Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-07-12

Prom Isppsnno,,. u.-.x,n.

from l1ppthcottt Magazine.
saw Mr. Gladstone first when he was about
sixty years OF age. Happening to sit very near
nun at dinner party, had good opportunity
efexamininS his appearance closely and of making
mental notes Of his conversation. had heard
him called q 'sloven," but it struck me that he
was even scrupulously neat, from the arrange
ment OF his already thinned locks 10 that OF the
small bouquet in his buttnn-hole; and during the
number OF years that had the good fortune OF
seeing him from time to time the same care WAS
always apparent. The most noticeable point
about Mr.. Gladstone's physique IL his immense
head. the extreme development of the supercjl-
larry ridge giving his dark eyes doubly the an
pearance OF being deeply set. had seen many
photographs of the statesman, In all OF which
the likeness was striking. but all Of which more
or less exaggerated pecusrities and gave the
impression OF remarkably plain almost a re-
pulsye person: whereas at the period 10 which
refer he was really q handsome man; the women
all thought so, and with their hero-worshp
there mingled good deal OF personal admira-
tlon. MI. Gladstone affected no mysterious re-
serve In speaking OF the political questions OF
the day; he was frank, and evidently sincere
While avowedly the champion of the people he
occasionally made remarks OF q startiingiy con-
servatiye character. / heard him saw when
some one present spoke lightly OF wedding the
upper house OF the spiritual lords."-
NO, no; not one bishop could be spared"
he Thought that In schools chose youths
should be Classmates whose similar position IN
life"
He remarked quite earnestly to lady sitting
like Charles the First"
He spoke with afiectionate reverence of the
present royal family, evidently approaching not
only their public position. but their private
virtues.
His manner, nevertheless had a republican
simplicity, and when a chord was touched in
which the fnalienable rights Of man yibrated
his eyes kindled and flashed, while his tongue
poured forth an eloquent appeal. or protest rs
1t might be. and he showed himselfa true liberal
Mr. Gladstone is loved by his friends "a irmly
as he Is hated by his enemies. In society he ia
very popular, In a great measure because he
assumes no air OF superiority, is entirely free
from arrogance, and never monopolizes the con-
versation. He listens patiently and even politely
10 bore. never showing WEAKNESS. He Ia not
at all unwilling that another star should shine
where he shines, and no diversion OF attention
from himself ever appears to awaken his uneasi-
ness was present on one occasion at n table
At which the famous but somewhat eccentric
Professor Blackie sat next but one to Mr. Glad
stone. The professor, who is very energetic and
vociferous, trandished his arms while he was
speaking, aud that 30 wildly that a lady who
was seated between the two distinguished men
had more than once to draw suddenly back to
avoid his cnched hand striking her face He
interrupted Mr.. Gadstone's remarks several
equanimity aud met by a smile not of superb
Ority, but OF indulgence for the ',God-intoxi-
Gated man." The subject under discussion was
one which both men had much at heart-Greece
and its modern explorers
Mr.. Gladstone told me that he approved of
every one dong portion of manual labor-a
practice which he has always observed himself
and encouraged in those about him To this
habit good deal of the yigor of his old age Is
doubtless due.
Speaking Of his physical powers, he once said
to me:
81 think preserve my strength by husband
ing it; if l am obliged to sit up late at night
always rise proportionally late the following
morning; and never do, and never have done. a
stroke of work on Sunday"
On another occasion We were discussing the
use and abuse Of wine. He said, on being ques-
toned
when am at mental work, require and take
a certain portion Of wine; but / can, and do,
work hard with my hands while taking only
water"
1t was generally at dinner-partes that met
the Prime Minister, and 1 noticed that he was
very moderate eater and drinker Vet without
the least affectation Of abstemiousness. The
topic OF discussion at one dinner-party which
remember was Bismarck. For time Mr. Glad
stone was silent, then suddenly turned to me,
saving:
"If Cavour had had the same theater as Bis
marck he would have been a more distinguished
man."
About his 6sth or Goth year the grea, states
man beganto look old: he did not stoop. his step
had not lost irmness. but his face became deep
" lined. furrcwed and carewOrn, his eye less
bright, though 1t could still flash with suddenly
lit fire. As man, there is none better living;
MS whole career In private life has been one OF
austere virtue.