The Washington times., 1917-04-23

tramps through the same park and
| even through the creek in winter
time, while the English detective
must have had emotions of a posi-
tive sort.
| For nearly an hour the towering
statesman, his siIvery locks swept
back, and. toward the end OF the
journey with his coat thrown over
his arm, wended his way through
the woods more or less rapidly, beat
ing The underground with his walk
ing stick and seeming TO take a keen
interest in everything.
Once he reached an elevation that
spread before hiIs q panorama OF
scenery that held him entIralled for
several minutes He threw back his
shoulders, breathed deeply. and SEEM
ed to feel an ecstasy OF, delight.
1t was with some reluctance, mani
tested by his hesitating step. that
he strolled back toward the waiting
automobile as twilight tints sufrused
the expanse OF leafing treetops in the
National Capitals prettiest nature
spot.
The trip back to the temporary
home Of the British dignitaries was
without incident. and Mr.. Balfour en-
tered the front door as he came-un-
recognized by the curious crowds.
| OF Scottish Stock.
A son OF James Maitland Balfour
and Lady Blanche Mary Harriet, sis
ter OF Lord Salisbury, Balfour was
born July IS, 1S4s. His family is a
branch of a royal Scottish clan. own
ers of Balfour castle near Fife. As
a lad at Eton his slender, awkward
form and pallid, scholastic face won
for him the nickname OF Miss
Nancy" He was Lord Lansdowne's
fag, and, according to tales OF him,
preferred the quiet OF the library to
the soccer or cricket field. Lord
for the tall. ungainly youngster, the
career OF a second Disraeli'
He came into prominence after a
not remarkable early career in the
House Of Commons, when he was Sc
lected as chief secretary for ireland.
His predecessor had been slain and
the Irish were in rebellion. Balfour
showed in one .year-1SS4-Qualiti
which none of his friends suspected
he, the quiet scholar, possessed.
Sternly, methodically, and without
} fear, he began a systematic repres-
sion of the rebellion. The hangman's
moose played a part in this and the
prisons were full to overfiowing.
The rebellion was crushed.
His Attitude ImpersonaL
There are many today to whom
Balfour is and will always be
. Bloody" Balfour because OF those
Fenians who. were slain. So bitter
did the feeling become that for a
while the chief secretary of Ireland
did not walk abroad unless accom-
panied by three or more detectives.
all famous marksmen and OF more
than ordinary physical strength.
Throughout his Irish administra-
tion he preserved the quality which
seems dominant in him-cool, in
domitable courage. In his actions
there was never a suggestion of age
or of personal resentment. One bril-
liant member of the Irish Opposition
once said of him:
"Balfour can call a man a fool and
a knaVe in the most purely imper-
sonal way OF any man alive today"
Subsequently the present British
commissioner rose to the highest Of
fee in England. that OF premier OF
his majesty's government, and today
he holds the post OF secretary OF state
for foreign affairs.
This tall, quiet Englishman has
two recreations-golf and bicycling.
In recent years he has given up the
bicycle in favor OF the clubs. but
when the bicycling fad was at its
height he was among the leaders OF
this form of sport and was elected to
the presidency OF the Cycling Club
| of England
He has a quiet sense OF humor and
an appreciation OF the absurdities of
life. a statesman once found him
engrossed in Lewis Carrolrs "Alice
ip Wonderland" and expressed sur
prise that so keen a mind should find
enjoyment in such nonsense.
ION the contrary" replied Balfour,
"I find II a distinct relief after listen
ing to parliamentry speeches"
When He DIsmOunts.
When the statesman was learning
to ride a bicycle, he steered his We,
hicle into a flower bed and fell off
just as two women were passing. 4
fellow bicyclist rode up to him and
opened a satire fire OF commentary.
But" protested Balfour. that was
Intentional. / always dismount in the
presence OF ladies'"
BalfOurs ideal life was described
by himself some years ago to a friend
who asked him what he considered
! the perfect existence.
ITO live in the country" he replied
play a lot Of golf. read much, think
; more and write little-that is the
ideal life"
In these times his country needs
, him. II is doubtful whether BalfOur
will ever have the opportunity to live
III