"I WANT TO BE PRIME MINISTER."

North Otago Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1886, 13 May 1878, Page 3

"I WANT TO BE PRIME MINISTER."

In n recent biography of Lord Mel* bourne, n story is told of a dinner at Mrs Norton's, wlicrc Disraeli, then tho young author of "Vivian Grey." met tho great Minister. Tho young mnn had. just been defeated in mi attempt to get into Parliament. Melbourne's frank and open manner led to a long conversation, in which Disraeli mentioned the circumstance of his Into discomfiture, dwelling on each particular with the emphasii which every young man of ambition since Parliament was invented is sure to lay upon the broken promises and scandalous behaviour of his -victorious foe». The Minister was attracted more and more ns he listened to the uncommonplaco language and spirit of the youthful politician, and thought to himgelf he would be well worth serving. Abruptly, but with a certain tone of kindueas which took away any air of assumption, he said, " Well, now, tell me — what do you want to be 1 ?" The quiet gravity of tho reply took him aback. " I want to be Prime Minister." Melbourno gave a long sigh, and thon said very seriously : " No chance of that in our timo. ft is all arranged and sottlod. Nobody but Orey could, perhaps, hare carried tho Reform Bill ; but he is an old man, and when ho gives up ho will certainly bo succeeded by ono who has every rcquisito for tho position, in tho prime of life and fame, of old blood, high rank, great fortune, and (rreat ability. Once in powor, there is nothing to prevent him holding Office as long as Sir Robert Wnlpole. Nobody can compete with Stanley. Thero is nothing liko him. If you are going into polities and moan to stick to it, I dare my you will do vory well, for you have ability and enterprise, and if you are careful how to ntcer, no d»ubt you will got into noiuo post at last. But you must put nil these foolish notions out of your head ; they won't do at all. Stanley will be the next Primo Minister you will boo." But tho old Ministor did soo into tho future