Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-10-07
eLApsroNnrN pEnArk.
Some of the Pecuiiarities of the Grand Old
Man.

Man.
Harry Furnss. the artist Of London
Punch, whose caricatures OF Gladstone
are SO well known in America, has
written and illustrated paper for the
Century on "Gimnses Of Gladstone"
Mn Furniss says:
noticed that he always appeared to
DE very anxious and restless before
rising to make speech. His first
movement upon such an occasion was
to arrange his carefully prepared notes
upon the box in front Of him; then,
taking from his pocket the historical
pomatum pot, which contained, be-
llese, a mixture of egg flip and honey
la recipe Of Sir William CLARIFIES
be would place it out OF Wow on the
edge OF the table by the aide of the
box. Then he would sit, placing both
hands upon mis- KNEES, with his face
firmly Get, and with his hawk Ike eyes
fixed upon the Speaker. waiting for the
signal-t spring to his feet. Once up,
lie seemed composed enough, playing
with the notes in front of him and
arranging and rearranging them. Then.
leaning forward and laying his hand
upon the box, he would begin slowly.
lat.erly with husky voice. When tho
gracaful introduction with which he
prefaced his remarks was over, there
would come an ominous tug at his
wristbands, followed by az easing OF
his collar with one finger, step back,
flash from those passionate eyes, aud
then--but let others describe his
| epesches.
AS an artisr, accustomed perhaps to
use my eyes moro than my ears, | con.
tent myself here with noting down
certain personal traits-such, for in
stance, as that when the great orator
paused to consider difficult point he
was wont to scratch the top of his
head with the wrist OF his left hand.
When determined to drive an argument
home to bis listeners, be used to empha-
size it by bringing down his ringed hand
upon the box with tremendous bang,
OF which energetic action evidence re-
mains in the shape o! many tell tale
dents in the boxes. | have examined
these evidences, and it was interesting
TO Ind that the energy OF the orator
was much greater when he was out OF
ofliIe than when he was in power. the
box unon the Opposition side being
much more severely marked than its
fellow in front OF the Government
bench, Notwithstanding the terrific
humping to which that receptacle
was subjected during the memorable
Grafton OF Thursday. April 9th, 1866.
| another habit peculiar to Mr.. Glad
stone during debate was that of turn
ing around and addressing members
behind him. Upon ono occasion, in
1853, he turned to his younger sup
| norters and gave them this notable adj
Vice. II stand here as a member of
the House, where there are many who
have taken their seats for the first time
upon these benches, and where there
may be some to whom possibly | may
avail myself Of the privilege OF old age
to offer Recommendation. | would
tell them of my own intention TO keap
my COUNSEL and reserve my own free
dom until see tho occasion when
there may be prospect of public
benefit in endeayoring TO make move-
ment forward, and | will venture to
recommend them to do the same, -
holding up his hands like an old par
liamentnry prophet.
Upon great occasions in the House
Mr.. Gladstone's dress was very notice.
able. lie was then snruce, in a black
froCk coat, light trousers and wearing
a flower in his buttouhole. This
generally indicated that great speech
was imminent Whenever there was
any excuse for wearing them, Mr..
Gladstone had Partially for gray
clothes. which were not too fashion
ably cut; and once remember that he
caused some sensation by appearing in
the House wearing a wedding favor.
Something had evidently ticIsled his
sense of humor upon the occasion, for
he was smiling all over" as he came
in; and when he sat down by Sir
| William Harcourt, to whom he related
The Joke, bis merriment seemed to in
crease. Afterwards he repeated it to
Mr.. Chamberlain, and again to the
Speaker. finally quitting the House to
tell 1t anew outside.