HOW "DIZZY" GOT DRUNK.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 9287, 13 January 1892, Page 3

HOW "DIZZY" GOT DRUNK.

It has frequently been stated with respeot to a famous speeoh delivered by Disraeli in Manchester, at the time when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, that in the course of his oration he became evidently the worse for liquor, and that before ho reached his peroration he was, not to put too fine a point upon it, decidedly drunk. At that time the adored "Dizzy "of later times was an object of peculiar, almost venomous antipathy on tho partof the Conservatives. In the House of Commons he was virulently opposed by Mr. Borestoril Hope, "Big Ben," and Lord Cranborne, since bettor known as the Marquis of Salisbury, and friond and successor of Lord Beaconsfleld. It appeared quite probable that tbo story originated with some of his dear friends, though undoubtedly there was soino f onmlation for it, as I have learned from reporters who happened to be present, and who found tho difficulties of their task con -iderably increased by the orator's heated manner. All doubt has beon disposed of by'a contribution to the secret history of this remarkable incideut from a gentleman vvl-.o was Disraeli's host on the occasion of his memorable visit. Before the Chancellor nrii'-ed in Manchester his host, anxiously inquiring as to what the great man liked, discoyoied that when he was addressing tin audience he was particularly partial to white branrly, which in addition to its other qualities, has an innocent appearance when displayed in a glass that must necessarily stand, bi full view of an audience. "White hramly is a very rare vintage on this hi loot tho Channel, but the host succeeded i» geUiiig-a cavtpta of bottles. When the niiTlit of thogveut meeting in the Free-trade Kail came, he had n bottlo of tho brandy decanted nnd placed within reach of the orator. Disvaoli innned out into the tumbler a pretty full allowance considering the character of the beverage, and tasting it, smiled appreciatively-. As he proceeded with his oration the tumMcr rapidly emptied, observing which, Jhe chairman, all unconscious of the true chnrnclpr fit the liquid, filled up the tumbler tigaiu. " Dizzy " went on with his speech, and with what apparently was a glass of water. This also was emptied, tho watchful chairman filling up the glass again, 11 Dizzy " v rtrming with his speech and his bramty, gulprd it dcs\n. "When he conclnrlfd his speech, ho had also finished tbo bottlo of brandy.