CHATSWORTH, November 26th–December st, 1878.
—Much raw cold, nevertheless, to my joy, my Fred mended decidedly. He doesn't shoot, however. Very pleasant week; arrived Georgy Grenfell, and daughters: Lena is a dear little chum of mine, and Constance, just grown up, a very attractive, handsome creature, a little like Gerty, but far softer and more graceful: Mintos with their very taking son Arthur (wooden leg) [FN: Hon. Arthur Elliot, afterwards a well-known politician, and Editor of the Edinburgh Review; a man of great charm and distinction.]; old Richmond, excellent company always. He and "Dicky Doyle" very good fun going over the Sketches together, going into poetic raptures over legs and arms, and other more interesting things, and poking fun at each other about which should have first choice for War Exhibitions. Dufferins: a great break to see them: excellent company both of them. The Lorries have just arrived in Canada, after a hideous passage. They seem to have consulted the Dufferins much, as well they might, for the Dufferin reign has been a grand success.
Monday, February 21, 2011
18Nov1878, A Reading List
CHATSWORTH, November 18th-24th, 1878.
—Having just about exhausted Bath and the "little valleys thereof" and the fine hillsides, we left it on Saturday, and came nothing loth to Chatsworth—a great rise in life from our lodging. F. less lame and much better and stronger, but his arm much the same: he has clapt an Alcock's Porous Plaster on the shoulder. Our reading has been tolerably extensive: Lecky, Quinet's "French Revolution," Geikie's "Life of Christ," Church's Essays, "The Antiquary," "Scenes of Clerical Life," "Mill on the Floss," "The Three Brides," "The Newcomes," "My Young Alcides": most of these are my repertory. Last Friday we had the High School mistress to dinner and this Friday I gave away certificates and School of Art prizes at the School. It flourishes well....
At Chatsworth we find Lansdownes, Powerscourts, Gerald Howard, a son of Col. Cavendish's, Mr. Ross, Mr. Doyle, etc., and last, not least, the G. Pennants.[FN: The George Pennants, afterwards Lord and Lady Penrhyn. She had been Gertrude Glynne, Lady Frederick's 1st cousin.] She very thin and in small health, but most bright and prosperous.
—Sunday. I had rather have spent in Bath! It poured, no, it was chiefly raw fog. War is declared.
—Having just about exhausted Bath and the "little valleys thereof" and the fine hillsides, we left it on Saturday, and came nothing loth to Chatsworth—a great rise in life from our lodging. F. less lame and much better and stronger, but his arm much the same: he has clapt an Alcock's Porous Plaster on the shoulder. Our reading has been tolerably extensive: Lecky, Quinet's "French Revolution," Geikie's "Life of Christ," Church's Essays, "The Antiquary," "Scenes of Clerical Life," "Mill on the Floss," "The Three Brides," "The Newcomes," "My Young Alcides": most of these are my repertory. Last Friday we had the High School mistress to dinner and this Friday I gave away certificates and School of Art prizes at the School. It flourishes well....
At Chatsworth we find Lansdownes, Powerscourts, Gerald Howard, a son of Col. Cavendish's, Mr. Ross, Mr. Doyle, etc., and last, not least, the G. Pennants.[FN: The George Pennants, afterwards Lord and Lady Penrhyn. She had been Gertrude Glynne, Lady Frederick's 1st cousin.] She very thin and in small health, but most bright and prosperous.
—Sunday. I had rather have spent in Bath! It poured, no, it was chiefly raw fog. War is declared.
04Nov1878, Sunday Out to Longleat
BATH, November 4th-10th, 1878.
—Saturday we had the break of going to Longleat for a "Sunday out." Drove from Warminster; woods lovely. Find Count Nesselrode, and Mr. Horner who knew all my brothers at school. I delight in the noble hall.
Sun.—Rained with little intermission. Morning service in a most gaunt and hideous chapel in the house; drove in the afternoon to Church where a missioner with a clever, noble face, Mr. Bates, preached strikingly. The 3 girls and darling boykin of 7 are here: the 2 elder girls very pretty, especially the 2nd; the boy Alexander very like my recollection of Lord Herbert. Count Nesselrode a very agreeable old gig, with a great round stomach; slips about from English to French in the oddest style, but talks alike political scandal and gossip in both.
—Saturday we had the break of going to Longleat for a "Sunday out." Drove from Warminster; woods lovely. Find Count Nesselrode, and Mr. Horner who knew all my brothers at school. I delight in the noble hall.
Sun.—Rained with little intermission. Morning service in a most gaunt and hideous chapel in the house; drove in the afternoon to Church where a missioner with a clever, noble face, Mr. Bates, preached strikingly. The 3 girls and darling boykin of 7 are here: the 2 elder girls very pretty, especially the 2nd; the boy Alexander very like my recollection of Lord Herbert. Count Nesselrode a very agreeable old gig, with a great round stomach; slips about from English to French in the oddest style, but talks alike political scandal and gossip in both.
28Oct1878, Tales of Learning
HIGHCLERE, October 28th—LONGLEAT, November 3rd, 1878.
—Went early on Mon. morning to hear Miss Graves teach little Margaret Herbert [FN: Now Lady Margaret Duckworth.] arithmetic by the new "Sonnenschein" system. It wonderfully familiarizes a child with all the simple rules, including fractions, at once ! and without the learning of any "tables." I retain a prejudice in favour of the Multiplication Table, viewing the ease with which most children learn by rote. Ended a delightful visit, and came away in company with Mr. Lowe, who was highly agreeable. He showed off the spectacles (?) he wears, made of silver, with literal single pin-pricks to see thro' —thus minimizing the light for his poor pink-onyx albino eyes. F. has absolutely almost had enough of tirades against Dizzy ! At breakfast Lord Carnavon told us his brother Alan in his young days, wishing to learn to swim, was dropped overboard in deep water; went to the bottom, was fished up, and immediately said he would try again; and so proceeded till he learnt to swim. This extraordinary anecdote was capped by Mr. Lowe, who said his father (or was it his grandfather ?) as a powerful young man, being capsized in the River Trent, held his breath and walked along the bottom to the shore!! [FN: Authorities say this could not be. (Lady Frederick's note.)] Wonderful to have two such undeniable instances of courage in water related by 2 people next each other.
—Went early on Mon. morning to hear Miss Graves teach little Margaret Herbert [FN: Now Lady Margaret Duckworth.] arithmetic by the new "Sonnenschein" system. It wonderfully familiarizes a child with all the simple rules, including fractions, at once ! and without the learning of any "tables." I retain a prejudice in favour of the Multiplication Table, viewing the ease with which most children learn by rote. Ended a delightful visit, and came away in company with Mr. Lowe, who was highly agreeable. He showed off the spectacles (?) he wears, made of silver, with literal single pin-pricks to see thro' —thus minimizing the light for his poor pink-onyx albino eyes. F. has absolutely almost had enough of tirades against Dizzy ! At breakfast Lord Carnavon told us his brother Alan in his young days, wishing to learn to swim, was dropped overboard in deep water; went to the bottom, was fished up, and immediately said he would try again; and so proceeded till he learnt to swim. This extraordinary anecdote was capped by Mr. Lowe, who said his father (or was it his grandfather ?) as a powerful young man, being capsized in the River Trent, held his breath and walked along the bottom to the shore!! [FN: Authorities say this could not be. (Lady Frederick's note.)] Wonderful to have two such undeniable instances of courage in water related by 2 people next each other.
20Oct1878, A War With Afghanistan
HIGHCLERE, October 20th-27th, 1878.
—At Highclere found Ld. Carnavon and a little sickly, gentle, faded, old-maid sister, Ly. Gwendolen, Ld. Bath, Mr. Watson, and Mr. Rowsell of the Admiralty. A nice little daughter [FN: Now Lady Burghclere] of 15, with intelligent brown eyes and arched eyebrows, came down shyly to pour out the tea. There is a boy just gone to school, and 2 other damsels; the youngest, at whose birth Ly. Carnarvon died, only 31/2. The hall is fine and makes a pleasant reception-room when one arrives; but the castle disappoints me, having gone through the usual fate of castles, gingerbreading and gimcracking; with a late outbreak of Morris. The view from the S. windows enchanting.
The Bp. of Oxford and Mrs. Mackarness, Mr. Lowe, Mr. and Mrs. Hutton arrived. Much politics prevail, and Dizzy's left ear ought to burn continuously! Ld. Bath and Ld. Carnarvon are desperately down upon him. We are on the verge of a war with Afghanistan, upon a squabble with the Ameer for which we have ourselves to thank; it would be a horrid calamity, and the jingo notion that our Indian frontier wants advancing is shown by Lord Lawrence to be utterly wrong: it could only weaken us.
—Sunday. Morning church at the nice little new church, with a beautiful memorial window to Lady Carnarvon. Bishop preacht excellently on Charity, the spirit that, without imagining good that does not exist, finds it out wherever it is. I hope Mr. Lowe will lay it to heart! absolute cynic that he is.
Beautiful walk to the Roman (no, British) camp. I cuddled with Miss Graves the governess, who has been teacher at both Notting Hill and S. John's Wood High Schools, and only gave up on account of eyesight. Evening service in the hall after dinner—rather a horrid plan.
—At Highclere found Ld. Carnavon and a little sickly, gentle, faded, old-maid sister, Ly. Gwendolen, Ld. Bath, Mr. Watson, and Mr. Rowsell of the Admiralty. A nice little daughter [FN: Now Lady Burghclere] of 15, with intelligent brown eyes and arched eyebrows, came down shyly to pour out the tea. There is a boy just gone to school, and 2 other damsels; the youngest, at whose birth Ly. Carnarvon died, only 31/2. The hall is fine and makes a pleasant reception-room when one arrives; but the castle disappoints me, having gone through the usual fate of castles, gingerbreading and gimcracking; with a late outbreak of Morris. The view from the S. windows enchanting.
The Bp. of Oxford and Mrs. Mackarness, Mr. Lowe, Mr. and Mrs. Hutton arrived. Much politics prevail, and Dizzy's left ear ought to burn continuously! Ld. Bath and Ld. Carnarvon are desperately down upon him. We are on the verge of a war with Afghanistan, upon a squabble with the Ameer for which we have ourselves to thank; it would be a horrid calamity, and the jingo notion that our Indian frontier wants advancing is shown by Lord Lawrence to be utterly wrong: it could only weaken us.
—Sunday. Morning church at the nice little new church, with a beautiful memorial window to Lady Carnarvon. Bishop preacht excellently on Charity, the spirit that, without imagining good that does not exist, finds it out wherever it is. I hope Mr. Lowe will lay it to heart! absolute cynic that he is.
Beautiful walk to the Roman (no, British) camp. I cuddled with Miss Graves the governess, who has been teacher at both Notting Hill and S. John's Wood High Schools, and only gave up on account of eyesight. Evening service in the hall after dinner—rather a horrid plan.
19Oct1878, Charles Gets Married
LONDON, Saturday, October 19th, 1878.
—Charles's wedding-day a golden day within and without! Thank God for this great happiness that has come to him, and thro' him to us all, after the heavy sorrows of the last 2 years. The Keble couple, Sybella and Sal, Auntie P. and Mazy, went to Latimer Friday. Nevy, who is best man, escorted Charles down from Hagley on Thursday, and went thro' the various duties of his office with military spirit all his own! All the rest of us, with Uncle W., At. Coque, Stephy, Uncle B., arrived early on Saturday in a great army. Very plucky of old Meriel under the circumstances. She and I, Bob, Edward, Spencer, etc., drove up together in a bus and had ridiculous jokes: behind us came a trap piled with the Rev. gentlemen, who appeared to be equally jovial. Latimer looked lovely: the walk to church all of a glow with golden sunshine and autumn tints. Katie Cavendish [FN: Sister of the bride, afterwards 2nd wife of the 1st Duke of Westminster.] and Ly. Susan Byng, Lena Grenfell and Mazy, Mary Talbot and little Sal were bridesmaids. Miss Grosvenor played beautifully in church, and the hymns went to one's heart. The little bride looked her very best, her face so softened with deep feeling and joy; Charles glorious! At breakfast afterwards Uncle W. made a most faultless little speech, and Charles answered very perfectly: his face a sight to see, as he looked down at his little wife with that smile of his that is like both Papa's and Mamma's smile. They drove off to Cliveden in the glowing afternoon, and Netty [FN: Lady Chesham, the bride's mother. She was Henrietta, daughter of Rt. Hon. W. S. Lascelles and Lady Caroline Lascelles, who was Lord Frederick's aunt.] took me a walk by the river and warmed my heart with her love and appreciation of Charles and indeed of all the brothers.
Dear Sybella [FN: Sybella, Lady Lyttelton, Lady Frederick's stepmother. Lord Lyttelton had died in April 1876.] most brave and unselfish; only broke down a little after the service. Of course there was the inevitable tract of ages to get thro', but all was nicely managed. There were many departures. We ought to have had the old 8 photographed together again: the many great blanks make one thank God the more for this dear unbroken number. There were many more relations on our side than on the Cavendish.
At dinner we still mustered strong: Gladstones and Sybella, Spencer, and Bob, Nevy, Georgiana Leicester, Lena, Mr. Balfour, the Compton Cavendishes, and Ly. Susan Byng.
Went to Syb.'s room late, and heard the extraordinary Sal read French with perfect fluency and no end of spirit and emphasis, and sing a German song, her Fräulein having only been with her 2 or 3 months. Katie came in too: she is a dear pretty little body: not little neither.
—Charles's wedding-day a golden day within and without! Thank God for this great happiness that has come to him, and thro' him to us all, after the heavy sorrows of the last 2 years. The Keble couple, Sybella and Sal, Auntie P. and Mazy, went to Latimer Friday. Nevy, who is best man, escorted Charles down from Hagley on Thursday, and went thro' the various duties of his office with military spirit all his own! All the rest of us, with Uncle W., At. Coque, Stephy, Uncle B., arrived early on Saturday in a great army. Very plucky of old Meriel under the circumstances. She and I, Bob, Edward, Spencer, etc., drove up together in a bus and had ridiculous jokes: behind us came a trap piled with the Rev. gentlemen, who appeared to be equally jovial. Latimer looked lovely: the walk to church all of a glow with golden sunshine and autumn tints. Katie Cavendish [FN: Sister of the bride, afterwards 2nd wife of the 1st Duke of Westminster.] and Ly. Susan Byng, Lena Grenfell and Mazy, Mary Talbot and little Sal were bridesmaids. Miss Grosvenor played beautifully in church, and the hymns went to one's heart. The little bride looked her very best, her face so softened with deep feeling and joy; Charles glorious! At breakfast afterwards Uncle W. made a most faultless little speech, and Charles answered very perfectly: his face a sight to see, as he looked down at his little wife with that smile of his that is like both Papa's and Mamma's smile. They drove off to Cliveden in the glowing afternoon, and Netty [FN: Lady Chesham, the bride's mother. She was Henrietta, daughter of Rt. Hon. W. S. Lascelles and Lady Caroline Lascelles, who was Lord Frederick's aunt.] took me a walk by the river and warmed my heart with her love and appreciation of Charles and indeed of all the brothers.
Dear Sybella [FN: Sybella, Lady Lyttelton, Lady Frederick's stepmother. Lord Lyttelton had died in April 1876.] most brave and unselfish; only broke down a little after the service. Of course there was the inevitable tract of ages to get thro', but all was nicely managed. There were many departures. We ought to have had the old 8 photographed together again: the many great blanks make one thank God the more for this dear unbroken number. There were many more relations on our side than on the Cavendish.
At dinner we still mustered strong: Gladstones and Sybella, Spencer, and Bob, Nevy, Georgiana Leicester, Lena, Mr. Balfour, the Compton Cavendishes, and Ly. Susan Byng.
Went to Syb.'s room late, and heard the extraordinary Sal read French with perfect fluency and no end of spirit and emphasis, and sing a German song, her Fräulein having only been with her 2 or 3 months. Katie came in too: she is a dear pretty little body: not little neither.
30Sep1878, A Visit to Saltaire
MILNER FIELD, September 30th–October 6th, 1878.
—Next day, in spite of pitiless rain, Titus took us and Ld. Carnavon over the magnificent Saltaire schools. I never dreamt of anything on such a scale. He is especially proud of the Board Schools, which consist of Kindergarten and a great Mixed School; both departments ruled by women, without pupil-teachers, the plan being the class-room one throughout. The big central hall is only used for the religious lesson and for drilling, marching, and games. Of course there is an Admirable Crichton of a Head Mistress of each school, on whom the whole thing depends, and who has the fullest possible freedom of action and control, She had mighty difficulty at first in getting the rough factory boys into order; but now the beautiful gentleness, discipline, and tone strikes one at once, and the happy faces. The recitals of poetry, even by the infants, a miracle of refinement and intelligence. The scrap of Kindergarten teaching which was all we had time for delighted me.
—Next day, in spite of pitiless rain, Titus took us and Ld. Carnavon over the magnificent Saltaire schools. I never dreamt of anything on such a scale. He is especially proud of the Board Schools, which consist of Kindergarten and a great Mixed School; both departments ruled by women, without pupil-teachers, the plan being the class-room one throughout. The big central hall is only used for the religious lesson and for drilling, marching, and games. Of course there is an Admirable Crichton of a Head Mistress of each school, on whom the whole thing depends, and who has the fullest possible freedom of action and control, She had mighty difficulty at first in getting the rough factory boys into order; but now the beautiful gentleness, discipline, and tone strikes one at once, and the happy faces. The recitals of poetry, even by the infants, a miracle of refinement and intelligence. The scrap of Kindergarten teaching which was all we had time for delighted me.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
16Sep1878, Beasts and Boys
HOLKER, September 16th-22nd, 1878.
—A wonderful sale of shorthorns came off on Wednesday, which has been absorbing Mr. Drewry for many a month. Lds. Calthorpe, Moreton, Skelmersdale, and Ellesmere, Sir W. Lawson, Sir Curtis Lampson, Col. Kingscote, "Peck" Hamilton, etc., all turned up for it. Ly. Ellesmere was the only lady: a very good-natured little plump lady is she. Thirty beasts were sold for £19,922 14s. —a glorious result: average £664 1s. 10d. The highest cow, £2,793; the highest bull, £1,732 10s. Eddy went off with Victor to school, Thurs. night. Frank with his two Friday morning. A black Friday !—poor little boys crying bitterly, and their elders not much better; didn't I see the Duke hastily wiping his eyes as he turned back into the house! William is a regular little chum to him!
—A wonderful sale of shorthorns came off on Wednesday, which has been absorbing Mr. Drewry for many a month. Lds. Calthorpe, Moreton, Skelmersdale, and Ellesmere, Sir W. Lawson, Sir Curtis Lampson, Col. Kingscote, "Peck" Hamilton, etc., all turned up for it. Ly. Ellesmere was the only lady: a very good-natured little plump lady is she. Thirty beasts were sold for £19,922 14s. —a glorious result: average £664 1s. 10d. The highest cow, £2,793; the highest bull, £1,732 10s. Eddy went off with Victor to school, Thurs. night. Frank with his two Friday morning. A black Friday !—poor little boys crying bitterly, and their elders not much better; didn't I see the Duke hastily wiping his eyes as he turned back into the house! William is a regular little chum to him!
09Sep1878, Colin Campbell for Argyleshire
HOLKER, September 9th-15th, 1878.
—I have not mentioned a pleasant event—the return of Colin Campbell for Argyleshire, Lorne having been appointed Gov.-Gen. of Canadaan excellent coup of Dizzy's. It is as good as a gain of a seat, Lorne having pursued a tolerably consistent course of voting against his party.
—I have not mentioned a pleasant event—the return of Colin Campbell for Argyleshire, Lorne having been appointed Gov.-Gen. of Canadaan excellent coup of Dizzy's. It is as good as a gain of a seat, Lorne having pursued a tolerably consistent course of voting against his party.
28Aug1878, Little Mary Cavendish
BOLTON, August 28th, 1878.
—Mazy wrote me a dear letter full of little Mary Cavendish's excellencies. [FN: Her eldest brother Lord Lyttelton, who became 8th Viscount Cobham in 1889, had just become engaged to Mary Cavendish, daughter of the 2nd Baron Chesham.]
—Mazy wrote me a dear letter full of little Mary Cavendish's excellencies. [FN: Her eldest brother Lord Lyttelton, who became 8th Viscount Cobham in 1889, had just become engaged to Mary Cavendish, daughter of the 2nd Baron Chesham.]
12Aug1878, Mixed Marriages with R.C.
BOLTON, August 12th-18th, 1878.
—He [FN: A friend who had married a Roman Catholic.] and his wife have at last come to an open row about the children's religion. He declares that he only gave the promise before marriage that they should be brought up Roman on the strength of some words of hers implying that she wouldn't hold him to the promise. But they certainly put no confidence in each other about it—he refusing to have any R.C.s in the house, she taking them to confession, etc., secretly. They have now been to law, with the astounding result of the judge laying down that whatever engagement a man may make before marriage as to his children's religion, he may break with perfect (legal) impunity. If this is clearly understood, I hope it will put an end to "mixed marriages" — R.C.s will no longer venture to risk them.
—He [FN: A friend who had married a Roman Catholic.] and his wife have at last come to an open row about the children's religion. He declares that he only gave the promise before marriage that they should be brought up Roman on the strength of some words of hers implying that she wouldn't hold him to the promise. But they certainly put no confidence in each other about it—he refusing to have any R.C.s in the house, she taking them to confession, etc., secretly. They have now been to law, with the astounding result of the judge laying down that whatever engagement a man may make before marriage as to his children's religion, he may break with perfect (legal) impunity. If this is clearly understood, I hope it will put an end to "mixed marriages" — R.C.s will no longer venture to risk them.
23Jul1878, More Derby-Salisbury Business
LONDON, July 23rd – 28th, 1878.
—Went on Tues. "by sea" to S. George's E. Workhouse to see my poor paralysed lad Stephen Perkins: found he had died in the spring: such a blessed instance of "Loose him, and let him go." Coming back, who should be on the Thames-tunnel landing-place but Ly. Granville!!! I wonder how many chances there were against our meeting on a penny boat. She had a brother with her, and had been to Ratclyffe Highway to buy a paroqueet. We talked of the horrid Derby-Salisbury business; Ld. Derby has found his mem. written at the time of his resignation, and fully bearing out what he has said, and has shown it to Ld. Granville. Whether he would have re-opened the personal matter, and crushed Lord Salisbury with the mem, I don't know; but he has been requested by the Queen to let the subject alone. Of course this is under pressure from Dizzy — the Queen could not be responsible—and most base it is of him. One can't give the reason, and I can see Johnny [FN: I.e. her brother-in-law J. G. Talbot, then at the Board of Trade.] and his colleagues conclude that the mem. is a figment, and that Ld. Derby had delirium tremens or something of the sort when he resigned.
—Went on Tues. "by sea" to S. George's E. Workhouse to see my poor paralysed lad Stephen Perkins: found he had died in the spring: such a blessed instance of "Loose him, and let him go." Coming back, who should be on the Thames-tunnel landing-place but Ly. Granville!!! I wonder how many chances there were against our meeting on a penny boat. She had a brother with her, and had been to Ratclyffe Highway to buy a paroqueet. We talked of the horrid Derby-Salisbury business; Ld. Derby has found his mem. written at the time of his resignation, and fully bearing out what he has said, and has shown it to Ld. Granville. Whether he would have re-opened the personal matter, and crushed Lord Salisbury with the mem, I don't know; but he has been requested by the Queen to let the subject alone. Of course this is under pressure from Dizzy — the Queen could not be responsible—and most base it is of him. One can't give the reason, and I can see Johnny [FN: I.e. her brother-in-law J. G. Talbot, then at the Board of Trade.] and his colleagues conclude that the mem. is a figment, and that Ld. Derby had delirium tremens or something of the sort when he resigned.
15Jul1878, Parliament and Princesses
LONDON, Monday, July 15th – 22nd, 1878.
—Dizzy has returned high-gee his horrid Anglo-Turkish Convention which he has signed and ratified without the knowledge, much less the consent of Parliament.
—Tuesday. Dizzy returned, with colours flying, from Berlin, Ld. Salisbury with him (the captive, says the Spectator, of his sword and of his bow). A triumphal entry was his into Charing Cross; red cloth, thrilling ladies, cheering crowd, and a fine bouquet handed to him in Downing Street from the Queen. I wouldn't go within earshot! Friends and foes alike will have it he is to be made a Duke; by all means, say I, if they will make him Duke of Jericho, and send him to administer his duchy.
—Friday. In the House of Lords came off a horrid scene. Ld. Derby explicitly stated that a main cause of his resignation was its being said in the Cabinet that Cyprus would have to be taken, with or without the consent of Italy, our ally. Hereupon Ld. Cranbrook was heard to exclaim, "That's the biggest lie I ever heard"; and Lord Salisbury deliberately (for Ld. Derby's speech lasted a good while after this statement) denies the fact; introducing into his denial, however, the words "the Cabinet came to a resolution," which Ld. D. had never said. Of course he modified this giving of the lie into Parliamentary language; but he was immeasurably bitter, comparing Ld. Derby to Titus Oates for revealing secrets. Ld. D. says he has a memorandum, made at the time, giving his reasons. We dined with the Selbornes, meeting the usual episcopal element. Bps. of Rupertstown, Long Island, and Nova Scotia. F. made great friends with Rupertstown, whose diocese he hunted buffalo in 20 years ago, but which is now a great thriving populous region, lately divided into 3 dioceses....
—Sat. Early to Compton Place. [FN: . The Duke's house at Eastbourne] Old Church in the morning. In front of us sat 3 very good little fair girls and one very good little knickerbocker boy, who turned out to be Princess Royal's younger children: very ugly though nice little phizzes. Edith and I in the evening to the new chapel of ease close to Compton Place, where were a whole bevy of Princesses, the number being swelled by 3 Hesse girls [FN: One of these girls became the unfortunate Empress of Russia, murdered by the Bolshevists.], who are pretty, slim, and distinguished-looking. Should have liked to have talked to them of their mother and Uncle Billy, who have made tremendous friends at Darmstadt: she is in England now.
—Dizzy has returned high-gee his horrid Anglo-Turkish Convention which he has signed and ratified without the knowledge, much less the consent of Parliament.
—Tuesday. Dizzy returned, with colours flying, from Berlin, Ld. Salisbury with him (the captive, says the Spectator, of his sword and of his bow). A triumphal entry was his into Charing Cross; red cloth, thrilling ladies, cheering crowd, and a fine bouquet handed to him in Downing Street from the Queen. I wouldn't go within earshot! Friends and foes alike will have it he is to be made a Duke; by all means, say I, if they will make him Duke of Jericho, and send him to administer his duchy.
—Friday. In the House of Lords came off a horrid scene. Ld. Derby explicitly stated that a main cause of his resignation was its being said in the Cabinet that Cyprus would have to be taken, with or without the consent of Italy, our ally. Hereupon Ld. Cranbrook was heard to exclaim, "That's the biggest lie I ever heard"; and Lord Salisbury deliberately (for Ld. Derby's speech lasted a good while after this statement) denies the fact; introducing into his denial, however, the words "the Cabinet came to a resolution," which Ld. D. had never said. Of course he modified this giving of the lie into Parliamentary language; but he was immeasurably bitter, comparing Ld. Derby to Titus Oates for revealing secrets. Ld. D. says he has a memorandum, made at the time, giving his reasons. We dined with the Selbornes, meeting the usual episcopal element. Bps. of Rupertstown, Long Island, and Nova Scotia. F. made great friends with Rupertstown, whose diocese he hunted buffalo in 20 years ago, but which is now a great thriving populous region, lately divided into 3 dioceses....
—Sat. Early to Compton Place. [FN: . The Duke's house at Eastbourne] Old Church in the morning. In front of us sat 3 very good little fair girls and one very good little knickerbocker boy, who turned out to be Princess Royal's younger children: very ugly though nice little phizzes. Edith and I in the evening to the new chapel of ease close to Compton Place, where were a whole bevy of Princesses, the number being swelled by 3 Hesse girls [FN: One of these girls became the unfortunate Empress of Russia, murdered by the Bolshevists.], who are pretty, slim, and distinguished-looking. Should have liked to have talked to them of their mother and Uncle Billy, who have made tremendous friends at Darmstadt: she is in England now.
09Jul1878, Ireland and its Improvement
WELLINGTON COLLEGE, July 9th-14th, 1878.
—Dined at Louisa Lady Ashburton's who had miscounted her guests so that poor Ly. Belper was puss in the corner for a time. Sat between Ld. Melgund [FN: Afterwards 4th Earl of Minto and Viceroy of India.] and a very pleasant old Bishop of Limerick who stuck up for Ireland and its improvement, said wages had doubled in his diocese in 22 years, that the Church has learnt no end of good in the salutary school of adversity, and that there had been little or no secession to Dissent.
—Dined at Louisa Lady Ashburton's who had miscounted her guests so that poor Ly. Belper was puss in the corner for a time. Sat between Ld. Melgund [FN: Afterwards 4th Earl of Minto and Viceroy of India.] and a very pleasant old Bishop of Limerick who stuck up for Ireland and its improvement, said wages had doubled in his diocese in 22 years, that the Church has learnt no end of good in the salutary school of adversity, and that there had been little or no secession to Dissent.
01Jul1878, All 8 Brothers in London
LONDON, July 1st – 8th, 1878.
—University match; as I couldn't go in the morning I missed a grand innings of Edward's, and wouldn't go in the afternoon. B. Temple came to see me, looking pretty brisk. Old Albert came to sleep, and to-night all 8 brothers are in London: all but Nevy, Spencer, and Bob dined with us. Tues. to Lord's; Alfred made a grand long innings of 63, and Oxford was pitifully smashed—only making 32 in the 2nd innings—I should think an unrivalled fiasco.
—Wednesday. Devonshire House drum: good and pretty.
—University match; as I couldn't go in the morning I missed a grand innings of Edward's, and wouldn't go in the afternoon. B. Temple came to see me, looking pretty brisk. Old Albert came to sleep, and to-night all 8 brothers are in London: all but Nevy, Spencer, and Bob dined with us. Tues. to Lord's; Alfred made a grand long innings of 63, and Oxford was pitifully smashed—only making 32 in the 2nd innings—I should think an unrivalled fiasco.
—Wednesday. Devonshire House drum: good and pretty.
01Jun1878, Old Lord Russell Has Died
MOUNT CLARE, Saturday, June 1st, 1878.
—We walked with Hugh Smith to inquire at Pembroke Lodge, where old Lord Russell has lately died, his last illness having come on just after the 50th anniversary of the Tests Repeal Act. He was not able to receive the deputation, but Lady Russell, I believe, read the Address to him and made him understand something about it. The Amberley boy [FN: The present Earl Russell.] who succeeds is about 11: said to be very quick and sharp—an out-and-out Stanley.
[FN: Earl Russell had, as Lord John Russell, carried the Tests Repeal Act in 1828. It abolished the law requiring members of corporations to receive the Sacrament in Church.]
—We walked with Hugh Smith to inquire at Pembroke Lodge, where old Lord Russell has lately died, his last illness having come on just after the 50th anniversary of the Tests Repeal Act. He was not able to receive the deputation, but Lady Russell, I believe, read the Address to him and made him understand something about it. The Amberley boy [FN: The present Earl Russell.] who succeeds is about 11: said to be very quick and sharp—an out-and-out Stanley.
[FN: Earl Russell had, as Lord John Russell, carried the Tests Repeal Act in 1828. It abolished the law requiring members of corporations to receive the Sacrament in Church.]
27May1878, Coffin Moved to the Abbey
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
25May1878, A Death at Home
LONDON, May 20th-26th, 1878.
—A great debate this week, on a motion of Hartington's condemning the Indian troops' move on constitutional grounds.
Many weighty speeches on our side. A very fine one from Uncle W. on Tuesday. He had meant to be dry and didactic, but the Attorney-Gen. (Holker) preceded him, and displayed such joints in his armour that Uncle W. changed his attack there and then (as who but he could do?) and made a brilliant cut-and-thrust debating speech. The division on Thurs. was, however, in spite of all reason and argument, the usual overwhelming one in favour of Government. Old Roebuck made a vicious onslaught on the Opposition like the venerable and venomous mosquito that he is, and then hobbled out of the House. When he returned, Mr. Dillwyn, who hitherto has always made room for him on the front bench below the gangway, only edged away a little, and Roebuck, after trying for a minute to balance himself bodkin, was hirpling off again, when one or two Conservatives affably came forward and handed him to their front bench below the gangway, where he was received by his next neighbour with a warm shake of the hand. Loud ironical cheers burst forth from the Liberals. It was particularly funny because Sir H. James had just before quoted from an ancient pamphlet of Roebuck's a most spiteful bit of abuse of the whole Tory party. Cavendish ended the debate with the best speech I ever heard him make, fluent and energetic. We dined Wednesday at the new Northumberland House in Grosvenor Place.
On Friday a terrible and piteous thing happened. Uncle B. is in London for a little, and we thought he would like to meet the Duke of Argyll with whom he made acquaintance last year. Knowing the Duchess' very precarious state, I wrote to him, saying I feared she would not be equal to it, but, if she was, of course we should be glad to see her. We heard since that she quite caught at the notion of dining with us, being always most kind and affectionate to Freddy and me, and anxious to meet Uncle B. Little Mary Campbell [FN: Now Lady Mary Glyn.] wrote to say how much her mother would like to come, and that they would send a chair for her to be carried up to the drawing-room. I felt very uneasy, tho' Edith Percy assured me on Wednesday that she had lately dined at Northumberland House with 20 people, and that society seemed to do her good, if it did not overtire her. We only invited our Duke, the Gladstones, Uncle B., and Nevy, and met in F.'s study to save her the stairs. When I greeted her on the threshold of the room, she looked much as usual, and said, "I'm afraid I shall be troublesome" ; but the next thing she tried to say was very indistinct, and she never spoke really distinctly again. I could see the Duke hoped dinner would do her good, but she tried vainly to eat or drink; and we then saw too plainly that another stroke was upon her. He went to her and with Auntie P.'s and F.'s help supported her back to the study; we got a mattress laid on the floor, and after a short time of very terrible distress, when she seemed struggling in vain to speak and make signs, utter unconsciousness came on from which she never was roused. Auntie P. helped me to cut her clothes off, and Uncle W., with his wonderful strength and skill, lifted her on to the mattress: we propped her with pillows and put mustard to her feet. Nevy fetched a Charing X. Hospital doctor, and Uncle W. went off in a cab and brought back Dr. Clark; later came her own doctor, and Radcliffe and another; and two nurses. Things were tried, and for an hour or two the bleeding on the brain was checked and there was a little rally of the pulse. The poor children were all sent for and came but the Walter Campbells, Frances, Colin, Victoria and little Constance, who were not in London. Other belongings came too, and there was sad bewilderment and confusion; yet all thro' I had the strange solemn comfort of feeling that she was sheltered from all the misery, in some deep sleep of peace. Radcliffe begged us all to go to bed about 1.30, thinking it might last hours or days, and I persuaded the girls to lie down upstairs, and Edith in the drawing-room. But about 3 they were called; the change had come, and soon after 3.30 she died, without pain or consciousness. A terrible sorrow it was to the poor Duke not to have one look, one word, of farewell; but, if she had been roused, it would have been to piteous distress; and her last conscious look was his.
[FN: She writes next day: "The first death in our house. It could not be a more really blessed one: the passing away of a most pure and beautiful soul."]
—A great debate this week, on a motion of Hartington's condemning the Indian troops' move on constitutional grounds.
Many weighty speeches on our side. A very fine one from Uncle W. on Tuesday. He had meant to be dry and didactic, but the Attorney-Gen. (Holker) preceded him, and displayed such joints in his armour that Uncle W. changed his attack there and then (as who but he could do?) and made a brilliant cut-and-thrust debating speech. The division on Thurs. was, however, in spite of all reason and argument, the usual overwhelming one in favour of Government. Old Roebuck made a vicious onslaught on the Opposition like the venerable and venomous mosquito that he is, and then hobbled out of the House. When he returned, Mr. Dillwyn, who hitherto has always made room for him on the front bench below the gangway, only edged away a little, and Roebuck, after trying for a minute to balance himself bodkin, was hirpling off again, when one or two Conservatives affably came forward and handed him to their front bench below the gangway, where he was received by his next neighbour with a warm shake of the hand. Loud ironical cheers burst forth from the Liberals. It was particularly funny because Sir H. James had just before quoted from an ancient pamphlet of Roebuck's a most spiteful bit of abuse of the whole Tory party. Cavendish ended the debate with the best speech I ever heard him make, fluent and energetic. We dined Wednesday at the new Northumberland House in Grosvenor Place.
On Friday a terrible and piteous thing happened. Uncle B. is in London for a little, and we thought he would like to meet the Duke of Argyll with whom he made acquaintance last year. Knowing the Duchess' very precarious state, I wrote to him, saying I feared she would not be equal to it, but, if she was, of course we should be glad to see her. We heard since that she quite caught at the notion of dining with us, being always most kind and affectionate to Freddy and me, and anxious to meet Uncle B. Little Mary Campbell [FN: Now Lady Mary Glyn.] wrote to say how much her mother would like to come, and that they would send a chair for her to be carried up to the drawing-room. I felt very uneasy, tho' Edith Percy assured me on Wednesday that she had lately dined at Northumberland House with 20 people, and that society seemed to do her good, if it did not overtire her. We only invited our Duke, the Gladstones, Uncle B., and Nevy, and met in F.'s study to save her the stairs. When I greeted her on the threshold of the room, she looked much as usual, and said, "I'm afraid I shall be troublesome" ; but the next thing she tried to say was very indistinct, and she never spoke really distinctly again. I could see the Duke hoped dinner would do her good, but she tried vainly to eat or drink; and we then saw too plainly that another stroke was upon her. He went to her and with Auntie P.'s and F.'s help supported her back to the study; we got a mattress laid on the floor, and after a short time of very terrible distress, when she seemed struggling in vain to speak and make signs, utter unconsciousness came on from which she never was roused. Auntie P. helped me to cut her clothes off, and Uncle W., with his wonderful strength and skill, lifted her on to the mattress: we propped her with pillows and put mustard to her feet. Nevy fetched a Charing X. Hospital doctor, and Uncle W. went off in a cab and brought back Dr. Clark; later came her own doctor, and Radcliffe and another; and two nurses. Things were tried, and for an hour or two the bleeding on the brain was checked and there was a little rally of the pulse. The poor children were all sent for and came but the Walter Campbells, Frances, Colin, Victoria and little Constance, who were not in London. Other belongings came too, and there was sad bewilderment and confusion; yet all thro' I had the strange solemn comfort of feeling that she was sheltered from all the misery, in some deep sleep of peace. Radcliffe begged us all to go to bed about 1.30, thinking it might last hours or days, and I persuaded the girls to lie down upstairs, and Edith in the drawing-room. But about 3 they were called; the change had come, and soon after 3.30 she died, without pain or consciousness. A terrible sorrow it was to the poor Duke not to have one look, one word, of farewell; but, if she had been roused, it would have been to piteous distress; and her last conscious look was his.
[FN: She writes next day: "The first death in our house. It could not be a more really blessed one: the passing away of a most pure and beautiful soul."]
06May1878, Then Farewell to Bex
BEX, May 6th-12th, 1878.
—Wednesday still cloudy but with lovely lights. F. still a poor creature, so we did a very pleasing drive up the valley of the Rhone to the Gorges du Trient, getting out there and walking along the clever stage hung against the rocks into the depths of the wonderful chasm. Not all the full-blown cockneyism of tickets and advertisements and sale of Alpine "objects," and names scrabbled on the rocks, and pistol firing to show off the echo, could spoil the wonder and awfulness of the gorge.
--Thurs. Outburst of radiant sun and summer. Drove zig-zagging up to Gryon. The contrast something delightful between our 2 glorious experiences of this place. The abounding flowers (gentians high up) and vivid intense green are great delights.
—Friday. F. was himself again, which was as well, for though we drove peacefully to Frémières, we had afterwards a perpendicular climb up a water-course to the top of a mountain, and got to within half an hour of the perpetual snow. Here were to be found lovely little "pastures of the blessed" set thick with buttercups, anemones, alpine heartsease, oxlips, and many another; and from one of these was a glorious view of the Mont Blanc range, Lake Léman and the distant Juras. Came home thro' the woods, amid crowds of wood-sorrel blossom.
—Saturday. Hot and dreamy: climbed very slow and leisurely behind the hotel up the lower slopes of the mountain.
--Sunday. Dismal rain. Church (i.e., a poor English service in the gaunt naked "temple") and then farewell to Bex, which is set up in my heart along with English and Irish lakes, Mount Edgcumbe, Craigton, Jamaica, and other idols.
—Wednesday still cloudy but with lovely lights. F. still a poor creature, so we did a very pleasing drive up the valley of the Rhone to the Gorges du Trient, getting out there and walking along the clever stage hung against the rocks into the depths of the wonderful chasm. Not all the full-blown cockneyism of tickets and advertisements and sale of Alpine "objects," and names scrabbled on the rocks, and pistol firing to show off the echo, could spoil the wonder and awfulness of the gorge.
--Thurs. Outburst of radiant sun and summer. Drove zig-zagging up to Gryon. The contrast something delightful between our 2 glorious experiences of this place. The abounding flowers (gentians high up) and vivid intense green are great delights.
—Friday. F. was himself again, which was as well, for though we drove peacefully to Frémières, we had afterwards a perpendicular climb up a water-course to the top of a mountain, and got to within half an hour of the perpetual snow. Here were to be found lovely little "pastures of the blessed" set thick with buttercups, anemones, alpine heartsease, oxlips, and many another; and from one of these was a glorious view of the Mont Blanc range, Lake Léman and the distant Juras. Came home thro' the woods, amid crowds of wood-sorrel blossom.
—Saturday. Hot and dreamy: climbed very slow and leisurely behind the hotel up the lower slopes of the mountain.
--Sunday. Dismal rain. Church (i.e., a poor English service in the gaunt naked "temple") and then farewell to Bex, which is set up in my heart along with English and Irish lakes, Mount Edgcumbe, Craigton, Jamaica, and other idols.
29Apr1878, A "Jingo" Speech
AIX-LES-BAINS, April 29th–May 5th, 1878.
—Mr. Hardy has made a blustering "jingo" speech. (N.B. this elegant expression is derived from a war-song of period, of which the doggrel chorus is "We don't want to fight, but by jingo if we do, We've got the men, we've got the ships, and we've got the money too.") Bright has retorted upon him at a great Manchester peace-meeting in a fine speech full of fire; but too much from the Quaker point of view.
—Mr. Hardy has made a blustering "jingo" speech. (N.B. this elegant expression is derived from a war-song of period, of which the doggrel chorus is "We don't want to fight, but by jingo if we do, We've got the men, we've got the ships, and we've got the money too.") Bright has retorted upon him at a great Manchester peace-meeting in a fine speech full of fire; but too much from the Quaker point of view.
25Mar1878, A General Mad Hatter's Tea-party
LONDON, March 25th-31st, 1878.
—Ld. Salisbury succeeds Ld. Derby, Mr. Hardy goes to the Lords, and is succeeded at the War Office by Col. Stanley (very skilful of Dizzy, to keep on good terms with the Stanleys!), and there is a general Mad Hatter's Tea-party — everybody moving up (or down) one. We went to the Foreign Office on Wednesday, little thinking what was brewing! but I thought Ld. Derby looked absent and odd. Dined with the Rallis on Thursday, and had nice music afterwards. Santley sang "Revenge! Timotheus cries" grandly, and I thought fit to say to Ly. Salisbury that the song was sadly appropriate to the state of things between Russia and England—no less a person than Schouvaloff (whom I did not know by sight) being in my pocket! His keen, handsome old face remained quite impassive, however.
—Ld. Salisbury succeeds Ld. Derby, Mr. Hardy goes to the Lords, and is succeeded at the War Office by Col. Stanley (very skilful of Dizzy, to keep on good terms with the Stanleys!), and there is a general Mad Hatter's Tea-party — everybody moving up (or down) one. We went to the Foreign Office on Wednesday, little thinking what was brewing! but I thought Ld. Derby looked absent and odd. Dined with the Rallis on Thursday, and had nice music afterwards. Santley sang "Revenge! Timotheus cries" grandly, and I thought fit to say to Ly. Salisbury that the song was sadly appropriate to the state of things between Russia and England—no less a person than Schouvaloff (whom I did not know by sight) being in my pocket! His keen, handsome old face remained quite impassive, however.
25Feb1878, A Ducking in the Serpentine
LONDON, February 25th–March 3rd,1878.
—On getting back to London we heard how the "Peace meeting" in Hyde Park, a very foolish, hot-headed performance of Auberon Herbert's and Bradlaugh's, called together on a Sunday as if on purpose to exclude all the respectable mass of working-men, had turned out the failure that might have been expected. A counter war mob was got up which swept off the other, and Mr. Herbert narrowly escaped a ducking in the Serpentine, and a squad of roughs went off on their own account, and smashed 2 of Uncle W.'s windows.
—On getting back to London we heard how the "Peace meeting" in Hyde Park, a very foolish, hot-headed performance of Auberon Herbert's and Bradlaugh's, called together on a Sunday as if on purpose to exclude all the respectable mass of working-men, had turned out the failure that might have been expected. A counter war mob was got up which swept off the other, and Mr. Herbert narrowly escaped a ducking in the Serpentine, and a squad of roughs went off on their own account, and smashed 2 of Uncle W.'s windows.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
18Feb1878, A New Craze Called a Telephone
BATTLE ABBEY, February 18th-24th, 1878.
—Saturday we went to Battle Abbey. Found ourselves arriving with the Charles Woods, [FN: Mr. and Lady Agnes Wood: afterwards Viscount and Viscountess Halifax.] Mr. Harris Temple, Ld. Carnavon, Ld.Minto and a nice very Scotch-faced son Hugh, Mr. Eric Barrington. Various ladies had failed, so Ly. Agnes and I were made much of. Sunday very damp and grey, but pleasant. Fine church; our way to it curiously like Lismore. The Duchess [FN: Of Cleveland, mother of Lord Rosebery.] as unmercifully given to sports as ever; Sat. evening she descended upon F. and me in our snug partie carree with the Duke and Ld. Carnarvon, and was bearing off the hapless Freddy to a most inane round game, had I not thrown myself into the breach and so rescued him. Poor Ld. Minto making to wild shots in an addle-pated state, hardly knowing clubs from spades, was a sight to move pity.
—Sun. evening a wretched new craze called a Telephone was brought into play, and F. kept at work shouting down it for a long time; on the whole a failure. All the same we had a very pleasant visit; Ld. Carnarvon was most agreeable. He said not a word of his personal concerns, and I don't think even mentioned any of his late colleagues; but spoke very frankly upon the E.Q., speaking strongly against the war-cries of the moment, and considering that a wave of insanity is passing over the country. Did not blame the people at large much for their horror of Polish and Siberian doings, but blamed extremely the cultured and well-informed classes for not keeping cool heads and showing wisdom and sense. I let fly a good deal at a horrid clever little pamphlet just out, called "The Crown and the Cabinet," which tries to make out that the Queen and Prince (!!) struggled all their time for unconstitutional personal government!!! The thing is provoked by the sadly ill-advised publication of Theo. Martin's Life of the P. Consort, which brings to light what ought always to have been absolutely private and sacred matter—the Queen's discussions and communications with her Ministers, and of course, in consequence, the share the P. Consort took in these commns. But I stoutly maintain that the Queen is entirely within her constitutional rights when she discusses, suggests, objects, or anything else, with her Ministers: however much of a bore she may be at times! The pamphlet ought to lead straight to Republicanism, as it is an intolerable view that a Sovereign with the usual allowance of wits and arms and legs should be a mere machine for affixing a seal to the laws, which is practically the plan recommended. I can't say I got much sympathy from Ld. Carnarvon, who, it is supposed, has had a rough time with H.M.; when I said, "Surely she might be allowed to give her own opinion to her Ministers," all he would say was, in his little cat-voice, "I think the less she does the better" ! But I have nothing to say for the existing state of things, except, on behalf of the Queen, that her furore for the Turks and marked partisanship are the direct result of Dizzy's influence; and that she is only to be blamed for overdoing a constitutional duty, viz., confiding in her Prime Minister.
Battle Abbey disappointed me as Raby did, and for the same reason; the disfiguring of a grand old building. The Duchess of Cleveland was very kind, and the old Duke I quite took to: when one has time, it is very interesting to hear him go off upon old recollections, and he seems to have boundless information upon some things. He gave a sort of sketch of the ancient history of Constantinople, Saturday, which was worthy of Uncle Wm. on Eccles. History !
—Saturday we went to Battle Abbey. Found ourselves arriving with the Charles Woods, [FN: Mr. and Lady Agnes Wood: afterwards Viscount and Viscountess Halifax.] Mr. Harris Temple, Ld. Carnavon, Ld.Minto and a nice very Scotch-faced son Hugh, Mr. Eric Barrington. Various ladies had failed, so Ly. Agnes and I were made much of. Sunday very damp and grey, but pleasant. Fine church; our way to it curiously like Lismore. The Duchess [FN: Of Cleveland, mother of Lord Rosebery.] as unmercifully given to sports as ever; Sat. evening she descended upon F. and me in our snug partie carree with the Duke and Ld. Carnarvon, and was bearing off the hapless Freddy to a most inane round game, had I not thrown myself into the breach and so rescued him. Poor Ld. Minto making to wild shots in an addle-pated state, hardly knowing clubs from spades, was a sight to move pity.
—Sun. evening a wretched new craze called a Telephone was brought into play, and F. kept at work shouting down it for a long time; on the whole a failure. All the same we had a very pleasant visit; Ld. Carnarvon was most agreeable. He said not a word of his personal concerns, and I don't think even mentioned any of his late colleagues; but spoke very frankly upon the E.Q., speaking strongly against the war-cries of the moment, and considering that a wave of insanity is passing over the country. Did not blame the people at large much for their horror of Polish and Siberian doings, but blamed extremely the cultured and well-informed classes for not keeping cool heads and showing wisdom and sense. I let fly a good deal at a horrid clever little pamphlet just out, called "The Crown and the Cabinet," which tries to make out that the Queen and Prince (!!) struggled all their time for unconstitutional personal government!!! The thing is provoked by the sadly ill-advised publication of Theo. Martin's Life of the P. Consort, which brings to light what ought always to have been absolutely private and sacred matter—the Queen's discussions and communications with her Ministers, and of course, in consequence, the share the P. Consort took in these commns. But I stoutly maintain that the Queen is entirely within her constitutional rights when she discusses, suggests, objects, or anything else, with her Ministers: however much of a bore she may be at times! The pamphlet ought to lead straight to Republicanism, as it is an intolerable view that a Sovereign with the usual allowance of wits and arms and legs should be a mere machine for affixing a seal to the laws, which is practically the plan recommended. I can't say I got much sympathy from Ld. Carnarvon, who, it is supposed, has had a rough time with H.M.; when I said, "Surely she might be allowed to give her own opinion to her Ministers," all he would say was, in his little cat-voice, "I think the less she does the better" ! But I have nothing to say for the existing state of things, except, on behalf of the Queen, that her furore for the Turks and marked partisanship are the direct result of Dizzy's influence; and that she is only to be blamed for overdoing a constitutional duty, viz., confiding in her Prime Minister.
Battle Abbey disappointed me as Raby did, and for the same reason; the disfiguring of a grand old building. The Duchess of Cleveland was very kind, and the old Duke I quite took to: when one has time, it is very interesting to hear him go off upon old recollections, and he seems to have boundless information upon some things. He gave a sort of sketch of the ancient history of Constantinople, Saturday, which was worthy of Uncle Wm. on Eccles. History !
11Feb1878, Gladstone and Cavendish
HOLKER, February 11th-17th, 1878.
—Barrow business every day prevented F. resting as he ought; he is rather ill with all the worry and tension of the past fortnight. Especially he is harassed by the excessive difficulty of Hartington's and Uncle W.'s footing together. They are 2 men so utterly unlike in disposition and mode of viewing things, and Uncle W., having been driven by the very nature of this great question to take a leading part—(he has felt a special responsibility, as the only surviving Compos [FN: I.e. Compos mentis; still in possession of his faculties.] statesman who conducted the Crimean War and was a party to the Treaty of Paris)—has necessarily been prominent, tho' no longer leader. He never can properly realize that it is absolutely impossible for him, with his great past, and his great powers, to take up the line of "M. was a member." [FN: Appendix A; "A was an Admiral.".] I am come round to the conviction (which Papa always held strongly) that he should either have continued to lead the party, or withdrawn from Parliament altogether, or taken a Peerage. It is immensely to the credit of both him and Cavendish that they have pulled together at all, and is due to the perfect honesty and sense of duty of both. We had to go back to London Thursday—partly, to my disgust, that F. might vote on the odious Burial question Friday.
—Barrow business every day prevented F. resting as he ought; he is rather ill with all the worry and tension of the past fortnight. Especially he is harassed by the excessive difficulty of Hartington's and Uncle W.'s footing together. They are 2 men so utterly unlike in disposition and mode of viewing things, and Uncle W., having been driven by the very nature of this great question to take a leading part—(he has felt a special responsibility, as the only surviving Compos [FN: I.e. Compos mentis; still in possession of his faculties.] statesman who conducted the Crimean War and was a party to the Treaty of Paris)—has necessarily been prominent, tho' no longer leader. He never can properly realize that it is absolutely impossible for him, with his great past, and his great powers, to take up the line of "M. was a member." [FN: Appendix A; "A was an Admiral.".] I am come round to the conviction (which Papa always held strongly) that he should either have continued to lead the party, or withdrawn from Parliament altogether, or taken a Peerage. It is immensely to the credit of both him and Cavendish that they have pulled together at all, and is due to the perfect honesty and sense of duty of both. We had to go back to London Thursday—partly, to my disgust, that F. might vote on the odious Burial question Friday.
05Jan1878, The State of Religion in France
TURIN, Saturday, January 5th, 1878.
—The state of religion in France, as far as we have come across indications of it, seems to me terribly hopeless. There are no signs of any standing-ground for earnest people between Ultramontanism and all its superstitions and utter infidelity. In Advent we came in for the feast of the "Immaculate Conception"; and looking into a church at Lyons, it was dreadful to see the apparently unmixed Mariolatry, amid frippery dolls and tawdry decorations. One sees and hears and reads nothing of Protestantism. If the newspapers speak of sacred things, it is with outrageous levity such as I should hope no one but Bradlaugh would venture on in England, however sceptical. One article in a Repub. paper, wanting to compare something political with the Forbidden Fruit (!!!), related the story of the Fall in a paragraph beginning, "Un vieux farceur nommé Moise," and ending, "On n'a jamais pu savoir d'ou est venu Bette fantaisie du bon Dieu." I think "le bon Dieu" stands for something allegorical or fabulous suitable for story-telling to children; and that perhaps if they spoke of "Dieu" there would be a little more attempt at reverence. And yet that isn't always the case, for did not I get a letter from M. Du Lau after Bolton, in which he said he sent it off, "priant Dieu et la poste" to convey it safe!!! as if they were allied powers.
—The state of religion in France, as far as we have come across indications of it, seems to me terribly hopeless. There are no signs of any standing-ground for earnest people between Ultramontanism and all its superstitions and utter infidelity. In Advent we came in for the feast of the "Immaculate Conception"; and looking into a church at Lyons, it was dreadful to see the apparently unmixed Mariolatry, amid frippery dolls and tawdry decorations. One sees and hears and reads nothing of Protestantism. If the newspapers speak of sacred things, it is with outrageous levity such as I should hope no one but Bradlaugh would venture on in England, however sceptical. One article in a Repub. paper, wanting to compare something political with the Forbidden Fruit (!!!), related the story of the Fall in a paragraph beginning, "Un vieux farceur nommé Moise," and ending, "On n'a jamais pu savoir d'ou est venu Bette fantaisie du bon Dieu." I think "le bon Dieu" stands for something allegorical or fabulous suitable for story-telling to children; and that perhaps if they spoke of "Dieu" there would be a little more attempt at reverence. And yet that isn't always the case, for did not I get a letter from M. Du Lau after Bolton, in which he said he sent it off, "priant Dieu et la poste" to convey it safe!!! as if they were allied powers.
24Dec1877, Visiting in Italy, Jane Morris
SAN REMO, Christmas Eve—December 30th, 1877.
—Paid a visit in the morning to one of Sybella's innumerable "old friends," Edward Lear the artist. He remembers giving lessons to Freddy's mother in Rome in '39 when F. was 3 years old. Showed us many beautiful sketches.
—Thurs. Went to Oneglia to see the George Howards, who have a fine but rather cold and ramshackle villa (Bianchi). Our hotel in the town (Victoria) a dismal, rough one, but not dirty. Dined with the Howards, who we thought must be dead; we had seen George in San Remo and he said they would be home about 5. Not till past 7 did they appear, after a long spell of New Year shopping. F. and I meanwhile sat in the drawing-room and made acquaintance with a pleasing Miss Brook (sister of Rev. Stopford) and with jolly little Charlie [FN: Afterwards 10th Earl of Carlisle.] the eldest boy, who, in spite of some likeness to Lyulph Stanley, won my heart. Mary and Cecilia, the 2 little girls, are very gentle good things; Mary [FN: Now Lady Mary Murray, wife of Professor Gilbert Murray.] has a look of Ly. Taunton, Cecilia is the image of George.
—Friday. They took us a most lovely expedition to certain hilltops crowned with pine trees; ladies on donkeys. Enchantingly warm till we got into the blast of the wind at the top. Opinions seem to vary surprisingly as to which wind is the mistral. Luncheon and dinner with the hospitable cousins. The batch of funny little sturdy square boys, one below the other, Hubert, Christopher, Oliver, and a baby, Geoffrey, are a delightful sight. Oliver is the ditto of Lord Wensleydale. George took us in the afternoon by the sea to see a pretty villa where Morris the decorator-poet's wife and daughters are. Mrs. Morris might have stept out of any of Burne-Jones' pictures, and is in fact the original of the favourite P.B. [FN: I.e. Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.] lady (having sat to Rossetti)—haggard and wistful-eyed, with a heavy bush of black hair penthouse-style over the forehead; certainly handsome.
—Saturday, another beautiful walk, skirting the sides of the valley. Rosalind, [FN: Mrs. George Howard, afterwards Countess of Carlisle.] tho' as hoarse as a crow with a relaxed throat, talked the whole way, and made me rather miserable with her wild views on religion: immortality "an open question," etc., etc. Yet I do think she is good, truthful, and desperately in earnest; and she somehow manages to consider herself a Churchwoman.
—Paid a visit in the morning to one of Sybella's innumerable "old friends," Edward Lear the artist. He remembers giving lessons to Freddy's mother in Rome in '39 when F. was 3 years old. Showed us many beautiful sketches.
—Thurs. Went to Oneglia to see the George Howards, who have a fine but rather cold and ramshackle villa (Bianchi). Our hotel in the town (Victoria) a dismal, rough one, but not dirty. Dined with the Howards, who we thought must be dead; we had seen George in San Remo and he said they would be home about 5. Not till past 7 did they appear, after a long spell of New Year shopping. F. and I meanwhile sat in the drawing-room and made acquaintance with a pleasing Miss Brook (sister of Rev. Stopford) and with jolly little Charlie [FN: Afterwards 10th Earl of Carlisle.] the eldest boy, who, in spite of some likeness to Lyulph Stanley, won my heart. Mary and Cecilia, the 2 little girls, are very gentle good things; Mary [FN: Now Lady Mary Murray, wife of Professor Gilbert Murray.] has a look of Ly. Taunton, Cecilia is the image of George.
—Friday. They took us a most lovely expedition to certain hilltops crowned with pine trees; ladies on donkeys. Enchantingly warm till we got into the blast of the wind at the top. Opinions seem to vary surprisingly as to which wind is the mistral. Luncheon and dinner with the hospitable cousins. The batch of funny little sturdy square boys, one below the other, Hubert, Christopher, Oliver, and a baby, Geoffrey, are a delightful sight. Oliver is the ditto of Lord Wensleydale. George took us in the afternoon by the sea to see a pretty villa where Morris the decorator-poet's wife and daughters are. Mrs. Morris might have stept out of any of Burne-Jones' pictures, and is in fact the original of the favourite P.B. [FN: I.e. Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.] lady (having sat to Rossetti)—haggard and wistful-eyed, with a heavy bush of black hair penthouse-style over the forehead; certainly handsome.
—Saturday, another beautiful walk, skirting the sides of the valley. Rosalind, [FN: Mrs. George Howard, afterwards Countess of Carlisle.] tho' as hoarse as a crow with a relaxed throat, talked the whole way, and made me rather miserable with her wild views on religion: immortality "an open question," etc., etc. Yet I do think she is good, truthful, and desperately in earnest; and she somehow manages to consider herself a Churchwoman.
27Aug1877, Ld. Granville Speaks at Bradford
BOLTON, August 27th–September 2nd, 1877.
—The Granvilles came Monday, and on Tuesday we had a field-day in honour of the opening of the Liberal Club at Bradford; poor F. unable to go—I do believe the first duty he has been debarred from by health. Ld. Granville as flustered and anxious over the preparation of his two speeches as any new young M.P. Ly. G. sat up writing for him till 1 on Monday night. Titus Salt lionized us (viz., Egertons, Granvilles, and me) over Saltaire, which looked as flourishing as ever in spite of hard times and many idle looms out of the 1,000 in the great 2-acre room. Luncheon and speeches at Bradford, after which we all deserted Ld. G. and came home. The big meeting came off late, and he returned at midnight, struck with the intelligence of the great crowded audience, but a little disgusted at their caring for neither Eastern Q. nor anything else compared with disestablishment, and cheering Miall louder than anybody.
—The Granvilles came Monday, and on Tuesday we had a field-day in honour of the opening of the Liberal Club at Bradford; poor F. unable to go—I do believe the first duty he has been debarred from by health. Ld. Granville as flustered and anxious over the preparation of his two speeches as any new young M.P. Ly. G. sat up writing for him till 1 on Monday night. Titus Salt lionized us (viz., Egertons, Granvilles, and me) over Saltaire, which looked as flourishing as ever in spite of hard times and many idle looms out of the 1,000 in the great 2-acre room. Luncheon and speeches at Bradford, after which we all deserted Ld. G. and came home. The big meeting came off late, and he returned at midnight, struck with the intelligence of the great crowded audience, but a little disgusted at their caring for neither Eastern Q. nor anything else compared with disestablishment, and cheering Miall louder than anybody.
28Jul1877, Ld. and Ly. George Hamilton
ST. GEORGE'S HILL, Saturday, July 28th, 1877.
—To St. George's Hill, where we met Ld. and Ly. George Hamilton. Ld. G. looks like a pretty boy about 20, with very bright eyes and plenty to say; he is, however, a good deal more than that, does uncommonly well in his office, and I daresay will get to the top of the tree. She is pleasing; and they are both most agreeable when away from each other, as their take E is to refer to each other incessantly, being regular married lovers.
—To St. George's Hill, where we met Ld. and Ly. George Hamilton. Ld. G. looks like a pretty boy about 20, with very bright eyes and plenty to say; he is, however, a good deal more than that, does uncommonly well in his office, and I daresay will get to the top of the tree. She is pleasing; and they are both most agreeable when away from each other, as their take E is to refer to each other incessantly, being regular married lovers.
09Jul1877, Ugly Nice Little Prince George
LONDON, July 9th-15th, 1877.
—Smart garden-party at Marlborough House, the Queen present. I shook hands with her, to my joy; and shot that she is quite grey at last. Poor Prince Edward ill with continuing fever; ugly nice little Prince George in his cadet uniform; for they have both just passed the Naval Cadet Examination.
—Smart garden-party at Marlborough House, the Queen present. I shook hands with her, to my joy; and shot that she is quite grey at last. Poor Prince Edward ill with continuing fever; ugly nice little Prince George in his cadet uniform; for they have both just passed the Naval Cadet Examination.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
02Jul1877, Garden Party with Poor People
ST. GEORGE'S HILL, July 2nd-8th, 1877.
—Wednesday, 4th. Smart Chiswick garden-party, went off beautifully, but the garden, alas ! doesn't look half as pretty with all the vistas crowded up as with just 100 poor people. Had to arrive late, as P.D.S. [FN: Public Day School.] meeting came off at 4, whereat I made a neat speech ! ! quite 4 minutes long. To Speaker's drum after dinner.
—Thurs., 5th. Another batch of Hospital nurses had a day out at the Barclays' at Woodford: thundery showers. Last P.M.W. meeting this season....
—Saturday, 7th. Went to see Ld. Stratford de Redcliffe, who was sitting in a warm dressing-gown in his arm-chair, with a fine tabby-cat to keep him company; he was very cheerful and clear-headed; hardly even deaf, at 90. Lateish we went off to Brocket; joined at the station by Ly. Ripon and finding Mr. Leveson here. Intensely still place, looking like a clearing in an old forest; too much betreed, but with some glades stretching away, with bracken and rabbits. Rested deliciously, mooning over Palgrave's pretty little volume of Herrick's poems.
—Wednesday, 4th. Smart Chiswick garden-party, went off beautifully, but the garden, alas ! doesn't look half as pretty with all the vistas crowded up as with just 100 poor people. Had to arrive late, as P.D.S. [FN: Public Day School.] meeting came off at 4, whereat I made a neat speech ! ! quite 4 minutes long. To Speaker's drum after dinner.
—Thurs., 5th. Another batch of Hospital nurses had a day out at the Barclays' at Woodford: thundery showers. Last P.M.W. meeting this season....
—Saturday, 7th. Went to see Ld. Stratford de Redcliffe, who was sitting in a warm dressing-gown in his arm-chair, with a fine tabby-cat to keep him company; he was very cheerful and clear-headed; hardly even deaf, at 90. Lateish we went off to Brocket; joined at the station by Ly. Ripon and finding Mr. Leveson here. Intensely still place, looking like a clearing in an old forest; too much betreed, but with some glades stretching away, with bracken and rabbits. Rested deliciously, mooning over Palgrave's pretty little volume of Herrick's poems.
18Jun1877, "The Priest in Absolution" Scandal
LONDON, June 18th-24th, 1877.
—Had a talk with Mr. Majendie about an unspeakably shocking book called "The Priest in Absolution," which has somehow got out, tho' it must be said it was only intended for the use of certain clergy. It is put forth by a body called "The Soc. of the Holy Cross," to which many distinguished "advanced" High Churchmen have given their names; but Mr. Majendie, who is intimate with many Ritualists, and a very High Churchman himself, knew nothing of it till it was called attention to in the H. of Lords the other day; and is greatly scandalized and dismayed. If private Confession makes it necessary to print such things, it certainly is a fatal objection to it as in any sense a system. But I have long felt that, inasmuch as it is impossible to prevent people going to confession, or clergy from hearing them, the only possible security against folly, rashness, and all evil results, is for Bishops to forbid clergy acting as confessors until they have reached a certain age, and can properly be depended on for wisdom and calmness and self-control....
Wed., 20th. Went to see dear Augusta Noel [FN: Daughter of the 6th Earl of Albemarle, wife of Ernest Noel, M.P.] ; she is laid up on her sofa, and has a new story on hand. I shot Dizzy in a brougham, looking more horribly like a fiend than ever; poor old wretch—green, with a glare in his eye.
—Had a talk with Mr. Majendie about an unspeakably shocking book called "The Priest in Absolution," which has somehow got out, tho' it must be said it was only intended for the use of certain clergy. It is put forth by a body called "The Soc. of the Holy Cross," to which many distinguished "advanced" High Churchmen have given their names; but Mr. Majendie, who is intimate with many Ritualists, and a very High Churchman himself, knew nothing of it till it was called attention to in the H. of Lords the other day; and is greatly scandalized and dismayed. If private Confession makes it necessary to print such things, it certainly is a fatal objection to it as in any sense a system. But I have long felt that, inasmuch as it is impossible to prevent people going to confession, or clergy from hearing them, the only possible security against folly, rashness, and all evil results, is for Bishops to forbid clergy acting as confessors until they have reached a certain age, and can properly be depended on for wisdom and calmness and self-control....
Wed., 20th. Went to see dear Augusta Noel [FN: Daughter of the 6th Earl of Albemarle, wife of Ernest Noel, M.P.] ; she is laid up on her sofa, and has a new story on hand. I shot Dizzy in a brougham, looking more horribly like a fiend than ever; poor old wretch—green, with a glare in his eye.
11Jun1877, Women's Party at Chiswick
LONDON, June 11th-17th, 1877.
—Oh, on Fri. we had a most successful afternoon at Chiswick, which the Duke let us have for a Limehouse party — Ishbel Marjoribanks's [FN: Now wife of the 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair.] first supplemental work. She and I and Helen and two Talbot girls drove down, and the intense enjoyment of the mothers was delightful to see-100 of them in the lovely garden. It brought our honeymoon vividly back to me to see it in peace in June.
—Oh, on Fri. we had a most successful afternoon at Chiswick, which the Duke let us have for a Limehouse party — Ishbel Marjoribanks's [FN: Now wife of the 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair.] first supplemental work. She and I and Helen and two Talbot girls drove down, and the intense enjoyment of the mothers was delightful to see-100 of them in the lovely garden. It brought our honeymoon vividly back to me to see it in peace in June.
04Jun1877, Uncle W. in Famous Force
LONDON, June 4th-10th, 1877.
—Pleasant dinner in Harley Street, meeting Sybella, Stephy, Dr. Clark, Sir James Lacaita. Uncle W. in famous force; held forth like a brilliant book upon a notion he laid down that persecution was never taken up by the Church as such until the Papal pretensions arose. Sir J. and Dr. Clark demurred a little, but we badly wanted some one to stand up to him, and so make a good argument of it.
—Pleasant dinner in Harley Street, meeting Sybella, Stephy, Dr. Clark, Sir James Lacaita. Uncle W. in famous force; held forth like a brilliant book upon a notion he laid down that persecution was never taken up by the Church as such until the Papal pretensions arose. Sir J. and Dr. Clark demurred a little, but we badly wanted some one to stand up to him, and so make a good argument of it.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
28May1877, Praise for Gladstone
CHATSWORTH, May 28th–June 3rd, 1877.
—Growing loveliness and warmth, tho' fires are still grateful. Rode to Haddon one day, D. of Rutland's moors another, Laugh Ghyll (shot at the spelling) a third. Forget-me-nots and the little faintly-sweet white flower that spangles New Piece, lovely; blue-bells only beginning.
—Tues. F. and I escorted Mazy and Spencer to Hardwick, driving with ducal horses to Chesterfield and posting thence. Very glorious day, in spite of many showers. Hardwick inside and out, and on its roof, enchanting.
—Wed. Spencer went.
—Fri. Howling stormy day. At Hagley a very odd party received us, viz., Auntie P., Mr. Balfour, Albert, and Mr. Otley the young Keble man lately started as Curate at Hawarden. He was one of the happy Abendberg party, and Albert said was deeply interested in seeing Hagley because of May. Albert had taken him to see the graves and the painted window. Charles turned up after a long day's farm inspection.
—Sat. came Uncle W. from Birmingham, as hoarse as a crow, having made an hour's speech on Thurs., in an enormous hall quite unfit for the purpose, to 25,000 people. He was only imperfectly heard of course, tho' he shouted at the top of his voice. The "demonstration," however, was the grand thing: the whole town turning out to receive him, and no end of people from elsewhere: it was more like a Royal progress than anything else. He confined himself entirely to the E.Q., but Mr. Chamberlain (whom he stayed with) is getting up some big Liberal organization for political purposes and I only hope won't involve Uncle W. in it before he is aware! Birmingham politics, all Secularism and that figment "Religious Equality," aggravate me!...
Crowds of artisans, etc., from the Black Country to see Uncle W.; church quite crammed and behaviour very good. Uncle B. walked with one of the working men who said, "Ah, Sir, you must have composed that sermon for Mr. Gladstone—faith, hope, and charity, that's what he's got!" (N.B. the sermon was an old one, written years ago). Uncle B. said he hoped some of them were Church-goers, not only going out of mere curiosity. "Curiosity, sir! it wasn't curiosity; it was love of the man, sir." A great break this for Auntie P. We all went to Wychbury Wood, and walked along the Roman encampment under the yews: my Fred said he went there last when I took him to see it Whitsuntide 1864: it was new to Uncle W. Unspeakably beautiful was everything.
—Growing loveliness and warmth, tho' fires are still grateful. Rode to Haddon one day, D. of Rutland's moors another, Laugh Ghyll (shot at the spelling) a third. Forget-me-nots and the little faintly-sweet white flower that spangles New Piece, lovely; blue-bells only beginning.
—Tues. F. and I escorted Mazy and Spencer to Hardwick, driving with ducal horses to Chesterfield and posting thence. Very glorious day, in spite of many showers. Hardwick inside and out, and on its roof, enchanting.
—Wed. Spencer went.
—Fri. Howling stormy day. At Hagley a very odd party received us, viz., Auntie P., Mr. Balfour, Albert, and Mr. Otley the young Keble man lately started as Curate at Hawarden. He was one of the happy Abendberg party, and Albert said was deeply interested in seeing Hagley because of May. Albert had taken him to see the graves and the painted window. Charles turned up after a long day's farm inspection.
—Sat. came Uncle W. from Birmingham, as hoarse as a crow, having made an hour's speech on Thurs., in an enormous hall quite unfit for the purpose, to 25,000 people. He was only imperfectly heard of course, tho' he shouted at the top of his voice. The "demonstration," however, was the grand thing: the whole town turning out to receive him, and no end of people from elsewhere: it was more like a Royal progress than anything else. He confined himself entirely to the E.Q., but Mr. Chamberlain (whom he stayed with) is getting up some big Liberal organization for political purposes and I only hope won't involve Uncle W. in it before he is aware! Birmingham politics, all Secularism and that figment "Religious Equality," aggravate me!...
Crowds of artisans, etc., from the Black Country to see Uncle W.; church quite crammed and behaviour very good. Uncle B. walked with one of the working men who said, "Ah, Sir, you must have composed that sermon for Mr. Gladstone—faith, hope, and charity, that's what he's got!" (N.B. the sermon was an old one, written years ago). Uncle B. said he hoped some of them were Church-goers, not only going out of mere curiosity. "Curiosity, sir! it wasn't curiosity; it was love of the man, sir." A great break this for Auntie P. We all went to Wychbury Wood, and walked along the Roman encampment under the yews: my Fred said he went there last when I took him to see it Whitsuntide 1864: it was new to Uncle W. Unspeakably beautiful was everything.
20May1877, Sunshine Bits of Time
CHATSWORTH, May 20th-27th, 1877.
—A week of pleasant, pleasant leisure and enjoyment, to be thankful for. 0, how I do love and appreciate the sunshine bits of time, all the more for the growing and deepening sense of their insecurity. Rides every day, nice readings with F. and with Mazy likewise (she has brought fine sermons by Mr. Illingworth, and "Through Nature to Christ" by Abbott), famous spirited l. tennis. Weather growing kinder, young beech and larch most lovely and promise of blossom. We have ridden about Calton and New Piece and Stand Wood, and along the Rabbit Warren and green ride, escorting F. towards and from Chesterfield: the poor dear having had to go and hold forth at Brighouse on politics and at Bradford on Political Econ. Tues. and Wed. Called on Mrs. Cottingham Sat.; she showed me a Sheffield paper in which F.'s part in bringing about the arrangement on the Resolutions was sniffed out, and he patted on the back as a person of highly agreeable and conciliatory manners and very popular.
—A week of pleasant, pleasant leisure and enjoyment, to be thankful for. 0, how I do love and appreciate the sunshine bits of time, all the more for the growing and deepening sense of their insecurity. Rides every day, nice readings with F. and with Mazy likewise (she has brought fine sermons by Mr. Illingworth, and "Through Nature to Christ" by Abbott), famous spirited l. tennis. Weather growing kinder, young beech and larch most lovely and promise of blossom. We have ridden about Calton and New Piece and Stand Wood, and along the Rabbit Warren and green ride, escorting F. towards and from Chesterfield: the poor dear having had to go and hold forth at Brighouse on politics and at Bradford on Political Econ. Tues. and Wed. Called on Mrs. Cottingham Sat.; she showed me a Sheffield paper in which F.'s part in bringing about the arrangement on the Resolutions was sniffed out, and he patted on the back as a person of highly agreeable and conciliatory manners and very popular.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
14May1877, Dissatisfaction With Turkey
HOLMBURY, May 14th-20th, 1877.
—The debate ended in a division on the 1st resolution, which merely expressed dissatisfaction with Turkey's disregard of Ld. Derby's first despatch. Government has said as much over and over again; but they met it with an amendment objecting to "embarrass" the Government, and of course their party voted almost to a man for the amendment; tho' I know many of them are thoroughly anti-Turkish. The Liberals all voted together, except the Irish, who have the Pope to please, and whose support is no compliment.
Cavendish made a perfectly admirable speech, leaving nothing to be desired: he is come on enormously in readiness and delivery, and not only argued excellently but did good cut-and-thrust work and was effective and humorous. I didn't quite approve of Uncle W.'s concluding speech: thought he trotted out the dear departed Resolutions unnecessarily (having made it already as clear as day that his own opinion of them is unchanged). But he made some very telling points. The division was, of course, a penance to one's feeling; Government getting "a clear majority of the whole House."
Mr. Chaplin was one of those who badgered Uncle W. on the 7th, but the great speech absolutely overcame him (he, a regular man of the world), and he was heard to say, "Certainly this is a marvellous man!" And in a fine elaborate speech last Monday, tho' of course taking the strong Government line, he paid a famous tribute to Uncle W., especially to his earnest convictions. Old Ly. Lothian is dead in Rome, of a pleurisy caught while entertaining pilgrims at a reception (such a funny view of pilgrims !)....
The "Ridsdale Judgement" is out: it forbids vestments, but I don't see how that is to be accepted while the "Ornaments Rubric" remains unchanged and stares one in the face; and it allows the Eastward position, provided the priest does not wilfully prevent Communicants seeing him break the bread and take the cup into his hands. I am afraid it will be universally considered an "expediency" judgment.
—The debate ended in a division on the 1st resolution, which merely expressed dissatisfaction with Turkey's disregard of Ld. Derby's first despatch. Government has said as much over and over again; but they met it with an amendment objecting to "embarrass" the Government, and of course their party voted almost to a man for the amendment; tho' I know many of them are thoroughly anti-Turkish. The Liberals all voted together, except the Irish, who have the Pope to please, and whose support is no compliment.
Cavendish made a perfectly admirable speech, leaving nothing to be desired: he is come on enormously in readiness and delivery, and not only argued excellently but did good cut-and-thrust work and was effective and humorous. I didn't quite approve of Uncle W.'s concluding speech: thought he trotted out the dear departed Resolutions unnecessarily (having made it already as clear as day that his own opinion of them is unchanged). But he made some very telling points. The division was, of course, a penance to one's feeling; Government getting "a clear majority of the whole House."
Mr. Chaplin was one of those who badgered Uncle W. on the 7th, but the great speech absolutely overcame him (he, a regular man of the world), and he was heard to say, "Certainly this is a marvellous man!" And in a fine elaborate speech last Monday, tho' of course taking the strong Government line, he paid a famous tribute to Uncle W., especially to his earnest convictions. Old Ly. Lothian is dead in Rome, of a pleurisy caught while entertaining pilgrims at a reception (such a funny view of pilgrims !)....
The "Ridsdale Judgement" is out: it forbids vestments, but I don't see how that is to be accepted while the "Ornaments Rubric" remains unchanged and stares one in the face; and it allows the Eastward position, provided the priest does not wilfully prevent Communicants seeing him break the bread and take the cup into his hands. I am afraid it will be universally considered an "expediency" judgment.
08May1877, The Wortley-Talbot Wedding
LONDON, Tuesday, May 8th, 1877.
—Regd. Talbot [FN: Major-General the Hon. Sir Reginald Talbot, K.C.B.] married Margaret Wortley in St. James's Church: her 4 sisters [FN: The youngest of the four sisters, Katharine, afterwards married Lady Frederick's brother Nevill.] the only bridesmaids. Seldom were seen more tall and beautiful people assembled together: bride and bridegroom, Lady Brownlow, Lady Pembroke, the Shrewsbury daughters (all unmarried), etc.: not to speak of the three 6 feet 2 in. Clergy who officiated, Stephen Lawley, Mr. Arthur Talbot, and Edwarden [FN: Edward, Warden of Keble.].
It was like the London world for my next sight of Uncle W. to be in the church struggling with a favour and begging for a pin! He talked a little to me: seemed harassed to death for fear the country should have misunderstood his course of action, and utterly oblivious, as he always is, of the great effect of his speech.... All he said of the speech was: "To make matters worse I had no spectacles. I could not read!" I am sure I never discovered the fact, but he had, I believe, to omit some quotations from Govt. speeches and writings with which he was crashing down upon them.
—Regd. Talbot [FN: Major-General the Hon. Sir Reginald Talbot, K.C.B.] married Margaret Wortley in St. James's Church: her 4 sisters [FN: The youngest of the four sisters, Katharine, afterwards married Lady Frederick's brother Nevill.] the only bridesmaids. Seldom were seen more tall and beautiful people assembled together: bride and bridegroom, Lady Brownlow, Lady Pembroke, the Shrewsbury daughters (all unmarried), etc.: not to speak of the three 6 feet 2 in. Clergy who officiated, Stephen Lawley, Mr. Arthur Talbot, and Edwarden [FN: Edward, Warden of Keble.].
It was like the London world for my next sight of Uncle W. to be in the church struggling with a favour and begging for a pin! He talked a little to me: seemed harassed to death for fear the country should have misunderstood his course of action, and utterly oblivious, as he always is, of the great effect of his speech.... All he said of the speech was: "To make matters worse I had no spectacles. I could not read!" I am sure I never discovered the fact, but he had, I believe, to omit some quotations from Govt. speeches and writings with which he was crashing down upon them.
06May1877, Gladstone Speech after Pandemonium
WELLINGTON COLLEGE AND LONDON, May 6th-13th,1877.
—Pleasant cold day. F. appeared at 10.30 very tired but happy and satisfied. I can't but be proud of what he has done. The gentlemen and I all walked to Eversley; Charles and I being much agog to see Kingsley's Church and home, after reading his noble life. It was a 9-miles business there and back, and I was proud of my legs....
—Monday. For once Auntie P. and I sacrificed L. Hospital bodily, having places at the House for the Great Speech. I was with Gerty in the Ballot box. After the altered mode of procedure was announced there were 2 hours of pandemonium. The Tories received Mr. Trevelyan's amendment and Uncle W.'s acceptance of it with shouts of laughter, and of course from their side came many taunts. But the horrid part was the disorder of the extreme Radicals who had meant to support the whole of the Resolutions. As they profess the most thorough belief in Uncle W. they might, however perplexed and mortified they were—quite allowably—have had sufficient trust in him to hold their tongues, knowing he would not sacrifice principle, and waiting to hear his own explanation. Instead of which one after another got up to badger him with impossible questions, till one was ready to scream. But I kept saying to myself, "The speech—the speech will set all right!" and so indeed it did. After the 2 hours' baiting, at 7 o'clock, members pouring out to dinner, and when one would have supposed him exhausted in spirits and strength, up he got and delivered a magnificent 3 hrs' speech, admirable in argument, in irony, in frank explanation, in uncompromising principle, in detail; but perhaps unequalled by any of his former great speeches in intense feeling and force of conviction: his voice and delivery gaining as he went on, and the peroration a glorious burst of eloquence which moved people to tears. It was wonderful to see the effect as he went on. The House filling by degrees—the half-hearted cheers warming up—the silent and disgusted Radicals gradually joining—and at last, united enthusiasm. The Willy's, Charles, F., and I went home straight to dinner (at 10!)
—Pleasant cold day. F. appeared at 10.30 very tired but happy and satisfied. I can't but be proud of what he has done. The gentlemen and I all walked to Eversley; Charles and I being much agog to see Kingsley's Church and home, after reading his noble life. It was a 9-miles business there and back, and I was proud of my legs....
—Monday. For once Auntie P. and I sacrificed L. Hospital bodily, having places at the House for the Great Speech. I was with Gerty in the Ballot box. After the altered mode of procedure was announced there were 2 hours of pandemonium. The Tories received Mr. Trevelyan's amendment and Uncle W.'s acceptance of it with shouts of laughter, and of course from their side came many taunts. But the horrid part was the disorder of the extreme Radicals who had meant to support the whole of the Resolutions. As they profess the most thorough belief in Uncle W. they might, however perplexed and mortified they were—quite allowably—have had sufficient trust in him to hold their tongues, knowing he would not sacrifice principle, and waiting to hear his own explanation. Instead of which one after another got up to badger him with impossible questions, till one was ready to scream. But I kept saying to myself, "The speech—the speech will set all right!" and so indeed it did. After the 2 hours' baiting, at 7 o'clock, members pouring out to dinner, and when one would have supposed him exhausted in spirits and strength, up he got and delivered a magnificent 3 hrs' speech, admirable in argument, in irony, in frank explanation, in uncompromising principle, in detail; but perhaps unequalled by any of his former great speeches in intense feeling and force of conviction: his voice and delivery gaining as he went on, and the peroration a glorious burst of eloquence which moved people to tears. It was wonderful to see the effect as he went on. The House filling by degrees—the half-hearted cheers warming up—the silent and disgusted Radicals gradually joining—and at last, united enthusiasm. The Willy's, Charles, F., and I went home straight to dinner (at 10!)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
30Apr1877, War Between Russia and Turkey
LONDON, Monday, April 30th–May 6th, 1877.
—Dined with Bob at Meriel's and went with him to a Philharmonic, where the music was soothingly easy. Overture to "Midsummer Night's Dream" the chief delight.
War is declared between Russia and Turkey; the beginning, I should hope, of a great and decisive drama. It is a blessing that dread of war has reached to such a height as it has in England nowadays; but I do think people ought to see how there are deep-rooted iniquities which can only be got rid of through suffering and struggle and sacrifice, in which the innocent must bear their part as well as the guilty. It seems as if the divine words "Without shedding of blood there is no remission" had a wide human application, along with their more sacred meaning.
—Tuesday, May Day. A frightful crisis in politics is gathering up. Hitherto the Liberal leaders, though they have from time to time made speeches more or less hostile to the Government's Eastern policy, have never come to a direct vote upon it. The outbreak of war, coupled with the increased and ever-increasing pro-Turkism of Government utterances, has poked up Uncle W. to a conviction that it is the duty of the Opposition to protest distinctly against Turkey's utter disregard of all Ld. Derby's threats and expostulations, to declare that she has forfeited all claim upon English support, either material or moral, and to pronounce in favour of European concert to coerce her. He justifies this by the serious danger we are in of Ld. Beaconsfield entangling us, or letting some diplomatic turn of the wheel entangle us, in war on behalf of Turkey. Dizzy's real heart (for once!) seems to be in the matter; at all events for months past the Government tone has been steadily growing milder towards Turkey, while their organs in the press are diligent in fanning the panic-distrust and hatred of Russia to the utmost. One knows that neutrality is always a position full of anxiety, at a time of war about which one's country is deeply excited, and though there is a strong desire in this country to keep out of it, it hardly wants all Dizzy's great gifts of craft and party-management to get us involved, with his big and most submissive majority at his back. On the other hand, Hartington and the rest of the ex-Cabinet do not consider it right at this time to tie the hands of the Government, or embarrass them by an attack. Their view is that as long as strict neutrality is observed we have no business to take so serious a responsibility at such a moment, on mere vague grounds of possible machinations in favour of Turkey; that to do so would split the Liberal party and thereby directly strengthen Dizzy's hands and encourage the Porte; whereas if we waited until a real proposal of going to war for Turkey was before the House, the party would unite as one man against it, with far greater effect. The upshot is that Uncle W., after much discussion with Lord Granville, and finding that Hartington can't conscientiously support him, is going to move certain Resolutions conveying all he wished, independent of the front Opposition Bench; Sir John Lubbock will move the "previous question," and dreadful confusion and ruin of the party accordingly stares us in the face....
To Harley St. after dinner; poor Auntie P. looked worried to death, and F. is nearly wild. How can he leave Cavendish in the lurch, and yet to be driven to vote against Uncle W. seems almost inconceivable to him.
—Thursday, 3rd. Agnes went to the drawing-room with Auntie P. and they looked a beautiful couple.
—Friday, May 4th. Went to see Alice Egerton and Gertrude Pennant. Gertrude and I talked politics, my only wish about her in that line being to keep up her faith in Uncle W. being an honest man, for the Toryissimus Toryism in the midst of which she now lives has a bitter hatred of him and disbelief in his public, and private ! ! morality, as its centre. Dined with Mr. Balfour, Ly. Rayleigh entertaining.
—Saturday, 5th. Poor distracted F. has taken up a notion (of Mr. Dodson's) as to altering the Resolutions, which gives a ray of hope. He was busy scribbling down an amended 2nd Resolution all breakfast time, being off afterwards to breakfast at Grillion's, whence he went on to Harley St. I augured well from his not turning up again till luncheon time, and sure enough Uncle W. was very willing to do all in his power, short of giving up his attack, to keep the party together: influenced by loyal feeling to Hartington, and the horror of giving Turkey the triumph of seeing the party split by an anti-Turkey motion. The main principle is clearly laid down in the 2nd Resolution as it is to be amended, viz., "that the Porte has sacrificed all claim to either moral or material support from England." This amended form is to be proposed by Mr. Trevelyan, and Uncle W. will not press the remaining Resolutions. F. was busy all the morning between Harley Street and Devonshire House, and Ld. Granville and others confabulated also with Hartington. All was arranged, and Charles and I went off to Wellington College immensely relieved ; F. settling not to come till Sunday morning in case he might be wanted.
—Dined with Bob at Meriel's and went with him to a Philharmonic, where the music was soothingly easy. Overture to "Midsummer Night's Dream" the chief delight.
War is declared between Russia and Turkey; the beginning, I should hope, of a great and decisive drama. It is a blessing that dread of war has reached to such a height as it has in England nowadays; but I do think people ought to see how there are deep-rooted iniquities which can only be got rid of through suffering and struggle and sacrifice, in which the innocent must bear their part as well as the guilty. It seems as if the divine words "Without shedding of blood there is no remission" had a wide human application, along with their more sacred meaning.
—Tuesday, May Day. A frightful crisis in politics is gathering up. Hitherto the Liberal leaders, though they have from time to time made speeches more or less hostile to the Government's Eastern policy, have never come to a direct vote upon it. The outbreak of war, coupled with the increased and ever-increasing pro-Turkism of Government utterances, has poked up Uncle W. to a conviction that it is the duty of the Opposition to protest distinctly against Turkey's utter disregard of all Ld. Derby's threats and expostulations, to declare that she has forfeited all claim upon English support, either material or moral, and to pronounce in favour of European concert to coerce her. He justifies this by the serious danger we are in of Ld. Beaconsfield entangling us, or letting some diplomatic turn of the wheel entangle us, in war on behalf of Turkey. Dizzy's real heart (for once!) seems to be in the matter; at all events for months past the Government tone has been steadily growing milder towards Turkey, while their organs in the press are diligent in fanning the panic-distrust and hatred of Russia to the utmost. One knows that neutrality is always a position full of anxiety, at a time of war about which one's country is deeply excited, and though there is a strong desire in this country to keep out of it, it hardly wants all Dizzy's great gifts of craft and party-management to get us involved, with his big and most submissive majority at his back. On the other hand, Hartington and the rest of the ex-Cabinet do not consider it right at this time to tie the hands of the Government, or embarrass them by an attack. Their view is that as long as strict neutrality is observed we have no business to take so serious a responsibility at such a moment, on mere vague grounds of possible machinations in favour of Turkey; that to do so would split the Liberal party and thereby directly strengthen Dizzy's hands and encourage the Porte; whereas if we waited until a real proposal of going to war for Turkey was before the House, the party would unite as one man against it, with far greater effect. The upshot is that Uncle W., after much discussion with Lord Granville, and finding that Hartington can't conscientiously support him, is going to move certain Resolutions conveying all he wished, independent of the front Opposition Bench; Sir John Lubbock will move the "previous question," and dreadful confusion and ruin of the party accordingly stares us in the face....
To Harley St. after dinner; poor Auntie P. looked worried to death, and F. is nearly wild. How can he leave Cavendish in the lurch, and yet to be driven to vote against Uncle W. seems almost inconceivable to him.
—Thursday, 3rd. Agnes went to the drawing-room with Auntie P. and they looked a beautiful couple.
—Friday, May 4th. Went to see Alice Egerton and Gertrude Pennant. Gertrude and I talked politics, my only wish about her in that line being to keep up her faith in Uncle W. being an honest man, for the Toryissimus Toryism in the midst of which she now lives has a bitter hatred of him and disbelief in his public, and private ! ! morality, as its centre. Dined with Mr. Balfour, Ly. Rayleigh entertaining.
—Saturday, 5th. Poor distracted F. has taken up a notion (of Mr. Dodson's) as to altering the Resolutions, which gives a ray of hope. He was busy scribbling down an amended 2nd Resolution all breakfast time, being off afterwards to breakfast at Grillion's, whence he went on to Harley St. I augured well from his not turning up again till luncheon time, and sure enough Uncle W. was very willing to do all in his power, short of giving up his attack, to keep the party together: influenced by loyal feeling to Hartington, and the horror of giving Turkey the triumph of seeing the party split by an anti-Turkey motion. The main principle is clearly laid down in the 2nd Resolution as it is to be amended, viz., "that the Porte has sacrificed all claim to either moral or material support from England." This amended form is to be proposed by Mr. Trevelyan, and Uncle W. will not press the remaining Resolutions. F. was busy all the morning between Harley Street and Devonshire House, and Ld. Granville and others confabulated also with Hartington. All was arranged, and Charles and I went off to Wellington College immensely relieved ; F. settling not to come till Sunday morning in case he might be wanted.
27Apr1877, A Reading a Mrs. Loyd Lindsay's
LONDON, April 27th, 1877.
—Delightful reading at Mrs. Loyd Lindsay's by a first-rate Mr. Brandram of "Midsummer Night's Dream."
—Delightful reading at Mrs. Loyd Lindsay's by a first-rate Mr. Brandram of "Midsummer Night's Dream."
21Apr1877, Figure of Papa by Forsyth
LONDON, Saturday, April 21st, 1877.
—Our golden day. A prosaic treat for it, going together to hear Mr. Bartley lecture a roomful of P.M.W. [FN: Parochial Mission Women] and their ladies on Provident Knowledge. Afterwards we both with M. went to see the recumbent figure of Papa by Forsyth for Worcester Cathedral. It is a fine thing, and has much likeness, tho' Forsyth never saw him. To tea with the Wortleys, high gee Margaret's engagement to Reginald Talbot; a handsome couple; also Constance Lawley's to Eustace Vesey, after some years' attachment, he in India, lately returned. Dined with the G. O. Trevelyans, meeting the Secularist Education firebrand Mr. Morley [FN: John Morley, afterwards Viscount Morley of Blackburn], who, however, was as gentle as a sucking dove to talk to.
—Our golden day. A prosaic treat for it, going together to hear Mr. Bartley lecture a roomful of P.M.W. [FN: Parochial Mission Women] and their ladies on Provident Knowledge. Afterwards we both with M. went to see the recumbent figure of Papa by Forsyth for Worcester Cathedral. It is a fine thing, and has much likeness, tho' Forsyth never saw him. To tea with the Wortleys, high gee Margaret's engagement to Reginald Talbot; a handsome couple; also Constance Lawley's to Eustace Vesey, after some years' attachment, he in India, lately returned. Dined with the G. O. Trevelyans, meeting the Secularist Education firebrand Mr. Morley [FN: John Morley, afterwards Viscount Morley of Blackburn], who, however, was as gentle as a sucking dove to talk to.
17Apr1877, The Unfortunate Nobleman at Dartmoor
LONDON, Tuesday, April 17th, 1877.
—The idiotic lovers of the "Unfortunate Nobleman at Dartmoor" (i.e., Orton the swindler) tried to get up a "Demonstration" to besiege the H. of Commons with some crazy petition. It ended, in true British style, by policemen preventing more than the orthodox ten men marching into the lobby, Mr. Cross receiving a deputation and snubbing them all round with perfect civility, and Whalley inviting the leading donkey, one De Morgan, to a cup of tea in the tea-room of the H. of Commons; a delightful bathos. "De Morgan" being a bankrupt hatter, Punch has a nice picture founded on the Mad Tea-Party in "Alice in Wonderland."
—The idiotic lovers of the "Unfortunate Nobleman at Dartmoor" (i.e., Orton the swindler) tried to get up a "Demonstration" to besiege the H. of Commons with some crazy petition. It ended, in true British style, by policemen preventing more than the orthodox ten men marching into the lobby, Mr. Cross receiving a deputation and snubbing them all round with perfect civility, and Whalley inviting the leading donkey, one De Morgan, to a cup of tea in the tea-room of the H. of Commons; a delightful bathos. "De Morgan" being a bankrupt hatter, Punch has a nice picture founded on the Mad Tea-Party in "Alice in Wonderland."
19Mar1877, Uncle Wm. Wouldn't Rise
CAMBRIDGE, LONDON, March 19th-25th, 1877.
— King's Coll. Chapel at 8. Came back to London Hospital. Dined in Harley Street to see the last of Stephy and Herbert. Uncle W. did not put his best leg forward; I wanted him either to talk over his sons and the Cape; or Cambridge with me; or Eastern Question; or Newnham College and Helen: but he wouldn't rise much to anything, and went off into trolls about wine (than which! — all men are subject to attacks of it) and old jokes. After dinner I believe he was eloquent about the Montenegrins and their wonderful courage.
— King's Coll. Chapel at 8. Came back to London Hospital. Dined in Harley Street to see the last of Stephy and Herbert. Uncle W. did not put his best leg forward; I wanted him either to talk over his sons and the Cape; or Cambridge with me; or Eastern Question; or Newnham College and Helen: but he wouldn't rise much to anything, and went off into trolls about wine (than which! — all men are subject to attacks of it) and old jokes. After dinner I believe he was eloquent about the Montenegrins and their wonderful courage.
18Mar1877, Visiting Alfred at Cambridge
CAMBRIDGE, Sunday, March 18th, 1877.
—Walked about with F. afterwards and ended at Alfred's rooms for luncheon. Enjoyed the sight of his beautiful books — presents and prizes, with such loving head-turning inscriptions within! He and we thence to S. Mary's, where F. and I had to stand all thro' a gorgeous rhetorical sermon by Dr. Farrar in aid of schools: there was not much in it, however; but what there was, good. A mighty mass of undergraduates. He caused a good deal of stir last Sunday by a great onslaught on Drink. After this, we went straightway to Newnham Coll., where they left me and I had a delightful troll with the nice old Principal (Miss Clough) and sight of the girls' rooms. It seems doing admirably; and the tone of the girls feminine and unaffected. They attend lectures in Cambridge and hear some in their College. Some go in for the whole University course, but the most part are content with the Higher Local Examination. Mazy, who was here last week (staying with the Sidgwicks), is hot upon the brilliant idea of Helen going up there for a few years. F. and Alfred returned for me, and were shown all over the Coll., bedrooms and all ! by one of the students, to their great amusement; but Alfred looked so academic in his cap and gown that it seemed quite the right thing. There seems to be all proper care and chaperonage, and regular hours, but no stupid primness or unnecessary constraint. Went round by the Backs to call on Nora Sidgwick: then paid a visit to Mrs. Thompson. The Master came up, and was most kind and cordial; delighted us beyond by saying that he would have given the Hulsean Essay Prize to Arthur, who was so nearly successful as to be printed full length as "prox accessit" or whatever the sayin' is. Likewise said the Master that he greatly regretted Arthur's not getting the Fellowship, for which he was better suited, in every respect but pure learning, than the man who got it. Oh, how my mind turned at once to darling daddy! it seems as if I must tell him.
—Walked about with F. afterwards and ended at Alfred's rooms for luncheon. Enjoyed the sight of his beautiful books — presents and prizes, with such loving head-turning inscriptions within! He and we thence to S. Mary's, where F. and I had to stand all thro' a gorgeous rhetorical sermon by Dr. Farrar in aid of schools: there was not much in it, however; but what there was, good. A mighty mass of undergraduates. He caused a good deal of stir last Sunday by a great onslaught on Drink. After this, we went straightway to Newnham Coll., where they left me and I had a delightful troll with the nice old Principal (Miss Clough) and sight of the girls' rooms. It seems doing admirably; and the tone of the girls feminine and unaffected. They attend lectures in Cambridge and hear some in their College. Some go in for the whole University course, but the most part are content with the Higher Local Examination. Mazy, who was here last week (staying with the Sidgwicks), is hot upon the brilliant idea of Helen going up there for a few years. F. and Alfred returned for me, and were shown all over the Coll., bedrooms and all ! by one of the students, to their great amusement; but Alfred looked so academic in his cap and gown that it seemed quite the right thing. There seems to be all proper care and chaperonage, and regular hours, but no stupid primness or unnecessary constraint. Went round by the Backs to call on Nora Sidgwick: then paid a visit to Mrs. Thompson. The Master came up, and was most kind and cordial; delighted us beyond by saying that he would have given the Hulsean Essay Prize to Arthur, who was so nearly successful as to be printed full length as "prox accessit" or whatever the sayin' is. Likewise said the Master that he greatly regretted Arthur's not getting the Fellowship, for which he was better suited, in every respect but pure learning, than the man who got it. Oh, how my mind turned at once to darling daddy! it seems as if I must tell him.
19Feb1877, Dear Hon. and Rev. Arthur
LONDON, February 19 th-25th, 1877.
—Stopt at Reading on my way to London, F. being obliged to go on for the House. Dear Hon. and Rev. Arthur [FN: Her brother Arthur was a curate at Reading at this time] met me on the platform, walked me about the town (mem. quite the finest new town-hall I have ever seen), gave me an excellent luncheon in his snug lodgings all be-booked and be-pictured (I buttered his good ugly landlady for making him so comfortable), and then took me to see his new church, and his mission-room, etc. He is very happy, and the parish most beautifully organized and full of flourishing good works: services and schools crowded, young men's guilds, and what not; and a galaxy of what he calls "holy spinsters" ready to fly to the rescue on all occasions. Being a supernumerary, he is not over-worked, but has time for reading, just as Papa would have wished.
—Stopt at Reading on my way to London, F. being obliged to go on for the House. Dear Hon. and Rev. Arthur [FN: Her brother Arthur was a curate at Reading at this time] met me on the platform, walked me about the town (mem. quite the finest new town-hall I have ever seen), gave me an excellent luncheon in his snug lodgings all be-booked and be-pictured (I buttered his good ugly landlady for making him so comfortable), and then took me to see his new church, and his mission-room, etc. He is very happy, and the parish most beautifully organized and full of flourishing good works: services and schools crowded, young men's guilds, and what not; and a galaxy of what he calls "holy spinsters" ready to fly to the rescue on all occasions. Being a supernumerary, he is not over-worked, but has time for reading, just as Papa would have wished.
11Dec1876, Comments on Gladstone
HAWARDEN, December 11th-17th, 1876.
—Uncle W., in spite of hankering after his tree-cutting, was inveigled into walks. He goes at his old pace and is as well as possible. I don't know anyone who strikes one as happier; sorrows don't take the spring out of him, and he finds constant delight in all his work and interests; his strong steadfast religion (like Papa's) underlying and shining thro' his whole character.
—Uncle W., in spite of hankering after his tree-cutting, was inveigled into walks. He goes at his old pace and is as well as possible. I don't know anyone who strikes one as happier; sorrows don't take the spring out of him, and he finds constant delight in all his work and interests; his strong steadfast religion (like Papa's) underlying and shining thro' his whole character.
04Dec1876, An Odd Trio of Books
HOLKER, December 4th-10th, 1876.
—Tallee the greatest of breaks and helps to me—the more that F. was busy Mon. and Tues. We read and greatly enjoy the odd trio of books—Butler's "Analogy," the "Faery Queen," and Carlyle's "French Revolution." Good heart for 5 days. In the evening with F. "The Abbot."
—Tallee the greatest of breaks and helps to me—the more that F. was busy Mon. and Tues. We read and greatly enjoy the odd trio of books—Butler's "Analogy," the "Faery Queen," and Carlyle's "French Revolution." Good heart for 5 days. In the evening with F. "The Abbot."
30Oct1876, Cavendish and the Eastern Question
CHATSWORTH, October 30th–November 5th, 1876.
—Cavendish came, and on Friday he and F. went off to Keighley for the opening of a Liberal Club, and Cavendish made an excellent straightforward speech on the Eastern Question, which must do good: it was the more weighty against Government for its sober moderation of tone.
—Cavendish came, and on Friday he and F. went off to Keighley for the opening of a Liberal Club, and Cavendish made an excellent straightforward speech on the Eastern Question, which must do good: it was the more weighty against Government for its sober moderation of tone.
16Oct1876, Cavendish Meets with the Turks
HOLKER, October 16th-22nd, 1876.
—Cavendish writes from Constantinople to the Duke, full of contempt for Turkish truth or capacity for reform, yet speaking of the impossibility of securing other good government for the Provinces (which, left to themselves, would fall into civil war or anarchy) without foreign occupation agreed on by all the Powers—which agreement he sees little hope of securing. A nice kettle of fish altogether. Meanwhile Uncle W. is aghast at Cavendish having dined with certain representative Turks, and wrote to F. that they were "symbols of iniquity"; but how was he to have any intercourse with them, such as seemed necessary for forming opinions about the future, and yet refuse hospitality? especially in the East.
—Cavendish writes from Constantinople to the Duke, full of contempt for Turkish truth or capacity for reform, yet speaking of the impossibility of securing other good government for the Provinces (which, left to themselves, would fall into civil war or anarchy) without foreign occupation agreed on by all the Powers—which agreement he sees little hope of securing. A nice kettle of fish altogether. Meanwhile Uncle W. is aghast at Cavendish having dined with certain representative Turks, and wrote to F. that they were "symbols of iniquity"; but how was he to have any intercourse with them, such as seemed necessary for forming opinions about the future, and yet refuse hospitality? especially in the East.
02Oct1876, Gladstone and the Eastern Matter
CASTLE HOWARD, October 2nd-8th, 1876.
—The most magnificent rainbow I ever saw on Saturday just before sunset, bending over the mausoleum right across the whole sky; the colours fairly dazzling, which I never saw before in a rainbow. While we were gazing at it, we became gradually aware of cheers, and at last took it into our heads to guess what was up; rushed to the N. front, and sure enough, there was the omnibus containing the W.E.G.s being dragged up to the door by a multitude of men; with Aunt Lizzy and dear old Bob (kindly asked over from Escrick) sharing the honours, and no doubt sadly conscious of their extra weight. The W. E. G.s have been paying various visits in the N. and undergoing many receptions and addresses, in spite of efforts to dodge them. . . .
Morning Church at Welborne; walked back with F. and Uncle W. If I was but a Boswell, my journal might be worth reading! but I can never trust my memory. He has the most absolute disbelief in the Government upon the Eastern matter, considering Dizzy to be Dizzy, and Ld. Derby, from his hatred of responsibility, Dizzy's mere tool. Much of the press is open-mouthed against. Uncle W. for impatient and factious action; but he thinks that he gave Government all imaginable rope and hoped against hope to the last moment; this being Oct. and their course having been obstructive and pro-Turk and neutral and shilly-shally for many months. I don't think he weighs the great difficulties ahead as to bringing about local self-government in these partially (and only partially) Christian provinces; he is absorbed in the one strong feeling that the Turkish Government is so execrable and hopelessly vile and bad, that it must be put a stop to in the oppressed provinces at all hazards—just as slavery had to be abolished. "Only," says he, "the present case is so far worse than slavery that it is no inferior race which is being abused."
I said something of the Pall Mall and the World's supreme contempt for the national indignation, warning statesmen against "mob rule," and this set him off upon a grand burst of "When did the Upper Ten Thousand ever lead the attack in the cause of humanity? Their heads are always full of class interests and the main chance"; or words to that effect. Of one thing I am as certain as I have been all my life —that there is no personal ambition or any motive but love of justice and mercy (and utter disbelief in Dizzy, I allow) in his present course.
—The most magnificent rainbow I ever saw on Saturday just before sunset, bending over the mausoleum right across the whole sky; the colours fairly dazzling, which I never saw before in a rainbow. While we were gazing at it, we became gradually aware of cheers, and at last took it into our heads to guess what was up; rushed to the N. front, and sure enough, there was the omnibus containing the W.E.G.s being dragged up to the door by a multitude of men; with Aunt Lizzy and dear old Bob (kindly asked over from Escrick) sharing the honours, and no doubt sadly conscious of their extra weight. The W. E. G.s have been paying various visits in the N. and undergoing many receptions and addresses, in spite of efforts to dodge them. . . .
Morning Church at Welborne; walked back with F. and Uncle W. If I was but a Boswell, my journal might be worth reading! but I can never trust my memory. He has the most absolute disbelief in the Government upon the Eastern matter, considering Dizzy to be Dizzy, and Ld. Derby, from his hatred of responsibility, Dizzy's mere tool. Much of the press is open-mouthed against. Uncle W. for impatient and factious action; but he thinks that he gave Government all imaginable rope and hoped against hope to the last moment; this being Oct. and their course having been obstructive and pro-Turk and neutral and shilly-shally for many months. I don't think he weighs the great difficulties ahead as to bringing about local self-government in these partially (and only partially) Christian provinces; he is absorbed in the one strong feeling that the Turkish Government is so execrable and hopelessly vile and bad, that it must be put a stop to in the oppressed provinces at all hazards—just as slavery had to be abolished. "Only," says he, "the present case is so far worse than slavery that it is no inferior race which is being abused."
I said something of the Pall Mall and the World's supreme contempt for the national indignation, warning statesmen against "mob rule," and this set him off upon a grand burst of "When did the Upper Ten Thousand ever lead the attack in the cause of humanity? Their heads are always full of class interests and the main chance"; or words to that effect. Of one thing I am as certain as I have been all my life —that there is no personal ambition or any motive but love of justice and mercy (and utter disbelief in Dizzy, I allow) in his present course.
28Aug1876, A Shooting Machine
BOLTON, August 28th–September 3rd, 1876.
—N.B. Speaker and Harry Brands (sic) and Ld. De Grey came this week. Ld. de Grey [FN: The last Marquess of Ripon, a very famous shot.] a curious mixture of both parents to look at. He can be pretty nearly summed up as a shooting machine; kills double anybody else.
—N.B. Speaker and Harry Brands (sic) and Ld. De Grey came this week. Ld. de Grey [FN: The last Marquess of Ripon, a very famous shot.] a curious mixture of both parents to look at. He can be pretty nearly summed up as a shooting machine; kills double anybody else.
21Aug1876, Lady of the House
BOLTON, August 21st-27th, 1876.
—Frank and Lou and their little company came on Tues. to my great refreshment; the having to be lady of the house and bother my head over muffins and bedrooms is quite absurdly trying to me now I am so down on the springs; but besides, Lou is the greatest dear to me and rests my spirit.
—Frank and Lou and their little company came on Tues. to my great refreshment; the having to be lady of the house and bother my head over muffins and bedrooms is quite absurdly trying to me now I am so down on the springs; but besides, Lou is the greatest dear to me and rests my spirit.
Monday, January 03, 2011
31Jul1876, Improvements to Althorp Estate
LONDON, July 31st—August 6th, 1876.
—A capital piece of matrimonial news after all the twopenny ones: B. and the Bishop of Exeter!! [FN: Beatrice Lascelles, cousin of Lord Frederick, married Dr. Temple, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury.] She is in great happiness. I have always thought highly of him, knowing Papa and Uncle B.'s high opinion of him. Folk say he is undoubtedly much in love. I had tea at No. 62 on Friday and found him there; liked much his simple, quiet manner, manly and unconstrained. They are to be married the end of August, and after September he will be hard at work. B.'s episcopal experience will begin at the Land's End where he holds Confirmations in October....
We went to Harleston, where the Spencers are staying, while Althorp is to be turned over to builders for improvements. I have never been there since a happy visit before I married with Papa, in 1863, when he hunted with great enjoyment on a famous hunter of Spencer's called Pale-Ale, and affronted Spencer by blaming the horse for refusing a brook. "My dear George, you rode him at it with a loose rein—you never put his head at it!" "Well, all I know is, my old hunter would have gone over it if I had put his tail at it!" How well I remember this! We all went over to Althorp, Sunday afternoon, and in spite of its being all in curl-papers I revived old old recollections, going back to New Year '54, and Uncle Fritz calling me Topsy. They have laid out a garden on one side which is an immense improvement.
—A capital piece of matrimonial news after all the twopenny ones: B. and the Bishop of Exeter!! [FN: Beatrice Lascelles, cousin of Lord Frederick, married Dr. Temple, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury.] She is in great happiness. I have always thought highly of him, knowing Papa and Uncle B.'s high opinion of him. Folk say he is undoubtedly much in love. I had tea at No. 62 on Friday and found him there; liked much his simple, quiet manner, manly and unconstrained. They are to be married the end of August, and after September he will be hard at work. B.'s episcopal experience will begin at the Land's End where he holds Confirmations in October....
We went to Harleston, where the Spencers are staying, while Althorp is to be turned over to builders for improvements. I have never been there since a happy visit before I married with Papa, in 1863, when he hunted with great enjoyment on a famous hunter of Spencer's called Pale-Ale, and affronted Spencer by blaming the horse for refusing a brook. "My dear George, you rode him at it with a loose rein—you never put his head at it!" "Well, all I know is, my old hunter would have gone over it if I had put his tail at it!" How well I remember this! We all went over to Althorp, Sunday afternoon, and in spite of its being all in curl-papers I revived old old recollections, going back to New Year '54, and Uncle Fritz calling me Topsy. They have laid out a garden on one side which is an immense improvement.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
24Jul1876, Painting Wellington's Forehead
LONDON, July 24th-30th, 1876.
—Ld. and Ly. Robartes. He and Uncle W. were good company at breakfast. He told me an anecdote of the D. of Wellington's always insisting on having his forehead represented in painting or sculpture wider than it was, and Chantrey telling Lucas, to whom the Duke was sitting. Uncle W. (so exactly like him!) took the story desperately to heart as being unworthy of the Duke's high sense of truth; and it was impossible to make him see how the story might be quite consistent with his truth of intention: he might have honestly supposed his forehead wider and Chantrey may have humoured him.
—Ld. and Ly. Robartes. He and Uncle W. were good company at breakfast. He told me an anecdote of the D. of Wellington's always insisting on having his forehead represented in painting or sculpture wider than it was, and Chantrey telling Lucas, to whom the Duke was sitting. Uncle W. (so exactly like him!) took the story desperately to heart as being unworthy of the Duke's high sense of truth; and it was impossible to make him see how the story might be quite consistent with his truth of intention: he might have honestly supposed his forehead wider and Chantrey may have humoured him.
24Apr1876, Thoughts of Papa
HAGLEY, April 24th-30th, 1876.
—F. and I stayed on at Hagley. Sybella most touching in the absolute unselfishness and patience with which she bears her great grief: she has constant tears to relieve her, and clings to his children, and turns to the religious thoughts and words which were the "strength of his life," to comfort her in his death. She told me that though she could never get him to teach her by precept, yet by degrees, as she learnt more and more of his character and its motive power, she grew into sympathy with his religion; and that learning to feel with him "doubled and trebled" her love for him. Many beautiful lessons has his life taught us all—such as courage, trust, generosity, truth, wide sympathies, and kind judgments coupled with hatred of evil and the highest standard of right ; but the chief lesson of all is, how to blend the Love of God and the golden thread of religion with common daily life in the world—with all duty, with dry detail, with pleasures and enjoyments and mirth; with sorrow, trial, and disappointment; and so to do this as to produce, not scrupulosity or gloom, but the joyful spirit of a loving son, the glad service of willing obedience. Nobody showed more by every day of his active life that God's service is perfect freedom, and His ways the way of pleasantness and peace. All our lives through, accordingly, his beautiful example has taught us that the Church's life of religion is the happy and complete life, and that seeking first the Kingdom of God all other things are added to us. Nevy once said to me, "The governor always showed us that duty must come first of all." Letters pour in upon us, and are very helpful and soothing in showing how deeply and widely all that was best in him was known and loved. Hardly one but calls it a "noble life"; and in the light of it the awful darkness at the end seems to shrink to a point.
—F. and I stayed on at Hagley. Sybella most touching in the absolute unselfishness and patience with which she bears her great grief: she has constant tears to relieve her, and clings to his children, and turns to the religious thoughts and words which were the "strength of his life," to comfort her in his death. She told me that though she could never get him to teach her by precept, yet by degrees, as she learnt more and more of his character and its motive power, she grew into sympathy with his religion; and that learning to feel with him "doubled and trebled" her love for him. Many beautiful lessons has his life taught us all—such as courage, trust, generosity, truth, wide sympathies, and kind judgments coupled with hatred of evil and the highest standard of right ; but the chief lesson of all is, how to blend the Love of God and the golden thread of religion with common daily life in the world—with all duty, with dry detail, with pleasures and enjoyments and mirth; with sorrow, trial, and disappointment; and so to do this as to produce, not scrupulosity or gloom, but the joyful spirit of a loving son, the glad service of willing obedience. Nobody showed more by every day of his active life that God's service is perfect freedom, and His ways the way of pleasantness and peace. All our lives through, accordingly, his beautiful example has taught us that the Church's life of religion is the happy and complete life, and that seeking first the Kingdom of God all other things are added to us. Nevy once said to me, "The governor always showed us that duty must come first of all." Letters pour in upon us, and are very helpful and soothing in showing how deeply and widely all that was best in him was known and loved. Hardly one but calls it a "noble life"; and in the light of it the awful darkness at the end seems to shrink to a point.
19Apr1876, Papa Ends His Life
LISMORE, April 17th-23rd, 1876.
—It has been God's will to send us a terrible anguish. On Monday morning came from Aunt Coque a sadly disheartening account of dear Papa. The latter days of the week before last we all saw hopeful symptoms, especially in his looks and also in his diminished restlessness, and power of occupying himself for longer times together. (Tho' all along as always during former attacks he has done whatever work he had to do.) If he had been younger, no doubt this would have been the beginning of recovery as formerly. But from Aunt C.'s letter it seemed that he had entered upon a different and darker stage : utter lassitude and hopeless distress, with occasional paroxysms of misery. Never any delusion or altered feeling towards any of us, but true perplexities all exaggerated....
God only knows what his anguish has been these many weeks past, deepening and deepening upon him ; yet through all what gentleness and uncomplaining patience and affection! and what faith in God! We never thought of anything worse than a longer trial than usual. Hitherto his vigorous health, both mental and physical, has always thrown off the attacks, and he has recovered absolutely; they have rolled away like clouds....
On Easter Monday he wrote kindly and sympathetically to Archdeacon Horn, on hearing of his daughter's death, ending his letter with a few words about being detained in London by "some sort of nervous complaint" and a word or two on business. The very morning after came upon him what we do indeed believe was a messenger of release (God seeing that His true and loving servant could no longer bear the anguish), a momentary and over-mastering paroxysm. Not knowing what he did, he rushed away from the man who was always with him in his room, and fell over the banisters: we shall never know if it was in any degree accidental or not, but we do know he was as unaccountable as if a lightning-stroke had fallen on him....
And at a little past midnight God took him to His Eternal Peace.
—It has been God's will to send us a terrible anguish. On Monday morning came from Aunt Coque a sadly disheartening account of dear Papa. The latter days of the week before last we all saw hopeful symptoms, especially in his looks and also in his diminished restlessness, and power of occupying himself for longer times together. (Tho' all along as always during former attacks he has done whatever work he had to do.) If he had been younger, no doubt this would have been the beginning of recovery as formerly. But from Aunt C.'s letter it seemed that he had entered upon a different and darker stage : utter lassitude and hopeless distress, with occasional paroxysms of misery. Never any delusion or altered feeling towards any of us, but true perplexities all exaggerated....
God only knows what his anguish has been these many weeks past, deepening and deepening upon him ; yet through all what gentleness and uncomplaining patience and affection! and what faith in God! We never thought of anything worse than a longer trial than usual. Hitherto his vigorous health, both mental and physical, has always thrown off the attacks, and he has recovered absolutely; they have rolled away like clouds....
On Easter Monday he wrote kindly and sympathetically to Archdeacon Horn, on hearing of his daughter's death, ending his letter with a few words about being detained in London by "some sort of nervous complaint" and a word or two on business. The very morning after came upon him what we do indeed believe was a messenger of release (God seeing that His true and loving servant could no longer bear the anguish), a momentary and over-mastering paroxysm. Not knowing what he did, he rushed away from the man who was always with him in his room, and fell over the banisters: we shall never know if it was in any degree accidental or not, but we do know he was as unaccountable as if a lightning-stroke had fallen on him....
And at a little past midnight God took him to His Eternal Peace.
06Mar1876, The Queen Opens a Grocers' Wing
LONDON, Tues. March 6th-12th, 1876.
—With Ly. Robartes and At. Coque to L. Hospital to see the Queen open the "Grocers' Co. wing." The whole way up Whitechapel gaily decorated, be-mottoed, and thronged with loyal people. Bright cold weather. The Q. very punctual : stood rather grim and glum on her platform, but at the right moments, when she did bow and smile and make those incomparable curtseys of hers, was, in spite of her little dowdy black bonnet, as Queen-like and gracious as ever.
—With Ly. Robartes and At. Coque to L. Hospital to see the Queen open the "Grocers' Co. wing." The whole way up Whitechapel gaily decorated, be-mottoed, and thronged with loyal people. Bright cold weather. The Q. very punctual : stood rather grim and glum on her platform, but at the right moments, when she did bow and smile and make those incomparable curtseys of hers, was, in spite of her little dowdy black bonnet, as Queen-like and gracious as ever.
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