Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1922-05-06
FAMOUS MEN.
WILLIAM EwARr GLADSTONE.

The title Of Grand Old Man" Of
Great Britain was given to the eminent
English statesman. William Ewart Glad
stone, ten years before his death. and he
was everything that the title represent
ed. No man in English history of the
past century was more constantly in the
public mind than Mr. Gladstone, as the
great leader Of the Liberal party Of that
nation.
Mr.. ella dstones greatest yAarfiamen-
tary fight was when as prime minister
Of the nation for the fourth time he re-
sumed his policy Of giving home rule to
Ireland. He made his last speech at
the table of the house of commons on
the first of March, 1894, when he was So
years of age.
Probably the political history Of the
world shows no greater effort by man
who had far passed the allotted period.
It was a supreme moment for him, and
when he found that his fight had been
a losing one, his friends stood aghast
when they realized that in the loss OF
the home rule bill the nation had rele-
gated to retirement the greatest states
man Of the age, and one of the most re-
markable England has ever produced.
Bat when Mr.. Gladstone retired from
politics, even although past So years
on life as would most men at that age
He wrote letters. essays. and even books
ON theological subjects, nor in the mean
time did much escape him in politics OF
even in light literature.
In spite of his age, It was not unusual
for him to work ten hours a day, bury
ing himself in his books. Of making short
| trips during which he would discuss the
topics Of the day with French or Span
ish public men, or with his friends al
Harwarden.
/ His loiograpfler states: Perhaps I can
| not better illustrate the variety of his
occupations than by mentioning tn:
book. apparently Of the most solid i'm
portance, which he wrote on Bishop But.
Ter and Bishop Buffers theology, and thu
article on Sheridan which he contrib
uted to "The New Century in June
| 1895. when he was 81 years Of age"
| When Mr.. Gladstone retired from pub
| tic life he received from his sovereign
the offer of an earidom. with, of cours'
a seat in the house Of lords. but this HI
gratefully and gracefully declined. NJ
| one was surprised at his decision for h
| which no earldom or dukedom or an.
other rank could have enhanced.
| He had already received a title through
the universal accord Of the public o
England Nobody knows who invente'
this title for him, but It was conferre'
upon him and it will always remain wit
} him and with his memory. That Is tn
title of "Grand Old Man" Never wa
there character which more aptly de
served that title, sacred to age and {
grandeur Of genius, Of purpose and c
| career. AS long as the history Of Quee
Vietoria's reign remains in the menor
Of civilization, he will remain the Gran
/ Ola Man" Of that remarkable reign.
When the queen celebrated her Dis
rnond Jubilee she was rs years Of ag
and was. therefore, some ten veal
younger than Mr.. Gladstone. The age
statesnan's health did not allow him
take any conspicuous part IN the jubilf
J celebration, but we can be assured ths
no one was more interested in the glor
/. Of the reign which he himself had dor
) SO much to make illustrious and success
4 f1l.