Part 2: Billy on World Events - An American election
Wednesday 23rd September 1896
From today, the Queen has reigned longer than any previous English
Sovereign. No fuss made in deference to Her Majesty’s wish that all
festivities may be postponed till June next. The Czar and Czarina
are at present the guests of H.M. at Balmoral. Arrived
yesterday.
Her Majesty the Queen, the Prince of
Wales, the Czar and Czarina and their infant daughter, Sixty Years
a Queen, 1837-’97, p.191.
Saturday 26th September 1896
The Nile Expedition under “the Sidar” (Colonel Kitchener) reached
Dongola after a smart encounter with the Dervishes. The Egyptian
troops were victorious and occupied the town on the 23rd
inst.
Great interest, excitement in all circles in the affairs of Turkey
arising out of the continued slaughter of Armenians. Meetings being
held everywhere expressing indignation. Perhaps the most important
was one held at Liverpool on the 24th inst. At which Mr Gladstone
made a fine speech advocating principally the “coercion” of Turkey
by the powers or by England alone, denying that such an act would
cause a European war as many contend. The speech is freely
criticised at home and abroad, some papers looking at it as the
utterance of an irresponsible party, and others fully sharing the
G.O.M.[1]’s views.
Monday 12th October 1896
Dr Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury[2], died suddenly at Hawarden Church. Very
sad affair. He was on a visit to Mr Gladstone.
Archbishop Benson, 1829-1896.
Tuesday 3rd November 1896
Today takes place the election of the President of U.S.A. after a
campaign of more than usual interest and excitement with a good
deal of disorder. I hardly understand the two policies properly.
The two parties, Republic and Democrat, are headed by McKinley and
Bryan in favour of what’s termed “Gold” and “Silver” respectively.
It appears the Bryans are clamouring for a free silver coinage
which is supposed to do much for the farming and labour classes
generally. They are opposed to the McKinley or “Sound Money” party
having the support of the moneyed and manufacturing class. It will
doubtless be a very tight race, both candidates are confident of
winning. I almost fancy the Goldites will win the day. All kinds of
things are threatened should Bryan win. At present business in New
York and other great centres is practically suspended, so great is
the excitement and suspense.
William Jennings Bryan's 1896
Presidential Campaign photo taken with his relatives in Salem 1896,
(Photo source site no longer available).
Wednesday 4th November 1896
News arrived of the return of McKinley yesterday.
Monday 11th January 1897
A terrible famine is now raging in India, many thousands are
literally starving. Lord Mayor has started a relief fund with very
good effect. Money simply pours in, but there is no fear of getting
too much. I believe the distress is far greater than we in England
think. Bombay too is in a very bad way being stricken with a plague
which has played sad havoc among the native population and has now
reached the European community.
- [1] Gladstone was
affectionately known as “the Grand Old Man” or “G.O.M.”
- [2] The Archbishop of
Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan, the Right Hon.
and Most Rev. Edward White Benson, D.D., and Privy
Councillor.
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