yield spontaneous allegiance. + +Some time elapsed before the bent of his mind became apparent. Possibly +it was not known to himself. + +When a young man, he promoted and maintained two or three journals, in +which he also wrote himself, without suggesting to others the passion +for journalism by which he was possessed. Some years later, when proofs +of one of his speeches which a reporter had taken down, and Mr. Cowen +had himself corrected, passed through my hands, I was struck with the +dexterity with which he put a word of fire into a tame sentence, infused +colour into a pale-faced expression, and established a pulse in an +anaemic one. It was clear that he had the genius of speech in him and +was ambitious of distinction in it. + +Mr. Cowen's father was a tall, handsome man of the Saxon type, which +goes steadily forward and never turns back. He always described himself +as a follower of Lord Durham, and was out on the Newcastle Town Moor in +1819, at great meetings in support of the Durham principles. His mother +was quite different in person, both in stature and appearance; +somewhat of the Spanish type--dark, and mentally capable of impassable +resolution. Her son, Joseph, with whom we are here concerned, had dark, +luminous eyes which were the admiration of London drawing-rooms--when +he could be got to enter them. His eldest sister, Mrs. Mary Carr, was as +tall as her father, with the complexion of her mother. I used to compare +her to Judith, the splendid Jewess who slew Holofernes. She used to +say her brother Joseph had her mother's spirit, and that a "Cowen never +changed." Her brother never changed in his purpose of ascendency, but +when inspired by resentment he could change his party to attain his +end--as I have seen done in the House of Commons many times in my day. +This is why I have said that in the early part of Mr. Cowen's life he +was his father---placid but purposeful. In the second half he was his +mother--resentful and implacable when affronted by non-compliance where +he expected and desired concurrence. But I have known many excellent men +who did not take dissent from their opinions in good part. + +How fearless Mr. Cowen was, was shown in his conduct when a dangerous +outbreak of cholera occurred in Newcastle. People were dying in every +street and lane, but he went out from Blaydon every morning at the +usual time, and walked through the infected streets and passages into +Newcastle, to his offices on the quay, being met on his way by persons +in distress, from death in their houses, who knew they were sure +of sympathy and assistance from him. The courage of his unfailing +appearance in his ordinary way saved many from depression which might +have proved fatal to them. When a wandering guest fell ill at his home, +Stella House, Blaydon, he was sure of continued hospitality until his +recovery. Mr. Cowen's voice of sympathy and condolence was the tenderest +I ever heard from human lips. + +A poor man, who lived a good deal upon the moors, was charged with +shooting a doctor, and would have been hanged but for Mr. Cowen +defending him by legal aid. He thought the police had apprehended him +because he was the most likely, in their opinion, to be guilty. He was +poor, friendless, and often houseless. The man did not seem quite right +in his mind. After his acquittal, Mr. Cowen took him into his employ, +and made him his gardener. The garden was remote and solitary. I often +passed my mornings in it, not without some personal misgiving. Mr. +Cowen eventually enabled the man to emigrate to America, where a little +eccentricity of demeanour does not count. + +In the political estrangements of Mr. Cowen, it must be owned he had +provocations. A party of social propagandists came to Newcastle, whom +he entertained, as they had never been entertained before, at a cost of +hundreds of pounds, and was at great expense to give publicity to +their objects. They left him to defray some bills they had the means of +paying. Years later, when they came again into the district, he did no +more for them in the former way. He had conceived a distrust of them. +Another time he was asked by persons whom he was willing to aid, to buy +some premises for them, as they would be prejudiced at the auction if +they appeared in person. Mr. Cowen bought the property for Ł5,000. They +changed their minds when it was bought, and left Mr. Cowen, who did not +want it, with it upon his hands. He did not resent it, as he might have +done, but it was an act of meanness which would have revolted the heart +of an archangel of human susceptibility. + +When the British Association first came to Newcastle, Mr. Cowen spent +more than Ł500 in giving publicity to their proceedings. He brought a +railway carriage full of writers and reporters from London, that the +proceedings of every section should be made known to the public He had +personal notices written of all the principal men of science who came +there, and when he asked for admission of his reporters, he was +charged Ł19 for their tickets. As I was one of those engaged in the +arrangements, I shared his indignation at this scientific greed and +ingratitude. In all the history of the British Association, before and +since, it never met with the enthusiasm, the liberality and publicity +the _Newcastle Chronicle_ accorded it. + +In the days of the great Italian struggle, little shoals of exiles +found their way to England. Learning where the great friend of Garibaldi +dwelt, they found their way to Newcastle, and many were directed there +from different parts of England. Many times he was sent for to the +railway station, where a number of destitute exiles had arrived. He +relieved their immediate wants and had them provided for at various +lodgings, until they were able to get some situation elsewhere. I think +Mr. Cowen began to tire of this, as he thought exiles were +sometimes sent to him by persons who ought to have taken part of the +responsibility themselves, but who seemed to consider that his was the +purse of the Continent. + +Once when Mr. Cowen attended a political conference in Leeds, he +received as he entered the room marked attention, as he was known to be +the leader of the Liberal forces of Durham and Northumberland. But Mr. +W. E. Forster, who was present, took no notice of him, though Mr. Cowen +had rendered him great political service. When Mr. Bright saw Mr. Cowen +he cordially greeted him. Immediately Mr. Forster, seeing this, stepped +up also and offered him compliments, which Mr. Cowen received very +coldly without returning them, and passed away to his seat. Mr. Cowen's +impression was that as Mr. Forster had suffered him to pass by without +recognition, he did not want to know him before that assembly; but when +Mr. Forster saw Mr. Bright's welcome of his friend, he was willing to +know him. Mr. Forster, as I had reason to know afterwards, was capable +of such an action, where recognition stood in the way of his interests,* +but it was not so on this occasion. Mr. Forster was short-sighted, and +simply did not see Mr. Cowen when he first passed him. But it happened +that he did see him when Mr. Bright stepped forward to speak to him, and +there was no slight of Mr. Cowen intended. Yet from that hour Mr. Cowen +entertained a contempt for Mr. Forster, and would neither meet him nor +speak to him. One day Mr. Cowen and I were at a railway station, where +Mr. Forster appeared in his volunteer uniform. We had to wait some time +for the train. Mr. Cowen asked me to walk with him as far as we could +from where Mr. Forster stood, that we should not pass near him. Some +years later, at the House of Commons, Mr. Forster asked Mr. Cowen to +walk with him in the Green Park, as he wished to speak with him. After +two hours Mr. Cowen returned reconciled. He never told me the cause of +it, which he should have done, as I had taken his part in the long years +of resentment I relate the incident as showing how personal +misconception produces political estrangement in persons and parties +alike. + + * But only where ambition was stronger than his habitual + sense of honour. See chapter lxxix, "Sixty Years." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. CHARACTERISTICS OF JOSEPH COWEN + +II + +But the act which most wounded him occurred at the Elswick works of Lord +Armstrong. Mr. Cowen was returning one day in his carriage at a time of +political excitement. Some of the crowd threw mud upon his coach, and, +if I remember rightly, broke the windows. Just before, when the workmen +were on strike, they went to Mr. Cowen--as all workmen in difficulties +did. He found they did not know their own case, nor how to put it He +employed legal aid to look into the whole matter and make a statement of +it. Mr. Cowen became their negotiator, and obtained a decision in their +favour. The whole expense he incurred on their behalf was Ł150. Services +of this kind, which had been oft rendered, should have saved him from +public contumely at their hands. + +At that time Mr. Cowen was giving the support of his paper against +Liberalism, which he had so long defended and commended, which was an +incentive to the outrage. Still, the sense of gratitude for the known +services rendered to workers, which he continued irrespective of his +change of opinion, should have saved him from all personal disrespect. + +The subjection of the Liberals in Newcastle in the days of his early +career, and the arrogant defamation with which it was assailed, were +what determined him to create a defiant power in its self-defence. + +He bought the _Newcastle Chronicle_, an old Whig paper. He published +it in Grey Street, afterwards in St. Nicholas' Buildings, and then in +Stephenson Place, on premises now known as the _Chronicle_ Buildings. +The printing machines at first cost Ł250 each, then Ł450. The +_Chronicle_ Buildings were purchased for Ł6,000, and a similar sum was +expended in adapting them for their new purposes. The site is the finest +in Newcastle. The printing machines now cost Ł6,000 to Ł7,000. Each +machine is provided in duplicate, so that if one side of the press-room +broke down, the other side could be instantly set in motion. Once I made +a short speech in the town, which was reported, set up, cast, and an +edition of the paper containing the speech was on sale within little +more than twenty minutes. The office above the great press-room, in +which the public transact business with the paper, is the costliest, +handsomest, Grecian interior I know of connected with any newspaper +buildings. What perseverance and confidence must have animated Mr. Cowen +in the enterprise, is shown in the fact that he had sunk Ł40,000 in it +before it began to pay.* He made the _Chronicle_, as he intended to +make it, the leading political power in Durham and Northumberland. The +leaders he wrote in its columns after he left Parliament were unequalled +in all the press of England for vividness, eloquence, and variety of +thought. There could be no greater proof of the dominancy of Mr. Cowen's +mind, than his establishment and devotion to the _Chronicle_. + +I had been a party several years to negotiating with candidates to stand +for Newcastle, whose public expenses Mr. Cowen paid. I obtained the +consent of the Liberals of York, that Mr. Layard, whom they considered +pledged to them, should become a candidate at Newcastle. "Why should +you?" I said one day to Mr. Cowen, "incur these repeated costs for the +candidature of others, when you can command a seat in your own family +for three generations. If you will not be a candidate, why should +not your father?" The conversation ended by his agreeing that I might +persuade his father to go to Parliament if I could. + + * Unwilling that his father or banker should surmise how + much he was exhausting his personal resources, he directed + me at one time to borrow Ł500 or Ł1,000 in London. It was + advanced by a personal friend. + +It was in vain that I assured him that the seat was open to +him, but he did not believe, nor wish to believe it. I several times saw +his father at Stella Hall. He thought himself too old. I told him there +were fifty gentlemen in the House of Commons, willing to become Prime +Minister, and some of them waiting for the appointment, who were fifteen +years older than he, and would be disappointed did not the chance come +to them. He found this true when he at length entered the House. His +objection was that he could not ask his neighbours, among whom he had +lived all his days, to elect him. "Suppose they signed an undertaking to +vote for you in case you came forward?" That he consented to consider. +A requisition signed by 2,178 electors was sent to him. Then another +difficulty arose. His son said: "I cannot support my father in the +_Chronicle_."* Then I said, "Let me edit it during the election, and no +line shall appear commending your father to the electors. But whatever +pretensions his adversaries put forth, we will examine." My proposal was +agreed to. It was alleged by the rival candidate, that the requisition +was signed out of courtesy to a popular townsman, and did not mean that +those who signed it had pledged their votes. To this I answered that +when Chambers appeared on the Thames, bookmakers said, "Chambers is a +Newcastle man, who never sells the honour of his town, but will win if +he can." Is it to be true that a Newcastle elector would not only give +his promise, but write it, without intending to keep it? Will he be true +on the Thames and false on the Tyne? All the requisitionists save a +few, whom sickness or misadventure kept from the poll, voted for Joseph +Cowen, senior, who was elected by a large majority. + + * This diffidence of appearing as the advocate of his father + was carried to excess. When a local paper made remarks upon + his father's knighthood, which ought to have been resented, + I set out late one night to Darlington, arriving a little + before midnight, and wrote a vindicatory notice, which, by + the friendship of Mr. H. K. Spark, was inserted in the + _Darlington Times_ that night. It was quoted afterwards in + the _Newcastle Chronicle_. + +The great services to the town of the new member by his arduous +chairmanship of the Tyne Commission, would have insured his election, +but his majority was no doubt increased by the popularity of his son. +This did not escape the comment of local politicians, and Mr. Lowthian +Bell said, "How is it, Mr. Cowen, that everybody votes for your father +for your sake?" "I suppose it is," was the answer, "that while you have +been sitting on winter nights with your feet on the rug by the fireside, +I have been addressing pitmen's meetings in colliery villages, and +finding my way home late at night in rain and blast; and it happens that +they are grateful for it." This was the only time I knew Mr. Cowen to +make a self-assertive reply. + +When Mr. Cowen's father was in the field, and Mr. Beaumont began his +canvass, in one street he met with forty-nine refusals to vote for him. +"Why will you not vote for me?" he asked. "We are going to vote for Mr. +Coon, now," as his name was pronounced at the Tyneside. "But you have +two votes," Mr. Beaumont said; "you can give me one." "No! if we had +twenty votes we should give them all to Mr. Coon. When Chambers and +Clasper make a Ł100 match for the honour of the Tyne, and we cannot make +up the money, Mr. Coon always makes it up for us, and when we win and +go to repay him, he gives it to us." This was not a patriotic reason to +give for voting for "Mr. Coon," but it showed gratitude, as well as Mr. +Cowen's influence, and what a hold his kindness to the people had given +him upon their affection. Thus they voted for the father from regard for +the son. For in those days the son had no idea of Parliament himself, +and votes were not in his thoughts. + +Nothing could be more open or gentlemanly than Mr. Cowen in the contests +to which he was a party. Mr. Somerset Beaumont was member for Newcastle, +and he impressed Mr. Gladstone with a high sense of his capacity +in Parliament. One morning, as Mr. Beaumont and Mr. Cowen came into +Newcastle in the same train, Mr. Cowen said to him, "You know, Mr. +Beaumont, we all like you personally, but you do not go far enough +for us. We want a more Radical representative for Newcastle. We shall +prevent your election next time if we can, but only if we have a more +advanced candidate. Otherwise we will countenance no opposition to you." + +Who could foresee the day would come when--save Mr. Cowen--the noblest +candidate Newcastle ever had (Mr. John Morley) would be opposed by Mr. +Cowen in the interests of Toryism? Or that, after withstanding at the +hustings when he became a candidate, and defeating furious collusions +between Tories, Conservatives, Moderates, publicans, and all who had +vicious interests to serve or spite to gratify, Mr. Cowen himself would +one day be found aiding or abetting the same parties by taking their +side against Liberalism. + +When in Parliament, his father had misgivings touching Mr. Gladstone, +who, he thought, passed him at times without recognition. He had +conducted Mr. Gladstone down the Tyne in triumph, and his son had +assembled 200,000 persons on the Moor, who were addressed from twenty +platforms in support of Mr. Gladstone, and provided reporters and +published all the speeches. The cost of this was one of a hundred +contributions he made in the interest of Liberalism. I used to explain +that Mr. Gladstone, intent upon great questions (he was always intent +upon something) he had to explain to the House--he, self-absorbed, would +pass by his friends without seeing them, expecting, as he had a right to +expect, that devotion to the great trust of the State would be taken to +palliate his seeming inattention to friends. + +But Mr. Gladstone was not unmindful of the service rendered to him at +Newcastle, and when, some time later--no one else thinking of it--I made +representations, through Mr. (afterwards Sir) James Stansfeld--without +knowledge of Mr. Cowen or his son--I was instructed to inform Mr. Cowen, +sen., that a baronetcy would be placed at his acceptance. Mr. Cowen, +jun., objected entirely on his own part. His father therefore only +accepted a knighthood, which Her Majesty, from consideration of his +years, kindly ordered to be gazetted, obviating his attendance at Court. +All the same, it was Mr. Gladstone's intention to recognise the services +of the son as well as the father. + +Honours were not much accessible in those days, especially in uncourtly +quarters. My representation, in suggesting what I did, was, that as +personal distinction was conferred upon persons who had made Ł100,000, +something was due to one who may be said to have given that sum to the +public.* His chairmanship of the Tyne Commission extended over a period +of twenty-four years, during which the Tyne was converted from a creek +into a navigable river. + + * Sir Joseph Cowen was appointed by Act of Parliament, 1850, + chairman for life of the Tyne Improvement Commission, an + unpaid office. There was then only six feet of water on the + bar at low water spring tides, and twenty-one at high water. + In 1870 there was a depth of twenty feet at low water, and + thirty-five at high water; the deepening extending nine + miles from the bar. In twenty years ending 1870 there had + been raised thirty-eight million tons. In 1870 the tonnage + of the Tyne had risen from two and a half millions to more + than four and a half millions, exceeding by one million that + of the Thames. In 1865 there entered the Tyne port for + refuge 133 vessels. In 1870 558 vessels fled there from the + storms of the North Sea. + +The time and assiduity thus devoted to the service of navigation and +trade would have added Ł100,000 to his fortune. That his knighthood +might be justified in the eyes of his neighbours and his own, I supplied +the facts which authorised it to Mr. Walker, who was then editor of the +_Daily News_, and which appeared in his leader columns. My reason for +taking the step I did was a sense of duty to the public, who should +see as far as possible that those who rendered service should find +acknowledgment of it I was of Coleridge's opinion:-- + + "It seems a message from the world of spirits, + When any man obtains that which he merits, + Or any merit that which he obtains." + +On the death of the father, his son, Mr. Joseph Cowen, was elected in +his place, as a member for Newcastle; and Parliament being dissolved +shortly after, he was again elected by a triumphant majority. + +Mr. Cowen had made more speeches at the Tyneside than any other resident +ever did. But the town was unconscious of their merit. They were +addressed mostly to working men, and to persons whom it was not thought +necessary to report or take into account the speaker. When he became a +candidate all classes of persons were among the auditors. The town was +astonished at the relevance and fire of his orations. I mention this +circumstance to show how a man can be famous in one half of the town and +not known in the other. + +After his retirement from Parliament and platform he occasionally +delivered orations on persons, at inaugurations, which surpassed all I +have ever read of the kind, for aptness of phrase, variety of thought +and vivid portraiture, which ought to be added to the record of English +oratory. + +It was not reasonable in him, after the change in his political views, +to expect that his townsmen should adopt the new opinions he had begun +to countenance, and which he had himself taught them to distrust. But +this is what strong leaders do who suffer the pride of power to become +imperious. A just ambition, which is patient, and will work for results, +can as a rule succeed. It is ambition which is impetuous, and will not +wait longer, which lapses into reaction from disappointment. With all +his virtues, Mr. Cowen was impetuous. To desert a party because of the +folly or excesses of portions of its members, would oblige a man to +change his profession in politics and his creed in religion every twelve +months. + +In his earlier career it may be imagined that Mr. Cowen derived his +principles from generous prejudices, in later days from indignant +impulses. + +Many persons hold by inheritance right principles into whose foundation +they have never inquired. Investigation, if they entered upon it, would +confirm their convictions, but not resting on examination, their nobler +prepossessions may be displaced by passion. We all know in religion how +vehemently adherents will vindicate questions of which they know only +one side, and hold it to be sinful to inquire into the other. Such +persons, when right, are unstable and liable to variableness under +the glamour of unknown ideas. Mr. Cowen was well informed on Liberal +principles and never took to Conservative views, and, save in +antagonism, did not assist them. + +The bent of his mind to paramountcy in ideas was shown in the +extraordinary requirements he made, that Mr. Morley should disown the +political friends who had invited him to Newcastle, and become the +candidate of the _Chronicle_. Mr. Morley answered, "I will not do it, +and that is flat" Then Mr. Cowen resolved that this refusal should +cost him his seat, and ultimately he effected it, not from Conservative +resentment, but from pride. Had Mr. Morley consented to this condition +he would have remained member for Newcastle, supported with all the +force of Mr. Cowen's splendid advocacy. Mr. Cowen always remained true +to Home Rule for Ireland. But, as we have seen done in the case of +others in Parliament, he assailed every one who held it not under his +inspiration. + +Mr. Cowen was naturally noble, and resentment never made him mean, but +like any one to whom compliance with his essential convictions is a +necessity of his mind, he was apt to regard non-concurring persons +as better out of the way. He would not destroy them, but they were no +longer objects of his solicitude. + +Everybody who did not take this into account failed to understand Mr. +Cowen's career. He sought nothing for himself--he refused everything +offered to him, office included, and accepted no overture made to him. +Whatever opinion he held, to whatever party he allied himself, he might, +if he wished, have remained member for Newcastle all his life. He wanted +no place in Parliament; all he wanted was his own way--compliance with +his own opinions. He had no ambition in the ordinary sense--he had +no sinister end to serve, and it was always his preference to promote +liberty and progress, generosity and good faith in public affairs. + +Conforming to no conventionality, never entering society, nor accepting +any invitation to do it, in his attention to his collieries, his ships, +his firebrick works, manufactory, newspaper and public meetings, he +was occupied from early morning until late at night, without rest and +without hurry. He was never exhausted and was never still. One evening +he lay down on his sofa, fell asleep, and none around him knew that he +was dead. + +It would astonish the reader--were they all narrated--the considerable +undertakings which he conducted and carried through at the same time. +He was a great man of business, and had the management of heaven +been consigned to him as a pleasure resort, he would have made it pay +eventually. He was an apostle, not an apostate, but his apostleship was +of his own ideas. He was no apostate of his party. Had he been in the +celestial world when Lucifer revolted, Mr. Cowen might have aided Satan, +from motives of resentment at being denied, by certain dissentient +cherubim, ascendency himself. But he would never have joined the fallen +angels, nor, as we have seen other politicians do, officially engage in +their work, or identify himself with them. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. THE PERIL OF SCRUPLES + +An outlaw is seldom considered a pleasant person, and naturally occupies +a dubious place in public estimation. His position is worse than that of +an exile, who, if once allowed to return, is reinstated in society, but +the outlaw of opinion is never pardoned. Where justice turns upon the +hinge of the oath, there is no redress for him who has scruples as to +taking it. He who has scruples exposes himself to unpleasant comments. +He is counted a sort of fastidious crank. All the while it is known that +a man without scruples is a knave, who respects nothing save his own +interests, and will do anything likely to promote them--even to the +commission of robbery or murder--as police-courts disclose. To be +scrupulous is to be solicitous as to the rightfulness of a thing +proposed to be done. It is plainly the interest of society to encourage +those who act upon honest scruples. Scruples may be trivial or +unfounded--they may be open to objection on that account. Nevertheless, +the habit of being scrupulous is to be tolerated as conducive to +integrity, without which society would be insufferable. It is therefore +not desirable that perils should accompany scrupulousness, as I have +often seen them do. + +The obligatory oath has always been detrimental to public morality. +When one oath was imposed on all persons, it was repugnant to their +individual sense of truth in many cases, and men, to protect their +interests, began to tamper with veracity, and invent new meanings of the +terms of the oath. Thus the fortunate fastidiousness of truth is broken +down. + +The Christian oath is an ecclesiastical device, framed in the +interest of the Church, to enforce, under penalty, the recognition and +perpetuation of its tenets. He who takes the oath professes to believe +that if he breaks it "God will blast his soul in hell for ever." This is +the old brutal, terrifying form in which the consequence was expressed. +It is softened now, to suit the secular humanity of the age, to +a statement that God will hold the oath-taker responsible for its +fulfilment. But God's method of holding any one responsible, is by +sentencing him to "outer darkness," where there will be "wailing and +gnashing of teeth." A very unpleasant region to dwell in. There is no +good ground to suppose that such a sentence for such an offence would +be passed, but the intimidation is retained. Mr. Cluer, a London +magistrate, said lately that "if the fate of Ananias befel all who swore +falsely in his court, the floor would be strewn with dead bodies." +But the courts fall back upon the pristine meaning of the oath. The +magistrate asks a little child, tendered as a witness, "whether she +knows, if she does not tell the truth, where she will go to?" and +whether she "has never heard of a place called hell or of its keeper, +the devil?" If not, he publicly deplores the neglect of the child's +education, and declares her to be incapable of telling the truth. Every +one who took the oath, whether rich or poor, a philosopher or a +fool, each professed to believe that the Great God of all the worlds, +notwithstanding the infinite business He has on hand, was personally +present in any dingy court when the oath-taker calls upon Him "to +witness" that he speaks the truth, and if not, God, who never forgets, +burdens His celestial memory with that fact, with a view to eternal +retaliation, in case the oath is false. He who takes the oath and does +not believe this, lies to begin with, whatever may be the character of +his testimony. + +To take the oath in any other sense than that in which it is +administered to you, is to deceive the court. + + "He who imposes the oath, makes it. + Not he, who for convenience takes it." + +The reliance on the part of those who impose the oath, is that he who +takes it believes the terms of it. If the taker takes it in a private +sense of his own, the virtue has gone out of the oath, and the court is +deceived. If the Unitarian takes the oath, not believing in an avenging +God, he creates a new oath for himself, in which the compelling power +of an eternal terror is absent. He, therefore, does not take the oath of +the court, but another of his own invention; and if he made known to +the court what he was doing, the court would not receive his testimony. +Philosophers, who have less belief than Unitarians, take the oath. But +in the eye of morality it is not less discreditable--perhaps more so, +for the philosopher stands for absolute truth, while the Unitarian +stands only for theological truth. + +The trouble was that he who refuses to take the oath of the court, in +the sense of the court, became an outlaw, and that was a serious thing. +I was myself an outlaw, until I was fifty-two years of age, without the +power of obtaining redress where I was wronged, or of punishing fraud or +theft from which I suffered, or of protecting the life and property +of others, where my evidence was required. My ambition was to be a +barrister, but legal friends assured me that the law turned upon the +hinge of oath-taking, and that the path of the Bar would to me be a path +of lying. It happens that I have never taken an oath. When I found +that my belief did not coincide with that implied by the oath, I felt +precluded from taking it. + +This reluctance brought me peril. When the question of a Parliamentary +oath in Lord Randolph Churchill's days raged, a new doctrine was set +up among some partisans of Freethought--that an Atheist might take the +oath. That meant there was no longer any distinction in terms, or any +meaning in principle. If an Atheist may, for the sake of some advantage +before him, make a Christian profession, there is no reason why a +Christian should not make an Atheistical profession if it answered his +purpose. The apostles made quite a mistake by incurring martyrdom for +conscience sake. Bruno, Servitus, and Tyndale need not have gone to the +stake, had they only understood that the way to advance the truth was to +abandon it, instead of standing to it. If a man is not to stand by the +truth when the consequences are against him, there is an end of truth as +a principle. It is no longer a duty to suffer for it and maintain it. + +It seemed to me that the friends of reason, who rejected theological +tenets, should be as scrupulous as to the truth as partisans of +superstition have often proved themselves to be, and that the Atheist +should have as clear a sense of intellectual honour as the Quaker, the +Catholic, or the Jew, who all suffered rather than take an oath contrary +to their sense of truth. This was regarded as a reflection upon some +excellent colleagues of mine, who thought it fatuity to allow an oath to +stand in their way, and frustrate their career. + +It was brought against me that there were circumstances under which +I should be as little scrupulous as other people. Major Bell, who had +incurred great peril in India for the sake of honour, put a question +to me in the Daily News purporting that, "Had I married before 1837 I +should not have hesitated at twice invoking the Trinity as the Church +service required? And if I had done so, should I not have perpetrated a +piece of hypocrisy?" There is an immoral maxim that "All things are fair +in love and war," and it is probable that I should not have hesitated to +perpetrate that "piece of hypocrisy," as it would have been the lesser +of two evils, but it would not, therefore, cease to be an evil. If under +any compulsion of love or war I was induced to perpetrate "apiece of +hypocrisy," it would never occur to me to go about saying it was not +hypocrisy. I dislike law, custom, or persons who force me to do what I +know to be wrong, but no person could do his worst against me, until he +prevailed upon me to go about saying it was right. + +Dr. Moncure Conway asked whether, if his life was in danger in China, +and I could save it by the Chinese oath of breaking a saucer, I would +not do it? Certainly I would, to save Dr. Conway, if the Confucians +would permit me, but I should not the less deceive them by pretending +to have sworn before them in the Chinese sense. But I should regret +the necessity, since in no country would I willingly treat truth as a +superstition. By taking the "saucer" oath, I should obtain in Chinese +eyes a validity for my word not really belonging to it. However I might +excuse the act, it would still be deceit, nor ought it to be called by +any other name. There is no virtuous vagueness in unveracity, and he who +in peril uses it would not be justified in carrying it into common life, +where Lord Bacon has warned us, "Truth is so useful, that we should make +public note of any departure from that excellent habit." Major Evans +Bell further argued that because the Prince of Wales may sign himself my +"obedient, humble servant," while not feeling himself bound to act +so, the terms of the oath may be likewise regarded as a form of words +merely. Yet all "forms" which are unreal are unwise and hurtful. But +the superscription of the Prince is known to be but a false form, and +accepted as such, while the oath is a profession of faith. If the Prince +went into a public court and swore in the name of God that he really was +my "obedient, humble servant," I should think him a very shabby Prince +if the solemnity went for nothing. As I have known Major Bell expose +himself to what his friends believed to be fatal peril, from a noble +sense of self-imposed duty, to which neither oath, nor contract, nor any +conventional superscription called him, I no more imagine him than I did +Dr. Conway, to really mean what their arguments seemed to imply. + +Some are for the spirit more than the form. I was for both, and I regard +all legislation as immoral which divorces them. Referring to these +letters, the _Daily News_ (December 23, 1881) regarded them as "marked +by rectitude of moral judgment, which is recognised by those who most +deplore what they think is theological aberration. Some such testimony +as he gives was almost needed to efface the impression which recent +events in and out of the House of Commons have made, that moral +indifferentism is of necessity associated with religious negation." +I was glad of those words at a time when I was fiercely assailed for +saying what I did, in the midst of the Parliamentary contest which then +occupied the attention of the country. My object was to assist the right +in the contest, and to defend the Free Thought cause. Had I not spoken +then, it would have been in vain to speak afterward. To be silent about +principle in the hour of its application would have been fatal to its +influence and repute, so far as it might be represented by me. + +As far as in my power lay, I left no uncertainty in the mind of +Parliament as to what was wanted, in lieu of the oath. It was simply a +"promise of honour," to declare the truth in matters of testimony, and +observe good faith in contracts. One of my petitions to the House of +Commons ran thus:-- + +"Your petitioner is a person who never took an oath, as it implied +theological convictions he did not hold. He, however, has seen persons +of far greater knowledge than he possesses, of high social position and +authority, and whose example men look up to, take the oath, though it +was known to all that they held no belief corresponding thereunto--the +opprobrium and outlawry attending the refusal of the oath being +more than they would incur. This has led to a practice of public +prevarication, that of persons saying a thing and not meaning it, or +meaning something else. Nowhere is this example more disastrous than in +your High Assembly, where anything said is conspicuous and its example +influential on the conduct of others." + +Another petition so interested Professor J. E. Thorold Rogers, M.P. (who +had held holy orders), that he had copies made of it, and sent one with +a letter to each morning paper, saying he regarded it as expressing the +"quintessence of political morality." The petition set forth:-- + +"That it is at all times important that public declarations should be so +expressed that any one making them shall be able to say what he means, +and mean what he says. In these days, when popular instruction is being +advanced by national schools, it is yet more desirable that no public +declaration should be exacted, the terms of which are unmeaning or +untrue to those who make it, inasmuch as such declaration deteriorates +the wholesome habit of national veracity, and is of the nature of a +fraud upon the public understanding, which becomes more repugnant as +general intelligence increases. + +"Your petitioner respectfully submits that the present Parliamentary +oath is open to these objections so long as it is obligatory upon all +members, irrespective of whatever personal and private beliefs they may +hold. + +"Your petitioner, therefore, prays, in the interests of public good +faith, that a form of affirmation may be adopted, optional to all +members of Parliament, instead of the present ecclesiastical oath." + +Francis Place once explained to me that in the Benthamite view, it was +not warrantable to incur martyrdom unless it was clear that the public +would be gainers by the martyr's loss. In a letter, Mr. J. S. Mill, in +answer to questions I put to him with regard to taking an oath, wrote:-- + +"I conceive that when a bad law has made the oath a condition to the +performance of a public duty, it may be taken without dishonesty by a +person who acknowledges no binding force in the religious part of the +formality. Unless (as in your own case) he has made it the special and +particular work of his life to testify against such formalities, and +against the belief with which they are connected." + +I could not concur with this view. Personal candour is far-reaching in +its effects, and should be cherished where we can, and as far as we can. +Truth is to the life of the mind what air is to the life of the body. +When the mind ceases to breathe truth, the mind is impaired or dies. + +It is necessary to add the grounds which actuated me in endeavours to +put an end to the outlawry of opinion. Many beside myself helped to +obtain a law of affirmation, but I was the only person among them all +who had never taken an oath. Sir George Cornewall Lewis demanded in +Parliament how the oath could be a vital grievance to Atheists, whose +throats were furrowed with swallowing it. When summoned on the grand +jury at Clerkenwell I refused to take the oath in the sense the court +attached to it, and I was fined twelve guineas for not taking it. I drew +up a paper showing the privileges given by the law to those who were +honestly unable to swear. They were exempted from the militia, from the +duty of acting as special constable, they could procure the acquittal +of any thief, fraudulent person, or murderer, where their evidence was +necessary to conviction. In some cases the thief has escaped, and the +person robbed has been imprisoned instead, for his contumacy in not +lying. It became known among thieves that where they could find out a +witness against them, who disbelieved in an avenging God, the counsel +defending the thief had only to call the attention of the court to the +fact for the witness to be ordered "to stand down," and the thief would +"leave the court without a stain on his character." Mr. Francis, in +his "History of the Bank of England," relates how Turner, whose fraud +amounted to Ł10,000, escaped, because the only witness who could swear +decidedly to his handwriting, was a disbeliever in the New Testament. +The jury returned a verdict of "Not guilty." + +Sir John Trelawny told me that the fly-leaves I published on the +"Privileges of Sceptics and the Immunity of Thieves" made more +impression upon members of Parliament than any petition sent to the +House. These and similar services, with my lifelong refusal to take the +oath, caused John Stuart Mill to write to me, saying: "It is a great +triumph of freedom of opinion that the Evidence Bill should have passed +both Houses without being seriously impaired. You may justly take to +yourself a good share of the credit of having brought things up to that +pass."* + +These instances will no doubt satisfy the reader as to the peril of +entertaining scruples in the face of power. The earliest instance which +concerned me was a case in Birmingham in which several thousand pounds +were left for the establishment of a secular school which I was to +conduct. Not being willing to take the oath, I could not prosecute my +claim. When a son of mine was killed by the recklessness of a driver, I +could not give evidence on the inquest because I could not be sworn. +My private house was thrice robbed by servants who became aware of my +inability to prosecute. When in business in Fleet Street, my property +could be carted away, for which I had no remedy save lying in wait and +knocking down the depredators, which would at the Mansion House have led +to a public scandal and injured the business. Money was left to me which +I could not claim, being an outlaw. + + * Blackheath Park, Kent, August 8, 1869. + +It would tire the reader to tell him all the instances of the perils +attending scruples. Mr. Roebuck put the case in the House of Commons +against Sir George Cornewall Lewis. Pointing his finger at Sir George, +he asked, "What is the right honourable gentleman going to do? Two men +go into court. One disbelieves in the oath, but he takes it. The other +takes the peril of outlawry rather than profess a faith which he does +not hold. You believe the liar, whom you know to be a liar, and you +reject the evidence of the man who speaks the truth at his peril." I had +asked Mr. Roebuck to speak when the question of affirmation was before +the House. There were then only he, Sir John Trelawny, or Mr. Conyngham +to whom such a question could be put It was upon Mr. Roebuck that I +mostly relied. After his speech I thanked him for doing what no one else +could do so well. He disclaimed any desert of thanks, saying, "I have +only done what Jeremy Bentham taught me." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. TAKING SIDES + +Every one of manly mind, every person of thought and determination, +takes sides upon important questions. Those who say they are indifferent +which side prevails, are indifferent whether good or evil comes +uppermost. Those who are afraid to choose a side, command only the cold +respect accorded to cowardice. Those who sit upon a fence to see which +side is likely to prevail before they jump down, are not seeking the +success of a principle, but their own interests. In most questions--as +in business--there is a side of honesty and a side of fraud. Some do +not take either separately, thinking they can better take both at +discretion. If they profit by their dexterous duplicity, they command no +regard. Some persons have no fervour for the right, and would rather see +the wrong prevail than take the trouble to prevent it. They would be on +the side of truth altogether if it gave them no discomfort, and caused +them no outlay. They belong to the large Laodicean lukewarm class, of +whom he who sought their allegiance said he would "spue them out of his +mouth." Not a pleasant simile, but it is not mine. It shows that no one +is enthusiastic about those who are undecided where decision interferes +with advancement. + +If the selfish, or the politic, or the supine do not care to take sides +with right, they have no cause to complain if the triumph of wrong +involves them in discredit or disaster. But whatever be their fate, I am +not concerned with them. What I am concerned with is the omission of +all information of what may follow to him who shall take the right side. +These consequences ought never to be out of sight. + +It is too often forgotten that in this world virtue has its price as +well as vice, and neither can be bought cheap. Vice can be bought on +the "hire system," by which a person gets into debt pleasantly--which +introduces shiftlessness into life. Wrong is a money-lender, whose +concealed charges and heavy interest have to be paid one day at the +peril of ruin. Right doing may be said to pay as it goes along, which +implies conscience, effort, and often sacrifice of some immediate +pleasure. But independence lies that way, and no other. Right principle +incurs no deferred obligation. Debt is a chain by which the debtor binds +himself to someone else. The connection may be disregarded, but the +chain can never be broken, except by restitution. Many persons are +beguiled into doing right under the impression that it is as pleasant +as doing wrong. This is not so, and the concealment of the fact has +injurious consequences. When a person who has been, as it were, betrayed +into virtue, without being instructed as to the inconvenience which +may attend it, when he encounters them, he suspects he has been imposed +upon, and thinks he had better give vice a turn. It was this that made +Huxley declare that the hardest as well as the most useful lesson a man +could learn, was to do that which he ought to do, whether he liked it +or not. Character, which can be trusted, comes that way, and that way +alone. He who enters on that path reaps reward daily in the pleasure and +strength which duty imparts, while sooner or later follow advantage and +honour. The most useful character George Eliot drew was that of Tito, +who was wrecked because he had no sense that there was strength and +safety in truth. The only strength he trusted to lay in his ingenuity +and dissimulation. The world is pretty full of Titos, who all come to +one end, and nobody mourns them. + +A few instances may be relevantly given in which rightness has been +attended by disadvantages, when wrongness appeared to have none--yet +wrongness was found to bring great unpleasantness in the end. + +When there were petitions before the House of Commons to change the +oath which excluded Jews, and petitions to permit persons to make +affirmations who had conscientious objections to taking an oath, it was +represented to me that if both claims were kept before Parliament at the +same time both would be rejected. The Jewish claim was the older, and +concerned the enfranchisement of a race. I therefore caused the omission +for several years of any petition for affirmation--though my disability +of being unable to take the oath excluded me from justice and rendered +me an outlaw. + +When the Jews had obtained their relief, Sir Julian Goldsmid, a Jew, +became a candidate at Brighton. Mr. Matthews, a political friend of mine +in the town, went to Sir Julian and asked whether, as Mr. Holyoake and +those of his way of thinking had deferred their claim for affirmation +that the Jews might become eligible for Parliament, would he vote for +the Affirmation Bill? He said, "No! he would not" Mr. Matthews then +wrote to ask me whether he and others who were in favour of Affirmation +should vote for Sir Julian. I answered, "Certainly, if he in other +respects was the best candidate before the constituency. However +strongly we might be persuaded our own claim was just, we had no right +to prefer it to the general interest of the State." + +Speaking one night with Mr. John Morley when we both happened to be +guests of Mr. Chamberlain at Highbury, Birmingham, I remarked that +Cobden and Bright, without intending it, had introduced more immorality +into politics than any other politicians in my time. Mr. Morley +naturally demanded to be informed when, and in what way. I answered, +"When they advised electors to vote for any candidate, irrespective +of their political opinion, who would vote against the Corn Laws. This +incited every party to vote for its own hand--the priest for the church, +the brewers for the barrel, and the teetotalers for the teapot, the +anti-vaccinators for those who were against the lancet. Even women +proposed to vote for any candidate who would give them the suffrage, +regardless whether they put out a Ministry of Progress and put in a +Ministry of Reaction. This was ignoring the general good in favour of a +personal measure. The error of the great Anti-Corn Law advocates lay in +their not making it plain to the country that when the population were +deteriorating and dying from want of sufficient food, politics must give +way to the claims of existence. That was the justification of Cobden and +Bright, and had it been stated, smaller politicians with narrower aims +could never then have pleaded their example for crowding the poll with +rival claims in which the larger interests of the State are forgotten. +Like Bacon's maxim that 'speaking the truth was so excellent a habit, +that any departure from that wholesome rule should be noted.' The +Anti-Corn Law League election policy needed noting." + +However many instances may be given of the kind before the reader, +the moral will be the same. Taking sides involves some penalty which +enthusiasts are apt to overlook, and when it arrives ruddy eagerness is +apt to turn pale and change into ignoble prudence. Taking the side of +honesty or fraud, unpleasantness may come. But on the side of right the +consciousness of integrity mitigates regret and commands respect; while +the penalties of deceit are intensified by shame and scorn. Many think +there is safety in a judicious mixture of good faith and bad, but +when the bad is discerned, distrust and contempt are the unevadable +consequences. Besides, it takes more trouble to conceal a sinister life +than to act uprightly. It is true, an evil policy often succeeds, but +the interest of society is to take care that he who does evil shall +be overtaken by evil. As this sentiment grows, the chances of illicit +success continually decrease. Rascality--refined or coarse--would have +fewer adherents if society took as much trouble to secure that the +rightdoer shall prosper, as it takes to render the career of the knave +precarious. + +The point of importance, I repeat, is--that persons should remember, +or be taught to remember, that the course of right, like the course of +wrong, is attended by consequences. Many who are honourably attracted by +the right are disappointed at finding that it has its duties as well as +its pleasures--which, had they known at first, they would have made up +their minds to do them; but not being apprised of them, when they first +encounter inconvenience, they think they have been deceived, falter, and +sometimes turn from a noble course upon which they had entered. + +Any one would think there was no great peril to be encountered by taking +sides with veracity. Let him avoid the sin of pretension, and see what +will happen. + +The sin I referred to is not the common one of declaring that to be true +which you know to be untrue--that has long been known by an appropriate +name, and does not require any new epithet to denote its scandalousness. +The sin of pretension in question consists in assuming, or declaring +that to be true, which one does not know to be true. Years ago this +was a very common sin, and everybody committed it. You heard it in the +pulpit more frequently than on the stage. Nobody complained of it, or +rebuked it, or resented it. It was not until the middle of the last +century that public attention was drawn to it. It was Huxley who first +raised the question of intellectual veracity, and he devised the term +Agnostic (which merely means limitation) to express it. Limitationism +does not mean disbelief, but the limitation of assertion to actual +knowledge. The theist used to declare--without misgiving--the absolute +certainty of the existence of an independent, active Entity, to whom +Nature is second-hand, and not much at that. The anti-theist--also +without misgiving--denied that there was such separate Potentiality. +The Limitationist, more modest in averment, not having sufficient +information to be positive, simply says he does not know. He does not +say that others may not have sufficient knowledge of a primal cause of +things; but lacking it himself, he concludes that veracity in statement +may be a virtue where omniscience is denied. There may be belief +founded on inference. But inference is not knowledge. The Limitationist +withholds assertion from lack of satisfying evidence. He is neutral--not +because he wishes not to believe, or desires to deny, but because +serious language should be measured by the standard of proof and +conviction. + +So strange did this precaution in speech seem in my time, that it +was believed that reticence was not honest precaution, but prudent +concealment of actual conviction, intended to evade orthodox anger. +On problems relating to infinite existence and an unknown future, it +requires infinite knowledge to give an affirmative answer. No one said +he had infinite information, but everybody declaimed as though he had. +It appeared not to have occurred to many that there was a state of the +understanding in which lack of conviction was owing to lack of evidence. +Where the desire to believe is hereditary, it is difficult to realise +that there are questions upon which certainty may, to many minds, be +unattainable, and that an honest man who felt this was bound to say so. +An American journal, which needed forbearance from its readers for +its own heresy, published the opinion that Huxley was a "dodger" in +philosophy. Whereas Huxley was for integrity in thought and speech. He +was for scientific accuracy as far as attainable. His own outspokenness +was the glory of philosophy and science in his day. He never denied his +convictions; he never apologised for them; he never explained them away. +Is it over his noble tomb that we are to write, "Here lies a Dodger," +because he invented an honest term to denote the measured knowledge of +honest thinkers? Dogmatism is not demonstration, but when I was young +nobody seemed to suspect it. It used to be said that "Darwin, Huxley, +and Spencer were not really in a state of unknowingness concerning the +great problem of the universe"--which meant that these eminent thinkers, +upon whose lives no shadow of unveracity ever rested, described +themselves as Limitationists when they were not so. They were not to +be believed upon their word. The term was a mask. Such are the social +penalties for taking sides with veracity. + +The public has begun to discover that veracity of speech is not a mask, +but a duty. None can calculate the calamities which arise in society +from the perpetual misdirections disseminated by those who make +assertions resting merely upon their inherited belief or prepossessions, +with no personal knowledge upon which they are founded. This is the sin +of pretension, which recedes before the integrity of science and reason, +just as wild beasts recede before the march of civilisation. + +Few would be prepared to believe that, in my polemical days, the desire +to avoid committing the sin of pretension was supposed to indicate +desperation of character, of which suicide would be the natural end. +This was a favourite argument, for a heterodox principle was held to be +for ever confuted, if he who held it hanged himself. The best proclaimed +champion of orthodox tenets, whom I met on many platforms, went about +declaring that I intended suicide, and it was generally believed that +I had committed it. The certainty of it, sooner or later, was little +doubted, whereas it was not at all in my way. + +The suicide of Eugene Aram, to escape the ignominy of an inevitable +execution, is intelligible. If Blanco White, whose dying and hopeless +sufferings excited the sympathy even of Cardinal Newman, had done the +same thing, it would have been condonable. Suicide proceeding from +disease of the mind is always pitiable. When Italian prisoners were +given belladonna by their Austrian gaolers, to cause them to betray, +unconsciously, their comrades, some committed suicide to prevent this, +which was honourable though deplorable. When a murderer, knowing his +desert, becomes his own executioner, he is not censurable though +still infamous, since it saves society the expense of terminating his +dangerous career. But in other cases, self-slaughter, to avoid trouble +or the performance of inconvenient duty, is cowardly and detestable. + +In my controversial days (which I hope are not yet ended) the clergy did +not hesitate to say that if a man began to think for himself, he would +end by killing himself. + +When I thought the doctrine had died out, an instance recurred which led +me to address the following letter to the Rev. R. P. Downes, LLD. (May +18, 1899), who thought the doctrine valid:-- + +"Dear Dr. Downes,--It has been reported to me that in Wesley Place +Chapel, Tunstall (March 20, 1899), you, when preaching on the 'Roots of +Unbelief,' illustrated that troublesome subject by saying that 'when Mr. +Holyoake was imprisoned at Birmingham, he attempted suicide.' This +is not true, nor was it in Birmingham, but in Gloucester where the +imprisonment occurred. I never attempted suicide--it was never in my +mind to do it. I had no motive that way. I experienced no moment of +despair. Better men than I had been imprisoned before, for being so +imprudent as to protest against intolerance and error. Besides, I never +liked suicide. I was always against it Blowing out your brains makes an +ill-conditioned splatter. Cutting your throat is a detestable want +of consideration for those who have to efface the stains. Drowning is +disagreeable, as the water is cold and not clean. Hanging is mean and +ignominious, and I have always heard unpleasant The French charcoal plan +makes you sick. Indeed, every form of suicide shows want of taste; and +worse than that, it is a cowardly thing to flee from evils you ought to +combat, and leave others, whom you may be bound to cherish and protect, +to struggle unaided. So you see what you allege against me is not only +irrelevant--it implies defect of taste, which is serious in the eyes of +society, which will condone crime more readily than vulgarity. + +"I am against your discourse because of its bad taste. Suicide is +no argument against the truth of belief. Christians are continually +committing it, and clergymen also. The Society for the Propagation of +Christian Knowledge used to bring this argument from suicide forward in +their tracts against heresy. But being educated gentlemen they abandoned +it long ago, and it is now only used by the lower class of preachers. I +do not mean to suggest that you belong to that class--only that you have +condescended to use an argument peculiar to uncultivated reasoners. + +"Personally, I have great respect for several eminent preachers of +Wesleyan persuasion, but they think it necessary to inquire into the +truth of an accusation before they make it You must have borrowed yours +from the Rev. Brewin Grant, with whom in his last illness I had friendly +communications, and he had long ceased to repeat what he said in days +when it was not thought necessary to be exact in imputations against +adversaries. + +"I do not remember to have written before in refutation of the statement +you made. No one who knows me would believe it for a moment; but as you +are a responsible, and I understand a well-regarded, preacher, I inform +you of the error, especially as it gives me the opportunity of putting +on record not only my disinclination, but my dislike and contempt for +suicide, and for those who, not being hopelessly diseased or insane, +commit it." + + +Dr. Downes sent me a gentlemanly and candid letter, owning that the +Rev. Brewin Grant, B.A., was the authority on which he spoke, whose +representations he would not repeat, and I have reason to believe he has +not. + +Such are the vicissitudes of taking sides. He has to pay who takes the +right, but he has honour in the end. But he pays more who takes the +wrong side consciously, and with it comes infamy. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. THINGS WHICH WENT AS THEY WOULD + +I commence with Judge Hughes' first candidature. There are cases in +which gratitude is submerged by prejudice, even among the cultivated +classes. There was Thomas Hughes, whose statue has been deservedly +erected in Rugby. Three years before he became a member of Parliament +I told him he might enter the House were he so minded. And when +opportunity arose I was able to confirm my assurance. + +One Friday afternoon in 1865 some Lambeth politicians of the middle and +working classes, whom Bernal Osborne had disappointed of being their +candidate (a vacancy having attracted him elsewhere), came to me at the +House of Commons to inquire if I could suggest one to them. I named +Mr. Hughes as a good fighting candidate, who had sympathy with working +people, and who, being honest, could be trusted in what he promised, and +being an athlete, could, like Feargus O'Connor, be depended upon on a +turbulent platform. I was to see Mr. Hughes at once, which I did, and +after much argument satisfied him that if he took the "occasion by the +hand" he might succeed. He said, "he must first consult Sally"--meaning +Mrs. Hughes. I had heard him sing "Sally in our Alley," and took his +remark as a playful allusion to his wife as the heroine of the song. +That he might be under no illusion, I suggested that he should not enter +upon the contest unless he was prepared to lose Ł1,000. + +The next morning he consented. I took him to my friends of the Electoral +Committee, by whom he was accepted. When he entered the vestibule of +the hall of meeting I left him, lest my known opinions on other subjects +should compromise him in the minds of some electors. This was on the +Saturday afternoon. I saw that by issuing an address in the Monday +morning papers he would be first in the field. On Sunday morning, +therefore, I waited for him at the Vere Street Church door, where the +Rev. F. D. Maurice preached, to ask him to write at once his address +to the electors. He thought more of his soul than of his success, and +reluctantly complied with my request. His candidature might prevent a +Tory member being elected, and the labours of the Liberal electors for +years being rendered futile, education put back, the Liberal Association +discouraged, taxation of the people increased, and the moral and +political deterioration of the borough ensue. To avert all such evils +the candidate was loath to peril his salvation for an hour. Yet would +it not have been a work of human holiness to do it, which would make +his soul better worth saving? That day I had lunch at his table in Park +Lane, while he thought the matter over. That was the first and last time +I was asked to his house. That afternoon he brought the address to my +home, then known as Dymoke Lodge, Oval Road, Regent's Park, and had tea +with my family. I had collected several persons in another room ready to +make copies of the address. + +I wrote letters to various editors, took a cab, and left a copy of the +address myself, before ten o'clock, at the offices of all the chief +newspapers published on Monday morning. The editor of the _Daily News_ +and one or two others I saw personally. All printed the address as news, +free of expense. Next morning the Liberal electors were amazed to +see their candidate "first in the field" before any other had time to +appear. All the while I knew Mr. Hughes would vote against three things +which I valued, and in favour of which I had written and spoken. He +would vote against the ballot, against opening picture galleries and +museums on Sunday, and against the separation of the Church from the +State. But on the whole he was calculated to promote the interests of +the country, and therefore I did what I could to promote his election. + +I wrote for the election two or three bills. The following is one:-- + + HUGHES FOR LAMBETH. + + Vote for "Tom Brown." + + Vote for a Gentleman who is a friend of the People. + + Vote for a Churchman who will do justice to + Dissenters. + + Vote for a tried Politician who will support just measures + and can give sensible reasons for them. + + Vote for a distinguished writer and raise the + character of metropolitan constituencies. + + Vote for a candidate who can defend your cause in the Press + as well as in Parliament + + Vote for a man known to be honest and who has long worked + for the industrious classes. + + Electors of Lambeth, + + Vote for Thomas Hughes. + + +Mr. Hughes would have had no address out but for me. Had he spent Ł100 +in advertisements a day or two later he could not have purchased the +advantage this promptitude gave him. I worked very hard all that Sunday, +a son and daughter helping--but our souls did not count Two weeks went +by--during which I ceaselessly promulgated his candidature--and I heard +nothing from the candidate. As I had paid the emergency expenses of the +Sunday copyists, found them refreshments while they wrote, and paid for +the cab on its round to the offices, I found myself Ł2 "out of pocket," +as lawyers put it, and I sent a note to Mr. Hughes to say that amount +would cover costs incurred. He replied in a curt note saying I should +"find a cheque for Ł2 within"--giving me the impression that he regarded +it as an extortion, which he thought it better to submit to than resent. +He never thanked me, then or at any time, for what I did. Never in all +his life did he refer to the service I had rendered him. + +A number of friends were invited to Great Ormond Street College to +celebrate his election, but I was not one. This was not handsome +treatment, but I thought little of it. It was not Mr. Hughes's natural, +but his ecclesiastical self. I withstood him and his friends, the +Christian Socialists, who sought to colour Co-operation with Church +tenets, which would put distraction into it. Association with me was at +that time repugnant to Mr. Hughes. Nevertheless, I continued to serve +him whenever I could. He was a friend of Co-operation, to his cost, +and was true to the Liberal interests of the people. My daughter, Mrs. +Praill, and her husband gave their house as a committee-room when Mr. +Hughes was subsequently a candidate in Marylebone, and she canvassed for +him so assiduously that he paid her a special visit of acknowledgment. + +The Christian Socialist propaganda is another instance of the wilfulness +of things which went as you did not want them to go. In those days +not only did I fail to find favour in the eyes of Mr. Hughes--even Mr. +Vansittart Neale, the most liberal of Christian Socialists, thought me, +for some years, an unengaging colleague. General Maurice, in the Life of +his eminent father (Professor Denison Maurice), relates that Mr. Maurice +regarded me as an antagonist. This was never so. I had always respect +for Professor Maurice because of his theological liberality. He believed +that perdition was limited to aeons. The duration of an aeon he was not +clear upon; but whatever its length, it was then an unusual and merciful +limitation of eternal torture. This cost him his Professorship at +King's College, through the enmity, it was said, of Professor Jelf. I +endeavoured to avenge Professor Maurice by dedicating to Dr. Jelf my +"Limits of Atheism." Elsewhere I assailed him because I had honour for +Professor Maurice, for his powerful friendship to Co-operation. When the +news of his death came to the Bolton Congress it was I who drew up and +proposed the resolution of honour and sorrow which we passed. + +It was always the complaint against the early "Socialists"--as the +Co-operators were then called--that they mixed up polemical controversy +with social advocacy. The Christian Socialists strenuously made this +objection, yet all the while they were seeking to do the same thing. +What they rightly objected to was that the chief Co-operators gave +irrelevant prominence to the alien question of theology, and repelled +all persons who differed from them. + +All the while, what they objected to was not theology, but to a kind +of theology not their own, and this kind, as soon as they acquired +authority, they proceeded to introduce. They proceeded to compile a +handbook intended to pledge the Co-operators to the Church of England, +and I received proofs, which I still have, in which Mr. Hughes made +an attack on all persons of Freethinking views. I objected to this +as violating the principle on which we had long agreed, namely, of +Co-operative neutrality in religion* and politics, as their introduction +was the signal of disputation which diverted the attention of members +from the advancement of Co-operation in life, trade, and labour. At +the Leeds Congress I maintained that the congress was like Parliament, +where, as Canning said, no question is introduced which cannot be +discussed. If Church views were imported into the societies, Heretics +and Nonconformists, who were the originators of the movement, would have +the right of introducing. Personally, I preferred controversy _outside_ +Co-operation. Their tenets. Mr. Hughes was so indignant at my protest +that he, being in the chair, refused to call upon me to move a +resolution officially assigned to me upon another subject. At the +meeting of the United Board for revising motions to be brought before +Congress, I gave notice that if the Church question should be raised +I should object to it, as it would then be in order (should the +introduction of theology be sanctioned) for an Atheist (Agnostic was +not a current word then) to propose the adoption of his views, and an +Atheist, as such, might be a president. Whereupon Mr. Vansittart Neale, +our general secretary, declared with impassioned vehemence that he hoped +the day would never come when an Atheist would be elected president. +Yet when, some years later, I was appointed president of the Carlisle +Congress (1887)--though I was still considered entirely deficient in +proper theological convictions--Mr. Hughes and Mr. Neale, who were both +present, were most genial, and with their concurrence 100,000 copies of +my address were printed--a distinction which befel no other president. + +In another instance I had to withstand Church ascendancy. + +I was the earliest and foremost advocate of the neutrality of +pious opinion in Co-operation; when others who knew its value were +silent--afraid or unwilling to give pain to the Christian Socialists, +whom we all respected, and to whom we were all indebted for legal and +friendly assistance. + +But integrity of principle is higher than friendship. Some Northumbrian +societies, whose members were largely Nonconformists, were greatly +indignant at the attempt to give ascendancy to Church opinions, and +volunteered to support my protest against it But when the day of protest +came at the Leeds Congress they all deserted me--not one raised a voice +on my side; though they saw me browbeaten in their interest My argument +was, that if we assented to become a Church party we might come to have +our proceedings opened with a collect, or by prayer, to which it would +be hypocrisy in many to pretend to assent. At the following Derby +Congress this came to pass: Bishop Southwell, who opened the Industrial +Exhibition, made a prayer and members of the United Board knelt round +him. I was the only one who stood up, it being the only seemly form +of protest there. This scene was never afterwards repeated. Bishop +Southwell was a devout, kindly, and intellectually liberal prelate, +but he did not know, or did not respect, as other Bishops did, the +neutrality of Congress. + +For myself, I was always in favour of the individuality of the religious +conscience in its proper place. I love the picturesqueness of personal +conviction. It was I who first proposed that we should accept offers +of sermons on Congress Sunday by ministers of every denomination. +Co-operators included members of all religious persuasions, and I +was for their opportunity of hearing favourite preachers apart from +Co-operative proceedings. + +It is only necessary for the moral of these instances to pursue them. +There is education in them and public suggestiveness which may justify +the continuance of the subject. + +When the _Co-operative News_ was begun in Manchester (1871), I wrote its +early leaders, and as its prospects were not hopeful, it was agreed that +the _Social Economist_, which I and Mr. E. O. Greening had established +in London in 1868, should cease in favour of the _Co-operative News_, +as we wished to see one paper, one interest, and one party. As the +Manchester office was too poor to purchase our journal, we agreed that +it should be paid for when the Manchester paper succeeded, and the price +should be what the cessation of the _Social Economist_ should be thought +to be worth to the new paper. It was sixteen years before the fulfilment +of their side of the bargain. The award, if I remember rightly, was +Ł15, but I know the period was as long and the amount as small. The +_Co-operative News_ had then been established many years. It was worth +much more than Ł100 to the Manchester paper to have a London rival +out of the way. It was not an encouraging transaction, and but for Mr. +Neale, Abraham Greenwood and Mr. Crabtree it would not have ended as +it did. But the committee were workmen without knowledge of literary +matters. So I made no complaint, and worked with them and for their +paper all the same. It was a mistake to discontinue the _Social +Economist_, which had some powerful friends. Co-operation was soon +narrowed in Manchester. Co-operative workshops were excluded from +participation in profit. We should have kept Co-operation on a higher +level in London. + +The Rochdale Jubilee is the last instance I shall cite. In 1892 was +celebrated the jubilee of the Rochdale Society. I received no invitation +and no official notice. The handbook published by the society, in +commemoration of its fifty years' success, made no reference to me nor +to the services I had rendered the society. I had written its history, +which had been printed in America, and translated into the chief +languages of Europe--in Spain, in Hungary, several times in France and +Italy. I had put the name of the Pioneers into the mouth of the world, +yet my name was never mentioned by any one. Speaking on the part of the +Rochdale Co-operators, the President of Jubilee Congress, who knew +the facts of my devotion to the reputation of Rochdale, was silent. +Archdeacon Wilson was the only one who showed me public regard. The +local press said some gracious things, but they were not Co-operators. +I had spoken at the graves of the men who had made the fortunes of the +store, and had written words of honour of all the political leaders of +the town, and of those best remembered in connection with the famous +society, which I had vindicated, without ceasing, during half a century. + +In the earlier struggles of the Pioneers I had looked forward to the day +of their jubilee, when I should stand in their regard as I had done +in their day of need. Of course, this gave me a little concern to +find myself treated as one unknown to them. But in truth they had not +forgotten me, though they ignored me. The new generation of Co-operators +had abandoned, to Mr. Bright's regret, participation of profit with +Labour, the noblest aspiration of the Pioneers. I had addressed them in +remonstrance, in the language of Lord Byron, who was Lord of the Manor +of Rochdale:-- + + "You have the Rochdale store as yet, + Where has the Rochdale workshop gone? + Of two such lessons why forget + The nobler and the manlier one?" + +Saying this cost me their cordiality and their gratitude; but I cared +for the principle and for the future, and was consoled. + +In every party, the men who made it great die, and leave no immediate +successors. But in time their example recreates them. But at the Jubilee +of 1892, they had not re-appeared, and those who had memories and +gratitude were dead. I spoke over the grave of Cooper, of Smithies, of +Thomas Livesey--John Bright's schoolfellow--the great friend of the dead +Pioneers saying:-- + + "They are gone, the holy ones, + Who trod with me this lovely vale; + My old star-bright companions + Are silent, low and pale."* + +The question arises, does this kind of experience justify a person in +deserting his party? + +The last incident and others preceding it are given as instances of +outrage or neglect, which in public life explain ignominious desertion +of principle. I have known men change sides in Parliament because the +Premier, who had defect of sight, passed them by in the lobby without +recognition. I have seen others desert a party, which they had +brilliantly served, because their personal ambition had not been +recognised. Because of this I have seen a man turn heels over head in +the presence of Parliament, and land himself in the laps of adversaries +who had been kicking him all his life. + +If I did not do so, it was because I remembered that parties are like +persons, who at one time do mean things, but at other times generous +things. + + * "History of Rochdale Pioneers, 1844-1892" (Sonnenschein). + +Besides, a democratic party is continually changing in its component +members, and many come to act in the name of the movement who are +ignorant of its earlier history and of the obligation it may be under +to those who have served it in its struggling days. But whether affronts +are consciously given or not, they do not count where allegiance to a +cause is concerned. Ingratitude does not invalidate a true principle. +When contrary winds blow, a fair-weather partisan tacks about, and will +even sail into a different sea where the breezes are more complacent. I +remained the friend of the cause alike in summer and winter, not because +I was insensible to vicissitudes, but because it was a simple duty to +remain true to a principle whose integrity was not and could not +be affected by the caprice, the meanness, the obliviousness, or the +malignity of its followers. + +Such are some of the incidents--of which others of more public interest +may be given--of the nature of bygones which have instruction in them. +They are not peculiar to any party. They occur continually in Parliament +and in the Church. I have seen persons who had rendered costly service +of long duration who, by some act of ingratitude on the part of the few, +have turned against the whole class, which shows that, consciously or +unconsciously, it was self-recognition they sought, or most cared for, +rather than the service of the principle they had espoused. + +There is no security for the permanence of public effort, save in the +clear conviction of its intrinsic rightfulness and conduciveness to the +public good. The rest must be left to time and posterity. True, the debt +is sometimes paid after the creditor is dead. But if reparation never +comes to the living, unknown persons whose condition needs betterment +receive it, and that is the proud and consoling thought of those +who--unrequited--effected it. The wholesome policy of persistence is +expressed in the noble maxim of Helvetius to which John Morley has given +new currency: "Love men, but do not expect too much from them." + +Fewer persons would fall into despair if their anticipations were, like +a commercial company, "limited." Many men expect in others perfection, +who make no conspicuous contribution themselves to the sum of that +excellent attribute. + +"Giving too little and asking too much Is not alone a fault of the +Dutch." + +I do not disguise that standing by Rightness is an onerous duty. It is +as much a merit as it is a distinction to have been, at any time, in +the employ of Truth. But Truth, though an illustrious, is an exacting +mistress, and that is why so many people who enter her service soon give +notice to leave. + + [With respect to this chapter, Mr. Ludlow wrote supplying + some particulars regarding the Christian Socialists, to + which it is due to him that equal publicity be given. He + states "that the first Council of Promoters included two + members, neither of whom professed to be a Christian; that + the first secretary of the Society for Promoting Working + Men's Associations was not one, during the whole of his + faithful service (he became one twenty years later), and + that his successors were, at the time we took them on, one + an Agnostic, the other a strong Congregationalist." This is + the first time these facts have been made known. But none of + the persons thus described had anything to do with the + production of the Handbook referred to and discussed at the + Leeds Congress of 1881. Quite apart from the theological + tendencies of the "Christian Socialists," the Co-operative + movement has been indebted to them for organisation and + invaluable counsel, as I have never ceased to say. They were + all for the participation of profits in workshops, which is + the essential part of higher Co-operation. There was always + light in their speeches, and it was the light of principle. + In this respect Mr. Ludlow was the first, as he is the last + to display it, as he alone survives that distinguished band. + Of Mr. Edward Vansittart Neale I have unmeasured admiration + and regard. To use the fine saying of Abd-el-Kader, + "Benefits conferred are golden fetters which bind men + of noble mind to the giver." This is the lasting sentiment + of the most experienced Co-operators towards the Christian + Socialists.] + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. STORY OF THE LAMBETH PALACE GROUNDS + +Seed sown upon the waters, we are told, may bring forth fruit after +many days. This chapter tells the story of seed sown on very stony soil, +which brought forth fruit twenty-five years later. + +In 1878, Mr. George Anderson, an eminent consulting gas engineer, in +whom business had not abated human sympathy, passed every morning on his +way to his chambers in Westminster, by the Lambeth Palace grounds. He +was struck by the contrast of the spacious and idle acres adjoining +the Palace and the narrow, dismal streets where poor children peered in +corners and alleys. The sheep in the Palace grounds were fat and florid, +and the children in the street were lean and pallid. The smoke from +works around dyed dark the fleece of the sheep. + +Mr. Anderson thought how much happier a sight it would be to see the +children take the place of the sheep, and asked me if something could +not be done. + +The difficulty of rescuing or of alienating nine acres of land from the +Church, so skilled in holding, did not seem a hopeful undertaking, while +the resentment of good vicars and expectant curates might surely be +counted upon. Nevertheless the attempt was worth making. + +Before long I spent portions of some days in exploring the Palace +grounds, and interviewing persons who had evidence to give, or interest +to use, on behalf of a change which seemed so desirable. + +Eventually I brought the matter before a meeting I knew to be interested +in ethical improvement, and read to them the draft of a memorial that I +thought ought to be sent to the Archbishop at Lambeth Palace. Persons +in stations low and high alike, often suffer wrong to exist which they +might arrest, because they have not seen it to be wrong or have not been +told that it is so. Blame of any one could not be justly expressed who +had not personal knowledge of an evil complained of. Therefore I +urged that we should give the Archbishop information which we thought +justified his action, and I was authorised to send to him the memorial I +had read. + +I wrote myself to his Grace, stating that I could testify as to +the social facts detailed in the memorial I enclosed, which was as +follows:-- + +"May it please your Grace,--We, the evening congregation assembled in +South Place Chapel, Finsbury--some assenting and some dissenting from +the tenets represented by your Grace--represented as worthily as by any +one who has occupied your high station, and with greater fairness to +those who stand outside the Church than is shown by many prelates--we +pray your Grace to give heed to a secular plea on behalf of certain +little neighbours of yours whom, amid the pressure of spiritual duties, +your Grace may have overlooked. + +"Crouching under the very walls of Lambeth Palace, where your Grace has +the pleasant responsibility of illustrating the opulence and paternal +sympathy of the legal Church of the land, lie streets as dismal, +cheerless, and discreditable as any that God in His wrath ever permitted +to remain unconsumed. In the houses are polluted air, squalor, dirt and +pale-faced children. The only green thing upon which their feverish eyes +could look is enclosed in your Grace's Palace Park, and shut out from +their sight by dead walls. What we pray is that your Grace, in mercy and +humanity, will substitute for those penal walls some pervious palisades +through which children may behold the refreshing paradise of Nature, +though they may never enter therein. In this ever-crowding metropolis, +where field and tree belong to the extinct sights of a happier age, +children are born and die without ever knowing their soothing charm, +and hunger and thirst for a green thing to look upon--as sojourners in +a desert do for the sight of shrub or water. No prayer your Grace could +offer to heaven would be so welcome in its kindly courts, as the prayer +of gladness and gratitude which would go up with the screams of change +and joy from the pallid little ones, breathing the fresh air from the +green meadows, which only a few more fortunate sheep now enjoy. + +"Might we pray that the gates should be open, and that the children +themselves should be free to enter the meadows? Even the Temple Gardens +of the City are open to little friendless people. They who give this +gracious permission are hard-souled lawyers, usually regarded as +representing the rigid, exacting, and unsympathetic side of human +life--yet they show such noble tenderness to the little miserables +who crawl round the Temple pavement, that they grant entrance to their +splendid gardens; and half-clad cellar urchins from the purlieus of +Drury Lane and Clare Market romp with their ragged sisters on the +glorious grass, in the sight and scent of beauteous flowers. If lawyers +do this, may we not ask it of one who is appointed to represent what +we are told is the kindliness and tenderness of Christianity, and whose +Master said, 'Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them +not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven'? We ask not that they should +personally approach your Grace, but that the children of your desolate +neighbourhood should be allowed to disport in the vacant meadows of the +Palace--that their souls may acquire some scent of Nature which their +lives may never know. + +"Let your Grace take a walk down 'Royal Street,' which flanks your +Palace grounds, and see whether houses so pestilential ever stood in a +street of so dainty a name? Go into the houses (as the writer of this +memorial has) and see how a blank wall has been kept up so that no +occupant of the rooms may look on grass or tree, and the window which +admits light and air has been turned, by order of a former archbishop, +the opposite way upon an outlook as wretched as the lot of the +inhabitants. For forty years many inmates have lived and slept by the +side of your Grace's park, without ever being allowed a glimpse of it. +You may have no power to cancel such social outrage--but your Grace may. +condone it by kindly and considerately according the use of the meadows +to the poor children--doomed to burrow in these close, unwholesome +tenements at your doors. + +"No one accuses your Grace of being wanting in personal kindliness. It +must be that no one has called your attention to the unregarded misery +under the shadow of your Palace. Should your Grace visit the forlorn +streets and sickly homes around you, and hear the despairing words of +the mothers when asked 'whether they would not be grateful could their +children have a daily run in the great Archbishop's meadows?' there +would not be wanting a plea from the gentle heart of the Lady of the +Palace on behalf of these hapless children of these poor mothers. + +"Disregard not our appeal, we pray, because ours are unlicensed voices. +Humanity is of every creed, and it will not detract from the glory of +the Church that gratitude and praise should proceed from unaccustomed +tongues. + +"Signed on behalf of the Assembly, with deference and respect. + +"George Jacob Holyoake. + +"Newcastle Chambers, Temple Bar, + +"November 21, 1878." + + +Within two days I had the pleasure to receive a reply from the +Archbishop. + +"Philpstoun House, + +"November 23, 1878. + +"Sir,--You may feel confident that the subject of the memorial which +you have forwarded to me with your letter of the 21st will receive my +attentive consideration. The condition of the inhabitants of the poor +streets in Lambeth has often given me anxiety. My daughters and Mrs. +Tait are well acquainted with many of the houses which you describe, +and, so far as my other duties have allowed, I have taken opportunities +of visiting some of the inmates of such houses personally. I should +esteem it a great privilege if I were able to assist in maturing any +scheme for improving the dwellings of the poor families to which your +memorial alludes. Respecting the use of the open ground which surrounds +Lambeth Palace, I have, in common with my predecessors, had the subject +often under consideration. The plan which has been adopted and which has +appeared on the whole the best for the interests of the neighbourhood, +has been that now pursued for many years. The ground is freely given for +cricket and football to as many schools and clubs as it is capable of +containing, and, on application, liberty of entrance is accorded to +children and others. Many school treats are also held in the grounds, +and they are from time to time used for volunteer corps to exercise in. +We have always been afraid that a more public opening of the grounds +would interfere with the useful purposes to which they are at present +turned for the benefit of the neighbourhood, and that, considering the +somewhat limited extent of the space, no advantage could be secured by +throwing it entirely open, which would at all compensate for the loss +of the advantages at present enjoyed. I shall give the matter serious +consideration, consulting with those best qualified from local +experience to judge what is best for the neighbourhood, but my present +impression is that more good is, on the whole, done by the arrangements +now adopted, than by any other which I could devise. + +"I have the honour to be, Sir, + +"Your obedient humble servant, + +"A. C. Cantuar. + +"To Mr. George Jacob Holyoake." + + +This correspondence I sent to the _Daily News_, always open to questions +of interest to the people, and it received notice in various papers. +The _Liverpool Daily Mail_ gave an effective summary of the memorial, +saying:-- + +"Of all strange people in the world, Mr. G. J. Holyoake and the +Archbishop of Canterbury have been in correspondence--and not in +unfriendly correspondence either. Mr. Holyoake, on behalf of himself and +some friends like-minded, ventured to draw the Archbishop's attention to +the fact that just opposite Lambeth Palace was a nest of very poor and +squalid dwellings, in which many families were crowded together, without +any regard for either decency or sanitary law. The only chance of +looking upon anything green that the children of these poor people could +have would be in the grounds that surround the Primate's dwelling, and +these were absolutely shut off from their view by a high dead wall. In +some cases a former Archbishop had actually ordered the windows of these +miserable houses to be blocked up, and opened in another direction, in +order, we suppose, that the Archiepiscopal eyes might not be offended +by the sight of such unpleasant neighbours." The writer ended by +expressing the hope that if the Archbishop could not open the grounds he +might substitute "pervious palisades" for the stone walls impervious to +the curious and wistful eyes of children. For reasons which will appear, +the subject slumbered for four years, when I addressed the following +letter to the editors of the _Telegraph_ and the _Times_, which appeared +December 20, 1882:-- + +"Sir,--On returning to England I read an announcement that the Lambeth +Vestry had resolved to send a memorial to the Queen praying that the +nine acres of field, now devoted to sheep, adjoining the Archbishop of +Canterbury's Palace garden, may be appropriated to public recreation in +that crowded and verdureless parish. Four years ago I sent a memorial +upon this subject to the late Archbishop. It set forth that the parish +was so densely populated that it would be an act of mercy to throw open +the sheep fields to the poor children of the neighbourhood. It expressed +the hope that Mrs. Tait, whose compassionate nature was known to the +people, would plead for these little ones, who lived and died at her +very door, as it were, seeing no green thing during all their wretched +days. I visited poor women in the street next to the fields who brought +fever-stricken children to the door wrapped in shawls. Their mothers +told me how glad they should be were the gates open, that the little +ones, whose only recreation ground was the gutter, could enter at will. +The memorial--if I remember accurately, for I cannot refer to it as I +write--stated that the houses which, as built, overlooked the fields, +had had the windows bricked in by order of a former Archbishop, because +they overlooked the garden. I was taken to the rooms and found that the +view was closed up. The trees of the garden have well grown now, and a +telescope could not reveal walkers therein. The late Archbishop sent me +a kindly reply, but it did not answer my question, which was that, if +his Grace could not consent to open the gates to his humble friends, we +prayed that he, whose Master (in words of tenderness which had moved +the hearts of men during nineteen centuries) had said, 'Suffer little +children to come unto Me,' would at least substitute palisades for the +dead walls which hid the green fields so that no little eyes could see +the daisies in the spring. His Grace's reply was in substance the same +as Dr. Randall Davidson's, which appeared in the _Times_ on Monday, who +tells the public that rifle corps and cricketers are admitted to the +fields and that 'arrangements are made for "treats" for infant and other +schools' (whether of all denominations is not stated). How can poor +mothers and sickly children get within these 'arrangements'? Cricketers +are not helpless, rifle corps do not die for want of drill-grounds, as +children in fever-dens do for want of the refreshment of verdure and +pure air. To open the gates is the only generous and fitting thing to +do, as the lawyers have who admit the outcasts of Drury and the adjacent +lanes to the flowers of the Temple Gardens. Dr. Davidson says that the +advice of those 'best qualified from local experience to judge' is that +'no gain could be secured by throwing the fields entirely open.' Let the +opinion be asked of workmen in the Lambeth factories and that of their +wives. These are the 'best qualified local judges,' whose verdict would +be instructive. Mrs. Tait's illness and death followed soon after the +memorial in question was sent in, and I thought it not the time to press +his Grace further when stricken with that calamity. All honour to the +Lambeth Vestry, which proposes to pray Her Majesty to cause, if in her +power, these vacant fields to be consigned to the Board of Works, who +will give some gleam of a green paradise to the poor little ones of +Lambeth. The vestry does well to appeal to the Queen, from whose kindly +heart a thousand acts of sympathy have emanated. She has opened many +portals, but none through which happier or more grateful groups will +pass than through the garden gates of Lambeth Palace." + +Immediately a letter appeared in the _Times_ from the Rev. T. B. +Robertson, expressed as follows:-- + +"Sir,--Mr. Holyoake may be glad to hear that 'Lambeth Green' is open to +schools of all denominations to hold their festivals in. I should think +that no school was ever refused the use unless the field was previously +engaged. The present method of utilising the field--viz., opening it to +a large but limited number of persons (by ticket) seems about the best +that could be devised. Mr. Holyoake asks how poor mothers and sickly +children are to gain entrance. It is well known in the neighbourhood +that tickets of admission are issued annually. The days for distribution +are advertised on the gates some time previous, when those desirous of +using the grounds can attend, and the tickets are issued till exhausted. +No sick person has any difficulty in getting admission. I do not know +the number of tickets issued, but I have seen when cricket clubs were +unable to find a place to pitch their stumps. If the grounds are open +to the public without limitation, it seems that the only way it could be +done would be by laying it out in gardens and gravelled walks, with the +usual park seats; but there is hardly occasion for such a place since +the formation of the Thames Embankment, _a long strip of which runs +immediately in front of the Palace well provided with seats_. It is +evident that if the grounds were open to the public in general, the +space being small--about seven acres--the cricketers and other clubs +would have to give up their sports, and Lambeth schools and societies +would be deprived of their only meeting-place for summer gatherings. + +"Yours obediently, + +"T. B. Robertson, + +"Curate of St. Mary, Lambeth. + +"December 22." + + +The comment of the _Times_ upon this letter made it necessary to address +a further communication to the editor. This comment occurred in a +leader which, referring to a letter of the Lambeth Curate, says: "Mr. +Holyoake, in a letter which we published on Wednesday, asked with some +vehemence, what was the value of permission accorded to cricketers and +schools, to the poor children of Lambeth; but Mr. Robertson, the Curate +of St. Mary's, Lambeth, answers this morning, that no poor or sick +person has any difficulty in obtaining admission for purposes of +recreation and health, and shows that 'Lambeth Green,' as it is called, +is in fact available to a large class of the neighbouring inhabitants. +There is certainly force in Mr. Robertson's argument, that an unlimited +use would defeat its own object, which is presumably to preserve the +grounds as a playground. The large surrounding population would soon +destroy the sylvan and park-like character of the place, and necessitate +its laying out in the style of an ornamental pleasure garden, with +formal walks, and turf only to be kept green by fencing." + +This is the old defence of exclusive enjoyment of parks and pleasure +grounds, as the people, if admitted to them, would destroy them--which +they do not. Why should they destroy what they value? + +My reply to the _Times_ appeared December 28, 1882:-- + +"Sir,--It is the weight that you attach to the letter of the Curate of +St Mary, Lambeth, which appeared in the _Times_ of Saturday, which makes +it important. When I have viewed the Lambeth Palace from the railway +which overlooks it and seen how completely the sheep fields are separate +and apart from the Archbishop's garden, it has seemed a pity that +the poor little children of Lambeth should not have the freedom and +privilege of those sheep. No humane person could look into the houses +of the crowded and cheerless streets which lie near the Palace walls +without wishing to take the children by the hand into the Palace fields +at once. Does the Rev. Mr. Robertson not understand the difference +between a ticket gate and an open gate? How are poor, busy women to +watch the gates to find out when the annual tickets of admission are +given? And what is the chance of those families who arrive after 'the +number issued is exhausted'? If all the persons who need admissions can +have them, the gates might as well be thrown open. Of course, the nine +acres would not hold all the parish; but all the parish would not go at +once. No statement has been made which shows that the grounds have +been occupied by tickets of admission more than forty days in the year, +whereas there are 365 days when little people might go in. To them +one hour in that green paradise would be more than a week jostled by +passengers on the Embankment watching a stone wall, for the little +people could not well overlook it. But if they could, can the Curate of +St. Mary really think this limited recreation a sufficient substitute +for quiet fields and flowers? The Board of Works, if the grounds come +into their hands, may be trusted to give school treats a chance as well +as local little children. + +"No one who has seen the crowds of ragged, dreary, pale-faced boys +and girls rushing to the fields and flowers at Temple Gardens when the +lawyers graciously open the gates to them and watched them pour out at +evening through the Temple Gates into Fleet Street, leaping, laughing, +and refreshed, could help thinking that it would be a gladsome sight +to see such groups issue from the Lambeth Palace gates. I never thought +when sending the memorial to the Archbishop that the fields should be +divested from the see or sold away from it. I believed that the late +Archbishop would, as the new Archbishop may, by an act of grace accord +his little neighbours free admission, or at least exchange the dead +walls for palisades, so that children playing around may vary the stones +of the Embankment for a sight of sheep and grass through the bars. The +late Canon Kingsley asked me to visit him when he came into residence at +Westminster. My intention was to ask him and the late Dean, whom I +had the honour to know, to judge themselves whether the matter now in +question was not practicable, and then to speak to the Archbishop about +it. But death carried them both away one after the other before this +opportunity could occur. My belief remains unchanged that the late +Archbishop would have done what is now asked had time and the state of +his health permitted him to attend to the matter himself. It would have +been but an extension of the unselfish and kindly uses to which he had +long permitted the grounds to be put." + +From several letters I received at the time, I quote one dated Christmas +Eve, 1882:-- + +"Honour and thanks to you, Mr. Holyoake, for your recent and former +letters respecting Lambeth Palace field. Very much more good could +be got out of it than as a place for cricketing on half-holidays and +occasional school-treats, and for desolation at other times except as +regards an approved few. + +"There is no recreation ground in London that I look upon with so much +satisfaction as a triangular inclosure of plain grass by Kennington +Church, enjoyed commonly by the dirtiest and poorest children." + +But a letter of a very different character appeared in the Standard, +December 20, 1882, entitled, "The Lambeth Palace Garden ":-- + +"Sir,--No right-minded person can fail to be deeply impressed by Mr. +Holyoake's touching letter in your impression of to-day. Its sentiments +are so very beautiful and its principles so exactly popular, and in such +perfect accordance with the blessed Liberal maxim--'What is yours is +mine and what is mine is my own,' that I myself am overcome with delight +at their enunciation. The pleasure of being perfectly free and easy with +other people's property, evidently becoming so sincere and abounding, +and the simple manner in which such liberality can be now readily +practised without any personal self-denial or inconvenience, makes the +principle in action perfectly commendable, and one to be duly applied +and most carefully expanded. + +"With the latter view, I venture to point out that there is a very +excellent library of books at Lambeth Palace, which, comparatively +speaking, very few people take down or read. Do not, however, think +me selfishly covetous or hankering after my neighbour's property if +I venture to point out that there exist more than twenty clergymen in +Lambeth, to whom a share or division of these scarcely used volumes +would be a great boon. If the pictures, furniture, and cellars of wine +could, at the same time, be benevolently divided, I should have no +objection to receiving a share of the same under such philanthropic +'re-arrangement'--I am, sir, your obedient servant, + +"A Lambeth Parson. + +"Lambeth, December 20." + + +My reply to this letter appeared in the _Standard_, December 22, 1882:-- + +"Sir,--This morning I received a letter from a clergyman, who gives his +name and address, and who knows Lambeth well, thanking me for the letter +which I had addressed to you, as he takes great interest in the welfare +of the little ones in the crowded homes around the Palace. Lest, +however, I should be elated by such an unexpected, though welcome, +concurrence of opinion, the same post brought me a letter to the +same purport of that signed 'A Lambeth Parson,' which appeared in the +_Standard_ yesterday. The letter which you printed assumes that the +sheep fields of the Palace are private property, and that I propose to +steal them in the name of humanity. Permit me to say that I have as much +detestation as the Lambeth Parson can have for that sympathy for the +people which has plunder for its motive. + +"The memorial I sent to his Grace the late Archbishop asked him to give +his permission for little ones to enter his grounds. We never proposed +to take permission, nor assumed any right to pass the gates. There never +was a doubt in my mind, that had his Grace opportunity of looking into +the matter for himself, he would have granted the request, for his +kindness of heart we all knew. That he gave the use of the fields to +what he thought equally useful purposes showed how unselfishly he used +the grounds. If the question is raised as to private property, I would +do what I could to promote the purchase of it (if it can rightly be +sold) by a penny subscription from the parents of the poor children +and others who would chiefly benefit by it. It would be an evil day +if working people could consent that their little ones should have +enjoyment at the price of theft.--I am, sir, your obedient servant, + +"George Jacob Holyoake. + +"22, Essex Street, W.C., December 21." + + +Meanwhile an important public body had taken up the question. "The +Metropolitan Public Garden, Boulevard, and Playground Association" had, +through its officers, Lord Brabazon, Mr. Ernest Hart, Mr. J. Tennant, +and the Rev. Sidney Vatcher, addressed the following letter to the Prime +Minister:-- + +"Sir,--The undersigned 'members of the Metropolitan Public Garden, +Boulevard, and Playground Association' desire to draw your attention to +an article enclosed which recently appeared in a London daily paper, and +to request that you will bring the needs of Lambeth district, as regards +open spaces, to the notice of the future Primate, in the hope that +his Grace may take into consideration the suggestions contained in the +article, and with the co-operation of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners +and the Metropolitan Board of Works, take such steps as may seem to him +most advisable for the purpose of securing in perpetuity to the poor and +crowded population of Lambeth the use and enjoyment of the open space +around Lambeth Palace.--We have the honour to be, sir, your most +obedient and humble servants, + +"Brabazon, Chairman." + +Mr. Gladstone willingly gave attention to the subject, and sent the +following reply:-- + +"10, Downing Street, Whitehall, + +"_December_ 21, 1882. + +"My Lord,--I am directed by Mr. Gladstone to acknowledge the receipt +of the letter which was signed by your lordship and other members of the +Metropolitan Public Garden, etc., Association in favour of securing for +the use of the population of the neighbourhood the grounds at present +attached to Lambeth Palace. I have to inform your lordship that Mr. +Gladstone has already been in communication with the vestry of Lambeth +on this subject, and as it appears to be one of metropolitan improvement +it is not a matter in which Mr. Gladstone can take the initiative. +He will, however, make known your views to the prelate designated to +succeed to the Archbishopric, and should the Metropolitan Board of Works +intervene Mr. Gladstone will be happy to consider the matter further.--I +am, my Lord, your obedient servant, + +"Horace Seymour. + +"The Lord Brabazon." + + +Next Colonel Sir J. M'Garel Hogg, M.P., Chairman of the Metropolitan +Board of Works, had the matter before him. It was stated that the use of +the nine acres of ground (of which a plan was presented) depended upon +the permission of the Archbishop. The Lambeth Vestry had sent a memorial +to the Queen and the Government saying that the pasture and recreation +acres might be severed from the Archbishop's residence. + +The following is the reply received from Mr. Gladstone:-- + +"10, Downing Street, Whitehall, + +December 1882, + +"Sir,--Mr. Gladstone has had the honour to receive the communication +which you have made to him on behalf of the vestry of the parish of +Lambeth on the subject of acquiring the grounds of Lambeth Palace as a +place of public recreation. In reply I am directed to say that as far as +he is able to understand this important matter it seems to be a case of +metropolitan improvement, and if, as he supposes, that is the case, the +proper course for the vestry to take would be to bring the case before +the Metropolitan Board of Works for their consideration. In this view +Mr. Gladstone is not aware that Her Majesty's Government could undertake +to interfere, but he will make known this correspondence to the person +who may be designated to succeed the Archbishop of Canterbury, and +he will further consider the matter should the Metropolitan Board +intervene. Mr. Gladstone would have been glad if the vestry had supplied +him with the particulars of the case, in regard to which he has only a +very general knowledge.--I am, sir, your obedient servant, + +"E. W. Hamilton. + +"The Vestry Clerk of Lambeth." + + +Mr. Hill gave notice of the following motion:-- + +"That an instruction be given to the Prime Minister that if the proper +authorities are willing to hand over the Lambeth Palace grounds for the +free use of the public, this Board will accept the charge and preserve +the grounds as a portion of the open spaces." + +Then came a hopeless and defensive letter, before referred to, addressed +both to the _Standard, Telegraph_, and the _Times_:-- + +"Sir,--Some of the statements (including a correspondence with the +Prime Minister) which have, during the last few days, appeared in the +newspapers with reference to Lambeth Palace grounds, would, I think, +lead those who are unacquainted with the circumstances to suppose that +these grounds have been hitherto altogether closed to the public, and +reserved for the sole use of the Archbishop and his household. Will +you, therefore, to prevent misapprehension, kindly allow me to state the +facts of the case? + +"For many years past the Archbishop of Canterbury endeavoured, in what +seemed to him the best way, to make the grounds in question available, +under certain restrictions, to the general public. During the summer +months twenty-eight cricket clubs, some from the Lambeth parishes +and some from other parts of London, have received permission to play +cricket in the field, and similar arrangements have been made for +football in the winter, though necessarily upon a smaller scale. The +whole available ground has been carefully allotted for the different +hours of each day. On certain fixed occasions the field is used for +rifle corps' drill and exercises, and throughout the summer, +arrangements are constantly made for 'treats' for infant and other +schools unable to go out of London. Tickets giving admission to the +field at all hours have been issued for some years past, in very large +numbers, to the sick, aged, and poor of the surrounding streets; and the +whole grounds, including the private garden, have been opened without +restriction to the nurses and others of St. Thomas's Hospital. + +"His Grace frequently consulted those best qualified from local +experience to judge what is for the advantage of the neighbourhood, and +invariably found their opinion to coincide with his own--namely, that +a more public opening of the ground would interfere with the useful +purposes to which it is at present turned for the benefit of the +neighbourhood, and that, considering the limited space, no gain could be +secured by throwing it entirely open which would at all compensate for +the inevitable loss of the advantages at present enjoyed.--I am, sir, +your obedient servant, + +"Randall T. Davidson. + +"Lambeth Palace, December 16." + + +On January 6, 1883, I wrote to the _Daily News_, saying:-- + +"Sir,--Your columns have recorded the steps taken by the Lambeth Vestry +and by Lord Brabazon (on the part of the Open Space Society, for which +he acts) with respect to the use of the pasture acres connected with the +Palace grounds of Lambeth. I have been asked by a clergyman, for whose +judgment I have great respect, to write some letter which shall make it +plain to the public that it is not the gardens of the Palace for the use +of which any one has asked, but for the nine acres of fields outside +the gardens, as a small recreation ground which shall be open to the +children of Lambeth, who are numerous there, and much in need of some +pleasant change of that scarce and pleasant kind. No one has dined at +the Lambeth Palace, or been otherwise a visitor there, without valuing +the gardens which surround it and which are necessary to an episcopal +residence in London. No one wishes to interfere with or curtail the +garden grounds. I thought the public understood this. I shall therefore +be obliged if you can insert this explanation in your columns. Much +better than anything I could say upon the subject are the words which +occur in the _Family Churchman_ of December 27th, which gives the +portraits of the new Archbishop, Dr. Benson, and the late Bishop of +Llandaff. The editor says that 'every one knows the Archbishops of +Canterbury have a splendid country seat at Addington, within easy +driving distance of London. Within the same distance there are few parks +so beautiful as Addington Palace, whilst, unlike some parks in other +parts of the country, it is jealously closed against the public. The +Palace park is remarkable for its romantic dells, filled with noble +trees and an undergrowth of rhododendrons. There are, moreover, within +the park, heights which command fine views of the surrounding country. +It is thought, perhaps not unjustly, that the new Archbishop might well +be content with this country place, and, whilst retaining the gardens +at Lambeth Palace, might with graceful content see conceded to the poor, +whose houses throng the neighbourhood, the nine acres of pasture land.' +This is very distinct and even generous testimony on the part of the +_Family Churchman_ to the seemliness and legitimacy of the plea put +forward on the part of the little people of Lambeth.--Very faithfully +yours, + +"George Jacob Holyoake. + +"22, Essex Street W.C." + + +News of the Palace grounds agitation reached as far as Mentone, and +Mr. R. French Blake, who was residing at the Hotel Splendide, sent +an interesting letter to the _Times_--historical, defensive, and +suggestive. He wrote on January 3, 1883, saying:-- + +"Sir,--Attention having recently been drawn to the Lambeth Palace +grounds and the use which the late Primate made of them for the +recreation of the masses, it may be interesting, especially at this +juncture, to place on record what were his views with regard to those +historic parts of the buildings of the Palace itself which are not +actually used as the residence of the Archbishops. These chiefly consist +of what is known as the Lollards' Tower, and the noble Gate Tower, +called after its founder, Archbishop Moreton. The former of these has +recently been put into repair, and rooms in it were granted to the late +Bishop of Lichfield and his brother, by virtue of their connection with +the Palace library." + +Mr. Blake then adverts to the affair of the grounds. He says:-- + +"Nor can I suppose that any well-informed member of the vestry could +imagine that it is in the lawful power of a Prime Minister, or even of +Parliament, to alienate, without consent, any portion of the Church's +inheritance. It may be a somewhat high standard of right, which is +referred to in the sacred writings, to 'pay for the things which we +never took,' but in no standard of right whatsoever can the motto +find place to 'take the things for which we never pay.' Although the +Archbishop may have deemed that he turned to the very best account the +ground in question, for the purposes of enjoyment and health to the +surrounding population, he was far too wise and too charitable to +disregard, so far as he deemed he had the power, any petition or request +which might, if granted, add to the pleasure and happiness of others, +and if it had been made clear to him as his duty, and an offer to +that effect had been made to him by the Metropolitan Board of Works or +others, I am satisfied he would have consented, not to the alienation of +Church property, but to the sale of the field for a people's park, and +the application of the value of the ground to mission purposes for South +London, and such a scheme I happen to know was at one time discussed by +some of those most intimately connected with him." + +Afterwards, January 13, 1883, the _Pall Mall Gazette_ remarked that "it +is not a happy omen that the consent of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners +is required before the well-fed donkey who disports himself in the +Palace grounds can be joined by the ill-fed, ragged urchins who now have +no playground but the streets." The _Daily News_ rendered further aid in +a leader. Then a report was made that the condition of the streets, +"to which, in his correspondence with the Archbishop of Canterbury, +Mr. Holyoake had called attention, had been illustrated by the fall of +several miserable tenements, in which a woman and several children were +fatally buried in the ruins." The writer says there is "no hope that the +unkindly exclusiveness of 'Cantuar' will be broken down." + +So the matter rested for nearly twenty years before the happy news +came that the London County Council had come into possession of the +ecclesiastical fields, and converted them into a holy park, where +pale-faced mothers and sickly children may stroll or disport themselves +at will evermore. All honour to the later agents of this merciful +change. There is an open gleam of Nature now in the doleful district. +Sir Hudibras exclaims: + + "What perils do environ + Him who meddles with cold iron." + +Not less so if the meddlement be with ecclesiastical iron and the +contest lasts a longer time. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. SOCIAL WONDERS ACROSS THE WATER + +Being several times in France, twice in America and Canada, thrice in +Italy and as many times in Holland, under circumstances which brought +me into relation with representative people, enabled me to become +acquainted with the ways of persons of other countries than my own. +There I met great orators, poets, statesmen, philosophers, and +great preachers of whom I had read--but whom to know was a greater +inspiration. Thus I learned the art of not being surprised, and +of regarding strangeness as a curiosity, not an offence awakening +resentment as something unpardonable, or at least, an impropriety the +traveller is bound to reprehend, as Mrs. Trollope and her successors +have done on American peculiarities. On the Continent I found incidents +to wonder at, but I confine myself in this chapter to America and +Canada, countries we are accustomed to designate as "Across the Water," +as the United States and the Dominion which have imperishable interest +to all of the British race. + +Notwithstanding the thousands of persons who now make sea journeys for +the first time, I found, when it came to my turn, there was no book--nor +is there now--on the art of being a sea passenger. I could find no +teaching Handbook of the Ocean--what to expect under entirely new +conditions, and what to do when they come, so as to extract out of a +voyage the pleasure in it and increase the discomforts which occur in +wave-life. One of the pleasures is--there is no dust at sea. + +On my visit to America in 1879, I, at the request of Mr. Hodgson Pratt, +undertook to inquire what were the prospects of emigrants to that +country and Canada, which cost me labour and expense. What I found +wanting, and did not exist, and which does not exist still, was an +emigrant guide book informing him of the conditions of industry in +different States, the rules of health necessary to be observed in +different climates, and the vicissitudes to which health is liable. The +book wanted is one on an epitome plan of the People's Blue Books, issued +by Lord Clarendon on my suggestion, as he stated in them. + +When I was at Washington, Mr. Evarts, the Secretary of State, gave me a +book, published by local authorities at Washington, with maps of every +department of the city, marking the portion where special diseases +prevailed. London has no such book yet. Similar information concerning +every State and territory in America existed in official reports. But +I found that neither the Government of Washington nor Ottawa would take +the responsibility of giving emigrants this information in a public and +portable form, as land agents would be in revolt at the preferential +choice emigrants would then have before them. It was continually denied +that such information existed. Senators in their turn said so. Possibly +they did not know, but Mr. Henry Villard, a son-in-law of Lloyd +Garrison, told me that when he was secretary of the Social Science +Association he began the kind of book I sought, and that its' issue was +discouraged. + +On my second visit to America in 1882, I had introductions to the +President of the United States and to Lord Lome, the Governor of Canada, +from his father, the Duke of Argyll, with a view of obtaining the +publication of a protecting guide book such as I have described, under +its authority. When I first mentioned this in New York (1879) the editor +of the _Star_ (an Irishman) wrote friendly and applauding leaders upon +my project. On my second visit, in 1882, this friendly editor (having +seen in the papers that Mr. Gladstone approved of my quest) wrote +furious leaders against it. On asking him the reason of the change of +view, he said, "Mr. Holyoake, were Mr. Gladstone and his Cabinet in this +room, and I could open a trap-door under their feet and let them all +fall into hell, I would do it," using words still more venomous. Then +I realised the fatuity of the anti-Irish policy which drives the ablest +Irishmen into exile and maintains a body of unappeasable enemies of +England wherever they go. Then I saw what crazy statesmanship it was in +the English to deny self-government to the Irish people, and spend ten +millions a year to prevent them taking care of themselves. + +The Irish learned to think better of Mr. Gladstone some years later. +One night when he was sitting alone in the House of Commons writing his +usual letter to the Queen, after debates were over, he was startled by +a ringing cheer that filled the chamber, when looking up he found the +Irish members, who had returned to express their gratitude to him. +Surely no nation ever proclaimed its obligation in so romantic a way. +The tenderest prayer put up in my time was that of W. D. Sullivan:-- + + "_God be good to Gladdy_, + Says Sandy, John and Paddy, + For he is a noble laddy, + A grand old chiel is he." + +I take pride in the thought that I was the first person who lectured +upon "English Co-operation" in Montreal and Boston. It was with pride +I spoke in Stacey Hall in Boston, from the desk at which Lloyd Garrison +was once speaking, when he was seized by a slave-owning mob with intent +to hang him. As I spoke I could look into the stairway on my right, down +which he was dragged. + +The interviewers, the terror of most "strangers," were welcome to +me. The engraving in Frank Leslie's paper reproduced in "Among the +Americans," representing the interview with me in the Hoffman House, was +probably the first picture of that process published in England (1881). +I advocated the cultivation of the art in Great Britain, which, though +prevalent in America, was still in a crude state there. The questions +put to me were poor, abrupt, containing no adequate suggestion of the +information sought The interviewer should have some conception of the +knowledge of the person questioned, and skill in reporting his answers. +Some whom I met put down the very opposite of what was said to them. The +only protection against such perverters, when they came again, was to +say the contrary to what I meant, when their rendering would be what I +wished it to be. Some interviewers put into your mouth what they desired +you to say. Against them there is no remedy save avoidance. On the +whole, I found interviewers a great advantage. I had certain ideas to +make known and information to ask for, and the skilful interviewer, in +his alluring way, sends everything all over the land. Wise questioning +is the fine art of daily life. "It is misunderstanding," says the +Dutch proverb, "which brings lies to town." Everybody knows that +misunderstandings create divisions in families and alienations in +friendships--in parties as well as in persons--which timely inquiries +would dissipate. Intelligent questioning elicits hidden facts--it +increases knowledge without ostentation--it clears away obscurity, +and renders information definite--it supersedes assumptions--it tests +suspicions and throws light upon conjecture--it undermines error, +without incensing those who hold it--it leads misconception to confute +itself without the affront of direct refutation--it warns inquirers not +to give absolute assent to anything uncorroborated, or which cannot +be interrogated. Relevant questioning is the handmaid of accuracy, and +makes straight the pathway of Truth. + +The privations of Protection, which a quick and independent-minded +people endured, was one of the wonders I saw. In Montreal, for a writing +pad to use on my voyage home, I had to pay seven shillings and sixpence, +which I could have bought in London for eighteen-pence. I took to +America a noble, full-length portrait of John Bright, just as he stood +when addressing the House of Commons, more than half life-size--the +greatest of Mayall's triumphs. Though it was not for sale, but a present +to my friend, James Charlton, of Chicago, the well-known railway agent, +the Custom House demanded a payment of 30 dols. (Ł6) import duty. It was +only after much negotiations in high quarters, and in consideration +that it was a portrait of Mr. Bright, brought as a gift to an American +citizen, that the import duty was reduced to 6 dollars. + +The disadvantage of Protection is that no one can make a gift to +America or to its citizens without being heavily taxed to discourage +international generosity. + +The Mayor of Brighton, Mr. Alderman Hallet, had entrusted to me some 200 +volumes, of considerable value, on City Sanitation, greatly needed in +America. They lay in the Custom House three months, before I discovered +that the Smithsonian Institute could claim them under its charter. +Otherwise I must have paid a return freight to Brighton, as America is +protected from accepting offerings of civil or sanitary service. There +often come to us, from that country, emissaries of Evangelism, to +improve us in piety, but at home they levy 25 per cent, upon the +importation of the Holy Scriptures--thus taxing the very means of +Salvation. + +For a time I sent presents of books to working-class friends in America +whom I wished to serve or to interest, who wrote to me to say that "they +were unable to redeem them from the post-office, the import tax being +more than they could pay," and they reminded me that "having been in +America, I ought to know that working people could not afford to +have imported presents made to them." Indeed, I had often noticed how +destitute their homes were in matters of table service and all bright +decoration, plentiful even in the houses of our miners and mechanics +in England. American workmen would tell me that a present of cutlery or +porcelain, if I could bring that about, would interest them greatly. + +On leaving New York a friend of mine, a Custom House officer, told me he +needed a coast coat, suitable to the service he was engaged in, and that +he would be much obliged if I would have one made for him in England. +He would leave it to me to contrive how it could reach him. The coat he +wanted, he said, would cost him Ł9 in New York. I had it made in London, +entirely to his satisfaction, for Ł4 15s., but how to get it to him free +of Custom duties was a problem. I had to wait until a friend of mine--a +property owner in Montreal--was returning there. He went out in the +vessel in which Princess Louise sailed. He wore it occasionally on deck +to qualify it being regarded as a personal garment. So it arrived duty +free at Montreal. After looking about for two or three months for a +friend who would wear it across the frontier, it arrived, after six +months' travelling diplomacy, at the house of my friend in New York. + +I did not find in America or Canada anything more wonderful, beggarly +and humiliating than the policy of Protection. But we are not without +counterparts in folly of another kind. + +Visitors to England no doubt wonder to find us, a commercial nation, +fining the merchant of enterprise a shilling (the workman was so +fined until late years) for every pound he expends on journeys of +business--keeping a travelling tax to discourage trade. But John Bull +does not profess to be over-bright, while Uncle Sam thinks himself the +smartest man in creation. We retain in 1904 a tax Peel condemned in +1844. But then we live under a monarchy, from which Uncle Sam is free. + +France used to be the one land which was hospitable to new ideas, and +for that it is still pre-eminent in Europe. But America excels Europe +now in this respect. Canada has not emerged from its Colonialism, and +has no national aspiration. Voltaire found when he was in London, +that England had fifty religions and only one sauce. America has no +distinction in sauces, but it has more than 200 religions, and having +no State Church there is no poison of Social Ascendency in piety, but +equality in worship and prophesying. I found that a man might be of any +religion he pleased--though as a matter of civility he was expected +to be of some--and if he said he was of none, he was thought to be +phenomenally fastidious, if not one of theirs would suit him, since +America provided a greater variety for the visitor to choose from than +any other country in the world. + +Though naturally disappointed at being unable to suit the stranger's +taste, they were not intolerant. He was at liberty to import or invent a +religion of his own. Let not the reader imagine that because people are +free to believe as they please, there is no religion in America. + +Nearing Santa Fe in New Mexico, I passed by the adobe temple of +Montezuma. Adobe is pronounced in three syllables--a-do-be--and is the +Mexican name for a mud-built house, which is usually one story high; so +that Santa Fe has been compared to a town blown down. When the Emperor +Montezuma perished he told his followers to keep the fire burning in the +Temple, as he would come again from the east, and they should see "his +face bright and fair." In warfare and pestilence and decimation of their +race, these faithful worshippers kept the fire burning night and day for +three centuries, and it has not long been extinguished. Europe can show +no faith so patient, enduring, and pathetic as this. + +The pleasantest hours of exploration I spent in Santa Fe were in the +old church of San Miguel. Though the oldest church in America, there are +those who would remove rather than restore it. A book lay upon an altar +in which all who would subscribe to save it had inserted their names, +and I added mine for five shillings. + +When an Englishman goes abroad, he takes with him a greater load of +prejudices than any man of any other nation could bear, and, as a rule, +he expresses pretty freely his opinion of things which do not conform +to his notions, as though the inhabitants ought to have consulted his +preferences, forgetting that in his own country he seldom shows that +consideration to others. On fit occasion I did not withhold my opinion +of things which seemed to me capable of improvement; but before giving +my impressions I thought over what equivalent absurdity existed in +England, and by comparing British instances with those before me, no one +took offence--some were instructed or amused at finding that hardly any +nation enjoyed a monopoly of stupidity. There is all the difference in +the world between saying to an international host, "How badly you do +things in your country," and saying, "We are as unsuccessful as you in +'striking twelve all at once.'" + +We all know the maxim: "'Before finding fault with another, think of +your own." But Charles Dickens, with all his brightness, forgot this +when he wrote of America. Few nations have as yet attained perfection in +all things--not even England. + +When in Boston, America, 1879, I went to the best Bible store I could +find or be directed to, to purchase a copy of the apocryphal books of +the Old Testament. In a church where I had to make a discourse, I wanted +to read the dialogue between the prophet Esdras and the angel Uriel. +The only copy I could obtain was on poor, thin paper; of small, almost +invisible print, and meanly bound. The price was 4s. 2d. "How is it," I +inquired, "that you ask so much in the Hub of the Universe for even +this indifferent portion of Scripture--seeing that at the house of the +Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, in Northumberland +Avenue, London, a house ten times handsomer than yours, in a much more +costly situation--I can buy the same book on good, strong paper, in +large type, in a bright, substantial cover for exactly 3s. less than you +ask me." "You see, sir," said the manager of the store, "we have duty +to pay." "Duty!" I exclaimed. "Do you mean me to understand that in this +land of Puritan Christians, you tax the means of salvation?" He did not +like to admit that, and could not deny it, so after a confused moment he +answered: "All books imported have to pay twenty-five per cent, duty." +All I could say was that "it seemed to me that their protective duties +protected sin; and, being interested in the welfare of emigrants, I must +make a note counselling all who wish to be converted, to get that done +before coming out; for if they arrive in America in an unconverted state +they could not afford to be converted here." Until then I was unaware +that Protection protected the Devil, and that he had a personal interest +in its enactment. + +My article in the _Nineteenth Century_ entitled, "A Stranger in +America," written in the uncarping spirit as to defects and ungrudgingly +recognising the circumstances which frustrated or retarded other +excellences in their power, was acknowledged by the press of that +country, and was said by G. W. Smalley--the greatest American critic +in this country then--to be "one of those articles which create +international goodwill." Approval worth having could no further go. It +was surprising to me that mere two-sided travelling fairness should meet +with such assent, whereas I expected it would be regarded as tame and +uninteresting. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH AT SEA + +The voyage out to America described in the last chapter included an +instance of the extraordinary behaviour of the Established Church at +sea, which deserves special mention as it is still repeated. + +There is an offensive rule on board ships that the service on Sunday +shall be that of the Church of England, and that the preacher selected +shall be of that persuasion. + +Several of the twelve ministers of religion among the passengers of the +_Bothnia_ in 1879 were distinguished preachers, whereas the clergyman +selected to preach to us was not at all distinguished, and made a sermon +which I, as an Englishman, was ashamed to hear delivered before an +audience of intelligent Americans. The preacher told a woful story of +loss of trade and distress in England, which gave the audience the idea +that John Bull was "up a tree." Were he up ever so high I would not have +told it to an alien audience. + +The preacher said that these losses were owing to our sins--that is the +sins of Englishmen. The devotion of the American hearers was varied +with a smile at this announcement. It was their surpassing ingenuity and +rivalry in trade which had affected our exports for a time. Our chief +"sins" were uninventiveness and commercial incapacity, and the greater +wit and ingenuity of the audience were the actual punishment the +preacher was pleading against, and praying them to be contrite on +account of their own success. The minister described bad trade as a +punishment from God, as though God had made the rascally merchants who +took out shoddy calico and ruined the markets. It was not God that had +driven the best French and German artists and workmen into America, +where they have enriched its manufacturers with their skill and +industry, and enabled that country to compete with ours. + +The preacher's text was as wide of any mark as his sermon. It asked the +question, "How can we sing in a strange land?" When we should arrive +there, there would hardly be a dozen of us in the vessel who would be +in a strange land; the great majority were going home--mostly commercial +reapers of an English harvest who were returning home rejoicing--bearing +their golden sheaves with them. Neither the sea nor the land were +strange to them. Many of them were as familiar with the Atlantic as +with the prairie. I sat at table by a Toronto dealer who had crossed +the ocean twenty-nine times. The congregation at sea formed a very poor +opinion of the discernment of the Established Church. + +On the return voyage in the _Gallia_ we had another "burning" but not +"a shining light" of the Church of England to discourse. He was a young +man, and it required some assurance on his part to look into the eyes +of the intelligent Christians around him, who had three times his years, +experience, and knowledge, and lecture them upon matters of which he was +absolutely ignorant. + +This clergyman enforced the old doctrine of severity in parental +discipline of the young, and on the wisdom of compelling children to +unquestioning obedience, and argued that submission to a higher will was +good for men during life. At least two-thirds of the congregation were +American, who regard parental severity as cruelty to the young, and +utterly uninstructive; and unquestioning obedience they hold to be +calamitous and demoralising education. They expect reasonable obedience, +and seek to obtain it by reason. Submission to a "higher will" as +applied to man, is submission to arbitrary authority against which the +whole polity of American life is a magnificent protest. The only higher +will they recognise in worldly affairs is the will of the people, +intelligently formed, impartially gathered, and constitutionally +recorded--facts of which the speaker had not the remotest idea. + +Who can read this narrative of the ignorance and effrontery, nurtured +by the Established Church and obtruded on passengers at sea, without +a sense of patriotic humiliation that it is continued every Sunday in +every ship? It is thought dangerous to be wrecked and not to have taken +part in this pitiable exhibition. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. ADVENTURES IN THE STREETS + +Were I persuaded, as many are, that each person is a subject of +Providential care, I might count myself as one of the well-favoured. I +should do so, did it not demand unseemly egotism to believe the Supreme +Master of all the worlds of the Universe gave a portion of His eternal +time to personally guide my unimportant footsteps, or snatch me from +harm, which might befall me on doing my duty, or when I inadvertently, +negligently, or ignorantly put myself in the way of disaster. Whatever +may be the explanation, I have oft been saved in jeopardy. + +The first specific deliverance occurred when I was a young man, in the +Baskeville Mill, Birmingham. Working at a button lathe, the kerchief +round my neck was caught by the "chock," and I saw myself drawn swiftly +to it. To avert being strangled, I held back my neck with what force I +could. All would have been in vain had not a friendly Irishman, who was +grinding spectacle glasses in an adjoining room, come to my assistance, +by which I escaped decapitation without benefit of the clergy, or the +merciful swiftness of the guillotine. + +In days when the cheap train ran very early in the morning, I set out +before daylight from Exeter, where I had been lecturing. At the station +at which the train stopped for an hour or two, as was the custom in days +before the repeal of the tax on third-class passengers, we were in +what Omar Khayyam called the "false dawn of morning." The train did +not properly draw up to the platform, and when I stepped out I had a +considerable fall, which sprained my ankle and went near breaking my +neck. + +On my arrival in Boston, 1879, I was invited by a newspaper friend, whom +I had brought with me into the city, to join a party of pressmen who +were to assemble next morning at Parker House, to report upon the test +ascent of a new elevator. It happened that Mr. Wendell Phillips visited +me early at Adam's House, before I was up. He sat familiarly on the +bedrail, and proposed to drive me round the city and show me the +historic glories of Boston, which being proud to accept, I sent an +apology for my absence to the elevator party at Parker House. That +morning the elevator broke down, and out of five pressmen who went into +it only four were rescued--more or less in a state of pulp. One was +killed. But for Mr. Phillips's fortunate visit I should have been among +them. + +In Kansas City, in the same year (1879), I was taken by my transatlantic +friend, Mr. James Charlton, to see a sugar bakery, concerning which I +was curious. The day was hot enough to singe the beard of Satan, and +I was glad to retreat into the bakery, which, however, I found still +hotter, and I left, intending to return at a cooler hour next morning. +At the time I was to arrive I heard that the whole building had fallen +in. Some were killed and many injured. This was the City of Kansas, of +which the mayor once said: "He wished the people would let some one die +a natural death, that a stranger might know how healthy the city was. +Accidents, duels, and shootings prevented cases of longevity occurring." + +Another occasion when misadventure took place, when we--my daughter, +Mrs. Marsh, and I--were crossing the Tesuque Valley, below Santa Fe, +the party occupied three carriages; road, there was none, and the +horses knew it, and when they came to a difficulty--either a ravine +or hill--the driver would give the horses the rein, when they spread +themselves out with good sagacity, and descended or ascended with +success. One pair of horses broke the spring of their carriage, making +matters unpleasant to the occupants; another pair broke the shaft, +which, cutting them, made them mad, and they ran away. The carriage in +which I was remained sound, and I had the pleasure for once of watching +the misfortunes of my friends. + +The river was low, the sand was soft, and the distance through the +Tesuque River was considerable, and we calculated that no horses were +mad enough to continue their efforts to run through it, and we were +rewarded by seeing them alter their minds in the midst of it, and +continue their journey in a sensible manner. + +Returning from Guelph, which lies below Hamilton, in the Niagara corner +of Canada, where we had been to see the famous Agricultural College, we +were one night on the railway in what the Scotch call the "gloaming." My +daughter remarked that the scenery outside the carriage was more fixed +than she had before observed it, and upon inquiry it appeared that we +were fixed too--for the train had parted in the middle, and the movable +portion had gone peacefully on its way to Hamilton. We were left forming +an excellent obstruction to any other train which might come down the +line. Fortunately, the guard could see the last station we had left, +two miles from us, and see also the train following us arrive there. We +hoped that the stationmaster would have some knowledge of our being upon +the line, and stop the advancing train; but when we saw it leave the +station on its way to us we were all ordered to leave the carriages, +which was no easy thing, as the banks right and left of us were +steep, and the ditch at the base was deep. However, our friends, Mr. +Littlehales and Mr. Smith, being strong of arm and active on a hill, +very soon drew us up to a point where we could observe a collision with +more satisfaction than when in the carriages. Fortunately, the man who +bore the only lamp left us, and who was sent on to intercept the train, +succeeded in doing it. Ultimately we arrived at Hamilton only two hours +late. When we were all safely at home, one lady, who accompanied us, +fainted--which showed admirable judgment to postpone that necessary +operation until it was no longer an inconvenience. One lady fainted in +the midst of the trouble, which only increased it. The excitement made +fainting sooner or later justifiable, although an impediment, but I was +glad to observe my daughter did not think it necessary to faint at any +time. + +As we were leaving the sleepy Falls of Montmorency in the carriage, +we looked out to see whether the Frenchman had got sight of us, fully +expecting he would take a chaise and come after us to collect some other +impost which we had evaded paying. The sun was in great force, and I was +reposing in its delicious rays, thinking how delightful it was to +ride into Quebec on such a day, when in an instant of time we were all +dispersed about the road. In a field hard by, where a great load of +lumber as high as a house was piled, a boy who was extracting a log set +the upper logs rolling. This frightened the horses. They were two black +steeds of high spirit, and therefore very mad when alarmed. Had they run +on in their uncontrollable state, they would, if they escaped vehicles +on the way, have arrived at a narrow bridge where unknown mischief must +have occurred. The driver, who was a strongly built Irishman, about +sixty, with good judgment and intrepidity, instantly threw the horses +on to the fence, which they broke, got into the ditch, and seriously cut +their knees. I leaped out into the ditch with a view to help my daughter +out of the carriage; but she, nimbler than I, intending to render me the +same service, arrived at the ditch, and assisted me out, merely asking +"whether four quietly disposed persons being distributed over the +Dominion at a minute's notice was a mode of travelling in Canada?" +Mrs. Hall, who was riding with us, also escaped unhurt Her husband +deliberately remained some time to see what the horses were going to do, +but finding them frantic, he also abandoned the carriage. + +Later, in England, being Ashton way, I paid a visit to my friend the +Rev. Joseph Rayner Stephens, whose voice, in early Chartist times, was +the most eloquent in the two counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. +He fought the "New Poor Law" and the "Long Timers" in the Ten Hours' +agitation. His views were changed in many respects, but that did not +alter my regard for his Chartist services--and there remained his varied +affluence of language, his fitly chosen terms, his humorous statement, +his exactness of expression and strong coherence, in which the sequence +of his reasoning never disappeared through the crevice of a sentence. +All this made his conversation always charming and instructive. + +After lecturing in the Temperance Hall and the "evening was far spent," +a cab was procured to take me to Mr. Stephens's at the "Hollins." A +friend, Mr. Scott, in perfect wanton courtesy, having no presentiment +in his mind, would accompany me. When we arrived at Stalybridge (where +there is a real bridge), the cabman, instead of driving over it, drove +against it. I thought, perhaps, this was the way with Ashton cabmen; +but my friend came to a different conclusion. He said the cabman had not +taken the "pledge" that afternoon. I was told Ashton cabmen needed to +take it often. The driver, resenting our remonstrance, drove wildly down +a narrow, ugly, deserted street, which he found at hand. It was all the +same to me, who did not know one street from the other. My friend, who +knew there was no outlet save into the river, called out violently to +cabby to stop. The only effect was that he drove more furiously. +Mr. Scott leaped out and seized the horse, and prevented my being +overthrown. Before us were the remains of an old building, with the +cellars all open, in one of which we should soon have descended. Cabby +would have killed his horse, and probably himself, which no doubt would +have been an advantage to Ashton. + +As the place was deserted I should have been found next morning curled +up and inarticulate. We paid our dangerous driver his full fare to that +spot, and advised him to put himself in communication with a temperance +society. He abused us as "not being gentlemen" for stopping his cab in +that unhandsome way. + +The next morning I went to the scene of the previous night's adventure. +Had Mr. Henley, the loud, coarse-tongued member for Oxfordshire at that +time, seen the place, he would have said we were making an "ugly rush" +for the river. Not that we should ever have reached the river, for we +should certainly have broken our necks in the brick vaults our driver +was whipping his horse into. + +As I needed another cab on my arrival at Euston, I selected a +quiet-looking white horse, and a Good Templar-looking cabman, first +asking the superintendent what he thought of him. "O, he's all right," +was the answer, and things went pleasantly until we arrived at a narrow, +winding street. I was thinking of my friend, Mr. Stephens, and of the +concert which at that hour he had daily in his bedroom, when I +was suddenly jerked off my seat and found the white horse on the +foot-pavement. I stepped out and adjured the cabman, "By the carpet-bag +of St Peter" (no more suitable adjuration presented itself on the +occasion), to tell me what he was at. I said, + +"Are you from Ashton?" "Nothing the matter, sir. All right Jump in. Only +my horse shied at the costermonger's carrot-cart there. She's a capital +horse, only she's apt to shy." I answered, "Yes; and unless I change my +mode of travelling by cabs, I shall become shy myself." + +Late one night, after the close of the Festive Co-operative Meeting +in Huddersfield, a cab was fetched for me from the fair--it being fair +time. The messenger knew it was a bad night for the whip, as he might +be "touched in the head" by the festivities, so he said to cabby: "Now, +though it is fair night, you must do the fair thing by this fare. He +does not mind spreading principles, but he objects to being spread +himself." Cabby came with alacrity. He thought he had to take some +"boozing cuss" about the fair, with an occasional pull up at the "Spread +Eagle." When he found me issuing from a temperance hotel, bound for +Fernbrook, he did not conceal his disappointment by tongue or whip, and +jerked his horse like a Bashi-Bazouk when a Montenegrin is after him. +I cared nothing, as I had made up my mind not to say another word about +cabs if they broke my neck. I knew we had a stout hill before us, which +would bring things quiet The next day the hotel people, who saw the +cabman's rage, said they thought there was mischief in store for me. +They knew nothing of Ashton ways, and their apprehensions were original. + +After a pleasant sojourn in Brighton, where the November sun is bright, +and the fogs are thin, grey and graceful, softening the glare of the +white coast, tempering it to the sensitive sight, I returned to London +one cold, frosty day, when snow and ice made the streets slippery. I had +chosen a cabman whose solid, honest face was assuring, and being lumpy +and large himself I thought he would keep his "four-wheeler" steady by +his own weight. Being himself lame and rheumatic, he appeared one who +would prefer quiet driving for his own sake. We went on steadily until +we reached Pall Mall, when he turned sharply up Suffolk Street. Looking +out, I called to my friend on the box, saying, "This is not Essex +Street" "Beg your pardon, sir, I thought you said Suffolk Street," and +began to turn his horse round. In that street the ground rises, and the +carriage-way is convex and narrow, it required skill to turn the cab, +and the cabman was wanting therein. He said his rein had caught, and +when he thought he was pulling the horse round, the horse had taken a +different view of his intention, and imagined he was backing him, and, +giving me the benefit of the doubt, did back, and overturned the cab, +and me too. Not liking collisions of late, I had, on leaving Brighton, +wrapped myself in a railway cloak, that it might act as a sort of buffer +in case of bumping--yet not expecting I should require it so soon. + +Seeing what the horse was at, and taking what survey I could of the +situation, I found I was being driven against the window of the house in +which Cobden died. I have my own taste as to the mode in which I should +like to be killed. To be run over by a butcher's cart, or smashed by a +coal train or brewer's van is not my choice; but being killed in Pall +Mall is more eligible, yet not satisfactory. + +As I had long lived in Pall Mall, I knew the habits of the place. +There is a gradation of killing in the streets of London, well-known +to West-end cabmen. As they enter Trafalgar Square, they run over the +passenger without ceremony. At Waterloo Place, where gentlemen wander +about, they merely knock you down, but as they enter Club-land, which +begins at Pall Mall West, where Judges and Cabinet Ministers and members +of Parliament abound, they merely run at you; so I knew I was on the +spot where death is never inflicted. Therefore I took hold of the strap +on the opposite side of the cab to that on which I saw I should fall. +For better being able to look after my portmanteau, I had it with me, +and, fortunately had placed it on the side on which I fell. Placing +myself against it when the crash came, and the glass broke, I was saved +from my face being cut by it. My hat was crushed, and head bruised. It +was impossible to open the door, which was then above me, and had the +horse taken to kicking, as is the manner of these animals when in doubt, +it would have fared ill with me. Possibly the horse was a member of the +Peace Society, and showed no belligerent tendency; more likely he was +tired, and glad of the opportunity of resting himself. The street, which +seemed empty, was quickly filled, as though people sprang out of the +ground. Two Micawbers who were looking out for anything which "turned +up," or turned over, came and forced open the cab-door at the top, and +dragged me up, somewhat dazed, my hat off, my grey hair dishevelled, +my blue spectacles rather awry on my face--I was sensible of a +newly-contrived, music-hall appearance as my shoulders peered above the +cab. A spirit merchant near kindly invited me into his house, where some +cold brandy and water given to me seemed more agreeable and refreshing +than it ever did before or since. The cab had been pulled together +somehow. My rheumatic friend on the box had been picked up not much the +worse--possibly the fall had done his rheumatism good. I thought it a +pity the poor fellow should lose his fare as well as his windows, and so +continued my journey with him. + +On one occasion, after an enchanted evening in the suburbs of +Kensington, a fog came on. The driver of the voiture drove into an +enclosure of stables, and went round and round. Noticing there was a +recurring recess, I kept the door open until we arrived at it again, and +leapt into it as we passed again. When the driver, who was bewildered, +came round a third time, I surprised him by shouts, and advised him to +let his horse take us out by the way he came in. There was no house, or +light, or person to be seen, and there was the prospect of a night in +the cold, tempered by contingent accident. + +Having engaged to be surety for the son of a Hindoo judge, who was about +to enter as a student in the Inns of Court, a new adventure befel me. I +had accepted from his father the appointment of guardian of his son. My +ward was a young man of many virtues, save that of punctuality. As he +did not appear by appointment, I set out in search of him. Crossing +Trafalgar Square I found myself suddenly confronted by two horses' +heads. An omnibus had come down upon me. It flashed through my mind +that, as I had often said, I was in more danger of being killed in +the streets of London than in any foreign city or on the sea; and I +concluded the occasion had come. I knew no more until I found myself +lying on my back in the mud after rain, but, seeing an aperture +between the two wheels, I made an attempt to crawl through. A crowd of +spectators had gathered round and voices shouted to me to remain where I +was until the wheels were drawn from me. Lying down in the mud again was +new to me. There was nothing over me but the omnibus, and as I had never +seen the bottom of one before, I examined it. + +It happened that a surgeon of the Humane Society was among the +spectators, who assisted in raising me up, and took me to the society's +rooms close by, where I was bathed and vaseline applied to my bruises. +My overcoat was torn and spoiled, but I was not much hurt. The hoof +of one horse had made black part of one arm. It appears I had fallen +between them, and had it not been for their intelligent discrimination I +might have been killed. I sent two bags of the fattest feeding cake +the Co-operative Agricultural Association could supply, as a present to +those two horses. I had no other means of showing my gratitude to them. +I was not so grateful to the Humane Society's surgeon, who sent me in +a bill for two guineas for attendance upon me, and threatened me with +legal proceedings if I did not pay it. As he accompanied me to the +National Liberal Club, whence I had set out, I sent him one guinea for +that courtesy, and heard no more of him, and did not want to. + +One evening, after leaving a Co-operative Board Meeting in Leman Street, +Whitechapel, I incautiously stepped into the roadway to hail a cab, when +a lurry came round a corner behind me and knocked me into the mud, which +was very prevalent that day. Some bystanders picked me up, and one, +good-naturedly, lent me a handkerchief with which to clear my face and +head, both being blackened and bleeding. The policeman who took charge +of me asked me where I wanted to be taken. I answered that I was on my +way to Fleet Street to an assembly of the Institute of Journalists to +meet M. Zola, then on a visit to us. "I think, sir," said the reflective +policeman, "we had better take you to the London Hospital," and another +policeman accompanied me in a passing tram, which went by the hospital +door. After some dreary waiting in the accident ward it was found that +I had no rib or bone broken, but my nose and forehead were bound up with +grim-looking plasters, and when I arrived at the hotel, four miles +away, where I was residing, and entered the commercial room, I had the +appearance of a prize-fighter, who had had a bad time of it in the ring. +Knowing the second day of an accident was usually the worst, I took an +early train home while I could move. My ribs, though not broken, were +all painful, and I remember squealing for a fortnight on being taken out +of bed. After my last adventure the Accident Insurance Company (though I +had never troubled them but once) refused to accept any further premium +from me, which I had paid twenty or thirty years, and left me to deal +with further providential escapes from my own resources. + +Thinking I was safe in Brighton near my own home, I was walking up the +Marine Parade, one quiet Sunday morning, when a gentleman on a bicycle +rushed down a bye street and knocked me down with a bound. Seeing two +ladies crossing the street I concluded matters were safe. The rider told +me that he had seen the ladies and had arranged to clear them, but as I +stepped forward he could not clear me, so gave me the preference. As I +had always been in favour of the rights of women, I said he did rightly, +though the result was not to my mind. He had the courtesy to accompany +me to my door, apologising for what he had done, but left me to pay the +bill of the physician, who was called in to examine me. When I recovered +my proper senses I found he had not left his card. Though I advertised +for him, he made no reappearance. + +Another serene Sunday morning I was crossing the Old Steine with a +son-in-law; nothing was to be seen in motion save a small dog-cart, +which had passed before we stepped into the road. Soon we found +ourselves both thrown to the ground with violence. A huge dog, as +large as the "Hound of the Baskervilles" described by Conan Doyle, had +loitered behind and suddenly discovered his master had driven ahead, and +he, like a Leming rat, made straight for his master, quite regardless of +our being in his way. + +In these and other adventures or _mis_-adventures, I need not say I +was never killed, though the escapes were narrow. To say they were +providential escapes would be to come under the rebuke of Archbishop +Whately, who, when a curate reported himself as providentially saved +from the terrible wreck of the _Amazon_, asked: "I to understand that +all less fortunate passengers were providentially drowned?" The belief +that the Deity is capricious or partial in His mercies is a form of +holy egotism which better deserves indictment than many errors of speech +which have been so visited. I have no theory of my many exemptions from +fatal consequences. All I can say is that, had I been a saint, I could +not have been more fortunate. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI. LIMPING THRIFT + +Thrift is so excellent a thing--is so much praised by moralists, so much +commended by advisers of the people, and is of so much value to the poor +who practise it--that it is strange to see it retarded by the caprices +of those who take credit and receive it, for promoting the necessary +virtues. Insurance societies continue to recommend themselves by +praising prudence and forethought which provides for the future. +Everybody knows that those who do not live within their income live upon +others who trust them. Those who spend all their income forget that if +others did as they do, there would be universal indigence. Insurance +companies are supposed to provide inducements to thrift, whereas they +put wanton obstacles in its way. + +He who takes out a policy on his life finds it a condition that if +he commits suicide his policy will be forfeited--the assumption of +insurance offices being that if a man insures his life he intends to cut +his throat. Can this be true? What warrant of experience is there for +this expectation? Is not the natural, the instinctive, the universal +love of life security sufficient against self-slaughter? If life be +threatened, do not the most thoughtless persons make desperate effort to +preserve it? Is it necessary for insurance societies to come forward +to supplement incentives of nature? Is not the fact that a man is +provident-minded enough to think of insuring his life, proof enough that +his object is to live? + +Answers to a series of questions are demanded from an insurer, which +average persons do not possess the knowledge to answer with exactitude; +yet failure in any fact or detail renders the policy void, although a +person has paid premiums upon it for thirty or forty years. + +Elaborate legal statements which few can understand are attached to a +policy which intimidates those who see them, from wishing to incur +such unfathomable obligation. A few plain words in plain type would be +sufficient for the guidance of the insured and the protection of the +company. The uncertainty comes from permitting questions of popular +interest to be stated by a member of the legal profession. If the terms +of eternal salvation had been drawn up by a lawyer, not a single soul +would be saveable, and the judgment day would be involved in everlasting +litigation. + +An office known to me had judges among its directors, from which it was +inferred by the insured that the office was straight. The holder of a +policy in it, making a will, his solicitor on inquiry found that the +office did not admit his birth. They had received premiums for forty +years, still reserving this point for possible dispute after the +policy-holder was dead, never informing him of it. When the insurance +was effected, they saw the holder of it and could judge his age to a +year. They saw the certificate of his birth, but gave him no assurance +that they admitted it and it had to be presented again. + +In another case within my knowledge, the owner of a policy obtained a +loan upon it, from a well-known lawyer in the City of London, who gave +the office, as is usual, notice of it. When the loan was repaid he again +wrote to the office saying he had executed a deed of release of his +claim on the policy. That the office was not satisfied with this +assurance was never communicated to the policyholder, and when many +years later, the lawyer who advanced the loan was dead, and his son who +succeeded him was dead, it transpired that the office did not believe +the assurances they had received. They admitted having received the +letter by the loan maker, but required to see the deeds relating to +the advance and release and repayment of the loan; and they gave the +policyholder to understand that he had better keep those deeds, as +his executors might be required to produce them at his death. It was a +miracle they were not destroyed. As the office had been legally notified +that the claim on the policy had ceased, it was never imagined that +deeds which did not relate to the office could be required by it. Under +this intimidation the deeds have now been kept. They are fifty years +old. This Scotland Yard practice of treating an insurer as a thief, +detracts from the fascination of thrift. + +Another instance was that of a policy-holder who applied to the office +for a loan, for which 1 per cent, more interest was demanded than his +banker asked, and a rise of 1 per cent, in case of delay in paying +the interest, and a charge was to be made for the office lawyer +investigating the validity of their own policy, upon which the office +had received premiums for forty-seven years. + +Directors, like the Doge of Venice, should have a lion's mouth open, of +which they have the key, when they might hear of things done in their +name, not conducive to the extension of thrift. + +No wonder thrift goes limping along, from walking in the jagged pathway +which leads to some insurance office. + +There are, as I know, offices straightforward and courteous, who foster +thrift by making it pleasant. Yet, as one who has often advocated +thrift, I think it useful to record my astonishment at the official +impediments to its popularity, which I have encountered. This is one +reason why Thrift, the most self-respecting of all the goddesses that +should be swift-footed, goes limping along. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII. MISTRUST OF MODERATION + +Temperance is restraint in use. Abstinence is entire avoidance, which is +the wise policy of those who lack the strength of temperance. + +How necessary entire abstinence is to many, I well know. When the drink +passion sets in, it leads to an open grave. The drinker sees it, and +knows it, and, with open eyes walks into it. He who realises the danger, +would, as Charles Lamb said-- + + "Clench his teeth and ne'er undo them, + To let the deep damnation trickle through them." + +For such there is no salvation save entire abstinence. Thousands might +have been saved but for the fanaticism of abstinence advocates who +opposed in Parliament every legal mitigation of the evil, thinking +the spectacle of it would force the legislature into prohibition. In +discussions, lectures, articles, I advocated the policy of mitigation, +and supported measures in Parliament calculated to that end, +encountering thereby the strong dissent of temperance writers who, not +intending it, connived at drunkenness as a temperance policy. + +Is it true that moderation is dead? Have teetotalers extinguished it as +a rule of daily life? Bishop Hall, in his fine way, said, "Moderation +was the silken string running through the pearl chain of all our +virtues." Was this a mistake of the illustrious prelate? Is not +temperance a wider virtue than total abstinence? Is there no possibility +of establishing temperance in betting? Can no limitation be imposed +on betting? The public know denunciatory preaching does not arrest it. +Innumerable articles are written against it. Letters about it are not +lacking in the editor's post-bag. Yet not a mitigation nor remedy is +suggested, save that of prohibition, which is as yet impossible. + +Betting is a kind of instinct, difficult to eradicate, but possible +to regulate. Games of hazard, as card-playing or dice, are naturally +seductive in their way. They are useful as diversions and recreation. +They exercise the qualities of judgment, calculation, and presence of +mind, as well as furnish entertainment. It is only when serious stakes +are played for that mischief and ruin begin. + +But the seduction of card gambling--once widely irresistible--is now +largely limited by the growing custom of playing only for small stakes. +Family playing or club playing, professedly for money, is held to +be disreputable. Formerly, drinking which proceeded to the verge of +intoxication, or went beyond it, was thought "manly." Now, where the +effects are seen in the face, or in business, it is counted ruinous to +social or professional reputation. Drinking is far more difficult +of mitigation than betting, because the temptations to it occur +much oftener. The capricious habit of going in search of luck can be +restrained by common sense. Temperance in betting would be easier to +effect were it not for the intemperate doctrine of total abstainers. By +defaming moderation they rob the holy name of temperance of its charm, +its strength and its trust. By teaching that "moderation is an inclined +plane, polished as marble, and slippery as glass, on which whoever sets +his foot, slips down into perdition," they destroy moderation by making +it a terror. It brings it into contempt and distrust, and undermines +self-confidence and self-respect. Yet it is by moderation that we live. +Moderation in eating is an absolute condition of health--as the Indian +proverb puts it: "Disease enters by the mouth." A man who disregards +moderation in work, or in pleasure, or diet, seldom lives out half his +days. He who has no moderation in judgment, in belief, in opinion, in +politics, or piety, is futile in counsel, and dangerous in his example. +If the disparagement of self-control has not destroyed the capacity and +confidence of moderation in the public heart, temperance in betting is +surely possible. + +Occasionally a minister of religion will ask me what I have to say about +betting. I answer, "It is difficult to extinguish it, but possible to +mitigate it." I give an instance from my own experience. + +Years ago when I was editing the _Reasoner_, Dr. Shorthouse contributed +a series of instructive papers on the physiology of racing horses. +Out of courtesy to him I took a ticket in a sweepstake in which he was +concerned, but in which I felt no interest. Months after, I saw that +the owner of the prize was unknown. My brother, knowing I had a ticket, +found it among my papers, and I received Ł50. I invested the amount, +intending to use the interest in some future speculation, if I made any, +which was not in my way. To that Ł50 there is added now more than Ł50 of +accumulated interest, with which I might operate if so inclined. Were +I in the crusade against betting I should say, "Form societies for +Temperance in Betting, of which the rules shall be-- + +'"1.--No member may make any bet unless he is able, having regard to his +social obligations, to lose the sum he risks, and is willing to lose it, +if he fails to win. + +'"2.--When he does win anything, he shall invest it, and bet with the +interest, and every time he wins, shall add the amount to the original +investment, which would give him a larger sum for future recreation in +that way."'" + +There is a Church of England Temperance Society which has the courage to +believe in moderation, and which makes it a rule of honour to keep +clear of all excess. Thousands in every walk of life have been saved to +society under this sensible encouragement, and where an occasional act +of excess would have been counted venial, it is regarded as revolting as +an act of indecency. + +I have known men in the betting ring who made up their mind that when +they acquired a certain sum they would retire, nor step again in the +treacherous paths of hazard--and they kept their resolution. But very +few are able to do this, having no trained will. + +I am against extremes in social conduct, save where reason shows it to +be a necessity. If Betting Limited was approved by the public, betting +at hazard would become as socially infamous as petty larceny. In the +dearth of suggestions for the mitigation of an evil as serious as that +of drunkenness, I pray forgiveness for that I have made. + +Previous to 1868, I assisted in establishing the _Scottish Advertiser_ +conducted by Walter Parlane. It bore the following motto, which I wrote +for it: + +"Whatever trade Parliament licenses, it recognises--and so long as +such trade is a source of public revenue, it is entitled to public +protection." + +I still agree with the sentiment expressed. All I meant was a reasonable +protection of the interest which the law had conceded to the trade. +The predatory impudence of the monopoly privileges the trade has since +extorted against the public interests was in no man's mind then. No one +intended that the concession of just protection should be construed into +extortion. As respects compensation, the temperate party refused it. I +was not of their opinion. I agreed with them that the publicans had +no logical claim for compensation, but I would have conceded it as +the lesser of two evils, just as it was better to free the West Indian +slaves by purchase than to continue their lawful subjection. If to +maintain in full force the legalised machinery of drunkenness be only +half as dreadful in its consequences as temperance advocates truly +represent, it would be cheaper as well as more humane to limit it by +graduated compensation. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII. PENAL CHRISTIANITY + +Predatory Christianity would not be far from the mark. Christianity is +of the nature of a penal settlement where independent-minded persons are +made to expiate the sin of thinking for themselves. There can be no real +goodwill in any one who is not for justice and equality. No cause can +command respect, or can claim a hearing from others which is not based +on absolute fairness. Many well-meaning Christians never inquire whether +the great cause they have at heart fulfils this condition. In the past +this omission has been a lasting cause of alienation from their views. + +Between 1850 and 1860 there sat in St. Bride's Vestry, London, a +group of Christian churchwardens who twice a year sent agents to seize +property from my house in Fleet Street, because I refused to pay tithes. +Yet there are people who tell us without tiring, of the depravity of the +French revolutionists and atheists who laid, or proposed to lay hands +upon Church property. Yet these Christian officers, acting under the +eye of an opulent rector in the wealthiest capital in the world, seized +clocks and bales of paper on the premises of heretics, in the name +of the Church! Did not this disqualify the Church as ministers of +consolation? The greatest consolation is justice. Is it not spiritual +effrontery to despoil a man, then invite him to the communion table? +In our day by predatory acts, they confiscate Nonconformist property to +maintain Church schools. Can it be that heaven recognised agents engaged +in petty larceny? Are they intrusted with the keys of heaven? May the +priest be a thief? Can a man expect to be admitted at the Golden Gate +with a burglar's passport in his hand? There exist penal laws against +all who do not stand on the side of faith, which Nonconformists as +well as Churchmen connive at, profit by, and maintain. Is not this +destructive of their spiritual pretensions? Can they preach of holiness +and truth without a blush? No higher criticism can condemn Christianity, +as it is self condemned by resting on predatoriness. No person who does +not stand on the Christian side can leave property for promoting his +views, as a Christian can for promoting his. No Christian conscience is +touched at this disadvantage imposed upon the independent thinker. No +sermon is preached against it. No Christian petition is ever set +up against it. Neither the Church conscience nor the Nonconformist +conscience is stirred by the existence of this injustice. It would cease +if they objected to it. But they do not object to it. + +There are prelates, priests, clergymen, and Nonconformist ministers +personally to be respected, who in human things I trust. But for their +spiritual vocation, is it possible to have respect or trust? To tender +consolation with one hand while they keep the other in my pocket is +an act never absent from my mind. I belong to a Secular party who seek +improvement by material means; but were there any body of Christians +upon whom that party imposed legal disadvantages in its own interest, +and kept them there by silence or connivance, Parliament would hear from +me pretty frequently until the insulting privileges were annulled. Any +pretension to having principles worthy of acceptance, or regard, or +even respect, would be impertinence in us so long as we were unfair to +others. + +I caused to be brought into Parliament a Bill in which Sir Philip +Manfield took the leading interest, entitled:-- + +Civil and Religious Liberty Extension. + +A BILL + +To secure the Extension of Civil and Religious Liberty. + +(Prepared and brought in by + +Mr. Manfield, Sir Henry Boscoe, + +Sir Geo. B. Sitwell, Mr. Picton, + +Mr. Illingworth, Mr. W. McLaren, + +Mr. H. P. Cobb, Mr. Howell, + +Mr. Chas. Feiiwick, Mr. Benn, + +Mr. Storey, and Mr. Hunter.) + +Ordered, by The House of Commons, to be Printed, 7 November 1893. + +PRINTED BY EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, + +PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. + +And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from +Eyre & Spottiswood, East Harding Street, Fleet Street, B.C., and 32, +Abingdon Street, Westminster, 8.W.; or John Menzies & Co., 19, Hanover +Street, Edinburgh, and 90, West Nile Street, Glasgow; or Hodges, Ptoois +6 Co., Limited, 104, Grafton Street, Dublin. + +[Price 1d.] + +[Bill 464.] + + +Memorandum. + +This Bill comprises but a small extension of religious equality. +Its object is to enable a man "to do what he likes with his own" for +admittedly lawful purposes. It is affirmed by legal decisions that any +man may believe what he pleases, speak what he pleases, publish his +honest conviction, provided he does it in a temperate and considerate +manner; and he may, while living, give money to maintain his views. All +this Bill seeks is that he may, at his death, bequeath money for such +purpose. This Bill merely proposes to extend a right which Christians +of every denomination enjoy, but which hitherto has been denied to those +who may conscientiously object to prevailing opinions. + + +BILL TO + +Secure the Extension of Civil and Religions Liberty. + +WHEREAS + +1 it is expedient to remove the Disabilities under which persons suffer +desirous of endowing, creating, and maintaining charitable and other +Trusts for religious and ethical inquiry, so as to further extend civil +and religious liberty: + +2 Nothing contained in this Act shall affect or be deemed to repeal +or contravene in any way such parts of the Act 9 George II., cap. 36, +relating to Mortmain as remain unrepealed, or any other Act amending +or altering such Act; and the provisions of all such Acts now in force +shall apply to all Trusts created under this Act. + +3 After the passing of this Act, notwithstanding any Act, Rule of Common +Law, Rule of Equity, or Rule of Practice of any Court of Justice now in +force to the contrary, it shall be lawful for any person to create and +endow, or create or endow, any Trust for inquiry into the foundations +and tendency of religious and ethical beliefs which from time to time +prevail, or for the maintenance and propagation of the results of such +inquiry. And the method of application of Bequests made for the +purposes aforesaid shall be, on the part of those responsible for their +administration, subject to revision at intervals of thirty years. + +4 Such Trust, whether created by Deed or Will, or by other instrument, +shall be deemed a charitable Trust, and shall be administered and given +effect to in all respects in as full and complete a manner as in the +case of religious and charitable Trusts now recognised by Law; and the +doctrine of _Cy-pres_ shall be applied to it when circumstances shall +arise requiring the application of such doctrine. + + +This Bill was not proceeded with. It required a member like Samuel +Morley, of known Christianity and a conscience, to carry it through the +House. + +A theory has been started that by registering an association, under the +Friendly Societies Act, it would legalise its proceedings and virtually +repeal all the laws confiscating bequests. No case of this kind has come +before the higher courts. To do the Government justice, I know no case +in which the Crown has interfered to confiscate a bequest on the ground +of heresy in its use. Members of families, legally entitled to the +property of a testator, may claim the money and get it. If the family +enters no claim the bequest takes effect. In the meantime the state of +the law prevents testators leaving property for the maintenance of their +opinions, and Christians bring charges against philosophical thinkers +for lack of generosity in building halls as Christians do chapels. +The Christian reproaches the philosopher for not giving, when he has +confiscated the bequest of the philosopher and the power of giving. + +Priests often mourn at the disinclination to listen to the tenets they +proclaim, and advertise in the newspapers the melancholy fact that only +one person in five is found on Sunday in a place of worship, and do not +remember how many persons remain away, not so much from dislike of the +tenets preached, as from dislike of the injustice which they would have +to share if they belonged to any Christian communion. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX. TWO SUNDAYS + +None of our Sunday Societies or Sunday Leagues seem ever to have thought +of the advantages of advocating as I have long done--two Sundays--a +Devotional Sunday and a Secular Sunday. + +The advocacy of two Sundays would put an end to the fear or pretence +that anybody wants to destroy the one we have. + +The Policy of a Second Sunday is a necessity. + +It would put an end to the belief that the working classes are mad, and +not content with working six days want to work on the seventh. + +It would preserve the present Sunday as a day of real rest and devotion. +The one Sunday we now have is neither one thing nor the other. Its +insufficiency for rest prevents it being an honest day of devotion. +Proper recreation is out of the question. There is too little time for +excursions out of town on the Saturday half-day holiday. Imprisonment in +town irritates rather than refreshes--mere rest is not recreation. + + "A want of occupation gives no rest + A mind quite vacant is a mind distressed." + +Those who would provide recreation in the country find it not worth +while for the precarious chance of half-day visitors. On a Secular +Sunday recreation would be organised and be more self-respecting than it +now can be. + +1. It would conduce to the public health. The manufacturing towns of +England are mostly pandemoniums of smoke or blast-furnace fumes. The +winds of heaven cannot clear them away in one day--less than forty-eight +hours of cessation of fire and fume would not render the air breathable. + +2. With two Sundays one would be left undisturbed, devoted to repose, to +piety, contemplation and improvement of the mind. + +3. It would give the preacher intelligent, fresh-minded and +fruitful-minded hearers, instead of the listless, wearied, barren-headed +auditors, who lower the standard of his own mind by forcing upon him the +endeavour to speak to the level of theirs. + +4. A second Sunday would give the people real rest when nobody would +frown upon them, nor preach against them, nor pray against them. + +5. It would be cheaper to millowners to stop their works two clear days +than run them on short days; and there need not be fears of claims of +further reduction of forty-eight hours a week on the part of workpeople, +who would have a real sense of freedom from unending toil with two days' +rest and peace. Manufacturing towns would no longer be, as now, +penal settlements of industry. Holiness would no longer be felt to be +wearisomeness. + +But for Moses, the changes here sought would have existed long ago. One +day's rest in the week was enough for Jews who were doing nothing when +one Sunday was prescribed to them. Had Moses foreseen the manufacturing +system, instead of saying "six days," he would have said, "Five days +shalt thou labour." + +If he deserves well of mankind who makes two blades of wheat grow where +only one grew before; he deserves better who causes two Sundays to exist +where only one existed before--for corn merely feeds the body, whereas +reasonable leisure feeds the mind. + + + + +CHAPTER XL. BYWAYS OF LIBERTY + +It is worth while recording the curious, not to say ignominious, ways +from which justice to new thought has emerged. In the 5 and 6 Victorić, +cap. 38, 1842, the trial of eighteen offences were removed from +the jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace in Quarter Sessions and +transferred to the Assize Court. Persons accused were often subject to +magisterial intolerance, ignorance and offensiveness. + +Among the transferred offences were forgery, bigamy, abductions of +women. "Blasphemy and offences against religion," often of doubtful +and delicate interpretation, were two of the subjects taken out of +magisterial hands and placed under the decision of better-informed and +more responsible judges. "Blasphemy" was the general title under which +atheism, heresy, and other troubles of the questioning intellect were +designated. "Composing, printing or publishing blasphemous libels," were +included in the list of subjects to be dealt with in higher courts. Thus +better chances of justice were secured to thinkers and disseminators +of forbidden ideas. This new charter of thought, which conceded legal +fairness to propagandism, was not the subject of a special statute, but +was interpolated in a list, which read like an auctioneer's catalogue, +eluded Parliamentary prejudice, which might have been fatal, had it been +formally submitted to its notice. + +In the same manner the Affirmation Act, which changed the status of the +disbeliever in theology from that of an outlaw to that of a citizen, +crept into the Statute Book through a criminal avenue. A Bill to +admit atheists, agnostics, or other conscientious objectors to the +ecclesiastic oath, to make a responsible affirmation instead, was twice +or thrice thrown out of the windows of Parliament. Sir John Trelawny +used to say Mr. Gathorne Hardy (afterwards Lord Cranbrook) would rise +up, as I have seen him, with a face as furiously red as one of his own +blast furnaces at Lowmoor, and move its rejection. It was passed at +last by the friendly device of G. W. Hastings, M.P., the founder of the +Social Science Association, in a Bill innocently purporting to better +"promote the discovery of truth" by enabling persons charged with +adultery to give evidence on their own behalf. + +Then and there a clause was introduced which had no relation to the +extension of the right to give evidence, but upon the exemption of an +entirely different class of persons from the obligation of making oath. +Adulterers appear always to be Christians, since no case is recorded in +which any party in an adultery action professed any scruple at taking +the oath. Yet the Bill set forth that "any person in a civil or criminal +proceeding who shall object to make an oath," shall make a declaration +instead. When the Bill became an Act secular affirmation became +legalised. Thus by a clause treading upon the heels of adultery, the +witness having heretical and unecclesiastical convictions was enabled to +be honest without peril. + +In 1842, as I witnessed at the Gloucester Assizes, no barrister would +defend any one accused of dissent from Christianity, but apologised for +him and proclaimed his contrition for his sin of thinking for himself. +Slave thought of the mind, chained to custom, could be defended, but not +Free Thought, which is independent of everything save the truth. By the +Act of 1869* atheists ceased to be outlaws, and were henceforth enabled +to give evidence in their own defence. Wide-awake and vigilant as a +rule, bigotry was asleep that day. Thus by circuitous and furtive paths +the right of free thought has made its way to the front of the State. + + * 32 & 33 chap. 68, Evidence Amendment Act + + + + +CHAPTER XLI. LAWYERS' LICENCE + +The extraordinary legal licence of disordered and offensive imputation +has been limited since 1842. In those days, officers of the law, who +always professed high regard for morality and truth, had no sense of +either, when they were drawing up theological indictments. In the affair +at Cheltenham I delivered a lecture on Home Colonies (a proposal similar +to the Garden Cities of to-day), to which nobody objects now. As +I always held that discussion was the right of the audience, as +self-defensive against the errors of lecturer or preacher, an auditor, +availing himself of this concession, arose in the meeting and asked: +"Since I had spoken of duty to man, why I had said nothing of duty +to God"? My proper answer was, that having announced one subject, the +audience would have a right to complain that I had trepanned them into +hearing another, which they would not hear willingly. Such a reply would +have been received with outcries, and the Christian auditor would have +said, "I dare not answer the question--that I held opinions I was afraid +to disclose." All the while the questioner knew that an honest answer +might have penal consequences, which he intended to invoke. Christians +in those days lacked winning ways. I gave a defiant answer, which caused +my imprisonment. There was no imputation in my reply, which merely +produced merriment. + +Yet my indictment said I "was a wicked, malicious, evil-disposed +person," and that I "wickedly did compose, speak and utter, pronounce +and publish with a loud voice, of and concerning the Holy Scriptures, to +the high displeasure of Almighty God, and against the peace of our Lady +the Queen." Every sentence was an outrage, and nearly every word untrue. +I was not wicked, nor malicious, nor evil-disposed. I did not compose +the speech--it was purely spontaneous. I never had a loud voice. I never +referred to the Holy Scriptures, and I only disturbed the peace of our +Lady the Queen by a ripple of laughter. + +I carried no arms. I was known as belonging to the "Moral Force Party" +in politics, and was entirely unprepared to attack any person, let alone +one Omnipotent with "force of arms." The imputations in the indictment +were not only untrue, but contained more blasphemy than was in the mind +of any one to utter. I called the Judge's attention to the atrocity +of the language of the indictment He did not say there was anything +objectionable in it, which showed that the morality of the Bench was +not higher at that time than the morality of the magistrates. In the +_Cheltenham Chronicle_, known in the town as the Rev. Francis Close's +(afterwards Dean of Chichester) paper, I was described as a "miscreant" +for the answer I had given to my auditor. Mr. Justice Erskine had no +word of reproof for the infamous term applied to me. + +As I have elsewhere said, I spoke in my defence upwards of nine hours. +The length was owing to the declaration of one of the magistrates (Mr. +Bransby Cooper) that the Court would not hear me defend myself. Why I +defended myself at all, was from a very different reason. + +No barrister in those days would defend any one charged with dissenting +from the Christian religion. The counsel always apologised to the jury +for the opinions of his client, which admitted his guilt. This was done +at that very assizes at which I was tried. A Mr. Thompson, a barrister +in Court, who we mistook for a son of General Perronet Thompson, also +at the Bar, was engaged to defend George Adams, charged with an act +of heresy. The false Thompson expressed contrition for Adams, without +knowing or inquiring whether it was true that he felt it. Neither +counsel nor magistrate nor judge seemed to think it necessary that what +they said should be true. + +Thus my justification of the seeming presumption of defending myself was +the fact that no counsel would defend us without compromising us. I +had no taste for martyrdom. I did not want martyrdom; I did not like +martyrdom. Martyrdom is not a thing to be sought, but a thing to be +submitted to when it comes. + +This narrative shows that, in one respect, legal taste and truth have +improved in my time. + + + + +CHAPTER XLII. CHRISTIAN DAYS + +Many religious thinkers, ecclesiastical and Nonconformist, whose +friendship I value, will expect from me in these autobiographic +papers some account of the origin of opinions in which they have been +interested. Sermons, speeches, pamphlets, even books have been devoted +to criticism of my heresies. It is due to those who have taken so much +trouble about me that I should explain, not what the opinions were--that +would be irrelevant here--but how I came by them. That may be worth +recounting, and to some serious people perhaps worth remembering. + +Confessions are not in my way. They imply that something it was prudent +to conceal has to be "owned up." Of that kind I have no story to +tell. An apologia is still less to my taste. I make no apology for +my opinions. I do not find that persons who dissent from me, ever so +strenuously, think of apologising to me for doing so. They do right in +standing by their convictions without asking my leave. I hope they will +take it in good part if I stand by mine without asking theirs. + +My mother did not go to the Established Church, to which her father +belonged. She had natural piety of heart, and thought she found more +personal religion among the Nonconformists than in the Church. +She attended Carr's Lane Chapel, where the Rev. John Angell James +preached--who had a great reputation in Birmingham for eloquence and +for his evangelical writings. He was notorious in his day for denouncing +players and ambitious preachers seeking to excel in the arts of this +world; which caused the town people to say that he was dramatic against +the drama and eloquent against eloquence. His name, "Angell" James, +begat a belief that it was descriptive of himself, and that his +doctrines were necessarily angelic. It seems absurd, but I shared this +belief, and should not have been surprised to hear that he had some +elementary development of wings out of sight At the same time, Mr. James +gave me the impression of severity in piety, and my feeling towards him +was one of awe, dreading a near approach. + +Some years after, I held a discussion of several nights with the Rev. +W. J. Winks, of Leicester, who wrote to Mr. James to make inquiries +concerning me. In 1881, some thirty-five years after the discussion, +Mr. Winks' son showed me a letter which Mr. James wrote in reply saying: +"Holyoake was a boy in my Sunday School five years. He then went, +through the persuasion of a companion, to Mr. Cheadle's for a short +time, then to the Unitarian school (I believe entered a debating +society), and became an unbeliever. He is a good son and kind to his +mother, who is a member of one of our Baptist churches." + +The Rev. Mr. Cheadle, of whom Mr. James speaks, was a Baptist minister. +It is true I went to his church--my sister Matilda became a member +of it--but I never joined it The ceremony of baptism there was by +immersion. It seemed poetical to me when I read the account of baptism +in the Jordan; but I could not make up my mind to be baptised in a tank. +The reason, however, that I gave at the time was the stronger and +the true one--that I did not feel good enough to make a solemn public +profession of faith. Mr. James was misinformed; I never belonged to a +debating society. + +It was very good of him to write of me so, when he must have been very +much pained at the opinions he believed me then to hold. A man may +speak generously privately, but he means it when he says the same thing +publicly; and Mr. James did this. He wrote to a similar effect in the +_British Banner_ at the time when the Rev. Brewin Grant was painting +portraits of me in pandemonium colours. + +A small Sunday School Magazine came into my hands when I was quite a +youth. It was edited by the Rev. W. J. Winks. As communications were +invited from readers, I sent some evangelical verses to him. The first +time of my seeing my initials in print was in Mr. Winks's magazine. + +After a time, partly because the place of worship was nearer home, my +mother joined a little church in Thorpe Street, and later one in Inge +Street. They were melancholy little meeting-houses, and, as I always +accompanied my mother, I had time to acquire that impression of them. +A love of art was in some measure natural to me, and I thought that the +Temple of God should be bright, beautiful and costly. As I was taught to +believe that He was always present there, it seemed to me that He should +not be invited (and all our prayers did invite Him) into a mean-looking +place. It was seeing how earnestly my mother prayed at home for the +welfare of her family, how beautiful and patient was her trust +in heaven, and how trouble and misery increased in the household +notwithstanding, that unconsciously turned my heart to methods of +secular deliverance. She had lost children. I remember the consternation +with which she told us one Sunday night that her pastor, the Rev. Mr. +James, had stated in his sermon his fearsome belief that there were +"children in hell not a span long." That Mr. James believed it seemed +to us the same as its being in the Bible. Another time he preached about +the "sin against the Holy Ghost, which could never be forgiven, either +in this world or the world to come." My mother's distress at the thought +made a great impression upon me. A silent terror of Christianity +crept into my mind. That one so pure and devout as my mother, who was +incapable of committing sin knowingly, should be liable to commit this, +and none of us know what it was, nor how or when consequences so awful +were incurred, seemed to me very dreadful. + +The first death at home of which I was conscious, occurred at a time +when Church rates and Easter dues were enforced and augmented by a +summons. None of us were old enough to take the money to the public +office, and a little sister being ill, my mother, with reluctance, had +to go. A small crowd of householders being there on the same errand, +she was away some hours. When she returned, my sister was dead; and the +thought that the money extorted by the Church might have succoured, if +not saved the poor child, made the distress greater. My mother, always +resigned, made no religious complaint, but I remember that, in our +blind, helpless way, the Church became to us a thing of ill-omen. It was +not disbelief, it was dislike, that was taking possession of our minds. + +A man in my father's employ, who was superintendent of a Congregational +Chapel School at Harborne, a village some three or four miles from +Birmingham, asked me to assist as monitor in one of his classes. I was +so young that John Collins, who preached at times in the chapel, took me +by the hand, and I walked by his side. The distance was too far for +my little feet, and in winter the snow found its way through my +shoes. Collins afterwards became known as a Chartist advocate, and +was imprisoned in Warwick Gaol with William Lovett, on the ground of +political speeches. They jointly wrote the most intelligent scheme +of Chartist advocacy made in their day. Elsewhere I have recounted +incarcerations which befel many of my friends, proving that, within the +memory of living men, the path of political and other pilgrims lay by +the castles of giants who seized them by the way. + +In the Carr's Lane Sunday School I was considered an attentive, +devout-minded boy. All the hymns we sang I knew by heart, as well as +most parts of the Bible. The only classic of a semi-secular nature my +mother had in her house was Milton's "Paradise Lost"; we had besides +a few works of ponderous Nonconformist divines, of which Boston's +"Fourfold State" was one, to which I added Baxter's "Saints' Everlasting +Rest." I devoured whatever came in my way that was religious. Being +thought by this time capable of teaching the little that was deemed +necessary in an Evangelical Sunday school, I came to act as a +small teacher at the Inge Street Chapel. These people were known as +Pćdo-Baptists--what that meant not a single worshipper knew. The point +of doctrine which they did understand was that children should not be +baptised when their small souls were in the jelly-fish state and knew +nothing. When their little minds had grown and had some backbone +of sense in them, and some understanding of religious things, the +congregation thought that sprinkling them into spiritual fellowship +might do them good. + +Though my mother admitted that adult baptism was more reasonable, she +never listened to the doctrine of baptism by immersion. She disliked +innovation in piety. She had great tenacity in quiet belief, and thought +public immersion a demonstration--very bad bathing of its kind--and +might give you a cold. + +Few young believers showed more religious zeal than I did in those days. +On Sunday morning there was a prayer on rising, and one before leaving +home. At half-past seven the teachers were invited to meet at chapel +to pray for a blessing on the work of the day. When school commenced at +nine o'clock the superintendent opened it with prayer, and closed it at +eleven with another prayer. Then came the morning service of the chapel, +at which I was present with my class. That included three prayers. At +two o'clock school began again, opening and ending with prayers by the +superintendent, or by some teacher who was asked "to engage" in it, +in his stead. At the close of the school, another prayer-meeting +of teachers was held, for a blessing on the work done that day. At +half-past six evening service took place, which included three +more prayers. Afterwards, devout members of the congregation held +a prayer-meeting on behalf of the work of the church. At all these +meetings I was present, so that, together with graces before and after +meals three times a day, and evening prayers at time of rest, heaven +heard from me pretty frequently on Sundays. Many times since I have +wondered at the great patience of God towards my unconscious presumption +in calling attention so often to my insignificant proceedings. Atonement +ought to include the sin of prayers. + +Nor was this all. At chapels in Birmingham (1834), when anniversary +sermons had been preached on Sunday by some ministers of mark, there +would commonly be a public meeting on Monday at which they would speak, +and to which I would go. On Tuesday evening I went to the Cherry Street +Chapel, where the best Wesleyan preachers in the town were to be heard. +On Wednesday I often attended the Carr's Lane sermon. Thursday would +find me at the Bradford Street chapel, where there usually sat before +me a beautiful youth, whose sensuous grace of motion gave me as much +pleasure as the sermon. I remember it because it was there I first +became conscious of the charm of human strength and proportion. I had +the Greek love of beauty in boys--not in the Greek sense, of which I +knew nothing. + +On Friday I generally went to the public prayer-meeting in Cherry +Street, because Wesleyans were bolder and more original in their prayers +than other Christians. In frequenting Wesleyan chapels I could not help +noticing that their great preachers were also men of great build, of +good width in the lower part of the face. Afterwards I found that their +societies elsewhere were mostly composed of persons of sensuous make. +Their preachers having strong voices, and drawing inspiration mainly +from feeling, they had boldness of speech; and those who had imagination +had a picturesque expression. Independents and Baptists often tried +to solve doubts, which showed that their convictions were tempered by +thought to some extent; but the Wesleyan knew nothing of thought--he put +doubt away. He did not recognise that the Questioning Spirit came from +the Angel of Truth. To the Wesleyans, inquiry is but the fair-seeming +disguise of the devil, and to entertain it is of the nature of sin. +These preachers, therefore, knowing nothing of the other side, were +under none of the restrictions imposed by intelligence, and they +denounced the sceptics with a force which seemed holy from its fervour, +and with a ferocity which only ignorance could inspire. So long as I +knew less than they, their influence over me continued. Yet it was not +vigorous denunciation which first allured me to them, though it long +detained me among them--it was the information I had received, that they +believed in universal salvation, which had fascination for me. There was +something generous in that idea beyond anything taught me, and my heart +cleaved to the people who thought it true. This doctrine came to me +with the force of a new idea, always enchanting to the young. Had I been +reared among Roman Catholics, I should have worshipped at the church +of _All_ Souls instead of the church of One Soul. Any Church whose name +seemed least to exclude my neighbours would have most attracted me. + +All the fertility of attendance at chapels recounted did not, as the +reader will suppose, produce any weariness in me, or make me tired +of Christianity. The incessant Bible reading, hymns, prayer, and +evangelical sermons of Carr's Lane, Thorpe Street, and Inge Street did +tire me. There was no human instruction in their spiritual monotony. My +mind aches now when I think of those days. When I took courage to visit +various chapels, the variety of thought gave me ideas. The deacons of +the Inge Street Chapel bade me beware that "the rolling stone gathered +no moss."* Yet I did gather moss. + + * Thomas Tusser, of the sixteenth century, to whom the + phrase is ascribed, said: "The stone that is rolling can + gather no moss." + +Though I was then hardly fifteen, the other teachers would gently ask me +if I would engage in prayer in their meetings, which meant praying aloud +among them. The idea made me tremble. I was very shy, and the sound of +my own voice was as a thing apart from me, for which I was responsible, +and which I could not control. Then, what should I say? To say what +others said, to utter a few familiar scriptural phrases, diluted by +ignorant earnestness, seemed to me, even at that time, an insipid +offering of praise. Then it occurred to me to notice any newness of +thought and expression I heard in week-day discourses, and with them I +composed small prayers, which brought me some credit when I spoke them, +as they were unlike any one else's. But only once--at a Friday night's +church meeting--did I pray with natural freedom. Afterwards I avoided +requests to pray, as I thought it unreal to be thinking more of the +terms of the prayer than the simple spirit of it, and I hoped that one +day fitting language would become natural to me. + +It is proof that my mind was as free from scientific inspiration as +any saint's, since I had no misgiving as to the effect of prayer. If +Christianity were preached for the first time now to well-to-do people, +able to help themselves, it would be treated like Mormonism in America; +but to the poor who have neither money nor reflection, Christianity, as +a praying power, is a very real thing. People who have no idea that help +will, or can, come in any other way, are glad to think that it may +come from heaven. It had never been explained to me that low wages +were caused by there being too many labourers in the market, or that +ill-health is caused by poor food and hard condition. It was my daily +habit to pray for things most necessary and always deficient, not for +myself alone, but for others to whom in their need I would give, at any +cost to myself--to whom, if disinterested prayers were answered, any God +of sympathy would give. Yet, though no prayer was answered, it did not +strike me that that method of help failed. Prayer was no remedy, yet I +did not see its futility. Had I spent a single hour only in "dropping +a bucket into an empty well, never drawing any water up," I should not +have continued the operation without further inquiry. It never struck me +that, if preachers could obtain material aid by prayer, or knew any form +of supplication by which it could be obtained, they might grow rich in +a day by selling copies of that priceless formula. No Church would be +needy, no believer would be poor. + +In those days Christianity was a very real thing to me. What was part of +my conviction was also part of my life. So far as I had knowledge, I was +like the parson of Chaucer, who-- + + "Christ's love and his Apostles twelve + Taught, and _first he followed it himselve_." + +This I did with a zeal of spirit which neither knew nor sought any +evasion of the letter. + +At this time there came to Birmingham one Rev. Tully Cribbace, a +middle-aged man with copious dark hair, pale, thin face, and earnest, +unceasing speech. The zealous members of many congregations went to hear +him. He interested me greatly. He rebuked our Churches, as is the way +with new, wandering preachers--_without appointments_--for their want of +faith in the promise of Christ, who had said that "Whatsoever ye shall +ask in My name, that will I do." I had the belief, I had asked in His +name; but nothing came of it. With insufficient clothing I had gone out +in inclement weather to worship, or to teach, trusting in that promise +that I should be protected if no gifts of clothing came from heaven. No +gifts did come, but illness from exposure often did. In a very anxious +spirit I went to Mr. Cribbace's lodgings in Newhall Street, where he had +said inquirers might call upon him. When he asked me "what I wished to +say," I at once, not without emotion, replied, "Do you really believe, +sir, what you said? Is it true that what we ask in faith we shall +receive? I have great need to know that." + +My seemingly abrupt and distrustful question was not a reflection upon +his veracity of speech. Mr. Cribbace quite understood that from my +tone of inquiry. It never struck me that his threadbare dress, his +half-famished look, and necessity of "taking up a collection" the +previous night "to pay expenses," showed that faith was not a source of +income to him. Yet he had told us that faith would be all that to us, +and with a sincerity which never seemed to me more real on any human +lips. He did not mistake the earnestness or purport of my question. He +parried with his answer with many words, and at length said that "the +promise was to be taken with the provision that what we asked for would +be given, if God thought it for our good." Christ did not think this; He +did not say it; He did not suggest it. Knowing how many generations of +men to the end of the world would imperil their lives on the truth of +His words, He could not suffer treacherous ambiguity to creep into His +meaning by omission. His words were: "If it were not so, I would have +told you." There was no double meaning in Christ, no reticence, no +half-statement, leaving the hearer to find out the half-concealed words +which contradicted the half-revealed. All this I believed of him, and +therefore I trusted Christ's sayings. + +St. Chrysostom, in the prayer of the Church Litany, does not stop, but +keeps open the gap through which this evasion crawls. "Almighty God," he +says, "who dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in +Thy name, Thou wilt grant _their_ requests. Fulfil _now_, O Lord, the +desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most _expedient_ +for them." Christ was no juggler like St. Chrysostom. A prayer is a +deposit--the money of despair paid into a bank; but no one would pay +money into a bank if they were told they would get back only as much as +was good or expedient for them. + +My heart sank within me as Mr. Cribbace spoke the words of evasion. +There was nothing to be depended upon in prayer. The doctrine was a +juggle of preachers. They might not mean it or think it straight out, +but this is what it came to. Christ a second time repeated the words: +"If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it." However it might be +true in apostolic days, it was not true in ours, and the preachers knew +it, and did not say so. Christ might as well be dead if the promise +had passed away. Christianity had no material advantage to offer to the +believer, whatever else it may have had. + +Mr. Cribbace spoke the truth now; I could see that. Never did that +morning pass from my mind. That answer did not make me disbelieve, but I +was never again the same Christian I had been before. The foundation on +which every forlorn, helpless, uninformed, trusting believer rests had +slipped--slipped away from under my feet. Whatever Christianity might +be, it was no dependence in human need. The hard, material world was not +touched by prayer. How else it could be moved I then knew not. + +For myself, I did not think about the terms of the Bible, but believed +them. If there was an exception, it related to the saying of Christ that +every "idle word" men should speak should be recorded against them. If +"idle words" were to go down, then angry or wicked words would also be +recorded. At night, as I made my last prayer, I tried to think over +what I had said or done which might have been added to that serious +catalogue, and thus I suffered more than my fair share of alarm. I did +not know then that the rich have a much smaller account against them +above than the poor, and that they fare better than the indigent in +heaven, as they do on earth. A gentleman has his house and grounds, no +one he dislikes can enter his home. His neighbour cannot much annoy him; +he is at a distance from him. If he has a feud with his annoyer, he does +not meet him above once a year, perhaps at a county ball, and there he +can "cut" him; while a poor man lives in a house where he has several +fellow-lodgers, who have done him a shabby turn, and whom he meets four +or five times a day on the stairs. Evil thoughts come into his heart, +evil words escape his lips, and he himself employs a recording angel +all his time in taking down his offences, while the rich man has, +peradventure, only a single note made against his name once a week. + +It was after I had been some time at the Mechanics' Institution--which +was quite a new world of thought to me--that I was asked if I would +conduct a class at the New Meeting Unitarian Sunday school. The rooms +in which the Mechanics' Institution was held were those of the Sunday +school of the Old Meeting-house, no other being obtainable. Since +anything I knew had been taught me by these generous believers, it +seemed to me natural that they should invite me to assist in one of +their schools, and that I should comply. My consenting was not because +I shared their tenets. The Rev. Mr. Crompton, whose sister subsequently +became Mrs. George Dawson, asked me after a time what my view was as to +the unity of Deity. My answer was that I believed in three Deities. +I had never thought of the possibility of all this great world being +managed by _one_ Being. My preference for the acquaintance of Unitarians +was that there was so much more to be learned among them than among any +other religious body I had known. My invitation to their school was to +teach Euclid to one class, and the simpler elements of logic to another. +These were subjects never thought of in the Evangelical Sunday schools +to which I had belonged. The need of human knowledge had become very +clear to me. I could see that young men of my age trained in Unitarian +schools were very superior to Evangelical youths, who had merely +spiritual information. Devoutness I knew to be goodness; but I could +see it was not power. My personal piety did not conceal from me my +inferiority to those better informed. This made me grateful to the +Unitarians, who cared on Sundays for human as well as spiritual things; +and I thought it a duty to help them, as far as my humble attainments +might enable me. + +As soon as this was known in the Inge Street church, to which I was +considered to belong, the elders spake unto me thereupon. I was invited +to a prayer-meeting, which I readily consented to attend, when I found +that all the prayers were directed against me--were mere solicitations +to heaven to divert my heart from continuing to attend the Unitarian +schools. It would be wronging my sincere and well-meaning friends +of that time, to recount the deterrents they used and the fears they +expressed. Religion refined by human intelligence was regarded then as a +form of sin. At the end I did not dissent from their view, but I made +no promise to do what they wished. It seemed to me a sin that any youths +should be as ignorant as I had been, and I refuse to give them such +knowledge as I had acquired. In this matter of teaching I said it +was right to do as the Unitarians did, but wrong to believe as they +believed. This opinion I held all the while I was a teacher in their +Sunday school. + +Had these prayerful friends of mine succeeded in their object of +persuading me from association with these larger believers, they would +have shut the door of freedom, effort and improvement for me. My lot +would have been to spend my days inviting others, with much earnestness, +to cherish like incapacity. Yet I have no word of disrespect for their +honest-hearted endeavour to advise me, as they thought, for the best. +It was the desire of knowledge which saved me from their dangerous +temptation. + +The Meeting-house to whose Sunday school I went, was the one where Dr. +Priestley formerly preached. It was my duty on a Sunday to accompany my +class into chapel during the morning service. The scholars' seats were +near the gallery stairs. The other teachers sat at the end of the forms, +farthest from the stairs. I always chose the end nearest the stairs. +When invited to sit elsewhere I never explained the reason why I did +not. My reason was my belief that the wickedness of the preacher, in +addressing only one Deity, would one day be resented by heaven, and that +the roof would fall in upon the congregation. As I did not share their +faith, I thought I ought not to partake of their fate; and I thought +that by being near the stairs I could escape--if I saw anything +uncomfortable in the behaviour of the ceiling, which I frequently +watched. Being the person who would first understand what was about to +happen, I concluded that my descent would be unimpeded by the flying and +unsuspecting congregation. It seems to me only yesterday that I sat +calculating my chance of escape as Mr. Kentish's sonorous and +instructive sermon was proceeding. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIII. NEW CONVICTIONS WHICH CAME UNSOUGHT + +These singular instances of bygone experience of a religious student, +of which few similar have ever been given, must be suggestive--perhaps +instructive--to religious teachers in church and chapel, engaged in +inculcating their views. How much happier had been my life had there +then existed that tolerance of social effort, that regard of social +needs, that consideration of individual aspiration, which happily now +prevail. This chapter will conclude what Herbert Spencer would call the +"natural history" of a mind, or, as Lord Westbury would say, "what I am +pleased to call my mind." + +One evening, at the Mechanics' Institution, Birmingham, I was told that +Robert Owen, who had unexpectedly arrived in town, was likely to speak +in Well Lane, Allison Street, and was asked "would I go?" Mistaking +the name for Robert Hall, I said I would. Of Robert Owen I had scarcely +heard; of the Rev. Robert Hall (who had denounced all deflectors from +the Baptist standard with brilliant bitterness) I had heard, admired +(and do still), and much desired to see. Great was my disappointment +when I discovered the mistake. As Mr. Owen passed me on entering the +room, I--a mere youth--looked at the aged philosopher (who had been +working for human welfare long before I was born) with an impertinent +pity. I felt also some real terror for his future, as I thought what +a "wicked old man" he must be. I had been assured by Robert Hall that +morality without faith was of no avail in the eye of God. + +Eventually it became known at the works where I was employed that I had +been to hear Robert Owen, and remarks were made. In those days (1837-8) +advocates of social reform were called "Socialists." Some of the remarks +made against them were unjust Some "Socialists" were fellow-students at +the Mechanics' Institution. These commentators made the usual mistake of +concluding that the social thinkers in question must hold the opinions +it was inferred that they held. At that time I did not understand this +way of reasoning, though no doubt I used it myself, as those among whom +I was reared knew no better. Everybody was sure that an opponent must +mean what you inferred he meant, and charged against him the inference +as a fact--never thinking of inquiring whether it was so. If I was not +misled by those confident arguments, it was because I knew that the +persons accused were leal and kind in daily life. Out of mere love +of fairness I defended them to my working associates, as far as my +knowledge went. Being told that "I did not know what their principles +were" caused me to read their pamphlets and to hear some lectures. For +a year or more I used the knowledge thus gained against the uninformed +impressions of their aspersers around me. + +Well do I remember that one day, as I passed two workmen in the +mill-yard, one said to the other, "That is young Holyoake the sceptic." +They did not know that "sceptic" merely meant a doubter in search of +evidence. They used the word in the brutal sense of one who disbelieved +the truth, knowing it to be the truth. The term startled me, as I +neither believed nor assumed to believe what I had reported as the +opinions of my friends. For myself, I had no thought of holding their +opinions. The heresy supposed to be included in them was, indeed, my +aversion. Then I made the resolution to examine their principles, with a +view to show what arguments I could myself bring against them. Great +was my dismay when, after months of thought, I found that the questioned +tenets seemed, on the whole, to be true. These tenets were that wise +material circumstances were likely to have a better influence on men +than bad ones; and that, men having general qualities which they have +inherited, the treatment of the worst should be tempered by compassion +for their ill-fortune. Then it concerned me no more what any one said of +me. It was as though I had passed into a new country, leaving behind +me the barren land of supplication for a land of self-effort and +improvement; and entered into the fruitful kingdom of material +endeavour, where help and hope dwelt. Heretofore doubt and perturbation +as to whether I was of the "elect" had oft agitated me. Now, I had no +bonds in the death of my disproved opinions--no struggle, no misgivings. +Without wish or effort of mine, I was delivered by reason alone from the +prison-house in which I had dwelt with its many terrors. Not all at once +did the terrors go. They long hovered about the mind like evil spirits +tempting me to distrust the truth written in the Book of Nature, of +which I believed God to be the author. + +Some time before this change in my opinion occurred I had taken in, out +of my slender savings, the beautiful Diamond edition of the Rev. +Mr. Stebbing's Bible in parts. The type was very fine, the outline +illustrations seemed to me very beautiful; they affect me with +admiration still. It was the first book with marks of art about it that +I had possessed. I had it bound in morocco, with silver clasps. It was +quite a wonder in the workshop when I took it there. To possess many +things I never cared, but if I had only one, and it had some beauty and +finish in it, it was to me as though I had a light in my room at night, +and the thought of it made me glad in the dark. A fellow-workman of +sincere piety, whom I respected very much, coveted this Bible, and +induced me to sell it to him, which I did, as I had it in my mind to get +another bound in a yet daintier way. + +Simple and natural as was this transaction, it was misconstrued. It was +said I had "sold" my Bible, as though it was my act instead of being +the act of another. Next it was reported that I had "burnt" it. Thus I +became a founder of myths without knowing it. Nevertheless, it gave me +pain--for nothing was more alien to my mind, my taste and reverence, +than the act imputed to me. But what made a greater impression upon me, +it being inconceivable, and unforeseen, was that he who induced me to +part with my valued volume never came forward to say so. The inspiration +of Christianism I had taken to be personal truth which could be +trusted. In the noblest minds it is so still. But for the first time I +found a Christian could be mean. + +It was about this period that a poor woman I knew drew near to death +from consumption. At times I visited and read the Scriptures to her. One +night I asked her if she would like some one to pray with her. As she +wished it, I induced one with whom I had been a Sunday school teacher to +come with me one evening and pray by her side. + +The consolation was very precious to her, and that is why I sought it +for her. At no time did it seem to me that everybody should be of one +opinion, since honesty of life consists in living and dying in that +opinion of the truth of which you are convinced. This man whom I took +with me was a workman, poor, mean, and utterly uninformed. In religious +sympathy he inclined to the Ranters, who are not at all melodious +Christians. Yet heaven might respect his prayer as much as a bishop's, +for he had given up his night, after a hard day's labour, to afford what +humble consolation he could to this poor woman. + +One sentiment that had always possessed me was a pleasure in vengeance. +I had quite a distinct passion of hatred where I was wronged, and had +no means of resistance or redress. A man in my father's employ did +something very unfair to me when I was quite a youth, and during nine +years that I worked by his side I did not forget it or forgive it. The +Lord's prayer taught me that I should "forgive those who trespassed +against me," and at times I thought I had forgiven him, but I never had. +Christian as I was, the revengeful lines of Byron long influenced me:-- + + "If we do but watch the hour, + There never yet was human power, + That could evade, if unforgiven, + The patient search and vigil long + Of him who treasures up a wrong." + +No sermon, no prayer, no belief, no Divine command, rendered me neutral +towards those I disliked. Neither authority nor precept had force which +gave no reason for amity. But when I came to understand Coleridge's +saying that "human affairs are a process," I could see that patience and +wise adaptation of condition was the true method of improvement, since +the tendency to nobleness or baseness was alike an inheritance nurtured +by environment. If tempest of the human kind came, precaution and not +anger--which means ignorance taken by surprise--was the remedy. Pity +takes the place of resentment. Clearly, vengeance did but add to the +misfortune of destiny. + +I oft pondered Hooker's saying, that "anger is the sinew of the soul, +and he that lacketh it hath a maimed mind." Nevertheless, I am content +to be without that "sinew." Anger is rather the epilepsy of the +understanding than the dictate of reason. I had come to see that there +are no bad weeds in Nature--but much bad gardening. The reasons of amity +had become clear to me, and that Helvetius was right. We should "go on +loving men, but not expecting too much from them." Even Hooker could not +win me back to the profitless pursuits of anger and retaliation. + +These bygone days left their instruction with me evermore. In them I +learned consideration for others. Whatever my convictions, I was always +the same to my mother. The wish to change her views never entered my +mind. She had chosen her own. I respected her choice, and she respected +mine. In after years, when I visited Birmingham, I would read the Bible +to her. She liked to hear my voice again as she had heard it in earlier +days. When her eyes became dim by time I would send her large type +editions of the New Testament, and of religious works which dwelt upon +the human tenderness of Christ. The piety of parents should be sacred +in the eyes of children. Convictions are the food of the soul, which +perisheth on any other diet than that which can be assimilated by the +conscience. + +One of the bygones which had popularity in my day was silence, +where explicitness was needed. Nothing is more grateful to the young +understanding than clear, definite outlines. _The Spectator_ (July 23, +1891) said that "Dean Stanley could not at any time have exactly defined +what his own theology really was." George Dawson, who charmed so many +audiences and was under no official restraint, never attempted it. +Emerson, who criticised everybody who had an opinion, never disclosed +his. Carlyle, who filled the air with adjurations to sincerity of +conviction, carefully concealed his own. They who take credit for +advising the public what to believe should avow their own belief. Otway, +crossing the street to Dryden's house, wrote upon his door: "Here lives +Dryden, a poet and a wit." Seeing these words as he came out, Dryden +wrote under them: "Written by Otway opposite," which might mean: "This +is but a partial and friendly estimate written by my neighbour who lives +over the way, opposite to me"; or, it might mean that "It is written by +Otway--the very 'opposite' of 'a poet and a wit.'" Janus sentences +are the very grace of satire, because they offer a mitigating or a +complimentary construction; but in questions of conscience, ethics, or +politics, uncertainty is an evil--an evil worth remembering where it can +be avoided. + +"Socialists" were liable to indictment who officiated in a place not +licensed as a place of worship. Such a license could be obtained on +making a declaration on oath that their discourses were founded on +belief in the cardinal tenets of the Church. Two social speakers were +summoned to swear this. One was the father of the late Robert Buchanan. +He and his colleague did so swear to avoid penalties, though they swore +the contrary of the truth. I joined with other colleagues in protesting +against this humiliation and ignominy. And in another way imprisonment +came to all of us. Silence or the oath was the alternative from which +there was no escape. The question then arose, "Was the existence of +Deity so certainly known to men that inability to affirm it justified +exclusion from citizenship?" Thus it was of the first moment to inquire +whether it was so or not, and what was regarded as an atheistical +investigation became a political necessity in self-defence. Was there +such conclusive knowledge of the Unknowable as to warrant the law in +making the possession of it a condition of justice and civil equality? +Thus the refutation of Theism became a form of self-defence, and without +foreseeing it, or intending it, or wishing it, I was, without any act of +my own, engaged in it. + +This narrative concerns those who deplore the rise and popularity of +independent thinkers, alien to received doctrine. Few persons are aware +how or why agnostic advocacy was welcomed and extended. Surely this is +worth remembering. The tenet bore statute fruit, for the Affirmation Act +came out of it. + +It will be a satisfaction to students of spiritual progress to know that +the extension and legalisation of the rights of conscience, brought no +irreverence with it. The sense that the nature of Deity was beyond the +capacity of dogmatism to define, created a feeling of profound humility +in the mind; the incapacity which disabled me from asserting the +infinite premises of Theism rendered denial an equal temerity. What +tongue can speak, what eye can see, what imagination can conceive the +marvels of the Inscrutable? I think of Deity as I think of Time, which +is with us daily. Who can explain to us that mystery? Time--noiseless, +impalpable, yet absolute--marshals the everlasting procession of nature. +It touches us in the present with the hand of Eternity, and we know it +only by finding that we were changed as it passed by us. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIV. DIFFICULTY OF KNOWING MEN + +Events of the mind as well as of travel may be worth remembering. +Columbus, high on a peak of Darien, saw an unexpected sight--never to +be forgotten. Of another kind, as far as surprise was concerned, though +infinitely less important in other respects, was my first reading of a +passage of Pascal, which more than any other revealed to me a new world +of human life. The passage was the well-known exclamation:-- + +"What an enigma is man? What a strange, chaotic and contradictory being? +Judge of all things, feeble earth-worm, depository of the Truth, mass of +uncertainty, glory and butt of the universe, incomprehensible monster! +In truth, what is man in the midst of Nature? A cypher in respect to the +infinite; all, in comparison with nonentity: a mean betwixt nothing and +all." + +Everybody knows that not only in different nations, but in the same +nation, mankind present a strange variety of qualities and passions. +The English are outspoken, the Scotch reticent, the Irish uncertain, the +American alert, the French ceremonial. Even our English counties have +their special ways of action. London is confident, Birmingham dogged, +Manchester resolute, New-castle-on-Tyne has greater modesty and greater +pride than any other place. Yes; every one agrees with Pascal that man +is a bewildering creature. He is proud and abject, generous and mean, +defiant and craven, standing up for inflexible truth, and lying in his +daily life. As Byron says, "Man is half dust, half deity." If we go far +enough in our search we find people of all qualities. Everybody sees +these characteristics of countries and classes. Everybody recognises +these conflicting elements of character in a race; but what amazed me +was to perceive that they are to be found in _each_ person in varying +proportion and force--they are all there. The varieties of the race are +to be found in the same individual. No man who understands this +ever looks upon society as he did before. Not knowing this fact, not +calculating upon it, error, distrust, disappointment, estrangement, grow +up needlessly. + +Twice within the public recollection, two political parties in England +have been formed, and made furious by a common ignorance. During the +great Slave War in America, the Southern planter was held up as a +gentleman of polished manners, of cultivated tastes, a paternal master +and courteous host By others he was described as selfish, sensual, +tyrannical, with whom any guest who betrayed sympathy with slaves had an +unpleasant time. Both accounts were true. The same model gentleman who +showered upon you courtly attentions would tar and feather you if he +found you display emotion when you heard the shriek of the slave under +the whip. Later, Parliament, the press, and the Church were divided upon +the character of the Turk. One party said he was tolerant, picturesque, +abounding in concessions and hospitality. The other party described him +as subtle, evasive, treacherous, vicious, and cruel. No one seemed to +recognise that all the while he was both these things. He was an +adept in personal deference, generous in professions, evasive and +treacherous--in short, "Abdul the Damned." To those from whom the Sultan +had anything to hope, his graciousness was superb--to those at his mercy +he was rapacious and murderous. + +The Circassians will offer their daughters to the Turk--they send +their virgin beauty into the market of lust, and then fight for the +purchasers. The Hindoos seem a gentle, unresisting, rice-minded people; +yet have such capacity of heroic and vigilant reticence, that though we +have been masters of India for one hundred and fifty years, it is said +by experienced officials, we do not know the real mind of a single man. +The Zulus have savage instincts and habits; but they are honest, speak +the truth, and despise a man who is angry or excited. + +Thiers, the great French statesman, had trust in individuals, but +despised the masses. Yet the masses pulled down the Bastile, where only +gentlemen were imprisoned and not themselves. The masses were moved by a +generous dislike of oppression as strongly as Thiers himself. + +President Washington, looking only at the corruption of classes he came +in contact with, predicted evil to the future of American society. Yet, +one hundred years after, a latent nobleness of sentiment appeared, which +gave a million of lives in order that black men with large feet, as was +scornfully said, should be free. + +Because oppression had made, for years, assassination frequent in +Italy, many thought every man carried a stiletto, and did not know that +Italians are more patient and cooler-headed on great occasions than +Englishmen or Frenchmen. + +The Irish do not conceal that they are our enemies, and ruin every +English movement in which they mingle, yet who have such brightness, +drollery of imagination as they? Or who will stand by a friend of their +country at the peril of their lives without hesitation as they do? + +The Scotch display in contest a sort of divine ferocity, such as we read +of in the Old Testament. Their battle song at Flodden ran thus:-- + + "Burn their women, lean and ugly, + Burn their children, great and small, + In the hut and in the palace, + Prince and peasant--burn them all. + + Plunge them in the swelling torrents + With their gear and with their goods; + Spare--while breath remains--no Saxon, + Drown them in the roaring floods." + +The Irish could not excel this rage of hell. Yet the same race gave us +Burns and Sir Walter Scott, which no seer would have predicted or any +would believe. The Scotch have deliberate generosity. Though narrow in +piety they are broad in politics and have veracity in their bones. + +It concerns us to notice that in every _individual_ there is the same +variety of qualities which exist in the race. Not to understand this is +to misunderstand everybody with whom we come in contact. Take the +case of a man in whom personal ambition predominates. That implies +the existence of other qualities which may be even estimable, though +subordinated to ends of power. William, the Norman Conqueror, had a +gracious manner to any who lent themselves to further his ends; but, as +Tennyson tells us, he was "stark as Death to those who crossed him." +The first Napoleon gave thrones to generals who would occupy them in his +interest, or as his instruments. The third Napoleon was very courteous +even to workmen, so long as he believed they would be on his side in +the streets; but their throats were not safe in the corridor outside his +audience chamber, if he distrusted them. + +This unexpected blandishment confused the strong brain of John Arthur +Roebuck, who, under the influence of Bonapartean courtesy, forgot that +he had become Emperor by perjury and murder. A man caring above all +things for power will give anything to acquire it or hold it. If any one +will help him even to plunder others, he will share the plunder with a +liberal hand among his confederates, who proclaim him as a most amiable, +generous, and disinterested gentleman. To them he is so. The political +world and private life also abounds in men who, like Byron's captain, +was the "best-mannered gentleman who ever scuttled a ship or cut a +throat." + +There are very few who say as Byron elsewhere wrote:-- + + "I wish men to be free, + From Kings or mobs--from you or me." + +The point of importance is that in judging a man we should accustom +ourselves to see all about him, and, while we hate the evil, not shut +our eyes to what there may be of good in the same person. + +For objects of popularity men will encounter peril in promoting measures +of public utility, and though they care more for themselves than for the +public, the public profit by their ambition. Provided it is understood +that these advocates are not to be depended upon any longer than it +answers their purpose, nobody is discouraged when they take up with +something else, which better serves their ends. + +Men like Mr. Gladstone have a passion for conscience in politics; or, +like Mr. Bright, have a passion for justice in public affairs; or, +like Mr. Mill, have a passion for truth; or, like Mr. Cobden, who had +a passion for national prosperity founded on freedom and peace--will +encounter labour and obloquy with courage, and regard applause only as +a happy accident, caring mainly for the consciousness of duty done. +However, this class of men are not numerous, but command honour when +known. + +Men of the average sort very much resemble fishes, except that they are +less quiet and not so graceful in their movements. There is the Pholas +Dactylus, which resembles a small, animated sausage with a pudding head. +His plan of life is to bore a perfectly tubular passage in the soft sand +rock on the sea-side, and lie there with his cunning head at the mouth +of his dwelling and snap up the smaller creatures who wander heedlessly +by. Sometimes a near relative has made a dwelling-place at right angles +to the direction in which he has elected to make his residence. He does +not consult the rights or convenience of any one, but bores straight +through his father or his mother-in-law. There are many persons who +do the same thing. There is the subtle and picturesque devil fish, who +hides himself in the sedge and opens his mouth like a railway tunnel. +With the fishing-rod which Nature attaches to his nose, the end of which +is contrived like a bait, he switches the bright water until fish run +forward, when he draws it cleverly up, and the foolish, impetuous, and +unobservant creatures rush down his cavernous and treacherous throat He +offers a bait, not to feed them, but to feed himself. If people had +only eyes to see, there are devil fish about in the sedges of daily +life--political, clerical, and social. There is the octopus, with its +long, aimless arms, as silent and lifeless as seaweed. It lies about as +idle, as soft, as flexible, and as easy as error, or intemperance, or +dishonesty. But let any edible thing approach it, and every limb starts +into energy, every fibre is alive, every muscle contracts, and the thing +seized dies in its inextricable and iron arms. People abound of the +octopus species, and it is prudent to avoid them. However, the bad are +not so many as are supposed. Yet, when we consider that, upon a moderate +calculation, a fool a day is born--and doubtless a knave a day to keep +him company--there must be some dubious people about. + +A common mistake is that of taking offence at some unpleasant quality, +and never looking to see whether there be not others for which we may +tolerate and even respect a man. A person is often judged by a single +quality, and sometimes by a single word. Persons who have lived long +years in amity take offence at one expression. It may be uttered in +passion; it may be spoken in mere lightness of heart, with no intention +and no idea of offending--yet it enters into the foolish blood of those +who hear it, and poisons the mind evermore. Nevertheless every man who +reflects knows that those are fortunate and even miraculously skilful +people, who can always say exactly what they intend to say, and no more. +What resource of language--what insight of the minds of others--what +mastery of phrases--what subtlety of discrimination--what perspicuity +of statement must he possess who can express his every idea with such +unerring accuracy that no word shall be redundant, or deficient, or +ambiguous; and that another shall understand the speaker precisely as he +understands himself! Yet by a chance phrase what friendships have been +severed--what enmity has arisen--what estrangements, even in households, +have occurred from these small and incidental causes? All memory of the +tenderness, the kindness, the patient and generous service of years +is often obliterated by a single word! The error people make is--that +everything said is intended. Yet out of the many qualities every man +has, and by which any man may be moved, a single passion may go mad in +a mind unwatchful. Not only hatred or anger, but love will go mad and +commit murder, which is often but the insanity of a minute. Yet nobody +remembers that all are liable to insanity of speech. + +What a wonderful thing is perfection! It must be very rare. Yet some +people are always looking for it in others who never offer any example +of it in themselves. It is not, however, to be had anywhere. All we are +entitled to look for is that the good in any individual shall in some +general way predominate over the bad. We have need to be thankful if we +find this. The late George Peabody was not a mean man, though he would +stand in the rain at Charing Cross, waiting for a cheap omnibus to the +City. There was a threepenny one waiting, but one with a twopenny fare +would come up soon--Mr. Peabody would wait for it Making money was the +habit of his mind, and he made it in the street as well as the office, +and having made it, gave it away with a more than royal hand. + +One Sunday I rode in a Miles Platting tram car, amid decorous, +well-dressed chapel-going people--several of them young and active. A +child fell out of the tram, whose mother was too feeble to follow it. No +one moved, save a woman of repulsive expression, with whom any one might +suppose her neighbours had a bad time. She seemed the least desirable +person to know of all the passengers; yet this woman, on seeing the +child lying in the road, at once leapt out of the tram, brought the +child back and put it tenderly into its mother's arms. Intrepid humanity +may dwell in a very rough exterior. + +There goes a man with a hard, forbidding face, and a headachy +Evangelical complexion. Like the man mentioned in the last paper, he is +not an alluring person to know--those at his fireside have a dreary time +of it. His children have joyless Sundays. He is a street preacher. +His voice is harsh and painful. He howls "glad tidings" at the street +corner. He is wanting in the first elements of reverence--those of +modesty and taste. Yet this same man has kindness and generosity in his +heart After his hard day's work is done he will give the evening, +which others spend in pleasure, to try and save some casual soul in the +street. + +Though we continually forget it, we know that men are full of mixed +qualities and unequal passions. Ignorance of this renders one of the +noblest passages of Shakespeare dangerous if misapplied: + + "To thine own self be true, + And it must follow as the night the day, + Thou canst not then be false to any man." + +But what is a man's "own self"? It all lies there. Tell the liar, the +thief, the forger, or the ruffian to be true to himself, and any one +knows what will follow. Polonius knew the heart of Laertes, and to him +he could say, "to thine own self be true." We must be sure of the nature +of him whom we advise to follow himself.* + + * Cicero appears to have thought of this when he said: + "Every roan ought carefully to follow out his peculiar + character, provided it is only peculiar, and not vicious," + +What is or what can be the object of education but to strengthen by +precept, habit and environment the better qualities of human nature; +and to divert, repress, or subordinate where we cannot extinguish +hereditary, unethical tendencies? Though we deny--or do not steadily +see--that nations as well as individuals have capacities for good +as well as evil, we admit it when we attempt to create international +influences, which shall promote civilisation. + +If any would avoid the disappointment of ignorance and the alarms of +the foolish, let him learn to look with unamazed expectancy at what will +appear on the ocean of Society. Do not look in men for the qualities you +want to find, or for qualities you imagine they ought to have, but look +with unexpectant eyes for what you can find. Do not expect perfection, +but a few good points only, and be glad if you find them, and be +tolerant of what is absent. Of him of this way of thinking it may be +said, as was said of Charles Lamb: "He did not merely love his friends +in spite of their errors, he loved them errors and all." Whoever remains +under the delusion that nations and men possess only special qualities, +and not all qualities in different stages of development, will hate +them foolishly, praise them without reason, and will never know men. +But whoever understands the trend of things in this ever-changing, +uncontrollable world, where + + "Our fate comes to us from afar, + Where others made us what we are," + +will utter the prayer of Sadi, the Persian poet: "O God! have pity on +the wicked, for Thou hast done everything for the good in having made +them good." A prayer worth remembering. + + + + +CHAPTER XLV. IDEAS FOR THE YOUNG + +There are people who live many years and never grow old. We call +them "young patriarchs." Limit not the golden dreams of youth, which, +however, would be none the worse for a touch of the patriarch in them. +There is sense in youth, and it will assimilate the experience of age if +displayed before rather than thrust upon it. Youth should be incited to +think for itself, and to select from the wisdom it finds in the world. +Then the question comes--what is safe to take? That is the time for +words of suggestion. Every one has read of the fox, who seeing a crow +with a piece of cheese in her bill, told her "she had a splendid voice, +and did herself an injustice by not singing." The credulous crow began +a note, dropped the piece of cheese, with which the fox ran away. This +trick is always being played. Among young persons there are a great +number of crows. A youth is given a situation where advancement goes +with assiduity. A fox-headed comrade or clerk below him tells him his +"work is beneath his talents, and he ought to get something better." +Discontent breeds negligence. He loses his place, when the treacherous +prompter, whom he took to be his friend, slips into his situation, and +finds it quite satisfactory. + +In public affairs, in which youth seldom takes part, many are confused +by pretences which they understand when too late. A person puts forward +an excellent project, and finds it assailed and disparaged by some one +he thought would support it. Discouraged by opposition, he comes +to doubt the validity of the enterprise he had in hand. When he has +abandoned it he finds it taken up by the very person who denounced it, +and who claims credit for what he has opposed. All the while he has +thought highly of the scheme, but wanted to have the credit of it +himself, and therefore defamed it until he could get it into his own +hands. This sort of thing is done in Parliament as well as in business. +It is only by listening to the experience of others that youth can +acquire wariness and guard against serious mistakes. + +The young on entering life are often dismayed by dolorous speeches by +persons who have never comprehended the nature of the world in which +they find themselves. People are told "a great crisis in public affairs +is at hand." There never was a time in the history of the world when a +"crisis" was not at hand. Nature works by crises. Progress is made up of +crises through which mankind has passed. Again there breaks forth upon +the ears of inexperienced youth the alarming information that society is +"in a transition state." Every critic, every preacher, every politician, +is always saying this. Yet there never was a time when society was +not in a "transition state." According to the Genesian legend, Adam +discovered this in his day, when, a few weeks after his advent, he found +himself outside the gates of Paradise, and all the world and all +the creatures in it thrown into a state of unending perturbation and +discomfort which has not ceased to this day. The eternal condition of +human life is change, and he who is wise learns early to adapt himself +to it. As Dr. Arnold said, there is nothing so dangerous as standing +still when all the world is moving. + +The young are bewildered by being left under the impression that they +should learn everything. Whereas all they need is to know thoroughly +what their line of duty in life requires them to know. No man can read +all the books in the British Museum, were arrangements made for his +sleeping there. No one is expected to eat all he finds in the market, +but only so much as makes a reasonable meal. Lord Sherbrooke translated +from the Greek guiding lines of Homer who said of a learner of his +day:-- + + "He could not reap, he could not sow, + Nor was he wise at all: + For very many arts he knew, + But badly knew them all." + +The conditions of personal advancement can only be learned by observing +the steps of those who have succeeded. Disraeli, whose success was the +wonder of his time, owed it to following the shrewd maxim that he who +wants to advance must make himself necessary to those whom he has the +opportunity of serving. This can be done in any station in life by +skill, assiduity and trustworthiness. + +Practical thoroughness is an essential quality which gives great +advantage in life. Spurgeon had a great appreciation of it A servant +girl applied to him for a situation on the ground that she "had got +religion." "Yes," said the great pulpit orator, "that is a very good +thing if it takes a useful turn; but do you sweep under the mats?" he +asked, cleanliness being a sign of godliness in the eyes of the sensible +preacher. + +Cleanliness is possible to the very poorest--walls which have no paper +might have whitewash. Children should never see dirt anywhere. They +should never come upon it lying out of sight. Fever and death lurk in +neglected corners. Children may be in rags, but if they are clean rags +and the children are clean, they are, however poor, respectable. When I +first went to speak in Glasgow, it was in a solemn old hall, up a wynd. +The place was in the Candleriggs. Everybody knows what a dark, clammy, +pasty, muddy, depressing thoroughfare is the Candleriggs in wintry +weather. + +The passage leading to the lecture hall and the steps which had to be +ascended were all murky and dirty; as in those days the passage leading +to the publishing house of the Chambers Brothers was, as I have seen it, +an incentive to sickness. My payment for lecturing was not much, but out +of it I gave half a crown to an active woman I found in the wynd to +wash down the stairs and the passage leading to the Candleriggs, and +the space as wide as the passage along the causeway to the curb-stone. +People passing along might see signs of cleanliness leading to the hall. + +I never forget what the woman said to some of the assembly as they +passed by her: "I don't know what this man (or "mon") is, who you have +to lecture to you to-day, but at least he has clean principles." That +was precisely the impression I wanted to create. My tenets might be +poor, my arguments badly clothed, but to present them in a clean state +was in my power. + +Do not readily be deterred from a good cause because you will be told +it is unprofitable, but take sides with it if need be. You will find +persons born with a passion of putting the world to rights. A very good +passion for the world, but now and then a very bad thing for him who is +moved by it They have no engagement to undertake that work, no salary is +allotted for it, nor even any income coming in to pay expenses "out of +pocket," as the prudent, open-eyed lawyer puts it. Nevertheless, it may +be well to follow the Jewish rule of giving a tithe of your time to the +public service. There are a large amount of tithes contributed in other +ways which are not half so beneficial to mankind. Many whose names +now are luminous in history, whose fame is on every tongue, have been +personally known to the old. The magical notes of great singers the +living can never know, the triumphs of the great masters of speech in +Parliament and on the platform, whom it was an education to hear--only +the old can recount. What they looked like, and how they played their +memorable parts, are the enchanting secrets of the old, who tell to the +young what passed in a world unknown to them, and which has made them +what they are. The purport of this chapter is to stimulate individuality +and self-reliance. Disraeli's maxim of self-advancement was to make +himself necessary by service in the sphere in which he found himself. In +public affairs committees are not, as a rule, suggestive; they can amend +what is submitted to them; they originate nothing, and generally take +the soul out of any proposal brought before then. If they advance +business it is when some individual provides a plan to which their +consent may be of importance. Individual ideas have been the immemorial +source of progress. A committee of one will often effect more than a +committee of ten; but the committee of ten will multiply the force of +the one, and lend to it influence and authority. Seeing that ideas +come from individuals, a young person cannot do better in life than +by considering himself a committee of one, and ponder himself on every +matter of importance. This gives a habit of resourceful thought--renders +him cautious in action, and educates him in responsibility. In daily +life a man has continually to decide things for himself without the aid +of a committee. It is thus that self-trust becomes his strength. + +If youth could see but a little with the eyes of their seniors, some +pleasures would seem less alluring, and they would avoid doing some +things which they will regret all their lives. Now and then some young +eye will glance at a page of bygone lore and see a gleam of inspiration, +like a torch in a forest, which reveals a bear in a bush which he had +chosen for a picnic, or discovers a bog which he had taken to be solid +ground. Proverbs come around the young observer, so fair seeming he +trusts them on sight, and does not know they are only in part guiding +and in part elusive, and have limitations which may betray him into +confident and futile extremes. Even professors will beguile him with +statements which he doubts not are true, and finds, all too late, that +they are false. + +He will hear forebodings which fill him with alarm at some new +undertaking, not knowing that they are but the sounds of the footfalls +of Progress, which every generation has heard, the ignorant with terror, +and the wise with gladness. Only the relation of bygone experiences can +save the young from perilous illusions. Of course, youth is always asked +to look at things with the eyes of age, but they never do. They never +can do it, because the eyes of the old look at things with the light +of experience which, in the nature of things, youth is without. +Nevertheless, the experience of others may be good reading for them. + +If in the generous eagerness of youth the heart inclines to a forlorn +hope, take it up notwithstanding its difficulties, for if youth does +not, older people are not likely to attempt it. The older are mostly too +prudent to do any good in the way of new enterprise. This is where youth +has its uses and its priceless advantage. However, it is well not to let +enthusiasm, noble as it may be, blind the devotee. Take care that the +cause espoused is sound. Take heed of the Japanese maxim, + + "The lid, if the pot be broken, + It is no use mending." + + + + +CHAPTER XLVI. EXPERIENCES ON THE WARPATH + +The late Archbishop of Canterbury spoke derisively of agitators. The +Rev. Stewart Headlam asked whether "Paul, and even our Lord Himself, +were not agitators." Mr. Headlam might have asked, where would the +Archbishop be but for that superb, irrepressible agitator Luther? The +agitator is a public advocate who speaks when others are silent. Mr. +C. D. Collet, of whom I here write, was an agitator who understood his +business. + +Agitation for the public welfare is a feature of civilisation. In a +despotic land it works by what means it can. In a free country it seeks +its ends by agencies within the limits of law. The mastery of the means +left open for procuring needful change, the right use, and the full use +of these facilities, constitute the business of an agitator. + +For more than fifty years I was associated with Mr. Collet in public +affairs, and I never knew any one more discerning than he in choosing +a public cause, or on promoting it with greater plenitude of resource. +Many a time he has come to my house at midnight to discuss some new +point he thought important. A good secretary is the inspirer of the +movement he represents. Mr. Collet habitually sought the opinion of +those for whom he acted. Every letter and every document was laid before +them. On points of policy or terms of expression he deferred to the +views of others, not only with acquiescence, but willingness. During the +more than twenty-four years in which I was chairman of the Travelling +Tax Abolition Committee and he was secretary, I remember no instance to +the contrary of his ready deference. His fertility of suggestion was a +constant advantage. Mr. Bright and Mr. Cobden (who had an instinct of +fitness) would select the most suitable for the purpose in hand. In +early life Mr. Collet had studied for the law, and retained a passion +for it which proved very useful where Acts of Parliament were the +barricades which had to be stormed. + +Mr. Collet was educated at Bruce Castle School, conducted by the father +of Sir Rowland Hill. Collet's political convictions were shown by his +becoming secretary for the People's Charter Union, intended to restore +the Chartist movement (then mainly under Irish influence) to English +hands. In 1848, he and W. J. Linton were sent as deputies to Paris, as +bearers of English congratulations on the establishment of the Republic. +Afterwards he fell himself under the fascination of an Oriental-minded +diplomat, David Urquhart, and became a romantic Privy Council loyalist. +Mr. Urquhart was Irish, eloquent, dogmatic, and infallible--at least, +he put down with ostentatious insolence any one who ventured to demur +to anything he said. If the astounded questioner pleaded that he was +ignorant of the facts adduced, he was told his ignorance was a crime. +Mr. Urquhart believed that all wisdom lay in treaties and Blue Books, +and that the first duty of every politician was to insist on beheading +Lord Palmerston, who had betrayed England to Russia. How Mr. Collet--a +lover of freedom and inquiry--could be subjugated by doctrines which, if +not conceived in madness, were commanded by arts akin to madness, is the +greatest mystery of conversion I have known. I have seen Mr. Bright come +out of the House of Commons, and observing Mr. Collet, would advance and +offer his hand, when Mr. Collet would put his hands behind him, saying +"he could not take the hand of a man who knew Lord Palmerston was +an impostor and ought to know he was a traitor, and still maintained +political relations with him." Yet Mr. Collet had great and well-founded +regard for Mr. Bright. + +It was an intrepid undertaking to attempt a repeal of taxes which for +143 years had fettered, as they were designed to do, knowledge from +reaching the people. The history of this achievement was given in the +_Weekly Times and Echo_, While these taxes were in force, neither +cheap newspapers nor cheap books could exist. Since their repeal great +newspapers and great publishing houses have arisen. While these Acts +were in force every newspaper proprietor was treated as a blasphemer and +a writer of sedition, and compelled to give securities of Ł300 against +the exercise of his infamous tendencies; every paper-maker was regarded +as a thief, and the officers of the Excise dogged every step of his +business with hampering, exacting, and humiliating suspicion. Every +reader found with an unstamped paper in his possession was liable to +a fine of Ł20. The policy of our agitation was to observe scrupulous +fairness to every Government with which we came in contact, and to heads +of departments with whom unceasing war was waged. Their personal honour +was never confused with the mischievous Acts they were compelled to +enforce. Our rule was steadfastness in fairness and courtesy. The +cardinal principle of agitation Collet maintained was that the most +effectual way to obtain the repeal of a bad law was to insist upon it +being carried out, when its effect would soon be resented by those +who maintain its application to others. Charles Dickens' "Household +Narrative of Current Events," published weekly, was a violation of the +Act which required news to be a month old when published on unstamped +paper. Dickens was not selected from malice, for he was friendly to the +freedom of the press, but from policy, as an Act carried out which would +ruin a popular favourite like Dickens, would excite indignation against +it. A clamour was raised by friends in Parliament against the supineness +of the Inland Revenue Board, for tolerating a wealthy metropolitan +offender, while it prosecuted and relentlessly ruined small men in the +provinces for doing the same thing. Bright called attention in the House +to the Electric Telegraph Company, who were advertising every night in +the lobbies news, not an hour old, on unstamped paper, in violation of +the law. + +It took thirty years of supplication to get art galleries open on +Sunday, when the application of the law to the privilege of the rich +would have opened them in ten years. The rich are allowed to violate +the law against working on Sundays, for which the poor man is fined +and imprisoned. An intelligent committee on the Balfour-Chamberlain +principle of Retaliation would soon put an end to the laws which hamper +the progress. + +Professor Alexander Bain, remarkable for his fruitfulness in philosophic +device, asked my opinion on a project of constructing a barometer of +personal character, which varies by time and event. Everybody is aware +of somebody who has changed, but few notice that every one is changing +daily, for better or for worse. What Bain wanted was to contrive some +instrument by which these variations could be denoted. + +No doubt men must be judged on the balance of their ascertained merits. +Bishop Butler's maxim that "Probability is the guide of life," implies +proportion, and is the rule whereby character is to be judged. For years +I conceived a strong dislike of Sir Robert Peel, because, as Secretary +of State, he refused the petition of Mrs. Carlile to be allowed to leave +the prison (where she ought never to have been sent) before the time of +her accouchement Peel's refusal was unfeeling and brutal. Yet in after +life it was seen that Sir Robert possessed great qualities, and made +great sacrifices in promoting the public good; and I learned to hold in +honour one whom I had hated for half a century. + +For many years I entertained an indifferent estimate of Sir William +Harcourt. It began when my friend Mr. E. J. H. Craufurd, M.P., +challenged him to a duel, which he declined--justifiably it might be, as +he was a larger man than his antagonist, and offered a wider surface +for bullets. Declining was meritorious in my eyes, as duels had then a +political prestige, and there was courage in refusing. The cause of the +challenge I thought well founded. In the earlier years of Sir William's +Parliamentary life I had many opportunities of observing him, and +thought he appeared as more contented with himself than any man is +entitled to be on this side of the Millennium. When member for Oxford as +a Liberal, he declared against payment of members of Parliament on the +ground of expense. The expense would have been one halfpenny a year to +each elector. This seemed to me so insincere that I ceased to count +him as a Liberal who could be trusted. Yet all the while he had great +qualities as a combatant of the highest order, in the battles of +Liberalism, who sacrificed himself, lost all prospect of higher +distinction, and incurred the undying rage of the rich (who have +Canning's "ignorant impatience" of taxation) by instituting death +duties, services which entitled him to honour and regard. + +I heard Lord Salisbury's acrid, sneering, insulting, contemptuous +speeches in the House of Commons against working men seeking the +franchise. What gave this man the right to speak with bitterness and +scorn of the people whose industry kept him in the opulence he so little +deserved? Some friends of mine, who had personal intercourse with him, +described him as a fair-spoken gentleman. All the while, and to the end +of his days, he had the cantankerous tongue in diplomacy which brought +contempt and distrust upon Englishmen abroad, while his jests at Irish +members of Parliament, whom his Government had subjected to humiliation +in prison, denoted, thought many, the innate savagery of his order, +when secure from public retribution--which people should remember who +continue its impunity. Difference of opinion is to be respected, but it +is difficult even for philosophy to condone scorn. If recklessness in +language be the mark of inferiority in workmen, what is it in those of +high position who compromise a nation by their ungoverned tongues? + +Among things bygone are certain ideas of popular influence which have +had their day--some too long a day, judging from their effects. The +general misconceptions in them still linger in some minds, and it may be +useful to recall a prominent one. + +The madness of thoroughness are two words I have never seen brought +together, yet they are allied oftener than most persons suppose. +Thoroughness, in things which concern others, has limits. Justness is +greater than thoroughness. There is great fascination in being thorough. +A man should be thorough as far as he can. This implies that he must +have regard to the rights and reasonable convenience of others, which is +the natural limit of all the virtues. Sometimes a politician will adopt +the word "thorough" as his motto, forgetful that it was the motto of +Strafford, who was a despot on principle, and who perished through the +terror which his success inspired. Cromwell was thorough in merciless +massacres, which have made his name hateful in Irish memory for three +centuries, perpetuating the distrust of English rule. Vigour is a +notable attribute, but unless it stops short of rigour, it jeopardises +itself. + +Thorough means the entire carrying out of a principle to its end. This +can rarely be done in human affairs. When a person finds he cannot do +all he would, he commonly does nothing, whereas his duty is to do what +he can--to continue to assert and maintain the principle he thinks +right, and persist in its application to the extent of his power. To +suspend endeavour at the point where persistence would imperil the just +right of others, is the true compromise in which there is no shame, +as Mr. John Morley, in his wise book on "Compromise," has shown. +Temperance--a word of infinite wholesomeness in every department of +life, because it means use and restraint--has been retarded and +rendered repellent to thousands by the "thorough" partisans who have +put prohibition into it Can absolute prohibition be enforced universally +where conviction is opposed, without omnipresent tyranny, which makes +it hateful instead of welcome? Even truth itself, the golden element +of trust and progress, has to be limited by relevance, timeliness and +utility. He who would speak everything he knows or believes to be true, +to all persons, at all times, in every place, would soon become the most +intolerable person in every society, and make lying itself a relief. A +man should stand by the truth and act upon it, wherever he can, and he +should be known by his fidelity to it But that is a very different thing +from obtruding it in unseemly ways, in season and out of season, which +has ruined many a noble cause. The law limits its exaction of truth to +evidence necessary for justice. There are cases, such as occurred during +the Civil War of emancipation in America, where slave-hunters would +demand of the man, who had seen a fugitive slave, pass by, "which way he +had run." The humane bystander questioned, would point in the opposite +direction. Had he pointed truly, it would have cost the slave his life. +This was lying for humanity, and it would be lying to call it by any +other name, for it _was_ lying. Thoroughness would have murdered the +fugitive. + +The thoroughness of the Puritans brought upon the English nation the +calamities of the Restoration. Richelieu, in France, was thorough in his +policy of centralisation. He was a butcher on principle, and his name +became a symbol of murder. He circumvented everything, and pursued every +one with implacable ferocity, who was likely to withstand him. He put +to death persons high and low, he destroyed municipalism in France, and +changed the character of political society for the worse. The French +Revolutionists did but tread in the footsteps of the political priest. +They were all thorough, and as a consequence they died by each other's +hands, and ruined liberty in France and in Europe. The gospel of +thoroughness was preached by Carlyle and demoralised Continental +Liberals. In the revolution of 1848 they spared lives all round. They +even abolished the punishment of death. + +But when Louis Napoleon applied the doctrine of "thorough" to the +greatest citizens of Paris, and shot, imprisoned, or exiled statesmen, +philosophers and poets, Madame Pulzsky said to me, the "Republicans +thought their leniency a mistake, and if they had power again they +would cut everybody's throat who stood in the way of liberty." As usual, +thoroughness had begotten ferocity. + +Carlyle's eminent disciples of thoroughness justified the massacre and +torture of the blacks in Jamaica, for which Tennyson, Kingsley, and +others defended Governor Eyre. Lord Cardwell, in the House of Commons, +admitted in my hearing that there had been "unnecessary executions." +"Unnecessary executions" are murders--but in thoroughness unnecessary +executions are not counted. Wherever we have heard of pitilessness +in military policy, or in speeches in our Parliament, we see +exemplifications of the gospel of Thoroughness, which is madness if not +limited by justice and forbearance. + +Conventional thoroughness dwells in extremes. If political economy was +thoroughly carried out, there might be great wealth, but no happiness. +Enjoyment is waste, since it involves expenditure. The Inquisition, +which made religion a name of terror, was but thoroughness in piety. +Pope, himself a Catholic, warned us that-- + + "For virtue's self may too much zeal be had. + The worst of madness is a saint run mad." + +Fanatics forget (they would not be fanatics if they remembered) that in +public affairs, true thoroughness is limited by the rights of others. +There is no permanent progress without this consideration. The best of +eggs will harden if boiled too much. The mariner who takes no account of +the rocks, wrecks his ship--which it is not profitable to forget. + +It is natural that those who crave practical knowledge of the unseen +world should look about the universe for some chink, through which they +can see what goes on there, and believe they have met with truants +who have made disclosures to them. I have no commerce of that kind to +relate. It is hard to think that when Jupiter is silent--when the Head +of the Gods speaketh not--that He allows angels with traitor tongues to +betray to men the mysteries of the world He has Himself concealed. +Can it be that He permits wayward ghosts to creep over the boundary of +another world and babble His secrets at will? This would imply +great lack of discipline at the outposts of paradise. There is great +fascination in clandestine communication with the kingdom of the dead. +I own that noises of the night, not heard in the day, seem supernatural. +The wind sounds like the rush of the disembodied--hinges creak with +human emotion--winds moan against window panes like persons in pain. +Creatures of the air and earth flit or leap in pursuit of prey, like the +shadows of ghosts or the furtive steps of murdered souls. Are they more +than + + "The sounds sent down at night + By birds of passage in their flight"? + +For believing less where others believe more, for expressing decision of +opinion which the reader may resent, I do but follow in the footsteps of +Confucius, who, as stated by Allen Upward, "declared that a principle +of belief or even a rule of morality binding on himself need not bind a +disciple whose own conscience did not enjoin it on him." Confucius, says +his expositor, thus "reached a height to which mankind have hardly yet +lifted their eyes, and announced a freedom compared with which ours is +an empty name." + + + + +CHAPTER XLVII. LOOKING BACKWARDS + +It seems to me that I cannot more appropriately conclude these chapters +of bygone events within my own experience, than by a summary of those +of the past condition of industry which suggest a tone of manly +cheerfulness and confidence in the future, not yet common among the +people. Changes of condition are not estimated as they pass, and when +they have passed, many never look back to calculate their magnificence +or insignificance. This chapter is an attempt to show the change of the +environment of a great class of a character to decrease apprehension +and augment hope. The question answered herein is: "Did things go better +before our time?" + +When this question is put to me I answer "No." Things did not go better +before my time--nor that of the working class who were contemporaries +of my earlier years. My answer is given from the working class point of +view, founded on a personal experience extending as far back as 1824, +when I first became familiar with workshops. Many are still under the +impression that things are as bad as they well can be, whereas they +have been much worse than they are now. When I first took an interest in +public affairs, agitators among the people were as despondent as frogs +who were supposed to croak because they were neglected. + +They spoke in weeping tones. There were tears even in the songs of +Ebenezer Elliot, the Corn-Law Rhymer,* and not without cause, for the +angels would have been pessimists, had they been in the condition of +the people in those days. I myself worked among men who had Unitarian +masters--who were above the average of employers--even they were as +sheep-dogs who kept the wolf away, but bit the sheep if they turned +aside. But Trades Unions have changed this now, and sometimes bite their +masters (employers they are called now), which is not more commendable. +Still, multitudes of working people, who ought to be in the front ranks +as claimants for redress still needed, yet hang back with handkerchief +to their eyes, oppressed with a feeling of hopelessness, because they +are unaware of what has been won for them, of what has been conceded to +them, and what the trend of progress is bringing nearer to them. + + * Thomas Cooper--himself a Chartist poet--published (1841) + in Elliot's days a hymn by William Jones--a Leicester poet-- + of which the first verse began thus: + + "Come my fellow-slaves of Britain. + Rest, awhile, the weary limb; + Pour your plaints, ye bosom-smitten, + In a sad and solemn hymn." + +Of course if there has been no betterment in the condition of the +people, despair is excusable--but if there has, despair is as unseemly +as unnecessary. Every age has its needs and its improvements to make, +but a knowledge of what has been accomplished should take despair out of +workmen's minds. To this end I write of changes which have taken place +in my time. + +I was born in tinder-box days. I remember having to strike a light in my +grandfather's garden for his early pipe, when we arrived there at five +o'clock in the morning. At times my fingers bled as I missed the steel +with the jagged flint. Then the timber proved damp where the futile +spark fell, and when ignition came a brimstone match filled the air with +satanic fumes. He would have been thought as much a visionary as Joanna +Southcott, who said the time would come when small, quick-lighting +lucifers would be as plentiful and as cheap as blades of grass. How +tardy was change in olden time! Flint and steel had been in use four +hundred years. Philip the Good put it into the collar of the Golden +Fleece (1429). It was not till 1833 that phosphorus matches were +introduced. The safety match of the present day did not appear until +1845. The consumption of matches is now about eight per day for each +person. To produce eight lights, by a tinder-box, would take a quarter +of an hour With the lucifer match eight lights can be had in two +minutes, occupying only twelve hours a year, while the tinder box +process consumes ninety hours. Thus the lucifer saves nearly eighty +hours annually, which, to the workman, would mean an addition of nearly +eight working days to the year. + +In tinder-box days the nimble night burglar heard the flint and steel +going, and had time to pack up his booty and reach the next parish, +before the owner descended the stairs with his flickering candle. Does +any one now fully appreciate the morality of light? Extinguish the gas +in the streets of London and a thousand extra policemen would do less to +prevent outrage and robbery than the ever-burning, order-keeping street +light. Light is a police force--neither ghosts nor burglars like it. +Thieves flee before it as errors flee the mind when the light of truth +bursts on the understanding of the ignorant. + +Seventy years ago the evenings were wasted in a million houses of the +poor. After sundown the household lived in gloom. Children who could +read, read, as I did, by the flickering light of the fire, which often +limited for life the power of seeing. Now the pauper reads by a better +light than the squire did in days when squires were county gods. Now old +men see years after the period when their forefathers were blind. + +Then a social tyranny prevailed, unpleasant to the rich and costly to +the poor, which regarded the beard as an outrage. I remember when only +four men in Birmingham had courage to wear beards. They were followers +of Joanna Southcott. They did it in imitation of the apostles, and were +jeered at in the streets by ignorant Christians. George Frederick Muntz, +one of the two first members elected in Birmingham, was the first member +who ventured to wear a beard in the House of Commons; and he would have +been insulted had not he been a powerful man and carried a heavy Malacca +cane, which he was known to apply to any one who offered him a personal +affront. Only military officers were allowed to wear a moustache; among +them--no one, not even Wellington, was hero enough to wear a beard. The +Rev. Edmund R. Larken, of Burton Rectory, near Lincoln, was the first +clergyman (that was as late as 1852) who appeared in the pulpit with a +beard, but he shaved the upper lip as an apology for the audacity of his +chin; George Dawson was the first Nonconformist preacher who delivered +a sermon in a full-blown moustache and beard, which was taken in both +cases as an unmistakable sign of latitudinarianism in doctrine. In the +bank clerk or the workman it was worse. It was flat insubordination not +to shave. The penalty was prompt dismissal. As though there were not +fetters about hard to bear, people made fetters for themselves. Such was +the daintiness of ignorance that a man could not eat, dress, nor even +think as he pleased. He was even compelled to shave by public opinion. + +When Mr. Joseph Cowen was first a candidate for Parliament, he wore, as +was his custom, a felt hat (then called a "wide-awake"). He was believed +to be an Italian conspirator, and suspected of holding opinions lacking +in orthodox requirements. Yet all his reputed heresies of acts and +tenets put together did not cost him so many votes as the form and +texture of his hat. He was elected--but his headgear would have ruined +utterly a less brilliant candidate than he This social intolerance now +shows its silly and shameless head no more. A wise Tolerance is the +Angel, which stands at the portal of Progress, and opens the door of the +Temple. + +Dr. Church, of Birmingham, was the first person who, in my youth, +contrived a bicycle, and rode upon it in the town, which excited +more consternation than a Southcottean with his beard. He was an able +physician, but his harmless innovation cost him his practice. Patients +refused to be cured by a doctor who rode a horse which had no head, and +ate no oats. Now a parson may ride to church on a bicycle and people +think none the worse of his sermon; and, scandal of scandals, women +are permitted to cycle, although it involves a new convenience of dress +formerly sharply resented. + +In these days of public wash-houses, public laundries, and water supply, +few know the discomfort of a washing day in a workman's home, or of the +feuds of a party pump. One pump in a yard had to serve several families. +Quarrels arose as to who should first have the use of it. Sir Edwin +Chadwick told me that more dissensions arose over party pumps in a day +than a dozen preachers could reconcile in a week. Now the poorest house +has a water tap, which might be called moral, seeing the ill-feeling it +prevents. So long as washing had to be done at home, it took place in +the kitchen, which was also the dining-room of a poor family. When the +husband came home to his meals, damp clothes were hanging on lines over +his head, and dripping on to his plate. The children were in the way, +and sometimes the wrong child had its ears boxed because, in the steam, +the mother could not see which was which. This would give rise to +further expressions which kept the Recording Angel, of whom Sterne tells +us, very busy, whom the public wash-houses set free for other, though +scarcely less repugnant duty. + +In that day sleeping rooms led to deplorable additions to the register +of "idle words." The introduction of iron bedsteads began a new era of +midnight morality. As a wandering speaker I dreaded the wooden bedstead +of cottage, lodging-house or inn. Fleas I did not much care for, and +had no ill-will towards them. They were too little to be responsible for +what they did; while the malodorous bug is big enough to know better. +Once in Windsor I selected an inn with a white portico, having an air +of pastoral cleanliness. The four-poster in my room, with its white +curtains, was a further assurance of repose. The Boers were not more +skilful in attack and retreat than the enemies I found in the field. +Lighted candles did not drive them from the kopje pillow where they +fought. In Sheffield, in 1840, I asked the landlady for an uninhabited +room. A cleaner looking, white-washed chamber never greeted my eyes. +But I soon found that a whole battalion of red-coated cannibals were +stationed there, on active service. Wooden bedsteads in the houses of +the poor were the fortresses of the enemy, which then possessed the +land. Iron bedsteads have ended this, and given to the workman two hours +more sleep at night than was possible before that merciful invention. A +gain of two hours for seven nights amounted to a day's holiday a +week. Besides, these nocturnal irritations were a fruitful source of +tenemental sin, from which iron bedsteads have saved residents and +wayfarers. + +Of all the benefits that have come to the working class in my time, +those of travel are among the greatest. Transit by steam has changed +the character of man, and the facilities of the world. Nothing brings +toleration into the mind like seeing new lands, new people, new usages. +They who travel soon discover that other people have genius, manners, +and taste. The traveller loses on his way prejudices of which none could +divest him at home, and he brings back in his luggage new ideas never +contained in it before. Think what the sea-terror of the emigrant +used to be, as he thought of the dreadful voyage over the tempestuous +billows. The first emigrants to America were six months in the +_Mayflower_. Now a workman can go from Manchester into the heart of +America or Canada in a fortnight. The deadly depression which weighed +on the heart of home-sick emigrants occurs no more, since he can return +almost at will. A mechanic can now travel farther than a king could +a century ago. When I first went to Brighton, third-class passengers +travelled in an open cattle truck, exposed to wind and rain. For years +the London and North-Western Railway shunted the third-class passengers +at Blisworth for two hours, while the gentlemen's trains went by. Now +workmen travel in better carriages than gentlemen did half a century +ago. In Newcastle-on-Tyne I have entered a third-class carriage at a +quarter to five in the morning. It was like Noah's Ark. The windows were +openings which in storm were closed by wooden shutters to keep out wind +and rain, when all was darkness. It did not arrive in London till nine +o'clock in the evening, being sixteen hours on the journey. Now the +workman can leave New-castle at ten o'clock in the morning, and be in +London in the afternoon. + +Does any one think what advantage has come to the poor by the extension +of dentistry? Teeth are life-givers. They increase comeliness, comfort, +health and length of years--advantages now shared more or less by the +poorer classes--once confined to the wealthy alone. Formerly the sight +of dental instruments struck terror in the heart of the patient Now, +fear arises when few instruments are seen, as the more numerous they +are and the more skilfully they are made, the assurance of less pain +is given. The simple instruments which formerly alarmed give confidence +now, which means that the patient is wiser than of yore. + +Within the days of this generation what shrieks were heard in +the hospital, which have been silenced for ever by a discovery of +pain-arresting chloroform! No prayer could still the agony of the knife. +The wise surgeon is greater than the priest. If any one would know +what pain was in our time, let him read Dr. John Brown's "Rab and his +Friends," which sent a pang of dangerous horror into the heart of every +woman who read it. Now the meanest hospital gives the poorest patient +who enters it a better chance of life than the wealthy could once +command. + +It was said formerly:-- + + "The world is a market full of streets, + And Death is a merchant whom every one meets, + If life were a thing which money could buy-- + The poor could not live, and the rich would not die." + +Now the poor man can deal with death, and buy life on very reasonable +terms, if he has commonsense enough to observe half the precepts given +him by generous physicians on temperance and prudence. + +Not long since no man was tolerated who sought to cure an ailment, or +prolong human life in any new way. Even persons so eminent as Harriet +Martineau, Dr. Elliotson, and Sir Bulwer Lytton were subjected to public +ridicule and resentment because they suffered themselves to be restored +to health by mesmerism or hydropathy. But in these libertine and +happier days any one who pleases may follow Mesmer, Pressnitz, or even +Hahnemann, and attain health by any means open to him, and is no longer +expected to die according to the direction of antediluvian doctors. + +Until late years the poor man's stomach was regarded as the waste-paper +basket of the State, into which anything might be thrown that did not +agree with well-to-do digestion. Now, the Indian proverb is taken to be +worth heeding--that "Disease enters by the mouth," and the health of +the people is counted as part of the wealth of the nation. Pestilence +is subjected to conditions. Diseases are checked at will, which formerly +had an inscrutable power of defiance. The sanitation of towns is now a +public care. True, officers of health have mostly only official noses, +but they can be made sensible of nuisances by intelligent occupiers. +Economists, less regarded than they ought to be, have proved that it +is cheaper to prevent pestilence than bury the dead. Besides, disease, +which has no manners, is apt to attack respectable people. + +What are workshops now to what they once were? Any hole or stifling +room was thought good enough for a man to work in. They, indeed, abound +still, but are now regarded as discreditable. Many mills and factories +are palaces now compared with what they were. Considering how many +millions of men and women are compelled to pass half their lives in some +den of industry or other, it is of no mean importance that improvement +has set in in workshops. + +Co-operative factories have arisen, light, spacious and clean, supplied +with cool air in summer and warm air in winter. In my youth men were +paid late on Saturday night; poor nailers trudged miles into Birmingham, +with their week's work in bags on their backs, who were to be seen +hanging about merchants' doors up to ten and eleven o'clock to get +payment for their goods. The markets were closing or closed when the +poor workers reached them. It was midnight, or Sunday morning, before +they arrived at home. Twelve or more hours a day was the ordinary +working period. Wages, piece-work and day-work, were cut down at will. +I did not know then that these were "the good old times" of which, in +after years, I should hear so much. + +The great toil of other days in many trades is but exercise now, as +exhaustion is limited by mechanical contrivances. A pressman in my +employ has worked at a hand-press twenty-four hours continuously, before +publishing day. Now a gas engine does all the labour. Machinery is the +deliverer which never tires and never grows pale. + +The humiliation of the farm labourer is over. He used to sing: + + "Mr Smith is a very good man, + He lets us ride in his harvest van, + He gives us food and he gives us ale, + We pray his heart may never fail." + +There is nothing to be said against Mr. Smith, who was evidently a +kindly farmer of his time. Yet to what incredible humiliation his +"pastors and masters" had brought poor Hodge, who could sing these +lines, as though he had reached the Diamond Jubilee of his life when +he rode in somebody else's cart, and had cheese and beer. Now the farm +workers of a co-operative way of thinking have learned how to ride in +their own vans, to possess the crop with which they are loaded, and to +provide themselves with a harvest supper. + +In my time the mechanic had no personal credit for his work, whatever +might be his skill. Now in industrial exhibitions the name of the +artificer is attached to his work, and he is part of the character +of the firm which employs him. He has, also, now--if co-operation +prevails--a prospect of participating in the profits of his own +industry. Half a century ago employers were proud of showing their +machinery to a visitor--never their men. Now they show their work-people +as well--whose condition and contentment is the first pride of great +firms. + +Above all knowledge is a supreme improvement, which has come to workmen. +They never asked for it, the ignorant never do ask for knowledge, and do +not like those who propose it to them. Brougham first turned aside their +repugnance by telling them what Bacon knew, that "knowledge is power." +Now they realise the other half of the great saying, Dr. Creighton, the +late Bishop of London, supplied, that "ignorance is impotence." They +can see that the instructed son of the gentleman has power, brightness, +confidence, and alertness; while the poor man's child, untrained, +incapable, dull in comparison, often abject, is unconscious of his own +powers which lie latent within him. If an educated and an ignorant child +were sold by weight, the intelligent child would fetch more per pound +avoirdupois than the ignorant one. Now education can be largely had for +working men's children for nothing. Even scholarships and degrees are +open to the clever sort. Moreover, how smooth science has made the early +days of instruction, formerly made jagged with the rod. + +Sir Edwin Chadwick showed that the child mind could not profitably be +kept learning more than an hour at a time, and recreation must intervene +before a second hour can be usefully spent. What a mercy and advantage +to thousands of poor children this has been! Even the dreary schoolroom +of the last generation is disappearing. A schoolroom should be spacious +and bright, and board schools are beginning to be made so now. I have +seen a board school in a dismal court in Whitechapel which looked like +an alley of hell. All thoughts for pleasant impressions in the child +mind, which make learning alluring, were formerly uncared for. Happier +now is the lot of poor children than any former generation knew. + +Within my time no knowledge of public affairs was possible to the +people, save in a second-hand way from sixpenny newspapers a month old. +Now a workman can read in the morning telegrams from all parts of the +world in a halfpenny paper, hours before his employer is out of bed. If +a pestilence broke out in the next street to the man's dwelling, the law +compelled him to wait a month for the penny paper, the only one he +could afford to buy, before he became aware of his danger, and it often +happened that some of his family never lived to read of their risk. + +The sons of working people are now welcomed in the army, and their +record there has commanded the admiration of the onlooking world. But +they are not flogged as they once were, at the will of any arrogant +dandy who had bought his mastership over them. Intelligence has awakened +manliness and self-respect in common men, and the recruiting-sergeant +has to go about without the lash under his coat. The working man further +knows now that there is a better future for his sons in the public +service, in army or navy, than ever existed before our time. Even the +emigrant ship has regulations for the comfort of steerage passengers, +unknown until recent years. People always professed great regard for +"Poor Jack," but until Mr. Plimsoll arose, they left him to drown. + +Until a few years ago millions of home-born Englishmen were kept without +votes, like the Uitlanders of South Africa, and no one sent an army +into the country to put down the "corrupt oligarchy," as Mr. Chamberlain +called those who withheld redress. But it has come, though in a limping, +limited way. Carlylean depredators of Parliament decried the value of +workmen possessing "a hundred thousandth part in the national palavers." +But we no longer hear workmen at election times referred to as the +"swinish multitude" who can now send representatives of their own +order into the House of Commons. If the claims of labour are not much +considered, they are no longer contemned. It is always easier for the +rider than the horse. The people are always being ridden, but it is much +easier for the horse now than it ever was before. + +Sir Michael Foster, in a recent Presidential Address to the British +Association, said that, "the appliances of science have, as it were, +covered with a soft cushion the rough places of life, and that not for +the rich only but also for the poor." It is not, however, every kind of +progress, everywhere, in every department of human knowledge, in which +the reader is here concerned, but merely with such things as Esdras +says, which have "passed by us in daily life," and which every ordinary +Englishman has observed or knows. + +If the question be asked whether the condition of the working class +has improved in proportion to that of the middle and upper class of +our time, the answer must be it has not. But that is not the question +considered here. The question is, "Are the working class to-day better +off than their fathers were?" The answer already given is Yes. Let the +reader think what, in a general way, the new advantages are. The press +is free, and articulate with a million voices--formerly dumb. Now a poor +man can buy a better library for a few shillings than Solomon with +all his gold and glory could in his day; or than the middle class man +possessed fifty years ago. Toleration--not only of ideas but of action, +is enlarged, and that means much--social freedom is greater, and that +means more. The days of children are happier, schoolrooms are more +cheerful, and one day they will be educated so as to fit them for +self-dependence and the duties of daily life. Another change is that +the pride in ignorance, which makes for impotence, is decreasing, is +no longer much thought of among those whose ignorance was their only +attainment. + +Not less have the material conditions of life improved. Food is +purer--health is surer--life itself is safer and lasts longer. Comfort +has crept into a million houses where it never found its way before. +Security can be better depended upon. The emigrant terror has gone. +Instead of sailing out on hearsay to an unknown land and finding himself +in the wrong one, or in the wrong part of the right country, as has +happened to thousands, the emigrant can now obtain official information, +which may guide him rightly. Towns are brighter, there are more public +buildings which do the human eye good to look upon. Means of recreation +are continually being multiplied. Opportunity of change from town to +country, or coast, fall now to the poorest Not in cattle trucks any +more. Life is better worth living. Pain none could escape is evadable +now. Parks are multiplied and given as possessions to the people. +Paintings and sculpture are now to be seen on the Sunday by workmen, +which their forefathers never saw, being barred from them on the only +day when they could see them. + +By a device within the memory of most, house owning has become possible +to those whose fathers never thought it possible. Temperance, once a +melancholy word, is now a popular resource of health and economy. The +fortune of industry is higher in many ways. Into how many firesides does +it bring gladness to know that in barrack, or camp, or ship, the son is +better treated than heretofore. + +Can any of the middle-aged doubt that some things are better now +than before their time? Now two hundred workshops exist on the +labour co-partnership principle. Forty years ago those commenced, +failed--failed through lack of intelligence on the part of workers. The +quality of workmen to be found everywhere in our day did not exist then. +Sixteen years ago there were found more than a dozen workshops owned +and conducted by working men. There are more than a hundred now; and +hundreds in which the workers receive an addition to their wages, +undreamt of in the last generation. In this, and in other respects, +things go better than they did. Though there is still need of +enlargement, the means of self-defence are not altogether wanting. +Co-operation has arisen--a new force for the self-extrication of the +lowest. Without charity, or patronage, or asking anything from the +State, it puts into each man's hand the "means to cancel his captivity." + +The rich man may vote twenty times where the poor man can vote only +once. Still, the one voter counts for something where the unfranchised +counted for nothing. + +Political as well as civil freedom has come in a measure to those who +dwell in cottages and lodgings. For one minute every seven years the +workman is free. He can choose his political masters at the poll, and +neither his neighbour, his employer, nor his priest, has the knowledge +to harm him on that account. One minute of liberty in seven years is not +much, but there is no free country in the world where that minute is so +well secured as in England. If any one would measure the present by the +past, let him recall the lines:-- + + "Allah! Allah!" cried the stranger, + "Wondrous sights the traveller sees, + But the latest is the greatest, + Where the drones control the bees." + +They do it still, but not to the extent they did. The control of wisdom, +when the drones have it, is all very well, but it is the other sort of +control which is now happily to some extent controllable by the bees. +The manners of the rich are better. Their sympathy with the people has +increased. Their power of doing ill is no longer absolute. Employers +think more of the condition of those who labour for them. The better +sort still throw crumbs to Lazarus. But now Dives is expected to explain +why it is that Lazarus cannot get crumbs himself. + +In ways still untold the labour class is gradually attaining to social +equality with the idle class and to that independence hitherto the +privilege of those who do nothing. The workman's power of self-defence +grows--his influence extends--his rights enlarge. Injury suffered in +industry is beginning to be compensated; even old-age pensions are in +the air, though not as yet anywhere else. Notwithstanding, "John Brown's +soul goes marching on." But it must be owned its shoes are a little down +at the heels. Nevertheless, though there is yet much to be done--more +liberty to win, more improvements to attain, and more than all, if it be +possible, permanences of prosperity to secure--I agree with Sydney +Smith-- + + "For olden times let others prate, + I deem it lucky I was born so late." + +There is a foolish praise of the past and a foolish depreciation of the +present The past had its evils, the present has fewer. The past had its +promise, the present great realisations. It is not assumed in what has +been said that all the advantages recounted were originated and acquired +by working men alone. Many came by the concessions of those who had the +power of withholding them. More concessions will not lack acknowledgment +"Just gifts" to men who have honour in their hearts, "bind the +recipients to the giver for ever." + +The Chinese put the feet of children in a boot and the foot never grows +larger. There are boots of the mind as well as of the feet, that are +worn by the young of all nations, which have no expansion in them, and +which cramp the understanding of those grown up. This prevents many from +comprehending the changes by which they benefit or realising the facts +of their daily life. Considering what the men of labour have done +for themselves and what has been won for them by their advocates, and +conceded to them from time to time by others, despair and the counsels +of outrage which spring from it, are unseemly, unnecessary, and +ungrateful. This is the moral of this story. + +A doleful publicist should be superannuated. He is already obsolete. +Whoever despairs of a cause in whose success he once exulted, should +fall out of the ranks, where some ambulance waits to carry away the sick +or dispirited. He has no business to utter his discouraging wail in the +ears of the constant and confident, marching to the front, where the +battle of progress is being fought. + +Since so much has been accomplished in half a century, when there were +few advantages to begin with--what may not be gained in the next fifty +years with the larger means now at command and the confidence great +successes of the past should inspire! If working people adhere to the +policy of advancing their own honest interests without destroying others +as rightfully engaged in seeking theirs, the workers may make their own +future what they will. They may then acquire power sufficient, as the +_Times_ once said: "To turn a reform mill which would grind down an +abuse a day." + + + +NOTE. + +The last chapter is reprinted from the _Fortnightly Review_ by courtesy +of the Editor, and a similar acknowledgment is due to the Editor of +the _Weekly Times and Echo_, in whose pages several of the preceding +chapters appeared. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bygones Worth Remembering, Vol. 2 (of +2), by George Jacob Holyoake + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BYGONES WORTH REMEMBERING *** + +***** This file should be named 36796-8.txt or 36796-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/6/7/9/36796/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/36796-8.zip b/36796-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d856e7b --- /dev/null +++ b/36796-8.zip diff --git a/36796-h.zip b/36796-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2a75587 --- /dev/null +++ b/36796-h.zip diff --git a/36796-h/36796-h.htm b/36796-h/36796-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..35f6459 --- /dev/null +++ b/36796-h/36796-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7558 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Bygones Worth Remembering, by Ones Worth Remembering + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bygones Worth Remembering, Vol. 2 (of 2), by +George Jacob Holyoake + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bygones Worth Remembering, Vol. 2 (of 2) + +Author: George Jacob Holyoake + +Release Date: July 20, 2011 [EBook #36796] +Last Updated: January 25, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BYGONES WORTH REMEMBERING *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + BYGONES WORTH REMEMBERING + </h1> + <h2> + By George Jacob Holyoake + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + "Look backward only to correct an error of conduct for the next attempt" + <br /> George Meredith + </h3> + <h4> + Volume II + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> CONVERSATIONS + WITH MR. GLADSTONE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> HERBERT + SPENCER, THE THINKER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER XXVI. + </a> SINGULAR CAREER OF MR. DISRAELI <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> CHARACTERISTICS OF + JOSEPH COWEN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> CHARACTERISTICS + OF JOSEPH COWEN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> THE + PERIL OF SCRUPLES <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> TAKING + SIDES <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a> THINGS + WHICH WENT AS THEY WOULD <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER + XXXII. </a> STORY OF THE LAMBETH PALACE GROUNDS <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER XXXIII. </a> SOCIAL WONDERS + ACROSS THE WATER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XXXIV. </a> THE + ESTABLISHED CHURCH AT SEA <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER + XXXV. </a> ADVENTURES IN THE STREETS <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XXXVI. </a> LIMPING THRIFT + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XXXVII. </a> MISTRUST + OF MODERATION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. + </a> PENAL CHRISTIANITY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> + CHAPTER XXXIX. </a> TWO SUNDAYS <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XL. </a> BYWAYS OF LIBERTY + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XLI. </a> LAWYERS' + LICENCE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XLII. </a> CHRISTIAN + DAYS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XLIII. </a> NEW + CONVICTIONS WHICH CAME UNSOUGHT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> + CHAPTER XLIV. </a> DIFFICULTY OF KNOWING MEN <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XLV. </a> IDEAS FOR THE YOUNG + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XLVI. </a> EXPERIENCES + ON THE WARPATH <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XLVII. </a> LOOKING + BACKWARDS <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. CONVERSATIONS WITH MR. GLADSTONE + </h2> + <p> + Were I to edit a new journal again I should call it <i>Open Thought</i>. I + know no characteristic of man so wise, so useful, so full of promise of + progress as this. The great volume of Nature, of Man and of Society opens + a new page every day, and Mr. Gladstone read it. It was this which gave + him that richness of information in which he excited the admiration of all + who conversed with him. + </p> + <p> + Were Plutarch at hand to write Historical Parallels of famous men of our + time, he might compare Voltaire and Gladstone. Dissimilar as they were in + nature, their points of resemblance were notable. Voltaire was the most + conspicuous man in Europe in the eighteenth century, as Mr. Gladstone + became in the nineteenth. Both were men of wide knowledge beyond all their + contemporaries. Each wrote more letters than any other man was ever known + to write. Every Court in Europe was concerned about the movements of each, + in his day. Both were deliverers of the oppressed, where no one else moved + on their behalf. Both attained great age, and were ceaselessly active to + the last In decision of conviction they were also alike. Voltaire was as + determinedly Theistic as Mr. Gladstone was Christian. They were alike also + in the risks they undertook in defence of the right. Voltaire risked his + life and Gladstone his reputation to save others. Mr. Morley relates of + the Philosopher of Ferney, that when he made his triumphal journey through + Paris, some one asked a woman in the street "why do so many people follow + this man?" "Don't you know?" was the reply. "He was the deliverer of the + Calas." No applause went to Voltaire's heart like that Mr. Gladstone had + also golden memories of deliverance no one else moved hand or foot to + effect, and multitudes, even nations, followed him because of that. + </p> + <p> + On the first occasion of my going to breakfast with him he was living in + Harley Street, in the house in which Sir Charles Lyell died. As Mr. + Gladstone entered the room, he apologised for not greeting me earlier, as + his servant had indistinctly given him my name. He asked me to sit next to + him at breakfast. There were seven or eight guests. The only one I knew + was Mr. Walter. H. James, M.P., since Lord Northbourne—probably + present from consideration for me. One was the editor of the <i>Jewish + World</i> a journal opposed to Mr. Gladstone's anti-Turkish policy. Others + were military officers and travellers of contemporary renown. It was a + breakfast to remember—Mr. Gladstone displayed such a bright, + unembarrassed vivacity. He told amusing anecdotes of the experiences of + the wife of the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whose charm he said he could + only describe by the use of the English rural term "buxom." On making a + time-bargain with a cabman, he observed to her ladyship that "he wished + the engagement was for life." Mr. Gladstone thought no English cabman + would have said that. Another pleasantry was of one of Lord Lyttelton's + sons, who was very tall and lank. He being in Birmingham and wishful to + know the distance to a place he sought, asked a boy in the street who was + passing, "how far it was." "Oh, not far," was the assuring but indefinite + answer. "But can you not give me some better idea of the distance?" Mr. + Lyttelton inquired. "Well, sir," said the lad, looking up at the + obelisk-like interrogator before him, "if you was to fall down, you would + be half way there." + </p> + <p> + These incidents were not new to me, but I was glad to hear what was + probably the origin of them. From Mr. Gladstone's lips they had a sort of + historic reality which was interesting to me. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards he spoke of the singular beauty of the "Dream of Gerontius" by + Cardinal Newman, and turning to me asked if I knew of it, as though he + thought it unlikely my reading lay in that direction. He was very much + surprised when I said I had read it with great admiration. He said it was + strange, as he had mentioned the poem at three or four breakfast tables, + without finding any one who knew it. + </p> + <p> + As I left, Mr. Gladstone accompanied me downstairs. On the way I took + occasion to thank him for a paper that had appeared in the <i>Contemporary</i> + containing definitions of heretical forms of thought, so fair and accurate + and actual, that Shakespeare or Bunyan, who had the power of possessing + himself of the minds of those whose thoughts he expressed, might have + produced. There had been nothing to compare with it in my time. + Theological writers described heterodox tenets from their inferences of + what they must be—never inquiring what they actually stood for in + the minds of those who held them—whereas he had written with + unimputative knowledge. Stopping on the first platform of the stairway we + reached, he paused, and (holding the lapel of his coat with his hand, as I + had seen him do in the House of Commons) he said he was glad I was able to + think so, "for that is the quality in which you yourself excel." This + amazed me, as I never imagined that he had ever taken notice of speeches + or writings of mine, or formed any opinion upon them. Nor was he the man + to say what I cite from mere courtesy. + </p> + <p> + The second time I breakfasted in Harley Street was in the days of the + Eastern question. Mr. John Morley was one of the party. Mr. Gladstone had + again the same disengaged manner. Before his guests broke up he entered + the room, bearing on his arm a pile of letters and telegrams, and + apologised for leaving us as he had to attend to them. That morning Mr. + Bright came in, and seeing me, said, "Poor Acland is dead. Of course there + was nothing in the house, and a few of us had to subscribe to bury him." + James Acland was the rider on a white horse who preceded Cobden and Bright + the day before their arrival to address the farmers on the anti-Corn Law + tour in the counties. Mr. Gladstone's grand-daughter was to have arrived + at Harley Street that morning, but her nurse missed the train. When she + appeared, Bright, who had suggested dolorous adventures to account for her + non-appearance, proposed, when the child was announced to be upstairs, + that a charge of sixpence should be made for each person going to see her. + </p> + <p> + That morning one of the guests, who was an actor, maintained that it was + not necessary that an actor should feel his part. Mr. Gladstone, to whom + conviction was his inspiration—who never spoke without believing + what he said—dissented from the actor's theory, as I had done. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of his life, I saw Mr. Gladstone twice at the Lion Mansion + in Brighton. On one occasion he said, after speaking of Cardinal Newman + and his brother Francis, "I remember Dr. Martineau telling me that there + was a third brother, a man also of remarkable power, but he was touched + somewhere here," putting his finger to his forehead. "Do you know whether + it was so? It is so long since Dr. Martineau named it to me, and my + impression may be wrong." I answered, "It was true. At one time I had + correspondence with Charles Newman. He would say at times, 'My mind is + going from me for a time. Do not expect to hear from me until my mind + returns.' In power of reasoning, he was, when he did reason, distinguished + for boldness and vigour." Mr. Gladstone said, "When you write again to his + brother Francis, convey to him for me the assurance of my esteem. I am + glad you believe that the cessation in his correspondence was not + occasioned by anything on my part or any change of feeling on his. I must + have been mistaken if I ever described Mr. Francis Newman as 'a man of + considerable talent.' He was much more than that. His powers of mind may + be said to amount to genius." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gladstone asked what I would advise as a rule of policy as to the + Anarchists who threw the bombs in the French Chambers. I answered, "There + were serious men who came to have Anarchical views from despair of the + improvement of society. There were also foolish Anarchists who think they + can put the world to rights, had they a clear field before them. There are + also a class who are quite persuaded that by killing people who have + nothing to do with the evils they complain of, they will intimidate those + who have. They take destruction to be a mode of progress. These persons + are as mad as they are made, and you cannot legislate against insanity." + </p> + <p> + I mentioned the case of a Nonconformist minister, who was so incensed by + the injustice done to Mr. Bradlaugh that he took a revolver, loaded, to + Palace Yard, intending to shoot the policemen who maltreated him. But the + member for Northampton was altogether against such proceedings. The + determined rectifier of wrong in question had a project of throwing a bomb + from the gallery on to the floor of the House. I had great difficulty in + dissuading him from this frightful act. He was no coward, and was quite + prepared to sacrifice his own life. To those ebullitions of vengeance + society in every age has been subject, and its best protection lies in + intrepid disdain and cool precaution. The affair of Phoenix Park showed + that the English nation did not go mad in the face of desperate outrage. + However, Mr. Gladstone himself gave the best answer to his inquiry. He + said, "The Spanish Government had solicited him to join in a federation + against Anarchists. But how could we do that? We cannot tell what other + Governments may do, and we should be held responsible for their acts which + we might deplore." + </p> + <p> + He added, "It fills me with surprise, not to say disgust, to see it said + at times in Liberal papers that the Tories of to-day are superior to their + class formerly. Sir Robert Peel was a man of high honour, patriotism, and + self-respect He would never have joined in nor countenanced the treatment + to which Mr. Bradlaugh was subjected. I never knew the Tories do a meaner + thing. Nothing could have induced Sir Robert Peel to consent to that." + </p> + <p> + On one occasion, after reference to out-of-the-way persons of whom I + happened to have some knowledge, Mr. Gladstone said, "I have known many + remarkable men. My position has brought me in contact with numbers of + persons." Indeed, it seemed when talking to him that you were talking to + mankind, so diversified and plentiful were the persons living in his + memory, and who, as it were, stepped out in his conversation before you. + The individuality, the environment of persons, all came into light. His + conversation was like an oration in miniature. Its exactness, its + modulation, its force of expression, its foreseeingness of all the issues + of ideas, came at will. I never listened to conversation so easy, so + natural, so precise, so full of colour and truth, spoken with such + spontaneity and force. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Morley, in his "Life of Gladstone," cites a letter he sent to me in + 1875: "Differing from you, I do not believe that secular motives are + adequate either to propel or restrain the children of our race, but I + earnestly desire to hear the other side, and I appreciate the advantage of + having it stated by sincere and high-minded men." This shows his brave + open-mindedness. + </p> + <p> + A few years later it came into my mind that my expressions of respect for + persons whose Christian belief arose from honest conviction, and was + associated with efforts for the improvement of the material condition of + the people, might lead him to suppose that I myself inclined to belief in + Christian tenets of faith. I therefore sent him my new book on "The Origin + and Nature of Secularism: Showing that where Free Thought commonly ends + Secularism begins"—saying that as I had the honour of his + correspondence, I ought not to leave him unaware of the nature of my own + opinions. He answered that he thought my motive a right one in sending the + book to him, and that he had read a considerable part with general + concurrence, though, in other parts, the views expressed were painful to + him. But this made no difference in his friendship, which continued to the + end of his days. + </p> + <p> + An unknown aphorist of 1750, whom Mr. Bertram Dobell quotes, exclaims: + "Freethinker! What a term of honour; or, if you will, dishonour; but where + is he who can claim it?" Mr. Gladstone might claim it beyond any other + eminent Christian I have known. It was he who, at the opening of the + Liverpool College some years ago, warned the clergy that "they could no + longer defend their tenets by railing or reticence"—a shaft that + went through the soul of that policy of silence and defamation pursued by + them for half a century. Mr. Gladstone was the first to see it must be + abandoned. + </p> + <p> + It is Diderot who relates that one who was searching for a path through a + dark forest by the light of a taper, met a man who said to him, "Friend, + if thou wouldst find thy way here, blow out thy light." The taper was + Reason, and the man who said blow it out was a priest Mr. Gladstone would + have said, "Take care of that taper, friend; and if you can convert it + into a torch do so, for you will need it to see your way through the + darkness of human life." + </p> + <p> + At our last interview he said, "You and I are growing old. The day is + nearing when we shall enter——" Here he paused, as though he + was going to say another life, but not wishing to say what I might not + concur in, in his sense, he—before his pause was well noticeable—added, + "enter a changed state." What my views were he knew, as I had told him in + a letter: "I hope there is a future life, and, if so, my not being sure of + it will not prevent it, and I know of no better way of deserving it than + by conscious service of humanity. The universe never filled me with such + wonder and awe as when I knew I could not account for it. I admit + ignorance is a privation. But to submit not to know, where knowledge is + withheld, seems but one of the sacrifices that reverence for truth imposes + on us." + </p> + <p> + I had reason to acknowledge his noble personal courtesy, notwithstanding + convictions of mine he must think seriously erroneous, upon which, as I + told him, "I did not keep silence." + </p> + <p> + He had the fine spirit of the Abbé Lamennais, who, writing of a book of + mark depicting the "passive" Christian, said: "The active Christian who is + ceaselessly fighting the enemies of humanity, without omitting to pardon + and love them—of this type of Christian I find no trace whatever." + Mr. Gladstone was of that type. It was his distinction that he applied + this affectionate tolerance not only to the "enemies of humanity," but to + the dissentients from the faith he loved so well. + </p> + <p> + At our last meeting in Brighton he asked my address, and said he would + call upon me. He wished me to know Lord Acton, whom he would ask to see + me. An official engagement compelled Lord Acton to defer his visit, of + which Mr. Gladstone sent me notice. It was a great loss not to converse + with one who knew so much as Lord Acton did. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gladstone knew early what many do not know yet, that courtesy and even + honour to adversaries do not imply coincidence in opinion. As I was for + the right of free thought, I regarded all manifestations of it with + interest, whether coinciding with or opposing views I hold. Shortly before + his death I wrote to him, when Miss Helen Gladstone sent me word, "To-day + I read to my father your letter, by which he was much touched and pleased, + and he desired me to send you his best thanks." I shall always be proud to + think that any words of mine gave even momentary pleasure to one who has + given delight to millions, and will be an inspiration to millions more. + </p> + <p> + In former times, when an eminent woman contributed to the distinction of + her consort, he alone received the applause. In these more discriminating + days, when the noble companionship of a wife has made her husband's + eminence possible, honour is due to her also. Therefore, on drawing the + resolution of condolence to Mrs. Gladstone, adopted at the Peterborough + Co-operative Congress, we made the acknowledgment how much was due to the + wife as well as the husband. I believe no resolution sent to her, but + ours, did this. Sympathy is not enough where honour is due. In the + splendid winter of Mr. Gladstone's days there was no ice in his heart Like + the light that ever glowed in the temple of Montezuma the generous fire of + his enthusiasm never went out. The nation mourned his loss with a pomp of + sorrow more deep and universal than ever exalted the memory of a king. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. HERBERT SPENCER, THE THINKER + </h2> + <p> + A star of the first magnitude went out of the firmament of original + thought by the death of Herbert Spencer. His was the most distinctive + personality that remained with us after the death of Mr. Gladstone. + Spencer was as great in the kingdom of science as Mr. Gladstone was in + that of politics and ecclesiasticism. Men have to go back to Aristotle to + find Spencer's compeer in range of thought, and to Gibbon for a parallel + to his protracted persistence in accomplishing his great design of + creating a philosophy of evolution. Mr. Spencer's distinction was that he + laid down new landmarks of evolutionary guidance in all the dominions of + human knowledge. Gibbon lived to relinquish his pen in triumph at the end + of years of devotion to his "History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman + Empire "—Mr. Spencer planned the history of the rise and growth of a + mightier, a more magnificent, and more beneficent Empire—that of + Universal Law—and for forty years he pursued his mighty story in + every vicissitude of strength with unfaltering purpose, and lived to + complete it amid the applause of the world and the gratitude of all who + have the grand passion to understand Nature, and advance the lofty destiny + of humanity. + </p> + <p> + Herbert Spencer was born April 27, 1820, in the town of Derby, and died in + his eighty-fourth year, December 8, 1903, at 5, Percival Terrace, + Brighton, next door to his friend, Sir James Knowles, the editor of the <i>Nineteenth + Century</i>. At the time of his birth, Derby was emerging from the sleepy, + dreamy, stagnant, obfuscated condition in which it had lain since the days + of the Romans. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult to write of Spencer without wondering how a thinker of his + quality should have been born in Derby—a town which had a determined + objection to individuality in ideas. It has a Charter—its first act + of enterprise in a thousand years—obtained by the solicitations of + the inhabitants from Richard I., which gave them the power of expelling + every Jew who resided in the town, or ever after should approach it. + Centuries later, in the reigns of Queen Anne and George I., not a Roman + Catholic, an Independent, a Baptist, an Israelite, nor even an + un-molesting Quaker could be found in Derby. + </p> + <p> + There still remains one lineal descendant of the stagnant race which + procured the Charter of Darkness from Richard I.—Mr. Alderman W. + Winter, who opposed in the Town Council a resolution of honour in memory + of Spencer, who had given Derby its great distinction, because his views + contradicted the antediluvian Scriptural account of the Creation, when + there was no man present to observe what took place, and no man of science + existed capable of verifying the Mosaic tradition. The only recorded + instance of independency of opinion was that of a humble Derby girl, who + was born blind, yet could see, like others, into the nature of things. She + doubted the Real Presence. What could it matter what the poor, helpless + thing thought of that? But the town burned her alive. The brave, + unchanging girl, whose convictions were torment-proof, was only twenty-two + years old. + </p> + <p> + The only Derby man of free thought who preceded Herbert Spencer was + William Hutton, a silk weaver, who became the historian of Derby and + Birmingham. In sagacity, boldness and veracity he excelled. The wisdom of + his opinions was a century in advance of his time (1770-1830). + </p> + <p> + There were no photographs in the time of Mr. Spencer's parents, and their + lineaments are little known. Mr. Spencer's uncle I knew, the Rev. Thomas + Spencer, a clergyman of middle stature, slender, with a paternal + Evangelical expression. But his sympathies were with Social Reform, in + which field he was an insurgent worker for projects then unregarded or + derided. + </p> + <p> + When I first knew Mr. Herbert Spencer, he was one of the writers on the <i>Leader</i> + newspaper. We dined at times at the Whittington Club, then recently + founded by Douglas Jerrold. At this period Mr. Spencer had a half-rustic + look. He was ruddy, and gave the impression of being a young country + gentleman of the sporting farmer type, looking as unlike a philosopher as + Thomas Henry Buckle looked like a historian, as he appeared to me on my + first interview with him. Mr. Spencer at that time would take part in + discussions in a determined tone, and was persistent in definite statement + In that he resembled William Chambers, with whom I was present at a + deputation to Lord Derby on the question of the Paper Duty. Lord Derby + could not bow him out, nor bow him into silence, until he had stated his + case. + </p> + <p> + In those days Mr. Spencer spoke with misgivings of his health. Mr. Edward + Pigott, chief proprietor of the <i>Leader</i> (afterwards Public Examiner + of Plays) asked me to try to disabuse Mr. Spencer of his apprehensiveness, + which was constitutional and never left his mind all his life, and I + learned never to greet him in terms which implied that he was, or could be + well. Coleridge complained of ailments of which no physical sign was + apparent, and he was thought, like Mr. Spencer, to be an imaginary + invalid. But after his death Coleridge was found to have a real cause of + suffering, and the wonder was that he did not complain more. + </p> + <p> + There must be a distinct susceptibility of the nerves—which Sir + Michael Foster could explain—peculiar to some persons. I have had + two or three friends of some literary distinction, whom I made it a rule + never to accost, or even to know when I met them, until they had recovered + from the inevitable shock of meeting some unexpected person, when they + would spontaneously become genial. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Spencer's high spirit was shown in this. Though he often had to + abandon his thinking, he resumed it on his recovery. The continuity of his + thought never ceased. One form of trouble was recurring depression, so + difficult to sustain, which James Thompson, who oft experienced it, + described—when a man has to endure— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The same old solid hills and leas; + The same old stupid, patient trees; + The same old ocean, blue and green; + The same sky, cloudy or serene; + The old two dozen hours to run + Between the settings of the sun." +</pre> + <p> + Mr. Spencer was first known to London thinkers by being found the + associate of economists like Bagot; philosophers with a turn for + enterprise in the kingdom of speculation—as George Henry Lewes, + Darwin, Huxley, Tyndall; and of great novelists like George Eliot. In + those days the house of John Chapman, the publisher, was the meeting + ground of French, Italian, German and other Continental thinkers. There, + also, congregated illustrious Americans like Ralph Waldo Emerson, and + other unlicensed explorers in the new world of thought. There Mr. Spencer + became known to men of mark in America, who made his fame before his + countrymen recognised him. If it was England who "raised" Mr. Spencer, it + was America that discovered him. Mr. George lies, a distinguished American + friend of Mr. Spencer, sends me information of the validity of American + admiration of him, on the authority of the <i>Daily Witness</i>: "Mr. + Spencer's income is mainly drawn from the sale of his books in America, + his copyrights there having yielded him 4,730 dollars in the last six + months. A firm of publishers have paid in the last six months royalties + amounting nearly to ten thousand dollars to Mr. Herbert Spencer and the + heirs or executors of Darwin, Huxley and Tyndall. The sales of Spencer's + and Darwin's books lead those of Huxley and Tyndall." + </p> + <p> + During the earlier publication of his famous volumes, his expenditure in + printing and in employing assistants in gathering facts for his arguments, + exhausted all his means. Lord Stanley, of that day, was understood to have + offered him an appointment, which included leisure for his investigations. + But he declined the thoughtful offer, deeming the office to be of the + nature of a sinecure. Wordsworth accepted such an appointment, and repaid + the State in song, as Spencer would have repaid it in philosophy. + </p> + <p> + I had the honour to be Mr. Spencer's outdoor friend. He asked me to make + known the publication of his work to persons whom I knew to be friendly to + enterprise in thought. For years I assiduously sought to be of service in + this way. + </p> + <p> + One day in 1885, being the guest, in Preston, of the Rev. William Sharman, + he showed me a passage in one of Mr. Spencer's volumes, published in 1874, + which I had not seen, and which surprised me much, in which it appeared + Secularists were below Christians in their sense of fiduciary integrity. + Mr. Sharman said, "Defective as we are supposed to be, you will see that + Secularists are one degree lower in morality than the clergy." Mr. Spencer + had given instances which, in his opinion, "showed that the cultivation of + the intellect does not advance morality." If that were so, it would follow + that it was better to remain ignorant—if ignorance better develops + the ethical sense. The instance Mr. Spencer gives occurs in the "Study of + Sociology" (pp. 418-19), "Written to show how little operative on conduct + is mere teaching. Let me give, says Mr. Spencer, a striking fact falling + under my observation: + </p> + <p> + "Some twelve years ago was commenced a serial publication, limited in its + circulation to the well educated. It was issued to subscribers, from each + of whom was due a small sum for every four numbers. The notification + periodically made of another subscription due received from some prompt + attention, from others an attention less tardy than before, and from + others no attention at all. After a lapse of ten years, a digest was made + of the original list, when it was found that those who finally declined + paying for what they had year after year received, constituted, among + others, the following percentages: + </p> + <p> + Christian defaulters............. 31 per cent. + </p> + <p> + Secularist defaulters............ 32 per cent." + </p> + <p> + I wrote to Mr. Spencer as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Eastern Lodge, Brighton, + </p> + <p> + "<i>December</i> 1, 1885. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Mr. Spencer,—I am like the sailor who knocked down the Jew, + and when he was remonstrated with said, 'He did it because he had + crucified his Lord and Saviour.' When told that that occurred 2,000 years + ago he answered, 'But I only heard of it last night.' + </p> + <p> + "It was but a few days ago that your notice of Secularist fraudulency, + made in 1874, became known to me. + </p> + <p> + "From so dispassionate and analytic an authority as yourself, your + reflection on the ethical insensibility of Secularists justifies me in + asking your attention to certain facts. By what test did you know that 32 + per cent of defaulters were Secularists? The names I gave you were of + persons likely to take in your work if prospectuses were sent to them. But + many of them were not Secularists. Some of them were ministers of + religion, others Churchmen, but having individually a taste for + philosophical inquiry. You do not say that these persons sent in their + names as subscribers. Yet unless they did, they cannot be justly described + 'as regardless of an equitable claim.' Had you informed me of any whose + names I gave you, who had not paid for the work, after undertaking to do + so, I could have procured you the payment, for all whose names I gave I + believe to be men of good faith.—With real regard, + </p> + <p> + "George Jacob Holyoake." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Spencer sent me the following reply: + </p> + <p> + "38, Queen's Gardens, Bayswater, London, W., + </p> + <p> + "<i>November</i> 16, 1885. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Mr. Holyoake,—You ask how I happen to know of certain + defaulters that they were Secularists. I know them as such simply because + their names came to me through you; for, as you may remember, you obtained + for me, when the prospectus of the 'System of Philosophy' was issued, + sundry subscribers. + </p> + <p> + "But for my own part, I would rather you did not refer to the matter. At + any rate, if you do, do not do so by name. You will observe, if you turn + to the 'Study of Sociology,' where the matter is referred to, that I have + spoken of the thing impersonally, and not in reference to myself. Though + those who knew something of the matter might suspect it referred to my own + case, yet there is no proof that it did so; and I should be sorry to see + myself identified by name with the matter.—Truly yours, + </p> + <p> + "Herbert Spencer." + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Spencer had identified Secularists as lacking ethical + scrupulousness, and as I was the reputed founder of that form of + Freethought known as Secularism, some notice became incumbent on my part. + The brief article on "Intellectual Morality" in the <i>Present Day</i>, + which I was editing in 1885, was my answer—the same as appears in my + letter to Mr. Spencer, above quoted. + </p> + <p> + In 1879 the great recluse meditated going to America. As I was about to do + the same myself, I volunteered to take a berth in the same vessel if I + could be of any service to him on the voyage. He thought, however, that + our sailing in the same ship might cause the constructive interviewers out + there to confuse together the opinions we represented. Yet my friends + would not know his, nor would his friends know mine. But I respected his + scruples, lest his views should become colourably identified with my own. + I had myself a preference for keeping distinct things separate, and I + sailed in another ship and never called at his hotel but once, when he was + residing at the Falls of Niagara, which I thought was a curious spot (the + noisiest in Canada) to choose for one whose need was quietude. He would + take an entire flat in a hotel that he might be undisturbed at night. In + Montreal, Mr. George Iles gave me the same splendid, spacious, secluded + bedroom which he had assigned to Mr. Spencer when he was his host there. + Professor von Denslow, who told me that he was the "champion non-sleeper + of the United States," asked me to give a communication from him to Mr. + Spencer. That was the reason of my single visit to him in Canada. At the + farewell banquet given to Mr. Spencer in New York, famous speakers took + part; but Henry Ward Beecher, in a speech shorter than any, excelled them + all. + </p> + <p> + After his return to England, I had several communications from him on the + subject of Co-operation. Like Mr. Gladstone, he usually made searching + inquiries into the details of every question on which he wrote. One of his + letters was as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "2, Lewes Crescent, + </p> + <p> + "Brighton, + </p> + <p> + "<i>January</i> 6, 1897. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Mr. Holyoake,—I should have called upon you before now had I + not been so unwell. I have been kept indoors now for about three weeks. I + write partly to say this and partly to enclose you something of interest + as bearing upon my suggestion concerning piecework in co-operative + combinations. The experience described by Miss Davenport-Hill bears + indirectly, if not directly, upon them, showing as it does the harmonising + effect of piecework.—Truly yours, + </p> + <p> + "Herbert Spencer." + </p> + <p> + Busied as he was with the recondite application of great principles, he + had practical discernment of the possibilities of Co-operation, unthought + of by those of us engaged in promoting co-partnership in the workshop. + Trades unions were mostly against piecework as giving more active workers + an advantage over the others. Mr. Spencer pointed out that in a + co-partnership workshop the fruitfulness of piece work was an advantage to + all. The piece-workers increase the output and profits of the society. The + profits, being equally divided upon wages, the least bright and active + members receive benefit from the piece-workers' industry. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally Mr. Spencer would come to my door and invite me to drive with + him. Another time when he had visitors—Mrs. Sidney Webb and Prof. + Masson, whom I wished to meet again—he would, if in the winter + season, send me a card from "2, Lewes Crescent, Jan. 24, 1897.—I <i>will</i> + send the carriage for you to-morrow (Sunday) at 12.40. With the hood up + and the leather curtain down you will be quite warm.—H.S." He would + occasionally send me grouse or pheasant for luncheon. Very pleasant were + the amenities of philosophy. + </p> + <p> + The first work of Mr. Spencer's which attracted public attention was + "Social Statics." Like Mr. Lewes' "Biography of Philosophy," it had a + pristine charm which fascinated young thinkers. Both authors restated + their works, but left behind their charm. Mr. Gladstone's first address to + the electors of Newark contains the germs of his whole and entire career. + "Social Statics" contains the element of that philosophy which gave + Spencer the first place among thinkers of all times. Bishop Colenso found + the book in the library of the builder of his Mission Houses in South + Africa. Mr. Ryder, of Bradford, Yorkshire, procured it through me and took + it out with him. It was a book of inspiration to him. + </p> + <p> + Ten years before "Social Statics" appeared I was concerned with others in + publishing, in the "Oracle of Reason," a theory of Regular Gradation. Our + motto, from Boitard, was an explicit statement of Evolution. Five out of + seven of us were soon in prison, which shows that we did not succeed in + making Evolution attractive. Intellectual photography was then in an + infantine state. Our negatives lacked definition and our best impressions + were indistinct. It was not until Darwin and Spencer arose that the art of + developing the Evolutionary plates came to be understood. + </p> + <p> + Before the days of Spencer the world of scientific thought was mostly + without form and void. The orthodox voyagers who set out to sea steered by + a compass which always veered to a Jewish pole, and none who sailed with + them knew where they were. Rival theologians constructed dogmatic charts, + increasing the confusion and peril. Guided by the pole star of Evolution, + Spencer sailed out alone on the ocean of Speculation and discovered a new + empire of Law—founded without blood, or the suppression of liberty, + or the waste of wealth—where any man may dwell without fear or + shame. + </p> + <p> + The fascination of Mr. Spencer's pages to the pulpit-wearied inquirer was, + that they took him straight to Nature. Mr. Spencer seemed to write with a + magnifying pen which revealed objects unnoticed by other observers. His + vision, like a telescope, descried sails at sea invisible to those on + shore. His pages, if not poems, gleamed with the poetry of facts. His + facts were the handmaids always at hand which explained his principle. His + repetitions do not tire, but are fresh assurances to the reader that he is + following a continuous argument. A pedestrian passing down a long street + is glad to meet the recurrence of its name, that he may know he is still + upon the same road. In Spencer's reasonings there are no byways left open, + down which the sojourner may wander and lose himself. When cross-roads + come in sight, fingerposts are set up telling him where they lead to, and + directing him which to take. Mr. Spencer pursues a new thought, never + loses sight of it, and takes care the reader does not. No statement goes + before without the proof following closely after. + </p> + <p> + When the reception was given to me at South Place Institute, London, in + April, 1903, on my eighty-sixth birthday, he had been confined to his + house from the previous August, yet he took trouble to write some words of + personal regard to myself beyond all my expectation. To the end of his + days—save when the weather was inclement—I used to walk up the + hill to his door to inquire as to his health, and when I could not do so, + Mr. Troughton would write me word. Mr. Spencer's last letter to me was in + answer to one I had sent him on his birthday. It was so characteristic as + to deserve quoting: + </p> + <p> + "Thanks for your congratulations; but I should have liked better your + condolences on my longevity." + </p> + <p> + He wanted no twilight in his life. Like the sun in America, his wish was + to disappear at once below the horizon—having amply given his share + of light in his day. + </p> + <p> + Like Huxley, Mr. Spencer would not have slept well in Westminster Abbey. + He needed no consolation in death; and if he had, there was no one who + knew enough to give it to him. His conscience was his consolation. His one + choice was that his friend Mr. John Morley—than whom none were + fitter—should speak at his death the last words over him. Mr. Morley + being in Sicily, this could not be. The next in friendship and power of + estimate—the Right Hon. Leonard Courtney—spoke in his stead, + at the Hampstead Crematorium. Mr. Spencer had a radium mind which gave + forth, of its own spontaneity, light and heat. None who have died could + more appropriately repeat the proud lines of Sir Edward Dyer:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "My mind to me a kingdom is; + Such perfect joy therein I find + As far exceeds all earthly bliss + That God or Nature hath assign'd." +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. SINGULAR CAREER OF MR. DISRAELI + </h2> + <p> + I prefer the picturesque name of Disraeli which he contrived out of the + tribal designation of "D'Israeli." Had it been possible he would have + transmuted Benjamin into a Gentile name. Disraeli is far preferable to the + sickly title of Beaconsfield, by which association he sought to be taken + as the Burke of the Tories, for which his genius was too thin. + </p> + <p> + Disraeli is a fossilised bygone to this generation; though in the + political arena he was the most glittering performer of his day. Men + admired him as the Blondin of Parliament, who could keep his feet on a + tight-rope at any elevation. Others looked upon him as a music-hall Sandow + who could snap into two a thicker bar of bovine ignorance than any other + athlete of the "country party." He was capable of serving any party, but + preferred the party who could best serve him. He was an example how a man, + conscious of power and unhampered by scruples, could advance himself by + strenuous devices of making himself necessary to those he served. + </p> + <p> + The showy waistcoat and dazzling jewellery in which he first presented + himself to the House of Commons, betrayed the primitive taste of a Jew of + the Minories, and foreshadowed that trinket statesmanship which captivated + his party, who thought sober, honest principles dull and unentertaining. + </p> + <p> + Germany and England contemporaneously produced the two greatest + adventurers of the century—Ferdinand Lassalle and Benjamin Disraeli. + Both were Jews. Both had dark locks and faith in jewellery. Both were + Sybarites in their pleasures; and personal ambition was the master passion + of each. Both were consummate speakers. Both sought distinction in + literature as a prelude to influence. Both professed devotion to the + interests of the people by promulgating doctrines which would consolidate + the power of the governing classes. Lassalle counselled war against + Liberalism, Disraeli against the Whigs. Lassalle adjusted his views to + Bismarck, as Disraeli did to Lord Derby. Both owed their fortunes to rich + ladies of maturity. Both challenged adversaries to a duel, but Disraeli + had the prudence to challenge Daniel O'Connell, who, he knew, was under a + vow not to fight one, while Lassalle challenged Count Racowitza, and was + killed. + </p> + <p> + It was a triumph without parallel to bring to pass that the proud + aristocracy of England should accept a Jew for its master. Not approaching + erect, like a human thing, Disraeli stealthily crept, lizard-like, through + the crevices of Parliament, to the front of the nation, and with the sting + that nature had given him he kept his enemies at bay. No estimate of him + can explain him, which does not take into account his race. An alien in + the nation, he believed himself to belong to the sole race that God has + recognised. The Jew has an industrial daintiness which is an affront to + mankind. He, as a rule, stands by while the Gentile puts his hand to + labour. Isolated by Christian ostracism, the Jew tills no ground; he + follows no handicraft—a Spinoza here and there excepted. The Jew, as + a rule, lives by wit and thrift. He is of every nation, but of no + nationality, save his own. He takes no perilous initiation; he leads no + forlorn hope; he neither conspires for freedom, nor fights for it. He + profits by it, and acquiesces in it; but generally gives you the + impression that he will aid either despotism or liberty, as a matter of + business—as many do who are not Jews. There are, nevertheless, men + of noble qualities among them, and as a class they are as good or better + than Christians would be had they been treated for nineteen centuries as + badly as Jews have been. + </p> + <p> + Derision and persecution inspire a strong spirit with retaliation, and + absolve him from scrupulous methods of compassing it. Two things the Jew + pursues with an unappeasable passion—distinction and authority among + believers, before whom his race has been compelled to cringe. An ancient + people which subsists by subtlety and courage, has the heroic sense of + high tradition, still looks forward to efface, not the indignity of days, + but of centuries—which imparts to the Jew a lofty implacableness of + aim, which never pauses in its purpose. How else came Mr. Disraeli by that + form of assegai sentences, of which one thrust needed no repetition, and + by that art which enabled him to climb on phrases to power? + </p> + <p> + A critic, who had taken pains to inform himself, brought charges against + D'Israeli the Elder to the effect that he had taken passages of mark from + the books of Continental sceptics and had incorporated them as his own. At + the same time he denounced the authors, so as to disincline the reader to + look into their pages for the D'Israelian plagiaries. In the novels of + D'Israeli the Younger I have come upon passages which I have met with + elsewhere in another form. As the reader knows, Disraeli delivered in + Parliament, as his own, a fine passage from Thiers. So that when Daniel + O'Connell described Disraeli as "the heir-at-law of the impenitent thief + who died on the cross," he was nearer the truth than he knew, for there + was petty larceny in the Disraelian family. + </p> + <p> + When Sir James Stansfeld entered Parliament he had that moral distrust of + Disraeli, which Lord Salisbury, in his Cranborne days, published a <i>Review</i> + to warn his party against. Sir James (then Mr. Stansfeld) expressed a + similar sentiment of distrust. Disraeli said to a friend in the lobby + immediately after, "I will do for that educated mechanic" The vitriolic + spite in the phrase was worthy of Vivian Grey. He kept his word, and + caused Mr. Stansfeld's retirement from the Ministry. It was the nature of + Disraeli to destroy any one who withstood him. At the same time he could + be courteous and even kind to literary Chartists who, like Thomas Cooper + and Ernest Jones, helped to frustrate the Whigs at the poll, which served + the purpose of Tory ascendency, which was Disraeli's chance. + </p> + <p> + In Easter, 1872, I was in Manchester when Disraeli had the greatest + pantomime day of his life—when he played the Oriental Potentate in + the Pomona Gardens. All the real and imaginary Tory societies that could + be got together from surrounding counties were paraded in procession + before him. To each he made audacious little speeches, which astonished + them and, when made known, caused jubilancy in the city. + </p> + <p> + The deputation from Chorley reminded him of Mr. Charley, member for + Salford. He exclaimed, "Chorley and Charley are good names!" When a Tory + sick and burial society came up he said "he hoped they were doing a good + business, and that their future would be prosperous!" When the night came + for his speech, the Free Trade Hall was crowded. It was said that 2,000 + persons paid a guinea each for their seats. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Callander, his host, had taken, at Mr. Disraeli's request, some brandy + to the meeting. It was he who poured some into a glass of water. Mr. + Disraeli, on tasting it, turned to him and said in an undertone, "There's + nothing in it." This wounded the pride of his host, who took it as an + imputation of stinginess on his part, and he filled the next glass + plentifully. This was the beginning of the orator's trouble. For the first + fifteen minutes he spoke in his customary resonant voice. Then husky, + sibilant and explosive sentences were unmistakable. Apprehensive + reporters, sitting below him, moved aside lest the orator should fall upon + them. Suspicious gestures set in. An umbrella was laid near the edge of + the platform, that the speaker might keep within the umbrella range. For + this there was a good reason, as the speaker's habit of raising himself on + his toes endangered his balance. All the meeting understood the case. The + orator soon lost all sense of time. He, who knew so well how to suit + performance to occasion, was incapable of stopping himself. The audience + had come from distant parts. At nine o'clock they could hear the railway + bell, calling some to the trains. Ten o'clock came, when a larger portion + of the audience was again perturbed by railway warnings. Disraeli was + still speaking. Eleven o'clock came; the audience had further decreased + then, but Disraeli was still declaiming hoarse sentences. It was a + quarter-past eleven before his peroration came to an end; and many, who + wished to have their guinea's worth of Parliamentary oratory, had to sleep + in Manchester that night Everybody knew the speaker would have ceased two + hours earlier if he could. His host in the chair was much disquieted. His + house was some distance from the city, and he had invited a large party of + gentlemen to meet the great Conservative leader at supper, which had long + been ready. Besides, he was afraid his guest would be unable to appear at + it. Arriving at the house Disraeli asked his host to give him champagne—"a + bottle of fizz" was the phrase he used—which he drank with zest, + when, to the astonishment of his host, he joined the party and was at his + best. He delighted every one with his sallies and his satire. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the city Conservatives were unwilling to speak of the + protracted disappointment of the evening before. The Manchester papers + gave good reports of the long speech, which contained some passages worthy + of the speaker at any time—as when he compared the occupants of the + front bench of the Government in the House of Commons to so many extinct + volcanoes. As some members of Her Majesty's Government were known friends + of Mazzini and Garibaldi, the aptitude of the simile lives in political + memory to this day. When the <i>Times</i> report arrived it was found that + a considerable portion of the speech was devoted to the laudation of + certain county families, which were not mentioned in the Manchester + reports, and it was said that Disraeli had dictated his speech to Mr. + Delane before he came down. But though he lost his voice and his memory, + he never lost his wit, for he praised another set of families that came + into his head. + </p> + <p> + Only in two instances has Mr. Disraeli been publicly charged with errors + of vintage. In his time I heard members manifestly inebriated, address the + House of Commons. On a memorable night Mr. Gladstone said Disraeli had + access to sources of inspiration not open to Her Majesty's Ministers. + </p> + <p> + In the <i>Morning Star</i> there appeared next day a passage from + Disraeli's speech, reported in vinous forms of sibilant expression. On + that occasion Lord John Manners carried to him, from time to time during + his oration, five glasses of brandy and water. I saw them brought in. + There was the great table between the two front benches, which Mr. + Disraeli said was fortunate, as he feared Mr. Gladstone might spring upon + him. All the while it was not protection Mr. Disraeli wanted from the + table, but support, for he clutched it as he spoke. Sir John Macdonald, + Premier of Canada, whom I had the honour to visit at Ottawa, not only + resembled Disraeli in features, in the curl of his hair, but in his wit. + One night Sir John made an extraordinary after-dinner speech, which had + the flavour of a whole vintage in it. When Sir John found he had + astonished the whole Dominion, he sent for the reporter, who appeared, + trembling with apprehension. "Young man," said Sir John, "with your talent + for reporting you have a great future before you. But take my advice—never + report a speech in future when you are drunk." + </p> + <p> + Connoisseurs in art who went to the sale of his effects at Disraelis + Mayfair house were astonished at the Houndsditch quality of what they + found there. Not a ray of taste was to be seen, not an article worth + buying. The glamour of the Oriental had lain in phrases, not in art. + </p> + <p> + It was the Liberals who were the champions of the Jews, and who were the + cause of their admission to Parliament. Mr. Disraeli must have had some + generous memory of this. Mr. Bright would cross the floor of the House + sometimes to confer with Disraeli. There must have been elements in his + character in which Mr. Bright had confidence. It was believed to be owing + to his respect for Mr. Blight's judgment that he took no part against + America, when his party did all they could to destroy the cause of the + Union in the great Anti-Slavery War. It ought to be remembered to + Disraeli's credit, that he made what John Stuart Mill called a "splendid + concession" of household suffrage, although he took it back the next + night, by the pernicious creation of the "compound householder." Still, + Liberals owe it to him that household suffrage came to prevail when it + did. + </p> + <p> + Disraeli's attacks upon Peel were dictated by the policy of + self-advancement. He was capable of admiring Peel, but he admired himself + more. Standing outside English questions and interests, he was able to + treat them with an airiness which was a political relief. Yet he could see + that our Colonies might become "millstones round the neck of the Empire" + if we gave them too much of Downing Street, or maybe of Highbury. + </p> + <p> + To say Disraeli had no conscience would be to say more than any man has + knowledge enough to say of another; but he certainly never gave the public + the impression that he had one. He devised the scheme of giving the Queen + the title of "Empress." Mr. Gladstone opposed it as dangerous to the + dynasty, lowering its dignity to the level of Continental Emperorship, and + taking from the Crown the master jewel of law, which has been more or less + its security and glory for a thousand years. + </p> + <p> + Disraeli seemed to care for the Queen's favour—nothing for the + integrity of the Crown. He declared himself a Christian, and said in the + presence of the Bishop of Oxford, with Voltairean mockery, that he was "on + the side of the angels," and elsewhere described Judas as an accessory to + the crucifixion before the act, and to that ignoble treachery all + Christians were indebted for their salvation—an idea which could + never have entered a Gentile mind. This was pure Voltairean scorn. + </p> + <p> + In his last illness he was reported to have had three different kinds of + physicians—allopath, hydropath, homoeopath; and had he chosen the + spiritual ministration of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi, + and Mr. Spurgeon, no one would have been surprised at his sardonic + prudence. + </p> + <p> + I had admiration, though not respect, for his career. Yet I was for + justice being done to him. When it was thought the Tories would prevent + his accession to the Premiership, which was his right by service, I was + one of those who cheered him in the lobby of the House of Commons, to show + that adversaries of his politics were against his being defrauded of the + dignity he had won. + </p> + <p> + How was it that Disraeli's standing at Court was never affected by what + would be deemed seditious defamation of the Crown in any other person? + When I mentioned in America the revolutionary license of his tongue in + declaring the Queen to be physically and morally incapable of governing, + the statement was received with incredulity. The reporters who took down + his Aylesbury speech containing the astounding words hesitated to + transcribe them, and one asked permission to read the passage to Mr. + Disraeli, who assented to its correctness, and the words appeared in the + <i>Standard</i> and <i>Telegraph</i> of September 27, 1871. The <i>Times</i> + and <i>Daily News</i> omitted the word "morally," deeming it incredible. + But it was said. His words were: "We cannot conceal from ourselves that + Her Majesty is physically and morally incapacitated from performing her + duties." This meant that Her Majesty was imbecile—a brutal thing to + suggest, considering family traditions. + </p> + <p> + At a Lord Mayor's banquet Mr. Disraeli gave an insulting and defamatory + account of the Russian Royal Family and Government, and boasted, like an + inebriate Jingo, of England's capacity to sustain three campaigns against + that Power. As the Queen had a daughter-in-law a member of the Royal House + of Russia, this wanton act of international offensiveness must have + produced a sensation of shame and pain in the English Royal Family. I well + remember the consternation and disapproval with which both speeches were + regarded by the people. Whatever even Republicans may think of the theory + of the Crown, they are against any personal outrage upon it. Yet Mr. + Gladstone, who was always forward to sustain, by graceful and discerning + praise, the interest of the Royal Family, and procure them national + grants, to which Mr. Disraeli could never have reconciled the nation, was + simply endured by Her Majesty, while to Mr. Disraeli ostentatious + preference was shown. It was said in explanation that Mr. Gladstone had no + "small talk" with which Mr. Disraeli entertained his eminent hostess. It + was not "small talk," it was Tory talk, which the Queen rewarded. + </p> + <p> + I am of Lord Actons opinion, that Mr. Disraeli was morally insupportable, + though otherwise astonishing. The pitiless resentment of "Vivian Grey" + towards whoever stood in his way was the prevailing characteristic of the + triumphant Jew. Like other men of professional ambition, he had the charm + of engaging amity to those who were for the time being no longer + impediment to him. When showing distress at a few drops of rain falling, + news was brought Her Majesty that Mr. Gladstone had returned from a voyage + and addressed a crowd on the beach. Disraeli exclaimed with pleasant + gaiety, "What a wonderful man that Gladstone is. Had I returned from a + voyage I should be glad to go to bed. Mr. Gladstone leaps on shore and + makes a speech." + </p> + <p> + The moral of this singular career worth remembering, is that genius and + versatility, animated by ambition without scruple, may attain distinction + without principle. It can win national admiration, but not public + affection. All it can accomplish is to leave behind a name of sinister + renown. If we knew all, no doubt Lord Beaconsfield had, apart from the + exigencies of ambition, personal qualities commanding esteem. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. CHARACTERISTICS OF JOSEPH COWEN + </h2> + <h3> + I + </h3> + <p> + Political readers will long remember the name of Joseph Cowen, who won in + a single night the reputation of a national orator. All at once he + achieved that distinction in an assembly where few attain it. After a time + he retired to his tent and never more emerged from it. The occasion of his + first speech in Parliament was the introduction of the Bill for converting + the Queen into an Empress. Queen was a wholesome monarchical name, which + implied in England supremacy under the law; while Empress, alien to the + genius of the political constitution, is a military title of sinister + reputation, and implies a rank outside and above the law. Like + Imperialism, it connotes military government, which, in the opinion of the + free and prudent, is the most odious, dangerous, and costly of all + governments. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cowen entertained a strong repugnance to the word "Empress," which + might become a prelude to Imperialism—as it has done. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cowen's father, who preceded him in the House of Commons, was + scrupulous in apparel, never affecting fashion, but keeping within its + pale. His son was not only careless of fashion—he despised it. He + employed local tailors, from neighbourliness, and was quite content with + their craftsmanship. He never wore what is called a "top" hat, but a felt + one, a better shape than what is known now as a "clerical" hat It was + thought he would abandon it when he entered Parliament, but he did not He + commonly left it in the cloak-room. He had no wish to be singular. His + attire was as natural to him as his skin is to an Ethiopian. His headgear + imperilled his candidature, when that came about. + </p> + <p> + He had been two years in Parliament before he addressed it. When he rose + many members were standing impatient for division and crying "Divide! + Divide!!" Mr. Cowen, being a small man, was not at once perceived, but his + melodious, honest, and eager voice arrested attention, though his + Northumbrian accent was unfamiliar to the House. It was as difficult to + see the new orator as to see Curran in an Irish Court, or Thiers in the + French Chamber. Disraeli glanced at him through his eyeglass, as though + Mr. Cowen was one of Dean Swift's Lilliputians, and of one near him he + asked contemptuously, as a Northern burr broke upon his ear, "What + language is the fellow talking?" + </p> + <p> + The speech had all the characteristics of an oration, historical, compact, + and complete—though brief. In it he said three things never heard in + Parliament before. One was that the "Divine right of kings perished on the + scaffold with Charles I." Another was that "the superstition of royalty + had never taken any deep hold of the English people." The third was to + describe our august ally, the Emperor Napoleon III., as an "usurper." The + impression the speech made upon the country was great. It so accorded with + the popular sentiment that some persons paid for its appearance as an + advertisement in the <i>Daily News</i> and other papers of the day, and + the speaker acquired the reputation of an orator by a single speech. Mr. + Disraeli's contemptuous reception of it did not prevent him, at a later + date, from going up to Mr. Cowen, when he was standing alone by a fire, + and paying him some compliment which made a lasting impression upon him. + Mr. Disraeli had discernment to recognise genius when he saw it, and + generosity enough to respect it when not directed against himself. If it + were, he was implacable. + </p> + <p> + For years, as I well knew, Mr. Cowen spent more money for the advancement + and vindication of Liberalism than any other English gentleman. He was the + most generous friend of "forlorn hopes" England has known. How many + combatants has he aided; how many has he succoured; how many has he saved! + If the other world be human like this, what crowds of grateful spirits of + divers climes must have rushed to the threshold of heaven to welcome him + as he entered. + </p> + <p> + Penniless, and his crew foodless, Garibaldi steered his vessel up the + Tyne. Mr. Cowen was the only man in England Garibaldi then sought or + confided in. Before he left the Tyne, Mr. Cowen, on behalf of subscribers + (of whom many were pitmen), presented Garibaldi with a sword which cost + Ł146. Goldwin Smith says, in his picturesque way, Henry III. had a "waxen + heart." Mr. Cowen had an iron heart, steeled by noble purpose. He knew no + fear, physical or mental. Not like my friend, George Henry Lewes, whose + sense of intellectual right was so strong that he never saw consequences. + Cowen did see them, and disregarded them; he "nothing knew to fear, and + nothing feared to know"—neither ideas nor persons. How many men, not + afraid of ideas, are much afraid of knowing those who have them? + Unyielding to the high, how tender he was to the low! + </p> + <p> + Riding home with him one night, after a stormy meeting in Newcastle, when + we were near to Stella House (he had not gone to reside in the Hall then) + the horse suddenly stopped. Mr. Cowen got out to see what the obstruction + was, and he found it was one of his own workmen lying drunk across the + road. His master roused him and said: "Tom, what a fool thou art! Had not + the horse been the more sensible beast, thou hadst been killed." He would + use these Scriptural pronouns in speaking to his men. The man could not + stand, and Mr. Cowen and the coachman carried him to the door of another + workman, called him up, and bade him let Tom lie in his house till + morning. Then we drove on. + </p> + <p> + Another time a workman came to Mr. Cowen for an advance of thirty + shillings. Being asked what he wanted the money for, the man answered: "To + get drunk, sir; I have not been drunk for six weeks." "Thou knowest," said + Mr. Cowen, "I never take any drink, because I think the example good for + thee. Thou will go to Gateshead Fair, get locked up, and I shall have to + bail thee out. There is the money; but take my advice, get drunk at home, + and thy wife will take care of thee." How many employers possess workmen + having that confidence in them to put such a question as this workman did, + without fear of losing their situation? No workman lied, or had need to + lie, to Mr. Cowen. He had the tolerance and tenderness of a god. + </p> + <p> + When I was ill in his house in Essex Street, Strand, he would come up at + night and tell me of his affairs, as he did in his youth. He had for some + time been giving his support to the Conservative side. I said to him, + "Disraeli is dead. Do you not see that you may take his place if you will? + It is open. His party has no successor among them. He had race, religion, + and want of fortune against him. You have none of these disadvantages + against you. You are rich, and you can speak as Disraeli never could. He + had neither the tone nor the fire of conscience—you have both. You + have the ear of the House, and the personal confidence of the country, as + he never had. In his place you would fill the ear of the world." He + thought for a time on what I said to him; then his answer was: "There is + one difficulty—I am not a Tory." + </p> + <p> + I saw he was leaving the side of Liberalism and that he would inevitably + do Conservative work, and I was wishful that he should have the credit of + it. He was under a master passion which carried him he knew not whither. + </p> + <p> + It was my knowledge of Mr. Cowen, long before that night, that made me oft + say that a Tyneside man had more humility and more pride than God had + vouchsafed to any other people of the English race. Until middle life Mr. + Cowen was as his father, immovable in principle; afterwards he was as his + mother in implacableness. That is the explanation of his career. + </p> + <p> + The "passion" referred to—never avowed and never obtruded, but which + "neither slumbered nor slept"—was ambition. It might be called + Paramountcy—that dangerous war-engendering word of Imperialism—which + only the arrogant pronounce, and only the subjugated submit to. + </p> + <p> + The Cowen family had no past but that of industry, and in Mr. Cowen's + youth the "slings and arrows of outrageous" Toryism, shafts of arrogance, + insolence, and contempt, flew about him. He inherited from his mother a + proud and indomitable spirit, and resolved to create a Liberal force which + should withstand all that—and he did. Then, when he came to be, as + he thought, flouted by those whom he had served (the common experience of + the noblest men), he at length resented and turned against himself. He had + reached the heights where he had been awarded an imperishable place, and + then descended in resentment to mingle and be lost in the ignominious + faction whom he had defeated and despised. Those who had enraged him were + not, as we shall see, worth his resentment + </p> + <p> + It was not for "a handful of silver" he left us—for he had plenty—nor + for "a ribbon to stick in his coat," for he would not wear one if offered + a basketful. It was just indignation, stronger than self-respect. + </p> + <p> + Not all at once did the desire of control assume this form. By his natural + nobility of nature he inclined to the view that all the supremacy inherent + in man is that of superior capacity, to which all men yield spontaneous + allegiance. + </p> + <p> + Some time elapsed before the bent of his mind became apparent. Possibly it + was not known to himself. + </p> + <p> + When a young man, he promoted and maintained two or three journals, in + which he also wrote himself, without suggesting to others the passion for + journalism by which he was possessed. Some years later, when proofs of one + of his speeches which a reporter had taken down, and Mr. Cowen had himself + corrected, passed through my hands, I was struck with the dexterity with + which he put a word of fire into a tame sentence, infused colour into a + pale-faced expression, and established a pulse in an anaemic one. It was + clear that he had the genius of speech in him and was ambitious of + distinction in it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cowen's father was a tall, handsome man of the Saxon type, which goes + steadily forward and never turns back. He always described himself as a + follower of Lord Durham, and was out on the Newcastle Town Moor in 1819, + at great meetings in support of the Durham principles. His mother was + quite different in person, both in stature and appearance; somewhat of the + Spanish type—dark, and mentally capable of impassable resolution. + Her son, Joseph, with whom we are here concerned, had dark, luminous eyes + which were the admiration of London drawing-rooms—when he could be + got to enter them. His eldest sister, Mrs. Mary Carr, was as tall as her + father, with the complexion of her mother. I used to compare her to + Judith, the splendid Jewess who slew Holofernes. She used to say her + brother Joseph had her mother's spirit, and that a "Cowen never changed." + Her brother never changed in his purpose of ascendency, but when inspired + by resentment he could change his party to attain his end—as I have + seen done in the House of Commons many times in my day. This is why I have + said that in the early part of Mr. Cowen's life he was his father—-placid + but purposeful. In the second half he was his mother—resentful and + implacable when affronted by non-compliance where he expected and desired + concurrence. But I have known many excellent men who did not take dissent + from their opinions in good part. + </p> + <p> + How fearless Mr. Cowen was, was shown in his conduct when a dangerous + outbreak of cholera occurred in Newcastle. People were dying in every + street and lane, but he went out from Blaydon every morning at the usual + time, and walked through the infected streets and passages into Newcastle, + to his offices on the quay, being met on his way by persons in distress, + from death in their houses, who knew they were sure of sympathy and + assistance from him. The courage of his unfailing appearance in his + ordinary way saved many from depression which might have proved fatal to + them. When a wandering guest fell ill at his home, Stella House, Blaydon, + he was sure of continued hospitality until his recovery. Mr. Cowen's voice + of sympathy and condolence was the tenderest I ever heard from human lips. + </p> + <p> + A poor man, who lived a good deal upon the moors, was charged with + shooting a doctor, and would have been hanged but for Mr. Cowen defending + him by legal aid. He thought the police had apprehended him because he was + the most likely, in their opinion, to be guilty. He was poor, friendless, + and often houseless. The man did not seem quite right in his mind. After + his acquittal, Mr. Cowen took him into his employ, and made him his + gardener. The garden was remote and solitary. I often passed my mornings + in it, not without some personal misgiving. Mr. Cowen eventually enabled + the man to emigrate to America, where a little eccentricity of demeanour + does not count. + </p> + <p> + In the political estrangements of Mr. Cowen, it must be owned he had + provocations. A party of social propagandists came to Newcastle, whom he + entertained, as they had never been entertained before, at a cost of + hundreds of pounds, and was at great expense to give publicity to their + objects. They left him to defray some bills they had the means of paying. + Years later, when they came again into the district, he did no more for + them in the former way. He had conceived a distrust of them. Another time + he was asked by persons whom he was willing to aid, to buy some premises + for them, as they would be prejudiced at the auction if they appeared in + person. Mr. Cowen bought the property for Ł5,000. They changed their minds + when it was bought, and left Mr. Cowen, who did not want it, with it upon + his hands. He did not resent it, as he might have done, but it was an act + of meanness which would have revolted the heart of an archangel of human + susceptibility. + </p> + <p> + When the British Association first came to Newcastle, Mr. Cowen spent more + than Ł500 in giving publicity to their proceedings. He brought a railway + carriage full of writers and reporters from London, that the proceedings + of every section should be made known to the public He had personal + notices written of all the principal men of science who came there, and + when he asked for admission of his reporters, he was charged Ł19 for their + tickets. As I was one of those engaged in the arrangements, I shared his + indignation at this scientific greed and ingratitude. In all the history + of the British Association, before and since, it never met with the + enthusiasm, the liberality and publicity the <i>Newcastle Chronicle</i> + accorded it. + </p> + <p> + In the days of the great Italian struggle, little shoals of exiles found + their way to England. Learning where the great friend of Garibaldi dwelt, + they found their way to Newcastle, and many were directed there from + different parts of England. Many times he was sent for to the railway + station, where a number of destitute exiles had arrived. He relieved their + immediate wants and had them provided for at various lodgings, until they + were able to get some situation elsewhere. I think Mr. Cowen began to tire + of this, as he thought exiles were sometimes sent to him by persons who + ought to have taken part of the responsibility themselves, but who seemed + to consider that his was the purse of the Continent. + </p> + <p> + Once when Mr. Cowen attended a political conference in Leeds, he received + as he entered the room marked attention, as he was known to be the leader + of the Liberal forces of Durham and Northumberland. But Mr. W. E. Forster, + who was present, took no notice of him, though Mr. Cowen had rendered him + great political service. When Mr. Bright saw Mr. Cowen he cordially + greeted him. Immediately Mr. Forster, seeing this, stepped up also and + offered him compliments, which Mr. Cowen received very coldly without + returning them, and passed away to his seat. Mr. Cowen's impression was + that as Mr. Forster had suffered him to pass by without recognition, he + did not want to know him before that assembly; but when Mr. Forster saw + Mr. Bright's welcome of his friend, he was willing to know him. Mr. + Forster, as I had reason to know afterwards, was capable of such an + action, where recognition stood in the way of his interests,* but it was + not so on this occasion. Mr. Forster was short-sighted, and simply did not + see Mr. Cowen when he first passed him. But it happened that he did see + him when Mr. Bright stepped forward to speak to him, and there was no + slight of Mr. Cowen intended. Yet from that hour Mr. Cowen entertained a + contempt for Mr. Forster, and would neither meet him nor speak to him. One + day Mr. Cowen and I were at a railway station, where Mr. Forster appeared + in his volunteer uniform. We had to wait some time for the train. Mr. + Cowen asked me to walk with him as far as we could from where Mr. Forster + stood, that we should not pass near him. Some years later, at the House of + Commons, Mr. Forster asked Mr. Cowen to walk with him in the Green Park, + as he wished to speak with him. After two hours Mr. Cowen returned + reconciled. He never told me the cause of it, which he should have done, + as I had taken his part in the long years of resentment I relate the + incident as showing how personal misconception produces political + estrangement in persons and parties alike. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * But only where ambition was stronger than his habitual + sense of honour. See chapter lxxix, "Sixty Years." +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. CHARACTERISTICS OF JOSEPH COWEN + </h2> + <h3> + II + </h3> + <p> + But the act which most wounded him occurred at the Elswick works of Lord + Armstrong. Mr. Cowen was returning one day in his carriage at a time of + political excitement. Some of the crowd threw mud upon his coach, and, if + I remember rightly, broke the windows. Just before, when the workmen were + on strike, they went to Mr. Cowen—as all workmen in difficulties + did. He found they did not know their own case, nor how to put it He + employed legal aid to look into the whole matter and make a statement of + it. Mr. Cowen became their negotiator, and obtained a decision in their + favour. The whole expense he incurred on their behalf was Ł150. Services + of this kind, which had been oft rendered, should have saved him from + public contumely at their hands. + </p> + <p> + At that time Mr. Cowen was giving the support of his paper against + Liberalism, which he had so long defended and commended, which was an + incentive to the outrage. Still, the sense of gratitude for the known + services rendered to workers, which he continued irrespective of his + change of opinion, should have saved him from all personal disrespect. + </p> + <p> + The subjection of the Liberals in Newcastle in the days of his early + career, and the arrogant defamation with which it was assailed, were what + determined him to create a defiant power in its self-defence. + </p> + <p> + He bought the <i>Newcastle Chronicle</i>, an old Whig paper. He published + it in Grey Street, afterwards in St. Nicholas' Buildings, and then in + Stephenson Place, on premises now known as the <i>Chronicle</i> Buildings. + The printing machines at first cost Ł250 each, then Ł450. The <i>Chronicle</i> + Buildings were purchased for Ł6,000, and a similar sum was expended in + adapting them for their new purposes. The site is the finest in Newcastle. + The printing machines now cost Ł6,000 to Ł7,000. Each machine is provided + in duplicate, so that if one side of the press-room broke down, the other + side could be instantly set in motion. Once I made a short speech in the + town, which was reported, set up, cast, and an edition of the paper + containing the speech was on sale within little more than twenty minutes. + The office above the great press-room, in which the public transact + business with the paper, is the costliest, handsomest, Grecian interior I + know of connected with any newspaper buildings. What perseverance and + confidence must have animated Mr. Cowen in the enterprise, is shown in the + fact that he had sunk Ł40,000 in it before it began to pay.* He made the + <i>Chronicle</i>, as he intended to make it, the leading political power + in Durham and Northumberland. The leaders he wrote in its columns after he + left Parliament were unequalled in all the press of England for vividness, + eloquence, and variety of thought. There could be no greater proof of the + dominancy of Mr. Cowen's mind, than his establishment and devotion to the + <i>Chronicle</i>. + </p> + <p> + I had been a party several years to negotiating with candidates to stand + for Newcastle, whose public expenses Mr. Cowen paid. I obtained the + consent of the Liberals of York, that Mr. Layard, whom they considered + pledged to them, should become a candidate at Newcastle. "Why should you?" + I said one day to Mr. Cowen, "incur these repeated costs for the + candidature of others, when you can command a seat in your own family for + three generations. If you will not be a candidate, why should not your + father?" The conversation ended by his agreeing that I might persuade his + father to go to Parliament if I could. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Unwilling that his father or banker should surmise how + much he was exhausting his personal resources, he directed + me at one time to borrow Ł500 or Ł1,000 in London. It was + advanced by a personal friend. +</pre> + <p> + It was in vain that I assured him that the seat was open to him, but he + did not believe, nor wish to believe it. I several times saw his father at + Stella Hall. He thought himself too old. I told him there were fifty + gentlemen in the House of Commons, willing to become Prime Minister, and + some of them waiting for the appointment, who were fifteen years older + than he, and would be disappointed did not the chance come to them. He + found this true when he at length entered the House. His objection was + that he could not ask his neighbours, among whom he had lived all his + days, to elect him. "Suppose they signed an undertaking to vote for you in + case you came forward?" That he consented to consider. A requisition + signed by 2,178 electors was sent to him. Then another difficulty arose. + His son said: "I cannot support my father in the <i>Chronicle</i>."* Then + I said, "Let me edit it during the election, and no line shall appear + commending your father to the electors. But whatever pretensions his + adversaries put forth, we will examine." My proposal was agreed to. It was + alleged by the rival candidate, that the requisition was signed out of + courtesy to a popular townsman, and did not mean that those who signed it + had pledged their votes. To this I answered that when Chambers appeared on + the Thames, bookmakers said, "Chambers is a Newcastle man, who never sells + the honour of his town, but will win if he can." Is it to be true that a + Newcastle elector would not only give his promise, but write it, without + intending to keep it? Will he be true on the Thames and false on the Tyne? + All the requisitionists save a few, whom sickness or misadventure kept + from the poll, voted for Joseph Cowen, senior, who was elected by a large + majority. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This diffidence of appearing as the advocate of his father + was carried to excess. When a local paper made remarks upon + his father's knighthood, which ought to have been resented, + I set out late one night to Darlington, arriving a little + before midnight, and wrote a vindicatory notice, which, by + the friendship of Mr. H. K. Spark, was inserted in the + <i>Darlington Times</i> that night. It was quoted afterwards in + the <i>Newcastle Chronicle</i>. +</pre> + <p> + The great services to the town of the new member by his arduous + chairmanship of the Tyne Commission, would have insured his election, but + his majority was no doubt increased by the popularity of his son. This did + not escape the comment of local politicians, and Mr. Lowthian Bell said, + "How is it, Mr. Cowen, that everybody votes for your father for your + sake?" "I suppose it is," was the answer, "that while you have been + sitting on winter nights with your feet on the rug by the fireside, I have + been addressing pitmen's meetings in colliery villages, and finding my way + home late at night in rain and blast; and it happens that they are + grateful for it." This was the only time I knew Mr. Cowen to make a + self-assertive reply. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Cowen's father was in the field, and Mr. Beaumont began his + canvass, in one street he met with forty-nine refusals to vote for him. + "Why will you not vote for me?" he asked. "We are going to vote for Mr. + Coon, now," as his name was pronounced at the Tyneside. "But you have two + votes," Mr. Beaumont said; "you can give me one." "No! if we had twenty + votes we should give them all to Mr. Coon. When Chambers and Clasper make + a Ł100 match for the honour of the Tyne, and we cannot make up the money, + Mr. Coon always makes it up for us, and when we win and go to repay him, + he gives it to us." This was not a patriotic reason to give for voting for + "Mr. Coon," but it showed gratitude, as well as Mr. Cowen's influence, and + what a hold his kindness to the people had given him upon their affection. + Thus they voted for the father from regard for the son. For in those days + the son had no idea of Parliament himself, and votes were not in his + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more open or gentlemanly than Mr. Cowen in the contests + to which he was a party. Mr. Somerset Beaumont was member for Newcastle, + and he impressed Mr. Gladstone with a high sense of his capacity in + Parliament. One morning, as Mr. Beaumont and Mr. Cowen came into Newcastle + in the same train, Mr. Cowen said to him, "You know, Mr. Beaumont, we all + like you personally, but you do not go far enough for us. We want a more + Radical representative for Newcastle. We shall prevent your election next + time if we can, but only if we have a more advanced candidate. Otherwise + we will countenance no opposition to you." + </p> + <p> + Who could foresee the day would come when—save Mr. Cowen—the + noblest candidate Newcastle ever had (Mr. John Morley) would be opposed by + Mr. Cowen in the interests of Toryism? Or that, after withstanding at the + hustings when he became a candidate, and defeating furious collusions + between Tories, Conservatives, Moderates, publicans, and all who had + vicious interests to serve or spite to gratify, Mr. Cowen himself would + one day be found aiding or abetting the same parties by taking their side + against Liberalism. + </p> + <p> + When in Parliament, his father had misgivings touching Mr. Gladstone, who, + he thought, passed him at times without recognition. He had conducted Mr. + Gladstone down the Tyne in triumph, and his son had assembled 200,000 + persons on the Moor, who were addressed from twenty platforms in support + of Mr. Gladstone, and provided reporters and published all the speeches. + The cost of this was one of a hundred contributions he made in the + interest of Liberalism. I used to explain that Mr. Gladstone, intent upon + great questions (he was always intent upon something) he had to explain to + the House—he, self-absorbed, would pass by his friends without + seeing them, expecting, as he had a right to expect, that devotion to the + great trust of the State would be taken to palliate his seeming + inattention to friends. + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Gladstone was not unmindful of the service rendered to him at + Newcastle, and when, some time later—no one else thinking of it—I + made representations, through Mr. (afterwards Sir) James Stansfeld—without + knowledge of Mr. Cowen or his son—I was instructed to inform Mr. + Cowen, sen., that a baronetcy would be placed at his acceptance. Mr. + Cowen, jun., objected entirely on his own part. His father therefore only + accepted a knighthood, which Her Majesty, from consideration of his years, + kindly ordered to be gazetted, obviating his attendance at Court. All the + same, it was Mr. Gladstone's intention to recognise the services of the + son as well as the father. + </p> + <p> + Honours were not much accessible in those days, especially in uncourtly + quarters. My representation, in suggesting what I did, was, that as + personal distinction was conferred upon persons who had made Ł100,000, + something was due to one who may be said to have given that sum to the + public.* His chairmanship of the Tyne Commission extended over a period of + twenty-four years, during which the Tyne was converted from a creek into a + navigable river. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Sir Joseph Cowen was appointed by Act of Parliament, 1850, + chairman for life of the Tyne Improvement Commission, an + unpaid office. There was then only six feet of water on the + bar at low water spring tides, and twenty-one at high water. + In 1870 there was a depth of twenty feet at low water, and + thirty-five at high water; the deepening extending nine + miles from the bar. In twenty years ending 1870 there had + been raised thirty-eight million tons. In 1870 the tonnage + of the Tyne had risen from two and a half millions to more + than four and a half millions, exceeding by one million that + of the Thames. In 1865 there entered the Tyne port for + refuge 133 vessels. In 1870 558 vessels fled there from the + storms of the North Sea. +</pre> + <p> + The time and assiduity thus devoted to the service of navigation and trade + would have added Ł100,000 to his fortune. That his knighthood might be + justified in the eyes of his neighbours and his own, I supplied the facts + which authorised it to Mr. Walker, who was then editor of the <i>Daily + News</i>, and which appeared in his leader columns. My reason for taking + the step I did was a sense of duty to the public, who should see as far as + possible that those who rendered service should find acknowledgment of it + I was of Coleridge's opinion:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "It seems a message from the world of spirits, + When any man obtains that which he merits, + Or any merit that which he obtains." +</pre> + <p> + On the death of the father, his son, Mr. Joseph Cowen, was elected in his + place, as a member for Newcastle; and Parliament being dissolved shortly + after, he was again elected by a triumphant majority. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cowen had made more speeches at the Tyneside than any other resident + ever did. But the town was unconscious of their merit. They were addressed + mostly to working men, and to persons whom it was not thought necessary to + report or take into account the speaker. When he became a candidate all + classes of persons were among the auditors. The town was astonished at the + relevance and fire of his orations. I mention this circumstance to show + how a man can be famous in one half of the town and not known in the + other. + </p> + <p> + After his retirement from Parliament and platform he occasionally + delivered orations on persons, at inaugurations, which surpassed all I + have ever read of the kind, for aptness of phrase, variety of thought and + vivid portraiture, which ought to be added to the record of English + oratory. + </p> + <p> + It was not reasonable in him, after the change in his political views, to + expect that his townsmen should adopt the new opinions he had begun to + countenance, and which he had himself taught them to distrust. But this is + what strong leaders do who suffer the pride of power to become imperious. + A just ambition, which is patient, and will work for results, can as a + rule succeed. It is ambition which is impetuous, and will not wait longer, + which lapses into reaction from disappointment. With all his virtues, Mr. + Cowen was impetuous. To desert a party because of the folly or excesses of + portions of its members, would oblige a man to change his profession in + politics and his creed in religion every twelve months. + </p> + <p> + In his earlier career it may be imagined that Mr. Cowen derived his + principles from generous prejudices, in later days from indignant + impulses. + </p> + <p> + Many persons hold by inheritance right principles into whose foundation + they have never inquired. Investigation, if they entered upon it, would + confirm their convictions, but not resting on examination, their nobler + prepossessions may be displaced by passion. We all know in religion how + vehemently adherents will vindicate questions of which they know only one + side, and hold it to be sinful to inquire into the other. Such persons, + when right, are unstable and liable to variableness under the glamour of + unknown ideas. Mr. Cowen was well informed on Liberal principles and never + took to Conservative views, and, save in antagonism, did not assist them. + </p> + <p> + The bent of his mind to paramountcy in ideas was shown in the + extraordinary requirements he made, that Mr. Morley should disown the + political friends who had invited him to Newcastle, and become the + candidate of the <i>Chronicle</i>. Mr. Morley answered, "I will not do it, + and that is flat" Then Mr. Cowen resolved that this refusal should cost + him his seat, and ultimately he effected it, not from Conservative + resentment, but from pride. Had Mr. Morley consented to this condition he + would have remained member for Newcastle, supported with all the force of + Mr. Cowen's splendid advocacy. Mr. Cowen always remained true to Home Rule + for Ireland. But, as we have seen done in the case of others in + Parliament, he assailed every one who held it not under his inspiration. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cowen was naturally noble, and resentment never made him mean, but + like any one to whom compliance with his essential convictions is a + necessity of his mind, he was apt to regard non-concurring persons as + better out of the way. He would not destroy them, but they were no longer + objects of his solicitude. + </p> + <p> + Everybody who did not take this into account failed to understand Mr. + Cowen's career. He sought nothing for himself—he refused everything + offered to him, office included, and accepted no overture made to him. + Whatever opinion he held, to whatever party he allied himself, he might, + if he wished, have remained member for Newcastle all his life. He wanted + no place in Parliament; all he wanted was his own way—compliance + with his own opinions. He had no ambition in the ordinary sense—he + had no sinister end to serve, and it was always his preference to promote + liberty and progress, generosity and good faith in public affairs. + </p> + <p> + Conforming to no conventionality, never entering society, nor accepting + any invitation to do it, in his attention to his collieries, his ships, + his firebrick works, manufactory, newspaper and public meetings, he was + occupied from early morning until late at night, without rest and without + hurry. He was never exhausted and was never still. One evening he lay down + on his sofa, fell asleep, and none around him knew that he was dead. + </p> + <p> + It would astonish the reader—were they all narrated—the + considerable undertakings which he conducted and carried through at the + same time. He was a great man of business, and had the management of + heaven been consigned to him as a pleasure resort, he would have made it + pay eventually. He was an apostle, not an apostate, but his apostleship + was of his own ideas. He was no apostate of his party. Had he been in the + celestial world when Lucifer revolted, Mr. Cowen might have aided Satan, + from motives of resentment at being denied, by certain dissentient + cherubim, ascendency himself. But he would never have joined the fallen + angels, nor, as we have seen other politicians do, officially engage in + their work, or identify himself with them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. THE PERIL OF SCRUPLES + </h2> + <p> + An outlaw is seldom considered a pleasant person, and naturally occupies a + dubious place in public estimation. His position is worse than that of an + exile, who, if once allowed to return, is reinstated in society, but the + outlaw of opinion is never pardoned. Where justice turns upon the hinge of + the oath, there is no redress for him who has scruples as to taking it. He + who has scruples exposes himself to unpleasant comments. He is counted a + sort of fastidious crank. All the while it is known that a man without + scruples is a knave, who respects nothing save his own interests, and will + do anything likely to promote them—even to the commission of robbery + or murder—as police-courts disclose. To be scrupulous is to be + solicitous as to the rightfulness of a thing proposed to be done. It is + plainly the interest of society to encourage those who act upon honest + scruples. Scruples may be trivial or unfounded—they may be open to + objection on that account. Nevertheless, the habit of being scrupulous is + to be tolerated as conducive to integrity, without which society would be + insufferable. It is therefore not desirable that perils should accompany + scrupulousness, as I have often seen them do. + </p> + <p> + The obligatory oath has always been detrimental to public morality. When + one oath was imposed on all persons, it was repugnant to their individual + sense of truth in many cases, and men, to protect their interests, began + to tamper with veracity, and invent new meanings of the terms of the oath. + Thus the fortunate fastidiousness of truth is broken down. + </p> + <p> + The Christian oath is an ecclesiastical device, framed in the interest of + the Church, to enforce, under penalty, the recognition and perpetuation of + its tenets. He who takes the oath professes to believe that if he breaks + it "God will blast his soul in hell for ever." This is the old brutal, + terrifying form in which the consequence was expressed. It is softened + now, to suit the secular humanity of the age, to a statement that God will + hold the oath-taker responsible for its fulfilment. But God's method of + holding any one responsible, is by sentencing him to "outer darkness," + where there will be "wailing and gnashing of teeth." A very unpleasant + region to dwell in. There is no good ground to suppose that such a + sentence for such an offence would be passed, but the intimidation is + retained. Mr. Cluer, a London magistrate, said lately that "if the fate of + Ananias befel all who swore falsely in his court, the floor would be + strewn with dead bodies." But the courts fall back upon the pristine + meaning of the oath. The magistrate asks a little child, tendered as a + witness, "whether she knows, if she does not tell the truth, where she + will go to?" and whether she "has never heard of a place called hell or of + its keeper, the devil?" If not, he publicly deplores the neglect of the + child's education, and declares her to be incapable of telling the truth. + Every one who took the oath, whether rich or poor, a philosopher or a + fool, each professed to believe that the Great God of all the worlds, + notwithstanding the infinite business He has on hand, was personally + present in any dingy court when the oath-taker calls upon Him "to witness" + that he speaks the truth, and if not, God, who never forgets, burdens His + celestial memory with that fact, with a view to eternal retaliation, in + case the oath is false. He who takes the oath and does not believe this, + lies to begin with, whatever may be the character of his testimony. + </p> + <p> + To take the oath in any other sense than that in which it is administered + to you, is to deceive the court. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "He who imposes the oath, makes it. + Not he, who for convenience takes it." +</pre> + <p> + The reliance on the part of those who impose the oath, is that he who + takes it believes the terms of it. If the taker takes it in a private + sense of his own, the virtue has gone out of the oath, and the court is + deceived. If the Unitarian takes the oath, not believing in an avenging + God, he creates a new oath for himself, in which the compelling power of + an eternal terror is absent. He, therefore, does not take the oath of the + court, but another of his own invention; and if he made known to the court + what he was doing, the court would not receive his testimony. + Philosophers, who have less belief than Unitarians, take the oath. But in + the eye of morality it is not less discreditable—perhaps more so, + for the philosopher stands for absolute truth, while the Unitarian stands + only for theological truth. + </p> + <p> + The trouble was that he who refuses to take the oath of the court, in the + sense of the court, became an outlaw, and that was a serious thing. I was + myself an outlaw, until I was fifty-two years of age, without the power of + obtaining redress where I was wronged, or of punishing fraud or theft from + which I suffered, or of protecting the life and property of others, where + my evidence was required. My ambition was to be a barrister, but legal + friends assured me that the law turned upon the hinge of oath-taking, and + that the path of the Bar would to me be a path of lying. It happens that I + have never taken an oath. When I found that my belief did not coincide + with that implied by the oath, I felt precluded from taking it. + </p> + <p> + This reluctance brought me peril. When the question of a Parliamentary + oath in Lord Randolph Churchill's days raged, a new doctrine was set up + among some partisans of Freethought—that an Atheist might take the + oath. That meant there was no longer any distinction in terms, or any + meaning in principle. If an Atheist may, for the sake of some advantage + before him, make a Christian profession, there is no reason why a + Christian should not make an Atheistical profession if it answered his + purpose. The apostles made quite a mistake by incurring martyrdom for + conscience sake. Bruno, Servitus, and Tyndale need not have gone to the + stake, had they only understood that the way to advance the truth was to + abandon it, instead of standing to it. If a man is not to stand by the + truth when the consequences are against him, there is an end of truth as a + principle. It is no longer a duty to suffer for it and maintain it. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to me that the friends of reason, who rejected theological + tenets, should be as scrupulous as to the truth as partisans of + superstition have often proved themselves to be, and that the Atheist + should have as clear a sense of intellectual honour as the Quaker, the + Catholic, or the Jew, who all suffered rather than take an oath contrary + to their sense of truth. This was regarded as a reflection upon some + excellent colleagues of mine, who thought it fatuity to allow an oath to + stand in their way, and frustrate their career. + </p> + <p> + It was brought against me that there were circumstances under which I + should be as little scrupulous as other people. Major Bell, who had + incurred great peril in India for the sake of honour, put a question to me + in the Daily News purporting that, "Had I married before 1837 I should not + have hesitated at twice invoking the Trinity as the Church service + required? And if I had done so, should I not have perpetrated a piece of + hypocrisy?" There is an immoral maxim that "All things are fair in love + and war," and it is probable that I should not have hesitated to + perpetrate that "piece of hypocrisy," as it would have been the lesser of + two evils, but it would not, therefore, cease to be an evil. If under any + compulsion of love or war I was induced to perpetrate "apiece of + hypocrisy," it would never occur to me to go about saying it was not + hypocrisy. I dislike law, custom, or persons who force me to do what I + know to be wrong, but no person could do his worst against me, until he + prevailed upon me to go about saying it was right. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Moncure Conway asked whether, if his life was in danger in China, and + I could save it by the Chinese oath of breaking a saucer, I would not do + it? Certainly I would, to save Dr. Conway, if the Confucians would permit + me, but I should not the less deceive them by pretending to have sworn + before them in the Chinese sense. But I should regret the necessity, since + in no country would I willingly treat truth as a superstition. By taking + the "saucer" oath, I should obtain in Chinese eyes a validity for my word + not really belonging to it. However I might excuse the act, it would still + be deceit, nor ought it to be called by any other name. There is no + virtuous vagueness in unveracity, and he who in peril uses it would not be + justified in carrying it into common life, where Lord Bacon has warned us, + "Truth is so useful, that we should make public note of any departure from + that excellent habit." Major Evans Bell further argued that because the + Prince of Wales may sign himself my "obedient, humble servant," while not + feeling himself bound to act so, the terms of the oath may be likewise + regarded as a form of words merely. Yet all "forms" which are unreal are + unwise and hurtful. But the superscription of the Prince is known to be + but a false form, and accepted as such, while the oath is a profession of + faith. If the Prince went into a public court and swore in the name of God + that he really was my "obedient, humble servant," I should think him a + very shabby Prince if the solemnity went for nothing. As I have known + Major Bell expose himself to what his friends believed to be fatal peril, + from a noble sense of self-imposed duty, to which neither oath, nor + contract, nor any conventional superscription called him, I no more + imagine him than I did Dr. Conway, to really mean what their arguments + seemed to imply. + </p> + <p> + Some are for the spirit more than the form. I was for both, and I regard + all legislation as immoral which divorces them. Referring to these + letters, the <i>Daily News</i> (December 23, 1881) regarded them as + "marked by rectitude of moral judgment, which is recognised by those who + most deplore what they think is theological aberration. Some such + testimony as he gives was almost needed to efface the impression which + recent events in and out of the House of Commons have made, that moral + indifferentism is of necessity associated with religious negation." I was + glad of those words at a time when I was fiercely assailed for saying what + I did, in the midst of the Parliamentary contest which then occupied the + attention of the country. My object was to assist the right in the + contest, and to defend the Free Thought cause. Had I not spoken then, it + would have been in vain to speak afterward. To be silent about principle + in the hour of its application would have been fatal to its influence and + repute, so far as it might be represented by me. + </p> + <p> + As far as in my power lay, I left no uncertainty in the mind of Parliament + as to what was wanted, in lieu of the oath. It was simply a "promise of + honour," to declare the truth in matters of testimony, and observe good + faith in contracts. One of my petitions to the House of Commons ran thus:— + </p> + <p> + "Your petitioner is a person who never took an oath, as it implied + theological convictions he did not hold. He, however, has seen persons of + far greater knowledge than he possesses, of high social position and + authority, and whose example men look up to, take the oath, though it was + known to all that they held no belief corresponding thereunto—the + opprobrium and outlawry attending the refusal of the oath being more than + they would incur. This has led to a practice of public prevarication, that + of persons saying a thing and not meaning it, or meaning something else. + Nowhere is this example more disastrous than in your High Assembly, where + anything said is conspicuous and its example influential on the conduct of + others." + </p> + <p> + Another petition so interested Professor J. E. Thorold Rogers, M.P. (who + had held holy orders), that he had copies made of it, and sent one with a + letter to each morning paper, saying he regarded it as expressing the + "quintessence of political morality." The petition set forth:— + </p> + <p> + "That it is at all times important that public declarations should be so + expressed that any one making them shall be able to say what he means, and + mean what he says. In these days, when popular instruction is being + advanced by national schools, it is yet more desirable that no public + declaration should be exacted, the terms of which are unmeaning or untrue + to those who make it, inasmuch as such declaration deteriorates the + wholesome habit of national veracity, and is of the nature of a fraud upon + the public understanding, which becomes more repugnant as general + intelligence increases. + </p> + <p> + "Your petitioner respectfully submits that the present Parliamentary oath + is open to these objections so long as it is obligatory upon all members, + irrespective of whatever personal and private beliefs they may hold. + </p> + <p> + "Your petitioner, therefore, prays, in the interests of public good faith, + that a form of affirmation may be adopted, optional to all members of + Parliament, instead of the present ecclesiastical oath." + </p> + <p> + Francis Place once explained to me that in the Benthamite view, it was not + warrantable to incur martyrdom unless it was clear that the public would + be gainers by the martyr's loss. In a letter, Mr. J. S. Mill, in answer to + questions I put to him with regard to taking an oath, wrote:— + </p> + <p> + "I conceive that when a bad law has made the oath a condition to the + performance of a public duty, it may be taken without dishonesty by a + person who acknowledges no binding force in the religious part of the + formality. Unless (as in your own case) he has made it the special and + particular work of his life to testify against such formalities, and + against the belief with which they are connected." + </p> + <p> + I could not concur with this view. Personal candour is far-reaching in its + effects, and should be cherished where we can, and as far as we can. Truth + is to the life of the mind what air is to the life of the body. When the + mind ceases to breathe truth, the mind is impaired or dies. + </p> + <p> + It is necessary to add the grounds which actuated me in endeavours to put + an end to the outlawry of opinion. Many beside myself helped to obtain a + law of affirmation, but I was the only person among them all who had never + taken an oath. Sir George Cornewall Lewis demanded in Parliament how the + oath could be a vital grievance to Atheists, whose throats were furrowed + with swallowing it. When summoned on the grand jury at Clerkenwell I + refused to take the oath in the sense the court attached to it, and I was + fined twelve guineas for not taking it. I drew up a paper showing the + privileges given by the law to those who were honestly unable to swear. + They were exempted from the militia, from the duty of acting as special + constable, they could procure the acquittal of any thief, fraudulent + person, or murderer, where their evidence was necessary to conviction. In + some cases the thief has escaped, and the person robbed has been + imprisoned instead, for his contumacy in not lying. It became known among + thieves that where they could find out a witness against them, who + disbelieved in an avenging God, the counsel defending the thief had only + to call the attention of the court to the fact for the witness to be + ordered "to stand down," and the thief would "leave the court without a + stain on his character." Mr. Francis, in his "History of the Bank of + England," relates how Turner, whose fraud amounted to Ł10,000, escaped, + because the only witness who could swear decidedly to his handwriting, was + a disbeliever in the New Testament. The jury returned a verdict of "Not + guilty." + </p> + <p> + Sir John Trelawny told me that the fly-leaves I published on the + "Privileges of Sceptics and the Immunity of Thieves" made more impression + upon members of Parliament than any petition sent to the House. These and + similar services, with my lifelong refusal to take the oath, caused John + Stuart Mill to write to me, saying: "It is a great triumph of freedom of + opinion that the Evidence Bill should have passed both Houses without + being seriously impaired. You may justly take to yourself a good share of + the credit of having brought things up to that pass."* + </p> + <p> + These instances will no doubt satisfy the reader as to the peril of + entertaining scruples in the face of power. The earliest instance which + concerned me was a case in Birmingham in which several thousand pounds + were left for the establishment of a secular school which I was to + conduct. Not being willing to take the oath, I could not prosecute my + claim. When a son of mine was killed by the recklessness of a driver, I + could not give evidence on the inquest because I could not be sworn. My + private house was thrice robbed by servants who became aware of my + inability to prosecute. When in business in Fleet Street, my property + could be carted away, for which I had no remedy save lying in wait and + knocking down the depredators, which would at the Mansion House have led + to a public scandal and injured the business. Money was left to me which I + could not claim, being an outlaw. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Blackheath Park, Kent, August 8, 1869. +</pre> + <p> + It would tire the reader to tell him all the instances of the perils + attending scruples. Mr. Roebuck put the case in the House of Commons + against Sir George Cornewall Lewis. Pointing his finger at Sir George, he + asked, "What is the right honourable gentleman going to do? Two men go + into court. One disbelieves in the oath, but he takes it. The other takes + the peril of outlawry rather than profess a faith which he does not hold. + You believe the liar, whom you know to be a liar, and you reject the + evidence of the man who speaks the truth at his peril." I had asked Mr. + Roebuck to speak when the question of affirmation was before the House. + There were then only he, Sir John Trelawny, or Mr. Conyngham to whom such + a question could be put It was upon Mr. Roebuck that I mostly relied. + After his speech I thanked him for doing what no one else could do so + well. He disclaimed any desert of thanks, saying, "I have only done what + Jeremy Bentham taught me." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. TAKING SIDES + </h2> + <p> + Every one of manly mind, every person of thought and determination, takes + sides upon important questions. Those who say they are indifferent which + side prevails, are indifferent whether good or evil comes uppermost. Those + who are afraid to choose a side, command only the cold respect accorded to + cowardice. Those who sit upon a fence to see which side is likely to + prevail before they jump down, are not seeking the success of a principle, + but their own interests. In most questions—as in business—there + is a side of honesty and a side of fraud. Some do not take either + separately, thinking they can better take both at discretion. If they + profit by their dexterous duplicity, they command no regard. Some persons + have no fervour for the right, and would rather see the wrong prevail than + take the trouble to prevent it. They would be on the side of truth + altogether if it gave them no discomfort, and caused them no outlay. They + belong to the large Laodicean lukewarm class, of whom he who sought their + allegiance said he would "spue them out of his mouth." Not a pleasant + simile, but it is not mine. It shows that no one is enthusiastic about + those who are undecided where decision interferes with advancement. + </p> + <p> + If the selfish, or the politic, or the supine do not care to take sides + with right, they have no cause to complain if the triumph of wrong + involves them in discredit or disaster. But whatever be their fate, I am + not concerned with them. What I am concerned with is the omission of all + information of what may follow to him who shall take the right side. These + consequences ought never to be out of sight. + </p> + <p> + It is too often forgotten that in this world virtue has its price as well + as vice, and neither can be bought cheap. Vice can be bought on the "hire + system," by which a person gets into debt pleasantly—which + introduces shiftlessness into life. Wrong is a money-lender, whose + concealed charges and heavy interest have to be paid one day at the peril + of ruin. Right doing may be said to pay as it goes along, which implies + conscience, effort, and often sacrifice of some immediate pleasure. But + independence lies that way, and no other. Right principle incurs no + deferred obligation. Debt is a chain by which the debtor binds himself to + someone else. The connection may be disregarded, but the chain can never + be broken, except by restitution. Many persons are beguiled into doing + right under the impression that it is as pleasant as doing wrong. This is + not so, and the concealment of the fact has injurious consequences. When a + person who has been, as it were, betrayed into virtue, without being + instructed as to the inconvenience which may attend it, when he encounters + them, he suspects he has been imposed upon, and thinks he had better give + vice a turn. It was this that made Huxley declare that the hardest as well + as the most useful lesson a man could learn, was to do that which he ought + to do, whether he liked it or not. Character, which can be trusted, comes + that way, and that way alone. He who enters on that path reaps reward + daily in the pleasure and strength which duty imparts, while sooner or + later follow advantage and honour. The most useful character George Eliot + drew was that of Tito, who was wrecked because he had no sense that there + was strength and safety in truth. The only strength he trusted to lay in + his ingenuity and dissimulation. The world is pretty full of Titos, who + all come to one end, and nobody mourns them. + </p> + <p> + A few instances may be relevantly given in which rightness has been + attended by disadvantages, when wrongness appeared to have none—yet + wrongness was found to bring great unpleasantness in the end. + </p> + <p> + When there were petitions before the House of Commons to change the oath + which excluded Jews, and petitions to permit persons to make affirmations + who had conscientious objections to taking an oath, it was represented to + me that if both claims were kept before Parliament at the same time both + would be rejected. The Jewish claim was the older, and concerned the + enfranchisement of a race. I therefore caused the omission for several + years of any petition for affirmation—though my disability of being + unable to take the oath excluded me from justice and rendered me an + outlaw. + </p> + <p> + When the Jews had obtained their relief, Sir Julian Goldsmid, a Jew, + became a candidate at Brighton. Mr. Matthews, a political friend of mine + in the town, went to Sir Julian and asked whether, as Mr. Holyoake and + those of his way of thinking had deferred their claim for affirmation that + the Jews might become eligible for Parliament, would he vote for the + Affirmation Bill? He said, "No! he would not" Mr. Matthews then wrote to + ask me whether he and others who were in favour of Affirmation should vote + for Sir Julian. I answered, "Certainly, if he in other respects was the + best candidate before the constituency. However strongly we might be + persuaded our own claim was just, we had no right to prefer it to the + general interest of the State." + </p> + <p> + Speaking one night with Mr. John Morley when we both happened to be guests + of Mr. Chamberlain at Highbury, Birmingham, I remarked that Cobden and + Bright, without intending it, had introduced more immorality into politics + than any other politicians in my time. Mr. Morley naturally demanded to be + informed when, and in what way. I answered, "When they advised electors to + vote for any candidate, irrespective of their political opinion, who would + vote against the Corn Laws. This incited every party to vote for its own + hand—the priest for the church, the brewers for the barrel, and the + teetotalers for the teapot, the anti-vaccinators for those who were + against the lancet. Even women proposed to vote for any candidate who + would give them the suffrage, regardless whether they put out a Ministry + of Progress and put in a Ministry of Reaction. This was ignoring the + general good in favour of a personal measure. The error of the great + Anti-Corn Law advocates lay in their not making it plain to the country + that when the population were deteriorating and dying from want of + sufficient food, politics must give way to the claims of existence. That + was the justification of Cobden and Bright, and had it been stated, + smaller politicians with narrower aims could never then have pleaded their + example for crowding the poll with rival claims in which the larger + interests of the State are forgotten. Like Bacon's maxim that 'speaking + the truth was so excellent a habit, that any departure from that wholesome + rule should be noted.' The Anti-Corn Law League election policy needed + noting." + </p> + <p> + However many instances may be given of the kind before the reader, the + moral will be the same. Taking sides involves some penalty which + enthusiasts are apt to overlook, and when it arrives ruddy eagerness is + apt to turn pale and change into ignoble prudence. Taking the side of + honesty or fraud, unpleasantness may come. But on the side of right the + consciousness of integrity mitigates regret and commands respect; while + the penalties of deceit are intensified by shame and scorn. Many think + there is safety in a judicious mixture of good faith and bad, but when the + bad is discerned, distrust and contempt are the unevadable consequences. + Besides, it takes more trouble to conceal a sinister life than to act + uprightly. It is true, an evil policy often succeeds, but the interest of + society is to take care that he who does evil shall be overtaken by evil. + As this sentiment grows, the chances of illicit success continually + decrease. Rascality—refined or coarse—would have fewer + adherents if society took as much trouble to secure that the rightdoer + shall prosper, as it takes to render the career of the knave precarious. + </p> + <p> + The point of importance, I repeat, is—that persons should remember, + or be taught to remember, that the course of right, like the course of + wrong, is attended by consequences. Many who are honourably attracted by + the right are disappointed at finding that it has its duties as well as + its pleasures—which, had they known at first, they would have made + up their minds to do them; but not being apprised of them, when they first + encounter inconvenience, they think they have been deceived, falter, and + sometimes turn from a noble course upon which they had entered. + </p> + <p> + Any one would think there was no great peril to be encountered by taking + sides with veracity. Let him avoid the sin of pretension, and see what + will happen. + </p> + <p> + The sin I referred to is not the common one of declaring that to be true + which you know to be untrue—that has long been known by an + appropriate name, and does not require any new epithet to denote its + scandalousness. The sin of pretension in question consists in assuming, or + declaring that to be true, which one does not know to be true. Years ago + this was a very common sin, and everybody committed it. You heard it in + the pulpit more frequently than on the stage. Nobody complained of it, or + rebuked it, or resented it. It was not until the middle of the last + century that public attention was drawn to it. It was Huxley who first + raised the question of intellectual veracity, and he devised the term + Agnostic (which merely means limitation) to express it. Limitationism does + not mean disbelief, but the limitation of assertion to actual knowledge. + The theist used to declare—without misgiving—the absolute + certainty of the existence of an independent, active Entity, to whom + Nature is second-hand, and not much at that. The anti-theist—also + without misgiving—denied that there was such separate Potentiality. + The Limitationist, more modest in averment, not having sufficient + information to be positive, simply says he does not know. He does not say + that others may not have sufficient knowledge of a primal cause of things; + but lacking it himself, he concludes that veracity in statement may be a + virtue where omniscience is denied. There may be belief founded on + inference. But inference is not knowledge. The Limitationist withholds + assertion from lack of satisfying evidence. He is neutral—not + because he wishes not to believe, or desires to deny, but because serious + language should be measured by the standard of proof and conviction. + </p> + <p> + So strange did this precaution in speech seem in my time, that it was + believed that reticence was not honest precaution, but prudent concealment + of actual conviction, intended to evade orthodox anger. On problems + relating to infinite existence and an unknown future, it requires infinite + knowledge to give an affirmative answer. No one said he had infinite + information, but everybody declaimed as though he had. It appeared not to + have occurred to many that there was a state of the understanding in which + lack of conviction was owing to lack of evidence. Where the desire to + believe is hereditary, it is difficult to realise that there are questions + upon which certainty may, to many minds, be unattainable, and that an + honest man who felt this was bound to say so. An American journal, which + needed forbearance from its readers for its own heresy, published the + opinion that Huxley was a "dodger" in philosophy. Whereas Huxley was for + integrity in thought and speech. He was for scientific accuracy as far as + attainable. His own outspokenness was the glory of philosophy and science + in his day. He never denied his convictions; he never apologised for them; + he never explained them away. Is it over his noble tomb that we are to + write, "Here lies a Dodger," because he invented an honest term to denote + the measured knowledge of honest thinkers? Dogmatism is not demonstration, + but when I was young nobody seemed to suspect it. It used to be said that + "Darwin, Huxley, and Spencer were not really in a state of unknowingness + concerning the great problem of the universe"—which meant that these + eminent thinkers, upon whose lives no shadow of unveracity ever rested, + described themselves as Limitationists when they were not so. They were + not to be believed upon their word. The term was a mask. Such are the + social penalties for taking sides with veracity. + </p> + <p> + The public has begun to discover that veracity of speech is not a mask, + but a duty. None can calculate the calamities which arise in society from + the perpetual misdirections disseminated by those who make assertions + resting merely upon their inherited belief or prepossessions, with no + personal knowledge upon which they are founded. This is the sin of + pretension, which recedes before the integrity of science and reason, just + as wild beasts recede before the march of civilisation. + </p> + <p> + Few would be prepared to believe that, in my polemical days, the desire to + avoid committing the sin of pretension was supposed to indicate + desperation of character, of which suicide would be the natural end. This + was a favourite argument, for a heterodox principle was held to be for + ever confuted, if he who held it hanged himself. The best proclaimed + champion of orthodox tenets, whom I met on many platforms, went about + declaring that I intended suicide, and it was generally believed that I + had committed it. The certainty of it, sooner or later, was little + doubted, whereas it was not at all in my way. + </p> + <p> + The suicide of Eugene Aram, to escape the ignominy of an inevitable + execution, is intelligible. If Blanco White, whose dying and hopeless + sufferings excited the sympathy even of Cardinal Newman, had done the same + thing, it would have been condonable. Suicide proceeding from disease of + the mind is always pitiable. When Italian prisoners were given belladonna + by their Austrian gaolers, to cause them to betray, unconsciously, their + comrades, some committed suicide to prevent this, which was honourable + though deplorable. When a murderer, knowing his desert, becomes his own + executioner, he is not censurable though still infamous, since it saves + society the expense of terminating his dangerous career. But in other + cases, self-slaughter, to avoid trouble or the performance of inconvenient + duty, is cowardly and detestable. + </p> + <p> + In my controversial days (which I hope are not yet ended) the clergy did + not hesitate to say that if a man began to think for himself, he would end + by killing himself. + </p> + <p> + When I thought the doctrine had died out, an instance recurred which led + me to address the following letter to the Rev. R. P. Downes, LLD. (May 18, + 1899), who thought the doctrine valid:— + </p> + <p> + "Dear Dr. Downes,—It has been reported to me that in Wesley Place + Chapel, Tunstall (March 20, 1899), you, when preaching on the 'Roots of + Unbelief,' illustrated that troublesome subject by saying that 'when Mr. + Holyoake was imprisoned at Birmingham, he attempted suicide.' This is not + true, nor was it in Birmingham, but in Gloucester where the imprisonment + occurred. I never attempted suicide—it was never in my mind to do + it. I had no motive that way. I experienced no moment of despair. Better + men than I had been imprisoned before, for being so imprudent as to + protest against intolerance and error. Besides, I never liked suicide. I + was always against it Blowing out your brains makes an ill-conditioned + splatter. Cutting your throat is a detestable want of consideration for + those who have to efface the stains. Drowning is disagreeable, as the + water is cold and not clean. Hanging is mean and ignominious, and I have + always heard unpleasant The French charcoal plan makes you sick. Indeed, + every form of suicide shows want of taste; and worse than that, it is a + cowardly thing to flee from evils you ought to combat, and leave others, + whom you may be bound to cherish and protect, to struggle unaided. So you + see what you allege against me is not only irrelevant—it implies + defect of taste, which is serious in the eyes of society, which will + condone crime more readily than vulgarity. + </p> + <p> + "I am against your discourse because of its bad taste. Suicide is no + argument against the truth of belief. Christians are continually + committing it, and clergymen also. The Society for the Propagation of + Christian Knowledge used to bring this argument from suicide forward in + their tracts against heresy. But being educated gentlemen they abandoned + it long ago, and it is now only used by the lower class of preachers. I do + not mean to suggest that you belong to that class—only that you have + condescended to use an argument peculiar to uncultivated reasoners. + </p> + <p> + "Personally, I have great respect for several eminent preachers of + Wesleyan persuasion, but they think it necessary to inquire into the truth + of an accusation before they make it You must have borrowed yours from the + Rev. Brewin Grant, with whom in his last illness I had friendly + communications, and he had long ceased to repeat what he said in days when + it was not thought necessary to be exact in imputations against + adversaries. + </p> + <p> + "I do not remember to have written before in refutation of the statement + you made. No one who knows me would believe it for a moment; but as you + are a responsible, and I understand a well-regarded, preacher, I inform + you of the error, especially as it gives me the opportunity of putting on + record not only my disinclination, but my dislike and contempt for + suicide, and for those who, not being hopelessly diseased or insane, + commit it." + </p> + <p> + Dr. Downes sent me a gentlemanly and candid letter, owning that the Rev. + Brewin Grant, B.A., was the authority on which he spoke, whose + representations he would not repeat, and I have reason to believe he has + not. + </p> + <p> + Such are the vicissitudes of taking sides. He has to pay who takes the + right, but he has honour in the end. But he pays more who takes the wrong + side consciously, and with it comes infamy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. THINGS WHICH WENT AS THEY WOULD + </h2> + <p> + I commence with Judge Hughes' first candidature. There are cases in which + gratitude is submerged by prejudice, even among the cultivated classes. + There was Thomas Hughes, whose statue has been deservedly erected in + Rugby. Three years before he became a member of Parliament I told him he + might enter the House were he so minded. And when opportunity arose I was + able to confirm my assurance. + </p> + <p> + One Friday afternoon in 1865 some Lambeth politicians of the middle and + working classes, whom Bernal Osborne had disappointed of being their + candidate (a vacancy having attracted him elsewhere), came to me at the + House of Commons to inquire if I could suggest one to them. I named Mr. + Hughes as a good fighting candidate, who had sympathy with working people, + and who, being honest, could be trusted in what he promised, and being an + athlete, could, like Feargus O'Connor, be depended upon on a turbulent + platform. I was to see Mr. Hughes at once, which I did, and after much + argument satisfied him that if he took the "occasion by the hand" he might + succeed. He said, "he must first consult Sally"—meaning Mrs. Hughes. + I had heard him sing "Sally in our Alley," and took his remark as a + playful allusion to his wife as the heroine of the song. That he might be + under no illusion, I suggested that he should not enter upon the contest + unless he was prepared to lose Ł1,000. + </p> + <p> + The next morning he consented. I took him to my friends of the Electoral + Committee, by whom he was accepted. When he entered the vestibule of the + hall of meeting I left him, lest my known opinions on other subjects + should compromise him in the minds of some electors. This was on the + Saturday afternoon. I saw that by issuing an address in the Monday morning + papers he would be first in the field. On Sunday morning, therefore, I + waited for him at the Vere Street Church door, where the Rev. F. D. + Maurice preached, to ask him to write at once his address to the electors. + He thought more of his soul than of his success, and reluctantly complied + with my request. His candidature might prevent a Tory member being + elected, and the labours of the Liberal electors for years being rendered + futile, education put back, the Liberal Association discouraged, taxation + of the people increased, and the moral and political deterioration of the + borough ensue. To avert all such evils the candidate was loath to peril + his salvation for an hour. Yet would it not have been a work of human + holiness to do it, which would make his soul better worth saving? That day + I had lunch at his table in Park Lane, while he thought the matter over. + That was the first and last time I was asked to his house. That afternoon + he brought the address to my home, then known as Dymoke Lodge, Oval Road, + Regent's Park, and had tea with my family. I had collected several persons + in another room ready to make copies of the address. + </p> + <p> + I wrote letters to various editors, took a cab, and left a copy of the + address myself, before ten o'clock, at the offices of all the chief + newspapers published on Monday morning. The editor of the <i>Daily News</i> + and one or two others I saw personally. All printed the address as news, + free of expense. Next morning the Liberal electors were amazed to see + their candidate "first in the field" before any other had time to appear. + All the while I knew Mr. Hughes would vote against three things which I + valued, and in favour of which I had written and spoken. He would vote + against the ballot, against opening picture galleries and museums on + Sunday, and against the separation of the Church from the State. But on + the whole he was calculated to promote the interests of the country, and + therefore I did what I could to promote his election. + </p> + <p> + I wrote for the election two or three bills. The following is one:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + HUGHES FOR LAMBETH. + + Vote for "Tom Brown." + + Vote for a Gentleman who is a friend of the People. + + Vote for a Churchman who will do justice to + Dissenters. + + Vote for a tried Politician who will support just measures + and can give sensible reasons for them. + + Vote for a distinguished writer and raise the + character of metropolitan constituencies. + + Vote for a candidate who can defend your cause in the Press + as well as in Parliament + + Vote for a man known to be honest and who has long worked + for the industrious classes. + + Electors of Lambeth, + + Vote for Thomas Hughes. +</pre> + <p> + Mr. Hughes would have had no address out but for me. Had he spent Ł100 in + advertisements a day or two later he could not have purchased the + advantage this promptitude gave him. I worked very hard all that Sunday, a + son and daughter helping—but our souls did not count Two weeks went + by—during which I ceaselessly promulgated his candidature—and + I heard nothing from the candidate. As I had paid the emergency expenses + of the Sunday copyists, found them refreshments while they wrote, and paid + for the cab on its round to the offices, I found myself Ł2 "out of + pocket," as lawyers put it, and I sent a note to Mr. Hughes to say that + amount would cover costs incurred. He replied in a curt note saying I + should "find a cheque for Ł2 within"—giving me the impression that + he regarded it as an extortion, which he thought it better to submit to + than resent. He never thanked me, then or at any time, for what I did. + Never in all his life did he refer to the service I had rendered him. + </p> + <p> + A number of friends were invited to Great Ormond Street College to + celebrate his election, but I was not one. This was not handsome + treatment, but I thought little of it. It was not Mr. Hughes's natural, + but his ecclesiastical self. I withstood him and his friends, the + Christian Socialists, who sought to colour Co-operation with Church + tenets, which would put distraction into it. Association with me was at + that time repugnant to Mr. Hughes. Nevertheless, I continued to serve him + whenever I could. He was a friend of Co-operation, to his cost, and was + true to the Liberal interests of the people. My daughter, Mrs. Praill, and + her husband gave their house as a committee-room when Mr. Hughes was + subsequently a candidate in Marylebone, and she canvassed for him so + assiduously that he paid her a special visit of acknowledgment. + </p> + <p> + The Christian Socialist propaganda is another instance of the wilfulness + of things which went as you did not want them to go. In those days not + only did I fail to find favour in the eyes of Mr. Hughes—even Mr. + Vansittart Neale, the most liberal of Christian Socialists, thought me, + for some years, an unengaging colleague. General Maurice, in the Life of + his eminent father (Professor Denison Maurice), relates that Mr. Maurice + regarded me as an antagonist. This was never so. I had always respect for + Professor Maurice because of his theological liberality. He believed that + perdition was limited to aeons. The duration of an aeon he was not clear + upon; but whatever its length, it was then an unusual and merciful + limitation of eternal torture. This cost him his Professorship at King's + College, through the enmity, it was said, of Professor Jelf. I endeavoured + to avenge Professor Maurice by dedicating to Dr. Jelf my "Limits of + Atheism." Elsewhere I assailed him because I had honour for Professor + Maurice, for his powerful friendship to Co-operation. When the news of his + death came to the Bolton Congress it was I who drew up and proposed the + resolution of honour and sorrow which we passed. + </p> + <p> + It was always the complaint against the early "Socialists"—as the + Co-operators were then called—that they mixed up polemical + controversy with social advocacy. The Christian Socialists strenuously + made this objection, yet all the while they were seeking to do the same + thing. What they rightly objected to was that the chief Co-operators gave + irrelevant prominence to the alien question of theology, and repelled all + persons who differed from them. + </p> + <p> + All the while, what they objected to was not theology, but to a kind of + theology not their own, and this kind, as soon as they acquired authority, + they proceeded to introduce. They proceeded to compile a handbook intended + to pledge the Co-operators to the Church of England, and I received + proofs, which I still have, in which Mr. Hughes made an attack on all + persons of Freethinking views. I objected to this as violating the + principle on which we had long agreed, namely, of Co-operative neutrality + in religion* and politics, as their introduction was the signal of + disputation which diverted the attention of members from the advancement + of Co-operation in life, trade, and labour. At the Leeds Congress I + maintained that the congress was like Parliament, where, as Canning said, + no question is introduced which cannot be discussed. If Church views were + imported into the societies, Heretics and Nonconformists, who were the + originators of the movement, would have the right of introducing. + Personally, I preferred controversy <i>outside</i> Co-operation. Their + tenets. Mr. Hughes was so indignant at my protest that he, being in the + chair, refused to call upon me to move a resolution officially assigned to + me upon another subject. At the meeting of the United Board for revising + motions to be brought before Congress, I gave notice that if the Church + question should be raised I should object to it, as it would then be in + order (should the introduction of theology be sanctioned) for an Atheist + (Agnostic was not a current word then) to propose the adoption of his + views, and an Atheist, as such, might be a president. Whereupon Mr. + Vansittart Neale, our general secretary, declared with impassioned + vehemence that he hoped the day would never come when an Atheist would be + elected president. Yet when, some years later, I was appointed president + of the Carlisle Congress (1887)—though I was still considered + entirely deficient in proper theological convictions—Mr. Hughes and + Mr. Neale, who were both present, were most genial, and with their + concurrence 100,000 copies of my address were printed—a distinction + which befel no other president. + </p> + <p> + In another instance I had to withstand Church ascendancy. + </p> + <p> + I was the earliest and foremost advocate of the neutrality of pious + opinion in Co-operation; when others who knew its value were silent—afraid + or unwilling to give pain to the Christian Socialists, whom we all + respected, and to whom we were all indebted for legal and friendly + assistance. + </p> + <p> + But integrity of principle is higher than friendship. Some Northumbrian + societies, whose members were largely Nonconformists, were greatly + indignant at the attempt to give ascendancy to Church opinions, and + volunteered to support my protest against it But when the day of protest + came at the Leeds Congress they all deserted me—not one raised a + voice on my side; though they saw me browbeaten in their interest My + argument was, that if we assented to become a Church party we might come + to have our proceedings opened with a collect, or by prayer, to which it + would be hypocrisy in many to pretend to assent. At the following Derby + Congress this came to pass: Bishop Southwell, who opened the Industrial + Exhibition, made a prayer and members of the United Board knelt round him. + I was the only one who stood up, it being the only seemly form of protest + there. This scene was never afterwards repeated. Bishop Southwell was a + devout, kindly, and intellectually liberal prelate, but he did not know, + or did not respect, as other Bishops did, the neutrality of Congress. + </p> + <p> + For myself, I was always in favour of the individuality of the religious + conscience in its proper place. I love the picturesqueness of personal + conviction. It was I who first proposed that we should accept offers of + sermons on Congress Sunday by ministers of every denomination. + Co-operators included members of all religious persuasions, and I was for + their opportunity of hearing favourite preachers apart from Co-operative + proceedings. + </p> + <p> + It is only necessary for the moral of these instances to pursue them. + There is education in them and public suggestiveness which may justify the + continuance of the subject. + </p> + <p> + When the <i>Co-operative News</i> was begun in Manchester (1871), I wrote + its early leaders, and as its prospects were not hopeful, it was agreed + that the <i>Social Economist</i>, which I and Mr. E. O. Greening had + established in London in 1868, should cease in favour of the <i>Co-operative + News</i>, as we wished to see one paper, one interest, and one party. As + the Manchester office was too poor to purchase our journal, we agreed that + it should be paid for when the Manchester paper succeeded, and the price + should be what the cessation of the <i>Social Economist</i> should be + thought to be worth to the new paper. It was sixteen years before the + fulfilment of their side of the bargain. The award, if I remember rightly, + was Ł15, but I know the period was as long and the amount as small. The <i>Co-operative + News</i> had then been established many years. It was worth much more than + Ł100 to the Manchester paper to have a London rival out of the way. It was + not an encouraging transaction, and but for Mr. Neale, Abraham Greenwood + and Mr. Crabtree it would not have ended as it did. But the committee were + workmen without knowledge of literary matters. So I made no complaint, and + worked with them and for their paper all the same. It was a mistake to + discontinue the <i>Social Economist</i>, which had some powerful friends. + Co-operation was soon narrowed in Manchester. Co-operative workshops were + excluded from participation in profit. We should have kept Co-operation on + a higher level in London. + </p> + <p> + The Rochdale Jubilee is the last instance I shall cite. In 1892 was + celebrated the jubilee of the Rochdale Society. I received no invitation + and no official notice. The handbook published by the society, in + commemoration of its fifty years' success, made no reference to me nor to + the services I had rendered the society. I had written its history, which + had been printed in America, and translated into the chief languages of + Europe—in Spain, in Hungary, several times in France and Italy. I + had put the name of the Pioneers into the mouth of the world, yet my name + was never mentioned by any one. Speaking on the part of the Rochdale + Co-operators, the President of Jubilee Congress, who knew the facts of my + devotion to the reputation of Rochdale, was silent. Archdeacon Wilson was + the only one who showed me public regard. The local press said some + gracious things, but they were not Co-operators. I had spoken at the + graves of the men who had made the fortunes of the store, and had written + words of honour of all the political leaders of the town, and of those + best remembered in connection with the famous society, which I had + vindicated, without ceasing, during half a century. + </p> + <p> + In the earlier struggles of the Pioneers I had looked forward to the day + of their jubilee, when I should stand in their regard as I had done in + their day of need. Of course, this gave me a little concern to find myself + treated as one unknown to them. But in truth they had not forgotten me, + though they ignored me. The new generation of Co-operators had abandoned, + to Mr. Bright's regret, participation of profit with Labour, the noblest + aspiration of the Pioneers. I had addressed them in remonstrance, in the + language of Lord Byron, who was Lord of the Manor of Rochdale:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "You have the Rochdale store as yet, + Where has the Rochdale workshop gone? + Of two such lessons why forget + The nobler and the manlier one?" +</pre> + <p> + Saying this cost me their cordiality and their gratitude; but I cared for + the principle and for the future, and was consoled. + </p> + <p> + In every party, the men who made it great die, and leave no immediate + successors. But in time their example recreates them. But at the Jubilee + of 1892, they had not re-appeared, and those who had memories and + gratitude were dead. I spoke over the grave of Cooper, of Smithies, of + Thomas Livesey—John Bright's schoolfellow—the great friend of + the dead Pioneers saying:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "They are gone, the holy ones, + Who trod with me this lovely vale; + My old star-bright companions + Are silent, low and pale."* +</pre> + <p> + The question arises, does this kind of experience justify a person in + deserting his party? + </p> + <p> + The last incident and others preceding it are given as instances of + outrage or neglect, which in public life explain ignominious desertion of + principle. I have known men change sides in Parliament because the + Premier, who had defect of sight, passed them by in the lobby without + recognition. I have seen others desert a party, which they had brilliantly + served, because their personal ambition had not been recognised. Because + of this I have seen a man turn heels over head in the presence of + Parliament, and land himself in the laps of adversaries who had been + kicking him all his life. + </p> + <p> + If I did not do so, it was because I remembered that parties are like + persons, who at one time do mean things, but at other times generous + things. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * "History of Rochdale Pioneers, 1844-1892" (Sonnenschein). +</pre> + <p> + Besides, a democratic party is continually changing in its component + members, and many come to act in the name of the movement who are ignorant + of its earlier history and of the obligation it may be under to those who + have served it in its struggling days. But whether affronts are + consciously given or not, they do not count where allegiance to a cause is + concerned. Ingratitude does not invalidate a true principle. When contrary + winds blow, a fair-weather partisan tacks about, and will even sail into a + different sea where the breezes are more complacent. I remained the friend + of the cause alike in summer and winter, not because I was insensible to + vicissitudes, but because it was a simple duty to remain true to a + principle whose integrity was not and could not be affected by the + caprice, the meanness, the obliviousness, or the malignity of its + followers. + </p> + <p> + Such are some of the incidents—of which others of more public + interest may be given—of the nature of bygones which have + instruction in them. They are not peculiar to any party. They occur + continually in Parliament and in the Church. I have seen persons who had + rendered costly service of long duration who, by some act of ingratitude + on the part of the few, have turned against the whole class, which shows + that, consciously or unconsciously, it was self-recognition they sought, + or most cared for, rather than the service of the principle they had + espoused. + </p> + <p> + There is no security for the permanence of public effort, save in the + clear conviction of its intrinsic rightfulness and conduciveness to the + public good. The rest must be left to time and posterity. True, the debt + is sometimes paid after the creditor is dead. But if reparation never + comes to the living, unknown persons whose condition needs betterment + receive it, and that is the proud and consoling thought of those who—unrequited—effected + it. The wholesome policy of persistence is expressed in the noble maxim of + Helvetius to which John Morley has given new currency: "Love men, but do + not expect too much from them." + </p> + <p> + Fewer persons would fall into despair if their anticipations were, like a + commercial company, "limited." Many men expect in others perfection, who + make no conspicuous contribution themselves to the sum of that excellent + attribute. + </p> + <p> + "Giving too little and asking too much Is not alone a fault of the Dutch." + </p> + <p> + I do not disguise that standing by Rightness is an onerous duty. It is as + much a merit as it is a distinction to have been, at any time, in the + employ of Truth. But Truth, though an illustrious, is an exacting + mistress, and that is why so many people who enter her service soon give + notice to leave. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [With respect to this chapter, Mr. Ludlow wrote supplying + some particulars regarding the Christian Socialists, to + which it is due to him that equal publicity be given. He + states "that the first Council of Promoters included two + members, neither of whom professed to be a Christian; that + the first secretary of the Society for Promoting Working + Men's Associations was not one, during the whole of his + faithful service (he became one twenty years later), and + that his successors were, at the time we took them on, one + an Agnostic, the other a strong Congregationalist." This is + the first time these facts have been made known. But none of + the persons thus described had anything to do with the + production of the Handbook referred to and discussed at the + Leeds Congress of 1881. Quite apart from the theological + tendencies of the "Christian Socialists," the Co-operative + movement has been indebted to them for organisation and + invaluable counsel, as I have never ceased to say. They were + all for the participation of profits in workshops, which is + the essential part of higher Co-operation. There was always + light in their speeches, and it was the light of principle. + In this respect Mr. Ludlow was the first, as he is the last + to display it, as he alone survives that distinguished band. + Of Mr. Edward Vansittart Neale I have unmeasured admiration + and regard. To use the fine saying of Abd-el-Kader, + "Benefits conferred are golden fetters which bind men + of noble mind to the giver." This is the lasting sentiment + of the most experienced Co-operators towards the Christian + Socialists.] +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. STORY OF THE LAMBETH PALACE GROUNDS + </h2> + <p> + Seed sown upon the waters, we are told, may bring forth fruit after many + days. This chapter tells the story of seed sown on very stony soil, which + brought forth fruit twenty-five years later. + </p> + <p> + In 1878, Mr. George Anderson, an eminent consulting gas engineer, in whom + business had not abated human sympathy, passed every morning on his way to + his chambers in Westminster, by the Lambeth Palace grounds. He was struck + by the contrast of the spacious and idle acres adjoining the Palace and + the narrow, dismal streets where poor children peered in corners and + alleys. The sheep in the Palace grounds were fat and florid, and the + children in the street were lean and pallid. The smoke from works around + dyed dark the fleece of the sheep. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Anderson thought how much happier a sight it would be to see the + children take the place of the sheep, and asked me if something could not + be done. + </p> + <p> + The difficulty of rescuing or of alienating nine acres of land from the + Church, so skilled in holding, did not seem a hopeful undertaking, while + the resentment of good vicars and expectant curates might surely be + counted upon. Nevertheless the attempt was worth making. + </p> + <p> + Before long I spent portions of some days in exploring the Palace grounds, + and interviewing persons who had evidence to give, or interest to use, on + behalf of a change which seemed so desirable. + </p> + <p> + Eventually I brought the matter before a meeting I knew to be interested + in ethical improvement, and read to them the draft of a memorial that I + thought ought to be sent to the Archbishop at Lambeth Palace. Persons in + stations low and high alike, often suffer wrong to exist which they might + arrest, because they have not seen it to be wrong or have not been told + that it is so. Blame of any one could not be justly expressed who had not + personal knowledge of an evil complained of. Therefore I urged that we + should give the Archbishop information which we thought justified his + action, and I was authorised to send to him the memorial I had read. + </p> + <p> + I wrote myself to his Grace, stating that I could testify as to the social + facts detailed in the memorial I enclosed, which was as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "May it please your Grace,—We, the evening congregation assembled in + South Place Chapel, Finsbury—some assenting and some dissenting from + the tenets represented by your Grace—represented as worthily as by + any one who has occupied your high station, and with greater fairness to + those who stand outside the Church than is shown by many prelates—we + pray your Grace to give heed to a secular plea on behalf of certain little + neighbours of yours whom, amid the pressure of spiritual duties, your + Grace may have overlooked. + </p> + <p> + "Crouching under the very walls of Lambeth Palace, where your Grace has + the pleasant responsibility of illustrating the opulence and paternal + sympathy of the legal Church of the land, lie streets as dismal, + cheerless, and discreditable as any that God in His wrath ever permitted + to remain unconsumed. In the houses are polluted air, squalor, dirt and + pale-faced children. The only green thing upon which their feverish eyes + could look is enclosed in your Grace's Palace Park, and shut out from + their sight by dead walls. What we pray is that your Grace, in mercy and + humanity, will substitute for those penal walls some pervious palisades + through which children may behold the refreshing paradise of Nature, + though they may never enter therein. In this ever-crowding metropolis, + where field and tree belong to the extinct sights of a happier age, + children are born and die without ever knowing their soothing charm, and + hunger and thirst for a green thing to look upon—as sojourners in a + desert do for the sight of shrub or water. No prayer your Grace could + offer to heaven would be so welcome in its kindly courts, as the prayer of + gladness and gratitude which would go up with the screams of change and + joy from the pallid little ones, breathing the fresh air from the green + meadows, which only a few more fortunate sheep now enjoy. + </p> + <p> + "Might we pray that the gates should be open, and that the children + themselves should be free to enter the meadows? Even the Temple Gardens of + the City are open to little friendless people. They who give this gracious + permission are hard-souled lawyers, usually regarded as representing the + rigid, exacting, and unsympathetic side of human life—yet they show + such noble tenderness to the little miserables who crawl round the Temple + pavement, that they grant entrance to their splendid gardens; and + half-clad cellar urchins from the purlieus of Drury Lane and Clare Market + romp with their ragged sisters on the glorious grass, in the sight and + scent of beauteous flowers. If lawyers do this, may we not ask it of one + who is appointed to represent what we are told is the kindliness and + tenderness of Christianity, and whose Master said, 'Suffer little children + to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of + heaven'? We ask not that they should personally approach your Grace, but + that the children of your desolate neighbourhood should be allowed to + disport in the vacant meadows of the Palace—that their souls may + acquire some scent of Nature which their lives may never know. + </p> + <p> + "Let your Grace take a walk down 'Royal Street,' which flanks your Palace + grounds, and see whether houses so pestilential ever stood in a street of + so dainty a name? Go into the houses (as the writer of this memorial has) + and see how a blank wall has been kept up so that no occupant of the rooms + may look on grass or tree, and the window which admits light and air has + been turned, by order of a former archbishop, the opposite way upon an + outlook as wretched as the lot of the inhabitants. For forty years many + inmates have lived and slept by the side of your Grace's park, without + ever being allowed a glimpse of it. You may have no power to cancel such + social outrage—but your Grace may. condone it by kindly and + considerately according the use of the meadows to the poor children—doomed + to burrow in these close, unwholesome tenements at your doors. + </p> + <p> + "No one accuses your Grace of being wanting in personal kindliness. It + must be that no one has called your attention to the unregarded misery + under the shadow of your Palace. Should your Grace visit the forlorn + streets and sickly homes around you, and hear the despairing words of the + mothers when asked 'whether they would not be grateful could their + children have a daily run in the great Archbishop's meadows?' there would + not be wanting a plea from the gentle heart of the Lady of the Palace on + behalf of these hapless children of these poor mothers. + </p> + <p> + "Disregard not our appeal, we pray, because ours are unlicensed voices. + Humanity is of every creed, and it will not detract from the glory of the + Church that gratitude and praise should proceed from unaccustomed tongues. + </p> + <p> + "Signed on behalf of the Assembly, with deference and respect. + </p> + <p> + "George Jacob Holyoake. + </p> + <p> + "Newcastle Chambers, Temple Bar, + </p> + <p> + "November 21, 1878." + </p> + <p> + Within two days I had the pleasure to receive a reply from the Archbishop. + </p> + <p> + "Philpstoun House, + </p> + <p> + "November 23, 1878. + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—You may feel confident that the subject of the memorial which + you have forwarded to me with your letter of the 21st will receive my + attentive consideration. The condition of the inhabitants of the poor + streets in Lambeth has often given me anxiety. My daughters and Mrs. Tait + are well acquainted with many of the houses which you describe, and, so + far as my other duties have allowed, I have taken opportunities of + visiting some of the inmates of such houses personally. I should esteem it + a great privilege if I were able to assist in maturing any scheme for + improving the dwellings of the poor families to which your memorial + alludes. Respecting the use of the open ground which surrounds Lambeth + Palace, I have, in common with my predecessors, had the subject often + under consideration. The plan which has been adopted and which has + appeared on the whole the best for the interests of the neighbourhood, has + been that now pursued for many years. The ground is freely given for + cricket and football to as many schools and clubs as it is capable of + containing, and, on application, liberty of entrance is accorded to + children and others. Many school treats are also held in the grounds, and + they are from time to time used for volunteer corps to exercise in. We + have always been afraid that a more public opening of the grounds would + interfere with the useful purposes to which they are at present turned for + the benefit of the neighbourhood, and that, considering the somewhat + limited extent of the space, no advantage could be secured by throwing it + entirely open, which would at all compensate for the loss of the + advantages at present enjoyed. I shall give the matter serious + consideration, consulting with those best qualified from local experience + to judge what is best for the neighbourhood, but my present impression is + that more good is, on the whole, done by the arrangements now adopted, + than by any other which I could devise. + </p> + <p> + "I have the honour to be, Sir, + </p> + <p> + "Your obedient humble servant, + </p> + <p> + "A. C. Cantuar. + </p> + <p> + "To Mr. George Jacob Holyoake." + </p> + <p> + This correspondence I sent to the <i>Daily News</i>, always open to + questions of interest to the people, and it received notice in various + papers. The <i>Liverpool Daily Mail</i> gave an effective summary of the + memorial, saying:— + </p> + <p> + "Of all strange people in the world, Mr. G. J. Holyoake and the Archbishop + of Canterbury have been in correspondence—and not in unfriendly + correspondence either. Mr. Holyoake, on behalf of himself and some friends + like-minded, ventured to draw the Archbishop's attention to the fact that + just opposite Lambeth Palace was a nest of very poor and squalid + dwellings, in which many families were crowded together, without any + regard for either decency or sanitary law. The only chance of looking upon + anything green that the children of these poor people could have would be + in the grounds that surround the Primate's dwelling, and these were + absolutely shut off from their view by a high dead wall. In some cases a + former Archbishop had actually ordered the windows of these miserable + houses to be blocked up, and opened in another direction, in order, we + suppose, that the Archiepiscopal eyes might not be offended by the sight + of such unpleasant neighbours." The writer ended by expressing the hope + that if the Archbishop could not open the grounds he might substitute + "pervious palisades" for the stone walls impervious to the curious and + wistful eyes of children. For reasons which will appear, the subject + slumbered for four years, when I addressed the following letter to the + editors of the <i>Telegraph</i> and the <i>Times</i>, which appeared + December 20, 1882:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—On returning to England I read an announcement that the + Lambeth Vestry had resolved to send a memorial to the Queen praying that + the nine acres of field, now devoted to sheep, adjoining the Archbishop of + Canterbury's Palace garden, may be appropriated to public recreation in + that crowded and verdureless parish. Four years ago I sent a memorial upon + this subject to the late Archbishop. It set forth that the parish was so + densely populated that it would be an act of mercy to throw open the sheep + fields to the poor children of the neighbourhood. It expressed the hope + that Mrs. Tait, whose compassionate nature was known to the people, would + plead for these little ones, who lived and died at her very door, as it + were, seeing no green thing during all their wretched days. I visited poor + women in the street next to the fields who brought fever-stricken children + to the door wrapped in shawls. Their mothers told me how glad they should + be were the gates open, that the little ones, whose only recreation ground + was the gutter, could enter at will. The memorial—if I remember + accurately, for I cannot refer to it as I write—stated that the + houses which, as built, overlooked the fields, had had the windows bricked + in by order of a former Archbishop, because they overlooked the garden. I + was taken to the rooms and found that the view was closed up. The trees of + the garden have well grown now, and a telescope could not reveal walkers + therein. The late Archbishop sent me a kindly reply, but it did not answer + my question, which was that, if his Grace could not consent to open the + gates to his humble friends, we prayed that he, whose Master (in words of + tenderness which had moved the hearts of men during nineteen centuries) + had said, 'Suffer little children to come unto Me,' would at least + substitute palisades for the dead walls which hid the green fields so that + no little eyes could see the daisies in the spring. His Grace's reply was + in substance the same as Dr. Randall Davidson's, which appeared in the <i>Times</i> + on Monday, who tells the public that rifle corps and cricketers are + admitted to the fields and that 'arrangements are made for "treats" for + infant and other schools' (whether of all denominations is not stated). + How can poor mothers and sickly children get within these 'arrangements'? + Cricketers are not helpless, rifle corps do not die for want of + drill-grounds, as children in fever-dens do for want of the refreshment of + verdure and pure air. To open the gates is the only generous and fitting + thing to do, as the lawyers have who admit the outcasts of Drury and the + adjacent lanes to the flowers of the Temple Gardens. Dr. Davidson says + that the advice of those 'best qualified from local experience to judge' + is that 'no gain could be secured by throwing the fields entirely open.' + Let the opinion be asked of workmen in the Lambeth factories and that of + their wives. These are the 'best qualified local judges,' whose verdict + would be instructive. Mrs. Tait's illness and death followed soon after + the memorial in question was sent in, and I thought it not the time to + press his Grace further when stricken with that calamity. All honour to + the Lambeth Vestry, which proposes to pray Her Majesty to cause, if in her + power, these vacant fields to be consigned to the Board of Works, who will + give some gleam of a green paradise to the poor little ones of Lambeth. + The vestry does well to appeal to the Queen, from whose kindly heart a + thousand acts of sympathy have emanated. She has opened many portals, but + none through which happier or more grateful groups will pass than through + the garden gates of Lambeth Palace." + </p> + <p> + Immediately a letter appeared in the <i>Times</i> from the Rev. T. B. + Robertson, expressed as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—Mr. Holyoake may be glad to hear that 'Lambeth Green' is open + to schools of all denominations to hold their festivals in. I should think + that no school was ever refused the use unless the field was previously + engaged. The present method of utilising the field—viz., opening it + to a large but limited number of persons (by ticket) seems about the best + that could be devised. Mr. Holyoake asks how poor mothers and sickly + children are to gain entrance. It is well known in the neighbourhood that + tickets of admission are issued annually. The days for distribution are + advertised on the gates some time previous, when those desirous of using + the grounds can attend, and the tickets are issued till exhausted. No sick + person has any difficulty in getting admission. I do not know the number + of tickets issued, but I have seen when cricket clubs were unable to find + a place to pitch their stumps. If the grounds are open to the public + without limitation, it seems that the only way it could be done would be + by laying it out in gardens and gravelled walks, with the usual park + seats; but there is hardly occasion for such a place since the formation + of the Thames Embankment, <i>a long strip of which runs immediately in + front of the Palace well provided with seats</i>. It is evident that if + the grounds were open to the public in general, the space being small—about + seven acres—the cricketers and other clubs would have to give up + their sports, and Lambeth schools and societies would be deprived of their + only meeting-place for summer gatherings. + </p> + <p> + "Yours obediently, + </p> + <p> + "T. B. Robertson, + </p> + <p> + "Curate of St. Mary, Lambeth. + </p> + <p> + "December 22." + </p> + <p> + The comment of the <i>Times</i> upon this letter made it necessary to + address a further communication to the editor. This comment occurred in a + leader which, referring to a letter of the Lambeth Curate, says: "Mr. + Holyoake, in a letter which we published on Wednesday, asked with some + vehemence, what was the value of permission accorded to cricketers and + schools, to the poor children of Lambeth; but Mr. Robertson, the Curate of + St. Mary's, Lambeth, answers this morning, that no poor or sick person has + any difficulty in obtaining admission for purposes of recreation and + health, and shows that 'Lambeth Green,' as it is called, is in fact + available to a large class of the neighbouring inhabitants. There is + certainly force in Mr. Robertson's argument, that an unlimited use would + defeat its own object, which is presumably to preserve the grounds as a + playground. The large surrounding population would soon destroy the sylvan + and park-like character of the place, and necessitate its laying out in + the style of an ornamental pleasure garden, with formal walks, and turf + only to be kept green by fencing." + </p> + <p> + This is the old defence of exclusive enjoyment of parks and pleasure + grounds, as the people, if admitted to them, would destroy them—which + they do not. Why should they destroy what they value? + </p> + <p> + My reply to the <i>Times</i> appeared December 28, 1882:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—It is the weight that you attach to the letter of the Curate + of St Mary, Lambeth, which appeared in the <i>Times</i> of Saturday, which + makes it important. When I have viewed the Lambeth Palace from the railway + which overlooks it and seen how completely the sheep fields are separate + and apart from the Archbishop's garden, it has seemed a pity that the poor + little children of Lambeth should not have the freedom and privilege of + those sheep. No humane person could look into the houses of the crowded + and cheerless streets which lie near the Palace walls without wishing to + take the children by the hand into the Palace fields at once. Does the + Rev. Mr. Robertson not understand the difference between a ticket gate and + an open gate? How are poor, busy women to watch the gates to find out when + the annual tickets of admission are given? And what is the chance of those + families who arrive after 'the number issued is exhausted'? If all the + persons who need admissions can have them, the gates might as well be + thrown open. Of course, the nine acres would not hold all the parish; but + all the parish would not go at once. No statement has been made which + shows that the grounds have been occupied by tickets of admission more + than forty days in the year, whereas there are 365 days when little people + might go in. To them one hour in that green paradise would be more than a + week jostled by passengers on the Embankment watching a stone wall, for + the little people could not well overlook it. But if they could, can the + Curate of St. Mary really think this limited recreation a sufficient + substitute for quiet fields and flowers? The Board of Works, if the + grounds come into their hands, may be trusted to give school treats a + chance as well as local little children. + </p> + <p> + "No one who has seen the crowds of ragged, dreary, pale-faced boys and + girls rushing to the fields and flowers at Temple Gardens when the lawyers + graciously open the gates to them and watched them pour out at evening + through the Temple Gates into Fleet Street, leaping, laughing, and + refreshed, could help thinking that it would be a gladsome sight to see + such groups issue from the Lambeth Palace gates. I never thought when + sending the memorial to the Archbishop that the fields should be divested + from the see or sold away from it. I believed that the late Archbishop + would, as the new Archbishop may, by an act of grace accord his little + neighbours free admission, or at least exchange the dead walls for + palisades, so that children playing around may vary the stones of the + Embankment for a sight of sheep and grass through the bars. The late Canon + Kingsley asked me to visit him when he came into residence at Westminster. + My intention was to ask him and the late Dean, whom I had the honour to + know, to judge themselves whether the matter now in question was not + practicable, and then to speak to the Archbishop about it. But death + carried them both away one after the other before this opportunity could + occur. My belief remains unchanged that the late Archbishop would have + done what is now asked had time and the state of his health permitted him + to attend to the matter himself. It would have been but an extension of + the unselfish and kindly uses to which he had long permitted the grounds + to be put." + </p> + <p> + From several letters I received at the time, I quote one dated Christmas + Eve, 1882:— + </p> + <p> + "Honour and thanks to you, Mr. Holyoake, for your recent and former + letters respecting Lambeth Palace field. Very much more good could be got + out of it than as a place for cricketing on half-holidays and occasional + school-treats, and for desolation at other times except as regards an + approved few. + </p> + <p> + "There is no recreation ground in London that I look upon with so much + satisfaction as a triangular inclosure of plain grass by Kennington + Church, enjoyed commonly by the dirtiest and poorest children." + </p> + <p> + But a letter of a very different character appeared in the Standard, + December 20, 1882, entitled, "The Lambeth Palace Garden ":— + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—No right-minded person can fail to be deeply impressed by Mr. + Holyoake's touching letter in your impression of to-day. Its sentiments + are so very beautiful and its principles so exactly popular, and in such + perfect accordance with the blessed Liberal maxim—'What is yours is + mine and what is mine is my own,' that I myself am overcome with delight + at their enunciation. The pleasure of being perfectly free and easy with + other people's property, evidently becoming so sincere and abounding, and + the simple manner in which such liberality can be now readily practised + without any personal self-denial or inconvenience, makes the principle in + action perfectly commendable, and one to be duly applied and most + carefully expanded. + </p> + <p> + "With the latter view, I venture to point out that there is a very + excellent library of books at Lambeth Palace, which, comparatively + speaking, very few people take down or read. Do not, however, think me + selfishly covetous or hankering after my neighbour's property if I venture + to point out that there exist more than twenty clergymen in Lambeth, to + whom a share or division of these scarcely used volumes would be a great + boon. If the pictures, furniture, and cellars of wine could, at the same + time, be benevolently divided, I should have no objection to receiving a + share of the same under such philanthropic 're-arrangement'—I am, + sir, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "A Lambeth Parson. + </p> + <p> + "Lambeth, December 20." + </p> + <p> + My reply to this letter appeared in the <i>Standard</i>, December 22, + 1882:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—This morning I received a letter from a clergyman, who gives + his name and address, and who knows Lambeth well, thanking me for the + letter which I had addressed to you, as he takes great interest in the + welfare of the little ones in the crowded homes around the Palace. Lest, + however, I should be elated by such an unexpected, though welcome, + concurrence of opinion, the same post brought me a letter to the same + purport of that signed 'A Lambeth Parson,' which appeared in the <i>Standard</i> + yesterday. The letter which you printed assumes that the sheep fields of + the Palace are private property, and that I propose to steal them in the + name of humanity. Permit me to say that I have as much detestation as the + Lambeth Parson can have for that sympathy for the people which has plunder + for its motive. + </p> + <p> + "The memorial I sent to his Grace the late Archbishop asked him to give + his permission for little ones to enter his grounds. We never proposed to + take permission, nor assumed any right to pass the gates. There never was + a doubt in my mind, that had his Grace opportunity of looking into the + matter for himself, he would have granted the request, for his kindness of + heart we all knew. That he gave the use of the fields to what he thought + equally useful purposes showed how unselfishly he used the grounds. If the + question is raised as to private property, I would do what I could to + promote the purchase of it (if it can rightly be sold) by a penny + subscription from the parents of the poor children and others who would + chiefly benefit by it. It would be an evil day if working people could + consent that their little ones should have enjoyment at the price of + theft.—I am, sir, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "George Jacob Holyoake. + </p> + <p> + "22, Essex Street, W.C., December 21." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile an important public body had taken up the question. "The + Metropolitan Public Garden, Boulevard, and Playground Association" had, + through its officers, Lord Brabazon, Mr. Ernest Hart, Mr. J. Tennant, and + the Rev. Sidney Vatcher, addressed the following letter to the Prime + Minister:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—The undersigned 'members of the Metropolitan Public Garden, + Boulevard, and Playground Association' desire to draw your attention to an + article enclosed which recently appeared in a London daily paper, and to + request that you will bring the needs of Lambeth district, as regards open + spaces, to the notice of the future Primate, in the hope that his Grace + may take into consideration the suggestions contained in the article, and + with the co-operation of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the + Metropolitan Board of Works, take such steps as may seem to him most + advisable for the purpose of securing in perpetuity to the poor and + crowded population of Lambeth the use and enjoyment of the open space + around Lambeth Palace.—We have the honour to be, sir, your most + obedient and humble servants, + </p> + <p> + "Brabazon, Chairman." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gladstone willingly gave attention to the subject, and sent the + following reply:— + </p> + <p> + "10, Downing Street, Whitehall, + </p> + <p> + "<i>December</i> 21, 1882. + </p> + <p> + "My Lord,—I am directed by Mr. Gladstone to acknowledge the receipt + of the letter which was signed by your lordship and other members of the + Metropolitan Public Garden, etc., Association in favour of securing for + the use of the population of the neighbourhood the grounds at present + attached to Lambeth Palace. I have to inform your lordship that Mr. + Gladstone has already been in communication with the vestry of Lambeth on + this subject, and as it appears to be one of metropolitan improvement it + is not a matter in which Mr. Gladstone can take the initiative. He will, + however, make known your views to the prelate designated to succeed to the + Archbishopric, and should the Metropolitan Board of Works intervene Mr. + Gladstone will be happy to consider the matter further.—I am, my + Lord, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "Horace Seymour. + </p> + <p> + "The Lord Brabazon." + </p> + <p> + Next Colonel Sir J. M'Garel Hogg, M.P., Chairman of the Metropolitan Board + of Works, had the matter before him. It was stated that the use of the + nine acres of ground (of which a plan was presented) depended upon the + permission of the Archbishop. The Lambeth Vestry had sent a memorial to + the Queen and the Government saying that the pasture and recreation acres + might be severed from the Archbishop's residence. + </p> + <p> + The following is the reply received from Mr. Gladstone:— + </p> + <p> + "10, Downing Street, Whitehall, + </p> + <p> + December 1882, + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—Mr. Gladstone has had the honour to receive the communication + which you have made to him on behalf of the vestry of the parish of + Lambeth on the subject of acquiring the grounds of Lambeth Palace as a + place of public recreation. In reply I am directed to say that as far as + he is able to understand this important matter it seems to be a case of + metropolitan improvement, and if, as he supposes, that is the case, the + proper course for the vestry to take would be to bring the case before the + Metropolitan Board of Works for their consideration. In this view Mr. + Gladstone is not aware that Her Majesty's Government could undertake to + interfere, but he will make known this correspondence to the person who + may be designated to succeed the Archbishop of Canterbury, and he will + further consider the matter should the Metropolitan Board intervene. Mr. + Gladstone would have been glad if the vestry had supplied him with the + particulars of the case, in regard to which he has only a very general + knowledge.—I am, sir, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "E. W. Hamilton. + </p> + <p> + "The Vestry Clerk of Lambeth." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hill gave notice of the following motion:— + </p> + <p> + "That an instruction be given to the Prime Minister that if the proper + authorities are willing to hand over the Lambeth Palace grounds for the + free use of the public, this Board will accept the charge and preserve the + grounds as a portion of the open spaces." + </p> + <p> + Then came a hopeless and defensive letter, before referred to, addressed + both to the <i>Standard, Telegraph</i>, and the <i>Times</i>:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—Some of the statements (including a correspondence with the + Prime Minister) which have, during the last few days, appeared in the + newspapers with reference to Lambeth Palace grounds, would, I think, lead + those who are unacquainted with the circumstances to suppose that these + grounds have been hitherto altogether closed to the public, and reserved + for the sole use of the Archbishop and his household. Will you, therefore, + to prevent misapprehension, kindly allow me to state the facts of the + case? + </p> + <p> + "For many years past the Archbishop of Canterbury endeavoured, in what + seemed to him the best way, to make the grounds in question available, + under certain restrictions, to the general public. During the summer + months twenty-eight cricket clubs, some from the Lambeth parishes and some + from other parts of London, have received permission to play cricket in + the field, and similar arrangements have been made for football in the + winter, though necessarily upon a smaller scale. The whole available + ground has been carefully allotted for the different hours of each day. On + certain fixed occasions the field is used for rifle corps' drill and + exercises, and throughout the summer, arrangements are constantly made for + 'treats' for infant and other schools unable to go out of London. Tickets + giving admission to the field at all hours have been issued for some years + past, in very large numbers, to the sick, aged, and poor of the + surrounding streets; and the whole grounds, including the private garden, + have been opened without restriction to the nurses and others of St. + Thomas's Hospital. + </p> + <p> + "His Grace frequently consulted those best qualified from local experience + to judge what is for the advantage of the neighbourhood, and invariably + found their opinion to coincide with his own—namely, that a more + public opening of the ground would interfere with the useful purposes to + which it is at present turned for the benefit of the neighbourhood, and + that, considering the limited space, no gain could be secured by throwing + it entirely open which would at all compensate for the inevitable loss of + the advantages at present enjoyed.—I am, sir, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "Randall T. Davidson. + </p> + <p> + "Lambeth Palace, December 16." + </p> + <p> + On January 6, 1883, I wrote to the <i>Daily News</i>, saying:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—Your columns have recorded the steps taken by the Lambeth + Vestry and by Lord Brabazon (on the part of the Open Space Society, for + which he acts) with respect to the use of the pasture acres connected with + the Palace grounds of Lambeth. I have been asked by a clergyman, for whose + judgment I have great respect, to write some letter which shall make it + plain to the public that it is not the gardens of the Palace for the use + of which any one has asked, but for the nine acres of fields outside the + gardens, as a small recreation ground which shall be open to the children + of Lambeth, who are numerous there, and much in need of some pleasant + change of that scarce and pleasant kind. No one has dined at the Lambeth + Palace, or been otherwise a visitor there, without valuing the gardens + which surround it and which are necessary to an episcopal residence in + London. No one wishes to interfere with or curtail the garden grounds. I + thought the public understood this. I shall therefore be obliged if you + can insert this explanation in your columns. Much better than anything I + could say upon the subject are the words which occur in the <i>Family + Churchman</i> of December 27th, which gives the portraits of the new + Archbishop, Dr. Benson, and the late Bishop of Llandaff. The editor says + that 'every one knows the Archbishops of Canterbury have a splendid + country seat at Addington, within easy driving distance of London. Within + the same distance there are few parks so beautiful as Addington Palace, + whilst, unlike some parks in other parts of the country, it is jealously + closed against the public. The Palace park is remarkable for its romantic + dells, filled with noble trees and an undergrowth of rhododendrons. There + are, moreover, within the park, heights which command fine views of the + surrounding country. It is thought, perhaps not unjustly, that the new + Archbishop might well be content with this country place, and, whilst + retaining the gardens at Lambeth Palace, might with graceful content see + conceded to the poor, whose houses throng the neighbourhood, the nine + acres of pasture land.' This is very distinct and even generous testimony + on the part of the <i>Family Churchman</i> to the seemliness and + legitimacy of the plea put forward on the part of the little people of + Lambeth.—Very faithfully yours, + </p> + <p> + "George Jacob Holyoake. + </p> + <p> + "22, Essex Street W.C." + </p> + <p> + News of the Palace grounds agitation reached as far as Mentone, and Mr. R. + French Blake, who was residing at the Hotel Splendide, sent an interesting + letter to the <i>Times</i>—historical, defensive, and suggestive. He + wrote on January 3, 1883, saying:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir,—Attention having recently been drawn to the Lambeth Palace + grounds and the use which the late Primate made of them for the recreation + of the masses, it may be interesting, especially at this juncture, to + place on record what were his views with regard to those historic parts of + the buildings of the Palace itself which are not actually used as the + residence of the Archbishops. These chiefly consist of what is known as + the Lollards' Tower, and the noble Gate Tower, called after its founder, + Archbishop Moreton. The former of these has recently been put into repair, + and rooms in it were granted to the late Bishop of Lichfield and his + brother, by virtue of their connection with the Palace library." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Blake then adverts to the affair of the grounds. He says:— + </p> + <p> + "Nor can I suppose that any well-informed member of the vestry could + imagine that it is in the lawful power of a Prime Minister, or even of + Parliament, to alienate, without consent, any portion of the Church's + inheritance. It may be a somewhat high standard of right, which is + referred to in the sacred writings, to 'pay for the things which we never + took,' but in no standard of right whatsoever can the motto find place to + 'take the things for which we never pay.' Although the Archbishop may have + deemed that he turned to the very best account the ground in question, for + the purposes of enjoyment and health to the surrounding population, he was + far too wise and too charitable to disregard, so far as he deemed he had + the power, any petition or request which might, if granted, add to the + pleasure and happiness of others, and if it had been made clear to him as + his duty, and an offer to that effect had been made to him by the + Metropolitan Board of Works or others, I am satisfied he would have + consented, not to the alienation of Church property, but to the sale of + the field for a people's park, and the application of the value of the + ground to mission purposes for South London, and such a scheme I happen to + know was at one time discussed by some of those most intimately connected + with him." + </p> + <p> + Afterwards, January 13, 1883, the <i>Pall Mall Gazette</i> remarked that + "it is not a happy omen that the consent of the Ecclesiastical + Commissioners is required before the well-fed donkey who disports himself + in the Palace grounds can be joined by the ill-fed, ragged urchins who now + have no playground but the streets." The <i>Daily News</i> rendered + further aid in a leader. Then a report was made that the condition of the + streets, "to which, in his correspondence with the Archbishop of + Canterbury, Mr. Holyoake had called attention, had been illustrated by the + fall of several miserable tenements, in which a woman and several children + were fatally buried in the ruins." The writer says there is "no hope that + the unkindly exclusiveness of 'Cantuar' will be broken down." + </p> + <p> + So the matter rested for nearly twenty years before the happy news came + that the London County Council had come into possession of the + ecclesiastical fields, and converted them into a holy park, where + pale-faced mothers and sickly children may stroll or disport themselves at + will evermore. All honour to the later agents of this merciful change. + There is an open gleam of Nature now in the doleful district. Sir Hudibras + exclaims: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "What perils do environ + Him who meddles with cold iron." +</pre> + <p> + Not less so if the meddlement be with ecclesiastical iron and the contest + lasts a longer time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. SOCIAL WONDERS ACROSS THE WATER + </h2> + <p> + Being several times in France, twice in America and Canada, thrice in + Italy and as many times in Holland, under circumstances which brought me + into relation with representative people, enabled me to become acquainted + with the ways of persons of other countries than my own. There I met great + orators, poets, statesmen, philosophers, and great preachers of whom I had + read—but whom to know was a greater inspiration. Thus I learned the + art of not being surprised, and of regarding strangeness as a curiosity, + not an offence awakening resentment as something unpardonable, or at + least, an impropriety the traveller is bound to reprehend, as Mrs. + Trollope and her successors have done on American peculiarities. On the + Continent I found incidents to wonder at, but I confine myself in this + chapter to America and Canada, countries we are accustomed to designate as + "Across the Water," as the United States and the Dominion which have + imperishable interest to all of the British race. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the thousands of persons who now make sea journeys for the + first time, I found, when it came to my turn, there was no book—nor + is there now—on the art of being a sea passenger. I could find no + teaching Handbook of the Ocean—what to expect under entirely new + conditions, and what to do when they come, so as to extract out of a + voyage the pleasure in it and increase the discomforts which occur in + wave-life. One of the pleasures is—there is no dust at sea. + </p> + <p> + On my visit to America in 1879, I, at the request of Mr. Hodgson Pratt, + undertook to inquire what were the prospects of emigrants to that country + and Canada, which cost me labour and expense. What I found wanting, and + did not exist, and which does not exist still, was an emigrant guide book + informing him of the conditions of industry in different States, the rules + of health necessary to be observed in different climates, and the + vicissitudes to which health is liable. The book wanted is one on an + epitome plan of the People's Blue Books, issued by Lord Clarendon on my + suggestion, as he stated in them. + </p> + <p> + When I was at Washington, Mr. Evarts, the Secretary of State, gave me a + book, published by local authorities at Washington, with maps of every + department of the city, marking the portion where special diseases + prevailed. London has no such book yet. Similar information concerning + every State and territory in America existed in official reports. But I + found that neither the Government of Washington nor Ottawa would take the + responsibility of giving emigrants this information in a public and + portable form, as land agents would be in revolt at the preferential + choice emigrants would then have before them. It was continually denied + that such information existed. Senators in their turn said so. Possibly + they did not know, but Mr. Henry Villard, a son-in-law of Lloyd Garrison, + told me that when he was secretary of the Social Science Association he + began the kind of book I sought, and that its' issue was discouraged. + </p> + <p> + On my second visit to America in 1882, I had introductions to the + President of the United States and to Lord Lome, the Governor of Canada, + from his father, the Duke of Argyll, with a view of obtaining the + publication of a protecting guide book such as I have described, under its + authority. When I first mentioned this in New York (1879) the editor of + the <i>Star</i> (an Irishman) wrote friendly and applauding leaders upon + my project. On my second visit, in 1882, this friendly editor (having seen + in the papers that Mr. Gladstone approved of my quest) wrote furious + leaders against it. On asking him the reason of the change of view, he + said, "Mr. Holyoake, were Mr. Gladstone and his Cabinet in this room, and + I could open a trap-door under their feet and let them all fall into hell, + I would do it," using words still more venomous. Then I realised the + fatuity of the anti-Irish policy which drives the ablest Irishmen into + exile and maintains a body of unappeasable enemies of England wherever + they go. Then I saw what crazy statesmanship it was in the English to deny + self-government to the Irish people, and spend ten millions a year to + prevent them taking care of themselves. + </p> + <p> + The Irish learned to think better of Mr. Gladstone some years later. One + night when he was sitting alone in the House of Commons writing his usual + letter to the Queen, after debates were over, he was startled by a ringing + cheer that filled the chamber, when looking up he found the Irish members, + who had returned to express their gratitude to him. Surely no nation ever + proclaimed its obligation in so romantic a way. The tenderest prayer put + up in my time was that of W. D. Sullivan:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "<i>God be good to Gladdy</i>, + Says Sandy, John and Paddy, + For he is a noble laddy, + A grand old chiel is he." +</pre> + <p> + I take pride in the thought that I was the first person who lectured upon + "English Co-operation" in Montreal and Boston. It was with pride I spoke + in Stacey Hall in Boston, from the desk at which Lloyd Garrison was once + speaking, when he was seized by a slave-owning mob with intent to hang + him. As I spoke I could look into the stairway on my right, down which he + was dragged. + </p> + <p> + The interviewers, the terror of most "strangers," were welcome to me. The + engraving in Frank Leslie's paper reproduced in "Among the Americans," + representing the interview with me in the Hoffman House, was probably the + first picture of that process published in England (1881). I advocated the + cultivation of the art in Great Britain, which, though prevalent in + America, was still in a crude state there. The questions put to me were + poor, abrupt, containing no adequate suggestion of the information sought + The interviewer should have some conception of the knowledge of the person + questioned, and skill in reporting his answers. Some whom I met put down + the very opposite of what was said to them. The only protection against + such perverters, when they came again, was to say the contrary to what I + meant, when their rendering would be what I wished it to be. Some + interviewers put into your mouth what they desired you to say. Against + them there is no remedy save avoidance. On the whole, I found interviewers + a great advantage. I had certain ideas to make known and information to + ask for, and the skilful interviewer, in his alluring way, sends + everything all over the land. Wise questioning is the fine art of daily + life. "It is misunderstanding," says the Dutch proverb, "which brings lies + to town." Everybody knows that misunderstandings create divisions in + families and alienations in friendships—in parties as well as in + persons—which timely inquiries would dissipate. Intelligent + questioning elicits hidden facts—it increases knowledge without + ostentation—it clears away obscurity, and renders information + definite—it supersedes assumptions—it tests suspicions and + throws light upon conjecture—it undermines error, without incensing + those who hold it—it leads misconception to confute itself without + the affront of direct refutation—it warns inquirers not to give + absolute assent to anything uncorroborated, or which cannot be + interrogated. Relevant questioning is the handmaid of accuracy, and makes + straight the pathway of Truth. + </p> + <p> + The privations of Protection, which a quick and independent-minded people + endured, was one of the wonders I saw. In Montreal, for a writing pad to + use on my voyage home, I had to pay seven shillings and sixpence, which I + could have bought in London for eighteen-pence. I took to America a noble, + full-length portrait of John Bright, just as he stood when addressing the + House of Commons, more than half life-size—the greatest of Mayall's + triumphs. Though it was not for sale, but a present to my friend, James + Charlton, of Chicago, the well-known railway agent, the Custom House + demanded a payment of 30 dols. (Ł6) import duty. It was only after much + negotiations in high quarters, and in consideration that it was a portrait + of Mr. Bright, brought as a gift to an American citizen, that the import + duty was reduced to 6 dollars. + </p> + <p> + The disadvantage of Protection is that no one can make a gift to America + or to its citizens without being heavily taxed to discourage international + generosity. + </p> + <p> + The Mayor of Brighton, Mr. Alderman Hallet, had entrusted to me some 200 + volumes, of considerable value, on City Sanitation, greatly needed in + America. They lay in the Custom House three months, before I discovered + that the Smithsonian Institute could claim them under its charter. + Otherwise I must have paid a return freight to Brighton, as America is + protected from accepting offerings of civil or sanitary service. There + often come to us, from that country, emissaries of Evangelism, to improve + us in piety, but at home they levy 25 per cent, upon the importation of + the Holy Scriptures—thus taxing the very means of Salvation. + </p> + <p> + For a time I sent presents of books to working-class friends in America + whom I wished to serve or to interest, who wrote to me to say that "they + were unable to redeem them from the post-office, the import tax being more + than they could pay," and they reminded me that "having been in America, I + ought to know that working people could not afford to have imported + presents made to them." Indeed, I had often noticed how destitute their + homes were in matters of table service and all bright decoration, + plentiful even in the houses of our miners and mechanics in England. + American workmen would tell me that a present of cutlery or porcelain, if + I could bring that about, would interest them greatly. + </p> + <p> + On leaving New York a friend of mine, a Custom House officer, told me he + needed a coast coat, suitable to the service he was engaged in, and that + he would be much obliged if I would have one made for him in England. He + would leave it to me to contrive how it could reach him. The coat he + wanted, he said, would cost him Ł9 in New York. I had it made in London, + entirely to his satisfaction, for Ł4 15s., but how to get it to him free + of Custom duties was a problem. I had to wait until a friend of mine—a + property owner in Montreal—was returning there. He went out in the + vessel in which Princess Louise sailed. He wore it occasionally on deck to + qualify it being regarded as a personal garment. So it arrived duty free + at Montreal. After looking about for two or three months for a friend who + would wear it across the frontier, it arrived, after six months' + travelling diplomacy, at the house of my friend in New York. + </p> + <p> + I did not find in America or Canada anything more wonderful, beggarly and + humiliating than the policy of Protection. But we are not without + counterparts in folly of another kind. + </p> + <p> + Visitors to England no doubt wonder to find us, a commercial nation, + fining the merchant of enterprise a shilling (the workman was so fined + until late years) for every pound he expends on journeys of business—keeping + a travelling tax to discourage trade. But John Bull does not profess to be + over-bright, while Uncle Sam thinks himself the smartest man in creation. + We retain in 1904 a tax Peel condemned in 1844. But then we live under a + monarchy, from which Uncle Sam is free. + </p> + <p> + France used to be the one land which was hospitable to new ideas, and for + that it is still pre-eminent in Europe. But America excels Europe now in + this respect. Canada has not emerged from its Colonialism, and has no + national aspiration. Voltaire found when he was in London, that England + had fifty religions and only one sauce. America has no distinction in + sauces, but it has more than 200 religions, and having no State Church + there is no poison of Social Ascendency in piety, but equality in worship + and prophesying. I found that a man might be of any religion he pleased—though + as a matter of civility he was expected to be of some—and if he said + he was of none, he was thought to be phenomenally fastidious, if not one + of theirs would suit him, since America provided a greater variety for the + visitor to choose from than any other country in the world. + </p> + <p> + Though naturally disappointed at being unable to suit the stranger's + taste, they were not intolerant. He was at liberty to import or invent a + religion of his own. Let not the reader imagine that because people are + free to believe as they please, there is no religion in America. + </p> + <p> + Nearing Santa Fe in New Mexico, I passed by the adobe temple of Montezuma. + Adobe is pronounced in three syllables—a-do-be—and is the + Mexican name for a mud-built house, which is usually one story high; so + that Santa Fe has been compared to a town blown down. When the Emperor + Montezuma perished he told his followers to keep the fire burning in the + Temple, as he would come again from the east, and they should see "his + face bright and fair." In warfare and pestilence and decimation of their + race, these faithful worshippers kept the fire burning night and day for + three centuries, and it has not long been extinguished. Europe can show no + faith so patient, enduring, and pathetic as this. + </p> + <p> + The pleasantest hours of exploration I spent in Santa Fe were in the old + church of San Miguel. Though the oldest church in America, there are those + who would remove rather than restore it. A book lay upon an altar in which + all who would subscribe to save it had inserted their names, and I added + mine for five shillings. + </p> + <p> + When an Englishman goes abroad, he takes with him a greater load of + prejudices than any man of any other nation could bear, and, as a rule, he + expresses pretty freely his opinion of things which do not conform to his + notions, as though the inhabitants ought to have consulted his + preferences, forgetting that in his own country he seldom shows that + consideration to others. On fit occasion I did not withhold my opinion of + things which seemed to me capable of improvement; but before giving my + impressions I thought over what equivalent absurdity existed in England, + and by comparing British instances with those before me, no one took + offence—some were instructed or amused at finding that hardly any + nation enjoyed a monopoly of stupidity. There is all the difference in the + world between saying to an international host, "How badly you do things in + your country," and saying, "We are as unsuccessful as you in 'striking + twelve all at once.'" + </p> + <p> + We all know the maxim: "'Before finding fault with another, think of your + own." But Charles Dickens, with all his brightness, forgot this when he + wrote of America. Few nations have as yet attained perfection in all + things—not even England. + </p> + <p> + When in Boston, America, 1879, I went to the best Bible store I could find + or be directed to, to purchase a copy of the apocryphal books of the Old + Testament. In a church where I had to make a discourse, I wanted to read + the dialogue between the prophet Esdras and the angel Uriel. The only copy + I could obtain was on poor, thin paper; of small, almost invisible print, + and meanly bound. The price was 4s. 2d. "How is it," I inquired, "that you + ask so much in the Hub of the Universe for even this indifferent portion + of Scripture—seeing that at the house of the Society for the + Promotion of Christian Knowledge, in Northumberland Avenue, London, a + house ten times handsomer than yours, in a much more costly situation—I + can buy the same book on good, strong paper, in large type, in a bright, + substantial cover for exactly 3s. less than you ask me." "You see, sir," + said the manager of the store, "we have duty to pay." "Duty!" I exclaimed. + "Do you mean me to understand that in this land of Puritan Christians, you + tax the means of salvation?" He did not like to admit that, and could not + deny it, so after a confused moment he answered: "All books imported have + to pay twenty-five per cent, duty." All I could say was that "it seemed to + me that their protective duties protected sin; and, being interested in + the welfare of emigrants, I must make a note counselling all who wish to + be converted, to get that done before coming out; for if they arrive in + America in an unconverted state they could not afford to be converted + here." Until then I was unaware that Protection protected the Devil, and + that he had a personal interest in its enactment. + </p> + <p> + My article in the <i>Nineteenth Century</i> entitled, "A Stranger in + America," written in the uncarping spirit as to defects and ungrudgingly + recognising the circumstances which frustrated or retarded other + excellences in their power, was acknowledged by the press of that country, + and was said by G. W. Smalley—the greatest American critic in this + country then—to be "one of those articles which create international + goodwill." Approval worth having could no further go. It was surprising to + me that mere two-sided travelling fairness should meet with such assent, + whereas I expected it would be regarded as tame and uninteresting. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH AT SEA + </h2> + <p> + The voyage out to America described in the last chapter included an + instance of the extraordinary behaviour of the Established Church at sea, + which deserves special mention as it is still repeated. + </p> + <p> + There is an offensive rule on board ships that the service on Sunday shall + be that of the Church of England, and that the preacher selected shall be + of that persuasion. + </p> + <p> + Several of the twelve ministers of religion among the passengers of the <i>Bothnia</i> + in 1879 were distinguished preachers, whereas the clergyman selected to + preach to us was not at all distinguished, and made a sermon which I, as + an Englishman, was ashamed to hear delivered before an audience of + intelligent Americans. The preacher told a woful story of loss of trade + and distress in England, which gave the audience the idea that John Bull + was "up a tree." Were he up ever so high I would not have told it to an + alien audience. + </p> + <p> + The preacher said that these losses were owing to our sins—that is + the sins of Englishmen. The devotion of the American hearers was varied + with a smile at this announcement. It was their surpassing ingenuity and + rivalry in trade which had affected our exports for a time. Our chief + "sins" were uninventiveness and commercial incapacity, and the greater wit + and ingenuity of the audience were the actual punishment the preacher was + pleading against, and praying them to be contrite on account of their own + success. The minister described bad trade as a punishment from God, as + though God had made the rascally merchants who took out shoddy calico and + ruined the markets. It was not God that had driven the best French and + German artists and workmen into America, where they have enriched its + manufacturers with their skill and industry, and enabled that country to + compete with ours. + </p> + <p> + The preacher's text was as wide of any mark as his sermon. It asked the + question, "How can we sing in a strange land?" When we should arrive + there, there would hardly be a dozen of us in the vessel who would be in a + strange land; the great majority were going home—mostly commercial + reapers of an English harvest who were returning home rejoicing—bearing + their golden sheaves with them. Neither the sea nor the land were strange + to them. Many of them were as familiar with the Atlantic as with the + prairie. I sat at table by a Toronto dealer who had crossed the ocean + twenty-nine times. The congregation at sea formed a very poor opinion of + the discernment of the Established Church. + </p> + <p> + On the return voyage in the <i>Gallia</i> we had another "burning" but not + "a shining light" of the Church of England to discourse. He was a young + man, and it required some assurance on his part to look into the eyes of + the intelligent Christians around him, who had three times his years, + experience, and knowledge, and lecture them upon matters of which he was + absolutely ignorant. + </p> + <p> + This clergyman enforced the old doctrine of severity in parental + discipline of the young, and on the wisdom of compelling children to + unquestioning obedience, and argued that submission to a higher will was + good for men during life. At least two-thirds of the congregation were + American, who regard parental severity as cruelty to the young, and + utterly uninstructive; and unquestioning obedience they hold to be + calamitous and demoralising education. They expect reasonable obedience, + and seek to obtain it by reason. Submission to a "higher will" as applied + to man, is submission to arbitrary authority against which the whole + polity of American life is a magnificent protest. The only higher will + they recognise in worldly affairs is the will of the people, intelligently + formed, impartially gathered, and constitutionally recorded—facts of + which the speaker had not the remotest idea. + </p> + <p> + Who can read this narrative of the ignorance and effrontery, nurtured by + the Established Church and obtruded on passengers at sea, without a sense + of patriotic humiliation that it is continued every Sunday in every ship? + It is thought dangerous to be wrecked and not to have taken part in this + pitiable exhibition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. ADVENTURES IN THE STREETS + </h2> + <p> + Were I persuaded, as many are, that each person is a subject of + Providential care, I might count myself as one of the well-favoured. I + should do so, did it not demand unseemly egotism to believe the Supreme + Master of all the worlds of the Universe gave a portion of His eternal + time to personally guide my unimportant footsteps, or snatch me from harm, + which might befall me on doing my duty, or when I inadvertently, + negligently, or ignorantly put myself in the way of disaster. Whatever may + be the explanation, I have oft been saved in jeopardy. + </p> + <p> + The first specific deliverance occurred when I was a young man, in the + Baskeville Mill, Birmingham. Working at a button lathe, the kerchief round + my neck was caught by the "chock," and I saw myself drawn swiftly to it. + To avert being strangled, I held back my neck with what force I could. All + would have been in vain had not a friendly Irishman, who was grinding + spectacle glasses in an adjoining room, come to my assistance, by which I + escaped decapitation without benefit of the clergy, or the merciful + swiftness of the guillotine. + </p> + <p> + In days when the cheap train ran very early in the morning, I set out + before daylight from Exeter, where I had been lecturing. At the station at + which the train stopped for an hour or two, as was the custom in days + before the repeal of the tax on third-class passengers, we were in what + Omar Khayyam called the "false dawn of morning." The train did not + properly draw up to the platform, and when I stepped out I had a + considerable fall, which sprained my ankle and went near breaking my neck. + </p> + <p> + On my arrival in Boston, 1879, I was invited by a newspaper friend, whom I + had brought with me into the city, to join a party of pressmen who were to + assemble next morning at Parker House, to report upon the test ascent of a + new elevator. It happened that Mr. Wendell Phillips visited me early at + Adam's House, before I was up. He sat familiarly on the bedrail, and + proposed to drive me round the city and show me the historic glories of + Boston, which being proud to accept, I sent an apology for my absence to + the elevator party at Parker House. That morning the elevator broke down, + and out of five pressmen who went into it only four were rescued—more + or less in a state of pulp. One was killed. But for Mr. Phillips's + fortunate visit I should have been among them. + </p> + <p> + In Kansas City, in the same year (1879), I was taken by my transatlantic + friend, Mr. James Charlton, to see a sugar bakery, concerning which I was + curious. The day was hot enough to singe the beard of Satan, and I was + glad to retreat into the bakery, which, however, I found still hotter, and + I left, intending to return at a cooler hour next morning. At the time I + was to arrive I heard that the whole building had fallen in. Some were + killed and many injured. This was the City of Kansas, of which the mayor + once said: "He wished the people would let some one die a natural death, + that a stranger might know how healthy the city was. Accidents, duels, and + shootings prevented cases of longevity occurring." + </p> + <p> + Another occasion when misadventure took place, when we—my daughter, + Mrs. Marsh, and I—were crossing the Tesuque Valley, below Santa Fe, + the party occupied three carriages; road, there was none, and the horses + knew it, and when they came to a difficulty—either a ravine or hill—the + driver would give the horses the rein, when they spread themselves out + with good sagacity, and descended or ascended with success. One pair of + horses broke the spring of their carriage, making matters unpleasant to + the occupants; another pair broke the shaft, which, cutting them, made + them mad, and they ran away. The carriage in which I was remained sound, + and I had the pleasure for once of watching the misfortunes of my friends. + </p> + <p> + The river was low, the sand was soft, and the distance through the Tesuque + River was considerable, and we calculated that no horses were mad enough + to continue their efforts to run through it, and we were rewarded by + seeing them alter their minds in the midst of it, and continue their + journey in a sensible manner. + </p> + <p> + Returning from Guelph, which lies below Hamilton, in the Niagara corner of + Canada, where we had been to see the famous Agricultural College, we were + one night on the railway in what the Scotch call the "gloaming." My + daughter remarked that the scenery outside the carriage was more fixed + than she had before observed it, and upon inquiry it appeared that we were + fixed too—for the train had parted in the middle, and the movable + portion had gone peacefully on its way to Hamilton. We were left forming + an excellent obstruction to any other train which might come down the + line. Fortunately, the guard could see the last station we had left, two + miles from us, and see also the train following us arrive there. We hoped + that the stationmaster would have some knowledge of our being upon the + line, and stop the advancing train; but when we saw it leave the station + on its way to us we were all ordered to leave the carriages, which was no + easy thing, as the banks right and left of us were steep, and the ditch at + the base was deep. However, our friends, Mr. Littlehales and Mr. Smith, + being strong of arm and active on a hill, very soon drew us up to a point + where we could observe a collision with more satisfaction than when in the + carriages. Fortunately, the man who bore the only lamp left us, and who + was sent on to intercept the train, succeeded in doing it. Ultimately we + arrived at Hamilton only two hours late. When we were all safely at home, + one lady, who accompanied us, fainted—which showed admirable + judgment to postpone that necessary operation until it was no longer an + inconvenience. One lady fainted in the midst of the trouble, which only + increased it. The excitement made fainting sooner or later justifiable, + although an impediment, but I was glad to observe my daughter did not + think it necessary to faint at any time. + </p> + <p> + As we were leaving the sleepy Falls of Montmorency in the carriage, we + looked out to see whether the Frenchman had got sight of us, fully + expecting he would take a chaise and come after us to collect some other + impost which we had evaded paying. The sun was in great force, and I was + reposing in its delicious rays, thinking how delightful it was to ride + into Quebec on such a day, when in an instant of time we were all + dispersed about the road. In a field hard by, where a great load of lumber + as high as a house was piled, a boy who was extracting a log set the upper + logs rolling. This frightened the horses. They were two black steeds of + high spirit, and therefore very mad when alarmed. Had they run on in their + uncontrollable state, they would, if they escaped vehicles on the way, + have arrived at a narrow bridge where unknown mischief must have occurred. + The driver, who was a strongly built Irishman, about sixty, with good + judgment and intrepidity, instantly threw the horses on to the fence, + which they broke, got into the ditch, and seriously cut their knees. I + leaped out into the ditch with a view to help my daughter out of the + carriage; but she, nimbler than I, intending to render me the same + service, arrived at the ditch, and assisted me out, merely asking "whether + four quietly disposed persons being distributed over the Dominion at a + minute's notice was a mode of travelling in Canada?" Mrs. Hall, who was + riding with us, also escaped unhurt Her husband deliberately remained some + time to see what the horses were going to do, but finding them frantic, he + also abandoned the carriage. + </p> + <p> + Later, in England, being Ashton way, I paid a visit to my friend the Rev. + Joseph Rayner Stephens, whose voice, in early Chartist times, was the most + eloquent in the two counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. He fought the + "New Poor Law" and the "Long Timers" in the Ten Hours' agitation. His + views were changed in many respects, but that did not alter my regard for + his Chartist services—and there remained his varied affluence of + language, his fitly chosen terms, his humorous statement, his exactness of + expression and strong coherence, in which the sequence of his reasoning + never disappeared through the crevice of a sentence. All this made his + conversation always charming and instructive. + </p> + <p> + After lecturing in the Temperance Hall and the "evening was far spent," a + cab was procured to take me to Mr. Stephens's at the "Hollins." A friend, + Mr. Scott, in perfect wanton courtesy, having no presentiment in his mind, + would accompany me. When we arrived at Stalybridge (where there is a real + bridge), the cabman, instead of driving over it, drove against it. I + thought, perhaps, this was the way with Ashton cabmen; but my friend came + to a different conclusion. He said the cabman had not taken the "pledge" + that afternoon. I was told Ashton cabmen needed to take it often. The + driver, resenting our remonstrance, drove wildly down a narrow, ugly, + deserted street, which he found at hand. It was all the same to me, who + did not know one street from the other. My friend, who knew there was no + outlet save into the river, called out violently to cabby to stop. The + only effect was that he drove more furiously. Mr. Scott leaped out and + seized the horse, and prevented my being overthrown. Before us were the + remains of an old building, with the cellars all open, in one of which we + should soon have descended. Cabby would have killed his horse, and + probably himself, which no doubt would have been an advantage to Ashton. + </p> + <p> + As the place was deserted I should have been found next morning curled up + and inarticulate. We paid our dangerous driver his full fare to that spot, + and advised him to put himself in communication with a temperance society. + He abused us as "not being gentlemen" for stopping his cab in that + unhandsome way. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I went to the scene of the previous night's adventure. + Had Mr. Henley, the loud, coarse-tongued member for Oxfordshire at that + time, seen the place, he would have said we were making an "ugly rush" for + the river. Not that we should ever have reached the river, for we should + certainly have broken our necks in the brick vaults our driver was + whipping his horse into. + </p> + <p> + As I needed another cab on my arrival at Euston, I selected a + quiet-looking white horse, and a Good Templar-looking cabman, first asking + the superintendent what he thought of him. "O, he's all right," was the + answer, and things went pleasantly until we arrived at a narrow, winding + street. I was thinking of my friend, Mr. Stephens, and of the concert + which at that hour he had daily in his bedroom, when I was suddenly jerked + off my seat and found the white horse on the foot-pavement. I stepped out + and adjured the cabman, "By the carpet-bag of St Peter" (no more suitable + adjuration presented itself on the occasion), to tell me what he was at. I + said, + </p> + <p> + "Are you from Ashton?" "Nothing the matter, sir. All right Jump in. Only + my horse shied at the costermonger's carrot-cart there. She's a capital + horse, only she's apt to shy." I answered, "Yes; and unless I change my + mode of travelling by cabs, I shall become shy myself." + </p> + <p> + Late one night, after the close of the Festive Co-operative Meeting in + Huddersfield, a cab was fetched for me from the fair—it being fair + time. The messenger knew it was a bad night for the whip, as he might be + "touched in the head" by the festivities, so he said to cabby: "Now, + though it is fair night, you must do the fair thing by this fare. He does + not mind spreading principles, but he objects to being spread himself." + Cabby came with alacrity. He thought he had to take some "boozing cuss" + about the fair, with an occasional pull up at the "Spread Eagle." When he + found me issuing from a temperance hotel, bound for Fernbrook, he did not + conceal his disappointment by tongue or whip, and jerked his horse like a + Bashi-Bazouk when a Montenegrin is after him. I cared nothing, as I had + made up my mind not to say another word about cabs if they broke my neck. + I knew we had a stout hill before us, which would bring things quiet The + next day the hotel people, who saw the cabman's rage, said they thought + there was mischief in store for me. They knew nothing of Ashton ways, and + their apprehensions were original. + </p> + <p> + After a pleasant sojourn in Brighton, where the November sun is bright, + and the fogs are thin, grey and graceful, softening the glare of the white + coast, tempering it to the sensitive sight, I returned to London one cold, + frosty day, when snow and ice made the streets slippery. I had chosen a + cabman whose solid, honest face was assuring, and being lumpy and large + himself I thought he would keep his "four-wheeler" steady by his own + weight. Being himself lame and rheumatic, he appeared one who would prefer + quiet driving for his own sake. We went on steadily until we reached Pall + Mall, when he turned sharply up Suffolk Street. Looking out, I called to + my friend on the box, saying, "This is not Essex Street" "Beg your pardon, + sir, I thought you said Suffolk Street," and began to turn his horse + round. In that street the ground rises, and the carriage-way is convex and + narrow, it required skill to turn the cab, and the cabman was wanting + therein. He said his rein had caught, and when he thought he was pulling + the horse round, the horse had taken a different view of his intention, + and imagined he was backing him, and, giving me the benefit of the doubt, + did back, and overturned the cab, and me too. Not liking collisions of + late, I had, on leaving Brighton, wrapped myself in a railway cloak, that + it might act as a sort of buffer in case of bumping—yet not + expecting I should require it so soon. + </p> + <p> + Seeing what the horse was at, and taking what survey I could of the + situation, I found I was being driven against the window of the house in + which Cobden died. I have my own taste as to the mode in which I should + like to be killed. To be run over by a butcher's cart, or smashed by a + coal train or brewer's van is not my choice; but being killed in Pall Mall + is more eligible, yet not satisfactory. + </p> + <p> + As I had long lived in Pall Mall, I knew the habits of the place. There is + a gradation of killing in the streets of London, well-known to West-end + cabmen. As they enter Trafalgar Square, they run over the passenger + without ceremony. At Waterloo Place, where gentlemen wander about, they + merely knock you down, but as they enter Club-land, which begins at Pall + Mall West, where Judges and Cabinet Ministers and members of Parliament + abound, they merely run at you; so I knew I was on the spot where death is + never inflicted. Therefore I took hold of the strap on the opposite side + of the cab to that on which I saw I should fall. For better being able to + look after my portmanteau, I had it with me, and, fortunately had placed + it on the side on which I fell. Placing myself against it when the crash + came, and the glass broke, I was saved from my face being cut by it. My + hat was crushed, and head bruised. It was impossible to open the door, + which was then above me, and had the horse taken to kicking, as is the + manner of these animals when in doubt, it would have fared ill with me. + Possibly the horse was a member of the Peace Society, and showed no + belligerent tendency; more likely he was tired, and glad of the + opportunity of resting himself. The street, which seemed empty, was + quickly filled, as though people sprang out of the ground. Two Micawbers + who were looking out for anything which "turned up," or turned over, came + and forced open the cab-door at the top, and dragged me up, somewhat + dazed, my hat off, my grey hair dishevelled, my blue spectacles rather + awry on my face—I was sensible of a newly-contrived, music-hall + appearance as my shoulders peered above the cab. A spirit merchant near + kindly invited me into his house, where some cold brandy and water given + to me seemed more agreeable and refreshing than it ever did before or + since. The cab had been pulled together somehow. My rheumatic friend on + the box had been picked up not much the worse—possibly the fall had + done his rheumatism good. I thought it a pity the poor fellow should lose + his fare as well as his windows, and so continued my journey with him. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion, after an enchanted evening in the suburbs of Kensington, + a fog came on. The driver of the voiture drove into an enclosure of + stables, and went round and round. Noticing there was a recurring recess, + I kept the door open until we arrived at it again, and leapt into it as we + passed again. When the driver, who was bewildered, came round a third + time, I surprised him by shouts, and advised him to let his horse take us + out by the way he came in. There was no house, or light, or person to be + seen, and there was the prospect of a night in the cold, tempered by + contingent accident. + </p> + <p> + Having engaged to be surety for the son of a Hindoo judge, who was about + to enter as a student in the Inns of Court, a new adventure befel me. I + had accepted from his father the appointment of guardian of his son. My + ward was a young man of many virtues, save that of punctuality. As he did + not appear by appointment, I set out in search of him. Crossing Trafalgar + Square I found myself suddenly confronted by two horses' heads. An omnibus + had come down upon me. It flashed through my mind that, as I had often + said, I was in more danger of being killed in the streets of London than + in any foreign city or on the sea; and I concluded the occasion had come. + I knew no more until I found myself lying on my back in the mud after + rain, but, seeing an aperture between the two wheels, I made an attempt to + crawl through. A crowd of spectators had gathered round and voices shouted + to me to remain where I was until the wheels were drawn from me. Lying + down in the mud again was new to me. There was nothing over me but the + omnibus, and as I had never seen the bottom of one before, I examined it. + </p> + <p> + It happened that a surgeon of the Humane Society was among the spectators, + who assisted in raising me up, and took me to the society's rooms close + by, where I was bathed and vaseline applied to my bruises. My overcoat was + torn and spoiled, but I was not much hurt. The hoof of one horse had made + black part of one arm. It appears I had fallen between them, and had it + not been for their intelligent discrimination I might have been killed. I + sent two bags of the fattest feeding cake the Co-operative Agricultural + Association could supply, as a present to those two horses. I had no other + means of showing my gratitude to them. I was not so grateful to the Humane + Society's surgeon, who sent me in a bill for two guineas for attendance + upon me, and threatened me with legal proceedings if I did not pay it. As + he accompanied me to the National Liberal Club, whence I had set out, I + sent him one guinea for that courtesy, and heard no more of him, and did + not want to. + </p> + <p> + One evening, after leaving a Co-operative Board Meeting in Leman Street, + Whitechapel, I incautiously stepped into the roadway to hail a cab, when a + lurry came round a corner behind me and knocked me into the mud, which was + very prevalent that day. Some bystanders picked me up, and one, + good-naturedly, lent me a handkerchief with which to clear my face and + head, both being blackened and bleeding. The policeman who took charge of + me asked me where I wanted to be taken. I answered that I was on my way to + Fleet Street to an assembly of the Institute of Journalists to meet M. + Zola, then on a visit to us. "I think, sir," said the reflective + policeman, "we had better take you to the London Hospital," and another + policeman accompanied me in a passing tram, which went by the hospital + door. After some dreary waiting in the accident ward it was found that I + had no rib or bone broken, but my nose and forehead were bound up with + grim-looking plasters, and when I arrived at the hotel, four miles away, + where I was residing, and entered the commercial room, I had the + appearance of a prize-fighter, who had had a bad time of it in the ring. + Knowing the second day of an accident was usually the worst, I took an + early train home while I could move. My ribs, though not broken, were all + painful, and I remember squealing for a fortnight on being taken out of + bed. After my last adventure the Accident Insurance Company (though I had + never troubled them but once) refused to accept any further premium from + me, which I had paid twenty or thirty years, and left me to deal with + further providential escapes from my own resources. + </p> + <p> + Thinking I was safe in Brighton near my own home, I was walking up the + Marine Parade, one quiet Sunday morning, when a gentleman on a bicycle + rushed down a bye street and knocked me down with a bound. Seeing two + ladies crossing the street I concluded matters were safe. The rider told + me that he had seen the ladies and had arranged to clear them, but as I + stepped forward he could not clear me, so gave me the preference. As I had + always been in favour of the rights of women, I said he did rightly, + though the result was not to my mind. He had the courtesy to accompany me + to my door, apologising for what he had done, but left me to pay the bill + of the physician, who was called in to examine me. When I recovered my + proper senses I found he had not left his card. Though I advertised for + him, he made no reappearance. + </p> + <p> + Another serene Sunday morning I was crossing the Old Steine with a + son-in-law; nothing was to be seen in motion save a small dog-cart, which + had passed before we stepped into the road. Soon we found ourselves both + thrown to the ground with violence. A huge dog, as large as the "Hound of + the Baskervilles" described by Conan Doyle, had loitered behind and + suddenly discovered his master had driven ahead, and he, like a Leming + rat, made straight for his master, quite regardless of our being in his + way. + </p> + <p> + In these and other adventures or <i>mis</i>-adventures, I need not say I + was never killed, though the escapes were narrow. To say they were + providential escapes would be to come under the rebuke of Archbishop + Whately, who, when a curate reported himself as providentially saved from + the terrible wreck of the <i>Amazon</i>, asked: "I to understand that all + less fortunate passengers were providentially drowned?" The belief that + the Deity is capricious or partial in His mercies is a form of holy + egotism which better deserves indictment than many errors of speech which + have been so visited. I have no theory of my many exemptions from fatal + consequences. All I can say is that, had I been a saint, I could not have + been more fortunate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. LIMPING THRIFT + </h2> + <p> + Thrift is so excellent a thing—is so much praised by moralists, so + much commended by advisers of the people, and is of so much value to the + poor who practise it—that it is strange to see it retarded by the + caprices of those who take credit and receive it, for promoting the + necessary virtues. Insurance societies continue to recommend themselves by + praising prudence and forethought which provides for the future. Everybody + knows that those who do not live within their income live upon others who + trust them. Those who spend all their income forget that if others did as + they do, there would be universal indigence. Insurance companies are + supposed to provide inducements to thrift, whereas they put wanton + obstacles in its way. + </p> + <p> + He who takes out a policy on his life finds it a condition that if he + commits suicide his policy will be forfeited—the assumption of + insurance offices being that if a man insures his life he intends to cut + his throat. Can this be true? What warrant of experience is there for this + expectation? Is not the natural, the instinctive, the universal love of + life security sufficient against self-slaughter? If life be threatened, do + not the most thoughtless persons make desperate effort to preserve it? Is + it necessary for insurance societies to come forward to supplement + incentives of nature? Is not the fact that a man is provident-minded + enough to think of insuring his life, proof enough that his object is to + live? + </p> + <p> + Answers to a series of questions are demanded from an insurer, which + average persons do not possess the knowledge to answer with exactitude; + yet failure in any fact or detail renders the policy void, although a + person has paid premiums upon it for thirty or forty years. + </p> + <p> + Elaborate legal statements which few can understand are attached to a + policy which intimidates those who see them, from wishing to incur such + unfathomable obligation. A few plain words in plain type would be + sufficient for the guidance of the insured and the protection of the + company. The uncertainty comes from permitting questions of popular + interest to be stated by a member of the legal profession. If the terms of + eternal salvation had been drawn up by a lawyer, not a single soul would + be saveable, and the judgment day would be involved in everlasting + litigation. + </p> + <p> + An office known to me had judges among its directors, from which it was + inferred by the insured that the office was straight. The holder of a + policy in it, making a will, his solicitor on inquiry found that the + office did not admit his birth. They had received premiums for forty + years, still reserving this point for possible dispute after the + policy-holder was dead, never informing him of it. When the insurance was + effected, they saw the holder of it and could judge his age to a year. + They saw the certificate of his birth, but gave him no assurance that they + admitted it and it had to be presented again. + </p> + <p> + In another case within my knowledge, the owner of a policy obtained a loan + upon it, from a well-known lawyer in the City of London, who gave the + office, as is usual, notice of it. When the loan was repaid he again wrote + to the office saying he had executed a deed of release of his claim on the + policy. That the office was not satisfied with this assurance was never + communicated to the policyholder, and when many years later, the lawyer + who advanced the loan was dead, and his son who succeeded him was dead, it + transpired that the office did not believe the assurances they had + received. They admitted having received the letter by the loan maker, but + required to see the deeds relating to the advance and release and + repayment of the loan; and they gave the policyholder to understand that + he had better keep those deeds, as his executors might be required to + produce them at his death. It was a miracle they were not destroyed. As + the office had been legally notified that the claim on the policy had + ceased, it was never imagined that deeds which did not relate to the + office could be required by it. Under this intimidation the deeds have now + been kept. They are fifty years old. This Scotland Yard practice of + treating an insurer as a thief, detracts from the fascination of thrift. + </p> + <p> + Another instance was that of a policy-holder who applied to the office for + a loan, for which 1 per cent, more interest was demanded than his banker + asked, and a rise of 1 per cent, in case of delay in paying the interest, + and a charge was to be made for the office lawyer investigating the + validity of their own policy, upon which the office had received premiums + for forty-seven years. + </p> + <p> + Directors, like the Doge of Venice, should have a lion's mouth open, of + which they have the key, when they might hear of things done in their + name, not conducive to the extension of thrift. + </p> + <p> + No wonder thrift goes limping along, from walking in the jagged pathway + which leads to some insurance office. + </p> + <p> + There are, as I know, offices straightforward and courteous, who foster + thrift by making it pleasant. Yet, as one who has often advocated thrift, + I think it useful to record my astonishment at the official impediments to + its popularity, which I have encountered. This is one reason why Thrift, + the most self-respecting of all the goddesses that should be swift-footed, + goes limping along. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. MISTRUST OF MODERATION + </h2> + <p> + Temperance is restraint in use. Abstinence is entire avoidance, which is + the wise policy of those who lack the strength of temperance. + </p> + <p> + How necessary entire abstinence is to many, I well know. When the drink + passion sets in, it leads to an open grave. The drinker sees it, and knows + it, and, with open eyes walks into it. He who realises the danger, would, + as Charles Lamb said— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Clench his teeth and ne'er undo them, + To let the deep damnation trickle through them." +</pre> + <p> + For such there is no salvation save entire abstinence. Thousands might + have been saved but for the fanaticism of abstinence advocates who opposed + in Parliament every legal mitigation of the evil, thinking the spectacle + of it would force the legislature into prohibition. In discussions, + lectures, articles, I advocated the policy of mitigation, and supported + measures in Parliament calculated to that end, encountering thereby the + strong dissent of temperance writers who, not intending it, connived at + drunkenness as a temperance policy. + </p> + <p> + Is it true that moderation is dead? Have teetotalers extinguished it as a + rule of daily life? Bishop Hall, in his fine way, said, "Moderation was + the silken string running through the pearl chain of all our virtues." Was + this a mistake of the illustrious prelate? Is not temperance a wider + virtue than total abstinence? Is there no possibility of establishing + temperance in betting? Can no limitation be imposed on betting? The public + know denunciatory preaching does not arrest it. Innumerable articles are + written against it. Letters about it are not lacking in the editor's + post-bag. Yet not a mitigation nor remedy is suggested, save that of + prohibition, which is as yet impossible. + </p> + <p> + Betting is a kind of instinct, difficult to eradicate, but possible to + regulate. Games of hazard, as card-playing or dice, are naturally + seductive in their way. They are useful as diversions and recreation. They + exercise the qualities of judgment, calculation, and presence of mind, as + well as furnish entertainment. It is only when serious stakes are played + for that mischief and ruin begin. + </p> + <p> + But the seduction of card gambling—once widely irresistible—is + now largely limited by the growing custom of playing only for small + stakes. Family playing or club playing, professedly for money, is held to + be disreputable. Formerly, drinking which proceeded to the verge of + intoxication, or went beyond it, was thought "manly." Now, where the + effects are seen in the face, or in business, it is counted ruinous to + social or professional reputation. Drinking is far more difficult of + mitigation than betting, because the temptations to it occur much oftener. + The capricious habit of going in search of luck can be restrained by + common sense. Temperance in betting would be easier to effect were it not + for the intemperate doctrine of total abstainers. By defaming moderation + they rob the holy name of temperance of its charm, its strength and its + trust. By teaching that "moderation is an inclined plane, polished as + marble, and slippery as glass, on which whoever sets his foot, slips down + into perdition," they destroy moderation by making it a terror. It brings + it into contempt and distrust, and undermines self-confidence and + self-respect. Yet it is by moderation that we live. Moderation in eating + is an absolute condition of health—as the Indian proverb puts it: + "Disease enters by the mouth." A man who disregards moderation in work, or + in pleasure, or diet, seldom lives out half his days. He who has no + moderation in judgment, in belief, in opinion, in politics, or piety, is + futile in counsel, and dangerous in his example. If the disparagement of + self-control has not destroyed the capacity and confidence of moderation + in the public heart, temperance in betting is surely possible. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally a minister of religion will ask me what I have to say about + betting. I answer, "It is difficult to extinguish it, but possible to + mitigate it." I give an instance from my own experience. + </p> + <p> + Years ago when I was editing the <i>Reasoner</i>, Dr. Shorthouse + contributed a series of instructive papers on the physiology of racing + horses. Out of courtesy to him I took a ticket in a sweepstake in which he + was concerned, but in which I felt no interest. Months after, I saw that + the owner of the prize was unknown. My brother, knowing I had a ticket, + found it among my papers, and I received Ł50. I invested the amount, + intending to use the interest in some future speculation, if I made any, + which was not in my way. To that Ł50 there is added now more than Ł50 of + accumulated interest, with which I might operate if so inclined. Were I in + the crusade against betting I should say, "Form societies for Temperance + in Betting, of which the rules shall be— + </p> + <p> + '"1.—No member may make any bet unless he is able, having regard to + his social obligations, to lose the sum he risks, and is willing to lose + it, if he fails to win. + </p> + <p> + '"2.—When he does win anything, he shall invest it, and bet with the + interest, and every time he wins, shall add the amount to the original + investment, which would give him a larger sum for future recreation in + that way."'" + </p> + <p> + There is a Church of England Temperance Society which has the courage to + believe in moderation, and which makes it a rule of honour to keep clear + of all excess. Thousands in every walk of life have been saved to society + under this sensible encouragement, and where an occasional act of excess + would have been counted venial, it is regarded as revolting as an act of + indecency. + </p> + <p> + I have known men in the betting ring who made up their mind that when they + acquired a certain sum they would retire, nor step again in the + treacherous paths of hazard—and they kept their resolution. But very + few are able to do this, having no trained will. + </p> + <p> + I am against extremes in social conduct, save where reason shows it to be + a necessity. If Betting Limited was approved by the public, betting at + hazard would become as socially infamous as petty larceny. In the dearth + of suggestions for the mitigation of an evil as serious as that of + drunkenness, I pray forgiveness for that I have made. + </p> + <p> + Previous to 1868, I assisted in establishing the <i>Scottish Advertiser</i> + conducted by Walter Parlane. It bore the following motto, which I wrote + for it: + </p> + <p> + "Whatever trade Parliament licenses, it recognises—and so long as + such trade is a source of public revenue, it is entitled to public + protection." + </p> + <p> + I still agree with the sentiment expressed. All I meant was a reasonable + protection of the interest which the law had conceded to the trade. The + predatory impudence of the monopoly privileges the trade has since + extorted against the public interests was in no man's mind then. No one + intended that the concession of just protection should be construed into + extortion. As respects compensation, the temperate party refused it. I was + not of their opinion. I agreed with them that the publicans had no logical + claim for compensation, but I would have conceded it as the lesser of two + evils, just as it was better to free the West Indian slaves by purchase + than to continue their lawful subjection. If to maintain in full force the + legalised machinery of drunkenness be only half as dreadful in its + consequences as temperance advocates truly represent, it would be cheaper + as well as more humane to limit it by graduated compensation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. PENAL CHRISTIANITY + </h2> + <p> + Predatory Christianity would not be far from the mark. Christianity is of + the nature of a penal settlement where independent-minded persons are made + to expiate the sin of thinking for themselves. There can be no real + goodwill in any one who is not for justice and equality. No cause can + command respect, or can claim a hearing from others which is not based on + absolute fairness. Many well-meaning Christians never inquire whether the + great cause they have at heart fulfils this condition. In the past this + omission has been a lasting cause of alienation from their views. + </p> + <p> + Between 1850 and 1860 there sat in St. Bride's Vestry, London, a group of + Christian churchwardens who twice a year sent agents to seize property + from my house in Fleet Street, because I refused to pay tithes. Yet there + are people who tell us without tiring, of the depravity of the French + revolutionists and atheists who laid, or proposed to lay hands upon Church + property. Yet these Christian officers, acting under the eye of an opulent + rector in the wealthiest capital in the world, seized clocks and bales of + paper on the premises of heretics, in the name of the Church! Did not this + disqualify the Church as ministers of consolation? The greatest + consolation is justice. Is it not spiritual effrontery to despoil a man, + then invite him to the communion table? In our day by predatory acts, they + confiscate Nonconformist property to maintain Church schools. Can it be + that heaven recognised agents engaged in petty larceny? Are they intrusted + with the keys of heaven? May the priest be a thief? Can a man expect to be + admitted at the Golden Gate with a burglar's passport in his hand? There + exist penal laws against all who do not stand on the side of faith, which + Nonconformists as well as Churchmen connive at, profit by, and maintain. + Is not this destructive of their spiritual pretensions? Can they preach of + holiness and truth without a blush? No higher criticism can condemn + Christianity, as it is self condemned by resting on predatoriness. No + person who does not stand on the Christian side can leave property for + promoting his views, as a Christian can for promoting his. No Christian + conscience is touched at this disadvantage imposed upon the independent + thinker. No sermon is preached against it. No Christian petition is ever + set up against it. Neither the Church conscience nor the Nonconformist + conscience is stirred by the existence of this injustice. It would cease + if they objected to it. But they do not object to it. + </p> + <p> + There are prelates, priests, clergymen, and Nonconformist ministers + personally to be respected, who in human things I trust. But for their + spiritual vocation, is it possible to have respect or trust? To tender + consolation with one hand while they keep the other in my pocket is an act + never absent from my mind. I belong to a Secular party who seek + improvement by material means; but were there any body of Christians upon + whom that party imposed legal disadvantages in its own interest, and kept + them there by silence or connivance, Parliament would hear from me pretty + frequently until the insulting privileges were annulled. Any pretension to + having principles worthy of acceptance, or regard, or even respect, would + be impertinence in us so long as we were unfair to others. + </p> + <p> + I caused to be brought into Parliament a Bill in which Sir Philip Manfield + took the leading interest, entitled:— + </p> + <p> + Civil and Religious Liberty Extension. + </p> + <p> + A BILL + </p> + <p> + To secure the Extension of Civil and Religious Liberty. + </p> + <p> + (Prepared and brought in by + </p> + <p> + Mr. Manfield, Sir Henry Boscoe, + </p> + <p> + Sir Geo. B. Sitwell, Mr. Picton, + </p> + <p> + Mr. Illingworth, Mr. W. McLaren, + </p> + <p> + Mr. H. P. Cobb, Mr. Howell, + </p> + <p> + Mr. Chas. Feiiwick, Mr. Benn, + </p> + <p> + Mr. Storey, and Mr. Hunter.) + </p> + <p> + Ordered, by The House of Commons, to be Printed, 7 November 1893. + </p> + <p> + PRINTED BY EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT + MAJESTY. + </p> + <p> + And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from Eyre + & Spottiswood, East Harding Street, Fleet Street, B.C., and 32, + Abingdon Street, Westminster, 8.W.; or John Menzies & Co., 19, Hanover + Street, Edinburgh, and 90, West Nile Street, Glasgow; or Hodges, Ptoois 6 + Co., Limited, 104, Grafton Street, Dublin. + </p> + <p> + [Price 1d.] + </p> + <p> + [Bill 464.] + </p> + <p> + Memorandum. + </p> + <p> + This Bill comprises but a small extension of religious equality. Its + object is to enable a man "to do what he likes with his own" for + admittedly lawful purposes. It is affirmed by legal decisions that any man + may believe what he pleases, speak what he pleases, publish his honest + conviction, provided he does it in a temperate and considerate manner; and + he may, while living, give money to maintain his views. All this Bill + seeks is that he may, at his death, bequeath money for such purpose. This + Bill merely proposes to extend a right which Christians of every + denomination enjoy, but which hitherto has been denied to those who may + conscientiously object to prevailing opinions. + </p> + <p> + BILL TO + </p> + <p> + Secure the Extension of Civil and Religions Liberty. + </p> + <p> + WHEREAS + </p> + <p> + 1 it is expedient to remove the Disabilities under which persons suffer + desirous of endowing, creating, and maintaining charitable and other + Trusts for religious and ethical inquiry, so as to further extend civil + and religious liberty: + </p> + <p> + 2 Nothing contained in this Act shall affect or be deemed to repeal or + contravene in any way such parts of the Act 9 George II., cap. 36, + relating to Mortmain as remain unrepealed, or any other Act amending or + altering such Act; and the provisions of all such Acts now in force shall + apply to all Trusts created under this Act. + </p> + <p> + 3 After the passing of this Act, notwithstanding any Act, Rule of Common + Law, Rule of Equity, or Rule of Practice of any Court of Justice now in + force to the contrary, it shall be lawful for any person to create and + endow, or create or endow, any Trust for inquiry into the foundations and + tendency of religious and ethical beliefs which from time to time prevail, + or for the maintenance and propagation of the results of such inquiry. And + the method of application of Bequests made for the purposes aforesaid + shall be, on the part of those responsible for their administration, + subject to revision at intervals of thirty years. + </p> + <p> + 4 Such Trust, whether created by Deed or Will, or by other instrument, + shall be deemed a charitable Trust, and shall be administered and given + effect to in all respects in as full and complete a manner as in the case + of religious and charitable Trusts now recognised by Law; and the doctrine + of <i>Cy-pres</i> shall be applied to it when circumstances shall arise + requiring the application of such doctrine. + </p> + <p> + This Bill was not proceeded with. It required a member like Samuel Morley, + of known Christianity and a conscience, to carry it through the House. + </p> + <p> + A theory has been started that by registering an association, under the + Friendly Societies Act, it would legalise its proceedings and virtually + repeal all the laws confiscating bequests. No case of this kind has come + before the higher courts. To do the Government justice, I know no case in + which the Crown has interfered to confiscate a bequest on the ground of + heresy in its use. Members of families, legally entitled to the property + of a testator, may claim the money and get it. If the family enters no + claim the bequest takes effect. In the meantime the state of the law + prevents testators leaving property for the maintenance of their opinions, + and Christians bring charges against philosophical thinkers for lack of + generosity in building halls as Christians do chapels. The Christian + reproaches the philosopher for not giving, when he has confiscated the + bequest of the philosopher and the power of giving. + </p> + <p> + Priests often mourn at the disinclination to listen to the tenets they + proclaim, and advertise in the newspapers the melancholy fact that only + one person in five is found on Sunday in a place of worship, and do not + remember how many persons remain away, not so much from dislike of the + tenets preached, as from dislike of the injustice which they would have to + share if they belonged to any Christian communion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. TWO SUNDAYS + </h2> + <p> + None of our Sunday Societies or Sunday Leagues seem ever to have thought + of the advantages of advocating as I have long done—two Sundays—a + Devotional Sunday and a Secular Sunday. + </p> + <p> + The advocacy of two Sundays would put an end to the fear or pretence that + anybody wants to destroy the one we have. + </p> + <p> + The Policy of a Second Sunday is a necessity. + </p> + <p> + It would put an end to the belief that the working classes are mad, and + not content with working six days want to work on the seventh. + </p> + <p> + It would preserve the present Sunday as a day of real rest and devotion. + The one Sunday we now have is neither one thing nor the other. Its + insufficiency for rest prevents it being an honest day of devotion. Proper + recreation is out of the question. There is too little time for excursions + out of town on the Saturday half-day holiday. Imprisonment in town + irritates rather than refreshes—mere rest is not recreation. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "A want of occupation gives no rest + A mind quite vacant is a mind distressed." +</pre> + <p> + Those who would provide recreation in the country find it not worth while + for the precarious chance of half-day visitors. On a Secular Sunday + recreation would be organised and be more self-respecting than it now can + be. + </p> + <p> + 1. It would conduce to the public health. The manufacturing towns of + England are mostly pandemoniums of smoke or blast-furnace fumes. The winds + of heaven cannot clear them away in one day—less than forty-eight + hours of cessation of fire and fume would not render the air breathable. + </p> + <p> + 2. With two Sundays one would be left undisturbed, devoted to repose, to + piety, contemplation and improvement of the mind. + </p> + <p> + 3. It would give the preacher intelligent, fresh-minded and + fruitful-minded hearers, instead of the listless, wearied, barren-headed + auditors, who lower the standard of his own mind by forcing upon him the + endeavour to speak to the level of theirs. + </p> + <p> + 4. A second Sunday would give the people real rest when nobody would frown + upon them, nor preach against them, nor pray against them. + </p> + <p> + 5. It would be cheaper to millowners to stop their works two clear days + than run them on short days; and there need not be fears of claims of + further reduction of forty-eight hours a week on the part of workpeople, + who would have a real sense of freedom from unending toil with two days' + rest and peace. Manufacturing towns would no longer be, as now, penal + settlements of industry. Holiness would no longer be felt to be + wearisomeness. + </p> + <p> + But for Moses, the changes here sought would have existed long ago. One + day's rest in the week was enough for Jews who were doing nothing when one + Sunday was prescribed to them. Had Moses foreseen the manufacturing + system, instead of saying "six days," he would have said, "Five days shalt + thou labour." + </p> + <p> + If he deserves well of mankind who makes two blades of wheat grow where + only one grew before; he deserves better who causes two Sundays to exist + where only one existed before—for corn merely feeds the body, + whereas reasonable leisure feeds the mind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. BYWAYS OF LIBERTY + </h2> + <p> + It is worth while recording the curious, not to say ignominious, ways from + which justice to new thought has emerged. In the 5 and 6 Victorić, cap. + 38, 1842, the trial of eighteen offences were removed from the + jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace in Quarter Sessions and transferred + to the Assize Court. Persons accused were often subject to magisterial + intolerance, ignorance and offensiveness. + </p> + <p> + Among the transferred offences were forgery, bigamy, abductions of women. + "Blasphemy and offences against religion," often of doubtful and delicate + interpretation, were two of the subjects taken out of magisterial hands + and placed under the decision of better-informed and more responsible + judges. "Blasphemy" was the general title under which atheism, heresy, and + other troubles of the questioning intellect were designated. "Composing, + printing or publishing blasphemous libels," were included in the list of + subjects to be dealt with in higher courts. Thus better chances of justice + were secured to thinkers and disseminators of forbidden ideas. This new + charter of thought, which conceded legal fairness to propagandism, was not + the subject of a special statute, but was interpolated in a list, which + read like an auctioneer's catalogue, eluded Parliamentary prejudice, which + might have been fatal, had it been formally submitted to its notice. + </p> + <p> + In the same manner the Affirmation Act, which changed the status of the + disbeliever in theology from that of an outlaw to that of a citizen, crept + into the Statute Book through a criminal avenue. A Bill to admit atheists, + agnostics, or other conscientious objectors to the ecclesiastic oath, to + make a responsible affirmation instead, was twice or thrice thrown out of + the windows of Parliament. Sir John Trelawny used to say Mr. Gathorne + Hardy (afterwards Lord Cranbrook) would rise up, as I have seen him, with + a face as furiously red as one of his own blast furnaces at Lowmoor, and + move its rejection. It was passed at last by the friendly device of G. W. + Hastings, M.P., the founder of the Social Science Association, in a Bill + innocently purporting to better "promote the discovery of truth" by + enabling persons charged with adultery to give evidence on their own + behalf. + </p> + <p> + Then and there a clause was introduced which had no relation to the + extension of the right to give evidence, but upon the exemption of an + entirely different class of persons from the obligation of making oath. + Adulterers appear always to be Christians, since no case is recorded in + which any party in an adultery action professed any scruple at taking the + oath. Yet the Bill set forth that "any person in a civil or criminal + proceeding who shall object to make an oath," shall make a declaration + instead. When the Bill became an Act secular affirmation became legalised. + Thus by a clause treading upon the heels of adultery, the witness having + heretical and unecclesiastical convictions was enabled to be honest + without peril. + </p> + <p> + In 1842, as I witnessed at the Gloucester Assizes, no barrister would + defend any one accused of dissent from Christianity, but apologised for + him and proclaimed his contrition for his sin of thinking for himself. + Slave thought of the mind, chained to custom, could be defended, but not + Free Thought, which is independent of everything save the truth. By the + Act of 1869* atheists ceased to be outlaws, and were henceforth enabled to + give evidence in their own defence. Wide-awake and vigilant as a rule, + bigotry was asleep that day. Thus by circuitous and furtive paths the + right of free thought has made its way to the front of the State. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * 32 & 33 chap. 68, Evidence Amendment Act +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. LAWYERS' LICENCE + </h2> + <p> + The extraordinary legal licence of disordered and offensive imputation has + been limited since 1842. In those days, officers of the law, who always + professed high regard for morality and truth, had no sense of either, when + they were drawing up theological indictments. In the affair at Cheltenham + I delivered a lecture on Home Colonies (a proposal similar to the Garden + Cities of to-day), to which nobody objects now. As I always held that + discussion was the right of the audience, as self-defensive against the + errors of lecturer or preacher, an auditor, availing himself of this + concession, arose in the meeting and asked: "Since I had spoken of duty to + man, why I had said nothing of duty to God"? My proper answer was, that + having announced one subject, the audience would have a right to complain + that I had trepanned them into hearing another, which they would not hear + willingly. Such a reply would have been received with outcries, and the + Christian auditor would have said, "I dare not answer the question—that + I held opinions I was afraid to disclose." All the while the questioner + knew that an honest answer might have penal consequences, which he + intended to invoke. Christians in those days lacked winning ways. I gave a + defiant answer, which caused my imprisonment. There was no imputation in + my reply, which merely produced merriment. + </p> + <p> + Yet my indictment said I "was a wicked, malicious, evil-disposed person," + and that I "wickedly did compose, speak and utter, pronounce and publish + with a loud voice, of and concerning the Holy Scriptures, to the high + displeasure of Almighty God, and against the peace of our Lady the Queen." + Every sentence was an outrage, and nearly every word untrue. I was not + wicked, nor malicious, nor evil-disposed. I did not compose the speech—it + was purely spontaneous. I never had a loud voice. I never referred to the + Holy Scriptures, and I only disturbed the peace of our Lady the Queen by a + ripple of laughter. + </p> + <p> + I carried no arms. I was known as belonging to the "Moral Force Party" in + politics, and was entirely unprepared to attack any person, let alone one + Omnipotent with "force of arms." The imputations in the indictment were + not only untrue, but contained more blasphemy than was in the mind of any + one to utter. I called the Judge's attention to the atrocity of the + language of the indictment He did not say there was anything objectionable + in it, which showed that the morality of the Bench was not higher at that + time than the morality of the magistrates. In the <i>Cheltenham Chronicle</i>, + known in the town as the Rev. Francis Close's (afterwards Dean of + Chichester) paper, I was described as a "miscreant" for the answer I had + given to my auditor. Mr. Justice Erskine had no word of reproof for the + infamous term applied to me. + </p> + <p> + As I have elsewhere said, I spoke in my defence upwards of nine hours. The + length was owing to the declaration of one of the magistrates (Mr. Bransby + Cooper) that the Court would not hear me defend myself. Why I defended + myself at all, was from a very different reason. + </p> + <p> + No barrister in those days would defend any one charged with dissenting + from the Christian religion. The counsel always apologised to the jury for + the opinions of his client, which admitted his guilt. This was done at + that very assizes at which I was tried. A Mr. Thompson, a barrister in + Court, who we mistook for a son of General Perronet Thompson, also at the + Bar, was engaged to defend George Adams, charged with an act of heresy. + The false Thompson expressed contrition for Adams, without knowing or + inquiring whether it was true that he felt it. Neither counsel nor + magistrate nor judge seemed to think it necessary that what they said + should be true. + </p> + <p> + Thus my justification of the seeming presumption of defending myself was + the fact that no counsel would defend us without compromising us. I had no + taste for martyrdom. I did not want martyrdom; I did not like martyrdom. + Martyrdom is not a thing to be sought, but a thing to be submitted to when + it comes. + </p> + <p> + This narrative shows that, in one respect, legal taste and truth have + improved in my time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. CHRISTIAN DAYS + </h2> + <p> + Many religious thinkers, ecclesiastical and Nonconformist, whose + friendship I value, will expect from me in these autobiographic papers + some account of the origin of opinions in which they have been interested. + Sermons, speeches, pamphlets, even books have been devoted to criticism of + my heresies. It is due to those who have taken so much trouble about me + that I should explain, not what the opinions were—that would be + irrelevant here—but how I came by them. That may be worth + recounting, and to some serious people perhaps worth remembering. + </p> + <p> + Confessions are not in my way. They imply that something it was prudent to + conceal has to be "owned up." Of that kind I have no story to tell. An + apologia is still less to my taste. I make no apology for my opinions. I + do not find that persons who dissent from me, ever so strenuously, think + of apologising to me for doing so. They do right in standing by their + convictions without asking my leave. I hope they will take it in good part + if I stand by mine without asking theirs. + </p> + <p> + My mother did not go to the Established Church, to which her father + belonged. She had natural piety of heart, and thought she found more + personal religion among the Nonconformists than in the Church. She + attended Carr's Lane Chapel, where the Rev. John Angell James preached—who + had a great reputation in Birmingham for eloquence and for his evangelical + writings. He was notorious in his day for denouncing players and ambitious + preachers seeking to excel in the arts of this world; which caused the + town people to say that he was dramatic against the drama and eloquent + against eloquence. His name, "Angell" James, begat a belief that it was + descriptive of himself, and that his doctrines were necessarily angelic. + It seems absurd, but I shared this belief, and should not have been + surprised to hear that he had some elementary development of wings out of + sight At the same time, Mr. James gave me the impression of severity in + piety, and my feeling towards him was one of awe, dreading a near + approach. + </p> + <p> + Some years after, I held a discussion of several nights with the Rev. W. + J. Winks, of Leicester, who wrote to Mr. James to make inquiries + concerning me. In 1881, some thirty-five years after the discussion, Mr. + Winks' son showed me a letter which Mr. James wrote in reply saying: + "Holyoake was a boy in my Sunday School five years. He then went, through + the persuasion of a companion, to Mr. Cheadle's for a short time, then to + the Unitarian school (I believe entered a debating society), and became an + unbeliever. He is a good son and kind to his mother, who is a member of + one of our Baptist churches." + </p> + <p> + The Rev. Mr. Cheadle, of whom Mr. James speaks, was a Baptist minister. It + is true I went to his church—my sister Matilda became a member of it—but + I never joined it The ceremony of baptism there was by immersion. It + seemed poetical to me when I read the account of baptism in the Jordan; + but I could not make up my mind to be baptised in a tank. The reason, + however, that I gave at the time was the stronger and the true one—that + I did not feel good enough to make a solemn public profession of faith. + Mr. James was misinformed; I never belonged to a debating society. + </p> + <p> + It was very good of him to write of me so, when he must have been very + much pained at the opinions he believed me then to hold. A man may speak + generously privately, but he means it when he says the same thing + publicly; and Mr. James did this. He wrote to a similar effect in the <i>British + Banner</i> at the time when the Rev. Brewin Grant was painting portraits + of me in pandemonium colours. + </p> + <p> + A small Sunday School Magazine came into my hands when I was quite a + youth. It was edited by the Rev. W. J. Winks. As communications were + invited from readers, I sent some evangelical verses to him. The first + time of my seeing my initials in print was in Mr. Winks's magazine. + </p> + <p> + After a time, partly because the place of worship was nearer home, my + mother joined a little church in Thorpe Street, and later one in Inge + Street. They were melancholy little meeting-houses, and, as I always + accompanied my mother, I had time to acquire that impression of them. A + love of art was in some measure natural to me, and I thought that the + Temple of God should be bright, beautiful and costly. As I was taught to + believe that He was always present there, it seemed to me that He should + not be invited (and all our prayers did invite Him) into a mean-looking + place. It was seeing how earnestly my mother prayed at home for the + welfare of her family, how beautiful and patient was her trust in heaven, + and how trouble and misery increased in the household notwithstanding, + that unconsciously turned my heart to methods of secular deliverance. She + had lost children. I remember the consternation with which she told us one + Sunday night that her pastor, the Rev. Mr. James, had stated in his sermon + his fearsome belief that there were "children in hell not a span long." + That Mr. James believed it seemed to us the same as its being in the + Bible. Another time he preached about the "sin against the Holy Ghost, + which could never be forgiven, either in this world or the world to come." + My mother's distress at the thought made a great impression upon me. A + silent terror of Christianity crept into my mind. That one so pure and + devout as my mother, who was incapable of committing sin knowingly, should + be liable to commit this, and none of us know what it was, nor how or when + consequences so awful were incurred, seemed to me very dreadful. + </p> + <p> + The first death at home of which I was conscious, occurred at a time when + Church rates and Easter dues were enforced and augmented by a summons. + None of us were old enough to take the money to the public office, and a + little sister being ill, my mother, with reluctance, had to go. A small + crowd of householders being there on the same errand, she was away some + hours. When she returned, my sister was dead; and the thought that the + money extorted by the Church might have succoured, if not saved the poor + child, made the distress greater. My mother, always resigned, made no + religious complaint, but I remember that, in our blind, helpless way, the + Church became to us a thing of ill-omen. It was not disbelief, it was + dislike, that was taking possession of our minds. + </p> + <p> + A man in my father's employ, who was superintendent of a Congregational + Chapel School at Harborne, a village some three or four miles from + Birmingham, asked me to assist as monitor in one of his classes. I was so + young that John Collins, who preached at times in the chapel, took me by + the hand, and I walked by his side. The distance was too far for my little + feet, and in winter the snow found its way through my shoes. Collins + afterwards became known as a Chartist advocate, and was imprisoned in + Warwick Gaol with William Lovett, on the ground of political speeches. + They jointly wrote the most intelligent scheme of Chartist advocacy made + in their day. Elsewhere I have recounted incarcerations which befel many + of my friends, proving that, within the memory of living men, the path of + political and other pilgrims lay by the castles of giants who seized them + by the way. + </p> + <p> + In the Carr's Lane Sunday School I was considered an attentive, + devout-minded boy. All the hymns we sang I knew by heart, as well as most + parts of the Bible. The only classic of a semi-secular nature my mother + had in her house was Milton's "Paradise Lost"; we had besides a few works + of ponderous Nonconformist divines, of which Boston's "Fourfold State" was + one, to which I added Baxter's "Saints' Everlasting Rest." I devoured + whatever came in my way that was religious. Being thought by this time + capable of teaching the little that was deemed necessary in an Evangelical + Sunday school, I came to act as a small teacher at the Inge Street Chapel. + These people were known as Pćdo-Baptists—what that meant not a + single worshipper knew. The point of doctrine which they did understand + was that children should not be baptised when their small souls were in + the jelly-fish state and knew nothing. When their little minds had grown + and had some backbone of sense in them, and some understanding of + religious things, the congregation thought that sprinkling them into + spiritual fellowship might do them good. + </p> + <p> + Though my mother admitted that adult baptism was more reasonable, she + never listened to the doctrine of baptism by immersion. She disliked + innovation in piety. She had great tenacity in quiet belief, and thought + public immersion a demonstration—very bad bathing of its kind—and + might give you a cold. + </p> + <p> + Few young believers showed more religious zeal than I did in those days. + On Sunday morning there was a prayer on rising, and one before leaving + home. At half-past seven the teachers were invited to meet at chapel to + pray for a blessing on the work of the day. When school commenced at nine + o'clock the superintendent opened it with prayer, and closed it at eleven + with another prayer. Then came the morning service of the chapel, at which + I was present with my class. That included three prayers. At two o'clock + school began again, opening and ending with prayers by the superintendent, + or by some teacher who was asked "to engage" in it, in his stead. At the + close of the school, another prayer-meeting of teachers was held, for a + blessing on the work done that day. At half-past six evening service took + place, which included three more prayers. Afterwards, devout members of + the congregation held a prayer-meeting on behalf of the work of the + church. At all these meetings I was present, so that, together with graces + before and after meals three times a day, and evening prayers at time of + rest, heaven heard from me pretty frequently on Sundays. Many times since + I have wondered at the great patience of God towards my unconscious + presumption in calling attention so often to my insignificant proceedings. + Atonement ought to include the sin of prayers. + </p> + <p> + Nor was this all. At chapels in Birmingham (1834), when anniversary + sermons had been preached on Sunday by some ministers of mark, there would + commonly be a public meeting on Monday at which they would speak, and to + which I would go. On Tuesday evening I went to the Cherry Street Chapel, + where the best Wesleyan preachers in the town were to be heard. On + Wednesday I often attended the Carr's Lane sermon. Thursday would find me + at the Bradford Street chapel, where there usually sat before me a + beautiful youth, whose sensuous grace of motion gave me as much pleasure + as the sermon. I remember it because it was there I first became conscious + of the charm of human strength and proportion. I had the Greek love of + beauty in boys—not in the Greek sense, of which I knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + On Friday I generally went to the public prayer-meeting in Cherry Street, + because Wesleyans were bolder and more original in their prayers than + other Christians. In frequenting Wesleyan chapels I could not help + noticing that their great preachers were also men of great build, of good + width in the lower part of the face. Afterwards I found that their + societies elsewhere were mostly composed of persons of sensuous make. + Their preachers having strong voices, and drawing inspiration mainly from + feeling, they had boldness of speech; and those who had imagination had a + picturesque expression. Independents and Baptists often tried to solve + doubts, which showed that their convictions were tempered by thought to + some extent; but the Wesleyan knew nothing of thought—he put doubt + away. He did not recognise that the Questioning Spirit came from the Angel + of Truth. To the Wesleyans, inquiry is but the fair-seeming disguise of + the devil, and to entertain it is of the nature of sin. These preachers, + therefore, knowing nothing of the other side, were under none of the + restrictions imposed by intelligence, and they denounced the sceptics with + a force which seemed holy from its fervour, and with a ferocity which only + ignorance could inspire. So long as I knew less than they, their influence + over me continued. Yet it was not vigorous denunciation which first + allured me to them, though it long detained me among them—it was the + information I had received, that they believed in universal salvation, + which had fascination for me. There was something generous in that idea + beyond anything taught me, and my heart cleaved to the people who thought + it true. This doctrine came to me with the force of a new idea, always + enchanting to the young. Had I been reared among Roman Catholics, I should + have worshipped at the church of <i>All</i> Souls instead of the church of + One Soul. Any Church whose name seemed least to exclude my neighbours + would have most attracted me. + </p> + <p> + All the fertility of attendance at chapels recounted did not, as the + reader will suppose, produce any weariness in me, or make me tired of + Christianity. The incessant Bible reading, hymns, prayer, and evangelical + sermons of Carr's Lane, Thorpe Street, and Inge Street did tire me. There + was no human instruction in their spiritual monotony. My mind aches now + when I think of those days. When I took courage to visit various chapels, + the variety of thought gave me ideas. The deacons of the Inge Street + Chapel bade me beware that "the rolling stone gathered no moss."* Yet I + did gather moss. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Thomas Tusser, of the sixteenth century, to whom the + phrase is ascribed, said: "The stone that is rolling can + gather no moss." +</pre> + <p> + Though I was then hardly fifteen, the other teachers would gently ask me + if I would engage in prayer in their meetings, which meant praying aloud + among them. The idea made me tremble. I was very shy, and the sound of my + own voice was as a thing apart from me, for which I was responsible, and + which I could not control. Then, what should I say? To say what others + said, to utter a few familiar scriptural phrases, diluted by ignorant + earnestness, seemed to me, even at that time, an insipid offering of + praise. Then it occurred to me to notice any newness of thought and + expression I heard in week-day discourses, and with them I composed small + prayers, which brought me some credit when I spoke them, as they were + unlike any one else's. But only once—at a Friday night's church + meeting—did I pray with natural freedom. Afterwards I avoided + requests to pray, as I thought it unreal to be thinking more of the terms + of the prayer than the simple spirit of it, and I hoped that one day + fitting language would become natural to me. + </p> + <p> + It is proof that my mind was as free from scientific inspiration as any + saint's, since I had no misgiving as to the effect of prayer. If + Christianity were preached for the first time now to well-to-do people, + able to help themselves, it would be treated like Mormonism in America; + but to the poor who have neither money nor reflection, Christianity, as a + praying power, is a very real thing. People who have no idea that help + will, or can, come in any other way, are glad to think that it may come + from heaven. It had never been explained to me that low wages were caused + by there being too many labourers in the market, or that ill-health is + caused by poor food and hard condition. It was my daily habit to pray for + things most necessary and always deficient, not for myself alone, but for + others to whom in their need I would give, at any cost to myself—to + whom, if disinterested prayers were answered, any God of sympathy would + give. Yet, though no prayer was answered, it did not strike me that that + method of help failed. Prayer was no remedy, yet I did not see its + futility. Had I spent a single hour only in "dropping a bucket into an + empty well, never drawing any water up," I should not have continued the + operation without further inquiry. It never struck me that, if preachers + could obtain material aid by prayer, or knew any form of supplication by + which it could be obtained, they might grow rich in a day by selling + copies of that priceless formula. No Church would be needy, no believer + would be poor. + </p> + <p> + In those days Christianity was a very real thing to me. What was part of + my conviction was also part of my life. So far as I had knowledge, I was + like the parson of Chaucer, who— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Christ's love and his Apostles twelve + Taught, and <i>first he followed it himselve</i>." +</pre> + <p> + This I did with a zeal of spirit which neither knew nor sought any evasion + of the letter. + </p> + <p> + At this time there came to Birmingham one Rev. Tully Cribbace, a + middle-aged man with copious dark hair, pale, thin face, and earnest, + unceasing speech. The zealous members of many congregations went to hear + him. He interested me greatly. He rebuked our Churches, as is the way with + new, wandering preachers—<i>without appointments</i>—for their + want of faith in the promise of Christ, who had said that "Whatsoever ye + shall ask in My name, that will I do." I had the belief, I had asked in + His name; but nothing came of it. With insufficient clothing I had gone + out in inclement weather to worship, or to teach, trusting in that promise + that I should be protected if no gifts of clothing came from heaven. No + gifts did come, but illness from exposure often did. In a very anxious + spirit I went to Mr. Cribbace's lodgings in Newhall Street, where he had + said inquirers might call upon him. When he asked me "what I wished to + say," I at once, not without emotion, replied, "Do you really believe, + sir, what you said? Is it true that what we ask in faith we shall receive? + I have great need to know that." + </p> + <p> + My seemingly abrupt and distrustful question was not a reflection upon his + veracity of speech. Mr. Cribbace quite understood that from my tone of + inquiry. It never struck me that his threadbare dress, his half-famished + look, and necessity of "taking up a collection" the previous night "to pay + expenses," showed that faith was not a source of income to him. Yet he had + told us that faith would be all that to us, and with a sincerity which + never seemed to me more real on any human lips. He did not mistake the + earnestness or purport of my question. He parried with his answer with + many words, and at length said that "the promise was to be taken with the + provision that what we asked for would be given, if God thought it for our + good." Christ did not think this; He did not say it; He did not suggest + it. Knowing how many generations of men to the end of the world would + imperil their lives on the truth of His words, He could not suffer + treacherous ambiguity to creep into His meaning by omission. His words + were: "If it were not so, I would have told you." There was no double + meaning in Christ, no reticence, no half-statement, leaving the hearer to + find out the half-concealed words which contradicted the half-revealed. + All this I believed of him, and therefore I trusted Christ's sayings. + </p> + <p> + St. Chrysostom, in the prayer of the Church Litany, does not stop, but + keeps open the gap through which this evasion crawls. "Almighty God," he + says, "who dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in + Thy name, Thou wilt grant <i>their</i> requests. Fulfil <i>now</i>, O + Lord, the desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most <i>expedient</i> + for them." Christ was no juggler like St. Chrysostom. A prayer is a + deposit—the money of despair paid into a bank; but no one would pay + money into a bank if they were told they would get back only as much as + was good or expedient for them. + </p> + <p> + My heart sank within me as Mr. Cribbace spoke the words of evasion. There + was nothing to be depended upon in prayer. The doctrine was a juggle of + preachers. They might not mean it or think it straight out, but this is + what it came to. Christ a second time repeated the words: "If ye shall ask + anything in My name, I will do it." However it might be true in apostolic + days, it was not true in ours, and the preachers knew it, and did not say + so. Christ might as well be dead if the promise had passed away. + Christianity had no material advantage to offer to the believer, whatever + else it may have had. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cribbace spoke the truth now; I could see that. Never did that morning + pass from my mind. That answer did not make me disbelieve, but I was never + again the same Christian I had been before. The foundation on which every + forlorn, helpless, uninformed, trusting believer rests had slipped—slipped + away from under my feet. Whatever Christianity might be, it was no + dependence in human need. The hard, material world was not touched by + prayer. How else it could be moved I then knew not. + </p> + <p> + For myself, I did not think about the terms of the Bible, but believed + them. If there was an exception, it related to the saying of Christ that + every "idle word" men should speak should be recorded against them. If + "idle words" were to go down, then angry or wicked words would also be + recorded. At night, as I made my last prayer, I tried to think over what I + had said or done which might have been added to that serious catalogue, + and thus I suffered more than my fair share of alarm. I did not know then + that the rich have a much smaller account against them above than the + poor, and that they fare better than the indigent in heaven, as they do on + earth. A gentleman has his house and grounds, no one he dislikes can enter + his home. His neighbour cannot much annoy him; he is at a distance from + him. If he has a feud with his annoyer, he does not meet him above once a + year, perhaps at a county ball, and there he can "cut" him; while a poor + man lives in a house where he has several fellow-lodgers, who have done + him a shabby turn, and whom he meets four or five times a day on the + stairs. Evil thoughts come into his heart, evil words escape his lips, and + he himself employs a recording angel all his time in taking down his + offences, while the rich man has, peradventure, only a single note made + against his name once a week. + </p> + <p> + It was after I had been some time at the Mechanics' Institution—which + was quite a new world of thought to me—that I was asked if I would + conduct a class at the New Meeting Unitarian Sunday school. The rooms in + which the Mechanics' Institution was held were those of the Sunday school + of the Old Meeting-house, no other being obtainable. Since anything I knew + had been taught me by these generous believers, it seemed to me natural + that they should invite me to assist in one of their schools, and that I + should comply. My consenting was not because I shared their tenets. The + Rev. Mr. Crompton, whose sister subsequently became Mrs. George Dawson, + asked me after a time what my view was as to the unity of Deity. My answer + was that I believed in three Deities. I had never thought of the + possibility of all this great world being managed by <i>one</i> Being. My + preference for the acquaintance of Unitarians was that there was so much + more to be learned among them than among any other religious body I had + known. My invitation to their school was to teach Euclid to one class, and + the simpler elements of logic to another. These were subjects never + thought of in the Evangelical Sunday schools to which I had belonged. The + need of human knowledge had become very clear to me. I could see that + young men of my age trained in Unitarian schools were very superior to + Evangelical youths, who had merely spiritual information. Devoutness I + knew to be goodness; but I could see it was not power. My personal piety + did not conceal from me my inferiority to those better informed. This made + me grateful to the Unitarians, who cared on Sundays for human as well as + spiritual things; and I thought it a duty to help them, as far as my + humble attainments might enable me. + </p> + <p> + As soon as this was known in the Inge Street church, to which I was + considered to belong, the elders spake unto me thereupon. I was invited to + a prayer-meeting, which I readily consented to attend, when I found that + all the prayers were directed against me—were mere solicitations to + heaven to divert my heart from continuing to attend the Unitarian schools. + It would be wronging my sincere and well-meaning friends of that time, to + recount the deterrents they used and the fears they expressed. Religion + refined by human intelligence was regarded then as a form of sin. At the + end I did not dissent from their view, but I made no promise to do what + they wished. It seemed to me a sin that any youths should be as ignorant + as I had been, and I refuse to give them such knowledge as I had acquired. + In this matter of teaching I said it was right to do as the Unitarians + did, but wrong to believe as they believed. This opinion I held all the + while I was a teacher in their Sunday school. + </p> + <p> + Had these prayerful friends of mine succeeded in their object of + persuading me from association with these larger believers, they would + have shut the door of freedom, effort and improvement for me. My lot would + have been to spend my days inviting others, with much earnestness, to + cherish like incapacity. Yet I have no word of disrespect for their + honest-hearted endeavour to advise me, as they thought, for the best. It + was the desire of knowledge which saved me from their dangerous + temptation. + </p> + <p> + The Meeting-house to whose Sunday school I went, was the one where Dr. + Priestley formerly preached. It was my duty on a Sunday to accompany my + class into chapel during the morning service. The scholars' seats were + near the gallery stairs. The other teachers sat at the end of the forms, + farthest from the stairs. I always chose the end nearest the stairs. When + invited to sit elsewhere I never explained the reason why I did not. My + reason was my belief that the wickedness of the preacher, in addressing + only one Deity, would one day be resented by heaven, and that the roof + would fall in upon the congregation. As I did not share their faith, I + thought I ought not to partake of their fate; and I thought that by being + near the stairs I could escape—if I saw anything uncomfortable in + the behaviour of the ceiling, which I frequently watched. Being the person + who would first understand what was about to happen, I concluded that my + descent would be unimpeded by the flying and unsuspecting congregation. It + seems to me only yesterday that I sat calculating my chance of escape as + Mr. Kentish's sonorous and instructive sermon was proceeding. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. NEW CONVICTIONS WHICH CAME UNSOUGHT + </h2> + <p> + These singular instances of bygone experience of a religious student, of + which few similar have ever been given, must be suggestive—perhaps + instructive—to religious teachers in church and chapel, engaged in + inculcating their views. How much happier had been my life had there then + existed that tolerance of social effort, that regard of social needs, that + consideration of individual aspiration, which happily now prevail. This + chapter will conclude what Herbert Spencer would call the "natural + history" of a mind, or, as Lord Westbury would say, "what I am pleased to + call my mind." + </p> + <p> + One evening, at the Mechanics' Institution, Birmingham, I was told that + Robert Owen, who had unexpectedly arrived in town, was likely to speak in + Well Lane, Allison Street, and was asked "would I go?" Mistaking the name + for Robert Hall, I said I would. Of Robert Owen I had scarcely heard; of + the Rev. Robert Hall (who had denounced all deflectors from the Baptist + standard with brilliant bitterness) I had heard, admired (and do still), + and much desired to see. Great was my disappointment when I discovered the + mistake. As Mr. Owen passed me on entering the room, I—a mere youth—looked + at the aged philosopher (who had been working for human welfare long + before I was born) with an impertinent pity. I felt also some real terror + for his future, as I thought what a "wicked old man" he must be. I had + been assured by Robert Hall that morality without faith was of no avail in + the eye of God. + </p> + <p> + Eventually it became known at the works where I was employed that I had + been to hear Robert Owen, and remarks were made. In those days (1837-8) + advocates of social reform were called "Socialists." Some of the remarks + made against them were unjust Some "Socialists" were fellow-students at + the Mechanics' Institution. These commentators made the usual mistake of + concluding that the social thinkers in question must hold the opinions it + was inferred that they held. At that time I did not understand this way of + reasoning, though no doubt I used it myself, as those among whom I was + reared knew no better. Everybody was sure that an opponent must mean what + you inferred he meant, and charged against him the inference as a fact—never + thinking of inquiring whether it was so. If I was not misled by those + confident arguments, it was because I knew that the persons accused were + leal and kind in daily life. Out of mere love of fairness I defended them + to my working associates, as far as my knowledge went. Being told that "I + did not know what their principles were" caused me to read their pamphlets + and to hear some lectures. For a year or more I used the knowledge thus + gained against the uninformed impressions of their aspersers around me. + </p> + <p> + Well do I remember that one day, as I passed two workmen in the mill-yard, + one said to the other, "That is young Holyoake the sceptic." They did not + know that "sceptic" merely meant a doubter in search of evidence. They + used the word in the brutal sense of one who disbelieved the truth, + knowing it to be the truth. The term startled me, as I neither believed + nor assumed to believe what I had reported as the opinions of my friends. + For myself, I had no thought of holding their opinions. The heresy + supposed to be included in them was, indeed, my aversion. Then I made the + resolution to examine their principles, with a view to show what arguments + I could myself bring against them. Great was my dismay when, after months + of thought, I found that the questioned tenets seemed, on the whole, to be + true. These tenets were that wise material circumstances were likely to + have a better influence on men than bad ones; and that, men having general + qualities which they have inherited, the treatment of the worst should be + tempered by compassion for their ill-fortune. Then it concerned me no more + what any one said of me. It was as though I had passed into a new country, + leaving behind me the barren land of supplication for a land of + self-effort and improvement; and entered into the fruitful kingdom of + material endeavour, where help and hope dwelt. Heretofore doubt and + perturbation as to whether I was of the "elect" had oft agitated me. Now, + I had no bonds in the death of my disproved opinions—no struggle, no + misgivings. Without wish or effort of mine, I was delivered by reason + alone from the prison-house in which I had dwelt with its many terrors. + Not all at once did the terrors go. They long hovered about the mind like + evil spirits tempting me to distrust the truth written in the Book of + Nature, of which I believed God to be the author. + </p> + <p> + Some time before this change in my opinion occurred I had taken in, out of + my slender savings, the beautiful Diamond edition of the Rev. Mr. + Stebbing's Bible in parts. The type was very fine, the outline + illustrations seemed to me very beautiful; they affect me with admiration + still. It was the first book with marks of art about it that I had + possessed. I had it bound in morocco, with silver clasps. It was quite a + wonder in the workshop when I took it there. To possess many things I + never cared, but if I had only one, and it had some beauty and finish in + it, it was to me as though I had a light in my room at night, and the + thought of it made me glad in the dark. A fellow-workman of sincere piety, + whom I respected very much, coveted this Bible, and induced me to sell it + to him, which I did, as I had it in my mind to get another bound in a yet + daintier way. + </p> + <p> + Simple and natural as was this transaction, it was misconstrued. It was + said I had "sold" my Bible, as though it was my act instead of being the + act of another. Next it was reported that I had "burnt" it. Thus I became + a founder of myths without knowing it. Nevertheless, it gave me pain—for + nothing was more alien to my mind, my taste and reverence, than the act + imputed to me. But what made a greater impression upon me, it being + inconceivable, and unforeseen, was that he who induced me to part with my + valued volume never came forward to say so. The inspiration of + Christianism I had taken to be personal truth which could be trusted. In + the noblest minds it is so still. But for the first time I found a + Christian could be mean. + </p> + <p> + It was about this period that a poor woman I knew drew near to death from + consumption. At times I visited and read the Scriptures to her. One night + I asked her if she would like some one to pray with her. As she wished it, + I induced one with whom I had been a Sunday school teacher to come with me + one evening and pray by her side. + </p> + <p> + The consolation was very precious to her, and that is why I sought it for + her. At no time did it seem to me that everybody should be of one opinion, + since honesty of life consists in living and dying in that opinion of the + truth of which you are convinced. This man whom I took with me was a + workman, poor, mean, and utterly uninformed. In religious sympathy he + inclined to the Ranters, who are not at all melodious Christians. Yet + heaven might respect his prayer as much as a bishop's, for he had given up + his night, after a hard day's labour, to afford what humble consolation he + could to this poor woman. + </p> + <p> + One sentiment that had always possessed me was a pleasure in vengeance. I + had quite a distinct passion of hatred where I was wronged, and had no + means of resistance or redress. A man in my father's employ did something + very unfair to me when I was quite a youth, and during nine years that I + worked by his side I did not forget it or forgive it. The Lord's prayer + taught me that I should "forgive those who trespassed against me," and at + times I thought I had forgiven him, but I never had. Christian as I was, + the revengeful lines of Byron long influenced me:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "If we do but watch the hour, + There never yet was human power, + That could evade, if unforgiven, + The patient search and vigil long + Of him who treasures up a wrong." +</pre> + <p> + No sermon, no prayer, no belief, no Divine command, rendered me neutral + towards those I disliked. Neither authority nor precept had force which + gave no reason for amity. But when I came to understand Coleridge's saying + that "human affairs are a process," I could see that patience and wise + adaptation of condition was the true method of improvement, since the + tendency to nobleness or baseness was alike an inheritance nurtured by + environment. If tempest of the human kind came, precaution and not anger—which + means ignorance taken by surprise—was the remedy. Pity takes the + place of resentment. Clearly, vengeance did but add to the misfortune of + destiny. + </p> + <p> + I oft pondered Hooker's saying, that "anger is the sinew of the soul, and + he that lacketh it hath a maimed mind." Nevertheless, I am content to be + without that "sinew." Anger is rather the epilepsy of the understanding + than the dictate of reason. I had come to see that there are no bad weeds + in Nature—but much bad gardening. The reasons of amity had become + clear to me, and that Helvetius was right. We should "go on loving men, + but not expecting too much from them." Even Hooker could not win me back + to the profitless pursuits of anger and retaliation. + </p> + <p> + These bygone days left their instruction with me evermore. In them I + learned consideration for others. Whatever my convictions, I was always + the same to my mother. The wish to change her views never entered my mind. + She had chosen her own. I respected her choice, and she respected mine. In + after years, when I visited Birmingham, I would read the Bible to her. She + liked to hear my voice again as she had heard it in earlier days. When her + eyes became dim by time I would send her large type editions of the New + Testament, and of religious works which dwelt upon the human tenderness of + Christ. The piety of parents should be sacred in the eyes of children. + Convictions are the food of the soul, which perisheth on any other diet + than that which can be assimilated by the conscience. + </p> + <p> + One of the bygones which had popularity in my day was silence, where + explicitness was needed. Nothing is more grateful to the young + understanding than clear, definite outlines. <i>The Spectator</i> (July + 23, 1891) said that "Dean Stanley could not at any time have exactly + defined what his own theology really was." George Dawson, who charmed so + many audiences and was under no official restraint, never attempted it. + Emerson, who criticised everybody who had an opinion, never disclosed his. + Carlyle, who filled the air with adjurations to sincerity of conviction, + carefully concealed his own. They who take credit for advising the public + what to believe should avow their own belief. Otway, crossing the street + to Dryden's house, wrote upon his door: "Here lives Dryden, a poet and a + wit." Seeing these words as he came out, Dryden wrote under them: "Written + by Otway opposite," which might mean: "This is but a partial and friendly + estimate written by my neighbour who lives over the way, opposite to me"; + or, it might mean that "It is written by Otway—the very 'opposite' + of 'a poet and a wit.'" Janus sentences are the very grace of satire, + because they offer a mitigating or a complimentary construction; but in + questions of conscience, ethics, or politics, uncertainty is an evil—an + evil worth remembering where it can be avoided. + </p> + <p> + "Socialists" were liable to indictment who officiated in a place not + licensed as a place of worship. Such a license could be obtained on making + a declaration on oath that their discourses were founded on belief in the + cardinal tenets of the Church. Two social speakers were summoned to swear + this. One was the father of the late Robert Buchanan. He and his colleague + did so swear to avoid penalties, though they swore the contrary of the + truth. I joined with other colleagues in protesting against this + humiliation and ignominy. And in another way imprisonment came to all of + us. Silence or the oath was the alternative from which there was no + escape. The question then arose, "Was the existence of Deity so certainly + known to men that inability to affirm it justified exclusion from + citizenship?" Thus it was of the first moment to inquire whether it was so + or not, and what was regarded as an atheistical investigation became a + political necessity in self-defence. Was there such conclusive knowledge + of the Unknowable as to warrant the law in making the possession of it a + condition of justice and civil equality? Thus the refutation of Theism + became a form of self-defence, and without foreseeing it, or intending it, + or wishing it, I was, without any act of my own, engaged in it. + </p> + <p> + This narrative concerns those who deplore the rise and popularity of + independent thinkers, alien to received doctrine. Few persons are aware + how or why agnostic advocacy was welcomed and extended. Surely this is + worth remembering. The tenet bore statute fruit, for the Affirmation Act + came out of it. + </p> + <p> + It will be a satisfaction to students of spiritual progress to know that + the extension and legalisation of the rights of conscience, brought no + irreverence with it. The sense that the nature of Deity was beyond the + capacity of dogmatism to define, created a feeling of profound humility in + the mind; the incapacity which disabled me from asserting the infinite + premises of Theism rendered denial an equal temerity. What tongue can + speak, what eye can see, what imagination can conceive the marvels of the + Inscrutable? I think of Deity as I think of Time, which is with us daily. + Who can explain to us that mystery? Time—noiseless, impalpable, yet + absolute—marshals the everlasting procession of nature. It touches + us in the present with the hand of Eternity, and we know it only by + finding that we were changed as it passed by us. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. DIFFICULTY OF KNOWING MEN + </h2> + <p> + Events of the mind as well as of travel may be worth remembering. + Columbus, high on a peak of Darien, saw an unexpected sight—never to + be forgotten. Of another kind, as far as surprise was concerned, though + infinitely less important in other respects, was my first reading of a + passage of Pascal, which more than any other revealed to me a new world of + human life. The passage was the well-known exclamation:— + </p> + <p> + "What an enigma is man? What a strange, chaotic and contradictory being? + Judge of all things, feeble earth-worm, depository of the Truth, mass of + uncertainty, glory and butt of the universe, incomprehensible monster! In + truth, what is man in the midst of Nature? A cypher in respect to the + infinite; all, in comparison with nonentity: a mean betwixt nothing and + all." + </p> + <p> + Everybody knows that not only in different nations, but in the same + nation, mankind present a strange variety of qualities and passions. The + English are outspoken, the Scotch reticent, the Irish uncertain, the + American alert, the French ceremonial. Even our English counties have + their special ways of action. London is confident, Birmingham dogged, + Manchester resolute, New-castle-on-Tyne has greater modesty and greater + pride than any other place. Yes; every one agrees with Pascal that man is + a bewildering creature. He is proud and abject, generous and mean, defiant + and craven, standing up for inflexible truth, and lying in his daily life. + As Byron says, "Man is half dust, half deity." If we go far enough in our + search we find people of all qualities. Everybody sees these + characteristics of countries and classes. Everybody recognises these + conflicting elements of character in a race; but what amazed me was to + perceive that they are to be found in <i>each</i> person in varying + proportion and force—they are all there. The varieties of the race + are to be found in the same individual. No man who understands this ever + looks upon society as he did before. Not knowing this fact, not + calculating upon it, error, distrust, disappointment, estrangement, grow + up needlessly. + </p> + <p> + Twice within the public recollection, two political parties in England + have been formed, and made furious by a common ignorance. During the great + Slave War in America, the Southern planter was held up as a gentleman of + polished manners, of cultivated tastes, a paternal master and courteous + host By others he was described as selfish, sensual, tyrannical, with whom + any guest who betrayed sympathy with slaves had an unpleasant time. Both + accounts were true. The same model gentleman who showered upon you courtly + attentions would tar and feather you if he found you display emotion when + you heard the shriek of the slave under the whip. Later, Parliament, the + press, and the Church were divided upon the character of the Turk. One + party said he was tolerant, picturesque, abounding in concessions and + hospitality. The other party described him as subtle, evasive, + treacherous, vicious, and cruel. No one seemed to recognise that all the + while he was both these things. He was an adept in personal deference, + generous in professions, evasive and treacherous—in short, "Abdul + the Damned." To those from whom the Sultan had anything to hope, his + graciousness was superb—to those at his mercy he was rapacious and + murderous. + </p> + <p> + The Circassians will offer their daughters to the Turk—they send + their virgin beauty into the market of lust, and then fight for the + purchasers. The Hindoos seem a gentle, unresisting, rice-minded people; + yet have such capacity of heroic and vigilant reticence, that though we + have been masters of India for one hundred and fifty years, it is said by + experienced officials, we do not know the real mind of a single man. The + Zulus have savage instincts and habits; but they are honest, speak the + truth, and despise a man who is angry or excited. + </p> + <p> + Thiers, the great French statesman, had trust in individuals, but despised + the masses. Yet the masses pulled down the Bastile, where only gentlemen + were imprisoned and not themselves. The masses were moved by a generous + dislike of oppression as strongly as Thiers himself. + </p> + <p> + President Washington, looking only at the corruption of classes he came in + contact with, predicted evil to the future of American society. Yet, one + hundred years after, a latent nobleness of sentiment appeared, which gave + a million of lives in order that black men with large feet, as was + scornfully said, should be free. + </p> + <p> + Because oppression had made, for years, assassination frequent in Italy, + many thought every man carried a stiletto, and did not know that Italians + are more patient and cooler-headed on great occasions than Englishmen or + Frenchmen. + </p> + <p> + The Irish do not conceal that they are our enemies, and ruin every English + movement in which they mingle, yet who have such brightness, drollery of + imagination as they? Or who will stand by a friend of their country at the + peril of their lives without hesitation as they do? + </p> + <p> + The Scotch display in contest a sort of divine ferocity, such as we read + of in the Old Testament. Their battle song at Flodden ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Burn their women, lean and ugly, + Burn their children, great and small, + In the hut and in the palace, + Prince and peasant—burn them all. + + Plunge them in the swelling torrents + With their gear and with their goods; + Spare—while breath remains—no Saxon, + Drown them in the roaring floods." +</pre> + <p> + The Irish could not excel this rage of hell. Yet the same race gave us + Burns and Sir Walter Scott, which no seer would have predicted or any + would believe. The Scotch have deliberate generosity. Though narrow in + piety they are broad in politics and have veracity in their bones. + </p> + <p> + It concerns us to notice that in every <i>individual</i> there is the same + variety of qualities which exist in the race. Not to understand this is to + misunderstand everybody with whom we come in contact. Take the case of a + man in whom personal ambition predominates. That implies the existence of + other qualities which may be even estimable, though subordinated to ends + of power. William, the Norman Conqueror, had a gracious manner to any who + lent themselves to further his ends; but, as Tennyson tells us, he was + "stark as Death to those who crossed him." The first Napoleon gave thrones + to generals who would occupy them in his interest, or as his instruments. + The third Napoleon was very courteous even to workmen, so long as he + believed they would be on his side in the streets; but their throats were + not safe in the corridor outside his audience chamber, if he distrusted + them. + </p> + <p> + This unexpected blandishment confused the strong brain of John Arthur + Roebuck, who, under the influence of Bonapartean courtesy, forgot that he + had become Emperor by perjury and murder. A man caring above all things + for power will give anything to acquire it or hold it. If any one will + help him even to plunder others, he will share the plunder with a liberal + hand among his confederates, who proclaim him as a most amiable, generous, + and disinterested gentleman. To them he is so. The political world and + private life also abounds in men who, like Byron's captain, was the + "best-mannered gentleman who ever scuttled a ship or cut a throat." + </p> + <p> + There are very few who say as Byron elsewhere wrote:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I wish men to be free, + From Kings or mobs—from you or me." +</pre> + <p> + The point of importance is that in judging a man we should accustom + ourselves to see all about him, and, while we hate the evil, not shut our + eyes to what there may be of good in the same person. + </p> + <p> + For objects of popularity men will encounter peril in promoting measures + of public utility, and though they care more for themselves than for the + public, the public profit by their ambition. Provided it is understood + that these advocates are not to be depended upon any longer than it + answers their purpose, nobody is discouraged when they take up with + something else, which better serves their ends. + </p> + <p> + Men like Mr. Gladstone have a passion for conscience in politics; or, like + Mr. Bright, have a passion for justice in public affairs; or, like Mr. + Mill, have a passion for truth; or, like Mr. Cobden, who had a passion for + national prosperity founded on freedom and peace—will encounter + labour and obloquy with courage, and regard applause only as a happy + accident, caring mainly for the consciousness of duty done. However, this + class of men are not numerous, but command honour when known. + </p> + <p> + Men of the average sort very much resemble fishes, except that they are + less quiet and not so graceful in their movements. There is the Pholas + Dactylus, which resembles a small, animated sausage with a pudding head. + His plan of life is to bore a perfectly tubular passage in the soft sand + rock on the sea-side, and lie there with his cunning head at the mouth of + his dwelling and snap up the smaller creatures who wander heedlessly by. + Sometimes a near relative has made a dwelling-place at right angles to the + direction in which he has elected to make his residence. He does not + consult the rights or convenience of any one, but bores straight through + his father or his mother-in-law. There are many persons who do the same + thing. There is the subtle and picturesque devil fish, who hides himself + in the sedge and opens his mouth like a railway tunnel. With the + fishing-rod which Nature attaches to his nose, the end of which is + contrived like a bait, he switches the bright water until fish run + forward, when he draws it cleverly up, and the foolish, impetuous, and + unobservant creatures rush down his cavernous and treacherous throat He + offers a bait, not to feed them, but to feed himself. If people had only + eyes to see, there are devil fish about in the sedges of daily life—political, + clerical, and social. There is the octopus, with its long, aimless arms, + as silent and lifeless as seaweed. It lies about as idle, as soft, as + flexible, and as easy as error, or intemperance, or dishonesty. But let + any edible thing approach it, and every limb starts into energy, every + fibre is alive, every muscle contracts, and the thing seized dies in its + inextricable and iron arms. People abound of the octopus species, and it + is prudent to avoid them. However, the bad are not so many as are + supposed. Yet, when we consider that, upon a moderate calculation, a fool + a day is born—and doubtless a knave a day to keep him company—there + must be some dubious people about. + </p> + <p> + A common mistake is that of taking offence at some unpleasant quality, and + never looking to see whether there be not others for which we may tolerate + and even respect a man. A person is often judged by a single quality, and + sometimes by a single word. Persons who have lived long years in amity + take offence at one expression. It may be uttered in passion; it may be + spoken in mere lightness of heart, with no intention and no idea of + offending—yet it enters into the foolish blood of those who hear it, + and poisons the mind evermore. Nevertheless every man who reflects knows + that those are fortunate and even miraculously skilful people, who can + always say exactly what they intend to say, and no more. What resource of + language—what insight of the minds of others—what mastery of + phrases—what subtlety of discrimination—what perspicuity of + statement must he possess who can express his every idea with such + unerring accuracy that no word shall be redundant, or deficient, or + ambiguous; and that another shall understand the speaker precisely as he + understands himself! Yet by a chance phrase what friendships have been + severed—what enmity has arisen—what estrangements, even in + households, have occurred from these small and incidental causes? All + memory of the tenderness, the kindness, the patient and generous service + of years is often obliterated by a single word! The error people make is—that + everything said is intended. Yet out of the many qualities every man has, + and by which any man may be moved, a single passion may go mad in a mind + unwatchful. Not only hatred or anger, but love will go mad and commit + murder, which is often but the insanity of a minute. Yet nobody remembers + that all are liable to insanity of speech. + </p> + <p> + What a wonderful thing is perfection! It must be very rare. Yet some + people are always looking for it in others who never offer any example of + it in themselves. It is not, however, to be had anywhere. All we are + entitled to look for is that the good in any individual shall in some + general way predominate over the bad. We have need to be thankful if we + find this. The late George Peabody was not a mean man, though he would + stand in the rain at Charing Cross, waiting for a cheap omnibus to the + City. There was a threepenny one waiting, but one with a twopenny fare + would come up soon—Mr. Peabody would wait for it Making money was + the habit of his mind, and he made it in the street as well as the office, + and having made it, gave it away with a more than royal hand. + </p> + <p> + One Sunday I rode in a Miles Platting tram car, amid decorous, + well-dressed chapel-going people—several of them young and active. A + child fell out of the tram, whose mother was too feeble to follow it. No + one moved, save a woman of repulsive expression, with whom any one might + suppose her neighbours had a bad time. She seemed the least desirable + person to know of all the passengers; yet this woman, on seeing the child + lying in the road, at once leapt out of the tram, brought the child back + and put it tenderly into its mother's arms. Intrepid humanity may dwell in + a very rough exterior. + </p> + <p> + There goes a man with a hard, forbidding face, and a headachy Evangelical + complexion. Like the man mentioned in the last paper, he is not an + alluring person to know—those at his fireside have a dreary time of + it. His children have joyless Sundays. He is a street preacher. His voice + is harsh and painful. He howls "glad tidings" at the street corner. He is + wanting in the first elements of reverence—those of modesty and + taste. Yet this same man has kindness and generosity in his heart After + his hard day's work is done he will give the evening, which others spend + in pleasure, to try and save some casual soul in the street. + </p> + <p> + Though we continually forget it, we know that men are full of mixed + qualities and unequal passions. Ignorance of this renders one of the + noblest passages of Shakespeare dangerous if misapplied: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "To thine own self be true, + And it must follow as the night the day, + Thou canst not then be false to any man." +</pre> + <p> + But what is a man's "own self"? It all lies there. Tell the liar, the + thief, the forger, or the ruffian to be true to himself, and any one knows + what will follow. Polonius knew the heart of Laertes, and to him he could + say, "to thine own self be true." We must be sure of the nature of him + whom we advise to follow himself.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Cicero appears to have thought of this when he said: + "Every roan ought carefully to follow out his peculiar + character, provided it is only peculiar, and not vicious," +</pre> + <p> + What is or what can be the object of education but to strengthen by + precept, habit and environment the better qualities of human nature; and + to divert, repress, or subordinate where we cannot extinguish hereditary, + unethical tendencies? Though we deny—or do not steadily see—that + nations as well as individuals have capacities for good as well as evil, + we admit it when we attempt to create international influences, which + shall promote civilisation. + </p> + <p> + If any would avoid the disappointment of ignorance and the alarms of the + foolish, let him learn to look with unamazed expectancy at what will + appear on the ocean of Society. Do not look in men for the qualities you + want to find, or for qualities you imagine they ought to have, but look + with unexpectant eyes for what you can find. Do not expect perfection, but + a few good points only, and be glad if you find them, and be tolerant of + what is absent. Of him of this way of thinking it may be said, as was said + of Charles Lamb: "He did not merely love his friends in spite of their + errors, he loved them errors and all." Whoever remains under the delusion + that nations and men possess only special qualities, and not all qualities + in different stages of development, will hate them foolishly, praise them + without reason, and will never know men. But whoever understands the trend + of things in this ever-changing, uncontrollable world, where + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Our fate comes to us from afar, + Where others made us what we are," +</pre> + <p> + will utter the prayer of Sadi, the Persian poet: "O God! have pity on the + wicked, for Thou hast done everything for the good in having made them + good." A prayer worth remembering. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. IDEAS FOR THE YOUNG + </h2> + <p> + There are people who live many years and never grow old. We call them + "young patriarchs." Limit not the golden dreams of youth, which, however, + would be none the worse for a touch of the patriarch in them. There is + sense in youth, and it will assimilate the experience of age if displayed + before rather than thrust upon it. Youth should be incited to think for + itself, and to select from the wisdom it finds in the world. Then the + question comes—what is safe to take? That is the time for words of + suggestion. Every one has read of the fox, who seeing a crow with a piece + of cheese in her bill, told her "she had a splendid voice, and did herself + an injustice by not singing." The credulous crow began a note, dropped the + piece of cheese, with which the fox ran away. This trick is always being + played. Among young persons there are a great number of crows. A youth is + given a situation where advancement goes with assiduity. A fox-headed + comrade or clerk below him tells him his "work is beneath his talents, and + he ought to get something better." Discontent breeds negligence. He loses + his place, when the treacherous prompter, whom he took to be his friend, + slips into his situation, and finds it quite satisfactory. + </p> + <p> + In public affairs, in which youth seldom takes part, many are confused by + pretences which they understand when too late. A person puts forward an + excellent project, and finds it assailed and disparaged by some one he + thought would support it. Discouraged by opposition, he comes to doubt the + validity of the enterprise he had in hand. When he has abandoned it he + finds it taken up by the very person who denounced it, and who claims + credit for what he has opposed. All the while he has thought highly of the + scheme, but wanted to have the credit of it himself, and therefore defamed + it until he could get it into his own hands. This sort of thing is done in + Parliament as well as in business. It is only by listening to the + experience of others that youth can acquire wariness and guard against + serious mistakes. + </p> + <p> + The young on entering life are often dismayed by dolorous speeches by + persons who have never comprehended the nature of the world in which they + find themselves. People are told "a great crisis in public affairs is at + hand." There never was a time in the history of the world when a "crisis" + was not at hand. Nature works by crises. Progress is made up of crises + through which mankind has passed. Again there breaks forth upon the ears + of inexperienced youth the alarming information that society is "in a + transition state." Every critic, every preacher, every politician, is + always saying this. Yet there never was a time when society was not in a + "transition state." According to the Genesian legend, Adam discovered this + in his day, when, a few weeks after his advent, he found himself outside + the gates of Paradise, and all the world and all the creatures in it + thrown into a state of unending perturbation and discomfort which has not + ceased to this day. The eternal condition of human life is change, and he + who is wise learns early to adapt himself to it. As Dr. Arnold said, there + is nothing so dangerous as standing still when all the world is moving. + </p> + <p> + The young are bewildered by being left under the impression that they + should learn everything. Whereas all they need is to know thoroughly what + their line of duty in life requires them to know. No man can read all the + books in the British Museum, were arrangements made for his sleeping + there. No one is expected to eat all he finds in the market, but only so + much as makes a reasonable meal. Lord Sherbrooke translated from the Greek + guiding lines of Homer who said of a learner of his day:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "He could not reap, he could not sow, + Nor was he wise at all: + For very many arts he knew, + But badly knew them all." +</pre> + <p> + The conditions of personal advancement can only be learned by observing + the steps of those who have succeeded. Disraeli, whose success was the + wonder of his time, owed it to following the shrewd maxim that he who + wants to advance must make himself necessary to those whom he has the + opportunity of serving. This can be done in any station in life by skill, + assiduity and trustworthiness. + </p> + <p> + Practical thoroughness is an essential quality which gives great advantage + in life. Spurgeon had a great appreciation of it A servant girl applied to + him for a situation on the ground that she "had got religion." "Yes," said + the great pulpit orator, "that is a very good thing if it takes a useful + turn; but do you sweep under the mats?" he asked, cleanliness being a sign + of godliness in the eyes of the sensible preacher. + </p> + <p> + Cleanliness is possible to the very poorest—walls which have no + paper might have whitewash. Children should never see dirt anywhere. They + should never come upon it lying out of sight. Fever and death lurk in + neglected corners. Children may be in rags, but if they are clean rags and + the children are clean, they are, however poor, respectable. When I first + went to speak in Glasgow, it was in a solemn old hall, up a wynd. The + place was in the Candleriggs. Everybody knows what a dark, clammy, pasty, + muddy, depressing thoroughfare is the Candleriggs in wintry weather. + </p> + <p> + The passage leading to the lecture hall and the steps which had to be + ascended were all murky and dirty; as in those days the passage leading to + the publishing house of the Chambers Brothers was, as I have seen it, an + incentive to sickness. My payment for lecturing was not much, but out of + it I gave half a crown to an active woman I found in the wynd to wash down + the stairs and the passage leading to the Candleriggs, and the space as + wide as the passage along the causeway to the curb-stone. People passing + along might see signs of cleanliness leading to the hall. + </p> + <p> + I never forget what the woman said to some of the assembly as they passed + by her: "I don't know what this man (or "mon") is, who you have to lecture + to you to-day, but at least he has clean principles." That was precisely + the impression I wanted to create. My tenets might be poor, my arguments + badly clothed, but to present them in a clean state was in my power. + </p> + <p> + Do not readily be deterred from a good cause because you will be told it + is unprofitable, but take sides with it if need be. You will find persons + born with a passion of putting the world to rights. A very good passion + for the world, but now and then a very bad thing for him who is moved by + it They have no engagement to undertake that work, no salary is allotted + for it, nor even any income coming in to pay expenses "out of pocket," as + the prudent, open-eyed lawyer puts it. Nevertheless, it may be well to + follow the Jewish rule of giving a tithe of your time to the public + service. There are a large amount of tithes contributed in other ways + which are not half so beneficial to mankind. Many whose names now are + luminous in history, whose fame is on every tongue, have been personally + known to the old. The magical notes of great singers the living can never + know, the triumphs of the great masters of speech in Parliament and on the + platform, whom it was an education to hear—only the old can recount. + What they looked like, and how they played their memorable parts, are the + enchanting secrets of the old, who tell to the young what passed in a + world unknown to them, and which has made them what they are. The purport + of this chapter is to stimulate individuality and self-reliance. + Disraeli's maxim of self-advancement was to make himself necessary by + service in the sphere in which he found himself. In public affairs + committees are not, as a rule, suggestive; they can amend what is + submitted to them; they originate nothing, and generally take the soul out + of any proposal brought before then. If they advance business it is when + some individual provides a plan to which their consent may be of + importance. Individual ideas have been the immemorial source of progress. + A committee of one will often effect more than a committee of ten; but the + committee of ten will multiply the force of the one, and lend to it + influence and authority. Seeing that ideas come from individuals, a young + person cannot do better in life than by considering himself a committee of + one, and ponder himself on every matter of importance. This gives a habit + of resourceful thought—renders him cautious in action, and educates + him in responsibility. In daily life a man has continually to decide + things for himself without the aid of a committee. It is thus that + self-trust becomes his strength. + </p> + <p> + If youth could see but a little with the eyes of their seniors, some + pleasures would seem less alluring, and they would avoid doing some things + which they will regret all their lives. Now and then some young eye will + glance at a page of bygone lore and see a gleam of inspiration, like a + torch in a forest, which reveals a bear in a bush which he had chosen for + a picnic, or discovers a bog which he had taken to be solid ground. + Proverbs come around the young observer, so fair seeming he trusts them on + sight, and does not know they are only in part guiding and in part + elusive, and have limitations which may betray him into confident and + futile extremes. Even professors will beguile him with statements which he + doubts not are true, and finds, all too late, that they are false. + </p> + <p> + He will hear forebodings which fill him with alarm at some new + undertaking, not knowing that they are but the sounds of the footfalls of + Progress, which every generation has heard, the ignorant with terror, and + the wise with gladness. Only the relation of bygone experiences can save + the young from perilous illusions. Of course, youth is always asked to + look at things with the eyes of age, but they never do. They never can do + it, because the eyes of the old look at things with the light of + experience which, in the nature of things, youth is without. Nevertheless, + the experience of others may be good reading for them. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +If in the generous eagerness of youth the heart inclines to a forlorn +hope, take it up notwithstanding its difficulties, for if youth does +not, older people are not likely to attempt it. The older are mostly too +prudent to do any good in the way of new enterprise. This is where youth +has its uses and its priceless advantage. However, it is well not to let +enthusiasm, noble as it may be, blind the devotee. Take care that the +cause espoused is sound. Take heed of the Japanese maxim, + + "The lid, if the pot be broken, + It is no use mending." +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. EXPERIENCES ON THE WARPATH + </h2> + <p> + The late Archbishop of Canterbury spoke derisively of agitators. The Rev. + Stewart Headlam asked whether "Paul, and even our Lord Himself, were not + agitators." Mr. Headlam might have asked, where would the Archbishop be + but for that superb, irrepressible agitator Luther? The agitator is a + public advocate who speaks when others are silent. Mr. C. D. Collet, of + whom I here write, was an agitator who understood his business. + </p> + <p> + Agitation for the public welfare is a feature of civilisation. In a + despotic land it works by what means it can. In a free country it seeks + its ends by agencies within the limits of law. The mastery of the means + left open for procuring needful change, the right use, and the full use of + these facilities, constitute the business of an agitator. + </p> + <p> + For more than fifty years I was associated with Mr. Collet in public + affairs, and I never knew any one more discerning than he in choosing a + public cause, or on promoting it with greater plenitude of resource. Many + a time he has come to my house at midnight to discuss some new point he + thought important. A good secretary is the inspirer of the movement he + represents. Mr. Collet habitually sought the opinion of those for whom he + acted. Every letter and every document was laid before them. On points of + policy or terms of expression he deferred to the views of others, not only + with acquiescence, but willingness. During the more than twenty-four years + in which I was chairman of the Travelling Tax Abolition Committee and he + was secretary, I remember no instance to the contrary of his ready + deference. His fertility of suggestion was a constant advantage. Mr. + Bright and Mr. Cobden (who had an instinct of fitness) would select the + most suitable for the purpose in hand. In early life Mr. Collet had + studied for the law, and retained a passion for it which proved very + useful where Acts of Parliament were the barricades which had to be + stormed. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Collet was educated at Bruce Castle School, conducted by the father of + Sir Rowland Hill. Collet's political convictions were shown by his + becoming secretary for the People's Charter Union, intended to restore the + Chartist movement (then mainly under Irish influence) to English hands. In + 1848, he and W. J. Linton were sent as deputies to Paris, as bearers of + English congratulations on the establishment of the Republic. Afterwards + he fell himself under the fascination of an Oriental-minded diplomat, + David Urquhart, and became a romantic Privy Council loyalist. Mr. Urquhart + was Irish, eloquent, dogmatic, and infallible—at least, he put down + with ostentatious insolence any one who ventured to demur to anything he + said. If the astounded questioner pleaded that he was ignorant of the + facts adduced, he was told his ignorance was a crime. Mr. Urquhart + believed that all wisdom lay in treaties and Blue Books, and that the + first duty of every politician was to insist on beheading Lord Palmerston, + who had betrayed England to Russia. How Mr. Collet—a lover of + freedom and inquiry—could be subjugated by doctrines which, if not + conceived in madness, were commanded by arts akin to madness, is the + greatest mystery of conversion I have known. I have seen Mr. Bright come + out of the House of Commons, and observing Mr. Collet, would advance and + offer his hand, when Mr. Collet would put his hands behind him, saying "he + could not take the hand of a man who knew Lord Palmerston was an impostor + and ought to know he was a traitor, and still maintained political + relations with him." Yet Mr. Collet had great and well-founded regard for + Mr. Bright. + </p> + <p> + It was an intrepid undertaking to attempt a repeal of taxes which for 143 + years had fettered, as they were designed to do, knowledge from reaching + the people. The history of this achievement was given in the <i>Weekly + Times and Echo</i>, While these taxes were in force, neither cheap + newspapers nor cheap books could exist. Since their repeal great + newspapers and great publishing houses have arisen. While these Acts were + in force every newspaper proprietor was treated as a blasphemer and a + writer of sedition, and compelled to give securities of Ł300 against the + exercise of his infamous tendencies; every paper-maker was regarded as a + thief, and the officers of the Excise dogged every step of his business + with hampering, exacting, and humiliating suspicion. Every reader found + with an unstamped paper in his possession was liable to a fine of Ł20. The + policy of our agitation was to observe scrupulous fairness to every + Government with which we came in contact, and to heads of departments with + whom unceasing war was waged. Their personal honour was never confused + with the mischievous Acts they were compelled to enforce. Our rule was + steadfastness in fairness and courtesy. The cardinal principle of + agitation Collet maintained was that the most effectual way to obtain the + repeal of a bad law was to insist upon it being carried out, when its + effect would soon be resented by those who maintain its application to + others. Charles Dickens' "Household Narrative of Current Events," + published weekly, was a violation of the Act which required news to be a + month old when published on unstamped paper. Dickens was not selected from + malice, for he was friendly to the freedom of the press, but from policy, + as an Act carried out which would ruin a popular favourite like Dickens, + would excite indignation against it. A clamour was raised by friends in + Parliament against the supineness of the Inland Revenue Board, for + tolerating a wealthy metropolitan offender, while it prosecuted and + relentlessly ruined small men in the provinces for doing the same thing. + Bright called attention in the House to the Electric Telegraph Company, + who were advertising every night in the lobbies news, not an hour old, on + unstamped paper, in violation of the law. + </p> + <p> + It took thirty years of supplication to get art galleries open on Sunday, + when the application of the law to the privilege of the rich would have + opened them in ten years. The rich are allowed to violate the law against + working on Sundays, for which the poor man is fined and imprisoned. An + intelligent committee on the Balfour-Chamberlain principle of Retaliation + would soon put an end to the laws which hamper the progress. + </p> + <p> + Professor Alexander Bain, remarkable for his fruitfulness in philosophic + device, asked my opinion on a project of constructing a barometer of + personal character, which varies by time and event. Everybody is aware of + somebody who has changed, but few notice that every one is changing daily, + for better or for worse. What Bain wanted was to contrive some instrument + by which these variations could be denoted. + </p> + <p> + No doubt men must be judged on the balance of their ascertained merits. + Bishop Butler's maxim that "Probability is the guide of life," implies + proportion, and is the rule whereby character is to be judged. For years I + conceived a strong dislike of Sir Robert Peel, because, as Secretary of + State, he refused the petition of Mrs. Carlile to be allowed to leave the + prison (where she ought never to have been sent) before the time of her + accouchement Peel's refusal was unfeeling and brutal. Yet in after life it + was seen that Sir Robert possessed great qualities, and made great + sacrifices in promoting the public good; and I learned to hold in honour + one whom I had hated for half a century. + </p> + <p> + For many years I entertained an indifferent estimate of Sir William + Harcourt. It began when my friend Mr. E. J. H. Craufurd, M.P., challenged + him to a duel, which he declined—justifiably it might be, as he was + a larger man than his antagonist, and offered a wider surface for bullets. + Declining was meritorious in my eyes, as duels had then a political + prestige, and there was courage in refusing. The cause of the challenge I + thought well founded. In the earlier years of Sir William's Parliamentary + life I had many opportunities of observing him, and thought he appeared as + more contented with himself than any man is entitled to be on this side of + the Millennium. When member for Oxford as a Liberal, he declared against + payment of members of Parliament on the ground of expense. The expense + would have been one halfpenny a year to each elector. This seemed to me so + insincere that I ceased to count him as a Liberal who could be trusted. + Yet all the while he had great qualities as a combatant of the highest + order, in the battles of Liberalism, who sacrificed himself, lost all + prospect of higher distinction, and incurred the undying rage of the rich + (who have Canning's "ignorant impatience" of taxation) by instituting + death duties, services which entitled him to honour and regard. + </p> + <p> + I heard Lord Salisbury's acrid, sneering, insulting, contemptuous speeches + in the House of Commons against working men seeking the franchise. What + gave this man the right to speak with bitterness and scorn of the people + whose industry kept him in the opulence he so little deserved? Some + friends of mine, who had personal intercourse with him, described him as a + fair-spoken gentleman. All the while, and to the end of his days, he had + the cantankerous tongue in diplomacy which brought contempt and distrust + upon Englishmen abroad, while his jests at Irish members of Parliament, + whom his Government had subjected to humiliation in prison, denoted, + thought many, the innate savagery of his order, when secure from public + retribution—which people should remember who continue its impunity. + Difference of opinion is to be respected, but it is difficult even for + philosophy to condone scorn. If recklessness in language be the mark of + inferiority in workmen, what is it in those of high position who + compromise a nation by their ungoverned tongues? + </p> + <p> + Among things bygone are certain ideas of popular influence which have had + their day—some too long a day, judging from their effects. The + general misconceptions in them still linger in some minds, and it may be + useful to recall a prominent one. + </p> + <p> + The madness of thoroughness are two words I have never seen brought + together, yet they are allied oftener than most persons suppose. + Thoroughness, in things which concern others, has limits. Justness is + greater than thoroughness. There is great fascination in being thorough. A + man should be thorough as far as he can. This implies that he must have + regard to the rights and reasonable convenience of others, which is the + natural limit of all the virtues. Sometimes a politician will adopt the + word "thorough" as his motto, forgetful that it was the motto of + Strafford, who was a despot on principle, and who perished through the + terror which his success inspired. Cromwell was thorough in merciless + massacres, which have made his name hateful in Irish memory for three + centuries, perpetuating the distrust of English rule. Vigour is a notable + attribute, but unless it stops short of rigour, it jeopardises itself. + </p> + <p> + Thorough means the entire carrying out of a principle to its end. This can + rarely be done in human affairs. When a person finds he cannot do all he + would, he commonly does nothing, whereas his duty is to do what he can—to + continue to assert and maintain the principle he thinks right, and persist + in its application to the extent of his power. To suspend endeavour at the + point where persistence would imperil the just right of others, is the + true compromise in which there is no shame, as Mr. John Morley, in his + wise book on "Compromise," has shown. Temperance—a word of infinite + wholesomeness in every department of life, because it means use and + restraint—has been retarded and rendered repellent to thousands by + the "thorough" partisans who have put prohibition into it Can absolute + prohibition be enforced universally where conviction is opposed, without + omnipresent tyranny, which makes it hateful instead of welcome? Even truth + itself, the golden element of trust and progress, has to be limited by + relevance, timeliness and utility. He who would speak everything he knows + or believes to be true, to all persons, at all times, in every place, + would soon become the most intolerable person in every society, and make + lying itself a relief. A man should stand by the truth and act upon it, + wherever he can, and he should be known by his fidelity to it But that is + a very different thing from obtruding it in unseemly ways, in season and + out of season, which has ruined many a noble cause. The law limits its + exaction of truth to evidence necessary for justice. There are cases, such + as occurred during the Civil War of emancipation in America, where + slave-hunters would demand of the man, who had seen a fugitive slave, pass + by, "which way he had run." The humane bystander questioned, would point + in the opposite direction. Had he pointed truly, it would have cost the + slave his life. This was lying for humanity, and it would be lying to call + it by any other name, for it <i>was</i> lying. Thoroughness would have + murdered the fugitive. + </p> + <p> + The thoroughness of the Puritans brought upon the English nation the + calamities of the Restoration. Richelieu, in France, was thorough in his + policy of centralisation. He was a butcher on principle, and his name + became a symbol of murder. He circumvented everything, and pursued every + one with implacable ferocity, who was likely to withstand him. He put to + death persons high and low, he destroyed municipalism in France, and + changed the character of political society for the worse. The French + Revolutionists did but tread in the footsteps of the political priest. + They were all thorough, and as a consequence they died by each other's + hands, and ruined liberty in France and in Europe. The gospel of + thoroughness was preached by Carlyle and demoralised Continental Liberals. + In the revolution of 1848 they spared lives all round. They even abolished + the punishment of death. + </p> + <p> + But when Louis Napoleon applied the doctrine of "thorough" to the greatest + citizens of Paris, and shot, imprisoned, or exiled statesmen, philosophers + and poets, Madame Pulzsky said to me, the "Republicans thought their + leniency a mistake, and if they had power again they would cut everybody's + throat who stood in the way of liberty." As usual, thoroughness had + begotten ferocity. + </p> + <p> + Carlyle's eminent disciples of thoroughness justified the massacre and + torture of the blacks in Jamaica, for which Tennyson, Kingsley, and others + defended Governor Eyre. Lord Cardwell, in the House of Commons, admitted + in my hearing that there had been "unnecessary executions." "Unnecessary + executions" are murders—but in thoroughness unnecessary executions + are not counted. Wherever we have heard of pitilessness in military + policy, or in speeches in our Parliament, we see exemplifications of the + gospel of Thoroughness, which is madness if not limited by justice and + forbearance. + </p> + <p> + Conventional thoroughness dwells in extremes. If political economy was + thoroughly carried out, there might be great wealth, but no happiness. + Enjoyment is waste, since it involves expenditure. The Inquisition, which + made religion a name of terror, was but thoroughness in piety. Pope, + himself a Catholic, warned us that— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "For virtue's self may too much zeal be had. + The worst of madness is a saint run mad." +</pre> + <p> + Fanatics forget (they would not be fanatics if they remembered) that in + public affairs, true thoroughness is limited by the rights of others. + There is no permanent progress without this consideration. The best of + eggs will harden if boiled too much. The mariner who takes no account of + the rocks, wrecks his ship—which it is not profitable to forget. + </p> + <p> + It is natural that those who crave practical knowledge of the unseen world + should look about the universe for some chink, through which they can see + what goes on there, and believe they have met with truants who have made + disclosures to them. I have no commerce of that kind to relate. It is hard + to think that when Jupiter is silent—when the Head of the Gods + speaketh not—that He allows angels with traitor tongues to betray to + men the mysteries of the world He has Himself concealed. Can it be that He + permits wayward ghosts to creep over the boundary of another world and + babble His secrets at will? This would imply great lack of discipline at + the outposts of paradise. There is great fascination in clandestine + communication with the kingdom of the dead. I own that noises of the + night, not heard in the day, seem supernatural. The wind sounds like the + rush of the disembodied—hinges creak with human emotion—winds + moan against window panes like persons in pain. Creatures of the air and + earth flit or leap in pursuit of prey, like the shadows of ghosts or the + furtive steps of murdered souls. Are they more than + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The sounds sent down at night + By birds of passage in their flight"? +</pre> + <p> + For believing less where others believe more, for expressing decision of + opinion which the reader may resent, I do but follow in the footsteps of + Confucius, who, as stated by Allen Upward, "declared that a principle of + belief or even a rule of morality binding on himself need not bind a + disciple whose own conscience did not enjoin it on him." Confucius, says + his expositor, thus "reached a height to which mankind have hardly yet + lifted their eyes, and announced a freedom compared with which ours is an + empty name." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. LOOKING BACKWARDS + </h2> + <p> + It seems to me that I cannot more appropriately conclude these chapters of + bygone events within my own experience, than by a summary of those of the + past condition of industry which suggest a tone of manly cheerfulness and + confidence in the future, not yet common among the people. Changes of + condition are not estimated as they pass, and when they have passed, many + never look back to calculate their magnificence or insignificance. This + chapter is an attempt to show the change of the environment of a great + class of a character to decrease apprehension and augment hope. The + question answered herein is: "Did things go better before our time?" + </p> + <p> + When this question is put to me I answer "No." Things did not go better + before my time—nor that of the working class who were contemporaries + of my earlier years. My answer is given from the working class point of + view, founded on a personal experience extending as far back as 1824, when + I first became familiar with workshops. Many are still under the + impression that things are as bad as they well can be, whereas they have + been much worse than they are now. When I first took an interest in public + affairs, agitators among the people were as despondent as frogs who were + supposed to croak because they were neglected. + </p> + <p> + They spoke in weeping tones. There were tears even in the songs of + Ebenezer Elliot, the Corn-Law Rhymer,* and not without cause, for the + angels would have been pessimists, had they been in the condition of the + people in those days. I myself worked among men who had Unitarian masters—who + were above the average of employers—even they were as sheep-dogs who + kept the wolf away, but bit the sheep if they turned aside. But Trades + Unions have changed this now, and sometimes bite their masters (employers + they are called now), which is not more commendable. Still, multitudes of + working people, who ought to be in the front ranks as claimants for + redress still needed, yet hang back with handkerchief to their eyes, + oppressed with a feeling of hopelessness, because they are unaware of what + has been won for them, of what has been conceded to them, and what the + trend of progress is bringing nearer to them. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Thomas Cooper—himself a Chartist poet—published (1841) + in Elliot's days a hymn by William Jones—a Leicester poet— + of which the first verse began thus: + + "Come my fellow-slaves of Britain. + Rest, awhile, the weary limb; + Pour your plaints, ye bosom-smitten, + In a sad and solemn hymn." +</pre> + <p> + Of course if there has been no betterment in the condition of the people, + despair is excusable—but if there has, despair is as unseemly as + unnecessary. Every age has its needs and its improvements to make, but a + knowledge of what has been accomplished should take despair out of + workmen's minds. To this end I write of changes which have taken place in + my time. + </p> + <p> + I was born in tinder-box days. I remember having to strike a light in my + grandfather's garden for his early pipe, when we arrived there at five + o'clock in the morning. At times my fingers bled as I missed the steel + with the jagged flint. Then the timber proved damp where the futile spark + fell, and when ignition came a brimstone match filled the air with satanic + fumes. He would have been thought as much a visionary as Joanna Southcott, + who said the time would come when small, quick-lighting lucifers would be + as plentiful and as cheap as blades of grass. How tardy was change in + olden time! Flint and steel had been in use four hundred years. Philip the + Good put it into the collar of the Golden Fleece (1429). It was not till + 1833 that phosphorus matches were introduced. The safety match of the + present day did not appear until 1845. The consumption of matches is now + about eight per day for each person. To produce eight lights, by a + tinder-box, would take a quarter of an hour With the lucifer match eight + lights can be had in two minutes, occupying only twelve hours a year, + while the tinder box process consumes ninety hours. Thus the lucifer saves + nearly eighty hours annually, which, to the workman, would mean an + addition of nearly eight working days to the year. + </p> + <p> + In tinder-box days the nimble night burglar heard the flint and steel + going, and had time to pack up his booty and reach the next parish, before + the owner descended the stairs with his flickering candle. Does any one + now fully appreciate the morality of light? Extinguish the gas in the + streets of London and a thousand extra policemen would do less to prevent + outrage and robbery than the ever-burning, order-keeping street light. + Light is a police force—neither ghosts nor burglars like it. Thieves + flee before it as errors flee the mind when the light of truth bursts on + the understanding of the ignorant. + </p> + <p> + Seventy years ago the evenings were wasted in a million houses of the + poor. After sundown the household lived in gloom. Children who could read, + read, as I did, by the flickering light of the fire, which often limited + for life the power of seeing. Now the pauper reads by a better light than + the squire did in days when squires were county gods. Now old men see + years after the period when their forefathers were blind. + </p> + <p> + Then a social tyranny prevailed, unpleasant to the rich and costly to the + poor, which regarded the beard as an outrage. I remember when only four + men in Birmingham had courage to wear beards. They were followers of + Joanna Southcott. They did it in imitation of the apostles, and were + jeered at in the streets by ignorant Christians. George Frederick Muntz, + one of the two first members elected in Birmingham, was the first member + who ventured to wear a beard in the House of Commons; and he would have + been insulted had not he been a powerful man and carried a heavy Malacca + cane, which he was known to apply to any one who offered him a personal + affront. Only military officers were allowed to wear a moustache; among + them—no one, not even Wellington, was hero enough to wear a beard. + The Rev. Edmund R. Larken, of Burton Rectory, near Lincoln, was the first + clergyman (that was as late as 1852) who appeared in the pulpit with a + beard, but he shaved the upper lip as an apology for the audacity of his + chin; George Dawson was the first Nonconformist preacher who delivered a + sermon in a full-blown moustache and beard, which was taken in both cases + as an unmistakable sign of latitudinarianism in doctrine. In the bank + clerk or the workman it was worse. It was flat insubordination not to + shave. The penalty was prompt dismissal. As though there were not fetters + about hard to bear, people made fetters for themselves. Such was the + daintiness of ignorance that a man could not eat, dress, nor even think as + he pleased. He was even compelled to shave by public opinion. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Joseph Cowen was first a candidate for Parliament, he wore, as + was his custom, a felt hat (then called a "wide-awake"). He was believed + to be an Italian conspirator, and suspected of holding opinions lacking in + orthodox requirements. Yet all his reputed heresies of acts and tenets put + together did not cost him so many votes as the form and texture of his + hat. He was elected—but his headgear would have ruined utterly a + less brilliant candidate than he This social intolerance now shows its + silly and shameless head no more. A wise Tolerance is the Angel, which + stands at the portal of Progress, and opens the door of the Temple. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Church, of Birmingham, was the first person who, in my youth, + contrived a bicycle, and rode upon it in the town, which excited more + consternation than a Southcottean with his beard. He was an able + physician, but his harmless innovation cost him his practice. Patients + refused to be cured by a doctor who rode a horse which had no head, and + ate no oats. Now a parson may ride to church on a bicycle and people think + none the worse of his sermon; and, scandal of scandals, women are + permitted to cycle, although it involves a new convenience of dress + formerly sharply resented. + </p> + <p> + In these days of public wash-houses, public laundries, and water supply, + few know the discomfort of a washing day in a workman's home, or of the + feuds of a party pump. One pump in a yard had to serve several families. + Quarrels arose as to who should first have the use of it. Sir Edwin + Chadwick told me that more dissensions arose over party pumps in a day + than a dozen preachers could reconcile in a week. Now the poorest house + has a water tap, which might be called moral, seeing the ill-feeling it + prevents. So long as washing had to be done at home, it took place in the + kitchen, which was also the dining-room of a poor family. When the husband + came home to his meals, damp clothes were hanging on lines over his head, + and dripping on to his plate. The children were in the way, and sometimes + the wrong child had its ears boxed because, in the steam, the mother could + not see which was which. This would give rise to further expressions which + kept the Recording Angel, of whom Sterne tells us, very busy, whom the + public wash-houses set free for other, though scarcely less repugnant + duty. + </p> + <p> + In that day sleeping rooms led to deplorable additions to the register of + "idle words." The introduction of iron bedsteads began a new era of + midnight morality. As a wandering speaker I dreaded the wooden bedstead of + cottage, lodging-house or inn. Fleas I did not much care for, and had no + ill-will towards them. They were too little to be responsible for what + they did; while the malodorous bug is big enough to know better. Once in + Windsor I selected an inn with a white portico, having an air of pastoral + cleanliness. The four-poster in my room, with its white curtains, was a + further assurance of repose. The Boers were not more skilful in attack and + retreat than the enemies I found in the field. Lighted candles did not + drive them from the kopje pillow where they fought. In Sheffield, in 1840, + I asked the landlady for an uninhabited room. A cleaner looking, + white-washed chamber never greeted my eyes. But I soon found that a whole + battalion of red-coated cannibals were stationed there, on active service. + Wooden bedsteads in the houses of the poor were the fortresses of the + enemy, which then possessed the land. Iron bedsteads have ended this, and + given to the workman two hours more sleep at night than was possible + before that merciful invention. A gain of two hours for seven nights + amounted to a day's holiday a week. Besides, these nocturnal irritations + were a fruitful source of tenemental sin, from which iron bedsteads have + saved residents and wayfarers. + </p> + <p> + Of all the benefits that have come to the working class in my time, those + of travel are among the greatest. Transit by steam has changed the + character of man, and the facilities of the world. Nothing brings + toleration into the mind like seeing new lands, new people, new usages. + They who travel soon discover that other people have genius, manners, and + taste. The traveller loses on his way prejudices of which none could + divest him at home, and he brings back in his luggage new ideas never + contained in it before. Think what the sea-terror of the emigrant used to + be, as he thought of the dreadful voyage over the tempestuous billows. The + first emigrants to America were six months in the <i>Mayflower</i>. Now a + workman can go from Manchester into the heart of America or Canada in a + fortnight. The deadly depression which weighed on the heart of home-sick + emigrants occurs no more, since he can return almost at will. A mechanic + can now travel farther than a king could a century ago. When I first went + to Brighton, third-class passengers travelled in an open cattle truck, + exposed to wind and rain. For years the London and North-Western Railway + shunted the third-class passengers at Blisworth for two hours, while the + gentlemen's trains went by. Now workmen travel in better carriages than + gentlemen did half a century ago. In Newcastle-on-Tyne I have entered a + third-class carriage at a quarter to five in the morning. It was like + Noah's Ark. The windows were openings which in storm were closed by wooden + shutters to keep out wind and rain, when all was darkness. It did not + arrive in London till nine o'clock in the evening, being sixteen hours on + the journey. Now the workman can leave New-castle at ten o'clock in the + morning, and be in London in the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + Does any one think what advantage has come to the poor by the extension of + dentistry? Teeth are life-givers. They increase comeliness, comfort, + health and length of years—advantages now shared more or less by the + poorer classes—once confined to the wealthy alone. Formerly the + sight of dental instruments struck terror in the heart of the patient Now, + fear arises when few instruments are seen, as the more numerous they are + and the more skilfully they are made, the assurance of less pain is given. + The simple instruments which formerly alarmed give confidence now, which + means that the patient is wiser than of yore. + </p> + <p> + Within the days of this generation what shrieks were heard in the + hospital, which have been silenced for ever by a discovery of + pain-arresting chloroform! No prayer could still the agony of the knife. + The wise surgeon is greater than the priest. If any one would know what + pain was in our time, let him read Dr. John Brown's "Rab and his Friends," + which sent a pang of dangerous horror into the heart of every woman who + read it. Now the meanest hospital gives the poorest patient who enters it + a better chance of life than the wealthy could once command. + </p> + <p> + It was said formerly:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The world is a market full of streets, + And Death is a merchant whom every one meets, + If life were a thing which money could buy— + The poor could not live, and the rich would not die." +</pre> + <p> + Now the poor man can deal with death, and buy life on very reasonable + terms, if he has commonsense enough to observe half the precepts given him + by generous physicians on temperance and prudence. + </p> + <p> + Not long since no man was tolerated who sought to cure an ailment, or + prolong human life in any new way. Even persons so eminent as Harriet + Martineau, Dr. Elliotson, and Sir Bulwer Lytton were subjected to public + ridicule and resentment because they suffered themselves to be restored to + health by mesmerism or hydropathy. But in these libertine and happier days + any one who pleases may follow Mesmer, Pressnitz, or even Hahnemann, and + attain health by any means open to him, and is no longer expected to die + according to the direction of antediluvian doctors. + </p> + <p> + Until late years the poor man's stomach was regarded as the waste-paper + basket of the State, into which anything might be thrown that did not + agree with well-to-do digestion. Now, the Indian proverb is taken to be + worth heeding—that "Disease enters by the mouth," and the health of + the people is counted as part of the wealth of the nation. Pestilence is + subjected to conditions. Diseases are checked at will, which formerly had + an inscrutable power of defiance. The sanitation of towns is now a public + care. True, officers of health have mostly only official noses, but they + can be made sensible of nuisances by intelligent occupiers. Economists, + less regarded than they ought to be, have proved that it is cheaper to + prevent pestilence than bury the dead. Besides, disease, which has no + manners, is apt to attack respectable people. + </p> + <p> + What are workshops now to what they once were? Any hole or stifling room + was thought good enough for a man to work in. They, indeed, abound still, + but are now regarded as discreditable. Many mills and factories are + palaces now compared with what they were. Considering how many millions of + men and women are compelled to pass half their lives in some den of + industry or other, it is of no mean importance that improvement has set in + in workshops. + </p> + <p> + Co-operative factories have arisen, light, spacious and clean, supplied + with cool air in summer and warm air in winter. In my youth men were paid + late on Saturday night; poor nailers trudged miles into Birmingham, with + their week's work in bags on their backs, who were to be seen hanging + about merchants' doors up to ten and eleven o'clock to get payment for + their goods. The markets were closing or closed when the poor workers + reached them. It was midnight, or Sunday morning, before they arrived at + home. Twelve or more hours a day was the ordinary working period. Wages, + piece-work and day-work, were cut down at will. I did not know then that + these were "the good old times" of which, in after years, I should hear so + much. + </p> + <p> + The great toil of other days in many trades is but exercise now, as + exhaustion is limited by mechanical contrivances. A pressman in my employ + has worked at a hand-press twenty-four hours continuously, before + publishing day. Now a gas engine does all the labour. Machinery is the + deliverer which never tires and never grows pale. + </p> + <p> + The humiliation of the farm labourer is over. He used to sing: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Mr Smith is a very good man, + He lets us ride in his harvest van, + He gives us food and he gives us ale, + We pray his heart may never fail." +</pre> + <p> + There is nothing to be said against Mr. Smith, who was evidently a kindly + farmer of his time. Yet to what incredible humiliation his "pastors and + masters" had brought poor Hodge, who could sing these lines, as though he + had reached the Diamond Jubilee of his life when he rode in somebody + else's cart, and had cheese and beer. Now the farm workers of a + co-operative way of thinking have learned how to ride in their own vans, + to possess the crop with which they are loaded, and to provide themselves + with a harvest supper. + </p> + <p> + In my time the mechanic had no personal credit for his work, whatever + might be his skill. Now in industrial exhibitions the name of the + artificer is attached to his work, and he is part of the character of the + firm which employs him. He has, also, now—if co-operation prevails—a + prospect of participating in the profits of his own industry. Half a + century ago employers were proud of showing their machinery to a visitor—never + their men. Now they show their work-people as well—whose condition + and contentment is the first pride of great firms. + </p> + <p> + Above all knowledge is a supreme improvement, which has come to workmen. + They never asked for it, the ignorant never do ask for knowledge, and do + not like those who propose it to them. Brougham first turned aside their + repugnance by telling them what Bacon knew, that "knowledge is power." Now + they realise the other half of the great saying, Dr. Creighton, the late + Bishop of London, supplied, that "ignorance is impotence." They can see + that the instructed son of the gentleman has power, brightness, + confidence, and alertness; while the poor man's child, untrained, + incapable, dull in comparison, often abject, is unconscious of his own + powers which lie latent within him. If an educated and an ignorant child + were sold by weight, the intelligent child would fetch more per pound + avoirdupois than the ignorant one. Now education can be largely had for + working men's children for nothing. Even scholarships and degrees are open + to the clever sort. Moreover, how smooth science has made the early days + of instruction, formerly made jagged with the rod. + </p> + <p> + Sir Edwin Chadwick showed that the child mind could not profitably be kept + learning more than an hour at a time, and recreation must intervene before + a second hour can be usefully spent. What a mercy and advantage to + thousands of poor children this has been! Even the dreary schoolroom of + the last generation is disappearing. A schoolroom should be spacious and + bright, and board schools are beginning to be made so now. I have seen a + board school in a dismal court in Whitechapel which looked like an alley + of hell. All thoughts for pleasant impressions in the child mind, which + make learning alluring, were formerly uncared for. Happier now is the lot + of poor children than any former generation knew. + </p> + <p> + Within my time no knowledge of public affairs was possible to the people, + save in a second-hand way from sixpenny newspapers a month old. Now a + workman can read in the morning telegrams from all parts of the world in a + halfpenny paper, hours before his employer is out of bed. If a pestilence + broke out in the next street to the man's dwelling, the law compelled him + to wait a month for the penny paper, the only one he could afford to buy, + before he became aware of his danger, and it often happened that some of + his family never lived to read of their risk. + </p> + <p> + The sons of working people are now welcomed in the army, and their record + there has commanded the admiration of the onlooking world. But they are + not flogged as they once were, at the will of any arrogant dandy who had + bought his mastership over them. Intelligence has awakened manliness and + self-respect in common men, and the recruiting-sergeant has to go about + without the lash under his coat. The working man further knows now that + there is a better future for his sons in the public service, in army or + navy, than ever existed before our time. Even the emigrant ship has + regulations for the comfort of steerage passengers, unknown until recent + years. People always professed great regard for "Poor Jack," but until Mr. + Plimsoll arose, they left him to drown. + </p> + <p> + Until a few years ago millions of home-born Englishmen were kept without + votes, like the Uitlanders of South Africa, and no one sent an army into + the country to put down the "corrupt oligarchy," as Mr. Chamberlain called + those who withheld redress. But it has come, though in a limping, limited + way. Carlylean depredators of Parliament decried the value of workmen + possessing "a hundred thousandth part in the national palavers." But we no + longer hear workmen at election times referred to as the "swinish + multitude" who can now send representatives of their own order into the + House of Commons. If the claims of labour are not much considered, they + are no longer contemned. It is always easier for the rider than the horse. + The people are always being ridden, but it is much easier for the horse + now than it ever was before. + </p> + <p> + Sir Michael Foster, in a recent Presidential Address to the British + Association, said that, "the appliances of science have, as it were, + covered with a soft cushion the rough places of life, and that not for the + rich only but also for the poor." It is not, however, every kind of + progress, everywhere, in every department of human knowledge, in which the + reader is here concerned, but merely with such things as Esdras says, + which have "passed by us in daily life," and which every ordinary + Englishman has observed or knows. + </p> + <p> + If the question be asked whether the condition of the working class has + improved in proportion to that of the middle and upper class of our time, + the answer must be it has not. But that is not the question considered + here. The question is, "Are the working class to-day better off than their + fathers were?" The answer already given is Yes. Let the reader think what, + in a general way, the new advantages are. The press is free, and + articulate with a million voices—formerly dumb. Now a poor man can + buy a better library for a few shillings than Solomon with all his gold + and glory could in his day; or than the middle class man possessed fifty + years ago. Toleration—not only of ideas but of action, is enlarged, + and that means much—social freedom is greater, and that means more. + The days of children are happier, schoolrooms are more cheerful, and one + day they will be educated so as to fit them for self-dependence and the + duties of daily life. Another change is that the pride in ignorance, which + makes for impotence, is decreasing, is no longer much thought of among + those whose ignorance was their only attainment. + </p> + <p> + Not less have the material conditions of life improved. Food is purer—health + is surer—life itself is safer and lasts longer. Comfort has crept + into a million houses where it never found its way before. Security can be + better depended upon. The emigrant terror has gone. Instead of sailing out + on hearsay to an unknown land and finding himself in the wrong one, or in + the wrong part of the right country, as has happened to thousands, the + emigrant can now obtain official information, which may guide him rightly. + Towns are brighter, there are more public buildings which do the human eye + good to look upon. Means of recreation are continually being multiplied. + Opportunity of change from town to country, or coast, fall now to the + poorest Not in cattle trucks any more. Life is better worth living. Pain + none could escape is evadable now. Parks are multiplied and given as + possessions to the people. Paintings and sculpture are now to be seen on + the Sunday by workmen, which their forefathers never saw, being barred + from them on the only day when they could see them. + </p> + <p> + By a device within the memory of most, house owning has become possible to + those whose fathers never thought it possible. Temperance, once a + melancholy word, is now a popular resource of health and economy. The + fortune of industry is higher in many ways. Into how many firesides does + it bring gladness to know that in barrack, or camp, or ship, the son is + better treated than heretofore. + </p> + <p> + Can any of the middle-aged doubt that some things are better now than + before their time? Now two hundred workshops exist on the labour + co-partnership principle. Forty years ago those commenced, failed—failed + through lack of intelligence on the part of workers. The quality of + workmen to be found everywhere in our day did not exist then. Sixteen + years ago there were found more than a dozen workshops owned and conducted + by working men. There are more than a hundred now; and hundreds in which + the workers receive an addition to their wages, undreamt of in the last + generation. In this, and in other respects, things go better than they + did. Though there is still need of enlargement, the means of self-defence + are not altogether wanting. Co-operation has arisen—a new force for + the self-extrication of the lowest. Without charity, or patronage, or + asking anything from the State, it puts into each man's hand the "means to + cancel his captivity." + </p> + <p> + The rich man may vote twenty times where the poor man can vote only once. + Still, the one voter counts for something where the unfranchised counted + for nothing. + </p> + <p> + Political as well as civil freedom has come in a measure to those who + dwell in cottages and lodgings. For one minute every seven years the + workman is free. He can choose his political masters at the poll, and + neither his neighbour, his employer, nor his priest, has the knowledge to + harm him on that account. One minute of liberty in seven years is not + much, but there is no free country in the world where that minute is so + well secured as in England. If any one would measure the present by the + past, let him recall the lines:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Allah! Allah!" cried the stranger, + "Wondrous sights the traveller sees, + But the latest is the greatest, + Where the drones control the bees." +</pre> + <p> + They do it still, but not to the extent they did. The control of wisdom, + when the drones have it, is all very well, but it is the other sort of + control which is now happily to some extent controllable by the bees. The + manners of the rich are better. Their sympathy with the people has + increased. Their power of doing ill is no longer absolute. Employers think + more of the condition of those who labour for them. The better sort still + throw crumbs to Lazarus. But now Dives is expected to explain why it is + that Lazarus cannot get crumbs himself. + </p> + <p> + In ways still untold the labour class is gradually attaining to social + equality with the idle class and to that independence hitherto the + privilege of those who do nothing. The workman's power of self-defence + grows—his influence extends—his rights enlarge. Injury + suffered in industry is beginning to be compensated; even old-age pensions + are in the air, though not as yet anywhere else. Notwithstanding, "John + Brown's soul goes marching on." But it must be owned its shoes are a + little down at the heels. Nevertheless, though there is yet much to be + done—more liberty to win, more improvements to attain, and more than + all, if it be possible, permanences of prosperity to secure—I agree + with Sydney Smith— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "For olden times let others prate, + I deem it lucky I was born so late." +</pre> + <p> + There is a foolish praise of the past and a foolish depreciation of the + present The past had its evils, the present has fewer. The past had its + promise, the present great realisations. It is not assumed in what has + been said that all the advantages recounted were originated and acquired + by working men alone. Many came by the concessions of those who had the + power of withholding them. More concessions will not lack acknowledgment + "Just gifts" to men who have honour in their hearts, "bind the recipients + to the giver for ever." + </p> + <p> + The Chinese put the feet of children in a boot and the foot never grows + larger. There are boots of the mind as well as of the feet, that are worn + by the young of all nations, which have no expansion in them, and which + cramp the understanding of those grown up. This prevents many from + comprehending the changes by which they benefit or realising the facts of + their daily life. Considering what the men of labour have done for + themselves and what has been won for them by their advocates, and conceded + to them from time to time by others, despair and the counsels of outrage + which spring from it, are unseemly, unnecessary, and ungrateful. This is + the moral of this story. + </p> + <p> + A doleful publicist should be superannuated. He is already obsolete. + Whoever despairs of a cause in whose success he once exulted, should fall + out of the ranks, where some ambulance waits to carry away the sick or + dispirited. He has no business to utter his discouraging wail in the ears + of the constant and confident, marching to the front, where the battle of + progress is being fought. + </p> + <p> + Since so much has been accomplished in half a century, when there were few + advantages to begin with—what may not be gained in the next fifty + years with the larger means now at command and the confidence great + successes of the past should inspire! If working people adhere to the + policy of advancing their own honest interests without destroying others + as rightfully engaged in seeking theirs, the workers may make their own + future what they will. They may then acquire power sufficient, as the <i>Times</i> + once said: "To turn a reform mill which would grind down an abuse a day." + </p> + <p> + NOTE. + </p> + <p> + The last chapter is reprinted from the <i>Fortnightly Review</i> by + courtesy of the Editor, and a similar acknowledgment is due to the Editor + of the <i>Weekly Times and Echo</i>, in whose pages several of the + preceding chapters appeared. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bygones Worth Remembering, Vol. 2 (of +2), by George Jacob Holyoake + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BYGONES WORTH REMEMBERING *** + +***** This file should be named 36796-h.htm or 36796-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/6/7/9/36796/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bygones Worth Remembering, Vol. 2 (of 2) + +Author: George Jacob Holyoake + +Release Date: July 20, 2011 [EBook #36796] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BYGONES WORTH REMEMBERING *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + + +BYGONES WORTH REMEMBERING + +By George Jacob Holyoake + +"Look backward only to correct an error of conduct for the next attempt" + + George Meredith + +Volume II + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. CONVERSATIONS WITH MR. GLADSTONE + +Were I to edit a new journal again I should call it _Open Thought_. I +know no characteristic of man so wise, so useful, so full of promise +of progress as this. The great volume of Nature, of Man and of Society +opens a new page every day, and Mr. Gladstone read it. It was this which +gave him that richness of information in which he excited the admiration +of all who conversed with him. + +Were Plutarch at hand to write Historical Parallels of famous men of our +time, he might compare Voltaire and Gladstone. Dissimilar as they were +in nature, their points of resemblance were notable. Voltaire was +the most conspicuous man in Europe in the eighteenth century, as Mr. +Gladstone became in the nineteenth. Both were men of wide knowledge +beyond all their contemporaries. Each wrote more letters than any other +man was ever known to write. Every Court in Europe was concerned +about the movements of each, in his day. Both were deliverers of the +oppressed, where no one else moved on their behalf. Both attained great +age, and were ceaselessly active to the last In decision of conviction +they were also alike. Voltaire was as determinedly Theistic as Mr. +Gladstone was Christian. They were alike also in the risks they +undertook in defence of the right. Voltaire risked his life and +Gladstone his reputation to save others. Mr. Morley relates of the +Philosopher of Ferney, that when he made his triumphal journey through +Paris, some one asked a woman in the street "why do so many people +follow this man?" "Don't you know?" was the reply. "He was the deliverer +of the Calas." No applause went to Voltaire's heart like that Mr. +Gladstone had also golden memories of deliverance no one else moved hand +or foot to effect, and multitudes, even nations, followed him because of +that. + +On the first occasion of my going to breakfast with him he was living +in Harley Street, in the house in which Sir Charles Lyell died. As Mr. +Gladstone entered the room, he apologised for not greeting me earlier, +as his servant had indistinctly given him my name. He asked me to sit +next to him at breakfast. There were seven or eight guests. The only one +I knew was Mr. Walter. H. James, M.P., since Lord Northbourne--probably +present from consideration for me. One was the editor of the _Jewish +World_ a journal opposed to Mr. Gladstone's anti-Turkish policy. Others +were military officers and travellers of contemporary renown. It was +a breakfast to remember--Mr. Gladstone displayed such a bright, +unembarrassed vivacity. He told amusing anecdotes of the experiences of +the wife of the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whose charm he said he could +only describe by the use of the English rural term "buxom." On making a +time-bargain with a cabman, he observed to her ladyship that "he wished +the engagement was for life." Mr. Gladstone thought no English cabman +would have said that. Another pleasantry was of one of Lord Lyttelton's +sons, who was very tall and lank. He being in Birmingham and wishful to +know the distance to a place he sought, asked a boy in the street who +was passing, "how far it was." "Oh, not far," was the assuring but +indefinite answer. "But can you not give me some better idea of the +distance?" Mr. Lyttelton inquired. "Well, sir," said the lad, looking up +at the obelisk-like interrogator before him, "if you was to fall down, +you would be half way there." + +These incidents were not new to me, but I was glad to hear what was +probably the origin of them. From Mr. Gladstone's lips they had a sort +of historic reality which was interesting to me. + +Afterwards he spoke of the singular beauty of the "Dream of Gerontius" +by Cardinal Newman, and turning to me asked if I knew of it, as though +he thought it unlikely my reading lay in that direction. He was very +much surprised when I said I had read it with great admiration. He said +it was strange, as he had mentioned the poem at three or four breakfast +tables, without finding any one who knew it. + +As I left, Mr. Gladstone accompanied me downstairs. On the way I +took occasion to thank him for a paper that had appeared in the +_Contemporary_ containing definitions of heretical forms of thought, so +fair and accurate and actual, that Shakespeare or Bunyan, who had the +power of possessing himself of the minds of those whose thoughts he +expressed, might have produced. There had been nothing to compare with +it in my time. Theological writers described heterodox tenets from their +inferences of what they must be--never inquiring what they actually +stood for in the minds of those who held them--whereas he had written +with unimputative knowledge. Stopping on the first platform of the +stairway we reached, he paused, and (holding the lapel of his coat with +his hand, as I had seen him do in the House of Commons) he said he +was glad I was able to think so, "for that is the quality in which you +yourself excel." This amazed me, as I never imagined that he had ever +taken notice of speeches or writings of mine, or formed any opinion upon +them. Nor was he the man to say what I cite from mere courtesy. + +The second time I breakfasted in Harley Street was in the days of the +Eastern question. Mr. John Morley was one of the party. Mr. Gladstone +had again the same disengaged manner. Before his guests broke up he +entered the room, bearing on his arm a pile of letters and telegrams, +and apologised for leaving us as he had to attend to them. That morning +Mr. Bright came in, and seeing me, said, "Poor Acland is dead. Of course +there was nothing in the house, and a few of us had to subscribe to bury +him." James Acland was the rider on a white horse who preceded Cobden +and Bright the day before their arrival to address the farmers on the +anti-Corn Law tour in the counties. Mr. Gladstone's grand-daughter was +to have arrived at Harley Street that morning, but her nurse missed the +train. When she appeared, Bright, who had suggested dolorous adventures +to account for her non-appearance, proposed, when the child was +announced to be upstairs, that a charge of sixpence should be made for +each person going to see her. + +That morning one of the guests, who was an actor, maintained that it was +not necessary that an actor should feel his part. Mr. Gladstone, to whom +conviction was his inspiration--who never spoke without believing what +he said--dissented from the actor's theory, as I had done. + +Towards the end of his life, I saw Mr. Gladstone twice at the Lion +Mansion in Brighton. On one occasion he said, after speaking of Cardinal +Newman and his brother Francis, "I remember Dr. Martineau telling me +that there was a third brother, a man also of remarkable power, but he +was touched somewhere here," putting his finger to his forehead. "Do you +know whether it was so? It is so long since Dr. Martineau named it to +me, and my impression may be wrong." I answered, "It was true. At one +time I had correspondence with Charles Newman. He would say at times, +'My mind is going from me for a time. Do not expect to hear from me +until my mind returns.' In power of reasoning, he was, when he did +reason, distinguished for boldness and vigour." Mr. Gladstone said, +"When you write again to his brother Francis, convey to him for me the +assurance of my esteem. I am glad you believe that the cessation in his +correspondence was not occasioned by anything on my part or any change +of feeling on his. I must have been mistaken if I ever described Mr. +Francis Newman as 'a man of considerable talent.' He was much more than +that. His powers of mind may be said to amount to genius." + +Mr. Gladstone asked what I would advise as a rule of policy as to the +Anarchists who threw the bombs in the French Chambers. I answered, +"There were serious men who came to have Anarchical views from despair +of the improvement of society. There were also foolish Anarchists who +think they can put the world to rights, had they a clear field before +them. There are also a class who are quite persuaded that by killing +people who have nothing to do with the evils they complain of, they will +intimidate those who have. They take destruction to be a mode of +progress. These persons are as mad as they are made, and you cannot +legislate against insanity." + +I mentioned the case of a Nonconformist minister, who was so incensed by +the injustice done to Mr. Bradlaugh that he took a revolver, loaded, to +Palace Yard, intending to shoot the policemen who maltreated him. But +the member for Northampton was altogether against such proceedings. The +determined rectifier of wrong in question had a project of throwing +a bomb from the gallery on to the floor of the House. I had great +difficulty in dissuading him from this frightful act. He was no coward, +and was quite prepared to sacrifice his own life. To those ebullitions +of vengeance society in every age has been subject, and its best +protection lies in intrepid disdain and cool precaution. The affair of +Phoenix Park showed that the English nation did not go mad in the face +of desperate outrage. However, Mr. Gladstone himself gave the best +answer to his inquiry. He said, "The Spanish Government had solicited +him to join in a federation against Anarchists. But how could we do +that? We cannot tell what other Governments may do, and we should be +held responsible for their acts which we might deplore." + +He added, "It fills me with surprise, not to say disgust, to see it said +at times in Liberal papers that the Tories of to-day are superior +to their class formerly. Sir Robert Peel was a man of high honour, +patriotism, and self-respect He would never have joined in nor +countenanced the treatment to which Mr. Bradlaugh was subjected. I never +knew the Tories do a meaner thing. Nothing could have induced Sir Robert +Peel to consent to that." + +On one occasion, after reference to out-of-the-way persons of whom I +happened to have some knowledge, Mr. Gladstone said, "I have known many +remarkable men. My position has brought me in contact with numbers of +persons." Indeed, it seemed when talking to him that you were talking +to mankind, so diversified and plentiful were the persons living in his +memory, and who, as it were, stepped out in his conversation before you. +The individuality, the environment of persons, all came into light. +His conversation was like an oration in miniature. Its exactness, its +modulation, its force of expression, its foreseeingness of all the +issues of ideas, came at will. I never listened to conversation so easy, +so natural, so precise, so full of colour and truth, spoken with such +spontaneity and force. + +Mr. Morley, in his "Life of Gladstone," cites a letter he sent to me +in 1875: "Differing from you, I do not believe that secular motives are +adequate either to propel or restrain the children of our race, but I +earnestly desire to hear the other side, and I appreciate the advantage +of having it stated by sincere and high-minded men." This shows his +brave open-mindedness. + +A few years later it came into my mind that my expressions of respect +for persons whose Christian belief arose from honest conviction, and was +associated with efforts for the improvement of the material condition of +the people, might lead him to suppose that I myself inclined to belief +in Christian tenets of faith. I therefore sent him my new book on +"The Origin and Nature of Secularism: Showing that where Free Thought +commonly ends Secularism begins"--saying that as I had the honour of his +correspondence, I ought not to leave him unaware of the nature of my own +opinions. He answered that he thought my motive a right one in sending +the book to him, and that he had read a considerable part with general +concurrence, though, in other parts, the views expressed were painful to +him. But this made no difference in his friendship, which continued to +the end of his days. + +An unknown aphorist of 1750, whom Mr. Bertram Dobell quotes, exclaims: +"Freethinker! What a term of honour; or, if you will, dishonour; but +where is he who can claim it?" Mr. Gladstone might claim it beyond any +other eminent Christian I have known. It was he who, at the opening of +the Liverpool College some years ago, warned the clergy that "they could +no longer defend their tenets by railing or reticence"--a shaft that +went through the soul of that policy of silence and defamation pursued +by them for half a century. Mr. Gladstone was the first to see it must +be abandoned. + +It is Diderot who relates that one who was searching for a path through +a dark forest by the light of a taper, met a man who said to him, +"Friend, if thou wouldst find thy way here, blow out thy light." The +taper was Reason, and the man who said blow it out was a priest Mr. +Gladstone would have said, "Take care of that taper, friend; and if you +can convert it into a torch do so, for you will need it to see your way +through the darkness of human life." + +At our last interview he said, "You and I are growing old. The day is +nearing when we shall enter----" Here he paused, as though he was going +to say another life, but not wishing to say what I might not concur in, +in his sense, he--before his pause was well noticeable--added, "enter +a changed state." What my views were he knew, as I had told him in a +letter: "I hope there is a future life, and, if so, my not being sure of +it will not prevent it, and I know of no better way of deserving it than +by conscious service of humanity. The universe never filled me with +such wonder and awe as when I knew I could not account for it. I admit +ignorance is a privation. But to submit not to know, where knowledge +is withheld, seems but one of the sacrifices that reverence for truth +imposes on us." + +I had reason to acknowledge his noble personal courtesy, notwithstanding +convictions of mine he must think seriously erroneous, upon which, as I +told him, "I did not keep silence." + +He had the fine spirit of the Abbe Lamennais, who, writing of a book of +mark depicting the "passive" Christian, said: "The active Christian who +is ceaselessly fighting the enemies of humanity, without omitting +to pardon and love them--of this type of Christian I find no trace +whatever." Mr. Gladstone was of that type. It was his distinction that +he applied this affectionate tolerance not only to the "enemies of +humanity," but to the dissentients from the faith he loved so well. + +At our last meeting in Brighton he asked my address, and said he would +call upon me. He wished me to know Lord Acton, whom he would ask to see +me. An official engagement compelled Lord Acton to defer his visit, of +which Mr. Gladstone sent me notice. It was a great loss not to converse +with one who knew so much as Lord Acton did. + +Mr. Gladstone knew early what many do not know yet, that courtesy and +even honour to adversaries do not imply coincidence in opinion. As I was +for the right of free thought, I regarded all manifestations of it with +interest, whether coinciding with or opposing views I hold. Shortly +before his death I wrote to him, when Miss Helen Gladstone sent me word, +"To-day I read to my father your letter, by which he was much touched +and pleased, and he desired me to send you his best thanks." I shall +always be proud to think that any words of mine gave even momentary +pleasure to one who has given delight to millions, and will be an +inspiration to millions more. + +In former times, when an eminent woman contributed to the distinction +of her consort, he alone received the applause. In these more +discriminating days, when the noble companionship of a wife has made her +husband's eminence possible, honour is due to her also. Therefore, on +drawing the resolution of condolence to Mrs. Gladstone, adopted at the +Peterborough Co-operative Congress, we made the acknowledgment how much +was due to the wife as well as the husband. I believe no resolution sent +to her, but ours, did this. Sympathy is not enough where honour is due. +In the splendid winter of Mr. Gladstone's days there was no ice in his +heart Like the light that ever glowed in the temple of Montezuma the +generous fire of his enthusiasm never went out. The nation mourned his +loss with a pomp of sorrow more deep and universal than ever exalted the +memory of a king. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. HERBERT SPENCER, THE THINKER + +A star of the first magnitude went out of the firmament of original +thought by the death of Herbert Spencer. His was the most distinctive +personality that remained with us after the death of Mr. Gladstone. +Spencer was as great in the kingdom of science as Mr. Gladstone was in +that of politics and ecclesiasticism. Men have to go back to Aristotle +to find Spencer's compeer in range of thought, and to Gibbon for a +parallel to his protracted persistence in accomplishing his great design +of creating a philosophy of evolution. Mr. Spencer's distinction was +that he laid down new landmarks of evolutionary guidance in all the +dominions of human knowledge. Gibbon lived to relinquish his pen in +triumph at the end of years of devotion to his "History of the Decline +and Fall of the Roman Empire "--Mr. Spencer planned the history of the +rise and growth of a mightier, a more magnificent, and more beneficent +Empire--that of Universal Law--and for forty years he pursued his mighty +story in every vicissitude of strength with unfaltering purpose, and +lived to complete it amid the applause of the world and the gratitude +of all who have the grand passion to understand Nature, and advance the +lofty destiny of humanity. + +Herbert Spencer was born April 27, 1820, in the town of Derby, and died +in his eighty-fourth year, December 8, 1903, at 5, Percival Terrace, +Brighton, next door to his friend, Sir James Knowles, the editor of the +_Nineteenth Century_. At the time of his birth, Derby was emerging from +the sleepy, dreamy, stagnant, obfuscated condition in which it had lain +since the days of the Romans. + +It is difficult to write of Spencer without wondering how a thinker +of his quality should have been born in Derby--a town which had a +determined objection to individuality in ideas. It has a Charter--its +first act of enterprise in a thousand years--obtained by the +solicitations of the inhabitants from Richard I., which gave them the +power of expelling every Jew who resided in the town, or ever after +should approach it. Centuries later, in the reigns of Queen Anne +and George I., not a Roman Catholic, an Independent, a Baptist, an +Israelite, nor even an un-molesting Quaker could be found in Derby. + +There still remains one lineal descendant of the stagnant race which +procured the Charter of Darkness from Richard I.--Mr. Alderman W. +Winter, who opposed in the Town Council a resolution of honour in memory +of Spencer, who had given Derby its great distinction, because his views +contradicted the antediluvian Scriptural account of the Creation, when +there was no man present to observe what took place, and no man of +science existed capable of verifying the Mosaic tradition. The only +recorded instance of independency of opinion was that of a humble Derby +girl, who was born blind, yet could see, like others, into the nature +of things. She doubted the Real Presence. What could it matter what the +poor, helpless thing thought of that? But the town burned her alive. The +brave, unchanging girl, whose convictions were torment-proof, was only +twenty-two years old. + +The only Derby man of free thought who preceded Herbert Spencer was +William Hutton, a silk weaver, who became the historian of Derby and +Birmingham. In sagacity, boldness and veracity he excelled. The wisdom +of his opinions was a century in advance of his time (1770-1830). + +There were no photographs in the time of Mr. Spencer's parents, and +their lineaments are little known. Mr. Spencer's uncle I knew, the Rev. +Thomas Spencer, a clergyman of middle stature, slender, with a paternal +Evangelical expression. But his sympathies were with Social Reform, in +which field he was an insurgent worker for projects then unregarded or +derided. + +When I first knew Mr. Herbert Spencer, he was one of the writers on +the _Leader_ newspaper. We dined at times at the Whittington Club, then +recently founded by Douglas Jerrold. At this period Mr. Spencer had a +half-rustic look. He was ruddy, and gave the impression of being a +young country gentleman of the sporting farmer type, looking as unlike +a philosopher as Thomas Henry Buckle looked like a historian, as he +appeared to me on my first interview with him. Mr. Spencer at that time +would take part in discussions in a determined tone, and was persistent +in definite statement In that he resembled William Chambers, with whom +I was present at a deputation to Lord Derby on the question of the Paper +Duty. Lord Derby could not bow him out, nor bow him into silence, until +he had stated his case. + +In those days Mr. Spencer spoke with misgivings of his health. Mr. +Edward Pigott, chief proprietor of the _Leader_ (afterwards Public +Examiner of Plays) asked me to try to disabuse Mr. Spencer of his +apprehensiveness, which was constitutional and never left his mind all +his life, and I learned never to greet him in terms which implied that +he was, or could be well. Coleridge complained of ailments of which no +physical sign was apparent, and he was thought, like Mr. Spencer, to be +an imaginary invalid. But after his death Coleridge was found to have +a real cause of suffering, and the wonder was that he did not complain +more. + +There must be a distinct susceptibility of the nerves--which Sir Michael +Foster could explain--peculiar to some persons. I have had two or three +friends of some literary distinction, whom I made it a rule never to +accost, or even to know when I met them, until they had recovered from +the inevitable shock of meeting some unexpected person, when they would +spontaneously become genial. + +Mr. Spencer's high spirit was shown in this. Though he often had to +abandon his thinking, he resumed it on his recovery. The continuity of +his thought never ceased. One form of trouble was recurring depression, +so difficult to sustain, which James Thompson, who oft experienced it, +described--when a man has to endure-- + + "The same old solid hills and leas; + The same old stupid, patient trees; + The same old ocean, blue and green; + The same sky, cloudy or serene; + The old two dozen hours to run + Between the settings of the sun." + +Mr. Spencer was first known to London thinkers by being found the +associate of economists like Bagot; philosophers with a turn for +enterprise in the kingdom of speculation--as George Henry Lewes, Darwin, +Huxley, Tyndall; and of great novelists like George Eliot. In those +days the house of John Chapman, the publisher, was the meeting ground +of French, Italian, German and other Continental thinkers. There, also, +congregated illustrious Americans like Ralph Waldo Emerson, and other +unlicensed explorers in the new world of thought. There Mr. Spencer +became known to men of mark in America, who made his fame before his +countrymen recognised him. If it was England who "raised" Mr. Spencer, +it was America that discovered him. Mr. George lies, a distinguished +American friend of Mr. Spencer, sends me information of the validity +of American admiration of him, on the authority of the _Daily Witness_: +"Mr. Spencer's income is mainly drawn from the sale of his books in +America, his copyrights there having yielded him 4,730 dollars in the +last six months. A firm of publishers have paid in the last six months +royalties amounting nearly to ten thousand dollars to Mr. Herbert +Spencer and the heirs or executors of Darwin, Huxley and Tyndall. The +sales of Spencer's and Darwin's books lead those of Huxley and Tyndall." + +During the earlier publication of his famous volumes, his expenditure +in printing and in employing assistants in gathering facts for his +arguments, exhausted all his means. Lord Stanley, of that day, was +understood to have offered him an appointment, which included leisure +for his investigations. But he declined the thoughtful offer, deeming +the office to be of the nature of a sinecure. Wordsworth accepted such +an appointment, and repaid the State in song, as Spencer would have +repaid it in philosophy. + +I had the honour to be Mr. Spencer's outdoor friend. He asked me to make +known the publication of his work to persons whom I knew to be friendly +to enterprise in thought. For years I assiduously sought to be of +service in this way. + +One day in 1885, being the guest, in Preston, of the Rev. William +Sharman, he showed me a passage in one of Mr. Spencer's volumes, +published in 1874, which I had not seen, and which surprised me much, +in which it appeared Secularists were below Christians in their sense of +fiduciary integrity. Mr. Sharman said, "Defective as we are supposed to +be, you will see that Secularists are one degree lower in morality than +the clergy." Mr. Spencer had given instances which, in his opinion, +"showed that the cultivation of the intellect does not advance +morality." If that were so, it would follow that it was better to remain +ignorant--if ignorance better develops the ethical sense. The instance +Mr. Spencer gives occurs in the "Study of Sociology" (pp. 418-19), +"Written to show how little operative on conduct is mere teaching. Let +me give, says Mr. Spencer, a striking fact falling under my observation: + +"Some twelve years ago was commenced a serial publication, limited in +its circulation to the well educated. It was issued to subscribers, +from each of whom was due a small sum for every four numbers. The +notification periodically made of another subscription due received from +some prompt attention, from others an attention less tardy than before, +and from others no attention at all. After a lapse of ten years, a +digest was made of the original list, when it was found that those who +finally declined paying for what they had year after year received, +constituted, among others, the following percentages: + +Christian defaulters............. 31 per cent. + +Secularist defaulters............ 32 per cent." + +I wrote to Mr. Spencer as follows: + +"Eastern Lodge, Brighton, + +"_December_ 1, 1885. + +"My dear Mr. Spencer,--I am like the sailor who knocked down the Jew, +and when he was remonstrated with said, 'He did it because he had +crucified his Lord and Saviour.' When told that that occurred 2,000 +years ago he answered, 'But I only heard of it last night.' + +"It was but a few days ago that your notice of Secularist fraudulency, +made in 1874, became known to me. + +"From so dispassionate and analytic an authority as yourself, your +reflection on the ethical insensibility of Secularists justifies me in +asking your attention to certain facts. By what test did you know that +32 per cent of defaulters were Secularists? The names I gave you were of +persons likely to take in your work if prospectuses were sent to them. +But many of them were not Secularists. Some of them were ministers of +religion, others Churchmen, but having individually a taste for +philosophical inquiry. You do not say that these persons sent in their +names as subscribers. Yet unless they did, they cannot be justly +described 'as regardless of an equitable claim.' Had you informed me of +any whose names I gave you, who had not paid for the work, after +undertaking to do so, I could have procured you the payment, for all +whose names I gave I believe to be men of good faith.--With real regard, + +"George Jacob Holyoake." + + +Mr. Spencer sent me the following reply: + +"38, Queen's Gardens, Bayswater, London, W., + +"_November_ 16, 1885. + +"Dear Mr. Holyoake,--You ask how I happen to know of certain defaulters +that they were Secularists. I know them as such simply because their +names came to me through you; for, as you may remember, you obtained for +me, when the prospectus of the 'System of Philosophy' was issued, sundry +subscribers. + +"But for my own part, I would rather you did not refer to the matter. +At any rate, if you do, do not do so by name. You will observe, if you +turn to the 'Study of Sociology,' where the matter is referred to, that +I have spoken of the thing impersonally, and not in reference to myself. +Though those who knew something of the matter might suspect it referred +to my own case, yet there is no proof that it did so; and I should be +sorry to see myself identified by name with the matter.--Truly yours, + +"Herbert Spencer." + + +But Mr. Spencer had identified Secularists as lacking ethical +scrupulousness, and as I was the reputed founder of that form of +Freethought known as Secularism, some notice became incumbent on my +part. The brief article on "Intellectual Morality" in the _Present Day_, +which I was editing in 1885, was my answer--the same as appears in my +letter to Mr. Spencer, above quoted. + +In 1879 the great recluse meditated going to America. As I was about to +do the same myself, I volunteered to take a berth in the same vessel +if I could be of any service to him on the voyage. He thought, +however, that our sailing in the same ship might cause the constructive +interviewers out there to confuse together the opinions we represented. +Yet my friends would not know his, nor would his friends know mine. +But I respected his scruples, lest his views should become colourably +identified with my own. I had myself a preference for keeping distinct +things separate, and I sailed in another ship and never called at his +hotel but once, when he was residing at the Falls of Niagara, which I +thought was a curious spot (the noisiest in Canada) to choose for one +whose need was quietude. He would take an entire flat in a hotel that he +might be undisturbed at night. In Montreal, Mr. George Iles gave me the +same splendid, spacious, secluded bedroom which he had assigned to Mr. +Spencer when he was his host there. Professor von Denslow, who told me +that he was the "champion non-sleeper of the United States," asked me to +give a communication from him to Mr. Spencer. That was the reason of +my single visit to him in Canada. At the farewell banquet given to Mr. +Spencer in New York, famous speakers took part; but Henry Ward Beecher, +in a speech shorter than any, excelled them all. + +After his return to England, I had several communications from him +on the subject of Co-operation. Like Mr. Gladstone, he usually made +searching inquiries into the details of every question on which he +wrote. One of his letters was as follows:-- + +"2, Lewes Crescent, + +"Brighton, + +"_January_ 6, 1897. + +"Dear Mr. Holyoake,--I should have called upon you before now had I not +been so unwell. I have been kept indoors now for about three weeks. I +write partly to say this and partly to enclose you something of interest +as bearing upon my suggestion concerning piecework in co-operative +combinations. The experience described by Miss Davenport-Hill bears +indirectly, if not directly, upon them, showing as it does the +harmonising effect of piecework.--Truly yours, + +"Herbert Spencer." + + +Busied as he was with the recondite application of great principles, +he had practical discernment of the possibilities of Co-operation, +unthought of by those of us engaged in promoting co-partnership in the +workshop. Trades unions were mostly against piecework as giving more +active workers an advantage over the others. Mr. Spencer pointed out +that in a co-partnership workshop the fruitfulness of piece work was an +advantage to all. The piece-workers increase the output and profits of +the society. The profits, being equally divided upon wages, the least +bright and active members receive benefit from the piece-workers' +industry. + +Occasionally Mr. Spencer would come to my door and invite me to drive +with him. Another time when he had visitors--Mrs. Sidney Webb and Prof. +Masson, whom I wished to meet again--he would, if in the winter season, +send me a card from "2, Lewes Crescent, Jan. 24, 1897.--I _will_ send +the carriage for you to-morrow (Sunday) at 12.40. With the hood up +and the leather curtain down you will be quite warm.--H.S." He would +occasionally send me grouse or pheasant for luncheon. Very pleasant were +the amenities of philosophy. + +The first work of Mr. Spencer's which attracted public attention was +"Social Statics." Like Mr. Lewes' "Biography of Philosophy," it had a +pristine charm which fascinated young thinkers. Both authors restated +their works, but left behind their charm. Mr. Gladstone's first address +to the electors of Newark contains the germs of his whole and entire +career. "Social Statics" contains the element of that philosophy which +gave Spencer the first place among thinkers of all times. Bishop Colenso +found the book in the library of the builder of his Mission Houses in +South Africa. Mr. Ryder, of Bradford, Yorkshire, procured it through me +and took it out with him. It was a book of inspiration to him. + +Ten years before "Social Statics" appeared I was concerned with others +in publishing, in the "Oracle of Reason," a theory of Regular Gradation. +Our motto, from Boitard, was an explicit statement of Evolution. Five +out of seven of us were soon in prison, which shows that we did not +succeed in making Evolution attractive. Intellectual photography was +then in an infantine state. Our negatives lacked definition and our best +impressions were indistinct. It was not until Darwin and Spencer +arose that the art of developing the Evolutionary plates came to be +understood. + +Before the days of Spencer the world of scientific thought was mostly +without form and void. The orthodox voyagers who set out to sea steered +by a compass which always veered to a Jewish pole, and none who sailed +with them knew where they were. Rival theologians constructed dogmatic +charts, increasing the confusion and peril. Guided by the pole star +of Evolution, Spencer sailed out alone on the ocean of Speculation +and discovered a new empire of Law--founded without blood, or the +suppression of liberty, or the waste of wealth--where any man may dwell +without fear or shame. + +The fascination of Mr. Spencer's pages to the pulpit-wearied inquirer +was, that they took him straight to Nature. Mr. Spencer seemed to +write with a magnifying pen which revealed objects unnoticed by other +observers. His vision, like a telescope, descried sails at sea invisible +to those on shore. His pages, if not poems, gleamed with the poetry of +facts. His facts were the handmaids always at hand which explained his +principle. His repetitions do not tire, but are fresh assurances to the +reader that he is following a continuous argument. A pedestrian passing +down a long street is glad to meet the recurrence of its name, that he +may know he is still upon the same road. In Spencer's reasonings there +are no byways left open, down which the sojourner may wander and lose +himself. When cross-roads come in sight, fingerposts are set up telling +him where they lead to, and directing him which to take. Mr. Spencer +pursues a new thought, never loses sight of it, and takes care the +reader does not. No statement goes before without the proof following +closely after. + +When the reception was given to me at South Place Institute, London, in +April, 1903, on my eighty-sixth birthday, he had been confined to his +house from the previous August, yet he took trouble to write some words +of personal regard to myself beyond all my expectation. To the end of +his days--save when the weather was inclement--I used to walk up the +hill to his door to inquire as to his health, and when I could not do +so, Mr. Troughton would write me word. Mr. Spencer's last letter to +me was in answer to one I had sent him on his birthday. It was so +characteristic as to deserve quoting: + +"Thanks for your congratulations; but I should have liked better your +condolences on my longevity." + +He wanted no twilight in his life. Like the sun in America, his wish was +to disappear at once below the horizon--having amply given his share of +light in his day. + +Like Huxley, Mr. Spencer would not have slept well in Westminster Abbey. +He needed no consolation in death; and if he had, there was no one who +knew enough to give it to him. His conscience was his consolation. His +one choice was that his friend Mr. John Morley--than whom none were +fitter--should speak at his death the last words over him. Mr. Morley +being in Sicily, this could not be. The next in friendship and power of +estimate--the Right Hon. Leonard Courtney--spoke in his stead, at the +Hampstead Crematorium. Mr. Spencer had a radium mind which gave forth, +of its own spontaneity, light and heat. None who have died could more +appropriately repeat the proud lines of Sir Edward Dyer:-- + + "My mind to me a kingdom is; + Such perfect joy therein I find + As far exceeds all earthly bliss + That God or Nature hath assign'd." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. SINGULAR CAREER OF MR. DISRAELI + +I prefer the picturesque name of Disraeli which he contrived out of the +tribal designation of "D'Israeli." Had it been possible he would have +transmuted Benjamin into a Gentile name. Disraeli is far preferable to +the sickly title of Beaconsfield, by which association he sought to be +taken as the Burke of the Tories, for which his genius was too thin. + +Disraeli is a fossilised bygone to this generation; though in the +political arena he was the most glittering performer of his day. Men +admired him as the Blondin of Parliament, who could keep his feet on +a tight-rope at any elevation. Others looked upon him as a music-hall +Sandow who could snap into two a thicker bar of bovine ignorance than +any other athlete of the "country party." He was capable of serving +any party, but preferred the party who could best serve him. He was an +example how a man, conscious of power and unhampered by scruples, could +advance himself by strenuous devices of making himself necessary to +those he served. + +The showy waistcoat and dazzling jewellery in which he first presented +himself to the House of Commons, betrayed the primitive taste of a +Jew of the Minories, and foreshadowed that trinket statesmanship which +captivated his party, who thought sober, honest principles dull and +unentertaining. + +Germany and England contemporaneously produced the two greatest +adventurers of the century--Ferdinand Lassalle and Benjamin Disraeli. +Both were Jews. Both had dark locks and faith in jewellery. Both were +Sybarites in their pleasures; and personal ambition was the master +passion of each. Both were consummate speakers. Both sought distinction +in literature as a prelude to influence. Both professed devotion to +the interests of the people by promulgating doctrines which would +consolidate the power of the governing classes. Lassalle counselled war +against Liberalism, Disraeli against the Whigs. Lassalle adjusted +his views to Bismarck, as Disraeli did to Lord Derby. Both owed their +fortunes to rich ladies of maturity. Both challenged adversaries to a +duel, but Disraeli had the prudence to challenge Daniel O'Connell, who, +he knew, was under a vow not to fight one, while Lassalle challenged +Count Racowitza, and was killed. + +It was a triumph without parallel to bring to pass that the proud +aristocracy of England should accept a Jew for its master. Not +approaching erect, like a human thing, Disraeli stealthily crept, +lizard-like, through the crevices of Parliament, to the front of the +nation, and with the sting that nature had given him he kept his enemies +at bay. No estimate of him can explain him, which does not take into +account his race. An alien in the nation, he believed himself to belong +to the sole race that God has recognised. The Jew has an industrial +daintiness which is an affront to mankind. He, as a rule, stands +by while the Gentile puts his hand to labour. Isolated by Christian +ostracism, the Jew tills no ground; he follows no handicraft--a Spinoza +here and there excepted. The Jew, as a rule, lives by wit and thrift. +He is of every nation, but of no nationality, save his own. He takes no +perilous initiation; he leads no forlorn hope; he neither conspires for +freedom, nor fights for it. He profits by it, and acquiesces in it; but +generally gives you the impression that he will aid either despotism +or liberty, as a matter of business--as many do who are not Jews. There +are, nevertheless, men of noble qualities among them, and as a class +they are as good or better than Christians would be had they been +treated for nineteen centuries as badly as Jews have been. + +Derision and persecution inspire a strong spirit with retaliation, and +absolve him from scrupulous methods of compassing it. Two things the Jew +pursues with an unappeasable passion--distinction and authority among +believers, before whom his race has been compelled to cringe. An ancient +people which subsists by subtlety and courage, has the heroic sense +of high tradition, still looks forward to efface, not the indignity of +days, but of centuries--which imparts to the Jew a lofty implacableness +of aim, which never pauses in its purpose. How else came Mr. Disraeli +by that form of assegai sentences, of which one thrust needed no +repetition, and by that art which enabled him to climb on phrases to +power? + +A critic, who had taken pains to inform himself, brought charges against +D'Israeli the Elder to the effect that he had taken passages of mark +from the books of Continental sceptics and had incorporated them as his +own. At the same time he denounced the authors, so as to disincline the +reader to look into their pages for the D'Israelian plagiaries. In the +novels of D'Israeli the Younger I have come upon passages which I +have met with elsewhere in another form. As the reader knows, Disraeli +delivered in Parliament, as his own, a fine passage from Thiers. So +that when Daniel O'Connell described Disraeli as "the heir-at-law of the +impenitent thief who died on the cross," he was nearer the truth than he +knew, for there was petty larceny in the Disraelian family. + +When Sir James Stansfeld entered Parliament he had that moral distrust +of Disraeli, which Lord Salisbury, in his Cranborne days, published +a _Review_ to warn his party against. Sir James (then Mr. Stansfeld) +expressed a similar sentiment of distrust. Disraeli said to a friend in +the lobby immediately after, "I will do for that educated mechanic" The +vitriolic spite in the phrase was worthy of Vivian Grey. He kept his +word, and caused Mr. Stansfeld's retirement from the Ministry. It was +the nature of Disraeli to destroy any one who withstood him. At the same +time he could be courteous and even kind to literary Chartists who, like +Thomas Cooper and Ernest Jones, helped to frustrate the Whigs at the +poll, which served the purpose of Tory ascendency, which was Disraeli's +chance. + +In Easter, 1872, I was in Manchester when Disraeli had the greatest +pantomime day of his life--when he played the Oriental Potentate in the +Pomona Gardens. All the real and imaginary Tory societies that could be +got together from surrounding counties were paraded in procession before +him. To each he made audacious little speeches, which astonished them +and, when made known, caused jubilancy in the city. + +The deputation from Chorley reminded him of Mr. Charley, member for +Salford. He exclaimed, "Chorley and Charley are good names!" When a Tory +sick and burial society came up he said "he hoped they were doing a good +business, and that their future would be prosperous!" When the night +came for his speech, the Free Trade Hall was crowded. It was said that +2,000 persons paid a guinea each for their seats. + +Mr. Callander, his host, had taken, at Mr. Disraeli's request, some +brandy to the meeting. It was he who poured some into a glass of water. +Mr. Disraeli, on tasting it, turned to him and said in an undertone, +"There's nothing in it." This wounded the pride of his host, who took it +as an imputation of stinginess on his part, and he filled the next glass +plentifully. This was the beginning of the orator's trouble. For the +first fifteen minutes he spoke in his customary resonant voice. Then +husky, sibilant and explosive sentences were unmistakable. Apprehensive +reporters, sitting below him, moved aside lest the orator should fall +upon them. Suspicious gestures set in. An umbrella was laid near the +edge of the platform, that the speaker might keep within the umbrella +range. For this there was a good reason, as the speaker's habit of +raising himself on his toes endangered his balance. All the meeting +understood the case. The orator soon lost all sense of time. He, who +knew so well how to suit performance to occasion, was incapable of +stopping himself. The audience had come from distant parts. At nine +o'clock they could hear the railway bell, calling some to the trains. +Ten o'clock came, when a larger portion of the audience was again +perturbed by railway warnings. Disraeli was still speaking. Eleven +o'clock came; the audience had further decreased then, but Disraeli was +still declaiming hoarse sentences. It was a quarter-past eleven before +his peroration came to an end; and many, who wished to have their +guinea's worth of Parliamentary oratory, had to sleep in Manchester that +night Everybody knew the speaker would have ceased two hours earlier if +he could. His host in the chair was much disquieted. His house was some +distance from the city, and he had invited a large party of gentlemen to +meet the great Conservative leader at supper, which had long been +ready. Besides, he was afraid his guest would be unable to appear at it. +Arriving at the house Disraeli asked his host to give him champagne--"a +bottle of fizz" was the phrase he used--which he drank with zest, when, +to the astonishment of his host, he joined the party and was at his +best. He delighted every one with his sallies and his satire. + +The next morning the city Conservatives were unwilling to speak of the +protracted disappointment of the evening before. The Manchester papers +gave good reports of the long speech, which contained some passages +worthy of the speaker at any time--as when he compared the occupants +of the front bench of the Government in the House of Commons to so many +extinct volcanoes. As some members of Her Majesty's Government were +known friends of Mazzini and Garibaldi, the aptitude of the simile lives +in political memory to this day. When the _Times_ report arrived it +was found that a considerable portion of the speech was devoted to the +laudation of certain county families, which were not mentioned in the +Manchester reports, and it was said that Disraeli had dictated his +speech to Mr. Delane before he came down. But though he lost his voice +and his memory, he never lost his wit, for he praised another set of +families that came into his head. + +Only in two instances has Mr. Disraeli been publicly charged with errors +of vintage. In his time I heard members manifestly inebriated, address +the House of Commons. On a memorable night Mr. Gladstone said Disraeli +had access to sources of inspiration not open to Her Majesty's +Ministers. + +In the _Morning Star_ there appeared next day a passage from Disraeli's +speech, reported in vinous forms of sibilant expression. On that +occasion Lord John Manners carried to him, from time to time during his +oration, five glasses of brandy and water. I saw them brought in. There +was the great table between the two front benches, which Mr. Disraeli +said was fortunate, as he feared Mr. Gladstone might spring upon him. +All the while it was not protection Mr. Disraeli wanted from the table, +but support, for he clutched it as he spoke. Sir John Macdonald, Premier +of Canada, whom I had the honour to visit at Ottawa, not only resembled +Disraeli in features, in the curl of his hair, but in his wit. One +night Sir John made an extraordinary after-dinner speech, which had the +flavour of a whole vintage in it. When Sir John found he had astonished +the whole Dominion, he sent for the reporter, who appeared, trembling +with apprehension. "Young man," said Sir John, "with your talent for +reporting you have a great future before you. But take my advice--never +report a speech in future when you are drunk." + +Connoisseurs in art who went to the sale of his effects at Disraelis +Mayfair house were astonished at the Houndsditch quality of what they +found there. Not a ray of taste was to be seen, not an article worth +buying. The glamour of the Oriental had lain in phrases, not in art. + +It was the Liberals who were the champions of the Jews, and who were the +cause of their admission to Parliament. Mr. Disraeli must have had some +generous memory of this. Mr. Bright would cross the floor of the House +sometimes to confer with Disraeli. There must have been elements in +his character in which Mr. Bright had confidence. It was believed to +be owing to his respect for Mr. Blight's judgment that he took no part +against America, when his party did all they could to destroy the cause +of the Union in the great Anti-Slavery War. It ought to be remembered to +Disraeli's credit, that he made what John Stuart Mill called a "splendid +concession" of household suffrage, although he took it back the next +night, by the pernicious creation of the "compound householder." Still, +Liberals owe it to him that household suffrage came to prevail when it +did. + +Disraeli's attacks upon Peel were dictated by the policy of +self-advancement. He was capable of admiring Peel, but he admired +himself more. Standing outside English questions and interests, he was +able to treat them with an airiness which was a political relief. Yet he +could see that our Colonies might become "millstones round the neck +of the Empire" if we gave them too much of Downing Street, or maybe of +Highbury. + +To say Disraeli had no conscience would be to say more than any man +has knowledge enough to say of another; but he certainly never gave the +public the impression that he had one. He devised the scheme of giving +the Queen the title of "Empress." Mr. Gladstone opposed it as dangerous +to the dynasty, lowering its dignity to the level of Continental +Emperorship, and taking from the Crown the master jewel of law, which +has been more or less its security and glory for a thousand years. + +Disraeli seemed to care for the Queen's favour--nothing for the +integrity of the Crown. He declared himself a Christian, and said in the +presence of the Bishop of Oxford, with Voltairean mockery, that he +was "on the side of the angels," and elsewhere described Judas as +an accessory to the crucifixion before the act, and to that ignoble +treachery all Christians were indebted for their salvation--an idea +which could never have entered a Gentile mind. This was pure Voltairean +scorn. + +In his last illness he was reported to have had three different kinds +of physicians--allopath, hydropath, homoeopath; and had he chosen the +spiritual ministration of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi, +and Mr. Spurgeon, no one would have been surprised at his sardonic +prudence. + +I had admiration, though not respect, for his career. Yet I was for +justice being done to him. When it was thought the Tories would prevent +his accession to the Premiership, which was his right by service, I was +one of those who cheered him in the lobby of the House of Commons, to +show that adversaries of his politics were against his being defrauded +of the dignity he had won. + +How was it that Disraeli's standing at Court was never affected by what +would be deemed seditious defamation of the Crown in any other person? +When I mentioned in America the revolutionary license of his tongue in +declaring the Queen to be physically and morally incapable of governing, +the statement was received with incredulity. The reporters who took +down his Aylesbury speech containing the astounding words hesitated to +transcribe them, and one asked permission to read the passage to Mr. +Disraeli, who assented to its correctness, and the words appeared in the +_Standard_ and _Telegraph_ of September 27, 1871. The _Times_ and _Daily +News_ omitted the word "morally," deeming it incredible. But it was +said. His words were: "We cannot conceal from ourselves that Her Majesty +is physically and morally incapacitated from performing her duties." +This meant that Her Majesty was imbecile--a brutal thing to suggest, +considering family traditions. + +At a Lord Mayor's banquet Mr. Disraeli gave an insulting and defamatory +account of the Russian Royal Family and Government, and boasted, like +an inebriate Jingo, of England's capacity to sustain three campaigns +against that Power. As the Queen had a daughter-in-law a member of the +Royal House of Russia, this wanton act of international offensiveness +must have produced a sensation of shame and pain in the English Royal +Family. I well remember the consternation and disapproval with which +both speeches were regarded by the people. Whatever even Republicans may +think of the theory of the Crown, they are against any personal outrage +upon it. Yet Mr. Gladstone, who was always forward to sustain, by +graceful and discerning praise, the interest of the Royal Family, and +procure them national grants, to which Mr. Disraeli could never have +reconciled the nation, was simply endured by Her Majesty, while to Mr. +Disraeli ostentatious preference was shown. It was said in explanation +that Mr. Gladstone had no "small talk" with which Mr. Disraeli +entertained his eminent hostess. It was not "small talk," it was Tory +talk, which the Queen rewarded. + +I am of Lord Actons opinion, that Mr. Disraeli was morally +insupportable, though otherwise astonishing. The pitiless resentment +of "Vivian Grey" towards whoever stood in his way was the prevailing +characteristic of the triumphant Jew. Like other men of professional +ambition, he had the charm of engaging amity to those who were for the +time being no longer impediment to him. When showing distress at a few +drops of rain falling, news was brought Her Majesty that Mr. Gladstone +had returned from a voyage and addressed a crowd on the beach. Disraeli +exclaimed with pleasant gaiety, "What a wonderful man that Gladstone +is. Had I returned from a voyage I should be glad to go to bed. Mr. +Gladstone leaps on shore and makes a speech." + +The moral of this singular career worth remembering, is that genius +and versatility, animated by ambition without scruple, may attain +distinction without principle. It can win national admiration, but not +public affection. All it can accomplish is to leave behind a name of +sinister renown. If we knew all, no doubt Lord Beaconsfield had, apart +from the exigencies of ambition, personal qualities commanding esteem. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. CHARACTERISTICS OF JOSEPH COWEN + +I + +Political readers will long remember the name of Joseph Cowen, who won +in a single night the reputation of a national orator. All at once he +achieved that distinction in an assembly where few attain it. After a +time he retired to his tent and never more emerged from it. The occasion +of his first speech in Parliament was the introduction of the Bill for +converting the Queen into an Empress. Queen was a wholesome monarchical +name, which implied in England supremacy under the law; while Empress, +alien to the genius of the political constitution, is a military title +of sinister reputation, and implies a rank outside and above the law. +Like Imperialism, it connotes military government, which, in the opinion +of the free and prudent, is the most odious, dangerous, and costly of +all governments. + +Mr. Cowen entertained a strong repugnance to the word "Empress," which +might become a prelude to Imperialism--as it has done. + +Mr. Cowen's father, who preceded him in the House of Commons, was +scrupulous in apparel, never affecting fashion, but keeping within +its pale. His son was not only careless of fashion--he despised it. He +employed local tailors, from neighbourliness, and was quite content with +their craftsmanship. He never wore what is called a "top" hat, but a +felt one, a better shape than what is known now as a "clerical" hat It +was thought he would abandon it when he entered Parliament, but he +did not He commonly left it in the cloak-room. He had no wish to +be singular. His attire was as natural to him as his skin is to an +Ethiopian. His headgear imperilled his candidature, when that came +about. + +He had been two years in Parliament before he addressed it. When he rose +many members were standing impatient for division and crying "Divide! +Divide!!" Mr. Cowen, being a small man, was not at once perceived, but +his melodious, honest, and eager voice arrested attention, though his +Northumbrian accent was unfamiliar to the House. It was as difficult to +see the new orator as to see Curran in an Irish Court, or Thiers in the +French Chamber. Disraeli glanced at him through his eyeglass, as though +Mr. Cowen was one of Dean Swift's Lilliputians, and of one near him +he asked contemptuously, as a Northern burr broke upon his ear, "What +language is the fellow talking?" + +The speech had all the characteristics of an oration, historical, +compact, and complete--though brief. In it he said three things never +heard in Parliament before. One was that the "Divine right of kings +perished on the scaffold with Charles I." Another was that "the +superstition of royalty had never taken any deep hold of the English +people." The third was to describe our august ally, the Emperor Napoleon +III., as an "usurper." The impression the speech made upon the country +was great. It so accorded with the popular sentiment that some persons +paid for its appearance as an advertisement in the _Daily News_ and +other papers of the day, and the speaker acquired the reputation of an +orator by a single speech. Mr. Disraeli's contemptuous reception of it +did not prevent him, at a later date, from going up to Mr. Cowen, when +he was standing alone by a fire, and paying him some compliment which +made a lasting impression upon him. Mr. Disraeli had discernment to +recognise genius when he saw it, and generosity enough to respect it +when not directed against himself. If it were, he was implacable. + +For years, as I well knew, Mr. Cowen spent more money for the +advancement and vindication of Liberalism than any other English +gentleman. He was the most generous friend of "forlorn hopes" England +has known. How many combatants has he aided; how many has he succoured; +how many has he saved! If the other world be human like this, what +crowds of grateful spirits of divers climes must have rushed to the +threshold of heaven to welcome him as he entered. + +Penniless, and his crew foodless, Garibaldi steered his vessel up the +Tyne. Mr. Cowen was the only man in England Garibaldi then sought +or confided in. Before he left the Tyne, Mr. Cowen, on behalf of +subscribers (of whom many were pitmen), presented Garibaldi with a sword +which cost L146. Goldwin Smith says, in his picturesque way, Henry +III. had a "waxen heart." Mr. Cowen had an iron heart, steeled by noble +purpose. He knew no fear, physical or mental. Not like my friend, George +Henry Lewes, whose sense of intellectual right was so strong that he +never saw consequences. Cowen did see them, and disregarded them; he +"nothing knew to fear, and nothing feared to know"--neither ideas nor +persons. How many men, not afraid of ideas, are much afraid of knowing +those who have them? Unyielding to the high, how tender he was to the +low! + +Riding home with him one night, after a stormy meeting in Newcastle, +when we were near to Stella House (he had not gone to reside in the +Hall then) the horse suddenly stopped. Mr. Cowen got out to see what the +obstruction was, and he found it was one of his own workmen lying drunk +across the road. His master roused him and said: "Tom, what a fool thou +art! Had not the horse been the more sensible beast, thou hadst been +killed." He would use these Scriptural pronouns in speaking to his men. +The man could not stand, and Mr. Cowen and the coachman carried him to +the door of another workman, called him up, and bade him let Tom lie in +his house till morning. Then we drove on. + +Another time a workman came to Mr. Cowen for an advance of thirty +shillings. Being asked what he wanted the money for, the man answered: +"To get drunk, sir; I have not been drunk for six weeks." "Thou +knowest," said Mr. Cowen, "I never take any drink, because I think the +example good for thee. Thou will go to Gateshead Fair, get locked up, +and I shall have to bail thee out. There is the money; but take my +advice, get drunk at home, and thy wife will take care of thee." How +many employers possess workmen having that confidence in them to put +such a question as this workman did, without fear of losing their +situation? No workman lied, or had need to lie, to Mr. Cowen. He had the +tolerance and tenderness of a god. + +When I was ill in his house in Essex Street, Strand, he would come up +at night and tell me of his affairs, as he did in his youth. He had for +some time been giving his support to the Conservative side. I said to +him, "Disraeli is dead. Do you not see that you may take his place if +you will? It is open. His party has no successor among them. +He had race, religion, and want of fortune against him. You have none +of these disadvantages against you. You are rich, and you can speak +as Disraeli never could. He had neither the tone nor the fire of +conscience--you have both. You have the ear of the House, and the +personal confidence of the country, as he never had. In his place you +would fill the ear of the world." He thought for a time on what I said +to him; then his answer was: "There is one difficulty--I am not a Tory." + +I saw he was leaving the side of Liberalism and that he would inevitably +do Conservative work, and I was wishful that he should have the credit +of it. He was under a master passion which carried him he knew not +whither. + +It was my knowledge of Mr. Cowen, long before that night, that made me +oft say that a Tyneside man had more humility and more pride than God +had vouchsafed to any other people of the English race. Until middle +life Mr. Cowen was as his father, immovable in principle; afterwards +he was as his mother in implacableness. That is the explanation of his +career. + +The "passion" referred to--never avowed and never obtruded, but +which "neither slumbered nor slept"--was ambition. It might be called +Paramountcy--that dangerous war-engendering word of Imperialism--which +only the arrogant pronounce, and only the subjugated submit to. + +The Cowen family had no past but that of industry, and in Mr. Cowen's +youth the "slings and arrows of outrageous" Toryism, shafts of +arrogance, insolence, and contempt, flew about him. He inherited from +his mother a proud and indomitable spirit, and resolved to create a +Liberal force which should withstand all that--and he did. Then, when +he came to be, as he thought, flouted by those whom he had served (the +common experience of the noblest men), he at length resented and turned +against himself. He had reached the heights where he had been awarded +an imperishable place, and then descended in resentment to mingle and be +lost in the ignominious faction whom he had defeated and despised. Those +who had enraged him were not, as we shall see, worth his resentment + +It was not for "a handful of silver" he left us--for he had plenty--nor +for "a ribbon to stick in his coat," for he would not wear one +if offered a basketful. It was just indignation, stronger than +self-respect. + +Not all at once did the desire of control assume this form. By his +natural nobility of nature he inclined to the view that all the +supremacy inherent in man is that of superior capacity, to which all men +yield spontaneous allegiance. + +Some time elapsed before the bent of his mind became apparent. Possibly +it was not known to himself. + +When a young man, he promoted and maintained two or three journals, in +which he also wrote himself, without suggesting to others the passion +for journalism by which he was possessed. Some years later, when proofs +of one of his speeches which a reporter had taken down, and Mr. Cowen +had himself corrected, passed through my hands, I was struck with the +dexterity with which he put a word of fire into a tame sentence, infused +colour into a pale-faced expression, and established a pulse in an +anaemic one. It was clear that he had the genius of speech in him and +was ambitious of distinction in it. + +Mr. Cowen's father was a tall, handsome man of the Saxon type, which +goes steadily forward and never turns back. He always described himself +as a follower of Lord Durham, and was out on the Newcastle Town Moor in +1819, at great meetings in support of the Durham principles. His mother +was quite different in person, both in stature and appearance; +somewhat of the Spanish type--dark, and mentally capable of impassable +resolution. Her son, Joseph, with whom we are here concerned, had dark, +luminous eyes which were the admiration of London drawing-rooms--when +he could be got to enter them. His eldest sister, Mrs. Mary Carr, was as +tall as her father, with the complexion of her mother. I used to compare +her to Judith, the splendid Jewess who slew Holofernes. She used to +say her brother Joseph had her mother's spirit, and that a "Cowen never +changed." Her brother never changed in his purpose of ascendency, but +when inspired by resentment he could change his party to attain his +end--as I have seen done in the House of Commons many times in my day. +This is why I have said that in the early part of Mr. Cowen's life he +was his father---placid but purposeful. In the second half he was his +mother--resentful and implacable when affronted by non-compliance where +he expected and desired concurrence. But I have known many excellent men +who did not take dissent from their opinions in good part. + +How fearless Mr. Cowen was, was shown in his conduct when a dangerous +outbreak of cholera occurred in Newcastle. People were dying in every +street and lane, but he went out from Blaydon every morning at the +usual time, and walked through the infected streets and passages into +Newcastle, to his offices on the quay, being met on his way by persons +in distress, from death in their houses, who knew they were sure +of sympathy and assistance from him. The courage of his unfailing +appearance in his ordinary way saved many from depression which might +have proved fatal to them. When a wandering guest fell ill at his home, +Stella House, Blaydon, he was sure of continued hospitality until his +recovery. Mr. Cowen's voice of sympathy and condolence was the tenderest +I ever heard from human lips. + +A poor man, who lived a good deal upon the moors, was charged with +shooting a doctor, and would have been hanged but for Mr. Cowen +defending him by legal aid. He thought the police had apprehended him +because he was the most likely, in their opinion, to be guilty. He was +poor, friendless, and often houseless. The man did not seem quite right +in his mind. After his acquittal, Mr. Cowen took him into his employ, +and made him his gardener. The garden was remote and solitary. I often +passed my mornings in it, not without some personal misgiving. Mr. +Cowen eventually enabled the man to emigrate to America, where a little +eccentricity of demeanour does not count. + +In the political estrangements of Mr. Cowen, it must be owned he had +provocations. A party of social propagandists came to Newcastle, whom +he entertained, as they had never been entertained before, at a cost of +hundreds of pounds, and was at great expense to give publicity to +their objects. They left him to defray some bills they had the means of +paying. Years later, when they came again into the district, he did no +more for them in the former way. He had conceived a distrust of them. +Another time he was asked by persons whom he was willing to aid, to buy +some premises for them, as they would be prejudiced at the auction if +they appeared in person. Mr. Cowen bought the property for L5,000. They +changed their minds when it was bought, and left Mr. Cowen, who did not +want it, with it upon his hands. He did not resent it, as he might have +done, but it was an act of meanness which would have revolted the heart +of an archangel of human susceptibility. + +When the British Association first came to Newcastle, Mr. Cowen spent +more than L500 in giving publicity to their proceedings. He brought a +railway carriage full of writers and reporters from London, that the +proceedings of every section should be made known to the public He had +personal notices written of all the principal men of science who came +there, and when he asked for admission of his reporters, he was +charged L19 for their tickets. As I was one of those engaged in the +arrangements, I shared his indignation at this scientific greed and +ingratitude. In all the history of the British Association, before and +since, it never met with the enthusiasm, the liberality and publicity +the _Newcastle Chronicle_ accorded it. + +In the days of the great Italian struggle, little shoals of exiles +found their way to England. Learning where the great friend of Garibaldi +dwelt, they found their way to Newcastle, and many were directed there +from different parts of England. Many times he was sent for to the +railway station, where a number of destitute exiles had arrived. He +relieved their immediate wants and had them provided for at various +lodgings, until they were able to get some situation elsewhere. I think +Mr. Cowen began to tire of this, as he thought exiles were +sometimes sent to him by persons who ought to have taken part of the +responsibility themselves, but who seemed to consider that his was the +purse of the Continent. + +Once when Mr. Cowen attended a political conference in Leeds, he +received as he entered the room marked attention, as he was known to be +the leader of the Liberal forces of Durham and Northumberland. But Mr. +W. E. Forster, who was present, took no notice of him, though Mr. Cowen +had rendered him great political service. When Mr. Bright saw Mr. Cowen +he cordially greeted him. Immediately Mr. Forster, seeing this, stepped +up also and offered him compliments, which Mr. Cowen received very +coldly without returning them, and passed away to his seat. Mr. Cowen's +impression was that as Mr. Forster had suffered him to pass by without +recognition, he did not want to know him before that assembly; but when +Mr. Forster saw Mr. Bright's welcome of his friend, he was willing to +know him. Mr. Forster, as I had reason to know afterwards, was capable +of such an action, where recognition stood in the way of his interests,* +but it was not so on this occasion. Mr. Forster was short-sighted, and +simply did not see Mr. Cowen when he first passed him. But it happened +that he did see him when Mr. Bright stepped forward to speak to him, and +there was no slight of Mr. Cowen intended. Yet from that hour Mr. Cowen +entertained a contempt for Mr. Forster, and would neither meet him nor +speak to him. One day Mr. Cowen and I were at a railway station, where +Mr. Forster appeared in his volunteer uniform. We had to wait some time +for the train. Mr. Cowen asked me to walk with him as far as we could +from where Mr. Forster stood, that we should not pass near him. Some +years later, at the House of Commons, Mr. Forster asked Mr. Cowen to +walk with him in the Green Park, as he wished to speak with him. After +two hours Mr. Cowen returned reconciled. He never told me the cause of +it, which he should have done, as I had taken his part in the long years +of resentment I relate the incident as showing how personal +misconception produces political estrangement in persons and parties +alike. + + * But only where ambition was stronger than his habitual + sense of honour. See chapter lxxix, "Sixty Years." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. CHARACTERISTICS OF JOSEPH COWEN + +II + +But the act which most wounded him occurred at the Elswick works of Lord +Armstrong. Mr. Cowen was returning one day in his carriage at a time of +political excitement. Some of the crowd threw mud upon his coach, and, +if I remember rightly, broke the windows. Just before, when the workmen +were on strike, they went to Mr. Cowen--as all workmen in difficulties +did. He found they did not know their own case, nor how to put it He +employed legal aid to look into the whole matter and make a statement of +it. Mr. Cowen became their negotiator, and obtained a decision in their +favour. The whole expense he incurred on their behalf was L150. Services +of this kind, which had been oft rendered, should have saved him from +public contumely at their hands. + +At that time Mr. Cowen was giving the support of his paper against +Liberalism, which he had so long defended and commended, which was an +incentive to the outrage. Still, the sense of gratitude for the known +services rendered to workers, which he continued irrespective of his +change of opinion, should have saved him from all personal disrespect. + +The subjection of the Liberals in Newcastle in the days of his early +career, and the arrogant defamation with which it was assailed, were +what determined him to create a defiant power in its self-defence. + +He bought the _Newcastle Chronicle_, an old Whig paper. He published +it in Grey Street, afterwards in St. Nicholas' Buildings, and then in +Stephenson Place, on premises now known as the _Chronicle_ Buildings. +The printing machines at first cost L250 each, then L450. The +_Chronicle_ Buildings were purchased for L6,000, and a similar sum was +expended in adapting them for their new purposes. The site is the finest +in Newcastle. The printing machines now cost L6,000 to L7,000. Each +machine is provided in duplicate, so that if one side of the press-room +broke down, the other side could be instantly set in motion. Once I made +a short speech in the town, which was reported, set up, cast, and an +edition of the paper containing the speech was on sale within little +more than twenty minutes. The office above the great press-room, in +which the public transact business with the paper, is the costliest, +handsomest, Grecian interior I know of connected with any newspaper +buildings. What perseverance and confidence must have animated Mr. Cowen +in the enterprise, is shown in the fact that he had sunk L40,000 in it +before it began to pay.* He made the _Chronicle_, as he intended to +make it, the leading political power in Durham and Northumberland. The +leaders he wrote in its columns after he left Parliament were unequalled +in all the press of England for vividness, eloquence, and variety of +thought. There could be no greater proof of the dominancy of Mr. Cowen's +mind, than his establishment and devotion to the _Chronicle_. + +I had been a party several years to negotiating with candidates to stand +for Newcastle, whose public expenses Mr. Cowen paid. I obtained the +consent of the Liberals of York, that Mr. Layard, whom they considered +pledged to them, should become a candidate at Newcastle. "Why should +you?" I said one day to Mr. Cowen, "incur these repeated costs for the +candidature of others, when you can command a seat in your own family +for three generations. If you will not be a candidate, why should +not your father?" The conversation ended by his agreeing that I might +persuade his father to go to Parliament if I could. + + * Unwilling that his father or banker should surmise how + much he was exhausting his personal resources, he directed + me at one time to borrow L500 or L1,000 in London. It was + advanced by a personal friend. + +It was in vain that I assured him that the seat was open to +him, but he did not believe, nor wish to believe it. I several times saw +his father at Stella Hall. He thought himself too old. I told him there +were fifty gentlemen in the House of Commons, willing to become Prime +Minister, and some of them waiting for the appointment, who were fifteen +years older than he, and would be disappointed did not the chance come +to them. He found this true when he at length entered the House. His +objection was that he could not ask his neighbours, among whom he had +lived all his days, to elect him. "Suppose they signed an undertaking to +vote for you in case you came forward?" That he consented to consider. +A requisition signed by 2,178 electors was sent to him. Then another +difficulty arose. His son said: "I cannot support my father in the +_Chronicle_."* Then I said, "Let me edit it during the election, and no +line shall appear commending your father to the electors. But whatever +pretensions his adversaries put forth, we will examine." My proposal was +agreed to. It was alleged by the rival candidate, that the requisition +was signed out of courtesy to a popular townsman, and did not mean that +those who signed it had pledged their votes. To this I answered that +when Chambers appeared on the Thames, bookmakers said, "Chambers is a +Newcastle man, who never sells the honour of his town, but will win if +he can." Is it to be true that a Newcastle elector would not only give +his promise, but write it, without intending to keep it? Will he be true +on the Thames and false on the Tyne? All the requisitionists save a +few, whom sickness or misadventure kept from the poll, voted for Joseph +Cowen, senior, who was elected by a large majority. + + * This diffidence of appearing as the advocate of his father + was carried to excess. When a local paper made remarks upon + his father's knighthood, which ought to have been resented, + I set out late one night to Darlington, arriving a little + before midnight, and wrote a vindicatory notice, which, by + the friendship of Mr. H. K. Spark, was inserted in the + _Darlington Times_ that night. It was quoted afterwards in + the _Newcastle Chronicle_. + +The great services to the town of the new member by his arduous +chairmanship of the Tyne Commission, would have insured his election, +but his majority was no doubt increased by the popularity of his son. +This did not escape the comment of local politicians, and Mr. Lowthian +Bell said, "How is it, Mr. Cowen, that everybody votes for your father +for your sake?" "I suppose it is," was the answer, "that while you have +been sitting on winter nights with your feet on the rug by the fireside, +I have been addressing pitmen's meetings in colliery villages, and +finding my way home late at night in rain and blast; and it happens that +they are grateful for it." This was the only time I knew Mr. Cowen to +make a self-assertive reply. + +When Mr. Cowen's father was in the field, and Mr. Beaumont began his +canvass, in one street he met with forty-nine refusals to vote for him. +"Why will you not vote for me?" he asked. "We are going to vote for Mr. +Coon, now," as his name was pronounced at the Tyneside. "But you have +two votes," Mr. Beaumont said; "you can give me one." "No! if we had +twenty votes we should give them all to Mr. Coon. When Chambers and +Clasper make a L100 match for the honour of the Tyne, and we cannot make +up the money, Mr. Coon always makes it up for us, and when we win and +go to repay him, he gives it to us." This was not a patriotic reason to +give for voting for "Mr. Coon," but it showed gratitude, as well as Mr. +Cowen's influence, and what a hold his kindness to the people had given +him upon their affection. Thus they voted for the father from regard for +the son. For in those days the son had no idea of Parliament himself, +and votes were not in his thoughts. + +Nothing could be more open or gentlemanly than Mr. Cowen in the contests +to which he was a party. Mr. Somerset Beaumont was member for Newcastle, +and he impressed Mr. Gladstone with a high sense of his capacity +in Parliament. One morning, as Mr. Beaumont and Mr. Cowen came into +Newcastle in the same train, Mr. Cowen said to him, "You know, Mr. +Beaumont, we all like you personally, but you do not go far enough +for us. We want a more Radical representative for Newcastle. We shall +prevent your election next time if we can, but only if we have a more +advanced candidate. Otherwise we will countenance no opposition to you." + +Who could foresee the day would come when--save Mr. Cowen--the noblest +candidate Newcastle ever had (Mr. John Morley) would be opposed by Mr. +Cowen in the interests of Toryism? Or that, after withstanding at the +hustings when he became a candidate, and defeating furious collusions +between Tories, Conservatives, Moderates, publicans, and all who had +vicious interests to serve or spite to gratify, Mr. Cowen himself would +one day be found aiding or abetting the same parties by taking their +side against Liberalism. + +When in Parliament, his father had misgivings touching Mr. Gladstone, +who, he thought, passed him at times without recognition. He had +conducted Mr. Gladstone down the Tyne in triumph, and his son had +assembled 200,000 persons on the Moor, who were addressed from twenty +platforms in support of Mr. Gladstone, and provided reporters and +published all the speeches. The cost of this was one of a hundred +contributions he made in the interest of Liberalism. I used to explain +that Mr. Gladstone, intent upon great questions (he was always intent +upon something) he had to explain to the House--he, self-absorbed, would +pass by his friends without seeing them, expecting, as he had a right to +expect, that devotion to the great trust of the State would be taken to +palliate his seeming inattention to friends. + +But Mr. Gladstone was not unmindful of the service rendered to him at +Newcastle, and when, some time later--no one else thinking of it--I made +representations, through Mr. (afterwards Sir) James Stansfeld--without +knowledge of Mr. Cowen or his son--I was instructed to inform Mr. Cowen, +sen., that a baronetcy would be placed at his acceptance. Mr. Cowen, +jun., objected entirely on his own part. His father therefore only +accepted a knighthood, which Her Majesty, from consideration of his +years, kindly ordered to be gazetted, obviating his attendance at Court. +All the same, it was Mr. Gladstone's intention to recognise the services +of the son as well as the father. + +Honours were not much accessible in those days, especially in uncourtly +quarters. My representation, in suggesting what I did, was, that as +personal distinction was conferred upon persons who had made L100,000, +something was due to one who may be said to have given that sum to the +public.* His chairmanship of the Tyne Commission extended over a period +of twenty-four years, during which the Tyne was converted from a creek +into a navigable river. + + * Sir Joseph Cowen was appointed by Act of Parliament, 1850, + chairman for life of the Tyne Improvement Commission, an + unpaid office. There was then only six feet of water on the + bar at low water spring tides, and twenty-one at high water. + In 1870 there was a depth of twenty feet at low water, and + thirty-five at high water; the deepening extending nine + miles from the bar. In twenty years ending 1870 there had + been raised thirty-eight million tons. In 1870 the tonnage + of the Tyne had risen from two and a half millions to more + than four and a half millions, exceeding by one million that + of the Thames. In 1865 there entered the Tyne port for + refuge 133 vessels. In 1870 558 vessels fled there from the + storms of the North Sea. + +The time and assiduity thus devoted to the service of navigation and +trade would have added L100,000 to his fortune. That his knighthood +might be justified in the eyes of his neighbours and his own, I supplied +the facts which authorised it to Mr. Walker, who was then editor of the +_Daily News_, and which appeared in his leader columns. My reason for +taking the step I did was a sense of duty to the public, who should +see as far as possible that those who rendered service should find +acknowledgment of it I was of Coleridge's opinion:-- + + "It seems a message from the world of spirits, + When any man obtains that which he merits, + Or any merit that which he obtains." + +On the death of the father, his son, Mr. Joseph Cowen, was elected in +his place, as a member for Newcastle; and Parliament being dissolved +shortly after, he was again elected by a triumphant majority. + +Mr. Cowen had made more speeches at the Tyneside than any other resident +ever did. But the town was unconscious of their merit. They were +addressed mostly to working men, and to persons whom it was not thought +necessary to report or take into account the speaker. When he became a +candidate all classes of persons were among the auditors. The town was +astonished at the relevance and fire of his orations. I mention this +circumstance to show how a man can be famous in one half of the town and +not known in the other. + +After his retirement from Parliament and platform he occasionally +delivered orations on persons, at inaugurations, which surpassed all I +have ever read of the kind, for aptness of phrase, variety of thought +and vivid portraiture, which ought to be added to the record of English +oratory. + +It was not reasonable in him, after the change in his political views, +to expect that his townsmen should adopt the new opinions he had begun +to countenance, and which he had himself taught them to distrust. But +this is what strong leaders do who suffer the pride of power to become +imperious. A just ambition, which is patient, and will work for results, +can as a rule succeed. It is ambition which is impetuous, and will not +wait longer, which lapses into reaction from disappointment. With all +his virtues, Mr. Cowen was impetuous. To desert a party because of the +folly or excesses of portions of its members, would oblige a man to +change his profession in politics and his creed in religion every twelve +months. + +In his earlier career it may be imagined that Mr. Cowen derived his +principles from generous prejudices, in later days from indignant +impulses. + +Many persons hold by inheritance right principles into whose foundation +they have never inquired. Investigation, if they entered upon it, would +confirm their convictions, but not resting on examination, their nobler +prepossessions may be displaced by passion. We all know in religion how +vehemently adherents will vindicate questions of which they know only +one side, and hold it to be sinful to inquire into the other. Such +persons, when right, are unstable and liable to variableness under +the glamour of unknown ideas. Mr. Cowen was well informed on Liberal +principles and never took to Conservative views, and, save in +antagonism, did not assist them. + +The bent of his mind to paramountcy in ideas was shown in the +extraordinary requirements he made, that Mr. Morley should disown the +political friends who had invited him to Newcastle, and become the +candidate of the _Chronicle_. Mr. Morley answered, "I will not do it, +and that is flat" Then Mr. Cowen resolved that this refusal should +cost him his seat, and ultimately he effected it, not from Conservative +resentment, but from pride. Had Mr. Morley consented to this condition +he would have remained member for Newcastle, supported with all the +force of Mr. Cowen's splendid advocacy. Mr. Cowen always remained true +to Home Rule for Ireland. But, as we have seen done in the case of +others in Parliament, he assailed every one who held it not under his +inspiration. + +Mr. Cowen was naturally noble, and resentment never made him mean, but +like any one to whom compliance with his essential convictions is a +necessity of his mind, he was apt to regard non-concurring persons +as better out of the way. He would not destroy them, but they were no +longer objects of his solicitude. + +Everybody who did not take this into account failed to understand Mr. +Cowen's career. He sought nothing for himself--he refused everything +offered to him, office included, and accepted no overture made to him. +Whatever opinion he held, to whatever party he allied himself, he might, +if he wished, have remained member for Newcastle all his life. He wanted +no place in Parliament; all he wanted was his own way--compliance with +his own opinions. He had no ambition in the ordinary sense--he had +no sinister end to serve, and it was always his preference to promote +liberty and progress, generosity and good faith in public affairs. + +Conforming to no conventionality, never entering society, nor accepting +any invitation to do it, in his attention to his collieries, his ships, +his firebrick works, manufactory, newspaper and public meetings, he +was occupied from early morning until late at night, without rest and +without hurry. He was never exhausted and was never still. One evening +he lay down on his sofa, fell asleep, and none around him knew that he +was dead. + +It would astonish the reader--were they all narrated--the considerable +undertakings which he conducted and carried through at the same time. +He was a great man of business, and had the management of heaven +been consigned to him as a pleasure resort, he would have made it pay +eventually. He was an apostle, not an apostate, but his apostleship was +of his own ideas. He was no apostate of his party. Had he been in the +celestial world when Lucifer revolted, Mr. Cowen might have aided Satan, +from motives of resentment at being denied, by certain dissentient +cherubim, ascendency himself. But he would never have joined the fallen +angels, nor, as we have seen other politicians do, officially engage in +their work, or identify himself with them. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. THE PERIL OF SCRUPLES + +An outlaw is seldom considered a pleasant person, and naturally occupies +a dubious place in public estimation. His position is worse than that of +an exile, who, if once allowed to return, is reinstated in society, but +the outlaw of opinion is never pardoned. Where justice turns upon the +hinge of the oath, there is no redress for him who has scruples as to +taking it. He who has scruples exposes himself to unpleasant comments. +He is counted a sort of fastidious crank. All the while it is known that +a man without scruples is a knave, who respects nothing save his own +interests, and will do anything likely to promote them--even to the +commission of robbery or murder--as police-courts disclose. To be +scrupulous is to be solicitous as to the rightfulness of a thing +proposed to be done. It is plainly the interest of society to encourage +those who act upon honest scruples. Scruples may be trivial or +unfounded--they may be open to objection on that account. Nevertheless, +the habit of being scrupulous is to be tolerated as conducive to +integrity, without which society would be insufferable. It is therefore +not desirable that perils should accompany scrupulousness, as I have +often seen them do. + +The obligatory oath has always been detrimental to public morality. +When one oath was imposed on all persons, it was repugnant to their +individual sense of truth in many cases, and men, to protect their +interests, began to tamper with veracity, and invent new meanings of the +terms of the oath. Thus the fortunate fastidiousness of truth is broken +down. + +The Christian oath is an ecclesiastical device, framed in the +interest of the Church, to enforce, under penalty, the recognition and +perpetuation of its tenets. He who takes the oath professes to believe +that if he breaks it "God will blast his soul in hell for ever." This is +the old brutal, terrifying form in which the consequence was expressed. +It is softened now, to suit the secular humanity of the age, to +a statement that God will hold the oath-taker responsible for its +fulfilment. But God's method of holding any one responsible, is by +sentencing him to "outer darkness," where there will be "wailing and +gnashing of teeth." A very unpleasant region to dwell in. There is no +good ground to suppose that such a sentence for such an offence would +be passed, but the intimidation is retained. Mr. Cluer, a London +magistrate, said lately that "if the fate of Ananias befel all who swore +falsely in his court, the floor would be strewn with dead bodies." +But the courts fall back upon the pristine meaning of the oath. The +magistrate asks a little child, tendered as a witness, "whether she +knows, if she does not tell the truth, where she will go to?" and +whether she "has never heard of a place called hell or of its keeper, +the devil?" If not, he publicly deplores the neglect of the child's +education, and declares her to be incapable of telling the truth. Every +one who took the oath, whether rich or poor, a philosopher or a +fool, each professed to believe that the Great God of all the worlds, +notwithstanding the infinite business He has on hand, was personally +present in any dingy court when the oath-taker calls upon Him "to +witness" that he speaks the truth, and if not, God, who never forgets, +burdens His celestial memory with that fact, with a view to eternal +retaliation, in case the oath is false. He who takes the oath and does +not believe this, lies to begin with, whatever may be the character of +his testimony. + +To take the oath in any other sense than that in which it is +administered to you, is to deceive the court. + + "He who imposes the oath, makes it. + Not he, who for convenience takes it." + +The reliance on the part of those who impose the oath, is that he who +takes it believes the terms of it. If the taker takes it in a private +sense of his own, the virtue has gone out of the oath, and the court is +deceived. If the Unitarian takes the oath, not believing in an avenging +God, he creates a new oath for himself, in which the compelling power +of an eternal terror is absent. He, therefore, does not take the oath of +the court, but another of his own invention; and if he made known to +the court what he was doing, the court would not receive his testimony. +Philosophers, who have less belief than Unitarians, take the oath. But +in the eye of morality it is not less discreditable--perhaps more so, +for the philosopher stands for absolute truth, while the Unitarian +stands only for theological truth. + +The trouble was that he who refuses to take the oath of the court, in +the sense of the court, became an outlaw, and that was a serious thing. +I was myself an outlaw, until I was fifty-two years of age, without the +power of obtaining redress where I was wronged, or of punishing fraud or +theft from which I suffered, or of protecting the life and property +of others, where my evidence was required. My ambition was to be a +barrister, but legal friends assured me that the law turned upon the +hinge of oath-taking, and that the path of the Bar would to me be a path +of lying. It happens that I have never taken an oath. When I found +that my belief did not coincide with that implied by the oath, I felt +precluded from taking it. + +This reluctance brought me peril. When the question of a Parliamentary +oath in Lord Randolph Churchill's days raged, a new doctrine was set +up among some partisans of Freethought--that an Atheist might take the +oath. That meant there was no longer any distinction in terms, or any +meaning in principle. If an Atheist may, for the sake of some advantage +before him, make a Christian profession, there is no reason why a +Christian should not make an Atheistical profession if it answered his +purpose. The apostles made quite a mistake by incurring martyrdom for +conscience sake. Bruno, Servitus, and Tyndale need not have gone to the +stake, had they only understood that the way to advance the truth was to +abandon it, instead of standing to it. If a man is not to stand by the +truth when the consequences are against him, there is an end of truth as +a principle. It is no longer a duty to suffer for it and maintain it. + +It seemed to me that the friends of reason, who rejected theological +tenets, should be as scrupulous as to the truth as partisans of +superstition have often proved themselves to be, and that the Atheist +should have as clear a sense of intellectual honour as the Quaker, the +Catholic, or the Jew, who all suffered rather than take an oath contrary +to their sense of truth. This was regarded as a reflection upon some +excellent colleagues of mine, who thought it fatuity to allow an oath to +stand in their way, and frustrate their career. + +It was brought against me that there were circumstances under which +I should be as little scrupulous as other people. Major Bell, who had +incurred great peril in India for the sake of honour, put a question +to me in the Daily News purporting that, "Had I married before 1837 I +should not have hesitated at twice invoking the Trinity as the Church +service required? And if I had done so, should I not have perpetrated a +piece of hypocrisy?" There is an immoral maxim that "All things are fair +in love and war," and it is probable that I should not have hesitated to +perpetrate that "piece of hypocrisy," as it would have been the lesser +of two evils, but it would not, therefore, cease to be an evil. If under +any compulsion of love or war I was induced to perpetrate "apiece of +hypocrisy," it would never occur to me to go about saying it was not +hypocrisy. I dislike law, custom, or persons who force me to do what I +know to be wrong, but no person could do his worst against me, until he +prevailed upon me to go about saying it was right. + +Dr. Moncure Conway asked whether, if his life was in danger in China, +and I could save it by the Chinese oath of breaking a saucer, I would +not do it? Certainly I would, to save Dr. Conway, if the Confucians +would permit me, but I should not the less deceive them by pretending +to have sworn before them in the Chinese sense. But I should regret +the necessity, since in no country would I willingly treat truth as a +superstition. By taking the "saucer" oath, I should obtain in Chinese +eyes a validity for my word not really belonging to it. However I might +excuse the act, it would still be deceit, nor ought it to be called by +any other name. There is no virtuous vagueness in unveracity, and he who +in peril uses it would not be justified in carrying it into common life, +where Lord Bacon has warned us, "Truth is so useful, that we should make +public note of any departure from that excellent habit." Major Evans +Bell further argued that because the Prince of Wales may sign himself my +"obedient, humble servant," while not feeling himself bound to act +so, the terms of the oath may be likewise regarded as a form of words +merely. Yet all "forms" which are unreal are unwise and hurtful. But +the superscription of the Prince is known to be but a false form, and +accepted as such, while the oath is a profession of faith. If the Prince +went into a public court and swore in the name of God that he really was +my "obedient, humble servant," I should think him a very shabby Prince +if the solemnity went for nothing. As I have known Major Bell expose +himself to what his friends believed to be fatal peril, from a noble +sense of self-imposed duty, to which neither oath, nor contract, nor any +conventional superscription called him, I no more imagine him than I did +Dr. Conway, to really mean what their arguments seemed to imply. + +Some are for the spirit more than the form. I was for both, and I regard +all legislation as immoral which divorces them. Referring to these +letters, the _Daily News_ (December 23, 1881) regarded them as "marked +by rectitude of moral judgment, which is recognised by those who most +deplore what they think is theological aberration. Some such testimony +as he gives was almost needed to efface the impression which recent +events in and out of the House of Commons have made, that moral +indifferentism is of necessity associated with religious negation." +I was glad of those words at a time when I was fiercely assailed for +saying what I did, in the midst of the Parliamentary contest which then +occupied the attention of the country. My object was to assist the right +in the contest, and to defend the Free Thought cause. Had I not spoken +then, it would have been in vain to speak afterward. To be silent about +principle in the hour of its application would have been fatal to its +influence and repute, so far as it might be represented by me. + +As far as in my power lay, I left no uncertainty in the mind of +Parliament as to what was wanted, in lieu of the oath. It was simply a +"promise of honour," to declare the truth in matters of testimony, and +observe good faith in contracts. One of my petitions to the House of +Commons ran thus:-- + +"Your petitioner is a person who never took an oath, as it implied +theological convictions he did not hold. He, however, has seen persons +of far greater knowledge than he possesses, of high social position and +authority, and whose example men look up to, take the oath, though it +was known to all that they held no belief corresponding thereunto--the +opprobrium and outlawry attending the refusal of the oath being +more than they would incur. This has led to a practice of public +prevarication, that of persons saying a thing and not meaning it, or +meaning something else. Nowhere is this example more disastrous than in +your High Assembly, where anything said is conspicuous and its example +influential on the conduct of others." + +Another petition so interested Professor J. E. Thorold Rogers, M.P. (who +had held holy orders), that he had copies made of it, and sent one with +a letter to each morning paper, saying he regarded it as expressing the +"quintessence of political morality." The petition set forth:-- + +"That it is at all times important that public declarations should be so +expressed that any one making them shall be able to say what he means, +and mean what he says. In these days, when popular instruction is being +advanced by national schools, it is yet more desirable that no public +declaration should be exacted, the terms of which are unmeaning or +untrue to those who make it, inasmuch as such declaration deteriorates +the wholesome habit of national veracity, and is of the nature of a +fraud upon the public understanding, which becomes more repugnant as +general intelligence increases. + +"Your petitioner respectfully submits that the present Parliamentary +oath is open to these objections so long as it is obligatory upon all +members, irrespective of whatever personal and private beliefs they may +hold. + +"Your petitioner, therefore, prays, in the interests of public good +faith, that a form of affirmation may be adopted, optional to all +members of Parliament, instead of the present ecclesiastical oath." + +Francis Place once explained to me that in the Benthamite view, it was +not warrantable to incur martyrdom unless it was clear that the public +would be gainers by the martyr's loss. In a letter, Mr. J. S. Mill, in +answer to questions I put to him with regard to taking an oath, wrote:-- + +"I conceive that when a bad law has made the oath a condition to the +performance of a public duty, it may be taken without dishonesty by a +person who acknowledges no binding force in the religious part of the +formality. Unless (as in your own case) he has made it the special and +particular work of his life to testify against such formalities, and +against the belief with which they are connected." + +I could not concur with this view. Personal candour is far-reaching in +its effects, and should be cherished where we can, and as far as we can. +Truth is to the life of the mind what air is to the life of the body. +When the mind ceases to breathe truth, the mind is impaired or dies. + +It is necessary to add the grounds which actuated me in endeavours to +put an end to the outlawry of opinion. Many beside myself helped to +obtain a law of affirmation, but I was the only person among them all +who had never taken an oath. Sir George Cornewall Lewis demanded in +Parliament how the oath could be a vital grievance to Atheists, whose +throats were furrowed with swallowing it. When summoned on the grand +jury at Clerkenwell I refused to take the oath in the sense the court +attached to it, and I was fined twelve guineas for not taking it. I drew +up a paper showing the privileges given by the law to those who were +honestly unable to swear. They were exempted from the militia, from the +duty of acting as special constable, they could procure the acquittal +of any thief, fraudulent person, or murderer, where their evidence was +necessary to conviction. In some cases the thief has escaped, and the +person robbed has been imprisoned instead, for his contumacy in not +lying. It became known among thieves that where they could find out a +witness against them, who disbelieved in an avenging God, the counsel +defending the thief had only to call the attention of the court to the +fact for the witness to be ordered "to stand down," and the thief would +"leave the court without a stain on his character." Mr. Francis, in +his "History of the Bank of England," relates how Turner, whose fraud +amounted to L10,000, escaped, because the only witness who could swear +decidedly to his handwriting, was a disbeliever in the New Testament. +The jury returned a verdict of "Not guilty." + +Sir John Trelawny told me that the fly-leaves I published on the +"Privileges of Sceptics and the Immunity of Thieves" made more +impression upon members of Parliament than any petition sent to the +House. These and similar services, with my lifelong refusal to take the +oath, caused John Stuart Mill to write to me, saying: "It is a great +triumph of freedom of opinion that the Evidence Bill should have passed +both Houses without being seriously impaired. You may justly take to +yourself a good share of the credit of having brought things up to that +pass."* + +These instances will no doubt satisfy the reader as to the peril of +entertaining scruples in the face of power. The earliest instance which +concerned me was a case in Birmingham in which several thousand pounds +were left for the establishment of a secular school which I was to +conduct. Not being willing to take the oath, I could not prosecute my +claim. When a son of mine was killed by the recklessness of a driver, I +could not give evidence on the inquest because I could not be sworn. +My private house was thrice robbed by servants who became aware of my +inability to prosecute. When in business in Fleet Street, my property +could be carted away, for which I had no remedy save lying in wait and +knocking down the depredators, which would at the Mansion House have led +to a public scandal and injured the business. Money was left to me which +I could not claim, being an outlaw. + + * Blackheath Park, Kent, August 8, 1869. + +It would tire the reader to tell him all the instances of the perils +attending scruples. Mr. Roebuck put the case in the House of Commons +against Sir George Cornewall Lewis. Pointing his finger at Sir George, +he asked, "What is the right honourable gentleman going to do? Two men +go into court. One disbelieves in the oath, but he takes it. The other +takes the peril of outlawry rather than profess a faith which he does +not hold. You believe the liar, whom you know to be a liar, and you +reject the evidence of the man who speaks the truth at his peril." I had +asked Mr. Roebuck to speak when the question of affirmation was before +the House. There were then only he, Sir John Trelawny, or Mr. Conyngham +to whom such a question could be put It was upon Mr. Roebuck that I +mostly relied. After his speech I thanked him for doing what no one else +could do so well. He disclaimed any desert of thanks, saying, "I have +only done what Jeremy Bentham taught me." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. TAKING SIDES + +Every one of manly mind, every person of thought and determination, +takes sides upon important questions. Those who say they are indifferent +which side prevails, are indifferent whether good or evil comes +uppermost. Those who are afraid to choose a side, command only the cold +respect accorded to cowardice. Those who sit upon a fence to see which +side is likely to prevail before they jump down, are not seeking the +success of a principle, but their own interests. In most questions--as +in business--there is a side of honesty and a side of fraud. Some do +not take either separately, thinking they can better take both at +discretion. If they profit by their dexterous duplicity, they command no +regard. Some persons have no fervour for the right, and would rather see +the wrong prevail than take the trouble to prevent it. They would be on +the side of truth altogether if it gave them no discomfort, and caused +them no outlay. They belong to the large Laodicean lukewarm class, of +whom he who sought their allegiance said he would "spue them out of his +mouth." Not a pleasant simile, but it is not mine. It shows that no one +is enthusiastic about those who are undecided where decision interferes +with advancement. + +If the selfish, or the politic, or the supine do not care to take sides +with right, they have no cause to complain if the triumph of wrong +involves them in discredit or disaster. But whatever be their fate, I am +not concerned with them. What I am concerned with is the omission of +all information of what may follow to him who shall take the right side. +These consequences ought never to be out of sight. + +It is too often forgotten that in this world virtue has its price as +well as vice, and neither can be bought cheap. Vice can be bought on +the "hire system," by which a person gets into debt pleasantly--which +introduces shiftlessness into life. Wrong is a money-lender, whose +concealed charges and heavy interest have to be paid one day at the +peril of ruin. Right doing may be said to pay as it goes along, which +implies conscience, effort, and often sacrifice of some immediate +pleasure. But independence lies that way, and no other. Right principle +incurs no deferred obligation. Debt is a chain by which the debtor binds +himself to someone else. The connection may be disregarded, but the +chain can never be broken, except by restitution. Many persons are +beguiled into doing right under the impression that it is as pleasant +as doing wrong. This is not so, and the concealment of the fact has +injurious consequences. When a person who has been, as it were, betrayed +into virtue, without being instructed as to the inconvenience which +may attend it, when he encounters them, he suspects he has been imposed +upon, and thinks he had better give vice a turn. It was this that made +Huxley declare that the hardest as well as the most useful lesson a man +could learn, was to do that which he ought to do, whether he liked it +or not. Character, which can be trusted, comes that way, and that way +alone. He who enters on that path reaps reward daily in the pleasure and +strength which duty imparts, while sooner or later follow advantage and +honour. The most useful character George Eliot drew was that of Tito, +who was wrecked because he had no sense that there was strength and +safety in truth. The only strength he trusted to lay in his ingenuity +and dissimulation. The world is pretty full of Titos, who all come to +one end, and nobody mourns them. + +A few instances may be relevantly given in which rightness has been +attended by disadvantages, when wrongness appeared to have none--yet +wrongness was found to bring great unpleasantness in the end. + +When there were petitions before the House of Commons to change the +oath which excluded Jews, and petitions to permit persons to make +affirmations who had conscientious objections to taking an oath, it was +represented to me that if both claims were kept before Parliament at the +same time both would be rejected. The Jewish claim was the older, and +concerned the enfranchisement of a race. I therefore caused the omission +for several years of any petition for affirmation--though my disability +of being unable to take the oath excluded me from justice and rendered +me an outlaw. + +When the Jews had obtained their relief, Sir Julian Goldsmid, a Jew, +became a candidate at Brighton. Mr. Matthews, a political friend of mine +in the town, went to Sir Julian and asked whether, as Mr. Holyoake and +those of his way of thinking had deferred their claim for affirmation +that the Jews might become eligible for Parliament, would he vote for +the Affirmation Bill? He said, "No! he would not" Mr. Matthews then +wrote to ask me whether he and others who were in favour of Affirmation +should vote for Sir Julian. I answered, "Certainly, if he in other +respects was the best candidate before the constituency. However +strongly we might be persuaded our own claim was just, we had no right +to prefer it to the general interest of the State." + +Speaking one night with Mr. John Morley when we both happened to be +guests of Mr. Chamberlain at Highbury, Birmingham, I remarked that +Cobden and Bright, without intending it, had introduced more immorality +into politics than any other politicians in my time. Mr. Morley +naturally demanded to be informed when, and in what way. I answered, +"When they advised electors to vote for any candidate, irrespective +of their political opinion, who would vote against the Corn Laws. This +incited every party to vote for its own hand--the priest for the church, +the brewers for the barrel, and the teetotalers for the teapot, the +anti-vaccinators for those who were against the lancet. Even women +proposed to vote for any candidate who would give them the suffrage, +regardless whether they put out a Ministry of Progress and put in a +Ministry of Reaction. This was ignoring the general good in favour of a +personal measure. The error of the great Anti-Corn Law advocates lay in +their not making it plain to the country that when the population were +deteriorating and dying from want of sufficient food, politics must give +way to the claims of existence. That was the justification of Cobden and +Bright, and had it been stated, smaller politicians with narrower aims +could never then have pleaded their example for crowding the poll with +rival claims in which the larger interests of the State are forgotten. +Like Bacon's maxim that 'speaking the truth was so excellent a habit, +that any departure from that wholesome rule should be noted.' The +Anti-Corn Law League election policy needed noting." + +However many instances may be given of the kind before the reader, +the moral will be the same. Taking sides involves some penalty which +enthusiasts are apt to overlook, and when it arrives ruddy eagerness is +apt to turn pale and change into ignoble prudence. Taking the side of +honesty or fraud, unpleasantness may come. But on the side of right the +consciousness of integrity mitigates regret and commands respect; while +the penalties of deceit are intensified by shame and scorn. Many think +there is safety in a judicious mixture of good faith and bad, but +when the bad is discerned, distrust and contempt are the unevadable +consequences. Besides, it takes more trouble to conceal a sinister life +than to act uprightly. It is true, an evil policy often succeeds, but +the interest of society is to take care that he who does evil shall +be overtaken by evil. As this sentiment grows, the chances of illicit +success continually decrease. Rascality--refined or coarse--would have +fewer adherents if society took as much trouble to secure that the +rightdoer shall prosper, as it takes to render the career of the knave +precarious. + +The point of importance, I repeat, is--that persons should remember, +or be taught to remember, that the course of right, like the course of +wrong, is attended by consequences. Many who are honourably attracted by +the right are disappointed at finding that it has its duties as well as +its pleasures--which, had they known at first, they would have made up +their minds to do them; but not being apprised of them, when they first +encounter inconvenience, they think they have been deceived, falter, and +sometimes turn from a noble course upon which they had entered. + +Any one would think there was no great peril to be encountered by taking +sides with veracity. Let him avoid the sin of pretension, and see what +will happen. + +The sin I referred to is not the common one of declaring that to be true +which you know to be untrue--that has long been known by an appropriate +name, and does not require any new epithet to denote its scandalousness. +The sin of pretension in question consists in assuming, or declaring +that to be true, which one does not know to be true. Years ago this +was a very common sin, and everybody committed it. You heard it in the +pulpit more frequently than on the stage. Nobody complained of it, or +rebuked it, or resented it. It was not until the middle of the last +century that public attention was drawn to it. It was Huxley who first +raised the question of intellectual veracity, and he devised the term +Agnostic (which merely means limitation) to express it. Limitationism +does not mean disbelief, but the limitation of assertion to actual +knowledge. The theist used to declare--without misgiving--the absolute +certainty of the existence of an independent, active Entity, to whom +Nature is second-hand, and not much at that. The anti-theist--also +without misgiving--denied that there was such separate Potentiality. +The Limitationist, more modest in averment, not having sufficient +information to be positive, simply says he does not know. He does not +say that others may not have sufficient knowledge of a primal cause of +things; but lacking it himself, he concludes that veracity in statement +may be a virtue where omniscience is denied. There may be belief +founded on inference. But inference is not knowledge. The Limitationist +withholds assertion from lack of satisfying evidence. He is neutral--not +because he wishes not to believe, or desires to deny, but because +serious language should be measured by the standard of proof and +conviction. + +So strange did this precaution in speech seem in my time, that it +was believed that reticence was not honest precaution, but prudent +concealment of actual conviction, intended to evade orthodox anger. +On problems relating to infinite existence and an unknown future, it +requires infinite knowledge to give an affirmative answer. No one said +he had infinite information, but everybody declaimed as though he had. +It appeared not to have occurred to many that there was a state of the +understanding in which lack of conviction was owing to lack of evidence. +Where the desire to believe is hereditary, it is difficult to realise +that there are questions upon which certainty may, to many minds, be +unattainable, and that an honest man who felt this was bound to say so. +An American journal, which needed forbearance from its readers for +its own heresy, published the opinion that Huxley was a "dodger" in +philosophy. Whereas Huxley was for integrity in thought and speech. He +was for scientific accuracy as far as attainable. His own outspokenness +was the glory of philosophy and science in his day. He never denied his +convictions; he never apologised for them; he never explained them away. +Is it over his noble tomb that we are to write, "Here lies a Dodger," +because he invented an honest term to denote the measured knowledge of +honest thinkers? Dogmatism is not demonstration, but when I was young +nobody seemed to suspect it. It used to be said that "Darwin, Huxley, +and Spencer were not really in a state of unknowingness concerning the +great problem of the universe"--which meant that these eminent thinkers, +upon whose lives no shadow of unveracity ever rested, described +themselves as Limitationists when they were not so. They were not to +be believed upon their word. The term was a mask. Such are the social +penalties for taking sides with veracity. + +The public has begun to discover that veracity of speech is not a mask, +but a duty. None can calculate the calamities which arise in society +from the perpetual misdirections disseminated by those who make +assertions resting merely upon their inherited belief or prepossessions, +with no personal knowledge upon which they are founded. This is the sin +of pretension, which recedes before the integrity of science and reason, +just as wild beasts recede before the march of civilisation. + +Few would be prepared to believe that, in my polemical days, the desire +to avoid committing the sin of pretension was supposed to indicate +desperation of character, of which suicide would be the natural end. +This was a favourite argument, for a heterodox principle was held to be +for ever confuted, if he who held it hanged himself. The best proclaimed +champion of orthodox tenets, whom I met on many platforms, went about +declaring that I intended suicide, and it was generally believed that +I had committed it. The certainty of it, sooner or later, was little +doubted, whereas it was not at all in my way. + +The suicide of Eugene Aram, to escape the ignominy of an inevitable +execution, is intelligible. If Blanco White, whose dying and hopeless +sufferings excited the sympathy even of Cardinal Newman, had done the +same thing, it would have been condonable. Suicide proceeding from +disease of the mind is always pitiable. When Italian prisoners were +given belladonna by their Austrian gaolers, to cause them to betray, +unconsciously, their comrades, some committed suicide to prevent this, +which was honourable though deplorable. When a murderer, knowing his +desert, becomes his own executioner, he is not censurable though +still infamous, since it saves society the expense of terminating his +dangerous career. But in other cases, self-slaughter, to avoid trouble +or the performance of inconvenient duty, is cowardly and detestable. + +In my controversial days (which I hope are not yet ended) the clergy did +not hesitate to say that if a man began to think for himself, he would +end by killing himself. + +When I thought the doctrine had died out, an instance recurred which led +me to address the following letter to the Rev. R. P. Downes, LLD. (May +18, 1899), who thought the doctrine valid:-- + +"Dear Dr. Downes,--It has been reported to me that in Wesley Place +Chapel, Tunstall (March 20, 1899), you, when preaching on the 'Roots of +Unbelief,' illustrated that troublesome subject by saying that 'when Mr. +Holyoake was imprisoned at Birmingham, he attempted suicide.' This +is not true, nor was it in Birmingham, but in Gloucester where the +imprisonment occurred. I never attempted suicide--it was never in my +mind to do it. I had no motive that way. I experienced no moment of +despair. Better men than I had been imprisoned before, for being so +imprudent as to protest against intolerance and error. Besides, I never +liked suicide. I was always against it Blowing out your brains makes an +ill-conditioned splatter. Cutting your throat is a detestable want +of consideration for those who have to efface the stains. Drowning is +disagreeable, as the water is cold and not clean. Hanging is mean and +ignominious, and I have always heard unpleasant The French charcoal plan +makes you sick. Indeed, every form of suicide shows want of taste; and +worse than that, it is a cowardly thing to flee from evils you ought to +combat, and leave others, whom you may be bound to cherish and protect, +to struggle unaided. So you see what you allege against me is not only +irrelevant--it implies defect of taste, which is serious in the eyes of +society, which will condone crime more readily than vulgarity. + +"I am against your discourse because of its bad taste. Suicide is +no argument against the truth of belief. Christians are continually +committing it, and clergymen also. The Society for the Propagation of +Christian Knowledge used to bring this argument from suicide forward in +their tracts against heresy. But being educated gentlemen they abandoned +it long ago, and it is now only used by the lower class of preachers. I +do not mean to suggest that you belong to that class--only that you have +condescended to use an argument peculiar to uncultivated reasoners. + +"Personally, I have great respect for several eminent preachers of +Wesleyan persuasion, but they think it necessary to inquire into the +truth of an accusation before they make it You must have borrowed yours +from the Rev. Brewin Grant, with whom in his last illness I had friendly +communications, and he had long ceased to repeat what he said in days +when it was not thought necessary to be exact in imputations against +adversaries. + +"I do not remember to have written before in refutation of the statement +you made. No one who knows me would believe it for a moment; but as you +are a responsible, and I understand a well-regarded, preacher, I inform +you of the error, especially as it gives me the opportunity of putting +on record not only my disinclination, but my dislike and contempt for +suicide, and for those who, not being hopelessly diseased or insane, +commit it." + + +Dr. Downes sent me a gentlemanly and candid letter, owning that the +Rev. Brewin Grant, B.A., was the authority on which he spoke, whose +representations he would not repeat, and I have reason to believe he has +not. + +Such are the vicissitudes of taking sides. He has to pay who takes the +right, but he has honour in the end. But he pays more who takes the +wrong side consciously, and with it comes infamy. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. THINGS WHICH WENT AS THEY WOULD + +I commence with Judge Hughes' first candidature. There are cases in +which gratitude is submerged by prejudice, even among the cultivated +classes. There was Thomas Hughes, whose statue has been deservedly +erected in Rugby. Three years before he became a member of Parliament +I told him he might enter the House were he so minded. And when +opportunity arose I was able to confirm my assurance. + +One Friday afternoon in 1865 some Lambeth politicians of the middle and +working classes, whom Bernal Osborne had disappointed of being their +candidate (a vacancy having attracted him elsewhere), came to me at the +House of Commons to inquire if I could suggest one to them. I named +Mr. Hughes as a good fighting candidate, who had sympathy with working +people, and who, being honest, could be trusted in what he promised, and +being an athlete, could, like Feargus O'Connor, be depended upon on a +turbulent platform. I was to see Mr. Hughes at once, which I did, and +after much argument satisfied him that if he took the "occasion by the +hand" he might succeed. He said, "he must first consult Sally"--meaning +Mrs. Hughes. I had heard him sing "Sally in our Alley," and took his +remark as a playful allusion to his wife as the heroine of the song. +That he might be under no illusion, I suggested that he should not enter +upon the contest unless he was prepared to lose L1,000. + +The next morning he consented. I took him to my friends of the Electoral +Committee, by whom he was accepted. When he entered the vestibule of +the hall of meeting I left him, lest my known opinions on other subjects +should compromise him in the minds of some electors. This was on the +Saturday afternoon. I saw that by issuing an address in the Monday +morning papers he would be first in the field. On Sunday morning, +therefore, I waited for him at the Vere Street Church door, where the +Rev. F. D. Maurice preached, to ask him to write at once his address +to the electors. He thought more of his soul than of his success, and +reluctantly complied with my request. His candidature might prevent a +Tory member being elected, and the labours of the Liberal electors for +years being rendered futile, education put back, the Liberal Association +discouraged, taxation of the people increased, and the moral and +political deterioration of the borough ensue. To avert all such evils +the candidate was loath to peril his salvation for an hour. Yet would +it not have been a work of human holiness to do it, which would make +his soul better worth saving? That day I had lunch at his table in Park +Lane, while he thought the matter over. That was the first and last time +I was asked to his house. That afternoon he brought the address to my +home, then known as Dymoke Lodge, Oval Road, Regent's Park, and had tea +with my family. I had collected several persons in another room ready to +make copies of the address. + +I wrote letters to various editors, took a cab, and left a copy of the +address myself, before ten o'clock, at the offices of all the chief +newspapers published on Monday morning. The editor of the _Daily News_ +and one or two others I saw personally. All printed the address as news, +free of expense. Next morning the Liberal electors were amazed to +see their candidate "first in the field" before any other had time to +appear. All the while I knew Mr. Hughes would vote against three things +which I valued, and in favour of which I had written and spoken. He +would vote against the ballot, against opening picture galleries and +museums on Sunday, and against the separation of the Church from the +State. But on the whole he was calculated to promote the interests of +the country, and therefore I did what I could to promote his election. + +I wrote for the election two or three bills. The following is one:-- + + HUGHES FOR LAMBETH. + + Vote for "Tom Brown." + + Vote for a Gentleman who is a friend of the People. + + Vote for a Churchman who will do justice to + Dissenters. + + Vote for a tried Politician who will support just measures + and can give sensible reasons for them. + + Vote for a distinguished writer and raise the + character of metropolitan constituencies. + + Vote for a candidate who can defend your cause in the Press + as well as in Parliament + + Vote for a man known to be honest and who has long worked + for the industrious classes. + + Electors of Lambeth, + + Vote for Thomas Hughes. + + +Mr. Hughes would have had no address out but for me. Had he spent L100 +in advertisements a day or two later he could not have purchased the +advantage this promptitude gave him. I worked very hard all that Sunday, +a son and daughter helping--but our souls did not count Two weeks went +by--during which I ceaselessly promulgated his candidature--and I heard +nothing from the candidate. As I had paid the emergency expenses of the +Sunday copyists, found them refreshments while they wrote, and paid for +the cab on its round to the offices, I found myself L2 "out of pocket," +as lawyers put it, and I sent a note to Mr. Hughes to say that amount +would cover costs incurred. He replied in a curt note saying I should +"find a cheque for L2 within"--giving me the impression that he regarded +it as an extortion, which he thought it better to submit to than resent. +He never thanked me, then or at any time, for what I did. Never in all +his life did he refer to the service I had rendered him. + +A number of friends were invited to Great Ormond Street College to +celebrate his election, but I was not one. This was not handsome +treatment, but I thought little of it. It was not Mr. Hughes's natural, +but his ecclesiastical self. I withstood him and his friends, the +Christian Socialists, who sought to colour Co-operation with Church +tenets, which would put distraction into it. Association with me was at +that time repugnant to Mr. Hughes. Nevertheless, I continued to serve +him whenever I could. He was a friend of Co-operation, to his cost, +and was true to the Liberal interests of the people. My daughter, Mrs. +Praill, and her husband gave their house as a committee-room when Mr. +Hughes was subsequently a candidate in Marylebone, and she canvassed for +him so assiduously that he paid her a special visit of acknowledgment. + +The Christian Socialist propaganda is another instance of the wilfulness +of things which went as you did not want them to go. In those days +not only did I fail to find favour in the eyes of Mr. Hughes--even Mr. +Vansittart Neale, the most liberal of Christian Socialists, thought me, +for some years, an unengaging colleague. General Maurice, in the Life of +his eminent father (Professor Denison Maurice), relates that Mr. Maurice +regarded me as an antagonist. This was never so. I had always respect +for Professor Maurice because of his theological liberality. He believed +that perdition was limited to aeons. The duration of an aeon he was not +clear upon; but whatever its length, it was then an unusual and merciful +limitation of eternal torture. This cost him his Professorship at +King's College, through the enmity, it was said, of Professor Jelf. I +endeavoured to avenge Professor Maurice by dedicating to Dr. Jelf my +"Limits of Atheism." Elsewhere I assailed him because I had honour for +Professor Maurice, for his powerful friendship to Co-operation. When the +news of his death came to the Bolton Congress it was I who drew up and +proposed the resolution of honour and sorrow which we passed. + +It was always the complaint against the early "Socialists"--as the +Co-operators were then called--that they mixed up polemical controversy +with social advocacy. The Christian Socialists strenuously made this +objection, yet all the while they were seeking to do the same thing. +What they rightly objected to was that the chief Co-operators gave +irrelevant prominence to the alien question of theology, and repelled +all persons who differed from them. + +All the while, what they objected to was not theology, but to a kind +of theology not their own, and this kind, as soon as they acquired +authority, they proceeded to introduce. They proceeded to compile a +handbook intended to pledge the Co-operators to the Church of England, +and I received proofs, which I still have, in which Mr. Hughes made +an attack on all persons of Freethinking views. I objected to this +as violating the principle on which we had long agreed, namely, of +Co-operative neutrality in religion* and politics, as their introduction +was the signal of disputation which diverted the attention of members +from the advancement of Co-operation in life, trade, and labour. At +the Leeds Congress I maintained that the congress was like Parliament, +where, as Canning said, no question is introduced which cannot be +discussed. If Church views were imported into the societies, Heretics +and Nonconformists, who were the originators of the movement, would have +the right of introducing. Personally, I preferred controversy _outside_ +Co-operation. Their tenets. Mr. Hughes was so indignant at my protest +that he, being in the chair, refused to call upon me to move a +resolution officially assigned to me upon another subject. At the +meeting of the United Board for revising motions to be brought before +Congress, I gave notice that if the Church question should be raised +I should object to it, as it would then be in order (should the +introduction of theology be sanctioned) for an Atheist (Agnostic was +not a current word then) to propose the adoption of his views, and an +Atheist, as such, might be a president. Whereupon Mr. Vansittart Neale, +our general secretary, declared with impassioned vehemence that he hoped +the day would never come when an Atheist would be elected president. +Yet when, some years later, I was appointed president of the Carlisle +Congress (1887)--though I was still considered entirely deficient in +proper theological convictions--Mr. Hughes and Mr. Neale, who were both +present, were most genial, and with their concurrence 100,000 copies of +my address were printed--a distinction which befel no other president. + +In another instance I had to withstand Church ascendancy. + +I was the earliest and foremost advocate of the neutrality of +pious opinion in Co-operation; when others who knew its value were +silent--afraid or unwilling to give pain to the Christian Socialists, +whom we all respected, and to whom we were all indebted for legal and +friendly assistance. + +But integrity of principle is higher than friendship. Some Northumbrian +societies, whose members were largely Nonconformists, were greatly +indignant at the attempt to give ascendancy to Church opinions, and +volunteered to support my protest against it But when the day of protest +came at the Leeds Congress they all deserted me--not one raised a voice +on my side; though they saw me browbeaten in their interest My argument +was, that if we assented to become a Church party we might come to have +our proceedings opened with a collect, or by prayer, to which it would +be hypocrisy in many to pretend to assent. At the following Derby +Congress this came to pass: Bishop Southwell, who opened the Industrial +Exhibition, made a prayer and members of the United Board knelt round +him. I was the only one who stood up, it being the only seemly form +of protest there. This scene was never afterwards repeated. Bishop +Southwell was a devout, kindly, and intellectually liberal prelate, +but he did not know, or did not respect, as other Bishops did, the +neutrality of Congress. + +For myself, I was always in favour of the individuality of the religious +conscience in its proper place. I love the picturesqueness of personal +conviction. It was I who first proposed that we should accept offers +of sermons on Congress Sunday by ministers of every denomination. +Co-operators included members of all religious persuasions, and I +was for their opportunity of hearing favourite preachers apart from +Co-operative proceedings. + +It is only necessary for the moral of these instances to pursue them. +There is education in them and public suggestiveness which may justify +the continuance of the subject. + +When the _Co-operative News_ was begun in Manchester (1871), I wrote its +early leaders, and as its prospects were not hopeful, it was agreed that +the _Social Economist_, which I and Mr. E. O. Greening had established +in London in 1868, should cease in favour of the _Co-operative News_, +as we wished to see one paper, one interest, and one party. As the +Manchester office was too poor to purchase our journal, we agreed that +it should be paid for when the Manchester paper succeeded, and the price +should be what the cessation of the _Social Economist_ should be thought +to be worth to the new paper. It was sixteen years before the fulfilment +of their side of the bargain. The award, if I remember rightly, was +L15, but I know the period was as long and the amount as small. The +_Co-operative News_ had then been established many years. It was worth +much more than L100 to the Manchester paper to have a London rival +out of the way. It was not an encouraging transaction, and but for Mr. +Neale, Abraham Greenwood and Mr. Crabtree it would not have ended as +it did. But the committee were workmen without knowledge of literary +matters. So I made no complaint, and worked with them and for their +paper all the same. It was a mistake to discontinue the _Social +Economist_, which had some powerful friends. Co-operation was soon +narrowed in Manchester. Co-operative workshops were excluded from +participation in profit. We should have kept Co-operation on a higher +level in London. + +The Rochdale Jubilee is the last instance I shall cite. In 1892 was +celebrated the jubilee of the Rochdale Society. I received no invitation +and no official notice. The handbook published by the society, in +commemoration of its fifty years' success, made no reference to me nor +to the services I had rendered the society. I had written its history, +which had been printed in America, and translated into the chief +languages of Europe--in Spain, in Hungary, several times in France and +Italy. I had put the name of the Pioneers into the mouth of the world, +yet my name was never mentioned by any one. Speaking on the part of the +Rochdale Co-operators, the President of Jubilee Congress, who knew +the facts of my devotion to the reputation of Rochdale, was silent. +Archdeacon Wilson was the only one who showed me public regard. The +local press said some gracious things, but they were not Co-operators. +I had spoken at the graves of the men who had made the fortunes of the +store, and had written words of honour of all the political leaders of +the town, and of those best remembered in connection with the famous +society, which I had vindicated, without ceasing, during half a century. + +In the earlier struggles of the Pioneers I had looked forward to the day +of their jubilee, when I should stand in their regard as I had done +in their day of need. Of course, this gave me a little concern to +find myself treated as one unknown to them. But in truth they had not +forgotten me, though they ignored me. The new generation of Co-operators +had abandoned, to Mr. Bright's regret, participation of profit with +Labour, the noblest aspiration of the Pioneers. I had addressed them in +remonstrance, in the language of Lord Byron, who was Lord of the Manor +of Rochdale:-- + + "You have the Rochdale store as yet, + Where has the Rochdale workshop gone? + Of two such lessons why forget + The nobler and the manlier one?" + +Saying this cost me their cordiality and their gratitude; but I cared +for the principle and for the future, and was consoled. + +In every party, the men who made it great die, and leave no immediate +successors. But in time their example recreates them. But at the Jubilee +of 1892, they had not re-appeared, and those who had memories and +gratitude were dead. I spoke over the grave of Cooper, of Smithies, of +Thomas Livesey--John Bright's schoolfellow--the great friend of the dead +Pioneers saying:-- + + "They are gone, the holy ones, + Who trod with me this lovely vale; + My old star-bright companions + Are silent, low and pale."* + +The question arises, does this kind of experience justify a person in +deserting his party? + +The last incident and others preceding it are given as instances of +outrage or neglect, which in public life explain ignominious desertion +of principle. I have known men change sides in Parliament because the +Premier, who had defect of sight, passed them by in the lobby without +recognition. I have seen others desert a party, which they had +brilliantly served, because their personal ambition had not been +recognised. Because of this I have seen a man turn heels over head in +the presence of Parliament, and land himself in the laps of adversaries +who had been kicking him all his life. + +If I did not do so, it was because I remembered that parties are like +persons, who at one time do mean things, but at other times generous +things. + + * "History of Rochdale Pioneers, 1844-1892" (Sonnenschein). + +Besides, a democratic party is continually changing in its component +members, and many come to act in the name of the movement who are +ignorant of its earlier history and of the obligation it may be under +to those who have served it in its struggling days. But whether affronts +are consciously given or not, they do not count where allegiance to a +cause is concerned. Ingratitude does not invalidate a true principle. +When contrary winds blow, a fair-weather partisan tacks about, and will +even sail into a different sea where the breezes are more complacent. I +remained the friend of the cause alike in summer and winter, not because +I was insensible to vicissitudes, but because it was a simple duty to +remain true to a principle whose integrity was not and could not +be affected by the caprice, the meanness, the obliviousness, or the +malignity of its followers. + +Such are some of the incidents--of which others of more public interest +may be given--of the nature of bygones which have instruction in them. +They are not peculiar to any party. They occur continually in Parliament +and in the Church. I have seen persons who had rendered costly service +of long duration who, by some act of ingratitude on the part of the few, +have turned against the whole class, which shows that, consciously or +unconsciously, it was self-recognition they sought, or most cared for, +rather than the service of the principle they had espoused. + +There is no security for the permanence of public effort, save in the +clear conviction of its intrinsic rightfulness and conduciveness to the +public good. The rest must be left to time and posterity. True, the debt +is sometimes paid after the creditor is dead. But if reparation never +comes to the living, unknown persons whose condition needs betterment +receive it, and that is the proud and consoling thought of those +who--unrequited--effected it. The wholesome policy of persistence is +expressed in the noble maxim of Helvetius to which John Morley has given +new currency: "Love men, but do not expect too much from them." + +Fewer persons would fall into despair if their anticipations were, like +a commercial company, "limited." Many men expect in others perfection, +who make no conspicuous contribution themselves to the sum of that +excellent attribute. + +"Giving too little and asking too much Is not alone a fault of the +Dutch." + +I do not disguise that standing by Rightness is an onerous duty. It is +as much a merit as it is a distinction to have been, at any time, in +the employ of Truth. But Truth, though an illustrious, is an exacting +mistress, and that is why so many people who enter her service soon give +notice to leave. + + [With respect to this chapter, Mr. Ludlow wrote supplying + some particulars regarding the Christian Socialists, to + which it is due to him that equal publicity be given. He + states "that the first Council of Promoters included two + members, neither of whom professed to be a Christian; that + the first secretary of the Society for Promoting Working + Men's Associations was not one, during the whole of his + faithful service (he became one twenty years later), and + that his successors were, at the time we took them on, one + an Agnostic, the other a strong Congregationalist." This is + the first time these facts have been made known. But none of + the persons thus described had anything to do with the + production of the Handbook referred to and discussed at the + Leeds Congress of 1881. Quite apart from the theological + tendencies of the "Christian Socialists," the Co-operative + movement has been indebted to them for organisation and + invaluable counsel, as I have never ceased to say. They were + all for the participation of profits in workshops, which is + the essential part of higher Co-operation. There was always + light in their speeches, and it was the light of principle. + In this respect Mr. Ludlow was the first, as he is the last + to display it, as he alone survives that distinguished band. + Of Mr. Edward Vansittart Neale I have unmeasured admiration + and regard. To use the fine saying of Abd-el-Kader, + "Benefits conferred are golden fetters which bind men + of noble mind to the giver." This is the lasting sentiment + of the most experienced Co-operators towards the Christian + Socialists.] + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. STORY OF THE LAMBETH PALACE GROUNDS + +Seed sown upon the waters, we are told, may bring forth fruit after +many days. This chapter tells the story of seed sown on very stony soil, +which brought forth fruit twenty-five years later. + +In 1878, Mr. George Anderson, an eminent consulting gas engineer, in +whom business had not abated human sympathy, passed every morning on his +way to his chambers in Westminster, by the Lambeth Palace grounds. He +was struck by the contrast of the spacious and idle acres adjoining +the Palace and the narrow, dismal streets where poor children peered in +corners and alleys. The sheep in the Palace grounds were fat and florid, +and the children in the street were lean and pallid. The smoke from +works around dyed dark the fleece of the sheep. + +Mr. Anderson thought how much happier a sight it would be to see the +children take the place of the sheep, and asked me if something could +not be done. + +The difficulty of rescuing or of alienating nine acres of land from the +Church, so skilled in holding, did not seem a hopeful undertaking, while +the resentment of good vicars and expectant curates might surely be +counted upon. Nevertheless the attempt was worth making. + +Before long I spent portions of some days in exploring the Palace +grounds, and interviewing persons who had evidence to give, or interest +to use, on behalf of a change which seemed so desirable. + +Eventually I brought the matter before a meeting I knew to be interested +in ethical improvement, and read to them the draft of a memorial that I +thought ought to be sent to the Archbishop at Lambeth Palace. Persons +in stations low and high alike, often suffer wrong to exist which they +might arrest, because they have not seen it to be wrong or have not been +told that it is so. Blame of any one could not be justly expressed who +had not personal knowledge of an evil complained of. Therefore I +urged that we should give the Archbishop information which we thought +justified his action, and I was authorised to send to him the memorial I +had read. + +I wrote myself to his Grace, stating that I could testify as to +the social facts detailed in the memorial I enclosed, which was as +follows:-- + +"May it please your Grace,--We, the evening congregation assembled in +South Place Chapel, Finsbury--some assenting and some dissenting from +the tenets represented by your Grace--represented as worthily as by any +one who has occupied your high station, and with greater fairness to +those who stand outside the Church than is shown by many prelates--we +pray your Grace to give heed to a secular plea on behalf of certain +little neighbours of yours whom, amid the pressure of spiritual duties, +your Grace may have overlooked. + +"Crouching under the very walls of Lambeth Palace, where your Grace has +the pleasant responsibility of illustrating the opulence and paternal +sympathy of the legal Church of the land, lie streets as dismal, +cheerless, and discreditable as any that God in His wrath ever permitted +to remain unconsumed. In the houses are polluted air, squalor, dirt and +pale-faced children. The only green thing upon which their feverish eyes +could look is enclosed in your Grace's Palace Park, and shut out from +their sight by dead walls. What we pray is that your Grace, in mercy and +humanity, will substitute for those penal walls some pervious palisades +through which children may behold the refreshing paradise of Nature, +though they may never enter therein. In this ever-crowding metropolis, +where field and tree belong to the extinct sights of a happier age, +children are born and die without ever knowing their soothing charm, +and hunger and thirst for a green thing to look upon--as sojourners in +a desert do for the sight of shrub or water. No prayer your Grace could +offer to heaven would be so welcome in its kindly courts, as the prayer +of gladness and gratitude which would go up with the screams of change +and joy from the pallid little ones, breathing the fresh air from the +green meadows, which only a few more fortunate sheep now enjoy. + +"Might we pray that the gates should be open, and that the children +themselves should be free to enter the meadows? Even the Temple Gardens +of the City are open to little friendless people. They who give this +gracious permission are hard-souled lawyers, usually regarded as +representing the rigid, exacting, and unsympathetic side of human +life--yet they show such noble tenderness to the little miserables +who crawl round the Temple pavement, that they grant entrance to their +splendid gardens; and half-clad cellar urchins from the purlieus of +Drury Lane and Clare Market romp with their ragged sisters on the +glorious grass, in the sight and scent of beauteous flowers. If lawyers +do this, may we not ask it of one who is appointed to represent what +we are told is the kindliness and tenderness of Christianity, and whose +Master said, 'Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them +not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven'? We ask not that they should +personally approach your Grace, but that the children of your desolate +neighbourhood should be allowed to disport in the vacant meadows of the +Palace--that their souls may acquire some scent of Nature which their +lives may never know. + +"Let your Grace take a walk down 'Royal Street,' which flanks your +Palace grounds, and see whether houses so pestilential ever stood in a +street of so dainty a name? Go into the houses (as the writer of this +memorial has) and see how a blank wall has been kept up so that no +occupant of the rooms may look on grass or tree, and the window which +admits light and air has been turned, by order of a former archbishop, +the opposite way upon an outlook as wretched as the lot of the +inhabitants. For forty years many inmates have lived and slept by the +side of your Grace's park, without ever being allowed a glimpse of it. +You may have no power to cancel such social outrage--but your Grace may. +condone it by kindly and considerately according the use of the meadows +to the poor children--doomed to burrow in these close, unwholesome +tenements at your doors. + +"No one accuses your Grace of being wanting in personal kindliness. It +must be that no one has called your attention to the unregarded misery +under the shadow of your Palace. Should your Grace visit the forlorn +streets and sickly homes around you, and hear the despairing words of +the mothers when asked 'whether they would not be grateful could their +children have a daily run in the great Archbishop's meadows?' there +would not be wanting a plea from the gentle heart of the Lady of the +Palace on behalf of these hapless children of these poor mothers. + +"Disregard not our appeal, we pray, because ours are unlicensed voices. +Humanity is of every creed, and it will not detract from the glory of +the Church that gratitude and praise should proceed from unaccustomed +tongues. + +"Signed on behalf of the Assembly, with deference and respect. + +"George Jacob Holyoake. + +"Newcastle Chambers, Temple Bar, + +"November 21, 1878." + + +Within two days I had the pleasure to receive a reply from the +Archbishop. + +"Philpstoun House, + +"November 23, 1878. + +"Sir,--You may feel confident that the subject of the memorial which +you have forwarded to me with your letter of the 21st will receive my +attentive consideration. The condition of the inhabitants of the poor +streets in Lambeth has often given me anxiety. My daughters and Mrs. +Tait are well acquainted with many of the houses which you describe, +and, so far as my other duties have allowed, I have taken opportunities +of visiting some of the inmates of such houses personally. I should +esteem it a great privilege if I were able to assist in maturing any +scheme for improving the dwellings of the poor families to which your +memorial alludes. Respecting the use of the open ground which surrounds +Lambeth Palace, I have, in common with my predecessors, had the subject +often under consideration. The plan which has been adopted and which has +appeared on the whole the best for the interests of the neighbourhood, +has been that now pursued for many years. The ground is freely given for +cricket and football to as many schools and clubs as it is capable of +containing, and, on application, liberty of entrance is accorded to +children and others. Many school treats are also held in the grounds, +and they are from time to time used for volunteer corps to exercise in. +We have always been afraid that a more public opening of the grounds +would interfere with the useful purposes to which they are at present +turned for the benefit of the neighbourhood, and that, considering the +somewhat limited extent of the space, no advantage could be secured by +throwing it entirely open, which would at all compensate for the loss +of the advantages at present enjoyed. I shall give the matter serious +consideration, consulting with those best qualified from local +experience to judge what is best for the neighbourhood, but my present +impression is that more good is, on the whole, done by the arrangements +now adopted, than by any other which I could devise. + +"I have the honour to be, Sir, + +"Your obedient humble servant, + +"A. C. Cantuar. + +"To Mr. George Jacob Holyoake." + + +This correspondence I sent to the _Daily News_, always open to questions +of interest to the people, and it received notice in various papers. +The _Liverpool Daily Mail_ gave an effective summary of the memorial, +saying:-- + +"Of all strange people in the world, Mr. G. J. Holyoake and the +Archbishop of Canterbury have been in correspondence--and not in +unfriendly correspondence either. Mr. Holyoake, on behalf of himself and +some friends like-minded, ventured to draw the Archbishop's attention to +the fact that just opposite Lambeth Palace was a nest of very poor and +squalid dwellings, in which many families were crowded together, without +any regard for either decency or sanitary law. The only chance of +looking upon anything green that the children of these poor people could +have would be in the grounds that surround the Primate's dwelling, and +these were absolutely shut off from their view by a high dead wall. In +some cases a former Archbishop had actually ordered the windows of these +miserable houses to be blocked up, and opened in another direction, in +order, we suppose, that the Archiepiscopal eyes might not be offended +by the sight of such unpleasant neighbours." The writer ended by +expressing the hope that if the Archbishop could not open the grounds he +might substitute "pervious palisades" for the stone walls impervious to +the curious and wistful eyes of children. For reasons which will appear, +the subject slumbered for four years, when I addressed the following +letter to the editors of the _Telegraph_ and the _Times_, which appeared +December 20, 1882:-- + +"Sir,--On returning to England I read an announcement that the Lambeth +Vestry had resolved to send a memorial to the Queen praying that the +nine acres of field, now devoted to sheep, adjoining the Archbishop of +Canterbury's Palace garden, may be appropriated to public recreation in +that crowded and verdureless parish. Four years ago I sent a memorial +upon this subject to the late Archbishop. It set forth that the parish +was so densely populated that it would be an act of mercy to throw open +the sheep fields to the poor children of the neighbourhood. It expressed +the hope that Mrs. Tait, whose compassionate nature was known to the +people, would plead for these little ones, who lived and died at her +very door, as it were, seeing no green thing during all their wretched +days. I visited poor women in the street next to the fields who brought +fever-stricken children to the door wrapped in shawls. Their mothers +told me how glad they should be were the gates open, that the little +ones, whose only recreation ground was the gutter, could enter at will. +The memorial--if I remember accurately, for I cannot refer to it as I +write--stated that the houses which, as built, overlooked the fields, +had had the windows bricked in by order of a former Archbishop, because +they overlooked the garden. I was taken to the rooms and found that the +view was closed up. The trees of the garden have well grown now, and a +telescope could not reveal walkers therein. The late Archbishop sent me +a kindly reply, but it did not answer my question, which was that, if +his Grace could not consent to open the gates to his humble friends, we +prayed that he, whose Master (in words of tenderness which had moved +the hearts of men during nineteen centuries) had said, 'Suffer little +children to come unto Me,' would at least substitute palisades for the +dead walls which hid the green fields so that no little eyes could see +the daisies in the spring. His Grace's reply was in substance the same +as Dr. Randall Davidson's, which appeared in the _Times_ on Monday, who +tells the public that rifle corps and cricketers are admitted to the +fields and that 'arrangements are made for "treats" for infant and other +schools' (whether of all denominations is not stated). How can poor +mothers and sickly children get within these 'arrangements'? Cricketers +are not helpless, rifle corps do not die for want of drill-grounds, as +children in fever-dens do for want of the refreshment of verdure and +pure air. To open the gates is the only generous and fitting thing to +do, as the lawyers have who admit the outcasts of Drury and the adjacent +lanes to the flowers of the Temple Gardens. Dr. Davidson says that the +advice of those 'best qualified from local experience to judge' is that +'no gain could be secured by throwing the fields entirely open.' Let the +opinion be asked of workmen in the Lambeth factories and that of their +wives. These are the 'best qualified local judges,' whose verdict would +be instructive. Mrs. Tait's illness and death followed soon after the +memorial in question was sent in, and I thought it not the time to press +his Grace further when stricken with that calamity. All honour to the +Lambeth Vestry, which proposes to pray Her Majesty to cause, if in her +power, these vacant fields to be consigned to the Board of Works, who +will give some gleam of a green paradise to the poor little ones of +Lambeth. The vestry does well to appeal to the Queen, from whose kindly +heart a thousand acts of sympathy have emanated. She has opened many +portals, but none through which happier or more grateful groups will +pass than through the garden gates of Lambeth Palace." + +Immediately a letter appeared in the _Times_ from the Rev. T. B. +Robertson, expressed as follows:-- + +"Sir,--Mr. Holyoake may be glad to hear that 'Lambeth Green' is open to +schools of all denominations to hold their festivals in. I should think +that no school was ever refused the use unless the field was previously +engaged. The present method of utilising the field--viz., opening it to +a large but limited number of persons (by ticket) seems about the best +that could be devised. Mr. Holyoake asks how poor mothers and sickly +children are to gain entrance. It is well known in the neighbourhood +that tickets of admission are issued annually. The days for distribution +are advertised on the gates some time previous, when those desirous of +using the grounds can attend, and the tickets are issued till exhausted. +No sick person has any difficulty in getting admission. I do not know +the number of tickets issued, but I have seen when cricket clubs were +unable to find a place to pitch their stumps. If the grounds are open +to the public without limitation, it seems that the only way it could be +done would be by laying it out in gardens and gravelled walks, with the +usual park seats; but there is hardly occasion for such a place since +the formation of the Thames Embankment, _a long strip of which runs +immediately in front of the Palace well provided with seats_. It is +evident that if the grounds were open to the public in general, the +space being small--about seven acres--the cricketers and other clubs +would have to give up their sports, and Lambeth schools and societies +would be deprived of their only meeting-place for summer gatherings. + +"Yours obediently, + +"T. B. Robertson, + +"Curate of St. Mary, Lambeth. + +"December 22." + + +The comment of the _Times_ upon this letter made it necessary to address +a further communication to the editor. This comment occurred in a +leader which, referring to a letter of the Lambeth Curate, says: "Mr. +Holyoake, in a letter which we published on Wednesday, asked with some +vehemence, what was the value of permission accorded to cricketers and +schools, to the poor children of Lambeth; but Mr. Robertson, the Curate +of St. Mary's, Lambeth, answers this morning, that no poor or sick +person has any difficulty in obtaining admission for purposes of +recreation and health, and shows that 'Lambeth Green,' as it is called, +is in fact available to a large class of the neighbouring inhabitants. +There is certainly force in Mr. Robertson's argument, that an unlimited +use would defeat its own object, which is presumably to preserve the +grounds as a playground. The large surrounding population would soon +destroy the sylvan and park-like character of the place, and necessitate +its laying out in the style of an ornamental pleasure garden, with +formal walks, and turf only to be kept green by fencing." + +This is the old defence of exclusive enjoyment of parks and pleasure +grounds, as the people, if admitted to them, would destroy them--which +they do not. Why should they destroy what they value? + +My reply to the _Times_ appeared December 28, 1882:-- + +"Sir,--It is the weight that you attach to the letter of the Curate of +St Mary, Lambeth, which appeared in the _Times_ of Saturday, which makes +it important. When I have viewed the Lambeth Palace from the railway +which overlooks it and seen how completely the sheep fields are separate +and apart from the Archbishop's garden, it has seemed a pity that +the poor little children of Lambeth should not have the freedom and +privilege of those sheep. No humane person could look into the houses +of the crowded and cheerless streets which lie near the Palace walls +without wishing to take the children by the hand into the Palace fields +at once. Does the Rev. Mr. Robertson not understand the difference +between a ticket gate and an open gate? How are poor, busy women to +watch the gates to find out when the annual tickets of admission are +given? And what is the chance of those families who arrive after 'the +number issued is exhausted'? If all the persons who need admissions can +have them, the gates might as well be thrown open. Of course, the nine +acres would not hold all the parish; but all the parish would not go at +once. No statement has been made which shows that the grounds have +been occupied by tickets of admission more than forty days in the year, +whereas there are 365 days when little people might go in. To them +one hour in that green paradise would be more than a week jostled by +passengers on the Embankment watching a stone wall, for the little +people could not well overlook it. But if they could, can the Curate of +St. Mary really think this limited recreation a sufficient substitute +for quiet fields and flowers? The Board of Works, if the grounds come +into their hands, may be trusted to give school treats a chance as well +as local little children. + +"No one who has seen the crowds of ragged, dreary, pale-faced boys +and girls rushing to the fields and flowers at Temple Gardens when the +lawyers graciously open the gates to them and watched them pour out at +evening through the Temple Gates into Fleet Street, leaping, laughing, +and refreshed, could help thinking that it would be a gladsome sight +to see such groups issue from the Lambeth Palace gates. I never thought +when sending the memorial to the Archbishop that the fields should be +divested from the see or sold away from it. I believed that the late +Archbishop would, as the new Archbishop may, by an act of grace accord +his little neighbours free admission, or at least exchange the dead +walls for palisades, so that children playing around may vary the stones +of the Embankment for a sight of sheep and grass through the bars. The +late Canon Kingsley asked me to visit him when he came into residence at +Westminster. My intention was to ask him and the late Dean, whom I +had the honour to know, to judge themselves whether the matter now in +question was not practicable, and then to speak to the Archbishop about +it. But death carried them both away one after the other before this +opportunity could occur. My belief remains unchanged that the late +Archbishop would have done what is now asked had time and the state of +his health permitted him to attend to the matter himself. It would have +been but an extension of the unselfish and kindly uses to which he had +long permitted the grounds to be put." + +From several letters I received at the time, I quote one dated Christmas +Eve, 1882:-- + +"Honour and thanks to you, Mr. Holyoake, for your recent and former +letters respecting Lambeth Palace field. Very much more good could +be got out of it than as a place for cricketing on half-holidays and +occasional school-treats, and for desolation at other times except as +regards an approved few. + +"There is no recreation ground in London that I look upon with so much +satisfaction as a triangular inclosure of plain grass by Kennington +Church, enjoyed commonly by the dirtiest and poorest children." + +But a letter of a very different character appeared in the Standard, +December 20, 1882, entitled, "The Lambeth Palace Garden ":-- + +"Sir,--No right-minded person can fail to be deeply impressed by Mr. +Holyoake's touching letter in your impression of to-day. Its sentiments +are so very beautiful and its principles so exactly popular, and in such +perfect accordance with the blessed Liberal maxim--'What is yours is +mine and what is mine is my own,' that I myself am overcome with delight +at their enunciation. The pleasure of being perfectly free and easy with +other people's property, evidently becoming so sincere and abounding, +and the simple manner in which such liberality can be now readily +practised without any personal self-denial or inconvenience, makes the +principle in action perfectly commendable, and one to be duly applied +and most carefully expanded. + +"With the latter view, I venture to point out that there is a very +excellent library of books at Lambeth Palace, which, comparatively +speaking, very few people take down or read. Do not, however, think +me selfishly covetous or hankering after my neighbour's property if +I venture to point out that there exist more than twenty clergymen in +Lambeth, to whom a share or division of these scarcely used volumes +would be a great boon. If the pictures, furniture, and cellars of wine +could, at the same time, be benevolently divided, I should have no +objection to receiving a share of the same under such philanthropic +'re-arrangement'--I am, sir, your obedient servant, + +"A Lambeth Parson. + +"Lambeth, December 20." + + +My reply to this letter appeared in the _Standard_, December 22, 1882:-- + +"Sir,--This morning I received a letter from a clergyman, who gives his +name and address, and who knows Lambeth well, thanking me for the letter +which I had addressed to you, as he takes great interest in the welfare +of the little ones in the crowded homes around the Palace. Lest, +however, I should be elated by such an unexpected, though welcome, +concurrence of opinion, the same post brought me a letter to the +same purport of that signed 'A Lambeth Parson,' which appeared in the +_Standard_ yesterday. The letter which you printed assumes that the +sheep fields of the Palace are private property, and that I propose to +steal them in the name of humanity. Permit me to say that I have as much +detestation as the Lambeth Parson can have for that sympathy for the +people which has plunder for its motive. + +"The memorial I sent to his Grace the late Archbishop asked him to give +his permission for little ones to enter his grounds. We never proposed +to take permission, nor assumed any right to pass the gates. There never +was a doubt in my mind, that had his Grace opportunity of looking into +the matter for himself, he would have granted the request, for his +kindness of heart we all knew. That he gave the use of the fields to +what he thought equally useful purposes showed how unselfishly he used +the grounds. If the question is raised as to private property, I would +do what I could to promote the purchase of it (if it can rightly be +sold) by a penny subscription from the parents of the poor children +and others who would chiefly benefit by it. It would be an evil day +if working people could consent that their little ones should have +enjoyment at the price of theft.--I am, sir, your obedient servant, + +"George Jacob Holyoake. + +"22, Essex Street, W.C., December 21." + + +Meanwhile an important public body had taken up the question. "The +Metropolitan Public Garden, Boulevard, and Playground Association" had, +through its officers, Lord Brabazon, Mr. Ernest Hart, Mr. J. Tennant, +and the Rev. Sidney Vatcher, addressed the following letter to the Prime +Minister:-- + +"Sir,--The undersigned 'members of the Metropolitan Public Garden, +Boulevard, and Playground Association' desire to draw your attention to +an article enclosed which recently appeared in a London daily paper, and +to request that you will bring the needs of Lambeth district, as regards +open spaces, to the notice of the future Primate, in the hope that +his Grace may take into consideration the suggestions contained in the +article, and with the co-operation of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners +and the Metropolitan Board of Works, take such steps as may seem to him +most advisable for the purpose of securing in perpetuity to the poor and +crowded population of Lambeth the use and enjoyment of the open space +around Lambeth Palace.--We have the honour to be, sir, your most +obedient and humble servants, + +"Brabazon, Chairman." + +Mr. Gladstone willingly gave attention to the subject, and sent the +following reply:-- + +"10, Downing Street, Whitehall, + +"_December_ 21, 1882. + +"My Lord,--I am directed by Mr. Gladstone to acknowledge the receipt +of the letter which was signed by your lordship and other members of the +Metropolitan Public Garden, etc., Association in favour of securing for +the use of the population of the neighbourhood the grounds at present +attached to Lambeth Palace. I have to inform your lordship that Mr. +Gladstone has already been in communication with the vestry of Lambeth +on this subject, and as it appears to be one of metropolitan improvement +it is not a matter in which Mr. Gladstone can take the initiative. +He will, however, make known your views to the prelate designated to +succeed to the Archbishopric, and should the Metropolitan Board of Works +intervene Mr. Gladstone will be happy to consider the matter further.--I +am, my Lord, your obedient servant, + +"Horace Seymour. + +"The Lord Brabazon." + + +Next Colonel Sir J. M'Garel Hogg, M.P., Chairman of the Metropolitan +Board of Works, had the matter before him. It was stated that the use of +the nine acres of ground (of which a plan was presented) depended upon +the permission of the Archbishop. The Lambeth Vestry had sent a memorial +to the Queen and the Government saying that the pasture and recreation +acres might be severed from the Archbishop's residence. + +The following is the reply received from Mr. Gladstone:-- + +"10, Downing Street, Whitehall, + +December 1882, + +"Sir,--Mr. Gladstone has had the honour to receive the communication +which you have made to him on behalf of the vestry of the parish of +Lambeth on the subject of acquiring the grounds of Lambeth Palace as a +place of public recreation. In reply I am directed to say that as far as +he is able to understand this important matter it seems to be a case of +metropolitan improvement, and if, as he supposes, that is the case, the +proper course for the vestry to take would be to bring the case before +the Metropolitan Board of Works for their consideration. In this view +Mr. Gladstone is not aware that Her Majesty's Government could undertake +to interfere, but he will make known this correspondence to the person +who may be designated to succeed the Archbishop of Canterbury, and +he will further consider the matter should the Metropolitan Board +intervene. Mr. Gladstone would have been glad if the vestry had supplied +him with the particulars of the case, in regard to which he has only a +very general knowledge.--I am, sir, your obedient servant, + +"E. W. Hamilton. + +"The Vestry Clerk of Lambeth." + + +Mr. Hill gave notice of the following motion:-- + +"That an instruction be given to the Prime Minister that if the proper +authorities are willing to hand over the Lambeth Palace grounds for the +free use of the public, this Board will accept the charge and preserve +the grounds as a portion of the open spaces." + +Then came a hopeless and defensive letter, before referred to, addressed +both to the _Standard, Telegraph_, and the _Times_:-- + +"Sir,--Some of the statements (including a correspondence with the +Prime Minister) which have, during the last few days, appeared in the +newspapers with reference to Lambeth Palace grounds, would, I think, +lead those who are unacquainted with the circumstances to suppose that +these grounds have been hitherto altogether closed to the public, and +reserved for the sole use of the Archbishop and his household. Will +you, therefore, to prevent misapprehension, kindly allow me to state the +facts of the case? + +"For many years past the Archbishop of Canterbury endeavoured, in what +seemed to him the best way, to make the grounds in question available, +under certain restrictions, to the general public. During the summer +months twenty-eight cricket clubs, some from the Lambeth parishes +and some from other parts of London, have received permission to play +cricket in the field, and similar arrangements have been made for +football in the winter, though necessarily upon a smaller scale. The +whole available ground has been carefully allotted for the different +hours of each day. On certain fixed occasions the field is used for +rifle corps' drill and exercises, and throughout the summer, +arrangements are constantly made for 'treats' for infant and other +schools unable to go out of London. Tickets giving admission to the +field at all hours have been issued for some years past, in very large +numbers, to the sick, aged, and poor of the surrounding streets; and the +whole grounds, including the private garden, have been opened without +restriction to the nurses and others of St. Thomas's Hospital. + +"His Grace frequently consulted those best qualified from local +experience to judge what is for the advantage of the neighbourhood, and +invariably found their opinion to coincide with his own--namely, that +a more public opening of the ground would interfere with the useful +purposes to which it is at present turned for the benefit of the +neighbourhood, and that, considering the limited space, no gain could be +secured by throwing it entirely open which would at all compensate for +the inevitable loss of the advantages at present enjoyed.--I am, sir, +your obedient servant, + +"Randall T. Davidson. + +"Lambeth Palace, December 16." + + +On January 6, 1883, I wrote to the _Daily News_, saying:-- + +"Sir,--Your columns have recorded the steps taken by the Lambeth Vestry +and by Lord Brabazon (on the part of the Open Space Society, for which +he acts) with respect to the use of the pasture acres connected with the +Palace grounds of Lambeth. I have been asked by a clergyman, for whose +judgment I have great respect, to write some letter which shall make it +plain to the public that it is not the gardens of the Palace for the use +of which any one has asked, but for the nine acres of fields outside +the gardens, as a small recreation ground which shall be open to the +children of Lambeth, who are numerous there, and much in need of some +pleasant change of that scarce and pleasant kind. No one has dined at +the Lambeth Palace, or been otherwise a visitor there, without valuing +the gardens which surround it and which are necessary to an episcopal +residence in London. No one wishes to interfere with or curtail the +garden grounds. I thought the public understood this. I shall therefore +be obliged if you can insert this explanation in your columns. Much +better than anything I could say upon the subject are the words which +occur in the _Family Churchman_ of December 27th, which gives the +portraits of the new Archbishop, Dr. Benson, and the late Bishop of +Llandaff. The editor says that 'every one knows the Archbishops of +Canterbury have a splendid country seat at Addington, within easy +driving distance of London. Within the same distance there are few parks +so beautiful as Addington Palace, whilst, unlike some parks in other +parts of the country, it is jealously closed against the public. The +Palace park is remarkable for its romantic dells, filled with noble +trees and an undergrowth of rhododendrons. There are, moreover, within +the park, heights which command fine views of the surrounding country. +It is thought, perhaps not unjustly, that the new Archbishop might well +be content with this country place, and, whilst retaining the gardens +at Lambeth Palace, might with graceful content see conceded to the poor, +whose houses throng the neighbourhood, the nine acres of pasture land.' +This is very distinct and even generous testimony on the part of the +_Family Churchman_ to the seemliness and legitimacy of the plea put +forward on the part of the little people of Lambeth.--Very faithfully +yours, + +"George Jacob Holyoake. + +"22, Essex Street W.C." + + +News of the Palace grounds agitation reached as far as Mentone, and +Mr. R. French Blake, who was residing at the Hotel Splendide, sent +an interesting letter to the _Times_--historical, defensive, and +suggestive. He wrote on January 3, 1883, saying:-- + +"Sir,--Attention having recently been drawn to the Lambeth Palace +grounds and the use which the late Primate made of them for the +recreation of the masses, it may be interesting, especially at this +juncture, to place on record what were his views with regard to those +historic parts of the buildings of the Palace itself which are not +actually used as the residence of the Archbishops. These chiefly consist +of what is known as the Lollards' Tower, and the noble Gate Tower, +called after its founder, Archbishop Moreton. The former of these has +recently been put into repair, and rooms in it were granted to the late +Bishop of Lichfield and his brother, by virtue of their connection with +the Palace library." + +Mr. Blake then adverts to the affair of the grounds. He says:-- + +"Nor can I suppose that any well-informed member of the vestry could +imagine that it is in the lawful power of a Prime Minister, or even of +Parliament, to alienate, without consent, any portion of the Church's +inheritance. It may be a somewhat high standard of right, which is +referred to in the sacred writings, to 'pay for the things which we +never took,' but in no standard of right whatsoever can the motto +find place to 'take the things for which we never pay.' Although the +Archbishop may have deemed that he turned to the very best account the +ground in question, for the purposes of enjoyment and health to the +surrounding population, he was far too wise and too charitable to +disregard, so far as he deemed he had the power, any petition or request +which might, if granted, add to the pleasure and happiness of others, +and if it had been made clear to him as his duty, and an offer to +that effect had been made to him by the Metropolitan Board of Works or +others, I am satisfied he would have consented, not to the alienation of +Church property, but to the sale of the field for a people's park, and +the application of the value of the ground to mission purposes for South +London, and such a scheme I happen to know was at one time discussed by +some of those most intimately connected with him." + +Afterwards, January 13, 1883, the _Pall Mall Gazette_ remarked that "it +is not a happy omen that the consent of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners +is required before the well-fed donkey who disports himself in the +Palace grounds can be joined by the ill-fed, ragged urchins who now have +no playground but the streets." The _Daily News_ rendered further aid in +a leader. Then a report was made that the condition of the streets, +"to which, in his correspondence with the Archbishop of Canterbury, +Mr. Holyoake had called attention, had been illustrated by the fall of +several miserable tenements, in which a woman and several children were +fatally buried in the ruins." The writer says there is "no hope that the +unkindly exclusiveness of 'Cantuar' will be broken down." + +So the matter rested for nearly twenty years before the happy news +came that the London County Council had come into possession of the +ecclesiastical fields, and converted them into a holy park, where +pale-faced mothers and sickly children may stroll or disport themselves +at will evermore. All honour to the later agents of this merciful +change. There is an open gleam of Nature now in the doleful district. +Sir Hudibras exclaims: + + "What perils do environ + Him who meddles with cold iron." + +Not less so if the meddlement be with ecclesiastical iron and the +contest lasts a longer time. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. SOCIAL WONDERS ACROSS THE WATER + +Being several times in France, twice in America and Canada, thrice in +Italy and as many times in Holland, under circumstances which brought +me into relation with representative people, enabled me to become +acquainted with the ways of persons of other countries than my own. +There I met great orators, poets, statesmen, philosophers, and +great preachers of whom I had read--but whom to know was a greater +inspiration. Thus I learned the art of not being surprised, and +of regarding strangeness as a curiosity, not an offence awakening +resentment as something unpardonable, or at least, an impropriety the +traveller is bound to reprehend, as Mrs. Trollope and her successors +have done on American peculiarities. On the Continent I found incidents +to wonder at, but I confine myself in this chapter to America and +Canada, countries we are accustomed to designate as "Across the Water," +as the United States and the Dominion which have imperishable interest +to all of the British race. + +Notwithstanding the thousands of persons who now make sea journeys for +the first time, I found, when it came to my turn, there was no book--nor +is there now--on the art of being a sea passenger. I could find no +teaching Handbook of the Ocean--what to expect under entirely new +conditions, and what to do when they come, so as to extract out of a +voyage the pleasure in it and increase the discomforts which occur in +wave-life. One of the pleasures is--there is no dust at sea. + +On my visit to America in 1879, I, at the request of Mr. Hodgson Pratt, +undertook to inquire what were the prospects of emigrants to that +country and Canada, which cost me labour and expense. What I found +wanting, and did not exist, and which does not exist still, was an +emigrant guide book informing him of the conditions of industry in +different States, the rules of health necessary to be observed in +different climates, and the vicissitudes to which health is liable. The +book wanted is one on an epitome plan of the People's Blue Books, issued +by Lord Clarendon on my suggestion, as he stated in them. + +When I was at Washington, Mr. Evarts, the Secretary of State, gave me a +book, published by local authorities at Washington, with maps of every +department of the city, marking the portion where special diseases +prevailed. London has no such book yet. Similar information concerning +every State and territory in America existed in official reports. But +I found that neither the Government of Washington nor Ottawa would take +the responsibility of giving emigrants this information in a public and +portable form, as land agents would be in revolt at the preferential +choice emigrants would then have before them. It was continually denied +that such information existed. Senators in their turn said so. Possibly +they did not know, but Mr. Henry Villard, a son-in-law of Lloyd +Garrison, told me that when he was secretary of the Social Science +Association he began the kind of book I sought, and that its' issue was +discouraged. + +On my second visit to America in 1882, I had introductions to the +President of the United States and to Lord Lome, the Governor of Canada, +from his father, the Duke of Argyll, with a view of obtaining the +publication of a protecting guide book such as I have described, under +its authority. When I first mentioned this in New York (1879) the editor +of the _Star_ (an Irishman) wrote friendly and applauding leaders upon +my project. On my second visit, in 1882, this friendly editor (having +seen in the papers that Mr. Gladstone approved of my quest) wrote +furious leaders against it. On asking him the reason of the change of +view, he said, "Mr. Holyoake, were Mr. Gladstone and his Cabinet in this +room, and I could open a trap-door under their feet and let them all +fall into hell, I would do it," using words still more venomous. Then +I realised the fatuity of the anti-Irish policy which drives the ablest +Irishmen into exile and maintains a body of unappeasable enemies of +England wherever they go. Then I saw what crazy statesmanship it was in +the English to deny self-government to the Irish people, and spend ten +millions a year to prevent them taking care of themselves. + +The Irish learned to think better of Mr. Gladstone some years later. +One night when he was sitting alone in the House of Commons writing his +usual letter to the Queen, after debates were over, he was startled by +a ringing cheer that filled the chamber, when looking up he found the +Irish members, who had returned to express their gratitude to him. +Surely no nation ever proclaimed its obligation in so romantic a way. +The tenderest prayer put up in my time was that of W. D. Sullivan:-- + + "_God be good to Gladdy_, + Says Sandy, John and Paddy, + For he is a noble laddy, + A grand old chiel is he." + +I take pride in the thought that I was the first person who lectured +upon "English Co-operation" in Montreal and Boston. It was with pride +I spoke in Stacey Hall in Boston, from the desk at which Lloyd Garrison +was once speaking, when he was seized by a slave-owning mob with intent +to hang him. As I spoke I could look into the stairway on my right, down +which he was dragged. + +The interviewers, the terror of most "strangers," were welcome to +me. The engraving in Frank Leslie's paper reproduced in "Among the +Americans," representing the interview with me in the Hoffman House, was +probably the first picture of that process published in England (1881). +I advocated the cultivation of the art in Great Britain, which, though +prevalent in America, was still in a crude state there. The questions +put to me were poor, abrupt, containing no adequate suggestion of the +information sought The interviewer should have some conception of the +knowledge of the person questioned, and skill in reporting his answers. +Some whom I met put down the very opposite of what was said to them. The +only protection against such perverters, when they came again, was to +say the contrary to what I meant, when their rendering would be what I +wished it to be. Some interviewers put into your mouth what they desired +you to say. Against them there is no remedy save avoidance. On the +whole, I found interviewers a great advantage. I had certain ideas to +make known and information to ask for, and the skilful interviewer, in +his alluring way, sends everything all over the land. Wise questioning +is the fine art of daily life. "It is misunderstanding," says the +Dutch proverb, "which brings lies to town." Everybody knows that +misunderstandings create divisions in families and alienations in +friendships--in parties as well as in persons--which timely inquiries +would dissipate. Intelligent questioning elicits hidden facts--it +increases knowledge without ostentation--it clears away obscurity, +and renders information definite--it supersedes assumptions--it tests +suspicions and throws light upon conjecture--it undermines error, +without incensing those who hold it--it leads misconception to confute +itself without the affront of direct refutation--it warns inquirers not +to give absolute assent to anything uncorroborated, or which cannot +be interrogated. Relevant questioning is the handmaid of accuracy, and +makes straight the pathway of Truth. + +The privations of Protection, which a quick and independent-minded +people endured, was one of the wonders I saw. In Montreal, for a writing +pad to use on my voyage home, I had to pay seven shillings and sixpence, +which I could have bought in London for eighteen-pence. I took to +America a noble, full-length portrait of John Bright, just as he stood +when addressing the House of Commons, more than half life-size--the +greatest of Mayall's triumphs. Though it was not for sale, but a present +to my friend, James Charlton, of Chicago, the well-known railway agent, +the Custom House demanded a payment of 30 dols. (L6) import duty. It was +only after much negotiations in high quarters, and in consideration +that it was a portrait of Mr. Bright, brought as a gift to an American +citizen, that the import duty was reduced to 6 dollars. + +The disadvantage of Protection is that no one can make a gift to +America or to its citizens without being heavily taxed to discourage +international generosity. + +The Mayor of Brighton, Mr. Alderman Hallet, had entrusted to me some 200 +volumes, of considerable value, on City Sanitation, greatly needed in +America. They lay in the Custom House three months, before I discovered +that the Smithsonian Institute could claim them under its charter. +Otherwise I must have paid a return freight to Brighton, as America is +protected from accepting offerings of civil or sanitary service. There +often come to us, from that country, emissaries of Evangelism, to +improve us in piety, but at home they levy 25 per cent, upon the +importation of the Holy Scriptures--thus taxing the very means of +Salvation. + +For a time I sent presents of books to working-class friends in America +whom I wished to serve or to interest, who wrote to me to say that "they +were unable to redeem them from the post-office, the import tax being +more than they could pay," and they reminded me that "having been in +America, I ought to know that working people could not afford to +have imported presents made to them." Indeed, I had often noticed how +destitute their homes were in matters of table service and all bright +decoration, plentiful even in the houses of our miners and mechanics +in England. American workmen would tell me that a present of cutlery or +porcelain, if I could bring that about, would interest them greatly. + +On leaving New York a friend of mine, a Custom House officer, told me he +needed a coast coat, suitable to the service he was engaged in, and that +he would be much obliged if I would have one made for him in England. +He would leave it to me to contrive how it could reach him. The coat he +wanted, he said, would cost him L9 in New York. I had it made in London, +entirely to his satisfaction, for L4 15s., but how to get it to him free +of Custom duties was a problem. I had to wait until a friend of mine--a +property owner in Montreal--was returning there. He went out in the +vessel in which Princess Louise sailed. He wore it occasionally on deck +to qualify it being regarded as a personal garment. So it arrived duty +free at Montreal. After looking about for two or three months for a +friend who would wear it across the frontier, it arrived, after six +months' travelling diplomacy, at the house of my friend in New York. + +I did not find in America or Canada anything more wonderful, beggarly +and humiliating than the policy of Protection. But we are not without +counterparts in folly of another kind. + +Visitors to England no doubt wonder to find us, a commercial nation, +fining the merchant of enterprise a shilling (the workman was so +fined until late years) for every pound he expends on journeys of +business--keeping a travelling tax to discourage trade. But John Bull +does not profess to be over-bright, while Uncle Sam thinks himself the +smartest man in creation. We retain in 1904 a tax Peel condemned in +1844. But then we live under a monarchy, from which Uncle Sam is free. + +France used to be the one land which was hospitable to new ideas, and +for that it is still pre-eminent in Europe. But America excels Europe +now in this respect. Canada has not emerged from its Colonialism, and +has no national aspiration. Voltaire found when he was in London, +that England had fifty religions and only one sauce. America has no +distinction in sauces, but it has more than 200 religions, and having +no State Church there is no poison of Social Ascendency in piety, but +equality in worship and prophesying. I found that a man might be of any +religion he pleased--though as a matter of civility he was expected +to be of some--and if he said he was of none, he was thought to be +phenomenally fastidious, if not one of theirs would suit him, since +America provided a greater variety for the visitor to choose from than +any other country in the world. + +Though naturally disappointed at being unable to suit the stranger's +taste, they were not intolerant. He was at liberty to import or invent a +religion of his own. Let not the reader imagine that because people are +free to believe as they please, there is no religion in America. + +Nearing Santa Fe in New Mexico, I passed by the adobe temple of +Montezuma. Adobe is pronounced in three syllables--a-do-be--and is the +Mexican name for a mud-built house, which is usually one story high; so +that Santa Fe has been compared to a town blown down. When the Emperor +Montezuma perished he told his followers to keep the fire burning in the +Temple, as he would come again from the east, and they should see "his +face bright and fair." In warfare and pestilence and decimation of their +race, these faithful worshippers kept the fire burning night and day for +three centuries, and it has not long been extinguished. Europe can show +no faith so patient, enduring, and pathetic as this. + +The pleasantest hours of exploration I spent in Santa Fe were in the +old church of San Miguel. Though the oldest church in America, there are +those who would remove rather than restore it. A book lay upon an altar +in which all who would subscribe to save it had inserted their names, +and I added mine for five shillings. + +When an Englishman goes abroad, he takes with him a greater load of +prejudices than any man of any other nation could bear, and, as a rule, +he expresses pretty freely his opinion of things which do not conform +to his notions, as though the inhabitants ought to have consulted his +preferences, forgetting that in his own country he seldom shows that +consideration to others. On fit occasion I did not withhold my opinion +of things which seemed to me capable of improvement; but before giving +my impressions I thought over what equivalent absurdity existed in +England, and by comparing British instances with those before me, no one +took offence--some were instructed or amused at finding that hardly any +nation enjoyed a monopoly of stupidity. There is all the difference in +the world between saying to an international host, "How badly you do +things in your country," and saying, "We are as unsuccessful as you in +'striking twelve all at once.'" + +We all know the maxim: "'Before finding fault with another, think of +your own." But Charles Dickens, with all his brightness, forgot this +when he wrote of America. Few nations have as yet attained perfection in +all things--not even England. + +When in Boston, America, 1879, I went to the best Bible store I could +find or be directed to, to purchase a copy of the apocryphal books of +the Old Testament. In a church where I had to make a discourse, I wanted +to read the dialogue between the prophet Esdras and the angel Uriel. +The only copy I could obtain was on poor, thin paper; of small, almost +invisible print, and meanly bound. The price was 4s. 2d. "How is it," I +inquired, "that you ask so much in the Hub of the Universe for even +this indifferent portion of Scripture--seeing that at the house of the +Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, in Northumberland +Avenue, London, a house ten times handsomer than yours, in a much more +costly situation--I can buy the same book on good, strong paper, in +large type, in a bright, substantial cover for exactly 3s. less than you +ask me." "You see, sir," said the manager of the store, "we have duty +to pay." "Duty!" I exclaimed. "Do you mean me to understand that in this +land of Puritan Christians, you tax the means of salvation?" He did not +like to admit that, and could not deny it, so after a confused moment he +answered: "All books imported have to pay twenty-five per cent, duty." +All I could say was that "it seemed to me that their protective duties +protected sin; and, being interested in the welfare of emigrants, I must +make a note counselling all who wish to be converted, to get that done +before coming out; for if they arrive in America in an unconverted state +they could not afford to be converted here." Until then I was unaware +that Protection protected the Devil, and that he had a personal interest +in its enactment. + +My article in the _Nineteenth Century_ entitled, "A Stranger in +America," written in the uncarping spirit as to defects and ungrudgingly +recognising the circumstances which frustrated or retarded other +excellences in their power, was acknowledged by the press of that +country, and was said by G. W. Smalley--the greatest American critic +in this country then--to be "one of those articles which create +international goodwill." Approval worth having could no further go. It +was surprising to me that mere two-sided travelling fairness should meet +with such assent, whereas I expected it would be regarded as tame and +uninteresting. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH AT SEA + +The voyage out to America described in the last chapter included an +instance of the extraordinary behaviour of the Established Church at +sea, which deserves special mention as it is still repeated. + +There is an offensive rule on board ships that the service on Sunday +shall be that of the Church of England, and that the preacher selected +shall be of that persuasion. + +Several of the twelve ministers of religion among the passengers of the +_Bothnia_ in 1879 were distinguished preachers, whereas the clergyman +selected to preach to us was not at all distinguished, and made a sermon +which I, as an Englishman, was ashamed to hear delivered before an +audience of intelligent Americans. The preacher told a woful story of +loss of trade and distress in England, which gave the audience the idea +that John Bull was "up a tree." Were he up ever so high I would not have +told it to an alien audience. + +The preacher said that these losses were owing to our sins--that is the +sins of Englishmen. The devotion of the American hearers was varied +with a smile at this announcement. It was their surpassing ingenuity and +rivalry in trade which had affected our exports for a time. Our chief +"sins" were uninventiveness and commercial incapacity, and the greater +wit and ingenuity of the audience were the actual punishment the +preacher was pleading against, and praying them to be contrite on +account of their own success. The minister described bad trade as a +punishment from God, as though God had made the rascally merchants who +took out shoddy calico and ruined the markets. It was not God that had +driven the best French and German artists and workmen into America, +where they have enriched its manufacturers with their skill and +industry, and enabled that country to compete with ours. + +The preacher's text was as wide of any mark as his sermon. It asked the +question, "How can we sing in a strange land?" When we should arrive +there, there would hardly be a dozen of us in the vessel who would be +in a strange land; the great majority were going home--mostly commercial +reapers of an English harvest who were returning home rejoicing--bearing +their golden sheaves with them. Neither the sea nor the land were +strange to them. Many of them were as familiar with the Atlantic as +with the prairie. I sat at table by a Toronto dealer who had crossed +the ocean twenty-nine times. The congregation at sea formed a very poor +opinion of the discernment of the Established Church. + +On the return voyage in the _Gallia_ we had another "burning" but not +"a shining light" of the Church of England to discourse. He was a young +man, and it required some assurance on his part to look into the eyes +of the intelligent Christians around him, who had three times his years, +experience, and knowledge, and lecture them upon matters of which he was +absolutely ignorant. + +This clergyman enforced the old doctrine of severity in parental +discipline of the young, and on the wisdom of compelling children to +unquestioning obedience, and argued that submission to a higher will was +good for men during life. At least two-thirds of the congregation were +American, who regard parental severity as cruelty to the young, and +utterly uninstructive; and unquestioning obedience they hold to be +calamitous and demoralising education. They expect reasonable obedience, +and seek to obtain it by reason. Submission to a "higher will" as +applied to man, is submission to arbitrary authority against which the +whole polity of American life is a magnificent protest. The only higher +will they recognise in worldly affairs is the will of the people, +intelligently formed, impartially gathered, and constitutionally +recorded--facts of which the speaker had not the remotest idea. + +Who can read this narrative of the ignorance and effrontery, nurtured +by the Established Church and obtruded on passengers at sea, without +a sense of patriotic humiliation that it is continued every Sunday in +every ship? It is thought dangerous to be wrecked and not to have taken +part in this pitiable exhibition. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. ADVENTURES IN THE STREETS + +Were I persuaded, as many are, that each person is a subject of +Providential care, I might count myself as one of the well-favoured. I +should do so, did it not demand unseemly egotism to believe the Supreme +Master of all the worlds of the Universe gave a portion of His eternal +time to personally guide my unimportant footsteps, or snatch me from +harm, which might befall me on doing my duty, or when I inadvertently, +negligently, or ignorantly put myself in the way of disaster. Whatever +may be the explanation, I have oft been saved in jeopardy. + +The first specific deliverance occurred when I was a young man, in the +Baskeville Mill, Birmingham. Working at a button lathe, the kerchief +round my neck was caught by the "chock," and I saw myself drawn swiftly +to it. To avert being strangled, I held back my neck with what force I +could. All would have been in vain had not a friendly Irishman, who was +grinding spectacle glasses in an adjoining room, come to my assistance, +by which I escaped decapitation without benefit of the clergy, or the +merciful swiftness of the guillotine. + +In days when the cheap train ran very early in the morning, I set out +before daylight from Exeter, where I had been lecturing. At the station +at which the train stopped for an hour or two, as was the custom in days +before the repeal of the tax on third-class passengers, we were in +what Omar Khayyam called the "false dawn of morning." The train did +not properly draw up to the platform, and when I stepped out I had a +considerable fall, which sprained my ankle and went near breaking my +neck. + +On my arrival in Boston, 1879, I was invited by a newspaper friend, whom +I had brought with me into the city, to join a party of pressmen who +were to assemble next morning at Parker House, to report upon the test +ascent of a new elevator. It happened that Mr. Wendell Phillips visited +me early at Adam's House, before I was up. He sat familiarly on the +bedrail, and proposed to drive me round the city and show me the +historic glories of Boston, which being proud to accept, I sent an +apology for my absence to the elevator party at Parker House. That +morning the elevator broke down, and out of five pressmen who went into +it only four were rescued--more or less in a state of pulp. One was +killed. But for Mr. Phillips's fortunate visit I should have been among +them. + +In Kansas City, in the same year (1879), I was taken by my transatlantic +friend, Mr. James Charlton, to see a sugar bakery, concerning which I +was curious. The day was hot enough to singe the beard of Satan, and +I was glad to retreat into the bakery, which, however, I found still +hotter, and I left, intending to return at a cooler hour next morning. +At the time I was to arrive I heard that the whole building had fallen +in. Some were killed and many injured. This was the City of Kansas, of +which the mayor once said: "He wished the people would let some one die +a natural death, that a stranger might know how healthy the city was. +Accidents, duels, and shootings prevented cases of longevity occurring." + +Another occasion when misadventure took place, when we--my daughter, +Mrs. Marsh, and I--were crossing the Tesuque Valley, below Santa Fe, +the party occupied three carriages; road, there was none, and the +horses knew it, and when they came to a difficulty--either a ravine +or hill--the driver would give the horses the rein, when they spread +themselves out with good sagacity, and descended or ascended with +success. One pair of horses broke the spring of their carriage, making +matters unpleasant to the occupants; another pair broke the shaft, +which, cutting them, made them mad, and they ran away. The carriage in +which I was remained sound, and I had the pleasure for once of watching +the misfortunes of my friends. + +The river was low, the sand was soft, and the distance through the +Tesuque River was considerable, and we calculated that no horses were +mad enough to continue their efforts to run through it, and we were +rewarded by seeing them alter their minds in the midst of it, and +continue their journey in a sensible manner. + +Returning from Guelph, which lies below Hamilton, in the Niagara corner +of Canada, where we had been to see the famous Agricultural College, we +were one night on the railway in what the Scotch call the "gloaming." My +daughter remarked that the scenery outside the carriage was more fixed +than she had before observed it, and upon inquiry it appeared that we +were fixed too--for the train had parted in the middle, and the movable +portion had gone peacefully on its way to Hamilton. We were left forming +an excellent obstruction to any other train which might come down the +line. Fortunately, the guard could see the last station we had left, +two miles from us, and see also the train following us arrive there. We +hoped that the stationmaster would have some knowledge of our being upon +the line, and stop the advancing train; but when we saw it leave the +station on its way to us we were all ordered to leave the carriages, +which was no easy thing, as the banks right and left of us were +steep, and the ditch at the base was deep. However, our friends, Mr. +Littlehales and Mr. Smith, being strong of arm and active on a hill, +very soon drew us up to a point where we could observe a collision with +more satisfaction than when in the carriages. Fortunately, the man who +bore the only lamp left us, and who was sent on to intercept the train, +succeeded in doing it. Ultimately we arrived at Hamilton only two hours +late. When we were all safely at home, one lady, who accompanied us, +fainted--which showed admirable judgment to postpone that necessary +operation until it was no longer an inconvenience. One lady fainted in +the midst of the trouble, which only increased it. The excitement made +fainting sooner or later justifiable, although an impediment, but I was +glad to observe my daughter did not think it necessary to faint at any +time. + +As we were leaving the sleepy Falls of Montmorency in the carriage, +we looked out to see whether the Frenchman had got sight of us, fully +expecting he would take a chaise and come after us to collect some other +impost which we had evaded paying. The sun was in great force, and I was +reposing in its delicious rays, thinking how delightful it was to +ride into Quebec on such a day, when in an instant of time we were all +dispersed about the road. In a field hard by, where a great load of +lumber as high as a house was piled, a boy who was extracting a log set +the upper logs rolling. This frightened the horses. They were two black +steeds of high spirit, and therefore very mad when alarmed. Had they run +on in their uncontrollable state, they would, if they escaped vehicles +on the way, have arrived at a narrow bridge where unknown mischief must +have occurred. The driver, who was a strongly built Irishman, about +sixty, with good judgment and intrepidity, instantly threw the horses +on to the fence, which they broke, got into the ditch, and seriously cut +their knees. I leaped out into the ditch with a view to help my daughter +out of the carriage; but she, nimbler than I, intending to render me the +same service, arrived at the ditch, and assisted me out, merely asking +"whether four quietly disposed persons being distributed over the +Dominion at a minute's notice was a mode of travelling in Canada?" +Mrs. Hall, who was riding with us, also escaped unhurt Her husband +deliberately remained some time to see what the horses were going to do, +but finding them frantic, he also abandoned the carriage. + +Later, in England, being Ashton way, I paid a visit to my friend the +Rev. Joseph Rayner Stephens, whose voice, in early Chartist times, was +the most eloquent in the two counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. +He fought the "New Poor Law" and the "Long Timers" in the Ten Hours' +agitation. His views were changed in many respects, but that did not +alter my regard for his Chartist services--and there remained his varied +affluence of language, his fitly chosen terms, his humorous statement, +his exactness of expression and strong coherence, in which the sequence +of his reasoning never disappeared through the crevice of a sentence. +All this made his conversation always charming and instructive. + +After lecturing in the Temperance Hall and the "evening was far spent," +a cab was procured to take me to Mr. Stephens's at the "Hollins." A +friend, Mr. Scott, in perfect wanton courtesy, having no presentiment +in his mind, would accompany me. When we arrived at Stalybridge (where +there is a real bridge), the cabman, instead of driving over it, drove +against it. I thought, perhaps, this was the way with Ashton cabmen; +but my friend came to a different conclusion. He said the cabman had not +taken the "pledge" that afternoon. I was told Ashton cabmen needed to +take it often. The driver, resenting our remonstrance, drove wildly down +a narrow, ugly, deserted street, which he found at hand. It was all the +same to me, who did not know one street from the other. My friend, who +knew there was no outlet save into the river, called out violently to +cabby to stop. The only effect was that he drove more furiously. +Mr. Scott leaped out and seized the horse, and prevented my being +overthrown. Before us were the remains of an old building, with the +cellars all open, in one of which we should soon have descended. Cabby +would have killed his horse, and probably himself, which no doubt would +have been an advantage to Ashton. + +As the place was deserted I should have been found next morning curled +up and inarticulate. We paid our dangerous driver his full fare to that +spot, and advised him to put himself in communication with a temperance +society. He abused us as "not being gentlemen" for stopping his cab in +that unhandsome way. + +The next morning I went to the scene of the previous night's adventure. +Had Mr. Henley, the loud, coarse-tongued member for Oxfordshire at that +time, seen the place, he would have said we were making an "ugly rush" +for the river. Not that we should ever have reached the river, for we +should certainly have broken our necks in the brick vaults our driver +was whipping his horse into. + +As I needed another cab on my arrival at Euston, I selected a +quiet-looking white horse, and a Good Templar-looking cabman, first +asking the superintendent what he thought of him. "O, he's all right," +was the answer, and things went pleasantly until we arrived at a narrow, +winding street. I was thinking of my friend, Mr. Stephens, and of the +concert which at that hour he had daily in his bedroom, when I +was suddenly jerked off my seat and found the white horse on the +foot-pavement. I stepped out and adjured the cabman, "By the carpet-bag +of St Peter" (no more suitable adjuration presented itself on the +occasion), to tell me what he was at. I said, + +"Are you from Ashton?" "Nothing the matter, sir. All right Jump in. Only +my horse shied at the costermonger's carrot-cart there. She's a capital +horse, only she's apt to shy." I answered, "Yes; and unless I change my +mode of travelling by cabs, I shall become shy myself." + +Late one night, after the close of the Festive Co-operative Meeting +in Huddersfield, a cab was fetched for me from the fair--it being fair +time. The messenger knew it was a bad night for the whip, as he might +be "touched in the head" by the festivities, so he said to cabby: "Now, +though it is fair night, you must do the fair thing by this fare. He +does not mind spreading principles, but he objects to being spread +himself." Cabby came with alacrity. He thought he had to take some +"boozing cuss" about the fair, with an occasional pull up at the "Spread +Eagle." When he found me issuing from a temperance hotel, bound for +Fernbrook, he did not conceal his disappointment by tongue or whip, and +jerked his horse like a Bashi-Bazouk when a Montenegrin is after him. +I cared nothing, as I had made up my mind not to say another word about +cabs if they broke my neck. I knew we had a stout hill before us, which +would bring things quiet The next day the hotel people, who saw the +cabman's rage, said they thought there was mischief in store for me. +They knew nothing of Ashton ways, and their apprehensions were original. + +After a pleasant sojourn in Brighton, where the November sun is bright, +and the fogs are thin, grey and graceful, softening the glare of the +white coast, tempering it to the sensitive sight, I returned to London +one cold, frosty day, when snow and ice made the streets slippery. I had +chosen a cabman whose solid, honest face was assuring, and being lumpy +and large himself I thought he would keep his "four-wheeler" steady by +his own weight. Being himself lame and rheumatic, he appeared one who +would prefer quiet driving for his own sake. We went on steadily until +we reached Pall Mall, when he turned sharply up Suffolk Street. Looking +out, I called to my friend on the box, saying, "This is not Essex +Street" "Beg your pardon, sir, I thought you said Suffolk Street," and +began to turn his horse round. In that street the ground rises, and the +carriage-way is convex and narrow, it required skill to turn the cab, +and the cabman was wanting therein. He said his rein had caught, and +when he thought he was pulling the horse round, the horse had taken a +different view of his intention, and imagined he was backing him, and, +giving me the benefit of the doubt, did back, and overturned the cab, +and me too. Not liking collisions of late, I had, on leaving Brighton, +wrapped myself in a railway cloak, that it might act as a sort of buffer +in case of bumping--yet not expecting I should require it so soon. + +Seeing what the horse was at, and taking what survey I could of the +situation, I found I was being driven against the window of the house in +which Cobden died. I have my own taste as to the mode in which I should +like to be killed. To be run over by a butcher's cart, or smashed by a +coal train or brewer's van is not my choice; but being killed in Pall +Mall is more eligible, yet not satisfactory. + +As I had long lived in Pall Mall, I knew the habits of the place. +There is a gradation of killing in the streets of London, well-known +to West-end cabmen. As they enter Trafalgar Square, they run over the +passenger without ceremony. At Waterloo Place, where gentlemen wander +about, they merely knock you down, but as they enter Club-land, which +begins at Pall Mall West, where Judges and Cabinet Ministers and members +of Parliament abound, they merely run at you; so I knew I was on the +spot where death is never inflicted. Therefore I took hold of the strap +on the opposite side of the cab to that on which I saw I should fall. +For better being able to look after my portmanteau, I had it with me, +and, fortunately had placed it on the side on which I fell. Placing +myself against it when the crash came, and the glass broke, I was saved +from my face being cut by it. My hat was crushed, and head bruised. It +was impossible to open the door, which was then above me, and had the +horse taken to kicking, as is the manner of these animals when in doubt, +it would have fared ill with me. Possibly the horse was a member of the +Peace Society, and showed no belligerent tendency; more likely he was +tired, and glad of the opportunity of resting himself. The street, which +seemed empty, was quickly filled, as though people sprang out of the +ground. Two Micawbers who were looking out for anything which "turned +up," or turned over, came and forced open the cab-door at the top, and +dragged me up, somewhat dazed, my hat off, my grey hair dishevelled, +my blue spectacles rather awry on my face--I was sensible of a +newly-contrived, music-hall appearance as my shoulders peered above the +cab. A spirit merchant near kindly invited me into his house, where some +cold brandy and water given to me seemed more agreeable and refreshing +than it ever did before or since. The cab had been pulled together +somehow. My rheumatic friend on the box had been picked up not much the +worse--possibly the fall had done his rheumatism good. I thought it a +pity the poor fellow should lose his fare as well as his windows, and so +continued my journey with him. + +On one occasion, after an enchanted evening in the suburbs of +Kensington, a fog came on. The driver of the voiture drove into an +enclosure of stables, and went round and round. Noticing there was a +recurring recess, I kept the door open until we arrived at it again, and +leapt into it as we passed again. When the driver, who was bewildered, +came round a third time, I surprised him by shouts, and advised him to +let his horse take us out by the way he came in. There was no house, or +light, or person to be seen, and there was the prospect of a night in +the cold, tempered by contingent accident. + +Having engaged to be surety for the son of a Hindoo judge, who was about +to enter as a student in the Inns of Court, a new adventure befel me. I +had accepted from his father the appointment of guardian of his son. My +ward was a young man of many virtues, save that of punctuality. As he +did not appear by appointment, I set out in search of him. Crossing +Trafalgar Square I found myself suddenly confronted by two horses' +heads. An omnibus had come down upon me. It flashed through my mind +that, as I had often said, I was in more danger of being killed in +the streets of London than in any foreign city or on the sea; and I +concluded the occasion had come. I knew no more until I found myself +lying on my back in the mud after rain, but, seeing an aperture +between the two wheels, I made an attempt to crawl through. A crowd of +spectators had gathered round and voices shouted to me to remain where I +was until the wheels were drawn from me. Lying down in the mud again was +new to me. There was nothing over me but the omnibus, and as I had never +seen the bottom of one before, I examined it. + +It happened that a surgeon of the Humane Society was among the +spectators, who assisted in raising me up, and took me to the society's +rooms close by, where I was bathed and vaseline applied to my bruises. +My overcoat was torn and spoiled, but I was not much hurt. The hoof +of one horse had made black part of one arm. It appears I had fallen +between them, and had it not been for their intelligent discrimination I +might have been killed. I sent two bags of the fattest feeding cake +the Co-operative Agricultural Association could supply, as a present to +those two horses. I had no other means of showing my gratitude to them. +I was not so grateful to the Humane Society's surgeon, who sent me in +a bill for two guineas for attendance upon me, and threatened me with +legal proceedings if I did not pay it. As he accompanied me to the +National Liberal Club, whence I had set out, I sent him one guinea for +that courtesy, and heard no more of him, and did not want to. + +One evening, after leaving a Co-operative Board Meeting in Leman Street, +Whitechapel, I incautiously stepped into the roadway to hail a cab, when +a lurry came round a corner behind me and knocked me into the mud, which +was very prevalent that day. Some bystanders picked me up, and one, +good-naturedly, lent me a handkerchief with which to clear my face and +head, both being blackened and bleeding. The policeman who took charge +of me asked me where I wanted to be taken. I answered that I was on my +way to Fleet Street to an assembly of the Institute of Journalists to +meet M. Zola, then on a visit to us. "I think, sir," said the reflective +policeman, "we had better take you to the London Hospital," and another +policeman accompanied me in a passing tram, which went by the hospital +door. After some dreary waiting in the accident ward it was found that +I had no rib or bone broken, but my nose and forehead were bound up with +grim-looking plasters, and when I arrived at the hotel, four miles +away, where I was residing, and entered the commercial room, I had the +appearance of a prize-fighter, who had had a bad time of it in the ring. +Knowing the second day of an accident was usually the worst, I took an +early train home while I could move. My ribs, though not broken, were +all painful, and I remember squealing for a fortnight on being taken out +of bed. After my last adventure the Accident Insurance Company (though I +had never troubled them but once) refused to accept any further premium +from me, which I had paid twenty or thirty years, and left me to deal +with further providential escapes from my own resources. + +Thinking I was safe in Brighton near my own home, I was walking up the +Marine Parade, one quiet Sunday morning, when a gentleman on a bicycle +rushed down a bye street and knocked me down with a bound. Seeing two +ladies crossing the street I concluded matters were safe. The rider told +me that he had seen the ladies and had arranged to clear them, but as I +stepped forward he could not clear me, so gave me the preference. As I +had always been in favour of the rights of women, I said he did rightly, +though the result was not to my mind. He had the courtesy to accompany +me to my door, apologising for what he had done, but left me to pay the +bill of the physician, who was called in to examine me. When I recovered +my proper senses I found he had not left his card. Though I advertised +for him, he made no reappearance. + +Another serene Sunday morning I was crossing the Old Steine with a +son-in-law; nothing was to be seen in motion save a small dog-cart, +which had passed before we stepped into the road. Soon we found +ourselves both thrown to the ground with violence. A huge dog, as +large as the "Hound of the Baskervilles" described by Conan Doyle, had +loitered behind and suddenly discovered his master had driven ahead, and +he, like a Leming rat, made straight for his master, quite regardless of +our being in his way. + +In these and other adventures or _mis_-adventures, I need not say I +was never killed, though the escapes were narrow. To say they were +providential escapes would be to come under the rebuke of Archbishop +Whately, who, when a curate reported himself as providentially saved +from the terrible wreck of the _Amazon_, asked: "I to understand that +all less fortunate passengers were providentially drowned?" The belief +that the Deity is capricious or partial in His mercies is a form of +holy egotism which better deserves indictment than many errors of speech +which have been so visited. I have no theory of my many exemptions from +fatal consequences. All I can say is that, had I been a saint, I could +not have been more fortunate. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI. LIMPING THRIFT + +Thrift is so excellent a thing--is so much praised by moralists, so much +commended by advisers of the people, and is of so much value to the poor +who practise it--that it is strange to see it retarded by the caprices +of those who take credit and receive it, for promoting the necessary +virtues. Insurance societies continue to recommend themselves by +praising prudence and forethought which provides for the future. +Everybody knows that those who do not live within their income live upon +others who trust them. Those who spend all their income forget that if +others did as they do, there would be universal indigence. Insurance +companies are supposed to provide inducements to thrift, whereas they +put wanton obstacles in its way. + +He who takes out a policy on his life finds it a condition that if +he commits suicide his policy will be forfeited--the assumption of +insurance offices being that if a man insures his life he intends to cut +his throat. Can this be true? What warrant of experience is there for +this expectation? Is not the natural, the instinctive, the universal +love of life security sufficient against self-slaughter? If life be +threatened, do not the most thoughtless persons make desperate effort to +preserve it? Is it necessary for insurance societies to come forward +to supplement incentives of nature? Is not the fact that a man is +provident-minded enough to think of insuring his life, proof enough that +his object is to live? + +Answers to a series of questions are demanded from an insurer, which +average persons do not possess the knowledge to answer with exactitude; +yet failure in any fact or detail renders the policy void, although a +person has paid premiums upon it for thirty or forty years. + +Elaborate legal statements which few can understand are attached to a +policy which intimidates those who see them, from wishing to incur +such unfathomable obligation. A few plain words in plain type would be +sufficient for the guidance of the insured and the protection of the +company. The uncertainty comes from permitting questions of popular +interest to be stated by a member of the legal profession. If the terms +of eternal salvation had been drawn up by a lawyer, not a single soul +would be saveable, and the judgment day would be involved in everlasting +litigation. + +An office known to me had judges among its directors, from which it was +inferred by the insured that the office was straight. The holder of a +policy in it, making a will, his solicitor on inquiry found that the +office did not admit his birth. They had received premiums for forty +years, still reserving this point for possible dispute after the +policy-holder was dead, never informing him of it. When the insurance +was effected, they saw the holder of it and could judge his age to a +year. They saw the certificate of his birth, but gave him no assurance +that they admitted it and it had to be presented again. + +In another case within my knowledge, the owner of a policy obtained a +loan upon it, from a well-known lawyer in the City of London, who gave +the office, as is usual, notice of it. When the loan was repaid he again +wrote to the office saying he had executed a deed of release of his +claim on the policy. That the office was not satisfied with this +assurance was never communicated to the policyholder, and when many +years later, the lawyer who advanced the loan was dead, and his son who +succeeded him was dead, it transpired that the office did not believe +the assurances they had received. They admitted having received the +letter by the loan maker, but required to see the deeds relating to +the advance and release and repayment of the loan; and they gave the +policyholder to understand that he had better keep those deeds, as +his executors might be required to produce them at his death. It was a +miracle they were not destroyed. As the office had been legally notified +that the claim on the policy had ceased, it was never imagined that +deeds which did not relate to the office could be required by it. Under +this intimidation the deeds have now been kept. They are fifty years +old. This Scotland Yard practice of treating an insurer as a thief, +detracts from the fascination of thrift. + +Another instance was that of a policy-holder who applied to the office +for a loan, for which 1 per cent, more interest was demanded than his +banker asked, and a rise of 1 per cent, in case of delay in paying +the interest, and a charge was to be made for the office lawyer +investigating the validity of their own policy, upon which the office +had received premiums for forty-seven years. + +Directors, like the Doge of Venice, should have a lion's mouth open, of +which they have the key, when they might hear of things done in their +name, not conducive to the extension of thrift. + +No wonder thrift goes limping along, from walking in the jagged pathway +which leads to some insurance office. + +There are, as I know, offices straightforward and courteous, who foster +thrift by making it pleasant. Yet, as one who has often advocated +thrift, I think it useful to record my astonishment at the official +impediments to its popularity, which I have encountered. This is one +reason why Thrift, the most self-respecting of all the goddesses that +should be swift-footed, goes limping along. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII. MISTRUST OF MODERATION + +Temperance is restraint in use. Abstinence is entire avoidance, which is +the wise policy of those who lack the strength of temperance. + +How necessary entire abstinence is to many, I well know. When the drink +passion sets in, it leads to an open grave. The drinker sees it, and +knows it, and, with open eyes walks into it. He who realises the danger, +would, as Charles Lamb said-- + + "Clench his teeth and ne'er undo them, + To let the deep damnation trickle through them." + +For such there is no salvation save entire abstinence. Thousands might +have been saved but for the fanaticism of abstinence advocates who +opposed in Parliament every legal mitigation of the evil, thinking +the spectacle of it would force the legislature into prohibition. In +discussions, lectures, articles, I advocated the policy of mitigation, +and supported measures in Parliament calculated to that end, +encountering thereby the strong dissent of temperance writers who, not +intending it, connived at drunkenness as a temperance policy. + +Is it true that moderation is dead? Have teetotalers extinguished it as +a rule of daily life? Bishop Hall, in his fine way, said, "Moderation +was the silken string running through the pearl chain of all our +virtues." Was this a mistake of the illustrious prelate? Is not +temperance a wider virtue than total abstinence? Is there no possibility +of establishing temperance in betting? Can no limitation be imposed +on betting? The public know denunciatory preaching does not arrest it. +Innumerable articles are written against it. Letters about it are not +lacking in the editor's post-bag. Yet not a mitigation nor remedy is +suggested, save that of prohibition, which is as yet impossible. + +Betting is a kind of instinct, difficult to eradicate, but possible +to regulate. Games of hazard, as card-playing or dice, are naturally +seductive in their way. They are useful as diversions and recreation. +They exercise the qualities of judgment, calculation, and presence of +mind, as well as furnish entertainment. It is only when serious stakes +are played for that mischief and ruin begin. + +But the seduction of card gambling--once widely irresistible--is now +largely limited by the growing custom of playing only for small stakes. +Family playing or club playing, professedly for money, is held to +be disreputable. Formerly, drinking which proceeded to the verge of +intoxication, or went beyond it, was thought "manly." Now, where the +effects are seen in the face, or in business, it is counted ruinous to +social or professional reputation. Drinking is far more difficult +of mitigation than betting, because the temptations to it occur +much oftener. The capricious habit of going in search of luck can be +restrained by common sense. Temperance in betting would be easier to +effect were it not for the intemperate doctrine of total abstainers. By +defaming moderation they rob the holy name of temperance of its charm, +its strength and its trust. By teaching that "moderation is an inclined +plane, polished as marble, and slippery as glass, on which whoever sets +his foot, slips down into perdition," they destroy moderation by making +it a terror. It brings it into contempt and distrust, and undermines +self-confidence and self-respect. Yet it is by moderation that we live. +Moderation in eating is an absolute condition of health--as the Indian +proverb puts it: "Disease enters by the mouth." A man who disregards +moderation in work, or in pleasure, or diet, seldom lives out half his +days. He who has no moderation in judgment, in belief, in opinion, in +politics, or piety, is futile in counsel, and dangerous in his example. +If the disparagement of self-control has not destroyed the capacity and +confidence of moderation in the public heart, temperance in betting is +surely possible. + +Occasionally a minister of religion will ask me what I have to say about +betting. I answer, "It is difficult to extinguish it, but possible to +mitigate it." I give an instance from my own experience. + +Years ago when I was editing the _Reasoner_, Dr. Shorthouse contributed +a series of instructive papers on the physiology of racing horses. +Out of courtesy to him I took a ticket in a sweepstake in which he was +concerned, but in which I felt no interest. Months after, I saw that +the owner of the prize was unknown. My brother, knowing I had a ticket, +found it among my papers, and I received L50. I invested the amount, +intending to use the interest in some future speculation, if I made any, +which was not in my way. To that L50 there is added now more than L50 of +accumulated interest, with which I might operate if so inclined. Were +I in the crusade against betting I should say, "Form societies for +Temperance in Betting, of which the rules shall be-- + +'"1.--No member may make any bet unless he is able, having regard to his +social obligations, to lose the sum he risks, and is willing to lose it, +if he fails to win. + +'"2.--When he does win anything, he shall invest it, and bet with the +interest, and every time he wins, shall add the amount to the original +investment, which would give him a larger sum for future recreation in +that way."'" + +There is a Church of England Temperance Society which has the courage to +believe in moderation, and which makes it a rule of honour to keep +clear of all excess. Thousands in every walk of life have been saved to +society under this sensible encouragement, and where an occasional act +of excess would have been counted venial, it is regarded as revolting as +an act of indecency. + +I have known men in the betting ring who made up their mind that when +they acquired a certain sum they would retire, nor step again in the +treacherous paths of hazard--and they kept their resolution. But very +few are able to do this, having no trained will. + +I am against extremes in social conduct, save where reason shows it to +be a necessity. If Betting Limited was approved by the public, betting +at hazard would become as socially infamous as petty larceny. In the +dearth of suggestions for the mitigation of an evil as serious as that +of drunkenness, I pray forgiveness for that I have made. + +Previous to 1868, I assisted in establishing the _Scottish Advertiser_ +conducted by Walter Parlane. It bore the following motto, which I wrote +for it: + +"Whatever trade Parliament licenses, it recognises--and so long as +such trade is a source of public revenue, it is entitled to public +protection." + +I still agree with the sentiment expressed. All I meant was a reasonable +protection of the interest which the law had conceded to the trade. +The predatory impudence of the monopoly privileges the trade has since +extorted against the public interests was in no man's mind then. No one +intended that the concession of just protection should be construed into +extortion. As respects compensation, the temperate party refused it. I +was not of their opinion. I agreed with them that the publicans had +no logical claim for compensation, but I would have conceded it as +the lesser of two evils, just as it was better to free the West Indian +slaves by purchase than to continue their lawful subjection. If to +maintain in full force the legalised machinery of drunkenness be only +half as dreadful in its consequences as temperance advocates truly +represent, it would be cheaper as well as more humane to limit it by +graduated compensation. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII. PENAL CHRISTIANITY + +Predatory Christianity would not be far from the mark. Christianity is +of the nature of a penal settlement where independent-minded persons are +made to expiate the sin of thinking for themselves. There can be no real +goodwill in any one who is not for justice and equality. No cause can +command respect, or can claim a hearing from others which is not based +on absolute fairness. Many well-meaning Christians never inquire whether +the great cause they have at heart fulfils this condition. In the past +this omission has been a lasting cause of alienation from their views. + +Between 1850 and 1860 there sat in St. Bride's Vestry, London, a +group of Christian churchwardens who twice a year sent agents to seize +property from my house in Fleet Street, because I refused to pay tithes. +Yet there are people who tell us without tiring, of the depravity of the +French revolutionists and atheists who laid, or proposed to lay hands +upon Church property. Yet these Christian officers, acting under the +eye of an opulent rector in the wealthiest capital in the world, seized +clocks and bales of paper on the premises of heretics, in the name +of the Church! Did not this disqualify the Church as ministers of +consolation? The greatest consolation is justice. Is it not spiritual +effrontery to despoil a man, then invite him to the communion table? +In our day by predatory acts, they confiscate Nonconformist property to +maintain Church schools. Can it be that heaven recognised agents engaged +in petty larceny? Are they intrusted with the keys of heaven? May the +priest be a thief? Can a man expect to be admitted at the Golden Gate +with a burglar's passport in his hand? There exist penal laws against +all who do not stand on the side of faith, which Nonconformists as +well as Churchmen connive at, profit by, and maintain. Is not this +destructive of their spiritual pretensions? Can they preach of holiness +and truth without a blush? No higher criticism can condemn Christianity, +as it is self condemned by resting on predatoriness. No person who does +not stand on the Christian side can leave property for promoting his +views, as a Christian can for promoting his. No Christian conscience is +touched at this disadvantage imposed upon the independent thinker. No +sermon is preached against it. No Christian petition is ever set +up against it. Neither the Church conscience nor the Nonconformist +conscience is stirred by the existence of this injustice. It would cease +if they objected to it. But they do not object to it. + +There are prelates, priests, clergymen, and Nonconformist ministers +personally to be respected, who in human things I trust. But for their +spiritual vocation, is it possible to have respect or trust? To tender +consolation with one hand while they keep the other in my pocket is +an act never absent from my mind. I belong to a Secular party who seek +improvement by material means; but were there any body of Christians +upon whom that party imposed legal disadvantages in its own interest, +and kept them there by silence or connivance, Parliament would hear from +me pretty frequently until the insulting privileges were annulled. Any +pretension to having principles worthy of acceptance, or regard, or +even respect, would be impertinence in us so long as we were unfair to +others. + +I caused to be brought into Parliament a Bill in which Sir Philip +Manfield took the leading interest, entitled:-- + +Civil and Religious Liberty Extension. + +A BILL + +To secure the Extension of Civil and Religious Liberty. + +(Prepared and brought in by + +Mr. Manfield, Sir Henry Boscoe, + +Sir Geo. B. Sitwell, Mr. Picton, + +Mr. Illingworth, Mr. W. McLaren, + +Mr. H. P. Cobb, Mr. Howell, + +Mr. Chas. Feiiwick, Mr. Benn, + +Mr. Storey, and Mr. Hunter.) + +Ordered, by The House of Commons, to be Printed, 7 November 1893. + +PRINTED BY EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, + +PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. + +And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from +Eyre & Spottiswood, East Harding Street, Fleet Street, B.C., and 32, +Abingdon Street, Westminster, 8.W.; or John Menzies & Co., 19, Hanover +Street, Edinburgh, and 90, West Nile Street, Glasgow; or Hodges, Ptoois +6 Co., Limited, 104, Grafton Street, Dublin. + +[Price 1d.] + +[Bill 464.] + + +Memorandum. + +This Bill comprises but a small extension of religious equality. +Its object is to enable a man "to do what he likes with his own" for +admittedly lawful purposes. It is affirmed by legal decisions that any +man may believe what he pleases, speak what he pleases, publish his +honest conviction, provided he does it in a temperate and considerate +manner; and he may, while living, give money to maintain his views. All +this Bill seeks is that he may, at his death, bequeath money for such +purpose. This Bill merely proposes to extend a right which Christians +of every denomination enjoy, but which hitherto has been denied to those +who may conscientiously object to prevailing opinions. + + +BILL TO + +Secure the Extension of Civil and Religions Liberty. + +WHEREAS + +1 it is expedient to remove the Disabilities under which persons suffer +desirous of endowing, creating, and maintaining charitable and other +Trusts for religious and ethical inquiry, so as to further extend civil +and religious liberty: + +2 Nothing contained in this Act shall affect or be deemed to repeal +or contravene in any way such parts of the Act 9 George II., cap. 36, +relating to Mortmain as remain unrepealed, or any other Act amending +or altering such Act; and the provisions of all such Acts now in force +shall apply to all Trusts created under this Act. + +3 After the passing of this Act, notwithstanding any Act, Rule of Common +Law, Rule of Equity, or Rule of Practice of any Court of Justice now in +force to the contrary, it shall be lawful for any person to create and +endow, or create or endow, any Trust for inquiry into the foundations +and tendency of religious and ethical beliefs which from time to time +prevail, or for the maintenance and propagation of the results of such +inquiry. And the method of application of Bequests made for the +purposes aforesaid shall be, on the part of those responsible for their +administration, subject to revision at intervals of thirty years. + +4 Such Trust, whether created by Deed or Will, or by other instrument, +shall be deemed a charitable Trust, and shall be administered and given +effect to in all respects in as full and complete a manner as in the +case of religious and charitable Trusts now recognised by Law; and the +doctrine of _Cy-pres_ shall be applied to it when circumstances shall +arise requiring the application of such doctrine. + + +This Bill was not proceeded with. It required a member like Samuel +Morley, of known Christianity and a conscience, to carry it through the +House. + +A theory has been started that by registering an association, under the +Friendly Societies Act, it would legalise its proceedings and virtually +repeal all the laws confiscating bequests. No case of this kind has come +before the higher courts. To do the Government justice, I know no case +in which the Crown has interfered to confiscate a bequest on the ground +of heresy in its use. Members of families, legally entitled to the +property of a testator, may claim the money and get it. If the family +enters no claim the bequest takes effect. In the meantime the state of +the law prevents testators leaving property for the maintenance of their +opinions, and Christians bring charges against philosophical thinkers +for lack of generosity in building halls as Christians do chapels. +The Christian reproaches the philosopher for not giving, when he has +confiscated the bequest of the philosopher and the power of giving. + +Priests often mourn at the disinclination to listen to the tenets they +proclaim, and advertise in the newspapers the melancholy fact that only +one person in five is found on Sunday in a place of worship, and do not +remember how many persons remain away, not so much from dislike of the +tenets preached, as from dislike of the injustice which they would have +to share if they belonged to any Christian communion. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX. TWO SUNDAYS + +None of our Sunday Societies or Sunday Leagues seem ever to have thought +of the advantages of advocating as I have long done--two Sundays--a +Devotional Sunday and a Secular Sunday. + +The advocacy of two Sundays would put an end to the fear or pretence +that anybody wants to destroy the one we have. + +The Policy of a Second Sunday is a necessity. + +It would put an end to the belief that the working classes are mad, and +not content with working six days want to work on the seventh. + +It would preserve the present Sunday as a day of real rest and devotion. +The one Sunday we now have is neither one thing nor the other. Its +insufficiency for rest prevents it being an honest day of devotion. +Proper recreation is out of the question. There is too little time for +excursions out of town on the Saturday half-day holiday. Imprisonment in +town irritates rather than refreshes--mere rest is not recreation. + + "A want of occupation gives no rest + A mind quite vacant is a mind distressed." + +Those who would provide recreation in the country find it not worth +while for the precarious chance of half-day visitors. On a Secular +Sunday recreation would be organised and be more self-respecting than it +now can be. + +1. It would conduce to the public health. The manufacturing towns of +England are mostly pandemoniums of smoke or blast-furnace fumes. The +winds of heaven cannot clear them away in one day--less than forty-eight +hours of cessation of fire and fume would not render the air breathable. + +2. With two Sundays one would be left undisturbed, devoted to repose, to +piety, contemplation and improvement of the mind. + +3. It would give the preacher intelligent, fresh-minded and +fruitful-minded hearers, instead of the listless, wearied, barren-headed +auditors, who lower the standard of his own mind by forcing upon him the +endeavour to speak to the level of theirs. + +4. A second Sunday would give the people real rest when nobody would +frown upon them, nor preach against them, nor pray against them. + +5. It would be cheaper to millowners to stop their works two clear days +than run them on short days; and there need not be fears of claims of +further reduction of forty-eight hours a week on the part of workpeople, +who would have a real sense of freedom from unending toil with two days' +rest and peace. Manufacturing towns would no longer be, as now, +penal settlements of industry. Holiness would no longer be felt to be +wearisomeness. + +But for Moses, the changes here sought would have existed long ago. One +day's rest in the week was enough for Jews who were doing nothing when +one Sunday was prescribed to them. Had Moses foreseen the manufacturing +system, instead of saying "six days," he would have said, "Five days +shalt thou labour." + +If he deserves well of mankind who makes two blades of wheat grow where +only one grew before; he deserves better who causes two Sundays to exist +where only one existed before--for corn merely feeds the body, whereas +reasonable leisure feeds the mind. + + + + +CHAPTER XL. BYWAYS OF LIBERTY + +It is worth while recording the curious, not to say ignominious, ways +from which justice to new thought has emerged. In the 5 and 6 Victoriae, +cap. 38, 1842, the trial of eighteen offences were removed from +the jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace in Quarter Sessions and +transferred to the Assize Court. Persons accused were often subject to +magisterial intolerance, ignorance and offensiveness. + +Among the transferred offences were forgery, bigamy, abductions of +women. "Blasphemy and offences against religion," often of doubtful +and delicate interpretation, were two of the subjects taken out of +magisterial hands and placed under the decision of better-informed and +more responsible judges. "Blasphemy" was the general title under which +atheism, heresy, and other troubles of the questioning intellect were +designated. "Composing, printing or publishing blasphemous libels," were +included in the list of subjects to be dealt with in higher courts. Thus +better chances of justice were secured to thinkers and disseminators +of forbidden ideas. This new charter of thought, which conceded legal +fairness to propagandism, was not the subject of a special statute, but +was interpolated in a list, which read like an auctioneer's catalogue, +eluded Parliamentary prejudice, which might have been fatal, had it been +formally submitted to its notice. + +In the same manner the Affirmation Act, which changed the status of the +disbeliever in theology from that of an outlaw to that of a citizen, +crept into the Statute Book through a criminal avenue. A Bill to +admit atheists, agnostics, or other conscientious objectors to the +ecclesiastic oath, to make a responsible affirmation instead, was twice +or thrice thrown out of the windows of Parliament. Sir John Trelawny +used to say Mr. Gathorne Hardy (afterwards Lord Cranbrook) would rise +up, as I have seen him, with a face as furiously red as one of his own +blast furnaces at Lowmoor, and move its rejection. It was passed at +last by the friendly device of G. W. Hastings, M.P., the founder of the +Social Science Association, in a Bill innocently purporting to better +"promote the discovery of truth" by enabling persons charged with +adultery to give evidence on their own behalf. + +Then and there a clause was introduced which had no relation to the +extension of the right to give evidence, but upon the exemption of an +entirely different class of persons from the obligation of making oath. +Adulterers appear always to be Christians, since no case is recorded in +which any party in an adultery action professed any scruple at taking +the oath. Yet the Bill set forth that "any person in a civil or criminal +proceeding who shall object to make an oath," shall make a declaration +instead. When the Bill became an Act secular affirmation became +legalised. Thus by a clause treading upon the heels of adultery, the +witness having heretical and unecclesiastical convictions was enabled to +be honest without peril. + +In 1842, as I witnessed at the Gloucester Assizes, no barrister would +defend any one accused of dissent from Christianity, but apologised for +him and proclaimed his contrition for his sin of thinking for himself. +Slave thought of the mind, chained to custom, could be defended, but not +Free Thought, which is independent of everything save the truth. By the +Act of 1869* atheists ceased to be outlaws, and were henceforth enabled +to give evidence in their own defence. Wide-awake and vigilant as a +rule, bigotry was asleep that day. Thus by circuitous and furtive paths +the right of free thought has made its way to the front of the State. + + * 32 & 33 chap. 68, Evidence Amendment Act + + + + +CHAPTER XLI. LAWYERS' LICENCE + +The extraordinary legal licence of disordered and offensive imputation +has been limited since 1842. In those days, officers of the law, who +always professed high regard for morality and truth, had no sense of +either, when they were drawing up theological indictments. In the affair +at Cheltenham I delivered a lecture on Home Colonies (a proposal similar +to the Garden Cities of to-day), to which nobody objects now. As +I always held that discussion was the right of the audience, as +self-defensive against the errors of lecturer or preacher, an auditor, +availing himself of this concession, arose in the meeting and asked: +"Since I had spoken of duty to man, why I had said nothing of duty +to God"? My proper answer was, that having announced one subject, the +audience would have a right to complain that I had trepanned them into +hearing another, which they would not hear willingly. Such a reply would +have been received with outcries, and the Christian auditor would have +said, "I dare not answer the question--that I held opinions I was afraid +to disclose." All the while the questioner knew that an honest answer +might have penal consequences, which he intended to invoke. Christians +in those days lacked winning ways. I gave a defiant answer, which caused +my imprisonment. There was no imputation in my reply, which merely +produced merriment. + +Yet my indictment said I "was a wicked, malicious, evil-disposed +person," and that I "wickedly did compose, speak and utter, pronounce +and publish with a loud voice, of and concerning the Holy Scriptures, to +the high displeasure of Almighty God, and against the peace of our Lady +the Queen." Every sentence was an outrage, and nearly every word untrue. +I was not wicked, nor malicious, nor evil-disposed. I did not compose +the speech--it was purely spontaneous. I never had a loud voice. I never +referred to the Holy Scriptures, and I only disturbed the peace of our +Lady the Queen by a ripple of laughter. + +I carried no arms. I was known as belonging to the "Moral Force Party" +in politics, and was entirely unprepared to attack any person, let alone +one Omnipotent with "force of arms." The imputations in the indictment +were not only untrue, but contained more blasphemy than was in the mind +of any one to utter. I called the Judge's attention to the atrocity +of the language of the indictment He did not say there was anything +objectionable in it, which showed that the morality of the Bench was +not higher at that time than the morality of the magistrates. In the +_Cheltenham Chronicle_, known in the town as the Rev. Francis Close's +(afterwards Dean of Chichester) paper, I was described as a "miscreant" +for the answer I had given to my auditor. Mr. Justice Erskine had no +word of reproof for the infamous term applied to me. + +As I have elsewhere said, I spoke in my defence upwards of nine hours. +The length was owing to the declaration of one of the magistrates (Mr. +Bransby Cooper) that the Court would not hear me defend myself. Why I +defended myself at all, was from a very different reason. + +No barrister in those days would defend any one charged with dissenting +from the Christian religion. The counsel always apologised to the jury +for the opinions of his client, which admitted his guilt. This was done +at that very assizes at which I was tried. A Mr. Thompson, a barrister +in Court, who we mistook for a son of General Perronet Thompson, also +at the Bar, was engaged to defend George Adams, charged with an act +of heresy. The false Thompson expressed contrition for Adams, without +knowing or inquiring whether it was true that he felt it. Neither +counsel nor magistrate nor judge seemed to think it necessary that what +they said should be true. + +Thus my justification of the seeming presumption of defending myself was +the fact that no counsel would defend us without compromising us. I +had no taste for martyrdom. I did not want martyrdom; I did not like +martyrdom. Martyrdom is not a thing to be sought, but a thing to be +submitted to when it comes. + +This narrative shows that, in one respect, legal taste and truth have +improved in my time. + + + + +CHAPTER XLII. CHRISTIAN DAYS + +Many religious thinkers, ecclesiastical and Nonconformist, whose +friendship I value, will expect from me in these autobiographic +papers some account of the origin of opinions in which they have been +interested. Sermons, speeches, pamphlets, even books have been devoted +to criticism of my heresies. It is due to those who have taken so much +trouble about me that I should explain, not what the opinions were--that +would be irrelevant here--but how I came by them. That may be worth +recounting, and to some serious people perhaps worth remembering. + +Confessions are not in my way. They imply that something it was prudent +to conceal has to be "owned up." Of that kind I have no story to +tell. An apologia is still less to my taste. I make no apology for +my opinions. I do not find that persons who dissent from me, ever so +strenuously, think of apologising to me for doing so. They do right in +standing by their convictions without asking my leave. I hope they will +take it in good part if I stand by mine without asking theirs. + +My mother did not go to the Established Church, to which her father +belonged. She had natural piety of heart, and thought she found more +personal religion among the Nonconformists than in the Church. +She attended Carr's Lane Chapel, where the Rev. John Angell James +preached--who had a great reputation in Birmingham for eloquence and +for his evangelical writings. He was notorious in his day for denouncing +players and ambitious preachers seeking to excel in the arts of this +world; which caused the town people to say that he was dramatic against +the drama and eloquent against eloquence. His name, "Angell" James, +begat a belief that it was descriptive of himself, and that his +doctrines were necessarily angelic. It seems absurd, but I shared this +belief, and should not have been surprised to hear that he had some +elementary development of wings out of sight At the same time, Mr. James +gave me the impression of severity in piety, and my feeling towards him +was one of awe, dreading a near approach. + +Some years after, I held a discussion of several nights with the Rev. +W. J. Winks, of Leicester, who wrote to Mr. James to make inquiries +concerning me. In 1881, some thirty-five years after the discussion, +Mr. Winks' son showed me a letter which Mr. James wrote in reply saying: +"Holyoake was a boy in my Sunday School five years. He then went, +through the persuasion of a companion, to Mr. Cheadle's for a short +time, then to the Unitarian school (I believe entered a debating +society), and became an unbeliever. He is a good son and kind to his +mother, who is a member of one of our Baptist churches." + +The Rev. Mr. Cheadle, of whom Mr. James speaks, was a Baptist minister. +It is true I went to his church--my sister Matilda became a member +of it--but I never joined it The ceremony of baptism there was by +immersion. It seemed poetical to me when I read the account of baptism +in the Jordan; but I could not make up my mind to be baptised in a tank. +The reason, however, that I gave at the time was the stronger and +the true one--that I did not feel good enough to make a solemn public +profession of faith. Mr. James was misinformed; I never belonged to a +debating society. + +It was very good of him to write of me so, when he must have been very +much pained at the opinions he believed me then to hold. A man may +speak generously privately, but he means it when he says the same thing +publicly; and Mr. James did this. He wrote to a similar effect in the +_British Banner_ at the time when the Rev. Brewin Grant was painting +portraits of me in pandemonium colours. + +A small Sunday School Magazine came into my hands when I was quite a +youth. It was edited by the Rev. W. J. Winks. As communications were +invited from readers, I sent some evangelical verses to him. The first +time of my seeing my initials in print was in Mr. Winks's magazine. + +After a time, partly because the place of worship was nearer home, my +mother joined a little church in Thorpe Street, and later one in Inge +Street. They were melancholy little meeting-houses, and, as I always +accompanied my mother, I had time to acquire that impression of them. +A love of art was in some measure natural to me, and I thought that the +Temple of God should be bright, beautiful and costly. As I was taught to +believe that He was always present there, it seemed to me that He should +not be invited (and all our prayers did invite Him) into a mean-looking +place. It was seeing how earnestly my mother prayed at home for the +welfare of her family, how beautiful and patient was her trust +in heaven, and how trouble and misery increased in the household +notwithstanding, that unconsciously turned my heart to methods of +secular deliverance. She had lost children. I remember the consternation +with which she told us one Sunday night that her pastor, the Rev. Mr. +James, had stated in his sermon his fearsome belief that there were +"children in hell not a span long." That Mr. James believed it seemed +to us the same as its being in the Bible. Another time he preached about +the "sin against the Holy Ghost, which could never be forgiven, either +in this world or the world to come." My mother's distress at the thought +made a great impression upon me. A silent terror of Christianity +crept into my mind. That one so pure and devout as my mother, who was +incapable of committing sin knowingly, should be liable to commit this, +and none of us know what it was, nor how or when consequences so awful +were incurred, seemed to me very dreadful. + +The first death at home of which I was conscious, occurred at a time +when Church rates and Easter dues were enforced and augmented by a +summons. None of us were old enough to take the money to the public +office, and a little sister being ill, my mother, with reluctance, had +to go. A small crowd of householders being there on the same errand, +she was away some hours. When she returned, my sister was dead; and the +thought that the money extorted by the Church might have succoured, if +not saved the poor child, made the distress greater. My mother, always +resigned, made no religious complaint, but I remember that, in our +blind, helpless way, the Church became to us a thing of ill-omen. It was +not disbelief, it was dislike, that was taking possession of our minds. + +A man in my father's employ, who was superintendent of a Congregational +Chapel School at Harborne, a village some three or four miles from +Birmingham, asked me to assist as monitor in one of his classes. I was +so young that John Collins, who preached at times in the chapel, took me +by the hand, and I walked by his side. The distance was too far for +my little feet, and in winter the snow found its way through my +shoes. Collins afterwards became known as a Chartist advocate, and +was imprisoned in Warwick Gaol with William Lovett, on the ground of +political speeches. They jointly wrote the most intelligent scheme +of Chartist advocacy made in their day. Elsewhere I have recounted +incarcerations which befel many of my friends, proving that, within the +memory of living men, the path of political and other pilgrims lay by +the castles of giants who seized them by the way. + +In the Carr's Lane Sunday School I was considered an attentive, +devout-minded boy. All the hymns we sang I knew by heart, as well as +most parts of the Bible. The only classic of a semi-secular nature my +mother had in her house was Milton's "Paradise Lost"; we had besides +a few works of ponderous Nonconformist divines, of which Boston's +"Fourfold State" was one, to which I added Baxter's "Saints' Everlasting +Rest." I devoured whatever came in my way that was religious. Being +thought by this time capable of teaching the little that was deemed +necessary in an Evangelical Sunday school, I came to act as a +small teacher at the Inge Street Chapel. These people were known as +Paedo-Baptists--what that meant not a single worshipper knew. The point +of doctrine which they did understand was that children should not be +baptised when their small souls were in the jelly-fish state and knew +nothing. When their little minds had grown and had some backbone +of sense in them, and some understanding of religious things, the +congregation thought that sprinkling them into spiritual fellowship +might do them good. + +Though my mother admitted that adult baptism was more reasonable, she +never listened to the doctrine of baptism by immersion. She disliked +innovation in piety. She had great tenacity in quiet belief, and thought +public immersion a demonstration--very bad bathing of its kind--and +might give you a cold. + +Few young believers showed more religious zeal than I did in those days. +On Sunday morning there was a prayer on rising, and one before leaving +home. At half-past seven the teachers were invited to meet at chapel +to pray for a blessing on the work of the day. When school commenced at +nine o'clock the superintendent opened it with prayer, and closed it at +eleven with another prayer. Then came the morning service of the chapel, +at which I was present with my class. That included three prayers. At +two o'clock school began again, opening and ending with prayers by the +superintendent, or by some teacher who was asked "to engage" in it, +in his stead. At the close of the school, another prayer-meeting +of teachers was held, for a blessing on the work done that day. At +half-past six evening service took place, which included three +more prayers. Afterwards, devout members of the congregation held +a prayer-meeting on behalf of the work of the church. At all these +meetings I was present, so that, together with graces before and after +meals three times a day, and evening prayers at time of rest, heaven +heard from me pretty frequently on Sundays. Many times since I have +wondered at the great patience of God towards my unconscious presumption +in calling attention so often to my insignificant proceedings. Atonement +ought to include the sin of prayers. + +Nor was this all. At chapels in Birmingham (1834), when anniversary +sermons had been preached on Sunday by some ministers of mark, there +would commonly be a public meeting on Monday at which they would speak, +and to which I would go. On Tuesday evening I went to the Cherry Street +Chapel, where the best Wesleyan preachers in the town were to be heard. +On Wednesday I often attended the Carr's Lane sermon. Thursday would +find me at the Bradford Street chapel, where there usually sat before +me a beautiful youth, whose sensuous grace of motion gave me as much +pleasure as the sermon. I remember it because it was there I first +became conscious of the charm of human strength and proportion. I had +the Greek love of beauty in boys--not in the Greek sense, of which I +knew nothing. + +On Friday I generally went to the public prayer-meeting in Cherry +Street, because Wesleyans were bolder and more original in their prayers +than other Christians. In frequenting Wesleyan chapels I could not help +noticing that their great preachers were also men of great build, of +good width in the lower part of the face. Afterwards I found that their +societies elsewhere were mostly composed of persons of sensuous make. +Their preachers having strong voices, and drawing inspiration mainly +from feeling, they had boldness of speech; and those who had imagination +had a picturesque expression. Independents and Baptists often tried +to solve doubts, which showed that their convictions were tempered by +thought to some extent; but the Wesleyan knew nothing of thought--he put +doubt away. He did not recognise that the Questioning Spirit came from +the Angel of Truth. To the Wesleyans, inquiry is but the fair-seeming +disguise of the devil, and to entertain it is of the nature of sin. +These preachers, therefore, knowing nothing of the other side, were +under none of the restrictions imposed by intelligence, and they +denounced the sceptics with a force which seemed holy from its fervour, +and with a ferocity which only ignorance could inspire. So long as I +knew less than they, their influence over me continued. Yet it was not +vigorous denunciation which first allured me to them, though it long +detained me among them--it was the information I had received, that they +believed in universal salvation, which had fascination for me. There was +something generous in that idea beyond anything taught me, and my heart +cleaved to the people who thought it true. This doctrine came to me +with the force of a new idea, always enchanting to the young. Had I been +reared among Roman Catholics, I should have worshipped at the church +of _All_ Souls instead of the church of One Soul. Any Church whose name +seemed least to exclude my neighbours would have most attracted me. + +All the fertility of attendance at chapels recounted did not, as the +reader will suppose, produce any weariness in me, or make me tired +of Christianity. The incessant Bible reading, hymns, prayer, and +evangelical sermons of Carr's Lane, Thorpe Street, and Inge Street did +tire me. There was no human instruction in their spiritual monotony. My +mind aches now when I think of those days. When I took courage to visit +various chapels, the variety of thought gave me ideas. The deacons of +the Inge Street Chapel bade me beware that "the rolling stone gathered +no moss."* Yet I did gather moss. + + * Thomas Tusser, of the sixteenth century, to whom the + phrase is ascribed, said: "The stone that is rolling can + gather no moss." + +Though I was then hardly fifteen, the other teachers would gently ask me +if I would engage in prayer in their meetings, which meant praying aloud +among them. The idea made me tremble. I was very shy, and the sound of +my own voice was as a thing apart from me, for which I was responsible, +and which I could not control. Then, what should I say? To say what +others said, to utter a few familiar scriptural phrases, diluted by +ignorant earnestness, seemed to me, even at that time, an insipid +offering of praise. Then it occurred to me to notice any newness of +thought and expression I heard in week-day discourses, and with them I +composed small prayers, which brought me some credit when I spoke them, +as they were unlike any one else's. But only once--at a Friday night's +church meeting--did I pray with natural freedom. Afterwards I avoided +requests to pray, as I thought it unreal to be thinking more of the +terms of the prayer than the simple spirit of it, and I hoped that one +day fitting language would become natural to me. + +It is proof that my mind was as free from scientific inspiration as +any saint's, since I had no misgiving as to the effect of prayer. If +Christianity were preached for the first time now to well-to-do people, +able to help themselves, it would be treated like Mormonism in America; +but to the poor who have neither money nor reflection, Christianity, as +a praying power, is a very real thing. People who have no idea that help +will, or can, come in any other way, are glad to think that it may +come from heaven. It had never been explained to me that low wages +were caused by there being too many labourers in the market, or that +ill-health is caused by poor food and hard condition. It was my daily +habit to pray for things most necessary and always deficient, not for +myself alone, but for others to whom in their need I would give, at any +cost to myself--to whom, if disinterested prayers were answered, any God +of sympathy would give. Yet, though no prayer was answered, it did not +strike me that that method of help failed. Prayer was no remedy, yet I +did not see its futility. Had I spent a single hour only in "dropping +a bucket into an empty well, never drawing any water up," I should not +have continued the operation without further inquiry. It never struck me +that, if preachers could obtain material aid by prayer, or knew any form +of supplication by which it could be obtained, they might grow rich in +a day by selling copies of that priceless formula. No Church would be +needy, no believer would be poor. + +In those days Christianity was a very real thing to me. What was part of +my conviction was also part of my life. So far as I had knowledge, I was +like the parson of Chaucer, who-- + + "Christ's love and his Apostles twelve + Taught, and _first he followed it himselve_." + +This I did with a zeal of spirit which neither knew nor sought any +evasion of the letter. + +At this time there came to Birmingham one Rev. Tully Cribbace, a +middle-aged man with copious dark hair, pale, thin face, and earnest, +unceasing speech. The zealous members of many congregations went to hear +him. He interested me greatly. He rebuked our Churches, as is the way +with new, wandering preachers--_without appointments_--for their want of +faith in the promise of Christ, who had said that "Whatsoever ye shall +ask in My name, that will I do." I had the belief, I had asked in His +name; but nothing came of it. With insufficient clothing I had gone out +in inclement weather to worship, or to teach, trusting in that promise +that I should be protected if no gifts of clothing came from heaven. No +gifts did come, but illness from exposure often did. In a very anxious +spirit I went to Mr. Cribbace's lodgings in Newhall Street, where he had +said inquirers might call upon him. When he asked me "what I wished to +say," I at once, not without emotion, replied, "Do you really believe, +sir, what you said? Is it true that what we ask in faith we shall +receive? I have great need to know that." + +My seemingly abrupt and distrustful question was not a reflection upon +his veracity of speech. Mr. Cribbace quite understood that from my +tone of inquiry. It never struck me that his threadbare dress, his +half-famished look, and necessity of "taking up a collection" the +previous night "to pay expenses," showed that faith was not a source of +income to him. Yet he had told us that faith would be all that to us, +and with a sincerity which never seemed to me more real on any human +lips. He did not mistake the earnestness or purport of my question. He +parried with his answer with many words, and at length said that "the +promise was to be taken with the provision that what we asked for would +be given, if God thought it for our good." Christ did not think this; He +did not say it; He did not suggest it. Knowing how many generations of +men to the end of the world would imperil their lives on the truth of +His words, He could not suffer treacherous ambiguity to creep into His +meaning by omission. His words were: "If it were not so, I would have +told you." There was no double meaning in Christ, no reticence, no +half-statement, leaving the hearer to find out the half-concealed words +which contradicted the half-revealed. All this I believed of him, and +therefore I trusted Christ's sayings. + +St. Chrysostom, in the prayer of the Church Litany, does not stop, but +keeps open the gap through which this evasion crawls. "Almighty God," he +says, "who dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in +Thy name, Thou wilt grant _their_ requests. Fulfil _now_, O Lord, the +desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most _expedient_ +for them." Christ was no juggler like St. Chrysostom. A prayer is a +deposit--the money of despair paid into a bank; but no one would pay +money into a bank if they were told they would get back only as much as +was good or expedient for them. + +My heart sank within me as Mr. Cribbace spoke the words of evasion. +There was nothing to be depended upon in prayer. The doctrine was a +juggle of preachers. They might not mean it or think it straight out, +but this is what it came to. Christ a second time repeated the words: +"If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it." However it might be +true in apostolic days, it was not true in ours, and the preachers knew +it, and did not say so. Christ might as well be dead if the promise +had passed away. Christianity had no material advantage to offer to the +believer, whatever else it may have had. + +Mr. Cribbace spoke the truth now; I could see that. Never did that +morning pass from my mind. That answer did not make me disbelieve, but I +was never again the same Christian I had been before. The foundation on +which every forlorn, helpless, uninformed, trusting believer rests had +slipped--slipped away from under my feet. Whatever Christianity might +be, it was no dependence in human need. The hard, material world was not +touched by prayer. How else it could be moved I then knew not. + +For myself, I did not think about the terms of the Bible, but believed +them. If there was an exception, it related to the saying of Christ that +every "idle word" men should speak should be recorded against them. If +"idle words" were to go down, then angry or wicked words would also be +recorded. At night, as I made my last prayer, I tried to think over +what I had said or done which might have been added to that serious +catalogue, and thus I suffered more than my fair share of alarm. I did +not know then that the rich have a much smaller account against them +above than the poor, and that they fare better than the indigent in +heaven, as they do on earth. A gentleman has his house and grounds, no +one he dislikes can enter his home. His neighbour cannot much annoy him; +he is at a distance from him. If he has a feud with his annoyer, he does +not meet him above once a year, perhaps at a county ball, and there he +can "cut" him; while a poor man lives in a house where he has several +fellow-lodgers, who have done him a shabby turn, and whom he meets four +or five times a day on the stairs. Evil thoughts come into his heart, +evil words escape his lips, and he himself employs a recording angel +all his time in taking down his offences, while the rich man has, +peradventure, only a single note made against his name once a week. + +It was after I had been some time at the Mechanics' Institution--which +was quite a new world of thought to me--that I was asked if I would +conduct a class at the New Meeting Unitarian Sunday school. The rooms +in which the Mechanics' Institution was held were those of the Sunday +school of the Old Meeting-house, no other being obtainable. Since +anything I knew had been taught me by these generous believers, it +seemed to me natural that they should invite me to assist in one of +their schools, and that I should comply. My consenting was not because +I shared their tenets. The Rev. Mr. Crompton, whose sister subsequently +became Mrs. George Dawson, asked me after a time what my view was as to +the unity of Deity. My answer was that I believed in three Deities. +I had never thought of the possibility of all this great world being +managed by _one_ Being. My preference for the acquaintance of Unitarians +was that there was so much more to be learned among them than among any +other religious body I had known. My invitation to their school was to +teach Euclid to one class, and the simpler elements of logic to another. +These were subjects never thought of in the Evangelical Sunday schools +to which I had belonged. The need of human knowledge had become very +clear to me. I could see that young men of my age trained in Unitarian +schools were very superior to Evangelical youths, who had merely +spiritual information. Devoutness I knew to be goodness; but I could +see it was not power. My personal piety did not conceal from me my +inferiority to those better informed. This made me grateful to the +Unitarians, who cared on Sundays for human as well as spiritual things; +and I thought it a duty to help them, as far as my humble attainments +might enable me. + +As soon as this was known in the Inge Street church, to which I was +considered to belong, the elders spake unto me thereupon. I was invited +to a prayer-meeting, which I readily consented to attend, when I found +that all the prayers were directed against me--were mere solicitations +to heaven to divert my heart from continuing to attend the Unitarian +schools. It would be wronging my sincere and well-meaning friends +of that time, to recount the deterrents they used and the fears they +expressed. Religion refined by human intelligence was regarded then as a +form of sin. At the end I did not dissent from their view, but I made +no promise to do what they wished. It seemed to me a sin that any youths +should be as ignorant as I had been, and I refuse to give them such +knowledge as I had acquired. In this matter of teaching I said it +was right to do as the Unitarians did, but wrong to believe as they +believed. This opinion I held all the while I was a teacher in their +Sunday school. + +Had these prayerful friends of mine succeeded in their object of +persuading me from association with these larger believers, they would +have shut the door of freedom, effort and improvement for me. My lot +would have been to spend my days inviting others, with much earnestness, +to cherish like incapacity. Yet I have no word of disrespect for their +honest-hearted endeavour to advise me, as they thought, for the best. +It was the desire of knowledge which saved me from their dangerous +temptation. + +The Meeting-house to whose Sunday school I went, was the one where Dr. +Priestley formerly preached. It was my duty on a Sunday to accompany my +class into chapel during the morning service. The scholars' seats were +near the gallery stairs. The other teachers sat at the end of the forms, +farthest from the stairs. I always chose the end nearest the stairs. +When invited to sit elsewhere I never explained the reason why I did +not. My reason was my belief that the wickedness of the preacher, in +addressing only one Deity, would one day be resented by heaven, and that +the roof would fall in upon the congregation. As I did not share their +faith, I thought I ought not to partake of their fate; and I thought +that by being near the stairs I could escape--if I saw anything +uncomfortable in the behaviour of the ceiling, which I frequently +watched. Being the person who would first understand what was about to +happen, I concluded that my descent would be unimpeded by the flying and +unsuspecting congregation. It seems to me only yesterday that I sat +calculating my chance of escape as Mr. Kentish's sonorous and +instructive sermon was proceeding. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIII. NEW CONVICTIONS WHICH CAME UNSOUGHT + +These singular instances of bygone experience of a religious student, +of which few similar have ever been given, must be suggestive--perhaps +instructive--to religious teachers in church and chapel, engaged in +inculcating their views. How much happier had been my life had there +then existed that tolerance of social effort, that regard of social +needs, that consideration of individual aspiration, which happily now +prevail. This chapter will conclude what Herbert Spencer would call the +"natural history" of a mind, or, as Lord Westbury would say, "what I am +pleased to call my mind." + +One evening, at the Mechanics' Institution, Birmingham, I was told that +Robert Owen, who had unexpectedly arrived in town, was likely to speak +in Well Lane, Allison Street, and was asked "would I go?" Mistaking +the name for Robert Hall, I said I would. Of Robert Owen I had scarcely +heard; of the Rev. Robert Hall (who had denounced all deflectors from +the Baptist standard with brilliant bitterness) I had heard, admired +(and do still), and much desired to see. Great was my disappointment +when I discovered the mistake. As Mr. Owen passed me on entering the +room, I--a mere youth--looked at the aged philosopher (who had been +working for human welfare long before I was born) with an impertinent +pity. I felt also some real terror for his future, as I thought what +a "wicked old man" he must be. I had been assured by Robert Hall that +morality without faith was of no avail in the eye of God. + +Eventually it became known at the works where I was employed that I had +been to hear Robert Owen, and remarks were made. In those days (1837-8) +advocates of social reform were called "Socialists." Some of the remarks +made against them were unjust Some "Socialists" were fellow-students at +the Mechanics' Institution. These commentators made the usual mistake of +concluding that the social thinkers in question must hold the opinions +it was inferred that they held. At that time I did not understand this +way of reasoning, though no doubt I used it myself, as those among whom +I was reared knew no better. Everybody was sure that an opponent must +mean what you inferred he meant, and charged against him the inference +as a fact--never thinking of inquiring whether it was so. If I was not +misled by those confident arguments, it was because I knew that the +persons accused were leal and kind in daily life. Out of mere love +of fairness I defended them to my working associates, as far as my +knowledge went. Being told that "I did not know what their principles +were" caused me to read their pamphlets and to hear some lectures. For +a year or more I used the knowledge thus gained against the uninformed +impressions of their aspersers around me. + +Well do I remember that one day, as I passed two workmen in the +mill-yard, one said to the other, "That is young Holyoake the sceptic." +They did not know that "sceptic" merely meant a doubter in search of +evidence. They used the word in the brutal sense of one who disbelieved +the truth, knowing it to be the truth. The term startled me, as I +neither believed nor assumed to believe what I had reported as the +opinions of my friends. For myself, I had no thought of holding their +opinions. The heresy supposed to be included in them was, indeed, my +aversion. Then I made the resolution to examine their principles, with a +view to show what arguments I could myself bring against them. Great +was my dismay when, after months of thought, I found that the questioned +tenets seemed, on the whole, to be true. These tenets were that wise +material circumstances were likely to have a better influence on men +than bad ones; and that, men having general qualities which they have +inherited, the treatment of the worst should be tempered by compassion +for their ill-fortune. Then it concerned me no more what any one said of +me. It was as though I had passed into a new country, leaving behind +me the barren land of supplication for a land of self-effort and +improvement; and entered into the fruitful kingdom of material +endeavour, where help and hope dwelt. Heretofore doubt and perturbation +as to whether I was of the "elect" had oft agitated me. Now, I had no +bonds in the death of my disproved opinions--no struggle, no misgivings. +Without wish or effort of mine, I was delivered by reason alone from the +prison-house in which I had dwelt with its many terrors. Not all at once +did the terrors go. They long hovered about the mind like evil spirits +tempting me to distrust the truth written in the Book of Nature, of +which I believed God to be the author. + +Some time before this change in my opinion occurred I had taken in, out +of my slender savings, the beautiful Diamond edition of the Rev. +Mr. Stebbing's Bible in parts. The type was very fine, the outline +illustrations seemed to me very beautiful; they affect me with +admiration still. It was the first book with marks of art about it that +I had possessed. I had it bound in morocco, with silver clasps. It was +quite a wonder in the workshop when I took it there. To possess many +things I never cared, but if I had only one, and it had some beauty and +finish in it, it was to me as though I had a light in my room at night, +and the thought of it made me glad in the dark. A fellow-workman of +sincere piety, whom I respected very much, coveted this Bible, and +induced me to sell it to him, which I did, as I had it in my mind to get +another bound in a yet daintier way. + +Simple and natural as was this transaction, it was misconstrued. It was +said I had "sold" my Bible, as though it was my act instead of being +the act of another. Next it was reported that I had "burnt" it. Thus I +became a founder of myths without knowing it. Nevertheless, it gave me +pain--for nothing was more alien to my mind, my taste and reverence, +than the act imputed to me. But what made a greater impression upon me, +it being inconceivable, and unforeseen, was that he who induced me to +part with my valued volume never came forward to say so. The inspiration +of Christianism I had taken to be personal truth which could be +trusted. In the noblest minds it is so still. But for the first time I +found a Christian could be mean. + +It was about this period that a poor woman I knew drew near to death +from consumption. At times I visited and read the Scriptures to her. One +night I asked her if she would like some one to pray with her. As she +wished it, I induced one with whom I had been a Sunday school teacher to +come with me one evening and pray by her side. + +The consolation was very precious to her, and that is why I sought it +for her. At no time did it seem to me that everybody should be of one +opinion, since honesty of life consists in living and dying in that +opinion of the truth of which you are convinced. This man whom I took +with me was a workman, poor, mean, and utterly uninformed. In religious +sympathy he inclined to the Ranters, who are not at all melodious +Christians. Yet heaven might respect his prayer as much as a bishop's, +for he had given up his night, after a hard day's labour, to afford what +humble consolation he could to this poor woman. + +One sentiment that had always possessed me was a pleasure in vengeance. +I had quite a distinct passion of hatred where I was wronged, and had +no means of resistance or redress. A man in my father's employ did +something very unfair to me when I was quite a youth, and during nine +years that I worked by his side I did not forget it or forgive it. The +Lord's prayer taught me that I should "forgive those who trespassed +against me," and at times I thought I had forgiven him, but I never had. +Christian as I was, the revengeful lines of Byron long influenced me:-- + + "If we do but watch the hour, + There never yet was human power, + That could evade, if unforgiven, + The patient search and vigil long + Of him who treasures up a wrong." + +No sermon, no prayer, no belief, no Divine command, rendered me neutral +towards those I disliked. Neither authority nor precept had force which +gave no reason for amity. But when I came to understand Coleridge's +saying that "human affairs are a process," I could see that patience and +wise adaptation of condition was the true method of improvement, since +the tendency to nobleness or baseness was alike an inheritance nurtured +by environment. If tempest of the human kind came, precaution and not +anger--which means ignorance taken by surprise--was the remedy. Pity +takes the place of resentment. Clearly, vengeance did but add to the +misfortune of destiny. + +I oft pondered Hooker's saying, that "anger is the sinew of the soul, +and he that lacketh it hath a maimed mind." Nevertheless, I am content +to be without that "sinew." Anger is rather the epilepsy of the +understanding than the dictate of reason. I had come to see that there +are no bad weeds in Nature--but much bad gardening. The reasons of amity +had become clear to me, and that Helvetius was right. We should "go on +loving men, but not expecting too much from them." Even Hooker could not +win me back to the profitless pursuits of anger and retaliation. + +These bygone days left their instruction with me evermore. In them I +learned consideration for others. Whatever my convictions, I was always +the same to my mother. The wish to change her views never entered my +mind. She had chosen her own. I respected her choice, and she respected +mine. In after years, when I visited Birmingham, I would read the Bible +to her. She liked to hear my voice again as she had heard it in earlier +days. When her eyes became dim by time I would send her large type +editions of the New Testament, and of religious works which dwelt upon +the human tenderness of Christ. The piety of parents should be sacred +in the eyes of children. Convictions are the food of the soul, which +perisheth on any other diet than that which can be assimilated by the +conscience. + +One of the bygones which had popularity in my day was silence, +where explicitness was needed. Nothing is more grateful to the young +understanding than clear, definite outlines. _The Spectator_ (July 23, +1891) said that "Dean Stanley could not at any time have exactly defined +what his own theology really was." George Dawson, who charmed so many +audiences and was under no official restraint, never attempted it. +Emerson, who criticised everybody who had an opinion, never disclosed +his. Carlyle, who filled the air with adjurations to sincerity of +conviction, carefully concealed his own. They who take credit for +advising the public what to believe should avow their own belief. Otway, +crossing the street to Dryden's house, wrote upon his door: "Here lives +Dryden, a poet and a wit." Seeing these words as he came out, Dryden +wrote under them: "Written by Otway opposite," which might mean: "This +is but a partial and friendly estimate written by my neighbour who lives +over the way, opposite to me"; or, it might mean that "It is written by +Otway--the very 'opposite' of 'a poet and a wit.'" Janus sentences +are the very grace of satire, because they offer a mitigating or a +complimentary construction; but in questions of conscience, ethics, or +politics, uncertainty is an evil--an evil worth remembering where it can +be avoided. + +"Socialists" were liable to indictment who officiated in a place not +licensed as a place of worship. Such a license could be obtained on +making a declaration on oath that their discourses were founded on +belief in the cardinal tenets of the Church. Two social speakers were +summoned to swear this. One was the father of the late Robert Buchanan. +He and his colleague did so swear to avoid penalties, though they swore +the contrary of the truth. I joined with other colleagues in protesting +against this humiliation and ignominy. And in another way imprisonment +came to all of us. Silence or the oath was the alternative from which +there was no escape. The question then arose, "Was the existence of +Deity so certainly known to men that inability to affirm it justified +exclusion from citizenship?" Thus it was of the first moment to inquire +whether it was so or not, and what was regarded as an atheistical +investigation became a political necessity in self-defence. Was there +such conclusive knowledge of the Unknowable as to warrant the law in +making the possession of it a condition of justice and civil equality? +Thus the refutation of Theism became a form of self-defence, and without +foreseeing it, or intending it, or wishing it, I was, without any act of +my own, engaged in it. + +This narrative concerns those who deplore the rise and popularity of +independent thinkers, alien to received doctrine. Few persons are aware +how or why agnostic advocacy was welcomed and extended. Surely this is +worth remembering. The tenet bore statute fruit, for the Affirmation Act +came out of it. + +It will be a satisfaction to students of spiritual progress to know that +the extension and legalisation of the rights of conscience, brought no +irreverence with it. The sense that the nature of Deity was beyond the +capacity of dogmatism to define, created a feeling of profound humility +in the mind; the incapacity which disabled me from asserting the +infinite premises of Theism rendered denial an equal temerity. What +tongue can speak, what eye can see, what imagination can conceive the +marvels of the Inscrutable? I think of Deity as I think of Time, which +is with us daily. Who can explain to us that mystery? Time--noiseless, +impalpable, yet absolute--marshals the everlasting procession of nature. +It touches us in the present with the hand of Eternity, and we know it +only by finding that we were changed as it passed by us. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIV. DIFFICULTY OF KNOWING MEN + +Events of the mind as well as of travel may be worth remembering. +Columbus, high on a peak of Darien, saw an unexpected sight--never to +be forgotten. Of another kind, as far as surprise was concerned, though +infinitely less important in other respects, was my first reading of a +passage of Pascal, which more than any other revealed to me a new world +of human life. The passage was the well-known exclamation:-- + +"What an enigma is man? What a strange, chaotic and contradictory being? +Judge of all things, feeble earth-worm, depository of the Truth, mass of +uncertainty, glory and butt of the universe, incomprehensible monster! +In truth, what is man in the midst of Nature? A cypher in respect to the +infinite; all, in comparison with nonentity: a mean betwixt nothing and +all." + +Everybody knows that not only in different nations, but in the same +nation, mankind present a strange variety of qualities and passions. +The English are outspoken, the Scotch reticent, the Irish uncertain, the +American alert, the French ceremonial. Even our English counties have +their special ways of action. London is confident, Birmingham dogged, +Manchester resolute, New-castle-on-Tyne has greater modesty and greater +pride than any other place. Yes; every one agrees with Pascal that man +is a bewildering creature. He is proud and abject, generous and mean, +defiant and craven, standing up for inflexible truth, and lying in his +daily life. As Byron says, "Man is half dust, half deity." If we go far +enough in our search we find people of all qualities. Everybody sees +these characteristics of countries and classes. Everybody recognises +these conflicting elements of character in a race; but what amazed me +was to perceive that they are to be found in _each_ person in varying +proportion and force--they are all there. The varieties of the race are +to be found in the same individual. No man who understands this +ever looks upon society as he did before. Not knowing this fact, not +calculating upon it, error, distrust, disappointment, estrangement, grow +up needlessly. + +Twice within the public recollection, two political parties in England +have been formed, and made furious by a common ignorance. During the +great Slave War in America, the Southern planter was held up as a +gentleman of polished manners, of cultivated tastes, a paternal master +and courteous host By others he was described as selfish, sensual, +tyrannical, with whom any guest who betrayed sympathy with slaves had an +unpleasant time. Both accounts were true. The same model gentleman who +showered upon you courtly attentions would tar and feather you if he +found you display emotion when you heard the shriek of the slave under +the whip. Later, Parliament, the press, and the Church were divided upon +the character of the Turk. One party said he was tolerant, picturesque, +abounding in concessions and hospitality. The other party described him +as subtle, evasive, treacherous, vicious, and cruel. No one seemed to +recognise that all the while he was both these things. He was an +adept in personal deference, generous in professions, evasive and +treacherous--in short, "Abdul the Damned." To those from whom the Sultan +had anything to hope, his graciousness was superb--to those at his mercy +he was rapacious and murderous. + +The Circassians will offer their daughters to the Turk--they send +their virgin beauty into the market of lust, and then fight for the +purchasers. The Hindoos seem a gentle, unresisting, rice-minded people; +yet have such capacity of heroic and vigilant reticence, that though we +have been masters of India for one hundred and fifty years, it is said +by experienced officials, we do not know the real mind of a single man. +The Zulus have savage instincts and habits; but they are honest, speak +the truth, and despise a man who is angry or excited. + +Thiers, the great French statesman, had trust in individuals, but +despised the masses. Yet the masses pulled down the Bastile, where only +gentlemen were imprisoned and not themselves. The masses were moved by a +generous dislike of oppression as strongly as Thiers himself. + +President Washington, looking only at the corruption of classes he came +in contact with, predicted evil to the future of American society. Yet, +one hundred years after, a latent nobleness of sentiment appeared, which +gave a million of lives in order that black men with large feet, as was +scornfully said, should be free. + +Because oppression had made, for years, assassination frequent in +Italy, many thought every man carried a stiletto, and did not know that +Italians are more patient and cooler-headed on great occasions than +Englishmen or Frenchmen. + +The Irish do not conceal that they are our enemies, and ruin every +English movement in which they mingle, yet who have such brightness, +drollery of imagination as they? Or who will stand by a friend of their +country at the peril of their lives without hesitation as they do? + +The Scotch display in contest a sort of divine ferocity, such as we read +of in the Old Testament. Their battle song at Flodden ran thus:-- + + "Burn their women, lean and ugly, + Burn their children, great and small, + In the hut and in the palace, + Prince and peasant--burn them all. + + Plunge them in the swelling torrents + With their gear and with their goods; + Spare--while breath remains--no Saxon, + Drown them in the roaring floods." + +The Irish could not excel this rage of hell. Yet the same race gave us +Burns and Sir Walter Scott, which no seer would have predicted or any +would believe. The Scotch have deliberate generosity. Though narrow in +piety they are broad in politics and have veracity in their bones. + +It concerns us to notice that in every _individual_ there is the same +variety of qualities which exist in the race. Not to understand this is +to misunderstand everybody with whom we come in contact. Take the +case of a man in whom personal ambition predominates. That implies +the existence of other qualities which may be even estimable, though +subordinated to ends of power. William, the Norman Conqueror, had a +gracious manner to any who lent themselves to further his ends; but, as +Tennyson tells us, he was "stark as Death to those who crossed him." +The first Napoleon gave thrones to generals who would occupy them in his +interest, or as his instruments. The third Napoleon was very courteous +even to workmen, so long as he believed they would be on his side in +the streets; but their throats were not safe in the corridor outside his +audience chamber, if he distrusted them. + +This unexpected blandishment confused the strong brain of John Arthur +Roebuck, who, under the influence of Bonapartean courtesy, forgot that +he had become Emperor by perjury and murder. A man caring above all +things for power will give anything to acquire it or hold it. If any one +will help him even to plunder others, he will share the plunder with a +liberal hand among his confederates, who proclaim him as a most amiable, +generous, and disinterested gentleman. To them he is so. The political +world and private life also abounds in men who, like Byron's captain, +was the "best-mannered gentleman who ever scuttled a ship or cut a +throat." + +There are very few who say as Byron elsewhere wrote:-- + + "I wish men to be free, + From Kings or mobs--from you or me." + +The point of importance is that in judging a man we should accustom +ourselves to see all about him, and, while we hate the evil, not shut +our eyes to what there may be of good in the same person. + +For objects of popularity men will encounter peril in promoting measures +of public utility, and though they care more for themselves than for the +public, the public profit by their ambition. Provided it is understood +that these advocates are not to be depended upon any longer than it +answers their purpose, nobody is discouraged when they take up with +something else, which better serves their ends. + +Men like Mr. Gladstone have a passion for conscience in politics; or, +like Mr. Bright, have a passion for justice in public affairs; or, +like Mr. Mill, have a passion for truth; or, like Mr. Cobden, who had +a passion for national prosperity founded on freedom and peace--will +encounter labour and obloquy with courage, and regard applause only as +a happy accident, caring mainly for the consciousness of duty done. +However, this class of men are not numerous, but command honour when +known. + +Men of the average sort very much resemble fishes, except that they are +less quiet and not so graceful in their movements. There is the Pholas +Dactylus, which resembles a small, animated sausage with a pudding head. +His plan of life is to bore a perfectly tubular passage in the soft sand +rock on the sea-side, and lie there with his cunning head at the mouth +of his dwelling and snap up the smaller creatures who wander heedlessly +by. Sometimes a near relative has made a dwelling-place at right angles +to the direction in which he has elected to make his residence. He does +not consult the rights or convenience of any one, but bores straight +through his father or his mother-in-law. There are many persons who +do the same thing. There is the subtle and picturesque devil fish, who +hides himself in the sedge and opens his mouth like a railway tunnel. +With the fishing-rod which Nature attaches to his nose, the end of which +is contrived like a bait, he switches the bright water until fish run +forward, when he draws it cleverly up, and the foolish, impetuous, and +unobservant creatures rush down his cavernous and treacherous throat He +offers a bait, not to feed them, but to feed himself. If people had +only eyes to see, there are devil fish about in the sedges of daily +life--political, clerical, and social. There is the octopus, with its +long, aimless arms, as silent and lifeless as seaweed. It lies about as +idle, as soft, as flexible, and as easy as error, or intemperance, or +dishonesty. But let any edible thing approach it, and every limb starts +into energy, every fibre is alive, every muscle contracts, and the thing +seized dies in its inextricable and iron arms. People abound of the +octopus species, and it is prudent to avoid them. However, the bad are +not so many as are supposed. Yet, when we consider that, upon a moderate +calculation, a fool a day is born--and doubtless a knave a day to keep +him company--there must be some dubious people about. + +A common mistake is that of taking offence at some unpleasant quality, +and never looking to see whether there be not others for which we may +tolerate and even respect a man. A person is often judged by a single +quality, and sometimes by a single word. Persons who have lived long +years in amity take offence at one expression. It may be uttered in +passion; it may be spoken in mere lightness of heart, with no intention +and no idea of offending--yet it enters into the foolish blood of those +who hear it, and poisons the mind evermore. Nevertheless every man who +reflects knows that those are fortunate and even miraculously skilful +people, who can always say exactly what they intend to say, and no more. +What resource of language--what insight of the minds of others--what +mastery of phrases--what subtlety of discrimination--what perspicuity +of statement must he possess who can express his every idea with such +unerring accuracy that no word shall be redundant, or deficient, or +ambiguous; and that another shall understand the speaker precisely as he +understands himself! Yet by a chance phrase what friendships have been +severed--what enmity has arisen--what estrangements, even in households, +have occurred from these small and incidental causes? All memory of the +tenderness, the kindness, the patient and generous service of years +is often obliterated by a single word! The error people make is--that +everything said is intended. Yet out of the many qualities every man +has, and by which any man may be moved, a single passion may go mad in +a mind unwatchful. Not only hatred or anger, but love will go mad and +commit murder, which is often but the insanity of a minute. Yet nobody +remembers that all are liable to insanity of speech. + +What a wonderful thing is perfection! It must be very rare. Yet some +people are always looking for it in others who never offer any example +of it in themselves. It is not, however, to be had anywhere. All we are +entitled to look for is that the good in any individual shall in some +general way predominate over the bad. We have need to be thankful if we +find this. The late George Peabody was not a mean man, though he would +stand in the rain at Charing Cross, waiting for a cheap omnibus to the +City. There was a threepenny one waiting, but one with a twopenny fare +would come up soon--Mr. Peabody would wait for it Making money was the +habit of his mind, and he made it in the street as well as the office, +and having made it, gave it away with a more than royal hand. + +One Sunday I rode in a Miles Platting tram car, amid decorous, +well-dressed chapel-going people--several of them young and active. A +child fell out of the tram, whose mother was too feeble to follow it. No +one moved, save a woman of repulsive expression, with whom any one might +suppose her neighbours had a bad time. She seemed the least desirable +person to know of all the passengers; yet this woman, on seeing the +child lying in the road, at once leapt out of the tram, brought the +child back and put it tenderly into its mother's arms. Intrepid humanity +may dwell in a very rough exterior. + +There goes a man with a hard, forbidding face, and a headachy +Evangelical complexion. Like the man mentioned in the last paper, he is +not an alluring person to know--those at his fireside have a dreary time +of it. His children have joyless Sundays. He is a street preacher. +His voice is harsh and painful. He howls "glad tidings" at the street +corner. He is wanting in the first elements of reverence--those of +modesty and taste. Yet this same man has kindness and generosity in his +heart After his hard day's work is done he will give the evening, +which others spend in pleasure, to try and save some casual soul in the +street. + +Though we continually forget it, we know that men are full of mixed +qualities and unequal passions. Ignorance of this renders one of the +noblest passages of Shakespeare dangerous if misapplied: + + "To thine own self be true, + And it must follow as the night the day, + Thou canst not then be false to any man." + +But what is a man's "own self"? It all lies there. Tell the liar, the +thief, the forger, or the ruffian to be true to himself, and any one +knows what will follow. Polonius knew the heart of Laertes, and to him +he could say, "to thine own self be true." We must be sure of the nature +of him whom we advise to follow himself.* + + * Cicero appears to have thought of this when he said: + "Every roan ought carefully to follow out his peculiar + character, provided it is only peculiar, and not vicious," + +What is or what can be the object of education but to strengthen by +precept, habit and environment the better qualities of human nature; +and to divert, repress, or subordinate where we cannot extinguish +hereditary, unethical tendencies? Though we deny--or do not steadily +see--that nations as well as individuals have capacities for good +as well as evil, we admit it when we attempt to create international +influences, which shall promote civilisation. + +If any would avoid the disappointment of ignorance and the alarms of +the foolish, let him learn to look with unamazed expectancy at what will +appear on the ocean of Society. Do not look in men for the qualities you +want to find, or for qualities you imagine they ought to have, but look +with unexpectant eyes for what you can find. Do not expect perfection, +but a few good points only, and be glad if you find them, and be +tolerant of what is absent. Of him of this way of thinking it may be +said, as was said of Charles Lamb: "He did not merely love his friends +in spite of their errors, he loved them errors and all." Whoever remains +under the delusion that nations and men possess only special qualities, +and not all qualities in different stages of development, will hate +them foolishly, praise them without reason, and will never know men. +But whoever understands the trend of things in this ever-changing, +uncontrollable world, where + + "Our fate comes to us from afar, + Where others made us what we are," + +will utter the prayer of Sadi, the Persian poet: "O God! have pity on +the wicked, for Thou hast done everything for the good in having made +them good." A prayer worth remembering. + + + + +CHAPTER XLV. IDEAS FOR THE YOUNG + +There are people who live many years and never grow old. We call +them "young patriarchs." Limit not the golden dreams of youth, which, +however, would be none the worse for a touch of the patriarch in them. +There is sense in youth, and it will assimilate the experience of age if +displayed before rather than thrust upon it. Youth should be incited to +think for itself, and to select from the wisdom it finds in the world. +Then the question comes--what is safe to take? That is the time for +words of suggestion. Every one has read of the fox, who seeing a crow +with a piece of cheese in her bill, told her "she had a splendid voice, +and did herself an injustice by not singing." The credulous crow began +a note, dropped the piece of cheese, with which the fox ran away. This +trick is always being played. Among young persons there are a great +number of crows. A youth is given a situation where advancement goes +with assiduity. A fox-headed comrade or clerk below him tells him his +"work is beneath his talents, and he ought to get something better." +Discontent breeds negligence. He loses his place, when the treacherous +prompter, whom he took to be his friend, slips into his situation, and +finds it quite satisfactory. + +In public affairs, in which youth seldom takes part, many are confused +by pretences which they understand when too late. A person puts forward +an excellent project, and finds it assailed and disparaged by some one +he thought would support it. Discouraged by opposition, he comes +to doubt the validity of the enterprise he had in hand. When he has +abandoned it he finds it taken up by the very person who denounced it, +and who claims credit for what he has opposed. All the while he has +thought highly of the scheme, but wanted to have the credit of it +himself, and therefore defamed it until he could get it into his own +hands. This sort of thing is done in Parliament as well as in business. +It is only by listening to the experience of others that youth can +acquire wariness and guard against serious mistakes. + +The young on entering life are often dismayed by dolorous speeches by +persons who have never comprehended the nature of the world in which +they find themselves. People are told "a great crisis in public affairs +is at hand." There never was a time in the history of the world when a +"crisis" was not at hand. Nature works by crises. Progress is made up of +crises through which mankind has passed. Again there breaks forth upon +the ears of inexperienced youth the alarming information that society is +"in a transition state." Every critic, every preacher, every politician, +is always saying this. Yet there never was a time when society was +not in a "transition state." According to the Genesian legend, Adam +discovered this in his day, when, a few weeks after his advent, he found +himself outside the gates of Paradise, and all the world and all +the creatures in it thrown into a state of unending perturbation and +discomfort which has not ceased to this day. The eternal condition of +human life is change, and he who is wise learns early to adapt himself +to it. As Dr. Arnold said, there is nothing so dangerous as standing +still when all the world is moving. + +The young are bewildered by being left under the impression that they +should learn everything. Whereas all they need is to know thoroughly +what their line of duty in life requires them to know. No man can read +all the books in the British Museum, were arrangements made for his +sleeping there. No one is expected to eat all he finds in the market, +but only so much as makes a reasonable meal. Lord Sherbrooke translated +from the Greek guiding lines of Homer who said of a learner of his +day:-- + + "He could not reap, he could not sow, + Nor was he wise at all: + For very many arts he knew, + But badly knew them all." + +The conditions of personal advancement can only be learned by observing +the steps of those who have succeeded. Disraeli, whose success was the +wonder of his time, owed it to following the shrewd maxim that he who +wants to advance must make himself necessary to those whom he has the +opportunity of serving. This can be done in any station in life by +skill, assiduity and trustworthiness. + +Practical thoroughness is an essential quality which gives great +advantage in life. Spurgeon had a great appreciation of it A servant +girl applied to him for a situation on the ground that she "had got +religion." "Yes," said the great pulpit orator, "that is a very good +thing if it takes a useful turn; but do you sweep under the mats?" he +asked, cleanliness being a sign of godliness in the eyes of the sensible +preacher. + +Cleanliness is possible to the very poorest--walls which have no paper +might have whitewash. Children should never see dirt anywhere. They +should never come upon it lying out of sight. Fever and death lurk in +neglected corners. Children may be in rags, but if they are clean rags +and the children are clean, they are, however poor, respectable. When I +first went to speak in Glasgow, it was in a solemn old hall, up a wynd. +The place was in the Candleriggs. Everybody knows what a dark, clammy, +pasty, muddy, depressing thoroughfare is the Candleriggs in wintry +weather. + +The passage leading to the lecture hall and the steps which had to be +ascended were all murky and dirty; as in those days the passage leading +to the publishing house of the Chambers Brothers was, as I have seen it, +an incentive to sickness. My payment for lecturing was not much, but out +of it I gave half a crown to an active woman I found in the wynd to +wash down the stairs and the passage leading to the Candleriggs, and +the space as wide as the passage along the causeway to the curb-stone. +People passing along might see signs of cleanliness leading to the hall. + +I never forget what the woman said to some of the assembly as they +passed by her: "I don't know what this man (or "mon") is, who you have +to lecture to you to-day, but at least he has clean principles." That +was precisely the impression I wanted to create. My tenets might be +poor, my arguments badly clothed, but to present them in a clean state +was in my power. + +Do not readily be deterred from a good cause because you will be told +it is unprofitable, but take sides with it if need be. You will find +persons born with a passion of putting the world to rights. A very good +passion for the world, but now and then a very bad thing for him who is +moved by it They have no engagement to undertake that work, no salary is +allotted for it, nor even any income coming in to pay expenses "out of +pocket," as the prudent, open-eyed lawyer puts it. Nevertheless, it may +be well to follow the Jewish rule of giving a tithe of your time to the +public service. There are a large amount of tithes contributed in other +ways which are not half so beneficial to mankind. Many whose names +now are luminous in history, whose fame is on every tongue, have been +personally known to the old. The magical notes of great singers the +living can never know, the triumphs of the great masters of speech in +Parliament and on the platform, whom it was an education to hear--only +the old can recount. What they looked like, and how they played their +memorable parts, are the enchanting secrets of the old, who tell to the +young what passed in a world unknown to them, and which has made them +what they are. The purport of this chapter is to stimulate individuality +and self-reliance. Disraeli's maxim of self-advancement was to make +himself necessary by service in the sphere in which he found himself. In +public affairs committees are not, as a rule, suggestive; they can amend +what is submitted to them; they originate nothing, and generally take +the soul out of any proposal brought before then. If they advance +business it is when some individual provides a plan to which their +consent may be of importance. Individual ideas have been the immemorial +source of progress. A committee of one will often effect more than a +committee of ten; but the committee of ten will multiply the force of +the one, and lend to it influence and authority. Seeing that ideas +come from individuals, a young person cannot do better in life than +by considering himself a committee of one, and ponder himself on every +matter of importance. This gives a habit of resourceful thought--renders +him cautious in action, and educates him in responsibility. In daily +life a man has continually to decide things for himself without the aid +of a committee. It is thus that self-trust becomes his strength. + +If youth could see but a little with the eyes of their seniors, some +pleasures would seem less alluring, and they would avoid doing some +things which they will regret all their lives. Now and then some young +eye will glance at a page of bygone lore and see a gleam of inspiration, +like a torch in a forest, which reveals a bear in a bush which he had +chosen for a picnic, or discovers a bog which he had taken to be solid +ground. Proverbs come around the young observer, so fair seeming he +trusts them on sight, and does not know they are only in part guiding +and in part elusive, and have limitations which may betray him into +confident and futile extremes. Even professors will beguile him with +statements which he doubts not are true, and finds, all too late, that +they are false. + +He will hear forebodings which fill him with alarm at some new +undertaking, not knowing that they are but the sounds of the footfalls +of Progress, which every generation has heard, the ignorant with terror, +and the wise with gladness. Only the relation of bygone experiences can +save the young from perilous illusions. Of course, youth is always asked +to look at things with the eyes of age, but they never do. They never +can do it, because the eyes of the old look at things with the light +of experience which, in the nature of things, youth is without. +Nevertheless, the experience of others may be good reading for them. + +If in the generous eagerness of youth the heart inclines to a forlorn +hope, take it up notwithstanding its difficulties, for if youth does +not, older people are not likely to attempt it. The older are mostly too +prudent to do any good in the way of new enterprise. This is where youth +has its uses and its priceless advantage. However, it is well not to let +enthusiasm, noble as it may be, blind the devotee. Take care that the +cause espoused is sound. Take heed of the Japanese maxim, + + "The lid, if the pot be broken, + It is no use mending." + + + + +CHAPTER XLVI. EXPERIENCES ON THE WARPATH + +The late Archbishop of Canterbury spoke derisively of agitators. The +Rev. Stewart Headlam asked whether "Paul, and even our Lord Himself, +were not agitators." Mr. Headlam might have asked, where would the +Archbishop be but for that superb, irrepressible agitator Luther? The +agitator is a public advocate who speaks when others are silent. Mr. +C. D. Collet, of whom I here write, was an agitator who understood his +business. + +Agitation for the public welfare is a feature of civilisation. In a +despotic land it works by what means it can. In a free country it seeks +its ends by agencies within the limits of law. The mastery of the means +left open for procuring needful change, the right use, and the full use +of these facilities, constitute the business of an agitator. + +For more than fifty years I was associated with Mr. Collet in public +affairs, and I never knew any one more discerning than he in choosing +a public cause, or on promoting it with greater plenitude of resource. +Many a time he has come to my house at midnight to discuss some new +point he thought important. A good secretary is the inspirer of the +movement he represents. Mr. Collet habitually sought the opinion of +those for whom he acted. Every letter and every document was laid before +them. On points of policy or terms of expression he deferred to the +views of others, not only with acquiescence, but willingness. During the +more than twenty-four years in which I was chairman of the Travelling +Tax Abolition Committee and he was secretary, I remember no instance to +the contrary of his ready deference. His fertility of suggestion was a +constant advantage. Mr. Bright and Mr. Cobden (who had an instinct of +fitness) would select the most suitable for the purpose in hand. In +early life Mr. Collet had studied for the law, and retained a passion +for it which proved very useful where Acts of Parliament were the +barricades which had to be stormed. + +Mr. Collet was educated at Bruce Castle School, conducted by the father +of Sir Rowland Hill. Collet's political convictions were shown by his +becoming secretary for the People's Charter Union, intended to restore +the Chartist movement (then mainly under Irish influence) to English +hands. In 1848, he and W. J. Linton were sent as deputies to Paris, as +bearers of English congratulations on the establishment of the Republic. +Afterwards he fell himself under the fascination of an Oriental-minded +diplomat, David Urquhart, and became a romantic Privy Council loyalist. +Mr. Urquhart was Irish, eloquent, dogmatic, and infallible--at least, +he put down with ostentatious insolence any one who ventured to demur +to anything he said. If the astounded questioner pleaded that he was +ignorant of the facts adduced, he was told his ignorance was a crime. +Mr. Urquhart believed that all wisdom lay in treaties and Blue Books, +and that the first duty of every politician was to insist on beheading +Lord Palmerston, who had betrayed England to Russia. How Mr. Collet--a +lover of freedom and inquiry--could be subjugated by doctrines which, if +not conceived in madness, were commanded by arts akin to madness, is the +greatest mystery of conversion I have known. I have seen Mr. Bright come +out of the House of Commons, and observing Mr. Collet, would advance and +offer his hand, when Mr. Collet would put his hands behind him, saying +"he could not take the hand of a man who knew Lord Palmerston was +an impostor and ought to know he was a traitor, and still maintained +political relations with him." Yet Mr. Collet had great and well-founded +regard for Mr. Bright. + +It was an intrepid undertaking to attempt a repeal of taxes which for +143 years had fettered, as they were designed to do, knowledge from +reaching the people. The history of this achievement was given in the +_Weekly Times and Echo_, While these taxes were in force, neither +cheap newspapers nor cheap books could exist. Since their repeal great +newspapers and great publishing houses have arisen. While these Acts +were in force every newspaper proprietor was treated as a blasphemer and +a writer of sedition, and compelled to give securities of L300 against +the exercise of his infamous tendencies; every paper-maker was regarded +as a thief, and the officers of the Excise dogged every step of his +business with hampering, exacting, and humiliating suspicion. Every +reader found with an unstamped paper in his possession was liable to +a fine of L20. The policy of our agitation was to observe scrupulous +fairness to every Government with which we came in contact, and to heads +of departments with whom unceasing war was waged. Their personal honour +was never confused with the mischievous Acts they were compelled to +enforce. Our rule was steadfastness in fairness and courtesy. The +cardinal principle of agitation Collet maintained was that the most +effectual way to obtain the repeal of a bad law was to insist upon it +being carried out, when its effect would soon be resented by those +who maintain its application to others. Charles Dickens' "Household +Narrative of Current Events," published weekly, was a violation of the +Act which required news to be a month old when published on unstamped +paper. Dickens was not selected from malice, for he was friendly to the +freedom of the press, but from policy, as an Act carried out which would +ruin a popular favourite like Dickens, would excite indignation against +it. A clamour was raised by friends in Parliament against the supineness +of the Inland Revenue Board, for tolerating a wealthy metropolitan +offender, while it prosecuted and relentlessly ruined small men in the +provinces for doing the same thing. Bright called attention in the House +to the Electric Telegraph Company, who were advertising every night in +the lobbies news, not an hour old, on unstamped paper, in violation of +the law. + +It took thirty years of supplication to get art galleries open on +Sunday, when the application of the law to the privilege of the rich +would have opened them in ten years. The rich are allowed to violate +the law against working on Sundays, for which the poor man is fined +and imprisoned. An intelligent committee on the Balfour-Chamberlain +principle of Retaliation would soon put an end to the laws which hamper +the progress. + +Professor Alexander Bain, remarkable for his fruitfulness in philosophic +device, asked my opinion on a project of constructing a barometer of +personal character, which varies by time and event. Everybody is aware +of somebody who has changed, but few notice that every one is changing +daily, for better or for worse. What Bain wanted was to contrive some +instrument by which these variations could be denoted. + +No doubt men must be judged on the balance of their ascertained merits. +Bishop Butler's maxim that "Probability is the guide of life," implies +proportion, and is the rule whereby character is to be judged. For years +I conceived a strong dislike of Sir Robert Peel, because, as Secretary +of State, he refused the petition of Mrs. Carlile to be allowed to leave +the prison (where she ought never to have been sent) before the time of +her accouchement Peel's refusal was unfeeling and brutal. Yet in after +life it was seen that Sir Robert possessed great qualities, and made +great sacrifices in promoting the public good; and I learned to hold in +honour one whom I had hated for half a century. + +For many years I entertained an indifferent estimate of Sir William +Harcourt. It began when my friend Mr. E. J. H. Craufurd, M.P., +challenged him to a duel, which he declined--justifiably it might be, as +he was a larger man than his antagonist, and offered a wider surface +for bullets. Declining was meritorious in my eyes, as duels had then a +political prestige, and there was courage in refusing. The cause of the +challenge I thought well founded. In the earlier years of Sir William's +Parliamentary life I had many opportunities of observing him, and +thought he appeared as more contented with himself than any man is +entitled to be on this side of the Millennium. When member for Oxford as +a Liberal, he declared against payment of members of Parliament on the +ground of expense. The expense would have been one halfpenny a year to +each elector. This seemed to me so insincere that I ceased to count +him as a Liberal who could be trusted. Yet all the while he had great +qualities as a combatant of the highest order, in the battles of +Liberalism, who sacrificed himself, lost all prospect of higher +distinction, and incurred the undying rage of the rich (who have +Canning's "ignorant impatience" of taxation) by instituting death +duties, services which entitled him to honour and regard. + +I heard Lord Salisbury's acrid, sneering, insulting, contemptuous +speeches in the House of Commons against working men seeking the +franchise. What gave this man the right to speak with bitterness and +scorn of the people whose industry kept him in the opulence he so little +deserved? Some friends of mine, who had personal intercourse with him, +described him as a fair-spoken gentleman. All the while, and to the end +of his days, he had the cantankerous tongue in diplomacy which brought +contempt and distrust upon Englishmen abroad, while his jests at Irish +members of Parliament, whom his Government had subjected to humiliation +in prison, denoted, thought many, the innate savagery of his order, +when secure from public retribution--which people should remember who +continue its impunity. Difference of opinion is to be respected, but it +is difficult even for philosophy to condone scorn. If recklessness in +language be the mark of inferiority in workmen, what is it in those of +high position who compromise a nation by their ungoverned tongues? + +Among things bygone are certain ideas of popular influence which have +had their day--some too long a day, judging from their effects. The +general misconceptions in them still linger in some minds, and it may be +useful to recall a prominent one. + +The madness of thoroughness are two words I have never seen brought +together, yet they are allied oftener than most persons suppose. +Thoroughness, in things which concern others, has limits. Justness is +greater than thoroughness. There is great fascination in being thorough. +A man should be thorough as far as he can. This implies that he must +have regard to the rights and reasonable convenience of others, which is +the natural limit of all the virtues. Sometimes a politician will adopt +the word "thorough" as his motto, forgetful that it was the motto of +Strafford, who was a despot on principle, and who perished through the +terror which his success inspired. Cromwell was thorough in merciless +massacres, which have made his name hateful in Irish memory for three +centuries, perpetuating the distrust of English rule. Vigour is a +notable attribute, but unless it stops short of rigour, it jeopardises +itself. + +Thorough means the entire carrying out of a principle to its end. This +can rarely be done in human affairs. When a person finds he cannot do +all he would, he commonly does nothing, whereas his duty is to do what +he can--to continue to assert and maintain the principle he thinks +right, and persist in its application to the extent of his power. To +suspend endeavour at the point where persistence would imperil the just +right of others, is the true compromise in which there is no shame, +as Mr. John Morley, in his wise book on "Compromise," has shown. +Temperance--a word of infinite wholesomeness in every department of +life, because it means use and restraint--has been retarded and +rendered repellent to thousands by the "thorough" partisans who have +put prohibition into it Can absolute prohibition be enforced universally +where conviction is opposed, without omnipresent tyranny, which makes +it hateful instead of welcome? Even truth itself, the golden element +of trust and progress, has to be limited by relevance, timeliness and +utility. He who would speak everything he knows or believes to be true, +to all persons, at all times, in every place, would soon become the most +intolerable person in every society, and make lying itself a relief. A +man should stand by the truth and act upon it, wherever he can, and he +should be known by his fidelity to it But that is a very different thing +from obtruding it in unseemly ways, in season and out of season, which +has ruined many a noble cause. The law limits its exaction of truth to +evidence necessary for justice. There are cases, such as occurred during +the Civil War of emancipation in America, where slave-hunters would +demand of the man, who had seen a fugitive slave, pass by, "which way he +had run." The humane bystander questioned, would point in the opposite +direction. Had he pointed truly, it would have cost the slave his life. +This was lying for humanity, and it would be lying to call it by any +other name, for it _was_ lying. Thoroughness would have murdered the +fugitive. + +The thoroughness of the Puritans brought upon the English nation the +calamities of the Restoration. Richelieu, in France, was thorough in his +policy of centralisation. He was a butcher on principle, and his name +became a symbol of murder. He circumvented everything, and pursued every +one with implacable ferocity, who was likely to withstand him. He put +to death persons high and low, he destroyed municipalism in France, and +changed the character of political society for the worse. The French +Revolutionists did but tread in the footsteps of the political priest. +They were all thorough, and as a consequence they died by each other's +hands, and ruined liberty in France and in Europe. The gospel of +thoroughness was preached by Carlyle and demoralised Continental +Liberals. In the revolution of 1848 they spared lives all round. They +even abolished the punishment of death. + +But when Louis Napoleon applied the doctrine of "thorough" to the +greatest citizens of Paris, and shot, imprisoned, or exiled statesmen, +philosophers and poets, Madame Pulzsky said to me, the "Republicans +thought their leniency a mistake, and if they had power again they +would cut everybody's throat who stood in the way of liberty." As usual, +thoroughness had begotten ferocity. + +Carlyle's eminent disciples of thoroughness justified the massacre and +torture of the blacks in Jamaica, for which Tennyson, Kingsley, and +others defended Governor Eyre. Lord Cardwell, in the House of Commons, +admitted in my hearing that there had been "unnecessary executions." +"Unnecessary executions" are murders--but in thoroughness unnecessary +executions are not counted. Wherever we have heard of pitilessness +in military policy, or in speeches in our Parliament, we see +exemplifications of the gospel of Thoroughness, which is madness if not +limited by justice and forbearance. + +Conventional thoroughness dwells in extremes. If political economy was +thoroughly carried out, there might be great wealth, but no happiness. +Enjoyment is waste, since it involves expenditure. The Inquisition, +which made religion a name of terror, was but thoroughness in piety. +Pope, himself a Catholic, warned us that-- + + "For virtue's self may too much zeal be had. + The worst of madness is a saint run mad." + +Fanatics forget (they would not be fanatics if they remembered) that in +public affairs, true thoroughness is limited by the rights of others. +There is no permanent progress without this consideration. The best of +eggs will harden if boiled too much. The mariner who takes no account of +the rocks, wrecks his ship--which it is not profitable to forget. + +It is natural that those who crave practical knowledge of the unseen +world should look about the universe for some chink, through which they +can see what goes on there, and believe they have met with truants +who have made disclosures to them. I have no commerce of that kind to +relate. It is hard to think that when Jupiter is silent--when the Head +of the Gods speaketh not--that He allows angels with traitor tongues to +betray to men the mysteries of the world He has Himself concealed. +Can it be that He permits wayward ghosts to creep over the boundary of +another world and babble His secrets at will? This would imply +great lack of discipline at the outposts of paradise. There is great +fascination in clandestine communication with the kingdom of the dead. +I own that noises of the night, not heard in the day, seem supernatural. +The wind sounds like the rush of the disembodied--hinges creak with +human emotion--winds moan against window panes like persons in pain. +Creatures of the air and earth flit or leap in pursuit of prey, like the +shadows of ghosts or the furtive steps of murdered souls. Are they more +than + + "The sounds sent down at night + By birds of passage in their flight"? + +For believing less where others believe more, for expressing decision of +opinion which the reader may resent, I do but follow in the footsteps of +Confucius, who, as stated by Allen Upward, "declared that a principle +of belief or even a rule of morality binding on himself need not bind a +disciple whose own conscience did not enjoin it on him." Confucius, says +his expositor, thus "reached a height to which mankind have hardly yet +lifted their eyes, and announced a freedom compared with which ours is +an empty name." + + + + +CHAPTER XLVII. LOOKING BACKWARDS + +It seems to me that I cannot more appropriately conclude these chapters +of bygone events within my own experience, than by a summary of those +of the past condition of industry which suggest a tone of manly +cheerfulness and confidence in the future, not yet common among the +people. Changes of condition are not estimated as they pass, and when +they have passed, many never look back to calculate their magnificence +or insignificance. This chapter is an attempt to show the change of the +environment of a great class of a character to decrease apprehension +and augment hope. The question answered herein is: "Did things go better +before our time?" + +When this question is put to me I answer "No." Things did not go better +before my time--nor that of the working class who were contemporaries +of my earlier years. My answer is given from the working class point of +view, founded on a personal experience extending as far back as 1824, +when I first became familiar with workshops. Many are still under the +impression that things are as bad as they well can be, whereas they +have been much worse than they are now. When I first took an interest in +public affairs, agitators among the people were as despondent as frogs +who were supposed to croak because they were neglected. + +They spoke in weeping tones. There were tears even in the songs of +Ebenezer Elliot, the Corn-Law Rhymer,* and not without cause, for the +angels would have been pessimists, had they been in the condition of +the people in those days. I myself worked among men who had Unitarian +masters--who were above the average of employers--even they were as +sheep-dogs who kept the wolf away, but bit the sheep if they turned +aside. But Trades Unions have changed this now, and sometimes bite their +masters (employers they are called now), which is not more commendable. +Still, multitudes of working people, who ought to be in the front ranks +as claimants for redress still needed, yet hang back with handkerchief +to their eyes, oppressed with a feeling of hopelessness, because they +are unaware of what has been won for them, of what has been conceded to +them, and what the trend of progress is bringing nearer to them. + + * Thomas Cooper--himself a Chartist poet--published (1841) + in Elliot's days a hymn by William Jones--a Leicester poet-- + of which the first verse began thus: + + "Come my fellow-slaves of Britain. + Rest, awhile, the weary limb; + Pour your plaints, ye bosom-smitten, + In a sad and solemn hymn." + +Of course if there has been no betterment in the condition of the +people, despair is excusable--but if there has, despair is as unseemly +as unnecessary. Every age has its needs and its improvements to make, +but a knowledge of what has been accomplished should take despair out of +workmen's minds. To this end I write of changes which have taken place +in my time. + +I was born in tinder-box days. I remember having to strike a light in my +grandfather's garden for his early pipe, when we arrived there at five +o'clock in the morning. At times my fingers bled as I missed the steel +with the jagged flint. Then the timber proved damp where the futile +spark fell, and when ignition came a brimstone match filled the air with +satanic fumes. He would have been thought as much a visionary as Joanna +Southcott, who said the time would come when small, quick-lighting +lucifers would be as plentiful and as cheap as blades of grass. How +tardy was change in olden time! Flint and steel had been in use four +hundred years. Philip the Good put it into the collar of the Golden +Fleece (1429). It was not till 1833 that phosphorus matches were +introduced. The safety match of the present day did not appear until +1845. The consumption of matches is now about eight per day for each +person. To produce eight lights, by a tinder-box, would take a quarter +of an hour With the lucifer match eight lights can be had in two +minutes, occupying only twelve hours a year, while the tinder box +process consumes ninety hours. Thus the lucifer saves nearly eighty +hours annually, which, to the workman, would mean an addition of nearly +eight working days to the year. + +In tinder-box days the nimble night burglar heard the flint and steel +going, and had time to pack up his booty and reach the next parish, +before the owner descended the stairs with his flickering candle. Does +any one now fully appreciate the morality of light? Extinguish the gas +in the streets of London and a thousand extra policemen would do less to +prevent outrage and robbery than the ever-burning, order-keeping street +light. Light is a police force--neither ghosts nor burglars like it. +Thieves flee before it as errors flee the mind when the light of truth +bursts on the understanding of the ignorant. + +Seventy years ago the evenings were wasted in a million houses of the +poor. After sundown the household lived in gloom. Children who could +read, read, as I did, by the flickering light of the fire, which often +limited for life the power of seeing. Now the pauper reads by a better +light than the squire did in days when squires were county gods. Now old +men see years after the period when their forefathers were blind. + +Then a social tyranny prevailed, unpleasant to the rich and costly to +the poor, which regarded the beard as an outrage. I remember when only +four men in Birmingham had courage to wear beards. They were followers +of Joanna Southcott. They did it in imitation of the apostles, and were +jeered at in the streets by ignorant Christians. George Frederick Muntz, +one of the two first members elected in Birmingham, was the first member +who ventured to wear a beard in the House of Commons; and he would have +been insulted had not he been a powerful man and carried a heavy Malacca +cane, which he was known to apply to any one who offered him a personal +affront. Only military officers were allowed to wear a moustache; among +them--no one, not even Wellington, was hero enough to wear a beard. The +Rev. Edmund R. Larken, of Burton Rectory, near Lincoln, was the first +clergyman (that was as late as 1852) who appeared in the pulpit with a +beard, but he shaved the upper lip as an apology for the audacity of his +chin; George Dawson was the first Nonconformist preacher who delivered +a sermon in a full-blown moustache and beard, which was taken in both +cases as an unmistakable sign of latitudinarianism in doctrine. In the +bank clerk or the workman it was worse. It was flat insubordination not +to shave. The penalty was prompt dismissal. As though there were not +fetters about hard to bear, people made fetters for themselves. Such was +the daintiness of ignorance that a man could not eat, dress, nor even +think as he pleased. He was even compelled to shave by public opinion. + +When Mr. Joseph Cowen was first a candidate for Parliament, he wore, as +was his custom, a felt hat (then called a "wide-awake"). He was believed +to be an Italian conspirator, and suspected of holding opinions lacking +in orthodox requirements. Yet all his reputed heresies of acts and +tenets put together did not cost him so many votes as the form and +texture of his hat. He was elected--but his headgear would have ruined +utterly a less brilliant candidate than he This social intolerance now +shows its silly and shameless head no more. A wise Tolerance is the +Angel, which stands at the portal of Progress, and opens the door of the +Temple. + +Dr. Church, of Birmingham, was the first person who, in my youth, +contrived a bicycle, and rode upon it in the town, which excited +more consternation than a Southcottean with his beard. He was an able +physician, but his harmless innovation cost him his practice. Patients +refused to be cured by a doctor who rode a horse which had no head, and +ate no oats. Now a parson may ride to church on a bicycle and people +think none the worse of his sermon; and, scandal of scandals, women +are permitted to cycle, although it involves a new convenience of dress +formerly sharply resented. + +In these days of public wash-houses, public laundries, and water supply, +few know the discomfort of a washing day in a workman's home, or of the +feuds of a party pump. One pump in a yard had to serve several families. +Quarrels arose as to who should first have the use of it. Sir Edwin +Chadwick told me that more dissensions arose over party pumps in a day +than a dozen preachers could reconcile in a week. Now the poorest house +has a water tap, which might be called moral, seeing the ill-feeling it +prevents. So long as washing had to be done at home, it took place in +the kitchen, which was also the dining-room of a poor family. When the +husband came home to his meals, damp clothes were hanging on lines over +his head, and dripping on to his plate. The children were in the way, +and sometimes the wrong child had its ears boxed because, in the steam, +the mother could not see which was which. This would give rise to +further expressions which kept the Recording Angel, of whom Sterne tells +us, very busy, whom the public wash-houses set free for other, though +scarcely less repugnant duty. + +In that day sleeping rooms led to deplorable additions to the register +of "idle words." The introduction of iron bedsteads began a new era of +midnight morality. As a wandering speaker I dreaded the wooden bedstead +of cottage, lodging-house or inn. Fleas I did not much care for, and +had no ill-will towards them. They were too little to be responsible for +what they did; while the malodorous bug is big enough to know better. +Once in Windsor I selected an inn with a white portico, having an air +of pastoral cleanliness. The four-poster in my room, with its white +curtains, was a further assurance of repose. The Boers were not more +skilful in attack and retreat than the enemies I found in the field. +Lighted candles did not drive them from the kopje pillow where they +fought. In Sheffield, in 1840, I asked the landlady for an uninhabited +room. A cleaner looking, white-washed chamber never greeted my eyes. +But I soon found that a whole battalion of red-coated cannibals were +stationed there, on active service. Wooden bedsteads in the houses of +the poor were the fortresses of the enemy, which then possessed the +land. Iron bedsteads have ended this, and given to the workman two hours +more sleep at night than was possible before that merciful invention. A +gain of two hours for seven nights amounted to a day's holiday a +week. Besides, these nocturnal irritations were a fruitful source of +tenemental sin, from which iron bedsteads have saved residents and +wayfarers. + +Of all the benefits that have come to the working class in my time, +those of travel are among the greatest. Transit by steam has changed +the character of man, and the facilities of the world. Nothing brings +toleration into the mind like seeing new lands, new people, new usages. +They who travel soon discover that other people have genius, manners, +and taste. The traveller loses on his way prejudices of which none could +divest him at home, and he brings back in his luggage new ideas never +contained in it before. Think what the sea-terror of the emigrant +used to be, as he thought of the dreadful voyage over the tempestuous +billows. The first emigrants to America were six months in the +_Mayflower_. Now a workman can go from Manchester into the heart of +America or Canada in a fortnight. The deadly depression which weighed +on the heart of home-sick emigrants occurs no more, since he can return +almost at will. A mechanic can now travel farther than a king could +a century ago. When I first went to Brighton, third-class passengers +travelled in an open cattle truck, exposed to wind and rain. For years +the London and North-Western Railway shunted the third-class passengers +at Blisworth for two hours, while the gentlemen's trains went by. Now +workmen travel in better carriages than gentlemen did half a century +ago. In Newcastle-on-Tyne I have entered a third-class carriage at a +quarter to five in the morning. It was like Noah's Ark. The windows were +openings which in storm were closed by wooden shutters to keep out wind +and rain, when all was darkness. It did not arrive in London till nine +o'clock in the evening, being sixteen hours on the journey. Now the +workman can leave New-castle at ten o'clock in the morning, and be in +London in the afternoon. + +Does any one think what advantage has come to the poor by the extension +of dentistry? Teeth are life-givers. They increase comeliness, comfort, +health and length of years--advantages now shared more or less by the +poorer classes--once confined to the wealthy alone. Formerly the sight +of dental instruments struck terror in the heart of the patient Now, +fear arises when few instruments are seen, as the more numerous they +are and the more skilfully they are made, the assurance of less pain +is given. The simple instruments which formerly alarmed give confidence +now, which means that the patient is wiser than of yore. + +Within the days of this generation what shrieks were heard in +the hospital, which have been silenced for ever by a discovery of +pain-arresting chloroform! No prayer could still the agony of the knife. +The wise surgeon is greater than the priest. If any one would know +what pain was in our time, let him read Dr. John Brown's "Rab and his +Friends," which sent a pang of dangerous horror into the heart of every +woman who read it. Now the meanest hospital gives the poorest patient +who enters it a better chance of life than the wealthy could once +command. + +It was said formerly:-- + + "The world is a market full of streets, + And Death is a merchant whom every one meets, + If life were a thing which money could buy-- + The poor could not live, and the rich would not die." + +Now the poor man can deal with death, and buy life on very reasonable +terms, if he has commonsense enough to observe half the precepts given +him by generous physicians on temperance and prudence. + +Not long since no man was tolerated who sought to cure an ailment, or +prolong human life in any new way. Even persons so eminent as Harriet +Martineau, Dr. Elliotson, and Sir Bulwer Lytton were subjected to public +ridicule and resentment because they suffered themselves to be restored +to health by mesmerism or hydropathy. But in these libertine and +happier days any one who pleases may follow Mesmer, Pressnitz, or even +Hahnemann, and attain health by any means open to him, and is no longer +expected to die according to the direction of antediluvian doctors. + +Until late years the poor man's stomach was regarded as the waste-paper +basket of the State, into which anything might be thrown that did not +agree with well-to-do digestion. Now, the Indian proverb is taken to be +worth heeding--that "Disease enters by the mouth," and the health of +the people is counted as part of the wealth of the nation. Pestilence +is subjected to conditions. Diseases are checked at will, which formerly +had an inscrutable power of defiance. The sanitation of towns is now a +public care. True, officers of health have mostly only official noses, +but they can be made sensible of nuisances by intelligent occupiers. +Economists, less regarded than they ought to be, have proved that it +is cheaper to prevent pestilence than bury the dead. Besides, disease, +which has no manners, is apt to attack respectable people. + +What are workshops now to what they once were? Any hole or stifling +room was thought good enough for a man to work in. They, indeed, abound +still, but are now regarded as discreditable. Many mills and factories +are palaces now compared with what they were. Considering how many +millions of men and women are compelled to pass half their lives in some +den of industry or other, it is of no mean importance that improvement +has set in in workshops. + +Co-operative factories have arisen, light, spacious and clean, supplied +with cool air in summer and warm air in winter. In my youth men were +paid late on Saturday night; poor nailers trudged miles into Birmingham, +with their week's work in bags on their backs, who were to be seen +hanging about merchants' doors up to ten and eleven o'clock to get +payment for their goods. The markets were closing or closed when the +poor workers reached them. It was midnight, or Sunday morning, before +they arrived at home. Twelve or more hours a day was the ordinary +working period. Wages, piece-work and day-work, were cut down at will. +I did not know then that these were "the good old times" of which, in +after years, I should hear so much. + +The great toil of other days in many trades is but exercise now, as +exhaustion is limited by mechanical contrivances. A pressman in my +employ has worked at a hand-press twenty-four hours continuously, before +publishing day. Now a gas engine does all the labour. Machinery is the +deliverer which never tires and never grows pale. + +The humiliation of the farm labourer is over. He used to sing: + + "Mr Smith is a very good man, + He lets us ride in his harvest van, + He gives us food and he gives us ale, + We pray his heart may never fail." + +There is nothing to be said against Mr. Smith, who was evidently a +kindly farmer of his time. Yet to what incredible humiliation his +"pastors and masters" had brought poor Hodge, who could sing these +lines, as though he had reached the Diamond Jubilee of his life when +he rode in somebody else's cart, and had cheese and beer. Now the farm +workers of a co-operative way of thinking have learned how to ride in +their own vans, to possess the crop with which they are loaded, and to +provide themselves with a harvest supper. + +In my time the mechanic had no personal credit for his work, whatever +might be his skill. Now in industrial exhibitions the name of the +artificer is attached to his work, and he is part of the character +of the firm which employs him. He has, also, now--if co-operation +prevails--a prospect of participating in the profits of his own +industry. Half a century ago employers were proud of showing their +machinery to a visitor--never their men. Now they show their work-people +as well--whose condition and contentment is the first pride of great +firms. + +Above all knowledge is a supreme improvement, which has come to workmen. +They never asked for it, the ignorant never do ask for knowledge, and do +not like those who propose it to them. Brougham first turned aside their +repugnance by telling them what Bacon knew, that "knowledge is power." +Now they realise the other half of the great saying, Dr. Creighton, the +late Bishop of London, supplied, that "ignorance is impotence." They +can see that the instructed son of the gentleman has power, brightness, +confidence, and alertness; while the poor man's child, untrained, +incapable, dull in comparison, often abject, is unconscious of his own +powers which lie latent within him. If an educated and an ignorant child +were sold by weight, the intelligent child would fetch more per pound +avoirdupois than the ignorant one. Now education can be largely had for +working men's children for nothing. Even scholarships and degrees are +open to the clever sort. Moreover, how smooth science has made the early +days of instruction, formerly made jagged with the rod. + +Sir Edwin Chadwick showed that the child mind could not profitably be +kept learning more than an hour at a time, and recreation must intervene +before a second hour can be usefully spent. What a mercy and advantage +to thousands of poor children this has been! Even the dreary schoolroom +of the last generation is disappearing. A schoolroom should be spacious +and bright, and board schools are beginning to be made so now. I have +seen a board school in a dismal court in Whitechapel which looked like +an alley of hell. All thoughts for pleasant impressions in the child +mind, which make learning alluring, were formerly uncared for. Happier +now is the lot of poor children than any former generation knew. + +Within my time no knowledge of public affairs was possible to the +people, save in a second-hand way from sixpenny newspapers a month old. +Now a workman can read in the morning telegrams from all parts of the +world in a halfpenny paper, hours before his employer is out of bed. If +a pestilence broke out in the next street to the man's dwelling, the law +compelled him to wait a month for the penny paper, the only one he +could afford to buy, before he became aware of his danger, and it often +happened that some of his family never lived to read of their risk. + +The sons of working people are now welcomed in the army, and their +record there has commanded the admiration of the onlooking world. But +they are not flogged as they once were, at the will of any arrogant +dandy who had bought his mastership over them. Intelligence has awakened +manliness and self-respect in common men, and the recruiting-sergeant +has to go about without the lash under his coat. The working man further +knows now that there is a better future for his sons in the public +service, in army or navy, than ever existed before our time. Even the +emigrant ship has regulations for the comfort of steerage passengers, +unknown until recent years. People always professed great regard for +"Poor Jack," but until Mr. Plimsoll arose, they left him to drown. + +Until a few years ago millions of home-born Englishmen were kept without +votes, like the Uitlanders of South Africa, and no one sent an army +into the country to put down the "corrupt oligarchy," as Mr. Chamberlain +called those who withheld redress. But it has come, though in a limping, +limited way. Carlylean depredators of Parliament decried the value of +workmen possessing "a hundred thousandth part in the national palavers." +But we no longer hear workmen at election times referred to as the +"swinish multitude" who can now send representatives of their own +order into the House of Commons. If the claims of labour are not much +considered, they are no longer contemned. It is always easier for the +rider than the horse. The people are always being ridden, but it is much +easier for the horse now than it ever was before. + +Sir Michael Foster, in a recent Presidential Address to the British +Association, said that, "the appliances of science have, as it were, +covered with a soft cushion the rough places of life, and that not for +the rich only but also for the poor." It is not, however, every kind of +progress, everywhere, in every department of human knowledge, in which +the reader is here concerned, but merely with such things as Esdras +says, which have "passed by us in daily life," and which every ordinary +Englishman has observed or knows. + +If the question be asked whether the condition of the working class +has improved in proportion to that of the middle and upper class of +our time, the answer must be it has not. But that is not the question +considered here. The question is, "Are the working class to-day better +off than their fathers were?" The answer already given is Yes. Let the +reader think what, in a general way, the new advantages are. The press +is free, and articulate with a million voices--formerly dumb. Now a poor +man can buy a better library for a few shillings than Solomon with +all his gold and glory could in his day; or than the middle class man +possessed fifty years ago. Toleration--not only of ideas but of action, +is enlarged, and that means much--social freedom is greater, and that +means more. The days of children are happier, schoolrooms are more +cheerful, and one day they will be educated so as to fit them for +self-dependence and the duties of daily life. Another change is that +the pride in ignorance, which makes for impotence, is decreasing, is +no longer much thought of among those whose ignorance was their only +attainment. + +Not less have the material conditions of life improved. Food is +purer--health is surer--life itself is safer and lasts longer. Comfort +has crept into a million houses where it never found its way before. +Security can be better depended upon. The emigrant terror has gone. +Instead of sailing out on hearsay to an unknown land and finding himself +in the wrong one, or in the wrong part of the right country, as has +happened to thousands, the emigrant can now obtain official information, +which may guide him rightly. Towns are brighter, there are more public +buildings which do the human eye good to look upon. Means of recreation +are continually being multiplied. Opportunity of change from town to +country, or coast, fall now to the poorest Not in cattle trucks any +more. Life is better worth living. Pain none could escape is evadable +now. Parks are multiplied and given as possessions to the people. +Paintings and sculpture are now to be seen on the Sunday by workmen, +which their forefathers never saw, being barred from them on the only +day when they could see them. + +By a device within the memory of most, house owning has become possible +to those whose fathers never thought it possible. Temperance, once a +melancholy word, is now a popular resource of health and economy. The +fortune of industry is higher in many ways. Into how many firesides does +it bring gladness to know that in barrack, or camp, or ship, the son is +better treated than heretofore. + +Can any of the middle-aged doubt that some things are better now +than before their time? Now two hundred workshops exist on the +labour co-partnership principle. Forty years ago those commenced, +failed--failed through lack of intelligence on the part of workers. The +quality of workmen to be found everywhere in our day did not exist then. +Sixteen years ago there were found more than a dozen workshops owned +and conducted by working men. There are more than a hundred now; and +hundreds in which the workers receive an addition to their wages, +undreamt of in the last generation. In this, and in other respects, +things go better than they did. Though there is still need of +enlargement, the means of self-defence are not altogether wanting. +Co-operation has arisen--a new force for the self-extrication of the +lowest. Without charity, or patronage, or asking anything from the +State, it puts into each man's hand the "means to cancel his captivity." + +The rich man may vote twenty times where the poor man can vote only +once. Still, the one voter counts for something where the unfranchised +counted for nothing. + +Political as well as civil freedom has come in a measure to those who +dwell in cottages and lodgings. For one minute every seven years the +workman is free. He can choose his political masters at the poll, and +neither his neighbour, his employer, nor his priest, has the knowledge +to harm him on that account. One minute of liberty in seven years is not +much, but there is no free country in the world where that minute is so +well secured as in England. If any one would measure the present by the +past, let him recall the lines:-- + + "Allah! Allah!" cried the stranger, + "Wondrous sights the traveller sees, + But the latest is the greatest, + Where the drones control the bees." + +They do it still, but not to the extent they did. The control of wisdom, +when the drones have it, is all very well, but it is the other sort of +control which is now happily to some extent controllable by the bees. +The manners of the rich are better. Their sympathy with the people has +increased. Their power of doing ill is no longer absolute. Employers +think more of the condition of those who labour for them. The better +sort still throw crumbs to Lazarus. But now Dives is expected to explain +why it is that Lazarus cannot get crumbs himself. + +In ways still untold the labour class is gradually attaining to social +equality with the idle class and to that independence hitherto the +privilege of those who do nothing. The workman's power of self-defence +grows--his influence extends--his rights enlarge. Injury suffered in +industry is beginning to be compensated; even old-age pensions are in +the air, though not as yet anywhere else. Notwithstanding, "John Brown's +soul goes marching on." But it must be owned its shoes are a little down +at the heels. Nevertheless, though there is yet much to be done--more +liberty to win, more improvements to attain, and more than all, if it be +possible, permanences of prosperity to secure--I agree with Sydney +Smith-- + + "For olden times let others prate, + I deem it lucky I was born so late." + +There is a foolish praise of the past and a foolish depreciation of the +present The past had its evils, the present has fewer. The past had its +promise, the present great realisations. It is not assumed in what has +been said that all the advantages recounted were originated and acquired +by working men alone. Many came by the concessions of those who had the +power of withholding them. More concessions will not lack acknowledgment +"Just gifts" to men who have honour in their hearts, "bind the +recipients to the giver for ever." + +The Chinese put the feet of children in a boot and the foot never grows +larger. There are boots of the mind as well as of the feet, that are +worn by the young of all nations, which have no expansion in them, and +which cramp the understanding of those grown up. This prevents many from +comprehending the changes by which they benefit or realising the facts +of their daily life. Considering what the men of labour have done +for themselves and what has been won for them by their advocates, and +conceded to them from time to time by others, despair and the counsels +of outrage which spring from it, are unseemly, unnecessary, and +ungrateful. This is the moral of this story. + +A doleful publicist should be superannuated. He is already obsolete. +Whoever despairs of a cause in whose success he once exulted, should +fall out of the ranks, where some ambulance waits to carry away the sick +or dispirited. He has no business to utter his discouraging wail in the +ears of the constant and confident, marching to the front, where the +battle of progress is being fought. + +Since so much has been accomplished in half a century, when there were +few advantages to begin with--what may not be gained in the next fifty +years with the larger means now at command and the confidence great +successes of the past should inspire! If working people adhere to the +policy of advancing their own honest interests without destroying others +as rightfully engaged in seeking theirs, the workers may make their own +future what they will. They may then acquire power sufficient, as the +_Times_ once said: "To turn a reform mill which would grind down an +abuse a day." + + + +NOTE. + +The last chapter is reprinted from the _Fortnightly Review_ by courtesy +of the Editor, and a similar acknowledgment is due to the Editor of +the _Weekly Times and Echo_, in whose pages several of the preceding +chapters appeared. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bygones Worth Remembering, Vol. 2 (of +2), by George Jacob Holyoake + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BYGONES WORTH REMEMBERING *** + +***** This file should be named 36796.txt or 36796.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/6/7/9/36796/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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