6 JULY 1962, Page 7

Glorious Grime

1 was reading a book of memoirs of French life in the late nineteenth century and came across the most striking political tribute that I have encountered for some time. 'This,' said a staunch Republican, 'is the hand that has shaken Gambetta's. I have not washed it since.' It is not recorded whether or not the memorialist's father, to whom the remark was made, was par- ticularly gratified by having to greet so unwashed a patriot, but I found myself wondering whether any similar act of hero-worship has ever been paid to British statesmen. Perhaps my readers can help me?

STARBUCK