Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-04-20
EARL BEACONSFIELD.

~~~~
attack of illness which ended his life was
generally regarded as fatal.
For nearly half a~century Beaconsfield
has been conspicuous force in British
politics. He started IN life as litterateur,
but the natural bent Of his inclination
drew him into politics. He never sur
rendered his literary pursuits, but his
productions for thirty years past have
been essentially political-his novels deal
ing with contemporary political charac-
ers AMI having political purposes as then
motive. His "Lothair" was one of the
most powerful of modern romances,
taken by itself, but when to the merits OF
the plot and the manner in which it was
handled was added the political signifi-
canoe of almost every incident and every
portrayal of character, it became sensa-
ton that contributed largely towards
moulding the direction of public affairs.
His latest novel, "Endymion," was of the
same general character. He did not live
to see the fruition of this work, yet his
death will no doubt revive the interest in
the novel and assist in the formation of
the public opinion of the future.
Personally the great man had many adj
mirable traits of character. Originating
| from prescribed race he cast his lot with
the Anglo-Saxons, yet unlike the majority
of proselytes, he did not turn against his
his own people, but ever entertained a
deep affection for them, defended them
against prosecutions abroad, and largely
assisted in bringing about their political
recognition in Great Britain. He abored
primarily for the good of hi country,
and when giving direction to the govern
mental policy was always aggressive and
anxious to extend the influence and do
main of the nation. He showed in this a
shrewd knowledge of the characteristics
of the people, who are essentially
warlike on every occasion when
the honor of the flag is concerned, or
when acquisition of territory is to be OBJ;
tanned. He had the reputation Of form
ing public sentiment in all great crises,
but he was more of a follower of the
masses, and in this fact lay one great Sc
cret of his success He was not con-
sumed with desire for personal honor
Only on the floor of the commons did he
assume dic;atorial ASPECT. but on those
occasions he had always made himself
certain of his power before asserting it.
He was diplomatic in an eminent degree.
He had the faculty of moulding the opin-
ions of his cabinet ministers, of fattering
his sovereign, and Of awakening enthusi-
asm among the masses Of the people by
the audacity of his policy, and by his ap-
peals to their patriotism. He was per-
haps as great despot as Bismarck, but
his methods were different. He never
had the legal and stitutional authori-
ity with which the Gt rman premier is in
vested, but he was a greater power at
nome and more important factor in
controlling other ma ions. His manipu-
iation of the Berlin conference was an IL
Iustration of his sta esmanship. While
protesting to want nothing for Great
Britain, he secured her absolute control
of the affairs of the East by taking pos
session of the island of Cyprus and assum-
ing protectorate over Asiatic Turkey.
Beaconsield was not ostentatious S.
Though he might have had a dukedom
when he surrendered the premiership in
1868 he refused all personal honors for
himself, but accepted for his wife, whom
he loved with rare tenderness, the title of
Viscountess If Beaconsfield. Her death
few years subsequently proved an
almost inconsolable loss to him, and for a
time he had serious thoughts of retiring
permanently from public life. But find
ing ,tivity in his life work his only re-
lief from the melancholy broodings that
event gave rise to, he re-entered the polit-
ical arena, and in 1874 regained the head
of the government after canvass that
will always be remarkable for its bril-
liancy and aggressiveness. His last adj
ministration was both fortunate and IN
fortunate for his reputation. The
apparent apathy of the government
during the Russo Turkish war caused
much adverse criticism, but his shrewd
manipulation of the Berlin conference
restored confidence in his ability and
patriotism. The Kaffir war was though,
by many to be unnecessary, but its results
proved the wisdom of the course he pur-
sued in the aggrandizement of Britain.
His comforting Of the title of Empress OF
India upon the queen was criticized as a
piece of inexcusable toadyism, but it has
been justified by the increased loyalty OF
the Indian subjects of the crown. The
Afghan war has proved mistake, except
80 far as it has taught Russia that Grea,
Britain will defend the road to India al
any cost of life or treasure. The full re
suits of this enterprise, however, are moi
yet known, and may yet add additional
lustre to his name.
The death of this great man may be re-
garded as public calamity. He was a
diplomat of extraordinary discernment, a
keen judge of human nature, thorough
and unselish patriot and an exceptionally
pure man. He has had to make his way
to eminence against prejudice of the most
unreasonable descript ION, and has been