of one object and of subjecting to it all other desires. Fame
was his object and for it he sacrificed many of the higher
principles of a virtuous manhood. Ambition such as his, how
ever, could not afford to be scrupulous. If he treated some of
his political contemporaries unfairly it was simply because
they obstructed his way to power; if he violated his word it
was because truth was not compatible with his success.
We must not attempt to judge too harshly of such a man.
His mind was too infinitely great for us to be able to pass
judgment on the motives that inspired him. He had, it is
true, a better nature. Although in political life he was relent
'less, he was not entirely heartless. He always sought to
encourage a new man entering Parliament, no matter to what
party the new member belonged. To political friends he was
the model of loyalty. In the midst of heated parliamentary
debate he was absolutely fearless, All the invectives and
scorn his opponents could heap upon him did not affect him
in the least. His enemies soon learned to fear such a man
who never feared for himself, while his friends were always
confident that he would never fail them in the hour of need.
During his whole life he always had the happy faculty of
attracting men to himself and making them his devoted
followers.
To try to develop his character further is fruitless. All that
is said is based on mere outward appearance, and for us to
understand the truer motives that were infused into his life,
and incited him to become the strong heroic figure that he
did, is impossible. To us he has left at least one thing. We
may not admire his moral principles. Yet his never failing
hope and courage, his steadfast adherence to a . deliberate pur
pose, and, in general, the great intensity of his whole career,
remains as a grand example of what Roosevelt has called the