Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1869-11-03
WHOLE NO. 217O.
John Stuart Mill-HOW He Slept in the
HOuSe OF Commons.

House Of Commons.
uondon Correspondence Boston Advertiser.l
Mr.. Mill is a man of the simplest
habits. He rises early, and goes early
to rest. He is very little in society,
though he gathers distinguished men
around his own board. He is the
beau ideal of a philosopher in all his
habits of life. Now from these quiet
walks, from this calm haven, he was
suddenly snatched, and was called up
on to herd with men of business, with
political trieksters and schemers and
self-seekers; to be nightly in their
company; to fOrswear the long even
ings of study, the hours of thought
and the welcome pauses of relaxation.
The habits of life time were reverse
ed. And with what results? Possess
ed of but a weak physical frame, Mr..
Mill could not, to begin with, part
with his sleep. If unable to reach
his bedroom by 10 o'clock at night,
he must sleep in the House of Com
mons. And he did sleep. Night af-
ter night have / seen him sitting at
the end of a bench. his chin sunk
upon his breast, or his head moving
slowly down and rising after a jerk.
Never was there such a man to sleep.
His hands were crossed and rested on
his lap. His repOse was respected,
and the members were careful not to
break the spell. During this period,
important speeches were delivered.
Arguments in which he was specially
interested were adduced, and all pass
by him unheeded, because unheard.
One of the most ludicrous speetaeles
[ remember in the House of Com
mons occurred during a speech by
Hon. Mr.. BOuveFie, who was COM
PEELED to nOtire some previous re-
marks by Mr.. Mill. "My distinguish
ed friend, " said BOuverie, turning to-
wards Mr.. Mills bench, 1.-THE honor
able member for Westminster saws
that the bill has not been properly
matured. Now sir, no one respects
more than do the great gifts of my
distinguished friend" Here every
eye turned towards Mr.. Mill, who
irOpped his head a little lower than
his waistcOat. "But will he tell me
hat a measure now three sessions old
is hastily conceived? Does he mean
hat wisdom always comes with wait
ing?" Here, by one of those absurd
md irregular motions which sleepers
.ibCSf W. lhllA uatI ipeueu SLOWLY 10
raise his head and it was thought he
was awake at last and was going to
listen. But instead of this the head
took backward turn and the slum-
berer was subjected to painful trial.
The House could restrain its laughter
no longer, and, amidst the noise
some one mercifully touched the phil
DsOpher's knee and he opened his eyes.
Mr.. Mill is not able to stand the try
ing hours of parliament life. Then
his oratOry is uncertain. Hisspeeehes
are admirable in composition and in
sentiment; but his memory is apt to
all him while speaking, and those
who are watching with the deepest
sympathy are in agony lest each long
pause in his speeches should be final.
1t Is amusing now to think of the in
terest this delivery excited. Many
[ believers in him were in torture until
they knew how he had passed the or
deal. l have been begged by one pos
twist after another, in tones of wild
entreaty, to say how Mr.. Mill got
through a particular speech, which it
was known he was to deliver. / al
ways sOftened the record. Ihope new
er TO see a man whose name is the
pride of modern thinkers, placed in
such circumstances again.