New-York tribune., 1901-04-05

outbreak o. political criticism. If his denial
had been followed by proof of various family
holdings. there would have been grave public
scandal. There would have been trial by news
paper and a Congressional investigation and
his position Cabinet officer would have been
untenable. If there had been a libel action. he
would not have been allowed to secure a vindi-
cation by proxy. but would have been expected
TO sue in his submit himself
to cross-eXamination The explanation that his
denial had been unconsciously inaccurate. that
he had not known how his money was invested
and that his brother had kept him in ignorance
Of the facts would have excited suspicion: and
the publication of letters Of introduction such
brought out in the Chamberlain libel
suit would have been regarded as discreditable
TO the public service. even if there were no
proof Of the Cabinet Minister'S knowledge Of
what had been done. While a vindication like
that secured in this libel suit would have been
impractcable in America. il would be arrogant
TO assume that public life is purer and civic
virtue more sensitive there than here. It would
be nearer the mark to conclude that the stand
ards OF public conduct are different in the two
countries that the English less suspicious
than the Americans respecting their public SER
wants and that the press here has less license
in criticism Of political leaders and is under
more restraint from the courts.
Public Office may not be more Of public trust
in England than in America. but there is less
money to be made out of politics and there is
greater fexibility and more tolerance in
popular judgments of the business affairs Of
public men. When a man becomes member
OF a municipal a county council and takes
share in the responsibility Of local government
he does not receive a salary, but devotes time
and labor 10 the service Of the community at
personal sacrifice. There is no money 10 be
made out Of local administration \ member
Of Parliament has TO pay heavily for the costs
OF his election, lives in London at great ex-
pense and receives no salary. The Civil Ser
vice is permanent body. and there are no ap-
pointments 10 be secured. perquistes Of any
kind to be picked up Members of Parliament
are there at their own expense. and there is no
money be made out of public life. This is the
established order. and public men are not ex-
posed to the same degree of suspicion Of having
rnercenary motives as in America If members
of the Commons solicitors or barristers they
continue their professional labors without re-
proach. Bankers. manufacturers and merchants
are not expected TO abandon their business hold
ngs when they enter public life. stock broker
would be excluded from the Ministry because
the possession Of confidential knowledge Of gov
ernment policy. especially in foreign crisis,
would be a dangerous temptation to private
speculation: but II would be impracticable TO
shut out Of the Commons men who dis
qualified for purely dsinterested legislative ac-
ton in consequence Of private investment and
business interests. The phrase "Casar's wife
must be above suspicion is often heard at
Westminster; but practically there is hexbty
in the application of standards of public con-
duct: and this tolerance is the logical outcome
of the primary truth that with the exception of
are not paid for legislative service. and no
money is made out of politics
The press. moreover, is under greater
straint in England than in America in its criti-
csm of the private and business affairs OF public
men A campaign Of defamation like the recent
outbreak against the Chamberlain family is
only the exception that proves the rule of the
studied decorum of journalism In time of po-
litical excitement like the last general elections
charges may be made with considerable reck-
lessness: but soon as recourse is had to the
courts there is complete silence. As soon as it
was announced early in December that Mr..
Arthur Chamberlain would sue The Star" and
THE Morning Leader" for libel. all references
IN cordite contracts and Kynochs ceased. While
the trial was in progress not word of com
nent was seen in print. for the bench has effec-
five methods of Furnishing contempt OF court.
When the jury has disposed Of the case there
are comments in accord with the judicial result
snd the matter is at once dropped Trial by
newsnaper is not allowed to anticipate or to in
/ validate trial by jury. Mr.. Chamberlain, far
as the public knows. may not have disposed of
his business interests covered by the Birming-
ham Trust; but il will be taken for granted that
he will sell out his shares. if he has not already
ao,a so and there will be further references
,o the subject. 1t is we'll known that he Writ
usllv retired from business when he entered
nublic life and that his time and thoughts are
engrossed with the service of the nation and
the empire His private investments are not
considered a matter of public concern. His
reputation is unsullied by the attacks which
have been made upon him. Full explanations
have been made by his brother in the courts of
the inaccurate denial and his conduct has been
justified great man who is power in ma
tional and imperial politics is not compromised
by ignorance respecting his private investments
nor disqualified for future career of usefulness
and honor. l. " r
.,-ryu.,rr yETrTRV EOTND IN EGYPT.