Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-08

days ago and he became unconscious last
night, passing away without pain.
BY mis- own desire, the least possible in
formation was given out during Mr..
Srencers illness.
The newspapers all publish long apprecia-
tions and anecdotes of Mr.. Spencer, whom
they universally describe as the last Of
the great thinkers of the Victorian age"
Sketch Of His Life.
Herbert Spencer was born April o. 1920,
at Derby, England. His father and grand
father had been teachers. His education
proceeded slowly, and at seventeen years
of age he took up railway engineering,
profession which he followed for eight or
nine years until the crash in railway enter
prises forced him out of work
AS early as twenty-five years he had
written a series of articles on the proper
ST here Of government for the "Non-Con
fCrmist" He then entered upon literary
career in London, where for four years,
bt ginning in 1913, he was sub-editor of the
Economist.
First Appearance Of His Books.
In 1850 Spencer became a contributor to
the Leader, weekly journal established in
LcEdon. 1t was this yearsthat marked the
first appearance of Spencer's books, Social
Sta tics,' which contained in embryo much
of the political philosophy of his subse-
quent writings.
Spencer's second book the principles of
Psychology" was published in 1855 But
1t was in 1852 when he began his series Of
essays which many critics declare to have
been his best work.
Turning Point in His Life.
Doubtless 1t was lis remarkable article on
Progress: Its Law and Cause" which ap-
peared in the Westminster Review in 1857,
that marked the turning point in his
career.
When, in 1858, he planned his Synthetic
Philosophy. 1t was with evolution as its
keynote. In that Philosophy he duly incor-
after thirty-six years labor, the author
came to the end of his task, and a noble
monument 1t Is Of original and constructive
thought. of purpose courageously carried
to success despite poverty i'll health and the
prolonged Withholding Of public recognition.
Possessed Strong Memory.
Early in life Spencer mastered the art Of
putting questions, and his answering devo-
ton to a single task kept his mind ever
focused, so that every new fact or sugges-
ton at once found It's place in his thought.
His memory was strong for facts and princi-
pies and weak for words: he could never
quote correctly poetry of any length. He
had the faculty Of divination which Angus
tin Thierry admired in Walter Scott
Naturally of robust build, he preserved
his bodily vigor till past sixty; 1t was in
1884 that he became unable to take his ac-
customed long walks. In that year he be.
afternoons, instead Of walking across the
parks as formerly His cerebral strength
had given way many years before.
Visit to America.
When Spencer visited America in 1882 his
address to his friends at Delmonico's was a
chapter from his gospel Of relaxation and
rest. This was drawn from personal expert
ence. In early life he was told by his ply
sician that his health would never improve
lodgings.
Many American Friends.
In America Spencer had many devoted
friends. First and chief of these was DR..
Edward L. Youmans. his most enthusiastic
and helpful disciple. When he projected
the International Scientific Series" he in
duced Spencer to write for 1t the Study OF
Sociology" suggesting how the subject
might be treated. That volume remains
the most readable of Spencer's many books
and one Of the most instructive John
F1ske. who later on based his "Cosmic Phi
losophy'' on Spencer's system, gave his mas
ter firm and unfaltering support.
Modest In Accepting Honors.
Spencer was modest to a marked degree,
and late in llfe many honorable degrees
rendered him by colleges and universities
were declined. To one and all he replied
that had such distinctions been offered him
when he was young and struggling for rec
ognition they might have aided him, but
now that he had made his mark and gained
q hearing he did not need them.
About ten years ago Spencer removed to
Brighton. His house faces the sea in a
charming situation.
Movements Of Naval Vessels.
The Hist has arrived at Newport, and the
Tof.vs hatan a. Nevv York The COLLAR Han.