The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-08-13
GRAND OLD MANS HOME.
Guards His Privacy, Yet Many visit
Ors Call on Him.
From the chicago Record


Chester.-On my way from Manchester
southwark I dropped off here to pay the
respect that every American owes to Mr..
Gladstone, whose stately home is six miles
from Chester, the most quaint and veneer
able and, they say, the Oldest city in
England. His estate is spelled Hawar-
den, but the native not only drop the
III" but the next two letter also and
call it Arden" so when told the coach
man where I wanted to go he did not
understand me.
Il want to see Mr.. Gladstone"
"Ho. yes, Mister Glastun. e lives at
Arden, an you'll just catch the OF gen
tleman at prayers"
Every evening at o'clock the venera-
BILE statesman walks through the grove
that surrounds his mansion to the little
parish church of Hawarden, of which his
son.. Stephen, is vicar, and prays for the
queen, the Prince of Wales, the minis
try, the two houses of parliament and
all others in authority" and makes the
responses in deep tone of voice that can
be heard by all the congregation If the
Rev. Stephen isn't there Mr. Gladstone
reads the service himself.
The little chapel which is very ugly in
appearance outside, but beautiful within,
is half-flled with his servants and pious
villagers, and there are usually number
of strangers who find out at Chester, as
we did. that this is the best time 70 see
him. He doesn't mind meeting strang
ers. and has become used to having them
remain at the church door to shake hands
with him as he passes out. In fact, he
rather expects them to show him that
mark of respect But he is very careful
whom he admits to his home these daye,
for he does not like to have his rest and
recreation disturbed. If a stranger wishes
to call upon him it is customary to write
a note asking the privilege, and by re-
turn mail his secretary will send a reply
saying that Mr. Gladstone regrets that his
strength or his engagements will not per-
NIT him to indulge etc, or If he feels
In the humor for society he will name an
hour to receive you. But il often requires
three Or four days to accomplish the act
Of courtesy.
The beautiful park of Hawarden. with
500 acres of majestic trees, and the ruins
of the old castle, are open every day for
the enjoyment of the public, and picnic
parties come from Chester and railway
excursions from the neighboring country
for a hundred miles around to enjoy Mr.
Gladstone's hospitality The mansion is
surrounded by a high stone wall to pro-
tect the family from intrusion. but when
he feels particularly well the old gentle
man takes pleasure in showing himself
to the eXcursionists, and often makes
little speech. Yesterday a choir from
church in one of the neighboring towns
of Wales came over for a holiday and
serenaded him. He appeared upon the
wall shortly after the singing began. and,
after listening to two or three selections.
called the party around him and in
patriarchal way told them OF the influence
Of music upon the human mind. Then
he asked them 10 sing Cardinal Newman's
latest hymn. Lead, Kindly Light" and
thanked them for the pleasure he enjoy
ed. lie will not discuss politics or any live
topic either in public or private wthou
preparation. II he has anything to say
upon subjects that are occupying the at
tenilon OF the people he dictates a letter
to some acquaintance and gives il to the
press.
Although he Is over 81, he looks as
hearty as when ! first saw him fifteen
years ago and walks with a firm step.
but carries a stim buckthorn stick 10 lean
upon. lie has not entirely abandoned his
habit OF wood-chopping, bat does not in
dulge IN II daily as he formerly did. Ills
evening walk to the chapel aud stroils
around his garden are sufficient exercise
for his aged limbs.
The little village OF lfawarden is very
old IL dates back 70 the Roman 0ccu-
patton. but is only o little street extend
Ing perhaps a quarter Of a mile There
is a schoolhouse IN the churchvard. an inn
the proprietor Of which Is licensed TO
sell spirits. malt liquors and tobacco 60
be consumed on the premises" a general
store and a blacksmith shop. ana most
OF the residents have placed temporary
stands IN front OF their dwellings from
which they supply refreshments 10 the
cXcursionlsts that come almost daily.
Tho churchyard ls well populated. and
the burlals date back 10 The fourteenth con.
fury. Some OF the Inscription upon tho
stones are quaint and curious one
which is dedicated 20 Mary Jones. roads:
"she was worthy of praise from her
earliest days fcr Industry, prudence ana
skill az n wife. Il .s true her equals
were ferw and her loss to mc ls
great"
Another. upon a stone that marks the
grave OF Andrew Rowe. reads.
Ills lauRuishinR head D. % rest.
To- tn'nkiuga and acniunH are DER:
lila quiet. lmmoYablo breast
d. hcayed hy auiletona no moro.
1919 heart 81 90 longer lhe Gear
Or trouble and tQafne ana pain.
n cease to iufief and Leaf--
~ never Wl. Outer again.