THE "REPRESENTATIVE"
Mr. Murray had for long been desirous of publishing a journal which
should appear more frequently than once a quarter, more especially after
the discontinuance of his interest in Blackwood's magazine. In 1825 he
conceived the more ambitious design of publishing a daily morning paper,
a project now chiefly interesting from the fact that in this venture he
had the assistance of the future Lord Beaconsfield. The intimacy which
existed between the Murrays and D'Israelis had afforded Mr. Murray
exceptional opportunities of forming an opinion of Benjamin's character,
and he saw with delight the rapidly developing capacities of his old
friend's son. Even in his eighteenth year Benjamin was consulted by Mr.
Murray as to the merits of a MS., and two years later he wrote a novel
entitled "Aylmer Papillon," which did not see the light. He also edited
a "History of Paul Jones, Admiral in the Russian Navy," written by
Theophilus Smart, an American, and originally published in the United
States.
Young Disraeli was already gifted with a power of influencing others,
unusual in a man of his age. He was eloquent, persuasive, and ingenious,
and even then, as in future years, when he became a leading figure in
the political world, he had the power of drawing others over to the
views which he entertained, however different they might be from their
own. Looking merely to his literary career as a successful novel writer,
his correspondence with Mr. Murray about his proposed work of "Aylmer
Papillon" is not without interest.
_Mr. Benjamin Disraeli to John Murray_.
_May_, 1824.
MY DEAR SIR,
Your very kind letter induces me to trouble you with this most trivial
of trifles. My plan has been in these few pages so to mix up any
observations which I had to make on the present state of society with
the bustle and hurry of a story, that my satire should never be
protruded on my reader. If you will look at the last chapter but one,
entitled "Lady Modeley's," you will see what I mean better than I can
express it. The first pages of that chapter I have written in the same
manner as I would a common novel, but I have endeavoured to put in
_action_ at the _end_, the present fashion of getting on in the world. I
write no humbug about "candidly giving your opinion, etc., etc." You
must be aware that you cannot do me a greater favour than refusing to
publish it, if you think _it won't do_; and who should be a better judge
than yourself?
Believe me ever to be, my dear Sir,
Your most faithful and obliged,
B. DISRAELI. [Footnote: It will be observed that while the father
maintained the older spelling of the name, the son invariably writes it
thus.]
P.S.--The second and the last chapters are unfortunately mislaid, but
they have no particular connection with the story. They are both very
short, the first contains an adventure on the road, and the last Mr.
Papillon's banishment under the Alien Act from a ministerial
misconception of a metaphysical sonnet.
Thursday morn.: Excuse want of seal, as we're doing a bit of summer
to-day, and there is not a fire in the house.
FREDERICK PLACE, _May_ 25, 1824.
1/2 past 1 o'clock A.M.
MY DEAR SIR,
The travels, to which I alluded this morning, would not bind up with
"Parry," since a moderate duodecimo would contain the adventures of a
certain Mr. Aylmer Papillon in a _terra incognita_. I certainly should
never have mentioned them had I been aware that you were so very much
engaged, and I only allude to them once more that no confusion may arise
from the half-explanations given this morning. You will oblige me by not
mentioning this to anybody.
Believe me to be, my dear Sir,
Your very faithful and obliged Servant,
B. DISRAELI.
FREDERICK PLACE, _June_ 1824.
MY DEAR SIR,
Until I received your note this morning I had flattered myself that my
indiscretion had been forgotten. It is to me a matter of great regret
that, as appears by your letter, any more trouble should be given
respecting this unfortunate MS., which will, most probably, be
considered too crude a production for the public, and which, if it is
even imagined to possess any interest, is certainly too late for this
season, and will be obsolete in the next. I think, therefore, that the
sooner it be put behind the fire the better, and as you have some small
experience in burning MSS., [Footnote: Byron's Memoirs had been burnt at
Albemarle Street during the preceding month.] you will be perhaps so
kind as to consign it to the flames. Once more apologising for all the
trouble I have given you, I remain ever, my dear Sir,
Yours very faithfully,
B. DISRAELI.
Murray had a special regard for the remarkable young man, and by degrees
had thoroughly taken him into his confidence; had related to him his
experiences of men and affairs, and ere long began to consult him about
a variety of schemes and projects. These long confidential
communications led eventually to the suggestion of a much more ambitious
and hazardous scheme, the establishment of a daily paper in the
Conservative interest. Daring as this must appear, Murray was encouraged
in it by the recollection of the success which had attended the
foundation of the _Quarterly_, and believed, rashly, that his personal
energy and resources, aided by the abilities displayed by his young
counsellor, would lead to equal success. He evidently had too
superficially weighed the enormous difficulties of this far greater
undertaking, and the vast difference between the conduct of a _Quarterly
Review_ and a daily newspaper.
Intent upon gaining a position in the world, Benjamin Disraeli saw a
prospect of advancing his own interests-by obtaining the influential
position of director of a Conservative daily paper, which he fully
imagined was destined to equal the _Times_, and he succeeded in imbuing
Murray with the like fallacious hopes.
The emancipation of the Colonies of Spain in South America in 1824-25
gave rise to much speculation in the money market in the expectation of
developing the resources of that country, especially its mines. Shares,
stocks, and loans were issued to an unlimited extent.
Mr. Benjamin Disraeli seems to have thrown himself into the vortex, for
he became connected with at least one financial firm in the City, that
of Messrs. Powles, and employed his abilities in writing several
pamphlets on the subject. This led to his inducing Messrs. Powles to
embark with him in the scheme of a daily paper. At length an arrangement
was entered into, by which John Murray, J.D. Powles, and Benjamin
Disraeli were to become the joint proprietors of the proposed new
journal. The arrangement was as follows:
MEMORANDUM.
LONDON, _August_ 3, 1825.
The undersigned parties agree to establish a Morning Paper, the property
in which is to be in the following proportions, viz.:
Mr. Murray.... One-half. Mr. Powles.... One-quarter. Mr. Disraeli....
One-quarter.
Each party contributing to the expense, capital, and risk, in those
proportions.
The paper to be published by, and be under the management of Mr. Murray.
JOHN MURRAY.
J.D. POWLES.
B. DISRAELI.
Such was the memorandum of agreement entered into with a view to the
publication of the new morning paper, eventually called the
_Representative_. As the first number was to appear in January 1826,
there was little time to be lost in making the necessary arrangements
for its publication. In the first place, an able editor had to be found;
and, perhaps of almost equal importance, an able subeditor. Trustworthy
reporters had to be engaged; foreign and home correspondents had also to
be selected with care; a printing office had to be taken; all the
necessary plant and apparatus had to be provided, and a staff of men
brought together preliminary to the opening day.
The most important point in connection with the proposed journal was to
find the editor. Mr. Murray had been so ably assisted by Sir Walter
Scott in the projection of the _Quarterly Review_, that he resolved to
consult him on the subject; and this mission was undertaken by Benjamin
Disraeli, part proprietor of the intended daily journal, though he was
then only twenty years old. It was hoped that Mr. Lockhart, Sir Walter
Scott's son-in-law, might be induced to undertake the editorship. The
following are Mr. Disraeli's letters to Mr. Murray, giving an account of
the progress of his negotiations. It will be observed that he surrounds
the subject with a degree of mystery, through the names which he gives
to the gentlemen whom he interviewed. Thus the Chevalier is Sir Walter
Scott; M. is Mr. Lockhart; X. is Mr. Canning; O. is the political Puck
(could this be himself?); and Chronometer is Mr. Barrow.
On reaching Edinburgh, Mr. Disraeli wrote to Mr. Murray the following
account of his first journey across the Border:
_Mr. B. Disraeli to John Murray_.
ROYAL HOTEL, EDINBURGH. _September_ 21, 1825.
MY DEAR SIR,
I arrived in Edinburgh yesterday night at 11 o'clock. I slept at
Stamford, York, and Newcastle, and by so doing felt quite fresh at the
end of my journey. I never preconceived a place better than Edinburgh.
It is exactly what I fancied it, and certainly is the most beautiful
town in the world. You can scarcely call it a city; at least, it has
little of the roar of millions, and at this time is of course very
empty. I could not enter Scotland by the route you pointed out, and
therefore was unable to ascertain the fact of the Chevalier being at his
Castellum. I should in that case have gone by Carlisle. I called on the
gentleman to whom Wright [Footnote: A solicitor in London, and friend of
both parties, who had been consulted in the negotiations.] gave me a
letter this morning. He is at his country house; he will get a letter
from me this morning. You see, therefore, that I have lost little time.
I called at Oliver & Boyd's this morning, thinking that you might have
written. You had not, however. When you write to me, enclose to them, as
they will forward, wherever I may be, and my stay at an hotel is always
uncertain. Mr. Boyd was most particularly civil. Their establishment is
one of the completest I have ever seen. They are booksellers,
bookbinders, and printers, all under the same roof; everything but
making paper. I intend to examine the whole minutely before I leave, as
it may be useful. I never thought of binding. Suppose you were to sew,
etc., your own publications?
I arrived at York in the midst of the Grand [Musical] Festival. It was
late at night when I arrived, but the streets were crowded, and
continued so for hours. I never witnessed a city in such an extreme
bustle, and so delightfully gay. It was a perfect carnival. I postponed
my journey from five in the morning to eleven, and by so doing got an
hour for the Minster, where I witnessed a scene which must have far
surpassed, by all accounts, the celebrated commemoration in Westminster
Abbey. York Minster baffles all conception. Westminster Abbey is a toy
to it. I think it is impossible to conceive of what Gothic architecture
is susceptible until you see York. I speak with cathedrals of the
Netherlands and the Rhine fresh in my memory. I witnessed in York
another splendid sight--the pouring in of all the nobility and gentry of
the neighbourhood and the neighbouring counties. The four-in-hands of
the Yorkshire squires, the splendid rivalry in liveries and outriders,
and the immense quantity of gorgeous equipages--numbers with four
horses--formed a scene which you can only witness in the mighty and
aristocratic county of York. It beat a Drawing Room hollow, as much as
an oratorio in York Minster does a concert in the Opera House. This
delightful stay at York quite refreshed me, and I am not the least
fatigued by my journey.
As I have only been in Edinburgh a few hours, of course I have little to
say. I shall write immediately that anything occurs. Kindest
remembrances to Mrs. Murray and all.
Ever yours,
B.D.
I find Froissart a most entertaining companion, just the fellow for a
traveller's evening; and just the work too, for it needs neither books
of reference nor accumulations of MS.
ROYAL HOTEL, EDINBURGH, _Sunday_.
_September_ 22, 1825.
MY DEAR SIR,
I sent a despatch by Saturday night's post, directed to Mr. Barrow. You
have doubtless received it safe. As I consider you are anxious to hear
minutely of the state of my operations, I again send you a few lines. I
received this morning a very polite letter from L[ockhart]. He had just
received that morning (Saturday) Wright's letter. I enclose you a copy
of L.'s letter, as it will be interesting to you to see or judge what
effect was produced on his mind by its perusal. I have written to-day to
say that I will call at Chiefswood [Footnote: Chiefswood, where Lockhart
then lived, is about two miles distant from Abbotsford. Sir Walter Scott
describes it as "a nice little cottage, in a glen belonging to this
property, with a rivulet in front, and a grove of trees on the east side
to keep away the cold wind."] on Tuesday. I intend to go to Melrose
tomorrow, but as I will not take the chance of meeting him the least
tired, I shall sleep at Melrose and call on the following morning. I
shall, of course, accept his offer of staying there. I shall call again
at B[oyd]'s before my departure to-morrow, to see if there is any
despatch from you.... I shall continue to give you advice of all my
movements. You will agree with me that I have at least not lost any
time, but that all things have gone very well as yet. There is of course
no danger in our communications of anything unfairly transpiring; but
from the very delicate nature of names interested, it will be expedient
to adopt some cloak.
_The Chevalier_ will speak for itself.
M., from Melrose, for Mr. L.
X. for a certain personage on whom we called one day, who lives a slight
distance from town, and who was then unwell.
O. for the political Puck.
MR. CHRONOMETER will speak for itself, at least to all those who give
African dinners.
I think this necessary, and try to remember it. I am quite delighted
with Edinburgh, Its beauties become every moment more apparent. The view
from the Calton Hill finds me a frequent votary. In the present state of
affairs, I suppose it will not be expedient to leave the letter for Mrs.
Bruce. It will seem odd; p.p.c. at the same moment I bring a letter of
introduction. If I return to Edinburgh, I can avail myself of it. If the
letter contains anything which would otherwise make Mrs. Murray wish it
to be left, let me know. I revel in the various beauties of a Scotch
breakfast. Cold grouse and marmalade find me, however, constant.
Ever yours,
B.D.
The letter of Mr. Lockhart, to which Mr. Disraeli refers, ran as
follows:
_Mr. J.G. Lockhart to Mr. B. Disraeli_.
"The business to which the letter [of Mr. Wright] refers entitles it to
much consideration. As yet I have had no leisure nor means to form even
an approximation towards any opinion as to the proposal Mr. W. mentions,
far less to commit my friend. In a word, I am perfectly in the dark as
to everything else, except that I am sure it will give Mrs. Lockhart and
myself very great pleasure to see Mr. Disraeli under this roof.... If
you had no other object in view, I flatter myself that this
neighbourhood has, in Melrose and Abbotsford, some attractions not
unworthy of your notice."
Mr. Disraeli paid his promised visit to Chiefswood. It appeared that Mr.
Lockhart expected to receive Mr. Isaac D'Israeli, the well-known author
of "The Curiosities of Literature"; instead of which, the person who
appeared before him was Mr. D'Israeli's then unknown son Benjamin.
_Mr. B, Disraeli to John Murray_.
CHIEFSWOOD, _September_ 25, 1825.
MY DEAR SIR,
I arrived at Chiefswood yesterday. M. [Lockhart] had conceived that it
was my father who was coming. He was led to believe this through
Wright's letter. In addition, therefore, to his natural reserve, there
was, of course, an evident disappointment at seeing me. Everything
looked as black as possible. I shall not detain you now by informing you
of fresh particulars. I leave them for when we meet. Suffice it to say
that in a few hours we completely understood each other, and were upon
the most intimate terms. M. enters into our views with a facility and
readiness which were capital. He thinks that nothing can be more
magnificent or excellent; but two points immediately occurred: First,
the difficulty of his leaving Edinburgh without any ostensible purpose;
and, secondly, the losing caste in society by so doing. He is fully
aware that he may end by making his situation as important as any in the
empire, but the primary difficulty is insurmountable.
As regards his interest, I mentioned that he should be guaranteed, for
three years, £1,000 per annum, and should take an eighth of every paper
which was established, without risk, his income ceasing on his so doing.
These are much better terms than we had imagined we could have made. The
agreement is thought extremely handsome, both by him and the Chevalier;
but the income is not imagined to be too large. However, I dropped that
point, as it should be arranged with you when we all meet.
The Chevalier breakfasted here to-day, and afterwards we were all three
closeted together. The Chevalier entered into it excellently. He
thought, however, that we could not depend upon Malcolm, Barrow, etc.,
_keeping to it_; but this I do not fear. He, of course, has no idea of
your influence or connections. With regard to the delicate point I
mentioned, the Chevalier is willing to make any sacrifice in his
personal comforts for Lockhart's advancement; but he feels that his
son-in-law will "lose caste" by going to town without anything
ostensible. He agrees with me that M. cannot accept an official
situation of any kind, as it would compromise his independence, but he
thinks _Parliament for M. indispensable_, and also very much to _our
interest_. I dine at Abbotsford to-day, and we shall most probably again
discuss matters.
Now, these are the points which occur to me. When M. comes to town, it
will be most important that it should be distinctly proved to him that
he _will_ be supported by the great interests I have mentioned to him.
He must see that, through Powles, all America and the Commercial
Interest is at our beck; that Wilmot H., etc., not as mere
under-secretary, but as our private friend, is most staunch; that the
Chevalier is firm; that the West India Interest will pledge themselves
that such men and in such situations as Barrow, etc., etc., are
_distinctly in our power_; and finally, that he is coming to London, not
to be an Editor of a Newspaper, but the Director-General of an immense
organ, and at the head of a band of high-bred gentlemen and important
interests.
The Chevalier and M. have unburthened themselves to me in a manner the
_most confidential_ that you can possibly conceive. Of M.'s capability,
_perfect complete capability_, there is no manner of doubt. Of his sound
principles, and of his real views in life, I could in a moment satisfy
you. Rest assured, however, that you are dealing with a _perfect
gentleman_. There has been no disguise to me of what has been done, and
the Chevalier had a private conversation with me on the subject, of a
nature _the most satisfactory_. With regard to other plans of ours, if
we could get him up, we should find him invaluable. I have a most
singular and secret history on this subject when we meet.
Now, on the grand point--Parliament. M. cannot be a representative of a
Government borough. It is impossible. He must be free as air. I am sure
that if this could be arranged, all would be settled; but it is
"_indispensable_," without you can suggest anything else. M. was two
days in company with X. this summer, as well as X.'s and our friend, but
nothing transpired of our views. This is a most favourable time to make
a parliamentary arrangement. What do you think of making a confidant of
Wilmot H[orton]? He is the kind of man who would be right pleased by
such conduct. There is no harm of Lockhart's coming in for a Tory
borough, because he is a Tory; but a Ministerial borough is impossible
to be managed.
If this point could be arranged, I have no doubt that I shall be able to
organise, in the interest with which I am now engaged, a most _immense
party_, and a _most serviceable one_. Be so kind as not to leave the
vicinity of London, in case M. and myself come up _suddenly_; but I pray
you, if you have any real desire to establish a mighty engine, to exert
yourself at this present moment, and assist me to your very utmost.
Write as soon as possible, to give me some idea of your movements, and
direct to me here, as I shall then be sure to obtain your communication.
The Chevalier and all here have the highest idea of Wright's _nous_, and
think it most important that he should be at the head of the legal
department. I write this despatch in the most extreme haste.
Ever yours,
B.D.
On receiving the above letter and the previous communications, Mr.
Murray sent them to Mr. Isaac D'Israeli for his perusal.
_Mr. Isaac D'Israeli to Mr. Murray_.
HYDE HOUSE, AMERSHAM,
_September_ 29, 1825.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
How deeply I feel obliged and gratified by your confidential
communication! I read repeatedly the third letter of our young
plenipotentiary. I know nothing against him but his youth--a fault which
a few seasons of experience will infallibly correct; but I have observed
that the habits and experience he has acquired as a lawyer often greatly
serve him in matters o£ business. His views are vast, but they are baaed
on good sense, and he is most determinedly serious when he sets to work.
The Chevalier and M. seem to have received him with all the open
confidence of men struck by a stranger, yet a stranger not wholly
strange, and known enough to them to deserve their confidence if he
could inspire it. I flatter myself he has fully--he must, if he has
really had confidential intercourse with the Chevalier, and so
confidently impresses you with so high and favourable a character of M.
On your side, my dear Murray, no ordinary exertions will avail. You,
too, have faith and confidence to inspire in them. You observe how the
wary Northern Genius attempted to probe whether certain friends of yours
would stand together; no doubt they wish to ascertain that point. Pardon
me if I add, that in satisfying their cautious and anxious inquiries as
to your influence with these persons, it may be wise to throw a little
shade of mystery, and not to tell everything too openly at first;
because, when objects are clearly defined, they do not affect our
imaginations as when they are somewhat concealed.... Vast as the project
seems, held up as it will be by personages of wealth, interests,
politics, etc., whenever it is once set up, I should have no fears for
the results, which are indeed the most important that one can well
conceive.... Had the editor of "Paul Jones" consulted me a little, I
could probably have furnished him with the account of the miserable end
of his hero; and I am astonished it is not found, as you tell me, in
your American biography. [Footnote: The last paragraph in Mr.
D'Israeli's letter refers to "The Life of Paul Jones," which has been
already mentioned. As the novel "Aylmer Papillon," written in 1824, was
never published, the preface to "Paul Jones" was Benjamin's first
appearance as an author.]
Meanwhile, young Disraeli still remained with Mr. Lockhart at
Chiefswood.
_Mr. B, Disraeli to John Murray_.
_September_, 1825.
MY DEAR SIR,
I am quite sure, that upon the business I am upon now every line will be
acceptable, and I therefore make no apology for this hurried despatch. I
have just received a parcel from Oliver & Boyd. I transmitted a letter
from M. to Wright, and which [Footnote: This is an ungrammatical
construction which Lord Beaconsfield to the end of his days never
abandoned. _Vide_ letter on p. 318 and Lothair _passim_.--T.M.] was for
your mutual consideration, to you, _viá Chronometer_, last Friday. I
afterwards received a note from you, dated Chichester, and fearing from
that circumstance that some confusion would arise, I wrote a few lines
to you at Mr. Holland's. [Footnote: The Rev. W. Holland, Mr. Murray's
brother-in-law, was a minor canon of Chichester.] I now find that you
will be in town on Monday, on which day I rather imagine the said
letter from M. to Wright will arrive. I therefore trust that the
suspected confusion will not arise.
I am very much obliged to you for your letters; but I am very sorry that
you have incurred any trouble, when it is most probable that I shall not
use them. The Abbotsford and Chiefswood families have placed me on such
a friendly and familiar footing, that it is utterly impossible for me to
leave them while there exists any chance of M.'s going to England. M.
has introduced me to most of the neighbouring gentry, and receives with
a loud laugh any mention of my return to Edinburgh. I dined with Dr.
Brewster the other day. He has a pretty place near Melrose. It is
impossible for me to give to you any written idea of the beauty and
unique character of Abbotsford. _Adio!_
B.D.
Mr. Murray continued to transmit the correspondence to Mr. Isaac
D'Israeli, whose delight may be conceived from the following:
_Mr. D'Israeli to John Murray_.
_October_ 9, 1825.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
Thanks! My warmest ones are poor returns for the ardent note you have so
affectionately conveyed to me by him on whom we now both alike rest our
hopes and our confidence. The more I think of this whole affair, from
its obscure beginnings, the more I am quite overcome by what he has
already achieved; never did the finest season of blossoms promise a
richer gathering. But he has not the sole merit, for you share it with
him, in the grand view you take of the capability of this new
intellectual steam engine.
In the following letter Lockhart definitely declined the editorship of
the _Representative_.
_Mr. Lockhart to John Murray_.
_October_ 7, 1825.
"I am afraid, that in spite of my earnest desire to be clear and
explicit, you have not after all fully understood the inexpressible
feeling I entertain in regard to the _impossibility_ of my ever entering
into the career of London in the capacity of a newspaper editor. I
confess that you, who have adorned and raised your own profession so
highly, may feel inclined, and justly perhaps, to smile at some of my
scruples; but it is enough to say that every hour that has elapsed since
the idea was first started has only served to deepen and confirm the
feeling with which I at the first moment regarded it; and, in short,
that if such a game _ought_ to be played, I am neither young nor poor
enough to be the man that takes the hazard."
Sir Walter Scott also expressed his views on the subject as follows:
_Sir W. Scott to John Murray_.
ABBOTSFORD, _Sunday_,
MY DEAR SIR,
Lockhart seems to wish that I would express my opinion of the plan which
you have had the kindness to submit to him, and I am myself glad of an
opportunity to express my sincere thanks for the great confidence you
are willing to repose in one so near to me, and whom I value so highly.
There is nothing in life that can be more interesting to me than his
prosperity, and should there eventually appear a serious prospect of his
bettering his fortunes by quitting Scotland, I have too much regard for
him to desire him to remain, notwithstanding all the happiness I must
lose by his absence and that of my daughter. The present state, however,
of the negotiation leaves me little or no reason to think that I will be
subjected to this deprivation, for I cannot conceive it advisable that
he should leave Scotland on the speculation of becoming editor of a
newspaper. It is very true that this department of literature may and
ought to be rendered more respectable than it is at present, but I think
this is a reformation more to be wished than hoped for, and should think
it rash for any young man, of whatever talent, to sacrifice, nominally
at least, a considerable portion of his respectability in society in
hopes of being submitted as an exception to a rule which is at present
pretty general. This might open the door to love of money, but it would
effectually shut it against ambition.
To leave Scotland, Lockhart must make very great sacrifices, for his
views here, though moderate, are certain, his situation in public
estimation and in private society is as high as that of any one at our
Bar, and his road to the public open, if he chooses to assist his income
by literary resources. But of the extent and value of these sacrifices
he must himself be a judge, and a more unprejudiced one, probably, than
I am.
I am very glad he meets your wishes by going up to town, as this, though
it should bear no further consequences, cannot but serve to show a
grateful sense of the confidence and kindness of the parties concerned,
and yours in particular.
I beg kind compliments to Mr. D'Israeli, and am, dear sir, with best
wishes for the success of your great national plan.
Yours very truly,
WALTER SCOTT.
Although Mr. Lockhart hung back from the proposed editorship, he
nevertheless carried out his intention of visiting Mr. Murray in London
a few weeks after the date of the above letter. Mr. J.T. Coleridge had
expressed his desire to resign the editorship of the _Quarterly_, in
consequence of his rapidly increasing practice on the western circuit,
and Mr. Lockhart was sounded as to his willingness to become his
successor. Mr. Murray entertained the hope that he might be able to give
a portion of his time to rendering some assistance in the management of
the proposed newspaper. As Sir Walter Scott had been taken into their
counsels, through the medium of Mr. Disraeli, Mr. Murray proceeded to
correspond with him on the subject. From the draft of one of Mr.
Murray's letters we extract the following:
_John Murray to Sir Walter Scott_.
_October_ 13, 1825.
MY DEAR SIR WALTER,
I feel greatly obliged by the favour of your kind letter, and for the
good opinion which you are disposed to entertain of certain plans, of
which you will by degrees be enabled to form, I hope, a still more
satisfactory estimate. At present, I will take the liberty of assuring
you, that after your confidence in me, I will neither propose nor think
of anything respecting Mr. Lockhart that has not clearly for its basis
the honour of his family. With regard to our Great Plan--which really
ought not to be designated a newspaper, as that department of literature
has hitherto been conducted--Mr. Lockhart was never intended to have
anything to do as editor: for we have already secured two most efficient
and respectable persons to fill that department. I merely wished to
receive his general advice and assistance. And Mr. Lockhart would only
be known or suspected to be the author of certain papers of grave
national importance. The more we have thought and talked over our plans,
the more certain are we of their inevitable success, and of their
leading us to certain power, reputation, and fortune. For myself, the
heyday of my youth is passed, though I may be allowed certain experience
in my profession. I have acquired a moderate fortune, and have a certain
character, and move now in the first circles of society; and I have a
family: these, I hope, may be some fair pledge to you that I would not
engage in this venture with any hazard, when all that is dearest to man
would be my loss.
In order, however, to completely obviate any difficulties which have
been urged, I have proposed to Mr. Lockhart to come to London as the
editor of the _Quarterly_--an appointment which, I verily believe, is
coveted by many of the highest literary characters in the country, and
which, of itself, would entitle its possessor to enter into and mix with
the first classes of society. For this, and without writing a line, but
merely for performing the duties of an editor, I shall have the pleasure
of allowing him a thousand pounds a year; and this, with contributions
of his own, might easily become £1,500, and take no serious portion of
his time either. Then, for his connection with the paper, he will become
permanently interested in a share we can guarantee to him for three
years, and which, I am confident, will be worth, at the end of that
period, at least £3,000; and the profits from that share will not be
less than £1,500 per annum. I have lately heard, from good authority,
that the annual profit of the _Times_ is £40,000, and that a share in
the _Courier_ sold last week (wretchedly conducted, it seems) at the
rate of £100,000 for the property.
But this is not all. You know well enough that the business of a
publishing bookseller is not in his shop or even his connection, but in
his brains; and we can put forward together a series of valuable
literary works, and without, observe me, in any of these plans, the
slightest risk to Mr. Lockhart. And I do most solemnly assure you that
if I may take any credit to myself for possessing anything like sound
judgment in my profession, the things which we shall immediately begin
upon, as Mr. Lockhart will explain to you, are as perfectly certain of
commanding a great sale as anything I ever had the good fortune to
engage in.
Lockhart finally accepted the editorship of the _Quarterly_, after
negotiations which brought Mr. Disraeli on a second visit to Scotland,
but he undertook no formal responsibility for the new daily paper.
In London Disraeli was indefatigable. He visited City men, for the
purpose of obtaining articles on commercial subjects. He employed an
architect, Mr. G. Basevi, jun., his cousin, with a view to the planning
of offices and printing premises. A large house was eventually taken in
Great George Street, Westminster, and duly fitted up as a printing
office.
He then proceeded, in common with Mr. Murray, to make arrangements for
the foreign correspondence. In the summer of 1824--before the new
enterprise was thought of--he had travelled in the Rhine country, and
made some pleasant acquaintances, of whom he now bethought himself when
making arrangements for the new paper. One of them was Mr. Maas, of the
Trierscher Hof, Coblentz, and Mr. Disraeli addressed him as follows:
_Mr. B. Disraeli to Mr. Maas_.
_October_ 25, 1825.
DEAR SIR,
Your hospitality, which I have twice enjoyed, convinces me that you will
not consider this as an intrusion. My friend, Mr. Murray, of Albemarle
Street, London, the most eminent publisher that we have, is about to
establish a daily journal of the first importance. With his great
influence and connections, there is no doubt that he will succeed in his
endeavour to make it the focus of the information of the whole world.
Among other places at which he wishes to have correspondents is the
Rhine, and he has applied to me for my advice upon this point. It has
struck me that Coblentz is a very good situation for intelligence. Its
proximity to the Rhine and the Moselle, its contiguity to the beautiful
baths of the Taunus, and the innumerable travellers who pass through it,
and spread everywhere the fame of your admirable hotel, all conduce to
make it a place from which much interesting intelligence might be
procured.
The most celebrated men in Europe have promised their assistance to Mr.
Murray in his great project. I wish to know whether you can point out
any one to him who will occasionally write him a letter from your city.
Intelligence as to the company at Wiesbaden and Ems, and of the persons
of eminence, particularly English, who pass through Coblentz, of the
travellers down the Rhine, and such topics, are very interesting to us.
You yourself would make a most admirable correspondent. The labour would
be very light and very agreeable; and Mr. Murray would take care to
acknowledge your kindness by various courtesies. If you object to say
anything about politics you can omit mentioning the subject. I wish you
would undertake it, as I am sure you would write most agreeable letters.
Once a month would be sufficient, or rather write whenever you have
anything that you think interesting. Will you be so kind as to write me
in answer what you think of this proposal? The communication may be
carried on in any language you please.
Last year when I was at Coblentz you were kind enough to show me a very
pretty collection of ancient glass. Pray is it yet to be purchased? I
think I know an English gentleman who would be happy to possess it. I
hope this will not be the last letter which passes between us.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours most truly,
B. DISRAELI.
Mr. Maas agreed to Mr. Disraeli's proposal, and his letter was handed to
Mr. Murray, who gave him further instructions as to the foreign
correspondence which he required. Mr. Murray himself wrote to
correspondents at Hamburg, Maestricht, Genoa, Trieste, Gibraltar, and
other places, with the same object.
The time for the publication of the newspaper was rapidly approaching,
and Mr. B. Disraeli's correspondence on the subject of the engagement of
a staff became fast and furious.
By the end of December Mr. Lockhart had arrived in London, for the
purpose of commencing his editorship of the _Quarterly Review_. The name
of the new morning paper had not then been yet fixed on; from the
correspondence respecting it, we find that some spoke of it as the
_Daily Review_, others as the _Morning News_, and so on; but that Mr.
Benjamin Disraeli settled the matter appears from the following letter
of Mr. Lockhart to Mr. Murray:
_Mr. Lockhart to John Murray_.
_December_ 21, 1825.
MY DEAR SIR,
I am delighted, and, what is more, satisfied with Disraeli's title--the
_Representative_. If Mr. Powles does not produce some thundering
objection, let this be fixed, in God's name.
Strange to say, from this time forward nothing more is heard of Mr.
Benjamin Disraeli in connection with the _Representative_. After his two
Journeys to Scotland, his interviews with Sir Walter Scott and Mr.
Lockhart, his activity in making arrangements previous to the starting
of the daily paper, his communications with the architect as to the
purchase and fitting up of the premises in Great George Street, and with
the solicitors as to the proposed deed of partnership, he suddenly drops
out of sight; and nothing more is heard of him in connection with the
business.
It would appear that when the time arrived for the proprietors of the
new paper to provide the necessary capital under the terms of the
memorandum of agreement dated August 3, 1825, both Mr. Disraeli and Mr.
Powles failed to contribute their several proportions. Mr. Murray had
indeed already spent a considerable sum, and entered into agreements for
the purchase of printing-offices, printing-machines, types, and all the
paraphernalia of a newspaper establishment. He had engaged reporters,
correspondents, printers, sub-editors, though he still wanted an
efficient editor. He was greatly disappointed at not being able to
obtain the services of Mr. Lockhart. Mr. Disraeli was too young--being
then only twenty-one, and entirely inexperienced in the work of
conducting a daily paper--to be entrusted with the editorship. Indeed,
it is doubtful whether he ever contemplated occupying that position,
though he had engaged himself most sedulously in the preliminary
arrangements in one department, his endeavours to obtain the assistance
of men of commerce in the City; however, he was by no means successful.
Nevertheless, Mr. Murray was so far committed that he felt bound to go
on with the enterprise, and he advertised the publication of the new
morning paper. Some of his friends congratulated him on the
announcement, trusting that they might see on their breakfast-table a
paper which their wives and daughters might read without a blush.
The first number of the _Representative_ accordingly appeared on January
25, 1826, price 7_d_.; the Stamp Tax was then 4_d_. In politics it was a
supporter of Lord Liverpool's Government; but public distress, the
currency, trade and commerce were subjects of independent comment.
Notwithstanding the pains which had been taken, and the money which had
been spent, the _Representative_ was a failure from the beginning. It
was badly organized, badly edited, and its contents--leading articles,
home and foreign news--were ill-balanced. Failing Lockhart, an editor,
named Tyndale, had been appointed on short notice, though he was an
obscure and uninfluential person. He soon disappeared in favour of
others, who were no better. Dr. Maginn [Footnote: Dr. Maginn's papers in
_Blackwood_ are or should be known to the reader. The Murray
correspondence contains many characteristic letters from this jovial and
impecunious Irishman. He is generally supposed to have been the
prototype of Thackeray's Captain Shandon.--T.M.] had been engaged--the
Morgan O'Doherty of _Blackwood's Magazine_--wit, scholar, and Bohemian.
He was sent to Paris, where he evidently enjoyed himself; but the
results, as regarded the _Representative_, were by no means
satisfactory. He was better at borrowing money than at writing articles.
Mr. S.C. Hall, one of the parliamentary reporters of the paper, says,
in his "Retrospect of a Long Life," that:
"The day preceding the issue of the first number, Mr. Murray might have
obtained a very large sum for a shore of the copyright, of which he was
the sole proprietor; the day after that issue, the copyright was worth
comparatively nothing.... Editor there was literally none, from the
beginning to the end. The first number supplied conclusive evidence of
the utter ignorance of editorial tact on the part of the person
entrusted with the duty.... In short, the work was badly done; if not a
snare, it was a delusion; and the reputation of the new journal fell
below zero in twenty-four hours." [Footnote: "Retrospect of a Long Life,
from 1815 to 1883." By S.C. Hall, F.S.A., i. p. 126.]
An inspection of the file of the _Representative_ justifies Mr. Hall's
remarks. The first number contained an article by Lockhart, four columns
in length, on the affairs of Europe. It was correct and scholar-like,
but tame and colourless. Incorrectness in a leading article may be
tolerated, but dulness amounts to a literary crime. The foreign
correspondence consisted of a letter from Valetta, and a communication
from Paris, more than a column in length, relating to French opera. In
the matter of news, for which the dailies are principally purchased, the
first number was exceedingly defective. It is hard to judge of the
merits of a new journal from the first number, which must necessarily
labour under many disadvantages, but the _Representative_ did not from
the first exhibit any element of success.
Mr. Murray found his new enterprise an increasing source of annoyance
and worry. His health broke down under the strain, and when he was
confined to his bed by illness things went worse from day to day. The
usual publishing business was neglected; letters remained unanswered,
manuscripts remained unread, and some correspondents became excessively
angry at their communications being neglected.
Mr. Murray's worries were increased by the commercial crisis then
prevailing, and by the downfall of many large publishing houses. It was
feared that Mr. Murray might be implicated in the failures. At the end
of January, the great firm of Archibald Constable & Co., of Edinburgh
publishers of Sir Walter Scott's novels, was declared bankrupt; shortly
after, the failure was announced of James Ballantyne & Co., in which Sir
Walter Scott was a partner; and with these houses, that of Hurst,
Kobinson & Co., of London, was hopelessly involved. The market was
flooded with the dishonoured paper of all these concerns, and mercantile
confidence in the great publishing houses was almost at an end. We find
Washington Irving communicating the following intelligence to A.H.
Everett, United States Minister at Madrid (January 31, 1826):
"You will perceive by the papers the failure of Constable & Co., at
Edinburgh, and Hurst, Robinson & Co., at London. These are severe shocks
in the trading world of literature. Pray Heaven, Murray may stand
unmoved, and not go into the _Gazette_, instead of publishing one!"
Mr. Murray held his ground. He was not only able to pay his way, but to
assist some of the best-known London publishers through the pressure of
their difficulties. One of these was Mr. Robert Baldwin, of Paternoster
Row, who expressed his repeated obligations to Mr. Murray for his help
in time of need. The events of this crisis clearly demonstrated the
wisdom and foresight of Murray in breaking loose from the Ballantyne and
Constable connection, in spite of the promising advantages which it had
offered him.
Murray still went on with the _Representative_, though the result was
increasing annoyance and vexation. Mr. Milman wrote to him, "Do get a
new editor for the lighter part of your paper, and look well to the
_Quarterly_." The advice was taken, and Dr. Maginn was brought over from
Paris to take charge of the lighter part of the paper at a salary of
£700 a year, with a house. The result was, that a number of clever _jeux
d'esprit_ were inserted by him, but these were intermingled with some
biting articles, which gave considerable offence.
At length the strain became more than he could bear, and he sought the
first opportunity for stopping the further publication of the paper.
This occurred at the end of the general election, and the
_Representative_ ceased to exist on July 29, 1826, after a career of
only six months, during which brief period it had involved Mr. Murray in
a loss of not less than £26,000. [Footnote: The _Representative_ was
afterwards incorporated with the _New Times_, another unfortunate
paper.]
Mr. Murray bore his loss with much equanimity, and found it an
inexpressible relief to be rid of the _Representative_ even at such a
sacrifice. To Washington Irving he wrote:
_John Murray to Mr. Irving_.
"One cause of my not writing to you during one whole year was my
'entanglement,' as Lady G---- says, with a newspaper, which absorbed my
money, and distracted and depressed my mind; but I have cut the knot of
evil, which I could not untie, and am now, by the blessing of God, again
returned to reason and the shop."
One of the unfortunate results of the initiation and publication of the
_Representative_ was that it disturbed the friendship which had so long
existed between Mr. Murray and Mr. Isaac D'Israeli. The real cause of
Benjamin's sudden dissociation from an enterprise of which in its
earlier stages he had been the moving spirit, can only be matter of
conjecture. The only mention of his name in the later correspondence
regarding the newspaper occurs in the following letter:
_Mr. Lockhart to John Murray_.
THURSDAY, _February_ 14, 1826.
I think Mr. B. Disraeli ought to tell you what it is that he wishes to
say to Mr. Croker on a business _of yours_ ere he asks of you a letter
to the Secretary. If there really be something worth saying, I certainly
know nobody that would say it better, but I confess I think, all things
considered, you have no need of anybody to come between you and Mr.
Croker. What can it be?
Yours,
J.G.L.
But after the _Representative_, had ceased to be published, the elder
D'Israeli thought he had a cause of quarrel with Mr. Murray, and
proposed to publish a pamphlet on the subject. The matter was brought
under the notice of Mr. Sharon Turner, the historian and solicitor, and
the friend of both. Mr. Turner strongly advised Mr. Isaac D'Israeli to
abstain from issuing any such publication.
_Mr. Sharon Turner to Mr. D'Israeli._
_October_ 6, 1826.
"Fame is pleasant, if it arise from what will give credit or do good.
But to make oneself notorious only to be the football of all the
dinner-tables, tea-tables, and gossiping visits of the country, will be
so great a weakness, that until I see you actually committing yourself
to it, I shall not believe that you, at an age like my own, can wilfully
and deliberately do anything that will bring the evil on you. Therefore
I earnestly advise that whatever has passed be left as it is.... If you
give it any further publicity, you will, I think, cast a shade over a
name that at present stands quite fair before the public eye. And
nothing can dim it to you that will not injure all who belong to you.
Therefore, as I have said to Murray, I say to you: Let Oblivion absorb
the whole question as soon as possible, and do not stir a step to rescue
it from her salutary power.... If I did not gee your words before me, I
could not have supposed that after your experience of these things and
of the world, you could deliberately intend to write--that is, to
publish in print--anything on the differences between you, Murray, and
the _Representative_, and your son.... If you do, Murray will be driven
to answer. To him the worst that can befall will be the public smile
that he could have embarked in a speculation that has cost him many
thousand pounds, and a criticism on what led to it.... The public know
it, and talk as they please about it, but in a short time will say no
more upon it. It is now dying away. Very few at present know that you
were in any way concerned about it. To you, therefore, all that results
will be new matter for the public discussion and censure. And, after
reading Benjamin's agreement of the 3rd August, 1825, and your letters
to Murray on him and the business, of the 27th September, the 29th
September, and the 9th October, my sincere opinion is that you cannot,
with a due regard to your own reputation, _write_ or _publish_ anything
about it. I send you hastily my immediate thoughts, that he whom I have
always respected may not, by publishing what will be immediately
contradicted, diminish or destroy in others that respect which at
present he possesses, and which I hope he will continue to enjoy."
Mr. D'Israeli did not write his proposed pamphlet. What Mr. Murray
thought of his intention may be inferred from the following extract from
his letter to Mr. Sharon Turner:
_John Murray to Mr. Sharon Turner_.
_October_ 16, 1826.
"Mr. D'Israeli is totally wrong in supposing that my indignation against
his son arises in the smallest degree from the sum which I have lost by
yielding to that son's unrelenting excitement and importunity; this
loss, whilst it was in weekly operation, may be supposed, and naturally
enough, to have been sufficiently painful, [Footnote: See note at the
end of the chapter.] but now that it has ceased, I solemnly declare that
I neither care nor think about it, more than one does of the
long-suffered agonies of an aching tooth the day after we have summoned
resolution enough to have it extracted. On the contrary, I am disposed
to consider this apparent misfortune as one of that chastening class
which, if suffered wisely, may be productive of greater good, and I feel
confidently that, as it has re-kindled my ancient ardour in business, a
very few months will enable me to replace this temporary loss, and make
me infinitely the gainer, if I profit by the prudential lesson which
this whole affair is calculated to teach.... From me his son had
received nothing but the most unbounded confidence and parental
attachment; my fault was in having loved, not wisely, but too well."
To conclude the story, as far as Mr. Disraeli was concerned, we may
print here a letter written some time later. Mr. Powles had availed
himself of Disraeli's literary skill to recommend his mining
speculations to the public. In March 1825, Mr. Murray had published, on
commission, "American Mining Companies," and the same year "Present
State of Mexico," and "Lawyers and Legislators," all of them written by,
or under the superintendence of, Mr. Disraeli. Mr. Powles, however,
again proved faithless, and although the money for the printing had been
due for some time, he paid nothing; and at length Mr. Disraeli addressed
Mr. Murray in the following letter:
_Mr. Benjamin Disraeli to John Murray_.
6 BLOOMSBURY SQUARE, _March_ 19, 1827.
SIR,
I beg to enclose you the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, which I
believe to be the amount due to you for certain pamphlets published
respecting the American Mining Companies, as stated in accounts sent in
some time since. I have never been able to obtain a settlement of these
accounts from the parties originally responsible, and it has hitherto
been quite out of my power to exempt myself from the liability, which, I
have ever been conscious, on their incompetency, resulted from the
peculiar circumstances of the case to myself. In now enclosing you what
I consider to be the amount, I beg also to state that I have fixed upon
it from memory, having been unsuccessful in my endeavours to obtain even
a return of the accounts from the original parties, and being unwilling
to trouble you again for a second set of accounts, which had been so
long and so improperly kept unsettled. In the event, therefore, of there
being any mistake, I will be obliged by your clerk instantly informing
me of it, and it will be as instantly rectified; and I will also thank
you to enclose me a receipt, in order to substantiate my claims and
enforce my demands against the parties originally responsible. I have to
express my sense of your courtesy in this business, and
I am, sir, yours truly,
BENJAMIN DISRAELI.
Fortunately, the misunderstanding between the two old friends did not
last long, for towards the end of the year we find Mr. Isaac D'Israeli
communicating with Mr. Murray respecting Wool's "Life of Joseph Warton,"
and certain selected letters by Warton which he thought worthy of
republication; and with respect to his son, Mr. Benjamin Disraeli,
although he published his first work, "Vivian Grey," through Colburn,
he returned to Albemarle Street a few years later, and published his
"Contarini Fleming" through Mr. Murray.
NOTE.--It appears from the correspondence that Mr. Murray had been led
by the "unrelenting excitement and importunity" of his young friend to
make some joint speculation in South American mines. The same financial
crisis which prevented Mr. Powles from fulfilling his obligations
probably swept away all chance of profit from this investment. The
financial loss involved in the failure of the _Representative_ was more
serious, but Mr. Murray's resentment against young Mr. Disraeli was not
due to any such considerations. Justly or unjustly he felt bitterly
aggrieved at certain personalities which, he thought, were to be
detected in "Vivian Grey." Mr. Disraeli was also suspected of being
concerned in an ephemeral publication called _The Star Chamber_, to
which he undoubtedly contributed certain articles, and in which
paragraphs appeared giving offence in Albemarle Street. The story of
Vivian Grey (as it appeared in the first edition) is transposed from the
literary to the political key. It is undoubtedly autobiographical, but
the identification of Mr. Murray with the Marquis of Carabas must seem
very far-fetched. It is, at all times, difficult to say within what
limits the novelist is entitled to resort to portraiture in order to
build up the fabric of his romance. Intention of offence was vehemently
denied by the D'Israeli family, which, as the correspondence shows,
rushed with one accord to the defence of the future Lord Beaconsfield.
It was really a storm in a teacup, and but for the future eminence of
one of the friends concerned would call for no remark. Mr. Disraeli's
bitter disappointment at the failure of his great journalistic
combination sharpened the keen edge of his wit and perhaps magnified the
irksomeness of the restraint which his older fellow-adventurer tried to
put on his "unrelenting excitement," and it is possible that his
feelings found vent in the novel which he then was composing. It is
pleasing to remark that at a later date his confidence and esteem for
his father's old friend returned to him, and that the incident ended in
a way honourable to all concerned.--T.M.