The Washington herald., 1912-11-24

book for the British Temperance party,
and has done more to mold latter-day re-
form principles in that direction than
any other document.
No incident In the career OF Lord Peel
better illustrated his tact and leadership
than the manner in which he rescued the
House Of Commons from the Bradiaugh
squabble. When Parliament met in jan
uary, 1856, and ignoring the advice Of Sir
Michael Hicks-Beach, leader of the
house. he declared that he had no power
to forbid the member of Northampton to
take the oath. despite any penalties
which the law and the zeal of private
prosecutors might contrive to heap upon
him. Bradlaugh took the OATH and five
years later Speaker Peel had the duty
and the pleasure-for by this time Brad
laugh had won his way6o the affections
Of the house-of putting Nrom the chair a
motion expunging unanimously all the
records which referred to the undigniied
proceedings that had SO long interferred
with the business of Parliament
Lord Peel had courage of that high
kind which enabled him to take the
course which he knew to be wise in
defiance alike of pressure and of any
possible charge OF partisanship. On one
occasion. during the year of the Parnell
commission bill, the Conservatives were
in no humor to take the Irish members
frank language. and suspensions were
common. DR.. Tanner had been accused
Of using violent words I'm the lobby, and
IN spite of the Doctors denial of part OF
charge and his apology for the rest, the
administration leaders made up their
minds to have him suspended. But Mr..
Peel also had made up his mind. and to
suggested that Mr.. Tanners apology
should be accepted and that the incident
be permitted to close without dishOnor to
either OF the parties.
Viscount Peel, although he became a
Unionist at the time Of the home rule
split. remained true to his Liberal tra-
ditions, and in his few incursions into
politics after his retirement from the
Speakers chair. made weighty contribu-
tions to current political thought. He
did not like the brewers bill of Mr..
Balfour. and anaIyzed it ON more than
one occasion with withering effect.
The present Speaker, Mr. Lowther, is
the second occupant OF the Commons
chair since 1895. Viscount Peel has sur
vived by three years his immediate sue
cessor. Mr. Gully Q.ord SeIby). who. like
Mr.. Lowther. enjoyed calmer days in
office.
Lord Peel was a man Of books" and
was often seen at book stalls in Lon
don in search of literary treasures. Many
portraits and other memorials OF his
godfather, the great Duke OF Wellington,
are stored within the walls OF his old
red brick house at Sandy.
One OF the earliest recolleCtions of
Lord Peel was that Of being taken by
his mother to see the princess, who soon
afterward became Queen Victoria. The
Duke OF Wellington, his godfather. he
met many times. The first time he Wis
Corner he was young and naturally
Oyerawed. The duke said to him my
lad. come along and I'll show you all the
things that were given me by the crown
ed heads OF Europe after the Waterloo
campaign"
Recalling the hunting accident that
caused his fathers death, Lord Peel
never forgot the shock he experienced.
on going home he found a crowd outside
the gates of his home in Whitehall gar
dens. Rushing indoors he found his
father leaning against a wall supported
by his lifelong friend, Sir James Gra-
ham. His father was so dazed that he
did not resognize his son, and soon after
became unconscious. a condition I'm which
he remained until he breathed his last.
This was in the year that ViscOunt Peel
came OF age.
FT.ANETR.
lCoryriGht. lalt by Court Gossip syndlcateJ