, 1897-10-01

ministry. the two houses OF parliament
and AL others in authority" and makes
the responses in deep tone of voice that
can be heard by all the congregation. II
reads the service him self.
The little chapel, which is. very ugly
in appearance outside, but beautiful
with. is half filled with his servants and
p.cus villagers, and there are us.ally a
lot OF strangers who find cut at Ches.er.
as we did, that this is the gest time to see
him. He doesn't mind meeting strang-
Iers. and has become used to having them
remain at the church door to shake
hands with him as he passed ont. 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 days. for he does not like to have
his rest and recreation disturbed. II a
stranger wishes to call upon him it is
privilege, and by return mail his secre-
tary will send a reply saying that MI.
Gladstone regrets that his strength or
his engagements will not permit him 10
indulge. etc. or il ne feels in the humor
for society. he will name an hour to re-
ceive you. But it often requires three
or four days to accomplish the act OF
courtesy.
The beautiful park at Hawarden, with
500 acres o: majestic tress. and the ru>
ms OF the old caste. are open every day
for the enjoyment Of The public, and pic
mic parties come from Chester and rail-
way excursions from the n~eighborine
country for 100 miles around to enjoy
Mr.. G~ladstone's hospitality. The man.
SIGN is surrounded by a high stone wall
TO protect the family from Intrusion. but
when he feels particularly well the Cd
gentleman takes pleasure in showing
himself to the e~xcursion.sts, and often
makes a little speech. Yes erday a ch5if
from a church in one Of the neighborine
towns OF Wales came owe for a holiday
and serenaded him. He appeared upon
the wall shortly az, er the singing began,
and, after listening to two or three Sc.
lections, called the parry around him
and in a patriarchal way told them OF
the influence OF music upon the human
mind. Then he asked them to sing Oar
dinal Newman's latest hymn, Lad.
Kindly Light" and thanked them for
the pleasure he had enjoyed. He will
not discuss politics or any live topic
either in public Or private without pre-
Iparation. II he has anything to say up
on subjects hat are occupying the at
tention OF the people, he dictates a let.
the press.
Although he is over 81, he looks as
hearty as when | first saw him, Is years
ago, and walks with a firm step. but car
ries a stiff b%uckthorn stick to lean up
on. He has not entirely abandoned his
habit Of wood-chopplng, but does not
indulge in it daily, as he formerly did.
His evening walk to the chapel and
strolls around his garden are sufficient
Exercise for his aged limbs.
IN. little village OF Hawarden is very
old. 1t dates back to the Roman occu-
patton. but is only a lille street extend
ing perhaps a quarter OF a mile. There
is a school house in the churchyard, an
inn, the proprietor of which is licensed
to sell SPIRITS, malt liquors and tobacco.
to he consumed on the premises" a gen.
eral store and a blackS.mith shop, and
most OF the residents have placed tenn
porary stands in front OF their dwellings
from which they supply refreshments
80 the excursionists that come almos.
daily.