from personal bitterness, none where a rather strong complaint of his having the readiness is greater at the proper done so. I have since learned with remoment to drop Party feelings and ex-gret that Lord Beaconsfield had, just clusively to consider that which is for before he received that message from the national dignity. I believe it is for me, swallowed one drug and had inthe dignity of the nation that from time haled another drug, in quantities nicely to time, and on exceptional occasions, adapted so as to enable him to speak Parliament should recognize the public free from the oppression of his complaint services of statesmen, not as a proof of during the time that that speech reuniversal approval of the particular quired for delivery. I cannot help thinkpolicy which they may have pursued, ing that such incidents as these, although for that would be impossible, but as an not very great in themselves-one at the acknowledgment of unusual abilities de- beginning, and the other at the end of a voted in eminent positions to the service Parliamentary career which lasted 44 of the State. My Lords, it is impos- years-were proofs of that determinasible for anyone to deny that Lord tion which he possessed, and that conBeaconsfield played a great part in tempt for obstacles which might have English history. No one can deny alarmed weaker men. My Lords, I his rare and splendid gifts, and his remember another small fact connected great force of character. No one can with this House which appeared to me deny how long and how continuous have indicative of Lord Beaconsfield's selfbeen his services, both with regard to control and his great patience. Almost the Crown and Parliament. I doubt any man coming into this Assembly as whether to many public men can the Prime Minister, and with a great oraquality of genius be more fitly attri- torical reputation, would have been imbuted. It was by his strong indi- patient for an opportunity of display. I viduality, unaided by adventitious cir- dare say your Lordships remember how cumstances, that he owed his great per- silent and how reticent Lord Beaconsfield sonal success. My Lords, I myself, as- was for two or three months after he came sisted by some of those social advantages into your Lordships' House; and it was which Mr. Disraeli was without, came only when an unfounded charge was made into the House of Commons at an early against him that he took the opportunity age, and six months before he took his of making a speech by which he immeseat in that Assembly. I thus heard diately obtained that hold over your Lordhim make that speech famous for its ships' House which he had so long mainfailure, a speech which I am convinced, tained in "another place." Some men if it had been made when he was better exercise influence over others by possessknown to the House of Commons, would ing in a stronger degree the qualities have been received with cheers and sym- and the defects of those whom they inpathy, instead of derisive laughter; but fluence. Others produce the same effect which, owing to the prejudices of his from exactly contrary causes. It is proaudience, he was obliged to close with bable that Lord Beaconsfield, with few a sentence, which, like a somewhat prejudices of his own, and more or less similar ejaculation of Mr. Sheridan, tolerant of those of others, belonged to showed the unconquerable confidence the latter class. I never knew a greater which strong men have in their own master, in writing, in speaking, and in power. My Lords, the last time that conversation, of censure and of eulogy. Lord Beaconsfield spoke in this House a His long habit of sparkling literary speech of an argumentative character composition, his facility in dealing with was a few weeks ago. I think it was about epigram, metaphor, antithesis, and even 10 o'clock on the second evening of the alliteration, gave him a singular power debate on Afghanistan that Lord Bea- of coining and applying phrases which consfield sent me a message saying that at once laid hold of the popular mind, he purposed speaking directly. I sent and attached praise or blame to actions back a strong remonstrance. Two noble of the contending Parties in the State. Lords who formerly held Office, and a Lord Beaconsfield had certainly the third with remarkable power of speak- power of appealing in his policy, in his ing, wished to take part in the debate. character, and in his career, to the imaLord Beaconsfield, however, persisted, gination of his countrymen and of foand I thought I was justified in making reigners, a power which was not extinEarl Granville guished even by death. With certain exceptions, Lord Beaconsfield was singularly tolerant with regard to his political opponents, and very appreciative of their merits. I believe no more happy compliment was ever paid to Lord Palmerston and Lord Russell than by Mr. Disraeli in the House of Commons; and I have heard one of Mr Cobden's dearest friends quote, as the most touching speech he ever heard, the tribute which Mr. Disraeli paid in the House of Commons to his great and victorious Free Trade opponent. I myself can boast of having been treated in this House by successive Leaders of the great Conservative Party in it with great kindness and great fairness; but I am bound to say that by none was that great fairness and forbearance more remarkably displayed than by Lord Beaconsfield during the few years that I had the honour of sitting opposite him, and on some previous occasions with regard to Foreign Affairs. My Lords, the noble Duke (the Duke of Richmond and Gordon), on Thursday, speaking on the authority of an intimate friend, told your Lordships how kind and good-natured a man in private life Lord Beaconsfield was. I believe that to be perfectly true, notwithstanding the singular power of destructiveness which he possessed, and sometimes exercised. I remember being told by one, to whom the constant devotion of Lord Beaconsfield during his life was one of the characteristic traits of his character, that not only was he a kind and good-natured man, but that he was singularly sensitive to kindness shown to him by others. There is one reason, my Lords, why this House should pay respect to the memory of Lord Beaconsfield, which is not altogether of a disinterested character. It has been said of the British aristocracy, sometimes as a matter of praise, sometimes of blame, that they are proud, wealthy, and powerful. There is an element, however, of a democratic character mixed with this aristocratic constitution of the House of Lords, which has certainly added to its wealth and strength, possibly to its pride. It is the unexclusiveness which is peculiar to the Institution. Of the smoothness with which the portals of this Assembly roll back before distinguished men, without reference to caste or to blood, of the welcome which is given to such, of the distinguished place which is assigned to them in our ranks, I know no brighter or more brilliant example than that of Lord Beaconsfield. My Lords, I beg to move the Resolution of which I have given Notice. THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY : My Lords, the noble Earl, in the graceful language with which he has moved the erection of this last and melancholy tribute to a political opponent, justly said, not only that contested questions were in no degree affected by the action that he or your Lordships might take, or by the language that he used, but also that not many words were needed to commend this Motion to the acceptance of Parliament. My Lords, it is true that in this case not many words are needed; because one of the most striking phenomena attending on Lord Beaconsfield's brilliant and remarkable career has been the deep interest with which, through his illness and after his death, his fate was followed, not only by his own friends and adherents, but by men of every class and degree in this country, and by distinguished men of great influence and power in other countries also. My Lords, whatever else may be said of the deceased statesman, this, at least, can never be gainsaid-his memory will ever be associated with many and great controverted issues; but the historian must always add that, when the fierce struggle was over, and the great career was closed, there was no doubt what the verdict was of his countrymen upon the services he had rendered. This unanimity of opinion with respect to one whose measures were necessarily much contested will suggest various explanations. That his Friends and Colleagues should mourn his loss and regard his memory is only too natural. I have not the same title to speak on this subject as many of those beside me have, because my close political connection with him was comparatively recent. But it lasted through anxious and difficult times, when the character of men is plainly seen by those who work with them. And upon me, as I believe upon all others who have worked with him, his patience, his gentleness, his unswerving and unselfish loyalty to his Colleagues and his fellow-labourers, have made an impression which will never leave me as long as life endures. But these feelings could only affect the limited circle of his im mediate adherents. The impression which I compared with this one great question how the country to which he belonged might be made united and strong. The feeling which he showed was repaid to him abundantly; and it is because this conviction spread itself to all classes-both among those who were his friends and those who were his op ponents-that this Vote which has been moved by the noble Earl, and which I have risen to second, is no expression of any Party or sectional feeling, is no representation of any opinion upon any controverted question, but is the homage and recognition of an united people to the splendid genius and the magnificent services they have lost. another cause. Lord Beaconsfield's lead- Moved, That an humble Address he presented to Her Majesty praying that Her Majesty will give directions that a Monument be crected in the collegiate church of St. Peter, Westminster, to the memory of the late Right Honourable tion expressive of the high sense entertained by the Earl of Beaconsfield, K.G., with an inscripthe House of his rare and splendid gifts, and of his devoted labours in Parliament and in great offices of State; and to assure Her Majesty that Majesty's directions.-(The Earl Granville.) this House will concur in giving effect to Her THE EARL OF MALMESBURY: My Lords, I think it would be very natural if, after the two able speeches to which we have listened, this Motion should be at once agreed to; but I should be making a great sacrifice to my own feelings were I not on this occasion to express my opinion, not upon the great talents and political powers of Lord Beaconsfield, but upon the virtues of his private life, and the remarkable and laudable lines he has always followed both as regards his friends and his foes. My excuse, my Lords, for speaking of him is the intimate acquaintance I had with him. I knew Lord Beaconsfield at an earlier period than my noble Friendbefore he had been a Minister. I was a Member of the first Cabinet in which he sat. I was with him in four Cabinets afterwards. I was in the last Cabinet as in the first; and, with all that constant occasion of knowing him well, of seeing him, hearing his sentiments, and observing his manner and character, I must say I have not known a more complete character as far as regarded the good-nature, amiability, and sincere friendship which he always displayed. Men who have seen him sitting in this place, where he gained so much honour, might naturally think that, with his un sentiente. Ordered that the said Address be presented to Her Majesty by the Lords with White Staves. House adjourned at a quarter before Six o'clock till To-morrow, half past Ten o'clock. moved countenance, with not a shadow | claimed-"Repose! good Heavens! reupon his cheek, however he might have pose!" I think his manner and intonareceived the thrusts of the greatest tion impressed one more than anything gladiators of the day, he was a man else with the invincible power of work without the common feelings of human his determination never to give way nature. But that was not the case. I while he could do work in the service knew no man who felt disappointment of his country-which he possessed. It more, or so much enjoyed triumph. It was with great satisfaction that I heard was his indomitable courage which en- the Motion made by my noble Friend. abled him to master his features, as it My noble Friend behind me (the Marsupported him through all the difficulties quess of Salisbury) has said most truly of his career. He had every domestic that one of the most powerful passions virtue which I consider a man need have. of Lord Beaconsfield's breast was the deHe was supported-fortunately for him, sire to maintain the power and the for he always said so-by a most ami- honour of England; and therefore it able and devoted wife, to whom he was is our duty, and a most melancholy duty himself equally devoted. He has often it is, to raise a monument to this great told me that without her fortitude and and distinguished Englishman. great devotion to him, encouraging him when he was disappointed, and sharing with him his triumphs, he could not have succeeded in life as he had done. I remember, when at last he was deprived of the support of his wife, he said to me with tears in his eyes-"I hope some of my friends will take notice of me now in my great misfortune, for I have no hope; I have now no home; and when I tell my coachman to drive home, I feel it is a mockery." Lady Beaconsfield was equally devoted to him. I recollect a remarkable story, which illustrates this devotion; it is one which your Lordships have, perhaps, heard; but he told it to me himself. One day, when Lord Beaconsfield was driving to the House of Commons, having a very important speech to make, the servant, in closing the door of the carriage, shut it on Lady Beaconsfield's finger. She had the courage not to cry out or say a word, and not to move until he was out of sight, lest it might disturb him and interfere with the speech he had to make. A very ehort time before his death an incident occurred which showed the extraordinary courage and perseverance which existed in his character. I was walking with him, and we met an old friend, a gentleman who had formerly been very active in public life, and who had reached the age of 84, and was still looking, for that age, very young. Lord Beaconsfield said to him-"How is it you maintain your youthful appearance and your health in the way you do?" Our friend answered-" My Lord, by enjoying all the repose I can." I could not attempt to give your Lordships an idea of the tone in which Lord Beaconsfield ex HOUSE OF COMMONS, Monday, 9th May, 1881. MINUTES.] - SELECT COMMITTEE - Artizans' and Labourers' Dwellings Improvement, appointed. PUBLIC BILLS-Motion for Bill-Parliamentary Second Reading-Local Government (Gas) Pro- QUESTIONS. ROYAL IRISH CONSTABULARY - AL- MR. SEXTON (for Mr. BIGGAR) asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Is it a fact that the police under sub-inspector Barry of Ballinamon, when out assisting bailiffs to serve ejectments on the "King" property near Ballinamon did, when they found a house tenantless, search it, and, if they found no one in charge drank all the milk and sucked all the eggs they could find on the premises; and, if the allegation is true, will he take means to have the guilty parties punished? Major Traill has been acting for the last fifteen months for another resident magistrate absent on sick leave, the Government will at once take steps to appoint a competent person in the place of the absent official? MR. W. E. FORSTER: Sir, I have instituted an inquiry into the circumstances referred to in the Question, and what I understand to be the case is this. Sixteen persons were arrested on a charge of assault in September last at the place named, and detained in the lock-up. Three of these persons were the persons alluded to in the Question. Two of them who had committed the offence were convicted by the magistrate AL-named; but this conviction was illegal, because they were tried at the gaol by one magistrate, and not at petty sessions before more than one magistrate. I have received no official report of the proceedings referred to, nor of the language used by Mr. Justice Fitzgerald at the trial; but I have no reason to believe that it has been inaccurately given in the newspaper reports. The commitment was made by the magis trate in ignorance of the law Major Traill has been sufficiently penalized for the error he made by becoming the defendant in three actions. He was appointed by the late Government to do duty in the place of the resident magistrate, who had asked for leave of absence, and has since resigned in consequence of ill health. A successor to Major Traill will be sent to Parsonstown in a few days' time. ; and MR. W. E. FORSTER: Sir, I have made inquiries into the facts of this matter, and I am glad to say that these charges against the constables are quite unfounded. LAW AND JUSTICE (IRELAND)- MR. HEALY asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been called to the proceedings in the Exchequer Division of the High Court of Justice in Ireland on the 25th April, in the case of Egan v. Traill, the defendant being a resident magistrate of Parsonstown, and the action one of three brought against him for having illegally sentenced to imprisonment and hard labour persons who had been arrested by the police on a charge of assault, Mr. Traill having gone on a Sunday to the police barrack where the men were in custody, and although they offered bail and asked to bo remanded to petty sessions, refused to postpone the cases, and imposed on the men sentences of imprisonment varying from eight days to one month. The men were in gaol for the whole of these respective periods, and the affidavit stated that they had to sleep upon plank beds; whether Baron Fitzgerald stated when refusing Mr. Traill's application, that he had sentenced three several men to imprisonment illegally;" whether when excusing Mr. Traill's conduct his counsel stated that he, being only a major in the Army, "could not be expected to know the law accurately as he was not a lawyer;" whether the Government will consider Major Traill's removal from such a responsible legal position, and upon whose recommendation Major Traill was appointed, and by whom it was sanctioned; and, whether if it be true, as appears from the Return of lately presented to this House, that through the window; but, fortunately, it struck Mr. Sexton CRIME (SCOTLAND) ALLEGED OUT RAGE AT BRAÉHEAD, DUNFERM LINE. - the Lord Advocate, If his attention has MR. SEXTON (for Mr. BIGGAR) asked been called to the following paragraph from the daily newspapers : ot "A daring outrage was committed at BraeSunday. While Thomas Nickol, coachinan at Lassadie House, and his wife and family were sitting at the fireside they were startled by a terrific noise, and on going to the door they found at a little distance from the window of about five inches in length by three inches in diameter, which had evidently been filled with some explosive substance and a lighted fusee applied to it. It is presumed that the perpe trators of the outrage must have thrown the |
0 Anmeldelser Anmeldelsene blir ikke bekreftet, men Google ser etter falskt innhold og fjerner slikt innhold som avdekkes Skriv anmeldelse |