The Dublin Review (Volume 123)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1898 Excerpt: ... welfare of the people has made his name a household word among the masses of his countrymen, and has even attracted general attention to his family and private life. In these democratic days, that fierce light which beats upon a throne is reflected from the monarch to her ministers; and much that was once thought to be private has become public property. And this tendency of the times may be said to have reached its climax--not inappropriately--in the life of the late Liberal leader. Seen him I have; but in his happier hour Of social pleasure, ill-exchang'J for pow'r. It was thus that a privileged poet sang of the great Whig minister of George the Second. But nowadays a like boasc might be echoed by a much wider range of admirers. Who has not been made familiar with Mr. Gladstone in his happier hours in his home at Hawarden? Who has not pictured the veteran statesman reading the Lessons in the village church; or showing his skill in woodcraft; giving a kindly welcome to pilgrims drawn to the Liberal Mecca; holding converse in las library with some old divine or favourite classic; or unbending his mind amid a group of grandchildren? Censorious critics might smile, or sneer, at all this publicity. But at least it disclosed to view nothing but what was pure and honourable. Casta domus, luxnque carens, corruptaque nunquam Fortuna domini: clarum et venerabile nomen. With its effect on his position as a party leader we are not concerned; but it is likely enough that this served to strengthen the attachment of his followers, and at the same time led not a few of his political foemen to regard the Liberal chief with kindly feelings. And if the vices of a man in high position can hardly fail to have an evil effect in proportion to his popularity, one who is thus s...