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Soon after the
news of the Turkish atrocities in Bulgaria startled the world, a big
London committee was formed to organise public opinion to denounce
Turkish rule in Europe, and to condemn Disraeli in consequence of
his Turkish proclivities. Scores of public meetings were held, and
the greatest of them in St. James's Hall, which was presided over
by the Duke of Westminster and addressed by Mr. Gladstone. Knowing
that Thomas Carlyle shared our views, it was decided to ask him to
take the chair at this meeting, and I was appointed to see him on
the subject. I did so, and found him obliging, but in broken health.
He expressed his inability to preside, much as he agreed with our
action. He said: "My work is done, and I shall not be sorry when
the Almighty takes me to Himself "-words, coming from such a
source, well worth remembering. |
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name of John Bright being mentioned, Carlyle warmed up, and said he
did not like John Bright, as many years before he was in his company
and considered him an egotistic man. I said I had known Bright for
many years, and cooperated with him in many ways, and always found
him otherwise. "Ah," said Carlyle with pathos, "perhaps
I was mistaken, and may have misjudged him; and, if so, I should be
sorry." When Disraeli's name was mentioned, the old sage's attitude
stiffened, and, weak and weary as he was, and putting warmth and energy
into his words, he spoke with scorn of Disraeli and his leadership
of the Conservative party. Among other things he said: "I wonder
how long this pretentious Jew will be allowed to dance on John Bull's
body." And this, it should be remembered, was said some time
after Disraeli had offered Carlyle a titular distinction-an offer
that was politely declined. He preferred to remain what he had made
himself, without Court recognition or adornment of any kind. |
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