Page:Collier's New Encyclopedia v. 06.djvu/79

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McCarthy
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McCLELLAN

gan a long career as a member of Congress from the eighth Massachusetts district, holding the office continuously for twenty years. Mr. McCall has written several important works, notably his biography of Thaddeus Stevens, in the American Statesman Series, and his "Life of Thomas B. Reed."


McCARTHY, JUSTIN, an Irish historian; born in Cork, Ireland, Nov. 22, 1830. He was a Home-Rule member of Parliament after 1879, and after the fall of Parnell, chairman of the Irish Parliamentary party. He spent three years (1868-1870) in the United States, traveling, lecturing, and engaged in literary work, being (among other things) connected editorially with the New York "Independent." He revisited the United States in 1886. He was Chief of the Home Rule party in the House of Commons from 1890 to 1896. Among his chief works are: "A History of Our Own Times" (4 vols. 1879-1880); "History of the Four Georges" (4 vols. 1889); the novels "Lady Judith" (1871); "A Fair Saxon" (1873); "Dear Lady Disdain" (1875); "The Right Honorable" (1883, with Mrs. Campbell-Praed); etc. "Modern Leaders," a collection of biographical sketches, appeared in 1872. His latest work included "The Story of Gladstone's Life" (1897); "Modern England" (1898); "Reminiscences" (1898); "The Story of an Irishman" (1904); "Irish Recollections" (1911). He died in 1912.


McCARTHY, JUSTIN HUNTLEY, an Irish journalist, son of Justin; born in 1860. He was educated at University College, and was a member of Parliament after 1884. He wrote: "Outline of Irish History" (1883); "Serapion, and Other Poems" (1883); "England Under Gladstone" (2d ed. 1885); "Camiola, a Girl with a Fortune" (1885); "History of the French Revolution" (1897); the following plays: "The Candidate"; "The White Carnation"; "His Little Dodge"; "My Friend the Prince"; "If I Were King"; "Calling the Tune" (1913); "Fool of April" (1914).


MACCHIAVELLI, or MACHIAVELLI, NICOLO (mak-i-a-vel′li), a Florentine statesman and historian; born in Florence, Italy, May 3, 1469. As secretary of the council named "The Ten," a post which he held for 14 years, 1498-1512, he was one of the most prominent actors in the foreign and diplomatic affairs of the republic during that period. The great capacity for business and diplomacy which he showed led to his being employed on a great number of political missions, the most important of which were those to the King of France, to whom he was sent on four occasions; to the Popes Pius III. and Julius II., to Cæsar Borgia, in whose camp he passed three months; and to the Emperor Maximilian. On the restoration of the Medici, in 1512, Macchiavelli was banished, and in the following year he was arrested and subjected to torture on the charge of conspiracy against the Medici, but was soon pardoned and liberated. The next eight years he spent

NICOLO MACCHIAVELLI

in retirement and literary labors, and was then again employed as ambassador. His principal works are: "Il Principe" (The Prince, 1532); "Storie Florentine" (Florentine History); "Discourses on the First Decate of Titus Livius"; "The Art of War;" and valuable reports of his negotiations. Letters, comedies, and other writings complete the six volumes 4to. of his works, which, both in point of matter and of style, stand in the highest rank of Italian literature. He died in Florence, Italy, June 22, 1527.


MACCLESFIELD, a town in Cheshire, England, near Manchester. Important textile and silk mills, and the coal mines in the vicinity make it an important manufacturing city. The city owns the water and gas works, as well as many quarries and markets. A free library and technical schools are supported by the municipality. Pop., about 35,000.


McCLELLAN, GEORGE BRINTON, an American military officer; born in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 3, 1826; was graduated at the United States Military Academy in 1846; joined the army as 2d lieutenant of engineers; took an active part in the Mexican War, where he distinguished himself under General Scott, in the battles of Contreras, Churubusco,