The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-07-28

But he put into them something which made them lasting, for he breathed through them the true spirit of the sea only a man who has made his home upon the waters can; and he revealed in realistic way to the dwellers on the land the daily life of the navy. He at lacked abuses and preached sermons or conservatism. In short, Marryat put him. self into his works and when an author succeeds in doing that he has achieved success of the highest sort.
 No story of Captain Marryats is so well known as "Midshipman Easy The rank liberal can always command an audience; to the rank conservative this IS not so easy. But by putting his ex- treme conservative doctrine Into the form of d roliclxing sea story Captain Marryat obtained a hearing which otherwise he would not have received, and has held his audience for more than seventy years While his religious views may offend many, his conservatism will do no harm. for if liberalism is the sail by which we make progress, conservatism is, after all' the anchor by which we hold
 X NR. NICoDEMUS EASY was gen. MI tleman in easy circumstances liv- Il ing down In Hampshire. After g. married life of ten years Mrs. Easy pre- sented him with a fine boy, whom he named John, and who, of course, was known to everybody as Jack. Then MT. Easy, having little else to do, turned philosopher, the very best profession a man can take up; for he must be very incapable person, indeed, who cannot talk nonsense.
 MT. Easy fixed upon Equality and the Rights of Man for his special brand. His women acquaintances would not ac- knowledge the rights of men, and as the
 an m tlemen of property, they failed to per- ceive the advantage of dividing with those who had none. But they allowed him to discuss the question While they discussed his port wine, for the wine was good, if the arguments were not and we must take things as we find them in this world.
 MT. Easy early instilled into his son his own peculiar doctrines, and Jack was an apt pupil But when he grew big enough to attempt a practical application or ms fathers philosophy on the nelghborins orchards and fishing preserves, he found the vulgar prejudices of organized so- ciety in regard to private property and the popular ignorance of philosophy so overwhelmingly against him that after few beatings and arrests he announced his intention of going to sea; the Tree and boundless ocean being, In his opln- ion the only place where actual free- dom and equality could be enjoyed "The earth has been nefariously divided among inc few" said Jack, but no man claims his share of the sea. There every one may blow as he pleases without being taken up for trespass."
 ',rhe very best thing you can do is to go to sea-" said old Doctor Middleton, the friend and physician of the family who had been trying for years to lnstlll some comon sense into 1t. When MT. Easy objected, Jack replied that he was born his own master, had right to his share of the sea and that no one had right 10 dictate to him. MT Easy had to sac rifice his philosophy or his son. Like all philosophers he preferred to give up any thing rather than his hypothesis, and so Jack went to sea. As for Mrs Easy she, poor woman, had long since given up trying to have any say in family matters, and had taken to her chimney corner and her tears.
 It was arranged that Jack should go out as midshipman with Captain Wilson, a sort of cousin of the family. Jack was at the ripe age of IA. and finding him. self in Portsmouth with plenty of money and five or six companions whom he had picked up, or who had picked him up he was in no hurry to report on board Cap tain Wilson's vessel. Finally Lieutenant Sawbridge was sent to look the youngster up and bring him on board He found him at the Fountain Inn preparing to give a little dinner.
 May I ask who you are. sir?" said Jack loftily.
 "I am Lieutenant Sawbridge of His Majestys sloop-of-war Harpy. my young buck and if you do not report yourself on board by daylight tomorrow morning I'll send a file of marines and fetch you"
 q shall go on board when 1t suits my convenience" replied Jack, and as to your being lieutenant l can admit only of equality. We are all born equal trust you will admit that. And l must say, sir, that you seem to have a pretty good opinion of yourself"
 He must be madI' exclaimed Saw bridge, his astonishment mastering even his indignatio as March hare."
 No, sir," replied Jack, "I am not mad --I am a philosopher"
 "A what?" shouted the lieutenant. "Dammel What next? When I get you on board I'll teach you philosophy you never dreamed of my joker. I'll teach you the philosophy of the thirtysx artl- cles of war. Butts he's mad-stark, star ing madi' cried the lieutenant, as ne bounced out of the room and hastened to report to the Captain the result of his visit to the new "middy.'
 Captain Wilson explained to his angry executive the peculiar notions of which MT. Easy, Sr., was an advocate and in which he had brought up his son, and also the obligation he was under. because MT Easy had lent him a thousand pounds without interest or legal security In order that he might fit himself out for his com mand and leave his family in comforc while he was at sea. For MT. Easy was warm-hearted man and would have been a pattern of all the virtues had not his so-called philosophy got into his head and added it.
 Sawbridge at once declared that not only to please Captain Wilson. but also from respect for a man who had shown go much kindness to a brother officer, he would overlook what had passed between himself and Jack, and all that probably would pass before they could make the ooy what he ought to be.
 But he must be got on board" said sawbridge. "and If we send a file of ma fines 1t will do more harm than good
 'I will invite him to breakfast with na" said the captain, and once on