Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1878-12-21

that he highly approved of that going on 10
Poland abont the same time as the French
In the one case he saw that. instead OF pluns-
ing their country into anarchy, the leading
men exerted all their talents 10 rescue 1t from
such state, by instituting wise and consti-
tutional form of government, whereas, he ha-
ted the French Revolution, because 1t was an
exeorably bad one, or rather the utter dlsSolu-
ton. at a blow, of government, religion, ana
morals-all the elements which not merely
bind men together, but have, in fact, from the
condition of savages, made Us men. HIS IN
dienation was aroused against what be termed
",his gross ini1tlation. this abstract blly aud
practicle wickedness" Of the ffench aud bis
surprise was great when told that Fox and
Sheridan entertained very different opinions
Such, however, was his delicacy Of feeling that
he had come almost to the conclusion not
TO obtrude bis sentiments on the subject
in Parliament, at least till compelled by a
sense OF duty paramount to all private conslt-
erations. And this was soon forced upon him.
In February, 1890, Fox not only euloglzed the
Revolution generally, but tactily conniyed at
the worst excesses OF the populaoe aud Sheri-
dan even went 50 far as to charge his old friend
with being tue advocate aud apologSt Of dcs-
potism.
Mr.. Burke, in the course OF speech IN re-
ply. which was received by o great majority OF
the House Of Commons with loud applause,
said he hated tho old despOiism Of France,
and still more be hated the new. II was a
plunderiug, .ferocious, tyranuical democracy,
without single virtue to redeem It's crimes,
and. so far from being as his honorable friend
lMr. Fox had inadvertently said, worthy of
imitation. he would spend bis last breath and
the last drop Of his blood-ho would quit bis
best friends and join his worst enemies. to oP-
pose the least title Of sRch a spirit or such an
example in England"
Mr.. Pit, the P.iDo Mini-ter. was found,
unexpectedly, 10 concur most warmly in these
sentiments. "No matter, he said, how they
had differed on former points of policy, be felt
for Mr. Burke, 90 that occasion, the highest
gratitude hod reverence, and not Gully the
present generation, bat the latest pos'oriiy
would revere bis nnme for the decided part be
had that day taken"
To Sheridans vehement assault ior the ut
,erance Of this great effort, Mr.. Burke calmly
replied that such terms might have been
SHARED. II for nothing moro than as sacrifice
g. the ghost Of departed friendship. For the
applause Of tho reforming clubs aOd societies
with which ho had lately become ontanged, he
had chosen 20 sacrifice his friend, though be
might in time fad tha, IL ~as not worth the
price al which il was purchased. Honcelor-
ward" he added, they were separated 10 po-
liticS forever.
Ia an eudcavor, soon after, by the party
leaders to reconcile them, Sheridan took offence
at the overwhelming sentiment Of those
present IN favor of Mr. Burke's services.
powers, ard opinions and ,tmust be admitted
that some personal dislike prevailed between
those distinguished men ever Afterwards, the
latter suspectng, and it Is thought not un-
reasonably, that the withdrawal nom him Of
Fox's political confidence was cause by Sher-
id,n. who felt impatient Of the prep)nIerencc
Of Mr.. Burke. Il was remarked, too, after
their disagreement. That the wit Away sat
silent 10 private company, when Mr.. Burke
was a theme Of praise with every one els'.-
All this. however, affords no room fOr tie
slonderous statement which forms the basis Of
this discursive article, that Burke losthed
Sheridan TO such a degree as TO quit room on
his entrance.
In his happier moments, Sheridan referred
n Burke as one "to whom | look up with
HOMAGE. whose genius is commensurate TO his
philanthropy, whose memory will stretch it.
self beyond the heeting objects of any little.
martial, temporary shutting, through the
whole range of human knowledge and honor.
oole aspirations after human go /, rs large as
the system which forms life, as lasting as those
objects which aderu ;.'
To such a chaotic state had the once com
pa,t Whg party been reduced by disscntions
arising from discussion Of the French lIeyolu-
lion. that. on the 9Th Of May. 1891 Mr. Burke
was seven or eigut times interrupted aud called
10 order by bis rmcr associates aud followers :
and even an express vote Of csnsuTe for no.
,;,;no the affairs Of France was moved against
him lv Lord She1ield aud AeconJed by Mr.
Fox. Mr Pitt, however, mauiully came 10
his support. urging that lie was 10 order, and
tbat his zeal and eloquence entitled him to the
warmest gratitude. NJ Fox followed ia a
vehement strain, Indicating throughout pre-
meditation aud wanto generosity. which hurt
Mr.. Burke more than any ublic occur
renee Of Bis life. 10 his reply he complained
Of being personally attacked from a quarter
where he least expected it, after an intimacy Of
more than tw enty-two years, and that, j! his
steady adherence TO the British Constitution
nlacel him in the dilemma Of provoking
enemies or losing frienls, be would risk all,
and with bis las, breath exclaim, Fly from
the French Constitution :" Fox here whisper
eJ There is 10 loss Of friendship "Iregret
10 say there is" WAS the reply. " | know the
value Of my line Of conduct; ] have. indeed,
made A great sacrifice; have done my duty
though have lost my friend, tor there is
something 10 the detestel French Constitution
that envenoms everything it touches"
Unusually agitated by this public and point
el Remuneration Of long intimacy, Ir Fox
f,unI relief in toars. Some moments elasped
before he could fnd utterance, when a. elo-
open, appeal burst forth to bis old and revered
frieod-to the remembrance Of thrir past
inaienable fricudship--their
reciprocal affection, as deag and almost as
linjiu1 ashhe ties of rature between father
and son. Despite an appeal 50 pathetic and
% ne,soual. and even when seemingly dis
,olrel in ieaGeraess, the pertiuacity Of the
,kllsi debater prevailed over he feelings Of
the man. and be gave utte'snce 10 unnsnaly
hitter sarcasms. rather asgraVsiiog than ex-
ienuating the original offence. ThenceioJws'd
he Intimacy Of these illuslrious men ceased.
In Oc,obe,, 1895, not quite Two years pre-
rIous 70 his death, giant. though 'ardy
,pe. WAS awarded 10 Mr Burse'sen eminent pub
ic services. IN a pension Of El2OO per annum
- tho civil list. and af,e'warls ahothe, ~
so5OO neither Of them solicited directly or 10
,ec,iv but .aid 20 have originated ron The eS-
,,sss vi.h q the King. The hostility afoosed
" the acceptance Of this nuch-needed pension
= .hs payt cf former aud associates, especially