LORD CROMER ON DISRAELI.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The intense interest aroused by Lord Cromer's articles on " Disraeli," and on his, alas ! sadly interrupted biography, must necessarily be more stirring still to those who have been brought more than once " into personal communication" with Lord Beaconsfield. I venture to think that the "funda- mental and hereditary differences in the temperament of the critic and his subject make it difficult for the former to be absolutely just. They start from different foundations : to the one, lying is a heinous offence, impossible to an honour- able man, and unthinkable in a statesmen who aspires to win the confidence of the nation. To the other, racial instincts and a vivid imagination would suggest a regrettable incident, forced upon him by the exigencies of the situation rather than a deadly sin. The writer was once deploring, in con- versation with Lord Beaconsfield, the apparent failure in the House of Commons of an ambitious young politician, who was a clever speaker, but whose general tone betrayed some lack of desirable scruples. "It all depends upon his ability," said Lord Beaconsfield ; " he may yet succeed if he has sufficient talent ; if he has genius all his youthful peccadilloes will be forgotten." An illuminating verdict ! and—there was
a note of retrospect in the voice.—I am, Sir, &c., A. T.
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