An Explanation From Disraeli

Mr. Justin McCarthy, discoursing on the house of commons, related a capital story of Disraeli. It was during the Russo-Turkish war, and while relations were very strained between England and the czar a meinber was indiscreet eiough to put a question to Disraeli, who was then prime minister, as to the policy of the government in the event of the emperor of Russia doing a certain act. Members shuddered as Disraeli, with a most f unereal face, slowly advanced to the table. The question, he declared, in a slow, measured voice, was one of such perilous moment that the honorable member acted most unwisely in putting it on the paper, yet it was a question of such importance that the only eourse now open to the government was to accept the inevitable and boldly answer. "If, " declared Disraeli, "the emperor takes this step, all I can say is - and I am speaking af ter a prolonged consultation with my colleagues - the government will then give the policy theyare topursue theirvery best consideration. ' '-