LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
BURKE AND "JACK-IN-THE-BOX."
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOIt."" SIE,—If readers of your journal desire a further example of Burke's rudeness and abruptness besides those mentioned in your editorial note to Mr. Tollemache's letter in the Spectator of November 20th they will find a striking example in the " Greville Memoirs," Vol. L, p. 186; but does it not seem a pity to dwell on this particular failing of his exactly at the time when his fellow-countrymen are honouring his memory in the centenary year of his death ? Shall we in 1905 only consider Nelson's cruelty, meanness, and unfaithfulness? Burke's temper was always fiery. It suffered greatly from
disappointments and vexations, till, as age advanced, it became almost uncontrollable. That he was aware of thia and regretted it is made clear by his will when he says "It the intimacy which I have had with others has been broken off by political difference on great questions concerning the state of things existing or impending, I hope they will forgive what- ever of general human infirmity, or my own particular in- firmity, has entered into that contention. I heartily entreat their forgiveness. I have nothing more to say."—I am, Sir, &c.,
[Nelson was unfaithful, no doubt, but it is surely a groan exaggeration to speak of him as either cruel or mean...-. ED. Spectator].
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