The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-02-13
MR.. GLADsTONE's OCCUPATIONS.

MR.. GLADSTONE'S OCCUPATIONS.
The interest in Mr.. Gladstone and his
doings does not abate. He is one of the
wonderful men Of his day in Europe. AS
Premier for the fourth time be is CON-
handing figure in the political world, but
his home life, his pursuits in his study. his
garden and park at Hawarden, the books
be reads. the letters he writes and his
amusements are all matters ON which a
full light is shed by some of those who
are privileged to come near him for maya
zine articles or interviews. At his great
age 1t is astonishing how fresh the veteran
keeps himself in the thought and life of
the time. 1t might be supposed he would
not have spare moment for novel. But
every now and then good novel, outside
the ordinary rut, appears. and he dips
into it. 1t stimulates his enthusiasm or
draws forth sentence of criticism on a
postcard, and the author has no better
Endorsement with which TO win favor.
Thus at this moment Edna LyalPs novel,
'Doreen-the Story of a Singer" has the
advantage of Gladstonian approval. adver-
tised in autograph, and people who are
led in their reading by the judgment of
others are fayorably Influenced. Barry
OBrien's Autobiography of Wolfe Tone
was recently reissued, work of thrilling
interest about man of great ability who
played a notable part Mr.. Gladstone
takes it up and pronounces 1t ga most use
full and profoundly interesting book" and
he adds in the spirit of learner, IF we
were generally at more pains to get to the
hntfOn nf the icfn ~ baa
our understanding would be far more
true"
AS we learn from a writer who has
studied the Premier at home, his reading
is abreast of all current movements, and is
by no means confined by preference to
ancient literature. 1t raises our sense of
wonder that scholar who has entered his
eighty-fifth year should. while directing
the affairs of an empire plunged in thorny
difficulties, be able to snatch an hour or two
a day for translation of the odes of Hor-
ace, at which be plods from memory with a
quill pen on large sheets of foolscap. But
he does not neglect the journals or the
blue books which parliamentary commits
sions and committees issue in a stream.
He pays attention to the labor question
very closely, and also has time to glance
through HOlyOake's Sixty Years of an
Agitator's Life" His newspapers are
scanned, without prejudice for their views,
and the bitterest comment does not make
him vince. TIE political cartoonist keeps
him in good hnmor. Pictures are COM
mented upon at the dinner table
and even the most bitter and sorry joke at
bis expense is studied with smile. Long
years of antagonism and activity in the
thickest of the fight of a nations battles
have steeed his nature to representative
ness or rage from the stings of aspersion,
and be keeps on his course, only mindful
Of duty and the right time for action. The
study at Hawarden is called 1.-THE Temple
of Peace" Under one of the desks a
complete set of woodman's tools is kept, all
in order and beautifully FURNISHED. When
change from reading or writing is needed
he picks up his AK or grating tool. and
sallies forth In the fine weather into the
garden or park. As late as October last
he swung his ak at looping or Telling. He
is said to know every tree in Hawarden
His vigor is remarkable. both In mind and
body.
The last speech Mr.. Gladstone delivered
at Edin burgh was long and closely rea-
soned, but Ii was almost without notes.
This perhaps is not Of so much moment
because in Parliament for over fifty years
he has had the practice of speaking with
out special preparation and on the spur Of
the moment, but most Of his grand efforts
have been outlined in advance. That he
should still have the voice to fill large
hall shows how exceptional Is the man in
physique. But he has ever kept before
him the mandate of duty and work. His
recreations are in the nature of work
mostly. That he has humor and jollity in
his composition is attested by those know
ing him in the domestic circle and by friends
who engage him in conversation. 1t must
be winsome sight to see him at play with
his little granddaughter, Dorothy Drew, a
little six-year-old, with bare feet, chasing
him round carpeted room, and he eIud-
ing her just enough 10 entce her into
further rom ping. A painter could make
something out of this delightful theme.
Over his green painted iron bedstead
hangs the motto Christian. remem be r
what thou hast to do" A couplet hangs
on the walls. which may be taken as an
index of the temperament of the man:
Nor time. nor pain. nor grief can rend,
That peace that God himself 10th send.
Back from Biarritz, Mr. Gladstone now
buckles himself TO the task of winding up
an old session successfully if he can and
preparing for new. If the Lords are
amenable to the still small voice of reason
they will spare him the labor Of an attack
on their privileges. Ii not, he will still
acquit himself like man Of courage and
foresight.