New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-27
ENGLAND'S STRONG NAN.
Pen Sketch of Joseph Chamberl0in
the Leading British Statesman.

the Leading British Statesman. !
While opinions differ both in England and
abroad as to the motives Of Joseph Chamber
lain's sensational withdrawal from the Cabinet
in which he was the most conspicuous and the
predominant q gure. some ascribing il to his de-
sire TO disassociate himself from admins
tration discredited by the War ONCE scan
dals that its early defeat seems assured, others
taking the view that it was act Of disinter-
ested patriotism dictated solely by his anxiety
to be able TO eevote more time and energy to
the championship Of his cause of imperial
unity than It is possible for him TO do while
Secretary OF State there can be no doubt
that he is regarded by friend and foe
alike as the most commanding figure in Eng
fish political life. and a statesman whose
name win occupy a more important place in the
RACES of English history than that Of any
Of his contemporaries. Perhaps the most strik-
ing proof OF the position which he occupies in
English public life Of ;he present day is that
he is considered as a tower of strength to the
party to which he belongs and source of re-
gret to the party 10 which he does not belong
In fact there are few Of his political opponents
who do not wish that this most effective
speaker in Parliament and most effective
electioneer outside il on their side rather
than on that Of the enemy.
No statesman, not even Gladstone in the days
Of his greatest vogue, may he said to have
enjoyed strong a grip the popular mag
ination as Joseph Chamberlain. 20 have
been the subject Of more talk among all
classes Of the people. Members Of the English
speaking races. ne matter what their political
label. dearly love good fighter. This was one
OF the main secrets Of Lord Palmerston's
strength with the masses. The calm. reasoning
philosophical statesman leaves the people cold,
lrs,,
always ready for a fight and with fighting for
all he is worth. who excites the enthusiasm OF
his fellow countrymen and England. it must
be remembered has had no more aggressive
pugnacous statesman than Fighting joe
since the days OF "Old Pam" and Billy Pitt"
II there were anything else needed to commend
him to the people irrespective Of party. il is the
/ mingled apprehension and aversion with which
/ he is regarded everywhere abroad, save in
America, and the profound and undisguised
satisfaction expressed in every capital Of Con-
| tnental Europe on the receipt OF he announce
| ment OF his withdrawal from the Balfour Cabi-
net served stin further to enhance his i'm
portance in the eyes Of his fellow citizens.
While the aggressiveness Of Joseph Chamber
lain appeals 10 the sporting blood Of the
Briton, il is a remarkable fact that he has no
taste whatsoever for sports and cares as little
for golf cricket. boating or shooting as he does
| for horse racing. He boasts that his only walk
is upstairs to bed. or perhaps a stroll through
his greenhouses at Highbury. Why any one
who can drive should wish to walk. or
/ even indulge in the exertion OF riding horse
back is perfect mystery to him. SO he takes
his exercise by smoking big cigars. with an
occasional pipe when he Is home. In one
1 word. his life is essentially sedentary, and in
| this respect un-English Yet not only does 1t
| in no way impair his hold the admiration Of
his countrymen, but he actually seems to
| thrive on it, and to-day although nearly seventy
! years OF age. he looks at least ten fifteen
| years younger.
Another thing which people appreciate about
/ Joseph Chamberlain is that his methods are
/ ever pra ~tical and businesslike. Whenever he
comes before the public it is always for a def
mite purpose, and nobody is left in doubt as
TO what he means. The African chiefs who
were brought into contact with him, first OF all
! in London. at the Colonial Office, and after
| ward on the occasion OF his visit TO South
/ Africa, surnamed him "Moatlhodi,' which may
| be translated the man who settles things"
| the man who puts things through" lie has
| left the mark OF his essentially busnesslike
| habits every department with which he has
been connected He entirely reorganized the
| municipal administration OF Birmingham when
| he was Mayor OF that city. he did the same for
thereof and whereas formerly the Colonial Of
fee in London was regarded as the least i'm
portant Of all the departments OF state, he has
managed to transform II into one so predom-
| inant that its influence extends into every other
| branch Of the government
| II is hardly necessary 10 add that he is not
a OF ideals. I recollect asking him many
! years ago when he was stin H. the liberal fold.
just after Lord Salsbury's advent to office,
what position he and his party would take up
with regard to a certain important phase Of
| Eastern politics. whereupon he lightly replied
! "Oh. must wait and what course the
1 Tories propose 10 take in the matter. and then
go in for the directly opposite" Nor can the
cause OF imperial unity. TO which he is so de-
voted. be considered IN any light as an ideal.
II is the contrary. not merely a political.
but likewise a business proposition. Of the most
vital Importance TO Great Britain. and II any
doubt remained about the matter IL would be
surely set at rest by the fact that the bonds by
means Of which he proposes 20 consolidate that
union OF the empire which is TO be its chief
force are Of an economic. that is 10 say. com
nercial and Industrial, nature. rather than sen
timental
Joe" Chamberlain has figured in many diff
ferent roles but there few people who are
aware that he has written several plays OF a
rather light order. which have been produced
on the amateur stage while ne has also beer
prominent in sunday school work and con-
spicuous as a Sunday school teacher. In fact
he Is with the possible exception OF Mr.. Glad
stone. the only English Cabinet Minister who Il