The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-11-26
MR.. GLADSTONE'S HOME.
Simple Life OF Engand's Grand Old
Man at Hawarden.

On my way from Manchester southwark
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 venerable, and, they say,
the Oldest in England. His estate is called
Hawarden. but the natives not only drop the
III" but the next two letters also, and call
it ARDEN" so when l told the coachman
where wanted to 20 he did not un derstand
me.
81 want 10 see Mr.. Gladstone"
"Ho yes; Mister Glastun. e lives at
Arden, an you'll just catch the oil gentle
man at prayers"
Every evening at o'clock the venerable
statesman walks through the grove that sur
rounds his mansion TO the little parish church
of Hswarden OF which his son, Stephen,
vicar, and prays for the queen, the Prince OF
Wales, the ministry, the two houses OF parlia-
ment and all others in authority, and makes
the responses in deep tone Of voice that can
be Heard by all the congregation. II the Rev.
Stephen isn't there, Mr.. Gladstone reads the
service himself.
The little chapel. which is very ugly in APP
pearance outside. but beautiful within, is
half filed with his servants and pious viii
Layers, and there are usually number OF
strangers who find ont at Chester. as we did,
that this is ths best time TO see him. He
doesn't mind meeting strangers, and has be-
come 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 10
his home these days, for he does not like 10
have his rest and recreation disturbed. II a
stranger wishes to call upon him il is custom
ary TO write note asking the privilege, and
by return mail his secretary will send reply
sa, ing that Mr.. Gladstone regrets that his
strength or his engagements will not permit
him TO indulge, etc. or, II he feels in the
bumor for society, he will name an hour and
receive you. But IL often requires three or
four days to accomplish the act Of courtesy.
The beautiful park at Hawarden, with $40
acres OF majestic trees, and tho ruins of the
old castle are open every day for the enjoy
ment of the public, and picnic parties come
from Chester and railway excursions from
the neighboring country for hundred miles
around TO enjoy Mr.. Gladstone's hospitality.
Tho mansion is surrounded by high stone
wall 10 protect the family from intrusion
put when he feels particularly well the old
gentleman takes pleasure in showing himself
TO rhe excursionists. and often makes n little
speech. Yesterday choir from church in
one of the neighboring towns OF Wales came
over for holiday and serenaded him. He
appeared 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 in
auence of music upon the human mind.
Then he asked them to sing Cardinal New
mans latest hymn, Lead, Kindly Light, T"
and thanked them for the pleasure he had en-
joyed.
He will not discuss politics or any live topic
either In public or private without prepara.
tion. II he has anything TO say upon subjects
that are occupying the attention OF the people
he dictates letter to some acquaintance and
gives il TO the press.
Although he is now over 81, he looks ss
hearty as when / first saw.him, fifteen years
ago. and walks with firm step, but carries a
stiff bucktnorn stick TO lean upon. He has
not entirely abandoned his habit of wood.