james mill a biography

Front matter

-< A O e DZ n, Alexander, 1818-1903, ESEMI TIN

| Bain, Alexander, 1818-1903

| James MENEE ve; TETTRE “er are ie : ANS i E

Chapter I. Early Life In Scotland

1773-1802.

Birth ; Locality described, č .

Parentage : Mother's Family—the F aa, > . Mother’s Character, G 5 The Barclay’s of the “ Brig,” . : .

Mill's Early Teaching and Circumstances, e .

Sent to Montrose Academy ; Joseph Hume his Companion, Assistance from the Parish Minister, Mr. Peters,

The Fettercairn Family, ; 5 . .

Might have gone to Marischal College, . é . Becomes Tutor to Miss Stuart, of Fettercairn, .

Enters the University of Edinburgh,

Edinburgh Professors of the time, é Attendance on Dugald Stewart, 6 Finlayson’s Logic Class, ; : : .

Divinity Studies, 0 6 5 5 5 Divinity Professors, : 4 .

Reading in the Theological AA est of Books; 5

College Companions—M ‘Crie, Leyden, Thomas Thomson,

Brewster, William Wallace, Brougham, . é Trials before the Presbytery ; Licensed to Preach, 5

Reminiscences of his Preaching, A A 5 Tutor to Miss Stuart, of Fettercairn, ` 5 8 Fettercairn House, P a Metaphysicians of the N Aha

Connexion with Aberdeen, 5 .

The Brothers Thomson (Dr. Thomas ad Dr. jeneh Intimate Friends in Edinburgh ; the Select Literary Society, Tutorship in the Family of the Marquis of Tweeddale,

Mill “at Home,” at Northwater Bridge, : The Household ; Mill’s Study ; Early Pedestrianism, Friends ; Traits of Father and Mother, j

Failure to become Minister of Craig, . e .

Th, x Contents.

Edinburgh Societies and Edinburgh Contemporaries, . i ‘

No clue as to his first impulses towards Liberalism and Political Philosophy, . 5 . ọ

Possible influence of EET events erie Revoutiont Edinburgh Political Martyrs, A 4

Summary of his Edinburgh Studies, . 5

General estimate of Mill’s Equipment, on his cee Seotiend for London, e : 5 5 . 5 a .

Chapter II. Start In London

1802—1808.

The Journey to London, . ° e Introductions to Literary men—Dr. Bo Dr. Gifford LAME GbR Review), . : :. ° . o

Proposes a Class of A Ardent interest in Politics, Si M Y Bias of the House of Conor is noting to the Gaal

Assembly,” . . , . . .

Impressions of English Racine! . é o . e London as seen by a Stranger, . ° e Writes in the Anxti-Jacobin Review—his sonics ae . .

First known Article on Mental Philosophy. A 5 . Braces himself up for hard work and poor living, 5 z 5 Great Parliamentary Debate: Criticism of Leading Speakers, . Widening literary prospects, $ > . .

Another great Debate, and further CREER, 6 . . Edits The Literary Journal (1802-1806), . . . Prospectus : Scope of the Work, ; . . .

Arrangements with Contributors, * . . > Retrospect of first year in London, as 3 * ° Publication of the Literary Journal (1803), : ` . ; Mill a Volunteer ; Expected Invasion of Bonaparte, . A È Traces of Mill's hand in the Lzterary Journal, 5 A Reviews in History, Biography, Politics, and Theolosy, A a

Looks askance at Apologetic Treatises, Earliest known publication (1804): ‘‘An Eee on ue me; oe a Bounty on the Exportation of Grain, and on the Principles which ought to regulate the Commerce of Grain ”—a pamphlet, Translation (1805) of Villers’s The Reformation, $ a Nature of the Notes, č A Edits the Sz. James's Chronicle (1Bos- -1808 Py K = The Literary Journal changes from a Weekly to a Monthly, . Attempts to track Mill’s Contributions, :

. .

37 38 20.

Contents. X1

PAGE Duties and Rights of a Biographer, . . 5 . . 56 Further traces of Mill’s hand, . > A A 5 58 Marries Miss Harriet Burrow, . 5 by 5 f 59. House in Rodney Terrace, Pentoaviie: 5 j s 5 60 Estimated income on Marriage, c 3 . : . 20, Mill's Family (nine children), . : . . $ . 6r The Literary Journal Ceases (1806), . 4 é ; 5 2b, Commences the History of India eon 1817), ». 3 - 20. Pamphlet, ‘‘ Commerce Defended” (1807), refuting the position that t‘ Commerce is not a Source of National Wealth,” . ; 5 62 Articles in the Edinburgh Review (1808-1813), . - : : 63 Involvement of his father’s affairs, : ib. Sir John Stuart, being Appointed a Baron oe DOLG vunde from Parliament, . . ; . . 64 Mill and his Relations : local Traditions: harsh, but untrustworthy, , ib. Distressing Circumstances of the Family, A : 2 . 65 Concern for the Misery of the Family, . 7 66 Firm resolution to pay his Father’s debts, with all possible pasta, ; 2b, Brother’s death (1803), Sister’s Marriage (1803), various troubles, 4 67 Local Friends: Mr. Barclay and Mr. Peters . : < 5 68 Vexatious Creditors of'his Father, š Š ` f 2b, Father’s Death (1808) ; Sister's Family, 2 69 Justification of Mill’s conduct towards his own Phi and Ek the Barclays, 5 4 4 . . 5 G 70

Chapter III

HISTORY OF INDIA ; EDINBURGH REVIEW ; PHILANTHROPIST; EDUCATION MOVEMENT,

1808-1818,

Preparatory Surveys.

Mill’s Chief Friends, 4 - : 5 4 7 71 Connexion with JEREMY BENTHAM, : 7 ; 7 f 26. Circumstances of Early Intercourse (1808-1814), A 3 A 72 Queen Square (1814), and Ford Abbey (1814-1818), - . z : 73> Bentham’s Remarks on Mill (recorded by Bowring), ‘‘ blameably inaccurate and disparaging throughout,” . : e 5 74 | RICARDO (acquaintance began 1811), z 4 A J ib. BROUGHAM (acquaintance began probably in D : 3 75 His fascination for Mill, . 3 Fs ¥ 76 JOSEPH HumME (acquaintance began at Mentoe Academy. : 3 2b. FRANCIS PLACE, the Radical Tailor of Charing Cross (1811), . ; 77 His voluminous and valuable MSS. 5 $ 3 A š 78 xii Contents.

Sir Samuel Romilly, Joseph Lowe, Francis Horner, . 5 > WILLIAM ALLEN, chemist, quaker, and philanthropist,

The Philanthropist (quarterly, projected 1810), 5 Co-operation of Mill and Allen (1810-1817), . 5 , : Bell and Lancaster, A è 3 5 5

The Controversy alive, 1810, ó G S 5 5 a Early Operations of the Society, . . > 5 ; Lancaster's Personal Character, . Š 3 6

Bentham on ‘‘ this self-styled Quaker,” and the Movement,

Mill’s connexion with the Lancastrian Organisation, . .

A Superior, or Chrestomathic School proposed (1813), . ð

Mill and Bentham interested in the project, . s A An Association formed (Feb., 1814) ; Mill one of the TES e Bentham’s Chrestomathia, 5 5 6

The scheme, after many difficulties, nally abandoned Gee .

Mill's Views on Religion probably took final shape between 1808 and 1810,

Bentham’s Influence,

General Miranda, ‘‘ the N of his final anO OAE

Mill was proof against Hume, A s z 5

His greatest difficulty the Moralone, . 4 : .

Biographical Narrative Resumed. 1808.

Writing in the Edinburgh Review: Article on Money and Exchange, Review of Fox's History (Annual Review, 1808), Ancient and Modern Historians compared,

The Moral Element in Fox’s Work, its great merit, Its weakness on the Speculative Side,

Defects of Fox’s Style, : é a A On Bentham’s ‘‘ Scotch Reform” (Annual Review, 1808),

. .

High Estimate of Bentham, : 6 A Intimacy of Bentham and Mill then heen ; Public Events of the year, 6 : . 3

Articles on Miranda and Spanish America / Edin. Rev. ), On China /Edin. Rev.) ; Chinese Civilization, Bentham on Libel Law, and the Packing of Juries, Expectation of Bentham’s Elements of Packing, First Visit to Barrow Green,

Revising Bentham’s /ztroduction to RAAM: A Bentham in danger of Prosecution,

Article on Bexon’s Code de la Legislation Penit ( Edin. Ra, J :

‘“ sadly mangled,” .

Contents

Charge of ‘‘ most impudent plagiarism,” 3 . . ° Mill’s Exculpation, A è 5 Preparatory Trimming of the eae b ¢ o 5 .

Still Revising Bentham on Evidence,

Brougham protests against Bentham’s Neca

III

Jeftrey’s Scale of Payment, ° o Severe handling of an Apology for Napsicon: s ISES > On Liberty of the Press /Edin. Rev. /, : : A The Philanthropist is started ; drift of the wore C 5 .

Allen on the Bell-Lancaster question, Mill the Medium of Communićation between Bighan and Eonar

Introduction to Ricardo, and to Place, 5 S 5 5

Bentham’s Work for the Year, . A > 5 é :

Public Events of the Year, 5 A a $ : é 1812,

Reviews Malcolm's Political History of India (Edin. Rev. /,

On the Commercial Monopoly of the E. I. Company (Edin. Rev. rim $ The Philanthropist, Vol. II. : powerful argument against the Bellites, Articles in Favour of Toleration, $ A Suggestions for a Jury System in India, by Baien and Mill, Illness : Anxiety for John’s training (in case of his own death),.

Bentham’s Rationale cf Evidence lying unpublished, + A The Rev. Dr. James Lindsay, of Monkwell Street, . ; Signing the Confession of Faith, 5 - b . ; Bentham’s Pamphlet on Oaths. . - 5 . . .

Brougham in ‘‘ The hermitage,” : 5 . 5 5

IIO

III

II3

II4

IIS ib. ib.

xiv Contents.

PAGE Public Events of the Year, $ 5 A 5 5 S 123 The Æxaminer »: Trial of the Hunts, . . i ` : 7b. 1813.

Mill and Jeffrey, . 5 ° . z . 124 Attacks the Church again, on the TAERE Schools question (Edin, Rev./, é . £25 Mill's last Edinburgh Review Article (traceable) : on Maloka Sketch of the Sikhs, . 5 . u . 2 : 5 26.

Articles in the Philanthropist, . 2b, Summer Tour, by Bentham, Mill, and Joma Mill, in West of England (Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Portsmouth), . ə 7b. Last Annual Visit to Barrow Green, . z 5 : é 126 Further interest in the Lancaster Movement, . 3 hi 5 20, Becomes Acquainted with Sir S. Romilly, : S ; > ib. Uses Influence in Favour of Joseph Hume, s > 5 5 2b. Bentham Works at Ontology and Logic, 3 jos . : T27. Mill Revises Bentham’s Table of Springs of Action, . : š 2b, Public Events of the Year, : 2 F 3 b Š 20, Kis. i Removes to Queen Square, 5 È 128 ~ Invited by Macvey Napier to Contre to the Supine to the Encyclopædia Britannica ; Interview, 5 6 3 = ib. Brougham for Westminster ; his Liberal principles, . 4 é 129 First Year at Ford Abbey with Bentham, i : 5 : 26. Ford Abbey described, . z 6 . ` : 2 130 The Grounds, and Surrounding Country, 5 . 5 g 135 Work and Relaxation, . A z A z : ib.

Bentham’s Writings at Ford NIS f é z 5 5 136 Misunderstanding with Bentham, . z 3 x 5 ib. Letter of Explanation, 5 3 : X 2b.

Proposes new Arrangements for ie PUES 5 3 n 138 Portion of Mill’s letter omitted by Bowring, now rood 139 Proposal to leave Queen Square, A ‘ ~ = 140 Bowring’s Criticisms of Mill, wholly wrong, ` f 3 14t Bentham’s Reminiscences of Mill, confused and inaccurate, . i ib. Bentham *‘ hot” upon the Chrestomathic School scheme, 3 142 Mill thinking over his Articles for the Supplement, is £ ib.

Bentham’s Treatise on Education, 2 A 2 Few Signs of Reciprocal Influence, at this time, : : $ ib. Bentham’s Ambition and Self-Sufficiency, x A 144 The Philanthropist: Mill on Unwritten Law, Government, ‘Toleration,

(don Zs È $ . . i 5 ib.

Public events of 1814: peace Uh France, and with America, . P 145

Contents.

1815.

The Chrestomathia ready, s 5 A z 5 Divisions in the Borough Road Committee, A 3 k « Mourning the death of a free Government in France,” The Philanthropist: strong writing of Mill’s, . : . 4

Allen on the safest and most effectual mode of exposing flagrant abuses Further arrangements for carrying on the Philanthropist, Dr. Lindsay on Brougham’s intended reforms,

Bentham and the Bishop, s 9 5 3 s é Felicity at Ford Abbey, . . ° . 5 3 Bentham’s Church of lene 5 5 s k ` Bentham’s Not Paul but Jesus, . A : 4 Bentham’s own Scheme of Bible Instruction, . Public events of 1815, œ 5 : A `

1816,

Ricardo’s Political Economy: brought out through Mill’s urgency and encouragement, a ` : é 5

At work for the Supplement, è S 5 ; 5 A Ideas as to the article ‘‘ Beggar,” < : z

On proposed article ‘“‘ Savings Banks and Benefit Societies,” A Meeting of Chrestomathic Managers at Mill’s house,

Death of Miranda: inhumanity of the monks, . 5 . Marriage of Dr. Thomson: occupies part of Mill’s house, a

Friendly letter of Mill (from Ford Abbey), A : 5 s

John has read Thomson's System of Chemistry,. 5 3

History of India revising for the press, . : . . :

Work in the Philanthropist, 4 A A x S š

Bentham’s literary activity this year, . A Dis . .

Public events of 1816: distress and discontent, . z 6 3 1817.

Review of Dumont'’s edition of Bentham’s Rewards and Punishments

(Philanthropist), . ‘ The Philanthropist stopped, after six see a half ee course, Promises Napier an article on Caste, .

History: printing begun, ` C 5 2 . - Undertakes article ‘‘ Colonies,” . i d 3 5 ; Post Office transmits History proofs free. ° . . Dr. Thomson becomes Professor of Chemistry at GIEN, A 3 The History published about the New Year, . 5 5 A Mill's severe application in the final stages, A : : . Advantages of residence at Ford Abbey, . . . .

Means of livelihood during writing of History, « . ° O

XV xvi Contents.

Correction of John Mill’s statement, . 5 7 . . Bentham prints and publishes several works, . 7 s A Public events of 1817: Political excitement ; prosecutions, $

John Black becomes principal Editor of Morning Chronicle, . Starting of the Edinburgh Scotsman, . . . .

1818,

Vacancy in the Greek Chair at Glasgow, 5 5

Mill reviews his chances of Election, . è A

India House appointment in view, ° 6 : Difficulty about signing the Confession of Faith, 5 5

Success of the HZzstory: anxious for Dr. Thomson’s opinion, Regrets, (letter to Napier) any faults of language in criticising PLORO Playfair's Opinions on Hindu Astronomy (in History of India), .

Anxious for the Edinburgh opinion of the History, : ° Dissolution of Parliament (June 10): Westminster astir,

On the Committee for return of Burdett and Kinnaird, . À Sir S. Romilly brought forward, as against Kinnaird,

Jeremy Bentham’s hand-bill, pronouncing Romilly unfit, . . The Examiner states fairly the objections to Romilly, . . Kinnaird withdrawn ; Romilly triumphant, Burdett second, . = A little dinner at Bentham’s (Romilly, Mill, Brougham, &c.,), . . Anxious to say something useful on Conveyancing, . “ Meditating a History of English Law, . . G

Also a complete system of Jurisprudence, : 5

Warm regard for Ricardo, 5 5 . .

Elements of the greatness of the History, s . 0 a Criticisms of the annotator and continuator, . ° . ci The Author’s purpose, . 5 ° . .

The Style—merits and demerits of the NAAV ; 6 5 Bentham, and the Edinburgh Review, on the style, . a c

Chapter IV. Appointment To The India House

1819-1823.

Increasing circle of friends, : 6 : 3 z ‘ \/GEORGE GROTE (1818)—his first impressions ef Mill, . 3 3

Mrs. Grote's exaggerated and mistaken views,

John Austin (1821), Charles Austin, Edward Strutt oa Belper}, Hyde and Charles Villiers, Macaulay, 5 é

William Ellis,

Walter Coulson, Albany Fonblanque, H. Bickerstedi (herd Langdale), Richard Sharp, J. R. M‘Culloch, . 3 : 5 K

Contents.

The India House Appointment—Canvass,

Election ; and subsequent steps of promotion, . J His Occupation (Revenue Department) and Reforms ¥. Anticipated Judicial Reforms (India), : f Connexion with John Murray, 5 3 V, Work for the Encyclopædia Britannica,

Political Events of 1819, . 5

1820,

Close Friendship with Brougham,

Articles Government and Jurisprudence, >

On the Professorship of Moral Philosophy, Edinburgh, Jobn goes to France, a Articles Government and J: ete, a Reprint of Government, .

Political Events of 1820 : the Black Book,

Proposes to Napier Article on Liberty of the Press or Libel Law,

Grote on Magic, å Sudden Death of Dr. icey 5 : Mill promoted to be Second Assistant to ELANI,

Hard at Work upon Article Liberty of the Press ; deales Law 7

Nations, Correspondence with Protester Mills,

Allen proposes a new series of the TA ee ne Mill to ae on Education, é 3 3 5 Article Liberty of the Press, SEE Zachary Macaulay (letter from),

The Elements of Political Economy, 5 5 oe,

The Political Economy Club, . 5 0 ai

Drafts the Rules of the Club, ` A

Fruits of the Article Government, 3 3 ; ;

Political Events of 1821, 5 A

Sir John Stuart : his death ; his om a John Mill, . . 1822.

Disabling attacks of gout, ;

Declines Articles for Encyclopædia,

Anxious for Scotch opinion on the Political Iari

Article Law of Nations completed, . .

Sir Samuel and Lady Bentham’s interest in John Mill,

Thinks Lord W. Bentinck most fit to succeed Lord Hastings Governor-General of India, 5 5 . ° as xvii

199 200 aon 202 xviii . Contents.

Zachary Macaulay (letter from), 3 3 o 6 Begins Analysis of the Human Mind, . Public Events of 1822, f 1823.

Prof. Townsend urges Mill to send Jan to Cambridge, Lively interest in Theology, È 5 > Public Meeting in Aid of the Spaniards)

Promoted to be First Assistant Examiner,

John Appointed to the India House; D 5

MM. Louis and Baptiste Say, ; z x 6 Westminster Political Dinner, J Dinners at Grote’s,

Lord W. Bentinck going to ireland:

Has in view a work on Logic,

Death of Ricardo,

Note from Brougham (Ricardo : ‘Tafant Asylum), ° y Mill's Tribute to Ricardo (Morning Chronicle), 5 4 Ricardo Memorial Lectureship in Political Economy, à London Mechanics Institution, . .

“ Public Events of 1823, . ` 5

Chapter V. Articles In The Supplement To The Encyclopædia

Government.

Extraordinary importance of this Article, 7 A A

Bentham’s Views, 3 re é s i 3

The Logic of Politics : Deductive and Inductive Groundwork,

The End and the Means of Government, 3

Securities against abuse of power,

Forms of Government reviewed, A X

Examination of Hobbes’s argument for Monarchy, :

The supposed ‘‘ balance ” in the English Constitution,

The Representative system the only security for good Government,

The Principles of a good Representative body,

The Objections to a perfect Representative system,

Aristocratical and Popular bodies contrasted,

Power of the Middle Class under popular representation,

This Article, the starting-point of the Radical Reformers,

Macaulay’s attack in the Edinburgh, . ¿ “Contemptuous reference to the ‘‘ Utilitarians,” a r

Contents.

On Mill's style and method, 5 : . : Discussion of the ‘‘ balance,” š 5 .

Representation as the check to mis-government, Weakness in the limitation of the suffrage,

Low suffrage would ruin civilisation, . . Ascendancy of the Middle Classes,

Macaulay’s Political Logic, 3 5 5 The Westminster Review's Reply,

Macaulay’s further Articles, i >

Mills own reply to Macaulay, . : .

Self-interest the paramount political force, 5 5

The influence of the disinterested affections, and of malevolence, - John Mils Criticism of the Article, Remarks on this Criticism, 5 : 4

Jurisprudence.

Mill’s Early Study of Jurisprudence,

Definition : ‘‘ The Protection of Rights,”

Divisions of the subject : . :

Definition of Rights—the Civil Code, .

Definition of Offences and Punishments—the Penal Code

The Code of Procedure,

The Law’s Delay ; Evidence ; Judges ; ee of Appelt Deputy-Judges ; Pursuer-General and Defender-General,

Mill an apt disciple of a worthy master, 5 > .

Liberty of the Press.

Bound up with Law and Politics alike, :

How far restraint of the Press is necessary, : c (1) With respect to Private Reputation, s (2) With respect to Government, s

The second question by far the more important, .

Exhortations to obstruct the operations of Government zz detail should, be considered as offences,

Vengeance to be avoided, .

Only direct or explicit exhortations pond; 3 5 Implied or constructive exhortations not punishable, .

All Criticism, just and unjust, to be equally permitted, Undeserved praise as mischievous as undeserved censure, Certain limitations to free discussion, . 5 5

Prisons and Prison Discipline.

Howard, Bentham (Panopticon), William Allen /PAilanthropist),

General Review of the subject, 7 z .

XIX

XX Contents.

Colony.

The Colonies of History, : 3 > 4 Condemns penal Colonies, Profits from increased territory, k i What is the good of Colonies ? 5 : e 5

Law of Nations.

Designated ‘‘ International” Law by Bentham,

Bentham’s opinion of Vattel, . A Laws of Nations are not properly law, .

But are, nevertheless, useful, és Rights in time of Peace, A

Infringements of Property, Violations of Personal Rights, Questions of Boundary, Waters :—Piracy,

Rights in time of War, . 6 .

What justifies Declaration of War, 3 : What is just and unjust in the modes of ne on War, DAs oar

An International Tribunal, The Efficacy of Moral Sentiment,

Minor Violations and Penalties, é : : g Education.

Handling purely deductive, 5 z A z : A

The End of Education stated: the utmost individual and general happiness, . 5 5

Relative circumstances, nied ead moral or rather psychological,

Psychology : the Association of Ideas, . 5

Trains of thought regulated, `

Qualities of Mind to be fostered, r

Instruments and Practical Expedients, A

Errs, with Helvetius, in regarding the mass of Penta as “equally susceptible of mental excellence, . .

Physical influences : advanced views,

Moral influences : domestic Education, .

The love of power: Fagging,

Technical Education (making a man a good enbe of society),

Social and Political Education, . A “4 k

Mackintosh’s Criticism, A f $

Articles not reprinted : ‘‘ Caste,” “ Evonomists” Cite

Beggar.

Beggars from choice, and Beggars from necessity, House of Commons’ Committee’s Report, 1815,

PAGE 241

PA ib, 7b,

Contents.

Proportion of the two classes of Beggars, 3 5 . 6 Their deceptions, gains, &., . é ; 5 5 5 Interesting personal experiences, < .

The Causes of Mendicity enumerated, . z 5 6 ° Remedies proposed, 5 < A é .

Influence on later legislation, . 2

Benefit Societies, ' General Review, 5 Admirable results, :

Banks for Savings. -

Objects stated : to bring the highest possible happiness to the most numerous (and therefore most important) portion of the race,

Chief merit ; creating the disposition to accummulate, .

The Principle of Population, e

Bentham’s ‘‘ Frugality Banks,” . z ° e ° °