New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-07-04
THE MAN,
AS TOBY, NJ. p" SAW HIM

(Sir Henry ". Lucy, the famous
"Toby. VI. p" Of "Puncn." ono Of the
foremost English journalists of the
age. and for many years a regular CON
tributor to Tic Tribune, writes for our
columns the following personal recol-
lections and appreciation OF Joseph
Chamberlain
first met Mr.. Chamberlain in the
Mayors parlor in the Town Hall OF
Birmingham. He was chief magistrate
for the second time, and though yet
personally unknown at Westminster
had succeeded in centring national at
tention upon himself. At that time he
was a radical of hue so red as 10 bor-
DER upon republicanism. The Prince
and Princess OF Vale were to pay a
visit to the Midland metropolis, and
every one was asking himself how the
Radical Mayor would comport himself
as the host Of royalty. He acquitted
himself in manner that made the
visit an unqualified success. his intro
duction to his present majesty laying
the foundation Of a personal friend
ship that through many vicissitudes
lasted 10 the end.
This year, 1874. was the turning point
in Mr.. Chamberlain's life. Still in the
prime of manhood. he had so greatly
prospered in business as 10 feel him
self justified in retiring from its
direction. Satiated with such success
az the limits Of birmingham made
possible, he entered the arena Of poll
tics. Sheffield was the scene Of his
first attempt and Roebuck was his OPP
ponent. tie was defeated, and. return
ing to Birmingham. devoted himself
with characteristic energy TO the i'm
proyement of the borough. In 1876
Mr.. Dixon retired from Parliamentary
life. and Birmingham by acclaim elect
ed Mr.. Chamberlain 10 take his seat.
He arrived at Westminster in the
middle of the session Of 1876. and
found the House under the leadership
Of Disraeli, an apparently impregnable
stronghold Of Toryism. He was in no
hurry 10 catch Tie Speakers eye. being
contcn. to watch the House. learn its
ways and make it familiar with his un-
obtrusive presence before he claimed
it, attention as participation in de-
bate.
II was on February Il. 1877. that he
made his first speech in the chamber
where. through long career, he was
to achieve so many triumphs. He
spoke on the Home Secretary's prison
bill. n subject with which his training
in municipal affairs had made him
especially familiar. There are few men
in the present House who were there
on that historic occasion. Those who
were will recall the interest created.
So much had been heard OF the new
members trucculent radicalism that,
as was said at the time, the country
member expected he would enter the
House making a cartwheel. as ragged
little bows do adown the pavement
v,hcn a drag or an omnibus passes
They were surprised TO behold arising
from a bench below the gangway OPP
nosite a slightly made. well dressed. al
most boyish looking person, VINO, ~ a
low. clear, perfectly pitched voice, win
a manner self-possessed without being
proceeded to discuss inc
bill. .t.
MIR. Chamberlain did not make much
st;r in the uncongenial atmosphere oil
The Disraelian Parliament lie sat e.
lou, the pangway in close companion
shin with Sir Charles Dixie keeping 4
harm eve on the front Opposition
bench. helping to keep his divided lead
ora nm 10 lighting pitch against ton-
scyyatiye aggression. Lord Harting-
Ton nominal leader Of the Opposition,
falling short OF Radical expectation.
was ono night startled by hearing HIM
SELF described by Mr. Chamberlain as