The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-10-06

Mr.. Herbert Spencer, the most notable Oh
our recent visitors, Is an Englishman, born
at Derby, the son and gran lson Of school
masters. His health has been delicate from
his boyhood, and he now seeks TO find In this
country such rest and recuperation as may
prepare him TO continue the toll Of present
ing the result Of his RESEARCH and original
thought to the readers and thinkers Of all
nations. But for his fathers special and In
telligent care Of his only surviving child,
Herbert Spencer would have died in his
childhood. He was brought up, as far as
possible, in the open air ami accustomed 10
gradual exercise, aud the tolls Of school life
were avoided by his careful and judicious In
struction at home. The boy was taught to
know external things and their properties
and laws, before books were placed in his
hands, and became young philosopher
under conditions as far remote as possible
from the wearisome labor Of the school
room. When his condition Of health admit
ted Of the change, Herbert was sent from
home to live with his uncle, the Rev. Thorn
as Spencer, clergyman of the church of En-
gland, under whose instructions he pro6ted
greatly. At seventeen years Of age he began
life as civil engineer, but abandoned it af-
ter eight years, and after having contributed
several papers to the literature Of his profess
sion. When twenty-five years old, in 1912,
he published q series Of letters on the proper
sphere Of government, aud when, In 1S45, be
gave up civil engineering, adopted literary
work as o profession. From lS4S to 1852
he was on the staff of the Economist . Lon
don paper, in which "Social States, !" perhaps
his most popular work, was published In the
serial form. His contributions to the Vest
minister and other quarterly reviews have
been frequent. Without giving q complete
list of his books, II may be stated that the
object of his life since 1860 has been the pro-
duction of q work embracing five divisions,
to constitute complete philosophical
scheme of Life, Of Mind and of Society.
What he has done already towards this OBJ
ject is marvel of intellectual power. Eyo-
luton is aptly described Is "the central
and governing idea Of all his philosophical
labors."
Mr.. Spencer has lived In London many
years. He IL now roaming among the
mountains of the Empire State In company
with an old friend who accompanied him
from England, and avoids any and every in
reference with his absolute retirement.
His plan is said to be, after having gone
through the Catskills very leisurely, to see
Canada, work gradually down the st. Law
renee to Niagara Falls and thence back to
New York city, IL strong enough. Upon
landing in that port be Immediately sought
seclusion at the Windsor Hotel, and Profess
sor Youmans seems to have been the only
American a. yet favored with his company
during his visit. 1t will be remembered, Of
course that he declined an invitation, TO be
present at the Convention Of Free Thinkers
held recently at Watkins Glen. II Indeed
It Is so that his teaching is antsgonistic to
the Christian religion, there Is no evidence
that he either directly or indirectly encour-
aged the remarkable proceedings at Wat
kin's Glen.
Mr.. Spencer, rs we have said, Is an only
child. His parents are dead and he IL .
bachelor, SO that In the sense Of family con.
nectlons, he Is alene In the world. When In
full work, he dictates TO an amanuenis three
hours day. Music, billiards and the ooun-
try are his favorite recreations. He is not .
society man, and Is grave aud profound RET
brilliant talker. To their honor be 1t said,
that Msssrs. d. Appleton 4 Company, who
publish his works In this country, pay him
the regular authors royalty Of ten per cent.
on the retail price Of every one Of his books
sold by them.