lecturing, organizing on behalf of some good cause or other,—
"One of much outside bluster: for all that,
Most honest, brave, and skilful."
Mr. Beal has made the public interest his interest to an extent that has not been excelled by any private citizen of the day. His achievements bear eloquent testimony to the good which it is possible for individual Radicals to effect who may never even aspire to a seat in the House. The self-forgetfulness which enables such public-spirited citizens as Beal to feel greater pleasure in returning to Parliament political thinkers of the eminence of Mill and Morley, than in being themselves returned, is one of the most hopeful signs of English public life. It points to the ultimate conquest of Philistia by the forces of humanity and right reason; and in that sacred warfare Mr. Beal has earned for himself imperishable distinction. In Philistia, he is not of it. On the contrary', he has assailed the Philistines in their chief strongholds of vestry, guild, and corporation, with a vigor which has caused them oft-times to tremble behind their intrenchments. But I must not anticipate.
Mr. Beal's public work, like his private business, has been of a strictly practical character, and will be best treated in brief chronological sequence. Whatsoever his hand has found to do, he has done it with his might. There are many good men willing to discharge public duties at the solicitation of others; but Mr. Beal is not one of these. It has been his function to invent duties for himself and others, as the sequel will show.
