LIFE OF DISRAELI

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11324, 30 September 1930, Page 5

LIFE OF DISRAELI

RTSE AND FALL OF A GREAT BRTAIE MINISTER

INTERESTING ADDRESS TO ROTAItIANS-

The members of the Rotary Club yesterday listened to a most informative address by Rotarian F. Foote;on. “The Life of Disraeli.” Rotarian vr. Chrisp was in the chair. Mr Foote, in opening, said that, probablv most of those present had attended the screening of that wonderful picture “Disraeli.’’ Hp was afraid, however, that, life himself, thev must have regarded some of the screen settings as rather curious. The storv of Disraeli was that ot an alien, a member of a then despised race, who, by determination and native genius, rose to become the leader of the landed aristocracy in England, and, as :ts Prime Alinister, one •who had a large share in deciding the destinies of Europe. Articled to a solicitor. Disraeli later stockbroking «vfc which lie lost £/000, a debt which harassed him until he marned. His wife was much oldei but she must have been a- paragon amongst women for her thoughts centred on his welfare and both shared his triumphs and his sorrows. AVhen only 22 years old, Disraeli published liis first novel—lie became a prolific writer —and it was claimed for him that he was the father of the political novel in which appeared clever caricatures of many of his eontomporancs Proceeding, Air. Foote said that upon his return from a visit to the Continent, Disraeli decided upon a political career, and at last he was elected for Maidstone. His foppish dress and affected manners, however, handicapped him, and on rising to make his initial address in the Houso of Commons, lie was. howled down, hut retaliated with tlie now famous prophecy which was amply fulfilled: “I will sit down now, but the time is coming when you ♦shall hear me.” When Peel became unpopular, after the repeal of the Corn Laws, Disraeli Virtually became the leader -of the Tory party. As leader of the Commons, in the Derby Administration, Disraeli, who had now dropped most of bis foppish manners; persuaded Parliament to pass a Reform Bill, greatly extending the franchise.' A year later, when Derby retired, Disraeli became Prime Alinistei' but, was succeeded by Gladstone, who lost his grip on the people on aecoifnt of tho weakness of his foreign policy. Disraeli was then returned to power with a large majority and became Britain’s first great Imperialist. . Mention was made of .the fact that Britain acquired a controlling interest,in the Buez canal; that Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India; and that Turkey was saved from Russia in Disraeli’s day. In conclusion,' Mr. Foote referred to the popularity which Disraeli achieved. The fact that the people colled -him by a pet .name “Dizzy’' was sure evidence that he enjoyed their affection. Everywhere lie went, although lie did not court attraction-, he was followed, by large cheering crowds/- After six' years of office, however, his popularity waned on account efi' the people becoming tired of the Afghan and Zulu wars and he lost-liis seat, death incurring soon afterwards. ; Oil the -motion of Rotarian Gambrill, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Rotarian. Foote for his interesting address.