St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1897-11-06

Arp. In Atlanta Constitution.
GLADSTONE III DEBATE.
sene ee the Peeollassties ~ tAs
Grand Old Man.
I noticed that he always appeared to
be very anxious and restless before ris-
ing to make . speech. His first move
ment upon such an occasion was to Ar
range his carefully-prepared notes up
on the box in front Of him; then, taking
from his pocket the historical pomatum
pot, which contained, believe. 4 mix
ture Of egg Zip and honey-a recipe Of
Sir William Clarke's-he would place
II out Of view on the edge Of the table
BY the side Of the boz. Then he would
sit, placing both hands upon his knees.
with his face firmly set and with his
hawk-like eyes fixed upon the speaker,
waiting for the signal to spring to his
feet. Once up. he seemed composed
enough. playing with the notes in front
of him and arranging and rearrang-
ing them Then, leaning forward and
laying his hand upon the box, he world
begin slowly. latterly with . husky
voice. When the graceful introduction
with which he prefaced his remarks
was over there would come an ominous
tug at his wristbands. followed by IN
easing Of his COLLAR with one finger. .
step back, flash from those passion
ate eyes, and then-but let others de-
scribe his speeches.
Az IN a.
use my own eyes more than my ears, I
content myself here with noting down
certain personal traits-such. for In
stance. a. 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 his listeners he used to emphasize
It by bringing down his ringed hand
upon the box with . tremendous bang.
Of which energetic action evidence re
mains in the shape Of many tell-tale
dents in the boxes. / have examined
these evidences. snd il was interesting
to And that the energy Of the orator
was much greater when he was out Of
Office than when he was in power. the
box upon the opposition side being
much more severely marked than ita
fellow In front Of the government
bench. Notwithstanding the terrific
humping to which that receptacle wsa
subjected during the memorable ora
ton Of Thursday. April 9. 1886.
Another habit peculiar to Mr.. Glad
stone during debate was that of turning
around and addressing members be-
hind him. Upon one occasion. in 1889.
he turned to his younger supporters
and gave them this notable advice: n
stand here 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 my
self Of the privilege Of Cd age to offer
q recommendation. I would tell them
Of my own intention to keep my coun-
sci and reserve my own freedom until
I see the occasion when there may be
prospect Of public benefit in endeavor-
ing to make q movement forward and
will venture to recommend them to do
the same"-holding up his hands like
an old parliamentary prophet.
Upon great occasions In the house Mr..
Gladstone,s dress was very noticeable.
He was then spruce. in black frock
coat. light trousers. and wearing .
flower in his buttoohole. This gener-
ally ivdicated that . great speech was
Imminent. Whenever there was any ex-
cuse for wearing them Mr.. Gladstone
had . partially for gray clothes. which
were not too faahionably cut: and once
/ remember that he caused some sen-
sation BY appearing in the house wear
ing . wedding favor. 6omething had
evidently tickled his sense Of humor
upon the occasion. for he was ''smilfng
al over" ~ he came in; and when he
sat down BY Sir William Harcourt. to
whom he related the Joke, bis merri-
ment seemed to increase. Afterwards
be repeated it to Mr.. Chamberlain, and
again to the speaker. finally quitting
the house to tell Il anew outside.-9Iar-
y Furniss. In Century.