The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-12-01
Beeeher on Gladstone.

Rev. Henry Ward Beecher heard ex-'
Premier Gladstone speak at Liverpool;
and writes his impressions OF the great
English leader for the New York World
as follows:
Taking the address. as whole, and
comparing it with the elaborate efforts OF
such an American as DAM: Webster, or
with some of the old Greek orators, it
could scarcely be said to have the form
and finish that applies to many Of the
masterpieces of cloquence. Judging OF
it's effect on myself, stranger, for
eiener. one not well versed in the details
which he discussed, I found myself,
nevertheless, glowing with the sympathy
of the auden;e and IN full admiration OF
this remarkable man. VIII tever may be
the issue of the great question upon
which he ha, expended his genius, which
he regards as his last great 1ife's work
the emancipat on of Ireland-there can
be no doubt that Gladstone is pre-emi-
nently the central figure in the politics OF
Great Britain, and that he als3 is or has
been leading feu g IN the affairs OF all
Europe.
His versatility is proverbial. His
knowledge of classical languages and of
modern languages, which is not 80 pro-
found or so minute as that of many other
men, is, nevertheless, remarkable. There
are few subiectswhich inte lest thinking
men to-day about which he cannot wisely
and instructively discourse. His memory
is something prod gious. His command
of material very strik ng; his accuracy
in statement marvellous. He lmpresses
one as q far-seeing and comprehensive
statesman, void of the arts of politicians,
in deep earnest and with strong moral
convictions.
Mr.. Gladstone seems to be man, l
should say, of about five feet ten inches
in height. He is active, supple and
erect; Capable OF enduring great fatigue,
quite elastic in spirits, genial and social.
His head is said to be Websterian head,
but in nv Judgment it will hardly tear
that comparison. The lines upon his
! face are strong; his features are large,
and, being nearly bald, the impression
of the height of his foreheap is apt to be
exaggerated. A strong nose, mouth
fine, but very firm, the chin only moder,
ately full. Altogether striking head
and physiognomy.
met him subsequently at his own
dwelling in London at breakfast. He
was very simple and unpretentious IN
his manner; grave and very dignlned,
vet familiar. cannot say that he is
GOOD conversationali>t. bit he is an ex-
cellent talker. Although there were
several gentlem1n present. pretty mucn
all the discourse fell from his lips.
MIR. Gladstone has not c capped very
bitter detraction. The hatred OF him
on some sides is intense and even malig-
nant. Even his personal morality has
not escaped yirulent criticism. 1t
probable that no statesman for the last
hundred years has been subjected to
greater abuse and vindictive mlsrePre'
sentations. To me he seemed like
great man seeking great ends and Dy
very noble measures and from pure
motives. Whatever may be the outcome
of the present struggle, think It beyond
all controversy that when the rights OF
Ireland are acknowl dyed and estab
lished all men will see that the redeem
ing measures must be traced back to tho
wisdom of William Z. Gladstone.
The 'ifOrnian Sheep.
Californian wool always reminds me
of the time when the gold diggings were
first discovered in California. At OK
ford it used to be the custom at Christ
mas time for the butchers to exhibit the
prize sheep which they had bred and
purchased. One butcher procured &
very fine sheep, dyed its wool purple,
eilded its hoofs, and exhibited 1t as {
California sheep. 1t seems hardly credi'
BILE, but numbers of persons went away
in the firm belief that all Californis
sheep had purple wool and golden hoofs.
-Longman's Magazine.