William Gladstone
“I've had him.”
“God's only mistake”
So you're sitting in the gallery of the House of Commons, listening to the MPs blah-blah-blah each other to death. You're starting to drift off when a tall, distinguished man suddenly rises from one of the benches. You sit up. You wonder, "Who is that cute guy and what is he doing here?" He takes several brisk steps to the podium, and you're captivated. Your heart throbs, your body shakes -- and, what's that? Sweat on your brow? Indeed it is.
And when the presiding officer announces, "The gentleman from Midlothian is recognized," you (and a lot of other teenage girls) are screaming at the top of your head. You're helpless -- you've fallen under the spell of William Ewart Gladstone.
Billy Trivia!
Did you know:
- Billy's favorite food is beef?
- Billy's favorite band is Gilbert and Sullivan?
- Billy relaxes by chopping down trees?
- Billy collects books?
- That Billy loved going to school? Well -- MOST of the time! Classics was a lot of fun! he says. But I HATED maths! Hated, hated, hated!
- That Billy thinks the best quality a girl can have is a good sense of humor?
- That Billy's real last name is "Gladstones?" He dropped the 'S' because of his singular hunkiness!
A Day in the Life of Billy
What's it like being the leader of the Liberal Party in the late nineteenth Century, sun-up to sundown? It's really busy! Billy says. But a lot of fun! I go to debates and listen to people talk about our Empire and our people. You get to vote on the big issues of the day and shape your nation for decades to come. And you go toe-to-toe against those mean old Conservatives who blame me for Gordon's death. I love it! I wouldn't change places with anyone!
Would England's hottest man dare to become Prime Minister again? Oh, the thought has crossed my mind, he said. But that's for the people to decide, right? If you say yes, I'll say yes! Well, Billy, Great Britain will return you to Parliament with a majority of handsomeness!
Billy Dishes!
The lithographers just can't keep up with Billy and Queen Victoria -- from those public appearances to that weekend getaway! So, Billy, are all those rumors true?
- (laughs) Oh, well, Vickie's a good friend, a really good friend. We like spending time together. She teases me that I talk to her like a public meeting, but that's just who I am. No -- I'd just say we're friends right now. Yeah. Just friends.
And what about Benjamin Disraeli and all those stories about a feud?
- Well, you know, we would exchange some heated words from time to time, but I think we always respected each other. I mean, he came from where he came from, and I came from where I came from, and I think that led to most of our fights. But really, it was never on the scale of what you read about.
How about the Turks' suppression of the Bulgarian rebellion?
- There is not a criminal in an European jail, there is not a criminal in the South Sea Islands, whose indignation would not rise and over-boil at the recital of that which has been done, which has too late been examined, but which remains unavenged, which has left behind all the foul and all the fierce passions which produced it and which may again spring up in another murderous harvest from the soil soaked and reeking with blood and in the air tainted with every imaginable deed of crime and shame.
MEET BILLY!
That's right, girls -- you can meet William Gladstone! Billy doesn't want to be separated from his numerous fans. That's why he roams the streets at night, looking to "rescue" women from a life without him! All you have to do is hit the pavement after sunset, find a pimp and hang around well-heeled, respectable men! Not only will you get to meet people, you might even make some money on the side. And who knows? Maybe you will be the lucky lady who gets a lecture from Billy about your life of shame!
If you see a gentleman with a whip, run to his side as fast as you can -- a crowd is sure to form!
Overcoming adversity
So, you've been prime minister, you've passed reform bills and every girl is waiting by the parcel box, hoping you'll write. Life is just about perfect, right? Wrong. Billy accidentally shot off a finger on his left hand several years ago, and had to learn how to live with nine digits. It's been tough, but Billy says it has taught him to work hard. Adversity is something we all face, he says. But never give up! Spread your wings and you'll be amazed at how far you can fly!
- This article incorporates text from the Feb. 3, 1891 issue of Dynamite magazine, which is in the public domain.
Bibliography
- The Life And Times Of Benjamin Disraeli
- 'Curb-crawlin' on the mean streets of Da Downing Ghetto fo' fallen women for my Liberal Schemes, YO.' - From the 1879 Midlothian Campaign speeches.
See also
- Benjamin Disraeli, for he's at least as gorgeous as Gladstone!
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