As a matter of fact, Labby is by instinct one of the
most thorough Radicals that ever breathed. His Radicalism, it is true,
is of the antique pattern. He is an individualist without compromise or
concession. Life to him is to the strongest; he has no faith save in the
gospel of the survival of the fittest. Equable and even cheery, he does
not take a particularly joyous view of human existence. I have heard him
speak of the emptiness and futilities of human existence in tones, not
of gloom, for he is too much of a philosopher to indulge in regrets, but
with a hearty sincerity that would do credit to the Trappist monk who
found everything vanity of vanities in a sinful world. Despising honours
and dignities, he positively loathes outward show; he is a Radical by
instinct and nature. Though one of the wealthiest men in the House of
Commons, nobody has over known him guilty of one act of ostentation.
Probably he loves power. I have not the smallest doubt that he would
enjoy very well being a Cabinet Minister. But for social distinction,
for the frippery and display of life, he has a positive dislike. He is
like Mr. Biggar also in tenacity.
[Sidenote: And the grit.
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