The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-12
GLADSTONE In DEBATE.
Some of the Pecularities of the Grand
Old MIN.


Harry Furniss the artist of London
Punch, whose caricatures of Gladstone are
SO Well known in America, has written an
illustrated paper for the September Gen.
fury on 'Glimpses of Gladstone" Mr..
Furniss says;
I noticed that he always appeared to be
very anxious and restless before rising to
make speech. His first movement upon
soch an occasion was to arrange his care
fully prepared notes upon the box in front
or him; then, taking from his pocket the
historical pomatum pot. which contained,
l believe, a mixture of egg flip and honey
a recipe of Sir William Clarke's-he would
place it out of view on the edge of the table
by the side of the box Then he would sit,
placing both hands upon his knees, with his
face firmly set, and with his hawk-like eyes
nXed upon the speaker, waiting for the Sig
nal to spring to his feet Once up. he
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, latterly with husky voice.
he prefaced his remarks was over, there
would come an ominouS tug at his wrist
bands, followed by an easing Of his collar
with one finger, a step back a flash from
those passionate eyes, and then-but let
others describe his speeches.
As an artist, accustomed perhaps to use
my eyes more than my ears, l content my
self here with noting down certain per-
sOndi traitS-such, for instance, as that
wien 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 argu-
ment home to his listeners, he used to en-
rhaSiZe it by bringing down his ringed
hand with tremendous bang, Of which
energetic action evidence remains IN the
shape of many tell-tale dents in the boxes.
I have examined these evidences and it
was interesting to find 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 its fellow
In front of the government bench, notWith-
standing the tlUmDl02 which
that receptacle was subjected during the
1885,
Another habit peculiar to Mr.. Gladstone
during debate was that Of turning around
and addressing members behind him. Upon
one occasion, in 1889 he turned to MS
younger supporters and gave them this
notable advice: II stand here as a mem
Der 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 l may avail
a recommendation. I would tell them of
my own intention to keep my counsel and
reserve my own freedom until l see the
occasion when there may be prospect Of
public benefit in endeavoring to make
movement forward, and l will venture to
recommend them to do the same"-holding
up his hands like an old parliamentary
prophet.
Gladstone's dress was very noticeable. He
was then spruce, in black frock coat
light trousers, and wearing hower In MS
buttonhole. This generally indicated that
a great speech was imminent whenever
there was any excuse for wearing them
Mr.. Gladstone had a Partially for gray
clothes. which were not too fash1onably
cut: and once / remember that he caused
some sensation by appearing in the House
wearing a wedding favor Something had
evidently tickled 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, his merriment seemed to increase.
Afterwards he repeated it to Mr.. Chamber
lain, and again to the speaker, finally
quitting the House to tell 1t anew outside.