The age-herald., 1898-05-22
ETCHINGS FROM
 CURRENT TOPICS

time, with one exception, went to his re- ward Wednesday morning. William Ewart Gladstone had but one rival in the annals of what man has accomplished in this cen tury, which is about to come to close. That rival of course. is the German ex- chancellor. Prince Bismarck. They had many points in common, Gladstone and Bismarck these two wonderful human be- ings, who carved out their own destiny, without the aid of any undue fictitious inc fiuences. Upon two of the grandest govern ments of earth, they made their personal impress, an impress that neither coming years nor events can obliterate.
 To the genius and statesmanship of Prince Bismarck is due the consummation of German unity and the magnificent Ger man empire will always remain a monu- ment to his political acumen and his per sonal power. Greater than kings, stronger than monarchies, his splendid intellect con- ceved what his loyalty and patriotism de- sired, and, with a self-reiance and moral courage which challenged the admiration even of his enemies, and detractors. Bis marck moved steadily forward towards the fulfillment of his destiny, and the altera- tion of the map of Europe.
 Old age, and lack of sympathy with the opinions and policies of the present ar ratio German empire have caused this statesman and politician to retire to the rest and seclusion of private life. Still, when the electric wires flash across conti- nents and over seas that Bismarck Is alarmingly i'll, Christendom reverently lifts its hat afresh to the glory of the most won- derful political genius of this Nineteenth century.
 The marvel of Prince Bismarcks achieve ments, increase in proposition as one re- members, that what he accomplished for his people was done under the limitations of a nonarchical government. In laboring for the good of Germany he became greater than his country and greater than his king.
 Gladstone and Bismarck belong entirely to the Nineteenth century. Both were born when it was young and new, when it had just sprang from the inexorable mys- teries of Time, and they lived to see it's record almost completed, and ready to be stored away with the calendars of the ages. Napoleon Boneparte completed his life in this century, but he belonged partly to another period, and had completed his
  coption, no other two men have played such a part in governmental affairs in the past hundred years, as have Gladstone and Bis mafck Each was blessed with remarka- ble longevity; each met many crises in their country's history, which called for all their political power and talent; each serv- ed rulers who rank among the greatest of this century, and each completed his labors ,-fk. wit fc nation his debtor, and the world at large, according him higher niche in the Tenn pie of Fame than is occupied by any other two men born in this century.
 MT. Gladstone was such a many-Slded man that he continued to interest all class es and all peoples up to the day of his death. There was scarcely period of the Victorian era upon which Gladstone did not impress himself, in legislation and in the improvement of the British people. His statesmanship was manifested in his state papers; in his addresses to the public in his speeches before parliament, and in his treatment of all political questions, whether pertaining to foreign colonial policies, church disestablishment, the Irish question or the intricacies of finance
 MT. Gladstone's talent for practically solving troublesome political questions was always apparent, especially in seasons of excitement and unrest. His treatment and reduction of Englands public debt placed him upon plane with the best financiers of his time. He has been criticised for lack of stability at certain periods of his career; for change of front on important public questions, but he was always ac- tuated with the one overwhelming desire to do the most and the best for England and her people. His moral courage was sufficient to sustain him in his unselfish ambition.
 Gladstone gave to the world an example of simple, unaffected Christianity which will be remembered as long as his genius shall gild the pages of history with an un- dying glory.
 Amid all his political triumphs, amid all his achievements for England's aggrandize- ment and amid his disappointments and sorrows, he remained the same honest. humble Christian, true to his God and faithful to the teachings of His Word.
 It is related of Gladstone that some friend who was impressed with his simple, unaffected child-like faith, asked him, If in his long and varied career he had ever had occasion to doubt the truth and in- spiration of the Bible?' Gladstone immedi- ately replied with emphasis, Not for 0 moment, in all my life"
 The home life of MT. Gladstone was in keeping with the nobleness and purity of his character. It was singularly serene and happy, and in the congenial association of his wife, children and grand children, his later years were passed in idesllic repose. Mrs. Gladstone was always his close companion. his devoted ally and his loyal comrade from the beginning of his marvellous career until he fell asleep last Wednesday morning with her hand holding fast to his.
 BALL.