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from personal bitterness, none where the readiness is greater at the proper moment to drop Party feelings and exclusively to consider that which is for the national dignity. I believe it is for the dignity of the nation that from time to time, and on exceptional occasions, Parliament should recognize the public services of statesmen, not as a proof of universal approval of the particular policy which they may have pursued, for that would be impossible, but as an acknowledgment of unusual abilities devoted in eminent positions to the service of the State. My Lords, it is impossible for anyone to deny that Lord Beaconsfield played a great part in English history. No one can deny his rare and splendid gifts, and his great force of character. No one can deny how long and how continuous have been his services, both with regard to the Crown and Parliament. I doubt whether to many public men can the quality of genius be more fitly attributed. It was by his strong individuality, unaided by adventitious circumstances, that he owed his great personal success. My Lords, I myself, assisted by some of those social advantages which Mr. Disraeli was without, came into the House of Commons at an early age, and six months before he took his seat in that Assembly. I thus heard him make that speech famous for its failure, a speech which I am convinced, if it had been made when he was better known to the House of Commons, would have been received with cheers and sympathy, instead of derisive laughter; but which, owing to the prejudices of his audience, he was obliged to close with a sentence, which, like a somewhat similar ejaculation of Mr. Sheridan, showed the unconquerable confidence which strong men have in their own power. My Lords, the last time that Lord Beaconsfield spoke in this House a speech of an argumentative character was a few weeks ago. I think it was about 10 o'clock on the second evening of the debate on Afghanistan that Lord Beaconsfield sent me a message saying that he purposed speaking directly. I sent back a strong remonstrance. Two noble Lords who formerly held Office, and a third with remarkable power of speaking, wished to take part in the debate. Lord Beaconsfield, however, persisted, and I thought I was justified in making Earl Granville

a rather strong complaint of his having done so. I have since learned with regret that Lord Beaconsfield had, just before he received that message from me, swallowed one drug and had inhaled another drug, in quantities nicely adapted so as to enable him to speak free from the oppression of his complaint during the time that that speech required for delivery. I cannot help thinking that such incidents as these, although not very great in themselves-one at the beginning, and the other at the end of a Parliamentary career which lasted 44 years-were proofs of that determination which he possessed, and that contempt for obstacles which might have alarmed weaker men. My Lords, I remember another small fact connected with this House which appeared to me indicative of Lord Beaconsfield's selfcontrol and his great patience. Almost any man coming into this Assembly as Prime Minister, and with a great oratorical reputation, would have been impatient for an opportunity of display. I dare say your Lordships remember how silent and how reticent Lord Beaconsfield was for two or three months after he came into your Lordships' House; and it was only when an unfounded charge was made against him that he took the opportunity of making a speech by which he immediately obtained that hold over your Lordships' House which he had so long maintained in "another place." Some men exercise influence over others by possess ing in a stronger degree the qualities and the defects of those whom they influence. Others produce the same effect from exactly contrary causes. It is probable that Lord Beaconsfield, with few prejudices of his own, and more or less tolerant of those of others, belonged to the latter class. I never knew a greater master, in writing, in speaking, and in conversation, of censure and of eulogy. His long habit of sparkling literary composition, his facility in dealing with epigram, metaphor, antithesis, and even alliteration, gave him a singular power of coining and applying phrases which at once laid hold of the popular mind, and attached praise or blame to actions of the contending Parties in the State. Lord Beaconsfield had certainly the power of appealing in his policy, in his character, and in his career, to the imagination of his countrymen and of foreigners, a power which was not extin

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

Moved, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty praying that Her Majesty will give directions that a Monument be erected 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 this House will concur in giving effect to Her Majesty's directions.-(The Earl Granville.)

mediate adherents. The impression which I compared with this one great question his career and character have made on-how the country to which he bethe vast mass of his countrymen must longed might be made united and be sought elsewhere. To some extent, strong. The feeling which he showed to a great extent, no doubt, it is due to was repaid to him abundantly; and it is the peculiar character of his genius-to because this conviction spread itself to its varied nature, to the wonderful com- all classes-both among those who were bination of qualities which he possessed, his friends and those who were his opand which rarely reside in the same ponents-that this Vote which has been brain. To some extent it is also due to moved by the noble Earl, and which I the circumstances to which the noble have risen to second, is no expression of Earl has gracefully and eloquently al- any Party or sectional feeling, is no reluded-the social difficulties of his early presentation of any opinion upon any life, and the steadfast perseverance by controverted question, but is the homage which they were overcome. These facts and recognition of an united people to were impressed on his countrymen, who the splendid genius and the magnificent love to see exemplified that open career services they have lost. to all persons, whatever their initial difficulties may be, which is one of the characteristics of their institutions of which they are most proud. They saw in Lord Beaconsfield's life a proof that whatever difficulties may attend the beginning of a man's fame, if the genius and perseverance are there, the most exalted position and the widest influence are open to any subject of the Queen. But there was another cause. Lord Beaconsfield's leading principles with respect to the greatness of his country, more and more as life went on, made an impression on our country. Zeal for the greatness of England was the passion of his life. Opinions might differ, and did differ, deeply as to the measures and steps by which expression was given to that dominant feeling; but more and more as his life went on and drew near to its close, as the heat and turmoil of controversy were left behind, as the gratification of every possible ambition negatived the suggestion of any inferior motive, and brought out into greater prominence the sacredness and strength of this one intense feeling, the people of this country recognized the force with which this desire dominated his actions, and they repaid it by an affection and reverence which did not depend upon, nor had any concern with, their opinion as to the particular policy pursued. My Lords, this was his great title to their attachment-that above all things he wished to see England united, powerful, and great. The questions of interior policy which divided classes, he had to consider them he had to form his judgment upon them and take his course accordingly; but it seems to me he treated them always as of secondary interest,

The Marquess of Salisbury

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

I

sentiente.
On question, agreed to, nemine dis-

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. 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 short 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 MR. SEXTON (for Mr. BIGGAR) asked to give your Lordships an idea of the the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutone in which Lord Beaconsfield ex- tenant of Ireland, Is it a fact that

HOUSE OF COMMONS,

Monday, 9th May, 1881.

MINUTES.]-SELECT COMMITTEE - Artizans'
and Labourers' Dwellings Improvement, ap-
pointed.
PUBLIC BILLS-Motion for Bill-Parliamentary
Oaths, debate further adjourned.
Ordered- First Reading Local Government
Provisional Orders (Askern, &c.) * [152];
Newspapers [164]; Highways and Loco-
motives Amendment Act, 1878 [155];
Tidal Rivers (Interments) [156]; Agricul
tural Labourers (Ireland) [157].
First Reading-Land Drainage Provisional Or-
ders [103].

Second Reading-Local Government (Gas) Pro-
visional Order [145]; Pier and Harbour
Orders Confirmation [143]; Land Law (Ire-
land) [135]-[Fifth Night]-debate further
adjourned; Merchant Shipping [151], de-
ferred.

QUESTIONS.

16061

ROYAL IRISH CONSTABULARY - AL-
LEGED MISCONDUCT AT BALLINA-
MON.

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?

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) — AL-
LEGED ILLEGAL SENTENCES - MR.

TRAILL, R.M.

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 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; and 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 conse quence of ill health. Å successor to Major Traill will be sent to Parsonstown in a few days' time.

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, at "A daring outrage was committed at Braebeing only a major in the Army, "could Sunday. While Thomas Nickol, coachinan at not be expected to know the law accuLassadie House, and his wife and family were rately as he was not a lawyer; "whe-sitting at the fireside they were startled by a ther the Government will consider Major terrific noise, and on going to the door they Traill's removal from such a responsible found at a little distance from the window of legal position, and upon whose recommendation Major Traill was appointed, and by whom it was sanctioned; and, some explosive substance and a lighted fusee whether if it be true, as appears from applied to it. It is presumed that the perpetrators of the outrage must have thrown the

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:

about five inches in length by three inches in with

lately presented to this House, that through the window; but, fortunately, it struck

Mr, Sexton

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