In an interesting letter "for self and mates" a Manchester working
man asks me the meaning of "Fors Clavigera" (surely enough explained
in II. 4?) and whether I mean by vulgarity "commonness," and why I say
that doing anything in a hurry is vulgar. I do not mean by vulgarity,
commonness. A daisy is common; and a baby, not uncommon. Neither are
vulgar. Has my correspondent really no perception of the difference
between good breeding and vulgarity?--if he will tell me this, I will
try to answer him more distinctly: meantime, if in the Salford Library
there is a copy of my 'Modern Painters,' let him look at Vol. V.,
Part IX., Chap. VII.
He says also that he and his mates must do many things in a hurry.
I know it. But do they suppose such compulsion is a law of Heaven? or
that, if not, it is likely to last?
I was greatly pleased by Mr. Affleck's letter, and would have told
him so; only he gave me his address in Gordon Street, without telling
me of what town. His post-mark was Galashiels, which I tried, and
Edinburgh; but only with embarrassment to Her Majesty's service.
Another communication, very naïve and honest, came from a Republican
of literary tastes, who wished to assist me in the development of
my plans in 'Fors;' and, in the course of resulting correspondence,
expressed his willingness to answer any questions I might wish to
put to him. I answered that I imagined myself, as far as I thought
needful for me, acquainted with his opinions; but that perhaps he
might wish to know something more definite about mine, and that if
he liked to put any questions to me, I would do my best to reply
intelligibly. Whereupon, apparently much pleased, he sent me the
following eleven interrogations, to each of which I have accordingly
given solution, to the best of my ability.
1. "Can the world--its oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, continents,
islands, or portions thereof, be rightfully treated by human
legislators as the 'private property' of individuals?"
Ans. Certainly. Else would man be more wretched than the beasts,
who at least have dens of their own.