ORATOR OF STATESMEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2203, 21 May 1896, Page 47

ORATOR OF STATESMEN.

Now that the chapter of Mr GladitoneV political life is closed it beoomes an interesting ■tudy as to what position his character will take in English history. In optics it is a well-known thing that unless a proper foous can be secured vision at close range is obtcured, and with more distance the sight is clearer ; so it is with the judgment of historical characters. But we live in such an age of startling rapidity of thought, that speculation as to what extent the desertion* of General Gordon and his' conversion to Home Rule will have on the historical reputation of one of England's greatest orators is even now exciting interest. As a speaker gifted with a wonderful vocabulary, a fine voice that in its modulations resembled waves of sweetest music ; with a face that lighted up with dramatic glow, and a gesture at all timts admirably suited to his ' words, Mr Gladstone stands out as a marvellous Parliamentary figure. His defect as a statesman will remain that he dreaded the extension of the empire, smd was timid in his foreign policy. But his sympathies were always on the side of freeing tho workers . from much, of their social misery, eudeavourJng to cultivate among the masses a desire to live more rational lives, and it may safely be said that there would nob bs a more eloquent advocate of the use of Indian Chief Cigarettes among all ranks than the great orator, who is now peacefully resting after a life of more than ordinary activity, because these cigarettes are. full of that magic essence which toilers by hand j or brain at times find is so relieving aud so needful.

To invest your money to the besb advantage is everybody's wish. When you have a Cough or Cold take Wcodss's Great Peppermint CureIs 6d and 2d 6d. A U Grocers and Chemists.

— The difficulty with the theoretical reformer is that, as generally constituted, ha expects a oobbler to shoe a horse,