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Details
CHURCHILL, Winston S. and SMITH, F. E. (Lord Birkenhead) (1872-1930). Photograph signed by both ("Winston S. Churchill") and ("Birkenhead"). Black and white photograph (9¾ x 7¾in.), mounted.
A WONDERFUL IMAGE OF THESE CLOSEST OF POLITICAL FRIENDS, seated in a private railway car, smoking cigars, going over a document Churchill holds in his hands. Smith, one of the great rogues in the history of Parliament, made his mark as a master of political invective as well as a staunch Unionist and imperialist. His sybaritic lifestyle and penchant for the occasionally outrageous comment guaranteed steady if not always favorable press attention. When he opposed restrictions on alcohol sales (on libertarian grounds) he said, "Better England free than England sober." That wit--and devotion to alcohol--endeared him to Churchill, often to the regret of Clementine, who sometimes resented her husband's affection for Smith. He died at age 58 from complications of cirrhosis of the liver.
A WONDERFUL IMAGE OF THESE CLOSEST OF POLITICAL FRIENDS, seated in a private railway car, smoking cigars, going over a document Churchill holds in his hands. Smith, one of the great rogues in the history of Parliament, made his mark as a master of political invective as well as a staunch Unionist and imperialist. His sybaritic lifestyle and penchant for the occasionally outrageous comment guaranteed steady if not always favorable press attention. When he opposed restrictions on alcohol sales (on libertarian grounds) he said, "Better England free than England sober." That wit--and devotion to alcohol--endeared him to Churchill, often to the regret of Clementine, who sometimes resented her husband's affection for Smith. He died at age 58 from complications of cirrhosis of the liver.