Complete. Translation of J. N. Jordan for the Nineteenth Century, 1884.

ON the twenty-seventh of March, 1879, I called upon Beaconsfield. He is a man of marvelous attainments and great decision of character, and though over seventy years of age shows no sign of physical decay. The English look upon him as the Great Wall of their country. I have been given to understand that during the struggle between Russia and Turkey, the Turks, conscious of their weakness, were prepared to sue for peace on any terms the Russians might wish to impose. Beaconsfield saw that it was against the interests of England to allow Russia to carry out her designs upon Turkey, and it was entirely owing to him that British troops were employed to assist Turkey and thwart Russia.

  The High Ministers and Members of Parliament in England disapproved of the use of force, but Beaconsfield, not heeding their remonstrances, moved the troops and made such a demonstration of war that Russia took fright and finally accepted the English conditions. Beaconsfield’s reputation was greatly enhanced by this stroke of policy. When he goes to the House of Parliament, old and young, women and children, flock thither to get a sight of him and hear his words. As they watch his dignified bearing, whispers of approval and respectful deference mark their admiration of the man. Beaconsfield, though far advanced in years, is so pressed with public business that foreign envoys wishing to see him have to arrange the time of meeting beforehand by letter, and so I followed the same course. His manner was gracious and courteous; his words few and impressive. Our conversation was confined to ordinary topics.