The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-02-08
That Book.

The stir about scandalOus book OF me-
moirs of George w, "First Gentleman OF
Europe''-and greatest scamp, it may be
added-furnishes good text for sermon
on the love of scandal, if one is minded TO
preach. 1t is asserted, with some show of
reason that the advertised reward of $1,000
was device of some publisher to infame the
strong desire that people entertain to hear
evil of their fellows, and then to satisfy that
desire by the republication of book now out
of print, containing highly spiced stories of
the intrigues and vices of the last of the
Georges. Certain it is that gossip of this
character takes strong hold on the memories
of men. The story of great PERSONS loves
is familiar to many to whom his or her ex-
ploits in war or triumphs in statecraft are
entirely unfamiliar. With the majority
Cleopatra is only known by her amours.
Percles is chiefly remembered by his con-
nection with Aspasia. Elizabeth is made in
teresting by her alleged passion for Essex.
Louis Napoleon is talked of as the son of a
Dutch Admiral. 1t is needless to multiply
instances.
The advertisement for the Hush book of
memoirs has brought forth number of cop
les and has demonstrated that the taste for
that kind Of literature is widespread. The
book does not appear to be at all rare, and
there seems to be no call for its suppression.
The idea, so industliously circulated, that
the British government suppressed it on its
appearance, and that a stray copy was
brought over to this country, is simply ridic-
ulous. The British government has no m ore
authority than the American to suppress a
book. If work be immoral it can be
brought before court of law, and the pub
Usher required to show cause why an injunc-
ton should not be granted. 1t is a matter Of
historical record that no injunction was ap-
piled for in 1880, nor has any been applied for
since, against any book concerning George
~. The history of the Fitzherbert marriage
has been frequently published As the royal
marriage act effectually disposes of any claims
the descendants Of Mrs. Fitzherbert may
have as heirs of George w there is no mo-
tive TO suppress the facts in the case. The
Hush memoirs are certainly not compliment
tary to the royal profigate; but stories of the
character in which that book abounds do not
materially injure the reputation of king
From David's time down peculiar privileges
have been accorded to royalty. The Greyille
memoirs, just published, with their reve!a-
tions of petty meannesses, and selfishness
and treachery, are far more damaging than
tie earlier ones to the memory Of George.
There was book published in 1908 for
which the Chancellor did advertise, and for
copies of which he paid large sums, amount
ing, it is said, to 100000. That book con-
tanned the evidence and letters in the case of
the Princess of Wales, arragned before roy
al commission on charges Of gross immortality
preferred by her husband. She was honora-
bly, acquitted. A report of the case was
printed for private circulation by Mr.. Spencer
Percival, her counsel. Mr.. Percival was aft
erwards given position in the cabinet, anG
thereupon became very anxious to suppress
the book. Scandals which would not injure
the Prince would spot the fair repute of the
Princess. 1t is quite impossible to foul a
soot-pot. but marble statue can be easily
smirched. Perhaps the recollection of this
book and the large sum paid for its suppress
sion may have inspired the enterprising pub
Usher who offered e10OO.reward for the Hush
memoirs.