In some respects, he was the most conservative of men. For instance, he
was very reluctant to approve any changes in the rules or procedure of
Parliament. He had found them sufficient for all purposes for nearly
fifty years, and he looked up with a glance implying both surprise and a
certain degree of opposition, when anyone proposed a change of any kind.
Not that he would refuse to discuss it, or withhold his approval because
a discussion of a suggestion of the kind usually wound up by his saying,
“Well, I will be guided by whatever our friends may think.”
Another indication of his conservative inclination in matters of dress
may be pointed out. Those who have been familiar with him for years, and
even those who did not know him personally, but who have seen his
photographs, will have noticed that he usually wore a scarf pin in the
shape of a horse-shoe. While it decorated his ties of different colour,
it never seemed out of place. In the same way he never wore a chain on
his watch, and this habit he continued down to the end of his days. Even
in these little things there was proof of his being different from other
men.
* * * * *
He was the embodiment of kindness, and his consideration for others was
unfailing. These characteristics manifested themselves so naturally that
they were part and parcel of the man. Perhaps one story, that
illustrates this side of his character better than any other, was told
by Lady Laurier. Occasionally, in later years, an impression would arise
in the household that some of the servants were not as attentive to duty
as they might be, and, at times, a suggestion was made that it might be
well to speak to them about some oversight. Sir Wilfrid’s invariable
admonition was, “Oh, don’t do that. It’s bad enough to be a servant.” At
other times, disappointment would be expressed at the speedy
disappearance of some good things that had been provided for guests who
were to arrive. If Sir Wilfrid chanced to hear any discussion on this
topic, he would intervene with, “Well, after all, that is very natural;
the servants are human like ourselves.” It was this constant regard for
the feelings of others, and his lightning-like ability to adapt himself
to any occasion, no matter how suddenly it might arise, that made him so
different from other men, and constantly increased the love felt for him
by those who were fortunate enough to be brought within the circle of
his daily life.
* * * * *
His marvelous memory and his grip upon the Parliamentary proceedings of
over forty years was unexpectedly instanced in the House of Commons on
September 7th., 1917. Senate amendments in the income tax bill were
before the House, and the point of order was raised that the Red Chamber
could not amend a money bill.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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