New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-03-03
THE "NEW, RADICALS.
MORE LIGHT ON THEIR METHODs-sni
CHARLES dixie, EX-REPUBLICAN,
AND HIS PRESENT COMMUNION
WITH THE RADICAL PARTY

London, February q.

London, February 81
IfIrefer again to the Maxse- Harrison controversv
It is not entirely for the intrinsic importance oft
but partly for the light 1t throws on the methods
of the New Radicals and partly for the sake
Of the disclosures it has led to, and the new
issue raised Another New Radical has, in fact
appeared upon the scene; none other than Sir
Charles Dixie and the present relations between
Radcalism and Sir Charles Dixie are likely
enough to have a considerable influence on its
fortunes, and on his.
The Maxse-Harrison controversy bids fair in.
deed TO spread over the land. Il became trian.
gular on Monday. Yesterday it was already
quadrangular, and | see no reason why 1t may
not presently involve a considerable portion OF
the population Of these islands The TWO inter.
veners thus far are Sir Charles Dixie and Mr.
J. Morrison Davidson. | wish I could add Mr.
John Burns but Mr.. Burns has not yet found It
convenient 20 give adequate explanation Of
his remark about sending Mr.. Chamberlain and
Lord Salisbury to heaven by chemical parcels
post" No doubt. his position is awkward for
any remarks he might make on that point would
seem 10 involve further remarks on his explicit
declaration that he approved Of the attempt 70
assassinate the Emperor OF Russia Mr. Frederic
Harrison indeed. pleads the Statute Of Limita-
lions in Mr. Burns's behalf. The words used
were used seven years ago. But this useful
statute does not extend to cases OF political in
discretion Probably Mr.. Burns thinks least said
soonest mended and probably he IS right But
then he should not ntrust his defence 10 Mr.
Frederic Harrison. / dare say he did not Mr.
Harrison needs no invitation to descend into any
arena He keeps his armor ready buckled On:
If the phrase be applicable to offensive armor.
gave brief account Of Mr.. Harrlsons attack
on Admiral MaXse in recent letter, and will
but remind YOU that he called him turncoat
sailor, and accused him In a general way Of be-
ing IAN ignorant railer at all the causes to which
his early life was devoted and at ell the men for
whom in his unsecured youth. he professed the
warmest esteem and sympathy" II you ask me
whether this be the kind Of language commonly
used here by men in Mr.. Frederic Harrsons pO-
sitior. must candldly own that it is not But
Mr. Harrison, in matters Of good breeding as in
other respects is 4 law unto himself; where he
does not borrow his rules Of conduct from that
singular lawgiver whom Matthew Arnold used
TO describe as a Rrotesque old French pedant-
Auguste Comte 10 wit.
Admiral MaXse's reply may be summed up as
a general denial OF Mr. Harrison's charges. II
is fancy portrait" which Mr. Harrison draws
Of the gallant Admiral, and he makes the
falsest statement concerning ny conduct. my
career, and my former opinions The Admiral
goes into full particulars, meeting all Mr. Harri-
sons accusations. all but one, with plump
negative Mr.. Harrison asserts that he knows
the Admiral well. This knowledge" retorts his
opponent, "can only be derived from his
niscience; have not exchanged word with him
for nearly twenty years" With which neat
thrust he concludes, leaving the Positivisi,-some
of whose doctrines also he had mercilessly laid
bare-on the defensive
The defence appears next day. Il is hardly
worthy CT a combatant who has had experience
Of 50 many wordy contests. Il shall not con-
tinue discussion with Admiral Maxse about his
opinions" says Mr.. Frederic Harrison In his
most lofty manner. To which the sailor, quicker
OF fence than the andsman, makes answer: 1t
is adroit but II is not honest on the part OK
Mr. Frederic Harrison. after having made num-
Der Of false statements concerning my conduct
and opinions. to retreat with declaration that
he will not continue a discussion about my gy-
rations" But Mr.. Harrison. though confuted,
neither withdraws nor apologies.
To those who know the private history OF the
relations between Sir Charles Dixie and Admiral
Maxse, the Intervention Of Sir Charles may seem
lacking in delicacy. But in politics there is not
always room for delicacy. and Sir Charles Dixie
has not yet 50 far recovered his old position as
to be able to give away a single point The Adj
mral had referred, rather casually TO the Dixie.
Odger and Bradlaugh Republican agitation Sir
Charles Dixie considered this a reflection upon
him. He complains that his name should be in
troduced lin connection with supposed Repuo-
lican agitation" a quarter Of century ago.
Anxious to relieve himself from this reproacn,
Sir Charles declares that he was never concerned
with Odger and Bradaugh. both of whom he
respects in any Republican agitation. and doubts
whether there was any such agitation All he
did was 70 ask for an inquiry into some branches
of the Civil List and for this he was 1.-THE sub
iect of much attack" The public memory is
presumed 10 be short nay. the shortness OF II
might constitute a politicians stOck-in-trade
were it not for those prosecuting agencies Of
which Mr. Burns spoke unexpectedly.
one. at least. Of Sir Charles bikes old asso-
clates does not like being thrown over so cava-
lery Mr. Morrlscn Davidson reminds him
that on the eve Of admission 10 the Cabinet he
publicly renowned. with metaphorical white
sheet and candle the scatter-brained principles
of his youth" And Mr.. Davidson, not having
the fer of Mr.. Burnss censures before his eyes.
permits himself the cruel Indulgence Of quoting
what Sir Charles Dixie addressing vast and
enthusiastic" audience at Newcasde-on-Tyne.
November 6, 1871. said Oh Cnis subject. lie said
this
There is a widespread belief that Republic
here is only question Of education and or
time. 1t is said that some day Commonwealth
will be our Government Now, history ana eN-
perience show that you cannot have a kepuohc
without you possess at the same time the he-
publican virtues But you answer. Have we not
public spirits? Have not the practice OF SELF
government? Are we not gaining general edu-
cation? Well If you can show me faiT ehahce
that Republic here will be free from the polu-
cal corruption that hangs about ire Moharcny'
say for my part-and believe that the midde
classes in general will say-'Let 1t come.
4 declaration Of that sort will do Sir Charles
Dixie no harm in America. or would do him
none had he adhered to IT, and not tried to ride
off on a not very courageous theory Of sup
..-..aa, Ior,,hli.nn acitntlnn Mr. Davidson saws