The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-04-23
Death of Lord Beacons6eld.

Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfeld,
died in London Tuesday morning, after Sc
we're illness of several weeks. From a sketch
of the great statesman published in the Balti-
more Sam, we take the following:
Benjamin Disraeli was born in his father s
house, in London, in 1905. In 1925, when he
first came before the world with "Vivian
Grey" he was commonly spoken of as ''Dis-
raeli the Younger" for it was then thought
that he could never attain to the literary
honors which his father had already secured.
That father, Isaac Disraeli, spent quiet life
of 81 years in literary labor, dying IN 1878,
after having produced some Of the most de
lightful books Ito the scholarl in the English
language. Benjamin began life as lawyer 5
or scrivener's clerk, but soon escaped to lit
erature-to literature, however, as different
as possible from that in which his father plod-
ded. He was a handsome, large eyed jew,
dressed cloudy" was witty and satirical, at.
fected to be dissipated, and seriously courted
society and the reputation of q lion. This he
secured by the rapid succession of really bril-.
liant novels which came after ''NiviaH Grey,
and in which he seemed to try, from his own
superficial and often hppant standpoint, of
course, to run the whole gamut OF human eX-
periences and emotions. These works are
still read with interest and pleasure, while the
recent publication of his ''Endymion' proves
that his latest volumes are more run alter
than those of even George Eliot or of Charles
Dickens in his prime. For twelve years Dis
rseli basked in the atmosphere of London
salons and clubs. But, while he was most
seen at Lady Blessiugton' 5, he did not neglect
the Carlton. Much OF his flippancy was prob
ably assumed it is certain that be was closely
and intelligently studying men and character
In 1882 he entered Parliament as member fer
Maidstone, an ancient borough in Kent, hard
BY Rochester, where Charles Dickens lived.
Disraeli took his seat on the conservative
side, but when the junior member for Maid
stone essayed to speak he utterly failed TO
secure the respect of the House, and was
shouted down with derisiye laughter. As he
returned to his seat he faced the members
once more and said Il sit down now, but
the time will come when you shall hear me.
Nine years later he was the leader of the
young England party in Parliament, aud
in ls47 he became the county member IRON
Buckinghamshire, which never afterwards
forgot its allegiance to him, though II Is ina
possible to conceive of one who could be less
of a squire aud farmer than Disraeli. The
next year Lord George Beutinek died and
Disraeli rose TO the leadership OF the torres
in the House of Commons, a position due al
most entirely TO his mastery powers OF debate
and his oratorical force and readiness His
flashing viii and terrible, merciless sarcasm,
that whip whose lash was always ready, never
missed its mark, never cracked without some
victim writing. made men fear, while they
hated him and gave him the mastery not on
" over duller speakers, but ef those hne
strung spirits who dread ridicule next to
death.
In 1852, when the late Earl Derby came
into power as premier, D.srIe.i became chan.
cellor Of the eXeheqaer. n pos, for WHICH he
was least fitted, since no one was ever more
careless about figures. Bat he was capable
OF defending poor budget with a masieriul
speech. and he took the same place IN 1855
aud ia 1866. Next year he cut under Lord
John Resell by bringing in aud carryiag =
reform bill more radical and sweeping than
that father OF reform bills. and IN February,
1865. when Earl Derby resigaed ofhce, DIS
Faeli became al last premier. lie only held
the place, however, . brief while. for Glad,
stone succeeded him IN December, after
general election, in which the liberals werc
triumphangly successful. In 1874 Mr.. Glad
stone determined 10 test. by q Suddenly called
election, whether has highly accentuAted 20.
hcy'' was welcome or az welcome 10 the English
peopir. Fhe answer was rs conclusive as
revolution could be. and Mr. Disraei re;gra-
ed 10 the premiership al the head 81 a work
log majority Of over one hundred eonserva-
lixcs. This Parliament would have expired
by limitation in 1881. bat Earl RcAcousheid
called his general election last year foaad hrs
imperial dreams and visions Of conquest dsd
soI suit the British tasic-Whieh does cot
like highly seasoned dishes except once upoa
a tinae-and sgaia Mr.. Gladstone succeeded
his ancient rival Since then Earl Beacous
fields health has been TOO feeble 20 permit
him 10 do more than repose ia the seciaslaa
Of the Hoase Of lords
Lord BsacousEeld had Swo brothers r
James. deceased. and Ralph He never a.
s0cialed With any Of MS kindred. bar be ap-
pointed james, ia 1852 when be became
chancellor OF the ExeheqaeF, Commission
er Of Inlaai Revenas, TIE salary Of which Is
C.. 600 a year, and bis brother RALPH was, 81
bis request, appointed by Lord Chancsllos
Cairas. in 1857, deputy clerk Of the House q
Lords. the salary d which Is i,3J1. Thew
both particularly James, bore strong like
ness 10 their remarkable bro.heF