The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-22
ENGLISH ORATORS.
How the More Prominent Ones Look and
Talk in Parliament.

&AA LII u ~
Robert Laird Collier, in Chicago Tribune.
Mr.. Gladstone looks His face has
an expression of trouble and anxiety | have
never before seen it wear. He Tolls upon the
bench, never sitting upright. He was restless to
a degree all through the debate. and, when not
writing or moving about, ne was playing with
bits of paper between thumbs and fingers. Hart
ington, who sat next to the Premier, was dressed
in a dark morning suit, and was '~'sprawled out
upon the bench. with his hat half over his eyes
during all the evening when not addressing the
House. On the ministerial benches were Mr..
Fawcett, the blind Postmaster general, with his
splendid, amiable, intent face, partly hid by his
enormous blue SpectaeleS. Sir William HaTcourt
sat erect, Will high and mighty mien. 1t is quite
likely that Sir William has no more vanity than
other men. but he does manage to make an i'm
preston contrary to this. He is one of the most
brilliant speakers | have heard in any part of
the world, He has powerful physique, a kingly
bearing. and would be a most impressive person
atty and a strikingly handsome man were it not
for a certain indefinable peaeockish air and eX-
preston. Mr.. Chamberlain was in evening dress
with his accustomed lovely little ''button-holeH
in his coat, and looking for all the world as trim
as a brand new yacht just rugged for a trial trip.
Mr. Chamberlain is as keen and trim of mind as
he is in appearance. Back Of the ministerial
benches sat Mr.. Forster and Mr.. Goschen. The
latter is scholarlylooking, and is regarded as
one of the most interesting and "meaty'
speakers in the House. He prepares what he
has to say with great care, and always brings
something fresh to the feast. He is, in this
sense, the most Original" OF the political
speakers of the country. He is listened to with
respect and interest, and his speeches are read
by all classes, as they are sure they will get that
which has been thoroughly thought out. Mr..
Forster sat with his head in his hands most of
the time, and looked as if he were tired of the
discussion and wanted to 60 to sleep. lie is a
great angular, awkward body, who might be
| taken in America as just arrived from southern
Indiana. His tan-eolored hair and beard are un-
kempt, and he gives one the impression that he
is a lion and a lamb, or one Of the great Alps
and an Italian flower=garden rolled into one. He
is as rugged as a rock-bound coast. He walks
with unmeasured, unprecise step, and has some
what the motion of an elephant.
On the front Opposition bench the most re-
markable face is that of Mr.. Gibson. Next to
Mr.. Chamberlain he is the youngestlooking man
for his years in the House. He has a clean
shaver face and snow-white hair, and the deli
cate complexion of a youth of twenty. He is
quick moving and as spPy and alert as a lad.
And what may l say Of Sir Stafford Northcote!
l could not damn even with faint praise. He
was ordained from all eternity to be saved. He
looks like a good man, and he is a good man.
But the same beneticent Power that made him
''good" certainly never did ordain that he should
be the leader of a great political party. In his
case, therefore, there has been some breaking
away from the order of nature. He did look and
seem so incapable last night! He looked and
seemed as if he knew he was incapable.