ANECDOTE OF MR. W. E. FORESTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9082, 16 June 1888, Page 3 (Supplement)

ANECDOTE OF MR. W. E. FORESTER.

A CORRESPONDENT of tho Bradford Observer writes as follows: —Sir, —"Years ago, as far back as the Garibaldian days, owing to something which took place on Garibaldi's journey from the Isle ol Wight to London, I was involved in a vendetta against Mr. Forster. A member of the CaLlnct took my view of tho case, and Monotti Garibaldi, on his father's part, gave me public proof, when the General visited the House of Lords, that he took the same view. From 1864 to ISSO my early friendship with Mr. Forator was neutral. But when I saw how ho maintained the English reputation for manliness by continuing at his Irish post, despite the attempt* on his life abroad and upon his character at home, I cancelled the feud of eighteen years, and renewed my friendship with him. In the last letter he wrote me from Torquay, when lie "still believed he should be ready for tho Parliamentary debates," he said, "I am much obliged to you both for your kind letter and your public support, and I may add for the friendship with which you havo helped mo through my Irish difficulties." A fact came to my knowledge a day aero which makes me very glaa to have received that letter. In 1875, when illness and blindness overtook me, many persons, whose sympathy was an honour without their aid, subscribed a fund with which to purchase an annuity for me which might render work less a necessity in the future. Among them, when 1 could see again, I observed " An Old Friend, £20." I asked to be told who it was, but could not, as the giver "desired that his name should not be known." Major Evans Bell, to whom it was sent, writes now to say that " it came from Mr. Forster, and there can bo no objection to my knowing now." This was an act of singular generosity and independence on Mr. Forster's part. Though ho had reason to know I was hostile to him and would probably continue so, he did me this service and concealed the fact from me, lest my knowing it might mitigate ar.y unfriendly sentiment 1 might think it right to entertain towards him. It is too late to requite him now, but it will be some satisfaction if you will permit me to tell to his townmnon, in your columns, this story to his honour.— I am, &c., GicoROK Jacob Holyoakk, National Liberal Club, London."