The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-10-14

OIlu&e over the DOnnle DOOn, u "uOoe
blanks and brae." h. sang, and not FAR
away are the old bridge and the new one
which his fancy clothed with life and brought
together in animated dialogue.
After visiting the places and looking
upon the scenes enshrined in literature by
his verse one reads with even greater
xest the homespun ballads Of this impulsive
apostle OF democracy. l was glad to learn
that increasing thousands wepd their way
to his birthplace each year. and that among
the visitors Americans are numerous.
AT HAwARDEN CASTLE.
We reserved for the conclusion OF our
tour OF the British Isles Hawarden Castle,
the home Of Gladstone. With our usual
luck, We reached Hawarden just as Mr..
Henry Gladstone arrived from his home,
eight miles away, and were taken through
the house and grounds by him.
The sta Of several thousand acres
which came into the family from Mrs.
Gladstone's ancestors has Just passed,
according 70 the law OF primogeniture,
into the hands OF a grandson Of the late
Mr.. Gladstone. The new owner is a sober,
studious young nan who has already
achieved distinction in college debates and
who In preparing for a public career.
While We enjoyed a drive through the
woods and through the park where the
elder Gladstone was wont to cut down
trees for exercise our interest naturally
centred In the big, roomy house, castle like
in its structure, and In the commodious
library where England's Christian states
man labored for more han three score
-. "a 5000 ~. Haoa..I.roI khas ~.
public life extended over two generations.
The walls are concealed by books and
shelves jut out into the room at right angles.
Gladstone was a prodigious worker. and
amid the cares OF Official life found time
to devote to the classics, to the sciences
and to religious discussion.
Among the busts in the room il one Of
Disraeli, his most conspicuous political
antagonist. The prominence thus given
70 his distinguished opponent may possibly
be explained AZ Hercules explained the
courtesy shown by him to the goddess
whose enmity compelled him to perform
the labors which made him immortal.
Opening of from the library is a fire.
proof vault in which Mr.. Gladstone kept
his papers and valuable documents. and he
was so methodical that John Morley, his
b~iographer, found the materials for his
work in excellent order.
Not far from the house is a large build
ing, erected as a memorial to Gladstone,
which contains his religious library Of
several thousand volumes. The family has
built a dormitory adjoining the library to
Accommodate students who come from all
countries to study theological questions.
THE GLADSTONE MONUMENT.
We also visited the chapel near by, where
the statesman attended church and often
read the service. His son-in law, the
present rector, showed us the memorial,
since unveiled, which will draw multitudes
to this historic edifioe.
1t in a marble group by the sculptor
Richmond and represents the great COM
moner and his wife sleeping side by side,
an angel guarding them with outstretched
wings. 1t is fitting that they should thus
rest at the end Of life, for they had to gether
borne LIES burdens and together shared
the many triumphs that rowned their
efforts.
While he was master Of the ship Of state
she vas mistress Of an ideal home; while
he was seeking to ameliorate the con-
dition OF the whole people she wal con-
Quoting a private o~rphanage within a
stones throw OF the castle. an institution
still maintained in her memory. So happy
was the long married life Of this we'll mated
pair that at the approach Of death be re-
quested the family not to permit his inter-
ment in Westminster Abbey, except on
condition that his wife he given a place
beside him, and this unusual honor was
paid them.
Although nations boast OF material wealth
and manufacturing plants their most
valuable assets are their men and women
Of merit and their greatest factories are
their institutions Of learning, which con-
vert priceless raw material into a finished
product OF inestimable worth. Gladstone,
vigorous in body. strong in mind and ele-
waited in moral purpose, was an ornament
10 tho sge In which he lived and will be an
inspiration to succeeding generations.