Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 27.djvu/456

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
438
THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY.

[Times, June 4th]

MR. SPENCER AND MR. HARRISON.

To the Editor of the Times.

Sir: Allow me to supplement my letter telegraphed yesterday, partly to explain how the thing arose, and partly to correct an impression made by your leader of to-day. I was wrong in assenting to the re-publication by Messrs. Appleton. I ought to have borne passively the threatened evils of re-publication by other publishers, and, as my friend has been connected with publishing in New York for thirty years, I supposed his impression that these were coming was correct. But my decision was made in a hurry, without due thought. Believing there was no time to lose, I telegraphed reply, and by the next post indicated corrections to be made in the statements of my views. And here I wish to point out that the notes I indicated were not criticism of Mr. Harrison's opinions, but corrected versions of my own. Any others, if there are any, are Professor Youmans's. I go on to explain that my mind was so engrossed with the due presentation of the controversy that the question of copyright never occurred to me; and the thought that Mr. Harrison might not like his articles republished was excluded by the impression given me that others would republish them if the Appletons did not. Hence my error. But my error does not, I think, excuse Mr. Harrison's insult. By cancelling the rest of the edition and the plates I have done all that remains possible to rectify the effects of my mistake.

I am, faithfully yours,
Ilfracombe, June 3. HERBERT SPENCER.

[Times, June 6th.]

MR. HARRISON AND MR. SPENCER.

To the Editor of the Times.

Sir: May I once more trespass on your space by asking you to publish the following letter from Mr. Harrison?

I am, faithfully yours, HERBERT SPENCER.

"38, Westbourne-terrace, W., June 4, 1885.

Dear Mr. Spencer: As you still appear to think (in spite of my public disclaimer) that I have brought against you a charge of desiring money profit out of this American reprint, I beg to say that I did not intend to make any such charge, and I do not believe that I have. I regret the use of any words which produced that impression on you.

"I am, yours faithfully, Frederic Harrison.
"P. S.—You can use this letter as you think fit.
"Herbert Spencer, Esq."

[Standard, June 10th.]

MR. SPENCER AND MR. HARRISON.

To the Editor of the Standard.

Sir: The fact that the information to which it refers came through The Standard must be my excuse for asking you to publish the following letter, a copy of which I have inclosed to Mr. Harrison, requesting him to post it after reading it.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
HERBERT SPENCER.