Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-06-19
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dious. He used but few gestures and those with
great elect. He managed TO make out of the
dry subject of finance which he was handling,
an interesting ard brilliant oration-charming
his listeners for three hours, without a sign of
impatlence. What struck me rs in contrast with
our own Legislatures was, that his language to-
ward his opponents was throughout dignifed and
courteous. He was plainly dressed in 4 loose
black coat, with vest and cravat Of the same
color, and check pants; and on the whole looked
but little like statesman-rather like q country
gentleman. His eyes were dark and of peculiar
brilIiancy but seemed rather earnest than fierce.
The House was so much crowded during the
speech, that many members, not finding room in
their proper places, we're Obliged 10 resort 10 the
ladies' galleries for seats, Many foreign Minis
ters were present. had the honor Of a nod
from Mr.. Adams, our Minister who was sitting in
the lower gallery.
There were also number Of nOblemen listen
ing to the orator. IL was said that the venerable
Lord BrOugham visited the House OF Commons
that night for the first time since he was a mem
Der Of it, thirty years ago That reminds me tn
say that the House begins its sessions at L. p.
NJ, and usually sits till nine or ten in the eve
ming. When, however, great debate, like that
TO which am referring, takes place, the session
frequently lasts into the small hours.
The Christianized Jew, that popular and senti.
mental novelist, that eccentric Bnancier Benja-
min Disraeli, regaled the House with lowtry
anu reply 10 LH0 elegant duuTe3S or
Gladstone. DisTaelis manner was demonstrativC,
with large superiuty OF gestures, and con-
slant swaying of the body, which was intended
10 be, but was not, graceful. However many OF
his points were strong and strongly put, and oc.
casionaly he rose 10 real and mpassiOned ielo-
quence. His voice is strong and rolling, which
adds 10 the effect of his defamation.
He dressed in the height of fashion, with large
white trousers, and n youthful toilet entirely
out Of his age. One would take this statef.
man.romancer, who is full sixty, TO be q
young fop of thirty or so His hair is crisp and
of glossy blackness, and one curl is suspended
dainty over his forehead, and never was face
more Jewish than his. Frequent Indications of
assent and dsapproyal came from the crowded
house as each speaker made strong point; but
despite the frequent Interruptions 10 which they
were obliged 10 submit, they held their hearers
with wonderful adrOitness as long az they we're
on their feet.
The Prince OF Wales, | noticed, listened 10 Mr..
Gladstone with close attention for more than an
hour, and then rose to go, apparently with great
reluctance.
On the whole, the manners Of the House did
not impress me- but the style of its OratOry GER.
tainly did. IL is riper style than hear in this
country. There is nothing OF the stump" about
it. Having heard the two greatest orators of the
Commons, ] felt ! had experienced enough for
one night and so left some dull county member
on his legs trying TO eucidato q subject he did
not comprehend, and made my way back through
the still crowded streets 10 my coZy quarters in
the great square Of Linco!n's Inn Fields.