LIFE AND CHARACTER OF HENRY HETHERINGTON. [Hetherington, it may be necessary to explain, composed this document himself. A year and half, or more, before his death, he gave the original in his own handwriting to me and Mr. Watson to read, saying, that if he died in his then opinions, he intended to leave that behind him as his testimony. He had copies made to distribute to a few friends. On the Tuesday (August 21) on which I was called to him he ordered a copy to be given into my charge. On the evening of the same day he signed the will of his personal property. On taking it away I handed to him the Testament of his Opinions,' saying 'Will you sign this also?' I spoke in that inquiring tone which implied 'If you still see fit do so.' He at once readjusted his glasses, looked at the paper with an air of perfect recognition, and wrote his name with a firm hand. The copy which I received, and which he signed, I believe to be an exact copy of the original in his own hand-writing which he formerly gave to me, as it contains (in the 4th' paragraph) even a grammatical error, involving a logical absurdity, which I pointed out, and at which he laughed heartily at the time, and said he should correct it. But I found it still there. The document is incontestably Hetherington's. Messrs. Kenny and Ivory are too young to be able to draw up a declaration in the same maturity of tone; and it contains some passages which I should express very differently, and others (those relating to the priests) which I should not express at all, in any way. But I give the 'Testament' faithfully as I received it. It is a manly declaration of what was true to the conscience and right in the judgment of him who signed it. The signed and attested copy I have placed in the Reasoner office for the inspection of any who are curious or sceptical.] THE FUNERAL AND PROCESSION. On the evening after his death, a special meeting of the committee of the John Street Institute was held, when they, as a mark of respect to their deceased colleague, undertook the conduct of the burial. The arrangements were confided to Mr. Tiffin, of the New Road; and the event showed that they could not have been placed in more judicious hands. Everything was done in quiet taste. The proceedings were decorous without gloom. There was conscientious propriety without a particle of ostentation or affected display. The hearse was covered by a canopy of puse coloured silk, on each side of which appeared, in silver letters, the words of a frequent phrase of Hetherington's WE OUGHT TO ENDEAVOUR TO LEAVE THE WORLD BETTER THAN WE Ffound it. At the end of the hearse appeared, in similar letters HENRY HETHERINGTON. Mutes were superseded by pages with white and blue coloured wands, and the officers of the John Street Institution, and various friends of the deceased, walked with similar wands on each side the procession. The Messrs. Tiffin bore maces. David Hetherington, the only surviving son (who is with Mr. Heywood, of Manchester), a relative, Mr. Watson, and myself`occupied the cab next the hearse. Twenty-five other cabs followed, and the rear was composed of a long procession of friends. The road, during the long journey to the cemetery, was lined with people. At times the scene was very affecting as women following wept as though Hetherington was some Christ of Labour. The ground for the interment was that lately purchased by Mr. W. D. Saull, and Hetherington is the first who occupies it. The concourse of persons at the grave was very great. To name all, who would be known to the public if named, would occupy a page. There were editors, lecturers, publishers, guardians of the poor, foreign Socialists and politicians of note, who respected Hetherington, or had co-operated with him. Adjoining the grave is the monument of Publicola,' the author of the wellknown Letters of the Weekly Dispatch. The eminence was appropriate. I stood upon that tomb to speak On the morning after Mr. Saull announced at John Street that he had purchased a piece of ground in Kensal Green Cemetery, to serve as a burying place for our friends, Hetherington said to me-- Saull has bought a grave, and says he is able to give a friend a lift--there's a chance for us.' LIFE AND CHARACTER OF HENRY HETHERINGTON THE ORATION OVER THE GRAVE It seems to me that he who is appointed to speak on an occasion like this should prepare what he will say, that no effort of memory or art, in recalling a fact or turning a sentence, should interrupt that simple expression of feeling which alone is suitable on this spot-and that no inapt word should accur to mar the unity of that regret, which is the only tribute left us to offer at the grave of our common friend. The usual Church Service on these occasions is omitted, out of obedience to the wishes of the friend whom we lament-and its omission also meets with our own approbation, as that service is little instructive, throws no light on personal character, and is, in some respects, a libel both on the dead and the living. And to say this much is in accordance with the wishes of Henry Hetherington, whom we inter here, and whose indomitable opposition to clerical error he desired to be perpetuated after his death. Henry Hetherington, around whose grave we stand, was the well-known publisher, lately residing at 57, Judd Street, Brunswick Square. He was a native of London, and was one of the early members of the London Mechanics' Institution, founded by Dr. Birkbeck, to which he owed many advantages. Henry Hetherington first became known to the public by the stand which he took when he thought that institution was about to be perverted from the designs of its founders. A printer by trade, he became afterwards a publisher; and during the struggle for the emancipation of the press from the fetters of the Newspaper Stamp, he became an accredited leader. He published the Poor Man's Guardian to try, as he said, the strength of Right' against 'Might;' and he continued it in defiance of prosecutions which extended over three years and a half-during which time 500 persons were imprisoned in the struggle: at last a special jury under Lord Lyndhurst declared it a strictly legal publication.' They ought to have declared that the brave and resolute editor was strictly invincible, and that his Guardian became legal because it could not be put down-for Hetherington continued to conduct it, in gaol and out, and no accumulation of imprisonment, nor amount of loss, intimidated him. Hetherington represents the Unstamped agitation, and this is his great political and historical distinction. It was he who was appointed to draw up that 'Circular' which was the foundation of the National Union of the Working Classes.' The Charter Newspaper, of 1839, gave his portrait as one of the delegates to the 'National Convention.' And since he has constantly been-when not in prison for the people-working for them through the press and in connection with public institutions. · In conjunction with his valued friends and old coadjutors, Watson and Lovett, he exerted himself for the establishment of the National Hall, Holborn. For the last few years his ardent services have been given to the Literary and Scientific Institution, John Street, Fitzroy Square, which has embodied in its management the development of his most cherished ideas of religious liberty, political enfranchisement, and social reformation. How profoundly he was esteemed in that institution the arrangements of this day, and the presence of the John Street friends, testify. In the parish of St. Pancras, of which he was a Director of the poor, he has commanded, even amid those who dissented from him, esteem for his benevolent views, his practical ability, and good sense. And it is not a little gratifying that the last public body which enjoyed the honour of his co-operation was the Newspaper Stamp Abolition Committee, who are associated to accomplish that reformation with which the name of Henry Hetherington is so honourably and so indissolubly connected. Whatever may be useful to others, Hetherington would desire to be said of him; hence it may be remarked, that though he has fallen a victim to the prevailing epidemic, it is highly probable he might have lived had not a fixed aversion to medicine prevented him seeking proper aid in time. He calculated, as he had a right to do, on a life of temperance as a great safeguard. But though a wise temperance will save us from half the maladies of the day, it does not supersede the necessity-when really in danger-for that help which the observation and experience of the physician can afford us. As respects our friend's death, I can bear personal testimony how much it became his life. As soon as he found himself in danger, I was summoned to his LIFE AND CHARACTER OF HENRY HETHERINGTON. bed-side, and, with few interruptions, I was with him till his decease. Having always believed to the best of his understanding, and acted to the best of his ability, he had no reason for fear, and he manifested none. He alluded to his probable death with so much good sense, and his bearing to the last hour was so quiet and so full of equanimity, that I could discern no difference between his deatk and his life, save in his failing strength. As sickness could not alter the evidence on which his principles rested, they underwent no change. He died the avowed, the explicit, the unchanging foe of Priestcraft, Superstition, and Oppression; and he strongly and rightly concluded that a life devoted to the welfare of humanity in this world, was no unsuitable preparation for any other. Viewed in his public relations, Hetherington was an exemplar of the school of politicians amid which he was reared. We are now verging on a phase in which we chiefly affirm positive principles. The school of politicians (to which, indeed, we owe our present liberty) now going a little out of fashion, was that which asserted a right, and antagonised it. Of this school Hetherington was the most perfect type which remained among us. He did not look upon a political victory as something to be won by exposition so much as by assault. Hence he was more soldier than advocate; and it must be admitted that political corruption never had a more resolute opponent, nor popular right a more doughty champion. It augments my admiration of my friend to know that he desired no blind eulogist to illustrate his character. In a document which he put into my hands shortly before his decease, he expressed a manly wish that his faults as well as his virtues might be made to minister to the instruction of others. This enables me to explain the two-fold aspect of his character. He had a two-fold character distinctly marked. Many in the ranks above our friend never fully understood him. o them he seemed to wear a repulsive air. He gave that impression through that error of party politics, in which each man regards an opponent as an opponent in consequence of personal interest, rather than through difference of understanding; and hence Hetherington shrank from the rich and bland, and wrapped himself up in the integrity, and poverty, and ruggedness of his own order. He seemed to feel that to reciprocate blandishments with wealth was to betray his cause. He regarded it as the inclined plain, polished as marble but slippery as glass, upon which, if the foot of the patriot was once placed, he would inevitably slip down to political corruption. Yet he had an integrity which could stand alone, which was as proof against smiles as against frowns; but it was not his temper to trust it. Those, however, who approached him on his own ground, who had the honour of working or suffering with him, never knew a more genial nature allied to so stout a spirit. He was a personification of good-humoured Democracy. The very tones of his voice bespoke the fulness of honesty and pleasantry. And beneath his uncompromising exterior and jocular speech, lay the diamond ore of courage, and truth, and toil. He had a hand as true as ever friendship grasped. In the hour of political danger, every coadjutor knew that the secrets of life and liberty could be entrusted into Hetherington's keeping. As for toil, he was unwearying. He worked till his last days. He carried out in practice that exalted creed of duty of which Rome's great Triumvir, Mazzini, is the exponent and highest type. With him, Hetherington seemed to hold that 'ease is the death of the soul; and when he enlisted in the army of progress, he enlisted for life; and, as he never faltered, though he served without pay or pension, let it be remembered to his honour: For to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust The publications which he edited, and pamphlets which he wrote, attest his great industry-and something more; for, when he was an author, it required not only ability to write, but courage to defend it. And he not only defended the liberty of the press, he defended the liberty of conscience and the liberty of speech. When tried on an indictment for blasphemy, in 1840, his defence was so well conceived that Lord Denian paid him the compliment of saying that he had listened to it with feelings of interest and with sentiments of respect;' and this tribute he won, no less by his unassuming but firm bearing, than by his judicious address. LIFE AND CHARACTER OF HENRY HETHERINGTON Those who know what political trials and imprisonments are at the hands of an oppressive government and vindictive priesthood, know that language is inadequate to express the losses and sufferings which are included in those familiar but frightful words. But Hetherington knew not only how to work, but how to suffer-nor has it been in vain. Careless seems the great Avenger; history's pages but record One death-grapple, in the darkness, 'twixt old systems and the Word: No less remarkable than his political consistency was the fervour with which our friend embraced and advocated the views of Robert Owen. They fell on his paths like a stream of light; they mellowed his manners; they interested his practical understanding; they gratified his humanity, and filled him with hope. The old world is effete: there man with man Jostles; and, in the brawl for means to live, Life is trod under foot. Hetherington felt this deeply, and he never ceased to reverence Mr. Owen for his benevolent and ceaseless labours, and his remedial proposals. My co-operation with my friend has extended over many years. But now, as at the first hour of our acquaintance, there are two qualities of his which I have been struck with more than with others-his utility and his bravery. He was decidedly the most useful public man I ever met with. At a public meeting he was of unexampled service. He would do a man's duty at a moment's notice. He would take the chair or speak. He never hesitated to do what everybody else declined to do. He had no vanity to be consulted-no egotism stood in the way of his co-operation with others: he had no ambition but to be useful. And he was as brave as he was devoted. He never shrunk from danger. To the last day of his life he would have suffered his home to be broken up, and himself dragged to prison, to champion an important principle. Many men can be patriots in the fervour of youth and the presence of applause. Hetherington had a spirit which was neither chilled by age nor damped by neglect. But we have the satisfaction of observing that the respect paid to his memory by the public, the press, and his coadjutors, early and late, is a proof bat private worth and public service bring with them individual esteem and general honour. A life spent like his In Henry Hetherington the people have lost an advocate and truth a resolute partisan. Every honest politician has lost an able coadjutor, every patriot an exemplar, and every true man among us a friend. In taking our last Farewell of him at this grave, we should tell him (could he hear our voice) that we do it with mingled feelings of joy and sorrow. We even feel a triumph in his life, while we part with profound sadness at the loss of so noble a friend. In those social reunions, where he has been so great a charm, we shall be all the merrier as we remember his unclouded humour. And as we continue that struggle, to which his life has been devoted, we shall take new courage from his example--we shall inspire new confidence in what one man can do, as we remember what one man has done and when in future times the pilgrims of Industry shall visit this shrine, they will exclaim HERE LIES A POOR MAN'S GUARDIAN!' and poor men will drop tributary tears over his grave. LIFE AND CHARACTER OF HENRY HETHERINGTON. MR. WATSON'S SPEECH. WHEN Mr. Watson rose to speak, the assembly again uncovered. He laboured under such evident emotion that it communicated itself to those around. He said the grave at his feet was about to separate from him one who had been not only his political associate, but his personal friend for twenty years. And however painful it was to him, he could not resist compliance, in some form, with the wish of Mr. Hetherington, in saying a few words over his remains. To the correctness of what his friend Mr. Holyoake had said he could bear his personal testimony. It was his misfortune to be out of town when Mr. Hetherington's illness was first communicated to him. He at once returned home; and when, after a long journey, he hastened to his friend's door-it was to find him dead. He could assure them that he felt deep, intense, inexpressible distress that it was denied to him to be also at his bed-side, as Mr. Holyoake had been, to administer to his wants: and he felt deeply grateful to those who were there, as he knew that all was done which friendly consideration could suggest or execute. He and Hetherington had suffered imprisonment together, and he knew that the pecuniary difficulties which had embittered his latter years, were almost altogether induced by his sacrifices and losses in the people's service. And his friendship was as disinterested as his patriotism. Himself and Hetherington were both booksellers, but there never was between them the smallest degree of that rivalry which was so commonly found, and which degraded trade into a low, a disingenuous, a selfish, and a miserable contest. Whatever book he had undertaken, Hetherington promoted its sale just as though it was his own. They did so by each other, and their single friendship never knew two interests. Did his feelings leave him the power of speech, he could dwell long on the virtues of his friend. They had heard the tribute paid him by Mr. Holyoake. Let them inquire into its truth. It would bear the inquiry and if they found it true, let each go, and to the extent of his power do what Hetherington had done. There were many young men around him. On them it devolved to carry forward the work to which he whom they deplored had made the unwearied contribution of his life. Let all who professed esteem for Hetherington imitate him. There could be no tribute more eloquent-no honour to him greater than that. Mr. W. J. Linton has forwarded to the Reasoner the following passage, which he would fain hang garland-like on Hetherington's tomb. The language in which it is expressed, no less than the friendship which dictated it, entitles it to a place in this Memorial. TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF HETHERINGTON. Of all the men in the battle for the People's Right, I have known none more single-minded, few so brave, so generous, so gallant as he. He was the most chivalrous of all our party. He could neglect his own interests (which is by no means a virtue, but there is never lack of rebukers for all failings of that kind), but he never did, and never could, neglect his duty to the cause he had embraced, to the principles he had avowed. There was no notoriety-hunting in him as, indeed, so mean a passion has no place in any true man. And he was of the truest. He would toil in any unnoticeable good work for freedom, in any 'forlorn hope,' or even, when he saw that justice was with them, for men who were not of his party, as cheerfully and vigorously as most other men will labour for money, or fame, or respectability. He was a real man, one of that select and 'glorious company' of those who are completely in earnest. His principles were not kept in the pocket of a Sunday coat (I don't know that he always had a Sunday change of any sort); but were to him the daily light which led his steps. If strife and wrath lay in his path, it was seldom from any fault of his; for though hasty, as a man of impulsive nature, and chafed by some afflictions, he was not intolerant, nor quarrelsome, nor vindictive. Men who did not know him have called him violent. He was, as I said before, hasty and impetuous, but utterly without malice; and he would not have harmed his worst enemy, though, in truth, he heartily detested tyranny and tyrants. Peace be with him, on the other side of this fitful dream which we call life: peace, which he seldom knew here, though his nature was kindly and his hope strong, though he loved Truth and wilfully |