The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-23
AT GLADsTONE,s HOME.
Simple Life of EnEIand's Grand Old
Man at Hawarden.

Man at Hawarden.
w 2. Curtis's Chester Letter in the Chicago
On my way from Manchester southwark
every American owes to Mr. Gladstone,
whose stately home is six miles from Ches-
yer, the most quaint and venerable and, they
say, the oldest in England. His estate is
spelled Hawarden, but the natives not only
crop the H but the next two letters also,
ana call 1t Arden" so when | told the
coachman where l wanted to go he did not
understand me.
II want to see Mr.. Gladstone"
f1o, yes; Mister Gla-stun He lives at
Arden. an you'll just catch the OF gentle
man at prayers"
Every evening at 7 o'clock the venerable
surrounds his mansion 10 the little parish
church OF Hawarden, of which his son Ste
Rhen is vicar, and prays for the Queen, the
houses of Parliament and all others in
thority, and makes the responses in a deep
zone or voice that can be heard by all the
there Mr.. Gladstone reads the service him.
self.
The little chapel, which is very ugly in
appearance outside but beautiful within is
half filed with his servants and pious viii
layers, and there are usually a number of
strangers who find out at Chester, as we
did, that this is the best time to see him.
he doesn't mind meeting strangers, and has
become used to having them remain ut the
church door to shake hands with him as
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 MIN 1t is
customary to write a note asking the priv
iege, and by return mail his secretary will
send a reply saying that Mr. Gladstone re-
grets that his strength or his engagements
will not permit him to indulge etc.; or, if
he feels in the humor for society, he viii
name an hour and receive you. But 1t
OFTEN requires three or four days to accom-
plsh the act of courtesy.
The beautiful park at Hawarden, with
eight hundred acres of majestic trees, and
the ruins of the old castle open every
day for the enjoyment of the public, and
picnic parties come from Chester and rail-
way. excursions from the neighboring coun-
try for a hundred miles around to enjoy Mr..
Gladstone'S hospitality. The mansion is sur
rounded by high stone wall to protect the
family from intrusion, but when he feels
particularly well the old gentleman takes
pleasure in showing himself to the excur-
SiOniStS, and often makes a little speech.
Yesterday a choir from q church in one of
the neignboring towns Of Wales came over
for holiday and serenaded him. He APP
peared upon the wall shortly after the sing
ing began, and, after listening to two or
three selections, called the party around him
and. in a patriarchal way, told them Of the
influence of music upon the human MIND.
Then he asked them to sing Carclnal
Newman'S latest hymn, Lead, 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 preparation. If he has anything to
say upon subjects that are occupying the
attention Of the people, he dictates letter
to some acquaintance and gives it to the
press.
Although he is over eighty-seven, he
looks as hearty as when / first saw him,
fifteen years ago, and walks with firm
step, but carries a stiff buckthorn stick TO
lean upon. He has not entirely abandoned
his habit Of wood-chopping, but does not In
dulge 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.
The little village of Hawarden is very old.
It dates back to the Roman occupation, but
is only little street extending perhaps a
quarter Of mile: There is a schoolhouse
in the churchyard an inn, the proprietor
of which is licensed to sell spirits malt
liquors and tobacco, to be consumed on the
premises" a general store and a black
smith shop, and most of the residents have
placed temporary. stands in front OF their
dwellings from which they supply refresh
ments to the excursionists that come al
most daily.