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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Grand Old Man
+
+Author: Richard B. Cook
+
+Posting Date: November 17, 2011 [EBook #9900]
+Release Date: February, 2006
+First Posted: November 4, 2003
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAND OLD MAN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charlie Kirschner, Tom
+Allen, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE GRAND OLD MAN
+
+OR THE
+
+Life and Public Services
+
+of
+
+The Right Honorable William Ewart
+
+GLADSTONE
+
+
+Four Times
+
+Prime Minister of England
+
+BY
+
+Richard B. Cook, D.D.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+William E. Gladstone was cosmopolitan. The Premier of the British Empire
+is ever a prominent personage, but he has stood above them all. For more
+than half a century he has been the active advocate of liberty, morality
+and religion, and of movements that had for their object the prosperity,
+advancement and happiness of men. In all this he has been upright,
+disinterested and conscientious in word and deed. He has proved himself
+to be the world's champion of human rights. For these reasons he has
+endeared himself to all men wherever civilization has advanced to
+enlighten and to elevate in this wide world.
+
+With the closing of the 19th century the world is approaching a crisis
+in which every nation is involved. For a time the map of the world
+might as well be rolled up. Great questions that have agitated one or
+more nations have convulsed the whole earth because steam and
+electricity have annihilated time and space. Questions that have sprung
+up between England and Africa, France and Prussia, China and Japan,
+Russia and China, Turkey and Armenia, Greece and Turkey, Spain and
+America have proved international and have moved all nations. The daily
+proceedings of Congress at Washington are discussed in Japan.
+
+In these times of turning and overturning, of discontent and unrest, of
+greed and war, when the needs of the nations most demand men of
+world-wide renown, of great experience in government and diplomacy, and
+of firm hold upon the confidence of the people; such men as, for
+example, Gladstone, Salisbury, Bismark, Crispi and Li Hung Chang, who
+have led the mighty advance of civilization, are passing away. Upon
+younger men falls the heavy burden of the world, and the solution of the
+mighty problems of this climax of the most momentous of all centuries.
+
+However, the Record of these illustrious lives remains to us for
+guidance and inspiration. History is the biography of great men. The
+lamp of history is the beacon light of many lives. The biography of
+William E. Gladstone is the history, not only of the English
+Parliament, but of the progress of civilization in the earth for the
+whole period of his public life. With the life of Mr. Gladstone in his
+hand, the student of history or the young statesman has a light to guide
+him and to help him solve those intricate problems now perplexing the
+nations, and upon the right solution of which depends Christian
+civilization--the liberties, progress, prosperity and happiness of the
+human race.
+
+Hence, the life and public services of the Grand Old Man cannot fail to
+be of intense interest to all, particularly to the English, because he
+has repeatedly occupied the highest position under the sovereign of
+England, to the Irish whether Protestant or Catholic, north or south,
+because of his advocacy of (Reforms) for Ireland; to the Scotch because
+of his Scottish descent; to the German because he reminds them of their
+own great chancellor, the Unifier of Germany, Prince Bismarck; and to
+the American because he was ever the champion of freedom; and as there
+has been erected in Westminster Abbey a tablet to the memory of Lord
+Howe, so will the American people enshrine in their hearts, among the
+greatest of the great, the memory of William Ewart Gladstone.
+
+     "In youth a student and in eld a sage;
+        Lover of freedom; of mankind the friend;
+        Noble in aim from childhood to the end;
+      Great is thy mark upon historic page."
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+ANCESTRY AND BIRTH
+
+CHAPTER II
+AT ETON AND OXFORD
+
+CHAPTER III
+EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES
+
+CHAPTER IV
+BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE
+
+CHAPTER V
+TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE
+
+CHAPTER VI
+ENTERS THE CABINET
+
+CHAPTER VII
+MEMBER FOR OXFORD
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+CHAPTER IX
+THE FIRST BUDGET
+
+CHAPTER X
+THE CRIMEAN WAR
+
+CHAPTER XI
+IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT
+
+CHAPTER XII
+HOMERIC STUDIES
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+GREAT BUDGETS
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER
+
+CHAPTER XV
+THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+THE EASTERN QUESTION
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME
+
+CHAPTER XX
+IN PRIVATE LIFE
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+CLOSING SCENES
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone entering Palace Yard, Westminster.]
+
+
+
+                        "In thought, word and deed,
+     How throughout all thy warfare thou wast pure,
+     I find it easy to believe."
+                                --ROBERT BROWNING
+
+
+
+
+List of Illustrations.
+
+WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE (_Frontispiece_)
+
+GLADSTONE ENTERING PALACE YARD, WESTMINSTER
+
+GLADSTONE AND SISTER
+
+INTERIOR OF THE OLD HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+BIRTHPLACE OF GLADSTONE
+
+GLIMPSES OF GLADSTONE'S EARLIER YEARS
+
+HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
+
+GLADSTONE'S LONDON RESIDENCE
+
+LOBBY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+GRATTAN
+
+KILMAINHAM JAIL
+
+GLADSTONE'S MARRIAGE AT HAWARDEN
+
+NO. 10 DOWNING STREET, LONDON
+
+THE PARK GATE, HAWARDEN
+
+OLD HAWARDEN CASTLE
+
+HAWARDEN CASTLE, FROM THE PARK
+
+WATERFALL IN HAWARDEN PARK
+
+COURT YARD, HAWARDEN
+
+GLADSTONE READING THE LESSONS AT HAWARDEN CHURCH
+
+THE REV. H. DREW
+
+DOROTHY'S DOVECOTE
+
+DINING-ROOM IN THE ORPHANAGE
+
+STAIRCASE IN THE ORPHANAGE
+
+HAWARDEN CHURCH
+
+HAWARDEN CASTLE
+
+LOYAL ULSTER
+
+GLADSTONE'S EARLY ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES
+
+GLADSTONE'S LATER ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES
+
+GLADSTONE IN WALES
+
+CITY AND COUNTY VOLUNTEERS OF DUBLIN
+
+CONDITION OF IRELAND, 1882
+
+GLADSTONE VISITING NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+GLADSTONE INTRODUCING HIS FIRST BUDGET
+
+THE SUNDERLAND SHIPOWNER SURPRISED
+
+FAMILY GROUP AT HAWARDEN
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
+
+GLADSTONE AND GRANDDAUGHTER
+
+GLADSTONE'S AXE
+
+GLADSTONE FAMILY GROUP
+
+SALISBURY MINISTRY DEFEATED
+
+THE OLD LION
+
+GLADSTONE'S RECEPTION IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+GLADSTONE'S MAIL
+
+RELEASE OF PARNELL, DILLON AND O'KELLY
+
+GLADSTONE ON HIS WAY HOME
+
+THE MIDLOTHIAN CAMPAIGN
+
+QUEEN VICTORIA
+
+GLADSTONE AND HIS SON, HERBERT
+
+GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+IRISH LEADERS
+
+IRISH CONSTABULARY EVICTING TENANTS
+
+GLADSTONE'S STUDY AT HAWARDEN
+
+FOURTH ADMINISTRATION CABINET
+
+GLADSTONE ON THE QUEEN'S YACHT
+
+ST. JAMES PALACE
+
+QUEEN AND PREMIER
+
+GLADSTONE IN HIS STUDY, READING
+
+MR. AND MRS. GLADSTONE, 1897
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY.
+
+There are few, even among those who differed from him, who would deny to
+Mr. Gladstone the title of a great statesman: and in order to appreciate
+his wonderful career, it is necessary to realize the condition of the
+world of thought, manners and works at the time when he entered
+public life.
+
+In medicine there was no chloroform; in art the sun had not been
+enlisted in portraiture; railways were just struggling into existence;
+the electric telegraph was unknown; gas was an unfashionable light;
+postage was dear, and newspapers were taxed.
+
+In literature, Scott had just died; Carlyle was awaiting the publication
+of his first characteristic book; Tennyson was regarded as worthy of
+hope because of his juvenile poems; Macaulay was simply a brilliant
+young man who had written some stirring verse and splendid prose; the
+Brontės were schoolgirls; Thackeray was dreaming of becoming an artist;
+Dickens had not written a line of fiction; Browning and George Eliot
+were yet to come.
+
+In theology, Newman was just emerging from evangelicalism; Pusey was an
+Oxford tutor; Samuel Wilberforce a village curate; Henry Manning a young
+graduate; and Darwin was commencing that series of investigations which
+revolutionized the popular conception of created things.
+
+Princess, afterwards Queen Victoria, was a girl of thirteen; Cobden a
+young calico printer; Bright a younger cotton spinner; Palmerston was
+regarded as a man-about-town, and Disraeli as a brilliant and eccentric
+novelist with parliamentary ambition. The future Marquis of Salisbury
+and Prime Minister of Great Britain was an infant scarcely out of arms;
+Lord Rosebery, (Mr. Gladstone's successor in the Liberal Premiership),
+Lord Spencer, Lord Herschell, Mr. John Morley, Mr. Campbell-Bannerman,
+Mr. Asquith, Mr. Brice, Mr. Acland and Mr. Arnold Morley, or more than
+half the members of his latest cabinet remained to be born; as did also
+the Duke of Devonshire, Mr. Balfour and Mr. Chamberlain, among those who
+were his keenest opponents toward the end of his public career.
+
+At last the end of Mr. Gladstone's public life arrived, but it had been
+extended to an age greater than that at which any English statesman had
+ever conducted the government of his country.
+
+Of the significance of the life of this great man, it would be
+superfluous to speak. The story will signally fail of its purpose if it
+does not carry its own moral with it. We can best conclude these
+introductory remarks by applying to the subject of the following pages,
+some words which he applied a generation ago to others:
+
+In the sphere of common experience we see some human beings live and
+die, and furnish by their life no special lessons visible to man, but
+only that general teaching in elementary and simple forms which is
+derivable from every particle of human histories. Others there have
+been, who, from the times when their young lives first, as it were,
+peeped over the horizon, seemed at once to--
+
+       "'Flame in the forehead of the evening sky,'"
+     --Whose lengthening years have been but one growing
+              splendor, and who at last--
+       "------Leave a lofty name,
+     A light, a landmark on the cliffs of fame."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+ANCESTRY AND BIRTH
+
+All history, says Emerson, "resolves itself into the biographies of a
+few stout and earnest persons." These remarks find exemplification in
+the life of William Ewart Gladstone, of whom they are pre-eminently
+true. His recorded life, from the early period of his graduation to his
+fourth premiership, would embrace in every important respect not only
+the history of the British Empire, but very largely the international
+events of every nation of the world for more than half a century.
+
+William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., D.C.L., statesman, orator and scholar,
+was born December 27, 1809, in Liverpool, England. The house in which he
+was born, number 62 Rodney Street, a commodious and imposing
+"double-fronted" dwelling of red brick, is still standing. In the
+neighborhood of the Rodney Street house, and a few years before or after
+the birth of William E. Gladstone, a number of distinguished persons
+were born, among them William Roscoe, the writer and philanthropist,
+John Gibson, the sculptor, Doctor Bickersteth, the late Bishop of Ripon,
+Mrs. Hemans, the poetess, and Doctor James Martineau, Professor of
+Mental and Moral Philosophy in Manchester New College, and the brother
+of Harriet Martineau, the authoress.
+
+The Gladstone family, or Gledstanes, which was the original family name,
+was of Scottish origin. The derivation of the name is obvious enough to
+any one familiar with the ancestral home. A _gled_ is a hawk, and that
+fierce and beautiful bird would have found its natural refuge among the
+_stanes_, or rocks, of the craggy moorlands which surround the
+"fortalice of gledstanes." As far back as 1296 Herbert de Gledstane
+figures in the Ragman Roll as one of the lairds who swore fealty to
+Edward I. His descendants for generations held knightly rank, and bore
+their part in the adventurous life of the Border. The chief stock was
+settled at Liberton, in the upper part of Clydesdale. It was a family of
+Scottish lairds, holding large estates in the sixteenth century. The
+estate dwindled, and in the beginning of the seventeenth century passed
+out of their hands, except the adjacent property of Authurshiel, which
+remained in their possession for a hundred years longer. A younger
+branch of the family--the son of the last of the Gledstanes of
+Arthurshiel--after many generations, came to dwell at Biggar, in
+Lanarkshire, where he conducted the business of a "maltster," or
+grain merchant.
+
+Here, and at about this time, the name was changed to Gladstones, and a
+grandson of the maltster of Biggar, Thomas Gladstones, settled in Leith
+and there became a "corn-merchant." He was born at Mid Toftcombs, in
+1732, and married Helen Neilson, of Springfield. His aptitude for
+business was so great that he was enabled to make ample provision for a
+large family of sixteen children. His son, John Gladstone, was the
+father of William E. Gladstone, the subject of our sketch.
+
+Some have ascribed to Mr. Gladstone an illustrious, even a royal
+ancestry, through his father's marriage. He met and married a lovely,
+cultured and pious woman of Dingwall, in Orkney, the daughter of Andrew
+Robertson, Provost of Dingwall, named Ann Robertson, whom the
+unimpeachable Sir Bernard Burke supplied with a pedigree from Henry III,
+king of England, and Robert Bruce, of Bannockburn, king of Scotland, so
+that it is royal English and Scottish blood that runs in the veins of
+Mr. Gladstone.
+
+"This alleged illustrious pedigree," says E.B. Smith, in his elaborate
+work on William E. Gladstone, "is thus traced: Lady Jane Beaufort, who
+was a descendant of Henry III, married James I, of Scotland, who was a
+descendant of Bruce. From this alliance it is said that the steps can be
+followed clearly down to the father of Miss Robertson. A Scottish writer
+upon genealogy, also referring to this matter, states that Mr. Gladstone
+is descended on the mother's side from the ancient Mackenzie of Kintail,
+through whom is introduced the blood of the Bruce, of the ancient Kings
+of Man, and of the Lords of the Isles and Earls of Ross; also from the
+Munros of Fowlis, and the Robertsons of Strowan and Athole. What was of
+more consequence to the Gladstones of recent generations, however, than
+royal blood, was the fact that by their energy and honorable enterprise
+they carved their own fortunes, and rose to positions of public esteem
+and eminence." It has been their pride that they sprang from the ranks
+of the middle classes, from which have come so many of the great men of
+England eminent in political and military life.
+
+In an address delivered at the Liverpool Collegiate Institute, December
+21, 1872, Sir John Gladstone said; "I know not why the commerce of
+England should not have its old families rejoicing to be connected with
+commerce from generation to generation. It has been so in other
+countries; I trust it may be so in this country. I think it is a subject
+of sorrow, and almost of scandal, when those families who have either
+acquired or recovered wealth and station through commerce, turn their
+backs upon it and seem to be ashamed of it. It certainly is not so with
+my brother or with me. His sons are treading in his steps, and one of my
+sons, I rejoice to say, is treading in the steps of my father and
+my brother."
+
+George W.E. Russell, in his admirable biography of Mr. William E.
+Gladstone, says, "Sir John Gladstone was a pure Scotchman, a lowlander
+by birth and descent. Provost Robertson belonged to the Clan Donachie,
+and by this marriage the robust and business-like qualities of the
+Lowlander were blended with the poetic imagination, the sensibility and
+fire of the Gael."
+
+An interesting story is told, showing how Sir John Gladstone, the father
+of William E. Gladstone, came to live in Liverpool, and enter upon his
+great business career, and where he became a merchant prince. Born at
+Leith in 1763, he in due time entered his father's business, where he
+served until he was twenty-one years old. At that time his father sent
+him to Liverpool to dispose of a cargo of grain, belonging to him, which
+had arrived at that port. His demeanor and business qualities so
+impressed Mr. Corrie, a grain merchant of that place, that he urged his
+father to let him settle there. Consent was obtained and young Gladstone
+entered the house of Corrie & Company as a clerk. His tact and
+shrewdness were soon manifest, and he was eventually taken into the firm
+as a partner, and the name of the house became Corrie, Gladstone
+& Bradshaw.
+
+John Gladstone on one occasion proved the temporary preserver of the
+firm of which he had become a member. He was sent to America to buy
+grain for the firm, in a time of great scarcity in Europe, owing to the
+failure of the crops, but he found the condition of things the same in
+America. There was no grain to be had. While in great perplexity as to
+what to do he received advices from Liverpool that twenty-four vessels
+had been dispatched for the grain he was expected to purchase, to bring
+it to Europe. The prospect was that these vessels would have to return
+to Europe empty as they had come, and the house of Corrie & Company be
+involved thereby in ruin. It was then that John Gladstone rose to the
+emergency of the occasion, and by his enterprise and energy saved
+himself and partners from financial failure, to the great surprise and
+admiration of the merchants of Liverpool. It was in this way: He made a
+thorough examination of the American markets for articles of commerce
+that could be sold in Europe to advantage, and filling his vessels with
+them sent them home. This sagacious movement not only saved his house,
+but gave him a name and place among the foremost merchants of his day.
+His name was also a synonym for push and integrity, not only on the
+Liverpool exchange, but in London and throughout all England. The
+business of the firm became very great and the wealth of its members
+very large.
+
+During the war with Napoleon, on the continent, and the war of 1812 with
+the United States, the commerce of England, as mistress of the seas, was
+injured, and the Gladstone firm suffered greatly and was among the first
+to seek peace, for its own sake and in the interests of trade. In one
+year the commerce of Liverpool declined to the amount of 140,000 tons,
+which was about one-fourth of the entire trade, and there was a decrease
+of more than $100,000 in the dock-dues of that port. John Gladstone was
+among those who successfully petitioned the British government for a
+change of its suicidal policy towards the American States.
+
+After sixteen years of successful operations, during a part of which
+time it had been government agent, the firm was dissolved and its
+business was continued by John Gladstone. His six brothers having
+followed him from Leith to Liverpool, he took into partnership with him
+his brother Robert. Their business became very extensive, having a large
+trade with Russia, and as sugar importers and West India merchants. John
+Gladstone was the chairman of the West India Association and took an
+active part in the improvement and enlargement of the docks of
+Liverpool. In 1814, when the monopoly of the East India Company was
+broken and the trade of India and China thrown open to competition, the
+firm of John Gladstone & Company was the first to send a private vessel
+to Calcutta.
+
+John Gladstone was a public-spirited man and took great interest in the
+welfare of his adopted city. He was ever ready to labor for its
+prosperity, and consequently endeared himself to the people of all
+classes and conditions, and of every shade of political opinion.
+
+The high estimation in which he was held by the citizens of Liverpool
+was especially manifest October 18, 1824, when they presented him with a
+testimonial, consisting of a magnificent service of plate, of
+twenty-eight pieces, and bearing the following inscription: "_To John
+Gladstone, Esq., M.P., this service of plate was presented MDCCCXXIV, by
+his fellow townsmen and friends, to mark their high sense of his
+successful exertions for the promotion of trade and commerce, and in
+acknowledgment of his most important services rendered to the town of
+Liverpool_."
+
+John Gladstone, though devoted to commerce, had time for literary
+pursuits. He wrote a pamphlet, "On the Present State of Slavery in the
+British West Indies and in the United States of America; and on the
+Importation of Sugar from British Settlements in India." He also
+published, in 1830, another pamphlet, containing a statement of facts
+connected with the same general subject, "in a letter addressed to Sir
+Robert Peel." In 1846 he published a pamphlet, entitled "Plain facts
+intimately connected with the intended Repeal of the Corn Laws; or
+Probable Effects on the Public Revenue and the Prosperity of
+the Country."
+
+From the subject discussed it can be readily and truly imagined that
+John Gladstone had given thought to political subjects. He was in favor
+of a qualified reform which, while affording a greater enfranchisement
+of the people, looked also to the interests of all. Having an opinion,
+and not being afraid to express it, he was frequently called upon to
+address public meetings. The matters discussed by him were, however,
+rather national than municipal, rather humane than partisan. He was a
+strong advocate for certain reforms at home in 1818, and in 1823 on the
+seas, and for Greek independence in 1824. "On the 14th of February,
+1824, a public meeting was held in Liverpool Town Hall, 'for the purpose
+of considering the best means of assisting the Greeks in their present
+important struggle for independence.' Mr. Gladstone spoke impressively
+in favor of the cause which had already evoked great enthusiasm amongst
+the people, and enlisted the sympathies and support of Lord Byron and
+other distinguished friends of freedom."
+
+It was in 1818 that he addressed a meeting called "to consider the
+propriety of petitioning Parliament to take into consideration the
+progressive and alarming increase in the crimes of forging and uttering
+forged Bank of England notes." The penalties for these crimes were
+already heavy, but their infliction did not deter men from committing
+them, and these crimes increased at an enormous rate. Resolutions were
+passed at the Liverpool meeting, recommending the revision and amendment
+of existing laws.
+
+Then again, so late as the year 1823, the navigation between Liverpool
+and Dublin was in a lamentable condition, and human life was recklessly
+imperiled, and no one seemed willing to interfere and to interest
+himself in the interests of humanity. It was then that he again came to
+the front to advocate a just cause. To illustrate the dangers to vessels
+and passengers, the case of the sloop _Alert_ may be cited. It was
+wrecked off the Welsh coast, with between 100 and 140 persons on board,
+of whom only seventeen were saved. For the safety and rescue of all
+those souls on board this packet-boat there was only one small shallop,
+twelve feet long. Mr. Gladstone was impressed with the terrible nature
+of the existing evil, and obtained an amendment to the Steamboat Act,
+requiring imperatively that every passenger vessel should be provided
+with boats sufficient for every passenger it was licensed to carry. By
+this wise and humane provision thousands of lives were doubtless saved
+that would otherwise have been lost--the victims of reckless seamanship
+and commercial greed.
+
+John Gladstone, either through the influence of Mr. Canning, or from
+having imbibed some political taste, sat in the House of Commons nine
+years, representing Lancaster in 1819, Woodstock from 1821 to 1826, and
+Berwick in 1827; but he never would consent to sit in Parliament for the
+city of Liverpool, for he thought that so large and important a
+constituency required peculiar representation such as he was
+unqualified to give.
+
+He was the warm supporter and intimate friend of the celebrated Canning.
+At first he was a Whig, but finally came to support Mr. Canning, and
+became a Liberal Conservative. In 1812 he presided over a meeting at
+Liverpool, which was called to invite Mr. Canning to represent the
+borough in Parliament. After the election the successful candidates were
+claimed and carried in procession through the streets. The procession
+finally halted at Mr. Gladstone's house, in Rodney Street, from the
+balcony of which Mr. Canning addressed the populace. His election laid
+the foundation of a deep and lasting friendship between Mr. Canning and
+Mr. Gladstone. "At this time the son of the latter was but three years
+of age. Shortly afterwards--that is, as soon as he was able to
+understand anything of public men, and public movements and
+events"--says G.B. Smith, "the name of Canning began to exercise that
+strange fascination over the mind of William Ewart Gladstone which has
+never wholly passed away," and Mr. Gladstone himself acknowledged that
+he was brought up "under the shadow of the great name of Canning."
+
+John Gladstone presided at a farewell dinner given by the Liverpool
+Canning Club, in August, 1822, in honor of Mr. Canning, who had been
+Governor-General of India. But Mr. Canning, instead of going to India,
+entered the British Cabinet, and in 1827 became Prime Minister, and John
+Gladstone moved a congratulatory address to the king upon the formation
+of the Canning Ministry.
+
+In 1845 John Gladstone was created a baronet by Sir Robert Peel, but he
+lived to enjoy his deserved honors but a short time, for he died in
+1851, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. His motto had ever been,
+"Diligent in business." His enormous wealth enabled him to provide
+handsomely for his family, not only after death, but during
+his lifetime.
+
+At the time of his father's death, William E. Gladstone was still an
+adherent of the Tory party, yet his steps indicated that he was
+advancing towards Liberalism; and he had already reached distinction as
+a statesman, both in Parliament and in the Cabinet, while as yet he was
+but 42 years old, which was about half of his age when called for the
+fourth time to be Prime Minister of England.
+
+Sir John Gladstone and his wife had six children--four sons, Thomas
+Gladstone, afterwards baronet; John Gladstone, who became a captain, and
+died in 1863; Robert Gladstone, brought up a merchant, who died in 1875,
+and two daughters, Annie McKenzie Gladstone, who died years ago, and
+Helen Jane Gladstone. William E. Gladstone was the fourth son. The
+following is from the pen of the son, who says of his aged father, Sir
+John Gladstone: "His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated; he
+was full of bodily and mental vigor; whatsoever his hand found to do he
+did it with his might; he could not understand or tolerate those who,
+perceiving an object to be good, did not at once and actively pursue it;
+and with all this energy he gained a corresponding warmth, and, so to
+speak, eagerness of affection, a keen appreciation of humor, in which he
+found a rest, and an indescribable frankness and simplicity of
+character, which, crowning his other qualities, made him, I think, and I
+strive to think impartially, nearly or quite the most interesting old
+man I ever knew."
+
+Personally, Sir John Gladstone was a man of much intelligence and of
+sterling principle, of high moral and religious character, and his
+house consequently was a model home. "His house was by all accounts a
+home pre-eminently calculated to mould the thoughts and direct the
+course of an intelligent and receptive nature. There was a father's
+masterful will and keen perception, the sweetness and piety of the
+mother, wealth with all its substantial advantages and few of its
+mischiefs, a strong sense of the value of money, a rigid avoidance of
+extravagance and excesses; everywhere a strenuous purpose in life,
+constant employment, and concentrated ambition."
+
+Mrs. John Gladstone, the wife and mother, is described by one who knew
+her intimately as "a lady of very great accomplishments; of fascinating
+manners, of commanding presence and high intellect; one to grace any
+home and endear any heart."
+
+The following picture of the everyday life of the family is interesting
+and instructive, on account of Sir John Gladstone, as well as on that of
+his more distinguished son, and is from the pen of an eye-witness:
+"Nothing was ever taken for granted between him and his sons. A
+succession of arguments on great topics and small topics
+alike--arguments conducted with perfect good humor, but also with the
+most implicable logic--formed the staple of the family conversation. The
+children and their parents argued upon everything. They would debate as
+to whether a window should be opened, and whether it was likely to be
+fair or wet the next day. It was all perfectly good-humored, but curious
+to a stranger, because of the evident care which all the disputants took
+to advance no proposition, even as to the prospect of rain, rashly."
+
+In such a home as this was William E. Gladstone in training as the great
+Parliamentary debater and leader, and for the highest office under the
+British crown. This reminds us of a story of Burke. The king one day,
+unexpectedly entering the office of his minister, found the elder Burke
+sitting at his desk, with his eyes fixed upon his young son, who was
+standing on his father's desk in the attitude of speaking. "What are you
+doing?" asked the astonished king. "I am making the greatest minister
+England ever saw," was the reply. And so in fact, and yet all
+unconsciously, was Sir John doing for his son, William.
+
+William E. Gladstone "was born," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"at a critical moment in the fortunes of England and of Europe. Abroad
+the greatest genius that the world has ever seen was wading through
+slaughter to a universal throne, and no effectual resistance had as yet
+been offered to a progress which menaced the liberty of Europe and the
+existence of its States. At home, a crazy king and a profligate
+heir-apparent presided over a social system in which all civil evils
+were harmoniously combined. A despotic administration was supported by a
+parliamentary representation as corrupt as illusory; a church, in which
+spiritual religion was all but extinct, had sold herself as a bondslave
+to the governing classes. Rank and wealth and territorial ascendency
+were divorced from public duty, and even learning had become the
+handmaid of tyranny. The sacred name of justice was prostituted to
+sanction a system of legal murder. Commercial enterprise was paralyzed
+by prohibitive legislation; public credit was shaken to its base; the
+prime necessaries of life were ruinously dear. The pangs of poverty were
+aggravated by the concurrent evils of war and famine, and the common
+people, fast bound in misery and iron, were powerless to make their
+sufferings known or to seek redress, except by the desperate methods of
+conspiracy and insurrection. None of the elements of revolution were
+wanting, and the fates seemed to be hurrying England to the brink of a
+civil catastrophe.
+
+"The general sense of insecurity and apprehension, inseparable from such
+a condition of affairs, produced its effect upon even the robust minds.
+Sir John Gladstone was not a likely victim of panic, but he was a man
+with a large stake in the country, the more precious because acquired by
+his own exertion; he believed that the safeguards of property and order
+were imperilled by foreign arms and domestic sedition; and he had seen
+with indignation and disgust the excesses of a factious Whiggery, which
+was not ashamed to exult in the triumph of the French over the English
+Government. Under the pressure of these influences Sir John Gladstone
+gradually separated himself from the Whigs, with whom in earlier life he
+had acted, and became the close ally of Canning, whose return for
+Liverpool he actually promoted."
+
+With such surroundings it is not to be wondered at that William E.
+Gladstone entered political life a Tory, contending against the
+principles he afterwards espoused. His original bent, however, was not
+towards politics, but the church; and it was only at the earnest desire
+of his father that he ultimately decided to enter Parliament, and serve
+his country in the Legislature.
+
+His subsequent life proved the wisdom of the choice. In the Legislature
+of his country was begun, carried on and consummated grandly, one of the
+most remarkable careers in the annals of history for versatility,
+brilliancy, solidity and long continuance. Rarely has there been
+exhibited so complete a combination of qualities in statesmanship. His
+intellectual endowments were almost without a parallel, and his
+achievements without a precedent. In him seemed to be centered a rich
+collection of the highest gifts of genius, great learning and readiness
+in debate and discourse in the House of Commons, and extraordinary
+wisdom in the administration of the affairs of the nation. His financial
+talent, his business aptitude, his classical attainments, and above all
+his moral fervor, and religious spirit were conspicuous. Some men would
+have been contented with political power, or classical learning, or
+literary distinction, but he excelled in all these--not only as a
+statesman, but as a man of letters and a classical scholar. Neither has
+held him exclusively as its own--he belongs to all, or rather they
+belong to him--for he explored and conquered them. His literary
+productions equal in merit his papers of State, while his knowledge of
+the classics would do credit to any scholar.
+
+He possessed the unusual quality of throwing the light of his own mind
+on the greatest questions of national and international importance, of
+bringing them down to the understanding and appreciation of the masses
+of the people, of infusing, by his earnestness, the fire of his own soul
+in the people, and of arousing in them the greatest enthusiasm.
+
+In the biography of this wonderful person we propose to set before the
+reader the man himself--his words and his deeds. This method enables him
+to speak for himself, and thus the reader may study him and know him,
+and because thereof be lifted into a higher plane of nobler and better
+being. The acts and utterances of such a character are his best
+biography, and especially for one differing so largely from all other
+men as to have none to be compared with him.
+
+In this record we simply spread before the reader his private life and
+public services, connected together through many startling changes, from
+home to school, from university to Parliament, from Tory follower to
+Liberal leader, from the early start in his political course to the
+grand consummation of the statesman's success in his attainment to the
+fourth Premiership of this Grand Old Man, and the glorious end of an
+eventful life.
+
+We could not do better, in closing this chapter, than to reproduce a
+part of the character sketch of William E. Gladstone, from the pen of
+William T. Stead, and published in the "Review of Reviews:"
+
+"So much has been written about Mr. Gladstone that it was with some
+sinking of heart I ventured to select him as a subject for my next
+character sketch. But I took heart of grace when I remembered that the
+object of these sketches is to describe their subject as he appears to
+himself at his best, and his countrymen. There are plenty of other
+people ready to fill in the shadows. This paper claims in no way to be a
+critical estimate or a judicial summing up of the merits and demerits
+of the most remarkable of all living Englishmen. It is merely an attempt
+to catch, as it were, the outline of the heroic figure which has
+dominated English politics for the lifetime of this generation, and
+thereby to explain something of the fascination which his personality
+has exercised and still exercises over the men and women of his time. If
+his enemies, and they are many, say that I have idealized a wily old
+opportunist out of all recognition, I answer that to the majority of his
+fellow-subjects my portrait is not overdrawn. The real Gladstone may be
+other than this, but this is probably more like the Gladstone for whom
+the electors believe they are voting, than a picture of Gladstone,
+'warts and all,' would be. And when I am abused, as I know I shall be,
+for printing such a sketch, I shall reply that there is at least one
+thing to be said in its favor. To those who know him best, in his own
+household, and to those who only know him as a great name in history, my
+sketch will only appear faulty because it does not do full justice to
+the character and genius of this extraordinary man."
+
+Mr. Gladstone appeals to the men of to-day from the vantage point of
+extreme old age. Age is so frequently dotage, that when a veteran
+appears who preserves the heart of a boy and the happy audacity of
+youth, under the 'lyart haffets wearing thin and bare' of aged manhood,
+it seems as if there is something supernatural about it, and all men
+feel the fascination and the charm. Mr. Gladstone, as he gleefully
+remarked the other day, has broken the record. He has outlived Lord
+Palmerston, who died when eighty-one, and Thiers, who only lived to be
+eighty. The blind old Dandolo in Byron's familiar verse--
+
+     The octogenarian chief, Byzantium's conquering foe,
+
+had not more energy than the Liberal leader, who, now in his
+eighty-third year, has more nerve and spring and go than any of his
+lieutenants, not excluding the youngest recruit. There is something
+imposing and even sublime in the long procession of years which bridge
+as with eighty-two arches the abyss of past time, and carry us back to
+the days of Canning, and of Castlereagh, of Napoleon, and of Wellington.
+His parliamentary career extends over sixty years--the lifetime of two
+generations. He is the custodian of all the traditions, the hero of the
+experience of successive administrations, from a time dating back longer
+than most of his colleagues can remember. For nearly forty years he has
+had a leading part in making or unmaking of Cabinets; he has served his
+Queen and his country in almost every capacity in office and in
+opposition, and yet to-day, despite his prolonged sojourn in the malaria
+of political wire-pulling, his heart seems to be as the heart of a
+little child. If some who remember 'the old Parliamentary hand' should
+whisper that innocence of the dove is sometimes compatible with the
+wisdom of the serpent, I make no dissent. It is easy to be a dove, and
+to be as silly as a dove. It is easy to be as wise as a serpent, and as
+wicked, let us say, as Mr. Governor Hill or Lord Beaconsfield. But it is
+the combination that is difficult, and in Mr. Gladstone the combination
+is almost ideally complete.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone is old enough to be the grandfather of the younger race
+of politicians, but still his courage, his faith, his versatility, put
+the youngest of them to shame. It is this ebullience of youthful energy,
+this inexhaustible vitality, which is the admiration and despair of his
+contemporaries. Surely when a schoolboy at Eton he must somewhere have
+discovered the elixir of life, or have been bathed by some beneficent
+fairy in the well of perpetual youth. Gladly would many a man of fifty
+exchange physique with this hale and hearty octogenarian. Only in one
+respect does he show any trace of advancing years. His hearing is not
+quite so good as it was, but still it is far better than that of
+Cardinal Manning, who became very deaf in his closing years. Otherwise
+Mr. Gladstone is hale and hearty. His eye is not dim, neither is his
+natural force abated. A splendid physical frame, carefully preserved,
+gives every promise of a continuance of his green old age.
+
+"His political opponents, who began this Parliament by confidently
+calculating upon his death before the dissolution, are now beginning to
+admit that it is by no means improbable that Mr. Gladstone may survive
+the century. Nor was it quite so fantastic as it appears at first sight,
+when an ingenious disciple told him the other day that by the fitness of
+things he ought to live for twenty years yet. 'For,' said this political
+arithmetician, 'you have been twenty-six years a Tory, twenty-six years
+a Whig Liberal, and you have been only six years a Radical Home Ruler.
+To make the balance even you have twenty years still to serve.'
+
+"Sir Provo Wallis, the Admiral of the Fleet, who died the other day at
+the age of one hundred, had not a better constitution than Mr.
+Gladstone, nor had it been more carefully preserved in the rough and
+tumble of our naval war. If the man who smelt powder in the famous fight
+between the Chesapeake and the Shannon lived to read the reports of the
+preparations for the exhibition at Chicago, it is not so incredible that
+Mr. Gladstone may at least be in the foretop of the State at the dawn of
+the twentieth century.
+
+"The thought is enough to turn the Tories green with sickening despair,
+that the chances of his life, from a life insurance office point of
+view, are probably much better than Lord Salisbury's. But that is one of
+the attributes of Mr. Gladstone which endear him so much to his party.
+He is always making his enemies sick with despairing jealousy. He is the
+great political evergreen, who seems, even in his political life, to
+have borrowed something of immortality from the fame which he has won.
+He has long been the Grand Old Man. If he lives much longer he bids fair
+to be known as the immortal old man in more senses than one."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE'S BIRTHPLACE, RODNEY STREET, LIVERPOOL.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+AT ETON AND OXFORD
+
+There is very little recorded of the boyhood of some great men, and this
+is true of the childhood of William E. Gladstone, until he leaves the
+parental home for school, which he does in 1821, at the early age of
+eleven. He was fortunate in his parentage, but no less so in his early
+associations, both in and out of school. We refer particularly to his
+private preceptors, two of whom, the venerable Archdeacon Jones and the
+Rev. William Rawson, first Vicar of Seaforth, a watering-place near
+Liverpool, were both men of high character and great ability. Mr.
+Gladstone always highly esteemed Mr. Rawson, his earliest preceptor, and
+visited him on his death-bed. Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+was for two years young Gladstone's private tutor, beginning his
+instruction when his pupil left Eton in 1827.
+
+Besides these associations of his early life there were Canning, a
+frequent visitor, as has been mentioned, at his father's house, and
+Hannah More--"Holy Hannah," as Horace Walpole called her. She singled
+out "Billy" Gladstone for her especial pet out of the group of eleven
+children in whom her warm heart delighted, and it has been asked
+wonderingly if Miss More could preternaturally have lengthened her days
+until William E. Gladstone's present glory, whether she would have gone
+on dubbing him "Billy" in undignified brevity until the end.
+
+William E. Gladstone, when very young, gave such evidence of uncommon
+intellectual ability and promise of future greatness that his father
+resolved upon educating him in the best schools of England. There are
+four or five great schools in England in which the English youth are
+prepared in four or five years for Cambridge or Oxford. "Eton, the
+largest and the most celebrated of the public schools of England, ranks
+as the second in point of antiquity, Winchester alone being older."
+After the preparation at home, under private teachers, to which we have
+referred, William E. Gladstone was sent to Eton, in September, 1821. His
+biographer, George W.E. Russell, writes, "From a provincial town, from
+mercantile surroundings, from an atmosphere of money-making, from a
+strictly regulated life, the impressible boy was transplanted, at the
+age of eleven, to the shadow of Windsor and the banks of the Thames, to
+an institution which belongs to history, to scenes haunted by the
+memory of the most illustrious Englishmen, to a free and independent
+existence among companions who were the very flower of English boyhood.
+A transition so violent and yet so delightful was bound to produce an
+impression which lapse of time was powerless to efface, and no one who
+knows the man and the school can wonder that for seventy years Mr.
+Gladstone has been the most enthusiastic of Etonians."
+
+Eton of to-day is not in all respects the Eton of three-quarters of a
+century ago, and yet in some particulars it is as it was when young
+"Billy" Gladstone studied within its walls. The system of education and
+discipline pursued has undergone some modifications in recent
+years--notably during the provostship of the Rev. Francis Hodgson; but
+radical defects are still alleged against it. It is not remarkable,
+however, that every Eton boy becomes deeply attached to the school,
+notwithstanding the apprenticeship to hardships he may have been
+compelled to undergo.
+
+The "hardships" there must have been particularly great when young
+Gladstone entered Eton, at the close of the summer holidays of 1821. The
+school was under the head-mastership of "the terrific Dr. Keate." He was
+not the man to spare even the scholar who, upon the emphatic testimony
+of Sir Roderick Murchison, was "the prettiest boy that ever went to
+Eton," and who was as studious and well-behaved as he was good-looking.
+
+The town of Eton, in which the school is located, about 22 miles from
+London, in Berkshire, is beautifully situated on the banks of the river
+Thames, opposite Windsor Castle, the residence of the Queen of England.
+
+Eton College is one of the most famous and best endowed educational
+institutions of learning in England. It was founded in 1440 by Henry VI.
+The king was very solicitous that the work should be of a durable kind,
+and he provided for free scholarships. Eton of Mr. Gladstone's day,
+according to a critic, was divided into two schools--the upper and the
+lower. It also had two kinds of scholars, namely, seventy called king's
+scholars or "collegers," who are maintained gratuitously, sleep in the
+college, and wear a peculiar dress; and another class--the
+majority--called "oppidans," who live in the town. Between these two
+classes of students there prevails perpetual hostility. At Cambridge,
+there was founded, in connection with Eton, what is called King's
+College, to receive as fellows students from Eton, and to give them
+gratuitously an education. The ground on which students of Eton were
+promoted to King's College and these fellowships was, strangely to say,
+upon that of seniority, or long residence, and not of merit. Because
+there was no competition, scholars who were deficient in education at
+Eton were promoted to Cambridge, where they had no incentive to work,
+being exempt from the ordinary university examination.
+
+At Eton "no instruction was given in any branch of mathematical,
+physical, metaphysical or moral science, nor in the evidences of
+Christianity. The only subjects which it professed to impart a knowledge
+of were the Greek and Latin languages; as much divinity as can be gained
+from construing the Greek Testament, and reading a portion of Tomline on
+the Thirty-nine Articles, and a little ancient and modern geography." So
+much for the instruction imparted. As regards the hours of tuition,
+there seems to have been fault there, in that they were too few and
+insufficient, there being in all only eleven hours a week study. Then as
+to the manner of study, no time was given the scholar to study the style
+of an author; he was "hurried from Herodotus to Thucydides, from
+Thucydides to Xenophon, from Xenophon to Lucian, without being
+habituated to the style of any one author--without gaining an interest
+in the history, or even catching the thread of the narrative; and when
+the whole book is finished he has probably collected only a few vague
+ideas about Darius crying over a great army, Abydos and Nicias and
+Demosthenes being routed with a great army near Syracuse, mixed up with
+a recollection of the death of Cyrus and Socrates, some moral precept
+from Socrates, and some jokes against false philosophers and heathen
+gods." Hence the Eton student who goes to Cambridge finds he has done
+but a little desultory reading, and that he must begin again. It was
+charged that the system of education at Eton failed in every point. The
+moral discipline of the school was also called in question. The number
+of scholars was so great that the proper control of them seemed
+impossible under the management. Great laxity prevailed among the larger
+boys, while the younger and weaker students were exposed to the tyranny
+of the older and stronger ones without hope of redress. The result was
+that the system of "fagging," or the acting of some boys as drudges for
+the others, flourished. "The right" of fagging depended upon the place
+in the school; all boys in the sixth and fifth forms had the power of
+ordering--all below the latter form being bound to obey. This system of
+fagging has a very injurious effect upon most of the boys; "it finds
+them slaves and leaves them despots. A boy who has suffered himself,
+insensibly learns to see no harm in making others suffer in turn. The
+whole thing is wrong in principle, and engenders passions which should
+be stifled and not encouraged." Why free and enlightened England should
+tolerate, even then, such barbarous slavery cannot be understood and
+yet there are outrageous customs prevailing among college students of
+our day in every civilized land that should be suppressed.
+
+Flogging was in vogue, too, at Eton, with all its degrading and
+demoralizing effects, and was performed by the Head-Master himself. In
+1820, the year before Mr. Gladstone entered Eton, there were 280 upper
+students and 319 lower, a total of 612, and none were exempt.
+
+Some curious stories are told of flogging, which has ever existed at
+Eton, and from which even the largest boys were not exempt. Mr. Lewis
+relates how a young man of twenty, just upon the point of leaving
+school, and engaged to be married to a lady at Windsor, was well and
+soundly whipped by Dr. Goodford, for arriving one evening at his tutor's
+house after the specified time. And it is related that Arthur Wellesley,
+afterwards the Iron Duke of Wellington, was flogged at Eton for having
+been "barred out." At the same time there were eighty boys who
+were whipped.
+
+And the Eton of twenty years later was very little improved over its
+condition in Mr. Gladstone's time there, or in 1845. John D. Lewis,
+speaking of this period, says that after the boys reached the fifth
+form, then began "some of the greatest anomalies and absurdities of the
+then Etonian system." The student was now safe from the ordeal of
+examinations, and that the higher classes, including ten senior
+collegers and ten senior oppidans, contained some of the very worst
+scholars. "A boy's place on the general roll was no more a criterion of
+his acquirements and his industry than would be the 'year' of a young
+man at Oxford or Cambridge." The collegers, however, were required to
+pass some kind of examination, in accordance with which their place on
+the list for the King's college was fixed. But the evils regarding the
+hours of study and the nature of the studies were as bad. "The regular
+holidays and Saints' days, two whole holidays in a week, and two
+half-holidays, were a matter of common occurrence."
+
+Lord Morley, in his examination before the Commission on Public Schools,
+was asked whether a boy would be looked down upon at Eton for being
+industrious in his studies, replied, "Not if he could do something else
+well." And this seems to be the spirit of the Eton boy with whom a lack
+of scholarship is more than made up by skill in river or field sports.
+
+This is true to-day; for a recent writer in the _Forum_, upon "The
+Training of Boys at Eton," says: "Athletic prominence is in English
+public schools almost synonymous with social prominence; many a boy
+whose capacity and character commanded both respect and liking at the
+universities and in after life, is almost a nobody at a public school,
+because he has no special athletic gifts.... Great athletic capacity may
+co-exist with low moral and intellectual character."
+
+There were few inducements to study and to excel in scholarship, and
+plenty to idleness and neglect, hence he who did so must study in hours
+and out of hours, in season and out of season. The curriculum is still
+strictly classical, but French, German and mathematics are taught. The
+collegers of recent years have done very fair work and carried off many
+distinctions at Cambridge. With all these odds against them, and these
+difficulties to surmount, yet there were Eton boys whose attainments
+were deep and solid, and who became famous men, and one of these was
+William E. Gladstone.
+
+When young Gladstone entered Eton his brothers, Thomas and Robertson
+Gladstone, were already there, and the three boys boarded at Mrs.
+Shurey's, whose house "at the south end of the broad walk in front of
+the schools and facing the chapel," was rather nearer the famous
+"Christopher Inn" than would be thought desirable nowadays. On the wall
+opposite the house the name of "Gladstone" is carved. Thomas Gladstone
+was in the fifth form, and William was placed in the middle remove of
+the fourth form, and became his eldest brother's "fag." This doubtlessly
+saved him much annoyance and suffering, and allowed him better to
+pursue the studious bent of his indications.
+
+William E. Gladstone was what Etonians called a "sap"--in other words, a
+student faithful in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him at
+school--one who studied his lessons and was prepared for his recitations
+in the classroom. This agreeable fact has been immortalized in a famous
+line in Lord Lytton's "New Timon." He worked hard at his classical
+studies, as required by the rules of the school, and applied himself
+diligently to the study of mathematics during the holidays.
+
+It is said that his interest in the work of the school was first aroused
+by Mr. Hawtrey, who afterwards became Head-Master, who commended some of
+his Latin verses, and "sent him up for good." This led the young man to
+associate intellectual work with the ideas of ambition and success.
+While he did not seem to be especially an apt scholar in the restricted
+sense for original versification in the classical languages, or for
+turning English into Greek or Latin, yet he seemed to seize the precise
+meaning of the authors and to give the sense. "His composition was
+stiff," but yet, says a classmate, "when there were thrilling passages
+of Virgil or Homer, or difficult passages in 'Scriptores Graeci' to
+translate, he or Lord Arthur Hervey was generally called up to edify
+the class with quotations or translations."
+
+He had no prizes at Eton except what is called being sent up for good,
+on account of verses, and he was honored on several occasions. Besides
+he took deep interest in starting a college periodical, and with some of
+the most intellectual of the students sustained it with his pen. The
+more studious of Eton boys have on several occasions in the present
+century been in the habit of establishing periodicals for the purpose of
+ventilating their opinions. In 1786 Mr. Canning and Mr. Hookham Frere
+established the _Microcosm_, whose essays and _jeux d'esprit_, while
+having reference primarily to Eton, demonstrated that the writers were
+not insensible to what was going on in the great world without. It was
+for this college paper that Canning wrote his "Essay on the Epic of the
+Queen of Hearts," which, as a burlesque criticism, has been awarded a
+high place in English literature. Lord Henry Spencer, Hookham Frere,
+Capel Lofft, and Mr. Millish, were also contributors to the columns of
+the _Microcosm_. In the year 1820 W. Mackworth Praed set on foot a
+manuscript journal, entitled _Apis Matina_. This was in turn succeeded
+by the _Etonian_, to which Praed contributed some of his most brilliant
+productions. John Moultrie, Henry Nelson Coleridge, Walter Blunt, and
+Chauncy Hare Townshend were also among the writers for its papers, who
+helped to make it of exceptional excellence. Its articles are of no
+ordinary interest even now.
+
+In the last year of William E. Gladstone's stay at Eton, in 1827, and
+seven years after Praed's venture, he was largely instrumental in
+launching the _Eton Miscellany_, professedly edited by Bartholomew
+Bouverie, and Mr. Gladstone became a most frequent, voluminous and
+valuable contributor to its pages. He wrote articles of every
+kind--prologues, epilogues, leaders, historical essays, satirical
+sketches, classical translations, humorous productions, poetry and
+prose. And among the principal contributors with him were Sir Francis
+Doyle, George Selwyn, James Colville, Arthur Hallam, John Haumer and
+James Milnes-Gaskell. The introduction, written by and signed "William
+Ewart Gladstone" for this magazine, contained the following interesting
+and singular passage, which probably fairly sets forth the hopes and
+fears that beset statesmen in maturer years, as well as Eton boys of
+only seventeen years of age:
+
+"In my present undertaking there is one gulf in which I fear to sink,
+and that gulf is Lethe. There is one stream which I dread my inability
+to stem--it is the tide of Popular Opinion. I have ventured, and no
+doubt rashly ventured--
+
+     Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,
+     To try my fortune in a sea of glory,
+     But far beyond my depth."
+
+At present it is hope alone that buoys me up; for more substantial
+support I must be indebted to my own exertions, well knowing that in
+this land of literature merit never wants its reward. That such merit is
+mine I dare not presume to think; but still there is something within me
+that bids me hope that I may be able to glide prosperously down the
+stream of public estimation; or, in the words of Virgil,
+
+     '--Celerare viam rumore secundo.'
+
+"I was surprised even to see some works with the names of Shakespeare
+and Milton on them sharing the common destiny, but on examination I
+found that those of the latter were some political rhapsodies, which
+richly deserved their fate; and that the former consisted of some
+editions of his works which had been burdened with notes and mangled
+with emendations by his merciless commentators. In other places I
+perceived authors worked up into frenzy by seeing their own compositions
+descending like the rest. Often did the infuriated scribes extend their
+hands, and make a plunge to endeavor to save their beloved offspring,
+but in vain; I pitied the anguish of their disappointment, but with
+feelings of the same commiseration as that which one feels for a
+malefactor on beholding his death, being at the same time fully
+conscious how well he has deserved it."
+
+Little did this diffident and youthful editor imagine that he was
+forecasting the future for himself by the aid of youth's most ardent
+desires, and that he would live to become the Primate of all England and
+the foremost statesman of his day.
+
+There were two volumes of the _Miscellany_, dated June-July and
+October-November, respectively, and Mr. Gladstone contributed thirteen
+articles to the first volume. Among the contributions were an "Ode to
+the Shade of Watt Tyler," a vigorous rendering of a chorus from the
+Hucuba of Euripides, and a letter under the name of "Philophantasm,"
+detailing an encounter he had with the poet Virgil, in which the great
+poet appeared muttering something which did not sound like Latin to an
+Eton boy, and complaining that he knew he was hated by the Eton boys
+because he was difficult to learn, and pleading to be as well received
+henceforth as Horace.
+
+We give a quotation from a poem, consisting of some two hundred and
+fifty lines, from his pen, which, appeared also in the _Miscellany_:
+
+     "Who foremost now the deadly spear to dart,
+      And strike the javelin to the Moslem's heart?
+      Who foremost now to climb the leaguered wall,
+      The first to triumph, or the first to fall?
+      Lo, where the Moslems rushing to the fight,
+      Back bear their squadrons in inglorious flight.
+      With plumed helmet, and with glittering lance,
+     'Tis Richard bids his steel-clad bands advance;
+     'Tis Richard stalks along the blood-dyed plain,
+      And views unmoved the slaying and the slain;
+     'Tis Richard bathes his hands in Moslem blood,
+      And tinges Jordan with the purple flood.
+      Yet where the timbrels ring, the trumpets sound,
+      And tramp of horsemen shakes the solid ground,
+      Though 'mid the deadly charge and rush of fight,
+      No thought be theirs of terror or of flight,--
+      Ofttimes a sigh will rise, a tear will flow,
+      And youthful bosoms melt in silent woe;
+      For who of iron frame and harder heart
+      Can bid the mem'ry of his home depart?
+      Tread the dark desert and the thirsty sand,
+      Nor give one thought to England's smiling land?
+      To scenes of bliss, and days of other years--
+      The Vale of Gladness and the Vale of Tears;
+      That, passed and vanish'd from their loving sight,
+      This 'neath their view, and wrapt in shades of night?"
+
+Among other writers who contributed to the first volume of the
+_Miscellany_ were Arthur Henry Hallam and Doyle, also G.A. Selwyn,
+afterwards Bishop Selwyn, the friend of Mr. Gladstone, and to whom he
+recently paid the following tribute: "Connected as tutor with families
+of rank and influence, universally popular from his frank, manly, and
+engaging character--and scarcely less so from his extraordinary rigor as
+an athlete--he was attached to Eton, where he resided, with a love
+surpassing the love of Etonians. In himself he formed a large part of
+the life of Eton, and Eton formed a large part of his life. To him is
+due no small share of the beneficial movement in the direction of
+religious earnestness which marked the Eton of forty years back, and
+which was not, in my opinion, sensibly affected by any influence
+extraneous to the place itself. At a moment's notice, upon the call of
+duty, he tore up the singularly deep roots which his life had struck
+deep into the soil of England."
+
+Both Mr. Gladstone and the future Bishop of Selwyn contributed humorous
+letters to "The Postman," the correspondence department of the _Eton
+Miscellany_.
+
+In the second volume of the _Eton Miscellany_ are articles of equal
+interest to those that appeared in the first. Doyle, Jelf, Selwyn,
+Shadwell and Arthur Henry Hallam were contributors, the latter having
+written "The Battle of the Boyne," a parody upon Campbell's
+"Hohenlinden." But here again Mr. Gladstone was the principal
+contributor, having contributed to this even more largely than to the
+first, having written seventeen articles, besides the introductions to
+the various numbers of the volume. Indeed one would think from his
+devotion to these literary pursuits during his last year at Eton, that
+he had very little leisure for those ordinary sports so necessary to
+Eton boys. He seems to have begun his great literary activity. Among
+them may be mentioned an "Ode to the Shade of Watt Tyler," mentioned
+before, which is an example of his humorous style:
+
+     "Shade of him whose valiant tongue
+      On high the song of freedom sung;
+      Shade of him, whose mighty soul
+      Would pay no taxes on his poll;
+      Though, swift as lightning, civic sword
+        Descended on thy fated head,
+      The blood of England's boldest poured,
+        And numbered Tyler with the dead!
+
+     "Still may thy spirit flap its wings
+      At midnight o'er the couch of kings;
+      And peer and prelate tremble, too,
+      In dread of mighty interview!
+      With patriot gesture of command,
+        With eyes that like thy forges gleam,
+      Lest Tyler's voice and Tyler's hand
+        Be heard and seen in nightly dream.
+
+     "I hymn the gallant and the good
+      From Tyler down to Thistlewood,
+      My muse the trophies grateful sings,
+      The deeds of Miller and of Ings;
+      She sings of all who, soon or late,
+        Have burst Subjection's iron chain,
+      Have seal'd the bloody despot's fate,
+        Or cleft a peer or priest in twain.
+
+     "Shades, that soft Sedition woo,
+      Around the haunts of Peterloo!
+      That hover o'er the meeting-halls,
+      Where many a voice stentorian bawls!
+      Still flit the sacred choir around,
+        With 'Freedom' let the garrets ring,
+      And vengeance soon in thunder sound
+        On Church, and constable, and king."
+
+In a paper on "Eloquence," in the same volume, he shows that even then
+his young mind was impressed by the fame attached to successful oratory
+in Parliament. Visions of glory and honor open before the enraptured
+sight of those devoted to oratorical pursuits, and whose ardent and
+aspiring minds are directed to the House of Commons. Evidently the young
+writer himself "had visions of parliamentary oratory, and of a
+successful _debut_ in the House of Commons, with perhaps an offer from
+the Minister, a Secretaryship of State, and even the Premiership itself
+in the distance." But then there are barriers to pass and ordeals to
+undergo. "There are roars of coughing, as well as roars of cheering"
+from the members of the House, "and maiden speeches sometimes act more
+forcibly on the lungs of hearers than the most violent or most cutting
+of all the breezes which AEOLUS can boast." But the writer draws comfort
+from the fact that Lord Morfeth, Edward Geoffrey, Stanley and Lord
+Castlereagh who were all members of the Eton college debating society
+were then among the most successful young speakers in Parliament. This
+sounds more like prophecy than dreams, for within a very few years after
+writing this article the writer himself had passed the dreaded barrier
+and endured the ordeal, and had not only made his appearance in the
+House of Commons, but had been invited to fill an honorable place in the
+Cabinet of the Ministry then in power.
+
+Another contribution of Mr. Gladstone's to the _Miscellany_, and perhaps
+the most meritorious of the youthful writer's productions, was
+entitled, "Ancient and Modern Genius Compared," in which the young
+Etonian editor ardently and affectionately apostrophized the memory of
+Canning, his father's great friend and his own ideal man and statesman,
+who had just then perished untimely and amid universal regret. In this
+article he first takes the part of the moderns as against the ancients,
+though he by no means deprecates the genius of the latter, and then
+eloquently apostrophizes the object of his youthful hero-worship, the
+immortal Canning, whose death he compares to that of the lamented Pitt.
+The following are extracts from this production:
+
+"It is for those who revered him in the plenitude of his meridian glory
+to mourn over him in the darkness of his premature extinction: to mourn
+over the hopes that are buried in his grave, and the evils that arise
+from his withdrawing from the scene of life. Surely if eloquence never
+excelled and seldom equalled--if an expanded mind and judgment whose
+vigor was paralleled only by its soundness--if brilliant wit--if a
+glowing imagination--if a warm heart, and an unbending firmness--could
+have strengthened the frail tenure, and prolonged the momentary duration
+of human existence, that man had been immortal! But nature could endure
+no longer. Thus has Providence ordained that inasmuch as the intellect
+is more brilliant, it shall be more short-lived; as its sphere is more
+expanded, more swiftly is it summoned away. Lest we should give to man
+the honor due to God--lest we should exalt the object of our admiration
+into a divinity for our worship--He who calls the weary and the mourner
+to eternal rest hath been pleased to remove him from our eyes.
+
+"The degrees of inscrutable wisdom are unknown to us; but if ever there
+was a man for whose sake it was meet to indulge the kindly though frail
+feelings of our nature--for whom the tear of sorrow was to us both
+prompted by affection and dictated by duty--that man was
+George Canning."
+
+After Hallam, Selwyn and other contributors to the _Miscellany_ left
+Eton, at midsummer, 1827, Mr. Gladstone still remained and became the
+mainstay of the magazine. "Mr. Gladstone and I remained behind as its
+main supporters," writes Sir Francis Doyle, "or rather it would be more
+like the truth if I said that Mr. Gladstone supported the whole burden
+upon his own shoulders. I was unpunctual and unmethodical, so were his
+other vassals; and the '_Miscellany_' would have fallen to the ground
+but for Mr. Gladstone's untiring energy, pertinacity and tact."
+
+Although Mr. Gladstone labored in editorial work upon the _Miscellany_,
+yet he took time to bestow attention upon his duties in the Eton
+Society of the College, learnedly called "The Literati," and vulgarly
+called "Pop," and took a leading part in the debates and in the private
+business of the Society. The Eton Society of Gladstone's day was a
+brilliant group of boys. He introduced desirable new members, moved for
+more readable and instructive newspapers, proposing new rules for better
+order and more decorous conduct, moving fines on those guilty of
+disorder or breaches of the rules, and paying a fine imposed upon
+himself for putting down an illegal question. "In debate he champions
+the claims of metaphysics against those of mathematics, and defends
+aristocracy against democracy;" confesses innate feelings of dislike to
+the French; protests against disarmament of the Highlanders as
+inexpedient and unjust; deplores the fate of Strafford and the action of
+the House of Commons, which he claimed they should be able to "revere as
+our glory and confide in as our protection." The meetings of the Eton
+Society were held over Miss Hatton's "sock-shop."
+
+In politics its members were Tory--intensely so, and although current
+politics were forbidden subjects, yet, political opinions were disclosed
+in discussions of historical or academical questions. "The execution of
+Strafford and Charles I, the characters of Oliver Cromwell and Milton,
+the 'Central Social' of Rousseau, and the events of the French
+Revolution, laid bare the speakers' political tendencies as effectually
+as if the conduct of Queen Caroline, the foreign policy of Lord
+Castlereagh, or the repeal of the Test and Corporation Act had been the
+subject of debate."
+
+It was October 15, 1825, when Gladstone was elected a member of the Eton
+Society, and on the 29th of the same month made his maiden speech on the
+question "Is the education of the poor on the whole beneficial?" It is
+recorded in the minutes of the meeting that "Mr. Gladstone rose and
+eloquently addressed the house." He spoke in favor of education; and one
+who heard him says that his opening words were, "Sir, in this age of
+increased and increasing civilization." Says an eminent writer, by way
+of comment upon these words, "It almost oppresses the imagination to
+picture the shoreless sea of eloquence which rolls between that exordium
+and the oratory to which we still are listening and hope to listen for
+years to come."
+
+"The peroration of his speech on the question whether Queen Anne's
+Ministers, in the last four years of her reign, deserved well of their
+country, is so characteristic, both in substance and in form," that we
+reproduce it here from Dr, Russell's work on Gladstone:
+
+"Thus much, sir, I have said, as conceiving myself bound in fairness not
+to regard the names under which men have hidden their designs so much
+as the designs themselves. I am well aware that my prejudices and my
+predilections have long been enlisted on the side of Toryism (cheers)
+and that in a cause like this I am not likely to be influenced unfairly
+against men bearing that name and professing to act on the principles
+which I have always been accustomed to revere. But the good of my
+country must stand on a higher ground than distinctions like these. In
+common fairness and in common candor, I feel myself compelled to give my
+decisive verdict against the conduct of men whose measures I firmly
+believe to have been hostile to British interests, destructive of
+British glory, and subversive of the splendid and, I trust, lasting
+fabric of the British constitution."
+
+The following extracts from the diary of William Cowper, afterwards Lord
+Mount-Temple, we also reproduce from the same author: "On Saturday,
+October 27, 1827, the subject for debate was:
+
+"'Whether the deposition of Richard II was justifiable or not.' Jelf
+opened; not a good speech. Doyle spoke _extempore_, made several
+mistakes, which were corrected by Jelf. Gladstone spoke well. The Whigs
+were regularly floored; only four Whigs to eleven Tories, but they very
+nearly kept up with them in coughing and 'hear, hears,' Adjourned to
+Monday after 4.
+
+"Monday, 29.--Gladstone finished his speech, and ended with a great deal
+of flattery of Doyle, saying that he was sure he would have courage
+enough to own that he was wrong. It succeeded. Doyle rose amidst
+reiterated cheers to own that he was convinced by the arguments of the
+other side. He had determined before to answer them and cut up
+Gladstone!
+
+"December 1.--Debate, 'Whether the Peerage Bill of 1719 was calculated
+to be beneficial or not.' Thanks voted to Doyle and Gladstone; the
+latter spoke well; will be a great loss to the Society."
+
+There were many boys at Eton--schoolfellows of Mr. Gladstone--who became
+men of note in after days. Among them the Hallams, Charles Canning,
+afterwards Lord Canning and Governor-General of India; Walter Hamilton,
+Bishop of Salisbury; Edward Hamilton, his brother, of Charters; James
+Hope, afterwards Hope-Scott; James Bruce, afterwards Lord Elgin; James
+Milnes-Gaskell, M.P. for Wenlock; Henry Denison; Sir Francis Doyle;
+Alexander Kinglake; George Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand and of
+Litchfield; Lord Arthur Hervey, Bishop of Bath and Wells; William
+Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire; George Cornwallis Lewis; Frederic
+Tennyson; Gerald Wellesley, Dean of Windsor; Spencer Walpole, Home
+Secretary; Frederic Rogers, Lord Blachford; James Colvile, Chief Justice
+at Calcutta, and others.
+
+By universal acknowledgment the most remarkable youth at Eton in that
+day was Arthur Hallam, "in mind and character not unworthy of the
+magnificent eulogy of 'In Memoriam.'" He was the most intimate friend of
+young Gladstone. They always took breakfast together, although they
+boarded apart in different houses, and during the separation of
+vacations they were diligent correspondents.
+
+The father of William E. Gladstone, as we have seen, discovered
+premonitions of future greatness in his son, and we may well ask the
+question what impression was made by him upon his fellow school-mates at
+Eton. Arthur Hallam wrote: "Whatever may be our lot, I am confident that
+_he_ is a bud that will bloom with a richer fragrance than almost any
+whose early promise I have witnessed."
+
+James Milnes-Gaskell says: "Gladstone is no ordinary individual; and
+perhaps if I were called on to select the individual I am intimate with
+to whom I should first turn in an emergency, and whom I thought in every
+way pre-eminently distinguished for high excellence, I think I should
+turn to Gladstone. If you finally decide in favor of Cambridge, my
+separation from Gladstone will be a source of great sorrow to me." And
+the explanation of this latter remark is that the writer's mother wanted
+him to go to Cambridge, while he wished to go to Oxford, because
+Gladstone was going there.
+
+Sir Francis Doyle writes: "I may as well remark that my father, a man of
+great ability, as well as of great experience of life, predicted
+Gladstone's future eminence from the manner in which he handled this
+somewhat tiresome business. [The editorial work and management of the
+_Eton Miscellany._] 'It is not' he remarked, 'that I think his papers
+better than yours or Hallam's--that is not my meaning at all; but the
+force of character he has shown in managing his subordinates, and the
+combination of ability and power that he has made evident, convince me
+that such a young man cannot fail to distinguish himself hereafter.'"
+
+The recreations of young Gladstone were not in all respects like his
+school-mates. He took no part in games, for he had no taste in that
+direction, and while his companions were at play he was studiously
+employed in his room. One of the boys afterwards declared, "without
+challenge or contradiction, that he was never seen to run." Yet he had
+his diversions and was fond of sculling, and kept a "lock-up," or
+private boat, for his own use. He liked walking for exercise, and walked
+fast and far. His chief amusement when not writing, reading or debating,
+was to ramble among the delights of Windsor with a few intimate friends;
+and he had only a few whom he admitted to his inner circle. To others
+beyond he was not known and was not generally popular. Gladstone,
+Charles Canning, Handley, Bruce, Hodgson, Lord Bruce and Milnes-Gaskell
+set up a Salt Hill Club. They met every whole holiday or half-holiday,
+as was convenient, after twelve, "and went up to Salt Hill to bully the
+fat waiter, eat toasted cheese, and drink egg-wine." It is startling to
+hear from such an authority as James Milnes-Gaskell that "in all our
+meetings, as well as at almost every time, Gladstone went by the name of
+Mr. Tipple."
+
+[Illustration: HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.]
+
+The strongest testimony is borne to the moral character of young
+Gladstone while at Eton. By common consent he was pre-eminently
+God-fearing, orderly and conscientious. Bishop Hamilton, of Salisbury,
+writes: "At Eton I was a thoroughly idle boy; but I was saved from some
+worse things by getting to know Gladstone." This is the strong testimony
+of one school-boy after he has reached maturity and distinction for
+another. "To have exercised, while still a school-boy, an influence for
+good upon one of the greatest of contemporary saints, is surely such a
+distinction as few Prime Ministers ever attain."
+
+Two stories are told of him while at Eton that go to show the moral
+determination of the boy to do right. On one occasion he turned his
+glass upside down and refused to drink a coarse toast proposed,
+according to annual custom, at an election dinner at the "Christopher
+Inn." This shows the purity of his mind, but there is another
+illustrating the humane feeling in his heart. He came forth as the
+champion of some miserable pigs which it was the inhumane custom to
+torture at Eton Fair on Ash Wednesday, and when he was bantered by his
+school-fellows for his humanity, he offered to write his reply "in good
+round hand upon their faces."
+
+At Christmas, 1827, Gladstone left Eton, and after that studied six
+months under private tutors, Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+being one. Of this Mr. Gladstone writes: "I resided with Dr. Turner at
+Wilmslow (in Cheshire) from January till a few months later. My
+residence with him was cut off by his appointment to the Bishopric of
+Calcutta.... My companions were the present (1877) Bishop of Sodor and
+Man, and Sir C.A. Wood, Deputy-Chairman of the G.W. Railway. We employed
+our spare time in gymnastics, in turning, and in rambles. I remember
+paying a visit to Macclesfield. In a silk factory the owner showed us
+his silk handkerchiefs, and complained much of Mr. Huskisson for having
+removed the prohibition of the foreign article. The thought passed
+through my mind at the time: Why make laws to enable people to produce
+articles of such hideous pattern and indifferent quality as this?
+Alderly Edge was a favorite place of resort. We dined with Sir John
+Stanley (at Alderly) on the day when the king's speech was received; and
+I recollect that he ridiculed (I think very justly) the epithet
+_untoward_, which was applied in it to the Battle of Navarino."
+
+In 1828, and after two years as a private pupil of Dr. Turner, Mr.
+Gladstone entered Christ Church College, Oxford and in the following
+year was nominated to a studentship on the foundation. Although he had
+no prizes at Oxford of the highest class, unless honors in the schools
+be so called--and in this respect he achieved a success which falls to
+the lot of but few students. In the year 1831, when he went up for his
+final examination, he completed his academical education by attaining
+the highest honors in the university--graduating double-first-class.
+
+Of the city of Oxford, where Oxford University is situated, Matthew
+Arnold writes: "Beautiful city! So venerable, so lovely, so unravaged by
+the fierce intellectual life of our century, so serene! And yet, steeped
+in sentiment as she lies, spreading her gardens to the moonlight, or
+whispering from her towers the last enchantments of the Middle Age, who
+will deny that Oxford, by her ineffable charm, keeps ever calling us
+near to the true goal of all of us, to the ideal, to perfection--to
+beauty, in a word, which is only truth seen from another side."
+
+Describing Christ Church College, a writer has said that there is no
+other College where a man has so great a choice of society, or a man
+entire freedom in choosing it.
+
+As to the studies required, a greater stress was laid upon a knowledge
+of the Bible and of the evidences of Christianity than upon classical
+literature; some proficiency was required also, either in mathematics or
+the science of reasoning. The system of education accommodated itself to
+the capacity and wants of the students, but the man of talent was at no
+loss as to a field for his exertions, or a reward for his industry. The
+honors of the ministry were all within his reach. In the cultivation of
+taste and general information Oxford afforded every opportunity, but the
+modern languages were not taught.
+
+An interesting fact is related of young Gladstone when he entered
+Oxford, as to his studies at the university. He wrote his father that he
+disliked mathematics, and that he intended to concentrate his time and
+attention upon the classics. This was a great blow to his father, who
+replied that he did not think a man was a man unless he knew
+mathematics. The dutiful son yielded to his father's wishes, abandoned
+his own plan, and applied himself with energy and success to the study
+of mathematics. But for this change of study he might not have become
+the greatest of Chancellors of the Exchequer.
+
+Gladstone's instructors at Oxford were men of reputation. Rev. Robert
+Biscoe, whose lectures on Aristotle attracted some of the best men to
+the university, was his tutor; he attended the lectures of Dr. Burton on
+Divinity, and of Dr. Pusey on Hebrew, and read classics privately with
+Bishop Wordsworth. He read steadily but not laboriously. Nothing was
+ever allowed to interfere with his morning's work. He read for four
+hours, and then took a walk. Though not averse to company and suppers,
+yet he always read for two or three hours before bedtime.
+
+Among the undergraduates at Oxford then, who became conspicuous, were
+Henry Edward Manning, afterwards Cardinal Archbishop; Archibald Campbell
+Tait, Archbishop of Canterbury; Sidney Herbert, Robert Lowe, Lord
+Sherbrooke, and Lord Selborne. "The man who _took_ me most," says a
+visitor to Oxford in 1829, "was the youngest Gladstone of Liverpool--I
+am sure a very superior person."
+
+Gladstone's chosen friends were all steady and industrious men, and many
+of them were more distinctively religious than is generally found in the
+life of undergraduates. And his choice of associates in this respect was
+the subject of criticism on the part of a more secularly minded student
+who wrote, "Gladstone has mixed himself up with the St. Mary Hall and
+Oriel set, who are really, for the most part, only fit to live with
+maiden aunts and keep tame rabbits." And the question, Which was
+right--Gladstone or the student? may be answered by another, Which one
+became Prime Minister of England?
+
+"Gladstone's first rooms were in the 'old library,' near the hall; but
+for the greater part of his time he occupied the right-hand rooms on the
+first floor of the first staircase, on the right as the visitor enters
+Canterbury gate. He was, alike in study and in conduct, a model
+undergraduate, and the great influence of his character and talents was
+used with manly resolution against the riotous conduct of the 'Tufts,'
+whose brutality caused the death of one of their number in 1831. We read
+this note in the correspondence of a friend: 'I heard from Gladstone
+yesterday; he says that the number of gentlemen commoners has increased,
+is increasing, and ought to be diminished.' Every one who has
+experienced the hubristic qualities of the Tufted race, and its
+satellites, will cordially sympathize with this sentiment of an orderly
+and industrious undergraduate. He was conspicuously moderate in the use
+of wine. His good example in this respect affected not only his
+contemporaries but also his successors at the university; men who
+followed him to Oxford ten years later found it still operative, and
+declare that undergraduates drank less in the forties, because Gladstone
+had been courageously abstemious in the thirties."
+
+But there were those who better estimated Gladstone's worth and looked
+approvingly upon his course, as "the blameless schoolboy became the
+blameless undergraduate; diligent, sober, regular alike in study and
+devotion, giving his whole energies to the duties of the place, and
+quietly abiding in the religious faith in which he had been trained.
+Bishop Charles Wordsworth said that no man of his standing in the
+university habitually read his Bible more or knew it better. Cardinal
+Manning described him walking in the university with his 'Bible and
+Prayer-book tucked under his arm.' ... He quitted Oxford with a
+religious belief still untinctured by Catholic theology. But the great
+change was not far distant, and he had already formed some of the
+friendships which, in their development were destined to effect so
+profoundly the course of his religious thought."
+
+In reference to the religious and political opinions and influences
+prevailing at Oxford, it may be remarked that the atmosphere of Oxford
+was calculated to strengthen Mr. Gladstone's conservative views, and did
+have this effect, and as English statesmen had not then learned to put
+their trust in the people, the cause of reform found few or no friends
+at the university, and he was among those hostile to it, and was known
+for his pronounced Tory and High Church opinions.
+
+He belonged to the famous debating society known as the Oxford Union,
+was a brilliant debater, and in 1831 was its secretary, and later its
+president. On various occasions he carried, by a majority of one only, a
+motion that the Wellington Administration was undeserving of the
+confidence of the country; he defended the results of the Catholic
+Emancipation; he opposed a motion for the removal of Jewish
+disabilities, and he persuaded 94 students out of 130 to condemn Earl
+Grey's Reform Bill as a measure "which threatened not only to change the
+form of government, but ultimately to break up the very foundation of
+social order." His last speech at Oxford was in support of his own
+amendment to a motion for the immediate emancipation of the slaves in
+the West Indies. On a certain occasion he entertained a party of
+students from Cambridge, consisting of Sir Francis Doyle, Monckton
+Milnes, Sunderland, and Arthur H. Hallam, who discussed among them the
+superiority of Shelley over Byron as a poet. The motion was opposed by
+one Oxonion, the late Cardinal Manning, but Shelley received 90 votes to
+33 for Byron.
+
+One who heard the debate on the Reform Bill says that "it converted
+Alston, the son of the member in Parliament for Hertford, who
+immediately on the conclusion of Gladstone's speech walked across from
+the Whig to the Tory side of the house, amidst loud acclamations."
+Another who was present writes, "Most of the speakers rose, more or
+less, above their usual level, but when Mr. Gladstone sat down we all of
+us felt that an epoch in our lives had occurred. It certainly was the
+finest speech of his that I ever heard." And Bishop Charles Wordsworth
+writes his experience of Mr. Gladstone at this time, "made me feel no
+less sure than of my own existence that Gladstone, our then
+Christ-Church undergraduate, would one day rise to be Prime Minister
+of England."
+
+In the spring of 1832 Mr. Gladstone quitted Oxford. In summing up
+results it may be said, in the language of Mr. Russell: "Among the
+purely intellectual effects produced on Mr. Gladstone by the discipline
+of Oxford, it is obvious to reckon an almost excessive exactness in the
+statement of propositions, a habit of rigorous definition, a microscopic
+care in the choice of words, and a tendency to analyze every sentiment
+and every phrase, and to distinguish with intense precaution between
+statements almost exactly similar. From Aristotle and Bishop Butler and
+Edmund Burke he learned the value of authority, the sacredness of law,
+the danger of laying rash and inconsiderate hands upon the ark of State.
+In the political atmosphere of Oxford he was taught to apply these
+principles to the civil events of his time, to dread innovation, to
+respect existing institutions, and to regard the Church and the Throne
+as inseparably associated by Divine ordinance."
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone's London Home]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES
+
+It is customary for the sons of gentlemen who graduate at Cambridge and
+Oxford to spend some time in travel on the continent upon the completion
+of their university studies. The custom was observed in Mr. Gladstone's
+early days even more than at the present. In accordance then with the
+prevailing usage he went abroad after graduating at Oxford. In the
+spring of 1832 he started on his travels and spent nearly the whole of
+the next six months in Italy, "learning the language, studying the art,
+and revelling in the natural beauties of that glorious land." In the
+following September, however, he was suddenly recalled to England to
+enter upon his first Parliamentary campaign.
+
+At Oxford Toryism prevailed, and was of the old-fashioned type, far
+removed from the utilitarian conservatism of the present day. Charles I
+was a saint and a martyr, the claims of rank and birth were admitted
+with a childlike simplicity, the high functions of government were the
+birthright of the few, and the people had nothing to do with the laws,
+except to obey them. Mr. Gladstone was a Tory. The political views he
+held upon leaving Oxford had much to do with his recall from abroad and
+his running for a seat in the House of Commons. Of these opinions held
+by him then, and afterwards repudiated, he, in a speech delivered at the
+opening of the Palmerston Club, Oxford, in December, 1878, says: "I
+trace in the education of Oxford of my own time one great defect.
+Perhaps it was my own fault; but I must admit that I did not learn, when
+at Oxford, that which I have learned since, viz., to set a due value on
+the imperishable and inestimable principles of human liberty. The temper
+which, I think, too much prevailed in academic circles, was that liberty
+was regarded with jealousy and fear, which could not be wholly dispensed
+with, but which was continually to be watched for fear of excess.... I
+think that the principle of the Conservative party is jealousy of
+liberty and of the people, only qualified by fear; but I think the
+policy of the Liberal party is trust in the people, only qualified by
+prudence. I can only assure you, gentlemen, that now I am in front of
+extended popular privileges. I have no fear of those enlargements of the
+Constitution that seem to be approaching. On the contrary, I hail them
+with desire. I am not in the least degree conscious that I have less
+reverence for antiquity, for the beautiful, and good, and glorious
+charges that our ancestors have handed down to us as a patrimony to our
+race, than I had in other days when I held other political opinions. I
+have learnt to set the true value upon human liberty, and in whatever I
+have changed, there, and there only, has been the explanation of
+the change."
+
+It was Mr. Gladstone's Tory principles that led to an invitation from
+the Duke of Newcastle, whose son, the Earl of Lincoln, afterwards a
+member of Lord Aberdeen's Cabinet during the Crimean War, had been his
+schoolmate at Eton and Oxford, and his intimate friend; to return to
+England and to contest the representation of Newark in Parliament. In
+accordance with this summons he hurried home.
+
+Let us review the national situation. It was a time of general alarm and
+uncertainty, from political unrest, commercial stagnation, and
+devastating pestilence. "The terrors of the time begat a hundred forms
+of strange fanaticism; and among men who were not fanatics there was a
+deep and wide conviction that national judgments were overtaking
+national sins, and that the only hope of safety for England lay in a
+return to that practical recognition of religion in the political sphere
+at the proudest moments of English history. 'The beginning and the end
+of what is the matter with us in these days,' wrote Carlyle, 'is that we
+have forgotten God.'"
+
+England was in a condition of great political excitement and expectancy.
+One of the greatest battles in Parliamentary history had just been
+fought and won by the people. The Reform Bill, which admitted large
+classes, hitherto unrepresented, to the right of citizenship, had
+passed, after a long struggle, during which law and order were defied
+and riots prevailed in various parts of the kingdom.
+
+The King clearly perceiving that the wish of the people could no longer
+be disregarded with safety, and heedless of the advice of the
+aristocracy, gave his assent to the measure. This bill, which became a
+law June 7, 1832, "transformed the whole of the Electoral arrangements
+of the United Kingdom." It was demanded that the King be present in the
+House of Lords to witness the ceremony of the subjugation of his crown
+and peers, as it was deemed, but the King, feeling he had yielded enough
+to the popular will, refused. Walpole, in his history, writes: "King and
+Queen sat sullenly apart in their palace. Peer and country gentleman
+moodily awaited the ruin of their country and the destruction of their
+property. Fanaticism still raved at the wickedness of a people; the
+people, clamoring for work, still succumbed before the mysterious
+disease which was continually claiming more and more victims. But the
+nation cared not for the sullenness of the Court, the forebodings of the
+landed classes, the ravings of the pulpit, or even the mysterious
+operations of a new plague. The deep gloom that had overshadowed the
+land had been relieved by one single ray. The victory had been won. The
+bill had become law."
+
+The first reformed House of Commons, after the passage of the terrible
+Reform Bill, met and was looked upon by some of the friends of Reform
+with fond hopes and expectations, and by others, the Tories, with fear
+and apprehension. The poor looked upon the Reform Bill as a measure for
+their redemption, and the landed proprietors regarded it as the first
+sign of departed national greatness. Both classes were disappointed. It
+neither revived business nor despoiled owners. The result was a surprise
+to politicians of both parties. The Reformers did not, as was
+anticipated, carry their extreme measures, and the Tories did not
+realize the great losses they expected. While the Ministry preserved its
+power and even obtained some victories in England and Scotland, it
+sustained serious defeats in Ireland. In England many earnest and
+popular friends of Reform were defeated in the election, and some
+counties, among them Bristol, Stamford, Hertford, Norwich and Newark,
+were pronounced against the Ministry.
+
+The Duke of Newcastle, who was one of the chief potentates of the high
+Tory party, and had lost his control of Newark in 1831, by the election
+of a Radical, was determined to regain it. He regarded it as his right
+to be represented in the House of Commons, or that Newark should elect
+whom he nominated. And he had propounded the memorable political maxim,
+"Have I not a right to do what I like with my own?" The Duke wanted a
+capable candidate to help him regain his ascendency. His son, Lord
+Lincoln, here came to his aid. He had heard the remarkable speech of his
+friend, Mr. Gladstone, in the Oxford Union, against the Reform Bill, and
+had written home regarding him, that "a man had uprisen in Israel." At
+his suggestion the Duke invited the young graduate of Oxford to run as
+the Tory candidate for a seat in Parliament from Newark. The wisdom of
+this selection for the accomplishment of the purpose in view, was fully
+demonstrated.
+
+[Illustration: The Lobby of the House of Commons]
+
+His personal appearance at this time may be thus described: He was
+somewhat robust. His youthful face bore none of those deep furrows which
+have rendered his countenance so remarkable in maturer years. But there
+was the same broad intellectual forehead, the massive nose, the same
+anxious eyes and the earnest enthusiasm of later years. His look was
+bright and thoughtful and his bearing attractive. He was handsome and
+possessed a most intelligent and expressive countenance. Says his
+biographer, Mr. Russell: "William Ewart Gladstone was now twenty-two
+years old, with a physical constitution of unequalled vigor, the
+prospect of ample fortune, great and varied knowledge, and a natural
+tendency to political theorization, and an inexhaustible copiousness and
+readiness of speech. In person he was striking and attractive, with
+strongly marked features, a pale complexion, abundance of dark hair and
+eyes of piercing lustre. People who judged only by his external aspect
+considered that he was delicate."
+
+Young Gladstone found two opponents contesting with him to represent
+Newark in Parliament, W.F. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, afterwards Lord
+Chancellor Truro. The latter was an advanced Liberal and had
+unsuccessfully contested the borough in 1829 and 1830, and had in
+consideration of his defeat received from his sympathetic friends a
+piece of plate inscribed: "By his ardent friends, the Blue electors of
+the borough, who by their exertions and sufferings in the cause of
+independence, largely conduced to awaken the attention of the nation to
+the necessity of Reform in Parliament. Upon this humble token of respect
+(contributed in the hour of defeat) the Blue electors of Newark inscribe
+their sense of the splendid ability, unwearied perseverance, and
+disinterested public spirit displayed by Sergeant Wilde in maintaining
+the two contests of 1829 and 1830, in order to emancipate the borough
+from political thraldoms, and restore to its inhabitants the free
+exercise of their long-lost rights." But Sergeant Wilde was more
+successful the following year, 1831, when the "Reform fever" was at its
+height, and defeated the Duke of Newcastle's nominee and became member
+of the House of Commons for the borough. These facts made the coming
+election, which followed the passage of the Reform Bill, of unusual
+interest, to those concerned, and the struggle would be of a close and
+determined character.
+
+Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest with his experienced, able and
+popular antagonist, with much against him, for he was young, unknown and
+untried; but his youth and personal appearance and manly bearing were in
+his favor, and these, with his eloquence and ready wit, gained for him
+many friends. His speeches demonstrated that he lacked neither
+arguments, nor words wherewith to clothe them. He needed, however, to
+call into requisition all his abilities, for Sergeant Wilde was a
+powerful antagonist, and had no thought of being displaced by his
+youthful opponent, "a political stripling," as he called him, without a
+desperate struggle. But Mr. Gladstone had behind him the ducal influence
+and the support of the Red Club, so he entered upon the contest with
+energy and enthusiasm.
+
+The young Tory's first election address was delivered upon this
+occasion. It was dated October 9th, 1832, was all such an address should
+be, and was addressed, "To the worthy and independent electors of the
+borough of Newark." It began by saying that he was bound in his opinions
+by no man and no party, but that he deprecated the growing unreasonable
+and indiscriminating desire for change then so common, but confessed
+that labor has a right to "receive adequate remuneration." On the
+question of human slavery, then greatly agitated, he remarked, "We are
+agreed that both the physical and the moral bondage of the slave are to
+be abolished. The question is as to the _order_, and the order only; now
+Scripture attacks the moral evil _before_ the corporal one, the corporal
+one _through_ the moral one, and I am content with the order which
+Scripture has established." He saw insurmountable obstacles against
+immediate emancipation, one of which was that the negro would exchange
+the evil now affecting him for greater ones--for a relapse into deeper
+debasement, if not for bloodshed and internal war.
+
+He therefore advocated a system of Christian education, to make the
+negro slaves fit for emancipation and to prepare them for freedom, Then,
+he argued, without bloodshed and the violation of property rights, and
+with unimpaired benefit to the negro, the desirable end might be reached
+in the utter extinction of slavery.
+
+Of this appropriate address, so important in the light of coming events,
+we quote two paragraphs in full. In speaking of existing evils and the
+remedies for them, he observed: "For the mitigation of these evils, we
+must, I think, look not only to particular measures, but to the
+restoration of sounder general principles. I mean especially that
+principle on which alone the incorporation of Religion with the State in
+our Constitution can be defended; that the duties of governors are
+strictly and peculiarly religious; and that legislatures, like
+individuals, are bound to carry throughout their acts the spirit of the
+high truths they have acknowledged. Principles are now arrayed against
+our institutions; and not by truckling nor by temporizing--not by
+oppression nor corruption--but by principles they must be met.
+
+"And now, gentlemen, as regards the enthusiasm with which you have
+rallied round your ancient flag, and welcomed the humble representative
+of those principles whose emblem it is, I trust that neither the lapse
+of time nor the seductions of prosperity can ever efface it from my
+memory. To my opponents, my acknowledgments are due for the good humor
+and kindness with which they have received me; and while I would thank
+my friends for their jealous and unwearied exertions in my favor, I
+briefly but emphatically assure them, that if promises be an adequate
+foundation of confidence, or experience a reasonable ground of
+calculation, our victory _is sure_"
+
+The new candidate for Parliamentary honors was "heckled," as it is
+called, at the hustings, or was interrupted continually while speaking,
+and questioned by his opponents as to the circumstances of his
+candidature, his father's connection with slavery, and his own views of
+capital punishment. From his first appearance in Newark, Mr. Gladstone
+had been subjected to these examinations and he stood the ordeal well
+and answered prudently. An instance of this is given. A Radical elector,
+Mr. Gillson, asked the young Tory candidate if he was the Duke of
+Newcastle's nominee, and was met by Mr. Gladstone demanding the
+questioner's definition of the term "nominee." Mr. Gillson replied that
+he meant a person sent by the Duke of Newcastle to be pushed down the
+throats of the voters whether they would or not. But Mr. Gladstone was
+equal to the occasion, and said according to that definition he was not
+the nominee of the Duke, but came to Newark by the invitation of the Red
+Club, than whom none were more respectable and intelligent.
+
+This same Red Club was Conservative, and promised to Mr. Gladstone, the
+thorough Conservative candidate, 650 votes, the whole number within its
+ranks. He also received the promise of 240 votes of other electors. This
+was known before the election, so that the result was confidently
+predicted. On the 11th of December, 1832, the "nomination" was held and
+the polling or election was held on the two following days, and Mr.
+Gladstone was chosen by a considerable majority, the votes being,
+Gladstone, 882; Handley, 793; Wilde, 719. Sergeant Wilde was defeated.
+
+During the public discussions before the election Mr. Gladstone was
+placed at a great disadvantage. There were three candidates to be heard
+from and his speech was to be the last in order. Sergeant Wilde made a
+very lengthy speech, which exhausted the patience of his hearers, who
+had already stood for nearly seven hours, and showed disinclination to
+listen to another three hours' address, which, from Mr. Gladstone's
+talents, they were far from thinking impossible. The Sergeant was
+condemned for occupying the attention of the electors for such an
+inordinate length of time, but this did not prevent a scene of
+outrageous noise and uproar when the Tory candidate rose to speak. The
+important topic was slavery, but Mr. Gladstone had not proceeded far
+when the hooting and hissing drowned his voice so that he found it
+impossible to proceed. When a show of hands was demanded it was declared
+in favor of Mr. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, but when the election came,
+it was Mr. Gladstone who triumphed, as has been seen, and who was sent
+to Parliament as the member from Newark.
+
+In speaking of the manner in which the Parliamentary elections are
+conducted, an English writer says: "Since 1832, few of those scenes of
+violence, and even of bloodshed, which formerly distinguished
+Parliamentary elections in many English boroughs, have been witnessed.
+Some of these lawless outbreaks were doubtless due to the unpopularity
+of the candidates forced upon the electors; but even in the largest
+towns--where territorial influence had little sway--riots occurred upon
+which we look back with doubtful amazement. Men holding strong political
+views have ceased to enforce those views by the aid of brickbats and
+other dangerous missiles. Yet at the beginning of the present century
+such arguments were very popular. And to the violence which prevailed
+was added the most unblushing bribery. Several boroughs, long notorious
+for extensive bribery, have since been disfranchised. The practice,
+however, extended to most towns in the kingdom, though it was not always
+carried on in the same open manner. By a long established custom, a
+voter at Hull received a donation of two guineas, or four for a
+plumper. In Liverpool men were openly paid for their votes; and Lord
+Cochrane stated in the House of Commons that, after his return for
+Honiton, he sent the town-crier round the borough to tell the voters to
+go to the chief banker for £10 10s. each. The great enlargement of the
+constituencies, secured by the Reform Bill of 1832, did much to put an
+end to this disgraceful condition of things; but to a wider political
+enlightenment also, some portion of the credit for such a result must be
+attributed."
+
+What the friends and foes of the new Tory member for Newark thought of
+his successful canvass and election, it is interesting to learn. When
+Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest the question was frequently put,
+"Who is Mr. Gladstone?" And it was answered, "He is the son of the
+friend of Mr. Canning, the great Liverpool merchant. He is, we
+understand, not more than four or five and twenty, but he has won golden
+opinions from all sorts of people, and promises to be an ornament to the
+House of Commons." And a few days after his election he addressed a
+meeting of the Constitutional Club, at Nottingham, when a Conservative
+journal made the first prophecy as to his future great political fame,
+saying: "He will one day be classed amongst the most able statesmen in
+the British Senate." The impression his successful contest made upon the
+late friends of his school-days may be learned from the following: A
+short time before the election Arthur Hallam, writing of his friend,
+"the old _W.E.G._," says: "I shall be very glad if he gets in.... We
+want such a man as that. In some things he is likely to be obstinate and
+prejudiced; but he has a fine fund of high, chivalrous Tory sentiment,
+and a tongue, moreover, to let it loose with." And after the election he
+exclaims: "And Gladstone has turned out the Sergeant!... What a triumph
+for him. He has made his reputation by it; all that remains is to keep
+up to it."
+
+That one of Mr. Gladstone's Liberal opponents was impressed by his
+talent and character is shown by the following lines of "descriptive
+prophecy, perhaps more remarkable for good feeling than for
+good poetry:"
+
+     "Yet on one form, whose ear can ne'er refuse
+      The Muses' tribute, for he lov'd the Muse,
+     (And when the soul the gen'rous virtues raise,
+      A friendly Whig may chant a Tory's praise,)
+      Full many a fond expectant eye is bent
+      Where Newark's towers are mirror'd in the Trent.
+      Perchance ere long to shine in senates first,
+      If manhood echo what his youth rehears'd,
+      Soon Gladstone's brows will bloom with greener bays
+      Than twine the chaplet of the minstrel's lays;
+      Nor heed, while poring o'er each graver line,
+      The far, faint music of a flute like mine.
+      His was no head contentedly which press'd
+      The downy pillow in obedient rest,
+      Where lazy pilots, with their canvas furl'd,
+      Let up the Gades of their mental world;
+      His was no tongue which meanly stoop'd to wear
+      The guise of virtue, while his heart was bare;
+      But all he thought through ev'ry action ran;
+      God's noblest work--I've known one honest man."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke at Newark in company with his friend, the Earl of
+Lincoln, shortly after his election, when another favorable testimony
+was given, and his address spoken of as "a manly, eloquent speech,
+replete with sound constitutional sentiments, high moral feeling, and
+ability of the most distinguished order."
+
+In commenting upon the result of the election a representative of the
+press of Newark wrote: "We have been told there was no reaction against
+the Ministry, no reaction in favor of Conservative principles. The
+delusion has now vanished, and made room for sober reason and
+reflection. The shadow satisfies no longer, and the return of Mr.
+Gladstone, to the discomfiture of the learned Sergeant and his friends,
+has restored the town of Newark to the high rank which it formerly held
+in the estimation of the friends of order and good government. We
+venture to predict that the losing candidate in this contest has
+suffered so severely that he will never show his face in Newark on a
+similar occasion."
+
+But Mr. Gladstone had made bitter political enemies already, who were
+not at all reconciled to his election, nor pleased with him. That they
+were not at all slow to express unbecomingly their bitterness against
+him, because of their unexpected defeat, the following shows from the
+_Reflector_: "Mr. Gladstone is the son of Gladstone of Liverpool, a
+person who (we are speaking of the father) had amassed a large fortune
+by West India dealings. In other words, a great part of his gold has
+sprung from the blood of black slaves. Respecting the youth himself--a
+person fresh from college, and whose mind is as much like a sheet of
+white foolscap as possible--he was utterly unknown. He came recommended
+by no claim in the world _except the will of the Duke_. The Duke nodded
+unto Newark, and Newark sent back the man, or rather the boy of his
+choice. What! Is this to be, now that the Reform Bill has done its work?
+Are sixteen hundred men still to bow down to a wooden-headed lord, as
+the people of Egypt used to do to their beasts, to their reptiles, and
+their ropes of onions? There must be something wrong--something
+imperfect. What is it? What is wanting? Why, the Ballot! If there be a
+doubt of this (and we believe there is a doubt even amongst intelligent
+men) the tale of Newark must set the question at rest. Sergeant Wilde
+was met on his entry into the town by almost the whole population. He
+was greeted everywhere, cheered everywhere. He was received with delight
+by his friends and with good and earnest wishes for his success by his
+nominal foes. The voters for Gladstone went up to that candidate's booth
+(the slave-driver, as they called him) with Wilde's colors. People who
+had before voted for Wilde, on being asked to give their suffrage said,
+'We cannot, we dare not. We have lost half our business, and shall lose
+the rest if we go against the Duke. We would do anything in our power
+for Sergeant Wilde and for the cause, but we cannot starve!' Now what
+say ye, our merry men, touching the Ballot?"
+
+However Mr. Gladstone had won as we have seen the golden opinions of
+many, and the dreams of his more youthful days were realized when he was
+sent to represent the people in the House of Commons.
+
+On the 29th of January, 1833, the first Reformed Parliament met, and
+William E. Gladstone, as the member from Newark, took his seat for the
+first time in "an assembly which he was destined to adorn, delight and
+astonish for more than half a century, and over which for a great
+portion of that period, he was to wield an unequalled and a paramount
+authority." There were more than three hundred new members in the House
+of Commons. Lord Althorp led the Whigs, who were largely in the majority
+and the Tories constituted a compact minority under the skillful
+leadership of Sir Robert Peel, while the Irish members who were hostile
+to the ministry followed O'Connell. On the 5th of February the king
+attended and delivered the speech from the throne in person. This
+Parliamentary session was destined to become one of the most memorable
+in history for the importance of the subjects discussed and disposed of,
+among them the social condition of Ireland, the position of the Irish
+church, the discontent and misery of the poor in England, and slavery in
+the British colonies; and for the fact that it was the first Parliament
+in which William E. Gladstone sat and took part.
+
+There was no reference made to the subject of slavery in the speech from
+the throne, but the ministry resolved to consider it. Mr. Stanley, the
+Colonial Secretary, afterwards fourteenth Earl of Derby and Prime
+Minister, brought forth, May 14th, 1833, a series of resolutions in
+favor of the extinction of slavery in the British colonies. "All
+children of slaves, born after the passage of the Act, and all children
+of six years old and under, were declared free. But the rest of the
+slaves were to serve a sort of apprenticeship--three-fourths of their
+time was for a certain number of years to remain at the disposal of the
+masters; the other fourth was their own, to be paid for at a fixed rate
+of wages." The planters were to be duly compensated out of the national
+treasury.
+
+It was during the discussion of these resolutions that Mr. Gladstone
+made his maiden speech in Parliament. It was made in answer to what
+seemed a personal challenge by Lord Howick, Ex-Under Secretary for the
+colonies, who, opposing gradual emancipation, referred to an estate in
+Demerara, owned by Mr. Gladstone's father, for the purpose of showing
+that great destruction of life had taken place in the West Indies owing
+to the manner in which the slaves were worked. In reply to this Mr.
+Gladstone said that he would meet some of Lord Howick's statements with
+denials and others with explanations. He admitted that he had a
+pecuniary interest in it as a question of justice, of humanity, and of
+religion. The real cause of the decrease, he said, was owing, not to the
+increased cultivation of sugar, but to the very large proportion of
+Africans upon the estate. When it came into his father's possession it
+was so weak, owing to the large number of negroes upon it, that he was
+obliged to add two hundred more people to the gang. It was well known
+that negroes were imported into Demarara and Trinidad up to a later
+period than into any of the colonies; and he should at a proper time, be
+able to prove that the decrease on his father's plantation, Vreeden
+Hoop, was among the old Africans, and that there was an increase going
+on in the Creole population, which would be a sufficient answer to the
+charges preferred. The quantity of sugar produced was small compared to
+that produced on other estates. The cultivation of cotton in Demarara
+had been abandoned, and that of coffee much diminished, and the people
+engaged in these sources of production had been employed in the
+cultivation of sugar. Besides in Demarara the labor of the same number
+of negroes, distributed over the year, would produce in that colony a
+certain quantity of sugar with less injury to the people, than negroes
+could produce in other colonies, working only at the stated periods
+of crops.
+
+He was ready to concede that the cultivation was of a more injurious
+character than others; and he would ask, Were there not certain
+employments in other countries more destructive of life than others? He
+would only instance those of painting and working in lead mines, both of
+which were well known to have that tendency. The noble lord attempted to
+impugn the character of the gentleman acting as manager of his father's
+estates; and in making the selection he had surely been most
+unfortunate; for there was not a person in the colony more remarkable
+for humanity and the kind treatment of his slaves than Mr. Maclean. Mr.
+Gladstone, in concluding this able defense of his father, said, that he
+held in his hand two letters from Mr. Maclean, in which he spoke in the
+kindest terms of the negroes under his charge; described their state of
+happiness, content and healthiness--their good conduct and the
+infrequency of severe punishment--and recommended certain additional
+comforts, which he said the slaves well deserved.
+
+On the 3d of June, on the resumption of the debate on the abolition of
+slavery, Mr. Gladstone again addressed the House. He now entered more
+fully into the charges which Lord Howick had brought against the
+management of his father's estates in Demarara, and showed their
+groundlessness. When he had discussed the existing aspect of slavery in
+Trinidad, Jamaica and other places, he proceeded to deal with the
+general question. He confessed with shame and pain that cases of wanton
+cruelty had occurred in the colonies, but added that they would always
+exist, particularly under the system of slavery; and this was
+unquestionably a substantial reason why the British Legislature and
+public should set themselves in good earnest to provide for its
+extinction; but he maintained that these instances of cruelty could
+easily be explained by the West Indians, who represented them as rare
+and isolated cases, and who maintained that the ordinary relation of
+master and slave was one of kindliness and not of hostility. He
+deprecated cruelty, and he deprecated slavery, both of which were
+abhorrent to the nature of Englishmen; but, conceding these things, he
+asked, "Were not Englishmen to retain a right to their own honestly and
+legally-acquired property?" But the cruelty did not exist, and he saw no
+reason for the attack which had recently been made upon the West India
+interest. He hoped the House would make a point to adopt the principle
+of compensation, and to stimulate the slave to genuine and spontaneous
+industry. If this were not done, and moral instruction were not imparted
+to the slaves, liberty would prove a curse instead of a blessing to
+them. Touching upon the property question, and the proposed plans for
+emancipation, Mr. Gladstone said that the House might consume its time
+and exert its wisdom in devising these plans, but without the
+concurrence of the Colonial Legislatures success would be hopeless. He
+thought there was excessive wickedness in any violent interference under
+the present circumstances. They were still in the midst of unconcluded
+inquiries, and to pursue the measure then under discussion, at that
+moment, was to commit an act of great and unnecessary hostility toward
+the island of Jamaica. "It was the duty of the House to place as broad a
+distinction as possible between the idle and the industrious slaves, and
+nothing could be too strong to secure the freedom of the latter; but,
+with respect to the idle slaves, no period of emancipation could hasten
+their improvement. If the labors of the House should be conducted to a
+satisfactory issue, it would redound to the honor of the nation, and to
+the reputation of his Majesty's Ministers, whilst it would be delightful
+to the West India planters themselves--for they must feel that to hold
+in bondage their fellow-men must always involve the greatest
+responsibility. But let not any man think of carrying this measure by
+force. England rested her power not upon physical force, but upon her
+principles, her intellect and virtue; and if this great measure were not
+placed on a fair basis, or were conducted by violence, he should lament
+it, as a signal for the ruin of the Colonies and the downfall of the
+Empire." The attitude of Mr. Gladstone, as borne out by the tenor of his
+speech, was not one of hostility to emancipation, though he was
+undoubtedly unfavorable to an immediate and indiscriminate
+enfranchisement. He demanded, moreover, that the interests of the
+planters should be duly regarded.
+
+The result of the consideration of these resolutions in the House of
+Commons was that human slavery in the British Colonies was abolished,
+and the sum of twenty million pounds, or one hundred million dollars was
+voted to compensate the slave-owners for their losses. Thus was the
+work begun by Wilberforce finally crowned with success.
+
+It is an interesting question how Mr. Gladstone's first efforts in
+Parliament were received. Among his friends his speech was anticipated
+with lively interest. That morning he was riding in Hyde Park, on his
+gray Arabian mare, "his hat, narrow-brimmed, high up on the centre of
+his head, sustained by a crop of thick curly hair." He was pointed out
+to Lord Charles Russell by a passer-by who said, "That is Gladstone. He
+is to make his maiden speech to-night. It will be worth hearing."
+
+From the first he appears to have favorably impressed the members of the
+House. Modest in demeanor, earnest in manner, and fluent in speech, he
+at once commanded the respect and attention of his fellow-members.
+
+And here is a later testimony as to the early impression made upon his
+colleagues and contemporaries, when he was twenty-nine years of age,
+erroneously stated as thirty-five: "Mr. Gladstone, the member for
+Newark, is one of the most rising young men on the Tory side of the
+House. His party expect great things from him; and certainly, when it is
+remembered that his age is only thirty-five, the success of the
+Parliamentary efforts he has already made justifies their expectations.
+He is well informed on most of the subjects which usually occupy the
+attention of the Legislature; and he is happy in turning his
+information to good account. He is ready on all occasions, which he
+deems fitting ones, with a speech in favor of the policy advocated by
+the party with whom he acts. His extempore resources are ample. Few men
+in the House can improvise better. It does not appear to cost him an
+effort to speak.... He is a man of very considerable talent, but has
+nothing approaching to genius. His abilities are much more the result of
+an excellent education and of mature study than of any prodigality of
+nature in the distribution of her mental gifts. _I have no idea that he
+will ever acquire the reputation of a great statesman. His views are not
+sufficiently profound or enlarged for that; his celebrity in the House
+of Commons will chiefly depend on his readiness and dexterity as a
+debater, in conjunction with the excellence of his elocution, and the
+gracefulness of his manner when speaking_.... His style is polished, but
+has no appearance of the effect of previous preparation. He displays
+considerable acuteness in replying to an opponent; he is quick in his
+perception of anything vulnerable in the speech to which he replies, and
+happy in laying the weak point bare to the gaze of the House. He now and
+then indulges in sarcasm, which is, in most cases, very felicitous. He
+is plausible even when most in error. When it suits himself or his party
+he can apply himself with the strictest closeness to the real point at
+issue; when to evade the point is deemed most politic, no man can wander
+from it more widely."
+
+How far these estimates were true we leave to the reader to determine,
+after the perusal of his life, and in the light of subsequent events.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, after his maiden speech, took an active part in the
+business of the House during the remainder of the session of 1833. He
+spoke upon the question of bribery and corruption at Liverpool, and July
+8th made an elaborate speech on the Irish Church Temporalities Bill. The
+condition of Ireland was then, as now, one of the most urgent questions
+confronting the Ministry. Macaulay "solemnly declared that he would
+rather live in the midst of many civil wars that he had read of than in
+some parts of Ireland at this moment." Sydney Smith humorously described
+"those Irish Protestants whose shutters are bullet-proof; whose
+dinner-table is regularly spread out with knife, fork, and cocked
+pistol; salt-cellar and powder-flask; who sleep in sheet-iron nightcaps;
+who have fought so often and so nobly before their scullery-door, and
+defended the parlor passage as bravely as Leonidas defended the pass of
+Thermopylae." Crime was rife and to remedy the serious state of affairs
+a stringent Coercion Bill was introduced by the government. Mr.
+Gladstone voted silently for the bill which became a law.
+
+The other bill introduced was that upon the Irish Church, and proposed
+the reduction of the number of Protestant Episcopal Bishops in Ireland
+and the curtailment of the income of the Church. This bill Mr. Gladstone
+opposed in a speech, and he voted against it, but it was passed.
+
+It was in the following session that Mr. Hume introduced his
+"'Universities Admission Bill,' designed to enable Nonconformists of all
+kinds to enter the universities, by removing the necessity of
+subscribing to the thirty-nine articles at matriculation." In the debate
+that followed Mr. Gladstone soon gave evidence that he knew more about
+the subject than did the author of the bill. In speaking against the
+bill, he said in part, "The whole system of the university and of its
+colleges, both in study and in discipline, aimed at the formation of a
+moral character, and that aim could not be attained if every student
+were at liberty to exclude himself from the religious training of the
+place." And in reply to a remark made by Lord Palmerston in reference to
+the students going "from wine to prayers, and from prayers to wine," Mr.
+Gladstone replied, he did not believe that in their most convivial
+moments they were unfit to enter the house of prayer. This bill was
+also passed.
+
+It might have been expected that Mr. Gladstone's active participation in
+the debates in the House of Commons, and the practical ability and
+debating power he manifested would not escape the attention of the
+leaders of his party. But the recognition of his merit came sooner than
+could have been expected. It became evident, towards the close of 1834
+that the downfall of the Liberal Ministry was near at hand. Lord
+Althorp, who had kept the Liberals together, was transferred to the
+House of Lords, and the growing unpopularity of the Whigs did the rest.
+The Ministry under Lord Melbourne was dismissed by the king, and a new
+Cabinet formed by Sir Robert Peel. The new Premier offered Mr. Gladstone
+the office of Junior Lord of the Treasury, which was accepted.
+
+Truly has an eminent writer said: "When a Prime Minister in
+difficulties, looking about for men to fill the minor offices of his
+administration, sees among his supporters a clever and comely young man,
+eloquent in speech, ready in debate, with a safe seat, an ample fortune,
+a high reputation at the university, and a father who wields political
+influence in an important constituency, he sees a Junior Lord of the
+Treasury made ready to his hand."
+
+Appealing to his constituents at Newark, who, two years before, had sent
+him to Parliament, he was re-elected. Mr. Handley having retired,
+Sergeant Wilde was elected with Mr. Gladstone without opposition. Mr.
+Gladstone was "chaired," or drawn by horses through the town, seated on
+a chair, after the election, and then addressed the assembled people to
+the number of 6,000, his speech being received with "deafening cheers."
+
+Shortly after Parliament assembled, Mr. Gladstone was promoted to the
+office of Under-Secretary for the Colonies. His official chief was Lord
+Aberdeen, afterwards Prime Minister; and thus began a relation which was
+destined to greatly affect the destinies of both statesmen.
+
+Mr. Gladstone gave ample proof in his new office of his great abilities
+and untiring energies.
+
+In March he presented to the House his first bill, which was for the
+better regulation of the transportation of passengers in merchant
+vessels to the continent and to the Islands of North America. This bill,
+which contained many humane provisions, was very favorably received. The
+new Parliament, which met February 10, 1835, contained a considerable
+Liberal majority. The old House of Commons had been destroyed by fire
+during the recess, and the new Commons reassembled in the chamber which
+had been the House of Lords, and for the first time there was a gallery
+for reporters in the House.
+
+"A standing order still existed, which forbade the publication of the
+debates, but the reporters' gallery was a formal and visible recognition
+of the people's right to know what their representatives were doing in
+their name." However, the new Ministry was but short-lived, for Sir
+Robert Peel resigned April 8th, and Mr. Gladstone retired with
+his chief.
+
+Mr. Gladstone spent the days of his retirement from ministerial office
+partly in study, and partly in recreation. Being free to follow the bent
+of his own inclinations, he ordered his life according to his own
+ideals. He lived in chambers at the Albany, pursued the same steady
+course of work, proper recreation and systematic devotion, which he had
+marked out at Oxford. He freely went into society, dined out frequently,
+and took part in musical parties, much to the edification of his friends
+who were charmed with the beauty and cultivation of his rich baritone.
+His friend Monckton Milnes had established himself in London and
+collected around him a society of young men, interested in politics and
+religion, and whom he entertained Sunday evenings. But this arrangement
+"unfortunately," as Mr. Milnes said, excluded from these gatherings the
+more serious members, such as Acland and Gladstone. Mr. Milnes expressed
+his opinion of such self-exclusion in these words: "I really think when
+people keep Friday as a fast, they might make a feast of Sunday." But
+Mr. Gladstone evidently was not of this opinion, and remained away from
+these Lord's Day parties. However at other times he met his friends, and
+received them at his own rooms in the Albany, and on one memorable
+occasion entertained Wordsworth at breakfast and a few admirers of this
+distinguished guest.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's relaxations were occasional, and the most of his time
+was devoted to his Parliamentary duties and study. His constant
+companions were Homer and Dante, and he at this time, it is recorded,
+read the whole of St. Augustine, in twenty-two octavo volumes. He was a
+constant attendant upon public worship at St. James', Piccadilly, and
+Margaret Chapel, and a careful critic of sermons. At the same time he
+diligently applied himself to the work of a private member of the House
+of Commons, working on committees and taking constant part in debate.
+
+In 1836 the question of slavery again came up before Parliament. This
+time the question was as to the working of the system of negro
+apprenticeship, which had taken the place of slavery. It was asserted
+that the system was only slavery under another name. He warmly and ably
+defended again the West Indian planters. He pleaded that many of the
+planters were humane men, and defended also the honor of his relatives
+connected with the traffic so much denounced, when it was assailed. He
+contended that while the evils of the system had been exaggerated, all
+mention of its advantages had been carefully withheld. The condition of
+the negroes was improving. He deprecated the attempt made to renew and
+perpetuate the system of agitation at the expense of candor and truth.
+He also at this time spoke on support of authority and order in the
+government of Canada, and on Church Rates, dwelling upon the necessity
+of national religion to the security of a state. Mr. Gladstone was not
+only a Tory but a High Churchman.
+
+King William IV died June 20, 1837, and was succeeded by Queen Victoria.
+A general election ensued. The Parliament, which had been prorogued by
+the young queen in person, was dissolved on the 17th of July. Mr.
+Gladstone, without his consent, was nominated to represent Manchester in
+the House, but was re-elected for Newark without opposition. He then
+turned his steps towards Scotland, "to see what grouse he could persuade
+into his bag." The new Parliament met October 20th, but no business of
+importance came before it until after the Christmas holidays.
+
+In 1838 a bill was presented in both Houses of Parliament for the
+immediate abolition of negro apprenticeship. Many harrowing details of
+the cruelties practiced were cited. Mr. Gladstone returned to the
+championship of the planters with increased power and success. His long,
+eloquent and powerful speech of March 30th, although on the unpopular
+side of the question, is regarded as having so greatly enhanced his
+reputation as to bring him to the front rank among Parliamentary
+debaters. Having impassionately defended the planters from the
+exaggerated charges made against them, he further said: "You consumed
+forty-five millions of pounds of cotton in 1837 which proceeded from
+free labor; and, proceeding from slave labor, three hundred and eighteen
+millions of pounds! And this, while the vast regions of India afford the
+means of obtaining at a cheaper rate, and by a slight original outlay,
+to facilitate transport, all that you can require. If, Sir, the
+complaints against the general body of the West Indians had been
+substantiated, I should have deemed it an unworthy artifice to attempt
+diverting the attention of the House from the question immediately at
+issue, by merely proving that delinquencies existed in other quarters;
+but feeling as I do that those charges have been overthrown in debate, I
+think myself entitled and bound to show how capricious are the honorable
+gentlemen in the distribution of their sympathies among those different
+objects which call for their application."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, "having turned the tables upon his opponents," concluded
+by demanding justice, and the motion before the House was rejected.
+
+About one month later Rev. Samuel Wilberforce, afterwards Bishop of
+Oxford, and of Winchester, wrote to Mr. Gladstone: "It would be an
+affectation in you, which you are above, not to know that few young men
+have the weight you have in the House of Commons, and are gaining
+rapidly throughout the country. Now I do not wish to urge you to
+consider this as a talent for the use of which you must render an
+account, for so I know you do esteem it, but what I want to urge upon
+you is that you should calmly look far before you; see the degree of
+weight and influence to which you may fairly, if God spares your life
+and powers, look forward in future years, and thus act _now_ with a view
+to _then_. There is no height to which you may not fairly rise in this
+country. If it pleases God to spare us violent convulsions and the loss
+of our liberties, you may at a future day wield the whole government of
+this land; and if this should be so, of what extreme moment will your
+_past steps_ then be to the real usefulness of your high station....
+Almost all our public men act from the merest expediency.... I would
+have you view yourself as one who may become the head of all the better
+feelings of this country, the maintainer of its Church and of its
+liberties, and who must now be fitting himself for this high
+vocation.... I think my father's life so beautifully shows that a deep
+and increasing personal religion must be the root of that firm and
+unwearied consistency in right, which I have ventured thus to press
+upon you."
+
+Mr. Gladstone began his Parliamentary life as a Tory. Later he developed
+into a Liberal, a Radical, and yet there is not one who conscientiously
+doubts his utter honesty. His life has been that of his
+century--progressive, liberal, humanitarian in its trend.
+
+[Illustration: Grattan]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE
+
+We have now followed Mr. Gladstone in his course until well on the way
+in his political career, and yet he is but twenty-eight years of age.
+His personal appearance in the House of Commons at this early stage of
+his Parliamentary life is thus described: "Mr. Gladstone's appearance
+and manners are much in his favor. He is a fine looking man. He is about
+the usual height and of good figure. His countenance is mild and
+pleasant, and has a highly intellectual expression. His eyes are clear
+and quick. His eyebrows are dark and rather prominent. There is not a
+dandy in the House but envies what Truefit would call his 'fine head of
+jet-black hair.' It is always carefully parted from the crown downwards
+to his brow, where it is tastefully shaded. His features are small and
+regular, and his complexion must be a very unworthy witness if he does
+not possess an abundant stock of health.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's gesture is varied, but not violent. When he rises he
+generally puts both his hands behind his back, and having there suffered
+them to embrace each other for a short time, he unclasps them and allows
+them to drop on either side. They are not permitted to remain long in
+that locality before you see them, again closed together and hanging
+down before him. Their reunion is not suffered to last for any length of
+time, Again a separation takes place, and now the right hand is seen
+moving up and down before him. Having thus exercised it a little, he
+thrusts it into the pocket of his coat, and then orders the left hand to
+follow its example. Having granted them a momentary repose there, they
+are again put into gentle motion, and in a few seconds they are seen
+reposing _vis-a-vis_ on his breast. He moves his face and body from one
+direction to another, not forgetting to bestow a liberal share of his
+attention on his own party. He is always listened to with much attention
+by the House, and appears to be highly respected by men of all parties.
+He is a man of good business habits; of this he furnished abundant proof
+when Under-Secretary for the Colonies, during the short-lived
+administration of Robert Peel."
+
+From this pen picture and other like notices of Mr. Gladstone he must,
+at that time, have attained great distinction and attracted a good deal
+of attention for one so young, and from that day to this he has
+commanded the attention not only of the British Senate and people, but
+of the world at large. And why? may we ask, unless because of his modest
+manner and distinguished services, his exalted ability and moral worth.
+
+"The House of Commons was his ground," writes Justin McCarthy. "There he
+was always seen to the best advantage."
+
+Nevertheless, Mr. Gladstone wrote with the same earnestness and ability
+with which he spoke. It was early in life that he distinguished himself
+as an author, as well as an orator and debater in the House of Commons.
+And it was most natural for him to write upon the subject of the Church,
+for not only his education led him to the consideration of such themes,
+but it was within his sphere as an English statesman, for the law of the
+land provided for the union of the Church and State. It was in 1838,
+when he was not thirty years of age, that he wrote his first book and
+stepped at once to the front rank as an author. He had ever been a
+staunch defender of the Established Church and his first appearance in
+literature was by a remarkable work in defense of the State Church
+entitled, "The State in its Relations with the Church." The treatise is
+thus dedicated: "Inscribed to the University of Oxford, tried and not
+found wanting through the vicissitudes of a thousand years; in the
+belief that she is providentially designed to be a fountain of
+blessings, spiritual, social and intellectual, to this and other
+countries, to present and future times; and in the hope that the temper
+of these pages may be found not alien from her own."
+
+This first published book of Mr. Gladstone's was due to the perception
+that the _status_ of the Church, in its connection with the secular
+power, was about to undergo the severe assaults of the opponents of the
+Union. There was growing opposition to the recognition of the Episcopal
+Church as the Church of the State and to taxation of people of other
+religious beliefs for its support; and this objection was to the
+recognition and support of any Church by the State. What is called the
+"American idea"--the entire separation of the Church and State--or as
+enunciated first by Roger Williams in 1636, in Rhode Island, that the
+magistrate should have authority in civil affairs only, was becoming
+more and more the doctrine of dissenters. Preparations were already
+being made for attacking the national establishment of religion, and
+with all the fervor springing from conviction and a deep-seated
+enthusiasm, he came forward to take part in the controversy on Church
+and State, and as a defender of the Established or Episcopal Church
+of England.
+
+Some of the positions assumed in this work have since been renounced as
+untenable, but its ability as a whole, its breadth and its learning
+could not be denied. It then created a great sensation, and has since
+been widely discussed. After an examination and a defense of the theory
+of the connection between Church and State, Mr. Gladstone thus
+summarizes his principal reasons for the maintenance of the Church
+establishment:
+
+"Because the Government stands with us in a paternal relation to the
+people, and is bound in all things not merely to consider their existing
+tastes, but the capabilities and ways of their improvement; because it
+has both an intrinsic competency and external means to amend and assist
+their choice; because to be in accordance with God's mind and will, it
+must have a religion, and because to be in accordance with its
+conscience, that religion must be the truth, as held by it under the
+most solemn and accumulated responsibilities; because this is the only
+sanctifying and preserving principle of society, as well as to the
+individual, that particular benefit, without which all others are worse
+than valueless; we must, therefore, disregard the din of political
+contention and the pressure of novelty and momentary motives, and in
+behalf of our regard to man, as well as of our allegiance to God,
+maintain among ourselves, where happily it still exists, the union
+between the Church and the State."
+
+Dr. Russell in the following quotation not only accounts for this
+production from the pen, of Mr. Gladstone, but gives also an outline of
+the argument:
+
+"Naturally and profoundly religious ... Mr. Gladstone conceived that
+those who professed the warmest regard for the Church of England and
+posed as her most strenuous defenders, were inclined to base their
+championship on mistaken grounds and to direct their efforts towards
+even mischievous ends. To supply a more reasonable basis for action and
+to lead this energy into more profitable channels were the objects which
+he proposed to himself in his treatise of 1838. The distinctive
+principle of the book was that the State had a conscience. This being
+admitted, the issue was this: whether the State in its best condition,
+has such a conscience as can take cognizance of religious truth and
+error, and in particular whether the State of the United Kingdom at that
+time was, or was not, so far in that condition as to be under an
+obligation to give an active and an exclusive support to the established
+religion of the country.
+
+"The work attempted to survey the actual state of the relations between
+the State and the Church; to show from history the ground which had been
+defined for the National Church at the Reformation; and to inquire and
+determine whether the existing state of things was worth preserving and
+defending against encroachment from whatever quarter. This question it
+decided emphatically in the affirmative. Faithful to logic and to its
+theory, the book did not shrink from applying them to the external case
+of the Irish Church. It did not disguise the difficulties of the case,
+for the author was alive to the paradox which it involved. But the one
+master idea of the system, that the State as it then stood was capable
+in this age, as it had been in ages long gone by, of assuming
+beneficially a responsibility for the inculcation of a particular
+religion, carried him through all. His doctrine was that the Church, as
+established by law, was to be maintained for its truth; that this was
+the only principle in which it could be properly and permanently upheld;
+that this principle, if good in England, was good also for Ireland; that
+truth is of all possessions the most precious to the soul of man; and
+that to remove this priceless treasure from the view and the reach of
+the Irish people would be meanly to purchase their momentary favor at
+the expense of their permanent interests, and would be a high offense
+against our own sacred obligations."
+
+We quote also from the opening chapter of the second volume of this
+work, which treats of the connection subsisting between the State of the
+United Kingdom and the Church of England and Ireland, and shows Mr.
+Gladstone's views at that period of his life upon the relations of the
+Church as affecting Ireland in particular. The passage also indicates
+the changes that have taken place in his mind since the time when he
+defended these principles. It also shows the style in which this
+remarkable book was written and enables us to compare, not only his
+opinions now and then, but his style in writing then with his style now.
+
+"The Protestant legislature of the British Empire maintains in the
+possession of the Church property of Ireland the ministers of a creed
+professed, according to the parliamentary enumeration, of 1835, by
+one-ninth of its population, regarded with partial favor by scarcely
+another ninth, and disowned by the remaining seven. And not only does
+this anomaly meet us full in view, but we have also to consider and
+digest the fact, that the maintenance of this Church for near three
+centuries in Ireland has been contemporaneous with a system of partial
+and abusive government, varying in degree of culpability, but rarely,
+until of later years, when we have been forced to look at the subject
+and to feel it, to be exempted in common fairness from the reproach of
+gross inattention (to say the very least) to the interests of a noble
+but neglected people.
+
+"But, however formidable at first sight the admissions, which I have no
+desire to narrow or to qualify, may appear, they in no way shake the
+foregoing arguments. They do not change the nature of truth and her
+capability and destiny to benefit mankind. They do not relieve
+Government of its responsibility, if they show that that responsibility
+was once unfelt and unsatisfied. They place the legislature of the
+country in the condition, as it were, of one called to do penance for
+past offences; but duty remains unaltered and imperative, and abates
+nothing of her demand on our services. It is undoubtedly competent, in a
+constitutional view, to the Government of this country to continue the
+present disposition of Church property in Ireland. It appears not too
+much to assume that our imperial legislature has been qualified to take,
+and has taken in point of fact, a sounder view of religious truth than
+the majority of the people of Ireland in their destitute and
+uninstructed state. We believe, accordingly, that that which we place
+before them is, whether they know it or not, calculated to be beneficial
+to them; and that if they know it not now, they will know it when it is
+presented to them fairly. Shall we, then, purchase their applause at the
+expense of their substantial, nay, their spiritual interests?
+
+"It does, indeed, so happen that there are powerful motives on the other
+side concurring with that which has here been represented as paramount.
+In the first instance we are not called upon to establish a creed, but
+only to maintain an existing legal settlement, when our constitutional
+right is undoubted. In the second, political considerations tend
+strongly to recommend that maintenance. A common form of faith binds the
+Irish Protestants to ourselves, while they, upon the other hand, are
+fast linked to Ireland; and thus they supply the most natural bond of
+connection between the countries. But if England, by overthrowing their
+Church, should weaken their moral position, they would be no longer
+able, perhaps no longer willing, to counteract the desires of the
+majority tending, under the direction of their leaders (however, by a
+wise policy, revocable from that fatal course) to what is termed
+national independence. Pride and fear, on the one hand, are therefore
+bearing up against more immediate apprehension and difficulty on the
+other. And with some men these may be the fundamental considerations;
+but it may be doubted whether such men will not flinch in some stage of
+the contest, should its aspect at any moment become unfavorable."
+
+Of course the opponents of Mr. Gladstone's views, as set forth in his
+book, strongly combated his theories. They replied that "the taxation of
+the State is equal upon all persons, and has for its object their
+individual, social and political welfare and safety; but that the
+taxation of one man for the support of his neighbor's religion does not
+come within the limits of such taxation, and is, in fact, unjust and
+inequitable."
+
+It was no easy task for Mr. Gladstone, with all his parliamentary
+duties, to aspire to authorship, and carry his book through the press.
+In preparing for publication he passed through all the agonies of the
+author, but was nobly helped by his friend, James R. Hope, who
+afterwards became Mr. Hope-Scott, Q.C., who read and criticised his
+manuscript and saw the sheets through the press. Some of the letters
+from the young Defender of the Faith to his friend contain much that is
+worth preserving. We give some extracts.
+
+He writes: "If you let them lie just as they are, turning the leaves one
+by one, I think you will not find the manuscript very hard to make out,
+though it is strangely cut in pieces and patched.
+
+"I hope its general tendency will meet with your approval; but a point
+about which I am in doubt, and to which I request your particular
+attention, is, whether the work or some of the chapters are not so
+deficient in clearness and arrangement as to require being absolutely
+rewritten before they can with propriety be published.... Between my
+eyes and my business I fear it would be hard for me to re-write, but if
+I could put it into the hands of any other person who could, and who
+would extract from my papers anything worth having, that might do.
+
+"As regards myself, if I go on and publish, I shall be quite prepared to
+find some persons surprised, but this, if it should prove so, cannot be
+helped. I shall not knowingly exaggerate anything; and when a man
+expects to be washed overboard he must tie himself with a rope to
+the mast.
+
+"I shall trust to your friendship for frankness in the discharge of your
+irksome task. Pray make verbal corrections without scruple where they
+are needed."
+
+Again: "I thank you most cordially for your remarks, and I rejoice to
+find you act so entirely in the spirit I had anticipated. I trust you
+will continue to speak with freedom, which is the best compliment as
+well as the best service you can render me.
+
+"I think it very probable that you may find that V and VI require quite
+as rigorous treatment as II, and I am very desirous to set both my mind
+and eyes at liberty before I go to the Continent, which I can now hardly
+expect to do before the first week in September. This interval I trust
+would suffice unless you find that the other chapters stand in
+equal need.
+
+"I entirely concur with your view regarding the necessity of care and of
+not grudging labor in a matter so important and so responsible as an
+endeavor to raise one of the most momentous controversies which has
+ever agitated human opinion,"
+
+Again: "Thanks for your letter. I have been pretty hard at work, and
+have done a good deal, especially on V. Something yet remains. I must
+make inquiry about the law of excommunication.... I have made a very
+stupid classification, and have now amended it; instead of faith,
+discipline and practice, what I meant was the rule of faith, discipline,
+and the bearing of particular doctrines upon practice.
+
+"I send back also I and II that you may see what I have done."
+
+The work was successfully issued in the autumn of 1838, and passed
+rapidly through three editions. How it was received it would be
+interesting to inquire. While his friends applauded, even his opponents
+testified to the ability it displayed. On the authority of Lord
+Houghton, it is said that Sir Robert Peel, the young author's political
+leader, on receiving a copy as a gift from his follower, read it with
+scornful curiosity, and, throwing it on the floor, exclaimed with truly
+official horror: "With such a career before him, why should he write
+books? That young man will ruin his fine political career if he persists
+in writing trash like this." However, others gave the book a heartier
+reception. Crabb Robinson writes in his diary: "I went to Wordsworth
+this forenoon. He was ill in bed. I read Gladstone's book to him."
+
+December 13, 1838, Baron Bunsen wrote: "Last night at eleven, when I
+came from the Duke, Gladstone's book was lying on my table, having come
+out at seven o'clock. It is a book of the time, a great event--the first
+book since Burke that goes to the bottom of the vital question; far
+above his party and his time. I sat up till after midnight, and this
+morning I continued until I had read the whole. Gladstone is the first
+man in England as to intellectual power, and he has heard higher tones
+than any one else in the land." And again to Dr. Arnold he writes in
+high praise of the book, but lamenting its author's entanglement in
+Tractarian traditions, adds: "His genius will soon free itself entirely
+and fly towards Heaven with its own wings."
+
+Sir Henry Taylor wrote to the Poet Southey: "I am reading Gladstone's
+book, which I shall send you if he has not.... His party begin to think
+of him as the man who will one day be at their head and at the head of
+the government, and certainly no man of his standing has yet appeared
+who seems likely to stand in his way. Two wants, however, may lie across
+his political career--want of robust health and want of flexibility."
+
+Cardinal Newman wrote: "Gladstone's book, as you see, is making a
+sensation." And again: "The _Times_ is again at poor Gladstone. Really I
+feel as if I could do anything for him. I have not read his book, but
+its consequences speak for it. Poor fellow! it is so noble a thing."
+
+Lord Macaulay, in the _Edinburgh Review_, April, 1839, in his well-known
+searching criticism, while paying high tribute to the author's talents
+and character, said: "We believe that we do him no more than justice
+when we say that his abilities and demeanor have obtained for him the
+respect and good will of all parties.... That a young politician should,
+in the intervals afforded by his Parliamentary avocations, have
+constructed and propounded, with much study and mental toil, an original
+theory, on a great problem in politics, is a circumstance which,
+abstracted from all considerations of the soundness or unsoundness of
+his opinions, must be considered as highly creditable to him. We
+certainly cannot wish that Mr. Gladstone's doctrine may become
+fashionable among public men. But we heartily wish that his laudable
+desire to penetrate beneath the surface of questions, and to arrive, by
+long and intent meditation, at the knowledge of great general laws, were
+much more fashionable than we at all expect it to become."
+
+It was in this article, by Lord Macaulay, that the mow famous words
+occurred which former Conservative friends of Mr. Gladstone delight to
+recall in view of his change of political opinions: "The writer of this
+volume is a young man of unblemished character and of distinguished
+parliamentary talents; the rising hope of those stern and unbending
+Tories who follow, reluctantly and cautiously, a leader whose experience
+and eloquence are indispensable to them, but whose cautious temper and
+moderate opinions they abhor. It would not be strange if Mr. Gladstone
+were one of the most unpopular men in England."
+
+Higginson writes: "The hope of the stern and unbending Tories has for
+years been the unquestioned leader of English Liberals, and though he
+may have been at times as unpopular as Macaulay could have predicted,
+the hostility has come mainly from the ranks of those who were thus
+early named as his friends. But whatever may have been Mr. Gladstone's
+opinions or affiliations, whoever may have been his friends or foes, the
+credit of surpassing ability has always been his."
+
+It was remarked by Lord Macaulay that the entire theory of Mr.
+Gladstone's book rested upon one great fundamental proposition, namely,
+that the propagation of religious truth is one of the chief ends of
+government _as_ government; and he proceeded to combat this doctrine. He
+granted that government was designed to protect our persons and our
+property, but declined to receive the doctrine of paternal government,
+until a government be shown that loved its subjects, as a father loves
+his child, and was as superior in intelligence to its subjects as a
+father was to his children. Lord Macaulay then demonstrated, by
+appropriate illustrations, the fallacy of the theory that every society
+of individuals with any power whatever, is under obligation as such
+society to profess a religion; and that there could be unity of action
+in large bodies without unity of religious views. Persecutions would
+naturally follow, or be justifiable in an association where Mr.
+Gladstone's views were paramount. It would be impossible to conceive of
+the circumstances in which it would be right to establish by law, as the
+one exclusive religion of the State, the religion of the minority. The
+religious teaching which the sovereign ought officially to countenance
+and maintain is that from which he, in his conscience, believes that the
+people will receive the most benefit with the smallest mixture of evil.
+It is not necessarily his own religious belief that he will select. He
+may prefer the doctrines of the Church of England to those of the Church
+of Scotland, but he would not force the former upon the inhabitants of
+Scotland. The critic raised no objections, though he goes on to state
+the conditions under which an established Church might be retained with
+advantage. There are many institutions which, being set up, ought not
+to be rudely pulled down. On the 14th of June, 1839, the question of
+National Education was introduced in the House of Commons by the
+Ministry of the day. Lord Stanley opposed the proposal of the government
+in a powerful speech, and offered an amendment to this effect: "That an
+address be presented to her Majesty to rescind the order in council for
+constituting the proposed Board of Privy Council." The position of the
+government was defended by Lord Morpeth, who, while he held his own
+views respecting the doctrines of the Roman Catholics and also
+respecting Unitarian tenets, he maintained that as long as the State
+thought it proper to employ Roman Catholic sinews, and to finger
+Unitarian gold, it could not refuse to extend to those by whom it so
+profited the blessings of education. Speeches were also made by Lord
+Ashley, Mr. Buller, Mr. O'Connell and others, and in the course of
+debate reference was freely made to Mr. Gladstone's book on Church and
+State. Finally Mr. Gladstone rose and remarked, that he would not flinch
+from a word he had uttered or written upon religious subjects, and
+claimed the right to contrast his principles, and to try results, in
+comparison with those professed by Lord John Russell, and to ascertain
+the effects of both upon the institutions of the country, so far as they
+operated upon the Established Church in England, in Scotland and in
+Ireland. It was at this time that a very remarkable scene was witnessed
+in the House. Turning upon Mr. O'Connell, who had expressed his great
+fondness for statistics, Mr. Gladstone said the use he had made of them
+reminded him of an observation of Mr. Canning's, "He had a great
+aversion to hear of a fact in debate, but what he most distrusted was a
+figure." He then proceeded to show the inadequacy of the figures
+presented by Mr. O'Connell. In reply to Lord Morpeth's declaration
+concerning the duty of the State to provide education for Dissenters so
+long as it fingered their gold, Mr. Gladstone said that if the State was
+to be regarded as having no other functions than that of representing
+the mere will of the people as to religious tenets, he admitted the
+truth of his principle, but not that the State could have a conscience.
+It was not his habit to revile religion in any form, but he asked what
+ground there was for restricting his lordship's reasoning to
+Christianity. He referred to the position held by the Jews upon this
+educational question, and read to the House an extract from a recent
+petition as follows: "Your petitioners feel the deepest gratitude for
+the expression of her Majesty's most gracious wish that the youth of the
+country should be religiously brought up, and the rights of conscience
+respected, while they earnestly hope that the education of the people,
+Jewish and Christian, will be sedulously connected with a due regard to
+the Holy Scriptures."
+
+Mr. Gladstone very pertinently asked how the education of the Jewish
+people, who considered the New Testament an imposture, was "to be
+sedulously connected with a due regard to the Holy Scriptures," which
+consisted of the Old and New Testaments? To oblige the Jewish children
+to read the latter would be directly contrary to the views of the
+gentlemen on the other side of the House. He would have no child forced
+to do so, but he protested against paying money from the treasury of the
+State to men whose business it was to inculcate erroneous doctrines. The
+debate was concluded, and the government carried its motion by a very
+small majority. Two years later, when the Jews' Civil Disabilities Bill
+was before Parliament, Mr. Gladstone again took the unpopular side in
+the debate and opposed the Bill, which was carried in the House of
+Commons but defeated in the House of Lords.
+
+Mr. Gladstone published, in 1840, another work, entitled "Church
+Principles Considered in their Results." It was supplementary to his
+former book in defense of Church and State, and was written "beneath the
+shades of Hagley," the house of Lord and Lady Lyttelton, and dedicated
+"in token of sincere affection" to the author's life-long friend and
+relative, Lord Lyttelton. He dwelt upon the leading moral
+characteristics of the English Episcopal Church, their intrinsic value
+and their adaptation to the circumstances of the times, and defined
+these characteristics to be the doctrine of the visibility of the
+Church, the apostolic succession in the ministry, the authority of the
+Church in matters of faith and the truths symbolized in the sacraments.
+
+In one chapter he strongly attacks Rationalism as a reference of the
+gospel to the depraved standard of the actual human natures and by no
+means to its understanding properly so called, as its measure and
+criterion. He says: "That therefore to rely upon the understanding,
+misinformed as it is by depraved affections, as our adequate instructor
+in matters of religion, is most highly irrational." Nevertheless, "the
+understanding has a great function in religion and is a medium to the
+affections, and may even correct their particular impulses."
+
+In reference to the question of the reconversion of England to
+Catholicism, earnestly desired by some, Mr. Gladstone forcibly remarked:
+"England, which with ill grace and ceaseless efforts at remonstrance,
+endured the yoke when Rome was in her zenith, and when her powers were
+but here and there evoked; will the same England, afraid of the truth
+which she has vindicated, or even with the license which has mingled
+like a weed with its growth, recur to that system in its decrepitude
+which she repudiated in its vigor?" If the Church of England ever lost
+her power, it would never be by submission to Rome, "but by that
+principle of religions insubordination and self-dependence which, if it
+refuse her tempered rule and succeed in its overthrow, will much more
+surely refuse and much more easily succeed in resisting the
+unequivocally arbitrary impositions of the Roman scheme." Here is the
+key-note of many of Mr. Gladstone's utterances in after years against
+the pretentious and aspirations of Rome. The defense of the English
+Church and its principles and opposition to the Church of Rome have been
+unchanging features in Mr. Gladstone's religious course. But, in the
+light of these early utterances, some have criticised severely that
+legislative act, carried through by him in later years, by which the
+Disestablishment of the Irish Church was effected. How could the author
+of "The State in its Relations with the Church" become the destroyer of
+the fabric of the Irish Church?
+
+To meet these charges of inconsistency Mr. Gladstone issued, in 1868, "A
+Chapter of Autobiography." The author's motives in putting forth this
+chapter of autobiography were two--first, there was "the great and
+glaring change" in his course of action with respect to the Established
+Church of Ireland, which was not due to the eccentricity or perversion
+of an individual mind, but to the silent changes going on at the very
+basis of modern society. Secondly, there was danger that a great cause
+then in progress might suffer in point of credit, if not of energy and
+rapidity, from the real or supposed delinquencies of the author.
+
+He stated that "The author had upheld the doctrine that the Church was
+to be maintained for its truth, and that if the principle was good for
+England it was good for Ireland too. But he denied that he had ever
+propounded the maxim _simpliciter_ that we were to maintain the
+establishment. He admitted that his opinion of the Church of Ireland was
+the exact opposite of what it had been; but if the propositions of his
+work were in conflict with an assault upon the existence of the Irish
+Establishment, they were even more hostile to the grounds upon which it
+was now sought to maintain it. He did not wish to maintain the Church
+upon the basis usually advanced, but for the benefit of the whole people
+of Ireland, and if it could not be maintained as the truth it could not
+be maintained at all."
+
+Mr. Gladstone contended that the Irish Episcopal Church had fallen out
+of harmony with the spirit and use of the time, and must be judged by a
+practical rather than a theoretic test. In concluding the author puts
+antithetically the case for and against the maintenance of the Church of
+Ireland: "An establishment that does its work in much and has the hope
+and likelihood of doing it in more; that has a broad and living way open
+to it into the hearts of the people; that can command the services of
+the present by the recollections and traditions of the past; able to
+appeal to the active zeal of the greater portion of the people, and to
+the respect or scruples of living work and service, and whose
+adversaries, if she has them, are in the main content to believe that
+there will be a future for them and their opinions; such an
+establishment should surely be maintained.
+
+"But an establishment that neither does nor has her hope of doing work,
+except for a few, and those few the portion of the community whose
+claims to public aid is the smallest of all; an establishment severed
+from the mass of the people by an impassable gulf and a wall of brass;
+an establishment whose good offices, could she offer them, would be
+intercepted by a long, unbroken chain of painful and shameful
+recollections; an establishment leaning for support upon the extraneous
+aid of a State, which becomes discredited with the people by the very
+act of leading it; such an establishment will do well for its own sake,
+and for the sake of its creed, to divest itself, as soon as may be, of
+gauds and trappings, and to commence a new career, in which renouncing
+at once the credit and the discredit of the civil sanction, and shall
+seek its strength from within and put a fearless trust in the message
+that it bears."
+
+Such, then, were the reasons that led the defender of the Irish Church
+to become its assailant, "That a man should change his opinions is no
+reproach to him; it is only inferior minds that are never open to
+conviction."
+
+Mr. Gladstone is a firm Anglican, as we have seen, but the following
+extract from his address made at the Liverpool College, in December,
+1872, gives a fine insight as to the breadth of his Christian
+sentiments:
+
+"Not less forcibly than justly, you hear much to the effect that the
+divisions among Christians render it impossible to say what Christianity
+is, and so destroy all certainty as to the true religion. But if the
+divisions among Christians are remarkable, not less so is their unity in
+the greatest doctrines that they hold. Well-nigh fifteen hundred years
+have passed away since the great controversies concerning the Deity and
+the person of the Redeemer were, after a long agony, determined. As
+before that time, in a manner less defined but adequate for their day,
+so, even since that time, amid all chance and change, more--aye, many
+more--than ninety-nine in every hundred Christians have, with one
+voice, confessed the Deity and incarnation of our Lord as the cardinal
+and central truth of our religion. Surely there is some comfort here,
+some sense of brotherhood; some glory due to the past, some hope for the
+times that are to come."
+
+Mr. Gladstone as Prime Minister of England, during his several
+administrations, has had a large Church patronage to dispense, in other
+words, has been called upon, by virtue of his office, to till many
+vacancies in the Established Church, but it has been truly testified
+that there has probably never been so laboriously conscientious a
+distributor of ecclesiastical crown patronage as Mr. Gladstone. In his
+ecclesiastical appointments he never took politics into consideration. A
+conspicuous instance of this may be mentioned. When it was rumored that
+he intended to recommend Dr. Benson, the present Archbishop, for the
+vacant See of Canterbury, a political supporter called to remonstrate
+with him. Mr. Gladstone begged to know the ground of his objection. "The
+Bishop of Truro is a strong Tory," was the answer; "but that is not all.
+He has joined Mr. Raikes's election committee at Cambridge; and it was
+only last week that Raikes made a violent personal attack upon
+yourself." "Do you know," replied Mr. Gladstone, "that you have just
+supplied me with a strong argument in Dr. Benson's favor? for, if he
+had been a worldly man or self-seeker he would not have done anything so
+imprudent."
+
+Mr. Gladstone sympathized more or less with the Nonconformists
+struggling against the application of university tests and other
+disabilities from which the Dissenters suffered, but it was not until
+1876 that he really discovered the true religions work of the English
+Nonconformists. The manner in which the Congregationalists, Baptists,
+Quakers and others rallied to the standard raised in the cause of
+Bulgarian nationality effected a great change in his attitude towards
+his Dissenting fellow countrymen. He entertained many of the
+representative Nonconformist ministers at breakfast, and the fidelity
+and devotion of Nonconformists generally to the Bulgarian cause left on
+his mind an impression which has only deepened with the lapse of time.
+The extent to which this influences him may be gathered from the reply
+which he made to Dr. Döllinger whilst that learned divine was discussing
+with him the question of Church and State. Dr. Döllinger was expressing
+his surprise that Mr. Gladstone could possibly coquette in any way with
+the party that demanded the severance of Church and State in either
+Wales or Scotland. It was to him quite incomprehensible that a statesman
+who held so profoundly the idea of the importance of religion could make
+his own a cause whose avowed object was to cut asunder the Church from
+the State. Mr. Gladstone listened attentively to Dr. Döllinger's
+remarks, and then, in an absent kind of way, said, "But you forget how
+nobly the Nonconformists supported me at the time of the Eastern
+Question." The blank look of amazement on Dr. Döllinger's face showed
+the wide difference between the standpoint of the politician and the
+ecclesiastic. But Mr. Gladstone knew upon whom to rely in the hour of
+need, when great moral issues were at stake. The Bishops of the House of
+Lords had not always done their duty. Lord Shaftesbury, himself a very
+ardent Churchman, wrote, June 16, 1855, in reference to the Religious
+Worship Bill: "The Bishops have exhibited great ignorance, bigotry and
+opposition to evangelical life and action, and have seriously injured
+their character, influence and position."
+
+Mr. Gladstone never displayed more marked respect for the "Nonconformist
+conscience" than when, in deference to their earnest appeal, he risked
+the great split in the Home Rule ranks that followed his repudiation of
+Mr. Parnell. Mr. Gladstone never hesitated or made the slightest
+pretense about the matter. If the Nonconformists had been as indifferent
+as the Churchmen, his famous letter about the Irish leadership would not
+have been written. "He merely acted, as he himself stated, as the
+registrar of the moral temperature which made Mr. Parnell impossible.
+He knew the men who are the Ironsides of his party too well not to
+understand that if he had remained silent the English Home Rulers would
+have practically ceased to exist. He saw the need, rose to the occasion
+and cleared the obstacle which would otherwise have been a fatal
+impediment to the success of his course. Mr. Gladstone is a practical
+statesman, and with some instinct divined the inevitable."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's religious belief, as well as his opinion of the Bible
+and the plan of salvation revealed in the Gospel, are manifest as
+expressed in the following words from his pen:
+
+"If asked what is the remedy for the deeper sorrows of the human
+heart--what a man should chiefly look to in his progress through life as
+the power that is to sustain him under trials and enable him manfully to
+confront his afflictions--I must point him to something which, in a
+well-known hymn is called 'the old, old story,' told of in an old, old
+book, and taught with an old, old teaching, which is the greatest and
+best gift ever given to mankind."
+
+Another may read the lessons on the Lord's day in Hawarden Church and
+write and speak in defense of the Established Church of England, but Mr.
+Gladstone did more--he put his trust in his Lord and Saviour, and
+believed in his word. Mr. Gladstone was denominationally a member of
+the Episcopal Church, but religiously he held to views commonly held by
+all Evangelical Christians, from which the temptations of wealth at
+home, of college and of politics never turned him.
+
+[Illustration: Kilmainham Jail, where the Irish M.P.'s were confined in
+1883]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE
+
+Mr. Gladstone spent the winter of 1838-9 in Rome. The physicians had
+recommended travel in the south of Europe for his health and
+particularly for his eyes, the sight of which had become impaired by
+hard reading in the preparation of his book. He had given up lamps and
+read entirely by candle-light with injurious results. He was joined at
+Rome by his friend, Henry Manning, afterwards Cardinal, and in company
+they visited Monsignor, afterwards Cardinal, Wiseman, at the English
+College, on the feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury. They attended solemn
+mass in honor of that Saint, and the places in the missal were found for
+them by a young student of the college, named Grant, who afterwards
+became Bishop of Southwark.
+
+Besides visiting Italy he explored Sicily, and kept a journal of his
+tour. Sicily is a beautiful and fertile island in the Mediterranean
+Sea, and is the granary of Rome. His recorded observations show the
+keenness of his perceptions and the intensity with which he enjoyed the
+beautiful and wonderful in nature.
+
+Mount Etna, the greatest volcano of Europe, and which rises 10,000 feet
+above the sea, stirred his soul greatly, and he made an ascent of the
+mountain at the beginning of the great eruption of 1838. Etna has many
+points of interest for all classes of scientific men, and not least for
+the student of arboriculture. It bears at the height of 4000 feet above
+the level of the sea a wonderful growth--a very large tree--which is
+claimed by some to be the oldest tree in the world. It is a venerable
+chestnut, and known as "the father of the forest." It is certainly one
+of the most remarkable as well as celebrated of trees. It consists not
+of one vast trunk, but of a cluster of smaller decayed trees or portions
+of trees growing in a circle, each with a hollow trunk of great
+antiquity, covered with ferns or ivy, and stretching out a few gnarled
+branches with scanty foliage. That it is one tree seems to be evident
+from the growth of the bark only on the outside. It is said that
+excavations about the roots of the tree showed these various stems to be
+united at a very small depth below the surface of the ground. It still
+bears rich foliage and much small fruit, though the heart of the trunk
+is decayed, and a public road leads through it wide enough for two
+coaches to drive abreast. Travelers have differed in their measurements
+of this stupendous growth. Admiral Smyth, who takes the lowest estimate,
+giving 163 feet, and Brydone giving, as the highest, 204 feet. In the
+middle of the cavity a hut is built, for the accommodation of those who
+collect and preserve the chestnuts. One of the Queens of Arragon is
+reported to have taken shelter in this tree, with her mounted suite of
+one hundred persons; but, "we may, perhaps, gather from this that
+mythology is not confined to the lower latitudes."
+
+Further up the mountain is another venerable chestnut, which, with more
+reason, probably, may be described without fear of contradiction as the
+largest chestnut tree in the world. It rises from one solid stem to a
+remarkable height before it branches. At an elevation of two feet from
+the earth its circumference was found by Brydone to be seventy-six feet.
+These trees are reputed to have flourished for much more than a thousand
+years. Their luxuriant growth is attributed in part to the humid
+atmosphere of the Bosco, elevated above the scorching, arid region of
+the coast, and in part to the great richness of the soil. The luxuriance
+of the vegetation on the slopes of Etna attracts the attention of every
+traveler; and Mr. Gladstone remarked upon this point: "It seems as
+though the finest of all soils were produced from the most agonizing
+throes of nature, as the hardiest characters are often reared amidst
+the severest circumstances. The aspect of this side of Sicily is
+infinitely more active and the country is cultivated as well as most
+parts of Italy."
+
+He and his party started on the 30th of October, and found the path
+nearly uniform from Catania, but the country bore a volcanic aspect at
+every step. At Nicolosi their rest was disturbed by the distant booming
+of the mountain. From this point to the Bosco the scenery is described
+as a dreary region, but the tract of the wood showed some beautiful
+places resembling an English park, with old oaks and abundant fern.
+"Here we found flocks browsing; they are much exposed to sheep-stealers,
+who do not touch travelers, calculating with justice that men do not
+carry much money to the summit of Etna." The party passed the Casa degli
+Inglesi, which registered a temperature of 31°, and then continued the
+ascent on foot for the crater. A magnificent view of sunrise was
+here obtained.
+
+"Just before we reached the lip of the crater the guide exultingly
+pointed out what he declared to be ordinarily the greatest sight of the
+mountain, namely, the shadow of the cone of Etna, drawn with the utmost
+delicacy by the newly-risen sun, but of gigantic extent; its point at
+this moment rested on the mountains of Palermo, probably one hundred
+miles off, and the entire figure was visible, the atmosphere over the
+mountains having become and continuing perfectly and beautifully
+transparent, although in the hundreds of valleys which were beneath us,
+from the east to the west of Sicily, and from the mountains of Messina
+down to Cape Passaro, there were still abundant vapors waiting for a
+higher sun to disperse them; but we enjoyed in its perfection this view
+of the earliest and finest work of the greater light of heaven, in the
+passage of his beams over this portion of the earth's surface. During
+the hour we spent on the summit, the vision of the shadow was speedily
+contracting, and taught us how rapid is the real rise of the sun in the
+heavens, although its effect is diminished to the eye by a kind of
+foreshortening."
+
+The writer next describes in vivid and powerful language the scene
+presented to the view at the very mouth of the crater. A large space,
+one mile in circumference, which a few days before had been one
+fathomless pit, from which issued masses of smoke, was now absolutely
+filled up to within a few feet of the brim all round. A great mass of
+lava, a portion of the contents of this immense pit, was seen to detach
+itself by degrees from one behind. "It opened like an orange, and we saw
+the red-hot fibres stretch in a broader and still broader vein, until
+the mass had found a support on the new ground it occupied in front; as
+we came back on our way down this had grown black." A stick put to it
+took fire immediately. Within a few yards of this lava bed were found
+pieces of ice, formed on the outside of the stones by Frost, "which here
+disputes every inch of ground with his fierce rival Fire."
+
+Mr. Gladstone and his fellow-travelers were the first spectators of the
+great volcanic action of this year. From the highest peak attainable the
+company gazed upon the splendid prospect to the east spread out before
+them, embracing the Messina Mountains and the fine kindred outline of
+the Calabrian coast, described by Virgil in the third book of the
+Aeneid. Mr. Gladstone graphically describes the eruption which took
+place and of which he was the enraptured witness. Lava masses of 150 to
+200 pounds weight were thrown to a distance of probably a mile and a
+half; smaller ones to a distance even more remote. The showers were
+abundant and continuous, and the writer was impressed by the closeness
+of the descriptions in Virgil with the actual reality of the eruption
+witnessed by himself. On this point he observes:
+
+"Now how faithfully has Virgil (Ae. iii, 571, et seq.) comprised these
+particulars, doubtless without exaggeration, in his fine description!
+First, the thunder-clap, or crack--
+
+     'Horrificis juxta tonat Aetna ruinis.'
+
+Secondly, the vibration of the ground to the report--
+
+     'Et, fessum quoties mutet latus, intremere omnem
+      Murmure Trinacriam.'
+
+Thirdly, the sheet of flame--
+
+     'Attolitque globos flarmmarum, et sidera lambit.'
+
+Fourthly, the smoke--
+
+     'Et coelum subtexere fumo.'
+
+Fifthly, the fire shower--
+
+     'Scopulos avulsaque viscera montis
+      Erigit erucatans, liquefactaque saxa sub auras
+      Cum gemitu glomerat, fundoque exae tuat imo.'
+
+Sixthly the column of ash--
+
+     'Atram prorumpit ad aethera nubem
+      Turbine fumantem piceo et candente favilla.'
+
+And this is within the limits of twelve lines. Modern poetry has its own
+merits, but the conveyance of information is not, generally speaking,
+one of them. What would Virgil have thought of authors publishing poems
+with explanatory notes (to illustrate is a different matter), as if they
+were so many books of conundrums? Indeed this vice is of very
+late years."
+
+The entire description, of which this is but an extract, is very
+effective and animated, and gives with great vividness the first
+impressions of a mind susceptible to the grand and imposing aspects
+of nature.
+
+"After Etna," says Mr. Gladstone in his diary, "the temples are
+certainly the great charm and attraction of Sicily. I do not know
+whether there is any one among them which, taken alone, exceeds in
+beauty that of Neptune, at Paestum; but they have the advantage of
+number and variety, as well as of highly interesting positions. At
+Segesta the temple is enthroned in a perfect mountain solitude, and it
+is like a beautiful tomb of its religion, so stately, so entire; while
+around, but for one solitary house of the keeper, there is nothing,
+absolutely nothing, to disturb the apparent reign of Silence and of
+Death.... The temples enshrine a most pure and salutary principle of
+art, that which connects grandeur of effect with simplicity of detail;
+and, retaining their beauty and their dignity in their decay, they
+represent the great man when fallen, as types of that almost highest of
+human qualities--silent yet not sullen, endurance."
+
+While sojourning at Rome Mr. Gladstone met Lord Macaulay. Writing home
+from Rome in the same year, Lord Macaulay says: "On Christmas Eve I
+found Gladstone in the throng, and I accosted him, as we had met, though
+we had never been introduced to each other. He received my advances with
+very great _empressement_ indeed, and we had a good deal of pleasant
+talk." And again he writes: "I enjoyed Italy immensely; far more than I
+had expected. By-the-by, I met Gladstone at Rome. We talked and walked
+together in St. Peter's during the best part of an afternoon. He is
+both a clever and an amiable man."
+
+Among the visitors at Rome the winter that Mr. Gladstone spent in the
+eternal city were the widow and daughters of Sir Stephen Richard Glynne,
+of Hawarden Castle, Flintshire, Wales. He had already made the
+acquaintance of these ladies, having been a friend of Lady Glynne's
+eldest son at Oxford, and having visited him at Hawarden in 1835. He was
+thrown much into their society while at Rome, and became engaged to the
+elder of Lady Glynne's daughters, Catharine Glynne. It is strange to
+relate that some time before this when Miss Glynne met her future
+husband at a dinner-party, an English minister sitting next to her had
+thus drawn her attention to Mr. Gladstone: "Mark that young man; he will
+yet be Prime Minister of England." Miss Glynne and her sister were known
+as "the handsome Miss Glynnes."
+
+William E. Gladstone and Catharine Glynne were married July 25, 1839, at
+Hawarden Castle. At the same time and place Miss Mary Glynne was married
+to George William, fourth Lord Lyttleton, with whom Mr. Gladstone was on
+the most intimate terms of friendship until his lordship's untoward and
+lamented death. The brother of these ladies was Sir Stephen Glynne, the
+then owner of Hawarden. Mrs. Gladstone was "in her issue heir" of Sir
+Stephen Glynne, who was ninth and last baronet of that name.
+
+The marriage ceremony has been thus described by an eye-witness:
+
+"For some time past the little town of Hawarden has been in a state of
+excitement in consequence of the anticipated nuptials of the two sisters
+of Sir Stephen Glynne, Bart., M.P., who have been engaged for some time
+past to Lord Lyttelton and to Mr. W. Ewart Gladstone. Thursday last
+(July 25th) was fixed upon for the ceremony to take place; but in
+consequence of the Chartists having attacked Lord Lyttelton's mansion in
+Worcestershire, it was feared that the marriage would be delayed. All
+anxieties on this subject were put an end to by orders being issued to
+make ready for the ceremony, and the Hawarden folks lost no time in
+making due preparations accordingly. The church was elegantly and
+profusely decorated with laurels, while extremely handsome garlands,
+composed of the finest flowers, were suspended from the venerable roof.
+About half-past ten a simultaneous rising of the assembled multitude and
+the burst of melody from the organ announced that the fair brides had
+arrived, and all eyes were turned towards the door to witness the bridal
+_cortege_. In a few minutes more the party arrived at the communion
+table and the imposing ceremony commenced. At this period the _coup
+d'oeil_ was extremely interesting. The bridal party exhibited every
+elegance of costume; while the dresses of the multitude, lit up by the
+rays of a brilliant sunlight, filled up the picture. The Rev. the Hon.
+G. Neville performed the ceremony. At its conclusion the brides visited
+the rectory, whence they soon afterwards set out--Lord and Lady
+Lyttelton to their seat in Worcestershire, and Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone on
+a visit to Sir Richard Brooke, Norton Priory Mansion, in Cheshire. The
+bridal party having returned to the castle, the good folks of Hawarden
+filled up the day with rambling over Sir Stephen Glynne's delightful
+park, to which free access was given to all comers; and towards evening
+a dance on the green was got up."
+
+It is to be remarked that by his marriage Mr. Gladstone became allied
+with the house of Grenville, a family of statesmen, which, directly or
+in its ramifications, had already supplied England with four Prime
+Ministers. Baron Bunsen, who made his acquaintance that year, writes
+that he "was delighted with the man who is some day to govern England if
+his book is not in the way."
+
+Mrs. Gladstone is widely and deservedly known for her many philanthropic
+enterprises, but even better, perhaps, has proved herself to be a noble
+and devoted wife and mother. She has cheered by her sympathy her
+illustrious husband in his defeats as well as in his triumphs, in the
+many great undertakings of his political career, and been to him all the
+late Viscountess Beaconsfield was to Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary
+rival. As a mother, she nursed and reared all her children, and ever
+kept them in the maternal eye, carefully watching over and tending them.
+One of the most interesting buildings at Hawarden is Mrs. Gladstone's
+orphanage, which stands close to the castle. Here desolate orphans are
+well cared for, and find, until they are prepared to enter on the
+conflict and to encounter the cares of life, a happy home.
+
+Mrs. Gladstone, although in many respects an ideal wife, was never able
+to approach her husband in the methodical and business-like arrangement
+of her affairs. Shortly after their wedding, the story runs, Mr.
+Gladstone seriously took in hand the tuition of his handsome young wife
+in book-keeping, and Mrs. Gladstone applied herself with diligence to
+the unwelcome task. Some time after she came down in triumph to her
+husband to display her domestic accounts and her correspondence, all
+docketed in a fashion which she supposed would excite the admiration of
+her husband. Mr. Gladstone cast his eye over the results of his wife's
+labor and exclaimed in despair: "You have done them all wrong, from
+beginning to end!" His wife, however, has been so invaluable a helpmeet
+in other ways that it seems somewhat invidious to recall that little
+incident. She had other work to do, and she wisely left the accounts to
+her husband and his private secretaries.
+
+The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone has been blessed by eight children,
+all of whom save two still survive. There were four sons, the eldest,
+William Henry, was a member of the Legislature, and the second, the Rev.
+Stephen Edward Gladstone, is rector of Hawarden. The third son is named
+Henry Neville and the fourth Herbert John Gladstone. The former is
+engaged in commerce and the latter is the popular member for Leeds. The
+eldest daughter, Anne, is married to Rev. E.C. Wickham, A.M., headmaster
+of Wellington College; and the second, Catharine Jessy Gladstone, died
+in 1850; the third daughter, Mary, is married to Rev. W. Drew, and the
+fourth, Helen Gladstone, is principal of Newnham College. As Sir John
+Gladstone had the pleasure of seeing his son William Ewart become a
+distinguished member of Parliament, so Mr. Gladstone in his turn was
+able to witness his eldest son take his seat in the British Senate.
+
+It was a sad bereavement when the Gladstones were called upon to part
+with their little daughter, Catharine Jessy, April 9, 1850, between four
+and five years old. Her illness was long and painful, and Mr. Gladstone
+bore his part in the nursing and watching. He was tenderly fond of his
+little children and the sorrow had therefore a peculiar bitterness. But
+Mr. Gladstone has since had another sad experience of death entering the
+family circle. July 4, 1891, the eldest son, William Henry Gladstone,
+died. The effect upon the aged father was greatly feared, and the world
+sympathized with the great statesman and father in his sad trial, and
+with the afflicted family. In a letter dated July 9, the day after the
+interment, Mr. Gladstone wrote:
+
+"We, in our affliction are deeply sensible of the mercies of God. He
+gave us for fifty years a most precious son. He has now only hidden him
+for a very brief space from the sight of our eyes. It seems a violent
+transition from such thoughts to the arena of political contention, but
+the transition may be softened by the conviction we profoundly hold that
+we, in the first and greatest of our present controversies, work for the
+honor, well-being and future peace of our opponents not less than
+for our own."
+
+When away from the trammels of office, Mr. Gladstone taught his elder
+children Italian. All the sons went to Eton and Oxford, and the
+daughters were educated at home by English, French and German
+governesses. A close union of affection and sentiment has always been a
+marked characteristic of this model English family. Marriage and
+domestic cares, however, made little difference in Mr. Gladstone's
+mode of life. He was still the diligent student, the constant debater
+and the copious writer that he had been at Eton, at Oxford and in
+the Albany.
+
+[Illustration: THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE BRITISH PREMIER, No. 10
+DOWNING STREET, LONDON.]
+
+In the early days of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone lived in
+London with Lady Glynne, at 13 Carlton House Terrace. Later they lived
+at 6 Carlton Gardens, which was made over to them by Sir John Gladstone;
+then again at 13 Carlton House Terrace; and when Mr. Gladstone was in
+office, at the official residence of the Prime Minister, Downing Street.
+In 1850 Mr. Gladstone succeeded to his patrimony, and in 1856 he bought
+11 Carlton House Terrace, which was his London house for twenty years;
+and he subsequently lived for four years at 73 Harley Street. During the
+parliamentary recess Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone divided their time between
+Fasque, Sir John Gladstone's seat in Kincardineshire, and Hawarden
+Castle, which they shared with Mrs. Gladstone's brother, Sir Stephen
+Glynne, till in his death in 1874, when it passed into their sole
+possession. In 1854 Mrs. Gladstone's brother added to the castle a new
+wing, which he especially dedicated to his illustrious brother-in-law,
+and which is fondly known as "The Gladstone Wing." And Mr. Gladstone,
+having only one country house, probably spent as much time at Hawarden
+as any other minister finds it possible to devote to residence out
+of London.
+
+Hawarden, usually pronounced Harden, is the name of a large market-town,
+far removed from the centre and seat of trade and empire, in Flintshire,
+North Wales, six miles southwest from the singular and ancient city of
+Chester, of which it may be called a suburb. It is not pretty, but a
+clean and tolerably well-built place, with some good houses and the
+usual characteristics of a Welsh village. The public road from Chester
+to Hawarden, which passes by the magnificent seat of the Duke of
+Westminster, is not, except for this, interesting to the stranger. There
+is a pedestrian route along the banks of the river Dee, over the lower
+ferry and across the meadows. But for the most part the way lies along
+dreary wastes, unadorned by any of the beautiful landscape scenery so
+common in Wales. Broughton Hall, its pleasant church and quiet
+churchyard, belonging to the Hawarden estate, are passed on the way. The
+village lies at the foot of the Castle, and outside of the gates of
+Hawarden Park. The parish contains 13,000 acres, and of these the estate
+of Mr. Gladstone consists of nearly 7000. The road from the village for
+the most part is dreary, but within the gates the park is as beautiful
+as it is extensive. Richly wooded, on both sides of its fine drive are
+charming vistas opening amongst the oaks, limes and elms. On the height
+to the left of the drive is the ancient Hawarden Castle, for there are
+two--the old and the new--the latter being the more modern home of the
+proprietor.
+
+[Illustration: THE PARK GATE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+The ancient Castle of Hawarden, situated on an eminence commanding an
+extensive prospect, is now in ruins. What, however, was left of the old
+Castle at the beginning of the century stands to-day a monument of the
+massive work of the early masons. The remnant, which ages of time and
+the Parliamentary wars and the strange zeal of its first owner under
+Cromwell for its destruction, allowed to remain, is in a marvelous state
+of preservation, and the masonry in some places fifteen feet thick.
+There is a grandeur in the ruin to be enjoyed, as well as a scene of
+beauty from its towers. The old Castle, like the park itself, is open to
+the public without restriction. Only two requests are made in the
+interests of good order. One is that visitors entering the park kindly
+keep to the gravel walks, while the other is that they do not inscribe
+their names on the stone-work of the ancient ruin, which request has
+been unheeded.
+
+This ancient Castle was doubtless a stronghold of the Saxons in very
+early times, for it was found in the possession of Edwin of Mercia at
+the Norman Conquest, and was granted by William the Conqueror to his
+nephew, Hugh Lupus. In later times Prince Llewelyn was Lord of Hawarden,
+of which he was dispossessed by his brother, David. It was only after
+Wales was conquered that Hawarden became an English stronghold, held
+against the Welsh.
+
+[Illustration: OLD HAWARDEN CASTLE.]
+
+The Castle had its vicissitudes, both as to its condition and
+proprietorship, for many years, even generations. Somewhere between 1267
+and 1280 the Castle had been destroyed and rebuilt. It was rebuilt in
+the time of Edward I or Edward II, and formed one link in the chain by
+which the Edwards held the Welsh to their loyalty. Its name appears in
+the doomsday-book, where it is spelled Haordine. It was presented by
+King Edward to the House of Salisbury. Then the Earls of Derby came
+into possession, and they entertained within its walls Henry VII in the
+latter part of the fifteenth century. During the Parliamentary wars it
+was held at first for the Parliament, and was taken by siege in 1643.
+The royalists were in possession two years later, and at Christmas time,
+in 1645, Parliament ordered that the Castle be dismantled, which was
+effectively done. The latest proprietor of those times was James, Earl
+of Derby. He was executed and the estates were sold. They were purchased
+by Sergeant Glynne, Lord Chief Justice of England under Cromwell, from
+whom in a long line of descent they were inherited, upon the death of
+the last baronet, Sir Stephen Glynne, in 1874, by the wife of William E.
+Gladstone. Sergeant Glynne's son, Sir William, the first baronet, when
+he came into possession, was seized with the unaccountable notion of
+further destroying the old Castle, and by the end of the seventeenth
+century very little remained beyond what stands to-day.
+
+[Illustration: A GLIMPSE OF THE CASTLE FROM THE PARK.]
+
+Hawarden is supposed to be synonymous with the word Burg-Ardden, Ardin,
+a fortified mound or hill. It is usually supposed to be an English word,
+but of Welsh derivation, and is no doubt related to dinas, in Welsh the
+exact equivalent to the Saxon _burg_. The Welsh still call it Penarlas,
+a word the etymology of which points to a period when the lowlands of
+Saltney were under water, and the Castle looked over a lake. The
+earlier history of the Castle goes back to the time when it was held by
+the ancient Britons, and stood firm against Saxon, Dane, or whatever
+invading foe sought to deprive the people of their heritage in the
+soil. On the invasion of William, as we have seen, it was in the
+possession of Edwin, sovereign of Deira. "We find it afterwards," says
+another account, "in the possession of Roger Fitzvalarine, a son of one
+of the adventurers who came over with the Conqueror. Then it was held,
+subordinately, by the Monthault, or Montalt, family, the stewards of the
+palatinate of Chester. It is remarkable, as we noticed in our story of
+Hughenden Manor, that as the traditions of that ancient place touched
+the memory of Simon de Montfort, the great Earl of Leicester, so do they
+also in the story of the old Castle of Hawarden. Here Llewelyn, the last
+native prince of Wales, held a memorable conference with the Earl. With
+in the walls of Hawarden was signed the treaty of peace between Wales
+and Cheshire, not long to last; here Llewelyn saw the beautiful daughter
+of De Montfort, whose memory haunted him so tenderly and so long. Again
+we find the Castle in the possession of the Montalt family, from whom it
+descended to the Stanleys, the Earl of Derby.... Here the last native
+princes of Wales, Llewelyn and David, attempted to grasp their crumbling
+sceptre, Here no doubt halted Edward I, 'girt with many a baron bold;'
+here the Tudor prince, Henry VII, of Welsh birth, visited in the later
+years of the fifteenth century; and this was the occasion upon which it
+passed into the family whose representatives had proclaimed him monarch
+on Bosworth field. But when James, Earl of Derby, was beheaded, after
+the battle of Worcester, in 1651, the estate was purchased under the
+Sequestration Act by Sergeant Glynne, whose portrait hangs over the
+mantleshelf of the drawing-room; 'but,' says Mrs. Gladstone, in calling
+our attention to it, 'he is an ancestor of whom we have no occasion to
+be and are not proud.'"
+
+This remark of Mrs. Gladstone's may be explained by the following from
+the pen of a reputable author: "Sergeant Glynne, who flourished
+(literally flourished) during the seventeenth century, was a most
+unscrupulous man in those troubled times. He was at first a supporter of
+Charles I, then got office and preferment under Cromwell, and yet again,
+like a veritable Vicar of Bray, became a Royalist on the return of
+Charles II. The Earl of Derby, who was taken prisoner at the battle of
+Worcester, in 1661, was executed, and his estates forfeited. Of these
+estates Sergeant Glynne managed to get possession of Hawarden; and
+though on the Restoration all Royalists' forfeited estates were ordered
+to be restored, Glynne managed somehow to remain in possession of the
+property."
+
+[Illustration: WATERFALL IN HAWARDEN PARK.]
+
+It is very probable that Hawarden Castle was no exception to those cruel
+haunts of feudal tyranny and oppression belonging to the days of its
+power. Many years ago, when the rubbish was cleared away beneath the
+Castle ruin, a flight of steps was found, at the foot of which was a
+door, and a draw-bridge, which crossed a long, deep chasm, neatly faced
+with freestone; then another door leading to several small rooms, all,
+probably, places of confinement; and those hollows, now fringed with
+timber trees, in those days constituted a broad, deep fosse.
+
+The old Hawarden Castle, a curious ruin covered with moss and ivy, like
+many other ancient piles of stone in historic England, is a reminder of
+a past and warlike age, when an Englishman's home had to be a castle to
+protect him and his family from his enemies. But times have changed for
+the better, and long immunity from internal foes and invading armies has
+had its peaceful effects upon the lands and the homes of men. As the
+grounds of Hawarden show the remarkable cultivation produced by long
+periods of peaceful toil, so the ancient castle has given way for the
+modern dwelling, a peaceful abode whose only protecting wall is that
+with which the law surrounds it.
+
+Modern Hawarden Castle is a castle only in name. The new "Castle" has
+been the home of the Glynns' for generations, and ever since the
+marriage of Mr. Gladstone and Miss Glynn has been the dwelling of the
+Gladstones. Mr. Gladstone has greatly improved the Hawarden estate and
+the castle has not been overlooked. Among the improvements to the castle
+may be named the additions to the library and the Golden Wedding Porch.
+
+The new Castle was begun in 1752, by Sir John Glynne, who "created a
+stout, honest, square, red-brick mansion;" which was added to and
+altered in the Gothic style in 1814. The Glynnes lived in Oxfordshire
+till early in the eighteenth century, when they built themselves a small
+house, which was on the site of the present Castle. The new Hawarden
+Castle stands in front of the massive ruin of the old Castle, which has
+looked down on the surrounding country for six centuries. A recent
+writer speaking of the new structure as a sham Castle, with its plaster
+and stucco, and imitation turrets, says: "It would not have been
+surprising if the old Castle had, after the manner of Jewish chivalry,
+torn its hair of thickly entwined ivy, rent its garments of moss and
+lichen, and fallen down prostrate, determined forever to shut out the
+sight of the modern monstrosity."
+
+However, the author somewhat relents and thus describes the modern
+edifice:
+
+"The aspect of the house is very impressive and imposing, as it first
+suddenly seems to start upon the view after a long carriage-drive
+through the noble trees, if not immediately near, but breaking and
+brightening the view on either hand; yet, within and without, the house
+seems like its mighty master--not pensive but rural; it does not even
+breathe the spirit of quiet. Its rooms look active and power-compelling,
+and we could not but feel that they were not indebted to any of the
+aesthetic inventions and elegancies of furniture for their charm. Thus
+we have heard of one visitor pathetically exclaiming, 'Not one _dado_
+adorns the walls!' Hawarden is called a Castle, but it has not, either
+in its exterior or interior, the aspect of a Castle. It is a home; it
+has a noble appearance as it rises on the elevated ground, near the old
+feudal ruin which it has superseded, and looks over the grand and
+forest-like park, the grand pieces of broken ground, dells and hollows,
+and charming woodlands."
+
+[Illustration: COURT YARD, HAWARDEN CASTLE.]
+
+The traditional history of Hawarden Church, as well as that of the
+Castle, travels back to a very remote antiquity, and is the central
+point of interest to many a tragedy, and some of a very grotesque
+character. For instance, for many ages the inhabitants of Hawarden were
+called "Harden Jews," and for this designation we have the following
+legendary account. In the year 946, during the reign of Cynan ap Elisap
+Anarawd, King of Gwynedd North, there was a Christian temple at Harden,
+and a rood-loft, in which was placed an image of the Virgin Mary, with a
+very large cross in her hands, which was called "holy rood." During a
+very hot and dry summer the inhabitants prayed much and ardently for
+rain, but without any effect. Among the rest, Lady Trowst, wife of
+Sytsyllt, governor of Harden Castle, went also to pray, when, during
+this exercise, the holy rood fell upon her head and killed her. Such
+behavior upon the part of this wooden Virgin could be tolerated no
+longer. A great tumult ensued in consequence, and it was concluded to
+try the said Virgin for murder, and the jury not only found her guilty
+of wilful murder, but of inattention in not answering the prayers of
+innumerable petitioners. The sentence was hanging, but Span, of Mancot,
+who was one of the jury, opposed this act saying it was best to drown,
+since it was rain they prayed for. This was fiercely opposed by Corbin,
+of the gate, who advised that she should be laid on the sands by the
+river. So, this being done, the tide carried the lady, floating gently,
+like another lady, Elaine, upon its soft bosom, and placed her near the
+walls of Caerleon (now Chester), where she was found next day, says the
+legend, drowned and dead. Here the inhabitants of Caerleon buried her.
+Upon this occasion, it is said, the river, which had until then been
+called the Usk, was changed to Rood Die, or Rood Dee. We need not stay
+here to analyze some things belonging to locality and etymology, which
+appear to us somewhat anachronistic and contradictory in this ancient
+and queer legend.
+
+Hawarden Church is a fairly large structure, externally a plain old
+brick building with a low tower and a dwarf spire, standing in the midst
+of a large population of graves. There is preserved in the annals of
+the Church a list of the rectors of Hawarden as far back as 1180.
+
+About forty years ago a fire broke out in the Church, and when all was
+over, very little was left of the original structure except the walls.
+It was restored with great expedition, and was re-opened within the same
+year. The present building is a restoration to the memory of the
+immediate ancestor, from whom the estate is derived by the present
+family. It is the centre of hard, earnest work, done for an
+exceptionally large parish. But the Church population is occasionally
+recruited from all the ends of the earth.
+
+It is here that the Gladstone family worship on the plain, uncushioned
+pew, near the lectern and opposite the pulpit. When the estates came
+into the hands of the Glynnes the living was bestowed upon a member of
+the family. The Rector is Rev. Stephen Gladstone, second son of the
+Premier. He is not a great preacher, but he is quietly earnest and
+instructive. Mr. Gladstone was up early on Sunday mornings and seldom
+failed to be in his pew at Church. Crowds filled the Church Sunday,
+morning and evening, week after week, many of them strangers, to see the
+Prime Minister of England, and behold him leave his pew and, standing at
+the reading-desk, go through his part of the service--that of reading
+the lessons for the day, in this obscure village Church. After church
+Mr. Gladstone went to the rectory with his family, with his cloak only
+over his shoulders, when the weather required, and as he walked along
+the path through the churchyard would bow to the crowds that stood on
+either side uncovered to greet him as he passed by. The two brothers,
+until recently, lived at the rectory, and the whole family seemed to
+live in the most beautiful harmony together.
+
+Both Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attribute much of his health to the fact
+that he will have his Sabbath to himself and his family, undisturbed by
+any of the agitations of business, the cares of State, or even the
+recreations of literature and scholastic study. This profound public
+regard for the day of rest, whether in London or at Hawarden, awakens a
+feeling of admiration and puts us in mind of his great predecessor in
+statesmanship, Cecil, Lord Burleigh, who, when he arrived at Theobalds
+on a Saturday evening would throw off his cloak or chain of office and
+exclaim, "Lie there and rest, my good lord treasurer."
+
+[Illustration: THE REV. H. DREW, WARDEN OF ST. DENIOL'S.]
+
+One of the main points of interest at the home of Mr. Gladstone is the
+library. There is not a room in Hawarden Castle in which there is not an
+abundance of books, which are not all collected in the library, but
+distributed all over the house. Where other people have cabinets for
+curiosities, china, etc., there are here shelves and cases full of
+books. In ante-room and bed-room dressing-room and nursery they are
+found, not by single volumes, but in serried ranks; well-known and
+useful books. But it is in the library where Mr. Gladstone has collected
+by years of careful selection, a most valuable and large array of
+books, from all parts of the world, upon every subject. These books are
+classified and so arranged as to be of immediate use. All those on one
+particular subject are grouped together.
+
+[Illustration: DOROTHY'S DOVECOTE]
+
+Mr. Gladstone was a familiar figure in the book stores, and especially
+where rare, old books were to be found, and he seldom failed to return
+home with some book in his pocket. Mrs. Gladstone is said to have gone
+through his pockets often upon his return home, and sent back many a
+volume to the book-seller, that had found its way to the pocket of her
+husband, after a hasty glance at its title. He kept himself informed of
+all that was going on in the literary, scientific and artistic worlds,
+receiving each week a parcel of the newest books for his private
+readings. Every day he looked over several book-sellers's catalogues,
+and certain subjects were sure of getting an order.
+
+Hawarden library gave every evidence of being for use, and not show. Mr.
+Gladstone knew what books he had and was familiar with their contents.
+Some books were in frequent use, but others were not forgotten. He could
+put his hand on any one he wanted to refer to. At the end of a volume
+read he would construct an index of his own by which he could find
+passages to which he wished to refer.
+
+There are few stories that Mr. Gladstone told with greater relish than
+one concerning Sir Antonio Panizzi, who many years ago visited the
+library at Hawarden. Looking round the room and at its closely packed
+shelves, he observed in a patronizing tone, "I see you have got some
+books here." Nettled at this seemingly slighting allusion to the paucity
+of his library, Mr. Gladstone asked Panizzi how many volumes he thought
+were on the shelves. Panizzi replied: "From five to six thousand." Then
+a loud and exulting laugh rang round the room as Mr. Gladstone answered:
+"You are wrong by at least two thousand, as there are eight thousand
+volumes and more before you now." Since then the library has
+grown rapidly.
+
+[Illustration: DINING ROOM IN THE ORPHANAGE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+The fate of this large library was naturally a matter of much
+consideration to Mr. Gladstone. It was particularly rich in classical
+and theological works, so it occured to its owner to form a public
+library under a trusteeship, for the benefit of students, under the care
+of the Rector of Hawarden, or some other clergyman. So he caused to be
+erected at a cost to him of about $5,000, a corrugated iron building on
+a knoll just outside Hawarden Church. The name of this parish library is
+"The St. Deiniol's Theological and General Library of Hawarden." In
+1891, Mr. Gladstone had deposited about 20,000 volumes upon the shelves
+in this new building, with his own hands, which books were carried in
+hand-carts from the castle. Since that time thousands have been added to
+this valuable collection.
+
+[Illustration: STAIRCASE IN THE ORPHANAGE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+It was a happy thought of Mr. Gladstone to found a theological library
+in the immediate vicinity of Hawarden; also to have connected with it a
+hostel where students could be boarded and lodged for six dollars a week
+and thus be enabled to use the library in the pursuit of their studies.
+Mr. Gladstone has endowed the institution with $150,000. Rev. H. Drew,
+the son-in-law of Mr. Gladstone, is warden and librarian.
+
+[Illustration: HAWARDEN CHURCH.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+ENTERS THE CABINET
+
+We come now to another memorable period in the life of William E.
+Gladstone. This period, beginning with 1840, has been styled "a
+memorable decade" in the history of Parliament. His marriage and the
+publication of his first book were great events in his eventful life,
+but the young and brilliant statesman was soon to enter the British
+Cabinet. He was before long to demonstrate that he not only possessed
+the arts of the fluent and vigorous Parliamentary debater, but the more
+solid qualities pertaining to the practical statesman and financier. In
+following his course we will be led to observe the early stages of his
+changing opinions on great questions of State, and to trace the causes
+which led to his present advanced views as well as to his exalted
+position. The estimation in which he was then held may be indicated by
+the following, from one of his contemporaries, Sir Stafford Northcote,
+afterwards Lord Iddesleigh, and who subsequently succeeded him as
+leader of the House of Commons: "There is but one statesman of the
+present day in whom I feel entire confidence, and with whom I cordially
+agree, and that statesman is Mr. Gladstone. I look upon him as the
+representative of the party, scarcely developed as yet, though secretly
+forming and strengthening, which will stand by all that is dear and
+sacred in my estimation, in the struggle which I believe will come ere
+_very_ long between good and evil, order and disorder, the Church and
+the world, and I see a very small band collecting round him, and ready
+to fight manfully under his leading."
+
+In 1840 Mr. Gladstone crossed swords with the distinguished historian
+and Parliamentary debater, Lord Macaulay, in debate in the House of
+Commons on the relations of England with China. The speech of Mr.
+Gladstone was remarkable for its eloquent expression of anxiety that the
+arms of England should never be employed in unrighteous enterprises. Sir
+James Graham moved a vote of censure of the ministry for "want of
+foresight and precaution," and "especially their neglect to furnish the
+superintendent at Canton with powers and instructions calculated to
+provide against the growing evils connected with the contraband traffic
+in opium, and adapted to the novel and difficult situation in which the
+superintendent was placed." Mr. Gladstone, on the 8th of April, spoke
+strongly in favor of the motion, and said if it failed to involve the
+ministry in condemnation they would still be called upon to show cause
+for their intention of making war upon China. Answering the speech of
+Lord Macaulay of the previous evening, Mr. Gladstone said: "The right
+honorable gentleman opposite spoke last night in eloquent terms of the
+British flag waving in glory at Canton, and of the animating effects
+produced on the minds of our sailors by the knowledge that in no country
+under heaven was it permitted to be insulted. But how comes it to pass
+that the sight of that flag always raises the spirit of Englishmen? It
+is because it has always been associated with the cause of justice, with
+opposition to oppression, with respect to national rights, with
+honorable commercial enterprises; but now, under the auspices of the
+noble lord, that flag is hoisted to protect an infamous contraband
+traffic, and if it were never to be hoisted except as it is now hoisted
+on the coast of China, we should recoil from its sight with horror, and
+should never again feel our hearts thrill, as they now thrill with
+emotion, when it floats proudly and magnificently on the breeze." The
+ministry escaped censure when the vote was taken by a bare majority.
+
+In the summer of 1840 Mr. Gladstone, accompanied by Lord Lyttleton, went
+to Eton to examine candidates of the Newcastle Scholarship, founded by
+his political friend, the Duke of Newcastle. Mr. Gladstone had the
+pleasure in this examination of awarding the Newcastle medal to Henry
+Fitzmaurice Hallam, the youngest brother of his own beloved friend and
+son of the historian Hallam. One of the scholars he examined writes: "I
+have a vivid and delightful impression of Mr. Gladstone sitting in what
+was then called the library, on an _estrade_ on which the head master
+habitually sate, above which was placed, about 1840, the bust of the
+Duke of Newcastle and the names of the Newcastle scholars.... When he
+gave me a Virgil and asked me to translate Georg. ii, 475, _seq_., I was
+pleasantly surprised by the beautiful eye turning on me with the
+question, 'What is the meaning of _sacra fero_?' and his look of
+approval when I said, 'Carry the sacred vessels in the procession.'"
+
+"I wish you to understand that Mr. Gladstone appeared not to me only,
+but to others, as a gentleman wholly unlike other examiners or school
+people. It was not as _a politician_ that we admired him, but as a
+refined Churchman, deep also in political philosophy (so we conjectured
+from his quoting Burke on the Continual State retaining its identity
+though made up of passing individuals), deep also in lofty poetry, as we
+guessed from his giving us, as a theme for original Latin verse, 'the
+poet's eye in a fine frenzy,' etc. When he spoke to us in 'Pop' as an
+honorary member, we were charmed and affected emotionally: his voice was
+low and sweet, his manner was that of an elder cousin: he seemed to
+treat us with unaffected respect; and to be treated with respect by a
+man is the greatest delight for a boy. It was the golden time of
+'retrograding transcendentalism,' as the hard-heads called the
+Anglo-Catholic symphony. He seemed to me then an apostle of unworldly
+ardor, bridling his life."
+
+The Whig administration, which for some time had been growing very
+unpopular, was defeated and went out of power in 1841. From the very
+beginning of the session their overthrow was imminent. Among the causes
+which rendered the ministry obnoxious to the country, and led to their
+downfall, may be named the disappointment of both their dissenting
+English supporters and Irish allies; their financial policy had proved a
+complete failure and dissatisfied the nation; and the deficit in the
+revenue this year amounted to no less a sum than two millions and a half
+pounds. Every effort to remedy the financial difficulties offered by the
+ministry to the House was rejected, Hence it was felt on all sides that
+the government of the country must be committed to stronger hands.
+Accordingly, in May, Sir Robert Peel proposed a resolution in the House
+of Commons to the effect that the ministry did not possess sufficiently
+the confidence of the House to carry through measures deemed essential
+for the public welfare; and that their continuance in office was, under
+the circumstances, at variance with the Constitution, For five days this
+resolution was discussed, but Mr. Gladstone took no part in the debate.
+The motion of Sir Robert Peel passed by a majority vote of one, and on
+the 7th of June Lord John Russell announced that the ministry would at
+once dissolve Parliament and appeal to the country. Parliament was
+prorogued by the Queen in person June 22d, and the country was soon in
+the turmoil of a general election. By the end of July it was found that
+the ministry had been defeated and with greater loss than the Tories
+even had expected. The Tories had a great majority of the new members
+returned. The Liberal seats gained by the Tories were seventy-eight,
+while the Tory seats gained by Liberals were only thirty-eight, thus
+making a Tory majority of eighty. Mr. Gladstone was again elected at
+Newark, and was at the head of the poll; with Lord John Manners,
+afterwards Duke of Rutland, as his colleague.
+
+The new Parliament met in August, and the ministers were defeated, in
+both Houses, on the Address and resigned. Sir Robert Peel was called
+upon by the Queen to form a new ministry, and Mr. Gladstone was
+included by his leader in the administration. In appearing on the
+hustings at Newark Mr. Gladstone said that there were two points upon
+which the British farmer might rely--the first being that adequate
+protection would be given him, and, second, that protection would be
+given him through the means of the sliding scale. The duties were to be
+reduced and the system improved, but the principle was to be maintained.
+"There was no English statesman who could foresee at this period the
+results of that extraordinary agitation which, in the course of the next
+five years, was destined to secure the abrogation of the Corn Laws."
+
+There is a tradition that, having already conceived a lively interest in
+the ecclesiastical and agrarian problems of Ireland, Mr. Gladstone had
+set his affections on the Chief Secretaryship. But Sir Robert Peel, a
+consummate judge of administrative capacity, had discerned his young
+friend's financial aptitude, and the member for Newark became
+vice-president of the Board of Trade and master of the Mint.
+
+Although in the midst of engrossing cares of office as vice-president of
+the Board of Trade, yet Mr. Gladstone found time to renew his old
+interest in ecclesiastical concerns. In the fall of 1841 an English
+Episcopal Bishopric was established at Jerusalem, Mr. Gladstone dined
+with Baron Bunsen on the birthday of the King of Prussia, when, as
+reported by Lord Shaftesbury, he "stripped himself of a part of his
+Puseyite garments, spoke like a pious man, rejoiced in the bishopric of
+Jerusalem, and proposed the health of Alexander, the new Bishop of that
+see. This is delightful, for he is a good man, a clever man and an
+industrious man." And Baron Bunsen, speaking of the same occasion, said,
+"Never was heard a more exquisite speech, It flowed like a gentle,
+translucent stream. We drove back to town in the clearest starlight;
+Gladstone continuing with unabated animation to pour forth his
+harmonious thoughts in melodious tone." And Mr. Gladstone himself writes
+later; "Amidst public business, quite sufficient for a man of my
+compass, I have, during the whole of the week, perforce, been carrying
+on with the Bishop of London and with Bunsen a correspondence on, and
+inquisition into, the Jerusalem design, until I almost reel and stagger
+under it."
+
+And still later he writes: "I am ready individually to brave
+misconstruction for the sake of union with any Christian men, provided
+the terms of the union be not contrary to sound principle; and perhaps
+in this respect might go further, at least in one of the possible
+directions, than you. But to declare the living constitution of a
+Christian Church to be of secondary moment is of course in my view
+equivalent to a denial of a portion of the faith--and I think you will
+say it is a construction which can not fairly be put upon the design,
+as far as it exists in fixed rules and articles. It is one thing to
+attribute this in the way of unfavorable surmise, or as an apprehension
+of ultimate developments--it is another to publish it to the world as a
+character ostentatiously assumed."
+
+We have evidence also that at this time he was not permitted to forget
+that he was an author, for he thus writes, April 6, 1842, to his
+publisher: "Amidst the pressure of more urgent affairs, I have held no
+consultation with you regarding my books and the sale or no sale of
+them. As to the third edition of the 'State in its Relations,' I should
+think that the remaining copies had better be got rid of in whatever
+summary or ignominious mode you may deem best. They must be dead beyond
+recall. As to the others, I do not know whether the season of the year
+has at all revived the demand; and would suggest to you whether it would
+be well to advertise them a little. I do not think they find their way
+much into the second-hand shops. With regard to the fourth edition, I do
+not know whether it would be well to procure any review or notice of it,
+and I am not a fair judge of its merits, even in comparison with the
+original form of the work; but my idea is that it is less defective,
+both in the theoretical and in the historical development, and ought to
+be worth the notice of those who deemed the earlier editions worth
+their notice and purchase; that it would really put a reader in
+possession of the view it was intended to convey, which I fear is more
+than can with any truth be said of its predecessors. I am not, however,
+in any state of anxiety or impatience; and I am chiefly moved to refer
+these suggestions to your judgment from perceiving that the fourth
+edition is as yet far from having cleared itself."
+
+It was from this time that a marked change was observable in the
+subjects of Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary addresses. "Instead of
+speaking on the corporate conscience of the State and the endowments of
+the Church, the importance of Christian education and the theological
+unfitness of the Jews to sit in Parliament, he was solving business-like
+problems about foreign tariffs and the exportation of machinery; waxing
+eloquent over the regulation of railways and a graduated tax on corn;
+subtle on the momentary merits of half-farthings and great in the
+mysterious lore of quassia and cocculus indicus."
+
+In the short session of Parliament, in 1841, that which followed the
+accession of Sir Robert Peel to the office of Prime Minister, he was
+questioned by his opponents as to his future policy. The Premier
+declined to state the nature of the measures he intended to present, or
+which he contemplated making, in the intervening months of the recess
+of Parliament so near at hand. He wanted time for the arrangement of his
+plans and the construction of his political programme. An effort was
+made to embarrass the administration by refusing to vote the necessary
+supplies, until inquiry should be made into the existing distress, but
+it was defeated. Three weeks later Parliament was dissolved by Royal
+commission. In the following sitting of Parliament several measures of
+high practical character were presented.
+
+Sir Robert Peel acceded to office in very critical times. The condition
+of the country was truly lamentable. Distress and discontent were
+widespread and the difficulties of the government were greatly enhanced
+by popular tumults. The Free Trade agitation was already making great
+headway in the land, and when the Premier brought forward his new
+sliding scale of duties in the House of Commons it was denounced by Mr.
+Cobden as an insult to a suffering people. The Premier said that he
+considered the present not an unfavorable time for discussing the corn
+laws; that there was no great stock on hand of foreign growth to alarm
+the farmers; that the recess had been marked by universal calm; that
+there was no popular violence to interrupt legislation; and that there
+was a disposition to view any proposal for the adjustment of the
+question with calmness and moderation.
+
+The Premier's view of the situation did not seem to be wholly in accord
+with the well-known facts, for the Queen even, on her appearance at the
+London theatres, had been hooted, and the Prime Minister himself was
+burnt in effigy during a riot at Northampton; great excitement prevailed
+throughout the country, and Lord John Russell moved as an amendment
+"That this House, considering the evils which have been caused by the
+present corn laws and especially by the fluctuation of the graduated or
+sliding scale, is not prepared to adopt the measure of her Majesty's
+government, which is founded on the same principles and is likely to be
+attended by similar results."
+
+It was incumbent upon Mr. Gladstone to lead the opposition to this
+motion. He showed that the proposed plan was not founded on the same
+principle of the existing one, except that both involved a sliding
+scale; that the present distress was caused by fluctuation of the
+seasons and not by the laws; that high prices of food were chargeable to
+successive failures of the crops; that these unavoidable fluctuations
+were not aggravated by the corn laws; that Sir Robert Peel's plan of
+working was far superior to that of Lord John Russell; that the drains
+upon the currency, caused by bad harvests, were not to be prevented by a
+fixed duty; that a uniform protection could not be given to corn, as to
+other articles, because at high prices of corn no duty could be
+maintained, and that, therefore, at low prices, it was but just to give
+a duty which would be an effectual protection. The debate which followed
+was characterized by vigorous speeches from Mr. Roebuck and Lord
+Palmerston. Lord John Russell's amendment was lost by a large majority.
+A motion presented by Mr. Villiers, the Free Trade advocate, for the
+immediate repeal of the corn laws was also lost by a majority of over
+three hundred.
+
+On the 11th of March Sir Robert Peel introduced his budget. The budget
+for 1842 was produced under depressing circumstances. There was a
+deficit of £2,750,000, or about $15,000,000, and taxation upon articles
+of consumption had been pushed to its utmost limit. Peel was a great
+financier, but the fiscal difficulties by which he was now surrounded
+were enough to appall the most ingenious of financial ministers.
+
+Mr. Gladstone rendered the Premier invaluable service in the preparation
+both of his budget and of his tariff scheme. The merit of the budget was
+its taxation of wealth and the relief of the manufacturing industry. The
+second branch of the financial plan, the revised tariff--a customs
+duties scheme--was very important, and it was understood to be mainly
+the work of Mr. Gladstone. Out of nearly 1200 duty-paying articles, a
+total abolition, or a considerable reduction, was made in no fewer than
+750. This was certainly a great step towards the freedom of
+manufacturers, Sir Robert Peel's boast that he had endeavored to relieve
+manufacturing industries was more than justified by this great and
+comprehensive measure. The very best means for relieving the
+manufacturing industries had been devised.
+
+But while this great relief to industry was welcomed the Opposition did
+not relax their efforts for the abolition of the corn laws, which were
+continued into the session of 1843. Sir Robert Peel acknowledged, amidst
+loud cheers from the Opposition, that all were agreed in the general
+rule that we should purchase in the cheapest market and sell in the
+dearest; but he added, "If I propose a greater change in the corn laws
+than that which I submit to the consideration of the House I should only
+aggravate the distress of the country, and only increase the alarm which
+prevails among important interests." Mr. Hume hailed with joy the
+appearance of the Premier and his colleagues as converts to the
+principles of Free Trade; Mr. Gladstone replied, that, whoever were the
+authors of the principles on which the government measures rested, he
+must protest against the statement that the ministry came forward as
+converts to principles which they had formerly opposed.
+
+During the progress of the debate of 1842, on the revised Tariff Bill,
+Mr. Gladstone's labors were very great. He was called upon to explain or
+defend the details of the scheme, and had something to say about every
+article of consumption included in, or excluded from, the list. He spoke
+one hundred and twenty-nine times, chiefly on themes connected with the
+new fiscal legislature. He demonstrated his capacity for grasping all
+the most complicated details of finance, and also the power of
+comprehending the scope and necessities of the commercial interests of
+the country. No measure with which his name has since been connected has
+done him more credit. He spoke incessantly, and amazed the House by his
+mastery of details, his intimate acquaintance with the commercial needs
+of the country, and his inexhaustible power of exposition. On March 14th
+Greville wrote, "Gladstone has already displayed a capacity which makes
+his admission into the Cabinet indispensable." A commercial minister had
+appeared on the scene, and the shade of Hoskisson had revived.
+
+Though engrossed in schemes of practical legislation, and in all the
+excitements and interests of office, he could, as he has ever done
+during his long career, turn aside for the discourse on social and
+educational questions with much earnestness and eloquence, as if they,
+and only they, possessed his mind. In January, 1843, he spoke at the
+opening of the Collegiate Institute of Liverpool, and delivered a
+powerful plea for the better education of the middle classes, which was
+one of the most forcible speeches he ever delivered. He said:
+
+"We believe that if you could erect a system which should present to
+mankind all branches of knowledge save the one that is essential, you
+would only be building up a Tower of Babel, which, when you had
+completed it, would be the more signal in its fall, and which would bury
+those who had raised it in its ruins. We believe that if you can take a
+human being in his youth, and if you can make him an accomplished man in
+natural philosophy, in mathematics, or in the knowledge necessary for
+the profession of a merchant, a lawyer, or a physician; that if in any
+or all of these endowments you could form his mind--yes, if you could
+endow him with the science and power of a Newton, and so send him
+forth--and if you had concealed from him, or, rather, had not given him
+a knowledge and love of the Christian faith--he would go forth into the
+world, able indeed with reference to those purposes of science,
+successful with the accumulation of wealth for the multiplication of
+more, but 'poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked' with reference to
+everything that constitutes the true and sovereign purposes of our
+existence--nay, worse, worse--with respect to the sovereign purpose--
+than if he had still remained in the ignorance which we all commiserate,
+and which it is the object of this institution to assist in removing."
+
+It was admitted on all hands that great fiscal reforms had been
+conceived and executed; and speaking of the session of 1842, a writer,
+not favorable to the Tories, wrote: "The nation saw and felt that its
+business was understood and accomplished, and the House of Commons was
+no longer like a sleeper under a nightmare. The long session was a busy
+one. The Queen wore a cheerful air when she thanked Parliament for their
+effectual labors. The Opposition was such as could no longer impede the
+operations of the next session. The condition of the country was fearful
+enough, but something was done for its future improvement, and the way
+was now shown to be open for further beneficent legislation."
+
+The corn law reformers renewed their efforts, led by Lord Howick, as
+soon as the parliamentary session of 1843 opened. An inquiry by the
+whole House was demanded into the causes of the long continued
+manufacturing depression referred to in the Queen's speech. Mr.
+Gladstone replied that while the Opposition proposed to repeal the corn
+laws, they offered no measure of relief in their place. The corn laws
+were at the root of the distress in the country, but the difficulty was
+to unite the ranks of the Opposition in opinion as to what ought to
+follow the repeal of the corn laws. The question between the government
+and the Opposition was not really so great as the latter wished to make
+out. It was simply as to the amount of relaxation the country could bear
+in the duties. It was the intention of the First Lord of the Treasury to
+attain his object "by increasing the employment of the people, by
+cheapening the prices of the articles of consumption, as also the
+articles of industry, by encouraging the means of exchange with foreign
+nations, and thereby encouraging in return an extension of the export
+trade; but besides all this, if he understood the measure of the
+government last year, it was proposed that the relaxation should be
+practically so limited as to cause no violent shock to existing
+interests, such as would have the tendency of displacing that labor
+which should be employed, and which, if displaced, would be unable to
+find another field." The measure of the previous year had nothing but a
+beneficial effect, but the repeal of the corn laws would displace a vast
+mass of labor. Lord Howick's motion was defeated and so were others
+offered by Mr. Villiers and Lord John Russell, by diminishing
+majorities, and Mr. Gladstone protested against the constant renewal of
+uneasiness in the country by successive motions of this kind in
+Parliament.
+
+The year 1843 was one destined to witness a great advance in Mr.
+Gladstone's progress towards the front rank among statesmen. June 10th,
+Lord Ripon, who was President of the Board of Trade, left this place for
+the Board of Control, and Mr. Gladstone was appointed to the position,
+and thus became a member of the Cabinet at the age of thirty-three Mr.
+Gladstone now became in name what he had been already in fact--the
+President of the Board of Trade. He states that "the very first opinion
+which he was ever called upon to give in Cabinet" was an opinion in
+favor of withdrawing the bill providing education for children in
+factories; to which vehement opposition was offered by the Dissenters,
+on the ground that it was too favorable to the Established Church. It
+seemed that his position was assured and yet in October he wrote to a
+friend: "Uneasy, in my opinion, must be the position of every member of
+Parliament who thinks independently in these times, or in any that are
+likely to succeed them; and in proportion as a man's course of thought
+deviates from the ordinary lines his seat must less and less resemble a
+bed of roses." Mr. Gladstone possibly felt when he penned these lines
+that the time was at hand when his convictions would force him to take a
+position that would array against him some of his most ardent friends.
+
+During the session of 1844 Mr. Gladstone addressed the House on a
+variety of subjects, including rail ways, the law of partnership, the
+agricultural interest, the abolition of the corn laws, the Dissenters'
+Chapel Bill and the sugar duties. One very valuable bill he had carried
+was a measure for the abolition of restrictions on the exportation of
+machinery. Another was the railway bill, to improve the railway system,
+by which the Board of Trade had conditional power to purchase railways
+which had not adopted a revised scale of tolls. The bill also
+compulsorily provided for at least one third-class train per week-day
+upon every line of railway, to charge but one penny a mile, regulated
+the speed of traveling, compelled such trains to stop at every station,
+and arranged for the carrying of children under three years of age for
+nothing and those under twelve at reduced fares. This measure, conceived
+so distinctly in the interests of the poorer classes, met with
+considerable opposition at first from the various railway companies, but
+it was ultimately passed into law. These were measures passed in the
+spirit of reform, though by a Conservative government.
+
+There was another matter legislated upon which shows how Mr. Gladstone's
+mind was undergoing changes in the direction of religious toleration.
+Lady Hewley had originally founded and given to Calvinistic Independents
+certain charities which had gradually passed to Unitarians, who were
+ousted from their benefits. A bill was proposed to vest property left to
+Dissenting bodies in the hands of that religions body with whom it had
+remained for the preceding twenty years. The measure was passed, but
+when it was discussed in the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone said that it
+was a bill which it was incumbent upon the House to endorse; that there
+was no contrariety between his principles of religious belief and those
+on which legislation in this case ought to proceed; that there was a
+great question of justice, viz., whether those who were called
+Presbyterian Dissenters, and who were a century and a half ago of
+Trinitarian opinions, ought not to be protected at the present moment in
+possession of the chapels which they held, with the appurtenances of
+those chapels? On the question of substantial justice he pronounced the
+strongest affirmative opinion. "After this speech there were those who
+thought, and expressed their hope and belief in words, that the
+'champion of Free Trade' would ere long become the advocate of the most
+unrestricted liberty in matters of religion. Their hope, if sanguine as
+to its immediate fulfillment, was far from groundless."
+
+However, in December of the same year Mr. Gladstone wrote to his friend
+Archdeacon, afterwards Bishop Wilberforce, about the prospects of the
+Church of England: "I rejoice to see that your views on the whole are
+hopeful. For my part I heartily go along with you. The fabric
+consolidates itself more and more, even while the earthquake rocks it;
+for, with a thousand drawbacks and deductions, love grows larger, zeal
+warmer, truth firmer among us. It makes the mind sad to speculate upon
+the question how much better all might have been; but our mourning
+should be turned into joy and thankfulness when we think also how much
+worse it _was_."
+
+The next event in the life of Mr. Gladstone is marked by a momentous
+change in his political position. Scarcely had Parliament met in
+January, 1845, when it was announced to the astonishment of everyone
+that Mr. Gladstone had resigned his place as President of the Board of
+Trade in the Cabinet. He set a good deal of speculation at rest by the
+announcement made in his speech on the address of the Queen, that his
+resignation was due solely to the government intentions with regard to
+Maynooth College. Before, however, he had resigned, Mr. Gladstone had
+completed a second and revised tariff, carrying further the principles
+of the revision of 1842.
+
+In the session of 1844 Sir Robert Peel, in response to the requests of
+Irish members, had promised that the Government would take up the
+question of academical education in Ireland, with the view of bringing
+it more nearly to the standard of England and Scotland, increasing its
+amount and improving its quality. In fulfillment of this pledge the
+government, at the beginning of the session of 1845, proposed to
+establish non-sectarian colleges in Ireland, and to increase the
+appropriation to Maynooth. The College of Maynooth, which was
+established for the education of Roman Catholic priests and laymen, had
+fallen into poverty and decay. In order to gratify the Irish, the
+government offered to increase the grant already made from $45,000 to
+$150,000 a year. This appropriation was not to be subject to any annual
+vote, and the affairs of the College were to be executed by the Board of
+Works. These proposals placed Mr. Gladstone in a position of great
+difficulty. He must either support Sir Robert Peel's measure, or retire
+from the Cabinet into isolation, if not subject to the imputation of
+eccentricity. He took council with his friends, Archdeacon Manning and
+Mr. Hope, who advised him to remain, and with Lord Stanley who warned
+him that his resignation must be followed by resistance of the proposals
+of the government, which would involve him in a storm of religious
+agitation. But Mr. Gladstone persisted in his intention, in what seemed
+like giving up his brilliant prospects, but said it would not
+necessarily be followed by resistance to the proposal about Maynooth.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that the proposed increase in the Maynooth endowment
+and the establishment of non-sectarian colleges were at variance with
+views he had written and uttered upon the relations of the Church and
+State. "I am sensible how fallible my judgment is," said Mr. Gladstone,
+"and how easily I might have erred; but still it has been my conviction
+that although I was not to fetter my judgment as a member of Parliament
+by a reference to abstract theories, yet, on the other hand, it was
+absolutely due to the public and due to myself that I should, so far as
+in me lay, place myself in a position to form an opinion upon a matter
+of so great importance, that should not only be actually free from all
+bias or leaning with respect to any consideration whatsoever, but an
+opinion that should be unsuspected. On that account I have taken a
+course most painful to myself in respect to personal feelings, and have
+separated myself from men with whom and under whom I have long acted in
+public life, and of whom I am bound to say, although I have now no
+longer the honor of serving my most gracious Sovereign, that I continue
+to regard them with unaltered sentiments both of public regard and
+private attachment."
+
+Then again he said: "My whole purpose was to place myself in a position
+in which I should be free to consider any course without being liable
+to any just suspicion on the ground of personal interest. It is not
+profane if I now say, '_with a great price obtained I this freedom_.'
+The political association in which I stood was to me at the time the
+_alpha_ and _omega_ of public life. The government of Sir Robert Peel
+was believed to be of immovable strength. My place, as President of the
+Board of Trade, was at the very kernel of its most interesting
+operations; for it was in progress from year to year, with continually
+waxing courage, towards the emancipation of industry, and therein
+towards the accomplishment of another great and blessed work of public
+justice. Giving up what I highly prized, aware that
+
+                            male sarta
+     Gratia nequicquam coit, et rescinditur.
+
+I felt myself open to the charge of being opinionated and wanting in
+deference to really great authorities, and I could not but know that I
+should inevitably be regarded as fastidious and fanciful, fitter for a
+dreamer, or possibly a schoolman, than for the active purposes of public
+life in a busy and moving age."
+
+There were some of his party angry and others who thought that there was
+something almost Quixotic in Mr. Gladstone's honorable resignation,
+because so soon as he felt himself free he gave his support to the
+Maynooth Bill and also to the scheme for the extension of academical
+education in Ireland, which latter was described by Sir R. Inglis as a
+"gigantic scheme of godless education." In Greville's "Memoirs" we find:
+"Gladstone's explanation is ludicrous. Everybody said that he had only
+succeeded in showing that his resignation was unnecessary. He was
+criticised as the possessor of a kind of supernatural virtue that could
+scarcely be popular with the slaves of party, and he was considered
+whimsical, fantastic, impracticable, a man whose 'conscience was so
+tender that he could not go straight,' a visionary not to be relied
+on--in fact, a character and intellect useless to the political
+manager." "I am greatly alarmed at Gladstone's resignation. I fear it
+foretells measures opposed to the Church truth," wrote Wilberforce; and
+Peel told Gladstone beforehand that his reasons for his resignation
+would be considered insufficient. But Mr. Gladstone's resignation, when
+understood, elicited the liveliest expressions of regret from friend and
+foe, as well as the most flattering testimonies as to his ability and
+character. His chief, Sir Robert Peel, and Lord John Russell, the leader
+of the Opposition, were alike complimentary in their remarks.
+
+Dr. Russell, the biographer of Mr. Gladstone, says: "Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement, by impairing his reputation for common sense, threatened
+serious and lasting injury to his political career, But the whirligig
+of time brought its revenges even more swiftly than usual. A conjunction
+of events arose in which he was destined to repair the mischief which
+the speculative side had wrought; but for the moment the speculative
+side was uppermost."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was fast leaving his Toryism behind. To show how far his
+views had changed in the course of seven years, it may be said that in
+his speech on these measures he observed how that exclusive support to
+the Established Church was a doctrine that was being more and more
+abandoned. Mr. Burke considered it contrary to wise policy to give
+exclusive privileges to a negative creed like that of Protestantism.
+They could not prove their religious scruples for denying this grant to
+Roman Catholics, because they gave their votes of money to almost every
+Dissenting seat. He hoped the concession now made--which was a great and
+liberal gift, because unrestricted and given in a spirit of
+confidence--would not lead to the renewal of agitation in Ireland by Mr.
+O'Connell. It might be well for him to reflect that agitation was a
+two-edged sword. Being conformable to justice and not contrary to
+principle, he hoped the measure proposed would pass into a law.
+
+W.T. Stead, in a recent article, said, in relation to Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement from the Cabinet, that "It is ridiculous to pretend, with
+Mr. Gladstone's career before us, that his course has been swayed by
+calculating self-interest. He has been the very madman of politics from
+the point of view of Mr. Worldly Wiseman. 'No man,' said he, the other
+day, 'has ever committed suicide so often as I,' and that witness is
+true. The first and perhaps the most typical of all his many suicides
+was his resignation of his seat in Sir Robert Peel's Cabinet, not
+because he disapproved of the Maynooth Grant, but because, as he had at
+one time written against it, he was determined that his advocacy of it
+should be purged of the last taint of self-interest. As Mr. George
+Russell rightly remarks, 'This was an act of Parliamentary Quixotism too
+eccentric to be intelligible. It argued a fastidious sensitiveness of
+conscience, and a nice sense of political propriety so opposed to the
+sordid selfishness and unblushing tergiversation of the ordinary
+place-hunter as to be almost offensive.' But as Mr. Gladstone was then,
+so he has been all his life--the very Quixote of conscience. Judged by
+every standard of human probability, he has ruined himself over and over
+and over again. He is always ruining himself, and always rising, like
+the Phoenix, in renewed youth from the ashes of his funeral pyre. As was
+said in homely phrase some years ago, he 'always keeps bobbing up
+again.' What is the secret of this wonderful capacity of revival? How
+is it that Mr. Gladstone seems to find even his blunders help him, and
+the affirmation of principles that seem to be destructive to all chance
+of the success of his policy absolutely helps him to its realization?"
+
+From a merely human standpoint it is inexplicable. But
+
+     'If right or wrong in this God's world of ours
+      Be leagued with higher powers,'
+
+then the mystery is not so insolvable. He believed in the higher powers.
+He never shrank from putting his faith to the test; and on the whole,
+who can deny that for his country and for himself he has reason to
+rejoice in the verification of his working hypothesis?
+
+'We walk by faith and not by sight,' he said once; 'and by no one so
+much as by those who are in politics is this necessary.' It is the
+evidence of things not seen, the eternal principles, the great invisible
+moral sanctions that men are wont to call the laws of God, which alone
+supply a safe guide through this mortal wilderness.
+
+     'Men of a thousand shifts and wiles, look here!
+        See one straightforward conscience put in pawn
+      To win a world; see the obedient sphere
+        By bravery's simple gravitation drawn!
+      Shall we not heed the lesson taught of old,
+        And by the Present's lips repeated still?
+      In our own single manhood to be bold,
+        Fortressed in conscience and impregnable.'
+
+"Mr. Gladstone has never hesitated to counter at sharp right angles the
+passion and the fury of the day. Those who represent him as ever strong
+upon the strong side, wilfully shut their eyes to half his history. He
+challenged Lord Palmerston over the Don Pacifico question, and was
+believed to have wrecked himself almost as completely as when in 1876 he
+countered even more resolutely the fantastic Jingoism of Lord
+Beaconsfield. It is easy for those who come after and enter into the
+spoils gained by sacrifices of which they themselves were incapable to
+describe the Bulgarian agitation as an astute party move. The party did
+not think so. Its leaders did not think so. Some of those who now halloo
+loud enough behind Mr. Gladstone were then bitter enough in their
+complaint that he had wrecked his party. One at least, who was
+constrained to say the other thing in public, made up for it by bitter
+and contemptuous cavilings in private. Now it is easy to see that Lord
+Beaconsfield was mistaken and that Mr. Gladstone held the winning card
+all along. But no one knew it at the time when the card had to be
+played, certainly not Mr. Gladstone himself. He simply saw his duty a
+dead sure thing, and, like Jim Bludsoe on the burning boat, 'He went for
+it there and then.' It turned up trumps, but no one knew how heavy were
+the odds against it save those who went through the stress and the
+strain of that testing and trying time by his side."
+
+In the summer of 1845 Mr. Gladstone proposed to his intimate friend, Mr.
+J.R. Hope, that they should spend the month of September in a working
+tour in Ireland, giving evidence of his characteristic desire always to
+come in personal contact with any question that he had to discuss. He
+suggests "their eschewing all grandeur, and taking little account even
+of scenery, compared with the purpose of looking, from close quarters,
+at the institutions for religion and education of the country, and at
+the character of the people. It seems ridiculous to talk of supplying
+the defects of second-hand information by so short a trip; but although
+a longer time would be much better, yet even a very contracted one does
+much when it is added to an habitual, though indirect, knowledge." The
+projected trip, however, had to be abandoned.
+
+Towards the close of the year 1845 Mr. Gladstone issued a pamphlet
+entitled "Remarks upon recent Commercial Legislation," in which he not
+only discussed the salutary effects of the late commercial policy, but
+used arguments clearly showing that he was advancing to the position of
+a free-trader. His general conclusion was that English statesmen should
+use every effort to disburden of all charges, so far as the law was
+concerned, the materials of industry, and thus enable the workman to
+approach his work at home on better terms, as the terms in which he
+entered foreign markets were altered for the worse against him.
+
+While Mr. Gladstone was so willing to deal generously more than ever
+before with the Irish Roman Catholics, his confidence in the Established
+Episcopal Church of Ireland was growing less. "I am sorry," he wrote to
+Bishop Wilberforce, "to express my apprehension that the Irish Church is
+not in a large sense efficient; the working results of the last ten
+years have disappointed me. I may be answered, Have faith in the
+ordinance of God; but then I must see the seal and signature, and these,
+how can I separate from ecclesiastical descent? The title, in short, is
+questioned, and vehemently, not only by the Radicalism of the day, but
+by the Roman Bishops, who claim to hold succession of St. Patrick, and
+this claim has been alive all along from the Reformation, so that lapse
+of years does nothing against it."
+
+The name of Dr. Döllinger, the distinguished reformed Roman Catholic,
+has been mentioned already in connection with that of Mr. Gladstone. In
+the fall of 1845 Mr. Gladstone went to Munich and paid his first visit
+to Dr. Döllinger. For a week he remained in daily intercourse with this
+eminent divine, and the foundation was laid of a friendship which was
+sustained by repeated visits and correspondence, and which lasted until
+the doctor's death in 1890.
+
+In the winter of 1845 Mr. Gladstone met with a painful accident that
+resulted in a permanent injury to his hand. He was by no means what is
+termed a sportsman, yet he was somewhat fond of shooting. His gun was
+prematurely discharged while he was loading it, and shattered the first
+finger of his left hand, so that amputation was necessary.
+
+[Illustration: Loyal Ulster]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+
+MEMBER FOR OXFORD
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's career," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"naturally divides itself into three parts. The first of them ends with
+his retirement from the representation of Newark. The central part
+ranges from 1847 to 1868. Happily the third is still incomplete." The
+first division, according to Dr. Russell, of this remarkable life, we
+have considered, and we now pass on to the development of the second
+period. The causes which led up to Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the
+representation for Newark to that of Oxford we will now proceed
+to trace.
+
+The agitation by the ablest orators against the corn laws had been going
+on for ten years, when an announcement was made in the "Times" of
+December 4, 1845, that Parliament would be convened the first week in
+January, and that the Queen's address would recommend the immediate
+consideration of the corn laws, preparatory to their total abolition.
+This startling news took the other daily papers by surprise, for there
+had been recently a lull in the agitation, and several of them
+contradicted it positively. Yet the newspapers had noticed the unusual
+occurrence of four cabinet meetings in one week. The original statement
+was confirmed. The ministry was pledged to support the measure. The hour
+had come, the doom of the corn laws was sealed. Mr. Gladstone's thoughts
+and labors for some years past had been leading him away from
+Protection, in which he had been brought up, in the direction of Free
+Trade; and although he was unable to participate in the last part of the
+struggle in Parliament, because he was not a member of the House, he was
+yet in harmony with Sir Robert Peel, and indeed is said to have
+converted the Premier to Free Trade views. Such a change of views was
+not the sudden impulse of an hour. The next step was to announce his
+changed convictions. And so upon other occasions in his life, his
+attitude on the question of the corn laws led to his separation from
+some old and greatly cherished political and personal friends, and among
+the first to disapprove of his new departure must have been his own
+father, who would think his son was going to ruin the country.
+
+The Duke of Buccleuch and Lord Stanley informed Sir Robert Peel that
+they could not support a measure for the repeal of the corn laws, and
+Sir Robert Peel, being doubtful whether he could carry through the
+proposed measure in the face of such opposition, tendered his
+resignation as premier to the Queen. Lord John Russell was called upon
+to form a new ministry, but, having failed in this, the Queen desired
+Sir Robert Peel to withdraw his resignation, and resume the head of the
+government again.
+
+It was found when the list of the new Peel Cabinet was published, that
+Mr. Gladstone was a member of it; having accepted the office of Colonial
+Secretary, in the place of Lord Stanley, who had resigned because not in
+sympathy with the proposed movement and of repeal. Accepting office in a
+ministry pledged to repeal the corn laws led to the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone from the House of Commons as the representative for Newark.
+The Duke of New Castle, the patron and friend of Mr. Gladstone, was an
+ardent Protectionist, and could not sanction the candidature of a
+supporter of Free Trade principles. His patronage was therefore
+necessarily withdrawn from Mr. Gladstone. Indeed, the Duke had turned
+his own son, Lord Lincoln, out of the representation of Nottinghamshire
+for accepting office under Sir Robert Peel, and he naturally showed no
+mercy to the brilliant but wayward politician, whom his favor had made
+member for Newark. Besides, Mr. Gladstone felt he held opposite
+principles from those he held when elected, and that unless the
+constituency had changed with him, he could no longer honorably continue
+to represent them, even if the influence and friendship of the Duke
+permitted it.
+
+Accordingly he did not offer himself for re-election, but retired and
+issued an address to the electors of Newark, dated January 5, 1846, of
+which the following is an extract: "By accepting the office of Secretary
+of State for the Colonies, I have ceased to be your representative in
+Parliament. On several accounts I should have been peculiarly desirous
+at the present time of giving you an opportunity to pronounce your
+constitutional judgment on my public conduct, by soliciting at your
+hands a renewal of the trust which I have already received from you on
+five successive occasions, and held during a period of thirteen years.
+But as I have good reason to believe that a candidate recommended to
+your favor through local connections may ask your suffrages, it becomes
+my very painful duty to announce to you on that ground alone my
+retirement from a position which has afforded me so much of honor and of
+satisfaction." Mr. Gladstone further goes on to explain that he accepted
+office because he held that "it was for those who believed the
+Government was acting according to the demands of public duty to testify
+that belief, however limited their sphere might be, by their
+co-operation." He had acted "in obedience to the clear and imperious
+call of public obligation."
+
+It was in this way that Mr. Gladstone became a voluntary exile from the
+House of Commons during this important season, and took no part in the
+debates, his personal powerful advocacy being lost in the consideration
+of the great measure before the House. He was a member of the Cabinet,
+but not of the House of Commons. It was no secret, however, that he was
+the most advanced Free Trader in the Peel Cabinet, and that the policy
+of the government in regard to this great measure of 1846 was to a large
+extent moulded by him.
+
+It is also known that his representations of the effects of Free Trade
+on the industry of the country and the general well-being of the people
+strengthened the Premier in his resolve to sweep away the obnoxious corn
+laws. His pamphlet on recent commercial legislation had prepared the way
+for the later momentous changes; and to Mr. Gladstone is due much of the
+credit for the speedy consummation of the Free Trade policy of the Peel
+Ministry. Mr. Gladstone may be regarded as the pioneer of the movement.
+
+Just at this time a calamity occurred in Ireland which furnished Sir
+Robert Peel an additional argument for the prompt repeal of the corn
+laws; namely, a prospective famine, owing to the failure of the potato
+crop. With threatened famine in Ireland, such as had never been
+experienced, the Prime Minister saw clearly that corn must be admitted
+into the country free of duty. The Anti-Corn Law League was growing
+powerful and even irresistible, while both in England and Ireland many
+landlords of influence, who did not belong to the League, were in
+sympathy with the movement started by the Premier and ready to extend to
+him a hearty support.
+
+But the friends of Protection did not leave the Premier without
+opposition. Knowing that Sir Robert Peel's personal influence was
+greater than that of any minister who had "virtually governed the
+empire," they used every means at their command, fair and unfair, to
+defeat the bill. However, their efforts were destined to failure. Some
+contended that the presentation and passage of the corn law repeal bill
+ought to be left to the Liberals. But Free Trade had not received the
+support of every member of the Liberal party, and Sir Robert Peel was in
+a position to carry out the measure, and it was not in accordance with
+the wisdom of practical politics to halt. Indeed, at this very juncture,
+Mr. Cobden wrote to the Premier that he had the power, and that it would
+be disastrous to the country for him to hesitate. Writing from
+Edinburgh, Lord John Russell announced his conversion to total and
+immediate repeal of the corn laws. Sir Robert Peel hesitated no longer,
+but, feeling that the crisis had arrived, determined to grapple with it.
+It was duty to country before and above fancied loyalty to party to be
+considered. It is strange what remedies some men deem sensible,
+suggested to prevent famine in Ireland.
+
+"Obviously the Government was in difficulties. What those difficulties
+were it was not hard to guess. In the previous autumn it had become
+known that, after a long season of sunless wet, the potatoes had
+everywhere been attacked by an obscure disease. The failure of this crop
+meant an Irish famine. The steps suggested to meet this impending
+calamity were strange enough. The head of the English peerage
+recommended the poor to rely on curry-powder as a nutritious and
+satisfying food. Another duke thought that the government could show no
+favor to a population almost in a state of rebellion, but that
+individuals might get up a subscription. A noble lord, harmonizing
+materialism and faith, urged the government to encourage the provision
+of salt fish, and at the same time to appoint a day of public
+acknowledgment of our dependence on Divine goodness. The council of the
+Royal Agricultural Society, numbering some of the wealthiest noblemen
+and squires in England, were not ashamed to lecture the laborers on the
+sustaining properties of thrice-boiled bones."
+
+When Parliament assembled the Premier entered into an explanation of the
+late ministerial crisis, and unfolded his projected plans. He said that
+the failure of the potato crop had led to the dissolution of the late
+government, that matters now could brook no further delay; that prompt
+action must now be taken on the Corn Laws; that the progress of reason
+and truth demanded it; that his opinions on the subject of Protection
+had undergone a great change; that the experience of the past three
+years confirmed him in his new views; that he could not conceal the
+knowledge of his convictions, however much it might lay him open to the
+charge of inconsistency; that, though accused of apathy and neglect, he
+and his colleagues were even then engaged in the most extensive and
+arduous inquiries into the true state of Ireland; and that, as these
+inquiries progressed, he has been forced to the conclusion that the
+protection policy was unsound and consequently untenable.
+
+It is worthy of note that Mr. Disraeli, the future Parliamentary rival
+of Mr. Gladstone, took part, as a member of the House of Commons, in the
+discussion of the question under consideration. The following words show
+his attitude: "To the opinions which I have expressed in this House in
+favor of Protection I adhere. They sent to this House, and if I had
+relinquished them I should have relinquished my seat also." "It would be
+an unprofitable talk," writes Barnett Smith, "to unravel the many
+inconsistencies of Lord Beaconsfield's career; but with regard to this
+deliverance upon Protection, the curious in such matters may turn back
+to the records of 1842, when they will discover that at that time he was
+quite prepared to advocate measures of a Free Trade character. But we
+must pass on from this important question of the Corn Laws, with the
+angry controversy to which it gave rise. Sir Robert Peel brought forward
+his measure, and after lengthened debate in both Houses, it became law,
+and grain was admitted into English ports under the new tariff."
+
+After all their success in carrying through the important Corn Law
+Repeal scheme, the ministry of Sir Robert Peel was doomed to fall upon
+an Irish question. The very day that brought their victory in the
+passage of the Corn Law Repeal Act in the House of Lords saw the defeat
+of the ministry in the House of Commons on their bill for the
+suppression of outrage in Ireland. Sir Robert Peel found himself in a
+minority of 73 and therefore tendered his resignation. It was accepted
+and Sir Robert Peel went out of office forever. Lord John Russell was
+sent for by the Queen, and he succeeded in forming a Whig Ministry.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's return to the Cabinet of Sir Robert Peel, as we have
+seen, cost him his seat in the House of Commons. It was not until the
+brief session of 1847, that he appeared again in Parliament. The Queen
+dissolved Parliament in person, July, 23d. The election succeeding
+turned in many instances upon ecclesiastical questions, and especially
+upon the Maynooth grant.
+
+It was announced early in 1847 that one of the two members of the House
+of Commons for the University of Oxford intended to retire at the next
+general election. Mr. Canning had pronounced the representation of the
+university as the most coveted prize of public life, and Mr. Gladstone
+himself confessed that he "desired it with an almost passionate
+fondness." Mr. Gladstone, as a graduate of Oxford, was looked upon not
+only by his contemporaries, but by his seniors and those who came after
+him, with feelings of enthusiastic admiration. The feeling then was
+reciprocal, and he was proposed for the vacant seat. Sir R.N. Inglis was
+secure in his seat, and so the contest lay between Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Round, who was of the ultra-Protestant and Tory school. The contest
+excited the keenest interest and was expected on all hands to be
+very close.
+
+Mr. Gladstone in his address to the electors of his _Alma Mater_
+confessed that in the earlier part of his public life he had been an
+advocate for the exclusive support of the national religion of the
+state, but it had been in vain; the time was against him. He said: "I
+found that scarcely a year passed without the adoption of some fresh
+measure involving the national recognition and the national support of
+various forms of religion, and, in particular, that a recent and fresh
+provision had been made for the propagation from a public chair of Arian
+or Socinian doctrines. The question remaining for me was whether, aware
+of the opposition of the English people, I should set down as equal to
+nothing, in a matter primarily connected not with our own but with their
+priesthood, the wishes of the people of Ireland; and whether I should
+avail myself of the popular feeling in regard to the Roman Catholics for
+the purpose of enforcing against them a system which we had ceased by
+common consent to enforce against Arians--a system, above all, of which
+I must say that it never can be conformable to policy, to justice or
+even to decency, when it has become avowedly partial and one-sided in
+its application."
+
+This address intensified the determination of those opposed to Mr.
+Gladstone to defeat him. A great portion of the press was, however, in
+his favor. Some of the journals that were enthusiastic for Mr. Gladstone
+were very bitter against Mr. Round. Mr. Gladstone's distinguished talent
+and industry were lauded, as well as his earnest attachment to the
+Church of England. He had, however, renounced the exclusiveness of his
+politico-ecclesiastical principles, and no longer importuned Parliament
+to ignore all forms of religion but those established by law, or which
+were exactly coincident with his own belief. "His election," declared
+one journal, "unlike that of Mr. Round, while it sends an important
+member to the House of Commons, will certainly be creditable, and may be
+valuable to the university; and we heartily hope that no negligence or
+hesitation among his supporters may impede his success." Even outside of
+church circles the election was regarded with great interest.
+
+The nomination took place July 29th. After the usual ceremony, the
+voting commenced in convocation-house, which was densely crowded. So
+great was the pressure of the throng that men fainted and had to be
+carried out. Mr. Coleridge, afterward Lord Coleridge, was the secretary
+of Mr. Gladstone's committee. Distinguished men, among them Sir Robert
+Peel, his colleague in the Cabinet, came from a great distance to
+"plump" for Mr. Gladstone. The venerable Dr. Routh, then nearly
+ninety-two years old, came forth from his retirement at Magdalen College
+to vote for him. Mrs. Gladstone, according to Mr. Hope-Scott, was an
+indefatigable canvasser for her husband. At the close of the poll the
+vote stood: Inglis, 1700; Gladstone, 997; Round, 824. Of course Sir
+Robert Inglis, with his "prehistoric Toryism," stood at the head. To the
+supporters of Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Round must be added 154 who were
+paired. Mr. Gladstone received a majority of 173 over his
+ultra-Protestant opponent. The total number of those polled exceeded
+that registered at any previous election, showing the intense and
+general interest in the result.
+
+This period of Mr. Gladstone's life has been very properly styled by one
+of his biographers, as the transition period. "On one side the
+Conservative Free-trader clings fondly and tenaciously to the Toryism of
+his youth, on another, he is reaching out toward new realms of Liberal
+thought and action. He opposes marriage with a deceased wife's sister on
+theological and social grounds, asserting roundly that such marriage is
+'contrary to the law of God, declared for three thousand years and
+upwards.' He deprecates the appointment of a Commission to enquire into
+the Universities, because it will deter intending benefactors from
+effecting their munificent intentions. He argues for a second chamber in
+Australian legislatures, citing, perhaps a little unfortunately, the
+constitutional example of contemporary France. In all these utterances
+it is not hard to read the influence of the traditions in which he was
+reared, or of the ecclesiastical community which he represents in
+Parliament.
+
+"Yet even in the theological domain a tendency towards Liberalism shows
+itself. His hatred of Erastianism is evinced by his gallant but
+unsuccessful attempt to secure for the clergy and laity of each colonial
+diocese the power of self-government. Amid the indignant protests of his
+Tory allies, and in opposition to his own previous speech and vote, he
+vindicates the policy of admitting the Jews to Parliament. He defends
+the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Court of Rome; he
+supports the alteration of the parliamentary oath; and, though he will
+not abet an abstract attack on Church Rates, he contends that their
+maintainance involves a corresponding duty to provide accommodation in
+the church for the very poorest of the congregation.
+
+"On the commercial side his Liberalism is rampant. With even fanatical
+faith he clings to Free Trade as the best guarantee for our national
+stability amid the crash of the dynasties and constitutions which went
+down in '48. He thunders against the insidious dangers of reciprocity.
+He desires, by reforming the laws which govern navigation, to make the
+ocean, 'that great highway of nations, as free to the ships that
+traverse its bosom as to the winds that sweep it.'
+
+"And so the three years--1847, 1848, 1849--rolled by, full of stirring
+events in Europe and in England, in Church and in State, but marked by
+no special incidents in the life of Mr. Gladstone. For him these years
+were a period of mental growth, of transition, of development. A change
+was silently proceeding, which was not completed for twenty years, if,
+indeed, it has been completed yet. 'There have been,' he wrote in later
+days to Bishop Wilberforce, 'two great deaths, or transmigrations of
+spirit, in my political existence--one, very slow, the breaking of ties
+with my original party.' This was now in progress. The other will be
+narrated in due course."
+
+One of the features of the general election of 1847 that excited the
+wildest popular comment was the election of Baron Rothschild for the
+City of London. There was nothing illegal in the election of a Jew, but
+he was virtually precluded from taking his seat in the House of Commons,
+because the law required every member to subscribe not only to the
+Christian religion, but to the Protestant Episcopal faith. To obviate
+this difficulty, Lord John Russell, soon after Parliament assembled,
+offered a resolution affirming the eligibility of Jews to all functions
+and offices to which Roman Catholics were admissible by law. Sir R.H.
+Inglis opposed the resolution and Mr. Gladstone, his colleague,
+supported it.
+
+Mr. Gladstone inquired whether there were any grounds for the
+disqualification of the Jews which distinguished them from any other
+classes in the community. They contended for a "Christian Parliament,
+but the present measure did not make severance between politics and
+religion, it only amounted to a declaration that there was no necessity
+for excluding a Jew, as such, from an assembly in which every man felt
+sure that a vast and overwhelming majority of its members would always
+be Christian. It was said that by admitting a few Jews they would
+un-Christianize Parliament; that was true in word, but not in
+substance." He had no doubt that the majority of the members who
+composed it would always perform their obligations on the true faith of
+a Christian. It was too late to say that the measure was un-Christian,
+and that it would call down the vengeance of heaven. When he opposed the
+last law of the removal of Jewish disabilities, he foresaw that if he
+gave the Jew municipal, magisterial and executive functions, we could
+not refuse him legislative functions any longer. "The Jew was refused
+entrance into the House because he would then be a maker of the law; but
+who made the maker of the law? The constituencies; and into these
+constituencies had been admitted the Jews. Now were the constituencies
+Christian constituencies? If they were, was it probable that the
+Parliament would cease to be a Christian Parliament?"
+
+Mr. Gladstone admitted the force of the prayer in Bishop Wilberforce's
+petition, that in view of this concession measures should be taken to
+give greater vigor to the Church, and thus operate to the prevention of
+an organic change in the relations between Church and State. In
+concluding his defence of Lord John Russell's resolution Mr. Gladstone
+expressed the opinion that if they admitted Jews into Parliament,
+prejudice might be awakened for awhile, but the good sense of the people
+would soon allay it, and members would have the consolation of knowing
+that in case of difficulty they had yielded to a sense of justice, and
+by so doing had not disparaged religion or lowered Christianity, but
+rather had elevated both in all reflecting and well-regulated minds. The
+logic of this speech could not be controverted, though Mr. Newdegate
+declared that Mr. Gladstone would never have gained his election for the
+University of Oxford had his sentiments on the Jewish question been then
+known. The resolution of Lord John Russell was carried by a large
+majority, whereupon he announced first a resolution, and then a bill, in
+accordance with its terms.
+
+The year 1848 was a year of excitement and revolution. All Europe was in
+a state of agitation, and France by a new revolution presented another
+one of her national surprises. The news of a revolution in France caused
+the greatest perturbation throughout England, and disturbances in the
+capital of the country. Great demonstrations were made at Trafalgar
+Square and Charing Cross, March 6th, but the meetings assumed more of a
+burlesque than of a serious character. In Glasgow and other parts of the
+country there were serious riots. Shops were sacked, and the military
+was called out to quell the disturbance, which was not effected until
+the soldiers fired with fatal results upon the rioters. There were
+uprisings and mob violence also at Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, but
+they were of a less formidable character. A Chartist meeting was held on
+Kennington Common, March 13th, but, though the meeting had been looked
+forward to with great apprehensions by all lovers of law and order, yet
+it passed off without the serious results anticipated.
+
+Though great preparations were made in view of the demonstration, yet,
+fortunately it passed off without loss of life. The meeting however had
+furnished a pretext for the gathering of a lawless mob, although but few
+were politically concerned in it. It was deemed necessary, to provide
+against every emergency, so special constables in great numbers were
+sworn in previous to the meetings, and it is interesting to observe that
+amongst the citizens who came forward in London to enroll themselves as
+preservers of the peace of society were William Ewart Gladstone, the
+Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Derby, and Prince Louis Napoleon,
+afterwards Emperor of France.
+
+The people were becoming dissatisfied with the government of the
+country, particularly with its financial measures. A deficiency of two
+million pounds appeared, and additional taxation would be necessary
+owing to the Caffre War. It was therefore proposed to continue the
+income tax for five years and increase it slightly. Owing to the
+distress in Ireland it was not proposed to extend the operation of this
+measure to that country. The property tax was defended on the same
+principles laid down by Mr. Pitt, and in 1842, by Sir Robert Peel. But
+this scheme was bitterly opposed and many attributed the depressed
+condition of the finances to free trade. Sir Robert Peel decided to
+support the proposed tax for three years. Mr. Disraeli desired the
+success of Sir Robert Peel's policy, and described himself as a
+"free-trader, but not a free-booter of the Manchester school;" and he
+dubbed the blue-book of the Import Duties Committee "the greatest work
+of imagination that the nineteenth century has produced." He said that
+the government, by acting upon it, and taking it for a guide, resembled
+a man smoking a cigar on a barrel of gunpowder.
+
+This epigrammatic speech of Mr. Disraeli brought Mr. Gladstone to his
+feet. He said, by way of introduction, that he could not hope to sustain
+the lively interest created by the remarkable speech of his
+predecessor--a display to which he felt himself unequal--he would pass
+over the matters of a personal description touched upon by the
+honorable gentleman, and confine himself to defending the policy which
+had been assailed. Mr. Gladstone then demonstrated, by a series of
+elaborate statistics, the complete success of Sir Robert Peel's policy.
+He also said, that the confidence of the public would be greatly shaken
+by an adverse vote, and he alluded to the unsettled condition of affairs
+in the Cabinet. "I am sure," said Mr. Gladstone, "that this House of
+Commons will prove itself to be worthy of the Parliaments which preceded
+it, worthy of the Sovereign which it has been called to advise, and
+worthy of the people which it has been chosen to represent, by
+sustaining this nation, and enabling it to stand firm in the midst of
+the convulsions that shake European society; by doing all that pertains
+to us for the purpose of maintaining social order, the stability of
+trade, and the means of public employment; and by discharging our
+consciences, on our own part, under the difficult circumstances of the
+crisis, in the perfect trust that if we set a good example to the
+nations--for whose interests we are appointed to consult--they, too,
+will stand firm as they have in other times of almost desperate
+emergency; and that through their good sense, their moderation, and
+their attachment to the institutions of the country, we shall see these
+institutions still exist, a blessing and a benefit to prosperity,
+whatever alarms and whatever misfortunes may unfortunately befall other
+portions of civilized Europe."
+
+"It was fortunate for the future interests of the country," says Dr.
+Smith, his biographer, "that the proposals of the government were at
+this juncture supported by a great majority of the House of Commons. In
+a moment of unreasoning panic there was some danger of the adoption of a
+reactionary policy--a step that would have lost to the country those
+blessings which it subsequently enjoyed as the outcome of Free Trade."
+
+May 15, Mr. Labouchere, President of the Board of Trade, proposed a plan
+for the modification of the navigation laws. Reserving the coasting
+trade and fisheries of Great Britain and the Colonies, it was proposed
+"to throw open the whole navigation of the country, of every sort and
+description." But the Queen claimed the right of putting such
+restrictions as she saw fit upon the navigation of foreign countries, if
+those countries did not meet England on equal terms; and that each
+colony should be allowed to throw open its coasting trade to foreign
+countries. Mr. Gladstone made a lengthy speech, examining closely the
+operation of existing laws, and showing the necessity for their repeal.
+With regard to the power claimed by the Queen in Council, with a view to
+enforcing reciprocity, Mr. Gladstone said, "I confess it appears to me
+there is a great objection to conferring such a power as that which is
+proposed to be given to the Queen in Council." He contended also for a
+gradual change in the laws. The policy of excluding the coasting trade
+from the measure he also condemned. "It would have been much more frank
+to have offered to admit the Americans to our coasting trade if they
+would admit us to theirs." If England and America concurred in setting
+an example to the world, he hoped we should "live to see the ocean, that
+great highway of nations, as free to the ships that traverse its bosom
+as the winds that sweep it. England would then have achieved another
+triumph, and have made another powerful contribution to the prosperity
+of mankind." The bill was postponed until the following year.
+
+During the session of 1848 Mr. Gladstone spoke upon the proposed grant
+of Vancouver's Island to the Hudson's Bay Company; and upon the Sugar
+Duties Bill; but the most important speech delivered by him at that time
+was upon a measure to legalize diplomatic relations with the Court of
+Rome. It was objected that thus recognizing the spiritual governor of
+Rome and of all the Roman Catholic population of the world, would
+neither conciliate the affections of the Protestants, nor satisfy the
+wishes of the Roman Catholics, who had denounced it strongly to
+the Pope.
+
+Mr. Gladstone took broad and comprehensive views of the question. To
+some features of the Bill he was opposed, but was in favor of its
+principle. It was unfortunate as to time, owing to the condition of
+affairs in Italy. England must take one of two positions. If she
+declined political communication with the See of Rome, she had no right
+to complain of any steps which the Pope might take with respect to the
+administration of his own ecclesiastical affairs; but an act so directly
+in contravention of the laws of the land as the partitioning of the
+country into archbishoprics and bishoprics was a most unfortunate
+proceeding; wrong because it was generally and justly offensive to the
+feelings of the people of England, and totally unnecessary, as he
+believed, for Roman Catholic purposes, but also because it ill assorted
+with the grounds on which the Parliament was invited by the present bill
+to establish definite relations with the See of Rome. For one hundred
+years after the Reformation the Pope was actually in arms for the
+purpose of recovering by force his lost dominions in this country. It
+was only natural, therefore, that we should have prohibited relations
+with the See of Rome when it attacked the title of the Sovereign of
+these realms, but there was no such reason for continuing the
+prohibition at the present moment.
+
+Those who have studied Mr. Gladstone's career carefully attest that this
+speech would have been impossible from his lips ten years before the
+time it was delivered; and early in the next session of Parliament he
+delivered another speech which furnishes us an example of the growth of
+his liberal views in matters of conscience. Lord John Russell proposes
+further relief upon the matter of oaths to be taken by members of
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said that the civil political claims of the
+Jew should not be barred, and he deprecated the tendency to degenerate
+formalism in oaths, but he was glad that the words, "on the true faith
+of a Christian" in respect to all Christian members of the House of
+Commons had been retained. He also, later in the session, favored
+correcting the enormous evils growing out of the Church rate system,
+with taxation of all the further support of the State Church. He did not
+believe in imposing an uncompensated burden upon any man. Every man
+contributing his quota was entitled to demand a free place in the house
+of his Maker. "But the centre and best parts of the Church were occupied
+by pews exclusively for the middle classes, while the laboring classes
+were jealously excluded from almost every part of light and hearing in
+the Churches, and were treated in a manner most painful to
+reflect upon."
+
+When Mr. Labouchere re-introduced the ministerial bill for the repeal of
+the Navigation Laws, in the session of 1849, Mr. Gladstone supported
+generally the measure in a full and exhaustive speech. He favored the
+bill with certain modifications. The Marquis of Granby expressed fears
+at the consequences of the change proposed, and Mr. Gladstone answered
+him: "The noble Marquis," he observed, "desired to expel the vapours and
+exhalations that had been raised with regard to the principle of
+political economy, and which vapours and exhalations I find for the most
+part in the fears with which those changes are regarded. The noble
+Marquis consequently hoped that the Trojan horse would not be allowed to
+come within the walls of Parliament. But however applicable the figures
+may be to other plans, it does not, I submit, apply to the mode of
+proceeding I venture to recommend to the House, because we follow the
+precedent of what Mr. Huskisson did before us. Therefore more than one
+moiety of the Trojan horse has already got within the citadel--it has
+been there for twenty-five years, and yet what has proceeded from its
+bowels has only tended to augment the rate of increase in the progress
+of your shipping. Therefore, let us not be alarmed by vague and dreamy
+ratiocinations of evil, which had never been wanting on any occasion,
+and which never will be wanting so long as this is a free State, wherein
+every man can find full vent and scope for the expression, not only of
+his principles, but of his prejudices and his fears. Let us not be
+deterred by those apprehensions from giving a calm and serious
+examination to this question, connected as it is with the welfare of our
+country. Let us follow steadily the light of experience, and be
+convinced that He who preserved us during the past will also be
+sufficient to sustain us during all the dangers of the future."
+
+Mr. Disraeli seized the opportunity to make a caustic speech, in which
+he fiercely attacked both Mr. Labouchere and Mr. Gladstone, and alluded
+sarcastically to their "great sacrifices," and said that the latter was
+about to give up that good development of the principle of reciprocity
+which the House had waited for with so much suspense. Mr. Gladstone
+replied, "I am perfectly satisfied to bear his sarcasm, good humoured
+and brilliant as it is, while I can appeal to his judgment as to whether
+the step I have taken was unbecoming in one who conscientiously differs
+with him on the freedom of trade, and has endeavoured to realize it;
+because, so far from its being the cause of the distress of the country,
+it has been, under the mercy of God, the most signal and effectual means
+of mitigating this distress, and accelerating the dawn of the day of
+returning prosperity."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke also during the session upon the subject of Colonial
+Reform which came before the House on several occasions, and especially
+in connection with riots in Canada; and on a bill for the removal of
+legal restrictions against marriage with a deceased wife's sister. He
+opposed the latter measure upon theological, social, and moral grounds,
+and begged the House to repeat the almost entire sentiment of the
+country respecting the bill. To do otherwise would be to inflict upon
+the Church the misfortune of having anarchy introduced among its
+ministers. He hoped they would do all that in them lay to maintain the
+strictness of the obligations of marriage, and the purity of the
+hallowed sphere of domestic life. The bill was rejected.
+
+In the Parliamentary session of 1850 one of the chief topics of
+discussion was the great depression of the agricultural interests of the
+country. The country was at peace, the revenues were in a good
+condition, foreign trade had increased, but the farmers still made loud
+complaints of the disastrous condition, which they attributed to
+free-trade measures, which they contended had affected the whole of the
+agricultural interests. Consequently, February 19th, Mr. Disraeli moved
+for a committee of the whole House to consider such a revision of the
+Poor Laws of the United Kingdom as might mitigate the distress of the
+agricultural classes. Some thought that this was a movement against
+free-trade, but Mr. Gladstone courted the fullest investigation, and
+seeing no danger in the motion, voted for it. However, the motion of
+Mr. Disraeli was lost.
+
+Mr. Gladstone likewise favored the extension of the benefits of
+Constitutional government to certain of the colonies,--for example as
+set forth in the Australian Colonies Government Bill; and twice during
+the session he addressed the House on questions connected with slavery,
+and upon motion of Mr. Haywood for an inquiry into the state of the
+English and Irish universities, and the government unexpectedly gave
+their consent to the issuing of a Royal Commission for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone said that any person who might be deliberating with himself
+whether he would devote a portion of his substance for prosecuting the
+objects of learning, civilization and religion, would be checked by the
+prospect that at any given time, and under any given circumstances, a
+minister, who was the creature of a political majority, might institute
+a state inquiry into the mode in which the funds he might devise were
+administered. It was not wise to discourage eleemosynary establishments.
+It would be better for the Crown to see what could be done to improve
+the colleges by administering existing laws.
+
+In reviewing the past ten years we exclaim, truly has the period from
+1841 to 1850, in the political life of Mr. Gladstone, been called a
+memorable decade.
+
+It was in the year 1850, as we have seen, that the Gladstones were
+plunged into domestic sorrow by the death of their little daughter,
+Catharine Jessy; and it was this same year that brought to Mr. Gladstone
+another grief from a very different source. This second bereavement was
+caused by the withdrawal of two of his oldest and most intimate friends,
+the Archdeacon of Chichester and Mr. J.R. Hope, from the Protestant
+Episcopal Church of England and their union with the Roman Catholic
+Church. Mr. Hope, who became Hope-Scott on succeeding to the estate of
+Abbotsford, was the gentleman who helped Mr. Gladstone in getting
+through the press his book on Church and State, revising, correcting and
+reading proof. The Archdeacon, afterwards Cardinal Manning, had, from
+his undergraduate days, exercised a powerful influence over his
+contemporaries. He was gifted with maturity of intellect and character,
+had great shrewdness, much tenacity of will, a cogent, attractive style,
+combined with an impressive air of authority, to which the natural
+advantages of person and bearing added force. Besides having these
+qualifications for leadership, he had fervid devotion, enlarged
+acquaintance with life and men, and an "unequalled gift of
+administration;" though a priest, he was essentially a statesman, and
+had at one time contemplated a political career. He was Mr. Gladstone's
+most trusted counsellor and most intimate friend.
+
+The cause, or rather occasion for these secessions from the Church of
+England to the Church of Rome, is thus related: "An Evangelical
+clergyman, the Rev. G.C. Gorham, had been presented to a living in the
+diocese of Exeter; and that truly formidable prelate, Bishop Phillpotts,
+refused to institute him, alleging that he held heterodox views on the
+subject of Holy Baptism. After complicated litigation, the Judicial
+Committee of the Privy Council decided, on March 8, 1850, that the
+doctrine held by the incriminated clergyman was not such as to bar him
+from preferment in the Church of England. This decision naturally
+created great commotion in the Church. Men's minds were rudely shaken.
+The orthodoxy of the Church of England seemed to be jeopardized, and the
+supremacy of the Privy Council was in a matter touching religious
+doctrine felt to be an intolerable burden."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, as well as others, was profoundly agitated by these
+events, and June 4th he expressed his views in a letter to Dr.
+Blomfield, Bishop of London. The theme of his letter was, "The Royal
+Supremacy, viewed in the light of Reason, History and the Constitution."
+He contended that the Royal Supremacy, as settled at the Reformation,
+was not inconsistent with the spiritual life and inherent jurisdiction
+of the Church, but the recent establishment of the Privy Council as the
+ultimate court of appeal in religious causes was "an injurious and even
+dangerous departure from the Reformation settlement."
+
+In this letter Mr. Gladstone said, in summing up: "I find it no part of
+my duty, my lord, to idolize the Bishops of England and Wales, or to
+place my conscience in their keeping. I do not presume or dare to
+speculate upon their particular decisions; but I say that, acting
+jointly, publicly, solemnly, responsibly, they are the best and most
+natural organs of the judicial office of the Church in matters of
+heresy, and, according to reason, history and the constitution, in that
+subject-matter the fittest and safest counsellors of the Crown."
+
+But this view regarding the Church of England did not suit some minds,
+and among them the two friends with whom Mr. Gladstone had, up to this
+time, acted in religious matters. These troubles in the Church so
+powerfully affected them that they withdrew.
+
+The following quotation shows Mr. Gladstone's firmness in regard to his
+own choice of the Protestant Christianity over and above Catholicism, In
+a letter, written in 1873, to Mrs. Maxwell-Scott, of Abbotsford, the
+daughter of his friend Hope, he thus writes of an interview had with
+her father: "It must have been about this time that I had another
+conversation with him about religion, of which, again, I exactly
+recollect the spot. Regarding (forgive me) the adoption of the Roman
+religion by members of the Church of England as nearly the greatest
+calamity that could befall Christian faith in this country, I rapidly
+became alarmed when these changes began; and very long before the great
+luminary, Dr. Newman, drew after him, it may well be said, 'the third
+part of the stars of Heaven.' This alarm I naturally and freely
+expressed to the man upon whom I most relied, your father."
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone in Wales; addressing a meeting at the foot of
+Snowden]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+In considering Mr. Gladstone's exposure of the cruelties practiced in
+the prisons of Naples, we are confronted with his attitude in the House
+of Commons just before, in a case where the same principles seemed to be
+involved, and in which Mr. Gladstone took the directly opposite course.
+We refer to the Don Pacifico case. Both were at first merely personal
+questions, but finally became international. Mr. Gladstone to many
+appeared to take an inconsistent course in these seemingly similar
+cases, in that while opposing national intervention in the affairs of
+Don Pacifico, he tried to stir up all Europe for the relief of the
+sufferers in the Neapolitan prisons. "It is not a little remarkable that
+the statesman who had so lately and so vigorously denounced the 'vain
+conception that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice
+and folly, of abuse and imperfection, among the other countries of the
+world,' should now have found himself irresistibly impelled by
+conscience and humanity to undertake a signal and effective crusade
+against the domestic administration of a friendly power."
+
+The most memorable debate in the new chamber of the House of Commons,
+which was first occupied in 1850, was that associated with the name of
+Don Pacifico. It is however conceded that the circumstances from which
+it all proceeded were comparatively trivial in the extreme. Don Pacifico
+was a Maltese Jew and a British subject, dwelling at Athens. He had made
+himself distasteful to the people of Athens, and consequently his house
+was destroyed and robbed by a mob, April 4, 1847. He appealed to the
+government at Athens for redress, demanding over $150,000 indemnity for
+the loss of his property, among which "a peculiarly sumptuous bedstead
+figured largely." Don Pacifico's claim was unheeded, probably because it
+was exorbitant and the Greek government was poor. Lord Palmerston was
+then the Foreign Secretary of the English Government. He was rash and
+independent in his Foreign policy, and often acted, as the Queen
+complained, without consultation and without the authority of the
+Sovereign.
+
+The Foreign Secretary had had other quarrels with the Government at
+Athens. Land belonging to an English resident in Athens had been seized
+without sufficient compensation; Ionian subjects of the English Crown
+had suffered hardships at the hands of the Greek authorities, and an
+English Midshipman had been arrested by mistake. Lord Palmerston looked
+upon these incidents, slight as they were in themselves, as indicative
+of a plot on the part of the French Minister against the English, and
+especially as the Greek Government was so dilatory in satisfying the
+English claims. "This was enough. The outrage on Don Pacifico's bedstead
+remained the head and front of Greek offending, but Lord Palmerston
+included all the other slight blunders and delays of justice in one
+sweeping indictment; made the private claims into a national demand, and
+peremptorily informed the Greek Government that they must pay what was
+demanded of them within a given time. The Government hesitated, and the
+British fleet was ordered to the Piraeus, and seized all the Greek
+vessels which were found in the waters. Russia and France took umbrage
+at this high-handed proceeding and championed Greece. Lord Palmerston
+informed them it was none of their business and stood firm. The French
+Ambassador was withdrawn from London, and for awhile the peace of Europe
+was menaced." The execution of the orders of Lord Palmerston was left
+with Admiral Sir William Parker, who was first to proceed to Athens with
+the English fleet, and failing to obtain satisfaction was to blockade
+the Piraeus, which instructions he faithfully obeyed.
+
+The debate began in Parliament June 24, 1850. The stability of the Whig
+administration, then in power, depended upon the results. In the House
+of Lords, Lord Stanley moved a resolution, which was carried, expressing
+regret that "various claims against the Greek Government, doubtful in
+point of justice and exaggerated in amount, have been enforced by
+coercive measures, directed against the commerce and people of Greece,
+and calculated to endanger the continuance of our friendly relations
+with foreign powers." A counter-resolution was necessary in the House of
+Commons to offset the action of the Lords, so a Radical, Mr. Roebuck,
+much to the surprise of many, came to the defense of the Government and
+offered the following motion, which was carried: "That the principles
+which have hitherto regulated the foreign policy of Her Majesty's
+Government are such as were required to preserve untarnished the honor
+and dignity of this country, and, in times of unexampled difficulty, the
+best calculated to maintain peace between England and the various
+nations of the world."
+
+The debate which followed, and which was prolonged over four nights, was
+marked on both sides by speeches of unusual oratorical power and
+brilliancy. The speeches of Lord Palmerston, Sir Robert Peel, Mr.
+Cockburn, Mr. Cobden, Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone were pronounced as
+remarkable orations. Sir Robert Peel made a powerful speech against the
+Ministers, which was made memorable not only for its eloquence, but
+because it was his last. Lord Palmerston defended himself vigorously in
+a speech of five hours' duration. "He spoke," said Mr. Gladstone, "from
+the dusk of one day to the dawn of the next." He defended his policy at
+every point. In every step taken he had been influenced by the sole
+desire that the meanest, the poorest, even the most disreputable subject
+of the English Crown should be defended by the whole might of England
+against foreign oppression. He reminded them of all that was implied in
+the Roman boast, _Civis Romanus sum_, and urged the House to make it
+clear that a British subject, in whatever land he might be, should feel
+confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of England could
+protect him. This could not be resisted. _Civis Romanus sum_ settled
+the question.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's reply was a masterpiece. It was exhaustive and
+trenchant, and produced a great effect. He first spoke upon the position
+of the Government and the constitutional doctrines which they had laid
+down in regard to it, and then severely condemned the conduct of the
+Premier for being so heedless of the censure of the House of Lords and
+in trying to shield himself behind the precedents which are in reality
+no precedents at all. With reference to the Greek question, he
+repudiated precedents which involved the conduct of strong countries
+against weak ones. The Greek Government had put no impediment in the way
+of arbitration. Instead of trusting and trying the tribunals of the
+country and employing diplomatic agency simply as a supplemental
+resource, Lord Palmerston had interspersed authority of foreign power,
+in contravention both of the particular stipulations of the treaty in
+force between Greece and England and of the general principles of the
+law of nations. He had thus set the mischievous example of abandoning
+the methods of law and order, and resorted to those of force.
+Non-interference had been laid down as the basis of our conduct towards
+other nations, but the policy of Lord Palmerston had been characterized
+by a spirit of active interference.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's words were in part as follows: "Does he [Lord
+Palmerston] make the claim for us [the English] that we are to be lifted
+upon a platform high above the standing-ground of all other nations?...
+It is indeed too clear ... that he adopts, in part, the vain conception
+that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice and folly,
+of abuse and imperfection among the other countries of the world; that
+we are to be the universal schoolmasters, and that all those who
+hesitate to recognize our office can be governed only by prejudice or
+personal animosity, and shall have the blind war of diplomacy forthwith
+declared against them."
+
+Again: "Let us recognize, and recognize with frankness, the equality of
+the weak with the strong; the principles of brotherhood among nations,
+and of their sacred independence. When we are asking for the maintenance
+of the rights which belong to our fellow-subjects, resident in Greece,
+let us do as we would be done by, and let us pay all respect to a feeble
+State and to the infancy of free institutions.... Let us refrain from
+all gratuitous and arbitrary meddling in the internal concerns of other
+States, even as we should resent the same interference if it were
+attempted to be practiced toward ourselves."
+
+In this address Mr. Gladstone evinces his inclination to appeal to the
+higher and nobler nature of man, to the principles of brotherhood among
+nations, to the law of God and nature, and to ask as a test of the
+foreign policy of the government, not whether it is striking, or
+brilliant, or successful, but whether it is right.
+
+This speech of Mr. Gladstone's was recognized as the finest he had
+delivered in Parliament, and its power was acknowledged by both sides of
+the House, by political opponent and friend. Lord Chief Justice
+Cockburn, then a member of the House, referring in a speech the
+following evening to Mr. Gladstone and his remarkable speech, uttered
+these words: "I suppose we are now to consider him as the representative
+of Lord Stanley in the House--Gladstone _Vice_ Disraeli, am I to say,
+resigned or superseded?" The government was sustained.
+
+We have already stated that it was during this memorable debate that Sir
+Robert Peel made his last speech.--On the following day, 29th of June,
+1850, Sir Robert called at Buckingham Palace for the purpose of leaving
+his card. On proceeding up Constitution Hill on horse back he met one of
+Lady Dover's daughters, and exchanged salutations. Immediately
+afterwards his horse became restive and shying towards the rails of the
+Green Park, threw Sir Robert sideways on his left shoulder. Medical aid
+was at hand and was at once administered. Sir Robert groaned when lifted
+and when asked whether he was much hurt replied, "Yes, very much." He
+was conveyed home where the meeting with his family was very affecting,
+and he swooned in the arms of his physician. He was placed upon a sofa
+in the dining-room from which he never moved. His sufferings were so
+acute that a minute examination of his injuries could not be made. For
+two or three days he lingered and then died, July 2d. An examination
+made after death revealed the fact that the fifth rib on the left side
+was fractured, the broken rib pressing on the lung, producing effusion
+and pulmonary engorgement. This was probably the seat of the mortal
+injury, and was where Sir Robert complained of the greatest pain.
+
+The news of Sir Robert's death produced a profound sensation throughout
+the land. Great and universal were the tokens of respect and grief.
+There was but one feeling,--that England had lost one of her most
+illustrious statesmen. Even those who had been in opposition to his
+views, alluded to the great loss the nation had sustained and paid a
+fitting tribute to his memory. The House of Commons, on motion of Mr.
+Hume July 3d, at once adjourned. In the House of Lords the Duke of
+Wellington and Lord Brougham spoke in appreciative words of the departed
+statesman. "Such was the leader whom Mr. Gladstone had faithfully
+followed for many years."
+
+Supporting Mr. Hume's motion, Mr. Gladstone said: "I am quite sure that
+every heart is much too full to allow us, at a period so early, to enter
+upon a consideration of the amount of that calamity with which the
+country has been visited in his, I must even now say, premature death;
+for though he has died full of years and full of honors, yet it is a
+death which our human eyes will regard as premature; because we had
+fondly hoped that, in whatever position he was placed, by the weight of
+his character, by the splendor of his talents, by the purity of his
+virtues, he would still have been spared to render to his countrymen the
+most essential services. I will only, sir, quote those most touching and
+feeling lines which were applied by one of the greatest poets of this
+country to the memory of a man great indeed, but yet not greater than
+Sir Robert Peel:"
+
+     'Now is the stately column broke,
+      The beacon light is quenched in smoke;
+      The trumpet's silver voice is still;
+      The warder silent on the hill.'
+
+"Sir, I will add no more--in saying this I have, perhaps, said too much.
+It might have been better had I confined myself to seconding the motion.
+I am sure the tribute of respect which we now offer will be all the more
+valuable from the silence with which the motion is received, and which I
+well know has not arisen from the want, but from the excess of feeling
+on the part of members of this House."
+
+Upon the death of Sir Robert Peel began the disintegration of the party
+distinguished by his name--Peelites. Some of its members united with the
+Conservatives, and others, such as Sir James Graham, Sidney Herbert, and
+Mr. Gladstone held themselves aloof from both Whigs and Tories.
+Conservative traditions still exercised considerable influence over
+them, but they could not join them, because they were already
+surrendering to strong liberal tendencies. It is said that Mr. Gladstone
+at this time, and for a decade thereafter, until the death of Sir James
+Graham, was greatly indebted to this statesman, not only for the growth
+of his liberal principles, but for his development as a practical
+statesman. Sir James wielded great influence over his contemporaries
+generally, because of his great knowledge of Parliamentary tactics, and
+the fact that he was the best educated and most thoroughly accomplished
+statesman of his age. "If he could be prevailed upon to speak in the
+course of a great debate, his speech was worth fifty votes," so great
+was his influence and power. "However great may have been the
+indebtedness of Mr. Gladstone to Sir James Graham, if the former had not
+been possessed of far wider sympathies--to say nothing of superior
+special intellectual qualities--than his political mentor, he never
+could have conceived and executed those important legislative acts for
+which his name will now chiefly be remembered."
+
+The other case occupying the attention of Parliament, to which we have
+alluded, we must now consider--Mr. Gladstone and the prisons of Naples.
+Owing to the illness of one of his children, for whom a southern climate
+was recommended, Mr. Gladstone spent several months of the Winter of
+1850-1 in Naples. His brief visit to this city on a purely domestic
+mission was destined to assume an international importance. It came to
+his knowledge that a large number of the citizens of Naples, who had
+been members of the Chamber of Deputies, an actual majority of the
+representatives of the people, had been exiled or imprisoned by King
+Ferdinand, because they formed the opposition party to the government,
+and that between twenty and thirty thousand of that monarch's subjects
+had been cast into prison on the charge of political disaffection. The
+sympathies of Mr. Gladstone were at once enlisted in behalf of the
+oppressed Neapolitans. At first Mr. Gladstone looked at the matter only
+from a humanitarian and not from a political aspect, and it was only
+upon the former ground that he felt called and impelled to attempt the
+redress of the wrongs which were a scandal to the name of civilisation
+in Europe. And it was not long before England and the Continent were
+aroused by his denunciations of the Neapolitan system of government. Mr.
+Gladstone first carefully ascertained the truth of the statements made
+to him in order to attest their accuracy, and then published two letters
+on the subject addressed to the Earl of Aberdeen. These letters were
+soon followed by a third. In the first of these letters, dated April 7,
+1851, he brings an elaborate, detailed and horrible indictment against
+the rulers of Naples, especially as regards their prisons and the
+treatment of persons confined in them for political offenses. He
+disclaimed any thought of having gone to Naples for the purpose of
+political criticism or censorship, to look for defects in the
+administration of the government, or to hear the grievances of the
+people, or to propagate ideas belonging to another country. But after a
+residence of three or four months in their city he had returned home
+with a deep feeling of the duty upon him to make some endeavor to
+mitigate the horrors in the midst of which the government of Naples was
+carried on.
+
+There were chiefly three reasons that led him to adopt the present
+course: "First, that the present practices of the Government of Naples,
+in reference to real or supposed political offenders, are an outrage
+upon religion, upon civilization, upon humanity and upon decency.
+Secondly, that these practices are certainly, and even rapidly, doing
+the work of Republicanism in that country--a political creed which has
+little natural or habitual root in the character of the people. Thirdly,
+that as a member of the Conservative party in one of the great family of
+European nations, I am compelled to remember that party stands in
+virtual and real, though perhaps unconscious alliance with all the
+established Governments of Europe as such; and that, according to the
+measure of its influence, they suffer more or less of moral detriment
+from its reverses, and derive strength and encouragement from its
+successes."
+
+He passed over the consideration of the all important question whether
+the actual Government of the Two Sicilies was one with or without a
+title, one of law or one of force, and came to the real question at
+issue. His charge against the Neapolitan Government was not one of mere
+imperfection, not corruption in low quarters, not occasional severity,
+but that of incessant, systematic, deliberate violation of the law by
+the power appointed to watch over and maintain it.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, with impassionate language, thus formulates his fearful
+indictment: "It is such violation of human and written law as this,
+carried on for the purpose of violating every other law, unwritten and
+eternal, human and divine; it is the wholesale persecution of virtue,
+when united with intelligence, operating upon such a scale that entire
+classes may with truth be said to be its object, so that the Government
+is in bitter and cruel, as well as utterly illegal hostility to whatever
+in the nation really lives and moves, and forms the mainspring of
+practical progress and improvement; it is the awful profanation of
+public religion, by its notorious alliance in the governing powers with
+the violation of every moral rule under the stimulants of fear and
+vengeance; it is the perfect prostitution of the judicial office which
+has made it, under veils only too threadbare and transparent, the
+degraded recipient of the vilest and clumsiest forgeries, got up
+wilfully and deliberately, by the immediate advisers of the Crown, for
+the purpose of destroying the peace, the freedom, aye, and even, if not
+by capital sentences, the life of men among the most virtuous, upright,
+intelligent, distinguished and refined of the whole community; it is the
+savage and cowardly system of moral as well as in a lower degree of
+physical torture, through which the sentences obtained from the debased
+courts of justice are carried into effect.
+
+"The effect of all this is a total inversion of all the moral and social
+ideas. Law, instead of being respected, is odious. Force and not
+affection is the foundation of government. There is no association, but
+a violent antagonism between the idea of freedom and that of order. The
+governing power, which teaches of itself that it is the image of God
+upon earth, is clothed in the view of the overwhelming majority of the
+thinking public with all the vices for its attributes. I have seen and
+heard the strong expression used, 'This is the negation of God erected
+into a system of Government.'"
+
+It was not merely the large numbers imprisoned unjustly, to which public
+attention was directed, that called for righteous indignation and made
+Mr. Gladstone's words create such a sensation in Europe, but the mode of
+procedure was arbitrary in the extreme. The law of Naples required that
+personal liberty should be inviolable, except under warrant from a court
+of justice. Yet in utter disregard of this law the authorities watched
+the people, paid domiciliary visits, ransacked houses, seized papers and
+effects, and tore up floors at pleasure under pretense of searching for
+arms, imprisoned men by the score, by the hundred, by the thousand
+without any warrant whatever, sometimes without even any written
+authority whatever, or anything beyond the word of a policeman,
+constantly without any statement whatever of the nature of the offense.
+Charges were fabricated to get rid of inconvenient persons. Perjury and
+forgery were resorted to in order to establish charges, and the whole
+mode of conducting trials was a burlesque of justice.
+
+He thus describes the dungeons of Naples, in which some of the prisoners
+were confined for their political opinions: "The prisons of Naples, as
+is well known, are another name for the extreme of filth and horror. I
+have really seen something of them, but not the worst. This I have seen,
+my Lord: the official doctors not going to the sick prisoners, but the
+sick prisoners, men almost with death on their faces, toiling up stairs
+to them at that charnel-house of the Vicaria, because the lower regions
+of such a palace of darkness are too foul and loathsome to allow it to
+be expected that professional men should consent to earn bread by
+entering them." Of some of those sufferers Mr. Gladstone speaks
+particularly. He names Pironte, formerly a judge, Baron Porcari, and
+Carlo Poerio, a distinguished patriot. The latter he specially speaks of
+as a refined and accomplished gentleman, a copious and elegant speaker,
+a respected and blameless character, yet he had been arrested and
+condemned for treason. Mr. Gladstone says: "The condemnation of such a
+man for treason is a proceeding just as conformable to the laws of
+truth, justice, decency, and fair play, and to the common sense of the
+community--in fact, just as great and gross an outrage on them all--as
+would be a like condemnation in this country of any of our best known
+public men--Lord John Russell, or Lord Lansdowne, or Sir James Graham,
+or yourself."
+
+There was no name dearer to Englishmen than that of Poerio to his
+Neapolitan fellow-countrymen. Poerio was tried and condemned on the sole
+accusation of a worthless character named Jerrolino. He would have been
+acquitted nevertheless, by a division of four to five of his judges, had
+not Navarro (who sat as a judge while directly concerned in the charge
+against the prisoner), by the distinct use of intimidation, procured
+the number necessary for a sentence. A statement is furnished on the
+authority of an eye-witness, as to the inhumanity with which invalid
+prisoners were treated by the Grand Criminal Court of Naples; and Mr.
+Gladstone minutely describes the manner of the imprisonment of Poerio
+and six of his incarcerated associates. Each prisoner bore a weight of
+chain amounting to thirty-two pounds and for no purpose whatever were
+these chains undone. All the prisoners were confined, night and day, in
+a small room, which may be described as amongst the closest of dungeons;
+but Poerio was after this condemned to a still lower depth of calamity
+and suffering. "Never before have I conversed," says Mr. Gladstone,
+speaking of Poerio, "and never probably shall I converse again, with a
+cultivated and accomplished gentleman, of whose innocence, obedience to
+law, and love of his country, I was as firmly and as rationally assured
+as your lordship's or that of any other man of the very highest
+character, whilst he stood before me, amidst surrounding felons, and
+clad in the vile uniform of guilt and shame." But he is now gone where
+he will scarcely have the opportunity even of such conversation. I
+cannot honestly suppress my conviction that the object in the case of
+Poerio, as a man of mental power sufficient to be feared, is to obtain
+the scaffold's aim by means more cruel than the scaffold, and without
+the outcry which the scaffold would create.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that it was time for the veil to be lifted from
+scenes more fit for hell than earth, or that some considerable
+mitigation should be voluntarily adopted. This letter was published in
+1851--the year of the great Exposition in London--and a copy was sent to
+the representative of the Queen in every court of Europe. Its
+publication caused a wide-spread indignation in England, a great
+sensation abroad, and profoundly agitated the court of Naples.
+
+In the English Parliament Sir De Lacy Evans put the following question
+to the Foreign Secretary: "If the British Minister at the court of
+Naples had been instructed to employ his good offices in the cause of
+humanity, for the diminution of these lamentable severities, and with
+what result?" In reply to this question Lord Palmerston accepted and
+adopted Mr. Gladstone's statement, which had been confirmed from other
+quarters, expressing keen sympathy and humanitarian feeling with the
+cause which he had espoused, but Lord Palmerston pointed out that it was
+impossible to do anything in a matter which related entirely to the
+domestic affairs of the Government at Naples. He said: "Instead of
+confining himself to those amusements that abound in Naples, instead of
+diving into volcanoes, and exploring excavated cities, we see him going
+into courts of justice, visiting prisons, descending into dungeons, and
+examining great numbers of the cases of unfortunate victims of
+illegality and injustice, with the view afterwards to enlist public
+opinion in the endeavor to remedy those abuses." This announcement by
+the Foreign Secretary was warmly applauded by the House. "A few days
+afterwards Lord Palmerston was requested by Prince Castelcicala to
+forward the reply of the Neapolitan Government to the different European
+courts to which Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet had been sent. His lordship,
+with his wonted courage and independent spirit, replied that he 'must
+decline being accessory to the circulation of a pamphlet which, in my
+opinion, does no credit to its writer, or the Government which he
+defends, or to the political party of which he professes to be the
+champion.' He also informed the Prince that information received from
+other sources led him to the conclusion that Mr. Gladstone had by no
+means overstated the various evils which he had described; and he [Lord
+Palmerston] regretted that the Neapolitan Government had not set to work
+earnestly and effectually to correct the manifold and grave abuses which
+clearly existed."
+
+The second paper of Mr. Gladstone upon the same subject was a sequel to
+the first. His wish was that everything possible should be done first
+in the way of private representation and remonstrance, and he did not
+regret the course he had taken, though it entailed devious delays. In
+answer to the natural inquiry why he should simply appear in his
+personal capacity through the press, instead of inviting to the grave
+and painful question the attention of the House of Commons, of which he
+was a member, he said, that he had advisedly abstained from mixing up
+his statements with any British agency or influences which were
+official, diplomatic, or political. The claims and interests which he
+had in view were either wholly null and valueless, or they were broad as
+the extension of the human race and long-lived as its duration.
+
+As to his general charges he had nothing to retract. His representations
+had not been too strongly stated, for the most disgraceful circumstances
+were those which rested upon public notoriety, or upon his own personal
+knowledge. It had been stated that he had overestimated the number of
+prisoners, and he would give the Neapolitan Government the full benefit
+of any correction. But the number of political prisoners _in itself_,
+was a secondary feature of the case, for "if they were fairly and
+legally arrested, fairly and legally treated before trial--fairly and
+legally tried, that was the main matter. For the honor of human nature
+men would at first receive some statements with incredulity. Men ought
+to be slow to believe that such things could happen, and happen in a
+Christian country, the seat of almost the oldest European civilization."
+But those thus disposed in the beginning he hoped would not close their
+minds to the reception of the truth, however painful to believe. The
+general probability of his statements could not, unfortunately
+be gainsaid.
+
+Many replies were made to Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet that were violent and
+abusive. They appeared not only in Naples, Turin, and Paris, but even
+in London.
+
+All these answers, were in truth no replies at all, for they did not
+disprove the facts. These professed corrections of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements did not touch the real basis of the question. It was
+necessary to say something if possible by way of defense, or justice,
+which had as yet not been done.
+
+There was one reply that was put forth that Mr. Gladstone felt demanded
+some attention, namely, the official answer of the Neapolitan Government
+to his charges. To this he replied in a letter, in 1852. In his reply he
+placed, point by point, the answers in the scales along with his own
+accusations. There was in the Neapolitan answers to the letters really a
+tacit admission of the accuracy of nine-tenths of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements, Mr. Gladstone enumerated the few retractions which he had
+to make, which were five in number. That the prisoner, Settembrine, had
+not been tortured and confined to double chains for life, as was
+currently reported and believed; that six judges had been dismissed at
+Reggio upon presuming to acquit a batch of political prisoners, required
+modifying to three; that seventeen invalids had not been massacred in
+the prison of Procida during a revolt, as stated; and that certain
+prisoners alleged to have been still incarcerated after acquittal had
+been released after the lapse of two days. These were all the
+modifications he had to make in his previous statements. And as to the
+long list of his grave accusations, not one of them rested upon hearsay.
+He pointed out how small and insignificant a fraction of error had found
+its way into his papers. He fearlessly reasserted that agonizing
+corporal punishment was inflicted by the officials in Neapolitan
+prisons, and that without judicial authority. As to Settembrine, the
+political prisoner named, he was incarcerated in a small room with eight
+other prisoners, one of whom boasted that he had murdered, at various
+times, thirty-five persons. Several of his victims had been his prison
+companions, and "the murders of this Ergastolo" had exceeded fifty in a
+single year. It was true that at the massacre at Procida the sick had
+not been slain in the prisons, yet prisoners who hid under beds were
+dragged forth and shot in cold blood by the soldiery after order had
+been restored. The work of slaughter had been twice renewed, and two
+officers received promotion or honors for that abominable enormity.
+
+Mr. Gladstone found in the reply of the Government of Naples no reason
+to retract his damaging statements in reference to Neapolitan
+inhumanity, on the other hand he discovered grounds for emphasizing his
+accusations. And as to his statement regarding the number of the
+sufferers from Neapolitan injustice and cruelty, he defended at length
+his statement as to the enormous number of the prisoners.
+
+It was clear to all candid minds that all the replies had failed to
+prove him wrong in any of his substantial changes, which retained their
+full force. "The arrow has shot deep into the mark," observed Mr.
+Gladstone, "and cannot be dislodged. But I have sought, in once more
+entering the field, not only to sum up the state of the facts in the
+manner nearest to exactitude, but likewise to close the case as I began
+it, presenting it from first to last in the light of a matter which is
+not primarily or mainly political, which is better kept apart from
+Parliamentary discussion, which has no connection whatever with any
+peculiar idea or separate object or interest of England, but which
+appertains to the sphere of humanity at large, and well deserves the
+consideration of every man who feels a concern for the well-being of
+his race, in its bearings on that well-being; on the elementary demands
+of individual domestic happiness; on the permanent maintenance of public
+order; on the stability of thrones; on the solution of that great
+problem, which, day and night, in its innumerable forms must haunt the
+reflections of every statesman, both here and elsewhere, how to
+harmonize the old with the new conditions of society, and to mitigate
+the increasing stress of time and change upon what remains of this
+ancient and venerable fabric of the traditional civilization of Europe."
+
+Mr. Gladstone also said, that the question had been asked, whether a
+government "could be induced to change its policy, because some
+individual or other had by lying accusations held it up to the hatred of
+mankind," yet he had the satisfaction of knowing that upon the challenge
+of a mere individual, the government of Naples had been compelled to
+plead before the tribunal of general opinion, and to admit the
+jurisdiction of that tribunal. It was to public sentiment that the
+Neapolitan Government was paying deference when it resolved on the manly
+course of a judicial reply; and he hoped that further deference would be
+paid to that public sentiment in the complete reform of its departments
+and the whole future management of its affairs.
+
+After a consideration of the political position of the throne of the
+Two Sicilies, in connection with its dominions on the mainland, Mr.
+Gladstone thus concluded his examination of the official reply of the
+Neapolitan Government: "These pages have been written in the hope that,
+by thus making, through the press, rather than in another mode, that
+rejoinder to the Neapolitan reply which was doubtless due from me, I
+might still, as far as depended on me, keep the question on its true
+ground, as one not of politics but of morality, and not of England but
+of Christendom and of mankind. Again I express the hope that this may be
+my closing word. I express the hope that it may not become a hard
+necessity to keep this controversy alive until it reaches its one only
+possible issue, which no power of man can permanently intercept. I
+express the hope that while there is time, while there is quiet, while
+dignity may yet be saved in showing mercy, and in the blessed work of
+restoring Justice to her seat, the Government of Naples may set its hand
+in earnest to the work of real and searching, however quiet and
+unostentatious, reform; that it may not become unavoidable to reiterate
+these appeals from the hand of power to the one common heart of mankind;
+to produce these painful documents, those harrowing descriptions, which
+might be supplied in rank abundance, of which I have scarcely given the
+faintest idea or sketch, and which, if laid from time to time before the
+world, would bear down like a deluge every effort at apology or
+palliation, and would cause all that has recently been made known to be
+forgotten and eclipsed in deeper horrors yet; lest the strength of
+offended and indignant humanity should rise up as a giant refreshed with
+wine, and, while sweeping away these abominations from the eye of
+Heaven, should sweep away along with them things pure and honest,
+ancient, venerable, salutary to mankind, crowned with the glories of the
+past and still capable of bearing future fruit."
+
+The original purpose of these letters, though at first not gained, was
+unmistakable in the subsequent revolution which created a regenerated,
+free and united Italy. The moral influence of such an exposure was
+incalculable and eventually irresistible. The great Italian patriot and
+liberator of Italy, General Garibaldi, was known to say that Mr.
+Gladstone's protest "sounded the first trumpet call of Italian liberty."
+If France and England had unitedly protested against the Neapolitan
+abuse of power and violation of law, such a protest would have been
+heard and redress granted, but such joint action was not taken. The
+letters reached the fourteenth edition and in this edition Mr. Gladstone
+said that by a royal decree, issued December 27, 1858, ninety-one
+political prisoners had their punishment commuted into perpetual exile
+from the kingdom of the two Sicilies, but that a Ministerial order of
+January 9, 1859, directed that they should be conveyed to America; that
+of these ninety-one persons no less than fourteen had died long before
+in dungeons, and that only sixty-six of them embarked January 16, 1859,
+and were taken to Cadiz, where they were shipped on board an American
+sailing vessel, which was to have carried them to New York, but
+eventually landed them at Cork. "Eleven men were kept behind, either
+because it was afterwards thought advisable not to release them, as in
+the case of Longo and Delli Franci, two artillery officers, who were
+still in the dungeons of Gaeta. Whenever the prisoners were too sick to
+be moved, as was the case with Pironti, who was paralytic; or because
+they were in some provincial dungeons too remote from Naples." Such was
+the fate of some of the patriots officially liberated by Ferdinand's
+successor, Francis II.
+
+The charges of Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan Government met with
+confirmation from another source nearer home. In 1851 Mr. Gladstone
+translated and published Farini's important and bulky work, entitled,
+"The Roman State, from 1815 to 1850." The author, Farini, addressed a
+note to his translator, in which he said that he had dedicated the
+concluding volume of his work to Mr. Gladstone, who, by his love of
+Italian letters, and by his deeds of Italian charity, had established a
+relationship with Italy in the spirit of those great Italian writers who
+had been their masters in eloquence, in civil philosophy and in national
+virtue, from Dante and Macchivelli down to Alfieri and Gioberti. Signor
+Farini endorsed the charges made by Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan
+Government. He wrote: "The scandalous trials for high treason still
+continue at Naples; accusers, examiners, judges, false witnesses, all
+are bought; the prisons, those tombs of the living, are full; two
+thousand citizens of all ranks and conditions are already condemned to
+the dungeons, as many to confinement, double that number to exile; the
+majority guilty of no crime but that of having believed in the oaths
+made by Ferdinand II. But, in truth, nothing more was needed to press
+home the indictment."
+
+At the period of Mr. Gladstone's visit to Naples there was a growing
+sentiment throughout Italy for Italian independence and union. The
+infamous measures adopted by the King of Naples to repress in his own
+dominions every aspiration after freedom, only succeeded in making the
+people more determined and the liberty for which they sighed surer in
+the end. His system of misgovernment went on for a few years longer and
+was the promoting cause of the revolutionary movements which continually
+disturbed the whole Italian peninsula. A conference was held in Paris
+upon the Italian question, which failed to accomplish anything, against
+which failure Count Cavour addressed a protest to the French and British
+Governments in April, 1856. Afterwards the King of Naples and his
+Ministers were remonstrated with, but this was of no avail, only drawing
+forth an assertion that the sovereign had the right to deal with his own
+subjects as he pleased. France and England finally withdrew their
+representatives from Naples, and the storm soon afterwards broke. The
+brilliant success of Garibaldi in 1860 filled Francis II with terror. He
+was now, like all evil men, ready to make the most lavish promises of
+liberal reform to escape the consequences of his misdeeds. However, his
+repentance came too late. The victorious Garibaldi issued a decree
+ultimately, stating that the Two Sicilies, which had been redeemed by
+Italian blood, and which had freely elected him their dictator, formed
+an integral part of one and indivisable Italy, under the constitutional
+King Victor Emmanuel and his descendants. Francis II was dethroned and
+expelled from his kingdom by the legitimate fruits of his own hateful
+policy and that of his predecessor. "Count Cavour was the brain as
+Garibaldi was the hand of that mighty movement which resulted in the
+unity of Italy," says an English writer, "but as Englishmen we may take
+pride in the fact that not the least among the precipitating causes of
+this movement was the fearless exposure by Mr. Gladstone of the
+cruelties and tyrannies of the Neapolitan Government."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE VISITING NEAPOLITAN PRISONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+
+THE FIRST BUDGET
+
+The precise date at which Mr. Gladstone became a Liberal cannot be
+determined, but during the Parliamentary sessions of 1851 and 1852 he
+became finally alienated from the Conservative party, although he did
+not enter the ranks of the Liberals for some years afterward. He himself
+stated that so late as 1851 he had not formally left the Tory party,
+nevertheless his advance towards Liberalism is very pronounced at this
+period. It is well for us to trace the important events of these two
+sessions, for they also lead up to the brilliant financial measures of
+1853, which caused Mr. Gladstone's name to be classed with those of Pitt
+and Peel. Mr. Gladstone's trusted leader was dead, and he was gradually
+coming forward to take the place in debate of the fallen statesman.
+
+When Mr. Gladstone returned home from Italy he found England convulsed
+over renewed papal aggressions. The Pope had, in the preceding
+September, issued Letters Apostolic, establishing a Roman Catholic
+Hierarchy in England, and in which he had mapped out the whole country
+into papal dioceses. This act of aggression produced a storm of public
+indignation. It was regarded by the people generally as an attempt to
+wrest from them their liberties and enslave them. It was looked upon by
+the Protestants indignantly as an attack upon the Reformed Faith.
+Anglicans resented it as an act which practically denied the
+jurisdiction and authority of the Church of England, established already
+by law. Englishmen, faithfully devoted to the British Constitution,
+which guaranteed the Protestant Religion, were incensed by this
+interference with the prerogative of the Crown; while all ardent
+patriots were influenced by the unwarranted and unsolicited interference
+of a foreign potentate. Every element of combustion being present,
+meetings were held everywhere, inflammatory speeches were made on every
+public occasion, and patriotic resolutions were passed. Pulpit and
+platform rang with repeated cries of "No Popery," and echoed at the Lord
+Mayor's banquet, at the Guildhall, and even at Covent Garden Theatre in
+Shakesperian strains. The Prime Minister, Lord John Russell, published
+his famous Durham letter, addressed to the Bishop of Durham, rebuking
+and defying the Pope, and charging the whole High Church Party of the
+Church of England with being the secret allies and fellow-workers
+of Rome.
+
+In the beginning of the Parliamentary session of 1851 Lord John Russell
+moved for permission to bring in a bill to counteract the aggressive
+policy of the Church of Rome, on account of which aggression of the Pope
+the whole country was well-nigh in a condition of panic. The measure was
+debated for four days, and was entitled the Ecclesiastical Faiths Bill.
+It was designed to prevent the assumption by Roman Catholic prelates of
+titles taken from any territory or place in England. Severe penalties
+were attached to the use of such titles, and all acts done by, and
+requests made to, persons under them were to be void. The bill was not
+well received by some, being thought, on one side too mild and on the
+other as too stringent. Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone both opposed it;
+the latter because the change was wanted by English Catholics rather
+than by the Vatican. He condemned the vanity and boastful spirit of the
+papal documents, but contended that his fellow Catholic countrymen
+should not suffer for that. The difficulty of applying it to Ireland,
+where the system objected to already existed, was pointed out. However
+the preliminary motion was passed by 395 votes against 63, "this
+enormous majority," says an English author, "attesting the wide-spread
+fear of Romish machinations." The measure became a law, but it was a
+dead letter, and was quietly repealed twenty years afterwards at Mr.
+Gladstone's request.
+
+Before, however, the bill was passed a ministerial crisis had
+intervened. During this session other difficulties were encountered by
+the Ministry. The financial as well as this ecclesiastical question was
+a problem. The Conservatives were strong and compact, and enjoyed the
+adhesion of the Peelites, while the Ministerial party was to a great
+extent demoralized. Mr. Disraeli, owing to the deep distress that
+prevailed in the agricultural districts, renewed his motion upon the
+burdens on land and the inequalities of taxation, and consequently he
+presented a resolution that it was the duty of the government to
+introduce measures for the alleviation of the distress without delay.
+The government admitted the distress, but denied that it was increasing.
+They attempted to prove that pauperism had decreased in all parts of the
+kingdom--England, Ireland and Scotland. Commerce was in a most
+prosperous condition, while the revenues had reached the unexampled
+amount of $350,000,000. "Sir James Graham stigmatized the motion as an
+attempt to turn out the administration, to dissolve Parliament, and to
+return to Protection." The Ministry was sustained by a small majority,
+and was successful in some measures, but soon suffered several minor
+defeats and finally was forced to retire.
+
+One of the successful measures was that introduced by Mr. Loche King,
+and opposed by Lord John Russell, for assimilating the country franchise
+to that of the boroughs. The budget of the government introduced January
+17th was unpopular. It demanded a renewed lease for three years of the
+obnoxious income-tax, but promised a partial remission of the window
+duties, which was a tax upon every window in a house, together with some
+relief to the agriculturists. The first budget having been rejected a
+second financial statement was offered later in the session. It imposed
+a house-tax, withdrew the bonus to agriculturists, repealed the
+window-tax, but re-demanded the income-tax for three years. The main
+features of the budget were acceptable to the House, but the Government
+suffered defeat on minor financial questions, which tendered still
+further to diminish the popularity of the ministry.
+
+Upon the resignation of Lord John Russell and his Cabinet, in February,
+1851, Lord Stanley was called upon to form a new administration, and Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the Cabinet. Lord Stanley
+having failed, Lord Aberdeen was invited to form a new Cabinet, by the
+Queen, with like results. Both these gentlemen having declined the task
+of forming a new administration, Lord John Russell and his colleagues
+resumed office, but the reconstructed ministry was soon to receive a
+fatal blow through Lord Palmerston, the foreign Secretary.
+
+On the 2d of December, 1851, Louis Napoleon, Prince President of the
+French Republic, by a single act of lawless violence, abolished the
+constitution, and made himself Dictator. The details of this monstrous
+deed, and of the bloodshed that accompanied it, created a profound
+sensation in England. The Queen was very anxious that no step should be
+taken and no word said by her ministry which could be construed into an
+approval by the English government of what had been done. Indeed the
+Queen who knew the failing of her Foreign Secretary to act hastily in
+important matters of State without the consent or advice of Queen or
+Cabinet, questioned the Premier and was assured that nothing had been
+done in recognition of the new government in Paris. Indeed the Cabinet
+had passed a resolution to abstain from the expression of opinions in
+approval or disapproval of the recent _coup d'état_ in France. But it
+soon leaked out that Lord Palmerston who thought he understood full well
+the foreign relations of England, and what her policy should be, had
+both in public dispatches and private conversation spoken favorably of
+the policy adopted by Louis Napoleon. He had even expressed to Count
+Walewski, the French Ambassador in London, his entire approval of the
+Prince President's act. This was too much for the Queen, who had as
+early as the August before, in a memorandum sent to the Premier,
+imperatively protested against the crown's being ignored by the Foreign
+Secretary, so Lord Palmerston was dismissed from office by Lord John
+Russell, Christmas Eve, 1851. He bore his discharge with meekness, and
+even omitted in Parliament to defend himself in points where he was
+wronged. But Justin McCarthy says: "Lord Palmerston was in the wrong in
+many if not most of the controversies which had preceded it; that is to
+say, he was wrong in committing England as he so often did to measures
+which had not the approval of the sovereign or his colleagues."
+
+In February following, 1852, Lord Palmerston enjoyed, as he expressed
+it, his "tit-for-tat with Johnny Russell" and helped the Tories to
+defeat his late chief in a measure for reorganizing the militia as a
+precaution against possible aggression from France. The ministry had not
+saved itself by the overthrow of Lord Palmerston.
+
+Upon the retirement of Lord John Russell from office, in 1852, the Earl
+of Derby, formerly Lord Stanley, succeeded him as Prime Minister. Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the new Tory Cabinet, but
+declined, whereupon Lord Malmesbury dubiously remarked, November 28th:
+"I cannot make out Gladstone, who seems to me a dark horse." Mr.
+Disraeli was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer, and became Leader in
+the House of Commons, entering the Cabinet for the first time. "There
+was a scarcely disguised intention to revive protection." It was Free
+Trade or Protection, and the Peelites defended their fallen leader,
+Peel. "A makeshift budget" was introduced by Mr. Disraeli and passed. It
+was destined, it seems, that the Derby Administration was not to be
+supported, but to be driven out of power by Mr. Gladstone, who was to
+cross swords before the nation with his future parliamentary
+rival, Disraeli.
+
+Mr. Disraeli seemed now bent upon declaring the Free Trade Policy of Sir
+Robert Peel a failure. Mr. Disraeli's power of forgetfulness of the past
+is one of the most fortunate ever conferred upon a statesman. During the
+debate he declared that the main reason why his party had opposed Free
+Trade was not that it would injure the landlord, nor the farmer, but
+that "it would prove injurious to the cause of labor." "He also said,
+though interrupted by cries of astonishment and of 'Oh, oh!' that not a
+single attempt had been made in the House of Commons to abrogate the
+measure of 1846." Mr. Sidney Herbert, who was wounded to the quick by
+the assaults on Sir Robert Peel, rose to defend the great Conservative
+statesman. His speech contained one passage of scathing invective
+addressed to Mr. Disraeli.
+
+Mr. Herbert said: "The memory of Sir Robert Peel requires no
+vindication--his memory is embalmed in the grateful recollection of the
+people of this country; and I say, if ever retribution is wanted--for it
+is not words that humiliate, but deeds--if a man wants to see
+humiliation, which God knows is always a painful sight, he need but look
+there!"--and upon this Mr. Herbert pointed with his finger to Mr.
+Disraeli sitting on the Treasury Bench. The sting of invective is truth,
+and Mr. Herbert certainly spoke daggers if he used none; yet the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer sat impassive as a Sphinx.
+
+Parliament was dissolved soon after the formation of the new government,
+July 1, 1852, and during the recess, September 14, 1852, the Duke of
+Wellington passed away and a public funeral was given the victor
+of Waterloo.
+
+On the assembling of Parliament Mr. Gladstone delivered a eulogy on the
+Duke, drawing special lessons from his illustrious career, which had
+been prolonged to a green old age. Mr. Gladstone said: "While many of
+the actions of his life, while many of the qualities he possessed, are
+unattainable by others, there are lessons which we may all derive from
+the life and actions of that illustrious man. It may never be given to
+another subject of the British Crown to perform services so brilliant as
+he performed; it may never be given to another man to hold the sword
+which was to gain the independence of Europe, to rally the nations
+around it, and while England saved herself by her constancy, to save
+Europe by her example; it may never be given to another man, after
+having attained such eminence, after such an unexampled series of
+victories, to show equal moderation in peace as he has shown greatness
+in war, and to devote the remainder of his life to the cause of internal
+and external peace for that country which he has so well served; it may
+never be given to another man to have equal authority, both with the
+Sovereign he served and with the Senate of which he was to the end a
+venerated member; it may never be given to another man after such a
+career to preserve, even to the last, the full possession of those great
+faculties with which he was endowed, and to carry on the services of one
+of the most important departments of the State with unexampled
+regularity and success, even to the latest day of his life. These are
+circumstances, these are qualities, which may never occur again in the
+history of this country. But these are qualities which the Duke of
+Wellington displayed, of which we may all act in humble imitation: that
+sincere and unceasing devotion to our country; that honest and upright
+determination to act for the benefit of the country on every occasion;
+that devoted loyalty, which, while it made him ever anxious to serve the
+Crown, never induced him to conceal from the Sovereign that which he
+believed to be the truth; that devotedness in the constant performance
+of duty; that temperance of his life, which enabled him at all times to
+give his mind and his faculties to the services which he was called on
+to perform; that regular, consistent, and unceasing piety by which he
+was distinguished at all times of his life; these are qualities that are
+attainable by others, and these are qualities which should not be lost
+as an example."
+
+At this session of Parliament Mr. Disraeli brought forward his second
+budget in a five hour speech. The new Chancellor of the Exchequer
+proposed to remit a portion of the taxes upon malt, tea, and sugar, but
+to counterbalance these losses he also proposed to extend the income-tax
+and house-tax. The debate, which was very personal, was prolonged
+several days, and Mr. Disraeli, towards its close, bitterly attacked
+several members, among them Sir James Graham, whom Mr. Gladstone not
+only defended, but in so doing administered a scathing rebuke to the
+Chancellor for his bitter invective and personal abuse. Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at the close of Mr. Disraeli's presentation was crushing, and was
+generally regarded as giving the death-blow to this financial scheme.
+
+Mr. Gladstone told Mr. Disraeli that he was not entitled to charge with
+insolence men of as high position and of as high character in the House
+as himself, and when the cheers which had interrupted him had subsided,
+concluded: "I must tell the right honorable gentleman that he is not
+entitled to say to my right honorable friend, the member for Carlisle,
+that he regards but does not respect him. And I must tell him that
+whatever else he has learnt--and he has learnt much--he has not learnt
+to keep within those limits of discretion, of moderation, and of
+forbearance that ought to restrain the conduct and language of every
+member in this House, the disregard of which, while it is an offence in
+the meanest amongst us, is an offence of tenfold weight when committed
+by the leader of the House of Commons."
+
+The thrilling scene enacted in the House of Commons on that memorable
+night is thus described: "In the following month the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer produced his second budget. It was an ambitious and a skillful
+attempt to reconcile conflicting interests, and to please all while
+offending none. The government had come into office pledged to do
+something for the relief of the agricultural interests. They redeemed
+their pledge by reducing the duty on malt. This reduction created a
+deficit; and they repaired the deficit by doubling the duty on inhabited
+houses. Unluckily, the agricultural interests proved, as usual,
+ungrateful to its benefactors, and made light of the reduction on malt;
+while those who were to pay for it in double taxation were naturally
+indignant. The voices of criticism, 'angry, loud, discordant voices,'
+were heard simultaneously on every side. The debate waxed fast and
+furious. In defending his hopeless proposals, Mr. Disraeli gave full
+scope to his most characteristic gift; he pelted his opponents right and
+left with sarcasms, taunts, and epigrams, and went as near personal
+insult as the forms of Parliament permit. He sat down late at night, and
+Mr. Gladstone rose in a crowded and excited House to deliver an
+unpremeditated reply which has ever since been celebrated. Even the cold
+and colorless pages of 'Hansard' show signs of the excitement under
+which he labored, and of the tumultuous applause and dissent by which
+his opening sentences were interrupted. 'The speech of the Chancellor of
+the Exchequer,' he said, 'must be answered on the moment. It must be
+tried by the laws of decency and propriety.'" He indignantly rebuked his
+rival's language and demeanor. He reminded him of the discretion and
+decorum due from every member, but pre-eminently due from the leader of
+the House. He tore his financial scheme to ribbons. It was the beginning
+of a duel which lasted till death removed one of the combatants from the
+political arena. 'Those who had thought it impossible that any
+impression could be made upon the House after the speech of Mr.
+Disraeli had to acknowledge that a yet greater impression was produced
+by the unprepared reply of Mr. Gladstone.' The House divided and the
+government were left in a minority of nineteen. This happened in the
+early morning of December 17, 1852. Within an hour of the division Lord
+Derby wrote to the Queen a letter announcing his defeat and the
+consequences which it must entail, and that evening at Osborne he placed
+his formal resignation in her majesty's hands.
+
+It is related as an evidence of the intense excitement, if not frenzy,
+that prevailed at the time, that Mr. Gladstone met with indignity at his
+Club. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says that, "twenty ruffians of the
+Carleton Club" had given a dinner to Major Beresford, who had been
+charged with bribery at the Derby election and had escaped with only a
+censure, and that "after dinner, when they were drunk, they went up
+stairs and finding Mr. Gladstone alone in the drawing-room, some of them
+proposed to throw him out of the window. This they did not quite dare to
+do, but contented themselves with giving some insulting message or order
+to the waiter and then went away." Mr. Gladstone, however, remained a
+member of the Club until he joined the Whig administration in 1859.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's crushing _exposé_ of the blunders of Mr. Disraeli's
+budget was almost ludicrous in its completeness, and it was universally
+felt that the scheme could not survive his brilliant attack. The effect
+that the merciless criticism of Disraeli's budget was not only the
+discomfiture of Mr. Disraeli and the overthrow of the Russell
+administration, but the elevation of Mr. Gladstone to the place vacated
+by Chancellor Disraeli.
+
+The Earl of Aberdeen became Prime Minister. The new government was a
+coalition of Whigs and Peelites, with a representative of the Radicals
+in the person of Sir William Molesworth. Mr. Gladstone, the Duke of
+Newcastle, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert were the Peelites in
+the Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+
+We may refer here to a letter of Mr. Gladstone, written Christmas, 1851,
+in order to show his growing Liberalism. The letter was to Dr. Skinner,
+Bishop of Aberdeen and Primus, on the positions and functions of the
+laity in the Church. This letter is remarkable, because, as Dr. Charles
+Wordsworth, Bishop of St. Andrew's, said at the time, "it contained the
+germ of liberation and the political equality of all religions." The
+Bishop published a controversial rejoinder, which drew from Dr.
+Gaisford, Dean of Christ Church, these emphatic words: "You have proved
+to my satisfaction that this gentleman is unfit to represent the
+University," meaning the representation for Oxford in Parliament.
+
+This feeling was growing, for when the Russell Ministry fell and it
+became necessary for Mr. Gladstone, because he accepted a place in the
+Cabinet, to appeal for re-election to his constituents at Oxford, he met
+with much opposition, because of his Liberalism. Appealing to his
+university to return him, and endorse his acceptance of office in the
+new Ministry of the Earl of Aberdeen, Mr. Gladstone soon discovered that
+he had made many enemies by his manifest tendencies toward
+Liberal-Conservatism. He had given unmistakable evidence that he held
+less firmly the old traditions of that unbending Toryism of which he was
+once the most promising representative. Lord Derby, whom he had deposed,
+had been elected Chancellor of the University to succeed the Duke of
+Wellington, deceased. Consequently his return to the House was ardently
+contested. His opponents looked around for a candidate of strong
+Conservative principles. The Marquis of Chandos, who was first elected,
+declined to run in opposition to Mr. Gladstone; but at length a suitable
+opponent was found in Mr. Dudley Perceval, of Christ Church, son of the
+Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, who was nominated January 4th.
+
+Dr. Hawkins, Provost of Oriel, one of the twenty colleges of Oxford,
+proposed Mr. Gladstone, and Archdeacon Denison, leader of the High
+Church party, proposed Mr. Dudley Perceval. According to the custom at
+university elections, neither candidate was present. It was objected to
+Mr. Gladstone that he had voted improperly on ecclesiastical questions,
+and had accepted office in "a hybrid ministry." The "Times" described
+Mr. Perceval as "a very near relative of our old friend Mrs. Harris. To
+remove any doubt on this point, let him be exhibited at Exeter Hall with
+the documentary evidence of his name, existence and history; his
+first-class, his defeat at Finsbury, his talents, his principles. If we
+must go to Oxford to record our votes it would at least be something to
+know that we were voting against a real man and not a mere name." The
+"Morning Chronicle," on the other hand, affirmed that a section of the
+Carleton Club were "making a tool of the Oxford Convocation for the
+purpose of the meanest and smallest political rancor against Mr.
+Gladstone."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, who fought the battle on ecclesiastical lines, wrote,
+after the nomination, to the chairman of his election committee,
+as follows:
+
+"Unless I had a full and clear conviction that the interests of the
+Church, whether as relates to the legislative functions of Parliament,
+or the impartial and wise recommendation of fit persons to her majesty
+for high ecclesiastical offices, were at least as safe in the hands of
+Lord Aberdeen as in those of Lord Derby (though I would on no account
+disparage Lord Derby's personal sentiments towards the Church), I should
+not have accepted office under Lord Aberdeen. As regards the second, if
+it be thought that during twenty years of public life, or that during
+the latter part of them, I have failed to give guarantees of attachment
+to the interests of the Church--to such as so think I can offer neither
+apology nor pledge. To those who think otherwise, I tender the assurance
+that I have not by my recent assumption of office made any change
+whatever in that particular, or in any principles relating to it."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was again elected by a fair majority and returned to
+Parliament. Seventy-four of the professors voted for Mr. Gladstone and
+fifteen for Mr. Perceval.
+
+When Parliament assembled the Earl of Aberdeen announced in the House of
+Lords that the measures of the Government would be both Conservative and
+Liberal,--at home to maintain Free Trade principles and to pursue the
+commercial and financial system of the late Sir Robert Peel, and abroad
+to secure the general peace of Europe without relaxing defensive
+measures.
+
+Mr. Gladstone had already proved himself to have a wonderful mastery of
+figures, and the confused technicalities of finance. He did not
+disappoint the hopes of his friends in regard to his fiscal abilities.
+On the contrary, he speedily inaugurated a new and brilliant era in
+finance. Previous to presenting his first budget, in 1853, Mr. Gladstone
+brought forward a scheme for the reduction of the national debt, which
+was approved by Radicals as well as Conservatives, and adopted by the
+House. The scheme worked most successfully until the breaking out of the
+Crimean war. During this very short period of two years the public debt
+was reduced by more than $57,500,000.
+
+In consequence of his general reputation and also of this brilliant
+financial scheme, the first budget of Mr. Gladstone was waited for with
+intense interest. His first budget was introduced April 18, 1853. It was
+one of his greatest budgets, and for statesmanlike breadth of conception
+it has never been surpassed. In bringing it forward Mr. Gladstone spoke
+five hours, and during that length of time held the House spellbound.
+The speech was delivered with the greatest ease, and was perspicuity
+itself throughout. Even when dealing with the most abstruse financial
+detail his language flowed on without interruption, and he never paused
+for a word. "Here was an orator who could apply all the resources of a
+burnished rhetoric to the elucidation of figures; who could make pippins
+and cheese interesting and tea serious; who could sweep the widest
+horizon of the financial future and yet stoop to bestow the minutest
+attention on the microcosm of penny stamps and post-horses. The members
+on the floor and ladies in the gallery of the House listened attentively
+and showed no signs of weariness throughout." A contemporary awarded to
+him the palm for unsurpassed fluency and choice of diction, and says:
+
+"The impression produced upon the minds of the crowded and brilliant
+assembly by Mr. Gladstone's evident mastery and grasp of the subject,
+was, that England had at length found a skillful financier, upon whom
+the mantle of Peel had descended. The cheering when the right honorable
+gentleman sat down was of the most enthusiastic and prolonged character,
+and his friends and colleagues hastened to tender him their warm
+congratulations upon the distinguished success he had achieved in his
+first budget."
+
+The budget provided for the gradual reduction of the income tax to
+expire in 1860; for an increase in the duty on spirits; for the
+abolition of the soap duties; the reduction of the tax on cabs and
+hackney coaches; the introduction of the penny receipt stamp and the
+equalization of the assessed taxes on property. By these provisions it
+was proposed to make life easier and cheaper for large and numerous
+classes. The duty on 123 articles was abolished and the duty on 133
+others reduced, the total relief amounting to $25,000,000. Mr. Gladstone
+gave a clear exposition of the income tax, which he declared was never
+intended to be permanent. It had been the last resort in times of
+national danger, and he could not consent to retain it as a part of the
+permanent and ordinary finances of the country. It was objectionable on
+account of its unequal incidence, of the harassing investigation into
+private affairs which it entailed and of the frauds to which it
+inevitably led.
+
+The value of the reduction in the necessities of life proposed by Mr.
+Gladstone is seen from the following from a contemporary writer:
+
+"The present budget, more than any other budget within our recollection,
+is a cupboard budget; otherwise, a poor man's budget. With certain very
+ugly features, the thing has altogether a good, hopeful aspect, together
+with very fair proportions. It is not given to any Chancellor of the
+Exchequer to make a budget fascinating as a fairy tale. Nevertheless,
+there are visions of wealth and comfort in the present budget that
+mightily recommend it to us. It seems to add color and fatness to the
+poor man's beef; to give flavor and richness to the poor man's
+plum-pudding. The budget is essentially a cupboard budget; and let the
+name of Gladstone be, for the time at least, musical at the poor man's
+fireside."
+
+It unquestionably established Gladstone as the foremost financier of
+his day. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says of him: "He spoke for five
+hours; and by universal consent it was one of the grandest displays and
+most able financial statements that ever was heard in the House of
+Commons; a great scheme, boldly and skillfully and honestly devised,
+disdaining popular clamor and pressure from without, and the execution
+of its absolute perfection."
+
+We reproduce some extracts from this important speech: "Depend upon it,
+when you come to close quarters with this subject, when you come to
+measure and test the respective relations of intelligence and labor and
+property in all their myriad and complex forms, and when you come to
+represent those relations in arithmetical results, you are undertaking
+an operation of which I should say it was beyond the power of man to
+conduct it with satisfaction, but which, at any rate, is an operation to
+which you ought not constantly to recur; for if, as my noble friend once
+said with universal applause, this country could not bear a revolution
+once a year, I will venture to say that it cannot bear a reconstruction
+of the income tax once a year.
+
+"Whatever you do in regard to the income tax, you must be bold, you must
+be intelligible, you must be decisive. You must not palter with it. If
+you do, I have striven at least to point out as well as my feeble
+powers will permit, the almost desecration I would say, certainly the
+gross breach of duty to your country, of which you will be found guilty,
+in thus putting to hazard one of the most potent and effective among all
+its material resources. I believe it to be of vital importance, whether
+you keep this tax or whether you part with it, that you should either
+keep it or should leave it in a state in which it will be fit for
+service on an emergency, and that it will be impossible to do if you
+break up the basis of your income tax.
+
+"If the Committee have followed me, they will understand that we found
+ourselves on the principle that the income-tax ought to be marked as a
+temporary measure; that the public feeling that relief should be given
+to intelligence and skill as compared with property ought to be met, and
+may be met with justice and with safety, in the manner we have pointed
+out; that the income tax in its operation ought to be mitigated by every
+rational means, compatible with its integrity; and, above all, that it
+should be associated in the last term of its existence, as it was in the
+first, with those remissions of indirect taxation which have so greatly
+redoubled to the profit of this country and have set so admirable an
+example--an example that has already in some quarters proved contagious
+to the other nations of the earth, These are the principles on which we
+stand, and these the figures. I have shown you that if you grant us the
+taxes which we ask, to the moderate amount of £2,500,000 in the whole,
+much less than that sum for the present year, you, or the Parliament
+which may be in existence in 1860, will be in the condition, if it shall
+so think fit, to part with the income tax."
+
+Sir, I scarcely dare to look at the clock, shamefully reminding me, as
+it must, how long, how shamelessly, I have trespassed on the time of the
+committee. All I can say in apology is that I have endeavored to keep
+closely to the topics which I had before me--
+
+          --immensum spatiis confecimus aequor,
+     Et jam tempus equum fumantia solvere colla.
+
+"These are the proposals of the Government. They may be approved or they
+may be condemned, but I have at least this full and undoubting
+confidence, that it will on all hands be admitted that we have not
+sought to evade the difficulties of our position; that we have not
+concealed those difficulties, either from ourselves or from others; that
+we have not attempted to counteract them by narrow or flimsy expedients;
+that we have prepared plans which, if you will adopt them, will go some
+way to close up many vexed financial questions--questions such as, if
+not now settled, may be attended with public inconvenience, and even
+with public danger, in future years and under less favorable
+circumstances; that we have endeavored, in the plans we have now
+submitted to you, to make the path of our successors in future years not
+more arduous but more easy; and I may be permitted to add that, while we
+have sought to do justice, by the changes we propose in taxation, to
+intelligence and skill as compared with property--while we have sought
+to do justice to the great laboring community of England by furthering
+their relief from indirect taxation, we have not been guided by any
+desire to put one class against another. We have felt we should best
+maintain our own honor, that we should best meet the views of
+Parliament, and best promote the interests of the country, by declining
+to draw any invidious distinctions between class and class, by adapting
+it to ourselves as a sacred aim to differ and distribute--burden if we
+must, benefit if we may--with equal and impartial hand; and we have the
+consolation of believing that by proposals such as these we contribute,
+as far as in us lies, not only to develop the material resources of the
+country, but to knit the hearts of the various classes of this great
+nation yet more closely than heretofore to that throne and to those
+institutions under which it is their happiness to live."
+
+It is seldom that a venture of such magnitude as Mr. Gladstone's first
+budget meets with universal success. But from the outset the plan was
+received with universal favor. Besides the plaudits with which the
+orator was greeted at the conclusion of his speech, his proposals were
+received favorably by the whole nation. Being constructed upon Free
+Trade principles, it was welcomed by the press and the country. It added
+greatly, not only to the growing reputation of the new Chancellor of the
+Exchequer as a financier, but also to his popularity.
+
+The following anecdote of Mr. Gladstone is told by Walter Jerrold and is
+appropriate as well as timely here:
+
+"During Mr. Gladstone's first tenure of office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer, a curious adventure occurred to him in the London offices of
+the late Mr. W. Lindsay, merchant, shipowner and M.P. There one day
+entered a brusque and wealthy shipowner of Sunderland, inquiring for Mr.
+Lindsay. As Mr. Lindsay was out, the visitor was requested to wait in an
+adjacent room, where he found a person busily engaged in copying some
+figures. The Sunderland shipowner paced the room several times and took
+careful note of the writer's doings, and at length said to him, 'Thou
+writes a bonny hand, thou dost.'
+
+"'I am glad you think so,' was the reply.
+
+"'Ah, thou dost. Thou makes thy figures weel. Thou'rt just the chap I
+want.'
+
+"'Indeed!' said the Londoner.
+
+"'Yes, indeed,' said the Sunderland man. 'I'm a man of few words. Noo,
+if thou'lt come over to canny ould Sunderland thou seest I'll give thee
+a hundred and twenty pounds a year, and that's a plum thou dost not meet
+with every day in thy life, I reckon. Noo then.'
+
+"The Londoner replied that he was much obliged for the offer, and would
+wait till Mr. Lindsay returned, whom he would consult upon the subject.
+Accordingly, on the return of the latter, he was informed of the
+shipowner's tempting offer.
+
+"'Very well,' said Mr. Lindsay, 'I should be sorry to stand in your way.
+One hundred and twenty pounds is more than I can afford to pay you in
+the department in which you are at present placed. You will find my
+friend a good and kind master, and, under the circumstances, the sooner
+you know each other the better. Allow me, therefore, Mr.----, to
+introduce you to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, Chancellor of the
+Exchequer.' The Sunderland shipowner was a little taken aback at first,
+but he soon recovered his self-possession, and enjoyed the joke quite as
+much as Mr. Gladstone did."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+
+THE CRIMEAN WAR
+
+The Crimean War, the great event with which the Aberdeen Cabinet was
+associated, was a contest between Russia and Turkey, England and France.
+A dispute which arose between Russia and Turkey as to the possession of
+the Holy Places of Jerusalem was the precipitating cause. For a long
+time the Greek and the Latin Churches had contended for the possession
+of the Holy Land. Russia supported the claim of the Greek Church, and
+France that of the Papal Church. The Czar claimed a Protectorate over
+all the Greek subjects of the Porte. Russia sought to extend her
+conquests south and to seize upon Turkey. France and England sustained
+Turkey. Sardinia afterwards joined the Anglo-French alliance.
+
+The people of England generally favored the war, and evinced much
+enthusiasm at the prospect of it. Lord Aberdeen and Mr. Gladstone wished
+England to stand aloof. The Peelite members of the cabinet were
+generally less inclined to war than the Whigs. Lord Palmerston and Lord
+John Russell favored England's support of Turkey. Some thought that
+England could have averted the war by pursuing persistently either of
+two courses: to inform Turkey that England would give her no aid; or to
+warn Russia that if she went to war, England would fight for Turkey. But
+with a ministry halting between two opinions, and the people demanding
+it, England "drifted into war" with Russia.
+
+July 2, 1853, the Russian troops crossed the Pruth and occupied the
+Danubian Principalities which had been by treaty, in 1849, evacuated by
+Turkey and Russia, and declared by both powers neutral territory between
+them. London was startled, October 4, 1853, by a telegram announcing
+that the Sultan had declared war against Russia. England and France
+jointly sent an _ultimatum_ to the Czar, to which no answer was
+returned. March 28, 1854, England declared war.
+
+On the 12th of March, while great excitement prevailed and public
+meetings were held throughout England, declaring for and against war,
+Mr. Gladstone made an address on the occasion of the inauguration of the
+statue of Sir Robert Peel, at Manchester. He spoke of the designs of
+Russia, and described her as a power which threatened to override all
+other powers, and as a source of danger to the peace of the world.
+Against such designs, seen in Russia's attempt to overthrow the Ottoman
+Empire, England had determined to set herself at whatever cost. War was
+a calamity that the government did not desire to bring upon the country,
+"a calamity which stained the face of nature with human gore, gave loose
+rein to crime, and took bread from the people. No doubt negotiation is
+repugnant to the national impatience at the sight of injustice and
+oppression; it is beset with delay, intrigue, and chicane; but these are
+not so horrible as war, if negotiation can be made to result in saving
+this country from a calamity which deprives the nation of subsistence
+and arrests the operations of industry. To attain that result ... Her
+Majesty's Ministers have persevered in exercising that self-command and
+that self-restraint which impatience may mistake for indifference,
+feebleness or cowardice, but which are truly the crowning greatness of a
+great people, and which do not evince the want of readiness to
+vindicate, when the time comes, the honor of this country."
+
+In November a conference of some of the European powers was held at
+Vienna to avert the war by mediating between Russia and Turkey, but was
+unsuccessful. Mr. Gladstone said: "Austria urged the two leading
+states, England and France, to send in their _ultimatum_ to Russia, and
+promised it her decided support.... Prussia at the critical moment, to
+speak in homely language, bolted.... In fact, she broke up the European
+concert, by which France and England had hoped to pull down the
+stubbornness of the Czar."
+
+Mr. Gladstone had opposed the war, not only on humanitarian and
+Christian grounds, but also because the preparation of a war budget
+overthrew all his financial schemes and hopes; a new budget was
+necessary, and he as Chancellor of the Exchequer must prepare it.
+Knowing that the struggle was inevitable, he therefore bent his energies
+to the task and conceived a scheme for discharging the expenses of the
+war out of the current revenue, provided it required no more than ten
+million pounds extra, so that the country should not be permanently
+burdened. It would require to do this the imposition of fresh taxes.
+
+"It thus fell to the lot of the most pacific of Ministers, the devotee
+of retrenchment, and the anxious cultivator of all industrial arts, to
+prepare a war budget, and to meet as well as he might the exigencies of
+a conflict which had so cruelly dislocated all the ingenious devices of
+financial optimism."
+
+Mr. Gladstone afterwards moved for over six and a half millions of
+pounds more than already granted, and proposed a further increase in the
+taxes. Mr. Disraeli opposed Mr. Gladstone's budget. He devised a scheme
+to borrow and thus increase the debt. He opposed the imposition of new
+taxes. Mr. Gladstone said: "Every good motive and every bad motive,
+combated only by the desire of the approval of honorable men and by
+conscientious rectitude--every motive of ease, comfort, and of certainty
+spring forward to induce a Chancellor of the Exchequer to become the
+first man to recommend a loan." Mr. Gladstone was sustained.
+
+The war had begun in earnest. The Duke of Newcastle received a telegram
+on the 21st of September announcing that 25,000 English troops, 25,000
+French and 8000 Turks had landed safely at Eupatoria "without meeting
+with any resistance, and had already begun to march upon Sebastopol."
+
+The war was popular with the English people, but the ministry of Lord
+Aberdeen, which inaugurated it, was becoming unpopular. This became
+apparent in the autumn of 1854. There were not actual dissensions in the
+Cabinet, but there was great want of harmony as to the conduct of the
+war. The Queen knew with what reluctance Lord Aberdeen had entered upon
+the war, but she had the utmost confidence in him as a man and a
+statesman. She was most desirous that the war be prosecuted with vigor,
+and trusted the Premier for the realization of her hopes and those of
+the nation, but unity in the Cabinet was necessary for the successful
+prosecution of the war.
+
+Parliament assembled December 12, 1854, "under circumstances more
+stirring and momentous than any which had occurred since the year of
+Waterloo." The management of the war was the main subject under
+discussion. The English troops had covered themselves with glory in the
+battles of Alma, Balaclava and Inkermann. But the sacrifice was great.
+Thousands were slain and homes made desolate, while the British army was
+suffering greatly, and the sick and wounded were needing attention. Half
+a million pounds were subscribed in three months, and Miss Florence
+Nightingale with thirty-seven lady nurses, soon to be reinforced by
+fifty more, set out at once for the seat of war to nurse the sick and
+wounded soldiers. It is recorded that "they reached Scutari on the 5th
+of November, in time to receive the soldiers who had been wounded at the
+battle of Balaclava. On the arrival of Miss Nightingale the great
+hospital at Scutari, in which up to this time all had been chaos and
+discomfort, was reduced to order, and those tender lenitives which only
+woman's thought and woman's sympathy can bring to the sick man's couch,
+were applied to solace and alleviate the agonies of pain or the torture
+of fever and prostration."
+
+It was natural to attribute the want of proper management to the
+ministry, and hence the Government found itself under fire. In the House
+of Lords the Earl of Derby condemned the inefficient manner in which the
+war had been carried on, the whole conduct of the ministry in the war,
+and the insufficiency of the number of troops sent out to check the
+power of Russia. The Duke of Newcastle replied, and while not defending
+all the actions of the ministry during the war, yet contended that the
+government were prepared to prosecute it with resolve and unflinching
+firmness. While not standing ready to reject overtures of peace, they
+would not accept any but an honorable termination of the war. The
+ministry relied upon the army, the people, and upon their allies with
+the full confidence of ultimate success.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, attacked the policy of the
+ministry from beginning to end. Everything was a blunder or a mishap of
+some description or other; the government had invaded Russia with 25,000
+troops without providing any provision for their support.
+
+When the House of Commons assembled, in January, 1855, it became
+apparent that there was a determination to sift to the bottom the
+charges that had been made against the ministry regarding their manner
+of carrying on the war. The Queen expressed her sympathy for Lord
+Aberdeen, who was in a most unenviable position. Motions hostile to the
+government were introduced in the House of Lords, while in the House of
+Commons Mr. Roebuck moved for a select committee "to inquire into the
+condition of the army before Sebastopol, and into the conduct of those
+departments of the government whose duty it has been to minister to the
+wants of the army."
+
+Lord John Russell resigned his office and left his colleagues to face
+the vote. He could not see how Mr. Roebuck's motion could be resisted.
+This seemed to portend the downfall of the ministry. The Duke of
+Newcastle, Secretary of War, offered to retire to save the government.
+Lord Palmerston believed that the breaking up of the ministry would be a
+calamity to the country, but he doubted the expediency of the retirement
+of the Duke of Newcastle, and his own fitness for the place of Minister
+of War, if vacated. Finally the Cabinet resolved to hold together,
+except Lord John Russell.
+
+In the debate it was declared that the condition of things at the seat
+of war was exaggerated; but the speech of Mr. Stafford caused a great
+sensation. He described the sufferings which he declared he had himself
+witnessed. He summed up by quoting the language of a French officer, who
+said: "You seem, sir, to carry on war according to the system of the
+Middle Ages." The situation of the ministry was critical before, but
+this speech seemed to make sure the passage of the resolutions.
+
+It was under all these depressing circumstances that Mr. Gladstone rose
+to defend himself and his colleagues. In a fine passage he thus
+described what the position of the Cabinet would have been if they had
+shrunk from their duty: "What sort of epitaph would have been written
+over their remains? He himself would have written it thus: Here lie the
+dishonored ashes of a ministry which found England at peace and left it
+in war, which was content to enjoy the emoluments of office and to wield
+the sceptre of power so long as no man had the courage to question their
+existence. They saw the storm gathering over the country; they heard the
+agonizing accounts which were almost daily received of the state of the
+sick and wounded in the East. These things did not move them. But as
+soon as the Honorable Member for Sheffield raised his hand to point the
+thunderbolt, they became conscience-stricken with a sense of guilt, and,
+hoping to escape punishment, they ran away from duty."
+
+This eloquent passage was received with tumultuous cheers. Mr.
+Gladstone claimed that there had been many exaggerations as to the state
+of the army and there were then more than 30,000 British troops under
+arms before Sebastopol. The administration of the War Department at home
+was no doubt defective, but he declined to admit that it had not
+improved, or that it was as bad as to deserve formal censure, and the
+Duke of Newcastle did not merit the condemnation sought to be cast on
+him as the head of the War Department.
+
+Mr. Disraeli was eagerly heard when he rose to speak. He said that the
+government admitted that they needed reconstruction, and that now the
+House was called upon to vote confidence in the administration. It was
+not the Duke of Newcastle nor the military system, but the policy of the
+whole Cabinet which he characterized as a "deplorable administration."
+
+The result of the vote was a strange surprise to all parties, and one of
+the greatest ever experienced in Parliamentary history. The vote for Mr.
+Roebuck's committee was 205; and against it, 148; a majority against the
+ministry of 157. "The scene was a peculiar and probably an unparalleled
+one. The cheers which are usually heard from one side or the other of
+the House on the numbers of a division being announced, were not
+forthcoming. The members were for a moment spellbound with
+astonishment, then there came a murmur of amazement and finally a burst
+of general laughter." The resignation of the Aberdeen ministry was
+announced February 1st, the Duke of Newcastle stating that it had been
+his intention to give up the office of Secretary of War whether Mr.
+Roebuck's resolution had passed or not.
+
+Thus was overthrown the famous coalition Cabinet of Lord Aberdeen--one
+of the most brilliant ever seen--a Cabinet distinguished for its
+oratorical strength, and for the conspicuous abilities of its chief
+members. Mr. Gladstone, who was the most distinguished Peelite in the
+Cabinet, certainly could not, up to this period, be suspected of
+lukewarmness in the prosecution of the war. Lord Palmerston formed a
+reconstructed rather than a new Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone and his friends
+at first declined to serve in the new Cabinet, out of regard for the
+Duke of Newcastle and Lord Aberdeen, the real victims of the adverse
+vote. But these noblemen besought Mr. Gladstone not to let his personal
+feelings stand in the way of his own interests, and not to deprive the
+country of his great services, so he resumed office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer. Lord Palmerston had been regarded as the coming man, and his
+name carried weight upon the Continent and at home. But the new
+ministry was surrounded by serious difficulties, and did not pull
+together very long. The War Minister, Lord Panmure, entered upon his
+duties with energy, and proposed, February 16th, his remedy for existing
+evils; but on the 19th of February Mr. Layard in the House of Commons
+said, "the country stood on the brink of ruin--it had fallen into the
+abyss of disgrace and become the laughing-stock of Europe." He declared
+that the new ministry differed little from the last.
+
+Lord Palmerston, in answer to inquiries, lamented the sufferings of the
+army and confessed that mishaps had been made, but the present ministry
+had come forward in an emergency and from a sense of public duty, and he
+believed would obtain the confidence of the country. But another strange
+turn in events was at hand. Mr. Roebuck gave notice of the appointment
+of his committee. Hostility to the ministry was disclaimed, but Mr.
+Gladstone, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert took the same view of
+the question they had previously taken. They were opposed to the
+investigation as a dangerous breach of a great constitutional principle,
+and if the committee was granted, it would be a precedent from whose
+repetition the Executive could never again escape, however unreasonable
+might be the nature of the demand. They therefore retired from office.
+
+The report of the committee, when presented, practically advised a vote
+of censure upon the Aberdeen Cabinet for the sufferings of the British
+army, hence the house declined to entertain it by a large majority of
+107. As the appointment of the committee, however, was the only way to
+allay the popular excitement, there were many who thought that the
+Peelites would have done well to recognize the urgency of the crisis and
+not to have abandoned the Government.
+
+The resignation of Mr. Gladstone made him very unpopular. However, "the
+wave of unpopularity lasted perhaps for a couple of years, and was
+afterwards replaced by a long-sustained popularity, which has not been
+exceeded by any statesman of the country. Greville referred to Gladstone
+about this time as 'the most unpopular man in the country.'"
+
+March 2d the Emperor Nicholas died suddenly, and there were momentary
+hopes of peace; but his successor, Alexander, resolved to prosecute the
+struggle rather than yield the positions taken by the late Czar. He
+issued a warlike proclamation, and though he agreed to take part in the
+Vienna Conference of European powers, to be held March 15th, there were
+no signs that he intended to recede from the Russian claims.
+
+Lord John Russell was sent to Vienna as English Plenipotentiary. The
+English aimed to secure the limitation of the preponderance of Russia in
+the Black Sea, and the acknowledgment of Turkey as one of the great
+European powers. To gain these points would, it was thought, end the
+war. Russia "would not consent to limit the number of her ships--if she
+did so she forfeited her honor, she would be no longer Russia. They did
+not want Turkey, they would be glad to maintain the Sultan, but they
+knew it was impossible; he must perish; they were resolved not to let
+any other power have Constantinople--they must not have that door to
+their dominions in the Black Sea shut against them." The Conference
+failed, and Lord John Russell was held responsible for its failure, and
+was eventually forced out of the Cabinet on that account. The failure of
+the Vienna negotiations produced great excitement, and the ministry were
+attacked and defeated in both Houses of Parliament. Mr. Disraeli offered
+a resolution of dissatisfaction in the House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone
+spoke during the debate on the failure of the Vienna Conference, and
+defended the war of the Crimea. He did not consider it a failure, for
+Russia now agreed to most of the points raised by the allies, and the
+only matter to be adjusted, was the proposition to limit the power of
+Russia in the Black Sea. Personally, he had formerly favored the
+curtailment of Russia's power there, but he now thought that such a
+proposal implied a great indignity to Russia. He believed that the
+proposal of Russia to give to Turkey the power of opening and shutting
+the straits was one calculated to bring about a peaceful settlement. The
+time was favorable to make peace. Lord John Russell replied vigorously
+to Mr. Gladstone. The House decided by a majority of 100 to support the
+ministry in the further prosecution of the war until a safe and
+honorable peace could be secured.
+
+But on the 10th of July Sir E. Bulwer Lytton offered the following
+resolution: "That the conduct of our Ministry, in the recent
+negotiations at Vienna, has, in the opinion of this House, shaken the
+confidence of this country in those to whom its affairs are entrusted."
+Lord John Russell again declined to face discussion and resigned. During
+the debate on the motion Mr. Disraeli bitterly attacked Lord John
+Russell and the Premier, Lord Palmerston. But Mr. Gladstone said that so
+far from blaming the Ministry for hesitating about the offers of peace
+at Vienna, he blamed them for not giving the propositions that
+consideration which their gravity demanded, and for abruptly
+terminating the Conference and closing the hope of an honorable peace.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, on the 3d of August, made another powerful appeal for the
+cessation of the war. He held that there was now no definite object for
+continuing the struggle; defended the Austrian proposals; defied the
+Western powers to control the future destinies of Russia, save for a
+moment; and he placed "the individual responsibility of the continuance
+of the war on the head of the Ministry."
+
+But while Sebastopol held out there was no prospect of peace with
+Russia. Finally, in September, that fortress was taken and destroyed,
+and the Peace of Paris was concluded, March, 1856.
+
+[Illustration: HOUSE OF COMMONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+
+IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT
+
+It was in February, 1855, that Mr. Gladstone resigned his seat in the
+Cabinet. After the Treaty of Paris, March, 1856, which put an end to the
+Crimean War, Mr. Gladstone found himself in opposition to the Ministry
+of Lord Palmerston. He had assumed a position of independence,
+associating politically with neither party. The political parties
+dreaded criticism and attack from him, for he was not properly
+constructed for the defense of either. He had himself declared his
+"sympathies" were "with the Conservatives, and his opinions with the
+Liberals," and that he and his Peelite colleagues, during this period of
+political isolation, were like roving icebergs on which men could not
+land with safety, but with which ships might come into perilous
+collision. Their weight was too great not to count, but it counted first
+this way and then that. Mr. Gladstone was conscientious in his
+opposition. He said: "I greatly felt being turned out of office. I saw
+great things to do. I longed to do them. I am losing the best years of
+my life out of my natural service. Yet I have never ceased to rejoice
+that I am not in office with Palmerston, when I have seen the tricks,
+the shufflings, the frauds he daily has recourse to as to his business.
+I rejoice not to sit on the Treasury Bench with him."
+
+In August, 1855, Lord Aberdeen said; "Gladstone intends to be Prime
+Minister. He has great qualifications, but some serious defects. He is
+supreme in the House of Commons. He is too obstinate; if a man can be
+too honest, he is too honest. I have told Gladstone that when he is
+Prime Minister, I will have a seat in his Cabinet, if he desires it,
+without an office."
+
+During 1856, several measures came before Parliament which Mr. Gladstone
+opposed. He vindicated the freedom of the Belgian press, whose liberty
+some of the powers would curtail, and opposed resolutions to consider
+the state of education in England and Wales, as tending to create a
+central controlling power, involving secular instruction and endless
+religious quarrels. He also opposed the budget of Sir G.C. Lewis, which
+imposed more duties upon the tea and sugar of the working-man, and was
+said to be generally at variance with the policy pursued by every
+enlightened minister of finance. Besides, he condemned the continuance
+of the war duties in times of peace. "He was a particularly acute thorn
+in the side of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and criticised the
+budget with unsparing vigor. 'Gladstone seems bent on leading Sir George
+Lewis a weary life,' wrote Mr. Greville. But finance was by no means the
+only subject of this terrible free-lance."
+
+A resolution was offered in the House of Commons expressing
+disapprobation with the English Cabinet for sanctioning, in 1855 and
+'56, the violation of international law, by secretly enlisting the
+subjects of the United States as recruits for the British army, by the
+intervention of the English Ambassador. Mr. Gladstone said: "It appears
+to me that the two cardinal aims that we ought to keep in view in the
+discussion of this question are peace and a thoroughly cordial
+understanding with America for one, the honor and fame of England for
+the other. I am bound to say that in regard to neither of these points
+am I satisfied with the existing state of things, or with the conduct of
+Her Majesty's Government. A cordial understanding with America has not
+been preserved, and the honor of this country has been compromised."
+
+Lord Palmerston, though very popular with the people, had greatly
+offended a large portion of the House of Commons by his interference in
+China. A lorcha, called the _Arrow_, flying the British flag, had been
+seized by the Chinese, and the question arose as to the right of the
+vessel to the protection of England. The opponents of the government
+contended that the vessel was built in China, was captured by pirates,
+and recaptured by the Chinese, and hence had no claim to British
+protection. To bring the matter to an issue Mr. Cobden introduced a
+resolution of inquiry and censure. For five nights the debate was
+protracted, and many able speeches were made on both sides, but Mr.
+Gladstone made one of the most effective speeches, against the ministry.
+He said: "Every man, I trust, will give his vote with the consciousness
+that it may depend upon his single vote whether the miseries, the
+crimes, the atrocities that I fear are now proceeding in China are to be
+discountenanced or not. We have now come to the crisis of the case.
+England is not yet committed. With you, then, with us, with every one of
+us, it rests to show that this House, which is the first, the most
+ancient, and the noblest temple of freedom in the world, is also the
+temple of that everlasting justice without which freedom itself would
+only be a name or only a curse to mankind."
+
+The Premier ably defended himself, but the resolution of Mr. Cobden was
+passed. Parliament was dissolved March 21, 1857, and Lord Palmerston
+appealed to the country. He was victorious at the polls. Among the
+prominent Liberals who lost their seats were Cobden, Bright, and Milner
+Gibson. The Peelites suffered loss too, but Mr. Gladstone was again
+elected for Oxford University. However, Mr. Greville writes, under date
+of June 3d: "Gladstone hardly ever goes near the House of Commons, and
+never opens his lips." But his indifference and silence were not to
+last long.
+
+When the Divorce Bill, which originated in the Lords, came up in the
+Commons, Mr. Gladstone made an impassioned speech against the measure,
+contending for the equality of woman with man in all the rights
+pertaining to marriage. He dealt with the question on theological, legal
+and social grounds. He contended that marriage was not only or chiefly a
+civil contract, but a "mystery" of the Christian religion. By the law of
+God it could not be so annulled as to permit of the re-marriage of the
+parties. "Our Lord," he says, "has emphatically told us that, at and
+from the beginning, marriage was perpetual, and was on both sides
+single." He dwelt with pathetic force on the injustice between man and
+woman of the proposed legislation, which would entitle the husband to
+divorce from an unfaithful wife, but would give no corresponding
+protection to the woman; and predicted the gloomiest consequences to the
+conjugal morality of the country from the erection of this new and
+odious tribunal. Nevertheless the bill became a law.
+
+In 1858 a bill was introduced in the House of Commons by Lord
+Palmerston, to make conspiracy to murder a felony. It grew out of the
+attempt of Orsini upon the life of Napoleon III. The bill at first was
+carried by an immense majority, but the conviction spread that the
+measure was introduced solely at the dictation of the French Emperor,
+and hence the proposal was strongly opposed. Mr. Gladstone said: "These
+times are grave for liberty. We live in the nineteenth century; we talk
+of progress; we believe we are advancing, but can any man of observation
+who has watched the events of the last few years in Europe have failed
+to perceive that there is a movement indeed, but a downward and backward
+movement? There are few spots in which institutions that claim our
+sympathy still exist and flourish.... But in these times more than ever
+does responsibility centre upon the institutions of England, and if it
+does centre upon England, upon her principles, upon her laws and upon
+her governors, then I say that a measure passed by this House of
+Commons--the chief hope of freedom--which attempts to establish a moral
+complicity between us and those who seek safety in repressive measures,
+will be a blow and a discouragement to that sacred cause in every
+country in the world."
+
+The bill was defeated by a majority of nineteen, and Lord Palmerston
+again resigned. He was succeeded by Lord Derby, who once more came into
+power. Mr. Disraeli again became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and leader
+of the House of Commons. The new ministry, which existed largely on
+sufferance, passed some good measures.
+
+The one hundredth anniversary of the battle of Plassey was celebrated in
+England June 23, 1857, to obtain funds for a monument to Lord Clive, who
+secured India to England. The English then felt secure in the government
+of that land, yet at that very time one of the most wide-spread,
+destructive and cruel rebellions was raging, and shaking to its very
+foundations the English rule in Hindostan. Suddenly the news came of the
+terrible Indian mutiny and of the indiscriminate slaughter of men, women
+and children, filling all hearts with horror, and then of the crushing
+out of the rebellion. Lord Canning, Governor-General, issued a
+proclamation to the chiefs of Oudh, looking to the confiscation of the
+possessions of mutineers who failed to return to the allegiance of
+England. It was meant as clemency. But Lord Ellenborough, the officer in
+charge of affairs in India, dispatched "a rattling condemnation of the
+whole proceeding." Says Justin McCarthy: "It was absurd language for a
+man like Lord Ellenborough to address to a statesman like Lord Canning,
+who had just succeeded in keeping the fabric of English government in
+India together during the most terrible trial ever imposed on it by
+fate." The matter was taken up by Parliament. Lord Shaftesbury moved
+that the Lords disprove the sending of the dispatch. In the Commons the
+ministry were arraigned. But Lord Ellenborough took upon himself the
+sole responsibility of the dispatch, and resigned. Mr. Gladstone was
+invited to the vacant place, but declined.
+
+The most important among the bills passed by Parliament was the India
+Bill, by which the government of India was transferred from the East
+India Company to the Crown and the Home government. Mr. Gladstone, who
+opposed the bill, proposed a clause providing that the Indian troops
+should not be employed in military operations beyond the frontiers
+of India.
+
+In November, 1858, Mr. Gladstone accepted from the Premier the post of
+Lord High Commissioner Extraordinary to the Ionian Islands. The people
+of the Ionian Islands, which in 1800 was formed into the Republic of the
+Seven Islands, and was under the protection of Great Britain from 1815,
+were desirous of adding themselves to Greece. But the British government
+objected to the separation and their union with Greece. Mr. Gladstone
+was to repair to Corfu for the purpose of reconciling the people to the
+British protectorate. The Ionians regarded his appointment as a virtual
+abandonment of the protectorate of Great Britain. Mr. Gladstone,
+December 3d, addressed the Senate at Corfu in Italian. He had the
+reputation of being a Greek student, and the inhabitants of the Islands
+persisted in regarding him not as a Commissioner of a Conservative
+English Government, but as "Gladstone the Phil-Hellene!" He made a tour
+of the Islands, holding levees, receiving deputations and delivering
+harangues, and was received wherever he went with the honors due to a
+liberator. His path everywhere was made to seem like a triumphal
+progress. It was in vain he repeated his assurance that he came to
+reconcile them to the protectorate and not to deliver them from it. But
+the popular instinct insisted upon regarding him as at least the
+precursor of their union with the Kingdom of Greece. The legislative
+assembly met January 27, 1859, and proposed annexation to Greece.
+Finding that this was their firm wish and determination, Mr. Gladstone
+despatched to the Queen a copy of the vote, in which the representatives
+declared that "the single and unanimous will of the Ionian people has
+been and is for their union with the Kingdom of Greece." Mr. Gladstone
+returned home in February, 1859. The Ionians continued their agitation,
+and in 1864 were formally given over to the government of Greece.
+
+Parliament was opened February 3, 1859, by the Queen, who in her speech
+from the throne said that the attention of Parliament would be called
+to the state of the law regulating the representation of the people. The
+plan of the government was presented by Mr. Disraeli. "It was a fanciful
+performance," says an English writer. The ministry proposed not to alter
+the limits of the franchise, but to introduce into boroughs a new kind
+of franchise founded on personal property. Mr. Disraeli characterized
+the government measure as "wise, prudent, adequate, conservative, and
+framed by men who reverence the past, are proud of the present, and
+confident of the future." Two members of the Cabinet promptly resigned
+rather than be parties to these proposals. Mr. Bright objected because
+the working classes were excluded. An amendment was moved by Lord John
+Russell condemning interference with the franchise which enabled
+freeholders in boroughs to vote in counties, and demanding a wider
+extension of the suffrage in boroughs.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, though agreeing with these views, declined to support the
+amendment, because, if carried, it would upset the government and bring
+in a weaker administration. He did not propose to support the
+government, but he desired to see a settlement of the question of
+reform, and he thought the present opportunity advantageous for such
+settlement. He pleaded eloquently for the retention of the
+small boroughs.
+
+The bill was lost by a majority of thirty-nine. Lord Derby having
+advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, this was done April 3d. The
+general elections which resulted from the defeat of the Conservatives in
+the House of Commons on the Reform Bill, resulted in returning the
+Liberals with a considerable majority. Mr. Gladstone was again returned
+unopposed for the University of Oxford. The Queen opened the new
+Parliament June 7th. In reply to the speech from the throne an amendment
+to the address was moved by Lord Hartington, proposing a vote of want of
+confidence in the ministers. After three nights debate it was carried on
+June 10th, by a majority of thirteen, Mr. Gladstone voting with the
+government. Lord Derby and his colleagues immediately resigned. The
+Queen being averse to choosing between Lord John Russell and Lord
+Palmerston, turned to Lord Granville, leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Lords. He failed to form a Cabinet, and Lord Palmerston again
+became Prime Minister.
+
+The revolution of the political wheel once more brought Mr. Gladstone
+into office as Chancellor of the Exchequer. It became necessary in
+accepting a Cabinet position to again appeal to his constituents at
+Oxford for re-election. He voted as he did to sustain Lord Derby's
+administration and to settle the Reform question, yet he was
+misunderstood and some of his constituents alienated. He was strongly
+opposed by the Conservative Marquis of Chandos. The Conservatives
+claimed that he should not be returned, because, as Professor Mansel
+said, by his "acceptance of office he must now be considered as giving
+his definite adhesion to the Liberal party, as at present reconstructed,
+and as approving of the policy of those who overthrew Lord Derby's
+government." It was found on the conclusion of the poll, which continued
+for five days, that Mr. Gladstone was returned with a majority of nearly
+two hundred over his opponent. It is worthy of note that this same year
+Cambridge conferred upon Mr. Gladstone the honorary degree of D.C.L.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+
+HOMERIC STUDIES
+
+"The plenitude and variety of Mr. Gladstone's intellectual powers," says
+G. Barnett Smith, "have been the subject of such frequent comment that
+it would be superfluous to insist upon them here. On the political side
+of his career his life has been as unresting and active as that of any
+other great party leader, and if we regard him in the literary aspect we
+are equally astonished at his energy and versatility. Putting out of
+view his various works upon Homer, his miscellaneous writings of
+themselves, with the reading they involve, would entitle their author to
+take high rank on the score of industry.... We stand amazed at the
+infinity of topics which have received Mr. Gladstone's attention."
+
+To solve the problems associated with Homer has been the chief
+intellectual recreation, the close and earnest study of Mr. Gladstone's
+literary life. "The blind old man of Scio's rocky isle" possessed for
+him an irresistible and a perennial charm. Nor can this occasion
+surprise, for all who have given themselves up to the consideration and
+attempted solution of the Homeric poems have found the fascination of
+the occupation gather in intensity. It is not alone from the poetic
+point of view that the first great epic of the world attracts students
+of all ages and of all countries. Homer presents, in addition, and
+beyond every other writer, a vast field for ethnological, geographical,
+and historical speculation and research. The ancient world stands
+revealed in the Homeric poems. Besides, almost numberless volumes have
+been written based upon the equally debatable questions of the Homeric
+text and the Homeric unity.
+
+Some literary works of Mr. Gladstone have been already noticed. "Studies
+on Homer and Homeric Age" shows Mr. Gladstone's classic tastes and
+knowledge as well as his great industry and ability. This work was
+published in three volumes, in 1858. It is his _magnum opus_ in
+literature, and exhibits wide and laborious research. "It discusses the
+Homeric controversy in its broad aspects, the relation of Homer to the
+Sacred Writings, his place in education, his historic aims, the probable
+period of the poet's life, the Homeric text, the ethnology of the Greek
+races, and the politics and poetry of Homer. Among subsequent Greek
+studies by Mr. Gladstone were his 'Juventus Mundi' and the 'Homeric
+Synchronism.' There is probably no greater living authority on the text
+of Homer than Mr. Gladstone, and the Ancient Greek race and literature
+have exercised over him a perennial fascination."
+
+Mr. Gladstone dwells much on the relation of Homer to Christianity. "The
+standard of humanity of the Greek poet is different, yet many of his
+ideas almost carry us back to the early morning of our race; the hours
+of its greater simplicity and purity, and more free intercourse with
+God.... How is it possible to overvalue this primitive representation of
+the human race in a form complete, distinct and separate, with its own
+religion, stories, policy, history, arts, manners, fresh and true to the
+standard of its nature, like the form of an infant from the hand of the
+Creator, yet mature, full, and finished, in its own sense, after its own
+laws, like some masterpiece of the sculptor's art?" The Homeric scene of
+action is not Paradise, but it is just as far removed from the vices of
+a later heathenism.
+
+Mr. Gladstone compares the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," which he believed
+to be the poems of one poet, Homer, with the Old Testament writings, and
+observes that "Homer can never be put into competition with the
+Scriptures as touching the great fundamental, invaluable code of truth
+and hope;" but he shows how one may in a sense be supplementary to the
+other. As regards the history of the Greek race, it is Homer that
+furnishes "the point of origin from which all distances are to be
+measured." He says: "The Mosaic books, and the other historical books of
+the Old Testament, are not intended to present, and do not present, a
+picture of human society or of our nature drawn at large. The poems of
+Homer may be viewed as the complement of the earliest portion of the
+sacred records."
+
+Again: "The Holy Scriptures are like a thin stream, beginning from the
+very fountain-head of our race, and gradually, but continuously, finding
+their way through an extended solitude into times otherwise known, and
+into the general current of the fortunes of mankind. The Homeric poems
+are like a broad lake, outstretched in the distance, which provides us
+with a mirror of one particular age and people, alike full and
+marvelous, but which is entirely disassociated by a period of many
+generations from any other records, except such as are of the most
+partial and fragmentary kind. In respect of the influence which they
+have respectively exercised upon mankind, it might appear almost profane
+to compare them. In this point of view the Scriptures stand so far apart
+from every other production, on account of their great offices in
+relation to the coming of the Redeemer and to the spiritual training of
+mankind, that there can be nothing either like or second to them."
+
+Mr. Gladstone thinks that "the poems of Homer possess extrinsic worth as
+a faithful and vivid picture of early Grecian life and measures; they
+have also an intrinsic value which has given their author the first
+place in that marvelous trinity of genius--Homer, Dante, and
+Shakespeare."
+
+As to the historic aims of Homer, Mr. Gladstone says: "Where other poets
+sketch, Homer draws; and where they draw he carves. He alone of all the
+now famous epic writers, moves (in the 'Iliad' especially) subject to
+the stricter laws of time and place; he alone, while producing an
+unsurpassed work of the imagination, is also the greatest chronicler
+that ever lived, and presents to us, from his own single hand, a
+representation of life, manners, history, of morals, theology, and
+politics, so vivid and comprehensive, that it may be hard to say whether
+any of the more refined ages of Greece or Rome, with their clouds of
+authors and their multiplied forms of historical record, are either more
+faithfully or more completely conveyed to us."
+
+Mr. Gladstone fixes the probable date of Homer within a generation or
+two of the Trojan war, assigning as his principal reason for so doing
+the poet's visible identity with the age, the altering but not yet
+vanishing age of which he sings, and the broad interval in tone and
+feeling between himself and the very nearest of all that follow him. He
+presents several arguments to prove the trustworthiness of the text
+of Homer.
+
+In 1877, Mr. Gladstone wrote an article on the "Dominions of the
+Odysseus," and also wrote a preface to Dr. Henry Schliemann's "Mycenae."
+
+One of his most remarkable productions bore the title of, "The Vatican
+Decrees in their Bearing on Civil Allegiance; a Political
+Expostulation." This book was an amplification of an article from his
+own pen, which appeared October, 1874, in the _Contemporary Review_. It
+created great public excitement and many replies. One hundred and twenty
+thousand copies were sold. Mr. Higginson says: "The vigor of the style,
+the learning exhibited, and the source whence it came, all contributed
+to give it an extraordinary influence.... It was boldly proclaimed in
+this pamphlet that, since 1870, Rome has substituted for the proud boast
+of _semper eadem_, a policy of violence and change of faith;... 'that
+she had equally repudiated modern thought and ancient history;' ... 'that
+she has reburnished and paraded anew every rusty tool she was thought to
+have disused,' and 'that Rome requires a convert who now joins her to
+forfeit his moral and mental freedom, and to place his loyalty and
+civil duty at the mercy of another.'"
+
+Mr. Gladstone issued another pamphlet, entitled "Vaticanism; and Answers
+to Reproofs and Replies," He reiterated his original charges, saying:
+"The Vatican decrees do, in the strictest sense, establish for the Pope
+a supreme command over loyalty and civil duty.... Even in those parts of
+Christendom where the decrees and the present attitude of the Papal See
+do not produce or aggravate open broils with the civil power, by
+undermining moral liberty, they impair moral responsibility, and
+silently, in the succession of generations, if not in the lifetime of
+individuals, tend to emasculate the vigor of the mind."
+
+Mr. Gladstone published in seven volumes, in 1879, "Gleanings of Past
+Years." The essay entitled "Kin Beyond the Sea" at first created much
+excitement. "The Kin Beyond the Sea" was America, of which he says: "She
+will probably become what we are now, the head servant in the great
+household of the world, the employer of all employed; because her
+services will be the most and ablest." Again: "The England and the
+America of the present are probably the two strongest nations in the
+world. But there can hardly be a doubt, as between the America and the
+England of the future, that the daughter, at some no very distant time,
+will, whether fairer or less fair, be unquestionably yet stronger than
+the mother." Mr. Gladstone argues in support of this position from the
+concentrated continuous empire which America possesses, and the enormous
+progress she has made within a century.
+
+In an address at the opening of the Art Loan Exhibition of Chester,
+August 11, 1879, Mr. Gladstone said: "With the English those two things
+are quite distinct; but in the oldest times of human industry--that is
+to say amongst the Greeks--there was no separation whatever, no gap at
+all, between the idea of beauty and the idea of utility. Whatever the
+ancient Greek produced he made as useful as he could; and at the same
+time, reward for work with him was to make it as beautiful as he could.
+In the industrial productions of America there is very little idea of
+beauty; for example, an American's axe is not intended to cut away a
+tree neatly, but quickly. We want a workman to understand that if he can
+learn to appreciate beauty in industrial productions, he is thereby
+doing good to himself, first of all in the improvement of his mind, and
+in the pleasure he derives from his work, and likewise that literally he
+is increasing his own capital, which is his labor."
+
+In his articles on "Ecce Homo" he expresses the hope "that the present
+tendency to treat the old belief of man with a precipitate, shallow,
+and unexamining disparagement, is simply a distemper, that inflicts for
+a time the moral atmosphere, that is due, like plagues and fevers, to
+our own previous folly and neglect; and that when it has served its work
+of admonition and reform, will be allowed to pass away."
+
+The "Impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture" is the title of a book by Mr.
+Gladstone, the articles of which were originally published in _The
+Sunday School Times_, Philadelphia.
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE'S AXE]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+GREAT BUDGETS
+
+The year 1860 marked the beginning of the second half of Mr. Gladstone's
+life as a statesman, in which he stood prominently forward as a
+Reformer. July 18, 1859, as Chancellor in the Liberal government of Lord
+Palmerston, he brought forward his budget. The budget of 1860 was the
+greatest of all his financial measures, for a new departure was taken in
+British commerce and manufactures. Mr. Cobden, in behalf of the English
+Government, had negotiated with France a treaty based on free trade
+principles--"a treaty which gave an impetus to the trade of this
+country, whose far-reaching effects are felt even to our day."
+
+The Chancellor explained the various propositions of his financial
+statements. Speaking of discontent with the income tax he observed: "I
+speak on general terms. Indeed, I now remember that I myself had, about
+a fortnight ago, a letter addressed to me complaining of the monstrous
+injustice and iniquity of the income tax, and proposing that, in
+consideration thereof, the Chancellor of the Exchequer should be
+publicly hanged."
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that the total reduction of duties would be over
+£1,000,000, requiring a slight extension of taxation; that by this means
+nearly £1,000,000 would be returned to the general revenue; that the
+loss to the revenue by the French Treaty, which was based upon free
+trade principles, and the reduction of duties, would be half made up by
+the imposts specified; that the abolition of the paper duty would
+produce the happiest results from the spread of cheap literature. The
+reductions proposed would give a total relief to the consumer of nearly
+£4,000,000, and cause a net loss of the revenue of over £2,000,000, a
+sum about equivalent to the amount coming in from the cessation of
+government annuities that year. The total revenue was £70,564,000, and
+as the total expenses of government was £70,000,000, there remained an
+estimated surplus of £464,000.
+
+Mr. Gladstone concluded; "There were times, now long by, when sovereigns
+made progress through the land, and when at the proclamation of their
+heralds, they caused to be scattered whole showers of coin among the
+people who thronged upon their steps.... Our Sovereign is enabled,
+through the wisdom of her great council, assembled in Parliament around
+her, again to scatter blessings among her subjects by means of wise and
+prudent laws; of laws which do not sap in any respect the foundations of
+duty or of manhood, but which strike away the shackles from the arm of
+industry."
+
+"It was one of the peculiarities of Mr. Gladstone's budget addresses
+that they roused curiosity in the outset, and, being delivered in a
+musical, sonorous, and perfectly modulated voice, kept the listeners
+interested to the very close. This financial statement of 1860 was
+admirably arranged for the purpose of awakening and keeping attention,
+piquing and teasing curiosity, and sustaining desire to hear from the
+first sentence to the last. It was not a speech, it was an oration, in
+the form of a great State paper, made eloquent, in which there was a
+proper restraint over the crowding ideas, the most exact accuracy in the
+sentences, and even in the very words chosen; the most perfect balancing
+of parts, and, more than all, there were no errors or omissions; nothing
+was put wrongly and nothing was overlooked. With a House crowded in
+every corner, with the strain upon his own mental faculties, and the
+great physical tax implied in the management of his voice, and the
+necessity for remaining upon his feet during this long period, 'the
+observed of all observers,' Mr. Gladstone took all as quietly, we are
+told, as if he had just risen to address a few observations to Mr.
+Speaker. Indeed, it was laughingly said that he could address a House
+for a whole week, and on the Friday evening have taken a new departure,
+beginning with the observation, 'After these preliminary remarks, I will
+now proceed to deal with the subject matter of my financial plan.'"
+
+The ministry was supported by large majorities, and carried their
+measures, but when the bill for the repeal of the duty on paper at home,
+as well as coming into the country, came before the House of Lords, it
+was rejected. Mr. Gladstone appeared to be confronted by the greatest
+constitutional crisis of his life. He gave vent to his indignation, and
+declared that the action of the Lords was a gigantic innovation, and
+that the House of Commons had the undoubted right of selecting the
+manner in which the people should be taxed. This speech was pronounced
+by Lord John Russell "magnificently mad," and Lord Granville said that
+"it was a toss-up whether Gladstone resigned or not, and that if he did
+it would break up the Liberal party." Quiet was finally restored, and
+the following year Mr. Gladstone adroitly brought the same feature
+before the Lords in a way that compelled acceptance.
+
+The budget of 1861 showed a surplus of £2,000,000 over the estimated
+surplus, and proposed to remit the penny on the income tax, and to
+repeal the paper duty. Instead of being divided into several bills as in
+the previous year, the budget was presented as a whole--all included in
+one. By this device the Lords were forced to acquiesce in the repeal of
+the paper duty, or take the responsibility of rejecting the whole bill.
+The Peers grumbled, and some of them were enraged. Lord Robert Cecil,
+now Marquis of Salisbury, rudely declared that Mr. Gladstone's conduct
+was only worthy of an attorney. He begged to apologize to the attorneys.
+They were honorable men and would have scorned the course pursued by the
+ministers. Another member of the House of Lords protested that the
+budget gave a mortal stab to the Constitution. Mr. Gladstone retorted:
+"I want to know, to what Constitution does it give a mortal stab? In my
+opinion it gives no mortal stab, and no stab at all, to any Constitution
+that we are bound to care for. But, on the contrary, so far as it alters
+anything in the most recent course of practice, it alters in the
+direction of restoring that good old Constitution which took its root in
+Saxon times, which grew from the Plantagenets, which endured the iron
+repression of the Tudors, which resisted the aggressions of the Stuarts,
+and which has come to its full maturity under the House of Brunswick. I
+think that is the Constitution, if I may presume to say so, which it is
+our duty to guard, and which--if, indeed, the proceedings of this year
+can be said to affect it at all--will be all the better for the
+operation. But the Constitution which my right honorable friend worships
+is a very different affair."
+
+In 1860, Mr. Gladstone was elected Lord Rector of Edinburgh University,
+and the degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, in 1861, introduced one of his most beneficial
+measures--a bill creating the Post Office Savings Bank. The success of
+the scheme has gone beyond all expectation. At the close of 1891, the
+amount deposited was £71,608,002, and growing at the average rate of
+over £4,000,000 annually.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's financial measures for 1862, while not involving such
+momentous issues as those of the preceding year, nevertheless
+encountered considerable opposition. The budget was a stationary one,
+with no surplus, no new taxes, no remission of taxes, no
+heavier burdens.
+
+In October, 1862, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone made a journey down the Tyne,
+which is thus described: "It was not possible to show to royal visitors
+more demonstrations of honor than were showered on the illustrious
+Commoner and his wife.... At every point, at every bank and hill and
+factory, in every opening where people could stand or climb, expectant
+crowds awaited Mr. Gladstone's arrival. Women and children, in all
+costumes and of all conditions, lined the shores ... as Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone passed. Cannon boomed from every point;... such a succession
+of cannonading never before greeted a triumphant conqueror on
+the march."
+
+It was during this journey that Mr. Gladstone made the memorable speech,
+at New Castle, upon the American Civil War, which had broken out the
+same year. There had been much speculation as to whether the English
+government would recognize the Confederacy as a separate and independent
+power, and the utterance of a member of the Cabinet under the
+circumstances was regarded as entirely unwarranted. Mr. Gladstone
+himself frankly acknowledged his error in 1867: "I must confess that I
+was wrong; that I took too much upon myself in expressing such an
+opinion. Yet the motive was not bad. My sympathies were then--where they
+had long before been, where they are now--with the whole
+American people."
+
+The session of 1863 was barren of important subjects of debate, and
+hence unusual interest was centered in the Chancellor's statement, which
+was another masterly financial presentation, and its leading
+propositions were cordially received. The whole reduction of taxation
+for the year was £3,340,000, or counting the total reductions, present
+and prospective, of £4,601,000. This still left a surplus of £400,000.
+
+In four years £8,000,000 had been paid for war with China out of the
+ordinary revenues. A proposition to subject charities to the income tax,
+although endorsed by the whole cabinet, led to such powerful opposition
+throughout the country that it was finally withdrawn. The arguments of
+the Chancellor were endorsed by many who were opposed to the
+indiscriminate and mistaken beneficence which was so prevalent on
+death-beds.
+
+A bill was introduced at this session by Sir Morton Peto, entitled the
+"Dissenters' Burial Bill," the object of which was to enable
+Nonconformists to have their own religious rites and services, and by
+their own ministers, in the graveyards of the Established Church. The
+bill was strongly opposed by Lord Robert Cecil and Mr. Disraeli. Mr.
+Gladstone favored the measure. The bill was rejected, and Mr. Gladstone
+at a later period discovered that his progress in ecclesiastical and
+political opinions was creating a breach between himself and his
+constituents at Oxford.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's financial scheme for 1864 was received with undiminished
+interest. It was characterized as "a policy of which peace, progress and
+retrenchment were the watchwords." An available surplus of £2,260,000
+enabled him to propose reductions.
+
+The subject of reform, which had been coming up in the House of Commons
+in one way or another and agitating the House and the country since
+1859, when the Conservative party was beaten on the question, reappeared
+in 1864. The question of lowering the borough franchise came up, and Mr.
+Gladstone startled the House and the country by his declaration upon the
+subject of reform, which showed the rapid development of his views upon
+the subject. The Conservative party was filled with alarm, and the hopes
+of the Reform party correspondingly elated. "The eyes of all Radical
+Reformers turned to Mr. Gladstone as the future Minister of Reform in
+Church and State. He became from the same moment an object of distrust,
+and something approaching to detestation in the eyes of all steady-going
+Conservatives."
+
+Mr. Gladstone said: "I say that every man who is not presentably
+incapacitated by some consideration of personal unfitness or political
+danger, is morally entitled to come within the pale of the
+constitution." This declaration was the first note sounded in a conflict
+which, twelve months later, was to cost Mr. Gladstone his seat for
+Oxford University, and finally to culminate in the disruption of the
+Liberal Government. The general feeling in regard to this speech was
+that if the Liberal party had failed in its duty on the subject of
+reform in the existing Parliament after Mr. Gladstone's utterances,
+that the condition of things must undergo a change, so great was the
+effect of his speech in the country. The bill, which was presented by a
+private member and lost, was made memorable by the speech of the
+Chancellor. The eyes of careful political leaders were again turned
+towards Mr. Gladstone, and strong predictions made of his coming
+exaltation to the Premiership. Mr. Speaker Denison said, in October,
+1864: "I now anticipate that Mr. Gladstone will be Premier. Neither
+party has any leader. I hope Mr. Gladstone may get support from the
+Conservatives who now support Palmerston." And these expectations were
+known to Mr. Gladstone himself, for Bishop Wilberforce had a
+conversation with him and writes: "Long talk with Gladstone as to
+Premiership: he is for acting under John Russell." Again to Mr.
+Gladstone: "Anything which breaks up, or tends to break up, Palmerston's
+supremacy, must bring you nearer to the post in which I long to see you,
+and, if I live, shall see you." Lord Palmerston himself said: "Gladstone
+will soon have it all his own way; and whenever he gets my place we
+shall have strange things."
+
+The hostile feeling towards the Palmerston government, which had been
+growing in intensity, chiefly on the ground of its foreign policy,
+reached its full height in a fierce battle between the Ministry and the
+Opposition. July 4, 1864, Mr. Disraeli brought forward his motion of
+"no confidence." Mr. Gladstone replied for the government, and sought to
+rebut the accusations made by the leader of the Opposition. He said that
+it was the very first time in which the House of Commons had been called
+upon to record the degradation of the country, simply for the sake of
+displacing a ministry.
+
+An amusing episode which occurred during this debate is worthy of record
+here; Mr. Bernard Osborne "grew amusingly sarcastic at the expense of
+the government, though he paid at the same time a great compliment to
+Mr. Gladstone. He likened the Cabinet to a museum of curiosities, in
+which there were some birds of rare and noble plumage, both alive and
+stuffed. There had been a difficulty, unfortunately, in keeping up the
+breed, and it was found necessary to cross it with the famous Peelites.
+'I will do them the justice to say that they have a very great and noble
+Minister among them in the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and it is to his
+measures alone that they owe the little popularity and the little
+support they get from this Liberal party.' Describing Mr. Milner Gibson,
+the honorable gentleman said he was like some 'fly in amber,' and the
+wonder was 'how the devil he got there.' Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright must
+have been disappointed in this 'young man from the country.' He had
+become insolent and almost quarrelsome under the guidance of the noble
+lord. Should that Parliament decide on terminating its own and their
+existence, they would find consolation that the funeral oration would be
+pronounced by Mr. Newdegate, and that some friendly hand would inscribe
+on their mausoleum, 'Rest and be thankful.'" Mr. Disraeli's motion was
+lost, and the ministry was sustained.
+
+The budget of 1865 represented the country as in a prosperous financial
+condition. The total reduction was over £5,000,000. Such a financial
+showing gained the warm approval of the people, and excited but little
+opposition in the House. It was evident that a master-hand was guiding
+the national finances, and fortunately the Chancellor's calculations
+were verified by the continued prosperity of the country. At a later
+period, in commenting upon the policy of the two parties--Conservative
+and Liberal--Mr. Gladstone said: "From thence it follows that the policy
+of the Liberal party has been to reduce the public charges and to keep
+the expenditure within the estimates, and, as a result, to diminish the
+taxation of the country and the national debt; that the policy of the
+Tory government, since they took office in 1866, has been to increase
+the public charges, and to allow the departments to spend more than
+their estimates, and, as a result, to create deficits and to render the
+reduction of taxation impossible. Which policy will the country prefer?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER
+
+July, 1865, Parliament having run its allotted course, according to the
+constitution, was dissolved, and a general election took place, which
+resulted in the Liberal party being returned again with a majority. Mr.
+Gladstone's relations with many of his constituents were not harmonious,
+owing to his pronounced Liberal views, and his seat for Oxford was
+seriously imperilled. Mr. Gathorne Hardy was nominated to run against
+him. The High Tory party resolved to defeat him, and he was defeated by
+a majority of 180. "The electors preferred the uncompromising defender
+of the Church and Toryism to the brilliant statesman and financier."
+Almost all of the distinguished residents of Oxford and three-fourths of
+the tutors and lecturers of the University voted for Mr. Gladstone, and
+his rejection was entirely owing to the opposing vote of non-residents
+and the bigotry of the hostile country clergymen of the Church of
+England. From the Bishop of Oxford Mr. Gladstone received the following
+indignant protest:
+
+"I cannot forbear expressing to you my grief and indignation at the
+result. It is needless for me to say that everything I could with
+propriety do I did heartily to save our University this great loss and
+dishonor, as well from a loving honor of you. You were too great
+for them."
+
+"The enemies of the University," observed the _Times_, "will make the
+most of her disgrace. It has hitherto been supposed that a learned
+constituency was to some extent exempt from the vulgar motives of party
+spirit, and capable of forming a higher estimate of statesmanship than
+common tradesmen or tenant-farmers."
+
+His valedictory address to his former constituents was short: "After
+an arduous connection of eighteen years, I bid you, respectfully,
+farewell.... It is one imperative duty, and one alone, which induces me
+to trouble you with these few parting words, the duty of expressing my
+profound and lasting gratitude for indulgence as generous, and for
+support as warm and enthusiastic in itself, and as honorable from the
+character and distinctions of those who have given it, as has, in my
+belief, ever been accorded by any constituency to any representative."
+
+One event in Parliament, in 1865, contributed much to Mr. Gladstone's
+defeat: In March, 1865, Mr. Dillwyn, the Radical member for Swansea,
+moved "that the present position of the Irish Church Establishment is
+unsatisfactory, and calls for the early attention of her Majesty's
+Government."
+
+Sir Stafford Northcote wrote: "Gladstone made a terribly long stride in
+his downward progress last night, and denounced the Irish Church in a
+way which shows how, by and by, he will deal not only with it, but with
+the Church of England too.... He laid down the doctrines that the tithe
+was national property, and ought to be dealt with by the State in a
+manner most advantageous to the people; and that the Church of England
+was only national because the majority of the people still belong
+to her."
+
+"It was now felt that henceforth Mr. Gladstone must belong to the
+country, and not to the University." He realized this himself, for
+driven from Oxford, he went down to South Lancashire, seeking to be
+returned from there to Parliament, and in the Free Trade Hall,
+Manchester, said: "At last, my friends, I am come among you, and I am
+come among you unmuzzled." These words were greeted with loud and
+prolonged applause. The advanced Liberals seemed to take the same view,
+and regarded Mr. Gladstone's defeat at Oxford by the Conservatives as
+his political enfranchisement. His defeat was not wholly unexpected to
+himself. In 1860 he said: "Without having to complain, I am entirely
+sick and weary of the terms upon which I hold the seat."
+
+Mr. Gladstone felt keenly the separation, for he wrote to the Bishop of
+Oxford: "There have been two great deaths, or transmigrations of spirit,
+in my political existence--one, very slow, the breaking of ties with my
+original party, the other, very short and sharp, the breaking of the tie
+with Oxford. There will probably be a third, and no more." And in a
+speech at Liverpool, there was something of pathos in his reference to
+Oxford, when he said that if he had clung to the representation of the
+University with desperate fondness, it was because he would not desert a
+post to which he seemed to have been called. But he had now been
+dismissed from it, not by academical, but by political agencies.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was elected to represent his native district in
+Parliament, and he was at the head of the poll in Manchester, Liverpool,
+and all the large towns. The result of the general elections was a
+considerable gain to the Liberal party, but that party sustained a
+severe loss by the death of Lord Palmerston, October 18, 1865.
+
+A new cabinet was constructed, with Earl Russell as Premier, and Mr.
+Gladstone as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr. Gladstone became for
+the first time the recognized leader in the House of Commons, which
+then meant virtually Prime Minister, for with the aged Premier in the
+House of Lords, and the youthful Chancellor in the Commons, it meant
+nothing else. But Earl Russell and his younger colleague were calculated
+to work in harmonious action, for they were both Reformers. The ardent
+temperament and the severe conscientiousness of the leader was the cause
+of much speculation and anxiety as to his management. His first
+appearance as leader of the House was therefore waited for with much
+curiosity. The new Parliament was opened February 6, 1866, by the Queen
+in person, for the first time since the death of Prince Albert. In the
+speech from the throne it was announced that Parliament would be
+directed to consider such improvements in the laws which regulate the
+right of voting in the election of the members of the House of Commons
+as may tend to strengthen our free institutions, and conduce to the
+public welfare. Bishop Wilberforce wrote: "Gladstone has risen entirely
+to his position, and done all his most sanguine friends hoped for as
+leader.... There is a general feeling of insecurity of the ministry, and
+the Reform Bill to be launched to-night is thought a bad rock."
+
+May 3, 1866, Mr. Gladstone brought forward what was destined to be his
+last budget for some years. There was a surplus of over a million and a
+quarter of pounds, which allowed a further and considerable reduction
+of taxation.
+
+The condition of Ireland was very grave at this time, and as
+apprehensions were felt in regard to the Fenians, a bill suspending the
+Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland was passed. Mr. Gladstone, in explaining
+the necessity for the measure, said that the government were ready at
+any time to consider any measure for the benefit of Ireland, but it was
+the single duty of the House at the moment to strengthen the hands of
+the Executive in the preservation of law and order. The bill was renewed
+by the Derby government, and passed as before, as the result of an
+anticipated great Fenian uprising under "Head-Centre" Stephens.
+
+During a debate on the bill for the abolition of Church rates, Mr.
+Gladstone said that the law requiring Church rates was _prima facie_
+open to great objection, but he could not vote for total abolition. He
+offered a compromise and proposed that Dissenters be exempted from
+paying Church rates, and at the same time be disqualified from
+interfering with funds to which they had not contributed. The compromise
+was accepted, but failed to become a law.
+
+On the subject of reform, mentioned in the address, there were great
+debates, during the session of 1866. The new Cabinet, known as the
+Russell-Gladstone Ministry, set themselves to work in earnest upon a
+question that had baffled all the skill of various administrations. As a
+part of the reform scheme, Mr. Gladstone brought forward a Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons, March 12th.
+
+The bill satisfied most of the Liberal party. Mr. Robert Lowe, a
+Liberal, became one of its most powerful assailants. His enmity to the
+working classes made him extremely unpopular. Mr. Horseman also joined
+the Conservatives in opposing the bill. Mr. Bright, in a crushing
+retort, fastened upon the small party of Liberals, led by these two
+members in opposition to the bill, the epithet of "Adullamites." Mr.
+Horseman, Mr. Bright said, had "retired into what may be called his
+political Cave of Adullam, to which he invited every one who was in
+distress, and every one who was discontented. He had long been anxious
+to found a party in this house, and there is scarcely a member at this
+end of the House who is able to address us with effect or to take much
+part, whom he has not tried to bring over to his party and his cabal. At
+last he has succeeded in hooking ... Mr. Lowe. I know it was the opinion
+many years ago of a member of the Cabinet that two men could make a
+party. When a party is formed of two men so amiable and so disinterested
+as the two gentlemen, we may hope to see for the first time in
+Parliament a party perfectly harmonious and distinguished by mutual and
+unbroken trust. But there is one difficulty which it is impossible to
+remove. This party of two is like the Scotch terrier that is so covered
+with hair that you could not tell which was the head and which was the
+tail." This sally, which excited immoderate laughter, remains one of the
+happiest examples of Parliamentary retort and badinage.
+
+During this session the Conservative party met at the residence of the
+Marquis of Salisbury, and decided upon strongly opposing the measure
+proposed by the Liberal government. Mr. Bright characterized it as "a
+dirty conspiracy." On the other hand, the country supported the bill,
+and great meetings were held in its interest. Mr. Gladstone spoke at a
+great meeting at Liverpool. He said: "Having produced this measure,
+founded in a spirit of moderation, we hope to support it with
+decision.... We have passed the Rubicon, we have broken the bridge and
+burned the boats behind us. We have advisedly cut off the means of
+retreat, and having done this, we hope that, as far as time is yet
+permitted, we have done our duty to the Crown and to the nation." This
+was regarded as the bugle-call to the Liberal party for the
+coming battle.
+
+The debate began April 12th, and continued for eight nights. "On no
+occasion since, and seldom before, has such a flow of eloquence been
+heard within the walls of the House of Commons." Mr. Disraeli spoke for
+three hours against the bill, and in his speech accused Mr. Gladstone of
+introducing American ideas of Government, and of having once assailed
+the very principles he now advocated, when in the Oxford Union he spoke
+against the Reform Bill of 1832. Mr. Gladstone's reply was one of the
+most noteworthy parts of this famous debate. He rose at one o'clock in
+the morning to conclude a legislative battle which had begun two weeks
+before. "At last," Mr. Gladstone said, "we have obtained a declaration
+from an authoritative source that a bill which, in a country with five
+millions of adult males, proposes to add to a limited constituency
+200,000 of the middle class and 200,000 of the working class, is, in the
+judgment of the leader of the Tory party, a bill to reconstruct the
+constitution upon American principles.
+
+"The right honorable gentleman, secure in the recollection of his own
+consistency, has taunted me with the errors of my boyhood. When he
+addressed the honorable member of Westminster, he showed his magnanimity
+by declaring that he would not take the philosopher to task for what he
+wrote twenty-five years ago; but when he caught one who, thirty-six
+years ago, just emerged from boyhood, and still an undergraduate at
+Oxford, had expressed an opinion adverse to the Reform Bill of 1832, of
+which he had so long and bitterly repented, then the right honorable
+gentleman could not resist the temptation."
+
+The bill was put upon its passage. The greatest excitement prevailed.
+"The house seemed charged with electricity, like a vast thunder-cloud;
+and now a spark was about to be applied. Strangers rose in their seats,
+the crowd at the bar pushed half-way up the House, the Royal Princes
+leaned forward in their standing places, and all was confusion."
+Presently order was restored, and breathless excitement prevailed while
+the tellers announced that the bill had been carried by a majority of
+only five.
+
+"Hardly had the words left the teller's lips than there arose a wild,
+raging, mad-brained shout from floor and gallery, such as has never been
+heard in the present House of Commons. Dozens of half-frantic Tories
+stood up in their seats, madly waved their hats and hurrahed at the top
+of their voices. Strangers in both galleries clapped their hands. The
+Adullamites on the Ministerial benches, carried away by the delirium of
+the moment, waved their hats in sympathy with the Opposition, and
+cheered as loudly as any. Mr. Lowe, the leader, instigator, and prime
+mover of the conspiracy, stood up in the excitement of the
+moment--flushed, triumphant, and avenged.... He took off his hat, waved
+it in wide and triumphant circles over the heads of the very men who had
+just gone into the lobby against him.... But see, the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer lifts up his hand to bespeak silence, as if he had something
+to say in regard to the result of the division. But the more the great
+orator lifts his hand beseechingly, the more the cheers are renewed and
+the hats waved. At length the noise comes to an end by the process of
+exhaustion, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer rises. Then there is a
+universal hush, and you might hear a pin drop."
+
+"Few, if any, could anticipate at this time, that in the course of one
+short year a Conservative Government would find itself compelled to take
+up that very question of Reform, whose virtual defeat its opponents now
+hailed with such intoxicating expressions of delight." However, the bill
+was unexpectedly wrecked June 18th, by an amendment substituting a ratal
+instead of a rental basis for the borough franchise. The ministry
+regarding this as a vital point, could not agree to it, and consequently
+threw up their measure and resigned office. The Queen was unwilling to
+accept their resignation. But the ministry felt that they had lost the
+confidence of the House, so their resignation was announced June 26th.
+
+The apathy of the people about reform that Earl Russell thought he
+perceived, as far as London was concerned, at once disappeared. A great
+demonstration was made at Trafalgar Square, where some ten thousand
+people assembled and passed resolutions in favor of reform. A serious
+riot occurred at Hyde Park in consequence of the prohibition by the
+Government of the meeting of the Reform League. The Reformers then
+marched to Carleton House Terrace, the residence of Mr. Gladstone,
+singing songs in his honor. He was away from home, but Mrs. Gladstone
+and her family came out on the balcony to acknowledge the tribute paid
+by the people. It is said that Mr. Gladstone, now for the first time,
+became a popular hero. Great meetings were held in the interest of
+reform in the large towns of the North and the Midlands, where his name
+was received with tumultuous applause. Mr. Gladstone was hailed
+everywhere as the leader of the Liberal party. Reform demonstrations
+continued during the whole of the recess. A meeting was held at
+Brookfields, near Birmingham, which was attended by nearly 250,000
+people. The language of some of the ardent friends of reform was not
+always discreet, but Mr. Gladstone appears to have preserved a calm and
+dignified attitude.
+
+In the summer of 1866, Lord Derby had announced his acceptance of office
+as Premier, and the formation of a Conservative Cabinet. The
+demonstrations of the people compelled the Conservatives to introduce
+measures in Liberal Reform. Accordingly, in 1867, Mr. Disraeli and his
+colleagues passed a Reform Bill, which, after various modifications, was
+far more extreme than that presented by the Liberals and defeated.
+
+Owing to a division in the ranks of the Liberal members on the pending
+bill, Mr. Gladstone withdrew from the active leadership of the House,
+but soon resumed it. Mr. Bright said, at Birmingham, that since 1832,
+there had been no man of Mr. Gladstone's rank as a statesman who had
+imported into the Reform question so much of conviction, of earnestness,
+and of zeal.
+
+Not long after this deputations from various parts of the country,
+accompanied by their representatives in Parliament, called on Mr.
+Gladstone to present addresses expressive of confidence in him as
+Liberal leader.
+
+Lord Cranborne expressed his astonishment at hearing the bill described
+as a Conservative triumph. It was right that its real parentage should
+be established. The bill had been modified by Mr. Gladstone. All his
+points were conceded. If the adoption on the principles of Mr. Bright
+could be described as a triumph, then indeed the Conservative party, in
+the whole history of its previous annals, had won no triumphs so simple
+as this. In the House of Lords the Duke of Buccleuch declared that the
+only word in the bill that remained unaltered was the first word,
+"whereas."
+
+"The work of reform was completed in the session of 1868, by the passing
+of the Scotch and Irish Reform Bills, a Boundary Bill for England and
+Wales, an Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill, and
+the Registration of Voters Bill. The object of the last-named measure
+was to accelerate the elections, and to enable Parliament to meet before
+the end of 1868."
+
+In the autumn of 1866, Mr. Gladstone and his family again visited Italy,
+and at Rome had an audience with Pope Pio Nono. It became necessary two
+years later, owing to this interview, for Mr. Gladstone formally to
+explain his visit.
+
+In February, 1868, Lord Derby, owing to failing health, resigned. The
+Derby Ministry retired from office, and Mr. Disraeli became Prime
+Minister. An English author writes: "There was, of course, but one
+possible Conservative Premier--Mr. Disraeli--he who had served the
+Conservative party for more than thirty years, who had led it to
+victory, and who had long been the ruling spirit of the Cabinet."
+
+The elevation of Mr. Disraeli to the Premiership before Mr. Gladstone,
+produced, in some quarters, profound regret and even indignation. But
+Mr. Disraeli, though in office, was not in power. He was nominally the
+leader of a House that contained a large majority of his political
+opponents, now united among themselves. The schism in the Liberal party
+had been healed by the question of Reform, and they could now defeat the
+government whenever they chose to do so; consequently Mr. Gladstone took
+the initiative. His compulsory Church Rates Abolition Bill was
+introduced and accepted. By this measure all legal proceedings for the
+recovery of church rates were abolished. The question that overshadowed
+all others, however, was that of the Irish Church.
+
+On the 16th of March Mr. Gladstone struck the first blow in the struggle
+that was to end in the disestablishment of the Irish Church. Mr. Maguire
+moved that the House consider the condition of Ireland. Mr. Gladstone
+said that Ireland had a controversy with England and a long account
+against England. It was a debt of justice, and he enumerated six
+particulars, one of which was the Established Episcopal Church.
+Religious Equality, he contended, must be conceded. He said, in
+referring to his speech made on the motion of Mr. Dillwyn in 1865: "The
+opinion I held then and hold now--namely, that in order to the
+settlement of this question of the Irish Church, that Church, as a State
+Church must cease to exist."
+
+This speech excited feelings of consternation amongst the
+Ministerialists. Mr. Disraeli bewailed his own unhappy fate at the
+commencement of his career as Prime Minister, at finding himself face
+to face with the necessity of settling an account of seven centuries
+old. He complained that all the elements of the Irish crisis had existed
+while Mr. Gladstone was in office, but no attempt had been made to deal
+with them.
+
+March 23d Mr. Gladstone proposed resolutions affirming that the Irish
+Episcopal Church should cease to exist as an establishment, and asking
+the Queen to place at the disposal of Parliament her interest in the
+temporalities of the Irish Church.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's resolution was carried by a majority of 65, and the
+Queen replied that she would not suffer her interests to stand in the
+way of any measures contemplated by Parliament. Consequently Mr.
+Gladstone brought in his Irish Church Suspensory Bill, which was adopted
+by the Commons, but rejected by the Lords. During the discussion,
+ministerial explanations followed; Mr. Disraeli described, in his most
+pompous vein, his audiences with the Queen. His statement amounted to
+this--that, in spite of adverse votes, the Ministers intended to hold on
+till the autumn, and then to appeal to the new electorate created by the
+Reform Act.
+
+Lord Houghton wrote: "Gladstone is the great triumph, but as he owns
+that he has to drive a four-in-hand, consisting of English Liberals,
+English Dissenters, Scotch Presbyterians, and Irish Catholics, he
+requires all his courage to look the difficulties in the face and trust
+to surmount them."
+
+An appeal was now made to the country. The general election that
+followed, in November, was fought out mainly upon this question. A great
+Liberal majority was returned to Parliament, which was placed at 115.
+But there were several individual defeats, among them Mr. Gladstone
+himself, who was rejected by South Lancaster. This was in part owing to
+the readjustment of seats according to the Reform Bill. But Mr.
+Gladstone received an invitation from Greenwich, in the southwestern
+division, where he was warmly received by the electors. "He spoke
+everywhere, with all his fiery eloquence, on the monstrous foolishness
+of a religious establishment which ministered only to a handful of the
+people." Is the Irish Church to be or not to be? was the question. He
+was returned for that borough by a large majority over his Conservative
+opponents.
+
+Archbishop Wilberforce wrote in November: "The returns to the House of
+Commons leave no doubt of the answer of the country to Gladstone's
+appeal. In a few weeks he will be in office at the head of a majority of
+something like a hundred, elected on the distinct issue of Gladstone and
+the Irish Church."
+
+The feeling was so enormously great in its preponderance for Mr.
+Gladstone's policy of Liberal Reform, especially for the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church, that Mr. Disraeli did not adopt
+the usual course of waiting for the endorsement of the new Parliament,
+which he felt sure would be given to Mr. Gladstone, but resigned, and
+the first Disraeli Cabinet went out of office, December 2d.
+
+December 4, 1868, the Queen summoned Mr. Gladstone to Windsor to form a
+Cabinet. He had now attained the summit of political ambition. He was
+the first Commoner in the land--the uncrowned king of the British Empire
+--for such is the English Premier. "All the industry and self-denial of
+a laborious life, all the anxieties and burdens and battles of five and
+thirty years of Parliamentary struggle were crowned by this supreme and
+adequate reward. He was Prime Minister of England--had attained to that
+goal of the Eton boy's ambition; and, what perhaps was to him of greater
+consideration, he was looked up to by vast numbers of the people as
+their great leader."
+
+December 9th the new government was completed and the ministers received
+their seals from the Queen. Mr. Bright, contrary to all expectation,
+became President of the Board of Trade. In offering themselves for
+re-election, the members of the new Cabinet found no trouble--all were
+returned. Mr. Gladstone was returned by Greenwich.
+
+With the year 1869 Mr. Gladstone entered upon a great period of Reform.
+The new Parliament was opened December 10th. On the 11th Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone paid a visit to Lord and Lady Salisbury, at Hatfield. Bishop
+Wilberforce was there and had opportunity to observe his old and honored
+friend in the first flush of his new dignity. Here are his comments:
+"Gladstone, as ever, great, earnest, and honest; as unlike the tricky
+Disraeli as possible." To Dr. Trench the Bishop wrote: "The nation has
+decided against our establishment, and we bow to its decision, and on
+what tenure and conditions it is to be held, remains confessedly open."
+"But his sagacious and statesmanlike counsel was disregarded. The Irish
+Bishops ranged themselves in bitter but futile hostility to the change.
+A frantic outbreak of Protestant violence began in Ireland and spread to
+England." Bishop Wilberforce notes this conversation at Windsor Castle:
+"The Queen very affable. 'So sorry Mr. Gladstone started this about the
+Irish Church, and he is a great friend of yours.'"
+
+On the 15th of February Parliament assembled. March 1st Mr. Gladstone
+introduced his momentous bill in a speech of three hours, his first
+speech as Prime Minister, which was characterized as "calm, moderate and
+kindly." It was proposed that on January 1, 1871, the Irish Church
+should cease to exist as an establishment and should become a
+free Church.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the Commons, moved the rejection of the bill. In
+opposing the measure he objected to disestablishment, because he was in
+favor of the union of Church and State.
+
+Mr. Gladstone eloquently concluded as follows: "As the clock points
+rapidly towards the dawn, so as rapidly flow out the years, the months,
+the days, that remain to the existence of the Irish Established
+Church.... Not now are we opening this great question. Opened, perhaps,
+it was when the Parliament which expired last year pronounced upon it
+that emphatic judgment which can never be recalled. Opened it was,
+further, when in the months of autumn the discussions were held in every
+quarter of the Irish Church. Prosecuted another stage it was, when the
+completed elections discovered to us a manifestation of the national
+verdict more emphatic than, with the rarest exceptions, has been
+witnessed during the whole of our Parliamentary history. The good cause
+was further advanced towards its triumphant issue when the silent
+acknowledgment of the late government, that they declined to contest the
+question, was given by their retirement from office, and their choosing
+a less responsible position from which to carry on a more desultory
+warfare against the policy which they had in the previous session
+unsuccessfully attempted to resist. Another blow will soon be struck in
+the same good cause, and I will not intercept it one single
+moment more."
+
+The bill passed by an overwhelming vote--368 against 250--and went up to
+the Lords, where stirring debates occurred. But there, as well as in the
+House, the Irish Establishment was doomed. The bill, substantially
+unaltered, received the Royal assent July 26, 1869.
+
+The Annual Register for 1869 declared that the bill "was carried through
+in the face of a united and powerful opposition, mainly by the resolute
+will and unflinching energy of the Prime Minister.... Upon the whole,
+whatever may be thought of its merits or demerits, it can hardly be
+disputed that the Act of the Disestablishment of the Irish Church,
+introduced and carried into a law within somewhat less than five months,
+was the most remarkable legislative achievement of modern times."
+
+The parliamentary session of 1870 was rendered memorable by the passing
+of a scarcely less popular and important measure--the Irish Land Bill.
+Mr. Gladstone, in speaking of Ireland, had referred to three branches of
+an Upas tree, to the growth of which her present sad condition was
+largely owing--the Irish Church, the Irish Land Laws, and the Irish
+Universities. The first branch had fallen with the disestablishment of
+the Irish Church, and Mr. Gladstone, pressing on in his reform, now
+proposed to lop off the second branch by his Irish Land Bill, which was
+in itself a revolution. It was claimed for Mr. Gladstone's new bill, or
+Land Scheme, that while it insured for the tenant security of holding,
+it did not confiscate a single valuable right of the Irish land-owner.
+Mr. Gladstone remarked that he believed there was a great fund of
+national wealth in the soil of Ireland as yet undeveloped, and said he
+trusted that both tenant and landlord would accept the bill because it
+was just. The bill passed, and received the approval of the Queen,
+August 1, 1870.
+
+[Illustration: The Old Lion]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+
+THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM
+
+In what has been denominated the "Golden Age of Liberalism" the Liberal
+party was united, enthusiastic, victorious, full of energy, confidence
+and hope. "I have not any misgivings about Gladstone personally," says
+an English writer, "but as leader of the party to which the folly of the
+Conservatives and the selfish treachery of Disraeli, bit by bit, allied
+him, he cannot do what he would, and, with all his vast powers, there is
+a want of sharp-sighted clearness as to others. But God rules. I do not
+see how we are, after Disraeli's Reform Bill, long to avoid fundamental
+changes, both in Church and State."
+
+Justin McCarthy has well summed up the aims of Mr. Gladstone and his
+party on their accession to power: "Nothing in modern English history is
+like the rush of the extraordinary years of reforming energy on which
+the new administration had now entered. Mr. Gladstone's government had
+to grapple with five or six great questions, any one of which might
+have seemed enough to engage the whole attention of an ordinary
+administration. The new Prime Minister had pledged himself to abolish
+the State Church in Ireland, and to reform the Irish Land Tenure system.
+He had made up his mind to put an end to the purchase of commissions in
+the army. Recent events and experiences had convinced him that it was
+necessary to introduce the system of voting by ballot. He accepted for
+his government the responsibility of originating a complete system of
+national education."
+
+The first great measure of the new administration had been successfully
+pushed through, and, flushed with triumph, the Liberal leaders were now
+ready to introduce other important legislation. In 1870, the Elementary
+Education Act, providing for the establishment of school boards, and
+securing the benefits of education for the poor in England and Wales was
+introduced. By it a national and compulsory system of education was
+established for the first time. "It is important to note that the
+concessions made during its course to the convictions of Tories and
+Churchmen, in the matter of religious education, stirred the bitter and
+abiding wrath of the political Dissenters." The measure was passed,
+while the half-penny postage for newspapers, and the half-penny post
+cards were among the benefits secured.
+
+In April, 1870, a party of English travelers in Greece were seized by
+brigands. The ladies were released and also Lord Muncaster, who was sent
+to Athens to arrange for ransom and a free pardon. But the Greek
+Government sending soldiers to release the captives and capture the
+captors, the English were murdered. The English Minister at Athens was
+in treaty for the release of his countrymen, but the great difficulty
+was to procure pardon from the Greek government. This terrible affair
+created a profound sensation in England, and it was brought before
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone pleaded for further information before taking
+decided steps. But for the arrest and execution of most of the brigands,
+and the extirpation of the band, the diabolical deed went unavenged.
+
+In July, war broke out suddenly between France and Germany, which
+resulted in the dethronement of Napoleon III. England preserved
+neutrality. However, Mr. Gladstone had his opinion regarding the war and
+thus represented it: "It is not for me to distribute praise and blame;
+but I think the war as a whole, and the state of things out of which it
+has grown, deserve a severer condemnation than any which the nineteenth
+century has exhibited since the peace of 1815." And later, in an
+anonymous article, the only one he ever wrote, and which contained the
+famous phrase, "the streak of silver sea," he "distributed blame with
+great impartiality between both belligerent powers."
+
+Among the business transacted in the session of 1870 was the following:
+All appointments to situations in all Civil Departments of the State,
+except the Foreign Office and posts requiring professional knowledge,
+should be filled by open competition; and the royal prerogative that
+claimed the General Commanding-in-Chief as the agent of the Crown be
+abolished, and that distinguished personage was formally declared to be
+subordinate to the Minister of War. Mr. Gladstone announced the
+intention of the government to release the Fenian prisoners then
+undergoing sentences for treason or treason-felony, on condition of
+their not remaining in or returning to the United Kingdom. The Premier,
+alluding to the enormity of their offenses, said that the same
+principles of justice which dictated their sentences would amply
+sanction the prolongation of their imprisonment if the public security
+demanded it. The press and country generally approved this decision of
+the Premier, but some condemned him for the condition he imposed in the
+amnesty. The religious test imposed upon all students entering at the
+universities was abolished, and all students of all creeds could now
+enter the universities on an equal footing. Heretofore special
+privileges were accorded to members of the Established Episcopal Church,
+and all others were cut off from the full enjoyment of the
+universities.
+
+A bill to establish secret voting was rejected by the Lords, but was
+passed the next session. The House of Lords, emboldened by their success
+in throwing out the voting bill, defeated a bill to abolish the purchase
+of commissions in the army, but Mr. Gladstone was not to be turned from
+his purpose, and startled the peers by a new departure--he dispensed
+with their consent, and accomplished his purpose without the decision of
+Parliament. Finding that purchase in the army existed only by royal
+sanction, he, with prompt decision, advised the Queen to issue a royal
+warrant declaring that on and after November 1, 1871, all regulations
+attending the purchase of commissions should be cancelled. The purchase
+of official positions in the army was thus abolished. It was regarded as
+a high-handed act on the part of the Prime Minister, and a stretch of
+executive authority, and was denounced by Lords and Commons, friends and
+foes. Tories and Peers especially were enraged, and regarded themselves
+as baffled.
+
+The condition of affairs in Ireland was alarming. The spread of an
+agrarian conspiracy at Westmeath compelled the government to move for a
+committee to inquire into the unlawful combination and confederacy
+existing. "Mr. Disraeli was severely sarcastic at the expense of the
+government."
+
+The grant proposed by the government to the Princess Louise on her
+marriage aroused the opposition of some members of the House, who
+claimed to represent the sentiments of a considerable number of people.
+It was proposed to grant £30,000 and an annuity of £6,000. The Premier
+stated that the Queen in marrying her daughter to one of her own
+subjects, had followed her womanly and motherly instincts. He dwelt upon
+the political importance of supporting the dignity of the crown in a
+suitable manner; upon the value of a stable dynasty; and the unwisdom of
+making minute pecuniary calculations upon such occasions. It was carried
+by a remarkable majority of 350 votes against 1.
+
+In 1871 the treaty of Washington was concluded. But the Geneva awards
+for the damage done to American shipping by the "Alabama," did much to
+undermine Mr. Gladstone's popularity with the warlike portion of the
+British public and there were various indications that the Ministry were
+becoming unpopular. There were other causes tributary to this effect.
+His plans of retrenchment had deprived Greenwich of much of its trade,
+hence his seat was threatened. Mr. Gladstone resolved to face the
+difficulty boldly, and to meet the murmurers on their own ground,
+October 28, 1871, he addressed his Greenwich constituents. The air was
+heavy with murmurs and threats. Twenty thousand people were gathered at
+Blackheath. It was a cold afternoon when he appeared bare-headed, and
+defended the whole policy of the administration. "His speech was as
+long, as methodical, as argumentative, and in parts as eloquent, as if
+he had been speaking at his ease under the friendly and commodious
+shelter of the House of Commons." The growing unpopularity of the
+Government was evidenced in the first reception given to the Premier by
+his constituents. Groans and cheers were mingled, and his voice at first
+was drowned by the din. Finally he was heard, and won the day, the
+people enthusiastically applauding and waving a forest of hats. One
+cause of unpopularity was what is called "the Ewelme Scandal," and
+another the elevation of Sir Robert Collin to the Judicial Committee of
+the Privy Council.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said: "I have a shrewd suspicion in my mind that a very
+large proportion of the people of England have a sneaking kindness for
+the hereditary principle. My observation has not been of a very brief
+period, and what I have observed is this, that wherever there is
+anything to be, done, or to be given, and there are two candidates for
+it who are exactly alike--alike in opinions, alike in character, alike
+in possessions, the one being a commoner and the other a lord--the
+Englishman is very apt indeed to prefer the lord." He detailed the great
+advantage which had accrued from the legislation of the past generation,
+including free-trade, the removal of twenty millions of taxation, a
+cheap press, and an education bill, Mr. Gladstone thus restored himself
+to the confidence of his constituents, but the ministry did not wholly
+regain the popularity they once enjoyed. The Gladstone period had passed
+its zenith and its decadence had already begun.
+
+During the autumn Mr. Gladstone received the freedom of the city of
+Aberdeen, and made a speech, in which occurred a remarkable reference to
+"the newly-invented cry of Home Rule." He spoke of the political
+illusions to which Ireland was periodically subject, the extremes to
+which England had gone in satisfying her demands, and the removal of all
+her grievances, except that which related to higher education. He said
+that any inequalities resting between England and Ireland were in favor
+of Ireland, and as to Home Rule, if Ireland was entitled to it, Scotland
+was better entitled, and even more so Wales.
+
+Ireland had proved the glory of Mr. Gladstone's administration. Its name
+had been associated with the most brilliant legislative triumphs of
+government. But Ireland was also destined to be the government's most
+serious stumbling-block, and fated to be the immediate measure of its
+overthrow. In the session of 1873 Mr. Gladstone endeavored to further
+his plans for Reform, and consequently vigorously attacked the third
+branch of the "upas tree," to which he had referred. He labored to put
+the universities on a proper basis, that they might be truly educational
+centres for the whole of Ireland, and not for a small section of its
+inhabitants alone. This step followed legitimately after the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church. He introduced to this end a large
+and comprehensive measure, but although it was favorably received at the
+outset, a hostile feeling soon began and manifested itself. Mr.
+Gladstone pleaded powerfully for the measure, and said: "To mete out
+justice to Ireland, according to the best view that with human infirmity
+we could form, has been the work--I will almost say the sacred work--of
+this Parliament. Having put our hands to the plough, let us not turn
+back. Let not what we think the fault or perverseness of those whom we
+are attempting to assist have the slightest effect in turning us, even
+by a hair's-breadth, from the path on which we have entered. As we begun
+so let us persevere, even to the end, and with firm and resolute hand
+let us efface from the law and practice of the country the last--for I
+believe it is the last--of the religious and social grievances of
+Ireland." Mr. Disraeli made fun of the bill, stalwart Liberals condemned
+it, and the Irish members voted against it, hence the bill was defeated
+by a small majority of three votes. Mr. Gladstone consequently resigned,
+but Mr. Disraeli positively declined to take office with a majority of
+the House of Commons against him, and refused to appeal to the country.
+Mr. Gladstone read an extract from a letter he had addressed to the
+Queen, in which he contended that Mr. Disraeli's refusal to accept
+office was contrary to all precedent. But under the extraordinary
+circumstances he and his colleagues consented to resume office, and they
+would endeavor to proceed, both with regard to legislation and
+administration upon the same principle as those which had heretofore
+regulated their conduct. Mr. Lowe, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
+having resigned, Mr. Gladstone assumed the duties of the office himself,
+thus serving in the double offices of Premier and Chancellor. During the
+recess various speeches were made in defence of the Ministerial policy,
+but the government failed to recover its once overwhelming popularity.
+
+On the 19th of July, 1873, Mr. Gladstone lost by sudden death one of his
+oldest and most highly esteemed friends--Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of
+Winchester. He was riding to Holmbury with Earl Granville, when he was
+thrown from his horse and killed instantly.
+
+The end of Mr. Gladstone's first ministry was now drawing near. The
+people no longer desired to keep up with the reforming zeal of the
+administration. Mr. Disraeli's strongly exaggerated description of the
+Premier's policy had the effect of forming the popular discontent;
+Liberal members were deserting him. The Bible was in danger of being
+left out of the schools, and beer was threatened with taxation. The flag
+of "Beer and the Bible"--strange combination--having been hoisted by
+clergy and publicans, the cry against the ministry became irresistible.
+Deserted by the people and by many of his own party, what was to be done
+unless to appeal to the country and decide by a general election what
+was wanted and who would be sustained.
+
+January, 1874, Mr. Gladstone issued a manifesto dissolving Parliament.
+In this document, entitled to be called a State paper for its political
+and historical importance, Mr. Gladstone stated his reasons for what was
+regarded by many as a _coup d' tat_. It is impossible to describe the
+public excitement and confusion which attended the general election thus
+unexpectedly decreed. Mr. Gladstone, recovering from a cold, appealed
+with great energy to Greenwich for re-election. The general election
+resulted in the defeat of the Liberals, and gave to the Conservatives a
+majority of forty-six in the House. Mr. Gladstone was elected, but
+Greenwich which returned two members, placed the Premier second on the
+poll--below a local distiller. Following the example of his
+predecessor, in 1868, Mr. Gladstone resigned. "Thus was overthrown one
+of the greatest administrations of the century; indeed, it may be
+doubted whether any other English Ministry was ever able to show such a
+splendid record of great legislative acts within so short a period.
+There was not one measure, but a dozen, which would have shed lustre
+upon any government; and the six years of Mr. Gladstone's first
+Premiership are well entitled to the epithet which has been accorded to
+them of 'the Golden Age of Liberalism.'"
+
+Before the next Parliament met Mr. Gladstone was to give the country
+another surprise. He was now sixty-four years old, had been forty years
+in active parliamentary labors, and thought himself justified in seeking
+rest from the arduous duties of public life, at least the pressing cares
+as leader of one of the great political parties. When his contemplated
+retirement had before become known to his friends, they induced him for
+a while longer to act as leader, but in February, 1875, he finally
+retired from the leadership and indeed appeared but rarely in the House
+of Commons during that session.
+
+"The retirement of Mr. Gladstone from active leadership naturally
+filled his party with dismay. According to the general law of human
+life, they only realized their blessings when they had lost them. They
+had grumbled at their chief and mutinied against him and helped to
+depose him. But, now that this commanding genius was suddenly withdrawn
+from their councils they found that they had nothing to put in its
+place. Their indignation waxed fast and furious, and was not the less
+keen because they had to some extent, brought their trouble on
+themselves. They complained with almost a ludicrous pathos that Mr.
+Gladstone had led them into a wilderness of opposition and left them
+there to perish. They were as sheep without a shepherd and the ravening
+wolves of Toryism seemed to have it all their own way."
+
+Between the time of Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the Premiership and
+his resignation of leadership in the House, he had quickly reappeared in
+the House of Commons and vigorously opposed the Public Worship
+Regulation Bill. Mr. Gladstone attacked the bill with a power and
+vehemence which astonished the House. The great objection to it was its
+interference with liberty, and with the variety of customs which had
+grown up in different parts of the country. To enforce strict uniformity
+would be oppressive and inconvenient. The bill became law, however,
+though it has largely proved inoperative, Mr. Gladstone also opposed the
+Endowed Schools Act Amendment Bill, which practically gave to the Church
+of England the control of schools that were thrown open to the whole
+nation by the policy of the last Parliament. So great a storm was raised
+over this reactionary bill that Mr. Disraeli was obliged to modify its
+provisions considerably before it could become a law. Mr. Gladstone was
+also active at this time in delivering addresses at Liverpool College,
+the Buckley Institute and the well-known Nonconformist College at
+Mill Hill.
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE'S MAIL]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+THE EASTERN QUESTION
+
+During his retirement from the leadership of the Liberal Party, Mr.
+Gladstone employed his great abilities in theological controversy and
+literary productions. It was during this period that he collected his
+miscellaneous writings, entitled "Gleanings from Past Years." A little
+more than a year had elapsed when he again entered the political arena.
+"He threw aside polemics and criticisms, he forgot for awhile Homer and
+the Pope," and "rushed from his library at Hawarden, forgetting alike
+ancient Greece and modern Rome," as he flung himself with impassioned
+energy and youthful vigor into a new crusade against Turkey. A quarter
+of a century before he had aroused all Europe with the story of the
+Neapolitan barbarities, and now again his keen sense of justice and
+strong, humanitarian sympathies impel him with righteous indignation to
+the eloquent defence of another oppressed people, and the denunciation
+of their wrongs. It was the Eastern Question that at once brought back
+the Liberal leader into the domain of politics. "The spirit of the
+war-horse could not be quenched, and the country thrilled with his fiery
+condemnation of the Bulgarian massacres." His activity was phenomenal.
+"He made the most impassioned speeches, often in the open air; he
+published pamphlets which rushed into incredible circulations; he poured
+letter after letter into the newspapers; he darkened the sky with
+controversial postcards, and, as soon as Parliament met in February,
+1877, he was ready with all his unequalled resources of eloquence,
+argumentation and inconvenient enquiry, to drive home his great
+indictment against the Turkish government and its champion, Mr.
+Disraeli, who had now become Lord Beaconsfield."
+
+"The reason of all this passion is not difficult to discover. Mr.
+Gladstone is a Christian; and in the Turk he saw the great
+anti-Christian power where it ought not, in the fairest provinces of
+Christendom, and stained with the record of odious cruelty practised
+through long centuries on its defenceless subjects who were worshippers
+of Jesus Christ."
+
+Turkish oppression, which had for a long time existed in its worst
+forms, resulted in an insurrection against Turkey and Herzegovina,
+July 1, 1875. This, however, was only the beginning, for others suffering
+under Ottoman oppression rebelled, and all Europe was involved.
+
+In January, 1876, the Herzegovinians gained a victory over the Turkish
+troops. The European powers then suggested a settlement favorable to the
+insurgents, which was accepted by the Sultan. But early in May another
+insurrection broke out in several Bulgarian villages, which was quickly
+followed by the most horrible atrocities. A conference on the Eastern
+question was held at Berlin in May, and soon afterward the English
+ministers announced in Parliament that they were unable to assent to the
+terms agreed upon at the Berlin Conference. This announcement caused
+much surprise and comment in England. Public feeling already aroused,
+was not allayed when it became known that the British fleet in the
+Mediterranean had been ordered to Besiki Bay, seemingly for the
+protection of the Turkish Empire.
+
+June 28th the Bulgarian insurrection was suppressed. On the 10th of July
+the Sultan, Abdul Aziz, was deposed and was succeeded by Murad V, who
+declared that he desired to guarantee liberty to all. Mr. Disraeli
+stated, in the House of Commons, that the steps taken by the Ministry
+would lead to permanent peace. But within two weeks the _Daily News_
+published a letter from Constantinople detailing the massacre in
+Bulgaria by the Turks, which moved all England with indignation.
+Innocent men, women and children had been slaughtered by the thousands;
+at least sixty villages had been utterly destroyed; the most revolting
+scenes of violence had been enacted; and a district once the most
+fertile in the Empire had been laid waste and completely ruined. Forty
+girls were shut up in a straw loft and burnt, and outrages of the most
+fearful description were committed upon hundreds of defenceless
+captives.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, grew "jocular upon the cruelties
+and sufferings almost unparalleled in the world's history," and
+expressed his belief that the outrages committed by the Turkish troops
+had been exaggerated, and sneered at the rumor as "coffee-house babble;"
+while as to the torture of the impalement, which had caused universal
+anger and disgust, that an Oriental people have their way of executing
+malefactors, and generally terminated their connection with culprits in
+an expeditious manner.
+
+In the official report presented to Parliament by Mr. W. Baring, the
+reported outrages in Bulgaria were corroborated. No fewer than 12,000
+persons had perished in the sandjak of Philippopolis! The most fearful
+tragedy, however, was at Batak, where over 1000 people took refuge in
+the church and churchyard. The Bashi-Bazouks fired through the windows,
+and, getting upon the roof, tore off the tiles and threw burning pieces
+of wood and rags dipped in petroleum among the mass of unhappy human
+beings inside. At last the door was forced in and the massacre was
+completed. The inside of the church was then burnt, and hardly one
+escaped. "The massacre at Batak was the most heinous crime which stained
+the history of the present century;" and for this exploit the Turkish
+Commander, Achmet Agha, had bestowed on him the order of the Medjidie.
+Sir Henry Elliot, the English Ambassador at Constantinople, was directed
+to lay these facts before the Sultan and to demand the punishment of the
+offenders. The demand, however, was never enforced.
+
+Prince Milan issued a proclamation to his people, declaring that, while
+professing neutrality, the Sultan had continued to send military forces
+of savage hordes to the Servian frontier. In June, Prince Milan left
+Belgrade and joined his army on the frontier. The Montenegrins declared
+war on Turkey and joined forces with Servia. July 6th the Servians were
+defeated. Thus was Turkey plunged into war with her Christian provinces,
+and all through her own misrule in peace and her barbarities in war.
+
+Mr. Disraeli in a speech made in the House of Commons, August 11th,
+explained that he had not denied the existence of the "Bulgarian.
+Atrocities," but he had no official knowledge of them. He affirmed that
+Great Britain was not responsible for what occurred in Turkey, nor were
+the Turks the special _protégés_ of England. He announced that the
+special duty of the Government at that moment was to preserve the
+British Empire, and that they would never consent to any step that would
+hazard the existence of that empire, This speech, which was
+distinguished by much of his old brilliancy and power, was his last
+speech in the House. On the morning after this speech it was publicly
+announced that Mr. Disraeli would immediately be elevated to the peerage
+under the title of the Earl of Beaconsfield.
+
+In September, 1876, deeming it high time that the indignant voice of
+England should be heard in demonstration of the infamous deeds practiced
+by the Turk, Mr. Gladstone issued his pamphlet, entitled "Bulgarian
+Horrors and the Question of the East." It had an enormous circulation.
+He called for a stop to be put to the anarchy, the misrule and the
+bloodshed in Bulgaria, and demanded that the Ottoman rule should be
+excluded, not only from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also from Bulgaria.
+The Turks must clear out, "bag and baggage," from the provinces they
+have desolated and profaned. The pamphlet, and the latter expression
+especially, produced a great sensation.
+
+The pamphlet "brought home to the English people the idea that for these
+horrors which were going on, they too, as non-interfering allies of
+Turkey, were in part responsible." Soon after this Mr. Gladstone
+addressed a large concourse of his constituents at Blackheath, in which
+he severely arraigned the Government. This address was one of the most
+impassioned and eloquent of Mr. Gladstone's political orations, and at
+some points the people were literally carried away with their feelings.
+
+November 1st, Turkey was forced by Russia to agree to an armistice of
+eight weeks. On the 2d the Russian Emperor pledged his word to the
+English Ambassador that he had no intention of acquiring Constantinople;
+that if compelled to occupy Bulgaria, it would be only until the safety
+of the Christian inhabitants be secured; and urged the Ambassador to
+remove the distrust of Russia prevailing in England. Yet, in the face of
+all these assurances, Lord Beaconsfield delivered a war-like speech, at
+the banquet at Guildhall, November 9th. Informed of this speech the Czar
+declared that if the Porte did not accede to his demands, Russia would
+then act independently.
+
+On the 8th of December there was a great conference at St. James' Hall,
+London, to discuss the Eastern question. The Duke of Westminster
+presided at the afternoon meeting. At the evening gathering Lord
+Shaftesbury occupied the chair. Mr. E. Freeman said: "Perish the
+interests of England, perish our dominion in India, sooner than we
+should strike one blow or speak one word on behalf of the wrong against
+the right." The chief interest of the occasion centered in the speech of
+Mr. Gladstone who was received with unbounded applause. He declared that
+there had been no change in public sentiment in England on the question;
+that the promoters of that meeting had no desire to embarrass the
+Government; that the power and influence of England had been employed to
+effect results at variance with the convictions of the country; that
+Lord Beaconsfield had only recently appeared anxious; and that England
+had duties towards the Christian subjects of Turkey. Mr. Gladstone
+continued that he hoped that the instructions given to Lord Salisbury,
+who had been sent for conference to Constantinople, were not in
+accordance with the speech at Guildhall, but that he would be left to
+his own clear insight and generous impulses; that the conference would
+insist upon the independence of the provinces, or at least would insure
+them against arbitrary injustice and oppression, and that the work
+indicated was not merely a worthy deed but an absolute duty.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, during the recess of Parliament, delivered speeches upon
+the burning question of the day all over England. At Hawarden he
+pleaded that it was the wretched Turkish system that was at fault, and
+not the Turks themselves, and hoped for a remedy. To the electors of
+Frome he spoke of the tremendous responsibility of the Ministers. In a
+speech at the Taunton Railway Station, he said, in reference to the
+injunction for himself and friends to mind their own business, that the
+Eastern question was their own business. And when the Constantinople
+Conference failed he spoke of this "great transaction and woeful
+failure," and laid all the blame of failure on the Ministry. As to the
+treaties of 1856 being in force, his opinion was, that Turkey had
+entirely broken those treaties and trampled them under foot.
+
+January 20, 1877, the conference closed. Parliament met February 8, 1877,
+and the conflict was transferred from the country to that narrower
+arena. In the House of Lords the Duke of Argyle delivered a powerful
+speech, to which the Premier, Disraeli, replied, that he believed that
+any interference directed to the alleviation of the sufferings of the
+Turkish Christians would only make their sufferings worse. He asked for
+calm, sagacious and statesmanlike consideration of the whole subject,
+never forgetting the great interests of England, if it was to have any
+solution at all.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, upon his appearance in the House, was greeted as a Daniel
+come to judgment. He was taken to task by Mr. Chaplin, who complained
+that Mr. Gladstone and others of the Liberal party "had endeavored to
+regulate the foreign policy of the country by pamphlets, by speeches at
+public meetings, and by a so-called National Conference, instead of
+leaving it in the hands of the Executive Government," and intimated that
+Mr. Gladstone was afraid to meet the House in debate upon the question.
+Mr. Gladstone, rebuking Mr. Chaplain, said that it was the first time in
+a public career extending over nearly half a century, he had been
+accused of a disinclination to meet his opponents in a fair fight, and
+promised him that neither he nor his friends would have reason to
+complain of his reticence. Tories and Liberals knew he had not shrunk
+from meeting the public on this question. He was glad that there was a
+tremendous feeling abroad upon this Eastern question. He had been told
+that by the pamphlet he wrote and the speech he delivered, he had done
+all this mischief, and agitated Europe and the world; but if that were
+the case why did not the honorable gentleman, by writing another
+pamphlet, and delivering another speech, put the whole thing right? If
+he (the speaker) had done anything, it was only in the same way that a
+man applies a match to an enormous mass of fuel already prepared. Mr.
+Gladstone closed with the following words: "We have, I think, the most
+solemn and the greatest question to determine that has come before
+Parliament in my time.... In the original entrance of the Turks into
+Europe, it may be said to have been a turning point in human history. To
+a great extent it continues to be the cardinal question, the question
+which casts into the shade every other question."
+
+April 24, 1877, war was declared by Russia against Turkey. The Czar
+issued a manifesto, assigning as reasons for this war the refusal of
+guarantee by the Porte for the proposed reforms, the failure of the
+Conference and the rejection of the Proteol signed on the previous 31st
+of March. England, France and Italy proclaimed their neutrality. Mr.
+Gladstone initiated a great debate in the House of Commons, May 7th,
+which lasted five days. He presented a series of resolutions expressing
+grave dissatisfaction with the policy of Turkey, and declared that she
+had forfeited all claim to support, moral and material. Mr. Gladstone
+asked whether, with regard to the great battle of freedom against
+oppression then going on, "we in England could lay our hands upon our
+hearts, and in the face of God and man, say, 'We have well and
+sufficiently performed our part?'"
+
+These resolutions were of course hostile to the Government, and many
+Liberals refused to vote for them, because they pledged England to a
+policy of force in connection with Russia. Besides the Government gave
+assurances to avail themselves of any opportunity of interposing their
+good offices. The resolutions consequently were lost. Mr. Gladstone was
+not quite the leader of his party again.
+
+Shortly after this debate, and before the close of the session, Mr.
+Gladstone addressed a large meeting at Birmingham on the Eastern
+question and the present condition of the Liberal party. Later on he
+visited Ireland. On his return he addressed, by their request, the
+people gathered to receive him. He expressed his belief that Turkey
+would have yielded to the concerted action of Europe; noticed the change
+in the tone of the ministry from the omission in the Premier's speech of
+the phrase, "the independence of Turkey;" protested strongly against
+England being dragged into war, and warmly eulogized the non-conformists
+for the consistency and unanimity with which they had insisted on
+justice to the Eastern Christians. Political feeling entered into
+everything at this time, but as an evidence of the hold Mr. Gladstone
+retained in the Scottish heart, he was in November elected Lord Rector
+of Glasgow University by a large majority. Lord Beaconsfield was the
+retiring Lord Rector, and the Conservatives nominated Sir S. Northcote,
+the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as Mr. Gladstone's opponent.
+
+The war in the East went disastrously for the Ottoman arms. January 23,
+1878, the Porte agreed to accept the terms of peace submitted by the
+Grand Duke Nicholas.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was invited January 30, 1878, to attend a meeting of
+undergraduates at Oxford, held to celebrate the formation of a Liberal
+Palmerston Club. He strongly condemned the sending of the British fleet
+into the Dardanelles as a breach of European law; and confessed that he
+had been an agitator for the past eighteen months, day and night, to
+counteract what he believed to be the evil purposes of Lord
+Beaconsfield.
+
+In February the House of Commons passed a vote of credit, but on the 3d
+of March a treaty of peace was signed between Turkey and Russia, at
+Sanstefano, the terms of which in part were: Turkey to pay a large war
+indemnity; Servia and Montenegro to be independent and to receive
+accessions of territory; Bulgaria to be formed into a principality with
+greatly extended boundaries, and to be governed by a prince elected by
+the inhabitants; the navigation of the Straits was declared free for
+merchant vessels, both in times of peace and war; Russian troops to
+occupy Bulgaria for two years; Batoum, Ardahan, Kars and Bayazid, with
+their territories, to be ceded to Russia, and Turkey to pay an indemnity
+to Roumania. The terms of the treaty were regarded oppressive to Turkey
+by the Beaconsfield Ministry, who proposed that the whole treaty be
+submitted to a congress at Berlin, to meet in June, 1878. The treaty was
+approved after some modifications. The English Plenipotentiaries were
+the Earl of Beaconsfield and Marquis of Salisbury, who, for their share
+in the treaty, received a popular ovation and rewards from the Queen.
+Thus was Turkey humiliated and Russia benefited, having obtained her
+demands. To the people assembled Lord Beaconsfield said from the window
+of the Foreign Office: "Lord Salisbury and myself have brought you back
+peace, but a peace, I hope with honor, which may satisfy our Sovereign
+and tend to the welfare of the country." But at this very time the envoy
+of Russia, whom the ministry thought to be circumvented, was entering
+the Afghan capital; so that, although there was peace on the Bosphorus,
+as a direct result of the Eastern policy, there was war in Afghanistan.
+The Conservatives were very ready for awhile to use as a watchword the
+phrase, "Peace and Honor," but before long it became the occasion
+of ridicule.
+
+Parliament was called upon to appropriate £8,000,000 to defray the cost
+of the Afghan and Zulu wars. When Mr. Gladstone's government retired
+from office, there was a surplus of over £3,000,000, but the budgets of
+1878 and 1879 both showed large deficits. The people had applauded the
+"imperial policy," "the jingoism" of Lord Beaconsfield's administration
+during the past two or three years, but they were not so appreciative
+when they found it so costly a policy to themselves. The depression in
+business also had its effect upon the country. The unpopularity of the
+Liberal government, which culminated in its defeat in 1873, was now, in
+1879, being shifted to their Conservative opponents, whose term of
+office was fast drawing to a close.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's resolute and splendid hostility to Lord Beaconsfield's
+whole system of foreign policy restored him to his paramount place among
+English politicians. For four years--from 1876 to 1880--he sustained the
+high and holy strife with an enthusiasm, a versatility, a courage and a
+resourcefulness which raised the enthusiasm of his followers to the
+highest pitch, and filled his guilty and baffled antagonists with a rage
+which went near to frenzy. By frustrating Lord Beaconsfield's design of
+going to war on behalf of Turkey, he saved England from the indelible
+disgrace of a second and more gratuitous Crimea. But it was not only in
+Eastern Europe that his saving influence was felt. In Africa and India,
+and wherever British honor was involved, he was the resolute and
+unsparing enemy of that odious system of bluster and swagger and might
+against right, on which Lord Beaconsfield and his colleagues bestowed
+the tawdry nickname of Imperialism."
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE ON HIS WAY HOME]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP
+
+The leadership of the Liberal party had, upon the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone, been turned over to Lord Hartington. His sympathies were upon
+the right side on the Eastern question, but he was a calm, slow-moving
+man. At the proper time he would have taken the right measures in
+Parliament, but the temper of the Liberal party and of the people
+demanded present action and emphatic speech, then Mr. Gladstone came to
+the rescue, and Lord Hartington found himself pushed aside. Mr.
+Gladstone was again in fact the leader of the Liberal party, whose
+standard he had carried aloft during those stirring times when the
+Eastern question was the all-absorbing topic of debate in Parliament and
+among the people of the land. The foreign policy of Lord Beaconsfield in
+1878 and 1879 found a sleepless critic in Mr. Gladstone.
+
+The day after the Parliament of 1878 had adjourned for the Easter
+recess, it was announced that the Ministry had ordered the Indian
+Government to dispatch 7000 native troops to the Island of Malta. The
+order occasioned much discussion--political, legal, and constitutional.
+It was warmly debated. It was thought that Lord Beaconsfield had
+transcended his powers and done what could be done only by a vote of
+Parliament. In the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone condemned the
+proceedings as unconstitutional, and pointed out the dangers of the
+Ministerial policy. Lord Beaconsfield received what he calculated
+upon--the support of the House. For a member to differ from his policy
+was almost to incur the imputation of disloyalty to Crown and country.
+Indeed, Mr. Gladstone was seriously accused of treason by a member of
+the House for an article in the _Nineteenth Century_.
+
+Mr. Gladstone undauntedly continued the contest. He addressed a meeting
+of Liberals in the Drill Hall, Bermondsey, July 20th, in which he said
+that the Dissolution of Parliament could not long be postponed, and
+urged the union and organization of all Liberals, and prompt measures to
+secure such representation as the Liberals deserved in the coming
+Parliament. Speaking of the Anglo-Turkish treaty, he pointed out the
+serious obligations which devolved upon England under it. He added,
+regarding the Turkish Convention, that, possibly it was necessary to
+sustain the credit of the country, but whether that credit should be
+sustained at such a price remained for the people to determine at the
+polls. He rejoiced that these most unwise, extravagant, unwarrantable,
+unconstitutional and dangerous proceedings had not been the work of the
+Liberal party, but he was grieved to think that any party should be
+found in England to perform such transactions.
+
+A great debate arose in the House of Commons, extending over the whole
+range of the Eastern question: The Treaty of Berlin, the Anglo-Turkish
+Convention, the acquisition of Cyprus, the claims of Greece, etc. It was
+begun by the Marquis of Hartington, who offered a resolution regretting
+the grave responsibilities the Ministry had assumed for England with no
+means of securing their fulfillment, and without the previous knowledge
+of Parliament. Mr. Gladstone's speech during this debate is described as
+"a long and eloquent address, unsurpassable for its comprehensive grasp
+of the subject, its lucidity, point, and the high tone which animated it
+throughout." Mr. Gladstone denied that his strictures upon the
+Government in a speech made out of Parliament could be construed as Lord
+Beaconsfield had taken them as a personal attack and provocation. If
+criticism of this kind is prohibited the doors of the House might as
+well be shut. He observed that, "Liberty of speech is the liberty which
+secures all other liberties, and the abridgment of which would render
+all other liberties vain and useless possessions." In discussing the
+Congress at Berlin, Mr. Gladstone said, that he could not shut his eyes
+to the fact that the Sclavs, looking to Russia had been freed, while the
+Greeks, looking to England, remained with all their aspirations
+unsatisfied; that Russia had secured much territory and large indemnity,
+with the sanction of Europe; that the English Plenipotentiaries at the
+Congress, Lord Salisbury and Lord Beaconsfield, as a general rule, took
+the side of servitude, and that opposed to freedom.
+
+With regard to the English responsibilities in Asiatic Turkey put upon
+England at the Convention, he called them an "unheard of," and
+"mad-undertaking," accomplished "in the dark," by the present Ministry.
+Dealing with the treaty-making power of the country, he claimed that it
+rested with Parliament in conjunction with the Executive. The strength
+and the eloquence were on the side of the opposition, but the votes were
+for the Government. The resolutions of Lord Hartington were defeated,
+and the "imperial policy" of the Ministry was sustained. The _Spectator_
+said, that, "Reason, prudence, and patriotism have hardly ever in our
+times been voted down with so little show of argument, and even of
+plausible suggestion."
+
+The next step taken by the Ministry was to undertake war with
+Afghanistan, in hopes of checking the advances of Russia in that
+direction and of redressing grievances. England accomplished her purpose
+in part, but greatly suffered for her exploit. Mr. Gladstone could not
+remain quiet under the "adventurous policy" of the Premier. He condemned
+the ministerial policy which had made the Queen an Empress, then
+manipulated the prerogative in a manner wholly unexampled in this age,
+and employed it in inaugurating policies about which neither the nation
+nor the Parliament had ever been consulted. But arguments were of no
+avail. The Conservative majority in Parliament had imbibed the idea that
+the honor of England had to be protected. Some thought it had never been
+assailed, but Lord Beaconsfield declared it was in peril, and men and
+money were voted to defend it. "So the order was given for distant
+peoples to be attacked, English blood to be spilled, the burdens of the
+people, already too heavy, to be swollen, and the future liabilities of
+this country to be enormously increased."
+
+In November, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Lord Beaconsfield, speaking of
+Eastern affairs, said that the Government was not afraid of any invasion
+of India by its northwestern frontier; but the frontier was "haphazard
+and not a scientific one," and the Government wanted a satisfactory
+frontier. Mr. Gladstone, in a letter to the Bedford Liberal Association,
+asked: "What right have we to annex by war, or to menace the territory
+of our neighbors, in order to make 'scientific' a frontier which is
+already safe?"
+
+In the autumn of 1879 Mr. Gladstone, having resolved to retire from the
+representation of Greenwich at the next election, paid a farewell visit
+to his constituents. At a luncheon given by the Liberal Association he
+dwelt upon the necessity of a Liberal union. The Liberals had, owing to
+their dissensions, given twenty-six votes to their opponents in 1874,
+while the Government had been carried on for years by a Conservative
+majority of less than twenty-six, showing the importance of
+organization. At night Mr. Gladstone attended a great public meeting in
+the Plumstead Skating Rink. On his entrance the whole audience rose and
+cheered for several minutes. An address was presented, expressing regret
+at his retirement, and the pride they would ever feel at having been
+associated with his name and fame. Mr. Gladstone alluded to Lord
+Beaconsfield's phrase respecting "harassed interests," and said he knew
+of only one harassed interest, and that was the British nation. He
+protested against the words "personal government" being taken to imply
+that the Sovereign desired to depart from the traditions of the
+constitution, yet he charged the advisers of the Crown with having
+invidiously begun a system intended to narrow the liberties of the
+people of England and to reduce Parliament to the condition of the
+French Parliaments before the great Revolution.
+
+Mr. Gladstone threw the whole responsibility of the Afghan war on the
+Ministry, and maintaining that England had departed from the customs of
+the forefathers, concluded as follows: "It is written in the eternal
+laws of the universe of God that sin shall be followed by suffering. An
+unjust war is a tremendous sin. The question which you have to consider
+is whether this war is just or unjust. So far as I am able to collect
+the evidence, it is unjust."
+
+In December, 1878, the following resolution was offered in the House of
+Commons: "That this House disapproves the conduct of her Majesty's
+Government, which has resulted in the war with Afghanistan." Mr.
+Gladstone strongly condemned the war with Afghanistan and the irritating
+policy towards the Ameer, and concluded his address with the following
+eloquent responses to the historical and moral aspects of the Afghan
+difficulty: "You have made this war in concealment from Parliament, in
+reversal of the policy of every Indian and Home Government that has
+existed for the last twenty-five years, in contempt of the supplication
+of the Ameer and in defiance of the advice of your own agent, and all
+for the sake of obtaining a scientific frontier." This powerful speech
+greatly impressed, for the moment, both parties in the House, but the
+vote of censure was defeated, and the policy of the administration was
+endorsed. During the debate Mr. Latham made a witty comparison. He said
+that the Cabinet reminded him of the gentleman, who seeing his horses
+run away, and being assured by the coachman that they must drive into
+something, replied, "Then smash into something cheap!"
+
+The Ministry presented a motion that the revenues of India should be
+applied for the purposes of the war. Mr. Gladstone observed that it was
+the people of England who had had all the glory and all the advantage
+which resulted from the destruction of the late administration, and the
+accession of the present Cabinet; and hence it was the people who must
+measure the _pros_ and the _cons_, and who must be content, after having
+reaped such innumerable benefits, to encounter the disadvantage of
+meeting charges which undoubtedly the existing government would leave
+behind it as a legacy to posterity. England gained her end in the
+humiliation of Russia, but there were those who felt that the result of
+the English policy would further the advance of Russia in Europe, and
+that force would never make friends of the Afghans.
+
+In the sessions of 1879 the Greek question came up in the House of
+Commons on a motion, "That, in the opinion of this House, tranquillity
+in the East demands that satisfaction be given to the just claims of
+Greece, and no satisfaction can be considered adequate that does not
+ensure execution of the recommendations embodied in Protocol 13 of the
+Berlin Congress." Mr. Gladstone hoped that even in the present House
+there would be found those who would encourage the first legitimate
+aspirations of the Hellenic races after freedom. The government had
+given pledges to advance the claims of Greece that had not been redeemed
+at Berlin. Not one of the European powers was now averse to the claims
+of the Greek kingdom, whose successful pleadings depended wholly upon
+England for favorable answer. But the government objected, and the
+motion was rejected. In July, Sir Charles Dilke called the attention of
+the House to the obligations of Turkey under the Treaty of Berlin, when
+Mr. Gladstone again earnestly enforced the claims of "Greece, weak as
+she may be, is yet strong in the principles in which she rests."
+
+December 29, 1879, Mr. Gladstone attained the seventieth year of his
+age. His friends in Liverpool, and the Greenwich Liberal Association
+presented him with congratulatory addresses. The journals paid him warm
+tributes for his long and eminent public services. But few thought that
+the veteran that had so successfully gone through one electoral campaign
+was destined in a few months to pass through another, still more
+remarkable, and yet be fresh for new triumphs. In the autumn of 1879 Mr.
+Gladstone resolved upon a very important, and as his enemies thought, a
+hopeless step. He had retired from the representation of Greenwich, and
+he now boldly decided to contest the election for Midlothian, the county
+of Edinburgh. He consequently proceeded to Scotland, in November, where
+such an ovation was given him as has never been accorded to any man in
+modern times. During the period of three weeks he addressed meetings
+numbering seventy-five thousand people, while a quarter of a million of
+people, with every exhibition of good-will and admiration, took part in
+some way in the demonstration in his honor. In this canvass of
+delivering political speeches he performed an oratorical and
+intellectual feat unparalleled in the history of any statesman who had
+attained his seventieth year. Mr. Gladstone addressed large concourses
+of people. When he reached Edinburgh, "his progress was as the progress
+of a nation's guest, or a king returning to his own again."
+
+Midlothian, the scene of Mr. Gladstone's astonishing exertions, was one
+of the Conservative strongholds, under the dominent influence of the
+Duke of Buccleuch, whose son, Lord Dalkeith, Mr. Gladstone opposed in
+contesting for the representation in Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said:
+"Being a man of Scotch blood, I am very much attached to Scotland, and
+like even the Scottish accent," and he afterwards said, "and Scotland
+showed herself equally proud of her son." He spoke at Edinburgh,
+November 26th, and on the following day at Dalkeith, in the very heart
+of the Duke of Buccleuch's own property to an audience of three thousand
+people, mostly agriculturists. At Edinburgh he met nearly five thousand
+persons at the Corn Exchange, representing more than one hundred
+Scottish Liberal Associations. In the Waverley Market Mr. Gladstone
+addressed more than twenty thousand people, one of the largest
+congregations ever assembled in-doors in Scotland, and met with a
+reception which for enthusiasm was in keeping with the vastness of the
+audience. December 5th, at Glasgow, he delivered his address as Lord
+Rector to the students of the University, and in the evening addressed
+an immense audience of nearly six thousand in St. Andrew's Hall. He was
+most enthusiastically received, and he dwelt chiefly on Cyprus, the Suez
+Canal, India, and Afghanistan. "We had Afghanistan ruined," he urged,
+"India not advanced, but thrown back in government, subjected to heavy
+and unjust charges, subjected to what might well be termed, in
+comparison with the mild government of former years, a system of
+oppression; and with all this we had at home the law broken and the
+rights of Parliament invaded."
+
+On the 8th of March, 1880, the immediate dissolution of Parliament was
+announced in both Houses of Parliament, and the news created intense
+political excitement and activity throughout the land. In his manifesto,
+in the shape of a letter to the Duke of Marlborough, the Prime Minister
+referred to the attempt made to sever the constitutional tie between
+Great Britain and Ireland, and said: "It is to be hoped that all men of
+light and leading will resist this destructive doctrine. There are some
+who challenge the expediency of the Imperial character of this realm.
+Having attempted and failed to enfeeble our colonies by their policy of
+decomposition, they may now perhaps recognize in the disintegration of
+the United Kingdom a mode which will not only accomplish, but
+precipitate, that purpose. Peace rests on the presence, not to say the
+ascendency, of England in the councils of Europe."
+
+Mr. Gladstone and Lord Hartington issued their counter-manifestoes. Mr.
+Gladstone repudiated Lord Beaconsfield's dark allusion to the repeal of
+the union and the abandonment of the colonies, characterizing them as
+base insinuations, the real purpose of which was to hide from view the
+policy pursued by the Ministry, and its effect upon the condition of
+the country; and said that public distress had been aggravated by
+continual shocks from neglected legislation at home, "while abroad they
+had strained the prerogative by gross misuse, had weakened the Empire by
+needless wars, and dishonored it in the eyes of Europe by their
+clandestine acquisition of the Island of Cyprus."
+
+Mr. Gladstone began the electoral campaign with a speech at Marylebone
+on the 10th of March, in which he announced Lord Derby's secession from
+the Conservative to the Liberal party; and then he left London to enter
+upon his second Midlothian campaign. At various points on the journey
+Mr. Gladstone stopped and addressed the people from the cars, and it is
+a remarkable fact that wherever he delivered an address the Liberals
+gained a seat.
+
+The first address made by Mr. Gladstone on his own account, was
+delivered on the 17th of March, in the Music Hall, Edinburgh. After
+dwelling at great length upon various questions of foreign policy, he
+concluded with the following references personal to his opponents and
+himself: "I give them credit for patriotic motives; I give them credit
+for those patriotic motives which are incessantly and gratuitously
+denied to us. I believe that we are all united, gentlemen--indeed it
+would be most unnatural if we were not--in a fond attachment, perhaps in
+something of a proud attachment, to the great country to which
+we belong."
+
+In his final speech at West Calder Mr. Gladstone drew a powerful
+indictment against the administration, and placed the issue before the
+country in a strong light. Throughout all the campaign, as the time for
+the general election was approaching, only one question was submitted to
+the electors, "Do you approve or condemn Lord Beaconsfield's system of
+foreign policy?" And the answer was given at Easter, 1880, when the
+Prime Minister and his colleagues received the most empathic
+condemnation which had ever been bestowed upon an English Government,
+and the Liberals were returned in an overwhelming majority of fifty over
+Tories and Home Rulers combined. Mr. Gladstone succeeded in ousting Lord
+Dalkeith from the representation of Midlothian by a respectable
+majority. He was also elected at Leeds, but this seat was afterwards
+given to his son, Herbert Gladstone. At the conclusion of the election
+all the journals joined in admiring the indomitable energy and vigor of
+the orator, who could carry out this great enterprise when he had
+already passed the age of three-score years and ten. Edinburgh was
+illuminated in the evening, and everywhere were to be witnessed signs of
+rejoicing at Mr. Gladstone's victory. The result of the elections
+throughout the country exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the
+Liberals. So large a proportion of Liberal members had not been returned
+to the House of Commons since the days of the first Reform Bill.
+
+Lord Beaconsfield, as soon as the result of the election was known, and
+without waiting for the meeting of Parliament, resigned. The Queen, in
+conformity with the constitutional custom, summoned Lord Hartington, the
+titular leader of the Liberal party in the House of Commons, to form a
+cabinet. But he could do nothing. Then the Queen sent for Lord
+Granville, who with Lord Hartington, went to Windsor April 23d. They
+both assured the Queen that the victory was Mr. Gladstone's; that the
+people had designated him for office, and that the Liberal party would
+be satisfied with no other, and that he was the inevitable Prime
+Minister. They returned to London in the afternoon, sought Mr. Gladstone
+at Harley Street, where he was awaiting the message they brought from
+the Queen--to repair to Windsor. That evening, without an hour's delay,
+he went to Windsor, kissed hands, and returned to London Prime Minister
+for the second time.
+
+Mr. Gladstone again filled the double office of Premier and Chancellor
+of the Exchequer in the new cabinet, which for general ability and
+debating power was one of the strongest of the century. While some of
+the cabinet officers were like Mr. Gladstone himself, without title,
+others were representatives of the oldest nobility of the land. At the
+very beginning the new administration were confronted by perplexing
+questions. The Eastern question, chiefly by Mr. Gladstone's influence,
+had been settled in accordance with the dictates of humanity and
+religion. But there were other difficulties to be overcome. "At home,
+his administration did good and useful work, including the extension of
+the suffrage to the agricultural laborers; but it was seriously, and at
+length fatally, embarrassed by two controversies which sprang up with
+little warning, and found the Liberal party and its leaders totally
+unprepared to deal with them."
+
+The first embarrassing question which arose when the new Parliament met
+was the great deficit of nine million pounds instead of an expected
+surplus in the Indian Budget, owing to the Afghan war.
+
+Foremost among the difficulties encountered was the case of Mr. Charles
+Bradlaugh, elected a member of Parliament for Northampton. He demanded
+to be permitted to make a solemn affirmation or declaration of
+allegiance, instead of taking the usual oath. The question created much
+discussion and great feeling, and Mr. Bradlaugh's persistence was met by
+violence. Mr. Bright contended for liberty of conscience. Mr. Gladstone
+favored permitting Mr. Bradlaugh to affirm on his own responsibility
+which was finally done, but Mr. Bradlaugh was prosecuted in the courts.
+The great difficulty arose from Mr. Bradlaugh's atheism.
+
+A considerable share of the session of 1880 was occupied in the
+consideration of the Irish Compensation for Disturbance Bill and other
+Irish measures. In consequence of the rapid increase of evictions by
+landlords, this protective measure had become absolutely necessary in
+the interests of the Irish tenants. After prolonged debate--very
+prolonged for so short a bill--thirty-five lines only--the bill was
+passed by the Commons, but defeated by the Lords. The result was "seen
+in a ghastly record of outrage and murder which stained the
+following winter."
+
+Home Rule for Ireland, which movement was started in the "seventies,"
+was gaining ground, and every election returned to the House more
+members pledged to its support. Those who were bent upon obtaining Home
+Rule at any cost used obstructive means against other legislation to
+gain their object, but as yet the movement was confined to the members
+who had been elected by Irish constituents.
+
+About the close of the session of 1880 the heavy burdens and
+responsibilities of public service borne by Mr. Gladstone began to tell
+upon him. At the end of July, while returning from home for the House
+of Commons, Mr. Gladstone was taken ill. He was prostrated by fever and
+great fears for his recovery were entertained by his family, his party
+and a host of admirers throughout the country. A great outburst of
+popular sympathy was manifested and frequent messages were received from
+the Queen and many foreign potentates and celebrities. Distinguished
+callers and telegrams continued to arrive at Downing Street for ten days
+while the patient was confined to his bed at home. The President of the
+United States and the King and Queen of the Belgians were among those
+who sent messages of sympathy. "Rarely indeed, if ever, has there been
+witnessed such a general and spontaneous expression of the national
+sympathy towards a distinguished statesman whose life had been
+imperilled by illness."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's large store of vital energy brought him safely through
+his dangerous illness and on approaching convalescence he took a sea
+voyage round the entire coast of England in Sir Donald Currie's steamer,
+"Grantully Castle."
+
+Three years after this voyage around England the Premier visited the
+Orkneys on a similar trip, in the "Pembroke Castle," the poet laureate
+being of the party on this occasion. From the Orkneys he sailed across
+to Denmark and suddenly appeared at Copenhagen, where Mr. Gladstone
+entertained the Czar and Czarina, the King of Greece, and the King and
+Queen of Denmark, and many others of their relatives who happened to be
+visiting them at that time.
+
+A great meeting was held June 21, 1880, in Her Majesty's opera house,
+for the purpose of presenting an address from the Liberals of Middlesex
+to Mr. Herbert Gladstone, who had made a gallant contest in that country
+at the general election. The entrance of the Premier some time after the
+meeting began was the signal for an outburst of enthusiasm. Before Mr.
+Gladstone appeared, the chairman, Mr. Foster, had paid a high tribute to
+the Premier for his great abilities and his self-denial in the public
+service. After his son had received the address, the Premier arose to
+speak, when the whole audience arose to their feet and welcomed him with
+immense cheering.
+
+Mr. Gladstone referred at length to the Midlothian campaign, and paid a
+tribute to the spirit and energy of the Liberals of the whole country.
+The sound which went forth from Midlothian reverberated through the land
+and was felt to be among the powerful operative causes which led to the
+great triumph of the Liberal party.
+
+At the Lord Mayor's banquet, November 9, 1880, Mr. Gladstone's speech
+was looked forward to with much anxiety, owing to the singularly
+disturbed condition of Ireland. Referring to the "party of disorder" in
+Ireland, he said that as anxious as the government was to pass laws for
+the improvement of the land laws, their prior duty was to so enforce the
+laws as to secure order. If an increase of power was needed to secure
+this, they would not fail to ask it.
+
+In 1881, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Mr. Gladstone said that he was
+glad to discern signs of improvement in Ireland during the last twelve
+months; but the struggle between the representatives of law and the
+representatives of lawlessness had rendered necessary an augmentation of
+the executive power.
+
+In August, 1881, at Greenwich, the Liberals of the borough presented Mr.
+Gladstone with an illustrated address and a carved oak chair as a token
+of their esteem and a souvenir of his former representation of their
+borough. On the cushion back of the chair were embossed in gold the arms
+of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with a motto "Fide et Virtute," and above, in
+the midst of some wood-carving representing the rose, the thistle, the
+shamrock, and the leek, was a silver plate, bearing a suitable
+inscription.
+
+The Parliamentary session of 1881 was almost exclusively devoted to
+Irish affairs. Instead of the contemplated Land Act, the ministry were
+compelled, on account of the disturbed condition of Ireland, to bring
+in first a Coercion Act, although the measure was naturally distasteful
+to such friends of Ireland in the Cabinet as Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Bright. Property and life had become very insecure, and there was a
+startling increase of agrarian crime that such a measure was deemed
+necessary. But while passing the Coercion Act, Mr. Gladstone accompanied
+it by a great and beneficial measure--a second Irish Land Bill, which
+instituted a court for the purpose of dealing with the differences
+between landlord and tenant.
+
+This bill--one of Mr. Gladstone's greatest measures--became a law August
+23, 1881. Mr. Gladstone in his speech remarked that the complaint was
+made that the bill was an infringement of liberty in Ireland and was
+aimed at the Land League, but no person or body could be touched by the
+bill unless they violated the law, and then could only be arrested upon
+reasonable suspicion of crime committed or of inciting to crime or of
+interfering with law or order. There would be the fullest freedom of
+discussion allowed. Dealing with the Land League he said it had been
+attempted to compare it with the Corn Laws, but Mr. Bright had
+completely demolished that miserable argument. It was compared also to
+the trade unions, but they made an onward step in the intelligence and
+in the love of law and order among the working classes. They had never
+tainted themselves by word or deed which would bring them into suspicion
+in connection with the maintenance of law. The leaders of the Land
+League were now put forward as martyrs on the same platform as
+O'Connell; but on every occasion of his life-long agitation O'Connell
+set himself to avoid whatever might tend to a breach of law and order.
+Then Mr. Gladstone showed the necessity of the Coercion Act from the
+condition of Ireland, where during the past year there had been a great
+increase of crime, and the outrages were agrarian, and not connected
+with the distress. It was a significant fact that the agrarian outrages
+had risen and fallen with the meetings of the Land League. Nothing could
+be more idle than to confound the agrarian crime of Ireland with the
+ordinary crime of England, or even of Ireland. In regard to general
+crime, Ireland held a high and honorable place, but how different was
+the case with agrarian crime! He referred to the miscarriage of justice
+in Ireland, and said that the bill, if passed, would restore to Ireland
+the first conditions of Christian and civilized existence. But it "only
+irritated while it failed to terrify."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's was a great speech and showed his mastery of details,
+and his power of expounding and illustrating broad and general
+principles. He began his exposition by confessing that it was the most
+difficult question with which he had ever been called upon to deal. He
+concluded with an eloquent invocation to justice.
+
+On the 19th of April, 1881, Lord Beaconsfield died. For many years he
+and Mr. Gladstone had been at the head of their respective parties.
+"Their opposition, as one critic has well and tersely put it, like that
+of Pitt and Fox, was one of temperament and character as well as of
+genius, position and political opinions." The Premier paid an eloquent
+tribute to him and proposed a public funeral, which was declined. Mr.
+Gladstone then moved for a monument in Westminster Abbey to the memory
+of the deceased Earl.
+
+In October, 1881, Mr. Gladstone made a visit to Leeds, for which borough
+he was returned in 1880, but for which his son Herbert sat. He delivered
+several important addresses on subjects which then absorbed the public
+attention, especially dealing with the land question local government,
+and Free Trade _versus_ Fair Trade. Mr. Gladstone said:
+
+"My boyhood was spent at the mouth of the Mersey, and in those days I
+used to see those beautiful American liners, the packets between New
+York and Liverpool, which then conducted the bulk and the pick of the
+trade between the two countries. The Americans were then deemed to be
+so entirely superior to us in shipbuilding and navigation that they had
+four-fifths of the whole trade between the two countries in their hands,
+and that four-fifths was the best of the trade. What is the case now,
+when free trade has operated and has applied its stimulus to the
+intelligence of England, and when, on the other hand, the action of the
+Americans has been restrained by the enactment, the enhancement and the
+tightening of the protective system? The scales are exactly reversed,
+and instead of America doing four-fifths and that the best, we do
+four-fifths of the business, and the Americans pick up the leavings of
+the British and transact the residue of the trade. Not because they are
+inferior to us in anything; it would be a fatal error to suppose it; not
+because they have less intelligence or less perseverance. They are your
+descendants; they are your kinsmen; and they are fully equal to you in
+all that goes to make human energy and power; but they are laboring
+under the delusion from which you yourselves have but recently escaped,
+and in which some misguided fellow-citizens seek again to entangle you.
+
+"I am reminded that I was guilty on a certain occasion of stating in an
+article--not a political article--that, in my opinion, it was far from
+improbable that as the volume of the future was unrolled, America, with
+its vast population and its wonderful resources, and not less with that
+severe education which, from the high price of labor, America is
+receiving in the strong necessity of resorting to every description of
+labor-saving contrivances, and consequent development, not only on a
+large scale, but down to the smallest scale of mechanical genius of the
+country--on that account the day may come when that country may claim to
+possess the commercial primacy of the world, I gave sad offence to many.
+I at present will say this, that as long as America adheres to the
+protective system your commercial primacy is secure. Nothing in the
+world can wrest it from you while America continues to fetter her own
+strong hands and arms, and with these fettered arms is content to
+compete with you, who are free, in neutral markets. And as long as
+America follows the doctrine of protection, or the doctrines now known
+as those of 'fair trade,' you are perfectly safe, and you need not
+allow, any of you, even your slightest slumbers to be disturbed by the
+fear that America will take from you your commercial primacy."
+
+After his return to London Mr. Gladstone received an address from the
+Corporation, setting forth the long services he had rendered to the
+country. Mr. Gladstone, in his reply, touched upon Irish obstruction,
+and announced, incidentally, the arrest of Mr. Parnell. Mr. Parnell, the
+leader of the Irish party, having openly defied the law, had been
+arrested and imprisoned without trial, under the Coercion Act, passed at
+the last session.
+
+On the opening night of the Parliament, of 1882, Mr. Gladstone laid
+before the House the proposed new rules of Parliamentary procedure. The
+_clōture_, by a bare majority, was to be established, in order to secure
+the power of closing debate by a vote of the House.
+
+The House of Lords decided upon the appointment of a Select Committee to
+inquire into the working of the Land Act, including the alleged total
+collapse of the clauses relating to purchase, emigration, and arrears.
+The Prime Minister in the House of Commons introduced a resolution
+condemning the proposed inquiry as tending to defeat the operation of
+the Land Act and as injurious to the good government of Ireland.
+
+Early in May, 1882, the whole country was startled and terrified by the
+news of the assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish, the new chief
+secretary for Ireland, and Mr. Burke under-secretary, in the Phoenix
+Park, Dublin. A social revolution was raging in Ireland. Outrages and
+murders had been fearfully frequent, and such brutal murders as those of
+Mrs. Smythe and Mr. Herbert had filled England with terror. In the
+first week of May announcement was made that Earl Cowper had resigned
+the Viceroyalty. Rather than share the responsibility of releasing Mr.
+Parnell, Mr. Dillon and Mr. O'Kelly, Mr. Forster left the Cabinet. Lord
+Spencer was appointed to the Viceroyalty, and Lord Frederick Cavendish
+succeeded Mr. Forster, and two days thereafter all England was thrilled
+with sorrow and indignation by the terrible news of the assassination in
+Phoenix Park. The news shattered the hopes of many concerning Ireland,
+and fell with special severity upon Mr. Gladstone, because he and Lord
+Cavendish enjoyed the closest friendship. The government presented a
+Prevention of Crimes Bill of a very stringent character. In the course
+of debate warm discussions arose over an "understanding" called, "The
+Kilmainham Compact," but Mr. Gladstone successfully defended the
+government in regard to its supposed negotiations with Mr. Parnell. This
+bill was directed against secret societies and illegal combinations, and
+it was hoped that as the Land League party had expressed its horror at
+the Phoenix Park crime, and charged that it was the work of American
+conspirators, they would allow the measure speedily to become law. Mr.
+Bright declared that the bill would harm no innocent person, and
+explained his own doctrine, that "Force is no remedy," was intended to
+apply not to outrages, but to grievances. For three weeks Mr. Parnell
+and his followers obstructed legislation in every conceivable way, and
+were finally suspended for systematic obstruction. The obstructionists
+removed, the bill was then passed, after a sitting of twenty-eight
+hours. The measure was passed by the Lords July 7th, and the Queen
+signed the bill July 12th. A crisis nearly arose between the Lords and
+the Commons over the Irish Arrears Bill, but the Lords finally yielded.
+
+[Illustration: GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE
+
+It is our purpose next to trace the events that led to the overthrow of
+the Second Administration of Mr. Gladstone, and to the formation of his
+Third Cabinet. The question that seemed to begin the work of weakening
+the foundations of his existing government was their policy in regard to
+Egypt, which began with the occupation of Egypt in 1882.
+
+The budget of the session of 1882 was presented by Mr. Gladstone April
+24th. It was not expected that anything novel in the way of legislation
+would be attempted in it. But its main interest was in this, that it
+proposed a vote of credit for the Egyptian Expedition, which was to be
+provided for by addition to the income-tax, making it sixpence
+half-penny in the pound for the year. The financial proposals were
+agreed to. In the course of the session Mr. Bright resigned his place in
+the Cabinet on the ground that the intervention in Egypt was a manifest
+violation of the moral law, that the Government had interfered by force
+of arms in Egypt, and directed the bombardment of Alexandria. Mr.
+Gladstone denied that the Ministry were at war with Egypt, and stated
+that the measures taken at Alexandria were strictly measures of
+self-defence. In justifying his resignation Mr. Bright said there had
+been a manifest violation of the moral law; but the Premier, while
+agreeing with his late colleague generally on the question of the moral
+law differed from him as to this particular application of it.
+
+The Prime Minister attended the Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Mansion
+House, August 9, 1882. In replying to the toast to Her Majesty's
+Ministers, after some preliminary remarks, Mr. Gladstone alluded to the
+campaign in Egypt, which had been so much discussed, and said: "Let it
+be well understood for what we go and for what we do not go to Egypt. We
+do not go to make war on its people, but to rescue them from the
+oppression of a military tyranny which at present extinguishes every
+free voice and chains every man of the people of that country. We do not
+go to make war on the Mohammedan religion, for it is amongst the
+proudest distinctions of Christianity to establish tolerance, and we
+know that wherever the British rule exists, the same respect which we
+claim for the exercise of our own conscientious convictions is yielded
+to the professors of every other faith on the surface of the globe. We
+do not, my Lord Mayor, go to repress the growth of Egyptian liberties.
+We wish them well; for we have no other interest in Egypt, which cannot
+in any other way so well and so effectually attain her own prosperity as
+by the enjoyment of a well regulated, and an expanding freedom."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's confidence respecting the early termination of the war
+in Egypt was somewhat justified by Sir Garnet Wolseley's victory at
+Tel-el-Kebir, but the future relations of England with Egypt were still
+left an open subject of discussion and speculation. Again, November 9th,
+at the banquet at the Guildhall, to the Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Gladstone
+spoke. He called attention to the settlement of the troubles in the East
+of Europe, congratulating his hearers on the removal by the naval and
+military forces of the Egyptian difficulty, and calling attention to
+Ireland, compared its condition with that of the previous March and
+October, 1881, showing a diminution of agrarian crime to the extent of
+four-fifths. This happy result had been brought about, not by coercive
+means alone, but by the exercise of remedial measures. "If the people of
+Ireland were willing to walk in the ways of legality, England was
+strong, and generous, and free enough to entertain in a friendly and
+kindly spirit any demand which they might make."
+
+On the 13th of December, 1882, Mr. Gladstone's political jubilee was
+celebrated. Fifty years before, on that day, he had been returned to
+Parliament as member for Newark. A large number of congratulatory
+addresses, letters, and telegrams complimenting him on the completion of
+his fifty years of parliamentary service were received by him. He had
+entered the first Reformed Parliament as a conservative, had gone ever
+forward in the path of reform, and was yet to lead in greater measures
+of reform.
+
+The excellent prospects regarding domestic measures with which the
+session of 1883 was opened were dispelled by prolonged and fruitless
+debates on measures proposed and on the address from the Queen. But Mr.
+Gladstone was absent, the state of his health requiring him to pass
+several weeks at Cannes. He returned home in March greatly invigorated,
+and at once threw himself with wonted ardour into the parliamentary
+conflict. Mr. Parnell offered a bill to amend the Irish Land Act of
+1887, which was opposed by the Premier and lost.
+
+An affirmation bill was introduced at this session by the Government,
+which provided that members who objected to taking the oath might have
+the privilege of affirming. The opposition spoke of the measure as a
+"Bradlaugh Relief Bill." Its rejection was moved, and in its defense
+Mr. Gladstone made one of his best speeches, which was warmly applauded.
+He said: "I must painfully record my opinion, that grave injury has been
+done to religion in many minds--not in instructed minds, but in those
+which are ill-instructed or partially instructed--in consequence of
+things which ought never to have occurred. Great mischief has been done
+in many minds by a resistance offered to the man elected by the
+constituency of Northampton, which a portion of the people believe to be
+unjust. When they see the profession of religion and the interests of
+religion, ostensibly associated with what they are deeply convinced is
+injustice, it leads to questions about religion itself, which commonly
+end in impairing those convictions, and that belief, the loss of which I
+believe to be the most inexpressible calamity which can fall either upon
+a man or upon a nation." But the measure was lost.
+
+During the session of 1883 the Bankruptcy Bill and the Patents Bill were
+both passed, and effected reforms which had long been felt to be
+necessary. The Corrupt Practices Act was designed to remove from British
+parliamentary and borough elections the stigma which attached to them in
+so many parts of the country. The Government was checked, however, in
+its policy in the Transvaal, and Mr. Childers' action in regard to the
+Suez Canal.
+
+Mr. Gladstone attended, in March, the celebration of the inauguration
+of the National Liberal party, predicting for it a useful and brilliant
+future, if it remained faithful to its time-honored principles and
+traditions.
+
+Sir Stafford Northcote, in the session of 1884, moved a vote of censure,
+and vigorously attacked the Egyptian policy of the administration. Mr.
+Gladstone defended the ministerial action with spirit and effect. He
+declared that the Government had found, and not made, the situation in
+Egypt and the Soudan. The Prime Minister "traced all the mischief to
+Lord Salisbury's dual control. Though the motive and object had been to
+secure a better government for Egypt, a great error had been committed.
+The British Government had fulfilled all the obligations imposed upon
+them, and they were acting for the benefit of the civilized world.
+Reforms had been effected in the judicature, legislature, police, and
+military organizations of Egypt; and they were resolved to see all the
+vital points recommended carried out by the Khedive's Government. As to
+the war in the Soudan, it was hateful to the people of Egypt; and
+England declined to have anything to do with the reconquest of the
+Soudan.... General Gordon, whom Mr. Gladstone characterized as a hero
+and a genius, had been despatched to Khartoum for the purpose of
+withdrawing, if possible, in safety the 29,000 soldiers of the Khedive
+scattered over the Soudan. The General's mission was not the reconquest
+of the Soudan, but its peaceful evacuation, and the reconstruction of
+the country, by giving back to the Sultan the ancestral power which had
+been suspended during the Egyptian occupation. The Government had to
+consider in any steps which they took the danger of thwarting Gordon's
+peaceful mission and endangering his life." Mr. Gladstone said that the
+policy of the Government was to "rescue and retire." Sir S. Northcote's
+resolution was rejected by 311 to 292 votes, showing the growing
+strength of the Opposition.
+
+The pacific mission of General Gordon to Khartoum having failed, there
+was great solicitude felt for that gallant soldier's welfare and safety.
+Sir M. Hicks-Beach offered another vote of censure, complaining of the
+dilatory conduct of the Government for not taking steps to secure the
+safety of General Gordon. Mr. Gladstone, in reply, admitted the
+obligations of the Government to General Gordon, and stated that on
+reasonable proof of danger he would be assisted. "The nation would never
+grudge adequate efforts for the protection of its agents, but it was the
+duty of the Government to consider the treasure, the blood, and the
+honor of the country, together with the circumstances of the time, the
+season, the climate, and the military difficulties. Conscious of what
+their obligations were, they would continue to use their best endeavours
+to fulfil them, unmoved by the threats and the captious criticisms of
+the Opposition." The proposed censure was defeated.
+
+A conference of European powers was held on Egyptian affairs, but was
+abortive; and Mr. Gladstone while announcing that he wished to get out
+of Egypt as soon as circumstances would allow, admitted that
+institutions, however good, were not likely to survive the withdrawal of
+our troops. Lord Northbrook was next despatched by the government on a
+mission to Egypt, with the object of rescuing her from her financial
+embarrassments, and averting the impending dangers of a national
+bankruptcy.
+
+In February, 1884, Mr. Gladstone introduced the Government Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons. It was a great measure and proposed to
+complete the work of parliamentary reform by conferring the suffrage
+upon every person in the United Kingdom who was the head of a household.
+Mr. Gladstone said that the results of the bill would be to add to the
+English constituency upwards of 1,300,000 voters; to the Scotch
+constituency over 200,000 voters; and to the Irish constituency over
+400,000 voters; which would add to the aggregate constituency of the
+United Kingdom, which was then 3,000,000 voters, 2,000,000 more, or
+nearly twice as many as were added in 1832. The Premier appealed for
+union on this great reform, and observed: "Let us hold firmly together,
+and success will crown our efforts. You will, as much as any former
+Parliament that has conferred great legislative benefits on the nation,
+have your reward, and read your history in a nation's eyes; for you will
+have deserved all the benefits you will have conferred. You will have
+made a strong nation stronger still--stronger in union without, and
+stronger against its foes (if and when it has any foes) within; stronger
+in union between class and class, and in rallying all classes and
+portions of the community in one solid compact mass round the ancient
+Throne which it has loved so well, and round the Constitution, now to be
+more than ever free and more than ever powerful."
+
+The measure was warmly debated. Besides this opposition there were,
+outside of the House, ominous utterances threatening the rejection of
+the scheme. Mr. Gladstone, referring to these hostile murmurings, said
+that hitherto the attitude of the government had been, in Shakespeare's
+words, "Beware of entrance to a quarrel; but, being in, bear it, that
+the opposer may beware of thee." He deprecated a quarrel and declared
+that the government had done everything to prevent a collision between
+the two Houses of Parliament on this question, which would open up a
+prospect more serious than any he remembered since the first
+Reform Bill.
+
+The House of Lords passed a resolution to the effect that the Lords
+would not concur in any measure of reform without having the complete
+bill before them, including the redistribution and registration, as well
+as an extension of the suffrage. The Premier promised to introduce a
+Redistribution Bill in the following session, but Lord Salisbury, since
+the death of Lord Beaconsfield, the leader of the Conservative party,
+declined to discuss the Redistribution Bill, "with a rope around his
+neck," by which he meant a franchise act under which his party must
+appeal to the country. Negotiations followed between the Liberal and
+Conservative leaders with fruitless results, and the House of Lords
+finally passed a resolution that it would be desirable for Parliament to
+have an autumn session, to consider the Representation of the People
+Bill, in connection with the Redistribution Bill, which the government
+had brought before Parliament.
+
+Public meetings were held at various places throughout the country, and
+the question of the enlargement of the franchise discussed. The policy
+of the Tories was strongly condemned at many large and influential
+public gatherings. In August Mr. Gladstone visited Midlothian and
+delivered a powerful address in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. He
+explained that the special purpose for which he appeared before his
+constituents was to promote, by every legitimate means in his power, the
+speedy passage of the Franchise Bill. "The unfortunate rejection of the
+measure," he observed, "had already drawn in its train other questions
+of the gravest kind, and the vast proportion of the people would soon be
+asking whether an organic change was not required in the House of Lords.
+He, however, did not believe that the House of Lords had as yet placed
+itself in a position of irretrievable error. He believed that it was
+possible for it to go back, and to go back with dignity and honor."
+
+With regard to the foreign policy of the Government, which had been
+attacked and compared unfavorably with the Midlothian programme of 1879,
+Mr. Gladstone defended it with spirit. He expressed his satisfaction
+with the expansion of Germany abroad, and reviewed the policy of the
+Government in Eastern Europe, Afghanistan, India and South Africa. As to
+the Transvaal, he contended that "they were strong and could afford to
+be merciful," and that it was not possible without the grossest and most
+shameful breach of faith to persist in holding the Boers to annexation,
+"when we had pledged ourselves beforehand that they should not be
+annexed except with their own good will." In reply to the oft-repeated
+question, "What took you to Egypt?" the Premier said: "Honor and
+plighted faith." The covenants they were keeping were those entered into
+by their Tory predecessors, and most unfortunate and most unwise he
+considered them to be. The Government had respected the sovereignty of
+the Porte and the title of the European Powers to be concerned in all
+matters territorially affecting the Turkish Empire; they had discouraged
+the spirit of aggression as well as they could, and had contracted no
+embarrassing engagements. Great improvements had been introduced in the
+administration of Egypt, but he regretted the total failure of the late
+Conference of the Powers to solve the problem of Egyptian finance. With
+regard to General Gordon the Government were considering the best means
+to be adopted for fulfilling their obligations.
+
+Parliament met in October, 1884. The Franchise Bill was introduced and
+sent to the House of Lords, and the Redistribution Bill, upon which a
+compromise with the Conservatives had been reached, was presented in the
+House of Commons. The measure, as altered, proposed to disfranchise all
+boroughs with a population under 15,000, to give only one member to
+towns with a population between 15,000 and 50,000, and to take one
+member each from the counties of Rutland and Hereford. By this
+arrangement one hundred and sixty seats would be "extinguished," which,
+with the six seats extinguished before, would be revived and distributed
+as follows: "Eight new boroughs would be created, the representation of
+London, Liverpool, and other large cities and towns would be greatly
+increased, while in dealing with the remainder of the seats
+unappropriated, the Government would apply equal electoral areas
+throughout the country." The Franchise Bill--a truly democratic
+bill---was carried through both Houses, and became a law. The
+Redistribution Bill was carried, January, 1885, after animated debate.
+Registration measures were also passed for England, Scotland and
+Ireland, which received the royal assent May 21st.
+
+January, 1885, Mr. Gladstone wrote a kindly, serious, yet courtly letter
+of congratulation to Prince Albert Victor, eldest son of the Prince of
+Wales and heir presumptive to the Crown, on the attainment of
+his majority.
+
+In the hour of triumph the government was doomed to receive a stunning
+blow. The news of the fall of Khartoum and the untimely death of General
+Gordon sent a thrill of horror and indignation throughout England. The
+government was seriously condemned for its procrastination in not
+sending timely relief, for the rescue of the imperiled English. But when
+the facts became fully known it was found that no blame could be
+attached to Mr. Gladstone, who was himself strongly moved by the death
+of General Gordon, whose work and character he highly esteemed. The
+Prime Minister was, however, equal to the emergency, and announced that
+it was necessary to overthrow the Mahdi at Khartoum, to renew operations
+against Osman Digna, and to construct a railway from Suakin to Berber
+with a view to a campaign in the fall. The reserves were called out by
+royal proclamation.
+
+However, these measures met with opposition. Sir Stafford Northcote
+brought forward a motion affirming that the risks and sacrifices which
+the government appeared to be ready to encounter could only be justified
+by a distinct recognition of England's responsibility for Egypt, and
+those portions of the Soudan which were necessary to its security. An
+amendment was proposed by Mr. John Morley, but regretting its decision
+to continue the conflict with the Mahdi. Mr. Gladstone replied forcibly
+to both motion and amendment, and appealed to the Liberal party to
+sustain the administration and its policy by an unmistakable vote of
+confidence. The government was sustained.
+
+The Great Powers of Europe, in convention for the settlement of the
+finances of Egypt, had concluded that it would require a loan of
+£9,000,000 to save Egypt from bankruptcy. This loan was to be issued on
+an international guarantee, with an international inquiry at the end of
+two years into the success of the scheme. This plan of adjustment was
+agreed to by the House. A short time after this settlement Mr. Gladstone
+announced a vote of credit to provide against any danger from Russian
+action, stated that no farther operations would be undertaken either on
+the Nile or near Suakin, and that General Graham's campaign would be
+abandoned, as well as the construction of the new railway.
+
+Great excitement was created in England by the announcement of the
+advance of the Russians on the Indian frontier. March 13th Mr. Gladstone
+stated in the House that as the protests formerly made against the
+advance of Russia had been allowed to lapse, it had been agreed that
+pending the delineation of the frontier there should be no further
+advance on either side. In April, however, a conflict occurred between
+the Russians and the Afghans, which seemed to indicate that General
+Komaroff had committed an act of unprovoked aggression on the Ameer. Mr.
+Gladstone moved a vote of credit on the 27th in a speech, whose
+eloquence and energy greatly stirred both sides of the House. Happily,
+the difficulty with Russia was adjusted by conceding Pendjeh to Russia
+in consideration of the surrender of Zulfiker to the Ameer.
+
+The administration of Mr. Gladstone, which had weathered through many
+storms, was destined to fall in a wholly unexpected way. When the budget
+for 1885 was produced there was a deficit of upwards of a million
+pounds, besides the depressed revenue and an estimated expenditure for
+the current year of not less than £100,000,000. Mr. Childers, the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer, proposed to make the taxation upon land
+proportionate to that on personal property, and to augment the duties on
+spirits and beer. But various interests were antagonized, and opposition
+was aroused. The country members demanded that no new taxes be put on
+the land until the promised relief of local taxation had been granted.
+The agricultural and liquor interests were discontented, as well as the
+Scotch and Irish members, with the whisky duty. Concessions were made,
+but they failed to reconcile the opposition. A hostile motion was
+offered by Sir M. Hicks-Beach, and Mr. Gladstone declared that the
+Cabinet would resign if defeated. Many Liberals were absent when the
+vote was taken, regarding a majority for the Ministry as certain, but
+the amendment was carried June 9th by a vote of 264 to 252, and the
+Premier and his colleagues resigned. The Liberals were desirous of
+passing a vote of confidence in the administration, but Mr. Gladstone
+deprecated this, as he felt the situation to be intolerable, and was
+desirous of being relieved from the responsibility of office.
+Misfortunes, both in reference to affairs at home and abroad, had fallen
+heavily upon the Government, for many of which they were not
+responsible, and the Cabinet had been held together chiefly by the
+masterly personality of the Premier. Hence it was not without a feeling
+of personal satisfaction that Mr. Gladstone transferred the seats of
+office to his successor, Lord Salisbury. On his retirement from office
+the Queen offered an Earldom to Mr. Gladstone, which he declined. Its
+acceptance would have meant burial in the House of Lords, and an end to
+his progressive action.
+
+The events that led to the third administration of Mr. Gladstone will
+next engage our attention.
+
+The first general election under the New Reform Act was held in
+November, 1885. Mr. Gladstone again appealed to his constituents, and,
+although nearly seventy-six years of age, spoke with an energy and force
+far beyond all his contemporaries. His attitude on the question of
+Dis-establishment drew back many wavering Scotch votes. He discussed the
+Scotch question at Edinburgh, and said there was no fear of change so
+long as England dealt liberally, equitably, and prudently with Ireland,
+but demands must be subject to the condition that the unity of the
+empire, and all the powers of the Imperial Parliament for maintaining
+that authority, must be preserved.
+
+In another address he stated his conviction, that the day had not come
+when the Dis-establishment of the Church in Scotland should be made a
+test question. The question pressing for settlement by the next
+Parliament was land reform, local government, parliamentary procedure,
+and the imperial relations between Ireland and England; and every
+sensible man would admit that it was right to direct attention to them
+rather than to a matter impossible of immediate solution.
+
+At West Calder Mr. Gladstone made an address, in which he "approved Lord
+Salisbury's action with regard to Servia, complained of the ministerial
+condemnation of Lord Ripon's Indian administration, ridiculed the idea
+of benefit resulting from a Royal Commission on trade depression, warned
+the electors against remedies which were really worse than the disease,
+and defended Free-Trade principles. He furthur advocated comprehensive
+land reforms, including free transfer, facility of registration, and the
+uprooting of mortmain."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE'S STUDY AT EDWARDEN.]
+
+Mr. Gladstone was returned again for Midlothian by an overwhelming
+majority. The elections resulted in the return of 333 Liberals, 249
+Conservatives, 86 Parnellites, and 2 Independents. The Liberals thus
+secured a substantial triumph. The agricultural districts were faithful
+to the Liberals, but they lost in the boroughs. The clergy and the
+publicans, and the Parnellites were found "arrayed" in "scandalous
+alliance" against the Liberal cause. The Liberal party was just short of
+the numbers required to defeat the combined forces of Tories and
+Parnellites. Lord Salisbury was retained in office, but the
+Conservatives were disunited, and the life of his administration hung by
+a thread. The Liberals were strong, hopeful, and united. In Mr.
+Chamberlain they had a popular champion of great ability and industry.
+
+December 17, 1885 England was astonished by the appearance of an
+anonymous paragraph in the _Times_, affirming that, if Mr. Gladstone
+returned to power, he would deal with a liberal hand with the demands of
+Home Rule. The author of the paragraph has never been clearly
+ascertained, but the atmosphere of mystery with which it was surrounded
+was not regarded as becoming, either to such an important policy or to
+the personal dignity of the illustrious statesman. A storm of questions,
+contradictions, explanations, enthusiasms, and jeremiads followed its
+appearance. Mr. Gladstone would neither affirm nor deny, but held his
+peace. The question, he said, was one for a responsible Ministry alone
+to handle. There was great uncertainty. It was, however, plain that if
+Mr. Gladstone should favor Home Rule, the Parnellites would support him,
+and the Tories must leave office. But only twelve months before Lord
+Shaftesbury wrote: "In a year or so we shall have Home Rule disposed of
+(at all hazards), to save us from daily and hourly bores."
+
+The Parliament of 1886 had scarcely opened before the Salisbury
+government was defeated upon an amendment to the Queen's address,
+affirming the necessity for affording facilities to agricultural
+laborers to obtain allotments and small holdings. Some of the leading
+Liberals opposed the amendment, but Mr. Gladstone earnestly favored it,
+as a recognition of the evils arising from the divorce of so large a
+proportion of the population from the land. The Irish and the Liberals
+coalesced, and the Government was placed in a minority of seventy-nine,
+and Lord Salisbury immediately resigned.
+
+Late at night, January 29, 1886, Sir Henry Ponsonby arrived at Mr.
+Gladstone's residence with a summons from the Queen for him to repair to
+her at Osborne. On the 1st of February Mr. Gladstone "kissed hands," and
+became for the third time Prime Minister of England. The new Premier was
+forced to face unusual difficulties, but he finally came to the
+conclusion that it was impossible to deal with the Irish question upon
+the old stereotyped lines. He was resolved to treat this subject upon
+large and generous principles. Accordingly, on the 8th of April, Mr.
+Gladstone, in the presence of a crowded House, brought forward his Home
+Rule Bill--his bill for the government of Ireland. With certain imperial
+reservations and safeguards the bill gave to Ireland what she had long
+demanded--the right to make her own laws. The interest in the expected
+legislation was so great that members began to arrive at half-past five
+in the morning, while sixty of them were so eager to secure seats that
+they breakfasted at Westminster.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's new measure was not only opposed by the Conservatives,
+but it alienated from the Premier some of the most influential of the
+Liberal party. Among the Liberals who opposed the measure were those who
+had been the colleagues of Mr. Gladstone only the June before in the
+Cabinet--Lord Hartington, Lord Shilborne, Lord Northbrook, Lord Derby
+and Lord Carlingford. Mr. Gladstone's forces, however, were reinforced
+by Mr. Morley, Lord Herschell and others. May 10th, Mr. Gladstone denied
+that he had ever declared Home Rule for Ireland incompatible with
+Imperial unity. It was a remedy for social disorder. The policy of the
+opposition was coercion, while that of the government was autonomy.
+
+On the 18th of April the Premier presented the Irish Land Purchase Bill,
+for the buying out of the Irish landlords, which was intended to come
+into operation on the same day as the Home Rule Bill. The object of this
+measure was to give to all Irish landowners the option of being bought
+out on the terms of the Act, and opening towards the exercise of that
+option where their rent was from agricultural land. The State authority
+was to be the purchaser, and the occupier was to be the proprietor. The
+nominal purchase price was fixed at twenty years' purchase of the net
+rental, ascertained by deducting law charges, bad debts, and cost of
+management from judicial rent. Where there was no judicial rental the
+Land Court could, if it chose, make use of Griffiths' valuation for
+coming to a fair decision. To meet the demand for the means of purchase
+thus established, Mr. Gladstone proposed to create £50,000,000 three per
+cents. The repayment of advances would be secured by a Receiver General,
+appointed by and acting upon British authority.
+
+The Land Purchase Bill was also opposed. It was the final cause which
+led to the retirement from the government of Mr. Chamberlain, "the able
+and enterprising exponent of the new Radicalism." He was soon followed
+by Sir George Trevelyan, "who combined the most dignified traditions,
+social and literary, of the Whig party with a fervent and stable
+Liberalism which the vicissitudes of twenty years had constantly tried
+and never found wanting." Mr. Bright also arrayed himself in opposition
+to the government, and accused Mr. Gladstone of successfully concealing
+his thoughts upon the Irish question in November. Mr. Gladstone replied
+that the position of Ireland had changed since 1881.
+
+The debate extended over many nights, and the opposition to the Irish
+bills of so many Liberal leaders in every constituency, soon led to
+disaffection among the people. What was lost in some districts, however,
+was to some extent made up, says an English writer, by "the support of
+that very broken reed, the Irish vote, which was destined to pierce the
+hand of so many a confiding candidate who leaned upon it." While this
+debate was in progress a bill directed against the carrying of arms in
+Ireland was introduced and pushed forward rapidly through both Houses,
+and became a law.
+
+Mr. Gladstone explained the position of the Cabinet on the Home Rule and
+Land Bills at a meeting of Liberals held at the Foreign Office, May
+27th. He stated that the Government at present only asked for an
+endorsement of the leading principles of the two measures; and in
+closing the debate afterwards on the second reading of the Home Rule
+Bill, in the House of Commons, he made an eloquent appeal for Ireland.
+But all parties were preparing for the conflict, and members of opposite
+parties were consolidating themselves for opposition. "The Whigs, under
+Lord Hartington, coalesced with the Radicals, under Mr. Chamberlain, and
+both together made a working alliance with the Tories. This alliance was
+admirably organized in London and in the constituencies."
+
+It seems that the Premier was deceived by his official counsellors of
+the Liberal party as to the real condition of affairs respecting Home
+Rule and the prospects for the passage of his bills. He did not dream of
+defeat, but if by some mischance they would suffer defeat, then he could
+appeal to the country with the certainty of being sustained by the
+popular vote. This was what Mr. Gladstone hoped, and what he thought he
+had the assurance of. But hopes of success began to give way to fears of
+defeat as the time drew near to take the vote. However, some still
+hopeful prophesied a small majority against the bill--only ten votes at
+the most. The Cabinet desperately resolved not to resign if beaten by so
+small a majority, but would have some adherent move a vote of
+confidence. This they argued would be favored by some opposed to Home
+Rule, and the question be deferred to another session, leaving the
+Liberals still in office. But these hopes were doomed to be blasted.
+Early in the morning of June 8th the momentous division took place, and
+it was found that the Government, instead of getting a majority, was
+defeated by thirty votes. It was found that ninety-three Liberals had
+voted with the majority.
+
+The Premier at once advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, and though
+Her Majesty at first demurred at the trouble of another election within
+seven months of the last, and begged Mr. Gladstone to reconsider his
+counsel, yet he argued that a general election would cause less trouble
+than a year of embittered and fanatical agitation against Home Rule.
+Besides, as he said to a colleague, "If we did not dissolve we would be
+showing the white feather." Mr. Gladstone finally had his way, the Queen
+yielded and Parliament was dissolved June 26, 1886. June 14th Mr.
+Gladstone issued an address to the electors of Midlothian, and later
+paid a visit to Edinburgh and Glasgow, where he made powerful addresses.
+He then spoke at Manchester, and, passing on to Liverpool, he advocated
+the cause of Ireland, calling upon the people to "ring out the old, ring
+in the new," and to make Ireland not an enemy but a friend.
+
+The result of this appeal to the country was the return of a decided
+majority of over a hundred against Home Rule, and thus, after a short
+term of five months in office, the third administration of Mr. Gladstone
+was brought to a close, and he became again the leader of the
+Opposition. The dissolution and appeal to the country was a practical
+blunder, but Mr. Gladstone's address to the people was skilfully worded.
+He freely admitted that the Irish bills were dead, and asked the
+constituencies simply to sanction a principle, and that, too, a very
+plain and reasonable one in itself. He invited the people to vote aye or
+no to this question: "Whether you will or will not have regard to the
+prayer of Ireland for the management by herself of the affairs
+specifically and exclusively her own?" The separation of the bare
+principle of self-government from the practical difficulties presented
+by the bills enabled many Liberals who were opposed to the measures to
+support Mr. Gladstone, but the majority of voters failed to make this
+distinction, and hence came defeat. The decision of the people was not
+regarded as final.
+
+In 1887 the Jubilee of the Queen was celebrated. Fifty years before
+Queen Victoria had ascended the throne of England. Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone celebrated the Queen's Jubilee by giving a treat to all the
+inhabitants of the estates of Hawarden, who were of the Queen's age,
+which was sixty-eight and upwards. The treat took the shape of a dinner
+and tea, served in a large tent erected in front of the castle, and the
+guests numbered upwards of two hundred and fifty. The principal toast,
+proposed by Mr. Gladstone, was the Queen. He contrasted the jubilee then
+being celebrated all over the English-speaking world, with that of
+George the Third, which was "a jubilee of the great folks, a jubilee of
+corporations and of authorities, a jubilee of the upper classes." On the
+other hand, he continued, the Victorian Jubilee was one when "the
+population are better fed, better clothed, and better housed--and by a
+great deal--than they were fifty years ago, and the great mass of these
+happy and blessed changes is associated with the name and action of
+the Queen."
+
+In the year of the Queen's Jubilee, 1887, Mr. Gladstone addressed many
+gatherings, and at Swansea, where he was the guest of Sir Hussey Vivian,
+he spoke to a vast concourse of people, estimated at one
+hundred thousand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME
+
+When Parliament met in 1887 Mr. Gladstone entered upon "a course of
+extraordinary physical and intellectual efforts, with voice and pen, in
+Parliament and on the platform, on behalf of the cause, defeated but not
+abandoned, of self-government for Ireland." The Tory administration
+passed a Crimes Prevention Bill for Ireland of great severity. Irish
+members of Parliament were thrown into prison, but the Act failed of its
+object--the suppression of the Land League.
+
+In December, 1887, Mr. Gladstone visited Italy and made Naples his
+headquarters. He was received with joy for the service he had rendered
+to the Italian people. The University of Bologna, in celebrating the
+eighth century of its existence, conferred upon him the degree of
+Doctor of Arts.
+
+In 1888 the House of Commons appointed a Commission to try the "Times"
+charges against Mr. Parnell. The charges were found to be false.
+
+Mr. Gladstone visited Birmingham in November, 1888. After paying a
+glowing tribute to John Bright, and expressing an earnest desire for his
+recovery to health, he condemned the Coercion Act. Mr. Gladstone
+received many handsome presents from the workingmen, and Mrs. Gladstone
+received from the ladies a medallion cameo portrait of her husband. A
+great demonstration was made at Bingley Hall, in which were gathered
+over 20,000 persons.
+
+A number of Liberals, who had deserted Mr. Gladstone, returned upon the
+promise of certain imperial guarantees which were granted, among them
+Sir George Trevelyan. Mr. Chamberlain, who had asked for these
+safeguards, did not accept them.
+
+July 25, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone celebrated their "Golden Wedding."
+Among the many to offer congratulations were the Queen by telegram, and
+the Prince of Wales by letter. A pleasant surprise met them at home. A
+portrait of Mr. Gladstone, by Sir John Millais, was found hanging in the
+breakfast-room, "A gift from English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish Women."
+
+In 1890 trouble came to the Liberal party through the scandal connecting
+the names of Mr. Parnell and Mrs. O'Shea. Mr. Gladstone announced that
+the Irish party must choose between himself and Mr. Parnell. In
+November, 1890, Mr. Parnell was deposed from the chairmanship of the
+United Irish National Party. This led to a division. Mr. Justin McCarthy
+was elected leader by the Anti-Parnellites, and the Parnellites
+selected Mr. John Redmond.
+
+Parliament would soon terminate by limitation, so Mr. Gladstone devoted
+himself to preparing the people for the coming general election.
+Besides, in February, 1891, he made an address, at the opening of St.
+Martin's Free Public Library, and in March to the boys at Eton College
+on Homeric Studies. June 28, 1892, Parliament came to an end. Mr.
+Gladstone's journey to Edinburgh, in July, was all along the route "a
+triumphal progress." He was re-elected. The question of the day was Home
+Rule, and wherever the people had the opportunity of declaring
+themselves, they pronounced condemnation upon the policy of Lord
+Salisbury's administration, and in favor of Home Rule for Ireland.
+
+The new Parliament met, and, August 12, 1892, a motion was made of "No
+Confidence" in the Salisbury government. The division was the largest
+ever taken in the House of Commons, the vote being 350 for the motion
+and 310 against it--a majority of 40 for Mr. Gladstone. The scene in
+the House which attended the overthrow of the Salisbury government was
+less dramatic than that which accompanied the defeat of the Gladstone
+ministry in 1885, but it was full of exciting episodes. The House was
+packed to the doors. The excitement was intense, and the confusion
+great. When the figures were announced, another wild scene of disorder
+prevailed and there was prolonged cheering. "Ten minutes later the great
+forum was empty and the excited assembly had found its way to the quiet
+outside under the stars."
+
+Monday, August 15, 1892, Mr. Gladstone repaired to Osborne on the Royal
+Yacht, and became for the fourth time Prime Minister. Since 1868 he had
+been the undisputed leader of his party. His main supporters in all his
+reform measures were the Nonconformists, whose claim for "the absolute
+religious equality of all denominations before the law of the land,"
+must, in time, it was thought, bring about the disestablishment of the
+Episcopal Church.
+
+In September, 1892, Mr. Gladstone went to Sir E. Watkin's _Chalet_ on
+Mount Snowdon, Wales, where he made his Boulder Stone speech. To
+commemorate his visit a slab of gray Aberdeen granite was "let into the
+actual brown rock," on which is the following inscription in Welsh and
+in English: "September 13, 1892. Upon this rock the Right Honorable
+W.E. Gladstone, M.P., when Prime Minister for the fourth time, and
+eighty-three years old, addressed the people of Eryi upon justice to
+Wales. The multitude sang Cymric hymns and 'The Land of My Fathers.'"
+
+December 29, 1892, Mr. Gladstone celebrated his eighty-third birthday.
+Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were at Biarritz. Congratulatory telegrams and
+messages were received in great numbers, besides many handsome presents.
+The event was celebrated all over England. The Midlothian Liberals sent
+congratulations upon the return of the Liberal Party to power under his
+leadership, and the completion of his sixty years' service in the House.
+Resolutions were passed deploring the wickedness of the dynamite outrage
+at Dublin, December 24, and yet avowing the justice of granting to
+Ireland the right to manage her own affairs.
+
+January 31, 1893, Parliament was opened. In the House of Commons there
+was a brilliant gathering, and nearly all the members were present, many
+of them standing. Just before noon the Hon. Arthur Wellesley Peel,
+Speaker, took his seat, and Archdeacon Farrar, Chaplain, offered prayer.
+When Mr. Gladstone entered from behind the Speaker's chair, every
+Liberal and Irish Nationalist stood up and greeted him with prolonged
+and enthusiastic cheers; and when he took the oath as Prime Minister,
+he received another ovation. The members were then summoned to the House
+of Lords to hear the Queen's speech, which was read by the Lord High
+Chancellor, Baron Herschall. The Prince of Wales and his son, the Duke
+of York, occupied seats on the "cross bench."
+
+February 13, the excitement in and about the Parliament Houses was as
+great as that which prevailed two weeks before. Enthusiastic crowds
+greeted Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone. When the doors of the House of Commons
+were opened, there was a "disorderly rush" of the members into the House
+to obtain seats, "the members shouting and struggling, several being
+thrown to the floor in the excitement." Peers, Commons, and visitors
+filled the floor and galleries. The Prince of Wales and other members of
+the royal family were present. When Mr. Gladstone arose he was greeted
+with applause. He reminded the House that for seven years the voices
+which used to plead the cause of Irish government in Irish affairs had
+been mute within the walls of the House. He then asked permission to
+introduce a "Bill to Amend the Provision for the Government of Ireland,"
+which was the title of the Home Rule Bill. Mr. Balfour led the
+opposition to the bill. Mr. Chamberlain declared that the bill would not
+accomplish its purpose, whereupon Mr. Justin McCarthy, for the
+anti-Parnellities, replied that the Irish would accept it as a message
+of everlasting peace, and Mr. John Redmond, for the Parnellites,
+answered that if disturbances followed in Ireland it would be due to the
+Conservatives.
+
+The Ulster Unionists opposed the bill. The Scotch-Irish Protestants of
+the north of Ireland declared that they preferred to stand where they
+did in 1690, when they defeated James II and his Catholic followers, in
+the battle of the Boyne, and fought for William of Orange for the
+English throne and liberty and Protestantism. Their opposition to Home
+Rule for Ireland grew out of their hostility to Roman Catholicism and
+the fear of its supremacy.
+
+After six months of earnest debate in the House of Commons, the Home
+Rule Bill for Ireland was passed, with slight amendments, September 1,
+1893, by a vote of 301 to 267, a majority of thirty-four, The struggle
+was perhaps the most heated in the history of Parliament.
+
+The bill was sent to the House of Lords, where it was defeated,
+midnight, September 8, by the surprising majority of 419 to 41, after
+only one week's discussion. Members that never attended were drummed up
+to vote against the bill. The usual working force of the House of Lords
+is from thirty to forty members. The vote was the largest ever taken in
+the Lords.
+
+At once the cry, "Down with, the House of Lords!" was heard. The
+National Liberal Federation issued a circular, in which were the words:
+"The question of mending or ending the House of Lords ... displaces for
+awhile all other subjects of reform." Mr. Gladstone was probably aware
+of the contents of this manifesto before it was issued, and the
+sentiments were in accord with those uttered by him two years before at
+New Castle.
+
+September 27th, Mr. Gladstone addressed his constituents at Edinburgh.
+He was received with an outburst of enthusiasm. He said that the
+People's Chamber had passed the bill. If the nation was determined it
+would not be baffled by the Peers. If the Commons should go before the
+country, then the Lords should go too, and if defeated, should do what
+the Commons would do--clear out.
+
+The Queen wanted Mr. Gladstone to appeal to the country, and there was
+an opinion among some that Mr. Gladstone would be defeated at the polls
+upon the question; but the Premier intimated to the Queen his intention
+not to appeal, and announced the readiness of the Cabinet to be
+dismissed by the Queen. However, the Queen would hardly expose the
+throne to the danger threatening the Peers.
+
+December 29, 1893, Mr. Gladstone attained the eighty-fourth year of his
+age. When he entered the House of Commons that day his political
+associates of the Liberal party all rose anta greeted him with cheers.
+When the applause had subsided, the Conservatives raised their hats and
+their leader, Mr. Balfour, rose and tendered his congratulations. Mr.
+Gladstone was much pleased with the demonstrations of his friends, as
+well as with the graceful compliments of his political opponents.
+Besides about two hundred congratulatory messages, letters and telegrams
+were received, those from Queen Victoria, and the Prince and Princess of
+Wales, being among the first.
+
+July 6, 1893, Prince George of Wales, Duke of York, and Princess Mary of
+Teck were married. The Prince was by inheritance heir, after the Prince
+of Wales, to the throne of England. Mr. Gladstone attended the wedding,
+arrayed in the blue and gold uniform of a brother of the Trinity House,
+with naval epaulettes, and was conducted to the royal pew reserved
+for him.
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+Among the great measures proposed at this time by Mr. Gladstone were the
+Employers' Liability, and the Parish Councils Bills. The latter was as
+evolutionary and as revolutionary as the Home Rule Bill. Its object was
+to take the control of 10,000 rural English parishes out of the hands of
+the squire and the parson and put it into the hands of the people. With
+its amendments regarding woman suffrage, to which Mr. Gladstone was
+opposed, it gave to every man and woman in England one vote--and only
+one--in local affairs. February 21, 1894, when Mr. Gladstone had
+returned from Biarritz, where he had gone for his health, there was
+again a notable assemblage in the House of Commons to hear him speak. It
+was expected that he would make a bitter attack upon the House of Lords,
+which had attempted to defeat both these bills by amendments. But he
+calmly spoke of the lamentable divergence between the two branches of
+the legislature upon the Employers' Liability Bill, and asked that the
+amendment be rejected, which was done by a majority of 225 to 6. The
+bill was therefore withdrawn, and the responsibility of its defeat
+thrown upon the Lords. The House also rejected all the important
+amendments of the Parish Councils Bill, but concurred in the unimportant
+changes made by the Lords. It was sent back then to the lords, and
+finally passed by them. But Mr. Gladstone greatly disappointed many of
+his political friends by his mild manner of dealing with the House of
+Lords. The extreme Radicals were angered and condemned severely the
+Premier for what they called his "backing down" and his "feeble speech."
+
+Rumors in reference to Mr. Gladstone's resignation, which had been
+started by the _Pall Mall Gazette_, while he was yet at Biarritz, were
+now renewed. February 28, 1894, Mr. Gladstone informed the Queen of his
+contemplated retirement, giving as reasons his failing eyesight,
+deafness and age. March 1st, he made an important speech in the House of
+Commons. He displayed so much vigor and earnestness in his speech that
+it was thought that he had given up the idea of retiring. But this was
+his last speech as Premier. March 2d, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were
+summoned to Windsor, where they dined with the Queen, and remained over
+night. Saturday, March 3, 1894, Mr. Gladstone tendered his resignation
+as Premier to the Queen, who accepted it with many expressions of favor
+and regret, and offered him again a peerage, which was declined. On the
+way to Windsor and return to London, Mr. Gladstone was greeted by a
+large and enthusiastic crowd. Hundreds of letters and telegrams
+expressing regret, because of his retirement, were received by the
+ex-Premier, On Sunday he attended church as usual and was looking well,
+Mr. Balfour in the Commons, and Lord Salisbury in the Lords, vied with
+Mr. Gladstone's political friends in speaking his praise, and referring
+in the highest terms to his character and labors. The press in all parts
+of the world spoke in glowing terms of his natural endowments, great
+attainments, invaluable services, pure character and wonderfully
+vigorous old age. It was quite evident that Mr. Gladstone's retirement
+was not enforced by mental or physical infirmities, or by his unfitness
+for the leadership of the House and the Premiership, but that as a wise
+precaution, and upon the solicitation of his family, he had laid down
+his power while he was yet able to wield it with astonishing vigor. Thus
+closed the fourth administration of this remarkable man, the greatest
+English statesman of his time. In all history there is no parallel case,
+and no official record such as his.
+
+Lord Rosebery was appointed Premier in the place of Mr. Gladstone, and
+Sir William V. Harcourt became the leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone wrote congratulating Lord Rosebery, and
+promised to aid him whenever his assistance was required. In assuming
+office Lord Rosebery eulogized Mr. Gladstone, and announced that there
+would be no change in the policy of reform of the Liberal party under
+the new administration, and declared for Home Rule for Ireland, the
+disestablishment of the church in Wales and Scotland, and the reform of
+the House of Lords.
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+
+IN PRIVATE LIFE
+
+Justin McCarthy, in the closing pages of his Story of Gladstone's Life,
+says: "The long political struggle was over and done. The heat of the
+opposition this way and that had gone out forever, and Mr. Gladstone had
+none left but friends on both sides of the political field. Probably
+that ceremonial, that installation of the Prince of Wales as Chancellor
+of the Welsh University, was the last occasion on which Mr. Gladstone
+would consent to make an appearance on a public platform. It was a
+graceful close to such a great career."
+
+The occasion referred to was the ceremonial at Aberystwith, Wales, June
+26, 1896, when the Prince of Wales was installed as Chancellor of the
+Welsh University, and when the Prince presented to the Princess of Wales
+and to Mr. Gladstone honorary degrees conferred upon them by the
+University. The appearance of Mr. Gladstone was the signal for great
+applause. The Prince in his remarks was very complimentary to Mr.
+Gladstone, and spoke of the honor paid the University by the presence of
+the aged scholar and statesman, and also said it was truly one of the
+proudest moments of his life, when he found himself in the flattering
+position of being able to confer an academic honor upon one furnishing
+the rare instance of occupying the highest position as a statesman and
+who at the same time had attained such distinction in scholarship.
+
+But Mr. McCarthy was mistaken about this being the closing public
+service in the life of Mr. Gladstone. It was very far from his last
+public appearance. After that event Mr. Gladstone appeared repeatedly.
+Though his official life had closed, yet he was to emerge from
+retirement many times, and especially when it became necessary for him
+to raise his strong voice for humanity. His advocacy of the great causes
+of Armenian rescue, of Grecian independence, of Arbitration instead of
+War, and the unity and harmony of the two great English-speaking people,
+was given with all the old time fire of youth. What Mr. Gladstone did
+and said with pen and voice since the occasion mentioned, was enough not
+only for another chapter, but a whole volume, and sufficient alone to
+immortalize any man.
+
+After the great struggle for Home Rule and during the sultry summer of
+1893, Mr. Gladstone repaired to his favorite winter resort, Biarritz, in
+the south of France, It was while he was there that rumors of his
+resignation were heard, based on the ground of his failing health. Dr.
+Granger, of Chester, who was also an oculist, was summoned to examine
+Mr. Gladstone's eyes. He told Mr. Gladstone that a cataract had
+obliterated the sight of one eye, and that another cataract had begun to
+form on the other. In other words Mr. Gladstone was threatened with
+total blindness. The Prime Minister reflected a moment, and then
+requested--almost ordered--the physician to operate immediately upon his
+eye. He said: "I wish you to remove the cataract at once." The physician
+replied that it was not far enough advanced for an operation. "You do
+not understand me," answered the patient, "it is the old cataract I wish
+removed. If that is out of the way, I shall still have one good eye,
+when the new cataract impairs the sight of the other." As the physician
+still hesitated, Mr. Gladstone continued: "You still seem not to
+understand me. I want you to perform the operation here and now while I
+am sitting in this chair." "But it might not be successful," said Dr.
+Granger. "That is a risk I accept," was the instant reply. However, the
+physician dared not then undertake it, and afterwards said that Mr.
+Gladstone's eyes were as good as they were a year before, and that his
+general health was also good.
+
+In May, 1894, Mr. Gladstone's eye was successfully operated upon for
+cataract. He took no anaesthetic, and was conscious during the time.
+Every precaution was taken to insure success, and the patient was put to
+bed for rest and quiet and kept on low diet. Mr. Gladstone's eyes were
+so improved by judicious treatment that before long he could read ten or
+twelve hours a day. This could be regarded as complete restoration of
+sight, and enabled him, upon his retirement from public life, to devote
+himself to the work he so well loved when at home in his study
+at Hawarden.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's retirement from public life, from the Premiership, the
+Cabinet, the leadership of the Liberal Party, and from Parliament did
+not mean his entrance upon a period of inactivity. In the shades of
+Hawarden and in the quiet of his study he kept up the industry that had
+characterized his whole life heretofore.
+
+It had been the custom for centuries for English statesmen, upon
+retiring from official life, to devote themselves to the classics. Mr.
+Gladstone, who was pre-eminently a statesman-scholar, found it very
+congenial to his mind and habits to follow this old English custom. He
+first translated and published "The Odes of Horace." Then he took
+Butler's "Analogy" as a text book, and prepared and published "Studies
+Subsidiary to the Works of Bishop Butler." The discussion necessarily
+takes a wide range, treating, among other matters, of Butler's method,
+its application to the Scriptures, the future life, miracles and the
+mediation of Christ. Says W.T. Stead: "No one who reads the strenuous
+arguments with which Mr. Gladstone summarizes the reasoning of Bishop
+Butler on the future life is conscious of any weakening in the vigorous
+dialectic which was so often employed with brilliant success in the
+House of Commons."
+
+One of Mr. Gladstone's latest productions was his "Personal
+Recollections of Arthur H. Hallam," which was written for the "Youth's
+Companion." It is a tribute to the memory and worth of one of his early
+friends at Eton.
+
+These and other literary works occupied most of his time. But Mr.
+Gladstone would not content himself with quiet literary work. He had too
+long and too intensely been active in the world's great movements and on
+humanity's behalf to stand aloof. Hence it was not long before he was
+again in the arena, doing valiant service for the Armenian and
+against the Turk.
+
+In 1892 the Sultan, in the execution of a plan devised in 1890, issued
+an edict against religious freedom. In 1894, he threw off the mask and
+began to execute his deliberate and preconcerted plan to force all
+Christian Armenians to become Mohammedans or to die. Robbery, outrage
+and murder were the means used by the hands of brutal soldiers.
+
+In a letter to an indignation meeting held in London, December 17th,
+1894, Mr. Gladstone wrote denouncing these outrages of the Turks. The
+reading of the letter was greeted with prolonged applause.
+
+A deputation of Armenian gentlemen, residing in London and in Paris,
+took occasion on Mr. Gladstone's 85th birthday, December 29th, 1894, to
+present a silver chalice to Hawarden Church as "a memorial of Mr.
+Gladstone's sympathy with and assistance to the Armenian people." Mr.
+Gladstone's address to the deputation was regarded as one of the most
+peculiar and characteristic acts of his life. He gave himself wholly to
+the cause of these oppressed people, and was stirred by the outrages and
+murders perpetrated upon them as he was 18 years before. He said that
+the Turks should go out as they did go out of Bulgaria "bag and
+baggage," and he denounced the government of the Sultan as "a disgrace
+to Mahomet, the prophet whom it professed to follow, a disgrace to
+civilization at large, and a curse to mankind." He contended that every
+nation had ever the right and the authority to act "on behalf of
+humanity and of justice."
+
+There were those who condemned Mr. Gladstone's speech, declaring that it
+might disrupt the peace of Europe, but there were many others who
+thought that the sooner peace secured at such a cost was disturbed the
+better. It was but natural for those who wrongfully claimed the
+sovereign right to oppress their own subjects, to denounce all
+interference in the affairs of the Sultan.
+
+It was reported, March 19, 1895, that Francis Seymour Stevenson, M.P.,
+Chairman of the Anglo-Armenian Association, on behalf of the Tiflis
+Armenians, would present to Mr. Gladstone, on his return to London, the
+ancient copy of the Armenian Gospels, inscribed upon vellum, which was
+to accompany the address to the ex-Premier, then being signed by the
+Armenians there. In a letter Mr. Gladstone had but recently declared
+that he had abandoned all hope that the condition of affairs in Armenia
+would change for the better. The Sultan, he declared, was no longer
+worthy of the courtesies of diplomatic usage, or of Christian tolerance.
+Mr. Gladstone promised that when these Gospels were formally presented
+to him he would deliver a "rattling" address on behalf of the Armenians.
+When a delegation waited on him, he said, after assuring them of his
+sympathy, that the danger in the Armenian situation now was that useful
+action might be abandoned, in view of the promises of the Turkish
+Government to institute reforms.
+
+In June 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attended the opening of the Kaiser
+Wilhelm Canal as guests of Sir Donald Currie, on his steamship
+Tantallon Castle, returning home on the twenty-fifth. During this trip
+an effort was made to arrange for an interview between the Ex-Premier
+and the Prince Bismarck, but the Prince seemed disinclined and the
+project failed.
+
+It was while Mr. Gladstone was at Kiel, that the Rosebery Ministry fell
+by an accidental defeat of the Liberal Party in Parliament, and which
+again brought Mr. Gladstone to the front in the public mind. Lord
+Rosebery telegraphed Mr. Gladstone full particulars of the situation,
+and Mr. Gladstone strongly advised against the resignation of the
+Government and urged that a vote of confidence be taken. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote that the Liberal Party could well afford to stand on its record.
+The Ministry with but two exceptions, was the same, as that formed by
+Mr. Gladstone in August 1892, and had his confidence.
+
+Nevertheless, the cabinet of Lord Rosebery resigned, and the Marquis of
+Salisbury again became Prime Minister,--on the very day of Mr.
+Gladstone's arrival home. However Lord Rosebery retained the leadership
+of the Liberal Party.
+
+There is no doubt that if the wishes of the Liberal Party had been
+gratified, Mr. Gladstone would have taken the leadership and again
+become Prime Minister. Subsequent events proved that he would have been
+equal, at least for a while, to the task of succeeding Lord Rosebery.
+But Mr. Gladstone was not willing. He refused to re-enter Parliament,
+and wrote a letter to his old constituents at Midlothian, declining
+their kind offer to send him to the House and bade them a kind farewell.
+In his letter he said that the Liberal Party is a party of progress and
+reform, and urged his constituents to stand by it. He regarded the
+changes of the century exceedingly beneficial.
+
+August 6, 1895, Mr. Gladstone made a great speech at Chester. A meeting
+was held in the Town Hall to arouse public sentiment against the
+slaughter of Armenian Christians within the Empire of the Sultan by
+Turkish soldiers, and to devise some means of putting an end to such
+crimes, and of punishing the oppressor. The audience was very large,
+including many Armenians resident in England, and rose with vociferous
+cheering when Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, the Duke of Westminster, the
+Bishop of Chester, and the Mayor of Chester entered the hall. The Bishop
+of Ripon was already there. The Duke of Westminster presided, and read a
+letter from the Marquis of Salisbury, the Premier.
+
+Mr. Gladstone arose amid an outburst of enthusiastic applause, and
+addressing the vast audience said:
+
+That the massacres in Armenia resulted from intolerable
+government--perhaps the worst in the world. He offered a resolution
+pledging the support of the entire nation to the British Government in
+its efforts to secure for the Armenians such reforms as would guarantee
+the safety of life, honor, religion and property. Mr. Gladstone said
+that language failed to describe the horrors of the massacre of Sussoun,
+which made the blood run cold. The Sultan was responsible, for these
+barbarities were not the act of the criminal class, such as afflicts
+every country, the malefactors who usually perpetrate horrible crime,
+but were perpetrated by the agents of the Sultan--the soldiers and the
+Kurds, tax-gatherers and police of the Turkish Government. And what had
+been done, and was daily being done, could be summed up in four awful
+words--plunder, murder, rape and torture. Plunder and murder were bad
+enough, but these were almost venial by the side of the work of the
+ravisher and the torturer. And the victims were defenceless men, women
+and children--Armenians, one of the oldest Christian civilized races,
+and one of the most pacific, industrious and intelligent races of
+the world.
+
+There was no exaggeration in the language used to describe the horrible
+outrages visited upon whole communities of innocent and helpless people.
+The truth of these terrible charges in their most hideous form, was
+established by unbiased American testimony, by Dr, Dillon, an eye
+witness, and by the representatives of England, France and Russia.
+
+Nothing but a sense of duty, said Mr. Gladstone, had brought him at his
+age to resign the repose, which was the last of many great earthly
+blessings remaining to him, to address them.
+
+If the Powers of Europe were to recede before the irrational resistance
+of the Sultan, they would be disgraced in the eyes of the world, and the
+Christian population of the Turkish Empire would be doomed to
+extermination, according to the plan of the Porte. Terrible word, but
+true in its application.
+
+As to the remedy the cleanest was to make the Turk march out of Armenia,
+as he did out of Bulgaria, "bag and baggage." He cautioned against
+trusting the promises of the government at Constantinople, which he knew
+from long experience, were worthless; and declared that the Sultan was
+bound by no treaty obligation. The word "ought" was not heeded at
+Constantinople, but the word "must" was understood fully there. Coercion
+was a word perfectly comprehended there--a drastic dose which never
+failed. If we have the smallest regard for humanity, he concluded, we
+shall, with the help of God, demand that which is just and necessary.
+Mr. Gladstone was frequently and loudly applauded during his speech, at
+the conclusion of which the resolution was adopted.
+
+The most powerful voice in all Britain had been raised with stirring
+and thrilling power for justice and humanity. The testimony of an eye
+witness is to the effect, that never did the grand old man seem in finer
+form. His undimmed eye flashed as he spoke with withering scorn against
+hypocrisy and with hottest hate against wrong. His natural force was not
+abated, his health robust, and his conviction unsubdued. His deeply
+lined and pale face was transfigured with the glow of righteous
+indignation. The aged statesman was in his old House of Commons vigor.
+"There was the same facile movement of his body, and the same
+penetrating look as though he would pierce the very soul of his
+auditors; the same triumphant march of sentence after sentence to their
+chosen goal, and yet the same subtle method of introducing qualifying
+clauses all along the march without loosing the grip of his theme; the
+same ascent to lofty principles and commanding generalizations, blended
+with the complete mastery of details; and, above all, the same sublimity
+of outlook and ringing emphasis of sincerity in every tone." It was an
+occasion never to be forgotten. A distinguished hearer said: "To read
+his speech, as thousands will, is much; but to have heard it, to have
+felt it-oh! that is simply indescribable, and will mark for many, one of
+the most memorable days of this last decade of this closing century.
+The sweet cadence of his voice, the fascination of his personality, and,
+above all, the consecration of his splendid gifts to the cause of
+plundered men and ravished women, raise the occasion into prominence in
+the annals of a great people. Chiefly, I feel the triumphs of soul. His
+utterance of the words 'wives,' 'women,' lifted them into an atmosphere
+of awe and solemnity, and his tone in speaking of 'rape' and 'torture'
+gave them an ineffable loathsomeness. It seemed as if so much soul had
+never been put into a Saxon speech. Keen satire, rasping rebuke, an
+avalanche of indignation, rapier-like thrusts to the vital fibre of the
+situation, and withal the invincible cogency of argument against the
+Turkish Government, gave the oration a primary place amongst the
+master-pieces of human eloquence."
+
+In the course of this famous speech Mr. Gladstone referred to America;
+once when welcoming the sympathy of the American people with the
+suffering Armenians, and again as he described the testimony of the
+United States as a witness that gained enormously in value because it
+was entirely free from suspicion.
+
+A large meeting was held in St. James Hall, London, October 19, 1896, in
+memory of Christian Martyrs in Turkey. The Bishop of Rochester presided.
+The hall was packed with an audience of 2,600, while nearly 7,000
+applied for admission. Many prominent persons were present. The large
+audience was in sombre funeral attire. About thirty front seats were
+occupied by Armenians. It was stated that 60,000 Armenians so far had
+been murdered with tortures and indignities indescribable. To this
+meeting Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter which was greeted with the
+wildest enthusiasm. He said that he hoped the meeting would worthily
+crown the Armenian meetings of the past two months, which were without a
+parallel during his political life. The great object, he said, was to
+strengthen Lord Salisbury's hands and to stop the series of massacres,
+which were probably still unfinished, and to provide against their
+renewal. As he believed that Lord Salisbury would use his powerful
+position for the best, personally he objected in the strongest manner to
+abridging Lord Salisbury's discretion by laying down this or that as
+things which he ought not to do. It was a wild paradox, without the
+support of reason or history, to say that the enforcement of treaty
+rights to stop systematic massacre, together with effective security
+against Great Britain's abusing them for selfish ends, would provoke the
+hostilities of one or more of the powers.
+
+To advertise beforehand in the ears of the Great Assassin that Great
+Britain's action would cut down--what the most backward of the six
+Powers think to be sufficient--would be the; abandonment of duty and
+prudence and would be to doom the national movement to disappointment.
+The concert of Europe was valuable and important, but such an
+announcement would be certain to be followed by its failure.
+
+One of the immediate effects of Mr. Gladstone's denunciation of the
+Sultan for the Armenian massacres was the resignation by Lord Rosebery
+of the leadership of the Liberal Party. Mr. Gladstone's return to
+politics, the agitation of the Turkish question and the differences
+between these two leaders of the Liberal movement as to the best way of
+dealing with the Sultan, were assigned as reasons by Lord Rosebery for
+his resignation.
+
+It was then again suggested that Mr. Gladstone assume the leadership of
+the Liberal Party and accept a peerage and a seat in the House of Lords,
+so often tendered him by the Queen. Then Sir William Vernon-Harcourt
+could lead in the House of Commons and bear the burden, while Mr.
+Gladstone could be at the head of affairs without the worry of the House
+of Commons. Besides, Mr. Morgan offered to resign his seat in the House
+of Commons in his favor. But Mr. Gladstone would not agree to any of
+these plans as far as they pertained to himself.
+
+July 22, 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone returned to London to attend a
+great social function, the marriage of one of the daughters of the
+Prince and Princess of Wales to Prince Charles of Denmark. Mr. Gladstone
+evinced much interest in everything connected with the important event,
+and was himself the object of much attention.
+
+September 23, 1896, Mr. Gladstone wrote a long letter to the Paris
+Figaro in response to an appeal from its editor, M. Leudet, to Mr.
+Gladstone to arouse the French press in behalf of the Armenians. After
+expressing his diffidence in complying with the request, Mr. Gladstone
+declared his belief that the population of Great Britain were more
+united in sentiment and more thoroughly aroused by the present outrages
+in Turkey than they were by the atrocities in Bulgaria in 1876.
+
+He said: "The question whether effect can be given to the national
+indignation is now in the balance, and will probably soon be decided. I
+have read in some Austrian newspapers an affected scruple against sole
+action by any one State in a European crisis, but there are two
+first-class Powers who will not make that scruple their own. One of
+these is Russia, who in 1878, earned lasting honors by liberating
+Bulgaria and, helping onward the freedom and security of other Balkan
+States. The other Power is France, who, in 1840, took up the cause of
+Egypt and pushed it single handed to the verge of a European war. She
+wisely forbore to bring about that horrible, transcendent calamity, but
+I gravely doubt whether she was not right and the combined Powers wrong
+in their policy of that period."
+
+Mr. Gladstone denounced the Sultan as the "Great Assassin," and
+continued: "For more than a year he has triumphed over the diplomacy of
+the six Powers, they have been laid prostrate at his feet. There is no
+parallel in history to the humiliation they have patiently borne. He has
+therefore had every encouragement to continue a course that has been
+crowned with such success. The impending question seems to be, not
+whether, but when and where he will proceed to his next murderous
+exploits. The question for Europe and each Power is whether he shall be
+permitted to swell by more myriads the tremendous total of his victims.
+
+"In other years when I possessed power I did my best to promote the
+concert of Europe, but I sorrowfully admit that all the good done in
+Turkey during the last twenty years was done, not by it, but more nearly
+despite it." The letter concludes by expressing the hope that the French
+people would pursue a policy worthy of their greatness, their fame and
+the high place they have held in European Christian history.
+
+September 24, 1896, a meeting was called by the Reform Club, of
+Liverpool, to protest against the recent massacres of 2000 Armenians at
+Constantinople at the affair of the Ottoman Bank, and many more
+throughout the Turkish Empire. Mr. Gladstone was asked to address the
+meeting. When requested by the agent of the Associated Press for an
+advanced proof of his speech he declined, but wrote that he would
+"recommend giving the warmest support to the Queen's government, and
+would contend that England should act alone if necessary for the
+fulfillment of the covenants which have been so disgracefully broken."
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with their son Herbert, arrived at noon at
+Liverpool, and were met at the railroad station by 2,000 enthusiastic
+people. The meeting was held in the vast auditorium of the Circus
+Building, which was filled. Thousands failed to obtain entrance.
+
+Before the arrival of Mr. Gladstone there was a spontaneous outburst of
+applause, everybody present standing and singing "God save the Queen."
+When Mr. Gladstone entered, the prolonged roar of applause could be
+heard for miles, arising from thousands inside and outside the hall.
+
+The Earl of Derby, Conservative, presided. He was accompanied by the
+Countess of Derby, who with many distinguished persons occupied
+the platform.
+
+Mr. Gladstone stepped briskly to the front of the platform at 12.30 p.m.
+bowing repeatedly in response to the applause. He looked strong and
+well for a man of his age and labors, and was easily heard. After a few
+preliminary remarks, he moved the following resolution:
+
+"That this meeting trusts that Her Majesty's ministers, realizing to the
+fullest extent the terrible condition in which their fellow Christians
+are placed, will do everything possible to obtain for them full security
+and protection; and this meeting assures Her Majesty's ministers that
+they may rely upon the cordial support of the citizens of Liverpool in
+whatever steps they may feel it necessary to take for that purpose."
+
+The resolution was received with great cheering.
+
+Mr. Gladstone resumed: "We have a just title to threaten Turkey with
+coercion, but that does not in itself mean war; and I think that the
+first step should be the recall of our Ambassador, and it should be
+followed by the dismissal of the Turkish Ambassador from London. Such a
+course is frequent and would not give the right of complaint to anybody.
+When diplomatic relations are suspended, England should inform the
+Sultan that she should consider the means of enforcing her just and
+humane demands. I do not believe that Europe will make war to insure the
+continuance of massacres more terrible than ever recorded in the dismal,
+deplorable history of crime.
+
+"Now, as in 1876, to the guilt of massacre is added the impudence of
+denial, which will continue just as long as Europe is content to listen.
+I doubt if it is an exaggeration to say that it was in the Sultan's
+palace, and there only, that the inspiration has been supplied, and the
+policy devised of the whole series of massacres. When the Sultan carries
+massacre into his own capital under the eyes of the Ambassadors, he
+appears to have gained the very acme of what it is possible for him to
+do. But the weakness of diplomacy, I trust, is about to be strengthened
+by the echo of this nation's voice."
+
+Mr. Gladstone then referred to the supineness of the Ambassadors of the
+Powers at Constantinople, and continued: "The concert of Europe is an
+august and useful instrument, but it has not usually succeeded in
+dealing with the Eastern question, which has arrived at a period when it
+is necessary to strengthen the hands of the Government by an expression
+of national opinion. I believe that the continued presence of the
+Ambassadors at Constantinople has operated as a distinct countenance to
+the Sultan, who is thus their recognized ally.
+
+"But, while urging the Government to act, it does not follow that, even
+for the sake of the great object in view, Great Britain should
+transplant Europe into a state of war. On the other hand, however, I
+deny that England must abandon her own right to independent judgment
+and allow herself to be domineered over by the other powers."
+
+Mr. Gladstone expressed the opinion that the purpose of the meeting was
+defensive and prospective, saying that no one can hold out the hope that
+the massacres are ended, although he ventured to anticipate that the
+words spoken at the meeting would find their way to the palace at
+Constantinople. "The present movement," he said, "is based on broad
+grounds of humanity, and is not directed against the Mohammedans, but
+against the Turkish officials, evidence of whose barbarities rests in
+credible official reports." Mr. Gladstone declared his adhesion to the
+principles contained in the resolution, and said he came to the meeting
+not claiming any authority for sentiments expressed except that of a
+citizen of Liverpool.
+
+"But," he remarked, "the national platform upon which the meeting is
+based gives greater authority for sentiments universally entertained
+throughout the length and breadth of the land, and I urge that in this
+matter party sympathy be renounced. I entertain the lively hope and
+strong belief that the present deplorable situation is not due to the
+act or default of the Government of this great country."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke about twenty minutes and was repeatedly interrupted
+by applause. He was in good voice, and did not seem fatigued when he
+had finished.
+
+The next day the Turkish Embassy at London telegraphed Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at Liverpool verbatim to the Sultan.
+
+The London Times in an editorial said: "The spectacle of the veteran
+statesman quitting his retirement to plead the cause of the oppressed is
+well calculated to move the sympathy and admiration of the nation. The
+ardor of Mr. Gladstone's feelings on this subject is notorious. All the
+more striking and significant is the comparative restraint and
+moderation of the speech."
+
+Other questions besides those mentioned were claiming the attention of
+English statesmen. In the Spring, prior to the great Liverpool meeting,
+the Venezuela boundary question was agitating the two great English
+speaking nations to the very verge of war. A large Peace Meeting was
+held in London, March 3, 1896, to favor arbitration. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote: "I am glad that the discussion of arbitration is to be separated
+from the Venezuela question, upon which I do not feel myself in final
+and full possession of the facts that I should wish. My views on
+arbitration in place of war were gathered from the part I took in the
+matter of the Alabama claims. I will only add that my conviction and
+sentiment on the subject grow in strength from year to year in
+proportion to the growth of that monstrous and barbarous militarism, in
+regard to which I consider England has to bear no small responsibility."
+
+The meeting favored permanent international arbitration, and an
+Anglo-American treaty was finally signed by the representatives of the
+two nations, providing for the settlement of all questions between the
+two nations by arbitration instead of by war, but the Senate of the
+United States refused to ratify the treaty.
+
+Mr. Gladstone deplored intensely the extraordinary misunderstanding
+which had prevailed on the subject of the Venezuela frontier. He seemed
+to think that nothing but a little common sense was needed to secure the
+pacific settlement of the question at any moment. A hundred square miles
+more or less on either side of the boundary of British Guiana was to him
+a matter of supreme indifference. He was extremely anxious to see
+justice done, and one of his last speeches in the House of Commons was
+in favor of permanent arbitration between England and the United States.
+
+Another one of the absorbing questions that came before the civilized
+world for consideration, and almost to the exclusion of the Armenian
+question, was the Cretan Question. Greece heroically sustained the
+insurrection of the Cretans against the Turkish rule. The scene of
+Turkish cruelty was now transferred to the isle of Crete. For the time
+the Armenian massacres were forgotten. The Greeks rushed to the rescue,
+while all Europe held aloof. Mr. Gladstone sent the following dispatch
+to the Chronicle: "I do not dare to stimulate Greece when I cannot help
+her, but I shall profoundly rejoice at her success. I hope the Powers
+will recollect that they have their own character to redeem." This was
+in February, 1897, Later he wrote that to expel the Greek troops from
+Crete and keep as police the butchers of Armenia, would further deepen
+the disgrace of the Powers of Europe.
+
+In March, 1897, Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter, now justly celebrated,
+on the same subject to the Duke of Westminster in which he expressed his
+opinion more fully, and which was evidently the sentiment of the English
+speaking people of the world. The letter was in the form of a pamphlet
+of 16 pages, published, and entitled The Eastern Crisis.
+
+In less than a week after this eloquent manifesto in behalf of the
+Cretans and of Greece was put forth, it was currently reported that the
+precise solution of the problem recommended by Mr. Gladstone was likely
+to be adopted. The Sultan himself, fearful of the effect of the appeal
+on public opinion in Europe, sought the settlement of the question in
+the manner suggested. The Greeks still clamored for war. In the war
+that followed between Greece and Turkey, Greece was defeated and crushed
+by the Turk. Only by the intervention of the Powers was Greece saved
+from becoming a part of the Sultan's Empire.
+
+After peace had been concluded between Turkey and Greece, Mr. Gladstone
+undertook to arouse public opinion by a trenchant review of the
+situation. Looking back over the past two years of England's Eastern
+policy, he inquires as to what have been the results, and then answers
+his own question. He thus enumerates:
+
+1. The slaughter of 100,000 Armenian Christians, men, women and
+children, with no guarantee against a repetition of the crime.
+
+2. The Turkish Umpire stronger than at any time since the Crimean war.
+
+3. Christian Greece weaker than at any time since she became a kingdom.
+
+These are facts, Mr. Gladstone claimed, for which the leading Christian
+nations and statesmen of Europe are responsible.
+
+While Mr. Gladstone thus expresses himself, yet his vigorous protests
+had not been without effect. His voice penetrated into the very palace
+of the Sultan, and into every Cabinet of Europe, and was heard by every
+statesman and ruler throughout the world, and aroused the people
+everywhere. It was a mighty voice lifted for right and against
+oppression. The Sultan was afraid and was compelled to desist; not that
+he feared the protests and the warnings of the Christian Nations of
+Europe, but because that one voice was the expression of the popular
+feeling of all Christians throughout the world, and to defy such
+sentiment would be to court the overthrow of his throne, if not of the
+dominion of the Turk in Europe.
+
+In June, 1894, an invitation was extended to Mr. Gladstone to visit the
+United States, signed by many representative men in public life. But Mr.
+Gladstone, while acknowledging the compliment, declined because of his
+age. It would, he thought, be a tremendous undertaking for him. The
+fatigue of the voyage and the strain of the receptions while in America,
+would prove greater than his physical condition could bear.
+
+Later Mr. Gladstone was waited on at Hawarden by one hundred members of
+the Philadelphia Manufacturer's Club. He personally escorted them over
+the Castle grounds and narrated the history of the Castle to them.
+Greatly pleased with the warmth of their reception, they thanked Mr.
+Gladstone for his courtesy. They then gave him three cheers. This token
+of appreciation was very gratifying to Mr. Gladstone, who said that it
+was the first time he had ever heard American cheers.
+
+Saturday afternoon, August 15, 1896, Li Hung Chang, the great Chinese
+Statesman and Embassador, visited Mr. Gladstone at Hawarden. Probably
+the three greatest living statesmen of the time were Gladstone, Bismarck
+and Li Hung Chang. The Embassador and his suite went to Chester in a
+special train, and were driven in three open carriages to Hawarden.
+Along the route as, well as at the station, the party was cheered by a
+large crowd. The Viceroy was sleeping when the train reached Chester and
+he was allowed to sleep until he awoke. Yet the party was ahead of time
+in reaching the Castle, but Mr. Gladstone hastened to receive them. The
+Chinese visitors were received at the door by Mr. Henry Gladstone. Li
+Hung Chang was escorted into the Library where he was introduced to Mr.
+and Mrs. Gladstone.
+
+The intention of Mr. Gladstone was to have as escort a guard of honor to
+the Viceroy, the Hawarden corps of the Welsh Fusiliers, which reached
+the Castle, owing to the visitors being ahead of time, ten minutes after
+the arrival of the party.
+
+The two aged statesmen sat near the window overlooking the terrace, and
+at once, with the aid of Lo Feug Luh, engaged in conversation, Li asked
+various questions concerning Mr. Gladstone's career, and was informed by
+Mr. Gladstone that he had been Prime Minister nearly thirteen years,
+and in the Cabinet nearly twenty-four years. When complimented upon the
+service he had rendered to his country, Mr. Gladstone replied that he
+had done what he could, but he should have done a great deal more. Li
+observed that British interests and British trade in China were greater
+than those of all other countries put together. The Viceroy also talked
+with Mr. Gladstone of free trade, of restrictions upon commerce, of the
+power of the British Navy, of the greatness of the British Revenues, of
+the vastness of the Colonial Empire, of the necessity of a railway
+system to commerce and upon a number of similar subjects. Refreshments
+were served which Li enjoyed, and then by request he wrote his autograph
+in three books, using Dorothy Drew's colors for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone and Li were photographed together sitting on chairs outside
+the porch. Mr. Gladstone presented Li with three books from his library,
+and then the Chinese visitors departed.
+
+On Saturday evening October 10, 1896, the Right Hon. and Most Rev.
+Edward White Benson, D.D., Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all
+England, arrived at Hawarden with Mrs. Benson on a visit to his old
+friend Mr. Gladstone. Sunday morning Dr. Benson went with the Gladstone
+family to Hawarden Church and occupied the Gladstone pew. After the
+service had commenced a commotion was observed. It was caused by the
+fall of Dr. Benson In the pew while kneeling in prayer. Attendants
+removed Dr. Benson to the Rectory, and medical aid was summoned, but
+death came soon after from apoplexy. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone, rector,
+proceeded with the service until notified of the death of the
+Archbishop, when he dismissed the congregation. Mr. Gladstone, who had
+not attended church from indisposition, was deeply affected by the death
+of his guest and friend.
+
+The morning papers of London, June 1, 1896, printed a long letter from
+Mr. Gladstone to Cardinal Rampolla for submission to the Pope Leo XIII,
+in favor of the unity of Christendom by means of a papal declaration in
+favor of the validity of Anglican orders. It created a great sensation.
+Shortly after this the Pope issued an Encyclical letter addressed to
+"all bishops in communion with the Holy See." The theme was the same as
+that of Mr. Gladstone's letter, to which it was regarded as an answer.
+The Pope invited all the English people "to return to the religion of
+the Roman Catholic Church." "This," remarks Mr. Justin McCarthy, "was
+exactly what any thoughtful person might have expected." While this
+letter and its answer did not satisfy the clergy of the established
+Church of England, who were favorably disposed towards Rome, on the
+other hand it aroused the dissenting Christians of England to reply
+that they were opposed to all state or established churches, whether
+Roman Catholic or English Episcopal.
+
+On December 29, 1896, the eighty-seventh anniversary of Mr. Gladstone's
+birth was celebrated at Hawarden, surrounded by his family and friends.
+There were the usual demonstrations by the villagers, consisting in the
+ringing of bells and the appointments of deputations to wait upon the
+aged statesman at the Castle with congratulations. An enormous flow of
+telegrams and messages continued throughout the day from all parts of
+the kingdom, the United States and the Continent. Among those sending
+congratulations were the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Baroness de
+Rothschild. Mr. Gladstone was in good health, and in the afternoon went
+out for a walk.
+
+May 10, 1897, the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the
+Princess Victoria, visited Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone at Hawarden. They were
+received by Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone in the porch erected in 1889 to
+commemorate their golden wedding. The mutual greetings were of the
+heartiest nature. The royal party inspected the ruins of the old castle,
+Mr. Gladstone acting as escort to the Princess of Wales. An interesting
+incident occurred on the lawn. The Princess took great interest in
+inspecting the favorite dogs of the Gladstone family. These were the
+black Pomeranians. Two puppies were carried in a basket, one of which
+the Princess accepted as a gift.
+
+June 22, 1897, was celebrated with great pomp and rejoicing the Diamond
+Jubilee of Victoria, the Queen of England and Empress of India, when the
+Queen reached the 60th anniversary of her reign, which is the longest in
+English history. Victoria became queen at the age of 19 years, in 1837,
+and then the British Isles possessed a population of 26,000,000 and they
+had became 40,000,000. Her Empire has been extended until in India,
+South, Central and Western Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North
+America, and including the British Isles, there were 360,000,000 people
+who owned her sway. And to this greatness and glory Mr. Gladstone had
+been one to contribute largely, while his influence has been felt more
+still by far in promoting the moral greatness of the people. Throughout
+all the Empire the event was celebrated, and the jubilee procession in
+London was swollen by representatives of all parts of the Queen's domain
+and all nations on earth which rendered it the greatest pageant ever
+beheld. Even the Turk was there, but Mr. Gladstone was not there, nor
+was his name even mentioned for a place in the march on jubilee day. Yet
+the period of Victoria's reign will often be spoken of in history as the
+Gladstonian Era.
+
+"The public life of a leading statesman," says an eminent writer,
+"offers the boldest and stateliest outline to the public view. It may be
+that the most striking and memorable chapters in a future biography of
+Mr. Gladstone will contain the story of his private affairs and domestic
+life." His daily life at home was a model of simplicity and regularity,
+and the great secret of the vast amount of work he accomplished was
+owing to the fact that every odd five minutes were occupied. He had a
+deep sense of the preciousness of time and the responsibility which
+everyone incurs who uses or misuses it. "To such a length did he carry
+this that at a picnic to a favorite Welsh mountain he has been seen to
+fling himself on the heather and bury himself in some pamphlet upon a
+question of the day, until called to lighter things by those who were
+responsible for the provision basket."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was ever a most severe economist of time, a habit acquired
+as long ago as 1839, when he awed his young wife by filling up all odd
+bits and scraps of time with study or work. Out of his pocket would come
+the little classic at every chance opportunity of leisure. This accounts
+for his ability to get through in one day more than most people do in a
+week. Then besides, he had the faculty of concentrating the whole power
+of his mind upon the one thing before him, whether small or great. He
+was unable to divide the machinery of his mind. Interruption was almost
+fatal to his train of thought, but he was generally oblivious to
+conversation buzzing around him. Hence it was some time before a
+questioner could get an answer--he did not seem to hear, but patience
+finally secured attention, after the train of absorbing thought
+was finished.
+
+It was this power of concentrating all his faculties upon what he was
+doing, whether it was work or play, that made Mr. Gladstone one of the
+ablest as well as happiest of the century. He took the keenest delight
+in the scholarly and beautiful, and this accounts for his disregard of
+minor ills and evils. He was too absorbed to be fretful or impatient.
+But to be absorbed in great things did not mean, in his case, to be
+neglectful of little things. At one time his mind and time were so
+completely taken up with the Eastern question, that he could not be
+induced to spare a thought for Ireland, and afterward it was quite as
+difficult to get him to think of any political question except that
+of Ireland.
+
+In the daily routine of private life none in the household were more
+punctual and regular than Mr. Gladstone. At 8 o'clock he was up and in
+his study. From 1842 he always found time, with all his manifold duties,
+to go to church regularly, rain or shine, every morning except when ill,
+at half-past 8 o'clock, He walked along the public road from the castle
+to Hawarden church. Writes an observer: "The old statesman, with his
+fine, hale, gentle face, is an interesting figure as he walks lightly
+and briskly along the country road, silently acknowledging the fervent
+salutations of his friends--the Hawarden villagers. He wears a long
+coat, well buttoned up, a long shawl wrapped closely around his neck,
+and a soft felt hat--a very different figure from that of the Prime
+Minister as he is known in London."
+
+At the Castle prayers were read to the family and household soon after 9
+o'clock daily. His customary breakfast was comprised of a hard-boiled
+egg, a slice of tongue, dry toast and tea. The whole morning whether at
+home or on a visit was devoted to business. Luncheon at Hawarden was
+without formality. "Lunch was on the hob," for several hours, to be
+partaken of when it suited the convenience of the various members of the
+family. Tea, of which Mr. Gladstone was particularly fond, and of which
+he could partake at any hour of the day, or night, was served in the
+afternoon at 5 o'clock,--after which he finished his correspondence.
+
+In the afternoon, Mr. Gladstone was accustomed to a walk in the grounds,
+accompanied by his faithful little black Pomeranian dog, Petz, who was
+obtained on a trip abroad, and became and remained for many years, an
+important member of the household, and one of Mr. Gladstone's most
+devoted followers. Increasing years of over fourscore, prevented finally
+walks of fifty miles a day once indulged in, and the axes stood unused
+in their stands in the vestibule and library, but still Mr. Gladstone
+kept up his walks with his silent companion Petz. After walking for half
+an hour longer in his library after his return to the Castle, Mr.
+Gladstone would dress for dinner, which operation usually took him from
+three to five minutes. At 8 o'clock he joined the family, at dinner,
+which was a cheerful meal. Like Goethe he ate heartily and enjoyed his
+meals, but his diet was extremely simple, Mr. Gladstone eating only what
+was prescribed by his physician. At dinner he talked freely and
+brilliantly even when none but his family were present. When visitors
+were present he would enter upon whatever was the subject of
+conversation, taking his share with others, and pouring a flood of light
+upon any theme suggested, giving all the benefit of the fund of wisdom
+and anecdote collected through two generations of unparalleled political
+and social activity.
+
+After dinner, when there were no visitors at Hawarden, Mr. Gladstone
+would quietly sit reading in his library, or conversing with his family.
+He never used tobacco. Shortly after 10 o'clock he retired to bed and to
+sleep. He never allowed himself to think and be sleepless. Mr. Bright
+had a habit of making his speeches after he had retired to bed, which
+Mr. Gladstone thought was detrimental to his health. Bight hours was the
+time Mr. Gladstone permitted himself to sleep. His bed-room was on the
+second floor and reached by a fine staircase. Everything in the room was
+plain and homely.
+
+On the walls of his bed-room and over the mantlepiece was a text
+emblazoned, on which at evening and morning he could look, which read:
+"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee."
+This not only expresses Mr. Gladstone's trust in God, but doubtless
+accounts in a large degree for that tranquility of mind so notably his,
+even in those trying times that prostrated many and carried many more
+away from their bearings.
+
+From the worry or weariness of business, Mr. Gladstone was ever ready to
+turn for rest to reading, which has thus proved of inestimable value to
+him. "His family cannot speak without emotion of that look of perfect
+happiness and peace that beamed from his eye on such occasions." When
+during the general elections of 1882, this was denied him, he turned
+with equal readiness to writing and thinking on other subjects. During
+the Midlothian Campaign and General Election, and through the Cabinet
+making that followed, he relieved the pressure on his over-burdened
+brain by writing an article on Home Rule, "written with all the force
+and freshness of a first shock of discovery;" he was also writing daily
+on the Psalms; he was preparing a paper for the Oriental Congress which
+was to startle the educated world by "its originality and ingenuity;"
+and he was composing with great and careful investigation his Oxford
+lecture on "The rise and progress of learning in the University
+of Oxford."
+
+All during the morning hours he would sit in the silence of that
+corner-room on the ground floor reading. There were three writing-desks
+in the library, and one was chiefly reserved for correspondence of a
+political nature, and another for his literary work, while the third was
+used by Mrs. Gladstone. He spent his evenings when at Hawarden in a cosy
+corner of the library reading. He had a wonderfully constructed lamp so
+arranged for him for night reading, as to throw the utmost possible
+light on the pages of the book. It was generally a novel that employed
+his mind at night. Occasionally he gives Mrs. Drew about two hundred
+novels to divide the sheep from the goats among them. She divides them
+into three classes--novels worth keeping, novels to be given away, and
+novels to be destroyed.
+
+Mr. Gladstone generally had three books in course of reading at the same
+time, changing from one to the other. These books were carefully
+selected with reference to their character and contents, and he was
+particular as to their order and variation. For instance at one time he
+was reading Dr. Laugen's Roman History, in German, in the morning,
+Virgil in the afternoon, and a novel at night. Scott was his preference
+among novelists. He read with pencil in hand, and he had an elaborate
+system of marking a book. Aristotle, St. Augustine, Dante and Bishop
+Butler were the authors who had the deepest influence upon him, so he
+himself said. His copy of the Odyssey of Homer he had rebound several
+times, as he preferred always to use the same copy.
+
+Mrs. Drew says of her father: "There could not be a better illustration
+of his mind than his Temple of Peace--his study, with its
+extraordinarily methodical arrangement. Away from home he will write an
+exact description of the key or paper he requires, as: 'Open the left
+hand drawer of the writing table nearest the fireplace, and at the back
+of the drawer, in the right hand corner, you will find some keys. You
+will see three on one string; send me the one with such and such teeth.'
+His mind is arranged in the same way; he has only to open a particular
+compartment, labelled so and so, to find the information he requires.
+His memory in consequence is almost unfailing. It is commonly found that
+in old age the memory may be perfect as regards times long gone by, but
+inaccurate and defective as to more recent events. But with Mr.
+Gladstone the things of the present are as deeply stamped on his brain
+as the things of the past." Some one has said of Mr. Gladstone that his
+memory was "terrible." It is evident that he always kept abreast of the
+times--informing himself of everything new in literature, science and
+art, and when over eighty years of age was as ready to imbibe fresh
+ideas as when he was only eighteen, and far more discriminating.
+
+Those who entered Mr. Gladstone's official room on a Sunday, during the
+busiest parliamentary session, could not fail to be struck by the
+atmosphere of repose, the signs and symbols of the day, the books lying
+open near the armchair, the deserted writing-table, the absence of
+papers and newspapers. On Sunday Mr. Gladstone put away all business of
+a secular nature, occupied his time in reading special books, suitable
+to the day, and generally attended church twice, never dined out, except
+he went on a mission of mercy, or to cheer some sorrowful friend. When
+the Queen invited him to Windsor Castle on Sunday for one night, as she
+did sometimes, he always arranged to stay in Windsor Saturday. In his
+dressing room he kept a large open bible in which he daily read.
+Physically, intellectually and spiritually Mr. Gladstone's Sundays were
+regarded by his family as a priceless blessing to him, and to have made
+him the man he was. Mr. Gladstone had strict notions of his duty to his
+church. Whenever he established himself in London, he always attended
+the nearest church, and became regular in his attendance, not only on
+the Sabbath, but daily. With an empire on his shoulders he found time
+for daily public devotion, and in church-going he was no "gadabout."
+When he resided at Carlton House Terrace he attended the church of St.
+Martin-in-the-Fields.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's daily correspondence, when Prime Minister, was simply
+enormous. At first he felt it to be a conscientious duty to deal with
+the most of it himself, but finally came to trust the bulk of it to
+secretaries as other ministers did. Some letters came to him daily that
+he had to answer with his own hand; for example, from ministers or on
+confidental business, from the court, At the end of every Cabinet
+Council the Premier has to write a letter with his own hand to his
+sovereign, giving full information of the business transacted. The same
+kind of report is required daily from Parliament. Of course Mr.
+Gladstone, whenever he was Prime Minister, faithfully attended to this
+duty and dispatched the required letters written with his own hand to
+the Queen.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was remarkable for the strength and endurance of his body
+as well as for the vigor of his intellect. "Don't talk to me of Mr.
+Gladstone's mind," said a contemporary; "it is his body which astonishes
+me." He never had any serious illness in his life, and up to quite
+recent years were vigorous exercise, sometimes walking when in Scotland
+20 miles at a stretch over rough and mountainous country. The physical
+effort of speaking to twenty thousand people, and being heard in every
+part of the vast building by the audience, as was the case at
+Birmingham, in 1889, was remarkable. His power of endurance was
+wonderful. In 1882, he once sat up through an all-night sitting of the
+House of Commons, and going back to 10 Downing Street, at 8 o'clock in
+the morning, for half an hour's rest, again returned to the House and
+remained until the conclusion of the setting. Tree-cutting, which was
+with him a frequent recreation until he became a very old man, was
+chosen "as giving him the maximum of healthy exercise in the minimum of
+time." This favorite pastime of the great statesman was so closely
+associated with him that it was deemed the proper thing to do to place
+on exhibition in the Great Columbian Exposition at Chicago one of the
+axes of Mr. Gladstone.
+
+The Psalmist says, "A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes
+upon the thick trees." These singular words were written long before
+Mr. Gladstone's day, but famous as he was for felling the great trees of
+the forest, the words have a deeper meaning and in more than one sense
+met their fulfilment in him. His swift and keen axe of reform brought
+down many hoary headed evils. Mr. Gladstone himself explained why he
+cultivated this habit of cutting down trees. He said: "I chop wood
+because I find that it is the only occupation in the world that drives
+all thought from my mind. When I walk or ride or play cricket, I am
+still debating important business problems, but when I chop wood I can
+think of nothing but making the chips fly."
+
+The following story illustrates Mr. Gladstone's remarkable powers and
+the surprise he would spring upon those who met him. Two gentlemen who
+were invited guests at a table where Mr. Gladstone was expected, made a
+wager that they would start a conversation on a subject about which even
+Mr. Gladstone would know nothing. To accomplish this end they "read up"
+an "ancient" magazine article on some unfamiliar subject connected with
+Chinese manufactures. When the favorable opportunity came the topic was
+started, and the two conspirators watched with amusement the growing
+interest in the subject which Mr. Gladstone's face betrayed. Finally he
+joined in the conversation, and their amusement was turned into
+confusion, when Mr. Gladstone said, "Ah, gentlemen, I perceive you have
+been reading an article I wrote in the ---- Magazine some thirty or
+forty years ago."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+CLOSING SCENES OF A LONG AND EVENTFUL LIFE
+
+Mr. Gladstone died at Hawarden Castle, at 5 o'clock, Thursday Morning,
+May 19, 1898.
+
+The first intimation of the rapidly approaching end of Mr. Gladstone was
+conveyed in a bulletin issued at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning, May 17. It
+read "Mr. Gladstone had a poor and broken sleep last night; he is
+somewhat exhausted, but suffers no discomfort." The report of the
+evening before was assuring as to any sudden change, so that the anxiety
+was increased. For hours no additional information was given, but there
+were indications outside the Castle of a crisis. Throughout the day
+could be heard expressions of deep regret among the working people,
+asking, "How is the old gentleman?" Despite the heavy rain the people
+collected in groups, and the hush and quiet that prevailed indicated the
+presence of death.
+
+A bulletin at 5 p.m. said: "Mr. Gladstone has taken a serious turn for
+the worse. His death may be expected in twenty-four hours." All day the
+condition of the patient had been critical. The doctor doubted that his
+patient was fully conscious at any time, he answered, "Yes," and "No."
+He refused all medicine, exclaiming No! No! It was remarked that when
+addressed in English, Mr. Gladstone would answer in French, and
+sometimes was praying in French.
+
+Later in the evening the servants of the household were admitted to the
+sick room for a final farewell. They found Mr. Gladstone lying in a deep
+sleep; each in turn knelt down, kissed his hand and tearfully withdrew.
+
+About 9 o'clock the patient rallied a little and fell into a peaceful
+sleep, which was thought to be his last.
+
+The rain had continued to fall during the night, but the villagers had
+been coming singly and in groups to glance silently at the rain-beaten
+scrap of paper which was the latest bulletin, and then silently
+returning to the gate, and disappearing in the darkness only to
+return later.
+
+About 4 o'clock in the morning Mr. Gladstone seemed to be sinking. The
+scene in the sick-room was painful. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read
+prayers and hymns, including Mr. Gladstone's favorite, "Rock of Ages."
+When this was concluded, Mr. Gladstone murmured, "Our Father." As Mrs.
+Gladstone leaned over her husband, he turned his head and his lips moved
+slightly. Though extremely distressed, Mrs. Gladstone bore up with
+remarkable fortitude. But Mr. Gladstone rallied again, and Wednesday
+morning he was still living. By his almost superhuman vitality he had
+fought death away.
+
+The morning was beautiful and clear and the sunshine came in at the open
+window of Mr. Gladstone's room. The aged sufferer was hovering between
+life and death, and only by the feeble beating of his pulse could it be
+told he was alive. He was sleeping himself away into eternal day. Mrs.
+Gladstone sat by the side of his bed, holding his hand, and never
+leaving except for needed rest. At times he seemed to recognize for a
+moment some of those with him. He surely knew his wife as she tenderly
+kissed his hand.
+
+It soon became known abroad that Mr. Gladstone was dying. In the House
+of Commons it caused profound sorrow. Everything else was stopped while
+members discussed how best to honor him, even by taking steps without,
+precedent as that of adjourning, because the circumstances were
+unprecedented. His former colleagues silently watched his last struggle
+with the relentless foe, to whom, true to himself, he was yielding
+slowly, inch by inch.
+
+Telegrams of inquiry and sympathy came from all parts of the world to
+the Castle. The Queen wrote making inquiries and tendering assurances of
+profound sympathy. A long telegram from the Princess of Wales concluded:
+"I am praying for you." The Prince of Wales wrote: "My thoughts are with
+you at this trying time., God grant that your father does not suffer."
+The Duke of Devonshire before the British Empire League referred
+touchingly to the mournful scenes at Hawarden, when "the greatest of
+Englishmen was slowly passing away." And all over the land people of all
+conditions and at all kinds of gatherings, politicians, divines,
+reformers, and women joined in expressions of grief and sympathy. Many
+were the messages of regard and condolence that came from other lands.
+
+Dr. Dobie furnishes the following picture of the dying man. "His grand
+face bears a most peaceful and beautiful look. A few days ago the deeply
+bitten wrinkles that so long marked it were almost gone; but now,
+strangely enough, they seem strong and deep as ever. He looks too in
+wonderfully good color."
+
+At 2 o'clock in the morning, it was evident that the time had come, and
+the family gathered about the bed of the aged man, from that time none
+of them left the room until all was over. The only absentee was little
+Dorothy Drew, who tearfully complained that her grandfather did not know
+her. Behind the family circle stood the physicians and the nurses, and
+the old coachman, who had been unable to be present when the other
+servants took their farewell, and who was now sent for to witness the
+closing scene.
+
+The end was most peaceful. There were no signs of bodily pain or of
+mental distress. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read prayers and repeated
+hymns. The nurse continued to bathe with spirits the brow of the
+patient, who showed gratitude by murmuring, "How nice!" While the son
+was engaged in praying, came the gentle, almost perceptible cessation of
+life, and the great man was no more. So quietly had he breathed his
+last, that the family did not know it until it was announced by the
+medical attendants. The weeping family then filed slowly from the room,
+Mrs. Gladstone was led into another room and induced to lie down. The
+only spoken evidence that Mr. Gladstone realized his surroundings in his
+last moments was when his son recited the litany. Then the dying man
+murmured, "Amen." This was the last word spoken by Mr. Gladstone and was
+uttered just before he died.
+
+The death of Mr. Gladstone was announced to the people of Hawarden by
+the tolling of the church bell. The following bulletin was posted at 6
+a.m.: "In the natural course of things the funeral will be at Hawarden.
+Mr. Gladstone expressed a strong wish to have no flowers at his funeral;
+and the family will be grateful if this desire is strictly respected."
+
+There was something indescribably pathetic in the daily bulletins about
+Mr. Gladstone. All the world knew that he was afflicted with a fatal but
+slow disease, and all the world was struck with wondering admiration at
+his sustained fortitude, patience, and resignation. The tragedy of a
+life, devoted simply and purely to the public service, drawing to an end
+in so long an agony, was a spectacle that struck home to the heart of
+the most callous. These bulletins were posted on the front door of the
+Jubilee Porch, at Hawarden Castle, at 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 10 o'clock at
+night daily, and published throughout the world.
+
+When the sad event was announced that Mr. Gladstone had passed away, the
+action of the House of Commons was prompt, decided and sympathetic. The
+House was crowded Thursday, May 19, when Speaker Gully called upon the
+government leader, Mr. A. J. Balfour, the First Lord of the Treasury,
+and all the members uncovering their heads, Mr. Balfour said:
+
+"I think it will be felt in all parts of the House that we should do
+fitting honor to the great man whose long and splendid career closed
+to-day, by adjourning.
+
+"This is not the occasion for uttering the thoughts which naturally
+suggest themselves. That occasion will present itself to-morrow, when it
+will be my duty to submit to the House an address to the Queen, praying
+her to grant the honor of a public funeral, if such honor is not
+inconsistent with the expressed wishes of himself or of those who have
+the right to speak in his behalf, and also praying the Queen to direct
+that a public monument be erected at Westminster with an inscription
+expressive of the public admiration, attachment and high estimate
+entertained by the House of Mr. Gladstone's rare and splendid gifts and
+devoted labors in Parliament and in high offices of State.
+
+"Before actually moving the adjournment, I have to propose a formal
+resolution that the House to-morrow resolve itself into committee to
+draw up an address, the contents of which I have just indicated."
+
+After a word of assent from Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Liberal
+leader, the resolution was adopted and the House adjourned.
+
+The House of Commons was crowded again on Friday, and went into
+committee of the whole to consider the address to the Queen in regard
+to the interment of the remains of Mr. Gladstone in Westminster Abbey.
+Not since the introduction of the Home Rule Bill by Mr. Gladstone had
+there been such an assemblage in the House, members filled every seat,
+clustered on the steps of the speaker's dais, and occupied every space.
+The galleries were all filled. In the Peer's gallery were the foremost
+members of the House of Lords. United States Ambassador Hay and all his
+staff were present with other Ambassadors. The members of the House were
+in deep mourning, and all removed their hats, as if in the presence of
+the dead. An unusual hush overspread all. After the prayer by the
+chaplain, there was an impressive silence for a quarter of an hour,
+before Mr. Balfour rose to speak. The whole scene was profoundly
+affecting. The eulogies of Mr. Gladstone formed an historic episode.
+All, without respect to party, united in honoring their late illustrious
+countryman.
+
+Mr. Balfour delivered a brilliant panegyric of the dead statesman, and
+his speech was eloquent and displayed great taste. He was so ill,
+however, from weakness of heart that he was barely able to totter to his
+place and to ask the indulgence of the speaker while he rested, before
+offering his oration. He was too sick for the sad duty imposed upon him,
+but he preferred to pay this last tribute to his friend. The
+circumstances were painful, but added a dramatic touch to the scene.
+His oration was lengthy and his eulogy spoken with evident emotion. He
+concluded by formally moving the presentation of the address to the
+Queen. The Liberal Leader, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the political as
+well as the personal friend of Mr. Gladstone, seconded the motion. He
+paid a heartfelt tribute to the memory of his eminent colleague, and
+spoke in a vein of lofty and glowing eloquence until overcome with
+emotion, so that he had to stop thrice to wipe his eyes; finally he
+completely broke down and was unable to proceed.
+
+Mr. Dillon, the Irish leader, in a speech of five minutes duration, and
+in his most oratorical style, dwelt on Mr. Gladstone's fervid sympathy
+for the oppressed people of all races, and touched a chord which stirred
+the House. As Mr. Dillon had spoken for Ireland, so Mr. Abel Thomas
+followed as the representative of Wales.
+
+The address to the Queen was unanimously adopted.
+
+In the House of Lords there was also a full attendance of members. The
+Marquis of Salisbury, Prime Minister, spoke feelingly of Mr. Gladstone,
+who, he said, "was ever guided in all his efforts by a lofty moral
+idea". The deceased will be remembered, not so much for his political
+work as for the great example, hardly paralleled in history, of the
+great Christian Statesman.
+
+The Earl of Kimberly, the liberal leader in the House of Lords, followed
+in a touching tribute, and the Duke of Devonshire expressed generous
+appreciation of Mr. Gladstone's services in behalf of the Liberal
+Unionists, saying their severance from Mr. Gladstone was a most painful
+incident. But, he added, he could "recall no word from Mr. Gladstone
+which added unnecessarily to the bitterness of the situation." The Earl
+of Rosebery delivered an eloquent panegyric. The honors of the occasion
+were unanimously accorded to him, whose eulogy of his predecessor in the
+leadership of the liberal party was a masterpiece of its kind. He spoke
+of the triumphs of life rather than the sorrows of death. Death was not
+all sadness. His life was full---his memory remains. To all time he is
+an example for our race and mankind. He instanced as an illustration of
+the fine courtesy always observed by Mr. Gladstone towards his political
+opponents, that the last letter he had written with his own hand was a
+private note to Lady Salisbury, several weeks since, congratulating her
+and her husband on their providential escape from a carriage accident at
+Hatfield. Lord Salisbury was visibly touched by Lord Rosebery's
+reference to this circumstance.
+
+The House of Lords then adopted the Resolution to the Queen.
+
+The body of Mr. Gladstone, un-coffined, was laid on a couch in the
+Library of the Castle--the room called the Temple of Peace. He was
+dressed in a suit of black cloth, over which were the scarlet robes of
+the university, and by his side the cap was placed. His hands were
+folded on his breast. He rested on a most beautiful white satin cloth,
+with a rich border in Eastern embroidery. Above his head in letters of
+gold were the words sewn into the satin: "Requiescat in pace." There was
+the beauty of death--the terror was all gone. During Tuesday the body
+was viewed by the tenants on the estate, the neighbors and friends.
+
+On Wednesday morning, May 25th, at 6 o'clock, the remains, having been
+enclosed in a plain panelled elm coffin, were removed to the village
+church, where they were lying in state during the day. The body was
+carried by half-a-dozen old retainers of the family to a bier on wheels,
+on which it was taken to the church, over the lawn, following the
+private path Mr. Gladstone used to tread on his way to church, and past
+the favorite nooks of the deceased in the park. The family--excepting
+Mrs. Gladstone, who came later, tenants, servants, friends, local
+officials and neighbors followed in procession, Thousands of people were
+arriving by public and private conveyances at Hawarden. At eleven
+o'clock the doors of the church were opened, when men, women and
+children, from all the surrounding country, and even tourists from
+abroad, entered to view the remains. All day long a constant stream of
+people poured into the church, while the streets were filled with people
+unable to gain admittance. Several ladies fainted from excess of emotion
+when passing the bier, and many men and women dropped on their knees and
+silently prayed.
+
+At 6 o'clock in the evening the body was removed from Hawarden Church
+and carried to the station for the journey to London. The procession to
+bear the remains was composed of the family, representatives of
+organizations, friends and neighbors. Vast crowds lined the route, afoot
+and in every kind of vehicle. The cortege stopped at the entrance to the
+Park--Hawarden Lodge, and sang one of Mr. Gladstone's favorite hymns.
+Again, when the procession reached the Castle, it paused at the entrance
+and sang another hymn loved by the late resident of the house, and went
+on its way to Broughton Hall Station. Every step of the way, after
+leaving the park, was again lined with sympathetic spectators. While at
+the station the spectacle was remarkable for the surrounding crush of
+human beings. A special train was provided for the body and the family.
+As the body of Mr. Gladstone was placed upon the funeral car the sorrow
+of the people was manifest. The representatives of the Earl Marshall, of
+England, took possession of the funeral at this point. Henry and Herbert
+Gladstone accompanied the body to London and Mrs. Gladstone and family
+returned to the castle to follow later.
+
+All along the route to London grief-stricken people were standing to
+view the funeral train as it passed at Chester, Crewe, Rugby, Stafford
+and Farnworth until the darkness and lateness of the night shut out
+the scene.
+
+When the train reached London and passed to Westminster, it was early in
+the morning. A group of some thirty gentlemen, connected with the
+ceremonies, was at the station; among them the Duke of Norfolk, About
+two hundred people looked silently on while the body was removed from
+the train to the hearse, and the funeral cortege moved on to Westminster
+Hall at once and entered the Palace Yard just as "Big Ben" tolled the
+hour of one like a funeral knell.
+
+The coffin was placed in position for lying in state in Westminster
+Hall, and at about 3 o'clock Canon Wilberforce conducted a special
+service in the presence of Henry and Herbert Gladstone and several
+members of the House of Commons.
+
+The scenes that followed were remarkably impressive and unparalleled.
+The people began to arrive at Westminster at 2 o'clock in the morning.
+The line formed was continually augmented by all classes of
+people,--peers, peeresses, cabinet members, members of the House of
+Commons, military and naval officers, clergymen, costermongers, old and
+young, until 6 o'clock, when the doors were opened and the procession
+commenced to stream into the Hall, and passed the catafalque.
+
+This long procession of mourners continued all day Thursday and Friday.
+Two hundred thousand people, at least, paid homage to the dead
+statesman. On Friday evening, after the crowd had departed, large
+delegations, representing Liberal organizations from all parts of the
+kingdom, visited the Hall, by special arrangement, and fifteen hundred
+of them paid respect to the memory of their late leader.
+
+Saturday morning, May 28, thousands of people assembled in the square
+outside to witness the passage of the funeral cortege from Westminster
+Hall, where it was formed, to the Abbey, to find sepulchre in the tomb
+of kings. The procession passed through two lines of policemen. It was
+not a military parade, with all its pomp, but a ceremony made glorious
+by the homage of the people, among them the greatest of the nation. The
+funeral was in every respect impressive, dignified and lofty, in every
+way worthy the great civilian, and the nation that accorded him a
+public burial with its greatest dead. And the people were there. Every
+spot on which the eye rested swarmed with human beings. They looked from
+the windows of the hospital, and from the roofs of houses. Everybody was
+dressed in black.
+
+The principal officials had assembled in Westminster Hall at 10 o'clock.
+The Bishop of London, the Right Rev. Mandell Creighton, D.D., read a
+brief prayer and at 10.30 o'clock the procession had formed and slowly
+passed through the crowds who with uncovered heads stood on either side
+of short pathway, a distance 300 yards, to the western entrance of the
+Abbey, between two ranks of the Eton Volunteers, the boys of the school
+where Mr. Gladstone received his early education, in their
+buff uniforms.
+
+The pall-bearers who walked on each side of the coffin were perhaps the
+personages who attracted the most attention during the day. They were
+the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Marquis of Salisbury, the
+Earl of Kimberly, A. J. Balfour, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Duke
+of Rutland, Lord Rosebery, Baron Rendel and George Armitstead, the two
+latter being life-long friends of the deceased statesman.
+
+When Mrs. Gladstone entered the Abbey the whole assembly rose and
+remained standing until she was seated. This honor was accorded only
+once beside--when the Princess of Wales, the Princess Mary and the
+Duchess of York appeared.
+
+The Abbey was filled with people. Every gallery, balcony and niche high
+up among the rafters held a cluster of deeply interested spectators.
+Temporary galleries had been erected in long tiers around the open
+grave, which was in the floor of the Abbey. There were 2,500 persons
+assembled in the Abbey, all--both men and women--clothed in black,
+except a few officials whose regalia relieved this sombre background by
+its brilliancy. The two Houses of Parliament sat facing each other,
+seated on temporary seats on opposite sides of the grave. About them
+were the mayors of the principal cities, delegates from Liberal
+organizations, representatives of other civic and political societies,
+representatives of the Non-Conformists, while the long nave was crowded
+with thousands of men and women, among them being most of the
+celebrities in all branches of English life. In each gallery was a
+presiding officer with his official mace beside him, whose place was in
+the centre, and who was its most prominent figure. It was a
+distinguished assembly in a famous place. Beneath were the illustrious
+dead; around were the illustrious living.
+
+The members of the bereaved family sat in the stall nearest the
+bier--Mrs. Gladstone, her sons Henry, Herbert and Stephen; with other
+members of the family, children and grand-children, including little
+Dorothy Drew, Mr. Gladstone's favorite grand-child, in her new mourning.
+
+The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of York occupied the Dean's pew
+opposite. Other royalties were present in person or by their
+representatives.
+
+Within the chancel stood the Dean of Westminster, and behind him were
+gathered the cathedral clergy, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the
+scarlet and white surpliced choir, filling the chapel.
+
+It was the wish of the deceased for simplicity, but he was buried with a
+nation's homage in the tomb of kings. In the northern transept, known as
+the "Statesmen's Corner", of Westminster Abbey, where England's greatest
+dead rests, the body of Mr. Gladstone was entombed. His grave is near
+the graves of Pitt, Palmerston, Canning and Peel, beside that of his
+life-long political adversary, Lord Beaconsfield (Benjamin Disraeli),
+whose marble effigy looks down upon it, decked with the regalia Mr.
+Gladstone had so often refused. Two possible future kings of Great
+Britain walked besides the great commoner's coffin and stood beside his
+grave, and all the nobility and learning of the nation surrounded his
+bier. This state funeral, the first since that of Lord Palmerston, was
+rendered more imposing by the magnificence of the edifice in which it
+was solemnized. The coffin rested on an elevated bier before the altar,
+its plainness hidden beneath a pall of white-and gold embroidered cloth.
+
+A choir of one hundred male singers, which had awaited the coffin at the
+entrance to the Abbey, preceded it along the nave, chanting, "I am the
+Resurrection and the Life." When the coffin was laid on the bier,
+Purcell's funeral chant, "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge," was sung,
+and Dean Bradley and the whole assemblage sang, "Rock of Ages," and then
+while the coffin was being borne along the aisle to the grave, sang Mr.
+Gladstone's favorite hymn, "Praise to the Holiest in the Height."
+
+The choir of Westminster Abbey is said to be fine at any time, but for
+this great occasion special arrangements had been made, and there was a
+recruiting of the best voices from several of the choirs of London, and
+many musical instruments beside. The result was to win general praise
+for the beauty, harmony and perfection of the music. The weird, dismal
+strains of a quartette of trombones, in a recess far above the heads of
+the congregation, playing the three splendid "Equali," Beethoven's
+funeral hymn, swept through the vaulted roof of the Abbey, in pure tones
+never to be forgotten. When these ceased and finally died away, the
+great organ and a band of brass instruments took up Schubert's funeral
+march, booming sonorously; and changed to Beethoven's funeral march with
+a clash of cymbals in the orchestral accompaniment. A third march being
+required, owing to the time needed by the procession to reach the Abbey,
+"Marche Solennelle" was played.
+
+The choir, and a large number of bishops and other clergy, joined the
+procession at the west door and together they all proceeded to
+the grave.
+
+There was no sermon. The service was simple and solemn. The final paean
+of victory over death and the grave from Paul's great epistle was read,
+and the last hymn sung was, "Oh God! Our Help in Ages Past." The dean
+read the appointed appropriate service, committing the body to the
+earth, and then the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a loud voice,
+pronounced the benediction. The family and others near the grave kneeled
+during the concluding ceremonies, and then Mrs. Gladstone was helped
+from her knees to her unoccupied chair at the head of the grave.
+
+After the benediction came one of the saddest moments of the day. Mrs.
+Gladstone stood, with great courage and composure, throughout the
+service, supported on the arms of her two sons, Herbert and Stephen, and
+with other members of her family near the grave. Her face was lifted
+upward, and her lips were moving as though repeating the lines of the
+service. She also kept standing during the one official feature of the
+service; "The Proclamation by Garter, by Norroy, King of Arms, of the
+Style of the Deceased," as the official programme had it, and in which
+the various offices which Mr. Gladstone had held in his lifetime, were
+enumerated. Then, when the final word was spoken, the widow, still
+supported by her sons, approached the edge of the grave and there took a
+last, long look and was conducted away. Other relatives followed, and
+then most of the members of Parliament. Finally the Prince of Wales, the
+Duke of York and other pall-bearers defiled past the grave, took a last
+view of the coffin in the deep grave, and when they had been escorted
+down the nave to entrance, the people slowly departed.
+
+The "Dead March" from "Saul" and the "Marche Solennelle" of Schubert
+was played as the congregation slowly wended its way out of the
+sacred edifice.
+
+Perhaps the most solemn function of all, witnessed by none but the
+Gladstone family and the officials, was when the casket was opened
+shortly after midnight on Thursday to allow the Earl Marshal to verify
+with his own eyes that it really contained the remains of the dead
+statesman. It was said that the old man's face, seen for the last time
+by the Duke of Norfolk, who is responsible to England for his sacred
+charge, was more peaceful and younger looking than it had seemed for
+years. At the very last moment a small gold Armenian cross, a memento of
+that nation for which the great statesman worked so zealously, was
+placed by his side. Then all was sealed.
+
+As the deceased statesman was undoubtedly the greatest parliamentarian
+of our time, the following concise expressions with regard to his
+character and influence have been collected from a number of
+representative members of different political parties in both Houses of
+Parliament:
+
+The Marquis of Londonderry said: "What impressed me about Mr. Gladstone
+was his extraordinary moral influence."
+
+Lord George Hamilton: "I doubt whether we ever had a parliamentarian who
+equalled Mr. Gladstone."
+
+The Marquis of Lorne: "I share the universal regret at Mr. Gladstone's
+death as a personal loss."
+
+Sir John Gorst: "One feature, which greatly distinguished Mr. Gladstone,
+was his remarkable candour in debate. He never affected to misunderstand
+his opponents' arguments, and spared no pains in trying to make his own
+meaning understood."
+
+Sir Charles Dilke: "I think Mr. Gladstone's leading personal
+characteristic was his old-fashioned courtesy. Whilst a statesman, his
+absolute mastery of finance, both in its principles and details, was
+incomparably superior to that of any of his contemporaries."
+
+Mr. Thomas Ellis, the chief Liberal Whip, confessed that the greatest
+interest of his life in Parliament was to watch Mr. Gladstone's face.
+"It was like the sea in the fascination of its infinite variety, and of
+its incalculable reserve and strength. Every motion in his great soul
+was reflected in his face and form. To have had opportunities of
+watching that face, and of witnessing one triumph after another, is a
+precious privilege, for some of the charms of his face, as of his
+oratory and character, were incommunicable. He more than any man helped
+to build up and shape the present commercial and political fabric of
+Britain, but to struggling nations his words and deeds were as the
+breath of life."
+
+Sir Joseph Pease: "His memory will be kept green by a grateful country.
+Death soon buries the battle-axe of party, and he who devoted a long
+life and immense intellectual power, coupled with strong convictions on
+moral and Christian ethics, to the well being of his country and the
+world, will never be forgotten by the English people."
+
+Mr. James Bryce, author of "The American Commonwealth": "This sad event
+is the most noble and pathetic closing of a great life which we have
+seen in England in historical memory. I cannot recall any other case in
+which the whole nation has followed the setting of the sun of life with
+such sympathy, such regret, and such admiration."
+
+Lord Kinnaird: "Few men in public life have been able to draw out such
+personal love and devotion from his followers and friends. In the midst
+of an ever-busy life he was always ready to take his part in the
+conflict of right against wrong, of truth against error, and he earned
+the gratitude of all patriots, for he was never ashamed of contending
+that no true progress could be made which left out of sight the moral
+well-being of the people."
+
+Mr. Labouchere: "What impressed me most in Mr. Gladstone was his power
+of concentrated effort. Once he had decided on a course, action at once
+followed. Every thought was bent to attain the end, no labour was deemed
+to arduous. He alone knew how to deal with supporters and opponents. The
+former he inspired with his own fierce energy."
+
+Mr. John Redmond, leader of the Parnellite group of the Irish
+Nationalists: "The loss to England is absolutely incalculable. I regard
+Mr. Gladstone as having been the greatest parliamentarian of the age,
+and the greatest parliamentary orator. Englishmen of all parties ought
+to be grateful to him for his services in promoting the greatness and
+prosperity of their empire."
+
+John Dillon: "The greatest and most patriotic of Englishmen. If I were
+asked to say what I think most characteristic of Gladstone, I should say
+his abiding love for the common people and his faith in the government
+founded upon them, so that, while he remained the most patriotic of
+Englishmen, he is to-day mourned with equal intensity throughout the
+civilized world."
+
+Justin McCarthy, M. P.: "The death of Mr. Gladstone closes a career
+which may be described as absolutely unique in English political
+history. It was the career of a great statesman, whose statesmanship was
+first and last inspired, informed and guided by conscience, by
+principle, and by love of justice. There were great English statesmen
+before Mr. Gladstone's time and during Mr. Gladstone's time, but we
+shall look in vain for an example of any statesman in office, who made
+genius and eloquence, as Mr. Gladstone did, the mere servants of
+righteousness and conscientious purpose. Into the mind of Gladstone no
+thought of personal ambition or personal advancement ever entered. He
+was as conscientious as Burke. In the brilliancy of his gifts he was at
+least the equal of Bolingbroke. He was as great an orator as either
+Pitt, and he has left the imprint of his intellect on beneficent
+political and social legislation. In eloquence he far surpassed Cobden
+and was the peer of Bright, while his position as Parliamentary leader
+enabled him to initiate and carry out measures of reform which Bright
+and Cobden could only support. He was, in short, the greatest and the
+best Prime Minister known to English history."
+
+Michael Davitt: "One can only join with the whole world in admiration of
+the almost boundless talents of Mr. Gladstone, which were devoted with
+unparalleled power of charm to the service of his fellow-men. He was
+probably the greatest British statesman and leaves behind a record of a
+career unequalled in the annals of English politics. For the magnitude
+of his national labors and integrity of his personal character, Irishmen
+will remember him gratefully."
+
+The _Daily Chronicle_ heads its editorial with a quotation from
+Wordsworth:
+
+     "This is the happy warrior: this is he:
+     That every man in arms should wish to be."
+
+The editorial says: "A glorious light has been extinguished in the land;
+all his life lies in the past, a memory to us and our children; an
+inspiration and possession forever. The end has come as to a soldier at
+his post. It found him calm, expectant, faithful, unshaken. Death has
+come robed in the terrors of mortal pain; but what better can be said
+than that as he taught his fellows how to live, so he has taught them
+how to die?
+
+"It is impossible at this hour to survey the mighty range of this
+splendid life. We would assign to him the title. 'The Great Nationalist
+of the Nineteenth Century;' the greatest of the master-builders of
+modern England. Timidity had no place in Mr. Gladstone's soul. Ho was a
+lion among men, endowed with a granite strength of will and purpose,
+rare indeed in our age of feeble convictions."
+
+The _Daily News_ says: "One of his most characteristics qualities was
+his personal humility. This cannot be explained without the key, for Mr.
+Gladstone did not in the ordinary meaning of the word, underrate
+himself. He was not easy to persuade. He paid little attention to other
+people's opinions when his mind was made up. He was quite aware of his
+own ascendency in counsel and his supremacy in debate. The secret of his
+humility was an abiding sense that these things were of no importance
+compared with the relations between God's creatures and their Creator,
+Mr. Gladstone once said with characteristic candour that he had a
+vulnerable temper. He was quickly moved to indignation by whatever he
+thought injurious either to himself or to others, and was incapable of
+concealing his emotions, for, if he said nothing, his countenance showed
+what he felt. More expressive features were never given to man.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's exquisite courtesy, which in and out of Parliament was
+the model for all, proceeded from the same source. It was essentially
+Christian. Moreover, nobody laughed more heartily over an anecdote that
+was really good. He was many men in one; but he impressed all alike with
+the essential greatness of his character.
+
+"He was built mentally and morally on a large scale. Of course it cannot
+be denied that such a face, such a voice, such natural dignity, and such
+perfect gesture produced in themselves an immense effect. There was
+nothing common-place about him. Mr. Gladstone was absolutely simple; and
+his simplicity was not the least attractive element of his fascinating
+personality.
+
+"His life presented aspects of charm to all minds. His learning
+captivated the scholar, his eloquence and statesmanship the politician,
+his financial genius the business man; while his domestic relations and
+simple human graciousness appealed to all hearts.
+
+"'There is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.'"
+
+_Public Ledger_, Philadelphia: "To write Gladstone's career is to write
+the history of the Victorian era and that of the closing years of the
+reign of William IV, for Gladstone took his seat in Parliament for the
+first time in 1832, two years after he was out of college, and
+Victoria's accession took place in 1837. Since that remote day Gladstone
+has been four times Premier; has delivered numberless speeches of the
+highest order of excellence; has published a multitude of pamphlets and
+volumes which attest consummate intellectual gifts, and has been a great
+force in English statesmanship and scholarship through an exceptionally
+long life and almost to the very close of it. It has been given to
+exceedingly few men to play so great, so transcendent a role in any
+country or at any time."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<title>The Grand Old Man: Gladstone</title>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Grand Old Man
+
+Author: Richard B. Cook
+
+Posting Date: November 17, 2011 [EBook #9900]
+Release Date: February, 2006
+First Posted: November 4, 2003
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAND OLD MAN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charlie Kirschner, Tom
+Allen, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<h1>The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook</h1>
+
+
+<a name="title"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="titlepage (86K)" src="images/title.jpg" height="1113" width="680">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<a name="551"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0551 (91K)" src="images/551.jpg" height="945" width="562">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+<center>
+<h2>
+PREFACE</h2>
+</center>
+<p>William E. Gladstone was cosmopolitan. The Premier of the British Empire
+is ever a prominent personage, but he has stood above them all. For more
+than half a century he has been the active advocate of liberty, morality
+and religion, and of movements that had for their object the prosperity,
+advancement and happiness of men. In all this he has been upright,
+disinterested and conscientious in word and deed. He has proved himself
+to be the world's champion of human rights. For these reasons he has
+endeared himself to all men wherever civilization has advanced to
+enlighten and to elevate in this wide world.</p>
+
+<p>With the closing of the 19th century the world is approaching a crisis
+in which every nation is involved. For a time the map of the world
+might as well be rolled up. Great questions that have agitated one or
+more nations have convulsed the whole earth because steam and
+electricity have annihilated time and space. Questions that have sprung
+up between England and Africa, France and Prussia, China and Japan,
+Russia and China, Turkey and Armenia, Greece and Turkey, Spain and
+America have proved international and have moved all nations. The daily
+proceedings of Congress at Washington are discussed in Japan.</p>
+
+<p>In these times of turning and overturning, of discontent and unrest, of
+greed and war, when the needs of the nations most demand men of
+world-wide renown, of great experience in government and diplomacy, and
+of firm hold upon the confidence of the people; such men as, for
+example, Gladstone, Salisbury, Bismark, Crispi and Li Hung Chang, who
+have led the mighty advance of civilization, are passing away. Upon
+younger men falls the heavy burden of the world, and the solution of the
+mighty problems of this climax of the most momentous of all centuries.</p>
+
+<p>However, the Record of these illustrious lives remains to us for
+guidance and inspiration. History is the biography of great men. The
+lamp of history is the beacon light of many lives. The biography of
+William E. Gladstone is the history, not only of the English
+Parliament, but of the progress of civilization in the earth for the
+whole period of his public life. With the life of Mr. Gladstone in his
+hand, the student of history or the young statesman has a light to guide
+him and to help him solve those intricate problems now perplexing the
+nations, and upon the right solution of which depends Christian
+civilization&mdash;the liberties, progress, prosperity and happiness of the
+human race.</p>
+
+<p>Hence, the life and public services of the Grand Old Man cannot fail to
+be of intense interest to all, particularly to the English, because he
+has repeatedly occupied the highest position under the sovereign of
+England, to the Irish whether Protestant or Catholic, north or south,
+because of his advocacy of (Reforms) for Ireland; to the Scotch because
+of his Scottish descent; to the German because he reminds them of their
+own great chancellor, the Unifier of Germany, Prince Bismarck; and to
+the American because he was ever the champion of freedom; and as there
+has been erected in Westminster Abbey a tablet to the memory of Lord
+Howe, so will the American people enshrine in their hearts, among the
+greatest of the great, the memory of William Ewart Gladstone.</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<p>     "In youth a student and in eld a sage;<br>
+        Lover of freedom; of mankind the friend;<br>
+        Noble in aim from childhood to the end;<br>
+      Great is thy mark upon historic page."</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+<center>
+<h2>
+CONTENTS.</h2>
+</center>
+
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+CHAPTER I</td><td>
+<a href="#c1">ANCESTRY AND BIRTH</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER II</td><td>
+<a href="#c2">AT ETON AND OXFORD</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER III&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>
+<a href="#c3">EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER IV</td><td>
+<a href="#c4">BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER V</td><td>
+<a href="#c5">TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER VI</td><td>
+<a href="#c6">ENTERS THE CABINET</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER VII</td><td>
+<a href="#c7">MEMBER FOR OXFORD</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER VIII</td><td>
+<a href="#c8">THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER IX</td><td>
+<a href="#c9">THE FIRST BUDGET</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER X</td><td>
+<a href="#c10">THE CRIMEAN WAR</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XI</td><td>
+<a href="#c11">IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XII</td><td>
+<a href="#c12">HOMERIC STUDIES</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XIII</td><td>
+<a href="#c13">GREAT BUDGETS</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XIV</td><td>
+<a href="#c14">LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XV</td><td>
+<a href="#c15">THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XVI</td><td>
+<a href="#c16">THE EASTERN QUESTION</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XVII</td><td>
+<a href="#c17">MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XVIII</td><td>
+<a href="#c18">THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XIX</td><td>
+<a href="#c19">PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XX</td><td>
+<a href="#c20">IN PRIVATE LIFE</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XXI</td><td>
+<a href="#c21">CLOSING SCENES</a>
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<a name="009"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="009 (60K)" src="images/009.jpg" height="360" width="498">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+<p>                        "In thought, word and deed,<br>
+     How throughout all thy warfare thou wast pure,<br>
+     I find it easy to believe."
+                                &mdash;ROBERT BROWNING</p>
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<h2>
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+<p><a href="#551">WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE (<i>Frontispiece</i>)</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#009">GLADSTONE ENTERING PALACE YARD, WESTMINSTER</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#550">GLADSTONE AND SISTER</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#549">INTERIOR OF THE OLD HOUSE OF COMMONS</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#038">BIRTHPLACE OF GLADSTONE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#548">GLIMPSES OF GLADSTONE'S EARLIER YEARS</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#065">HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#075">GLADSTONE'S LONDON RESIDENCE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#082">LOBBY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#112">GRATTAN</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#142">KILMAINHAM JAIL</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#547">GLADSTONE'S MARRIAGE AT HAWARDEN</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#157">NO. 10 DOWNING STREET, LONDON</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#160">THE PARK GATE, HAWARDEN</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#162">OLD HAWARDEN CASTLE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#164">HAWARDEN CASTLE, FROM THE PARK</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#167">WATERFALL IN HAWARDEN PARK</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#170">COURT YARD, HAWARDEN</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#546">GLADSTONE READING THE LESSONS AT HAWARDEN CHURCH</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#175">THE REV. H. DREW</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#176">DOROTHY'S DOVECOTE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#178">DINING-ROOM IN THE ORPHANAGE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#179">STAIRCASE IN THE ORPHANAGE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#180">HAWARDEN CHURCH</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#545">HAWARDEN CASTLE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#213">LOYAL ULSTER</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#541">GLADSTONE'S EARLY ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#542">GLADSTONE'S LATER ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#245">GLADSTONE IN WALES</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#543">CITY AND COUNTY VOLUNTEERS OF DUBLIN</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#544">CONDITION OF IRELAND, 1882</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#276">GLADSTONE VISITING NEAPOLITAN PRISONS</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#571">GLADSTONE INTRODUCING HIS FIRST BUDGET</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#572">THE SUNDERLAND SHIPOWNER SURPRISED</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#568">FAMILY GROUP AT HAWARDEN</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#319">HOUSE OF COMMONS</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#331">WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#570">GLADSTONE AND GRANDDAUGHTER</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#340">GLADSTONE'S AXE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#569">GLADSTONE FAMILY GROUP</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#567">SALISBURY MINISTRY DEFEATED</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#374">THE OLD LION</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#566">GLADSTONE'S RECEPTION IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#388">GLADSTONE'S MAIL</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#565">RELEASE OF PARNELL, DILLON AND O'KELLY</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#404">GLADSTONE ON HIS WAY HOME</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#564">THE MIDLOTHIAN CAMPAIGN</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#563">QUEEN VICTORIA</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#562">GLADSTONE AND HIS SON, HERBERT</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#432">GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#561">IRISH LEADERS</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#560">IRISH CONSTABULARY EVICTING TENANTS</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#451">GLADSTONE'S STUDY AT HAWARDEN</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#559">FOURTH ADMINISTRATION CABINET</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#558">GLADSTONE ON THE QUEEN'S YACHT</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#470">ST. JAMES PALACE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#557">QUEEN AND PREMIER</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#556">GLADSTONE IN HIS STUDY, READING</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#555">MR. AND MRS. GLADSTONE, 1897</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#552">FUNERAL PROCESSION HAWARDEN VILLAGE</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#553">CORTEGE IN NAVE OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#554">LAST TRIBUTE OF RESPECT AT HAWARDEN</a></p>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+
+
+
+<center>
+<h2>INTRODUCTORY.</h2></center>
+<br>
+<p>There are few, even among those who differed from him, who would deny to
+Mr. Gladstone the title of a great statesman: and in order to appreciate
+his wonderful career, it is necessary to realize the condition of the
+world of thought, manners and works at the time when he entered
+public life.</p>
+
+<p>In medicine there was no chloroform; in art the sun had not been
+enlisted in portraiture; railways were just struggling into existence;
+the electric telegraph was unknown; gas was an unfashionable light;
+postage was dear, and newspapers were taxed.</p>
+
+<p>In literature, Scott had just died; Carlyle was awaiting the publication
+of his first characteristic book; Tennyson was regarded as worthy of
+hope because of his juvenile poems; Macaulay was simply a brilliant
+young man who had written some stirring verse and splendid prose; the
+Brontės were schoolgirls; Thackeray was dreaming of becoming an artist;
+Dickens had not written a line of fiction; Browning and George Eliot
+were yet to come.</p>
+
+<p>In theology, Newman was just emerging from evangelicalism; Pusey was an
+Oxford tutor; Samuel Wilberforce a village curate; Henry Manning a young
+graduate; and Darwin was commencing that series of investigations which
+revolutionized the popular conception of created things.</p>
+
+<p>Princess, afterwards Queen Victoria, was a girl of thirteen; Cobden a
+young calico printer; Bright a younger cotton spinner; Palmerston was
+regarded as a man-about-town, and Disraeli as a brilliant and eccentric
+novelist with parliamentary ambition. The future Marquis of Salisbury
+and Prime Minister of Great Britain was an infant scarcely out of arms;
+Lord Rosebery, (Mr. Gladstone's successor in the Liberal Premiership),
+Lord Spencer, Lord Herschell, Mr. John Morley, Mr. Campbell-Bannerman,
+Mr. Asquith, Mr. Brice, Mr. Acland and Mr. Arnold Morley, or more than
+half the members of his latest cabinet remained to be born; as did also
+the Duke of Devonshire, Mr. Balfour and Mr. Chamberlain, among those who
+were his keenest opponents toward the end of his public career.</p>
+
+<p>At last the end of Mr. Gladstone's public life arrived, but it had been
+extended to an age greater than that at which any English statesman had
+ever conducted the government of his country.</p>
+
+<p>Of the significance of the life of this great man, it would be
+superfluous to speak. The story will signally fail of its purpose if it
+does not carry its own moral with it. We can best conclude these
+introductory remarks by applying to the subject of the following pages,
+some words which he applied a generation ago to others:</p>
+
+<p>In the sphere of common experience we see some human beings live and
+die, and furnish by their life no special lessons visible to man, but
+only that general teaching in elementary and simple forms which is
+derivable from every particle of human histories. Others there have
+been, who, from the times when their young lives first, as it were,
+peeped over the horizon, seemed at once to&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<p>       "'Flame in the forehead of the evening sky,'"<br>
+     &mdash;Whose lengthening years have been but one growing<br>
+              splendor, and who at last&mdash;<br>
+       "&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;Leave a lofty name,<br>
+     A light, a landmark on the cliffs of fame."</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+
+<a name="543"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0543 (115K)" src="images/543.jpg" height="615" width="770">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<center>
+<a name="c1"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+<h4>
+ANCESTRY AND BIRTH
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>All history, says Emerson, "resolves itself into the biographies of a
+few stout and earnest persons." These remarks find exemplification in
+the life of William Ewart Gladstone, of whom they are pre-eminently
+true. His recorded life, from the early period of his graduation to his
+fourth premiership, would embrace in every important respect not only
+the history of the British Empire, but very largely the international
+events of every nation of the world for more than half a century.</p>
+
+<p>William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., D.C.L., statesman, orator and scholar,
+was born December 27, 1809, in Liverpool, England. The house in which he
+was born, number 62 Rodney Street, a commodious and imposing
+"double-fronted" dwelling of red brick, is still standing. In the
+neighborhood of the Rodney Street house, and a few years before or after
+the birth of William E. Gladstone, a number of distinguished persons
+were born, among them William Roscoe, the writer and philanthropist,
+John Gibson, the sculptor, Doctor Bickersteth, the late Bishop of Ripon,
+Mrs. Hemans, the poetess, and Doctor James Martineau, Professor of
+Mental and Moral Philosophy in Manchester New College, and the brother
+of Harriet Martineau, the authoress.</p>
+
+<p>The Gladstone family, or Gledstanes, which was the original family name,
+was of Scottish origin. The derivation of the name is obvious enough to
+any one familiar with the ancestral home. A <i>gled</i> is a hawk, and that
+fierce and beautiful bird would have found its natural refuge among the
+<i>stanes</i>, or rocks, of the craggy moorlands which surround the
+"fortalice of gledstanes." As far back as 1296 Herbert de Gledstane
+figures in the Ragman Roll as one of the lairds who swore fealty to
+Edward I. His descendants for generations held knightly rank, and bore
+their part in the adventurous life of the Border. The chief stock was
+settled at Liberton, in the upper part of Clydesdale. It was a family of
+Scottish lairds, holding large estates in the sixteenth century. The
+estate dwindled, and in the beginning of the seventeenth century passed
+out of their hands, except the adjacent property of Authurshiel, which
+remained in their possession for a hundred years longer. A younger
+branch of the family&mdash;the son of the last of the Gledstanes of
+Arthurshiel&mdash;after many generations, came to dwell at Biggar, in
+Lanarkshire, where he conducted the business of a "maltster," or
+grain merchant.</p>
+
+<p>Here, and at about this time, the name was changed to Gladstones, and a
+grandson of the maltster of Biggar, Thomas Gladstones, settled in Leith
+and there became a "corn-merchant." He was born at Mid Toftcombs, in
+1732, and married Helen Neilson, of Springfield. His aptitude for
+business was so great that he was enabled to make ample provision for a
+large family of sixteen children. His son, John Gladstone, was the
+father of William E. Gladstone, the subject of our sketch.</p>
+
+<p>Some have ascribed to Mr. Gladstone an illustrious, even a royal
+ancestry, through his father's marriage. He met and married a lovely,
+cultured and pious woman of Dingwall, in Orkney, the daughter of Andrew
+Robertson, Provost of Dingwall, named Ann Robertson, whom the
+unimpeachable Sir Bernard Burke supplied with a pedigree from Henry III,
+king of England, and Robert Bruce, of Bannockburn, king of Scotland, so
+that it is royal English and Scottish blood that runs in the veins of
+Mr. Gladstone.</p>
+
+<a name="550"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0550 (167K)" src="images/550.jpg" height="727" width="923">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>"This alleged illustrious pedigree," says E.B. Smith, in his elaborate
+work on William E. Gladstone, "is thus traced: Lady Jane Beaufort, who
+was a descendant of Henry III, married James I, of Scotland, who was a
+descendant of Bruce. From this alliance it is said that the steps can be
+followed clearly down to the father of Miss Robertson. A Scottish writer
+upon genealogy, also referring to this matter, states that Mr. Gladstone
+is descended on the mother's side from the ancient Mackenzie of Kintail,
+through whom is introduced the blood of the Bruce, of the ancient Kings
+of Man, and of the Lords of the Isles and Earls of Ross; also from the
+Munros of Fowlis, and the Robertsons of Strowan and Athole. What was of
+more consequence to the Gladstones of recent generations, however, than
+royal blood, was the fact that by their energy and honorable enterprise
+they carved their own fortunes, and rose to positions of public esteem
+and eminence." It has been their pride that they sprang from the ranks
+of the middle classes, from which have come so many of the great men of
+England eminent in political and military life.</p>
+
+<p>In an address delivered at the Liverpool Collegiate Institute, December
+21, 1872, Sir John Gladstone said; "I know not why the commerce of
+England should not have its old families rejoicing to be connected with
+commerce from generation to generation. It has been so in other
+countries; I trust it may be so in this country. I think it is a subject
+of sorrow, and almost of scandal, when those families who have either
+acquired or recovered wealth and station through commerce, turn their
+backs upon it and seem to be ashamed of it. It certainly is not so with
+my brother or with me. His sons are treading in his steps, and one of my
+sons, I rejoice to say, is treading in the steps of my father and
+my brother."</p>
+
+<p>George W.E. Russell, in his admirable biography of Mr. William E.
+Gladstone, says, "Sir John Gladstone was a pure Scotchman, a lowlander
+by birth and descent. Provost Robertson belonged to the Clan Donachie,
+and by this marriage the robust and business-like qualities of the
+Lowlander were blended with the poetic imagination, the sensibility and
+fire of the Gael."</p>
+
+<p>An interesting story is told, showing how Sir John Gladstone, the father
+of William E. Gladstone, came to live in Liverpool, and enter upon his
+great business career, and where he became a merchant prince. Born at
+Leith in 1763, he in due time entered his father's business, where he
+served until he was twenty-one years old. At that time his father sent
+him to Liverpool to dispose of a cargo of grain, belonging to him, which
+had arrived at that port. His demeanor and business qualities so
+impressed Mr. Corrie, a grain merchant of that place, that he urged his
+father to let him settle there. Consent was obtained and young Gladstone
+entered the house of Corrie &amp; Company as a clerk. His tact and
+shrewdness were soon manifest, and he was eventually taken into the firm
+as a partner, and the name of the house became Corrie, Gladstone
+&amp; Bradshaw.</p>
+
+<p>John Gladstone on one occasion proved the temporary preserver of the
+firm of which he had become a member. He was sent to America to buy
+grain for the firm, in a time of great scarcity in Europe, owing to the
+failure of the crops, but he found the condition of things the same in
+America. There was no grain to be had. While in great perplexity as to
+what to do he received advices from Liverpool that twenty-four vessels
+had been dispatched for the grain he was expected to purchase, to bring
+it to Europe. The prospect was that these vessels would have to return
+to Europe empty as they had come, and the house of Corrie &amp; Company be
+involved thereby in ruin. It was then that John Gladstone rose to the
+emergency of the occasion, and by his enterprise and energy saved
+himself and partners from financial failure, to the great surprise and
+admiration of the merchants of Liverpool. It was in this way: He made a
+thorough examination of the American markets for articles of commerce
+that could be sold in Europe to advantage, and filling his vessels with
+them sent them home. This sagacious movement not only saved his house,
+but gave him a name and place among the foremost merchants of his day.
+His name was also a synonym for push and integrity, not only on the
+Liverpool exchange, but in London and throughout all England. The
+business of the firm became very great and the wealth of its members
+very large.</p>
+
+<p>During the war with Napoleon, on the continent, and the war of 1812 with
+the United States, the commerce of England, as mistress of the seas, was
+injured, and the Gladstone firm suffered greatly and was among the first
+to seek peace, for its own sake and in the interests of trade. In one
+year the commerce of Liverpool declined to the amount of 140,000 tons,
+which was about one-fourth of the entire trade, and there was a decrease
+of more than $100,000 in the dock-dues of that port. John Gladstone was
+among those who successfully petitioned the British government for a
+change of its suicidal policy towards the American States.</p>
+
+<p>After sixteen years of successful operations, during a part of which
+time it had been government agent, the firm was dissolved and its
+business was continued by John Gladstone. His six brothers having
+followed him from Leith to Liverpool, he took into partnership with him
+his brother Robert. Their business became very extensive, having a large
+trade with Russia, and as sugar importers and West India merchants. John
+Gladstone was the chairman of the West India Association and took an
+active part in the improvement and enlargement of the docks of
+Liverpool. In 1814, when the monopoly of the East India Company was
+broken and the trade of India and China thrown open to competition, the
+firm of John Gladstone &amp; Company was the first to send a private vessel
+to Calcutta.</p>
+
+<p>John Gladstone was a public-spirited man and took great interest in the
+welfare of his adopted city. He was ever ready to labor for its
+prosperity, and consequently endeared himself to the people of all
+classes and conditions, and of every shade of political opinion.</p>
+
+<p>The high estimation in which he was held by the citizens of Liverpool
+was especially manifest October 18, 1824, when they presented him with a
+testimonial, consisting of a magnificent service of plate, of
+twenty-eight pieces, and bearing the following inscription: "<i>To John
+Gladstone, Esq., M.P., this service of plate was presented MDCCCXXIV, by
+his fellow townsmen and friends, to mark their high sense of his
+successful exertions for the promotion of trade and commerce, and in
+acknowledgment of his most important services rendered to the town of
+Liverpool</i>."</p>
+
+<p>John Gladstone, though devoted to commerce, had time for literary
+pursuits. He wrote a pamphlet, "On the Present State of Slavery in the
+British West Indies and in the United States of America; and on the
+Importation of Sugar from British Settlements in India." He also
+published, in 1830, another pamphlet, containing a statement of facts
+connected with the same general subject, "in a letter addressed to Sir
+Robert Peel." In 1846 he published a pamphlet, entitled "Plain facts
+intimately connected with the intended Repeal of the Corn Laws; or
+Probable Effects on the Public Revenue and the Prosperity of
+the Country."</p>
+
+<p>From the subject discussed it can be readily and truly imagined that
+John Gladstone had given thought to political subjects. He was in favor
+of a qualified reform which, while affording a greater enfranchisement
+of the people, looked also to the interests of all. Having an opinion,
+and not being afraid to express it, he was frequently called upon to
+address public meetings. The matters discussed by him were, however,
+rather national than municipal, rather humane than partisan. He was a
+strong advocate for certain reforms at home in 1818, and in 1823 on the
+seas, and for Greek independence in 1824. "On the 14th of February,
+1824, a public meeting was held in Liverpool Town Hall, 'for the purpose
+of considering the best means of assisting the Greeks in their present
+important struggle for independence.' Mr. Gladstone spoke impressively
+in favor of the cause which had already evoked great enthusiasm amongst
+the people, and enlisted the sympathies and support of Lord Byron and
+other distinguished friends of freedom."</p>
+
+<p>It was in 1818 that he addressed a meeting called "to consider the
+propriety of petitioning Parliament to take into consideration the
+progressive and alarming increase in the crimes of forging and uttering
+forged Bank of England notes." The penalties for these crimes were
+already heavy, but their infliction did not deter men from committing
+them, and these crimes increased at an enormous rate. Resolutions were
+passed at the Liverpool meeting, recommending the revision and amendment
+of existing laws.</p>
+
+<p>Then again, so late as the year 1823, the navigation between Liverpool
+and Dublin was in a lamentable condition, and human life was recklessly
+imperiled, and no one seemed willing to interfere and to interest
+himself in the interests of humanity. It was then that he again came to
+the front to advocate a just cause. To illustrate the dangers to vessels
+and passengers, the case of the sloop <i>Alert</i> may be cited. It was
+wrecked off the Welsh coast, with between 100 and 140 persons on board,
+of whom only seventeen were saved. For the safety and rescue of all
+those souls on board this packet-boat there was only one small shallop,
+twelve feet long. Mr. Gladstone was impressed with the terrible nature
+of the existing evil, and obtained an amendment to the Steamboat Act,
+requiring imperatively that every passenger vessel should be provided
+with boats sufficient for every passenger it was licensed to carry. By
+this wise and humane provision thousands of lives were doubtless saved
+that would otherwise have been lost&mdash;the victims of reckless seamanship
+and commercial greed.</p>
+
+<p>John Gladstone, either through the influence of Mr. Canning, or from
+having imbibed some political taste, sat in the House of Commons nine
+years, representing Lancaster in 1819, Woodstock from 1821 to 1826, and
+Berwick in 1827; but he never would consent to sit in Parliament for the
+city of Liverpool, for he thought that so large and important a
+constituency required peculiar representation such as he was
+unqualified to give.</p>
+
+<p>He was the warm supporter and intimate friend of the celebrated Canning.
+At first he was a Whig, but finally came to support Mr. Canning, and
+became a Liberal Conservative. In 1812 he presided over a meeting at
+Liverpool, which was called to invite Mr. Canning to represent the
+borough in Parliament. After the election the successful candidates were
+claimed and carried in procession through the streets. The procession
+finally halted at Mr. Gladstone's house, in Rodney Street, from the
+balcony of which Mr. Canning addressed the populace. His election laid
+the foundation of a deep and lasting friendship between Mr. Canning and
+Mr. Gladstone. "At this time the son of the latter was but three years
+of age. Shortly afterwards&mdash;that is, as soon as he was able to
+understand anything of public men, and public movements and
+events"&mdash;says G.B. Smith, "the name of Canning began to exercise that
+strange fascination over the mind of William Ewart Gladstone which has
+never wholly passed away," and Mr. Gladstone himself acknowledged that
+he was brought up "under the shadow of the great name of Canning."</p>
+
+<p>John Gladstone presided at a farewell dinner given by the Liverpool
+Canning Club, in August, 1822, in honor of Mr. Canning, who had been
+Governor-General of India. But Mr. Canning, instead of going to India,
+entered the British Cabinet, and in 1827 became Prime Minister, and John
+Gladstone moved a congratulatory address to the king upon the formation
+of the Canning Ministry.</p>
+
+<p>In 1845 John Gladstone was created a baronet by Sir Robert Peel, but he
+lived to enjoy his deserved honors but a short time, for he died in
+1851, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. His motto had ever been,
+"Diligent in business." His enormous wealth enabled him to provide
+handsomely for his family, not only after death, but during
+his lifetime.</p>
+
+<p>At the time of his father's death, William E. Gladstone was still an
+adherent of the Tory party, yet his steps indicated that he was
+advancing towards Liberalism; and he had already reached distinction as
+a statesman, both in Parliament and in the Cabinet, while as yet he was
+but 42 years old, which was about half of his age when called for the
+fourth time to be Prime Minister of England.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John Gladstone and his wife had six children&mdash;four sons, Thomas
+Gladstone, afterwards baronet; John Gladstone, who became a captain, and
+died in 1863; Robert Gladstone, brought up a merchant, who died in 1875,
+and two daughters, Annie McKenzie Gladstone, who died years ago, and
+Helen Jane Gladstone. William E. Gladstone was the fourth son. The
+following is from the pen of the son, who says of his aged father, Sir
+John Gladstone: "His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated; he
+was full of bodily and mental vigor; whatsoever his hand found to do he
+did it with his might; he could not understand or tolerate those who,
+perceiving an object to be good, did not at once and actively pursue it;
+and with all this energy he gained a corresponding warmth, and, so to
+speak, eagerness of affection, a keen appreciation of humor, in which he
+found a rest, and an indescribable frankness and simplicity of
+character, which, crowning his other qualities, made him, I think, and I
+strive to think impartially, nearly or quite the most interesting old
+man I ever knew."</p>
+
+<p>Personally, Sir John Gladstone was a man of much intelligence and of
+sterling principle, of high moral and religious character, and his
+house consequently was a model home. "His house was by all accounts a
+home pre-eminently calculated to mould the thoughts and direct the
+course of an intelligent and receptive nature. There was a father's
+masterful will and keen perception, the sweetness and piety of the
+mother, wealth with all its substantial advantages and few of its
+mischiefs, a strong sense of the value of money, a rigid avoidance of
+extravagance and excesses; everywhere a strenuous purpose in life,
+constant employment, and concentrated ambition."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. John Gladstone, the wife and mother, is described by one who knew
+her intimately as "a lady of very great accomplishments; of fascinating
+manners, of commanding presence and high intellect; one to grace any
+home and endear any heart."</p>
+
+<p>The following picture of the everyday life of the family is interesting
+and instructive, on account of Sir John Gladstone, as well as on that of
+his more distinguished son, and is from the pen of an eye-witness:
+"Nothing was ever taken for granted between him and his sons. A
+succession of arguments on great topics and small topics
+alike&mdash;arguments conducted with perfect good humor, but also with the
+most implicable logic&mdash;formed the staple of the family conversation. The
+children and their parents argued upon everything. They would debate as
+to whether a window should be opened, and whether it was likely to be
+fair or wet the next day. It was all perfectly good-humored, but curious
+to a stranger, because of the evident care which all the disputants took
+to advance no proposition, even as to the prospect of rain, rashly."</p>
+
+<p>In such a home as this was William E. Gladstone in training as the great
+Parliamentary debater and leader, and for the highest office under the
+British crown. This reminds us of a story of Burke. The king one day,
+unexpectedly entering the office of his minister, found the elder Burke
+sitting at his desk, with his eyes fixed upon his young son, who was
+standing on his father's desk in the attitude of speaking. "What are you
+doing?" asked the astonished king. "I am making the greatest minister
+England ever saw," was the reply. And so in fact, and yet all
+unconsciously, was Sir John doing for his son, William.</p>
+
+<p>William E. Gladstone "was born," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"at a critical moment in the fortunes of England and of Europe. Abroad
+the greatest genius that the world has ever seen was wading through
+slaughter to a universal throne, and no effectual resistance had as yet
+been offered to a progress which menaced the liberty of Europe and the
+existence of its States. At home, a crazy king and a profligate
+heir-apparent presided over a social system in which all civil evils
+were harmoniously combined. A despotic administration was supported by a
+parliamentary representation as corrupt as illusory; a church, in which
+spiritual religion was all but extinct, had sold herself as a bondslave
+to the governing classes. Rank and wealth and territorial ascendency
+were divorced from public duty, and even learning had become the
+handmaid of tyranny. The sacred name of justice was prostituted to
+sanction a system of legal murder. Commercial enterprise was paralyzed
+by prohibitive legislation; public credit was shaken to its base; the
+prime necessaries of life were ruinously dear. The pangs of poverty were
+aggravated by the concurrent evils of war and famine, and the common
+people, fast bound in misery and iron, were powerless to make their
+sufferings known or to seek redress, except by the desperate methods of
+conspiracy and insurrection. None of the elements of revolution were
+wanting, and the fates seemed to be hurrying England to the brink of a
+civil catastrophe.</p>
+
+<p>"The general sense of insecurity and apprehension, inseparable from such
+a condition of affairs, produced its effect upon even the robust minds.
+Sir John Gladstone was not a likely victim of panic, but he was a man
+with a large stake in the country, the more precious because acquired by
+his own exertion; he believed that the safeguards of property and order
+were imperilled by foreign arms and domestic sedition; and he had seen
+with indignation and disgust the excesses of a factious Whiggery, which
+was not ashamed to exult in the triumph of the French over the English
+Government. Under the pressure of these influences Sir John Gladstone
+gradually separated himself from the Whigs, with whom in earlier life he
+had acted, and became the close ally of Canning, whose return for
+Liverpool he actually promoted."</p>
+
+<p>With such surroundings it is not to be wondered at that William E.
+Gladstone entered political life a Tory, contending against the
+principles he afterwards espoused. His original bent, however, was not
+towards politics, but the church; and it was only at the earnest desire
+of his father that he ultimately decided to enter Parliament, and serve
+his country in the Legislature.</p>
+
+<p>His subsequent life proved the wisdom of the choice. In the Legislature
+of his country was begun, carried on and consummated grandly, one of the
+most remarkable careers in the annals of history for versatility,
+brilliancy, solidity and long continuance. Rarely has there been
+exhibited so complete a combination of qualities in statesmanship. His
+intellectual endowments were almost without a parallel, and his
+achievements without a precedent. In him seemed to be centered a rich
+collection of the highest gifts of genius, great learning and readiness
+in debate and discourse in the House of Commons, and extraordinary
+wisdom in the administration of the affairs of the nation. His financial
+talent, his business aptitude, his classical attainments, and above all
+his moral fervor, and religious spirit were conspicuous. Some men would
+have been contented with political power, or classical learning, or
+literary distinction, but he excelled in all these&mdash;not only as a
+statesman, but as a man of letters and a classical scholar. Neither has
+held him exclusively as its own&mdash;he belongs to all, or rather they
+belong to him&mdash;for he explored and conquered them. His literary
+productions equal in merit his papers of State, while his knowledge of
+the classics would do credit to any scholar.</p>
+
+<p>He possessed the unusual quality of throwing the light of his own mind
+on the greatest questions of national and international importance, of
+bringing them down to the understanding and appreciation of the masses
+of the people, of infusing, by his earnestness, the fire of his own soul
+in the people, and of arousing in them the greatest enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>In the biography of this wonderful person we propose to set before the
+reader the man himself&mdash;his words and his deeds. This method enables him
+to speak for himself, and thus the reader may study him and know him,
+and because thereof be lifted into a higher plane of nobler and better
+being. The acts and utterances of such a character are his best
+biography, and especially for one differing so largely from all other
+men as to have none to be compared with him.</p>
+
+<p>In this record we simply spread before the reader his private life and
+public services, connected together through many startling changes, from
+home to school, from university to Parliament, from Tory follower to
+Liberal leader, from the early start in his political course to the
+grand consummation of the statesman's success in his attainment to the
+fourth Premiership of this Grand Old Man, and the glorious end of an
+eventful life.</p>
+
+<p>We could not do better, in closing this chapter, than to reproduce a
+part of the character sketch of William E. Gladstone, from the pen of
+William T. Stead, and published in the "Review of Reviews:"</p>
+
+<p>"So much has been written about Mr. Gladstone that it was with some
+sinking of heart I ventured to select him as a subject for my next
+character sketch. But I took heart of grace when I remembered that the
+object of these sketches is to describe their subject as he appears to
+himself at his best, and his countrymen. There are plenty of other
+people ready to fill in the shadows. This paper claims in no way to be a
+critical estimate or a judicial summing up of the merits and demerits
+of the most remarkable of all living Englishmen. It is merely an attempt
+to catch, as it were, the outline of the heroic figure which has
+dominated English politics for the lifetime of this generation, and
+thereby to explain something of the fascination which his personality
+has exercised and still exercises over the men and women of his time. If
+his enemies, and they are many, say that I have idealized a wily old
+opportunist out of all recognition, I answer that to the majority of his
+fellow-subjects my portrait is not overdrawn. The real Gladstone may be
+other than this, but this is probably more like the Gladstone for whom
+the electors believe they are voting, than a picture of Gladstone,
+'warts and all,' would be. And when I am abused, as I know I shall be,
+for printing such a sketch, I shall reply that there is at least one
+thing to be said in its favor. To those who know him best, in his own
+household, and to those who only know him as a great name in history, my
+sketch will only appear faulty because it does not do full justice to
+the character and genius of this extraordinary man."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone appeals to the men of to-day from the vantage point of
+extreme old age. Age is so frequently dotage, that when a veteran
+appears who preserves the heart of a boy and the happy audacity of
+youth, under the 'lyart haffets wearing thin and bare' of aged manhood,
+it seems as if there is something supernatural about it, and all men
+feel the fascination and the charm. Mr. Gladstone, as he gleefully
+remarked the other day, has broken the record. He has outlived Lord
+Palmerston, who died when eighty-one, and Thiers, who only lived to be
+eighty. The blind old Dandolo in Byron's familiar verse&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<p>     The octogenarian chief, Byzantium's conquering foe,</p>
+</center>
+<p>had not more energy than the Liberal leader, who, now in his
+eighty-third year, has more nerve and spring and go than any of his
+lieutenants, not excluding the youngest recruit. There is something
+imposing and even sublime in the long procession of years which bridge
+as with eighty-two arches the abyss of past time, and carry us back to
+the days of Canning, and of Castlereagh, of Napoleon, and of Wellington.
+His parliamentary career extends over sixty years&mdash;the lifetime of two
+generations. He is the custodian of all the traditions, the hero of the
+experience of successive administrations, from a time dating back longer
+than most of his colleagues can remember. For nearly forty years he has
+had a leading part in making or unmaking of Cabinets; he has served his
+Queen and his country in almost every capacity in office and in
+opposition, and yet to-day, despite his prolonged sojourn in the malaria
+of political wire-pulling, his heart seems to be as the heart of a
+little child. If some who remember 'the old Parliamentary hand' should
+whisper that innocence of the dove is sometimes compatible with the
+wisdom of the serpent, I make no dissent. It is easy to be a dove, and
+to be as silly as a dove. It is easy to be as wise as a serpent, and as
+wicked, let us say, as Mr. Governor Hill or Lord Beaconsfield. But it is
+the combination that is difficult, and in Mr. Gladstone the combination
+is almost ideally complete.</p>
+
+<a name="557"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0557 (90K)" src="images/557.jpg" height="775" width="585">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>"Mr. Gladstone is old enough to be the grandfather of the younger race
+of politicians, but still his courage, his faith, his versatility, put
+the youngest of them to shame. It is this ebullience of youthful energy,
+this inexhaustible vitality, which is the admiration and despair of his
+contemporaries. Surely when a schoolboy at Eton he must somewhere have
+discovered the elixir of life, or have been bathed by some beneficent
+fairy in the well of perpetual youth. Gladly would many a man of fifty
+exchange physique with this hale and hearty octogenarian. Only in one
+respect does he show any trace of advancing years. His hearing is not
+quite so good as it was, but still it is far better than that of
+Cardinal Manning, who became very deaf in his closing years. Otherwise
+Mr. Gladstone is hale and hearty. His eye is not dim, neither is his
+natural force abated. A splendid physical frame, carefully preserved,
+gives every promise of a continuance of his green old age.</p>
+
+<p>"His political opponents, who began this Parliament by confidently
+calculating upon his death before the dissolution, are now beginning to
+admit that it is by no means improbable that Mr. Gladstone may survive
+the century. Nor was it quite so fantastic as it appears at first sight,
+when an ingenious disciple told him the other day that by the fitness of
+things he ought to live for twenty years yet. 'For,' said this political
+arithmetician, 'you have been twenty-six years a Tory, twenty-six years
+a Whig Liberal, and you have been only six years a Radical Home Ruler.
+To make the balance even you have twenty years still to serve.'</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Provo Wallis, the Admiral of the Fleet, who died the other day at
+the age of one hundred, had not a better constitution than Mr.
+Gladstone, nor had it been more carefully preserved in the rough and
+tumble of our naval war. If the man who smelt powder in the famous fight
+between the Chesapeake and the Shannon lived to read the reports of the
+preparations for the exhibition at Chicago, it is not so incredible that
+Mr. Gladstone may at least be in the foretop of the State at the dawn of
+the twentieth century.</p>
+
+<p>"The thought is enough to turn the Tories green with sickening despair,
+that the chances of his life, from a life insurance office point of
+view, are probably much better than Lord Salisbury's. But that is one of
+the attributes of Mr. Gladstone which endear him so much to his party.
+He is always making his enemies sick with despairing jealousy. He is the
+great political evergreen, who seems, even in his political life, to
+have borrowed something of immortality from the fame which he has won.
+He has long been the Grand Old Man. If he lives much longer he bids fair
+to be known as the immortal old man in more senses than one."</p>
+
+
+<a name="038"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="038 (46K)" src="images/038.jpg" height="391" width="472">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+
+
+<center>
+<a name="c2"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+<h4>
+AT ETON AND OXFORD
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<a name="548"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0548 (127K)" src="images/548.jpg" height="1010" width="630">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>There is very little recorded of the boyhood of some great men, and this
+is true of the childhood of William E. Gladstone, until he leaves the
+parental home for school, which he does in 1821, at the early age of
+eleven. He was fortunate in his parentage, but no less so in his early
+associations, both in and out of school. We refer particularly to his
+private preceptors, two of whom, the venerable Archdeacon Jones and the
+Rev. William Rawson, first Vicar of Seaforth, a watering-place near
+Liverpool, were both men of high character and great ability. Mr.
+Gladstone always highly esteemed Mr. Rawson, his earliest preceptor, and
+visited him on his death-bed. Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+was for two years young Gladstone's private tutor, beginning his
+instruction when his pupil left Eton in 1827.</p>
+
+<p>Besides these associations of his early life there were Canning, a
+frequent visitor, as has been mentioned, at his father's house, and
+Hannah More&mdash;"Holy Hannah," as Horace Walpole called her. She singled
+out "Billy" Gladstone for her especial pet out of the group of eleven
+children in whom her warm heart delighted, and it has been asked
+wonderingly if Miss More could preternaturally have lengthened her days
+until William E. Gladstone's present glory, whether she would have gone
+on dubbing him "Billy" in undignified brevity until the end.</p>
+
+<p>William E. Gladstone, when very young, gave such evidence of uncommon
+intellectual ability and promise of future greatness that his father
+resolved upon educating him in the best schools of England. There are
+four or five great schools in England in which the English youth are
+prepared in four or five years for Cambridge or Oxford. "Eton, the
+largest and the most celebrated of the public schools of England, ranks
+as the second in point of antiquity, Winchester alone being older."
+After the preparation at home, under private teachers, to which we have
+referred, William E. Gladstone was sent to Eton, in September, 1821. His
+biographer, George W.E. Russell, writes, "From a provincial town, from
+mercantile surroundings, from an atmosphere of money-making, from a
+strictly regulated life, the impressible boy was transplanted, at the
+age of eleven, to the shadow of Windsor and the banks of the Thames, to
+an institution which belongs to history, to scenes haunted by the
+memory of the most illustrious Englishmen, to a free and independent
+existence among companions who were the very flower of English boyhood.
+A transition so violent and yet so delightful was bound to produce an
+impression which lapse of time was powerless to efface, and no one who
+knows the man and the school can wonder that for seventy years Mr.
+Gladstone has been the most enthusiastic of Etonians."</p>
+
+<p>Eton of to-day is not in all respects the Eton of three-quarters of a
+century ago, and yet in some particulars it is as it was when young
+"Billy" Gladstone studied within its walls. The system of education and
+discipline pursued has undergone some modifications in recent
+years&mdash;notably during the provostship of the Rev. Francis Hodgson; but
+radical defects are still alleged against it. It is not remarkable,
+however, that every Eton boy becomes deeply attached to the school,
+notwithstanding the apprenticeship to hardships he may have been
+compelled to undergo.</p>
+
+<p>The "hardships" there must have been particularly great when young
+Gladstone entered Eton, at the close of the summer holidays of 1821. The
+school was under the head-mastership of "the terrific Dr. Keate." He was
+not the man to spare even the scholar who, upon the emphatic testimony
+of Sir Roderick Murchison, was "the prettiest boy that ever went to
+Eton," and who was as studious and well-behaved as he was good-looking.</p>
+
+<p>The town of Eton, in which the school is located, about 22 miles from
+London, in Berkshire, is beautifully situated on the banks of the river
+Thames, opposite Windsor Castle, the residence of the Queen of England.</p>
+
+<p>Eton College is one of the most famous and best endowed educational
+institutions of learning in England. It was founded in 1440 by Henry VI.
+The king was very solicitous that the work should be of a durable kind,
+and he provided for free scholarships. Eton of Mr. Gladstone's day,
+according to a critic, was divided into two schools&mdash;the upper and the
+lower. It also had two kinds of scholars, namely, seventy called king's
+scholars or "collegers," who are maintained gratuitously, sleep in the
+college, and wear a peculiar dress; and another class&mdash;the
+majority&mdash;called "oppidans," who live in the town. Between these two
+classes of students there prevails perpetual hostility. At Cambridge,
+there was founded, in connection with Eton, what is called King's
+College, to receive as fellows students from Eton, and to give them
+gratuitously an education. The ground on which students of Eton were
+promoted to King's College and these fellowships was, strangely to say,
+upon that of seniority, or long residence, and not of merit. Because
+there was no competition, scholars who were deficient in education at
+Eton were promoted to Cambridge, where they had no incentive to work,
+being exempt from the ordinary university examination.</p>
+
+<p>At Eton "no instruction was given in any branch of mathematical,
+physical, metaphysical or moral science, nor in the evidences of
+Christianity. The only subjects which it professed to impart a knowledge
+of were the Greek and Latin languages; as much divinity as can be gained
+from construing the Greek Testament, and reading a portion of Tomline on
+the Thirty-nine Articles, and a little ancient and modern geography." So
+much for the instruction imparted. As regards the hours of tuition,
+there seems to have been fault there, in that they were too few and
+insufficient, there being in all only eleven hours a week study. Then as
+to the manner of study, no time was given the scholar to study the style
+of an author; he was "hurried from Herodotus to Thucydides, from
+Thucydides to Xenophon, from Xenophon to Lucian, without being
+habituated to the style of any one author&mdash;without gaining an interest
+in the history, or even catching the thread of the narrative; and when
+the whole book is finished he has probably collected only a few vague
+ideas about Darius crying over a great army, Abydos and Nicias and
+Demosthenes being routed with a great army near Syracuse, mixed up with
+a recollection of the death of Cyrus and Socrates, some moral precept
+from Socrates, and some jokes against false philosophers and heathen
+gods." Hence the Eton student who goes to Cambridge finds he has done
+but a little desultory reading, and that he must begin again. It was
+charged that the system of education at Eton failed in every point. The
+moral discipline of the school was also called in question. The number
+of scholars was so great that the proper control of them seemed
+impossible under the management. Great laxity prevailed among the larger
+boys, while the younger and weaker students were exposed to the tyranny
+of the older and stronger ones without hope of redress. The result was
+that the system of "fagging," or the acting of some boys as drudges for
+the others, flourished. "The right" of fagging depended upon the place
+in the school; all boys in the sixth and fifth forms had the power of
+ordering&mdash;all below the latter form being bound to obey. This system of
+fagging has a very injurious effect upon most of the boys; "it finds
+them slaves and leaves them despots. A boy who has suffered himself,
+insensibly learns to see no harm in making others suffer in turn. The
+whole thing is wrong in principle, and engenders passions which should
+be stifled and not encouraged." Why free and enlightened England should
+tolerate, even then, such barbarous slavery cannot be understood and
+yet there are outrageous customs prevailing among college students of
+our day in every civilized land that should be suppressed.</p>
+
+<p>Flogging was in vogue, too, at Eton, with all its degrading and
+demoralizing effects, and was performed by the Head-Master himself. In
+1820, the year before Mr. Gladstone entered Eton, there were 280 upper
+students and 319 lower, a total of 612, and none were exempt.</p>
+
+<p>Some curious stories are told of flogging, which has ever existed at
+Eton, and from which even the largest boys were not exempt. Mr. Lewis
+relates how a young man of twenty, just upon the point of leaving
+school, and engaged to be married to a lady at Windsor, was well and
+soundly whipped by Dr. Goodford, for arriving one evening at his tutor's
+house after the specified time. And it is related that Arthur Wellesley,
+afterwards the Iron Duke of Wellington, was flogged at Eton for having
+been "barred out." At the same time there were eighty boys who
+were whipped.</p>
+
+<p>And the Eton of twenty years later was very little improved over its
+condition in Mr. Gladstone's time there, or in 1845. John D. Lewis,
+speaking of this period, says that after the boys reached the fifth
+form, then began "some of the greatest anomalies and absurdities of the
+then Etonian system." The student was now safe from the ordeal of
+examinations, and that the higher classes, including ten senior
+collegers and ten senior oppidans, contained some of the very worst
+scholars. "A boy's place on the general roll was no more a criterion of
+his acquirements and his industry than would be the 'year' of a young
+man at Oxford or Cambridge." The collegers, however, were required to
+pass some kind of examination, in accordance with which their place on
+the list for the King's college was fixed. But the evils regarding the
+hours of study and the nature of the studies were as bad. "The regular
+holidays and Saints' days, two whole holidays in a week, and two
+half-holidays, were a matter of common occurrence."</p>
+
+<p>Lord Morley, in his examination before the Commission on Public Schools,
+was asked whether a boy would be looked down upon at Eton for being
+industrious in his studies, replied, "Not if he could do something else
+well." And this seems to be the spirit of the Eton boy with whom a lack
+of scholarship is more than made up by skill in river or field sports.</p>
+
+<p>This is true to-day; for a recent writer in the <i>Forum</i>, upon "The
+Training of Boys at Eton," says: "Athletic prominence is in English
+public schools almost synonymous with social prominence; many a boy
+whose capacity and character commanded both respect and liking at the
+universities and in after life, is almost a nobody at a public school,
+because he has no special athletic gifts.... Great athletic capacity may
+co-exist with low moral and intellectual character."</p>
+
+<p>There were few inducements to study and to excel in scholarship, and
+plenty to idleness and neglect, hence he who did so must study in hours
+and out of hours, in season and out of season. The curriculum is still
+strictly classical, but French, German and mathematics are taught. The
+collegers of recent years have done very fair work and carried off many
+distinctions at Cambridge. With all these odds against them, and these
+difficulties to surmount, yet there were Eton boys whose attainments
+were deep and solid, and who became famous men, and one of these was
+William E. Gladstone.</p>
+
+<p>When young Gladstone entered Eton his brothers, Thomas and Robertson
+Gladstone, were already there, and the three boys boarded at Mrs.
+Shurey's, whose house "at the south end of the broad walk in front of
+the schools and facing the chapel," was rather nearer the famous
+"Christopher Inn" than would be thought desirable nowadays. On the wall
+opposite the house the name of "Gladstone" is carved. Thomas Gladstone
+was in the fifth form, and William was placed in the middle remove of
+the fourth form, and became his eldest brother's "fag." This doubtlessly
+saved him much annoyance and suffering, and allowed him better to
+pursue the studious bent of his indications.</p>
+
+<p>William E. Gladstone was what Etonians called a "sap"&mdash;in other words, a
+student faithful in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him at
+school&mdash;one who studied his lessons and was prepared for his recitations
+in the classroom. This agreeable fact has been immortalized in a famous
+line in Lord Lytton's "New Timon." He worked hard at his classical
+studies, as required by the rules of the school, and applied himself
+diligently to the study of mathematics during the holidays.</p>
+
+<p>It is said that his interest in the work of the school was first aroused
+by Mr. Hawtrey, who afterwards became Head-Master, who commended some of
+his Latin verses, and "sent him up for good." This led the young man to
+associate intellectual work with the ideas of ambition and success.
+While he did not seem to be especially an apt scholar in the restricted
+sense for original versification in the classical languages, or for
+turning English into Greek or Latin, yet he seemed to seize the precise
+meaning of the authors and to give the sense. "His composition was
+stiff," but yet, says a classmate, "when there were thrilling passages
+of Virgil or Homer, or difficult passages in 'Scriptores Graeci' to
+translate, he or Lord Arthur Hervey was generally called up to edify
+the class with quotations or translations."</p>
+
+<p>He had no prizes at Eton except what is called being sent up for good,
+on account of verses, and he was honored on several occasions. Besides
+he took deep interest in starting a college periodical, and with some of
+the most intellectual of the students sustained it with his pen. The
+more studious of Eton boys have on several occasions in the present
+century been in the habit of establishing periodicals for the purpose of
+ventilating their opinions. In 1786 Mr. Canning and Mr. Hookham Frere
+established the <i>Microcosm</i>, whose essays and <i>jeux d'esprit</i>, while
+having reference primarily to Eton, demonstrated that the writers were
+not insensible to what was going on in the great world without. It was
+for this college paper that Canning wrote his "Essay on the Epic of the
+Queen of Hearts," which, as a burlesque criticism, has been awarded a
+high place in English literature. Lord Henry Spencer, Hookham Frere,
+Capel Lofft, and Mr. Millish, were also contributors to the columns of
+the <i>Microcosm</i>. In the year 1820 W. Mackworth Praed set on foot a
+manuscript journal, entitled <i>Apis Matina</i>. This was in turn succeeded
+by the <i>Etonian</i>, to which Praed contributed some of his most brilliant
+productions. John Moultrie, Henry Nelson Coleridge, Walter Blunt, and
+Chauncy Hare Townshend were also among the writers for its papers, who
+helped to make it of exceptional excellence. Its articles are of no
+ordinary interest even now.</p>
+
+<p>In the last year of William E. Gladstone's stay at Eton, in 1827, and
+seven years after Praed's venture, he was largely instrumental in
+launching the <i>Eton Miscellany</i>, professedly edited by Bartholomew
+Bouverie, and Mr. Gladstone became a most frequent, voluminous and
+valuable contributor to its pages. He wrote articles of every
+kind&mdash;prologues, epilogues, leaders, historical essays, satirical
+sketches, classical translations, humorous productions, poetry and
+prose. And among the principal contributors with him were Sir Francis
+Doyle, George Selwyn, James Colville, Arthur Hallam, John Haumer and
+James Milnes-Gaskell. The introduction, written by and signed "William
+Ewart Gladstone" for this magazine, contained the following interesting
+and singular passage, which probably fairly sets forth the hopes and
+fears that beset statesmen in maturer years, as well as Eton boys of
+only seventeen years of age:</p>
+
+<p>"In my present undertaking there is one gulf in which I fear to sink,
+and that gulf is Lethe. There is one stream which I dread my inability
+to stem&mdash;it is the tide of Popular Opinion. I have ventured, and no
+doubt rashly ventured&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<p>     Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,<br>
+     To try my fortune in a sea of glory,<br>
+     But far beyond my depth."</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<p>At present it is hope alone that buoys me up; for more substantial
+support I must be indebted to my own exertions, well knowing that in
+this land of literature merit never wants its reward. That such merit is
+mine I dare not presume to think; but still there is something within me
+that bids me hope that I may be able to glide prosperously down the
+stream of public estimation; or, in the words of Virgil,</p>
+<center>
+<p>     '&mdash;Celerare viam rumore secundo.'</p>
+</center>
+<p>"I was surprised even to see some works with the names of Shakespeare
+and Milton on them sharing the common destiny, but on examination I
+found that those of the latter were some political rhapsodies, which
+richly deserved their fate; and that the former consisted of some
+editions of his works which had been burdened with notes and mangled
+with emendations by his merciless commentators. In other places I
+perceived authors worked up into frenzy by seeing their own compositions
+descending like the rest. Often did the infuriated scribes extend their
+hands, and make a plunge to endeavor to save their beloved offspring,
+but in vain; I pitied the anguish of their disappointment, but with
+feelings of the same commiseration as that which one feels for a
+malefactor on beholding his death, being at the same time fully
+conscious how well he has deserved it."</p>
+
+<p>Little did this diffident and youthful editor imagine that he was
+forecasting the future for himself by the aid of youth's most ardent
+desires, and that he would live to become the Primate of all England and
+the foremost statesman of his day.</p>
+
+<p>There were two volumes of the <i>Miscellany</i>, dated June-July and
+October-November, respectively, and Mr. Gladstone contributed thirteen
+articles to the first volume. Among the contributions were an "Ode to
+the Shade of Watt Tyler," a vigorous rendering of a chorus from the
+Hucuba of Euripides, and a letter under the name of "Philophantasm,"
+detailing an encounter he had with the poet Virgil, in which the great
+poet appeared muttering something which did not sound like Latin to an
+Eton boy, and complaining that he knew he was hated by the Eton boys
+because he was difficult to learn, and pleading to be as well received
+henceforth as Horace.</p>
+
+<p>We give a quotation from a poem, consisting of some two hundred and
+fifty lines, from his pen, which, appeared also in the <i>Miscellany</i>:</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+
+<p>     "Who foremost now the deadly spear to dart,<br>
+      And strike the javelin to the Moslem's heart?<br>
+      Who foremost now to climb the leaguered wall,<br>
+      The first to triumph, or the first to fall?<br>
+      Lo, where the Moslems rushing to the fight,<br>
+      Back bear their squadrons in inglorious flight.<br>
+      With plumed helmet, and with glittering lance,<br>
+     'Tis Richard bids his steel-clad bands advance;<br>
+     'Tis Richard stalks along the blood-dyed plain,<br>
+      And views unmoved the slaying and the slain;<br>
+     'Tis Richard bathes his hands in Moslem blood,<br>
+      And tinges Jordan with the purple flood.<br>
+      Yet where the timbrels ring, the trumpets sound,<br>
+      And tramp of horsemen shakes the solid ground,<br>
+      Though 'mid the deadly charge and rush of fight,<br>
+      No thought be theirs of terror or of flight,&mdash;<br>
+      Ofttimes a sigh will rise, a tear will flow,<br>
+      And youthful bosoms melt in silent woe;<br>
+      For who of iron frame and harder heart<br>
+      Can bid the mem'ry of his home depart?<br>
+      Tread the dark desert and the thirsty sand,<br>
+      Nor give one thought to England's smiling land?<br>
+      To scenes of bliss, and days of other years&mdash;<br>
+      The Vale of Gladness and the Vale of Tears;<br>
+      That, passed and vanish'd from their loving sight,<br>
+      This 'neath their view, and wrapt in shades of night?"</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<p>Among other writers who contributed to the first volume of the
+<i>Miscellany</i> were Arthur Henry Hallam and Doyle, also G.A. Selwyn,
+afterwards Bishop Selwyn, the friend of Mr. Gladstone, and to whom he
+recently paid the following tribute: "Connected as tutor with families
+of rank and influence, universally popular from his frank, manly, and
+engaging character&mdash;and scarcely less so from his extraordinary rigor as
+an athlete&mdash;he was attached to Eton, where he resided, with a love
+surpassing the love of Etonians. In himself he formed a large part of
+the life of Eton, and Eton formed a large part of his life. To him is
+due no small share of the beneficial movement in the direction of
+religious earnestness which marked the Eton of forty years back, and
+which was not, in my opinion, sensibly affected by any influence
+extraneous to the place itself. At a moment's notice, upon the call of
+duty, he tore up the singularly deep roots which his life had struck
+deep into the soil of England."</p>
+
+<p>Both Mr. Gladstone and the future Bishop of Selwyn contributed humorous
+letters to "The Postman," the correspondence department of the <i>Eton
+Miscellany</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In the second volume of the <i>Eton Miscellany</i> are articles of equal
+interest to those that appeared in the first. Doyle, Jelf, Selwyn,
+Shadwell and Arthur Henry Hallam were contributors, the latter having
+written "The Battle of the Boyne," a parody upon Campbell's
+"Hohenlinden." But here again Mr. Gladstone was the principal
+contributor, having contributed to this even more largely than to the
+first, having written seventeen articles, besides the introductions to
+the various numbers of the volume. Indeed one would think from his
+devotion to these literary pursuits during his last year at Eton, that
+he had very little leisure for those ordinary sports so necessary to
+Eton boys. He seems to have begun his great literary activity. Among
+them may be mentioned an "Ode to the Shade of Watt Tyler," mentioned
+before, which is an example of his humorous style:</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+
+<p> "Shade of him whose valiant tongue<br>
+      On high the song of freedom sung;<br>
+      Shade of him, whose mighty soul<br>
+      Would pay no taxes on his poll;<br>
+      Though, swift as lightning, civic sword<br>
+        Descended on thy fated head,<br>
+      The blood of England's boldest poured,<br>
+        And numbered Tyler with the dead!</p>
+<br>
+<p>     "Still may thy spirit flap its wings<br>
+      At midnight o'er the couch of kings;<br>
+      And peer and prelate tremble, too,<br>
+      In dread of mighty interview!<br>
+      With patriot gesture of command,<br>
+        With eyes that like thy forges gleam,<br>
+      Lest Tyler's voice and Tyler's hand<br>
+        Be heard and seen in nightly dream.</p>
+<br>
+<p>     "I hymn the gallant and the good<br>
+      From Tyler down to Thistlewood,<br>
+      My muse the trophies grateful sings,<br>
+      The deeds of Miller and of Ings;<br>
+      She sings of all who, soon or late,<br>
+        Have burst Subjection's iron chain,<br>
+      Have seal'd the bloody despot's fate,<br>
+        Or cleft a peer or priest in twain.</p>
+<br>
+<p>     "Shades, that soft Sedition woo,<br>
+      Around the haunts of Peterloo!<br>
+      That hover o'er the meeting-halls,<br>
+      Where many a voice stentorian bawls!<br>
+      Still flit the sacred choir around,<br>
+        With 'Freedom' let the garrets ring,<br>
+      And vengeance soon in thunder sound<br>
+        On Church, and constable, and king."</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<p>In a paper on "Eloquence," in the same volume, he shows that even then
+his young mind was impressed by the fame attached to successful oratory
+in Parliament. Visions of glory and honor open before the enraptured
+sight of those devoted to oratorical pursuits, and whose ardent and
+aspiring minds are directed to the House of Commons. Evidently the young
+writer himself "had visions of parliamentary oratory, and of a
+successful <i>debut</i> in the House of Commons, with perhaps an offer from
+the Minister, a Secretaryship of State, and even the Premiership itself
+in the distance." But then there are barriers to pass and ordeals to
+undergo. "There are roars of coughing, as well as roars of cheering"
+from the members of the House, "and maiden speeches sometimes act more
+forcibly on the lungs of hearers than the most violent or most cutting
+of all the breezes which AEOLUS can boast." But the writer draws comfort
+from the fact that Lord Morfeth, Edward Geoffrey, Stanley and Lord
+Castlereagh who were all members of the Eton college debating society
+were then among the most successful young speakers in Parliament. This
+sounds more like prophecy than dreams, for within a very few years after
+writing this article the writer himself had passed the dreaded barrier
+and endured the ordeal, and had not only made his appearance in the
+House of Commons, but had been invited to fill an honorable place in the
+Cabinet of the Ministry then in power.</p>
+
+<p>Another contribution of Mr. Gladstone's to the <i>Miscellany</i>, and perhaps
+the most meritorious of the youthful writer's productions, was
+entitled, "Ancient and Modern Genius Compared," in which the young
+Etonian editor ardently and affectionately apostrophized the memory of
+Canning, his father's great friend and his own ideal man and statesman,
+who had just then perished untimely and amid universal regret. In this
+article he first takes the part of the moderns as against the ancients,
+though he by no means deprecates the genius of the latter, and then
+eloquently apostrophizes the object of his youthful hero-worship, the
+immortal Canning, whose death he compares to that of the lamented Pitt.
+The following are extracts from this production:</p>
+
+<p>"It is for those who revered him in the plenitude of his meridian glory
+to mourn over him in the darkness of his premature extinction: to mourn
+over the hopes that are buried in his grave, and the evils that arise
+from his withdrawing from the scene of life. Surely if eloquence never
+excelled and seldom equalled&mdash;if an expanded mind and judgment whose
+vigor was paralleled only by its soundness&mdash;if brilliant wit&mdash;if a
+glowing imagination&mdash;if a warm heart, and an unbending firmness&mdash;could
+have strengthened the frail tenure, and prolonged the momentary duration
+of human existence, that man had been immortal! But nature could endure
+no longer. Thus has Providence ordained that inasmuch as the intellect
+is more brilliant, it shall be more short-lived; as its sphere is more
+expanded, more swiftly is it summoned away. Lest we should give to man
+the honor due to God&mdash;lest we should exalt the object of our admiration
+into a divinity for our worship&mdash;He who calls the weary and the mourner
+to eternal rest hath been pleased to remove him from our eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"The degrees of inscrutable wisdom are unknown to us; but if ever there
+was a man for whose sake it was meet to indulge the kindly though frail
+feelings of our nature&mdash;for whom the tear of sorrow was to us both
+prompted by affection and dictated by duty&mdash;that man was
+George Canning."</p>
+
+<p>After Hallam, Selwyn and other contributors to the <i>Miscellany</i> left
+Eton, at midsummer, 1827, Mr. Gladstone still remained and became the
+mainstay of the magazine. "Mr. Gladstone and I remained behind as its
+main supporters," writes Sir Francis Doyle, "or rather it would be more
+like the truth if I said that Mr. Gladstone supported the whole burden
+upon his own shoulders. I was unpunctual and unmethodical, so were his
+other vassals; and the '<i>Miscellany</i>' would have fallen to the ground
+but for Mr. Gladstone's untiring energy, pertinacity and tact."</p>
+
+<p>Although Mr. Gladstone labored in editorial work upon the <i>Miscellany</i>,
+yet he took time to bestow attention upon his duties in the Eton
+Society of the College, learnedly called "The Literati," and vulgarly
+called "Pop," and took a leading part in the debates and in the private
+business of the Society. The Eton Society of Gladstone's day was a
+brilliant group of boys. He introduced desirable new members, moved for
+more readable and instructive newspapers, proposing new rules for better
+order and more decorous conduct, moving fines on those guilty of
+disorder or breaches of the rules, and paying a fine imposed upon
+himself for putting down an illegal question. "In debate he champions
+the claims of metaphysics against those of mathematics, and defends
+aristocracy against democracy;" confesses innate feelings of dislike to
+the French; protests against disarmament of the Highlanders as
+inexpedient and unjust; deplores the fate of Strafford and the action of
+the House of Commons, which he claimed they should be able to "revere as
+our glory and confide in as our protection." The meetings of the Eton
+Society were held over Miss Hatton's "sock-shop."</p>
+
+<p>In politics its members were Tory&mdash;intensely so, and although current
+politics were forbidden subjects, yet, political opinions were disclosed
+in discussions of historical or academical questions. "The execution of
+Strafford and Charles I, the characters of Oliver Cromwell and Milton,
+the 'Central Social' of Rousseau, and the events of the French
+Revolution, laid bare the speakers' political tendencies as effectually
+as if the conduct of Queen Caroline, the foreign policy of Lord
+Castlereagh, or the repeal of the Test and Corporation Act had been the
+subject of debate."</p>
+
+<p>It was October 15, 1825, when Gladstone was elected a member of the Eton
+Society, and on the 29th of the same month made his maiden speech on the
+question "Is the education of the poor on the whole beneficial?" It is
+recorded in the minutes of the meeting that "Mr. Gladstone rose and
+eloquently addressed the house." He spoke in favor of education; and one
+who heard him says that his opening words were, "Sir, in this age of
+increased and increasing civilization." Says an eminent writer, by way
+of comment upon these words, "It almost oppresses the imagination to
+picture the shoreless sea of eloquence which rolls between that exordium
+and the oratory to which we still are listening and hope to listen for
+years to come."</p>
+
+<p>"The peroration of his speech on the question whether Queen Anne's
+Ministers, in the last four years of her reign, deserved well of their
+country, is so characteristic, both in substance and in form," that we
+reproduce it here from Dr, Russell's work on Gladstone:</p>
+
+<p>"Thus much, sir, I have said, as conceiving myself bound in fairness not
+to regard the names under which men have hidden their designs so much
+as the designs themselves. I am well aware that my prejudices and my
+predilections have long been enlisted on the side of Toryism (cheers)
+and that in a cause like this I am not likely to be influenced unfairly
+against men bearing that name and professing to act on the principles
+which I have always been accustomed to revere. But the good of my
+country must stand on a higher ground than distinctions like these. In
+common fairness and in common candor, I feel myself compelled to give my
+decisive verdict against the conduct of men whose measures I firmly
+believe to have been hostile to British interests, destructive of
+British glory, and subversive of the splendid and, I trust, lasting
+fabric of the British constitution."</p>
+
+<p>The following extracts from the diary of William Cowper, afterwards Lord
+Mount-Temple, we also reproduce from the same author: "On Saturday,
+October 27, 1827, the subject for debate was:</p>
+
+<p>"'Whether the deposition of Richard II was justifiable or not.' Jelf
+opened; not a good speech. Doyle spoke <i>extempore</i>, made several
+mistakes, which were corrected by Jelf. Gladstone spoke well. The Whigs
+were regularly floored; only four Whigs to eleven Tories, but they very
+nearly kept up with them in coughing and 'hear, hears,' Adjourned to
+Monday after 4.</p>
+
+<p>"Monday, 29.&mdash;Gladstone finished his speech, and ended with a great deal
+of flattery of Doyle, saying that he was sure he would have courage
+enough to own that he was wrong. It succeeded. Doyle rose amidst
+reiterated cheers to own that he was convinced by the arguments of the
+other side. He had determined before to answer them and cut up
+Gladstone!</p>
+
+<p>"December 1.&mdash;Debate, 'Whether the Peerage Bill of 1719 was calculated
+to be beneficial or not.' Thanks voted to Doyle and Gladstone; the
+latter spoke well; will be a great loss to the Society."</p>
+
+<p>There were many boys at Eton&mdash;schoolfellows of Mr. Gladstone&mdash;who became
+men of note in after days. Among them the Hallams, Charles Canning,
+afterwards Lord Canning and Governor-General of India; Walter Hamilton,
+Bishop of Salisbury; Edward Hamilton, his brother, of Charters; James
+Hope, afterwards Hope-Scott; James Bruce, afterwards Lord Elgin; James
+Milnes-Gaskell, M.P. for Wenlock; Henry Denison; Sir Francis Doyle;
+Alexander Kinglake; George Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand and of
+Litchfield; Lord Arthur Hervey, Bishop of Bath and Wells; William
+Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire; George Cornwallis Lewis; Frederic
+Tennyson; Gerald Wellesley, Dean of Windsor; Spencer Walpole, Home
+Secretary; Frederic Rogers, Lord Blachford; James Colvile, Chief Justice
+at Calcutta, and others.</p>
+
+<p>By universal acknowledgment the most remarkable youth at Eton in that
+day was Arthur Hallam, "in mind and character not unworthy of the
+magnificent eulogy of 'In Memoriam.'" He was the most intimate friend of
+young Gladstone. They always took breakfast together, although they
+boarded apart in different houses, and during the separation of
+vacations they were diligent correspondents.</p>
+
+<p>The father of William E. Gladstone, as we have seen, discovered
+premonitions of future greatness in his son, and we may well ask the
+question what impression was made by him upon his fellow school-mates at
+Eton. Arthur Hallam wrote: "Whatever may be our lot, I am confident that
+<i>he</i> is a bud that will bloom with a richer fragrance than almost any
+whose early promise I have witnessed."</p>
+
+<p>James Milnes-Gaskell says: "Gladstone is no ordinary individual; and
+perhaps if I were called on to select the individual I am intimate with
+to whom I should first turn in an emergency, and whom I thought in every
+way pre-eminently distinguished for high excellence, I think I should
+turn to Gladstone. If you finally decide in favor of Cambridge, my
+separation from Gladstone will be a source of great sorrow to me." And
+the explanation of this latter remark is that the writer's mother wanted
+him to go to Cambridge, while he wished to go to Oxford, because
+Gladstone was going there.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Francis Doyle writes: "I may as well remark that my father, a man of
+great ability, as well as of great experience of life, predicted
+Gladstone's future eminence from the manner in which he handled this
+somewhat tiresome business. [The editorial work and management of the
+<i>Eton Miscellany.</i>] 'It is not' he remarked, 'that I think his papers
+better than yours or Hallam's&mdash;that is not my meaning at all; but the
+force of character he has shown in managing his subordinates, and the
+combination of ability and power that he has made evident, convince me
+that such a young man cannot fail to distinguish himself hereafter.'"</p>
+
+<p>The recreations of young Gladstone were not in all respects like his
+school-mates. He took no part in games, for he had no taste in that
+direction, and while his companions were at play he was studiously
+employed in his room. One of the boys afterwards declared, "without
+challenge or contradiction, that he was never seen to run." Yet he had
+his diversions and was fond of sculling, and kept a "lock-up," or
+private boat, for his own use. He liked walking for exercise, and walked
+fast and far. His chief amusement when not writing, reading or debating,
+was to ramble among the delights of Windsor with a few intimate friends;
+and he had only a few whom he admitted to his inner circle. To others
+beyond he was not known and was not generally popular. Gladstone,
+Charles Canning, Handley, Bruce, Hodgson, Lord Bruce and Milnes-Gaskell
+set up a Salt Hill Club. They met every whole holiday or half-holiday,
+as was convenient, after twelve, "and went up to Salt Hill to bully the
+fat waiter, eat toasted cheese, and drink egg-wine." It is startling to
+hear from such an authority as James Milnes-Gaskell that "in all our
+meetings, as well as at almost every time, Gladstone went by the name of
+Mr. Tipple."</p>
+
+<a name="065"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="065 (78K)" src="images/065.jpg" height="353" width="523">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>The strongest testimony is borne to the moral character of young
+Gladstone while at Eton. By common consent he was pre-eminently
+God-fearing, orderly and conscientious. Bishop Hamilton, of Salisbury,
+writes: "At Eton I was a thoroughly idle boy; but I was saved from some
+worse things by getting to know Gladstone." This is the strong testimony
+of one school-boy after he has reached maturity and distinction for
+another. "To have exercised, while still a school-boy, an influence for
+good upon one of the greatest of contemporary saints, is surely such a
+distinction as few Prime Ministers ever attain."</p>
+
+<p>Two stories are told of him while at Eton that go to show the moral
+determination of the boy to do right. On one occasion he turned his
+glass upside down and refused to drink a coarse toast proposed,
+according to annual custom, at an election dinner at the "Christopher
+Inn." This shows the purity of his mind, but there is another
+illustrating the humane feeling in his heart. He came forth as the
+champion of some miserable pigs which it was the inhumane custom to
+torture at Eton Fair on Ash Wednesday, and when he was bantered by his
+school-fellows for his humanity, he offered to write his reply "in good
+round hand upon their faces."</p>
+
+<p>At Christmas, 1827, Gladstone left Eton, and after that studied six
+months under private tutors, Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+being one. Of this Mr. Gladstone writes: "I resided with Dr. Turner at
+Wilmslow (in Cheshire) from January till a few months later. My
+residence with him was cut off by his appointment to the Bishopric of
+Calcutta.... My companions were the present (1877) Bishop of Sodor and
+Man, and Sir C.A. Wood, Deputy-Chairman of the G.W. Railway. We employed
+our spare time in gymnastics, in turning, and in rambles. I remember
+paying a visit to Macclesfield. In a silk factory the owner showed us
+his silk handkerchiefs, and complained much of Mr. Huskisson for having
+removed the prohibition of the foreign article. The thought passed
+through my mind at the time: Why make laws to enable people to produce
+articles of such hideous pattern and indifferent quality as this?
+Alderly Edge was a favorite place of resort. We dined with Sir John
+Stanley (at Alderly) on the day when the king's speech was received; and
+I recollect that he ridiculed (I think very justly) the epithet
+<i>untoward</i>, which was applied in it to the Battle of Navarino."</p>
+
+<p>In 1828, and after two years as a private pupil of Dr. Turner, Mr.
+Gladstone entered Christ Church College, Oxford and in the following
+year was nominated to a studentship on the foundation. Although he had
+no prizes at Oxford of the highest class, unless honors in the schools
+be so called&mdash;and in this respect he achieved a success which falls to
+the lot of but few students. In the year 1831, when he went up for his
+final examination, he completed his academical education by attaining
+the highest honors in the university&mdash;graduating double-first-class.</p>
+
+<p>Of the city of Oxford, where Oxford University is situated, Matthew
+Arnold writes: "Beautiful city! So venerable, so lovely, so unravaged by
+the fierce intellectual life of our century, so serene! And yet, steeped
+in sentiment as she lies, spreading her gardens to the moonlight, or
+whispering from her towers the last enchantments of the Middle Age, who
+will deny that Oxford, by her ineffable charm, keeps ever calling us
+near to the true goal of all of us, to the ideal, to perfection&mdash;to
+beauty, in a word, which is only truth seen from another side."</p>
+
+<p>Describing Christ Church College, a writer has said that there is no
+other College where a man has so great a choice of society, or a man
+entire freedom in choosing it.</p>
+
+<p>As to the studies required, a greater stress was laid upon a knowledge
+of the Bible and of the evidences of Christianity than upon classical
+literature; some proficiency was required also, either in mathematics or
+the science of reasoning. The system of education accommodated itself to
+the capacity and wants of the students, but the man of talent was at no
+loss as to a field for his exertions, or a reward for his industry. The
+honors of the ministry were all within his reach. In the cultivation of
+taste and general information Oxford afforded every opportunity, but the
+modern languages were not taught.</p>
+
+<p>An interesting fact is related of young Gladstone when he entered
+Oxford, as to his studies at the university. He wrote his father that he
+disliked mathematics, and that he intended to concentrate his time and
+attention upon the classics. This was a great blow to his father, who
+replied that he did not think a man was a man unless he knew
+mathematics. The dutiful son yielded to his father's wishes, abandoned
+his own plan, and applied himself with energy and success to the study
+of mathematics. But for this change of study he might not have become
+the greatest of Chancellors of the Exchequer.</p>
+
+<p>Gladstone's instructors at Oxford were men of reputation. Rev. Robert
+Biscoe, whose lectures on Aristotle attracted some of the best men to
+the university, was his tutor; he attended the lectures of Dr. Burton on
+Divinity, and of Dr. Pusey on Hebrew, and read classics privately with
+Bishop Wordsworth. He read steadily but not laboriously. Nothing was
+ever allowed to interfere with his morning's work. He read for four
+hours, and then took a walk. Though not averse to company and suppers,
+yet he always read for two or three hours before bedtime.</p>
+
+<p>Among the undergraduates at Oxford then, who became conspicuous, were
+Henry Edward Manning, afterwards Cardinal Archbishop; Archibald Campbell
+Tait, Archbishop of Canterbury; Sidney Herbert, Robert Lowe, Lord
+Sherbrooke, and Lord Selborne. "The man who <i>took</i> me most," says a
+visitor to Oxford in 1829, "was the youngest Gladstone of Liverpool&mdash;I
+am sure a very superior person."</p>
+
+<p>Gladstone's chosen friends were all steady and industrious men, and many
+of them were more distinctively religious than is generally found in the
+life of undergraduates. And his choice of associates in this respect was
+the subject of criticism on the part of a more secularly minded student
+who wrote, "Gladstone has mixed himself up with the St. Mary Hall and
+Oriel set, who are really, for the most part, only fit to live with
+maiden aunts and keep tame rabbits." And the question, Which was
+right&mdash;Gladstone or the student? may be answered by another, Which one
+became Prime Minister of England?</p>
+
+<p>"Gladstone's first rooms were in the 'old library,' near the hall; but
+for the greater part of his time he occupied the right-hand rooms on the
+first floor of the first staircase, on the right as the visitor enters
+Canterbury gate. He was, alike in study and in conduct, a model
+undergraduate, and the great influence of his character and talents was
+used with manly resolution against the riotous conduct of the 'Tufts,'
+whose brutality caused the death of one of their number in 1831. We read
+this note in the correspondence of a friend: 'I heard from Gladstone
+yesterday; he says that the number of gentlemen commoners has increased,
+is increasing, and ought to be diminished.' Every one who has
+experienced the hubristic qualities of the Tufted race, and its
+satellites, will cordially sympathize with this sentiment of an orderly
+and industrious undergraduate. He was conspicuously moderate in the use
+of wine. His good example in this respect affected not only his
+contemporaries but also his successors at the university; men who
+followed him to Oxford ten years later found it still operative, and
+declare that undergraduates drank less in the forties, because Gladstone
+had been courageously abstemious in the thirties."</p>
+
+<p>But there were those who better estimated Gladstone's worth and looked
+approvingly upon his course, as "the blameless schoolboy became the
+blameless undergraduate; diligent, sober, regular alike in study and
+devotion, giving his whole energies to the duties of the place, and
+quietly abiding in the religious faith in which he had been trained.
+Bishop Charles Wordsworth said that no man of his standing in the
+university habitually read his Bible more or knew it better. Cardinal
+Manning described him walking in the university with his 'Bible and
+Prayer-book tucked under his arm.' ... He quitted Oxford with a
+religious belief still untinctured by Catholic theology. But the great
+change was not far distant, and he had already formed some of the
+friendships which, in their development were destined to effect so
+profoundly the course of his religious thought."</p>
+
+<p>In reference to the religious and political opinions and influences
+prevailing at Oxford, it may be remarked that the atmosphere of Oxford
+was calculated to strengthen Mr. Gladstone's conservative views, and did
+have this effect, and as English statesmen had not then learned to put
+their trust in the people, the cause of reform found few or no friends
+at the university, and he was among those hostile to it, and was known
+for his pronounced Tory and High Church opinions.</p>
+
+<p>He belonged to the famous debating society known as the Oxford Union,
+was a brilliant debater, and in 1831 was its secretary, and later its
+president. On various occasions he carried, by a majority of one only, a
+motion that the Wellington Administration was undeserving of the
+confidence of the country; he defended the results of the Catholic
+Emancipation; he opposed a motion for the removal of Jewish
+disabilities, and he persuaded 94 students out of 130 to condemn Earl
+Grey's Reform Bill as a measure "which threatened not only to change the
+form of government, but ultimately to break up the very foundation of
+social order." His last speech at Oxford was in support of his own
+amendment to a motion for the immediate emancipation of the slaves in
+the West Indies. On a certain occasion he entertained a party of
+students from Cambridge, consisting of Sir Francis Doyle, Monckton
+Milnes, Sunderland, and Arthur H. Hallam, who discussed among them the
+superiority of Shelley over Byron as a poet. The motion was opposed by
+one Oxonion, the late Cardinal Manning, but Shelley received 90 votes to
+33 for Byron.</p>
+
+<p>One who heard the debate on the Reform Bill says that "it converted
+Alston, the son of the member in Parliament for Hertford, who
+immediately on the conclusion of Gladstone's speech walked across from
+the Whig to the Tory side of the house, amidst loud acclamations."
+Another who was present writes, "Most of the speakers rose, more or
+less, above their usual level, but when Mr. Gladstone sat down we all of
+us felt that an epoch in our lives had occurred. It certainly was the
+finest speech of his that I ever heard." And Bishop Charles Wordsworth
+writes his experience of Mr. Gladstone at this time, "made me feel no
+less sure than of my own existence that Gladstone, our then
+Christ-Church undergraduate, would one day rise to be Prime Minister
+of England."</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1832 Mr. Gladstone quitted Oxford. In summing up
+results it may be said, in the language of Mr. Russell: "Among the
+purely intellectual effects produced on Mr. Gladstone by the discipline
+of Oxford, it is obvious to reckon an almost excessive exactness in the
+statement of propositions, a habit of rigorous definition, a microscopic
+care in the choice of words, and a tendency to analyze every sentiment
+and every phrase, and to distinguish with intense precaution between
+statements almost exactly similar. From Aristotle and Bishop Butler and
+Edmund Burke he learned the value of authority, the sacredness of law,
+the danger of laying rash and inconsiderate hands upon the ark of State.
+In the political atmosphere of Oxford he was taught to apply these
+principles to the civil events of his time, to dread innovation, to
+respect existing institutions, and to regard the Church and the Throne
+as inseparably associated by Divine ordinance."</p>
+
+
+<a name="075"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="075 (62K)" src="images/075.jpg" height="431" width="441">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+
+<center>
+<a name="c3"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+<h4>
+EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>It is customary for the sons of gentlemen who graduate at Cambridge and
+Oxford to spend some time in travel on the continent upon the completion
+of their university studies. The custom was observed in Mr. Gladstone's
+early days even more than at the present. In accordance then with the
+prevailing usage he went abroad after graduating at Oxford. In the
+spring of 1832 he started on his travels and spent nearly the whole of
+the next six months in Italy, "learning the language, studying the art,
+and revelling in the natural beauties of that glorious land." In the
+following September, however, he was suddenly recalled to England to
+enter upon his first Parliamentary campaign.</p>
+
+<p>At Oxford Toryism prevailed, and was of the old-fashioned type, far
+removed from the utilitarian conservatism of the present day. Charles I
+was a saint and a martyr, the claims of rank and birth were admitted
+with a childlike simplicity, the high functions of government were the
+birthright of the few, and the people had nothing to do with the laws,
+except to obey them. Mr. Gladstone was a Tory. The political views he
+held upon leaving Oxford had much to do with his recall from abroad and
+his running for a seat in the House of Commons. Of these opinions held
+by him then, and afterwards repudiated, he, in a speech delivered at the
+opening of the Palmerston Club, Oxford, in December, 1878, says: "I
+trace in the education of Oxford of my own time one great defect.
+Perhaps it was my own fault; but I must admit that I did not learn, when
+at Oxford, that which I have learned since, viz., to set a due value on
+the imperishable and inestimable principles of human liberty. The temper
+which, I think, too much prevailed in academic circles, was that liberty
+was regarded with jealousy and fear, which could not be wholly dispensed
+with, but which was continually to be watched for fear of excess.... I
+think that the principle of the Conservative party is jealousy of
+liberty and of the people, only qualified by fear; but I think the
+policy of the Liberal party is trust in the people, only qualified by
+prudence. I can only assure you, gentlemen, that now I am in front of
+extended popular privileges. I have no fear of those enlargements of the
+Constitution that seem to be approaching. On the contrary, I hail them
+with desire. I am not in the least degree conscious that I have less
+reverence for antiquity, for the beautiful, and good, and glorious
+charges that our ancestors have handed down to us as a patrimony to our
+race, than I had in other days when I held other political opinions. I
+have learnt to set the true value upon human liberty, and in whatever I
+have changed, there, and there only, has been the explanation of
+the change."</p>
+
+<p>It was Mr. Gladstone's Tory principles that led to an invitation from
+the Duke of Newcastle, whose son, the Earl of Lincoln, afterwards a
+member of Lord Aberdeen's Cabinet during the Crimean War, had been his
+schoolmate at Eton and Oxford, and his intimate friend; to return to
+England and to contest the representation of Newark in Parliament. In
+accordance with this summons he hurried home.</p>
+
+<p>Let us review the national situation. It was a time of general alarm and
+uncertainty, from political unrest, commercial stagnation, and
+devastating pestilence. "The terrors of the time begat a hundred forms
+of strange fanaticism; and among men who were not fanatics there was a
+deep and wide conviction that national judgments were overtaking
+national sins, and that the only hope of safety for England lay in a
+return to that practical recognition of religion in the political sphere
+at the proudest moments of English history. 'The beginning and the end
+of what is the matter with us in these days,' wrote Carlyle, 'is that we
+have forgotten God.'"</p>
+
+<p>England was in a condition of great political excitement and expectancy.
+One of the greatest battles in Parliamentary history had just been
+fought and won by the people. The Reform Bill, which admitted large
+classes, hitherto unrepresented, to the right of citizenship, had
+passed, after a long struggle, during which law and order were defied
+and riots prevailed in various parts of the kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>The King clearly perceiving that the wish of the people could no longer
+be disregarded with safety, and heedless of the advice of the
+aristocracy, gave his assent to the measure. This bill, which became a
+law June 7, 1832, "transformed the whole of the Electoral arrangements
+of the United Kingdom." It was demanded that the King be present in the
+House of Lords to witness the ceremony of the subjugation of his crown
+and peers, as it was deemed, but the King, feeling he had yielded enough
+to the popular will, refused. Walpole, in his history, writes: "King and
+Queen sat sullenly apart in their palace. Peer and country gentleman
+moodily awaited the ruin of their country and the destruction of their
+property. Fanaticism still raved at the wickedness of a people; the
+people, clamoring for work, still succumbed before the mysterious
+disease which was continually claiming more and more victims. But the
+nation cared not for the sullenness of the Court, the forebodings of the
+landed classes, the ravings of the pulpit, or even the mysterious
+operations of a new plague. The deep gloom that had overshadowed the
+land had been relieved by one single ray. The victory had been won. The
+bill had become law."</p>
+
+<p>The first reformed House of Commons, after the passage of the terrible
+Reform Bill, met and was looked upon by some of the friends of Reform
+with fond hopes and expectations, and by others, the Tories, with fear
+and apprehension. The poor looked upon the Reform Bill as a measure for
+their redemption, and the landed proprietors regarded it as the first
+sign of departed national greatness. Both classes were disappointed. It
+neither revived business nor despoiled owners. The result was a surprise
+to politicians of both parties. The Reformers did not, as was
+anticipated, carry their extreme measures, and the Tories did not
+realize the great losses they expected. While the Ministry preserved its
+power and even obtained some victories in England and Scotland, it
+sustained serious defeats in Ireland. In England many earnest and
+popular friends of Reform were defeated in the election, and some
+counties, among them Bristol, Stamford, Hertford, Norwich and Newark,
+were pronounced against the Ministry.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke of Newcastle, who was one of the chief potentates of the high
+Tory party, and had lost his control of Newark in 1831, by the election
+of a Radical, was determined to regain it. He regarded it as his right
+to be represented in the House of Commons, or that Newark should elect
+whom he nominated. And he had propounded the memorable political maxim,
+"Have I not a right to do what I like with my own?" The Duke wanted a
+capable candidate to help him regain his ascendency. His son, Lord
+Lincoln, here came to his aid. He had heard the remarkable speech of his
+friend, Mr. Gladstone, in the Oxford Union, against the Reform Bill, and
+had written home regarding him, that "a man had uprisen in Israel." At
+his suggestion the Duke invited the young graduate of Oxford to run as
+the Tory candidate for a seat in Parliament from Newark. The wisdom of
+this selection for the accomplishment of the purpose in view, was fully
+demonstrated.</p>
+
+
+<a name="082"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="082 (160K)" src="images/082.jpg" height="466" width="648">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<p>His personal appearance at this time may be thus described: He was
+somewhat robust. His youthful face bore none of those deep furrows which
+have rendered his countenance so remarkable in maturer years. But there
+was the same broad intellectual forehead, the massive nose, the same
+anxious eyes and the earnest enthusiasm of later years. His look was
+bright and thoughtful and his bearing attractive. He was handsome and
+possessed a most intelligent and expressive countenance. Says his
+biographer, Mr. Russell: "William Ewart Gladstone was now twenty-two
+years old, with a physical constitution of unequalled vigor, the
+prospect of ample fortune, great and varied knowledge, and a natural
+tendency to political theorization, and an inexhaustible copiousness and
+readiness of speech. In person he was striking and attractive, with
+strongly marked features, a pale complexion, abundance of dark hair and
+eyes of piercing lustre. People who judged only by his external aspect
+considered that he was delicate."</p>
+
+<p>Young Gladstone found two opponents contesting with him to represent
+Newark in Parliament, W.F. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, afterwards Lord
+Chancellor Truro. The latter was an advanced Liberal and had
+unsuccessfully contested the borough in 1829 and 1830, and had in
+consideration of his defeat received from his sympathetic friends a
+piece of plate inscribed: "By his ardent friends, the Blue electors of
+the borough, who by their exertions and sufferings in the cause of
+independence, largely conduced to awaken the attention of the nation to
+the necessity of Reform in Parliament. Upon this humble token of respect
+(contributed in the hour of defeat) the Blue electors of Newark inscribe
+their sense of the splendid ability, unwearied perseverance, and
+disinterested public spirit displayed by Sergeant Wilde in maintaining
+the two contests of 1829 and 1830, in order to emancipate the borough
+from political thraldoms, and restore to its inhabitants the free
+exercise of their long-lost rights." But Sergeant Wilde was more
+successful the following year, 1831, when the "Reform fever" was at its
+height, and defeated the Duke of Newcastle's nominee and became member
+of the House of Commons for the borough. These facts made the coming
+election, which followed the passage of the Reform Bill, of unusual
+interest, to those concerned, and the struggle would be of a close and
+determined character.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest with his experienced, able and
+popular antagonist, with much against him, for he was young, unknown and
+untried; but his youth and personal appearance and manly bearing were in
+his favor, and these, with his eloquence and ready wit, gained for him
+many friends. His speeches demonstrated that he lacked neither
+arguments, nor words wherewith to clothe them. He needed, however, to
+call into requisition all his abilities, for Sergeant Wilde was a
+powerful antagonist, and had no thought of being displaced by his
+youthful opponent, "a political stripling," as he called him, without a
+desperate struggle. But Mr. Gladstone had behind him the ducal influence
+and the support of the Red Club, so he entered upon the contest with
+energy and enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>The young Tory's first election address was delivered upon this
+occasion. It was dated October 9th, 1832, was all such an address should
+be, and was addressed, "To the worthy and independent electors of the
+borough of Newark." It began by saying that he was bound in his opinions
+by no man and no party, but that he deprecated the growing unreasonable
+and indiscriminating desire for change then so common, but confessed
+that labor has a right to "receive adequate remuneration." On the
+question of human slavery, then greatly agitated, he remarked, "We are
+agreed that both the physical and the moral bondage of the slave are to
+be abolished. The question is as to the <i>order</i>, and the order only; now
+Scripture attacks the moral evil <i>before</i> the corporal one, the corporal
+one <i>through</i> the moral one, and I am content with the order which
+Scripture has established." He saw insurmountable obstacles against
+immediate emancipation, one of which was that the negro would exchange
+the evil now affecting him for greater ones&mdash;for a relapse into deeper
+debasement, if not for bloodshed and internal war.</p>
+
+<p>He therefore advocated a system of Christian education, to make the
+negro slaves fit for emancipation and to prepare them for freedom, Then,
+he argued, without bloodshed and the violation of property rights, and
+with unimpaired benefit to the negro, the desirable end might be reached
+in the utter extinction of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>Of this appropriate address, so important in the light of coming events,
+we quote two paragraphs in full. In speaking of existing evils and the
+remedies for them, he observed: "For the mitigation of these evils, we
+must, I think, look not only to particular measures, but to the
+restoration of sounder general principles. I mean especially that
+principle on which alone the incorporation of Religion with the State in
+our Constitution can be defended; that the duties of governors are
+strictly and peculiarly religious; and that legislatures, like
+individuals, are bound to carry throughout their acts the spirit of the
+high truths they have acknowledged. Principles are now arrayed against
+our institutions; and not by truckling nor by temporizing&mdash;not by
+oppression nor corruption&mdash;but by principles they must be met.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, gentlemen, as regards the enthusiasm with which you have
+rallied round your ancient flag, and welcomed the humble representative
+of those principles whose emblem it is, I trust that neither the lapse
+of time nor the seductions of prosperity can ever efface it from my
+memory. To my opponents, my acknowledgments are due for the good humor
+and kindness with which they have received me; and while I would thank
+my friends for their jealous and unwearied exertions in my favor, I
+briefly but emphatically assure them, that if promises be an adequate
+foundation of confidence, or experience a reasonable ground of
+calculation, our victory <i>is sure</i>"</p>
+
+<p>The new candidate for Parliamentary honors was "heckled," as it is
+called, at the hustings, or was interrupted continually while speaking,
+and questioned by his opponents as to the circumstances of his
+candidature, his father's connection with slavery, and his own views of
+capital punishment. From his first appearance in Newark, Mr. Gladstone
+had been subjected to these examinations and he stood the ordeal well
+and answered prudently. An instance of this is given. A Radical elector,
+Mr. Gillson, asked the young Tory candidate if he was the Duke of
+Newcastle's nominee, and was met by Mr. Gladstone demanding the
+questioner's definition of the term "nominee." Mr. Gillson replied that
+he meant a person sent by the Duke of Newcastle to be pushed down the
+throats of the voters whether they would or not. But Mr. Gladstone was
+equal to the occasion, and said according to that definition he was not
+the nominee of the Duke, but came to Newark by the invitation of the Red
+Club, than whom none were more respectable and intelligent.</p>
+
+<p>This same Red Club was Conservative, and promised to Mr. Gladstone, the
+thorough Conservative candidate, 650 votes, the whole number within its
+ranks. He also received the promise of 240 votes of other electors. This
+was known before the election, so that the result was confidently
+predicted. On the 11th of December, 1832, the "nomination" was held and
+the polling or election was held on the two following days, and Mr.
+Gladstone was chosen by a considerable majority, the votes being,
+Gladstone, 882; Handley, 793; Wilde, 719. Sergeant Wilde was defeated.</p>
+
+<p>During the public discussions before the election Mr. Gladstone was
+placed at a great disadvantage. There were three candidates to be heard
+from and his speech was to be the last in order. Sergeant Wilde made a
+very lengthy speech, which exhausted the patience of his hearers, who
+had already stood for nearly seven hours, and showed disinclination to
+listen to another three hours' address, which, from Mr. Gladstone's
+talents, they were far from thinking impossible. The Sergeant was
+condemned for occupying the attention of the electors for such an
+inordinate length of time, but this did not prevent a scene of
+outrageous noise and uproar when the Tory candidate rose to speak. The
+important topic was slavery, but Mr. Gladstone had not proceeded far
+when the hooting and hissing drowned his voice so that he found it
+impossible to proceed. When a show of hands was demanded it was declared
+in favor of Mr. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, but when the election came,
+it was Mr. Gladstone who triumphed, as has been seen, and who was sent
+to Parliament as the member from Newark.</p>
+
+<p>In speaking of the manner in which the Parliamentary elections are
+conducted, an English writer says: "Since 1832, few of those scenes of
+violence, and even of bloodshed, which formerly distinguished
+Parliamentary elections in many English boroughs, have been witnessed.
+Some of these lawless outbreaks were doubtless due to the unpopularity
+of the candidates forced upon the electors; but even in the largest
+towns&mdash;where territorial influence had little sway&mdash;riots occurred upon
+which we look back with doubtful amazement. Men holding strong political
+views have ceased to enforce those views by the aid of brickbats and
+other dangerous missiles. Yet at the beginning of the present century
+such arguments were very popular. And to the violence which prevailed
+was added the most unblushing bribery. Several boroughs, long notorious
+for extensive bribery, have since been disfranchised. The practice,
+however, extended to most towns in the kingdom, though it was not always
+carried on in the same open manner. By a long established custom, a
+voter at Hull received a donation of two guineas, or four for a
+plumper. In Liverpool men were openly paid for their votes; and Lord
+Cochrane stated in the House of Commons that, after his return for
+Honiton, he sent the town-crier round the borough to tell the voters to
+go to the chief banker for £10 10s. each. The great enlargement of the
+constituencies, secured by the Reform Bill of 1832, did much to put an
+end to this disgraceful condition of things; but to a wider political
+enlightenment also, some portion of the credit for such a result must be
+attributed."</p>
+
+<p>What the friends and foes of the new Tory member for Newark thought of
+his successful canvass and election, it is interesting to learn. When
+Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest the question was frequently put,
+"Who is Mr. Gladstone?" And it was answered, "He is the son of the
+friend of Mr. Canning, the great Liverpool merchant. He is, we
+understand, not more than four or five and twenty, but he has won golden
+opinions from all sorts of people, and promises to be an ornament to the
+House of Commons." And a few days after his election he addressed a
+meeting of the Constitutional Club, at Nottingham, when a Conservative
+journal made the first prophecy as to his future great political fame,
+saying: "He will one day be classed amongst the most able statesmen in
+the British Senate." The impression his successful contest made upon the
+late friends of his school-days may be learned from the following: A
+short time before the election Arthur Hallam, writing of his friend,
+"the old <i>W.E.G.</i>," says: "I shall be very glad if he gets in.... We
+want such a man as that. In some things he is likely to be obstinate and
+prejudiced; but he has a fine fund of high, chivalrous Tory sentiment,
+and a tongue, moreover, to let it loose with." And after the election he
+exclaims: "And Gladstone has turned out the Sergeant!... What a triumph
+for him. He has made his reputation by it; all that remains is to keep
+up to it."</p>
+
+<p>That one of Mr. Gladstone's Liberal opponents was impressed by his
+talent and character is shown by the following lines of "descriptive
+prophecy, perhaps more remarkable for good feeling than for
+good poetry:"</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+
+<p> "Yet on one form, whose ear can ne'er refuse<br>
+      The Muses' tribute, for he lov'd the Muse,<br>
+     (And when the soul the gen'rous virtues raise,<br>
+      A friendly Whig may chant a Tory's praise,)<br>
+      Full many a fond expectant eye is bent<br>
+      Where Newark's towers are mirror'd in the Trent.<br>
+      Perchance ere long to shine in senates first,<br>
+      If manhood echo what his youth rehears'd,<br>
+      Soon Gladstone's brows will bloom with greener bays<br>
+      Than twine the chaplet of the minstrel's lays;<br>
+      Nor heed, while poring o'er each graver line,<br>
+      The far, faint music of a flute like mine.<br>
+      His was no head contentedly which press'd<br>
+      The downy pillow in obedient rest,<br>
+      Where lazy pilots, with their canvas furl'd,<br>
+      Let up the Gades of their mental world;<br>
+      His was no tongue which meanly stoop'd to wear<br>
+      The guise of virtue, while his heart was bare;<br>
+      But all he thought through ev'ry action ran;<br>
+      God's noblest work&mdash;I've known one honest man."</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone spoke at Newark in company with his friend, the Earl of
+Lincoln, shortly after his election, when another favorable testimony
+was given, and his address spoken of as "a manly, eloquent speech,
+replete with sound constitutional sentiments, high moral feeling, and
+ability of the most distinguished order."</p>
+
+<p>In commenting upon the result of the election a representative of the
+press of Newark wrote: "We have been told there was no reaction against
+the Ministry, no reaction in favor of Conservative principles. The
+delusion has now vanished, and made room for sober reason and
+reflection. The shadow satisfies no longer, and the return of Mr.
+Gladstone, to the discomfiture of the learned Sergeant and his friends,
+has restored the town of Newark to the high rank which it formerly held
+in the estimation of the friends of order and good government. We
+venture to predict that the losing candidate in this contest has
+suffered so severely that he will never show his face in Newark on a
+similar occasion."</p>
+
+<p>But Mr. Gladstone had made bitter political enemies already, who were
+not at all reconciled to his election, nor pleased with him. That they
+were not at all slow to express unbecomingly their bitterness against
+him, because of their unexpected defeat, the following shows from the
+<i>Reflector</i>: "Mr. Gladstone is the son of Gladstone of Liverpool, a
+person who (we are speaking of the father) had amassed a large fortune
+by West India dealings. In other words, a great part of his gold has
+sprung from the blood of black slaves. Respecting the youth himself&mdash;a
+person fresh from college, and whose mind is as much like a sheet of
+white foolscap as possible&mdash;he was utterly unknown. He came recommended
+by no claim in the world <i>except the will of the Duke</i>. The Duke nodded
+unto Newark, and Newark sent back the man, or rather the boy of his
+choice. What! Is this to be, now that the Reform Bill has done its work?
+Are sixteen hundred men still to bow down to a wooden-headed lord, as
+the people of Egypt used to do to their beasts, to their reptiles, and
+their ropes of onions? There must be something wrong&mdash;something
+imperfect. What is it? What is wanting? Why, the Ballot! If there be a
+doubt of this (and we believe there is a doubt even amongst intelligent
+men) the tale of Newark must set the question at rest. Sergeant Wilde
+was met on his entry into the town by almost the whole population. He
+was greeted everywhere, cheered everywhere. He was received with delight
+by his friends and with good and earnest wishes for his success by his
+nominal foes. The voters for Gladstone went up to that candidate's booth
+(the slave-driver, as they called him) with Wilde's colors. People who
+had before voted for Wilde, on being asked to give their suffrage said,
+'We cannot, we dare not. We have lost half our business, and shall lose
+the rest if we go against the Duke. We would do anything in our power
+for Sergeant Wilde and for the cause, but we cannot starve!' Now what
+say ye, our merry men, touching the Ballot?"</p>
+
+<p>However Mr. Gladstone had won as we have seen the golden opinions of
+many, and the dreams of his more youthful days were realized when he was
+sent to represent the people in the House of Commons.</p>
+
+<p>On the 29th of January, 1833, the first Reformed Parliament met, and
+William E. Gladstone, as the member from Newark, took his seat for the
+first time in "an assembly which he was destined to adorn, delight and
+astonish for more than half a century, and over which for a great
+portion of that period, he was to wield an unequalled and a paramount
+authority." There were more than three hundred new members in the House
+of Commons. Lord Althorp led the Whigs, who were largely in the majority
+and the Tories constituted a compact minority under the skillful
+leadership of Sir Robert Peel, while the Irish members who were hostile
+to the ministry followed O'Connell. On the 5th of February the king
+attended and delivered the speech from the throne in person. This
+Parliamentary session was destined to become one of the most memorable
+in history for the importance of the subjects discussed and disposed of,
+among them the social condition of Ireland, the position of the Irish
+church, the discontent and misery of the poor in England, and slavery in
+the British colonies; and for the fact that it was the first Parliament
+in which William E. Gladstone sat and took part.</p>
+
+<p>There was no reference made to the subject of slavery in the speech from
+the throne, but the ministry resolved to consider it. Mr. Stanley, the
+Colonial Secretary, afterwards fourteenth Earl of Derby and Prime
+Minister, brought forth, May 14th, 1833, a series of resolutions in
+favor of the extinction of slavery in the British colonies. "All
+children of slaves, born after the passage of the Act, and all children
+of six years old and under, were declared free. But the rest of the
+slaves were to serve a sort of apprenticeship&mdash;three-fourths of their
+time was for a certain number of years to remain at the disposal of the
+masters; the other fourth was their own, to be paid for at a fixed rate
+of wages." The planters were to be duly compensated out of the national
+treasury.</p>
+
+<p>It was during the discussion of these resolutions that Mr. Gladstone
+made his maiden speech in Parliament. It was made in answer to what
+seemed a personal challenge by Lord Howick, Ex-Under Secretary for the
+colonies, who, opposing gradual emancipation, referred to an estate in
+Demerara, owned by Mr. Gladstone's father, for the purpose of showing
+that great destruction of life had taken place in the West Indies owing
+to the manner in which the slaves were worked. In reply to this Mr.
+Gladstone said that he would meet some of Lord Howick's statements with
+denials and others with explanations. He admitted that he had a
+pecuniary interest in it as a question of justice, of humanity, and of
+religion. The real cause of the decrease, he said, was owing, not to the
+increased cultivation of sugar, but to the very large proportion of
+Africans upon the estate. When it came into his father's possession it
+was so weak, owing to the large number of negroes upon it, that he was
+obliged to add two hundred more people to the gang. It was well known
+that negroes were imported into Demarara and Trinidad up to a later
+period than into any of the colonies; and he should at a proper time, be
+able to prove that the decrease on his father's plantation, Vreeden
+Hoop, was among the old Africans, and that there was an increase going
+on in the Creole population, which would be a sufficient answer to the
+charges preferred. The quantity of sugar produced was small compared to
+that produced on other estates. The cultivation of cotton in Demarara
+had been abandoned, and that of coffee much diminished, and the people
+engaged in these sources of production had been employed in the
+cultivation of sugar. Besides in Demarara the labor of the same number
+of negroes, distributed over the year, would produce in that colony a
+certain quantity of sugar with less injury to the people, than negroes
+could produce in other colonies, working only at the stated periods
+of crops.</p>
+
+<p>He was ready to concede that the cultivation was of a more injurious
+character than others; and he would ask, Were there not certain
+employments in other countries more destructive of life than others? He
+would only instance those of painting and working in lead mines, both of
+which were well known to have that tendency. The noble lord attempted to
+impugn the character of the gentleman acting as manager of his father's
+estates; and in making the selection he had surely been most
+unfortunate; for there was not a person in the colony more remarkable
+for humanity and the kind treatment of his slaves than Mr. Maclean. Mr.
+Gladstone, in concluding this able defense of his father, said, that he
+held in his hand two letters from Mr. Maclean, in which he spoke in the
+kindest terms of the negroes under his charge; described their state of
+happiness, content and healthiness&mdash;their good conduct and the
+infrequency of severe punishment&mdash;and recommended certain additional
+comforts, which he said the slaves well deserved.</p>
+
+<p>On the 3d of June, on the resumption of the debate on the abolition of
+slavery, Mr. Gladstone again addressed the House. He now entered more
+fully into the charges which Lord Howick had brought against the
+management of his father's estates in Demarara, and showed their
+groundlessness. When he had discussed the existing aspect of slavery in
+Trinidad, Jamaica and other places, he proceeded to deal with the
+general question. He confessed with shame and pain that cases of wanton
+cruelty had occurred in the colonies, but added that they would always
+exist, particularly under the system of slavery; and this was
+unquestionably a substantial reason why the British Legislature and
+public should set themselves in good earnest to provide for its
+extinction; but he maintained that these instances of cruelty could
+easily be explained by the West Indians, who represented them as rare
+and isolated cases, and who maintained that the ordinary relation of
+master and slave was one of kindliness and not of hostility. He
+deprecated cruelty, and he deprecated slavery, both of which were
+abhorrent to the nature of Englishmen; but, conceding these things, he
+asked, "Were not Englishmen to retain a right to their own honestly and
+legally-acquired property?" But the cruelty did not exist, and he saw no
+reason for the attack which had recently been made upon the West India
+interest. He hoped the House would make a point to adopt the principle
+of compensation, and to stimulate the slave to genuine and spontaneous
+industry. If this were not done, and moral instruction were not imparted
+to the slaves, liberty would prove a curse instead of a blessing to
+them. Touching upon the property question, and the proposed plans for
+emancipation, Mr. Gladstone said that the House might consume its time
+and exert its wisdom in devising these plans, but without the
+concurrence of the Colonial Legislatures success would be hopeless. He
+thought there was excessive wickedness in any violent interference under
+the present circumstances. They were still in the midst of unconcluded
+inquiries, and to pursue the measure then under discussion, at that
+moment, was to commit an act of great and unnecessary hostility toward
+the island of Jamaica. "It was the duty of the House to place as broad a
+distinction as possible between the idle and the industrious slaves, and
+nothing could be too strong to secure the freedom of the latter; but,
+with respect to the idle slaves, no period of emancipation could hasten
+their improvement. If the labors of the House should be conducted to a
+satisfactory issue, it would redound to the honor of the nation, and to
+the reputation of his Majesty's Ministers, whilst it would be delightful
+to the West India planters themselves&mdash;for they must feel that to hold
+in bondage their fellow-men must always involve the greatest
+responsibility. But let not any man think of carrying this measure by
+force. England rested her power not upon physical force, but upon her
+principles, her intellect and virtue; and if this great measure were not
+placed on a fair basis, or were conducted by violence, he should lament
+it, as a signal for the ruin of the Colonies and the downfall of the
+Empire." The attitude of Mr. Gladstone, as borne out by the tenor of his
+speech, was not one of hostility to emancipation, though he was
+undoubtedly unfavorable to an immediate and indiscriminate
+enfranchisement. He demanded, moreover, that the interests of the
+planters should be duly regarded.</p>
+
+<p>The result of the consideration of these resolutions in the House of
+Commons was that human slavery in the British Colonies was abolished,
+and the sum of twenty million pounds, or one hundred million dollars was
+voted to compensate the slave-owners for their losses. Thus was the
+work begun by Wilberforce finally crowned with success.</p>
+
+<p>It is an interesting question how Mr. Gladstone's first efforts in
+Parliament were received. Among his friends his speech was anticipated
+with lively interest. That morning he was riding in Hyde Park, on his
+gray Arabian mare, "his hat, narrow-brimmed, high up on the centre of
+his head, sustained by a crop of thick curly hair." He was pointed out
+to Lord Charles Russell by a passer-by who said, "That is Gladstone. He
+is to make his maiden speech to-night. It will be worth hearing."</p>
+
+<p>From the first he appears to have favorably impressed the members of the
+House. Modest in demeanor, earnest in manner, and fluent in speech, he
+at once commanded the respect and attention of his fellow-members.</p>
+
+<p>And here is a later testimony as to the early impression made upon his
+colleagues and contemporaries, when he was twenty-nine years of age,
+erroneously stated as thirty-five: "Mr. Gladstone, the member for
+Newark, is one of the most rising young men on the Tory side of the
+House. His party expect great things from him; and certainly, when it is
+remembered that his age is only thirty-five, the success of the
+Parliamentary efforts he has already made justifies their expectations.
+He is well informed on most of the subjects which usually occupy the
+attention of the Legislature; and he is happy in turning his
+information to good account. He is ready on all occasions, which he
+deems fitting ones, with a speech in favor of the policy advocated by
+the party with whom he acts. His extempore resources are ample. Few men
+in the House can improvise better. It does not appear to cost him an
+effort to speak.... He is a man of very considerable talent, but has
+nothing approaching to genius. His abilities are much more the result of
+an excellent education and of mature study than of any prodigality of
+nature in the distribution of her mental gifts. <i>I have no idea that he
+will ever acquire the reputation of a great statesman. His views are not
+sufficiently profound or enlarged for that; his celebrity in the House
+of Commons will chiefly depend on his readiness and dexterity as a
+debater, in conjunction with the excellence of his elocution, and the
+gracefulness of his manner when speaking</i>.... His style is polished, but
+has no appearance of the effect of previous preparation. He displays
+considerable acuteness in replying to an opponent; he is quick in his
+perception of anything vulnerable in the speech to which he replies, and
+happy in laying the weak point bare to the gaze of the House. He now and
+then indulges in sarcasm, which is, in most cases, very felicitous. He
+is plausible even when most in error. When it suits himself or his party
+he can apply himself with the strictest closeness to the real point at
+issue; when to evade the point is deemed most politic, no man can wander
+from it more widely."</p>
+
+<p>How far these estimates were true we leave to the reader to determine,
+after the perusal of his life, and in the light of subsequent events.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, after his maiden speech, took an active part in the
+business of the House during the remainder of the session of 1833. He
+spoke upon the question of bribery and corruption at Liverpool, and July
+8th made an elaborate speech on the Irish Church Temporalities Bill. The
+condition of Ireland was then, as now, one of the most urgent questions
+confronting the Ministry. Macaulay "solemnly declared that he would
+rather live in the midst of many civil wars that he had read of than in
+some parts of Ireland at this moment." Sydney Smith humorously described
+"those Irish Protestants whose shutters are bullet-proof; whose
+dinner-table is regularly spread out with knife, fork, and cocked
+pistol; salt-cellar and powder-flask; who sleep in sheet-iron nightcaps;
+who have fought so often and so nobly before their scullery-door, and
+defended the parlor passage as bravely as Leonidas defended the pass of
+Thermopylae." Crime was rife and to remedy the serious state of affairs
+a stringent Coercion Bill was introduced by the government. Mr.
+Gladstone voted silently for the bill which became a law.</p>
+
+<p>The other bill introduced was that upon the Irish Church, and proposed
+the reduction of the number of Protestant Episcopal Bishops in Ireland
+and the curtailment of the income of the Church. This bill Mr. Gladstone
+opposed in a speech, and he voted against it, but it was passed.</p>
+
+<p>It was in the following session that Mr. Hume introduced his
+"'Universities Admission Bill,' designed to enable Nonconformists of all
+kinds to enter the universities, by removing the necessity of
+subscribing to the thirty-nine articles at matriculation." In the debate
+that followed Mr. Gladstone soon gave evidence that he knew more about
+the subject than did the author of the bill. In speaking against the
+bill, he said in part, "The whole system of the university and of its
+colleges, both in study and in discipline, aimed at the formation of a
+moral character, and that aim could not be attained if every student
+were at liberty to exclude himself from the religious training of the
+place." And in reply to a remark made by Lord Palmerston in reference to
+the students going "from wine to prayers, and from prayers to wine," Mr.
+Gladstone replied, he did not believe that in their most convivial
+moments they were unfit to enter the house of prayer. This bill was
+also passed.</p>
+
+<p>It might have been expected that Mr. Gladstone's active participation in
+the debates in the House of Commons, and the practical ability and
+debating power he manifested would not escape the attention of the
+leaders of his party. But the recognition of his merit came sooner than
+could have been expected. It became evident, towards the close of 1834
+that the downfall of the Liberal Ministry was near at hand. Lord
+Althorp, who had kept the Liberals together, was transferred to the
+House of Lords, and the growing unpopularity of the Whigs did the rest.
+The Ministry under Lord Melbourne was dismissed by the king, and a new
+Cabinet formed by Sir Robert Peel. The new Premier offered Mr. Gladstone
+the office of Junior Lord of the Treasury, which was accepted.</p>
+
+<p>Truly has an eminent writer said: "When a Prime Minister in
+difficulties, looking about for men to fill the minor offices of his
+administration, sees among his supporters a clever and comely young man,
+eloquent in speech, ready in debate, with a safe seat, an ample fortune,
+a high reputation at the university, and a father who wields political
+influence in an important constituency, he sees a Junior Lord of the
+Treasury made ready to his hand."</p>
+
+<p>Appealing to his constituents at Newark, who, two years before, had sent
+him to Parliament, he was re-elected. Mr. Handley having retired,
+Sergeant Wilde was elected with Mr. Gladstone without opposition. Mr.
+Gladstone was "chaired," or drawn by horses through the town, seated on
+a chair, after the election, and then addressed the assembled people to
+the number of 6,000, his speech being received with "deafening cheers."</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after Parliament assembled, Mr. Gladstone was promoted to the
+office of Under-Secretary for the Colonies. His official chief was Lord
+Aberdeen, afterwards Prime Minister; and thus began a relation which was
+destined to greatly affect the destinies of both statesmen.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone gave ample proof in his new office of his great abilities
+and untiring energies.</p>
+
+<p>In March he presented to the House his first bill, which was for the
+better regulation of the transportation of passengers in merchant
+vessels to the continent and to the Islands of North America. This bill,
+which contained many humane provisions, was very favorably received. The
+new Parliament, which met February 10, 1835, contained a considerable
+Liberal majority. The old House of Commons had been destroyed by fire
+during the recess, and the new Commons reassembled in the chamber which
+had been the House of Lords, and for the first time there was a gallery
+for reporters in the House.</p>
+
+<a name="549"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0549 (133K)" src="images/549.jpg" height="565" width="802">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>"A standing order still existed, which forbade the publication of the
+debates, but the reporters' gallery was a formal and visible recognition
+of the people's right to know what their representatives were doing in
+their name." However, the new Ministry was but short-lived, for Sir
+Robert Peel resigned April 8th, and Mr. Gladstone retired with
+his chief.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone spent the days of his retirement from ministerial office
+partly in study, and partly in recreation. Being free to follow the bent
+of his own inclinations, he ordered his life according to his own
+ideals. He lived in chambers at the Albany, pursued the same steady
+course of work, proper recreation and systematic devotion, which he had
+marked out at Oxford. He freely went into society, dined out frequently,
+and took part in musical parties, much to the edification of his friends
+who were charmed with the beauty and cultivation of his rich baritone.
+His friend Monckton Milnes had established himself in London and
+collected around him a society of young men, interested in politics and
+religion, and whom he entertained Sunday evenings. But this arrangement
+"unfortunately," as Mr. Milnes said, excluded from these gatherings the
+more serious members, such as Acland and Gladstone. Mr. Milnes expressed
+his opinion of such self-exclusion in these words: "I really think when
+people keep Friday as a fast, they might make a feast of Sunday." But
+Mr. Gladstone evidently was not of this opinion, and remained away from
+these Lord's Day parties. However at other times he met his friends, and
+received them at his own rooms in the Albany, and on one memorable
+occasion entertained Wordsworth at breakfast and a few admirers of this
+distinguished guest.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's relaxations were occasional, and the most of his time
+was devoted to his Parliamentary duties and study. His constant
+companions were Homer and Dante, and he at this time, it is recorded,
+read the whole of St. Augustine, in twenty-two octavo volumes. He was a
+constant attendant upon public worship at St. James', Piccadilly, and
+Margaret Chapel, and a careful critic of sermons. At the same time he
+diligently applied himself to the work of a private member of the House
+of Commons, working on committees and taking constant part in debate.</p>
+
+<p>In 1836 the question of slavery again came up before Parliament. This
+time the question was as to the working of the system of negro
+apprenticeship, which had taken the place of slavery. It was asserted
+that the system was only slavery under another name. He warmly and ably
+defended again the West Indian planters. He pleaded that many of the
+planters were humane men, and defended also the honor of his relatives
+connected with the traffic so much denounced, when it was assailed. He
+contended that while the evils of the system had been exaggerated, all
+mention of its advantages had been carefully withheld. The condition of
+the negroes was improving. He deprecated the attempt made to renew and
+perpetuate the system of agitation at the expense of candor and truth.
+He also at this time spoke on support of authority and order in the
+government of Canada, and on Church Rates, dwelling upon the necessity
+of national religion to the security of a state. Mr. Gladstone was not
+only a Tory but a High Churchman.</p>
+
+<p>King William IV died June 20, 1837, and was succeeded by Queen Victoria.
+A general election ensued. The Parliament, which had been prorogued by
+the young queen in person, was dissolved on the 17th of July. Mr.
+Gladstone, without his consent, was nominated to represent Manchester in
+the House, but was re-elected for Newark without opposition. He then
+turned his steps towards Scotland, "to see what grouse he could persuade
+into his bag." The new Parliament met October 20th, but no business of
+importance came before it until after the Christmas holidays.</p>
+
+<p>In 1838 a bill was presented in both Houses of Parliament for the
+immediate abolition of negro apprenticeship. Many harrowing details of
+the cruelties practiced were cited. Mr. Gladstone returned to the
+championship of the planters with increased power and success. His long,
+eloquent and powerful speech of March 30th, although on the unpopular
+side of the question, is regarded as having so greatly enhanced his
+reputation as to bring him to the front rank among Parliamentary
+debaters. Having impassionately defended the planters from the
+exaggerated charges made against them, he further said: "You consumed
+forty-five millions of pounds of cotton in 1837 which proceeded from
+free labor; and, proceeding from slave labor, three hundred and eighteen
+millions of pounds! And this, while the vast regions of India afford the
+means of obtaining at a cheaper rate, and by a slight original outlay,
+to facilitate transport, all that you can require. If, Sir, the
+complaints against the general body of the West Indians had been
+substantiated, I should have deemed it an unworthy artifice to attempt
+diverting the attention of the House from the question immediately at
+issue, by merely proving that delinquencies existed in other quarters;
+but feeling as I do that those charges have been overthrown in debate, I
+think myself entitled and bound to show how capricious are the honorable
+gentlemen in the distribution of their sympathies among those different
+objects which call for their application."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, "having turned the tables upon his opponents," concluded
+by demanding justice, and the motion before the House was rejected.</p>
+
+<p>About one month later Rev. Samuel Wilberforce, afterwards Bishop of
+Oxford, and of Winchester, wrote to Mr. Gladstone: "It would be an
+affectation in you, which you are above, not to know that few young men
+have the weight you have in the House of Commons, and are gaining
+rapidly throughout the country. Now I do not wish to urge you to
+consider this as a talent for the use of which you must render an
+account, for so I know you do esteem it, but what I want to urge upon
+you is that you should calmly look far before you; see the degree of
+weight and influence to which you may fairly, if God spares your life
+and powers, look forward in future years, and thus act <i>now</i> with a view
+to <i>then</i>. There is no height to which you may not fairly rise in this
+country. If it pleases God to spare us violent convulsions and the loss
+of our liberties, you may at a future day wield the whole government of
+this land; and if this should be so, of what extreme moment will your
+<i>past steps</i> then be to the real usefulness of your high station....
+Almost all our public men act from the merest expediency.... I would
+have you view yourself as one who may become the head of all the better
+feelings of this country, the maintainer of its Church and of its
+liberties, and who must now be fitting himself for this high
+vocation.... I think my father's life so beautifully shows that a deep
+and increasing personal religion must be the root of that firm and
+unwearied consistency in right, which I have ventured thus to press
+upon you."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone began his Parliamentary life as a Tory. Later he developed
+into a Liberal, a Radical, and yet there is not one who conscientiously
+doubts his utter honesty. His life has been that of his
+century&mdash;progressive, liberal, humanitarian in its trend.</p>
+
+
+<a name="112"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="112 (52K)" src="images/112.jpg" height="467" width="432">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c4"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+<h4>
+BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>We have now followed Mr. Gladstone in his course until well on the way
+in his political career, and yet he is but twenty-eight years of age.
+His personal appearance in the House of Commons at this early stage of
+his Parliamentary life is thus described: "Mr. Gladstone's appearance
+and manners are much in his favor. He is a fine looking man. He is about
+the usual height and of good figure. His countenance is mild and
+pleasant, and has a highly intellectual expression. His eyes are clear
+and quick. His eyebrows are dark and rather prominent. There is not a
+dandy in the House but envies what Truefit would call his 'fine head of
+jet-black hair.' It is always carefully parted from the crown downwards
+to his brow, where it is tastefully shaded. His features are small and
+regular, and his complexion must be a very unworthy witness if he does
+not possess an abundant stock of health.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Gladstone's gesture is varied, but not violent. When he rises he
+generally puts both his hands behind his back, and having there suffered
+them to embrace each other for a short time, he unclasps them and allows
+them to drop on either side. They are not permitted to remain long in
+that locality before you see them, again closed together and hanging
+down before him. Their reunion is not suffered to last for any length of
+time, Again a separation takes place, and now the right hand is seen
+moving up and down before him. Having thus exercised it a little, he
+thrusts it into the pocket of his coat, and then orders the left hand to
+follow its example. Having granted them a momentary repose there, they
+are again put into gentle motion, and in a few seconds they are seen
+reposing <i>vis-a-vis</i> on his breast. He moves his face and body from one
+direction to another, not forgetting to bestow a liberal share of his
+attention on his own party. He is always listened to with much attention
+by the House, and appears to be highly respected by men of all parties.
+He is a man of good business habits; of this he furnished abundant proof
+when Under-Secretary for the Colonies, during the short-lived
+administration of Robert Peel."</p>
+
+<p>From this pen picture and other like notices of Mr. Gladstone he must,
+at that time, have attained great distinction and attracted a good deal
+of attention for one so young, and from that day to this he has
+commanded the attention not only of the British Senate and people, but
+of the world at large. And why? may we ask, unless because of his modest
+manner and distinguished services, his exalted ability and moral worth.</p>
+
+<p>"The House of Commons was his ground," writes Justin McCarthy. "There he
+was always seen to the best advantage."</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, Mr. Gladstone wrote with the same earnestness and ability
+with which he spoke. It was early in life that he distinguished himself
+as an author, as well as an orator and debater in the House of Commons.
+And it was most natural for him to write upon the subject of the Church,
+for not only his education led him to the consideration of such themes,
+but it was within his sphere as an English statesman, for the law of the
+land provided for the union of the Church and State. It was in 1838,
+when he was not thirty years of age, that he wrote his first book and
+stepped at once to the front rank as an author. He had ever been a
+staunch defender of the Established Church and his first appearance in
+literature was by a remarkable work in defense of the State Church
+entitled, "The State in its Relations with the Church." The treatise is
+thus dedicated: "Inscribed to the University of Oxford, tried and not
+found wanting through the vicissitudes of a thousand years; in the
+belief that she is providentially designed to be a fountain of
+blessings, spiritual, social and intellectual, to this and other
+countries, to present and future times; and in the hope that the temper
+of these pages may be found not alien from her own."</p>
+
+<p>This first published book of Mr. Gladstone's was due to the perception
+that the <i>status</i> of the Church, in its connection with the secular
+power, was about to undergo the severe assaults of the opponents of the
+Union. There was growing opposition to the recognition of the Episcopal
+Church as the Church of the State and to taxation of people of other
+religious beliefs for its support; and this objection was to the
+recognition and support of any Church by the State. What is called the
+"American idea"&mdash;the entire separation of the Church and State&mdash;or as
+enunciated first by Roger Williams in 1636, in Rhode Island, that the
+magistrate should have authority in civil affairs only, was becoming
+more and more the doctrine of dissenters. Preparations were already
+being made for attacking the national establishment of religion, and
+with all the fervor springing from conviction and a deep-seated
+enthusiasm, he came forward to take part in the controversy on Church
+and State, and as a defender of the Established or Episcopal Church
+of England.</p>
+
+
+<a name="546"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0546 (104K)" src="images/546.jpg" height="868" width="550">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>Some of the positions assumed in this work have since been renounced as
+untenable, but its ability as a whole, its breadth and its learning
+could not be denied. It then created a great sensation, and has since
+been widely discussed. After an examination and a defense of the theory
+of the connection between Church and State, Mr. Gladstone thus
+summarizes his principal reasons for the maintenance of the Church
+establishment:</p>
+
+<p>"Because the Government stands with us in a paternal relation to the
+people, and is bound in all things not merely to consider their existing
+tastes, but the capabilities and ways of their improvement; because it
+has both an intrinsic competency and external means to amend and assist
+their choice; because to be in accordance with God's mind and will, it
+must have a religion, and because to be in accordance with its
+conscience, that religion must be the truth, as held by it under the
+most solemn and accumulated responsibilities; because this is the only
+sanctifying and preserving principle of society, as well as to the
+individual, that particular benefit, without which all others are worse
+than valueless; we must, therefore, disregard the din of political
+contention and the pressure of novelty and momentary motives, and in
+behalf of our regard to man, as well as of our allegiance to God,
+maintain among ourselves, where happily it still exists, the union
+between the Church and the State."</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Russell in the following quotation not only accounts for this
+production from the pen, of Mr. Gladstone, but gives also an outline of
+the argument:</p>
+
+<p>"Naturally and profoundly religious ... Mr. Gladstone conceived that
+those who professed the warmest regard for the Church of England and
+posed as her most strenuous defenders, were inclined to base their
+championship on mistaken grounds and to direct their efforts towards
+even mischievous ends. To supply a more reasonable basis for action and
+to lead this energy into more profitable channels were the objects which
+he proposed to himself in his treatise of 1838. The distinctive
+principle of the book was that the State had a conscience. This being
+admitted, the issue was this: whether the State in its best condition,
+has such a conscience as can take cognizance of religious truth and
+error, and in particular whether the State of the United Kingdom at that
+time was, or was not, so far in that condition as to be under an
+obligation to give an active and an exclusive support to the established
+religion of the country.</p>
+
+<p>"The work attempted to survey the actual state of the relations between
+the State and the Church; to show from history the ground which had been
+defined for the National Church at the Reformation; and to inquire and
+determine whether the existing state of things was worth preserving and
+defending against encroachment from whatever quarter. This question it
+decided emphatically in the affirmative. Faithful to logic and to its
+theory, the book did not shrink from applying them to the external case
+of the Irish Church. It did not disguise the difficulties of the case,
+for the author was alive to the paradox which it involved. But the one
+master idea of the system, that the State as it then stood was capable
+in this age, as it had been in ages long gone by, of assuming
+beneficially a responsibility for the inculcation of a particular
+religion, carried him through all. His doctrine was that the Church, as
+established by law, was to be maintained for its truth; that this was
+the only principle in which it could be properly and permanently upheld;
+that this principle, if good in England, was good also for Ireland; that
+truth is of all possessions the most precious to the soul of man; and
+that to remove this priceless treasure from the view and the reach of
+the Irish people would be meanly to purchase their momentary favor at
+the expense of their permanent interests, and would be a high offense
+against our own sacred obligations."</p>
+
+<p>We quote also from the opening chapter of the second volume of this
+work, which treats of the connection subsisting between the State of the
+United Kingdom and the Church of England and Ireland, and shows Mr.
+Gladstone's views at that period of his life upon the relations of the
+Church as affecting Ireland in particular. The passage also indicates
+the changes that have taken place in his mind since the time when he
+defended these principles. It also shows the style in which this
+remarkable book was written and enables us to compare, not only his
+opinions now and then, but his style in writing then with his style now.</p>
+
+<p>"The Protestant legislature of the British Empire maintains in the
+possession of the Church property of Ireland the ministers of a creed
+professed, according to the parliamentary enumeration, of 1835, by
+one-ninth of its population, regarded with partial favor by scarcely
+another ninth, and disowned by the remaining seven. And not only does
+this anomaly meet us full in view, but we have also to consider and
+digest the fact, that the maintenance of this Church for near three
+centuries in Ireland has been contemporaneous with a system of partial
+and abusive government, varying in degree of culpability, but rarely,
+until of later years, when we have been forced to look at the subject
+and to feel it, to be exempted in common fairness from the reproach of
+gross inattention (to say the very least) to the interests of a noble
+but neglected people.</p>
+
+<p>"But, however formidable at first sight the admissions, which I have no
+desire to narrow or to qualify, may appear, they in no way shake the
+foregoing arguments. They do not change the nature of truth and her
+capability and destiny to benefit mankind. They do not relieve
+Government of its responsibility, if they show that that responsibility
+was once unfelt and unsatisfied. They place the legislature of the
+country in the condition, as it were, of one called to do penance for
+past offences; but duty remains unaltered and imperative, and abates
+nothing of her demand on our services. It is undoubtedly competent, in a
+constitutional view, to the Government of this country to continue the
+present disposition of Church property in Ireland. It appears not too
+much to assume that our imperial legislature has been qualified to take,
+and has taken in point of fact, a sounder view of religious truth than
+the majority of the people of Ireland in their destitute and
+uninstructed state. We believe, accordingly, that that which we place
+before them is, whether they know it or not, calculated to be beneficial
+to them; and that if they know it not now, they will know it when it is
+presented to them fairly. Shall we, then, purchase their applause at the
+expense of their substantial, nay, their spiritual interests?</p>
+
+<p>"It does, indeed, so happen that there are powerful motives on the other
+side concurring with that which has here been represented as paramount.
+In the first instance we are not called upon to establish a creed, but
+only to maintain an existing legal settlement, when our constitutional
+right is undoubted. In the second, political considerations tend
+strongly to recommend that maintenance. A common form of faith binds the
+Irish Protestants to ourselves, while they, upon the other hand, are
+fast linked to Ireland; and thus they supply the most natural bond of
+connection between the countries. But if England, by overthrowing their
+Church, should weaken their moral position, they would be no longer
+able, perhaps no longer willing, to counteract the desires of the
+majority tending, under the direction of their leaders (however, by a
+wise policy, revocable from that fatal course) to what is termed
+national independence. Pride and fear, on the one hand, are therefore
+bearing up against more immediate apprehension and difficulty on the
+other. And with some men these may be the fundamental considerations;
+but it may be doubted whether such men will not flinch in some stage of
+the contest, should its aspect at any moment become unfavorable."</p>
+
+<p>Of course the opponents of Mr. Gladstone's views, as set forth in his
+book, strongly combated his theories. They replied that "the taxation of
+the State is equal upon all persons, and has for its object their
+individual, social and political welfare and safety; but that the
+taxation of one man for the support of his neighbor's religion does not
+come within the limits of such taxation, and is, in fact, unjust and
+inequitable."</p>
+
+<p>It was no easy task for Mr. Gladstone, with all his parliamentary
+duties, to aspire to authorship, and carry his book through the press.
+In preparing for publication he passed through all the agonies of the
+author, but was nobly helped by his friend, James R. Hope, who
+afterwards became Mr. Hope-Scott, Q.C., who read and criticised his
+manuscript and saw the sheets through the press. Some of the letters
+from the young Defender of the Faith to his friend contain much that is
+worth preserving. We give some extracts.</p>
+
+<p>He writes: "If you let them lie just as they are, turning the leaves one
+by one, I think you will not find the manuscript very hard to make out,
+though it is strangely cut in pieces and patched.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope its general tendency will meet with your approval; but a point
+about which I am in doubt, and to which I request your particular
+attention, is, whether the work or some of the chapters are not so
+deficient in clearness and arrangement as to require being absolutely
+rewritten before they can with propriety be published.... Between my
+eyes and my business I fear it would be hard for me to re-write, but if
+I could put it into the hands of any other person who could, and who
+would extract from my papers anything worth having, that might do.</p>
+
+<p>"As regards myself, if I go on and publish, I shall be quite prepared to
+find some persons surprised, but this, if it should prove so, cannot be
+helped. I shall not knowingly exaggerate anything; and when a man
+expects to be washed overboard he must tie himself with a rope to
+the mast.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall trust to your friendship for frankness in the discharge of your
+irksome task. Pray make verbal corrections without scruple where they
+are needed."</p>
+
+<p>Again: "I thank you most cordially for your remarks, and I rejoice to
+find you act so entirely in the spirit I had anticipated. I trust you
+will continue to speak with freedom, which is the best compliment as
+well as the best service you can render me.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it very probable that you may find that V and VI require quite
+as rigorous treatment as II, and I am very desirous to set both my mind
+and eyes at liberty before I go to the Continent, which I can now hardly
+expect to do before the first week in September. This interval I trust
+would suffice unless you find that the other chapters stand in
+equal need.</p>
+
+<p>"I entirely concur with your view regarding the necessity of care and of
+not grudging labor in a matter so important and so responsible as an
+endeavor to raise one of the most momentous controversies which has
+ever agitated human opinion,"</p>
+
+<p>Again: "Thanks for your letter. I have been pretty hard at work, and
+have done a good deal, especially on V. Something yet remains. I must
+make inquiry about the law of excommunication.... I have made a very
+stupid classification, and have now amended it; instead of faith,
+discipline and practice, what I meant was the rule of faith, discipline,
+and the bearing of particular doctrines upon practice.</p>
+
+<p>"I send back also I and II that you may see what I have done."</p>
+
+<p>The work was successfully issued in the autumn of 1838, and passed
+rapidly through three editions. How it was received it would be
+interesting to inquire. While his friends applauded, even his opponents
+testified to the ability it displayed. On the authority of Lord
+Houghton, it is said that Sir Robert Peel, the young author's political
+leader, on receiving a copy as a gift from his follower, read it with
+scornful curiosity, and, throwing it on the floor, exclaimed with truly
+official horror: "With such a career before him, why should he write
+books? That young man will ruin his fine political career if he persists
+in writing trash like this." However, others gave the book a heartier
+reception. Crabb Robinson writes in his diary: "I went to Wordsworth
+this forenoon. He was ill in bed. I read Gladstone's book to him."</p>
+
+<p>December 13, 1838, Baron Bunsen wrote: "Last night at eleven, when I
+came from the Duke, Gladstone's book was lying on my table, having come
+out at seven o'clock. It is a book of the time, a great event&mdash;the first
+book since Burke that goes to the bottom of the vital question; far
+above his party and his time. I sat up till after midnight, and this
+morning I continued until I had read the whole. Gladstone is the first
+man in England as to intellectual power, and he has heard higher tones
+than any one else in the land." And again to Dr. Arnold he writes in
+high praise of the book, but lamenting its author's entanglement in
+Tractarian traditions, adds: "His genius will soon free itself entirely
+and fly towards Heaven with its own wings."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Henry Taylor wrote to the Poet Southey: "I am reading Gladstone's
+book, which I shall send you if he has not.... His party begin to think
+of him as the man who will one day be at their head and at the head of
+the government, and certainly no man of his standing has yet appeared
+who seems likely to stand in his way. Two wants, however, may lie across
+his political career&mdash;want of robust health and want of flexibility."</p>
+
+<p>Cardinal Newman wrote: "Gladstone's book, as you see, is making a
+sensation." And again: "The <i>Times</i> is again at poor Gladstone. Really I
+feel as if I could do anything for him. I have not read his book, but
+its consequences speak for it. Poor fellow! it is so noble a thing."</p>
+
+<p>Lord Macaulay, in the <i>Edinburgh Review</i>, April, 1839, in his well-known
+searching criticism, while paying high tribute to the author's talents
+and character, said: "We believe that we do him no more than justice
+when we say that his abilities and demeanor have obtained for him the
+respect and good will of all parties.... That a young politician should,
+in the intervals afforded by his Parliamentary avocations, have
+constructed and propounded, with much study and mental toil, an original
+theory, on a great problem in politics, is a circumstance which,
+abstracted from all considerations of the soundness or unsoundness of
+his opinions, must be considered as highly creditable to him. We
+certainly cannot wish that Mr. Gladstone's doctrine may become
+fashionable among public men. But we heartily wish that his laudable
+desire to penetrate beneath the surface of questions, and to arrive, by
+long and intent meditation, at the knowledge of great general laws, were
+much more fashionable than we at all expect it to become."</p>
+
+<p>It was in this article, by Lord Macaulay, that the mow famous words
+occurred which former Conservative friends of Mr. Gladstone delight to
+recall in view of his change of political opinions: "The writer of this
+volume is a young man of unblemished character and of distinguished
+parliamentary talents; the rising hope of those stern and unbending
+Tories who follow, reluctantly and cautiously, a leader whose experience
+and eloquence are indispensable to them, but whose cautious temper and
+moderate opinions they abhor. It would not be strange if Mr. Gladstone
+were one of the most unpopular men in England."</p>
+
+<p>Higginson writes: "The hope of the stern and unbending Tories has for
+years been the unquestioned leader of English Liberals, and though he
+may have been at times as unpopular as Macaulay could have predicted,
+the hostility has come mainly from the ranks of those who were thus
+early named as his friends. But whatever may have been Mr. Gladstone's
+opinions or affiliations, whoever may have been his friends or foes, the
+credit of surpassing ability has always been his."</p>
+
+<p>It was remarked by Lord Macaulay that the entire theory of Mr.
+Gladstone's book rested upon one great fundamental proposition, namely,
+that the propagation of religious truth is one of the chief ends of
+government <i>as</i> government; and he proceeded to combat this doctrine. He
+granted that government was designed to protect our persons and our
+property, but declined to receive the doctrine of paternal government,
+until a government be shown that loved its subjects, as a father loves
+his child, and was as superior in intelligence to its subjects as a
+father was to his children. Lord Macaulay then demonstrated, by
+appropriate illustrations, the fallacy of the theory that every society
+of individuals with any power whatever, is under obligation as such
+society to profess a religion; and that there could be unity of action
+in large bodies without unity of religious views. Persecutions would
+naturally follow, or be justifiable in an association where Mr.
+Gladstone's views were paramount. It would be impossible to conceive of
+the circumstances in which it would be right to establish by law, as the
+one exclusive religion of the State, the religion of the minority. The
+religious teaching which the sovereign ought officially to countenance
+and maintain is that from which he, in his conscience, believes that the
+people will receive the most benefit with the smallest mixture of evil.
+It is not necessarily his own religious belief that he will select. He
+may prefer the doctrines of the Church of England to those of the Church
+of Scotland, but he would not force the former upon the inhabitants of
+Scotland. The critic raised no objections, though he goes on to state
+the conditions under which an established Church might be retained with
+advantage. There are many institutions which, being set up, ought not
+to be rudely pulled down. On the 14th of June, 1839, the question of
+National Education was introduced in the House of Commons by the
+Ministry of the day. Lord Stanley opposed the proposal of the government
+in a powerful speech, and offered an amendment to this effect: "That an
+address be presented to her Majesty to rescind the order in council for
+constituting the proposed Board of Privy Council." The position of the
+government was defended by Lord Morpeth, who, while he held his own
+views respecting the doctrines of the Roman Catholics and also
+respecting Unitarian tenets, he maintained that as long as the State
+thought it proper to employ Roman Catholic sinews, and to finger
+Unitarian gold, it could not refuse to extend to those by whom it so
+profited the blessings of education. Speeches were also made by Lord
+Ashley, Mr. Buller, Mr. O'Connell and others, and in the course of
+debate reference was freely made to Mr. Gladstone's book on Church and
+State. Finally Mr. Gladstone rose and remarked, that he would not flinch
+from a word he had uttered or written upon religious subjects, and
+claimed the right to contrast his principles, and to try results, in
+comparison with those professed by Lord John Russell, and to ascertain
+the effects of both upon the institutions of the country, so far as they
+operated upon the Established Church in England, in Scotland and in
+Ireland. It was at this time that a very remarkable scene was witnessed
+in the House. Turning upon Mr. O'Connell, who had expressed his great
+fondness for statistics, Mr. Gladstone said the use he had made of them
+reminded him of an observation of Mr. Canning's, "He had a great
+aversion to hear of a fact in debate, but what he most distrusted was a
+figure." He then proceeded to show the inadequacy of the figures
+presented by Mr. O'Connell. In reply to Lord Morpeth's declaration
+concerning the duty of the State to provide education for Dissenters so
+long as it fingered their gold, Mr. Gladstone said that if the State was
+to be regarded as having no other functions than that of representing
+the mere will of the people as to religious tenets, he admitted the
+truth of his principle, but not that the State could have a conscience.
+It was not his habit to revile religion in any form, but he asked what
+ground there was for restricting his lordship's reasoning to
+Christianity. He referred to the position held by the Jews upon this
+educational question, and read to the House an extract from a recent
+petition as follows: "Your petitioners feel the deepest gratitude for
+the expression of her Majesty's most gracious wish that the youth of the
+country should be religiously brought up, and the rights of conscience
+respected, while they earnestly hope that the education of the people,
+Jewish and Christian, will be sedulously connected with a due regard to
+the Holy Scriptures."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone very pertinently asked how the education of the Jewish
+people, who considered the New Testament an imposture, was "to be
+sedulously connected with a due regard to the Holy Scriptures," which
+consisted of the Old and New Testaments? To oblige the Jewish children
+to read the latter would be directly contrary to the views of the
+gentlemen on the other side of the House. He would have no child forced
+to do so, but he protested against paying money from the treasury of the
+State to men whose business it was to inculcate erroneous doctrines. The
+debate was concluded, and the government carried its motion by a very
+small majority. Two years later, when the Jews' Civil Disabilities Bill
+was before Parliament, Mr. Gladstone again took the unpopular side in
+the debate and opposed the Bill, which was carried in the House of
+Commons but defeated in the House of Lords.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone published, in 1840, another work, entitled "Church
+Principles Considered in their Results." It was supplementary to his
+former book in defense of Church and State, and was written "beneath the
+shades of Hagley," the house of Lord and Lady Lyttelton, and dedicated
+"in token of sincere affection" to the author's life-long friend and
+relative, Lord Lyttelton. He dwelt upon the leading moral
+characteristics of the English Episcopal Church, their intrinsic value
+and their adaptation to the circumstances of the times, and defined
+these characteristics to be the doctrine of the visibility of the
+Church, the apostolic succession in the ministry, the authority of the
+Church in matters of faith and the truths symbolized in the sacraments.</p>
+
+<p>In one chapter he strongly attacks Rationalism as a reference of the
+gospel to the depraved standard of the actual human natures and by no
+means to its understanding properly so called, as its measure and
+criterion. He says: "That therefore to rely upon the understanding,
+misinformed as it is by depraved affections, as our adequate instructor
+in matters of religion, is most highly irrational." Nevertheless, "the
+understanding has a great function in religion and is a medium to the
+affections, and may even correct their particular impulses."</p>
+
+<p>In reference to the question of the reconversion of England to
+Catholicism, earnestly desired by some, Mr. Gladstone forcibly remarked:
+"England, which with ill grace and ceaseless efforts at remonstrance,
+endured the yoke when Rome was in her zenith, and when her powers were
+but here and there evoked; will the same England, afraid of the truth
+which she has vindicated, or even with the license which has mingled
+like a weed with its growth, recur to that system in its decrepitude
+which she repudiated in its vigor?" If the Church of England ever lost
+her power, it would never be by submission to Rome, "but by that
+principle of religions insubordination and self-dependence which, if it
+refuse her tempered rule and succeed in its overthrow, will much more
+surely refuse and much more easily succeed in resisting the
+unequivocally arbitrary impositions of the Roman scheme." Here is the
+key-note of many of Mr. Gladstone's utterances in after years against
+the pretentious and aspirations of Rome. The defense of the English
+Church and its principles and opposition to the Church of Rome have been
+unchanging features in Mr. Gladstone's religious course. But, in the
+light of these early utterances, some have criticised severely that
+legislative act, carried through by him in later years, by which the
+Disestablishment of the Irish Church was effected. How could the author
+of "The State in its Relations with the Church" become the destroyer of
+the fabric of the Irish Church?</p>
+
+<p>To meet these charges of inconsistency Mr. Gladstone issued, in 1868, "A
+Chapter of Autobiography." The author's motives in putting forth this
+chapter of autobiography were two&mdash;first, there was "the great and
+glaring change" in his course of action with respect to the Established
+Church of Ireland, which was not due to the eccentricity or perversion
+of an individual mind, but to the silent changes going on at the very
+basis of modern society. Secondly, there was danger that a great cause
+then in progress might suffer in point of credit, if not of energy and
+rapidity, from the real or supposed delinquencies of the author.</p>
+
+<p>He stated that "The author had upheld the doctrine that the Church was
+to be maintained for its truth, and that if the principle was good for
+England it was good for Ireland too. But he denied that he had ever
+propounded the maxim <i>simpliciter</i> that we were to maintain the
+establishment. He admitted that his opinion of the Church of Ireland was
+the exact opposite of what it had been; but if the propositions of his
+work were in conflict with an assault upon the existence of the Irish
+Establishment, they were even more hostile to the grounds upon which it
+was now sought to maintain it. He did not wish to maintain the Church
+upon the basis usually advanced, but for the benefit of the whole people
+of Ireland, and if it could not be maintained as the truth it could not
+be maintained at all."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone contended that the Irish Episcopal Church had fallen out
+of harmony with the spirit and use of the time, and must be judged by a
+practical rather than a theoretic test. In concluding the author puts
+antithetically the case for and against the maintenance of the Church of
+Ireland: "An establishment that does its work in much and has the hope
+and likelihood of doing it in more; that has a broad and living way open
+to it into the hearts of the people; that can command the services of
+the present by the recollections and traditions of the past; able to
+appeal to the active zeal of the greater portion of the people, and to
+the respect or scruples of living work and service, and whose
+adversaries, if she has them, are in the main content to believe that
+there will be a future for them and their opinions; such an
+establishment should surely be maintained.</p>
+
+<p>"But an establishment that neither does nor has her hope of doing work,
+except for a few, and those few the portion of the community whose
+claims to public aid is the smallest of all; an establishment severed
+from the mass of the people by an impassable gulf and a wall of brass;
+an establishment whose good offices, could she offer them, would be
+intercepted by a long, unbroken chain of painful and shameful
+recollections; an establishment leaning for support upon the extraneous
+aid of a State, which becomes discredited with the people by the very
+act of leading it; such an establishment will do well for its own sake,
+and for the sake of its creed, to divest itself, as soon as may be, of
+gauds and trappings, and to commence a new career, in which renouncing
+at once the credit and the discredit of the civil sanction, and shall
+seek its strength from within and put a fearless trust in the message
+that it bears."</p>
+
+<p>Such, then, were the reasons that led the defender of the Irish Church
+to become its assailant, "That a man should change his opinions is no
+reproach to him; it is only inferior minds that are never open to
+conviction."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone is a firm Anglican, as we have seen, but the following
+extract from his address made at the Liverpool College, in December,
+1872, gives a fine insight as to the breadth of his Christian
+sentiments:</p>
+
+<p>"Not less forcibly than justly, you hear much to the effect that the
+divisions among Christians render it impossible to say what Christianity
+is, and so destroy all certainty as to the true religion. But if the
+divisions among Christians are remarkable, not less so is their unity in
+the greatest doctrines that they hold. Well-nigh fifteen hundred years
+have passed away since the great controversies concerning the Deity and
+the person of the Redeemer were, after a long agony, determined. As
+before that time, in a manner less defined but adequate for their day,
+so, even since that time, amid all chance and change, more&mdash;aye, many
+more&mdash;than ninety-nine in every hundred Christians have, with one
+voice, confessed the Deity and incarnation of our Lord as the cardinal
+and central truth of our religion. Surely there is some comfort here,
+some sense of brotherhood; some glory due to the past, some hope for the
+times that are to come."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone as Prime Minister of England, during his several
+administrations, has had a large Church patronage to dispense, in other
+words, has been called upon, by virtue of his office, to till many
+vacancies in the Established Church, but it has been truly testified
+that there has probably never been so laboriously conscientious a
+distributor of ecclesiastical crown patronage as Mr. Gladstone. In his
+ecclesiastical appointments he never took politics into consideration. A
+conspicuous instance of this may be mentioned. When it was rumored that
+he intended to recommend Dr. Benson, the present Archbishop, for the
+vacant See of Canterbury, a political supporter called to remonstrate
+with him. Mr. Gladstone begged to know the ground of his objection. "The
+Bishop of Truro is a strong Tory," was the answer; "but that is not all.
+He has joined Mr. Raikes's election committee at Cambridge; and it was
+only last week that Raikes made a violent personal attack upon
+yourself." "Do you know," replied Mr. Gladstone, "that you have just
+supplied me with a strong argument in Dr. Benson's favor? for, if he
+had been a worldly man or self-seeker he would not have done anything so
+imprudent."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone sympathized more or less with the Nonconformists
+struggling against the application of university tests and other
+disabilities from which the Dissenters suffered, but it was not until
+1876 that he really discovered the true religions work of the English
+Nonconformists. The manner in which the Congregationalists, Baptists,
+Quakers and others rallied to the standard raised in the cause of
+Bulgarian nationality effected a great change in his attitude towards
+his Dissenting fellow countrymen. He entertained many of the
+representative Nonconformist ministers at breakfast, and the fidelity
+and devotion of Nonconformists generally to the Bulgarian cause left on
+his mind an impression which has only deepened with the lapse of time.
+The extent to which this influences him may be gathered from the reply
+which he made to Dr. Döllinger whilst that learned divine was discussing
+with him the question of Church and State. Dr. Döllinger was expressing
+his surprise that Mr. Gladstone could possibly coquette in any way with
+the party that demanded the severance of Church and State in either
+Wales or Scotland. It was to him quite incomprehensible that a statesman
+who held so profoundly the idea of the importance of religion could make
+his own a cause whose avowed object was to cut asunder the Church from
+the State. Mr. Gladstone listened attentively to Dr. Döllinger's
+remarks, and then, in an absent kind of way, said, "But you forget how
+nobly the Nonconformists supported me at the time of the Eastern
+Question." The blank look of amazement on Dr. Döllinger's face showed
+the wide difference between the standpoint of the politician and the
+ecclesiastic. But Mr. Gladstone knew upon whom to rely in the hour of
+need, when great moral issues were at stake. The Bishops of the House of
+Lords had not always done their duty. Lord Shaftesbury, himself a very
+ardent Churchman, wrote, June 16, 1855, in reference to the Religious
+Worship Bill: "The Bishops have exhibited great ignorance, bigotry and
+opposition to evangelical life and action, and have seriously injured
+their character, influence and position."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone never displayed more marked respect for the "Nonconformist
+conscience" than when, in deference to their earnest appeal, he risked
+the great split in the Home Rule ranks that followed his repudiation of
+Mr. Parnell. Mr. Gladstone never hesitated or made the slightest
+pretense about the matter. If the Nonconformists had been as indifferent
+as the Churchmen, his famous letter about the Irish leadership would not
+have been written. "He merely acted, as he himself stated, as the
+registrar of the moral temperature which made Mr. Parnell impossible.
+He knew the men who are the Ironsides of his party too well not to
+understand that if he had remained silent the English Home Rulers would
+have practically ceased to exist. He saw the need, rose to the occasion
+and cleared the obstacle which would otherwise have been a fatal
+impediment to the success of his course. Mr. Gladstone is a practical
+statesman, and with some instinct divined the inevitable."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's religious belief, as well as his opinion of the Bible
+and the plan of salvation revealed in the Gospel, are manifest as
+expressed in the following words from his pen:</p>
+
+<p>"If asked what is the remedy for the deeper sorrows of the human
+heart&mdash;what a man should chiefly look to in his progress through life as
+the power that is to sustain him under trials and enable him manfully to
+confront his afflictions&mdash;I must point him to something which, in a
+well-known hymn is called 'the old, old story,' told of in an old, old
+book, and taught with an old, old teaching, which is the greatest and
+best gift ever given to mankind."</p>
+
+<p>Another may read the lessons on the Lord's day in Hawarden Church and
+write and speak in defense of the Established Church of England, but Mr.
+Gladstone did more&mdash;he put his trust in his Lord and Saviour, and
+believed in his word. Mr. Gladstone was denominationally a member of
+the Episcopal Church, but religiously he held to views commonly held by
+all Evangelical Christians, from which the temptations of wealth at
+home, of college and of politics never turned him.</p>
+
+<a name="142"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="142 (46K)" src="images/142.jpg" height="288" width="466">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c5"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+<h4>
+TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone spent the winter of 1838-9 in Rome. The physicians had
+recommended travel in the south of Europe for his health and
+particularly for his eyes, the sight of which had become impaired by
+hard reading in the preparation of his book. He had given up lamps and
+read entirely by candle-light with injurious results. He was joined at
+Rome by his friend, Henry Manning, afterwards Cardinal, and in company
+they visited Monsignor, afterwards Cardinal, Wiseman, at the English
+College, on the feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury. They attended solemn
+mass in honor of that Saint, and the places in the missal were found for
+them by a young student of the college, named Grant, who afterwards
+became Bishop of Southwark.</p>
+
+<p>Besides visiting Italy he explored Sicily, and kept a journal of his
+tour. Sicily is a beautiful and fertile island in the Mediterranean
+Sea, and is the granary of Rome. His recorded observations show the
+keenness of his perceptions and the intensity with which he enjoyed the
+beautiful and wonderful in nature.</p>
+
+<p>Mount Etna, the greatest volcano of Europe, and which rises 10,000 feet
+above the sea, stirred his soul greatly, and he made an ascent of the
+mountain at the beginning of the great eruption of 1838. Etna has many
+points of interest for all classes of scientific men, and not least for
+the student of arboriculture. It bears at the height of 4000 feet above
+the level of the sea a wonderful growth&mdash;a very large tree&mdash;which is
+claimed by some to be the oldest tree in the world. It is a venerable
+chestnut, and known as "the father of the forest." It is certainly one
+of the most remarkable as well as celebrated of trees. It consists not
+of one vast trunk, but of a cluster of smaller decayed trees or portions
+of trees growing in a circle, each with a hollow trunk of great
+antiquity, covered with ferns or ivy, and stretching out a few gnarled
+branches with scanty foliage. That it is one tree seems to be evident
+from the growth of the bark only on the outside. It is said that
+excavations about the roots of the tree showed these various stems to be
+united at a very small depth below the surface of the ground. It still
+bears rich foliage and much small fruit, though the heart of the trunk
+is decayed, and a public road leads through it wide enough for two
+coaches to drive abreast. Travelers have differed in their measurements
+of this stupendous growth. Admiral Smyth, who takes the lowest estimate,
+giving 163 feet, and Brydone giving, as the highest, 204 feet. In the
+middle of the cavity a hut is built, for the accommodation of those who
+collect and preserve the chestnuts. One of the Queens of Arragon is
+reported to have taken shelter in this tree, with her mounted suite of
+one hundred persons; but, "we may, perhaps, gather from this that
+mythology is not confined to the lower latitudes."</p>
+
+<p>Further up the mountain is another venerable chestnut, which, with more
+reason, probably, may be described without fear of contradiction as the
+largest chestnut tree in the world. It rises from one solid stem to a
+remarkable height before it branches. At an elevation of two feet from
+the earth its circumference was found by Brydone to be seventy-six feet.
+These trees are reputed to have flourished for much more than a thousand
+years. Their luxuriant growth is attributed in part to the humid
+atmosphere of the Bosco, elevated above the scorching, arid region of
+the coast, and in part to the great richness of the soil. The luxuriance
+of the vegetation on the slopes of Etna attracts the attention of every
+traveler; and Mr. Gladstone remarked upon this point: "It seems as
+though the finest of all soils were produced from the most agonizing
+throes of nature, as the hardiest characters are often reared amidst
+the severest circumstances. The aspect of this side of Sicily is
+infinitely more active and the country is cultivated as well as most
+parts of Italy."</p>
+
+<p>He and his party started on the 30th of October, and found the path
+nearly uniform from Catania, but the country bore a volcanic aspect at
+every step. At Nicolosi their rest was disturbed by the distant booming
+of the mountain. From this point to the Bosco the scenery is described
+as a dreary region, but the tract of the wood showed some beautiful
+places resembling an English park, with old oaks and abundant fern.
+"Here we found flocks browsing; they are much exposed to sheep-stealers,
+who do not touch travelers, calculating with justice that men do not
+carry much money to the summit of Etna." The party passed the Casa degli
+Inglesi, which registered a temperature of 31°, and then continued the
+ascent on foot for the crater. A magnificent view of sunrise was
+here obtained.</p>
+
+<p>"Just before we reached the lip of the crater the guide exultingly
+pointed out what he declared to be ordinarily the greatest sight of the
+mountain, namely, the shadow of the cone of Etna, drawn with the utmost
+delicacy by the newly-risen sun, but of gigantic extent; its point at
+this moment rested on the mountains of Palermo, probably one hundred
+miles off, and the entire figure was visible, the atmosphere over the
+mountains having become and continuing perfectly and beautifully
+transparent, although in the hundreds of valleys which were beneath us,
+from the east to the west of Sicily, and from the mountains of Messina
+down to Cape Passaro, there were still abundant vapors waiting for a
+higher sun to disperse them; but we enjoyed in its perfection this view
+of the earliest and finest work of the greater light of heaven, in the
+passage of his beams over this portion of the earth's surface. During
+the hour we spent on the summit, the vision of the shadow was speedily
+contracting, and taught us how rapid is the real rise of the sun in the
+heavens, although its effect is diminished to the eye by a kind of
+foreshortening."</p>
+
+<p>The writer next describes in vivid and powerful language the scene
+presented to the view at the very mouth of the crater. A large space,
+one mile in circumference, which a few days before had been one
+fathomless pit, from which issued masses of smoke, was now absolutely
+filled up to within a few feet of the brim all round. A great mass of
+lava, a portion of the contents of this immense pit, was seen to detach
+itself by degrees from one behind. "It opened like an orange, and we saw
+the red-hot fibres stretch in a broader and still broader vein, until
+the mass had found a support on the new ground it occupied in front; as
+we came back on our way down this had grown black." A stick put to it
+took fire immediately. Within a few yards of this lava bed were found
+pieces of ice, formed on the outside of the stones by Frost, "which here
+disputes every inch of ground with his fierce rival Fire."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone and his fellow-travelers were the first spectators of the
+great volcanic action of this year. From the highest peak attainable the
+company gazed upon the splendid prospect to the east spread out before
+them, embracing the Messina Mountains and the fine kindred outline of
+the Calabrian coast, described by Virgil in the third book of the
+Aeneid. Mr. Gladstone graphically describes the eruption which took
+place and of which he was the enraptured witness. Lava masses of 150 to
+200 pounds weight were thrown to a distance of probably a mile and a
+half; smaller ones to a distance even more remote. The showers were
+abundant and continuous, and the writer was impressed by the closeness
+of the descriptions in Virgil with the actual reality of the eruption
+witnessed by himself. On this point he observes:</p>
+
+<p>"Now how faithfully has Virgil (Ae. iii, 571, et seq.) comprised these
+particulars, doubtless without exaggeration, in his fine description!
+First, the thunder-clap, or crack&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<p> 'Horrificis juxta tonat Aetna ruinis.'</p>
+</center>
+<p>Secondly, the vibration of the ground to the report&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<p>     'Et, fessum quoties mutet latus, intremere omnem<br>
+      Murmure Trinacriam.'</p>
+</center>
+<p>Thirdly, the sheet of flame&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<p>     'Attolitque globos flarmmarum, et sidera lambit.'</p>
+</center>
+<p>Fourthly, the smoke&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<p>     'Et coelum subtexere fumo.'</p>
+</center>
+<p>Fifthly, the fire shower&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<p>     'Scopulos avulsaque viscera montis<br>
+      Erigit erucatans, liquefactaque saxa sub auras<br>
+      Cum gemitu glomerat, fundoque exae tuat imo.'</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<p>Sixthly the column of ash&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<p>     'Atram prorumpit ad aethera nubem<br>
+      Turbine fumantem piceo et candente favilla.'</p>
+</center>
+<p>And this is within the limits of twelve lines. Modern poetry has its own
+merits, but the conveyance of information is not, generally speaking,
+one of them. What would Virgil have thought of authors publishing poems
+with explanatory notes (to illustrate is a different matter), as if they
+were so many books of conundrums? Indeed this vice is of very
+late years."</p>
+
+<p>The entire description, of which this is but an extract, is very
+effective and animated, and gives with great vividness the first
+impressions of a mind susceptible to the grand and imposing aspects
+of nature.</p>
+
+<p>"After Etna," says Mr. Gladstone in his diary, "the temples are
+certainly the great charm and attraction of Sicily. I do not know
+whether there is any one among them which, taken alone, exceeds in
+beauty that of Neptune, at Paestum; but they have the advantage of
+number and variety, as well as of highly interesting positions. At
+Segesta the temple is enthroned in a perfect mountain solitude, and it
+is like a beautiful tomb of its religion, so stately, so entire; while
+around, but for one solitary house of the keeper, there is nothing,
+absolutely nothing, to disturb the apparent reign of Silence and of
+Death.... The temples enshrine a most pure and salutary principle of
+art, that which connects grandeur of effect with simplicity of detail;
+and, retaining their beauty and their dignity in their decay, they
+represent the great man when fallen, as types of that almost highest of
+human qualities&mdash;silent yet not sullen, endurance."</p>
+
+<p>While sojourning at Rome Mr. Gladstone met Lord Macaulay. Writing home
+from Rome in the same year, Lord Macaulay says: "On Christmas Eve I
+found Gladstone in the throng, and I accosted him, as we had met, though
+we had never been introduced to each other. He received my advances with
+very great <i>empressement</i> indeed, and we had a good deal of pleasant
+talk." And again he writes: "I enjoyed Italy immensely; far more than I
+had expected. By-the-by, I met Gladstone at Rome. We talked and walked
+together in St. Peter's during the best part of an afternoon. He is
+both a clever and an amiable man."</p>
+
+
+<a name="545"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0545 (118K)" src="images/545.jpg" height="602" width="925">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>Among the visitors at Rome the winter that Mr. Gladstone spent in the
+eternal city were the widow and daughters of Sir Stephen Richard Glynne,
+of Hawarden Castle, Flintshire, Wales. He had already made the
+acquaintance of these ladies, having been a friend of Lady Glynne's
+eldest son at Oxford, and having visited him at Hawarden in 1835. He was
+thrown much into their society while at Rome, and became engaged to the
+elder of Lady Glynne's daughters, Catharine Glynne. It is strange to
+relate that some time before this when Miss Glynne met her future
+husband at a dinner-party, an English minister sitting next to her had
+thus drawn her attention to Mr. Gladstone: "Mark that young man; he will
+yet be Prime Minister of England." Miss Glynne and her sister were known
+as "the handsome Miss Glynnes."</p>
+
+<p>William E. Gladstone and Catharine Glynne were married July 25, 1839, at
+Hawarden Castle. At the same time and place Miss Mary Glynne was married
+to George William, fourth Lord Lyttleton, with whom Mr. Gladstone was on
+the most intimate terms of friendship until his lordship's untoward and
+lamented death. The brother of these ladies was Sir Stephen Glynne, the
+then owner of Hawarden. Mrs. Gladstone was "in her issue heir" of Sir
+Stephen Glynne, who was ninth and last baronet of that name.</p>
+
+
+<a name="547"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0547 (98K)" src="images/547.jpg" height="838" width="532">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+
+<p>The marriage ceremony has been thus described by an eye-witness:</p>
+
+<p>"For some time past the little town of Hawarden has been in a state of
+excitement in consequence of the anticipated nuptials of the two sisters
+of Sir Stephen Glynne, Bart., M.P., who have been engaged for some time
+past to Lord Lyttelton and to Mr. W. Ewart Gladstone. Thursday last
+(July 25th) was fixed upon for the ceremony to take place; but in
+consequence of the Chartists having attacked Lord Lyttelton's mansion in
+Worcestershire, it was feared that the marriage would be delayed. All
+anxieties on this subject were put an end to by orders being issued to
+make ready for the ceremony, and the Hawarden folks lost no time in
+making due preparations accordingly. The church was elegantly and
+profusely decorated with laurels, while extremely handsome garlands,
+composed of the finest flowers, were suspended from the venerable roof.
+About half-past ten a simultaneous rising of the assembled multitude and
+the burst of melody from the organ announced that the fair brides had
+arrived, and all eyes were turned towards the door to witness the bridal
+<i>cortege</i>. In a few minutes more the party arrived at the communion
+table and the imposing ceremony commenced. At this period the <i>coup
+d'oeil</i> was extremely interesting. The bridal party exhibited every
+elegance of costume; while the dresses of the multitude, lit up by the
+rays of a brilliant sunlight, filled up the picture. The Rev. the Hon.
+G. Neville performed the ceremony. At its conclusion the brides visited
+the rectory, whence they soon afterwards set out&mdash;Lord and Lady
+Lyttelton to their seat in Worcestershire, and Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone on
+a visit to Sir Richard Brooke, Norton Priory Mansion, in Cheshire. The
+bridal party having returned to the castle, the good folks of Hawarden
+filled up the day with rambling over Sir Stephen Glynne's delightful
+park, to which free access was given to all comers; and towards evening
+a dance on the green was got up."</p>
+
+<p>It is to be remarked that by his marriage Mr. Gladstone became allied
+with the house of Grenville, a family of statesmen, which, directly or
+in its ramifications, had already supplied England with four Prime
+Ministers. Baron Bunsen, who made his acquaintance that year, writes
+that he "was delighted with the man who is some day to govern England if
+his book is not in the way."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Gladstone is widely and deservedly known for her many philanthropic
+enterprises, but even better, perhaps, has proved herself to be a noble
+and devoted wife and mother. She has cheered by her sympathy her
+illustrious husband in his defeats as well as in his triumphs, in the
+many great undertakings of his political career, and been to him all the
+late Viscountess Beaconsfield was to Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary
+rival. As a mother, she nursed and reared all her children, and ever
+kept them in the maternal eye, carefully watching over and tending them.
+One of the most interesting buildings at Hawarden is Mrs. Gladstone's
+orphanage, which stands close to the castle. Here desolate orphans are
+well cared for, and find, until they are prepared to enter on the
+conflict and to encounter the cares of life, a happy home.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Gladstone, although in many respects an ideal wife, was never able
+to approach her husband in the methodical and business-like arrangement
+of her affairs. Shortly after their wedding, the story runs, Mr.
+Gladstone seriously took in hand the tuition of his handsome young wife
+in book-keeping, and Mrs. Gladstone applied herself with diligence to
+the unwelcome task. Some time after she came down in triumph to her
+husband to display her domestic accounts and her correspondence, all
+docketed in a fashion which she supposed would excite the admiration of
+her husband. Mr. Gladstone cast his eye over the results of his wife's
+labor and exclaimed in despair: "You have done them all wrong, from
+beginning to end!" His wife, however, has been so invaluable a helpmeet
+in other ways that it seems somewhat invidious to recall that little
+incident. She had other work to do, and she wisely left the accounts to
+her husband and his private secretaries.</p>
+
+<a name="562"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0562 (110K)" src="images/562.jpg" height="890" width="572">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone has been blessed by eight children,
+all of whom save two still survive. There were four sons, the eldest,
+William Henry, was a member of the Legislature, and the second, the Rev.
+Stephen Edward Gladstone, is rector of Hawarden. The third son is named
+Henry Neville and the fourth Herbert John Gladstone. The former is
+engaged in commerce and the latter is the popular member for Leeds. The
+eldest daughter, Anne, is married to Rev. E.C. Wickham, A.M., headmaster
+of Wellington College; and the second, Catharine Jessy Gladstone, died
+in 1850; the third daughter, Mary, is married to Rev. W. Drew, and the
+fourth, Helen Gladstone, is principal of Newnham College. As Sir John
+Gladstone had the pleasure of seeing his son William Ewart become a
+distinguished member of Parliament, so Mr. Gladstone in his turn was
+able to witness his eldest son take his seat in the British Senate.</p>
+
+<p>It was a sad bereavement when the Gladstones were called upon to part
+with their little daughter, Catharine Jessy, April 9, 1850, between four
+and five years old. Her illness was long and painful, and Mr. Gladstone
+bore his part in the nursing and watching. He was tenderly fond of his
+little children and the sorrow had therefore a peculiar bitterness. But
+Mr. Gladstone has since had another sad experience of death entering the
+family circle. July 4, 1891, the eldest son, William Henry Gladstone,
+died. The effect upon the aged father was greatly feared, and the world
+sympathized with the great statesman and father in his sad trial, and
+with the afflicted family. In a letter dated July 9, the day after the
+interment, Mr. Gladstone wrote:</p>
+
+<p>"We, in our affliction are deeply sensible of the mercies of God. He
+gave us for fifty years a most precious son. He has now only hidden him
+for a very brief space from the sight of our eyes. It seems a violent
+transition from such thoughts to the arena of political contention, but
+the transition may be softened by the conviction we profoundly hold that
+we, in the first and greatest of our present controversies, work for the
+honor, well-being and future peace of our opponents not less than
+for our own."</p>
+
+<p>When away from the trammels of office, Mr. Gladstone taught his elder
+children Italian. All the sons went to Eton and Oxford, and the
+daughters were educated at home by English, French and German
+governesses. A close union of affection and sentiment has always been a
+marked characteristic of this model English family. Marriage and
+domestic cares, however, made little difference in Mr. Gladstone's
+mode of life. He was still the diligent student, the constant debater
+and the copious writer that he had been at Eton, at Oxford and in
+the Albany.</p>
+
+<a name="157"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="157 (69K)" src="images/157.jpg" height="337" width="496">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>In the early days of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone lived in
+London with Lady Glynne, at 13 Carlton House Terrace. Later they lived
+at 6 Carlton Gardens, which was made over to them by Sir John Gladstone;
+then again at 13 Carlton House Terrace; and when Mr. Gladstone was in
+office, at the official residence of the Prime Minister, Downing Street.
+In 1850 Mr. Gladstone succeeded to his patrimony, and in 1856 he bought
+11 Carlton House Terrace, which was his London house for twenty years;
+and he subsequently lived for four years at 73 Harley Street. During the
+parliamentary recess Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone divided their time between
+Fasque, Sir John Gladstone's seat in Kincardineshire, and Hawarden
+Castle, which they shared with Mrs. Gladstone's brother, Sir Stephen
+Glynne, till in his death in 1874, when it passed into their sole
+possession. In 1854 Mrs. Gladstone's brother added to the castle a new
+wing, which he especially dedicated to his illustrious brother-in-law,
+and which is fondly known as "The Gladstone Wing." And Mr. Gladstone,
+having only one country house, probably spent as much time at Hawarden
+as any other minister finds it possible to devote to residence out
+of London.</p>
+
+<p>Hawarden, usually pronounced Harden, is the name of a large market-town,
+far removed from the centre and seat of trade and empire, in Flintshire,
+North Wales, six miles southwest from the singular and ancient city of
+Chester, of which it may be called a suburb. It is not pretty, but a
+clean and tolerably well-built place, with some good houses and the
+usual characteristics of a Welsh village. The public road from Chester
+to Hawarden, which passes by the magnificent seat of the Duke of
+Westminster, is not, except for this, interesting to the stranger. There
+is a pedestrian route along the banks of the river Dee, over the lower
+ferry and across the meadows. But for the most part the way lies along
+dreary wastes, unadorned by any of the beautiful landscape scenery so
+common in Wales. Broughton Hall, its pleasant church and quiet
+churchyard, belonging to the Hawarden estate, are passed on the way. The
+village lies at the foot of the Castle, and outside of the gates of
+Hawarden Park. The parish contains 13,000 acres, and of these the estate
+of Mr. Gladstone consists of nearly 7000. The road from the village for
+the most part is dreary, but within the gates the park is as beautiful
+as it is extensive. Richly wooded, on both sides of its fine drive are
+charming vistas opening amongst the oaks, limes and elms. On the height
+to the left of the drive is the ancient Hawarden Castle, for there are
+two&mdash;the old and the new&mdash;the latter being the more modern home of the
+proprietor.</p>
+
+<a name="160"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="160 (81K)" src="images/160.jpg" height="635" width="428">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>The ancient Castle of Hawarden, situated on an eminence commanding an
+extensive prospect, is now in ruins. What, however, was left of the old
+Castle at the beginning of the century stands to-day a monument of the
+massive work of the early masons. The remnant, which ages of time and
+the Parliamentary wars and the strange zeal of its first owner under
+Cromwell for its destruction, allowed to remain, is in a marvelous state
+of preservation, and the masonry in some places fifteen feet thick.
+There is a grandeur in the ruin to be enjoyed, as well as a scene of
+beauty from its towers. The old Castle, like the park itself, is open to
+the public without restriction. Only two requests are made in the
+interests of good order. One is that visitors entering the park kindly
+keep to the gravel walks, while the other is that they do not inscribe
+their names on the stone-work of the ancient ruin, which request has
+been unheeded.</p>
+
+<p>This ancient Castle was doubtless a stronghold of the Saxons in very
+early times, for it was found in the possession of Edwin of Mercia at
+the Norman Conquest, and was granted by William the Conqueror to his
+nephew, Hugh Lupus. In later times Prince Llewelyn was Lord of Hawarden,
+of which he was dispossessed by his brother, David. It was only after
+Wales was conquered that Hawarden became an English stronghold, held
+against the Welsh.</p>
+
+<a name="162"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="162 (63K)" src="images/162.jpg" height="394" width="476">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>The Castle had its vicissitudes, both as to its condition and
+proprietorship, for many years, even generations. Somewhere between 1267
+and 1280 the Castle had been destroyed and rebuilt. It was rebuilt in
+the time of Edward I or Edward II, and formed one link in the chain by
+which the Edwards held the Welsh to their loyalty. Its name appears in
+the doomsday-book, where it is spelled Haordine. It was presented by
+King Edward to the House of Salisbury. Then the Earls of Derby came
+into possession, and they entertained within its walls Henry VII in the
+latter part of the fifteenth century. During the Parliamentary wars it
+was held at first for the Parliament, and was taken by siege in 1643.
+The royalists were in possession two years later, and at Christmas time,
+in 1645, Parliament ordered that the Castle be dismantled, which was
+effectively done. The latest proprietor of those times was James, Earl
+of Derby. He was executed and the estates were sold. They were purchased
+by Sergeant Glynne, Lord Chief Justice of England under Cromwell, from
+whom in a long line of descent they were inherited, upon the death of
+the last baronet, Sir Stephen Glynne, in 1874, by the wife of William E.
+Gladstone. Sergeant Glynne's son, Sir William, the first baronet, when
+he came into possession, was seized with the unaccountable notion of
+further destroying the old Castle, and by the end of the seventeenth
+century very little remained beyond what stands to-day.</p>
+
+
+<a name="164"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="164 (75K)" src="images/164.jpg" height="580" width="374">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>Hawarden is supposed to be synonymous with the word Burg-Ardden, Ardin,
+a fortified mound or hill. It is usually supposed to be an English word,
+but of Welsh derivation, and is no doubt related to dinas, in Welsh the
+exact equivalent to the Saxon <i>burg</i>. The Welsh still call it Penarlas,
+a word the etymology of which points to a period when the lowlands of
+Saltney were under water, and the Castle looked over a lake. The
+earlier history of the Castle goes back to the time when it was held by
+the ancient Britons, and stood firm against Saxon, Dane, or whatever
+invading foe sought to deprive the people of their heritage in the
+soil. On the invasion of William, as we have seen, it was in the
+possession of Edwin, sovereign of Deira. "We find it afterwards," says
+another account, "in the possession of Roger Fitzvalarine, a son of one
+of the adventurers who came over with the Conqueror. Then it was held,
+subordinately, by the Monthault, or Montalt, family, the stewards of the
+palatinate of Chester. It is remarkable, as we noticed in our story of
+Hughenden Manor, that as the traditions of that ancient place touched
+the memory of Simon de Montfort, the great Earl of Leicester, so do they
+also in the story of the old Castle of Hawarden. Here Llewelyn, the last
+native prince of Wales, held a memorable conference with the Earl. With
+in the walls of Hawarden was signed the treaty of peace between Wales
+and Cheshire, not long to last; here Llewelyn saw the beautiful daughter
+of De Montfort, whose memory haunted him so tenderly and so long. Again
+we find the Castle in the possession of the Montalt family, from whom it
+descended to the Stanleys, the Earl of Derby.... Here the last native
+princes of Wales, Llewelyn and David, attempted to grasp their crumbling
+sceptre, Here no doubt halted Edward I, 'girt with many a baron bold;'
+here the Tudor prince, Henry VII, of Welsh birth, visited in the later
+years of the fifteenth century; and this was the occasion upon which it
+passed into the family whose representatives had proclaimed him monarch
+on Bosworth field. But when James, Earl of Derby, was beheaded, after
+the battle of Worcester, in 1651, the estate was purchased under the
+Sequestration Act by Sergeant Glynne, whose portrait hangs over the
+mantleshelf of the drawing-room; 'but,' says Mrs. Gladstone, in calling
+our attention to it, 'he is an ancestor of whom we have no occasion to
+be and are not proud.'"</p>
+
+<p>This remark of Mrs. Gladstone's may be explained by the following from
+the pen of a reputable author: "Sergeant Glynne, who flourished
+(literally flourished) during the seventeenth century, was a most
+unscrupulous man in those troubled times. He was at first a supporter of
+Charles I, then got office and preferment under Cromwell, and yet again,
+like a veritable Vicar of Bray, became a Royalist on the return of
+Charles II. The Earl of Derby, who was taken prisoner at the battle of
+Worcester, in 1661, was executed, and his estates forfeited. Of these
+estates Sergeant Glynne managed to get possession of Hawarden; and
+though on the Restoration all Royalists' forfeited estates were ordered
+to be restored, Glynne managed somehow to remain in possession of the
+property."</p>
+
+<a name="167"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="167 (94K)" src="images/167.jpg" height="615" width="434">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>It is very probable that Hawarden Castle was no exception to those cruel
+haunts of feudal tyranny and oppression belonging to the days of its
+power. Many years ago, when the rubbish was cleared away beneath the
+Castle ruin, a flight of steps was found, at the foot of which was a
+door, and a draw-bridge, which crossed a long, deep chasm, neatly faced
+with freestone; then another door leading to several small rooms, all,
+probably, places of confinement; and those hollows, now fringed with
+timber trees, in those days constituted a broad, deep fosse.</p>
+
+<p>The old Hawarden Castle, a curious ruin covered with moss and ivy, like
+many other ancient piles of stone in historic England, is a reminder of
+a past and warlike age, when an Englishman's home had to be a castle to
+protect him and his family from his enemies. But times have changed for
+the better, and long immunity from internal foes and invading armies has
+had its peaceful effects upon the lands and the homes of men. As the
+grounds of Hawarden show the remarkable cultivation produced by long
+periods of peaceful toil, so the ancient castle has given way for the
+modern dwelling, a peaceful abode whose only protecting wall is that
+with which the law surrounds it.</p>
+
+<p>Modern Hawarden Castle is a castle only in name. The new "Castle" has
+been the home of the Glynns' for generations, and ever since the
+marriage of Mr. Gladstone and Miss Glynn has been the dwelling of the
+Gladstones. Mr. Gladstone has greatly improved the Hawarden estate and
+the castle has not been overlooked. Among the improvements to the castle
+may be named the additions to the library and the Golden Wedding Porch.</p>
+
+<p>The new Castle was begun in 1752, by Sir John Glynne, who "created a
+stout, honest, square, red-brick mansion;" which was added to and
+altered in the Gothic style in 1814. The Glynnes lived in Oxfordshire
+till early in the eighteenth century, when they built themselves a small
+house, which was on the site of the present Castle. The new Hawarden
+Castle stands in front of the massive ruin of the old Castle, which has
+looked down on the surrounding country for six centuries. A recent
+writer speaking of the new structure as a sham Castle, with its plaster
+and stucco, and imitation turrets, says: "It would not have been
+surprising if the old Castle had, after the manner of Jewish chivalry,
+torn its hair of thickly entwined ivy, rent its garments of moss and
+lichen, and fallen down prostrate, determined forever to shut out the
+sight of the modern monstrosity."</p>
+
+<p>However, the author somewhat relents and thus describes the modern
+edifice:</p>
+
+<p>"The aspect of the house is very impressive and imposing, as it first
+suddenly seems to start upon the view after a long carriage-drive
+through the noble trees, if not immediately near, but breaking and
+brightening the view on either hand; yet, within and without, the house
+seems like its mighty master&mdash;not pensive but rural; it does not even
+breathe the spirit of quiet. Its rooms look active and power-compelling,
+and we could not but feel that they were not indebted to any of the
+aesthetic inventions and elegancies of furniture for their charm. Thus
+we have heard of one visitor pathetically exclaiming, 'Not one <i>dado</i>
+adorns the walls!' Hawarden is called a Castle, but it has not, either
+in its exterior or interior, the aspect of a Castle. It is a home; it
+has a noble appearance as it rises on the elevated ground, near the old
+feudal ruin which it has superseded, and looks over the grand and
+forest-like park, the grand pieces of broken ground, dells and hollows,
+and charming woodlands."</p>
+
+<a name="170"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="170 (71K)" src="images/170.jpg" height="347" width="493">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<p>The traditional history of Hawarden Church, as well as that of the
+Castle, travels back to a very remote antiquity, and is the central
+point of interest to many a tragedy, and some of a very grotesque
+character. For instance, for many ages the inhabitants of Hawarden were
+called "Harden Jews," and for this designation we have the following
+legendary account. In the year 946, during the reign of Cynan ap Elisap
+Anarawd, King of Gwynedd North, there was a Christian temple at Harden,
+and a rood-loft, in which was placed an image of the Virgin Mary, with a
+very large cross in her hands, which was called "holy rood." During a
+very hot and dry summer the inhabitants prayed much and ardently for
+rain, but without any effect. Among the rest, Lady Trowst, wife of
+Sytsyllt, governor of Harden Castle, went also to pray, when, during
+this exercise, the holy rood fell upon her head and killed her. Such
+behavior upon the part of this wooden Virgin could be tolerated no
+longer. A great tumult ensued in consequence, and it was concluded to
+try the said Virgin for murder, and the jury not only found her guilty
+of wilful murder, but of inattention in not answering the prayers of
+innumerable petitioners. The sentence was hanging, but Span, of Mancot,
+who was one of the jury, opposed this act saying it was best to drown,
+since it was rain they prayed for. This was fiercely opposed by Corbin,
+of the gate, who advised that she should be laid on the sands by the
+river. So, this being done, the tide carried the lady, floating gently,
+like another lady, Elaine, upon its soft bosom, and placed her near the
+walls of Caerleon (now Chester), where she was found next day, says the
+legend, drowned and dead. Here the inhabitants of Caerleon buried her.
+Upon this occasion, it is said, the river, which had until then been
+called the Usk, was changed to Rood Die, or Rood Dee. We need not stay
+here to analyze some things belonging to locality and etymology, which
+appear to us somewhat anachronistic and contradictory in this ancient
+and queer legend.</p>
+
+<p>Hawarden Church is a fairly large structure, externally a plain old
+brick building with a low tower and a dwarf spire, standing in the midst
+of a large population of graves. There is preserved in the annals of
+the Church a list of the rectors of Hawarden as far back as 1180.</p>
+
+<p>About forty years ago a fire broke out in the Church, and when all was
+over, very little was left of the original structure except the walls.
+It was restored with great expedition, and was re-opened within the same
+year. The present building is a restoration to the memory of the
+immediate ancestor, from whom the estate is derived by the present
+family. It is the centre of hard, earnest work, done for an
+exceptionally large parish. But the Church population is occasionally
+recruited from all the ends of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>It is here that the Gladstone family worship on the plain, uncushioned
+pew, near the lectern and opposite the pulpit. When the estates came
+into the hands of the Glynnes the living was bestowed upon a member of
+the family. The Rector is Rev. Stephen Gladstone, second son of the
+Premier. He is not a great preacher, but he is quietly earnest and
+instructive. Mr. Gladstone was up early on Sunday mornings and seldom
+failed to be in his pew at Church. Crowds filled the Church Sunday,
+morning and evening, week after week, many of them strangers, to see the
+Prime Minister of England, and behold him leave his pew and, standing at
+the reading-desk, go through his part of the service&mdash;that of reading
+the lessons for the day, in this obscure village Church. After church
+Mr. Gladstone went to the rectory with his family, with his cloak only
+over his shoulders, when the weather required, and as he walked along
+the path through the churchyard would bow to the crowds that stood on
+either side uncovered to greet him as he passed by. The two brothers,
+until recently, lived at the rectory, and the whole family seemed to
+live in the most beautiful harmony together.</p>
+
+<a name="556"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0556 (103K)" src="images/556.jpg" height="643" width="705">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>Both Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attribute much of his health to the fact
+that he will have his Sabbath to himself and his family, undisturbed by
+any of the agitations of business, the cares of State, or even the
+recreations of literature and scholastic study. This profound public
+regard for the day of rest, whether in London or at Hawarden, awakens a
+feeling of admiration and puts us in mind of his great predecessor in
+statesmanship, Cecil, Lord Burleigh, who, when he arrived at Theobalds
+on a Saturday evening would throw off his cloak or chain of office and
+exclaim, "Lie there and rest, my good lord treasurer."</p>
+
+<a name="175"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="175 (76K)" src="images/175.jpg" height="652" width="459">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<p>One of the main points of interest at the home of Mr. Gladstone is the
+library. There is not a room in Hawarden Castle in which there is not an
+abundance of books, which are not all collected in the library, but
+distributed all over the house. Where other people have cabinets for
+curiosities, china, etc., there are here shelves and cases full of
+books. In ante-room and bed-room dressing-room and nursery they are
+found, not by single volumes, but in serried ranks; well-known and
+useful books. But it is in the library where Mr. Gladstone has collected
+by years of careful selection, a most valuable and large array of
+books, from all parts of the world, upon every subject. These books are
+classified and so arranged as to be of immediate use. All those on one
+particular subject are grouped together.</p>
+
+<a name="176"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="176 (68K)" src="images/176.jpg" height="619" width="442">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone was a familiar figure in the book stores, and especially
+where rare, old books were to be found, and he seldom failed to return
+home with some book in his pocket. Mrs. Gladstone is said to have gone
+through his pockets often upon his return home, and sent back many a
+volume to the book-seller, that had found its way to the pocket of her
+husband, after a hasty glance at its title. He kept himself informed of
+all that was going on in the literary, scientific and artistic worlds,
+receiving each week a parcel of the newest books for his private
+readings. Every day he looked over several book-sellers's catalogues,
+and certain subjects were sure of getting an order.</p>
+
+<p>Hawarden library gave every evidence of being for use, and not show. Mr.
+Gladstone knew what books he had and was familiar with their contents.
+Some books were in frequent use, but others were not forgotten. He could
+put his hand on any one he wanted to refer to. At the end of a volume
+read he would construct an index of his own by which he could find
+passages to which he wished to refer.</p>
+
+<p>There are few stories that Mr. Gladstone told with greater relish than
+one concerning Sir Antonio Panizzi, who many years ago visited the
+library at Hawarden. Looking round the room and at its closely packed
+shelves, he observed in a patronizing tone, "I see you have got some
+books here." Nettled at this seemingly slighting allusion to the paucity
+of his library, Mr. Gladstone asked Panizzi how many volumes he thought
+were on the shelves. Panizzi replied: "From five to six thousand." Then
+a loud and exulting laugh rang round the room as Mr. Gladstone answered:
+"You are wrong by at least two thousand, as there are eight thousand
+volumes and more before you now." Since then the library has
+grown rapidly.</p>
+
+<a name="178"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="178 (38K)" src="images/178.jpg" height="324" width="393">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<p>The fate of this large library was naturally a matter of much
+consideration to Mr. Gladstone. It was particularly rich in classical
+and theological works, so it occured to its owner to form a public
+library under a trusteeship, for the benefit of students, under the care
+of the Rector of Hawarden, or some other clergyman. So he caused to be
+erected at a cost to him of about $5,000, a corrugated iron building on
+a knoll just outside Hawarden Church. The name of this parish library is
+"The St. Deiniol's Theological and General Library of Hawarden." In
+1891, Mr. Gladstone had deposited about 20,000 volumes upon the shelves
+in this new building, with his own hands, which books were carried in
+hand-carts from the castle. Since that time thousands have been added to
+this valuable collection.</p>
+
+<a name="179"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="179 (49K)" src="images/179.jpg" height="447" width="368">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>It was a happy thought of Mr. Gladstone to found a theological library
+in the immediate vicinity of Hawarden; also to have connected with it a
+hostel where students could be boarded and lodged for six dollars a week
+and thus be enabled to use the library in the pursuit of their studies.
+Mr. Gladstone has endowed the institution with $150,000. Rev. H. Drew,
+the son-in-law of Mr. Gladstone, is warden and librarian.</p>
+
+
+<a name="180"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="180 (51K)" src="images/180.jpg" height="360" width="487">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c6"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+<h4>
+ENTERS THE CABINET
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>We come now to another memorable period in the life of William E.
+Gladstone. This period, beginning with 1840, has been styled "a
+memorable decade" in the history of Parliament. His marriage and the
+publication of his first book were great events in his eventful life,
+but the young and brilliant statesman was soon to enter the British
+Cabinet. He was before long to demonstrate that he not only possessed
+the arts of the fluent and vigorous Parliamentary debater, but the more
+solid qualities pertaining to the practical statesman and financier. In
+following his course we will be led to observe the early stages of his
+changing opinions on great questions of State, and to trace the causes
+which led to his present advanced views as well as to his exalted
+position. The estimation in which he was then held may be indicated by
+the following, from one of his contemporaries, Sir Stafford Northcote,
+afterwards Lord Iddesleigh, and who subsequently succeeded him as
+leader of the House of Commons: "There is but one statesman of the
+present day in whom I feel entire confidence, and with whom I cordially
+agree, and that statesman is Mr. Gladstone. I look upon him as the
+representative of the party, scarcely developed as yet, though secretly
+forming and strengthening, which will stand by all that is dear and
+sacred in my estimation, in the struggle which I believe will come ere
+<i>very</i> long between good and evil, order and disorder, the Church and
+the world, and I see a very small band collecting round him, and ready
+to fight manfully under his leading."</p>
+
+<p>In 1840 Mr. Gladstone crossed swords with the distinguished historian
+and Parliamentary debater, Lord Macaulay, in debate in the House of
+Commons on the relations of England with China. The speech of Mr.
+Gladstone was remarkable for its eloquent expression of anxiety that the
+arms of England should never be employed in unrighteous enterprises. Sir
+James Graham moved a vote of censure of the ministry for "want of
+foresight and precaution," and "especially their neglect to furnish the
+superintendent at Canton with powers and instructions calculated to
+provide against the growing evils connected with the contraband traffic
+in opium, and adapted to the novel and difficult situation in which the
+superintendent was placed." Mr. Gladstone, on the 8th of April, spoke
+strongly in favor of the motion, and said if it failed to involve the
+ministry in condemnation they would still be called upon to show cause
+for their intention of making war upon China. Answering the speech of
+Lord Macaulay of the previous evening, Mr. Gladstone said: "The right
+honorable gentleman opposite spoke last night in eloquent terms of the
+British flag waving in glory at Canton, and of the animating effects
+produced on the minds of our sailors by the knowledge that in no country
+under heaven was it permitted to be insulted. But how comes it to pass
+that the sight of that flag always raises the spirit of Englishmen? It
+is because it has always been associated with the cause of justice, with
+opposition to oppression, with respect to national rights, with
+honorable commercial enterprises; but now, under the auspices of the
+noble lord, that flag is hoisted to protect an infamous contraband
+traffic, and if it were never to be hoisted except as it is now hoisted
+on the coast of China, we should recoil from its sight with horror, and
+should never again feel our hearts thrill, as they now thrill with
+emotion, when it floats proudly and magnificently on the breeze." The
+ministry escaped censure when the vote was taken by a bare majority.</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of 1840 Mr. Gladstone, accompanied by Lord Lyttleton, went
+to Eton to examine candidates of the Newcastle Scholarship, founded by
+his political friend, the Duke of Newcastle. Mr. Gladstone had the
+pleasure in this examination of awarding the Newcastle medal to Henry
+Fitzmaurice Hallam, the youngest brother of his own beloved friend and
+son of the historian Hallam. One of the scholars he examined writes: "I
+have a vivid and delightful impression of Mr. Gladstone sitting in what
+was then called the library, on an <i>estrade</i> on which the head master
+habitually sate, above which was placed, about 1840, the bust of the
+Duke of Newcastle and the names of the Newcastle scholars.... When he
+gave me a Virgil and asked me to translate Georg. ii, 475, <i>seq</i>., I was
+pleasantly surprised by the beautiful eye turning on me with the
+question, 'What is the meaning of <i>sacra fero</i>?' and his look of
+approval when I said, 'Carry the sacred vessels in the procession.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you to understand that Mr. Gladstone appeared not to me only,
+but to others, as a gentleman wholly unlike other examiners or school
+people. It was not as <i>a politician</i> that we admired him, but as a
+refined Churchman, deep also in political philosophy (so we conjectured
+from his quoting Burke on the Continual State retaining its identity
+though made up of passing individuals), deep also in lofty poetry, as we
+guessed from his giving us, as a theme for original Latin verse, 'the
+poet's eye in a fine frenzy,' etc. When he spoke to us in 'Pop' as an
+honorary member, we were charmed and affected emotionally: his voice was
+low and sweet, his manner was that of an elder cousin: he seemed to
+treat us with unaffected respect; and to be treated with respect by a
+man is the greatest delight for a boy. It was the golden time of
+'retrograding transcendentalism,' as the hard-heads called the
+Anglo-Catholic symphony. He seemed to me then an apostle of unworldly
+ardor, bridling his life."</p>
+
+<p>The Whig administration, which for some time had been growing very
+unpopular, was defeated and went out of power in 1841. From the very
+beginning of the session their overthrow was imminent. Among the causes
+which rendered the ministry obnoxious to the country, and led to their
+downfall, may be named the disappointment of both their dissenting
+English supporters and Irish allies; their financial policy had proved a
+complete failure and dissatisfied the nation; and the deficit in the
+revenue this year amounted to no less a sum than two millions and a half
+pounds. Every effort to remedy the financial difficulties offered by the
+ministry to the House was rejected, Hence it was felt on all sides that
+the government of the country must be committed to stronger hands.
+Accordingly, in May, Sir Robert Peel proposed a resolution in the House
+of Commons to the effect that the ministry did not possess sufficiently
+the confidence of the House to carry through measures deemed essential
+for the public welfare; and that their continuance in office was, under
+the circumstances, at variance with the Constitution, For five days this
+resolution was discussed, but Mr. Gladstone took no part in the debate.
+The motion of Sir Robert Peel passed by a majority vote of one, and on
+the 7th of June Lord John Russell announced that the ministry would at
+once dissolve Parliament and appeal to the country. Parliament was
+prorogued by the Queen in person June 22d, and the country was soon in
+the turmoil of a general election. By the end of July it was found that
+the ministry had been defeated and with greater loss than the Tories
+even had expected. The Tories had a great majority of the new members
+returned. The Liberal seats gained by the Tories were seventy-eight,
+while the Tory seats gained by Liberals were only thirty-eight, thus
+making a Tory majority of eighty. Mr. Gladstone was again elected at
+Newark, and was at the head of the poll; with Lord John Manners,
+afterwards Duke of Rutland, as his colleague.</p>
+
+
+<a name="567"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0567 (110K)" src="images/567.jpg" height="795" width="560">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>The new Parliament met in August, and the ministers were defeated, in
+both Houses, on the Address and resigned. Sir Robert Peel was called
+upon by the Queen to form a new ministry, and Mr. Gladstone was
+included by his leader in the administration. In appearing on the
+hustings at Newark Mr. Gladstone said that there were two points upon
+which the British farmer might rely&mdash;the first being that adequate
+protection would be given him, and, second, that protection would be
+given him through the means of the sliding scale. The duties were to be
+reduced and the system improved, but the principle was to be maintained.
+"There was no English statesman who could foresee at this period the
+results of that extraordinary agitation which, in the course of the next
+five years, was destined to secure the abrogation of the Corn Laws."</p>
+
+<p>There is a tradition that, having already conceived a lively interest in
+the ecclesiastical and agrarian problems of Ireland, Mr. Gladstone had
+set his affections on the Chief Secretaryship. But Sir Robert Peel, a
+consummate judge of administrative capacity, had discerned his young
+friend's financial aptitude, and the member for Newark became
+vice-president of the Board of Trade and master of the Mint.</p>
+
+<p>Although in the midst of engrossing cares of office as vice-president of
+the Board of Trade, yet Mr. Gladstone found time to renew his old
+interest in ecclesiastical concerns. In the fall of 1841 an English
+Episcopal Bishopric was established at Jerusalem, Mr. Gladstone dined
+with Baron Bunsen on the birthday of the King of Prussia, when, as
+reported by Lord Shaftesbury, he "stripped himself of a part of his
+Puseyite garments, spoke like a pious man, rejoiced in the bishopric of
+Jerusalem, and proposed the health of Alexander, the new Bishop of that
+see. This is delightful, for he is a good man, a clever man and an
+industrious man." And Baron Bunsen, speaking of the same occasion, said,
+"Never was heard a more exquisite speech, It flowed like a gentle,
+translucent stream. We drove back to town in the clearest starlight;
+Gladstone continuing with unabated animation to pour forth his
+harmonious thoughts in melodious tone." And Mr. Gladstone himself writes
+later; "Amidst public business, quite sufficient for a man of my
+compass, I have, during the whole of the week, perforce, been carrying
+on with the Bishop of London and with Bunsen a correspondence on, and
+inquisition into, the Jerusalem design, until I almost reel and stagger
+under it."</p>
+
+<p>And still later he writes: "I am ready individually to brave
+misconstruction for the sake of union with any Christian men, provided
+the terms of the union be not contrary to sound principle; and perhaps
+in this respect might go further, at least in one of the possible
+directions, than you. But to declare the living constitution of a
+Christian Church to be of secondary moment is of course in my view
+equivalent to a denial of a portion of the faith&mdash;and I think you will
+say it is a construction which can not fairly be put upon the design,
+as far as it exists in fixed rules and articles. It is one thing to
+attribute this in the way of unfavorable surmise, or as an apprehension
+of ultimate developments&mdash;it is another to publish it to the world as a
+character ostentatiously assumed."</p>
+
+<p>We have evidence also that at this time he was not permitted to forget
+that he was an author, for he thus writes, April 6, 1842, to his
+publisher: "Amidst the pressure of more urgent affairs, I have held no
+consultation with you regarding my books and the sale or no sale of
+them. As to the third edition of the 'State in its Relations,' I should
+think that the remaining copies had better be got rid of in whatever
+summary or ignominious mode you may deem best. They must be dead beyond
+recall. As to the others, I do not know whether the season of the year
+has at all revived the demand; and would suggest to you whether it would
+be well to advertise them a little. I do not think they find their way
+much into the second-hand shops. With regard to the fourth edition, I do
+not know whether it would be well to procure any review or notice of it,
+and I am not a fair judge of its merits, even in comparison with the
+original form of the work; but my idea is that it is less defective,
+both in the theoretical and in the historical development, and ought to
+be worth the notice of those who deemed the earlier editions worth
+their notice and purchase; that it would really put a reader in
+possession of the view it was intended to convey, which I fear is more
+than can with any truth be said of its predecessors. I am not, however,
+in any state of anxiety or impatience; and I am chiefly moved to refer
+these suggestions to your judgment from perceiving that the fourth
+edition is as yet far from having cleared itself."</p>
+
+<p>It was from this time that a marked change was observable in the
+subjects of Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary addresses. "Instead of
+speaking on the corporate conscience of the State and the endowments of
+the Church, the importance of Christian education and the theological
+unfitness of the Jews to sit in Parliament, he was solving business-like
+problems about foreign tariffs and the exportation of machinery; waxing
+eloquent over the regulation of railways and a graduated tax on corn;
+subtle on the momentary merits of half-farthings and great in the
+mysterious lore of quassia and cocculus indicus."</p>
+
+<p>In the short session of Parliament, in 1841, that which followed the
+accession of Sir Robert Peel to the office of Prime Minister, he was
+questioned by his opponents as to his future policy. The Premier
+declined to state the nature of the measures he intended to present, or
+which he contemplated making, in the intervening months of the recess
+of Parliament so near at hand. He wanted time for the arrangement of his
+plans and the construction of his political programme. An effort was
+made to embarrass the administration by refusing to vote the necessary
+supplies, until inquiry should be made into the existing distress, but
+it was defeated. Three weeks later Parliament was dissolved by Royal
+commission. In the following sitting of Parliament several measures of
+high practical character were presented.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Robert Peel acceded to office in very critical times. The condition
+of the country was truly lamentable. Distress and discontent were
+widespread and the difficulties of the government were greatly enhanced
+by popular tumults. The Free Trade agitation was already making great
+headway in the land, and when the Premier brought forward his new
+sliding scale of duties in the House of Commons it was denounced by Mr.
+Cobden as an insult to a suffering people. The Premier said that he
+considered the present not an unfavorable time for discussing the corn
+laws; that there was no great stock on hand of foreign growth to alarm
+the farmers; that the recess had been marked by universal calm; that
+there was no popular violence to interrupt legislation; and that there
+was a disposition to view any proposal for the adjustment of the
+question with calmness and moderation.</p>
+
+<p>The Premier's view of the situation did not seem to be wholly in accord
+with the well-known facts, for the Queen even, on her appearance at the
+London theatres, had been hooted, and the Prime Minister himself was
+burnt in effigy during a riot at Northampton; great excitement prevailed
+throughout the country, and Lord John Russell moved as an amendment
+"That this House, considering the evils which have been caused by the
+present corn laws and especially by the fluctuation of the graduated or
+sliding scale, is not prepared to adopt the measure of her Majesty's
+government, which is founded on the same principles and is likely to be
+attended by similar results."</p>
+
+<p>It was incumbent upon Mr. Gladstone to lead the opposition to this
+motion. He showed that the proposed plan was not founded on the same
+principle of the existing one, except that both involved a sliding
+scale; that the present distress was caused by fluctuation of the
+seasons and not by the laws; that high prices of food were chargeable to
+successive failures of the crops; that these unavoidable fluctuations
+were not aggravated by the corn laws; that Sir Robert Peel's plan of
+working was far superior to that of Lord John Russell; that the drains
+upon the currency, caused by bad harvests, were not to be prevented by a
+fixed duty; that a uniform protection could not be given to corn, as to
+other articles, because at high prices of corn no duty could be
+maintained, and that, therefore, at low prices, it was but just to give
+a duty which would be an effectual protection. The debate which followed
+was characterized by vigorous speeches from Mr. Roebuck and Lord
+Palmerston. Lord John Russell's amendment was lost by a large majority.
+A motion presented by Mr. Villiers, the Free Trade advocate, for the
+immediate repeal of the corn laws was also lost by a majority of over
+three hundred.</p>
+
+<p>On the 11th of March Sir Robert Peel introduced his budget. The budget
+for 1842 was produced under depressing circumstances. There was a
+deficit of £2,750,000, or about $15,000,000, and taxation upon articles
+of consumption had been pushed to its utmost limit. Peel was a great
+financier, but the fiscal difficulties by which he was now surrounded
+were enough to appall the most ingenious of financial ministers.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone rendered the Premier invaluable service in the preparation
+both of his budget and of his tariff scheme. The merit of the budget was
+its taxation of wealth and the relief of the manufacturing industry. The
+second branch of the financial plan, the revised tariff&mdash;a customs
+duties scheme&mdash;was very important, and it was understood to be mainly
+the work of Mr. Gladstone. Out of nearly 1200 duty-paying articles, a
+total abolition, or a considerable reduction, was made in no fewer than
+750. This was certainly a great step towards the freedom of
+manufacturers, Sir Robert Peel's boast that he had endeavored to relieve
+manufacturing industries was more than justified by this great and
+comprehensive measure. The very best means for relieving the
+manufacturing industries had been devised.</p>
+
+<p>But while this great relief to industry was welcomed the Opposition did
+not relax their efforts for the abolition of the corn laws, which were
+continued into the session of 1843. Sir Robert Peel acknowledged, amidst
+loud cheers from the Opposition, that all were agreed in the general
+rule that we should purchase in the cheapest market and sell in the
+dearest; but he added, "If I propose a greater change in the corn laws
+than that which I submit to the consideration of the House I should only
+aggravate the distress of the country, and only increase the alarm which
+prevails among important interests." Mr. Hume hailed with joy the
+appearance of the Premier and his colleagues as converts to the
+principles of Free Trade; Mr. Gladstone replied, that, whoever were the
+authors of the principles on which the government measures rested, he
+must protest against the statement that the ministry came forward as
+converts to principles which they had formerly opposed.</p>
+
+<p>During the progress of the debate of 1842, on the revised Tariff Bill,
+Mr. Gladstone's labors were very great. He was called upon to explain or
+defend the details of the scheme, and had something to say about every
+article of consumption included in, or excluded from, the list. He spoke
+one hundred and twenty-nine times, chiefly on themes connected with the
+new fiscal legislature. He demonstrated his capacity for grasping all
+the most complicated details of finance, and also the power of
+comprehending the scope and necessities of the commercial interests of
+the country. No measure with which his name has since been connected has
+done him more credit. He spoke incessantly, and amazed the House by his
+mastery of details, his intimate acquaintance with the commercial needs
+of the country, and his inexhaustible power of exposition. On March 14th
+Greville wrote, "Gladstone has already displayed a capacity which makes
+his admission into the Cabinet indispensable." A commercial minister had
+appeared on the scene, and the shade of Hoskisson had revived.</p>
+
+<p>Though engrossed in schemes of practical legislation, and in all the
+excitements and interests of office, he could, as he has ever done
+during his long career, turn aside for the discourse on social and
+educational questions with much earnestness and eloquence, as if they,
+and only they, possessed his mind. In January, 1843, he spoke at the
+opening of the Collegiate Institute of Liverpool, and delivered a
+powerful plea for the better education of the middle classes, which was
+one of the most forcible speeches he ever delivered. He said:</p>
+
+<p>"We believe that if you could erect a system which should present to
+mankind all branches of knowledge save the one that is essential, you
+would only be building up a Tower of Babel, which, when you had
+completed it, would be the more signal in its fall, and which would bury
+those who had raised it in its ruins. We believe that if you can take a
+human being in his youth, and if you can make him an accomplished man in
+natural philosophy, in mathematics, or in the knowledge necessary for
+the profession of a merchant, a lawyer, or a physician; that if in any
+or all of these endowments you could form his mind&mdash;yes, if you could
+endow him with the science and power of a Newton, and so send him
+forth&mdash;and if you had concealed from him, or, rather, had not given him
+a knowledge and love of the Christian faith&mdash;he would go forth into the
+world, able indeed with reference to those purposes of science,
+successful with the accumulation of wealth for the multiplication of
+more, but 'poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked' with reference to
+everything that constitutes the true and sovereign purposes of our
+existence&mdash;nay, worse, worse&mdash;with respect to the sovereign purpose&mdash;
+than if he had still remained in the ignorance which we all commiserate,
+and which it is the object of this institution to assist in removing."</p>
+
+<p>It was admitted on all hands that great fiscal reforms had been
+conceived and executed; and speaking of the session of 1842, a writer,
+not favorable to the Tories, wrote: "The nation saw and felt that its
+business was understood and accomplished, and the House of Commons was
+no longer like a sleeper under a nightmare. The long session was a busy
+one. The Queen wore a cheerful air when she thanked Parliament for their
+effectual labors. The Opposition was such as could no longer impede the
+operations of the next session. The condition of the country was fearful
+enough, but something was done for its future improvement, and the way
+was now shown to be open for further beneficent legislation."</p>
+
+<p>The corn law reformers renewed their efforts, led by Lord Howick, as
+soon as the parliamentary session of 1843 opened. An inquiry by the
+whole House was demanded into the causes of the long continued
+manufacturing depression referred to in the Queen's speech. Mr.
+Gladstone replied that while the Opposition proposed to repeal the corn
+laws, they offered no measure of relief in their place. The corn laws
+were at the root of the distress in the country, but the difficulty was
+to unite the ranks of the Opposition in opinion as to what ought to
+follow the repeal of the corn laws. The question between the government
+and the Opposition was not really so great as the latter wished to make
+out. It was simply as to the amount of relaxation the country could bear
+in the duties. It was the intention of the First Lord of the Treasury to
+attain his object "by increasing the employment of the people, by
+cheapening the prices of the articles of consumption, as also the
+articles of industry, by encouraging the means of exchange with foreign
+nations, and thereby encouraging in return an extension of the export
+trade; but besides all this, if he understood the measure of the
+government last year, it was proposed that the relaxation should be
+practically so limited as to cause no violent shock to existing
+interests, such as would have the tendency of displacing that labor
+which should be employed, and which, if displaced, would be unable to
+find another field." The measure of the previous year had nothing but a
+beneficial effect, but the repeal of the corn laws would displace a vast
+mass of labor. Lord Howick's motion was defeated and so were others
+offered by Mr. Villiers and Lord John Russell, by diminishing
+majorities, and Mr. Gladstone protested against the constant renewal of
+uneasiness in the country by successive motions of this kind in
+Parliament.</p>
+
+<p>The year 1843 was one destined to witness a great advance in Mr.
+Gladstone's progress towards the front rank among statesmen. June 10th,
+Lord Ripon, who was President of the Board of Trade, left this place for
+the Board of Control, and Mr. Gladstone was appointed to the position,
+and thus became a member of the Cabinet at the age of thirty-three Mr.
+Gladstone now became in name what he had been already in fact&mdash;the
+President of the Board of Trade. He states that "the very first opinion
+which he was ever called upon to give in Cabinet" was an opinion in
+favor of withdrawing the bill providing education for children in
+factories; to which vehement opposition was offered by the Dissenters,
+on the ground that it was too favorable to the Established Church. It
+seemed that his position was assured and yet in October he wrote to a
+friend: "Uneasy, in my opinion, must be the position of every member of
+Parliament who thinks independently in these times, or in any that are
+likely to succeed them; and in proportion as a man's course of thought
+deviates from the ordinary lines his seat must less and less resemble a
+bed of roses." Mr. Gladstone possibly felt when he penned these lines
+that the time was at hand when his convictions would force him to take a
+position that would array against him some of his most ardent friends.</p>
+
+<p>During the session of 1844 Mr. Gladstone addressed the House on a
+variety of subjects, including rail ways, the law of partnership, the
+agricultural interest, the abolition of the corn laws, the Dissenters'
+Chapel Bill and the sugar duties. One very valuable bill he had carried
+was a measure for the abolition of restrictions on the exportation of
+machinery. Another was the railway bill, to improve the railway system,
+by which the Board of Trade had conditional power to purchase railways
+which had not adopted a revised scale of tolls. The bill also
+compulsorily provided for at least one third-class train per week-day
+upon every line of railway, to charge but one penny a mile, regulated
+the speed of traveling, compelled such trains to stop at every station,
+and arranged for the carrying of children under three years of age for
+nothing and those under twelve at reduced fares. This measure, conceived
+so distinctly in the interests of the poorer classes, met with
+considerable opposition at first from the various railway companies, but
+it was ultimately passed into law. These were measures passed in the
+spirit of reform, though by a Conservative government.</p>
+
+<p>There was another matter legislated upon which shows how Mr. Gladstone's
+mind was undergoing changes in the direction of religious toleration.
+Lady Hewley had originally founded and given to Calvinistic Independents
+certain charities which had gradually passed to Unitarians, who were
+ousted from their benefits. A bill was proposed to vest property left to
+Dissenting bodies in the hands of that religions body with whom it had
+remained for the preceding twenty years. The measure was passed, but
+when it was discussed in the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone said that it
+was a bill which it was incumbent upon the House to endorse; that there
+was no contrariety between his principles of religious belief and those
+on which legislation in this case ought to proceed; that there was a
+great question of justice, viz., whether those who were called
+Presbyterian Dissenters, and who were a century and a half ago of
+Trinitarian opinions, ought not to be protected at the present moment in
+possession of the chapels which they held, with the appurtenances of
+those chapels? On the question of substantial justice he pronounced the
+strongest affirmative opinion. "After this speech there were those who
+thought, and expressed their hope and belief in words, that the
+'champion of Free Trade' would ere long become the advocate of the most
+unrestricted liberty in matters of religion. Their hope, if sanguine as
+to its immediate fulfillment, was far from groundless."</p>
+
+<p>However, in December of the same year Mr. Gladstone wrote to his friend
+Archdeacon, afterwards Bishop Wilberforce, about the prospects of the
+Church of England: "I rejoice to see that your views on the whole are
+hopeful. For my part I heartily go along with you. The fabric
+consolidates itself more and more, even while the earthquake rocks it;
+for, with a thousand drawbacks and deductions, love grows larger, zeal
+warmer, truth firmer among us. It makes the mind sad to speculate upon
+the question how much better all might have been; but our mourning
+should be turned into joy and thankfulness when we think also how much
+worse it <i>was</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The next event in the life of Mr. Gladstone is marked by a momentous
+change in his political position. Scarcely had Parliament met in
+January, 1845, when it was announced to the astonishment of everyone
+that Mr. Gladstone had resigned his place as President of the Board of
+Trade in the Cabinet. He set a good deal of speculation at rest by the
+announcement made in his speech on the address of the Queen, that his
+resignation was due solely to the government intentions with regard to
+Maynooth College. Before, however, he had resigned, Mr. Gladstone had
+completed a second and revised tariff, carrying further the principles
+of the revision of 1842.</p>
+
+<p>In the session of 1844 Sir Robert Peel, in response to the requests of
+Irish members, had promised that the Government would take up the
+question of academical education in Ireland, with the view of bringing
+it more nearly to the standard of England and Scotland, increasing its
+amount and improving its quality. In fulfillment of this pledge the
+government, at the beginning of the session of 1845, proposed to
+establish non-sectarian colleges in Ireland, and to increase the
+appropriation to Maynooth. The College of Maynooth, which was
+established for the education of Roman Catholic priests and laymen, had
+fallen into poverty and decay. In order to gratify the Irish, the
+government offered to increase the grant already made from $45,000 to
+$150,000 a year. This appropriation was not to be subject to any annual
+vote, and the affairs of the College were to be executed by the Board of
+Works. These proposals placed Mr. Gladstone in a position of great
+difficulty. He must either support Sir Robert Peel's measure, or retire
+from the Cabinet into isolation, if not subject to the imputation of
+eccentricity. He took council with his friends, Archdeacon Manning and
+Mr. Hope, who advised him to remain, and with Lord Stanley who warned
+him that his resignation must be followed by resistance of the proposals
+of the government, which would involve him in a storm of religious
+agitation. But Mr. Gladstone persisted in his intention, in what seemed
+like giving up his brilliant prospects, but said it would not
+necessarily be followed by resistance to the proposal about Maynooth.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone said that the proposed increase in the Maynooth endowment
+and the establishment of non-sectarian colleges were at variance with
+views he had written and uttered upon the relations of the Church and
+State. "I am sensible how fallible my judgment is," said Mr. Gladstone,
+"and how easily I might have erred; but still it has been my conviction
+that although I was not to fetter my judgment as a member of Parliament
+by a reference to abstract theories, yet, on the other hand, it was
+absolutely due to the public and due to myself that I should, so far as
+in me lay, place myself in a position to form an opinion upon a matter
+of so great importance, that should not only be actually free from all
+bias or leaning with respect to any consideration whatsoever, but an
+opinion that should be unsuspected. On that account I have taken a
+course most painful to myself in respect to personal feelings, and have
+separated myself from men with whom and under whom I have long acted in
+public life, and of whom I am bound to say, although I have now no
+longer the honor of serving my most gracious Sovereign, that I continue
+to regard them with unaltered sentiments both of public regard and
+private attachment."</p>
+
+<p>Then again he said: "My whole purpose was to place myself in a position
+in which I should be free to consider any course without being liable
+to any just suspicion on the ground of personal interest. It is not
+profane if I now say, '<i>with a great price obtained I this freedom</i>.'
+The political association in which I stood was to me at the time the
+<i>alpha</i> and <i>omega</i> of public life. The government of Sir Robert Peel
+was believed to be of immovable strength. My place, as President of the
+Board of Trade, was at the very kernel of its most interesting
+operations; for it was in progress from year to year, with continually
+waxing courage, towards the emancipation of industry, and therein
+towards the accomplishment of another great and blessed work of public
+justice. Giving up what I highly prized, aware that</p>
+<center>
+<p>                        male sarta<br>
+     Gratia nequicquam coit, et rescinditur.</p>
+</center>
+<p>I felt myself open to the charge of being opinionated and wanting in
+deference to really great authorities, and I could not but know that I
+should inevitably be regarded as fastidious and fanciful, fitter for a
+dreamer, or possibly a schoolman, than for the active purposes of public
+life in a busy and moving age."</p>
+
+<p>There were some of his party angry and others who thought that there was
+something almost Quixotic in Mr. Gladstone's honorable resignation,
+because so soon as he felt himself free he gave his support to the
+Maynooth Bill and also to the scheme for the extension of academical
+education in Ireland, which latter was described by Sir R. Inglis as a
+"gigantic scheme of godless education." In Greville's "Memoirs" we find:
+"Gladstone's explanation is ludicrous. Everybody said that he had only
+succeeded in showing that his resignation was unnecessary. He was
+criticised as the possessor of a kind of supernatural virtue that could
+scarcely be popular with the slaves of party, and he was considered
+whimsical, fantastic, impracticable, a man whose 'conscience was so
+tender that he could not go straight,' a visionary not to be relied
+on&mdash;in fact, a character and intellect useless to the political
+manager." "I am greatly alarmed at Gladstone's resignation. I fear it
+foretells measures opposed to the Church truth," wrote Wilberforce; and
+Peel told Gladstone beforehand that his reasons for his resignation
+would be considered insufficient. But Mr. Gladstone's resignation, when
+understood, elicited the liveliest expressions of regret from friend and
+foe, as well as the most flattering testimonies as to his ability and
+character. His chief, Sir Robert Peel, and Lord John Russell, the leader
+of the Opposition, were alike complimentary in their remarks.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Russell, the biographer of Mr. Gladstone, says: "Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement, by impairing his reputation for common sense, threatened
+serious and lasting injury to his political career, But the whirligig
+of time brought its revenges even more swiftly than usual. A conjunction
+of events arose in which he was destined to repair the mischief which
+the speculative side had wrought; but for the moment the speculative
+side was uppermost."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone was fast leaving his Toryism behind. To show how far his
+views had changed in the course of seven years, it may be said that in
+his speech on these measures he observed how that exclusive support to
+the Established Church was a doctrine that was being more and more
+abandoned. Mr. Burke considered it contrary to wise policy to give
+exclusive privileges to a negative creed like that of Protestantism.
+They could not prove their religious scruples for denying this grant to
+Roman Catholics, because they gave their votes of money to almost every
+Dissenting seat. He hoped the concession now made&mdash;which was a great and
+liberal gift, because unrestricted and given in a spirit of
+confidence&mdash;would not lead to the renewal of agitation in Ireland by Mr.
+O'Connell. It might be well for him to reflect that agitation was a
+two-edged sword. Being conformable to justice and not contrary to
+principle, he hoped the measure proposed would pass into a law.</p>
+
+<p>W.T. Stead, in a recent article, said, in relation to Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement from the Cabinet, that "It is ridiculous to pretend, with
+Mr. Gladstone's career before us, that his course has been swayed by
+calculating self-interest. He has been the very madman of politics from
+the point of view of Mr. Worldly Wiseman. 'No man,' said he, the other
+day, 'has ever committed suicide so often as I,' and that witness is
+true. The first and perhaps the most typical of all his many suicides
+was his resignation of his seat in Sir Robert Peel's Cabinet, not
+because he disapproved of the Maynooth Grant, but because, as he had at
+one time written against it, he was determined that his advocacy of it
+should be purged of the last taint of self-interest. As Mr. George
+Russell rightly remarks, 'This was an act of Parliamentary Quixotism too
+eccentric to be intelligible. It argued a fastidious sensitiveness of
+conscience, and a nice sense of political propriety so opposed to the
+sordid selfishness and unblushing tergiversation of the ordinary
+place-hunter as to be almost offensive.' But as Mr. Gladstone was then,
+so he has been all his life&mdash;the very Quixote of conscience. Judged by
+every standard of human probability, he has ruined himself over and over
+and over again. He is always ruining himself, and always rising, like
+the Phoenix, in renewed youth from the ashes of his funeral pyre. As was
+said in homely phrase some years ago, he 'always keeps bobbing up
+again.' What is the secret of this wonderful capacity of revival? How
+is it that Mr. Gladstone seems to find even his blunders help him, and
+the affirmation of principles that seem to be destructive to all chance
+of the success of his policy absolutely helps him to its realization?"</p>
+
+<p>From a merely human standpoint it is inexplicable. But</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+<p> 'If right or wrong in this God's world of ours<br>
+      Be leagued with higher powers,'</p>
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<p>then the mystery is not so insolvable. He believed in the higher powers.
+He never shrank from putting his faith to the test; and on the whole,
+who can deny that for his country and for himself he has reason to
+rejoice in the verification of his working hypothesis?</p>
+
+<p>'We walk by faith and not by sight,' he said once; 'and by no one so
+much as by those who are in politics is this necessary.' It is the
+evidence of things not seen, the eternal principles, the great invisible
+moral sanctions that men are wont to call the laws of God, which alone
+supply a safe guide through this mortal wilderness.</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<p>     'Men of a thousand shifts and wiles, look here!<br>
+        See one straightforward conscience put in pawn<br>
+      To win a world; see the obedient sphere<br>
+        By bravery's simple gravitation drawn!<br>
+      Shall we not heed the lesson taught of old,<br>
+        And by the Present's lips repeated still?<br>
+      In our own single manhood to be bold,<br>
+        Fortressed in conscience and impregnable.'</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<p>"Mr. Gladstone has never hesitated to counter at sharp right angles the
+passion and the fury of the day. Those who represent him as ever strong
+upon the strong side, wilfully shut their eyes to half his history. He
+challenged Lord Palmerston over the Don Pacifico question, and was
+believed to have wrecked himself almost as completely as when in 1876 he
+countered even more resolutely the fantastic Jingoism of Lord
+Beaconsfield. It is easy for those who come after and enter into the
+spoils gained by sacrifices of which they themselves were incapable to
+describe the Bulgarian agitation as an astute party move. The party did
+not think so. Its leaders did not think so. Some of those who now halloo
+loud enough behind Mr. Gladstone were then bitter enough in their
+complaint that he had wrecked his party. One at least, who was
+constrained to say the other thing in public, made up for it by bitter
+and contemptuous cavilings in private. Now it is easy to see that Lord
+Beaconsfield was mistaken and that Mr. Gladstone held the winning card
+all along. But no one knew it at the time when the card had to be
+played, certainly not Mr. Gladstone himself. He simply saw his duty a
+dead sure thing, and, like Jim Bludsoe on the burning boat, 'He went for
+it there and then.' It turned up trumps, but no one knew how heavy were
+the odds against it save those who went through the stress and the
+strain of that testing and trying time by his side."</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of 1845 Mr. Gladstone proposed to his intimate friend, Mr.
+J.R. Hope, that they should spend the month of September in a working
+tour in Ireland, giving evidence of his characteristic desire always to
+come in personal contact with any question that he had to discuss. He
+suggests "their eschewing all grandeur, and taking little account even
+of scenery, compared with the purpose of looking, from close quarters,
+at the institutions for religion and education of the country, and at
+the character of the people. It seems ridiculous to talk of supplying
+the defects of second-hand information by so short a trip; but although
+a longer time would be much better, yet even a very contracted one does
+much when it is added to an habitual, though indirect, knowledge." The
+projected trip, however, had to be abandoned.</p>
+
+<p>Towards the close of the year 1845 Mr. Gladstone issued a pamphlet
+entitled "Remarks upon recent Commercial Legislation," in which he not
+only discussed the salutary effects of the late commercial policy, but
+used arguments clearly showing that he was advancing to the position of
+a free-trader. His general conclusion was that English statesmen should
+use every effort to disburden of all charges, so far as the law was
+concerned, the materials of industry, and thus enable the workman to
+approach his work at home on better terms, as the terms in which he
+entered foreign markets were altered for the worse against him.</p>
+
+<p>While Mr. Gladstone was so willing to deal generously more than ever
+before with the Irish Roman Catholics, his confidence in the Established
+Episcopal Church of Ireland was growing less. "I am sorry," he wrote to
+Bishop Wilberforce, "to express my apprehension that the Irish Church is
+not in a large sense efficient; the working results of the last ten
+years have disappointed me. I may be answered, Have faith in the
+ordinance of God; but then I must see the seal and signature, and these,
+how can I separate from ecclesiastical descent? The title, in short, is
+questioned, and vehemently, not only by the Radicalism of the day, but
+by the Roman Bishops, who claim to hold succession of St. Patrick, and
+this claim has been alive all along from the Reformation, so that lapse
+of years does nothing against it."</p>
+
+<p>The name of Dr. Döllinger, the distinguished reformed Roman Catholic,
+has been mentioned already in connection with that of Mr. Gladstone. In
+the fall of 1845 Mr. Gladstone went to Munich and paid his first visit
+to Dr. Döllinger. For a week he remained in daily intercourse with this
+eminent divine, and the foundation was laid of a friendship which was
+sustained by repeated visits and correspondence, and which lasted until
+the doctor's death in 1890.</p>
+
+<p>In the winter of 1845 Mr. Gladstone met with a painful accident that
+resulted in a permanent injury to his hand. He was by no means what is
+termed a sportsman, yet he was somewhat fond of shooting. His gun was
+prematurely discharged while he was loading it, and shattered the first
+finger of his left hand, so that amputation was necessary.</p>
+
+<a name="213"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="213 (98K)" src="images/213.jpg" height="452" width="482">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c7"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+<h4>
+MEMBER FOR OXFORD
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>"Mr. Gladstone's career," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"naturally divides itself into three parts. The first of them ends with
+his retirement from the representation of Newark. The central part
+ranges from 1847 to 1868. Happily the third is still incomplete." The
+first division, according to Dr. Russell, of this remarkable life, we
+have considered, and we now pass on to the development of the second
+period. The causes which led up to Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the
+representation for Newark to that of Oxford we will now proceed
+to trace.</p>
+
+<p>The agitation by the ablest orators against the corn laws had been going
+on for ten years, when an announcement was made in the "Times" of
+December 4, 1845, that Parliament would be convened the first week in
+January, and that the Queen's address would recommend the immediate
+consideration of the corn laws, preparatory to their total abolition.
+This startling news took the other daily papers by surprise, for there
+had been recently a lull in the agitation, and several of them
+contradicted it positively. Yet the newspapers had noticed the unusual
+occurrence of four cabinet meetings in one week. The original statement
+was confirmed. The ministry was pledged to support the measure. The hour
+had come, the doom of the corn laws was sealed. Mr. Gladstone's thoughts
+and labors for some years past had been leading him away from
+Protection, in which he had been brought up, in the direction of Free
+Trade; and although he was unable to participate in the last part of the
+struggle in Parliament, because he was not a member of the House, he was
+yet in harmony with Sir Robert Peel, and indeed is said to have
+converted the Premier to Free Trade views. Such a change of views was
+not the sudden impulse of an hour. The next step was to announce his
+changed convictions. And so upon other occasions in his life, his
+attitude on the question of the corn laws led to his separation from
+some old and greatly cherished political and personal friends, and among
+the first to disapprove of his new departure must have been his own
+father, who would think his son was going to ruin the country.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke of Buccleuch and Lord Stanley informed Sir Robert Peel that
+they could not support a measure for the repeal of the corn laws, and
+Sir Robert Peel, being doubtful whether he could carry through the
+proposed measure in the face of such opposition, tendered his
+resignation as premier to the Queen. Lord John Russell was called upon
+to form a new ministry, but, having failed in this, the Queen desired
+Sir Robert Peel to withdraw his resignation, and resume the head of the
+government again.</p>
+
+<p>It was found when the list of the new Peel Cabinet was published, that
+Mr. Gladstone was a member of it; having accepted the office of Colonial
+Secretary, in the place of Lord Stanley, who had resigned because not in
+sympathy with the proposed movement and of repeal. Accepting office in a
+ministry pledged to repeal the corn laws led to the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone from the House of Commons as the representative for Newark.
+The Duke of New Castle, the patron and friend of Mr. Gladstone, was an
+ardent Protectionist, and could not sanction the candidature of a
+supporter of Free Trade principles. His patronage was therefore
+necessarily withdrawn from Mr. Gladstone. Indeed, the Duke had turned
+his own son, Lord Lincoln, out of the representation of Nottinghamshire
+for accepting office under Sir Robert Peel, and he naturally showed no
+mercy to the brilliant but wayward politician, whom his favor had made
+member for Newark. Besides, Mr. Gladstone felt he held opposite
+principles from those he held when elected, and that unless the
+constituency had changed with him, he could no longer honorably continue
+to represent them, even if the influence and friendship of the Duke
+permitted it.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly he did not offer himself for re-election, but retired and
+issued an address to the electors of Newark, dated January 5, 1846, of
+which the following is an extract: "By accepting the office of Secretary
+of State for the Colonies, I have ceased to be your representative in
+Parliament. On several accounts I should have been peculiarly desirous
+at the present time of giving you an opportunity to pronounce your
+constitutional judgment on my public conduct, by soliciting at your
+hands a renewal of the trust which I have already received from you on
+five successive occasions, and held during a period of thirteen years.
+But as I have good reason to believe that a candidate recommended to
+your favor through local connections may ask your suffrages, it becomes
+my very painful duty to announce to you on that ground alone my
+retirement from a position which has afforded me so much of honor and of
+satisfaction." Mr. Gladstone further goes on to explain that he accepted
+office because he held that "it was for those who believed the
+Government was acting according to the demands of public duty to testify
+that belief, however limited their sphere might be, by their
+co-operation." He had acted "in obedience to the clear and imperious
+call of public obligation."</p>
+
+<p>It was in this way that Mr. Gladstone became a voluntary exile from the
+House of Commons during this important season, and took no part in the
+debates, his personal powerful advocacy being lost in the consideration
+of the great measure before the House. He was a member of the Cabinet,
+but not of the House of Commons. It was no secret, however, that he was
+the most advanced Free Trader in the Peel Cabinet, and that the policy
+of the government in regard to this great measure of 1846 was to a large
+extent moulded by him.</p>
+
+<p>It is also known that his representations of the effects of Free Trade
+on the industry of the country and the general well-being of the people
+strengthened the Premier in his resolve to sweep away the obnoxious corn
+laws. His pamphlet on recent commercial legislation had prepared the way
+for the later momentous changes; and to Mr. Gladstone is due much of the
+credit for the speedy consummation of the Free Trade policy of the Peel
+Ministry. Mr. Gladstone may be regarded as the pioneer of the movement.</p>
+
+<p>Just at this time a calamity occurred in Ireland which furnished Sir
+Robert Peel an additional argument for the prompt repeal of the corn
+laws; namely, a prospective famine, owing to the failure of the potato
+crop. With threatened famine in Ireland, such as had never been
+experienced, the Prime Minister saw clearly that corn must be admitted
+into the country free of duty. The Anti-Corn Law League was growing
+powerful and even irresistible, while both in England and Ireland many
+landlords of influence, who did not belong to the League, were in
+sympathy with the movement started by the Premier and ready to extend to
+him a hearty support.</p>
+
+<p>But the friends of Protection did not leave the Premier without
+opposition. Knowing that Sir Robert Peel's personal influence was
+greater than that of any minister who had "virtually governed the
+empire," they used every means at their command, fair and unfair, to
+defeat the bill. However, their efforts were destined to failure. Some
+contended that the presentation and passage of the corn law repeal bill
+ought to be left to the Liberals. But Free Trade had not received the
+support of every member of the Liberal party, and Sir Robert Peel was in
+a position to carry out the measure, and it was not in accordance with
+the wisdom of practical politics to halt. Indeed, at this very juncture,
+Mr. Cobden wrote to the Premier that he had the power, and that it would
+be disastrous to the country for him to hesitate. Writing from
+Edinburgh, Lord John Russell announced his conversion to total and
+immediate repeal of the corn laws. Sir Robert Peel hesitated no longer,
+but, feeling that the crisis had arrived, determined to grapple with it.
+It was duty to country before and above fancied loyalty to party to be
+considered. It is strange what remedies some men deem sensible,
+suggested to prevent famine in Ireland.</p>
+
+<p>"Obviously the Government was in difficulties. What those difficulties
+were it was not hard to guess. In the previous autumn it had become
+known that, after a long season of sunless wet, the potatoes had
+everywhere been attacked by an obscure disease. The failure of this crop
+meant an Irish famine. The steps suggested to meet this impending
+calamity were strange enough. The head of the English peerage
+recommended the poor to rely on curry-powder as a nutritious and
+satisfying food. Another duke thought that the government could show no
+favor to a population almost in a state of rebellion, but that
+individuals might get up a subscription. A noble lord, harmonizing
+materialism and faith, urged the government to encourage the provision
+of salt fish, and at the same time to appoint a day of public
+acknowledgment of our dependence on Divine goodness. The council of the
+Royal Agricultural Society, numbering some of the wealthiest noblemen
+and squires in England, were not ashamed to lecture the laborers on the
+sustaining properties of thrice-boiled bones."</p>
+
+<p>When Parliament assembled the Premier entered into an explanation of the
+late ministerial crisis, and unfolded his projected plans. He said that
+the failure of the potato crop had led to the dissolution of the late
+government, that matters now could brook no further delay; that prompt
+action must now be taken on the Corn Laws; that the progress of reason
+and truth demanded it; that his opinions on the subject of Protection
+had undergone a great change; that the experience of the past three
+years confirmed him in his new views; that he could not conceal the
+knowledge of his convictions, however much it might lay him open to the
+charge of inconsistency; that, though accused of apathy and neglect, he
+and his colleagues were even then engaged in the most extensive and
+arduous inquiries into the true state of Ireland; and that, as these
+inquiries progressed, he has been forced to the conclusion that the
+protection policy was unsound and consequently untenable.</p>
+
+<p>It is worthy of note that Mr. Disraeli, the future Parliamentary rival
+of Mr. Gladstone, took part, as a member of the House of Commons, in the
+discussion of the question under consideration. The following words show
+his attitude: "To the opinions which I have expressed in this House in
+favor of Protection I adhere. They sent to this House, and if I had
+relinquished them I should have relinquished my seat also." "It would be
+an unprofitable talk," writes Barnett Smith, "to unravel the many
+inconsistencies of Lord Beaconsfield's career; but with regard to this
+deliverance upon Protection, the curious in such matters may turn back
+to the records of 1842, when they will discover that at that time he was
+quite prepared to advocate measures of a Free Trade character. But we
+must pass on from this important question of the Corn Laws, with the
+angry controversy to which it gave rise. Sir Robert Peel brought forward
+his measure, and after lengthened debate in both Houses, it became law,
+and grain was admitted into English ports under the new tariff."</p>
+
+<p>After all their success in carrying through the important Corn Law
+Repeal scheme, the ministry of Sir Robert Peel was doomed to fall upon
+an Irish question. The very day that brought their victory in the
+passage of the Corn Law Repeal Act in the House of Lords saw the defeat
+of the ministry in the House of Commons on their bill for the
+suppression of outrage in Ireland. Sir Robert Peel found himself in a
+minority of 73 and therefore tendered his resignation. It was accepted
+and Sir Robert Peel went out of office forever. Lord John Russell was
+sent for by the Queen, and he succeeded in forming a Whig Ministry.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's return to the Cabinet of Sir Robert Peel, as we have
+seen, cost him his seat in the House of Commons. It was not until the
+brief session of 1847, that he appeared again in Parliament. The Queen
+dissolved Parliament in person, July, 23d. The election succeeding
+turned in many instances upon ecclesiastical questions, and especially
+upon the Maynooth grant.</p>
+
+<p>It was announced early in 1847 that one of the two members of the House
+of Commons for the University of Oxford intended to retire at the next
+general election. Mr. Canning had pronounced the representation of the
+university as the most coveted prize of public life, and Mr. Gladstone
+himself confessed that he "desired it with an almost passionate
+fondness." Mr. Gladstone, as a graduate of Oxford, was looked upon not
+only by his contemporaries, but by his seniors and those who came after
+him, with feelings of enthusiastic admiration. The feeling then was
+reciprocal, and he was proposed for the vacant seat. Sir R.N. Inglis was
+secure in his seat, and so the contest lay between Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Round, who was of the ultra-Protestant and Tory school. The contest
+excited the keenest interest and was expected on all hands to be
+very close.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone in his address to the electors of his <i>Alma Mater</i>
+confessed that in the earlier part of his public life he had been an
+advocate for the exclusive support of the national religion of the
+state, but it had been in vain; the time was against him. He said: "I
+found that scarcely a year passed without the adoption of some fresh
+measure involving the national recognition and the national support of
+various forms of religion, and, in particular, that a recent and fresh
+provision had been made for the propagation from a public chair of Arian
+or Socinian doctrines. The question remaining for me was whether, aware
+of the opposition of the English people, I should set down as equal to
+nothing, in a matter primarily connected not with our own but with their
+priesthood, the wishes of the people of Ireland; and whether I should
+avail myself of the popular feeling in regard to the Roman Catholics for
+the purpose of enforcing against them a system which we had ceased by
+common consent to enforce against Arians&mdash;a system, above all, of which
+I must say that it never can be conformable to policy, to justice or
+even to decency, when it has become avowedly partial and one-sided in
+its application."</p>
+
+<p>This address intensified the determination of those opposed to Mr.
+Gladstone to defeat him. A great portion of the press was, however, in
+his favor. Some of the journals that were enthusiastic for Mr. Gladstone
+were very bitter against Mr. Round. Mr. Gladstone's distinguished talent
+and industry were lauded, as well as his earnest attachment to the
+Church of England. He had, however, renounced the exclusiveness of his
+politico-ecclesiastical principles, and no longer importuned Parliament
+to ignore all forms of religion but those established by law, or which
+were exactly coincident with his own belief. "His election," declared
+one journal, "unlike that of Mr. Round, while it sends an important
+member to the House of Commons, will certainly be creditable, and may be
+valuable to the university; and we heartily hope that no negligence or
+hesitation among his supporters may impede his success." Even outside of
+church circles the election was regarded with great interest.</p>
+
+<p>The nomination took place July 29th. After the usual ceremony, the
+voting commenced in convocation-house, which was densely crowded. So
+great was the pressure of the throng that men fainted and had to be
+carried out. Mr. Coleridge, afterward Lord Coleridge, was the secretary
+of Mr. Gladstone's committee. Distinguished men, among them Sir Robert
+Peel, his colleague in the Cabinet, came from a great distance to
+"plump" for Mr. Gladstone. The venerable Dr. Routh, then nearly
+ninety-two years old, came forth from his retirement at Magdalen College
+to vote for him. Mrs. Gladstone, according to Mr. Hope-Scott, was an
+indefatigable canvasser for her husband. At the close of the poll the
+vote stood: Inglis, 1700; Gladstone, 997; Round, 824. Of course Sir
+Robert Inglis, with his "prehistoric Toryism," stood at the head. To the
+supporters of Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Round must be added 154 who were
+paired. Mr. Gladstone received a majority of 173 over his
+ultra-Protestant opponent. The total number of those polled exceeded
+that registered at any previous election, showing the intense and
+general interest in the result.</p>
+
+<p>This period of Mr. Gladstone's life has been very properly styled by one
+of his biographers, as the transition period. "On one side the
+Conservative Free-trader clings fondly and tenaciously to the Toryism of
+his youth, on another, he is reaching out toward new realms of Liberal
+thought and action. He opposes marriage with a deceased wife's sister on
+theological and social grounds, asserting roundly that such marriage is
+'contrary to the law of God, declared for three thousand years and
+upwards.' He deprecates the appointment of a Commission to enquire into
+the Universities, because it will deter intending benefactors from
+effecting their munificent intentions. He argues for a second chamber in
+Australian legislatures, citing, perhaps a little unfortunately, the
+constitutional example of contemporary France. In all these utterances
+it is not hard to read the influence of the traditions in which he was
+reared, or of the ecclesiastical community which he represents in
+Parliament.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet even in the theological domain a tendency towards Liberalism shows
+itself. His hatred of Erastianism is evinced by his gallant but
+unsuccessful attempt to secure for the clergy and laity of each colonial
+diocese the power of self-government. Amid the indignant protests of his
+Tory allies, and in opposition to his own previous speech and vote, he
+vindicates the policy of admitting the Jews to Parliament. He defends
+the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Court of Rome; he
+supports the alteration of the parliamentary oath; and, though he will
+not abet an abstract attack on Church Rates, he contends that their
+maintainance involves a corresponding duty to provide accommodation in
+the church for the very poorest of the congregation.</p>
+
+<p>"On the commercial side his Liberalism is rampant. With even fanatical
+faith he clings to Free Trade as the best guarantee for our national
+stability amid the crash of the dynasties and constitutions which went
+down in '48. He thunders against the insidious dangers of reciprocity.
+He desires, by reforming the laws which govern navigation, to make the
+ocean, 'that great highway of nations, as free to the ships that
+traverse its bosom as to the winds that sweep it.'</p>
+
+<p>"And so the three years&mdash;1847, 1848, 1849&mdash;rolled by, full of stirring
+events in Europe and in England, in Church and in State, but marked by
+no special incidents in the life of Mr. Gladstone. For him these years
+were a period of mental growth, of transition, of development. A change
+was silently proceeding, which was not completed for twenty years, if,
+indeed, it has been completed yet. 'There have been,' he wrote in later
+days to Bishop Wilberforce, 'two great deaths, or transmigrations of
+spirit, in my political existence&mdash;one, very slow, the breaking of ties
+with my original party.' This was now in progress. The other will be
+narrated in due course."</p>
+
+<p>One of the features of the general election of 1847 that excited the
+wildest popular comment was the election of Baron Rothschild for the
+City of London. There was nothing illegal in the election of a Jew, but
+he was virtually precluded from taking his seat in the House of Commons,
+because the law required every member to subscribe not only to the
+Christian religion, but to the Protestant Episcopal faith. To obviate
+this difficulty, Lord John Russell, soon after Parliament assembled,
+offered a resolution affirming the eligibility of Jews to all functions
+and offices to which Roman Catholics were admissible by law. Sir R.H.
+Inglis opposed the resolution and Mr. Gladstone, his colleague,
+supported it.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone inquired whether there were any grounds for the
+disqualification of the Jews which distinguished them from any other
+classes in the community. They contended for a "Christian Parliament,
+but the present measure did not make severance between politics and
+religion, it only amounted to a declaration that there was no necessity
+for excluding a Jew, as such, from an assembly in which every man felt
+sure that a vast and overwhelming majority of its members would always
+be Christian. It was said that by admitting a few Jews they would
+un-Christianize Parliament; that was true in word, but not in
+substance." He had no doubt that the majority of the members who
+composed it would always perform their obligations on the true faith of
+a Christian. It was too late to say that the measure was un-Christian,
+and that it would call down the vengeance of heaven. When he opposed the
+last law of the removal of Jewish disabilities, he foresaw that if he
+gave the Jew municipal, magisterial and executive functions, we could
+not refuse him legislative functions any longer. "The Jew was refused
+entrance into the House because he would then be a maker of the law; but
+who made the maker of the law? The constituencies; and into these
+constituencies had been admitted the Jews. Now were the constituencies
+Christian constituencies? If they were, was it probable that the
+Parliament would cease to be a Christian Parliament?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone admitted the force of the prayer in Bishop Wilberforce's
+petition, that in view of this concession measures should be taken to
+give greater vigor to the Church, and thus operate to the prevention of
+an organic change in the relations between Church and State. In
+concluding his defence of Lord John Russell's resolution Mr. Gladstone
+expressed the opinion that if they admitted Jews into Parliament,
+prejudice might be awakened for awhile, but the good sense of the people
+would soon allay it, and members would have the consolation of knowing
+that in case of difficulty they had yielded to a sense of justice, and
+by so doing had not disparaged religion or lowered Christianity, but
+rather had elevated both in all reflecting and well-regulated minds. The
+logic of this speech could not be controverted, though Mr. Newdegate
+declared that Mr. Gladstone would never have gained his election for the
+University of Oxford had his sentiments on the Jewish question been then
+known. The resolution of Lord John Russell was carried by a large
+majority, whereupon he announced first a resolution, and then a bill, in
+accordance with its terms.</p>
+
+<p>The year 1848 was a year of excitement and revolution. All Europe was in
+a state of agitation, and France by a new revolution presented another
+one of her national surprises. The news of a revolution in France caused
+the greatest perturbation throughout England, and disturbances in the
+capital of the country. Great demonstrations were made at Trafalgar
+Square and Charing Cross, March 6th, but the meetings assumed more of a
+burlesque than of a serious character. In Glasgow and other parts of the
+country there were serious riots. Shops were sacked, and the military
+was called out to quell the disturbance, which was not effected until
+the soldiers fired with fatal results upon the rioters. There were
+uprisings and mob violence also at Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, but
+they were of a less formidable character. A Chartist meeting was held on
+Kennington Common, March 13th, but, though the meeting had been looked
+forward to with great apprehensions by all lovers of law and order, yet
+it passed off without the serious results anticipated.</p>
+
+<p>Though great preparations were made in view of the demonstration, yet,
+fortunately it passed off without loss of life. The meeting however had
+furnished a pretext for the gathering of a lawless mob, although but few
+were politically concerned in it. It was deemed necessary, to provide
+against every emergency, so special constables in great numbers were
+sworn in previous to the meetings, and it is interesting to observe that
+amongst the citizens who came forward in London to enroll themselves as
+preservers of the peace of society were William Ewart Gladstone, the
+Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Derby, and Prince Louis Napoleon,
+afterwards Emperor of France.</p>
+
+<p>The people were becoming dissatisfied with the government of the
+country, particularly with its financial measures. A deficiency of two
+million pounds appeared, and additional taxation would be necessary
+owing to the Caffre War. It was therefore proposed to continue the
+income tax for five years and increase it slightly. Owing to the
+distress in Ireland it was not proposed to extend the operation of this
+measure to that country. The property tax was defended on the same
+principles laid down by Mr. Pitt, and in 1842, by Sir Robert Peel. But
+this scheme was bitterly opposed and many attributed the depressed
+condition of the finances to free trade. Sir Robert Peel decided to
+support the proposed tax for three years. Mr. Disraeli desired the
+success of Sir Robert Peel's policy, and described himself as a
+"free-trader, but not a free-booter of the Manchester school;" and he
+dubbed the blue-book of the Import Duties Committee "the greatest work
+of imagination that the nineteenth century has produced." He said that
+the government, by acting upon it, and taking it for a guide, resembled
+a man smoking a cigar on a barrel of gunpowder.</p>
+
+<p>This epigrammatic speech of Mr. Disraeli brought Mr. Gladstone to his
+feet. He said, by way of introduction, that he could not hope to sustain
+the lively interest created by the remarkable speech of his
+predecessor&mdash;a display to which he felt himself unequal&mdash;he would pass
+over the matters of a personal description touched upon by the
+honorable gentleman, and confine himself to defending the policy which
+had been assailed. Mr. Gladstone then demonstrated, by a series of
+elaborate statistics, the complete success of Sir Robert Peel's policy.
+He also said, that the confidence of the public would be greatly shaken
+by an adverse vote, and he alluded to the unsettled condition of affairs
+in the Cabinet. "I am sure," said Mr. Gladstone, "that this House of
+Commons will prove itself to be worthy of the Parliaments which preceded
+it, worthy of the Sovereign which it has been called to advise, and
+worthy of the people which it has been chosen to represent, by
+sustaining this nation, and enabling it to stand firm in the midst of
+the convulsions that shake European society; by doing all that pertains
+to us for the purpose of maintaining social order, the stability of
+trade, and the means of public employment; and by discharging our
+consciences, on our own part, under the difficult circumstances of the
+crisis, in the perfect trust that if we set a good example to the
+nations&mdash;for whose interests we are appointed to consult&mdash;they, too,
+will stand firm as they have in other times of almost desperate
+emergency; and that through their good sense, their moderation, and
+their attachment to the institutions of the country, we shall see these
+institutions still exist, a blessing and a benefit to prosperity,
+whatever alarms and whatever misfortunes may unfortunately befall other
+portions of civilized Europe."</p>
+
+<p>"It was fortunate for the future interests of the country," says Dr.
+Smith, his biographer, "that the proposals of the government were at
+this juncture supported by a great majority of the House of Commons. In
+a moment of unreasoning panic there was some danger of the adoption of a
+reactionary policy&mdash;a step that would have lost to the country those
+blessings which it subsequently enjoyed as the outcome of Free Trade."</p>
+
+<p>May 15, Mr. Labouchere, President of the Board of Trade, proposed a plan
+for the modification of the navigation laws. Reserving the coasting
+trade and fisheries of Great Britain and the Colonies, it was proposed
+"to throw open the whole navigation of the country, of every sort and
+description." But the Queen claimed the right of putting such
+restrictions as she saw fit upon the navigation of foreign countries, if
+those countries did not meet England on equal terms; and that each
+colony should be allowed to throw open its coasting trade to foreign
+countries. Mr. Gladstone made a lengthy speech, examining closely the
+operation of existing laws, and showing the necessity for their repeal.
+With regard to the power claimed by the Queen in Council, with a view to
+enforcing reciprocity, Mr. Gladstone said, "I confess it appears to me
+there is a great objection to conferring such a power as that which is
+proposed to be given to the Queen in Council." He contended also for a
+gradual change in the laws. The policy of excluding the coasting trade
+from the measure he also condemned. "It would have been much more frank
+to have offered to admit the Americans to our coasting trade if they
+would admit us to theirs." If England and America concurred in setting
+an example to the world, he hoped we should "live to see the ocean, that
+great highway of nations, as free to the ships that traverse its bosom
+as the winds that sweep it. England would then have achieved another
+triumph, and have made another powerful contribution to the prosperity
+of mankind." The bill was postponed until the following year.</p>
+
+<p>During the session of 1848 Mr. Gladstone spoke upon the proposed grant
+of Vancouver's Island to the Hudson's Bay Company; and upon the Sugar
+Duties Bill; but the most important speech delivered by him at that time
+was upon a measure to legalize diplomatic relations with the Court of
+Rome. It was objected that thus recognizing the spiritual governor of
+Rome and of all the Roman Catholic population of the world, would
+neither conciliate the affections of the Protestants, nor satisfy the
+wishes of the Roman Catholics, who had denounced it strongly to
+the Pope.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone took broad and comprehensive views of the question. To
+some features of the Bill he was opposed, but was in favor of its
+principle. It was unfortunate as to time, owing to the condition of
+affairs in Italy. England must take one of two positions. If she
+declined political communication with the See of Rome, she had no right
+to complain of any steps which the Pope might take with respect to the
+administration of his own ecclesiastical affairs; but an act so directly
+in contravention of the laws of the land as the partitioning of the
+country into archbishoprics and bishoprics was a most unfortunate
+proceeding; wrong because it was generally and justly offensive to the
+feelings of the people of England, and totally unnecessary, as he
+believed, for Roman Catholic purposes, but also because it ill assorted
+with the grounds on which the Parliament was invited by the present bill
+to establish definite relations with the See of Rome. For one hundred
+years after the Reformation the Pope was actually in arms for the
+purpose of recovering by force his lost dominions in this country. It
+was only natural, therefore, that we should have prohibited relations
+with the See of Rome when it attacked the title of the Sovereign of
+these realms, but there was no such reason for continuing the
+prohibition at the present moment.</p>
+
+<p>Those who have studied Mr. Gladstone's career carefully attest that this
+speech would have been impossible from his lips ten years before the
+time it was delivered; and early in the next session of Parliament he
+delivered another speech which furnishes us an example of the growth of
+his liberal views in matters of conscience. Lord John Russell proposes
+further relief upon the matter of oaths to be taken by members of
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said that the civil political claims of the
+Jew should not be barred, and he deprecated the tendency to degenerate
+formalism in oaths, but he was glad that the words, "on the true faith
+of a Christian" in respect to all Christian members of the House of
+Commons had been retained. He also, later in the session, favored
+correcting the enormous evils growing out of the Church rate system,
+with taxation of all the further support of the State Church. He did not
+believe in imposing an uncompensated burden upon any man. Every man
+contributing his quota was entitled to demand a free place in the house
+of his Maker. "But the centre and best parts of the Church were occupied
+by pews exclusively for the middle classes, while the laboring classes
+were jealously excluded from almost every part of light and hearing in
+the Churches, and were treated in a manner most painful to
+reflect upon."</p>
+
+<p>When Mr. Labouchere re-introduced the ministerial bill for the repeal of
+the Navigation Laws, in the session of 1849, Mr. Gladstone supported
+generally the measure in a full and exhaustive speech. He favored the
+bill with certain modifications. The Marquis of Granby expressed fears
+at the consequences of the change proposed, and Mr. Gladstone answered
+him: "The noble Marquis," he observed, "desired to expel the vapours and
+exhalations that had been raised with regard to the principle of
+political economy, and which vapours and exhalations I find for the most
+part in the fears with which those changes are regarded. The noble
+Marquis consequently hoped that the Trojan horse would not be allowed to
+come within the walls of Parliament. But however applicable the figures
+may be to other plans, it does not, I submit, apply to the mode of
+proceeding I venture to recommend to the House, because we follow the
+precedent of what Mr. Huskisson did before us. Therefore more than one
+moiety of the Trojan horse has already got within the citadel&mdash;it has
+been there for twenty-five years, and yet what has proceeded from its
+bowels has only tended to augment the rate of increase in the progress
+of your shipping. Therefore, let us not be alarmed by vague and dreamy
+ratiocinations of evil, which had never been wanting on any occasion,
+and which never will be wanting so long as this is a free State, wherein
+every man can find full vent and scope for the expression, not only of
+his principles, but of his prejudices and his fears. Let us not be
+deterred by those apprehensions from giving a calm and serious
+examination to this question, connected as it is with the welfare of our
+country. Let us follow steadily the light of experience, and be
+convinced that He who preserved us during the past will also be
+sufficient to sustain us during all the dangers of the future."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Disraeli seized the opportunity to make a caustic speech, in which
+he fiercely attacked both Mr. Labouchere and Mr. Gladstone, and alluded
+sarcastically to their "great sacrifices," and said that the latter was
+about to give up that good development of the principle of reciprocity
+which the House had waited for with so much suspense. Mr. Gladstone
+replied, "I am perfectly satisfied to bear his sarcasm, good humoured
+and brilliant as it is, while I can appeal to his judgment as to whether
+the step I have taken was unbecoming in one who conscientiously differs
+with him on the freedom of trade, and has endeavoured to realize it;
+because, so far from its being the cause of the distress of the country,
+it has been, under the mercy of God, the most signal and effectual means
+of mitigating this distress, and accelerating the dawn of the day of
+returning prosperity."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone spoke also during the session upon the subject of Colonial
+Reform which came before the House on several occasions, and especially
+in connection with riots in Canada; and on a bill for the removal of
+legal restrictions against marriage with a deceased wife's sister. He
+opposed the latter measure upon theological, social, and moral grounds,
+and begged the House to repeat the almost entire sentiment of the
+country respecting the bill. To do otherwise would be to inflict upon
+the Church the misfortune of having anarchy introduced among its
+ministers. He hoped they would do all that in them lay to maintain the
+strictness of the obligations of marriage, and the purity of the
+hallowed sphere of domestic life. The bill was rejected.</p>
+
+<p>In the Parliamentary session of 1850 one of the chief topics of
+discussion was the great depression of the agricultural interests of the
+country. The country was at peace, the revenues were in a good
+condition, foreign trade had increased, but the farmers still made loud
+complaints of the disastrous condition, which they attributed to
+free-trade measures, which they contended had affected the whole of the
+agricultural interests. Consequently, February 19th, Mr. Disraeli moved
+for a committee of the whole House to consider such a revision of the
+Poor Laws of the United Kingdom as might mitigate the distress of the
+agricultural classes. Some thought that this was a movement against
+free-trade, but Mr. Gladstone courted the fullest investigation, and
+seeing no danger in the motion, voted for it. However, the motion of
+Mr. Disraeli was lost.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone likewise favored the extension of the benefits of
+Constitutional government to certain of the colonies,&mdash;for example as
+set forth in the Australian Colonies Government Bill; and twice during
+the session he addressed the House on questions connected with slavery,
+and upon motion of Mr. Haywood for an inquiry into the state of the
+English and Irish universities, and the government unexpectedly gave
+their consent to the issuing of a Royal Commission for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone said that any person who might be deliberating with himself
+whether he would devote a portion of his substance for prosecuting the
+objects of learning, civilization and religion, would be checked by the
+prospect that at any given time, and under any given circumstances, a
+minister, who was the creature of a political majority, might institute
+a state inquiry into the mode in which the funds he might devise were
+administered. It was not wise to discourage eleemosynary establishments.
+It would be better for the Crown to see what could be done to improve
+the colleges by administering existing laws.</p>
+
+<p>In reviewing the past ten years we exclaim, truly has the period from
+1841 to 1850, in the political life of Mr. Gladstone, been called a
+memorable decade.</p>
+
+<p>It was in the year 1850, as we have seen, that the Gladstones were
+plunged into domestic sorrow by the death of their little daughter,
+Catharine Jessy; and it was this same year that brought to Mr. Gladstone
+another grief from a very different source. This second bereavement was
+caused by the withdrawal of two of his oldest and most intimate friends,
+the Archdeacon of Chichester and Mr. J.R. Hope, from the Protestant
+Episcopal Church of England and their union with the Roman Catholic
+Church. Mr. Hope, who became Hope-Scott on succeeding to the estate of
+Abbotsford, was the gentleman who helped Mr. Gladstone in getting
+through the press his book on Church and State, revising, correcting and
+reading proof. The Archdeacon, afterwards Cardinal Manning, had, from
+his undergraduate days, exercised a powerful influence over his
+contemporaries. He was gifted with maturity of intellect and character,
+had great shrewdness, much tenacity of will, a cogent, attractive style,
+combined with an impressive air of authority, to which the natural
+advantages of person and bearing added force. Besides having these
+qualifications for leadership, he had fervid devotion, enlarged
+acquaintance with life and men, and an "unequalled gift of
+administration;" though a priest, he was essentially a statesman, and
+had at one time contemplated a political career. He was Mr. Gladstone's
+most trusted counsellor and most intimate friend.</p>
+
+<p>The cause, or rather occasion for these secessions from the Church of
+England to the Church of Rome, is thus related: "An Evangelical
+clergyman, the Rev. G.C. Gorham, had been presented to a living in the
+diocese of Exeter; and that truly formidable prelate, Bishop Phillpotts,
+refused to institute him, alleging that he held heterodox views on the
+subject of Holy Baptism. After complicated litigation, the Judicial
+Committee of the Privy Council decided, on March 8, 1850, that the
+doctrine held by the incriminated clergyman was not such as to bar him
+from preferment in the Church of England. This decision naturally
+created great commotion in the Church. Men's minds were rudely shaken.
+The orthodoxy of the Church of England seemed to be jeopardized, and the
+supremacy of the Privy Council was in a matter touching religious
+doctrine felt to be an intolerable burden."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, as well as others, was profoundly agitated by these
+events, and June 4th he expressed his views in a letter to Dr.
+Blomfield, Bishop of London. The theme of his letter was, "The Royal
+Supremacy, viewed in the light of Reason, History and the Constitution."
+He contended that the Royal Supremacy, as settled at the Reformation,
+was not inconsistent with the spiritual life and inherent jurisdiction
+of the Church, but the recent establishment of the Privy Council as the
+ultimate court of appeal in religious causes was "an injurious and even
+dangerous departure from the Reformation settlement."</p>
+
+<p>In this letter Mr. Gladstone said, in summing up: "I find it no part of
+my duty, my lord, to idolize the Bishops of England and Wales, or to
+place my conscience in their keeping. I do not presume or dare to
+speculate upon their particular decisions; but I say that, acting
+jointly, publicly, solemnly, responsibly, they are the best and most
+natural organs of the judicial office of the Church in matters of
+heresy, and, according to reason, history and the constitution, in that
+subject-matter the fittest and safest counsellors of the Crown."</p>
+
+<p>But this view regarding the Church of England did not suit some minds,
+and among them the two friends with whom Mr. Gladstone had, up to this
+time, acted in religious matters. These troubles in the Church so
+powerfully affected them that they withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>The following quotation shows Mr. Gladstone's firmness in regard to his
+own choice of the Protestant Christianity over and above Catholicism, In
+a letter, written in 1873, to Mrs. Maxwell-Scott, of Abbotsford, the
+daughter of his friend Hope, he thus writes of an interview had with
+her father: "It must have been about this time that I had another
+conversation with him about religion, of which, again, I exactly
+recollect the spot. Regarding (forgive me) the adoption of the Roman
+religion by members of the Church of England as nearly the greatest
+calamity that could befall Christian faith in this country, I rapidly
+became alarmed when these changes began; and very long before the great
+luminary, Dr. Newman, drew after him, it may well be said, 'the third
+part of the stars of Heaven.' This alarm I naturally and freely
+expressed to the man upon whom I most relied, your father."</p>
+
+
+<a name="245"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="245 (79K)" src="images/245.jpg" height="404" width="463">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c8"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+<h4>
+THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>In considering Mr. Gladstone's exposure of the cruelties practiced in
+the prisons of Naples, we are confronted with his attitude in the House
+of Commons just before, in a case where the same principles seemed to be
+involved, and in which Mr. Gladstone took the directly opposite course.
+We refer to the Don Pacifico case. Both were at first merely personal
+questions, but finally became international. Mr. Gladstone to many
+appeared to take an inconsistent course in these seemingly similar
+cases, in that while opposing national intervention in the affairs of
+Don Pacifico, he tried to stir up all Europe for the relief of the
+sufferers in the Neapolitan prisons. "It is not a little remarkable that
+the statesman who had so lately and so vigorously denounced the 'vain
+conception that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice
+and folly, of abuse and imperfection, among the other countries of the
+world,' should now have found himself irresistibly impelled by
+conscience and humanity to undertake a signal and effective crusade
+against the domestic administration of a friendly power."</p>
+
+<p>The most memorable debate in the new chamber of the House of Commons,
+which was first occupied in 1850, was that associated with the name of
+Don Pacifico. It is however conceded that the circumstances from which
+it all proceeded were comparatively trivial in the extreme. Don Pacifico
+was a Maltese Jew and a British subject, dwelling at Athens. He had made
+himself distasteful to the people of Athens, and consequently his house
+was destroyed and robbed by a mob, April 4, 1847. He appealed to the
+government at Athens for redress, demanding over $150,000 indemnity for
+the loss of his property, among which "a peculiarly sumptuous bedstead
+figured largely." Don Pacifico's claim was unheeded, probably because it
+was exorbitant and the Greek government was poor. Lord Palmerston was
+then the Foreign Secretary of the English Government. He was rash and
+independent in his Foreign policy, and often acted, as the Queen
+complained, without consultation and without the authority of the
+Sovereign.</p>
+
+<p>The Foreign Secretary had had other quarrels with the Government at
+Athens. Land belonging to an English resident in Athens had been seized
+without sufficient compensation; Ionian subjects of the English Crown
+had suffered hardships at the hands of the Greek authorities, and an
+English Midshipman had been arrested by mistake. Lord Palmerston looked
+upon these incidents, slight as they were in themselves, as indicative
+of a plot on the part of the French Minister against the English, and
+especially as the Greek Government was so dilatory in satisfying the
+English claims. "This was enough. The outrage on Don Pacifico's bedstead
+remained the head and front of Greek offending, but Lord Palmerston
+included all the other slight blunders and delays of justice in one
+sweeping indictment; made the private claims into a national demand, and
+peremptorily informed the Greek Government that they must pay what was
+demanded of them within a given time. The Government hesitated, and the
+British fleet was ordered to the Piraeus, and seized all the Greek
+vessels which were found in the waters. Russia and France took umbrage
+at this high-handed proceeding and championed Greece. Lord Palmerston
+informed them it was none of their business and stood firm. The French
+Ambassador was withdrawn from London, and for awhile the peace of Europe
+was menaced." The execution of the orders of Lord Palmerston was left
+with Admiral Sir William Parker, who was first to proceed to Athens with
+the English fleet, and failing to obtain satisfaction was to blockade
+the Piraeus, which instructions he faithfully obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>The debate began in Parliament June 24, 1850. The stability of the Whig
+administration, then in power, depended upon the results. In the House
+of Lords, Lord Stanley moved a resolution, which was carried, expressing
+regret that "various claims against the Greek Government, doubtful in
+point of justice and exaggerated in amount, have been enforced by
+coercive measures, directed against the commerce and people of Greece,
+and calculated to endanger the continuance of our friendly relations
+with foreign powers." A counter-resolution was necessary in the House of
+Commons to offset the action of the Lords, so a Radical, Mr. Roebuck,
+much to the surprise of many, came to the defense of the Government and
+offered the following motion, which was carried: "That the principles
+which have hitherto regulated the foreign policy of Her Majesty's
+Government are such as were required to preserve untarnished the honor
+and dignity of this country, and, in times of unexampled difficulty, the
+best calculated to maintain peace between England and the various
+nations of the world."</p>
+
+<p>The debate which followed, and which was prolonged over four nights, was
+marked on both sides by speeches of unusual oratorical power and
+brilliancy. The speeches of Lord Palmerston, Sir Robert Peel, Mr.
+Cockburn, Mr. Cobden, Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone were pronounced as
+remarkable orations. Sir Robert Peel made a powerful speech against the
+Ministers, which was made memorable not only for its eloquence, but
+because it was his last. Lord Palmerston defended himself vigorously in
+a speech of five hours' duration. "He spoke," said Mr. Gladstone, "from
+the dusk of one day to the dawn of the next." He defended his policy at
+every point. In every step taken he had been influenced by the sole
+desire that the meanest, the poorest, even the most disreputable subject
+of the English Crown should be defended by the whole might of England
+against foreign oppression. He reminded them of all that was implied in
+the Roman boast, <i>Civis Romanus sum</i>, and urged the House to make it
+clear that a British subject, in whatever land he might be, should feel
+confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of England could
+protect him. This could not be resisted. <i>Civis Romanus sum</i> settled
+the question.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's reply was a masterpiece. It was exhaustive and
+trenchant, and produced a great effect. He first spoke upon the position
+of the Government and the constitutional doctrines which they had laid
+down in regard to it, and then severely condemned the conduct of the
+Premier for being so heedless of the censure of the House of Lords and
+in trying to shield himself behind the precedents which are in reality
+no precedents at all. With reference to the Greek question, he
+repudiated precedents which involved the conduct of strong countries
+against weak ones. The Greek Government had put no impediment in the way
+of arbitration. Instead of trusting and trying the tribunals of the
+country and employing diplomatic agency simply as a supplemental
+resource, Lord Palmerston had interspersed authority of foreign power,
+in contravention both of the particular stipulations of the treaty in
+force between Greece and England and of the general principles of the
+law of nations. He had thus set the mischievous example of abandoning
+the methods of law and order, and resorted to those of force.
+Non-interference had been laid down as the basis of our conduct towards
+other nations, but the policy of Lord Palmerston had been characterized
+by a spirit of active interference.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's words were in part as follows: "Does he [Lord
+Palmerston] make the claim for us [the English] that we are to be lifted
+upon a platform high above the standing-ground of all other nations?...
+It is indeed too clear ... that he adopts, in part, the vain conception
+that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice and folly,
+of abuse and imperfection among the other countries of the world; that
+we are to be the universal schoolmasters, and that all those who
+hesitate to recognize our office can be governed only by prejudice or
+personal animosity, and shall have the blind war of diplomacy forthwith
+declared against them."</p>
+
+<p>Again: "Let us recognize, and recognize with frankness, the equality of
+the weak with the strong; the principles of brotherhood among nations,
+and of their sacred independence. When we are asking for the maintenance
+of the rights which belong to our fellow-subjects, resident in Greece,
+let us do as we would be done by, and let us pay all respect to a feeble
+State and to the infancy of free institutions.... Let us refrain from
+all gratuitous and arbitrary meddling in the internal concerns of other
+States, even as we should resent the same interference if it were
+attempted to be practiced toward ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>In this address Mr. Gladstone evinces his inclination to appeal to the
+higher and nobler nature of man, to the principles of brotherhood among
+nations, to the law of God and nature, and to ask as a test of the
+foreign policy of the government, not whether it is striking, or
+brilliant, or successful, but whether it is right.</p>
+
+<p>This speech of Mr. Gladstone's was recognized as the finest he had
+delivered in Parliament, and its power was acknowledged by both sides of
+the House, by political opponent and friend. Lord Chief Justice
+Cockburn, then a member of the House, referring in a speech the
+following evening to Mr. Gladstone and his remarkable speech, uttered
+these words: "I suppose we are now to consider him as the representative
+of Lord Stanley in the House&mdash;Gladstone <i>Vice</i> Disraeli, am I to say,
+resigned or superseded?" The government was sustained.</p>
+
+<p>We have already stated that it was during this memorable debate that Sir
+Robert Peel made his last speech.&mdash;On the following day, 29th of June,
+1850, Sir Robert called at Buckingham Palace for the purpose of leaving
+his card. On proceeding up Constitution Hill on horse back he met one of
+Lady Dover's daughters, and exchanged salutations. Immediately
+afterwards his horse became restive and shying towards the rails of the
+Green Park, threw Sir Robert sideways on his left shoulder. Medical aid
+was at hand and was at once administered. Sir Robert groaned when lifted
+and when asked whether he was much hurt replied, "Yes, very much." He
+was conveyed home where the meeting with his family was very affecting,
+and he swooned in the arms of his physician. He was placed upon a sofa
+in the dining-room from which he never moved. His sufferings were so
+acute that a minute examination of his injuries could not be made. For
+two or three days he lingered and then died, July 2d. An examination
+made after death revealed the fact that the fifth rib on the left side
+was fractured, the broken rib pressing on the lung, producing effusion
+and pulmonary engorgement. This was probably the seat of the mortal
+injury, and was where Sir Robert complained of the greatest pain.</p>
+
+<p>The news of Sir Robert's death produced a profound sensation throughout
+the land. Great and universal were the tokens of respect and grief.
+There was but one feeling,&mdash;that England had lost one of her most
+illustrious statesmen. Even those who had been in opposition to his
+views, alluded to the great loss the nation had sustained and paid a
+fitting tribute to his memory. The House of Commons, on motion of Mr.
+Hume July 3d, at once adjourned. In the House of Lords the Duke of
+Wellington and Lord Brougham spoke in appreciative words of the departed
+statesman. "Such was the leader whom Mr. Gladstone had faithfully
+followed for many years."</p>
+
+<p>Supporting Mr. Hume's motion, Mr. Gladstone said: "I am quite sure that
+every heart is much too full to allow us, at a period so early, to enter
+upon a consideration of the amount of that calamity with which the
+country has been visited in his, I must even now say, premature death;
+for though he has died full of years and full of honors, yet it is a
+death which our human eyes will regard as premature; because we had
+fondly hoped that, in whatever position he was placed, by the weight of
+his character, by the splendor of his talents, by the purity of his
+virtues, he would still have been spared to render to his countrymen the
+most essential services. I will only, sir, quote those most touching and
+feeling lines which were applied by one of the greatest poets of this
+country to the memory of a man great indeed, but yet not greater than
+Sir Robert Peel:"</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+<p> 'Now is the stately column broke,<br>
+      The beacon light is quenched in smoke;<br>
+      The trumpet's silver voice is still;<br>
+      The warder silent on the hill.'</p>
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<p>"Sir, I will add no more&mdash;in saying this I have, perhaps, said too much.
+It might have been better had I confined myself to seconding the motion.
+I am sure the tribute of respect which we now offer will be all the more
+valuable from the silence with which the motion is received, and which I
+well know has not arisen from the want, but from the excess of feeling
+on the part of members of this House."</p>
+
+<p>Upon the death of Sir Robert Peel began the disintegration of the party
+distinguished by his name&mdash;Peelites. Some of its members united with the
+Conservatives, and others, such as Sir James Graham, Sidney Herbert, and
+Mr. Gladstone held themselves aloof from both Whigs and Tories.
+Conservative traditions still exercised considerable influence over
+them, but they could not join them, because they were already
+surrendering to strong liberal tendencies. It is said that Mr. Gladstone
+at this time, and for a decade thereafter, until the death of Sir James
+Graham, was greatly indebted to this statesman, not only for the growth
+of his liberal principles, but for his development as a practical
+statesman. Sir James wielded great influence over his contemporaries
+generally, because of his great knowledge of Parliamentary tactics, and
+the fact that he was the best educated and most thoroughly accomplished
+statesman of his age. "If he could be prevailed upon to speak in the
+course of a great debate, his speech was worth fifty votes," so great
+was his influence and power. "However great may have been the
+indebtedness of Mr. Gladstone to Sir James Graham, if the former had not
+been possessed of far wider sympathies&mdash;to say nothing of superior
+special intellectual qualities&mdash;than his political mentor, he never
+could have conceived and executed those important legislative acts for
+which his name will now chiefly be remembered."</p>
+
+<p>The other case occupying the attention of Parliament, to which we have
+alluded, we must now consider&mdash;Mr. Gladstone and the prisons of Naples.
+Owing to the illness of one of his children, for whom a southern climate
+was recommended, Mr. Gladstone spent several months of the Winter of
+1850-1 in Naples. His brief visit to this city on a purely domestic
+mission was destined to assume an international importance. It came to
+his knowledge that a large number of the citizens of Naples, who had
+been members of the Chamber of Deputies, an actual majority of the
+representatives of the people, had been exiled or imprisoned by King
+Ferdinand, because they formed the opposition party to the government,
+and that between twenty and thirty thousand of that monarch's subjects
+had been cast into prison on the charge of political disaffection. The
+sympathies of Mr. Gladstone were at once enlisted in behalf of the
+oppressed Neapolitans. At first Mr. Gladstone looked at the matter only
+from a humanitarian and not from a political aspect, and it was only
+upon the former ground that he felt called and impelled to attempt the
+redress of the wrongs which were a scandal to the name of civilisation
+in Europe. And it was not long before England and the Continent were
+aroused by his denunciations of the Neapolitan system of government. Mr.
+Gladstone first carefully ascertained the truth of the statements made
+to him in order to attest their accuracy, and then published two letters
+on the subject addressed to the Earl of Aberdeen. These letters were
+soon followed by a third. In the first of these letters, dated April 7,
+1851, he brings an elaborate, detailed and horrible indictment against
+the rulers of Naples, especially as regards their prisons and the
+treatment of persons confined in them for political offenses. He
+disclaimed any thought of having gone to Naples for the purpose of
+political criticism or censorship, to look for defects in the
+administration of the government, or to hear the grievances of the
+people, or to propagate ideas belonging to another country. But after a
+residence of three or four months in their city he had returned home
+with a deep feeling of the duty upon him to make some endeavor to
+mitigate the horrors in the midst of which the government of Naples was
+carried on.</p>
+
+<p>There were chiefly three reasons that led him to adopt the present
+course: "First, that the present practices of the Government of Naples,
+in reference to real or supposed political offenders, are an outrage
+upon religion, upon civilization, upon humanity and upon decency.
+Secondly, that these practices are certainly, and even rapidly, doing
+the work of Republicanism in that country&mdash;a political creed which has
+little natural or habitual root in the character of the people. Thirdly,
+that as a member of the Conservative party in one of the great family of
+European nations, I am compelled to remember that party stands in
+virtual and real, though perhaps unconscious alliance with all the
+established Governments of Europe as such; and that, according to the
+measure of its influence, they suffer more or less of moral detriment
+from its reverses, and derive strength and encouragement from its
+successes."</p>
+
+<p>He passed over the consideration of the all important question whether
+the actual Government of the Two Sicilies was one with or without a
+title, one of law or one of force, and came to the real question at
+issue. His charge against the Neapolitan Government was not one of mere
+imperfection, not corruption in low quarters, not occasional severity,
+but that of incessant, systematic, deliberate violation of the law by
+the power appointed to watch over and maintain it.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, with impassionate language, thus formulates his fearful
+indictment: "It is such violation of human and written law as this,
+carried on for the purpose of violating every other law, unwritten and
+eternal, human and divine; it is the wholesale persecution of virtue,
+when united with intelligence, operating upon such a scale that entire
+classes may with truth be said to be its object, so that the Government
+is in bitter and cruel, as well as utterly illegal hostility to whatever
+in the nation really lives and moves, and forms the mainspring of
+practical progress and improvement; it is the awful profanation of
+public religion, by its notorious alliance in the governing powers with
+the violation of every moral rule under the stimulants of fear and
+vengeance; it is the perfect prostitution of the judicial office which
+has made it, under veils only too threadbare and transparent, the
+degraded recipient of the vilest and clumsiest forgeries, got up
+wilfully and deliberately, by the immediate advisers of the Crown, for
+the purpose of destroying the peace, the freedom, aye, and even, if not
+by capital sentences, the life of men among the most virtuous, upright,
+intelligent, distinguished and refined of the whole community; it is the
+savage and cowardly system of moral as well as in a lower degree of
+physical torture, through which the sentences obtained from the debased
+courts of justice are carried into effect.</p>
+
+<p>"The effect of all this is a total inversion of all the moral and social
+ideas. Law, instead of being respected, is odious. Force and not
+affection is the foundation of government. There is no association, but
+a violent antagonism between the idea of freedom and that of order. The
+governing power, which teaches of itself that it is the image of God
+upon earth, is clothed in the view of the overwhelming majority of the
+thinking public with all the vices for its attributes. I have seen and
+heard the strong expression used, 'This is the negation of God erected
+into a system of Government.'"</p>
+
+<p>It was not merely the large numbers imprisoned unjustly, to which public
+attention was directed, that called for righteous indignation and made
+Mr. Gladstone's words create such a sensation in Europe, but the mode of
+procedure was arbitrary in the extreme. The law of Naples required that
+personal liberty should be inviolable, except under warrant from a court
+of justice. Yet in utter disregard of this law the authorities watched
+the people, paid domiciliary visits, ransacked houses, seized papers and
+effects, and tore up floors at pleasure under pretense of searching for
+arms, imprisoned men by the score, by the hundred, by the thousand
+without any warrant whatever, sometimes without even any written
+authority whatever, or anything beyond the word of a policeman,
+constantly without any statement whatever of the nature of the offense.
+Charges were fabricated to get rid of inconvenient persons. Perjury and
+forgery were resorted to in order to establish charges, and the whole
+mode of conducting trials was a burlesque of justice.</p>
+
+<p>He thus describes the dungeons of Naples, in which some of the prisoners
+were confined for their political opinions: "The prisons of Naples, as
+is well known, are another name for the extreme of filth and horror. I
+have really seen something of them, but not the worst. This I have seen,
+my Lord: the official doctors not going to the sick prisoners, but the
+sick prisoners, men almost with death on their faces, toiling up stairs
+to them at that charnel-house of the Vicaria, because the lower regions
+of such a palace of darkness are too foul and loathsome to allow it to
+be expected that professional men should consent to earn bread by
+entering them." Of some of those sufferers Mr. Gladstone speaks
+particularly. He names Pironte, formerly a judge, Baron Porcari, and
+Carlo Poerio, a distinguished patriot. The latter he specially speaks of
+as a refined and accomplished gentleman, a copious and elegant speaker,
+a respected and blameless character, yet he had been arrested and
+condemned for treason. Mr. Gladstone says: "The condemnation of such a
+man for treason is a proceeding just as conformable to the laws of
+truth, justice, decency, and fair play, and to the common sense of the
+community&mdash;in fact, just as great and gross an outrage on them all&mdash;as
+would be a like condemnation in this country of any of our best known
+public men&mdash;Lord John Russell, or Lord Lansdowne, or Sir James Graham,
+or yourself."</p>
+
+<p>There was no name dearer to Englishmen than that of Poerio to his
+Neapolitan fellow-countrymen. Poerio was tried and condemned on the sole
+accusation of a worthless character named Jerrolino. He would have been
+acquitted nevertheless, by a division of four to five of his judges, had
+not Navarro (who sat as a judge while directly concerned in the charge
+against the prisoner), by the distinct use of intimidation, procured
+the number necessary for a sentence. A statement is furnished on the
+authority of an eye-witness, as to the inhumanity with which invalid
+prisoners were treated by the Grand Criminal Court of Naples; and Mr.
+Gladstone minutely describes the manner of the imprisonment of Poerio
+and six of his incarcerated associates. Each prisoner bore a weight of
+chain amounting to thirty-two pounds and for no purpose whatever were
+these chains undone. All the prisoners were confined, night and day, in
+a small room, which may be described as amongst the closest of dungeons;
+but Poerio was after this condemned to a still lower depth of calamity
+and suffering. "Never before have I conversed," says Mr. Gladstone,
+speaking of Poerio, "and never probably shall I converse again, with a
+cultivated and accomplished gentleman, of whose innocence, obedience to
+law, and love of his country, I was as firmly and as rationally assured
+as your lordship's or that of any other man of the very highest
+character, whilst he stood before me, amidst surrounding felons, and
+clad in the vile uniform of guilt and shame." But he is now gone where
+he will scarcely have the opportunity even of such conversation. I
+cannot honestly suppress my conviction that the object in the case of
+Poerio, as a man of mental power sufficient to be feared, is to obtain
+the scaffold's aim by means more cruel than the scaffold, and without
+the outcry which the scaffold would create.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone said that it was time for the veil to be lifted from
+scenes more fit for hell than earth, or that some considerable
+mitigation should be voluntarily adopted. This letter was published in
+1851&mdash;the year of the great Exposition in London&mdash;and a copy was sent to
+the representative of the Queen in every court of Europe. Its
+publication caused a wide-spread indignation in England, a great
+sensation abroad, and profoundly agitated the court of Naples.</p>
+
+<p>In the English Parliament Sir De Lacy Evans put the following question
+to the Foreign Secretary: "If the British Minister at the court of
+Naples had been instructed to employ his good offices in the cause of
+humanity, for the diminution of these lamentable severities, and with
+what result?" In reply to this question Lord Palmerston accepted and
+adopted Mr. Gladstone's statement, which had been confirmed from other
+quarters, expressing keen sympathy and humanitarian feeling with the
+cause which he had espoused, but Lord Palmerston pointed out that it was
+impossible to do anything in a matter which related entirely to the
+domestic affairs of the Government at Naples. He said: "Instead of
+confining himself to those amusements that abound in Naples, instead of
+diving into volcanoes, and exploring excavated cities, we see him going
+into courts of justice, visiting prisons, descending into dungeons, and
+examining great numbers of the cases of unfortunate victims of
+illegality and injustice, with the view afterwards to enlist public
+opinion in the endeavor to remedy those abuses." This announcement by
+the Foreign Secretary was warmly applauded by the House. "A few days
+afterwards Lord Palmerston was requested by Prince Castelcicala to
+forward the reply of the Neapolitan Government to the different European
+courts to which Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet had been sent. His lordship,
+with his wonted courage and independent spirit, replied that he 'must
+decline being accessory to the circulation of a pamphlet which, in my
+opinion, does no credit to its writer, or the Government which he
+defends, or to the political party of which he professes to be the
+champion.' He also informed the Prince that information received from
+other sources led him to the conclusion that Mr. Gladstone had by no
+means overstated the various evils which he had described; and he [Lord
+Palmerston] regretted that the Neapolitan Government had not set to work
+earnestly and effectually to correct the manifold and grave abuses which
+clearly existed."</p>
+
+<p>The second paper of Mr. Gladstone upon the same subject was a sequel to
+the first. His wish was that everything possible should be done first
+in the way of private representation and remonstrance, and he did not
+regret the course he had taken, though it entailed devious delays. In
+answer to the natural inquiry why he should simply appear in his
+personal capacity through the press, instead of inviting to the grave
+and painful question the attention of the House of Commons, of which he
+was a member, he said, that he had advisedly abstained from mixing up
+his statements with any British agency or influences which were
+official, diplomatic, or political. The claims and interests which he
+had in view were either wholly null and valueless, or they were broad as
+the extension of the human race and long-lived as its duration.</p>
+
+<p>As to his general charges he had nothing to retract. His representations
+had not been too strongly stated, for the most disgraceful circumstances
+were those which rested upon public notoriety, or upon his own personal
+knowledge. It had been stated that he had overestimated the number of
+prisoners, and he would give the Neapolitan Government the full benefit
+of any correction. But the number of political prisoners <i>in itself</i>,
+was a secondary feature of the case, for "if they were fairly and
+legally arrested, fairly and legally treated before trial&mdash;fairly and
+legally tried, that was the main matter. For the honor of human nature
+men would at first receive some statements with incredulity. Men ought
+to be slow to believe that such things could happen, and happen in a
+Christian country, the seat of almost the oldest European civilization."
+But those thus disposed in the beginning he hoped would not close their
+minds to the reception of the truth, however painful to believe. The
+general probability of his statements could not, unfortunately
+be gainsaid.</p>
+
+<p>Many replies were made to Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet that were violent and
+abusive. They appeared not only in Naples, Turin, and Paris, but even
+in London.</p>
+
+<p>All these answers, were in truth no replies at all, for they did not
+disprove the facts. These professed corrections of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements did not touch the real basis of the question. It was
+necessary to say something if possible by way of defense, or justice,
+which had as yet not been done.</p>
+
+<p>There was one reply that was put forth that Mr. Gladstone felt demanded
+some attention, namely, the official answer of the Neapolitan Government
+to his charges. To this he replied in a letter, in 1852. In his reply he
+placed, point by point, the answers in the scales along with his own
+accusations. There was in the Neapolitan answers to the letters really a
+tacit admission of the accuracy of nine-tenths of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements, Mr. Gladstone enumerated the few retractions which he had
+to make, which were five in number. That the prisoner, Settembrine, had
+not been tortured and confined to double chains for life, as was
+currently reported and believed; that six judges had been dismissed at
+Reggio upon presuming to acquit a batch of political prisoners, required
+modifying to three; that seventeen invalids had not been massacred in
+the prison of Procida during a revolt, as stated; and that certain
+prisoners alleged to have been still incarcerated after acquittal had
+been released after the lapse of two days. These were all the
+modifications he had to make in his previous statements. And as to the
+long list of his grave accusations, not one of them rested upon hearsay.
+He pointed out how small and insignificant a fraction of error had found
+its way into his papers. He fearlessly reasserted that agonizing
+corporal punishment was inflicted by the officials in Neapolitan
+prisons, and that without judicial authority. As to Settembrine, the
+political prisoner named, he was incarcerated in a small room with eight
+other prisoners, one of whom boasted that he had murdered, at various
+times, thirty-five persons. Several of his victims had been his prison
+companions, and "the murders of this Ergastolo" had exceeded fifty in a
+single year. It was true that at the massacre at Procida the sick had
+not been slain in the prisons, yet prisoners who hid under beds were
+dragged forth and shot in cold blood by the soldiery after order had
+been restored. The work of slaughter had been twice renewed, and two
+officers received promotion or honors for that abominable enormity.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone found in the reply of the Government of Naples no reason
+to retract his damaging statements in reference to Neapolitan
+inhumanity, on the other hand he discovered grounds for emphasizing his
+accusations. And as to his statement regarding the number of the
+sufferers from Neapolitan injustice and cruelty, he defended at length
+his statement as to the enormous number of the prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>It was clear to all candid minds that all the replies had failed to
+prove him wrong in any of his substantial changes, which retained their
+full force. "The arrow has shot deep into the mark," observed Mr.
+Gladstone, "and cannot be dislodged. But I have sought, in once more
+entering the field, not only to sum up the state of the facts in the
+manner nearest to exactitude, but likewise to close the case as I began
+it, presenting it from first to last in the light of a matter which is
+not primarily or mainly political, which is better kept apart from
+Parliamentary discussion, which has no connection whatever with any
+peculiar idea or separate object or interest of England, but which
+appertains to the sphere of humanity at large, and well deserves the
+consideration of every man who feels a concern for the well-being of
+his race, in its bearings on that well-being; on the elementary demands
+of individual domestic happiness; on the permanent maintenance of public
+order; on the stability of thrones; on the solution of that great
+problem, which, day and night, in its innumerable forms must haunt the
+reflections of every statesman, both here and elsewhere, how to
+harmonize the old with the new conditions of society, and to mitigate
+the increasing stress of time and change upon what remains of this
+ancient and venerable fabric of the traditional civilization of Europe."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone also said, that the question had been asked, whether a
+government "could be induced to change its policy, because some
+individual or other had by lying accusations held it up to the hatred of
+mankind," yet he had the satisfaction of knowing that upon the challenge
+of a mere individual, the government of Naples had been compelled to
+plead before the tribunal of general opinion, and to admit the
+jurisdiction of that tribunal. It was to public sentiment that the
+Neapolitan Government was paying deference when it resolved on the manly
+course of a judicial reply; and he hoped that further deference would be
+paid to that public sentiment in the complete reform of its departments
+and the whole future management of its affairs.</p>
+
+<p>After a consideration of the political position of the throne of the
+Two Sicilies, in connection with its dominions on the mainland, Mr.
+Gladstone thus concluded his examination of the official reply of the
+Neapolitan Government: "These pages have been written in the hope that,
+by thus making, through the press, rather than in another mode, that
+rejoinder to the Neapolitan reply which was doubtless due from me, I
+might still, as far as depended on me, keep the question on its true
+ground, as one not of politics but of morality, and not of England but
+of Christendom and of mankind. Again I express the hope that this may be
+my closing word. I express the hope that it may not become a hard
+necessity to keep this controversy alive until it reaches its one only
+possible issue, which no power of man can permanently intercept. I
+express the hope that while there is time, while there is quiet, while
+dignity may yet be saved in showing mercy, and in the blessed work of
+restoring Justice to her seat, the Government of Naples may set its hand
+in earnest to the work of real and searching, however quiet and
+unostentatious, reform; that it may not become unavoidable to reiterate
+these appeals from the hand of power to the one common heart of mankind;
+to produce these painful documents, those harrowing descriptions, which
+might be supplied in rank abundance, of which I have scarcely given the
+faintest idea or sketch, and which, if laid from time to time before the
+world, would bear down like a deluge every effort at apology or
+palliation, and would cause all that has recently been made known to be
+forgotten and eclipsed in deeper horrors yet; lest the strength of
+offended and indignant humanity should rise up as a giant refreshed with
+wine, and, while sweeping away these abominations from the eye of
+Heaven, should sweep away along with them things pure and honest,
+ancient, venerable, salutary to mankind, crowned with the glories of the
+past and still capable of bearing future fruit."</p>
+
+<p>The original purpose of these letters, though at first not gained, was
+unmistakable in the subsequent revolution which created a regenerated,
+free and united Italy. The moral influence of such an exposure was
+incalculable and eventually irresistible. The great Italian patriot and
+liberator of Italy, General Garibaldi, was known to say that Mr.
+Gladstone's protest "sounded the first trumpet call of Italian liberty."
+If France and England had unitedly protested against the Neapolitan
+abuse of power and violation of law, such a protest would have been
+heard and redress granted, but such joint action was not taken. The
+letters reached the fourteenth edition and in this edition Mr. Gladstone
+said that by a royal decree, issued December 27, 1858, ninety-one
+political prisoners had their punishment commuted into perpetual exile
+from the kingdom of the two Sicilies, but that a Ministerial order of
+January 9, 1859, directed that they should be conveyed to America; that
+of these ninety-one persons no less than fourteen had died long before
+in dungeons, and that only sixty-six of them embarked January 16, 1859,
+and were taken to Cadiz, where they were shipped on board an American
+sailing vessel, which was to have carried them to New York, but
+eventually landed them at Cork. "Eleven men were kept behind, either
+because it was afterwards thought advisable not to release them, as in
+the case of Longo and Delli Franci, two artillery officers, who were
+still in the dungeons of Gaeta. Whenever the prisoners were too sick to
+be moved, as was the case with Pironti, who was paralytic; or because
+they were in some provincial dungeons too remote from Naples." Such was
+the fate of some of the patriots officially liberated by Ferdinand's
+successor, Francis II.</p>
+
+<p>The charges of Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan Government met with
+confirmation from another source nearer home. In 1851 Mr. Gladstone
+translated and published Farini's important and bulky work, entitled,
+"The Roman State, from 1815 to 1850." The author, Farini, addressed a
+note to his translator, in which he said that he had dedicated the
+concluding volume of his work to Mr. Gladstone, who, by his love of
+Italian letters, and by his deeds of Italian charity, had established a
+relationship with Italy in the spirit of those great Italian writers who
+had been their masters in eloquence, in civil philosophy and in national
+virtue, from Dante and Macchivelli down to Alfieri and Gioberti. Signor
+Farini endorsed the charges made by Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan
+Government. He wrote: "The scandalous trials for high treason still
+continue at Naples; accusers, examiners, judges, false witnesses, all
+are bought; the prisons, those tombs of the living, are full; two
+thousand citizens of all ranks and conditions are already condemned to
+the dungeons, as many to confinement, double that number to exile; the
+majority guilty of no crime but that of having believed in the oaths
+made by Ferdinand II. But, in truth, nothing more was needed to press
+home the indictment."</p>
+
+<p>At the period of Mr. Gladstone's visit to Naples there was a growing
+sentiment throughout Italy for Italian independence and union. The
+infamous measures adopted by the King of Naples to repress in his own
+dominions every aspiration after freedom, only succeeded in making the
+people more determined and the liberty for which they sighed surer in
+the end. His system of misgovernment went on for a few years longer and
+was the promoting cause of the revolutionary movements which continually
+disturbed the whole Italian peninsula. A conference was held in Paris
+upon the Italian question, which failed to accomplish anything, against
+which failure Count Cavour addressed a protest to the French and British
+Governments in April, 1856. Afterwards the King of Naples and his
+Ministers were remonstrated with, but this was of no avail, only drawing
+forth an assertion that the sovereign had the right to deal with his own
+subjects as he pleased. France and England finally withdrew their
+representatives from Naples, and the storm soon afterwards broke. The
+brilliant success of Garibaldi in 1860 filled Francis II with terror. He
+was now, like all evil men, ready to make the most lavish promises of
+liberal reform to escape the consequences of his misdeeds. However, his
+repentance came too late. The victorious Garibaldi issued a decree
+ultimately, stating that the Two Sicilies, which had been redeemed by
+Italian blood, and which had freely elected him their dictator, formed
+an integral part of one and indivisable Italy, under the constitutional
+King Victor Emmanuel and his descendants. Francis II was dethroned and
+expelled from his kingdom by the legitimate fruits of his own hateful
+policy and that of his predecessor. "Count Cavour was the brain as
+Garibaldi was the hand of that mighty movement which resulted in the
+unity of Italy," says an English writer, "but as Englishmen we may take
+pride in the fact that not the least among the precipitating causes of
+this movement was the fearless exposure by Mr. Gladstone of the
+cruelties and tyrannies of the Neapolitan Government."</p>
+
+<a name="276"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="276 (34K)" src="images/276.jpg" height="288" width="430">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c9"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+<h4>
+THE FIRST BUDGET
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<a name="571"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="571 (114K)" src="images/571.jpg" height="542" width="860">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>The precise date at which Mr. Gladstone became a Liberal cannot be
+determined, but during the Parliamentary sessions of 1851 and 1852 he
+became finally alienated from the Conservative party, although he did
+not enter the ranks of the Liberals for some years afterward. He himself
+stated that so late as 1851 he had not formally left the Tory party,
+nevertheless his advance towards Liberalism is very pronounced at this
+period. It is well for us to trace the important events of these two
+sessions, for they also lead up to the brilliant financial measures of
+1853, which caused Mr. Gladstone's name to be classed with those of Pitt
+and Peel. Mr. Gladstone's trusted leader was dead, and he was gradually
+coming forward to take the place in debate of the fallen statesman.</p>
+
+<p>When Mr. Gladstone returned home from Italy he found England convulsed
+over renewed papal aggressions. The Pope had, in the preceding
+September, issued Letters Apostolic, establishing a Roman Catholic
+Hierarchy in England, and in which he had mapped out the whole country
+into papal dioceses. This act of aggression produced a storm of public
+indignation. It was regarded by the people generally as an attempt to
+wrest from them their liberties and enslave them. It was looked upon by
+the Protestants indignantly as an attack upon the Reformed Faith.
+Anglicans resented it as an act which practically denied the
+jurisdiction and authority of the Church of England, established already
+by law. Englishmen, faithfully devoted to the British Constitution,
+which guaranteed the Protestant Religion, were incensed by this
+interference with the prerogative of the Crown; while all ardent
+patriots were influenced by the unwarranted and unsolicited interference
+of a foreign potentate. Every element of combustion being present,
+meetings were held everywhere, inflammatory speeches were made on every
+public occasion, and patriotic resolutions were passed. Pulpit and
+platform rang with repeated cries of "No Popery," and echoed at the Lord
+Mayor's banquet, at the Guildhall, and even at Covent Garden Theatre in
+Shakesperian strains. The Prime Minister, Lord John Russell, published
+his famous Durham letter, addressed to the Bishop of Durham, rebuking
+and defying the Pope, and charging the whole High Church Party of the
+Church of England with being the secret allies and fellow-workers
+of Rome.</p>
+
+<p>In the beginning of the Parliamentary session of 1851 Lord John Russell
+moved for permission to bring in a bill to counteract the aggressive
+policy of the Church of Rome, on account of which aggression of the Pope
+the whole country was well-nigh in a condition of panic. The measure was
+debated for four days, and was entitled the Ecclesiastical Faiths Bill.
+It was designed to prevent the assumption by Roman Catholic prelates of
+titles taken from any territory or place in England. Severe penalties
+were attached to the use of such titles, and all acts done by, and
+requests made to, persons under them were to be void. The bill was not
+well received by some, being thought, on one side too mild and on the
+other as too stringent. Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone both opposed it;
+the latter because the change was wanted by English Catholics rather
+than by the Vatican. He condemned the vanity and boastful spirit of the
+papal documents, but contended that his fellow Catholic countrymen
+should not suffer for that. The difficulty of applying it to Ireland,
+where the system objected to already existed, was pointed out. However
+the preliminary motion was passed by 395 votes against 63, "this
+enormous majority," says an English author, "attesting the wide-spread
+fear of Romish machinations." The measure became a law, but it was a
+dead letter, and was quietly repealed twenty years afterwards at Mr.
+Gladstone's request.</p>
+
+<p>Before, however, the bill was passed a ministerial crisis had
+intervened. During this session other difficulties were encountered by
+the Ministry. The financial as well as this ecclesiastical question was
+a problem. The Conservatives were strong and compact, and enjoyed the
+adhesion of the Peelites, while the Ministerial party was to a great
+extent demoralized. Mr. Disraeli, owing to the deep distress that
+prevailed in the agricultural districts, renewed his motion upon the
+burdens on land and the inequalities of taxation, and consequently he
+presented a resolution that it was the duty of the government to
+introduce measures for the alleviation of the distress without delay.
+The government admitted the distress, but denied that it was increasing.
+They attempted to prove that pauperism had decreased in all parts of the
+kingdom&mdash;England, Ireland and Scotland. Commerce was in a most
+prosperous condition, while the revenues had reached the unexampled
+amount of $350,000,000. "Sir James Graham stigmatized the motion as an
+attempt to turn out the administration, to dissolve Parliament, and to
+return to Protection." The Ministry was sustained by a small majority,
+and was successful in some measures, but soon suffered several minor
+defeats and finally was forced to retire.</p>
+
+<p>One of the successful measures was that introduced by Mr. Loche King,
+and opposed by Lord John Russell, for assimilating the country franchise
+to that of the boroughs. The budget of the government introduced January
+17th was unpopular. It demanded a renewed lease for three years of the
+obnoxious income-tax, but promised a partial remission of the window
+duties, which was a tax upon every window in a house, together with some
+relief to the agriculturists. The first budget having been rejected a
+second financial statement was offered later in the session. It imposed
+a house-tax, withdrew the bonus to agriculturists, repealed the
+window-tax, but re-demanded the income-tax for three years. The main
+features of the budget were acceptable to the House, but the Government
+suffered defeat on minor financial questions, which tendered still
+further to diminish the popularity of the ministry.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the resignation of Lord John Russell and his Cabinet, in February,
+1851, Lord Stanley was called upon to form a new administration, and Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the Cabinet. Lord Stanley
+having failed, Lord Aberdeen was invited to form a new Cabinet, by the
+Queen, with like results. Both these gentlemen having declined the task
+of forming a new administration, Lord John Russell and his colleagues
+resumed office, but the reconstructed ministry was soon to receive a
+fatal blow through Lord Palmerston, the foreign Secretary.</p>
+
+<p>On the 2d of December, 1851, Louis Napoleon, Prince President of the
+French Republic, by a single act of lawless violence, abolished the
+constitution, and made himself Dictator. The details of this monstrous
+deed, and of the bloodshed that accompanied it, created a profound
+sensation in England. The Queen was very anxious that no step should be
+taken and no word said by her ministry which could be construed into an
+approval by the English government of what had been done. Indeed the
+Queen who knew the failing of her Foreign Secretary to act hastily in
+important matters of State without the consent or advice of Queen or
+Cabinet, questioned the Premier and was assured that nothing had been
+done in recognition of the new government in Paris. Indeed the Cabinet
+had passed a resolution to abstain from the expression of opinions in
+approval or disapproval of the recent <i>coup d'état</i> in France. But it
+soon leaked out that Lord Palmerston who thought he understood full well
+the foreign relations of England, and what her policy should be, had
+both in public dispatches and private conversation spoken favorably of
+the policy adopted by Louis Napoleon. He had even expressed to Count
+Walewski, the French Ambassador in London, his entire approval of the
+Prince President's act. This was too much for the Queen, who had as
+early as the August before, in a memorandum sent to the Premier,
+imperatively protested against the crown's being ignored by the Foreign
+Secretary, so Lord Palmerston was dismissed from office by Lord John
+Russell, Christmas Eve, 1851. He bore his discharge with meekness, and
+even omitted in Parliament to defend himself in points where he was
+wronged. But Justin McCarthy says: "Lord Palmerston was in the wrong in
+many if not most of the controversies which had preceded it; that is to
+say, he was wrong in committing England as he so often did to measures
+which had not the approval of the sovereign or his colleagues."</p>
+
+<p>In February following, 1852, Lord Palmerston enjoyed, as he expressed
+it, his "tit-for-tat with Johnny Russell" and helped the Tories to
+defeat his late chief in a measure for reorganizing the militia as a
+precaution against possible aggression from France. The ministry had not
+saved itself by the overthrow of Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the retirement of Lord John Russell from office, in 1852, the Earl
+of Derby, formerly Lord Stanley, succeeded him as Prime Minister. Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the new Tory Cabinet, but
+declined, whereupon Lord Malmesbury dubiously remarked, November 28th:
+"I cannot make out Gladstone, who seems to me a dark horse." Mr.
+Disraeli was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer, and became Leader in
+the House of Commons, entering the Cabinet for the first time. "There
+was a scarcely disguised intention to revive protection." It was Free
+Trade or Protection, and the Peelites defended their fallen leader,
+Peel. "A makeshift budget" was introduced by Mr. Disraeli and passed. It
+was destined, it seems, that the Derby Administration was not to be
+supported, but to be driven out of power by Mr. Gladstone, who was to
+cross swords before the nation with his future parliamentary
+rival, Disraeli.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Disraeli seemed now bent upon declaring the Free Trade Policy of Sir
+Robert Peel a failure. Mr. Disraeli's power of forgetfulness of the past
+is one of the most fortunate ever conferred upon a statesman. During the
+debate he declared that the main reason why his party had opposed Free
+Trade was not that it would injure the landlord, nor the farmer, but
+that "it would prove injurious to the cause of labor." "He also said,
+though interrupted by cries of astonishment and of 'Oh, oh!' that not a
+single attempt had been made in the House of Commons to abrogate the
+measure of 1846." Mr. Sidney Herbert, who was wounded to the quick by
+the assaults on Sir Robert Peel, rose to defend the great Conservative
+statesman. His speech contained one passage of scathing invective
+addressed to Mr. Disraeli.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Herbert said: "The memory of Sir Robert Peel requires no
+vindication&mdash;his memory is embalmed in the grateful recollection of the
+people of this country; and I say, if ever retribution is wanted&mdash;for it
+is not words that humiliate, but deeds&mdash;if a man wants to see
+humiliation, which God knows is always a painful sight, he need but look
+there!"&mdash;and upon this Mr. Herbert pointed with his finger to Mr.
+Disraeli sitting on the Treasury Bench. The sting of invective is truth,
+and Mr. Herbert certainly spoke daggers if he used none; yet the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer sat impassive as a Sphinx.</p>
+
+<p>Parliament was dissolved soon after the formation of the new government,
+July 1, 1852, and during the recess, September 14, 1852, the Duke of
+Wellington passed away and a public funeral was given the victor
+of Waterloo.</p>
+
+<p>On the assembling of Parliament Mr. Gladstone delivered a eulogy on the
+Duke, drawing special lessons from his illustrious career, which had
+been prolonged to a green old age. Mr. Gladstone said: "While many of
+the actions of his life, while many of the qualities he possessed, are
+unattainable by others, there are lessons which we may all derive from
+the life and actions of that illustrious man. It may never be given to
+another subject of the British Crown to perform services so brilliant as
+he performed; it may never be given to another man to hold the sword
+which was to gain the independence of Europe, to rally the nations
+around it, and while England saved herself by her constancy, to save
+Europe by her example; it may never be given to another man, after
+having attained such eminence, after such an unexampled series of
+victories, to show equal moderation in peace as he has shown greatness
+in war, and to devote the remainder of his life to the cause of internal
+and external peace for that country which he has so well served; it may
+never be given to another man to have equal authority, both with the
+Sovereign he served and with the Senate of which he was to the end a
+venerated member; it may never be given to another man after such a
+career to preserve, even to the last, the full possession of those great
+faculties with which he was endowed, and to carry on the services of one
+of the most important departments of the State with unexampled
+regularity and success, even to the latest day of his life. These are
+circumstances, these are qualities, which may never occur again in the
+history of this country. But these are qualities which the Duke of
+Wellington displayed, of which we may all act in humble imitation: that
+sincere and unceasing devotion to our country; that honest and upright
+determination to act for the benefit of the country on every occasion;
+that devoted loyalty, which, while it made him ever anxious to serve the
+Crown, never induced him to conceal from the Sovereign that which he
+believed to be the truth; that devotedness in the constant performance
+of duty; that temperance of his life, which enabled him at all times to
+give his mind and his faculties to the services which he was called on
+to perform; that regular, consistent, and unceasing piety by which he
+was distinguished at all times of his life; these are qualities that are
+attainable by others, and these are qualities which should not be lost
+as an example."</p>
+
+<p>At this session of Parliament Mr. Disraeli brought forward his second
+budget in a five hour speech. The new Chancellor of the Exchequer
+proposed to remit a portion of the taxes upon malt, tea, and sugar, but
+to counterbalance these losses he also proposed to extend the income-tax
+and house-tax. The debate, which was very personal, was prolonged
+several days, and Mr. Disraeli, towards its close, bitterly attacked
+several members, among them Sir James Graham, whom Mr. Gladstone not
+only defended, but in so doing administered a scathing rebuke to the
+Chancellor for his bitter invective and personal abuse. Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at the close of Mr. Disraeli's presentation was crushing, and was
+generally regarded as giving the death-blow to this financial scheme.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone told Mr. Disraeli that he was not entitled to charge with
+insolence men of as high position and of as high character in the House
+as himself, and when the cheers which had interrupted him had subsided,
+concluded: "I must tell the right honorable gentleman that he is not
+entitled to say to my right honorable friend, the member for Carlisle,
+that he regards but does not respect him. And I must tell him that
+whatever else he has learnt&mdash;and he has learnt much&mdash;he has not learnt
+to keep within those limits of discretion, of moderation, and of
+forbearance that ought to restrain the conduct and language of every
+member in this House, the disregard of which, while it is an offence in
+the meanest amongst us, is an offence of tenfold weight when committed
+by the leader of the House of Commons."</p>
+
+<p>The thrilling scene enacted in the House of Commons on that memorable
+night is thus described: "In the following month the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer produced his second budget. It was an ambitious and a skillful
+attempt to reconcile conflicting interests, and to please all while
+offending none. The government had come into office pledged to do
+something for the relief of the agricultural interests. They redeemed
+their pledge by reducing the duty on malt. This reduction created a
+deficit; and they repaired the deficit by doubling the duty on inhabited
+houses. Unluckily, the agricultural interests proved, as usual,
+ungrateful to its benefactors, and made light of the reduction on malt;
+while those who were to pay for it in double taxation were naturally
+indignant. The voices of criticism, 'angry, loud, discordant voices,'
+were heard simultaneously on every side. The debate waxed fast and
+furious. In defending his hopeless proposals, Mr. Disraeli gave full
+scope to his most characteristic gift; he pelted his opponents right and
+left with sarcasms, taunts, and epigrams, and went as near personal
+insult as the forms of Parliament permit. He sat down late at night, and
+Mr. Gladstone rose in a crowded and excited House to deliver an
+unpremeditated reply which has ever since been celebrated. Even the cold
+and colorless pages of 'Hansard' show signs of the excitement under
+which he labored, and of the tumultuous applause and dissent by which
+his opening sentences were interrupted. 'The speech of the Chancellor of
+the Exchequer,' he said, 'must be answered on the moment. It must be
+tried by the laws of decency and propriety.'" He indignantly rebuked his
+rival's language and demeanor. He reminded him of the discretion and
+decorum due from every member, but pre-eminently due from the leader of
+the House. He tore his financial scheme to ribbons. It was the beginning
+of a duel which lasted till death removed one of the combatants from the
+political arena. 'Those who had thought it impossible that any
+impression could be made upon the House after the speech of Mr.
+Disraeli had to acknowledge that a yet greater impression was produced
+by the unprepared reply of Mr. Gladstone.' The House divided and the
+government were left in a minority of nineteen. This happened in the
+early morning of December 17, 1852. Within an hour of the division Lord
+Derby wrote to the Queen a letter announcing his defeat and the
+consequences which it must entail, and that evening at Osborne he placed
+his formal resignation in her majesty's hands.</p>
+
+<p>It is related as an evidence of the intense excitement, if not frenzy,
+that prevailed at the time, that Mr. Gladstone met with indignity at his
+Club. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says that, "twenty ruffians of the
+Carleton Club" had given a dinner to Major Beresford, who had been
+charged with bribery at the Derby election and had escaped with only a
+censure, and that "after dinner, when they were drunk, they went up
+stairs and finding Mr. Gladstone alone in the drawing-room, some of them
+proposed to throw him out of the window. This they did not quite dare to
+do, but contented themselves with giving some insulting message or order
+to the waiter and then went away." Mr. Gladstone, however, remained a
+member of the Club until he joined the Whig administration in 1859.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's crushing <i>exposé</i> of the blunders of Mr. Disraeli's
+budget was almost ludicrous in its completeness, and it was universally
+felt that the scheme could not survive his brilliant attack. The effect
+that the merciless criticism of Disraeli's budget was not only the
+discomfiture of Mr. Disraeli and the overthrow of the Russell
+administration, but the elevation of Mr. Gladstone to the place vacated
+by Chancellor Disraeli.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl of Aberdeen became Prime Minister. The new government was a
+coalition of Whigs and Peelites, with a representative of the Radicals
+in the person of Sir William Molesworth. Mr. Gladstone, the Duke of
+Newcastle, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert were the Peelites in
+the Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer.</p>
+
+<p>We may refer here to a letter of Mr. Gladstone, written Christmas, 1851,
+in order to show his growing Liberalism. The letter was to Dr. Skinner,
+Bishop of Aberdeen and Primus, on the positions and functions of the
+laity in the Church. This letter is remarkable, because, as Dr. Charles
+Wordsworth, Bishop of St. Andrew's, said at the time, "it contained the
+germ of liberation and the political equality of all religions." The
+Bishop published a controversial rejoinder, which drew from Dr.
+Gaisford, Dean of Christ Church, these emphatic words: "You have proved
+to my satisfaction that this gentleman is unfit to represent the
+University," meaning the representation for Oxford in Parliament.</p>
+
+<p>This feeling was growing, for when the Russell Ministry fell and it
+became necessary for Mr. Gladstone, because he accepted a place in the
+Cabinet, to appeal for re-election to his constituents at Oxford, he met
+with much opposition, because of his Liberalism. Appealing to his
+university to return him, and endorse his acceptance of office in the
+new Ministry of the Earl of Aberdeen, Mr. Gladstone soon discovered that
+he had made many enemies by his manifest tendencies toward
+Liberal-Conservatism. He had given unmistakable evidence that he held
+less firmly the old traditions of that unbending Toryism of which he was
+once the most promising representative. Lord Derby, whom he had deposed,
+had been elected Chancellor of the University to succeed the Duke of
+Wellington, deceased. Consequently his return to the House was ardently
+contested. His opponents looked around for a candidate of strong
+Conservative principles. The Marquis of Chandos, who was first elected,
+declined to run in opposition to Mr. Gladstone; but at length a suitable
+opponent was found in Mr. Dudley Perceval, of Christ Church, son of the
+Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, who was nominated January 4th.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Hawkins, Provost of Oriel, one of the twenty colleges of Oxford,
+proposed Mr. Gladstone, and Archdeacon Denison, leader of the High
+Church party, proposed Mr. Dudley Perceval. According to the custom at
+university elections, neither candidate was present. It was objected to
+Mr. Gladstone that he had voted improperly on ecclesiastical questions,
+and had accepted office in "a hybrid ministry." The "Times" described
+Mr. Perceval as "a very near relative of our old friend Mrs. Harris. To
+remove any doubt on this point, let him be exhibited at Exeter Hall with
+the documentary evidence of his name, existence and history; his
+first-class, his defeat at Finsbury, his talents, his principles. If we
+must go to Oxford to record our votes it would at least be something to
+know that we were voting against a real man and not a mere name." The
+"Morning Chronicle," on the other hand, affirmed that a section of the
+Carleton Club were "making a tool of the Oxford Convocation for the
+purpose of the meanest and smallest political rancor against Mr.
+Gladstone."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, who fought the battle on ecclesiastical lines, wrote,
+after the nomination, to the chairman of his election committee,
+as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"Unless I had a full and clear conviction that the interests of the
+Church, whether as relates to the legislative functions of Parliament,
+or the impartial and wise recommendation of fit persons to her majesty
+for high ecclesiastical offices, were at least as safe in the hands of
+Lord Aberdeen as in those of Lord Derby (though I would on no account
+disparage Lord Derby's personal sentiments towards the Church), I should
+not have accepted office under Lord Aberdeen. As regards the second, if
+it be thought that during twenty years of public life, or that during
+the latter part of them, I have failed to give guarantees of attachment
+to the interests of the Church&mdash;to such as so think I can offer neither
+apology nor pledge. To those who think otherwise, I tender the assurance
+that I have not by my recent assumption of office made any change
+whatever in that particular, or in any principles relating to it."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone was again elected by a fair majority and returned to
+Parliament. Seventy-four of the professors voted for Mr. Gladstone and
+fifteen for Mr. Perceval.</p>
+
+<p>When Parliament assembled the Earl of Aberdeen announced in the House of
+Lords that the measures of the Government would be both Conservative and
+Liberal,&mdash;at home to maintain Free Trade principles and to pursue the
+commercial and financial system of the late Sir Robert Peel, and abroad
+to secure the general peace of Europe without relaxing defensive
+measures.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone had already proved himself to have a wonderful mastery of
+figures, and the confused technicalities of finance. He did not
+disappoint the hopes of his friends in regard to his fiscal abilities.
+On the contrary, he speedily inaugurated a new and brilliant era in
+finance. Previous to presenting his first budget, in 1853, Mr. Gladstone
+brought forward a scheme for the reduction of the national debt, which
+was approved by Radicals as well as Conservatives, and adopted by the
+House. The scheme worked most successfully until the breaking out of the
+Crimean war. During this very short period of two years the public debt
+was reduced by more than $57,500,000.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of his general reputation and also of this brilliant
+financial scheme, the first budget of Mr. Gladstone was waited for with
+intense interest. His first budget was introduced April 18, 1853. It was
+one of his greatest budgets, and for statesmanlike breadth of conception
+it has never been surpassed. In bringing it forward Mr. Gladstone spoke
+five hours, and during that length of time held the House spellbound.
+The speech was delivered with the greatest ease, and was perspicuity
+itself throughout. Even when dealing with the most abstruse financial
+detail his language flowed on without interruption, and he never paused
+for a word. "Here was an orator who could apply all the resources of a
+burnished rhetoric to the elucidation of figures; who could make pippins
+and cheese interesting and tea serious; who could sweep the widest
+horizon of the financial future and yet stoop to bestow the minutest
+attention on the microcosm of penny stamps and post-horses. The members
+on the floor and ladies in the gallery of the House listened attentively
+and showed no signs of weariness throughout." A contemporary awarded to
+him the palm for unsurpassed fluency and choice of diction, and says:</p>
+
+<p>"The impression produced upon the minds of the crowded and brilliant
+assembly by Mr. Gladstone's evident mastery and grasp of the subject,
+was, that England had at length found a skillful financier, upon whom
+the mantle of Peel had descended. The cheering when the right honorable
+gentleman sat down was of the most enthusiastic and prolonged character,
+and his friends and colleagues hastened to tender him their warm
+congratulations upon the distinguished success he had achieved in his
+first budget."</p>
+
+<p>The budget provided for the gradual reduction of the income tax to
+expire in 1860; for an increase in the duty on spirits; for the
+abolition of the soap duties; the reduction of the tax on cabs and
+hackney coaches; the introduction of the penny receipt stamp and the
+equalization of the assessed taxes on property. By these provisions it
+was proposed to make life easier and cheaper for large and numerous
+classes. The duty on 123 articles was abolished and the duty on 133
+others reduced, the total relief amounting to $25,000,000. Mr. Gladstone
+gave a clear exposition of the income tax, which he declared was never
+intended to be permanent. It had been the last resort in times of
+national danger, and he could not consent to retain it as a part of the
+permanent and ordinary finances of the country. It was objectionable on
+account of its unequal incidence, of the harassing investigation into
+private affairs which it entailed and of the frauds to which it
+inevitably led.</p>
+
+<p>The value of the reduction in the necessities of life proposed by Mr.
+Gladstone is seen from the following from a contemporary writer:</p>
+
+<p>"The present budget, more than any other budget within our recollection,
+is a cupboard budget; otherwise, a poor man's budget. With certain very
+ugly features, the thing has altogether a good, hopeful aspect, together
+with very fair proportions. It is not given to any Chancellor of the
+Exchequer to make a budget fascinating as a fairy tale. Nevertheless,
+there are visions of wealth and comfort in the present budget that
+mightily recommend it to us. It seems to add color and fatness to the
+poor man's beef; to give flavor and richness to the poor man's
+plum-pudding. The budget is essentially a cupboard budget; and let the
+name of Gladstone be, for the time at least, musical at the poor man's
+fireside."</p>
+
+<p>It unquestionably established Gladstone as the foremost financier of
+his day. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says of him: "He spoke for five
+hours; and by universal consent it was one of the grandest displays and
+most able financial statements that ever was heard in the House of
+Commons; a great scheme, boldly and skillfully and honestly devised,
+disdaining popular clamor and pressure from without, and the execution
+of its absolute perfection."</p>
+
+<p>We reproduce some extracts from this important speech: "Depend upon it,
+when you come to close quarters with this subject, when you come to
+measure and test the respective relations of intelligence and labor and
+property in all their myriad and complex forms, and when you come to
+represent those relations in arithmetical results, you are undertaking
+an operation of which I should say it was beyond the power of man to
+conduct it with satisfaction, but which, at any rate, is an operation to
+which you ought not constantly to recur; for if, as my noble friend once
+said with universal applause, this country could not bear a revolution
+once a year, I will venture to say that it cannot bear a reconstruction
+of the income tax once a year.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever you do in regard to the income tax, you must be bold, you must
+be intelligible, you must be decisive. You must not palter with it. If
+you do, I have striven at least to point out as well as my feeble
+powers will permit, the almost desecration I would say, certainly the
+gross breach of duty to your country, of which you will be found guilty,
+in thus putting to hazard one of the most potent and effective among all
+its material resources. I believe it to be of vital importance, whether
+you keep this tax or whether you part with it, that you should either
+keep it or should leave it in a state in which it will be fit for
+service on an emergency, and that it will be impossible to do if you
+break up the basis of your income tax.</p>
+
+<p>"If the Committee have followed me, they will understand that we found
+ourselves on the principle that the income-tax ought to be marked as a
+temporary measure; that the public feeling that relief should be given
+to intelligence and skill as compared with property ought to be met, and
+may be met with justice and with safety, in the manner we have pointed
+out; that the income tax in its operation ought to be mitigated by every
+rational means, compatible with its integrity; and, above all, that it
+should be associated in the last term of its existence, as it was in the
+first, with those remissions of indirect taxation which have so greatly
+redoubled to the profit of this country and have set so admirable an
+example&mdash;an example that has already in some quarters proved contagious
+to the other nations of the earth, These are the principles on which we
+stand, and these the figures. I have shown you that if you grant us the
+taxes which we ask, to the moderate amount of £2,500,000 in the whole,
+much less than that sum for the present year, you, or the Parliament
+which may be in existence in 1860, will be in the condition, if it shall
+so think fit, to part with the income tax."</p>
+
+<p>Sir, I scarcely dare to look at the clock, shamefully reminding me, as
+it must, how long, how shamelessly, I have trespassed on the time of the
+committee. All I can say in apology is that I have endeavored to keep
+closely to the topics which I had before me&mdash;</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<p>   &mdash;immensum spatiis confecimus aequor,<br>
+     Et jam tempus equum fumantia solvere colla.</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<p>"These are the proposals of the Government. They may be approved or they
+may be condemned, but I have at least this full and undoubting
+confidence, that it will on all hands be admitted that we have not
+sought to evade the difficulties of our position; that we have not
+concealed those difficulties, either from ourselves or from others; that
+we have not attempted to counteract them by narrow or flimsy expedients;
+that we have prepared plans which, if you will adopt them, will go some
+way to close up many vexed financial questions&mdash;questions such as, if
+not now settled, may be attended with public inconvenience, and even
+with public danger, in future years and under less favorable
+circumstances; that we have endeavored, in the plans we have now
+submitted to you, to make the path of our successors in future years not
+more arduous but more easy; and I may be permitted to add that, while we
+have sought to do justice, by the changes we propose in taxation, to
+intelligence and skill as compared with property&mdash;while we have sought
+to do justice to the great laboring community of England by furthering
+their relief from indirect taxation, we have not been guided by any
+desire to put one class against another. We have felt we should best
+maintain our own honor, that we should best meet the views of
+Parliament, and best promote the interests of the country, by declining
+to draw any invidious distinctions between class and class, by adapting
+it to ourselves as a sacred aim to differ and distribute&mdash;burden if we
+must, benefit if we may&mdash;with equal and impartial hand; and we have the
+consolation of believing that by proposals such as these we contribute,
+as far as in us lies, not only to develop the material resources of the
+country, but to knit the hearts of the various classes of this great
+nation yet more closely than heretofore to that throne and to those
+institutions under which it is their happiness to live."</p>
+
+<p>It is seldom that a venture of such magnitude as Mr. Gladstone's first
+budget meets with universal success. But from the outset the plan was
+received with universal favor. Besides the plaudits with which the
+orator was greeted at the conclusion of his speech, his proposals were
+received favorably by the whole nation. Being constructed upon Free
+Trade principles, it was welcomed by the press and the country. It added
+greatly, not only to the growing reputation of the new Chancellor of the
+Exchequer as a financier, but also to his popularity.</p>
+
+<p>The following anecdote of Mr. Gladstone is told by Walter Jerrold and is
+appropriate as well as timely here:</p>
+
+<p>"During Mr. Gladstone's first tenure of office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer, a curious adventure occurred to him in the London offices of
+the late Mr. W. Lindsay, merchant, shipowner and M.P. There one day
+entered a brusque and wealthy shipowner of Sunderland, inquiring for Mr.
+Lindsay. As Mr. Lindsay was out, the visitor was requested to wait in an
+adjacent room, where he found a person busily engaged in copying some
+figures. The Sunderland shipowner paced the room several times and took
+careful note of the writer's doings, and at length said to him, 'Thou
+writes a bonny hand, thou dost.'</p>
+
+<p>"'I am glad you think so,' was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"'Ah, thou dost. Thou makes thy figures weel. Thou'rt just the chap I
+want.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Indeed!' said the Londoner.</p>
+
+<p>"'Yes, indeed,' said the Sunderland man. 'I'm a man of few words. Noo,
+if thou'lt come over to canny ould Sunderland thou seest I'll give thee
+a hundred and twenty pounds a year, and that's a plum thou dost not meet
+with every day in thy life, I reckon. Noo then.'</p>
+
+<p>"The Londoner replied that he was much obliged for the offer, and would
+wait till Mr. Lindsay returned, whom he would consult upon the subject.
+Accordingly, on the return of the latter, he was informed of the
+shipowner's tempting offer.</p>
+
+<p>"'Very well,' said Mr. Lindsay, 'I should be sorry to stand in your way.
+One hundred and twenty pounds is more than I can afford to pay you in
+the department in which you are at present placed. You will find my
+friend a good and kind master, and, under the circumstances, the sooner
+you know each other the better. Allow me, therefore, Mr.&mdash;&mdash;, to
+introduce you to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, Chancellor of the
+Exchequer.' The Sunderland shipowner was a little taken aback at first,
+but he soon recovered his self-possession, and enjoyed the joke quite as
+much as Mr. Gladstone did."</p>
+
+
+<a name="572"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0572 (93K)" src="images/572.jpg" height="814" width="518">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c10"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+<h4>
+THE CRIMEAN WAR
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+
+<p>The Crimean War, the great event with which the Aberdeen Cabinet was
+associated, was a contest between Russia and Turkey, England and France.
+A dispute which arose between Russia and Turkey as to the possession of
+the Holy Places of Jerusalem was the precipitating cause. For a long
+time the Greek and the Latin Churches had contended for the possession
+of the Holy Land. Russia supported the claim of the Greek Church, and
+France that of the Papal Church. The Czar claimed a Protectorate over
+all the Greek subjects of the Porte. Russia sought to extend her
+conquests south and to seize upon Turkey. France and England sustained
+Turkey. Sardinia afterwards joined the Anglo-French alliance.</p>
+
+<p>The people of England generally favored the war, and evinced much
+enthusiasm at the prospect of it. Lord Aberdeen and Mr. Gladstone wished
+England to stand aloof. The Peelite members of the cabinet were
+generally less inclined to war than the Whigs. Lord Palmerston and Lord
+John Russell favored England's support of Turkey. Some thought that
+England could have averted the war by pursuing persistently either of
+two courses: to inform Turkey that England would give her no aid; or to
+warn Russia that if she went to war, England would fight for Turkey. But
+with a ministry halting between two opinions, and the people demanding
+it, England "drifted into war" with Russia.</p>
+
+<p>July 2, 1853, the Russian troops crossed the Pruth and occupied the
+Danubian Principalities which had been by treaty, in 1849, evacuated by
+Turkey and Russia, and declared by both powers neutral territory between
+them. London was startled, October 4, 1853, by a telegram announcing
+that the Sultan had declared war against Russia. England and France
+jointly sent an <i>ultimatum</i> to the Czar, to which no answer was
+returned. March 28, 1854, England declared war.</p>
+
+<p>On the 12th of March, while great excitement prevailed and public
+meetings were held throughout England, declaring for and against war,
+Mr. Gladstone made an address on the occasion of the inauguration of the
+statue of Sir Robert Peel, at Manchester. He spoke of the designs of
+Russia, and described her as a power which threatened to override all
+other powers, and as a source of danger to the peace of the world.
+Against such designs, seen in Russia's attempt to overthrow the Ottoman
+Empire, England had determined to set herself at whatever cost. War was
+a calamity that the government did not desire to bring upon the country,
+"a calamity which stained the face of nature with human gore, gave loose
+rein to crime, and took bread from the people. No doubt negotiation is
+repugnant to the national impatience at the sight of injustice and
+oppression; it is beset with delay, intrigue, and chicane; but these are
+not so horrible as war, if negotiation can be made to result in saving
+this country from a calamity which deprives the nation of subsistence
+and arrests the operations of industry. To attain that result ... Her
+Majesty's Ministers have persevered in exercising that self-command and
+that self-restraint which impatience may mistake for indifference,
+feebleness or cowardice, but which are truly the crowning greatness of a
+great people, and which do not evince the want of readiness to
+vindicate, when the time comes, the honor of this country."</p>
+
+<p>In November a conference of some of the European powers was held at
+Vienna to avert the war by mediating between Russia and Turkey, but was
+unsuccessful. Mr. Gladstone said: "Austria urged the two leading
+states, England and France, to send in their <i>ultimatum</i> to Russia, and
+promised it her decided support.... Prussia at the critical moment, to
+speak in homely language, bolted.... In fact, she broke up the European
+concert, by which France and England had hoped to pull down the
+stubbornness of the Czar."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone had opposed the war, not only on humanitarian and
+Christian grounds, but also because the preparation of a war budget
+overthrew all his financial schemes and hopes; a new budget was
+necessary, and he as Chancellor of the Exchequer must prepare it.
+Knowing that the struggle was inevitable, he therefore bent his energies
+to the task and conceived a scheme for discharging the expenses of the
+war out of the current revenue, provided it required no more than ten
+million pounds extra, so that the country should not be permanently
+burdened. It would require to do this the imposition of fresh taxes.</p>
+
+<p>"It thus fell to the lot of the most pacific of Ministers, the devotee
+of retrenchment, and the anxious cultivator of all industrial arts, to
+prepare a war budget, and to meet as well as he might the exigencies of
+a conflict which had so cruelly dislocated all the ingenious devices of
+financial optimism."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone afterwards moved for over six and a half millions of
+pounds more than already granted, and proposed a further increase in the
+taxes. Mr. Disraeli opposed Mr. Gladstone's budget. He devised a scheme
+to borrow and thus increase the debt. He opposed the imposition of new
+taxes. Mr. Gladstone said: "Every good motive and every bad motive,
+combated only by the desire of the approval of honorable men and by
+conscientious rectitude&mdash;every motive of ease, comfort, and of certainty
+spring forward to induce a Chancellor of the Exchequer to become the
+first man to recommend a loan." Mr. Gladstone was sustained.</p>
+
+<p>The war had begun in earnest. The Duke of Newcastle received a telegram
+on the 21st of September announcing that 25,000 English troops, 25,000
+French and 8000 Turks had landed safely at Eupatoria "without meeting
+with any resistance, and had already begun to march upon Sebastopol."</p>
+
+<p>The war was popular with the English people, but the ministry of Lord
+Aberdeen, which inaugurated it, was becoming unpopular. This became
+apparent in the autumn of 1854. There were not actual dissensions in the
+Cabinet, but there was great want of harmony as to the conduct of the
+war. The Queen knew with what reluctance Lord Aberdeen had entered upon
+the war, but she had the utmost confidence in him as a man and a
+statesman. She was most desirous that the war be prosecuted with vigor,
+and trusted the Premier for the realization of her hopes and those of
+the nation, but unity in the Cabinet was necessary for the successful
+prosecution of the war.</p>
+
+<p>Parliament assembled December 12, 1854, "under circumstances more
+stirring and momentous than any which had occurred since the year of
+Waterloo." The management of the war was the main subject under
+discussion. The English troops had covered themselves with glory in the
+battles of Alma, Balaclava and Inkermann. But the sacrifice was great.
+Thousands were slain and homes made desolate, while the British army was
+suffering greatly, and the sick and wounded were needing attention. Half
+a million pounds were subscribed in three months, and Miss Florence
+Nightingale with thirty-seven lady nurses, soon to be reinforced by
+fifty more, set out at once for the seat of war to nurse the sick and
+wounded soldiers. It is recorded that "they reached Scutari on the 5th
+of November, in time to receive the soldiers who had been wounded at the
+battle of Balaclava. On the arrival of Miss Nightingale the great
+hospital at Scutari, in which up to this time all had been chaos and
+discomfort, was reduced to order, and those tender lenitives which only
+woman's thought and woman's sympathy can bring to the sick man's couch,
+were applied to solace and alleviate the agonies of pain or the torture
+of fever and prostration."</p>
+
+<p>It was natural to attribute the want of proper management to the
+ministry, and hence the Government found itself under fire. In the House
+of Lords the Earl of Derby condemned the inefficient manner in which the
+war had been carried on, the whole conduct of the ministry in the war,
+and the insufficiency of the number of troops sent out to check the
+power of Russia. The Duke of Newcastle replied, and while not defending
+all the actions of the ministry during the war, yet contended that the
+government were prepared to prosecute it with resolve and unflinching
+firmness. While not standing ready to reject overtures of peace, they
+would not accept any but an honorable termination of the war. The
+ministry relied upon the army, the people, and upon their allies with
+the full confidence of ultimate success.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, attacked the policy of the
+ministry from beginning to end. Everything was a blunder or a mishap of
+some description or other; the government had invaded Russia with 25,000
+troops without providing any provision for their support.</p>
+
+<p>When the House of Commons assembled, in January, 1855, it became
+apparent that there was a determination to sift to the bottom the
+charges that had been made against the ministry regarding their manner
+of carrying on the war. The Queen expressed her sympathy for Lord
+Aberdeen, who was in a most unenviable position. Motions hostile to the
+government were introduced in the House of Lords, while in the House of
+Commons Mr. Roebuck moved for a select committee "to inquire into the
+condition of the army before Sebastopol, and into the conduct of those
+departments of the government whose duty it has been to minister to the
+wants of the army."</p>
+
+<p>Lord John Russell resigned his office and left his colleagues to face
+the vote. He could not see how Mr. Roebuck's motion could be resisted.
+This seemed to portend the downfall of the ministry. The Duke of
+Newcastle, Secretary of War, offered to retire to save the government.
+Lord Palmerston believed that the breaking up of the ministry would be a
+calamity to the country, but he doubted the expediency of the retirement
+of the Duke of Newcastle, and his own fitness for the place of Minister
+of War, if vacated. Finally the Cabinet resolved to hold together,
+except Lord John Russell.</p>
+
+<p>In the debate it was declared that the condition of things at the seat
+of war was exaggerated; but the speech of Mr. Stafford caused a great
+sensation. He described the sufferings which he declared he had himself
+witnessed. He summed up by quoting the language of a French officer, who
+said: "You seem, sir, to carry on war according to the system of the
+Middle Ages." The situation of the ministry was critical before, but
+this speech seemed to make sure the passage of the resolutions.</p>
+
+<p>It was under all these depressing circumstances that Mr. Gladstone rose
+to defend himself and his colleagues. In a fine passage he thus
+described what the position of the Cabinet would have been if they had
+shrunk from their duty: "What sort of epitaph would have been written
+over their remains? He himself would have written it thus: Here lie the
+dishonored ashes of a ministry which found England at peace and left it
+in war, which was content to enjoy the emoluments of office and to wield
+the sceptre of power so long as no man had the courage to question their
+existence. They saw the storm gathering over the country; they heard the
+agonizing accounts which were almost daily received of the state of the
+sick and wounded in the East. These things did not move them. But as
+soon as the Honorable Member for Sheffield raised his hand to point the
+thunderbolt, they became conscience-stricken with a sense of guilt, and,
+hoping to escape punishment, they ran away from duty."</p>
+
+<p>This eloquent passage was received with tumultuous cheers. Mr.
+Gladstone claimed that there had been many exaggerations as to the state
+of the army and there were then more than 30,000 British troops under
+arms before Sebastopol. The administration of the War Department at home
+was no doubt defective, but he declined to admit that it had not
+improved, or that it was as bad as to deserve formal censure, and the
+Duke of Newcastle did not merit the condemnation sought to be cast on
+him as the head of the War Department.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Disraeli was eagerly heard when he rose to speak. He said that the
+government admitted that they needed reconstruction, and that now the
+House was called upon to vote confidence in the administration. It was
+not the Duke of Newcastle nor the military system, but the policy of the
+whole Cabinet which he characterized as a "deplorable administration."</p>
+
+<p>The result of the vote was a strange surprise to all parties, and one of
+the greatest ever experienced in Parliamentary history. The vote for Mr.
+Roebuck's committee was 205; and against it, 148; a majority against the
+ministry of 157. "The scene was a peculiar and probably an unparalleled
+one. The cheers which are usually heard from one side or the other of
+the House on the numbers of a division being announced, were not
+forthcoming. The members were for a moment spellbound with
+astonishment, then there came a murmur of amazement and finally a burst
+of general laughter." The resignation of the Aberdeen ministry was
+announced February 1st, the Duke of Newcastle stating that it had been
+his intention to give up the office of Secretary of War whether Mr.
+Roebuck's resolution had passed or not.</p>
+
+<p>Thus was overthrown the famous coalition Cabinet of Lord Aberdeen&mdash;one
+of the most brilliant ever seen&mdash;a Cabinet distinguished for its
+oratorical strength, and for the conspicuous abilities of its chief
+members. Mr. Gladstone, who was the most distinguished Peelite in the
+Cabinet, certainly could not, up to this period, be suspected of
+lukewarmness in the prosecution of the war. Lord Palmerston formed a
+reconstructed rather than a new Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone and his friends
+at first declined to serve in the new Cabinet, out of regard for the
+Duke of Newcastle and Lord Aberdeen, the real victims of the adverse
+vote. But these noblemen besought Mr. Gladstone not to let his personal
+feelings stand in the way of his own interests, and not to deprive the
+country of his great services, so he resumed office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer. Lord Palmerston had been regarded as the coming man, and his
+name carried weight upon the Continent and at home. But the new
+ministry was surrounded by serious difficulties, and did not pull
+together very long. The War Minister, Lord Panmure, entered upon his
+duties with energy, and proposed, February 16th, his remedy for existing
+evils; but on the 19th of February Mr. Layard in the House of Commons
+said, "the country stood on the brink of ruin&mdash;it had fallen into the
+abyss of disgrace and become the laughing-stock of Europe." He declared
+that the new ministry differed little from the last.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Palmerston, in answer to inquiries, lamented the sufferings of the
+army and confessed that mishaps had been made, but the present ministry
+had come forward in an emergency and from a sense of public duty, and he
+believed would obtain the confidence of the country. But another strange
+turn in events was at hand. Mr. Roebuck gave notice of the appointment
+of his committee. Hostility to the ministry was disclaimed, but Mr.
+Gladstone, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert took the same view of
+the question they had previously taken. They were opposed to the
+investigation as a dangerous breach of a great constitutional principle,
+and if the committee was granted, it would be a precedent from whose
+repetition the Executive could never again escape, however unreasonable
+might be the nature of the demand. They therefore retired from office.</p>
+
+<p>The report of the committee, when presented, practically advised a vote
+of censure upon the Aberdeen Cabinet for the sufferings of the British
+army, hence the house declined to entertain it by a large majority of
+107. As the appointment of the committee, however, was the only way to
+allay the popular excitement, there were many who thought that the
+Peelites would have done well to recognize the urgency of the crisis and
+not to have abandoned the Government.</p>
+
+<p>The resignation of Mr. Gladstone made him very unpopular. However, "the
+wave of unpopularity lasted perhaps for a couple of years, and was
+afterwards replaced by a long-sustained popularity, which has not been
+exceeded by any statesman of the country. Greville referred to Gladstone
+about this time as 'the most unpopular man in the country.'"</p>
+
+<p>March 2d the Emperor Nicholas died suddenly, and there were momentary
+hopes of peace; but his successor, Alexander, resolved to prosecute the
+struggle rather than yield the positions taken by the late Czar. He
+issued a warlike proclamation, and though he agreed to take part in the
+Vienna Conference of European powers, to be held March 15th, there were
+no signs that he intended to recede from the Russian claims.</p>
+
+<p>Lord John Russell was sent to Vienna as English Plenipotentiary. The
+English aimed to secure the limitation of the preponderance of Russia in
+the Black Sea, and the acknowledgment of Turkey as one of the great
+European powers. To gain these points would, it was thought, end the
+war. Russia "would not consent to limit the number of her ships&mdash;if she
+did so she forfeited her honor, she would be no longer Russia. They did
+not want Turkey, they would be glad to maintain the Sultan, but they
+knew it was impossible; he must perish; they were resolved not to let
+any other power have Constantinople&mdash;they must not have that door to
+their dominions in the Black Sea shut against them." The Conference
+failed, and Lord John Russell was held responsible for its failure, and
+was eventually forced out of the Cabinet on that account. The failure of
+the Vienna negotiations produced great excitement, and the ministry were
+attacked and defeated in both Houses of Parliament. Mr. Disraeli offered
+a resolution of dissatisfaction in the House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone
+spoke during the debate on the failure of the Vienna Conference, and
+defended the war of the Crimea. He did not consider it a failure, for
+Russia now agreed to most of the points raised by the allies, and the
+only matter to be adjusted, was the proposition to limit the power of
+Russia in the Black Sea. Personally, he had formerly favored the
+curtailment of Russia's power there, but he now thought that such a
+proposal implied a great indignity to Russia. He believed that the
+proposal of Russia to give to Turkey the power of opening and shutting
+the straits was one calculated to bring about a peaceful settlement. The
+time was favorable to make peace. Lord John Russell replied vigorously
+to Mr. Gladstone. The House decided by a majority of 100 to support the
+ministry in the further prosecution of the war until a safe and
+honorable peace could be secured.</p>
+
+<p>But on the 10th of July Sir E. Bulwer Lytton offered the following
+resolution: "That the conduct of our Ministry, in the recent
+negotiations at Vienna, has, in the opinion of this House, shaken the
+confidence of this country in those to whom its affairs are entrusted."
+Lord John Russell again declined to face discussion and resigned. During
+the debate on the motion Mr. Disraeli bitterly attacked Lord John
+Russell and the Premier, Lord Palmerston. But Mr. Gladstone said that so
+far from blaming the Ministry for hesitating about the offers of peace
+at Vienna, he blamed them for not giving the propositions that
+consideration which their gravity demanded, and for abruptly
+terminating the Conference and closing the hope of an honorable peace.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, on the 3d of August, made another powerful appeal for the
+cessation of the war. He held that there was now no definite object for
+continuing the struggle; defended the Austrian proposals; defied the
+Western powers to control the future destinies of Russia, save for a
+moment; and he placed "the individual responsibility of the continuance
+of the war on the head of the Ministry."</p>
+
+<p>But while Sebastopol held out there was no prospect of peace with
+Russia. Finally, in September, that fortress was taken and destroyed,
+and the Peace of Paris was concluded, March, 1856.</p>
+
+<a name="319"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="319 (60K)" src="images/319.jpg" height="326" width="468">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c11"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+<h4>
+IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+
+<a name="541"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0541 (109K)" src="images/541.jpg" height="985" width="612">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>It was in February, 1855, that Mr. Gladstone resigned his seat in the
+Cabinet. After the Treaty of Paris, March, 1856, which put an end to the
+Crimean War, Mr. Gladstone found himself in opposition to the Ministry
+of Lord Palmerston. He had assumed a position of independence,
+associating politically with neither party. The political parties
+dreaded criticism and attack from him, for he was not properly
+constructed for the defense of either. He had himself declared his
+"sympathies" were "with the Conservatives, and his opinions with the
+Liberals," and that he and his Peelite colleagues, during this period of
+political isolation, were like roving icebergs on which men could not
+land with safety, but with which ships might come into perilous
+collision. Their weight was too great not to count, but it counted first
+this way and then that. Mr. Gladstone was conscientious in his
+opposition. He said: "I greatly felt being turned out of office. I saw
+great things to do. I longed to do them. I am losing the best years of
+my life out of my natural service. Yet I have never ceased to rejoice
+that I am not in office with Palmerston, when I have seen the tricks,
+the shufflings, the frauds he daily has recourse to as to his business.
+I rejoice not to sit on the Treasury Bench with him."</p>
+
+<p>In August, 1855, Lord Aberdeen said; "Gladstone intends to be Prime
+Minister. He has great qualifications, but some serious defects. He is
+supreme in the House of Commons. He is too obstinate; if a man can be
+too honest, he is too honest. I have told Gladstone that when he is
+Prime Minister, I will have a seat in his Cabinet, if he desires it,
+without an office."</p>
+
+<p>During 1856, several measures came before Parliament which Mr. Gladstone
+opposed. He vindicated the freedom of the Belgian press, whose liberty
+some of the powers would curtail, and opposed resolutions to consider
+the state of education in England and Wales, as tending to create a
+central controlling power, involving secular instruction and endless
+religious quarrels. He also opposed the budget of Sir G.C. Lewis, which
+imposed more duties upon the tea and sugar of the working-man, and was
+said to be generally at variance with the policy pursued by every
+enlightened minister of finance. Besides, he condemned the continuance
+of the war duties in times of peace. "He was a particularly acute thorn
+in the side of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and criticised the
+budget with unsparing vigor. 'Gladstone seems bent on leading Sir George
+Lewis a weary life,' wrote Mr. Greville. But finance was by no means the
+only subject of this terrible free-lance."</p>
+
+<p>A resolution was offered in the House of Commons expressing
+disapprobation with the English Cabinet for sanctioning, in 1855 and
+'56, the violation of international law, by secretly enlisting the
+subjects of the United States as recruits for the British army, by the
+intervention of the English Ambassador. Mr. Gladstone said: "It appears
+to me that the two cardinal aims that we ought to keep in view in the
+discussion of this question are peace and a thoroughly cordial
+understanding with America for one, the honor and fame of England for
+the other. I am bound to say that in regard to neither of these points
+am I satisfied with the existing state of things, or with the conduct of
+Her Majesty's Government. A cordial understanding with America has not
+been preserved, and the honor of this country has been compromised."</p>
+
+<p>Lord Palmerston, though very popular with the people, had greatly
+offended a large portion of the House of Commons by his interference in
+China. A lorcha, called the <i>Arrow</i>, flying the British flag, had been
+seized by the Chinese, and the question arose as to the right of the
+vessel to the protection of England. The opponents of the government
+contended that the vessel was built in China, was captured by pirates,
+and recaptured by the Chinese, and hence had no claim to British
+protection. To bring the matter to an issue Mr. Cobden introduced a
+resolution of inquiry and censure. For five nights the debate was
+protracted, and many able speeches were made on both sides, but Mr.
+Gladstone made one of the most effective speeches, against the ministry.
+He said: "Every man, I trust, will give his vote with the consciousness
+that it may depend upon his single vote whether the miseries, the
+crimes, the atrocities that I fear are now proceeding in China are to be
+discountenanced or not. We have now come to the crisis of the case.
+England is not yet committed. With you, then, with us, with every one of
+us, it rests to show that this House, which is the first, the most
+ancient, and the noblest temple of freedom in the world, is also the
+temple of that everlasting justice without which freedom itself would
+only be a name or only a curse to mankind."</p>
+
+<p>The Premier ably defended himself, but the resolution of Mr. Cobden was
+passed. Parliament was dissolved March 21, 1857, and Lord Palmerston
+appealed to the country. He was victorious at the polls. Among the
+prominent Liberals who lost their seats were Cobden, Bright, and Milner
+Gibson. The Peelites suffered loss too, but Mr. Gladstone was again
+elected for Oxford University. However, Mr. Greville writes, under date
+of June 3d: "Gladstone hardly ever goes near the House of Commons, and
+never opens his lips." But his indifference and silence were not to
+last long.</p>
+
+<p>When the Divorce Bill, which originated in the Lords, came up in the
+Commons, Mr. Gladstone made an impassioned speech against the measure,
+contending for the equality of woman with man in all the rights
+pertaining to marriage. He dealt with the question on theological, legal
+and social grounds. He contended that marriage was not only or chiefly a
+civil contract, but a "mystery" of the Christian religion. By the law of
+God it could not be so annulled as to permit of the re-marriage of the
+parties. "Our Lord," he says, "has emphatically told us that, at and
+from the beginning, marriage was perpetual, and was on both sides
+single." He dwelt with pathetic force on the injustice between man and
+woman of the proposed legislation, which would entitle the husband to
+divorce from an unfaithful wife, but would give no corresponding
+protection to the woman; and predicted the gloomiest consequences to the
+conjugal morality of the country from the erection of this new and
+odious tribunal. Nevertheless the bill became a law.</p>
+
+<p>In 1858 a bill was introduced in the House of Commons by Lord
+Palmerston, to make conspiracy to murder a felony. It grew out of the
+attempt of Orsini upon the life of Napoleon III. The bill at first was
+carried by an immense majority, but the conviction spread that the
+measure was introduced solely at the dictation of the French Emperor,
+and hence the proposal was strongly opposed. Mr. Gladstone said: "These
+times are grave for liberty. We live in the nineteenth century; we talk
+of progress; we believe we are advancing, but can any man of observation
+who has watched the events of the last few years in Europe have failed
+to perceive that there is a movement indeed, but a downward and backward
+movement? There are few spots in which institutions that claim our
+sympathy still exist and flourish.... But in these times more than ever
+does responsibility centre upon the institutions of England, and if it
+does centre upon England, upon her principles, upon her laws and upon
+her governors, then I say that a measure passed by this House of
+Commons&mdash;the chief hope of freedom&mdash;which attempts to establish a moral
+complicity between us and those who seek safety in repressive measures,
+will be a blow and a discouragement to that sacred cause in every
+country in the world."</p>
+
+<p>The bill was defeated by a majority of nineteen, and Lord Palmerston
+again resigned. He was succeeded by Lord Derby, who once more came into
+power. Mr. Disraeli again became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and leader
+of the House of Commons. The new ministry, which existed largely on
+sufferance, passed some good measures.</p>
+
+<p>The one hundredth anniversary of the battle of Plassey was celebrated in
+England June 23, 1857, to obtain funds for a monument to Lord Clive, who
+secured India to England. The English then felt secure in the government
+of that land, yet at that very time one of the most wide-spread,
+destructive and cruel rebellions was raging, and shaking to its very
+foundations the English rule in Hindostan. Suddenly the news came of the
+terrible Indian mutiny and of the indiscriminate slaughter of men, women
+and children, filling all hearts with horror, and then of the crushing
+out of the rebellion. Lord Canning, Governor-General, issued a
+proclamation to the chiefs of Oudh, looking to the confiscation of the
+possessions of mutineers who failed to return to the allegiance of
+England. It was meant as clemency. But Lord Ellenborough, the officer in
+charge of affairs in India, dispatched "a rattling condemnation of the
+whole proceeding." Says Justin McCarthy: "It was absurd language for a
+man like Lord Ellenborough to address to a statesman like Lord Canning,
+who had just succeeded in keeping the fabric of English government in
+India together during the most terrible trial ever imposed on it by
+fate." The matter was taken up by Parliament. Lord Shaftesbury moved
+that the Lords disprove the sending of the dispatch. In the Commons the
+ministry were arraigned. But Lord Ellenborough took upon himself the
+sole responsibility of the dispatch, and resigned. Mr. Gladstone was
+invited to the vacant place, but declined.</p>
+
+<p>The most important among the bills passed by Parliament was the India
+Bill, by which the government of India was transferred from the East
+India Company to the Crown and the Home government. Mr. Gladstone, who
+opposed the bill, proposed a clause providing that the Indian troops
+should not be employed in military operations beyond the frontiers
+of India.</p>
+
+<p>In November, 1858, Mr. Gladstone accepted from the Premier the post of
+Lord High Commissioner Extraordinary to the Ionian Islands. The people
+of the Ionian Islands, which in 1800 was formed into the Republic of the
+Seven Islands, and was under the protection of Great Britain from 1815,
+were desirous of adding themselves to Greece. But the British government
+objected to the separation and their union with Greece. Mr. Gladstone
+was to repair to Corfu for the purpose of reconciling the people to the
+British protectorate. The Ionians regarded his appointment as a virtual
+abandonment of the protectorate of Great Britain. Mr. Gladstone,
+December 3d, addressed the Senate at Corfu in Italian. He had the
+reputation of being a Greek student, and the inhabitants of the Islands
+persisted in regarding him not as a Commissioner of a Conservative
+English Government, but as "Gladstone the Phil-Hellene!" He made a tour
+of the Islands, holding levees, receiving deputations and delivering
+harangues, and was received wherever he went with the honors due to a
+liberator. His path everywhere was made to seem like a triumphal
+progress. It was in vain he repeated his assurance that he came to
+reconcile them to the protectorate and not to deliver them from it. But
+the popular instinct insisted upon regarding him as at least the
+precursor of their union with the Kingdom of Greece. The legislative
+assembly met January 27, 1859, and proposed annexation to Greece.
+Finding that this was their firm wish and determination, Mr. Gladstone
+despatched to the Queen a copy of the vote, in which the representatives
+declared that "the single and unanimous will of the Ionian people has
+been and is for their union with the Kingdom of Greece." Mr. Gladstone
+returned home in February, 1859. The Ionians continued their agitation,
+and in 1864 were formally given over to the government of Greece.</p>
+
+<p>Parliament was opened February 3, 1859, by the Queen, who in her speech
+from the throne said that the attention of Parliament would be called
+to the state of the law regulating the representation of the people. The
+plan of the government was presented by Mr. Disraeli. "It was a fanciful
+performance," says an English writer. The ministry proposed not to alter
+the limits of the franchise, but to introduce into boroughs a new kind
+of franchise founded on personal property. Mr. Disraeli characterized
+the government measure as "wise, prudent, adequate, conservative, and
+framed by men who reverence the past, are proud of the present, and
+confident of the future." Two members of the Cabinet promptly resigned
+rather than be parties to these proposals. Mr. Bright objected because
+the working classes were excluded. An amendment was moved by Lord John
+Russell condemning interference with the franchise which enabled
+freeholders in boroughs to vote in counties, and demanding a wider
+extension of the suffrage in boroughs.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, though agreeing with these views, declined to support the
+amendment, because, if carried, it would upset the government and bring
+in a weaker administration. He did not propose to support the
+government, but he desired to see a settlement of the question of
+reform, and he thought the present opportunity advantageous for such
+settlement. He pleaded eloquently for the retention of the
+small boroughs.</p>
+
+<p>The bill was lost by a majority of thirty-nine. Lord Derby having
+advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, this was done April 3d. The
+general elections which resulted from the defeat of the Conservatives in
+the House of Commons on the Reform Bill, resulted in returning the
+Liberals with a considerable majority. Mr. Gladstone was again returned
+unopposed for the University of Oxford. The Queen opened the new
+Parliament June 7th. In reply to the speech from the throne an amendment
+to the address was moved by Lord Hartington, proposing a vote of want of
+confidence in the ministers. After three nights debate it was carried on
+June 10th, by a majority of thirteen, Mr. Gladstone voting with the
+government. Lord Derby and his colleagues immediately resigned. The
+Queen being averse to choosing between Lord John Russell and Lord
+Palmerston, turned to Lord Granville, leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Lords. He failed to form a Cabinet, and Lord Palmerston again
+became Prime Minister.</p>
+
+<p>The revolution of the political wheel once more brought Mr. Gladstone
+into office as Chancellor of the Exchequer. It became necessary in
+accepting a Cabinet position to again appeal to his constituents at
+Oxford for re-election. He voted as he did to sustain Lord Derby's
+administration and to settle the Reform question, yet he was
+misunderstood and some of his constituents alienated. He was strongly
+opposed by the Conservative Marquis of Chandos. The Conservatives
+claimed that he should not be returned, because, as Professor Mansel
+said, by his "acceptance of office he must now be considered as giving
+his definite adhesion to the Liberal party, as at present reconstructed,
+and as approving of the policy of those who overthrew Lord Derby's
+government." It was found on the conclusion of the poll, which continued
+for five days, that Mr. Gladstone was returned with a majority of nearly
+two hundred over his opponent. It is worthy of note that this same year
+Cambridge conferred upon Mr. Gladstone the honorary degree of D.C.L.</p>
+
+<a name="331"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="331 (61K)" src="images/331.jpg" height="411" width="397">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c12"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+<h4>
+HOMERIC STUDIES
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>"The plenitude and variety of Mr. Gladstone's intellectual powers," says
+G. Barnett Smith, "have been the subject of such frequent comment that
+it would be superfluous to insist upon them here. On the political side
+of his career his life has been as unresting and active as that of any
+other great party leader, and if we regard him in the literary aspect we
+are equally astonished at his energy and versatility. Putting out of
+view his various works upon Homer, his miscellaneous writings of
+themselves, with the reading they involve, would entitle their author to
+take high rank on the score of industry.... We stand amazed at the
+infinity of topics which have received Mr. Gladstone's attention."</p>
+
+<p>To solve the problems associated with Homer has been the chief
+intellectual recreation, the close and earnest study of Mr. Gladstone's
+literary life. "The blind old man of Scio's rocky isle" possessed for
+him an irresistible and a perennial charm. Nor can this occasion
+surprise, for all who have given themselves up to the consideration and
+attempted solution of the Homeric poems have found the fascination of
+the occupation gather in intensity. It is not alone from the poetic
+point of view that the first great epic of the world attracts students
+of all ages and of all countries. Homer presents, in addition, and
+beyond every other writer, a vast field for ethnological, geographical,
+and historical speculation and research. The ancient world stands
+revealed in the Homeric poems. Besides, almost numberless volumes have
+been written based upon the equally debatable questions of the Homeric
+text and the Homeric unity.</p>
+
+<p>Some literary works of Mr. Gladstone have been already noticed. "Studies
+on Homer and Homeric Age" shows Mr. Gladstone's classic tastes and
+knowledge as well as his great industry and ability. This work was
+published in three volumes, in 1858. It is his <i>magnum opus</i> in
+literature, and exhibits wide and laborious research. "It discusses the
+Homeric controversy in its broad aspects, the relation of Homer to the
+Sacred Writings, his place in education, his historic aims, the probable
+period of the poet's life, the Homeric text, the ethnology of the Greek
+races, and the politics and poetry of Homer. Among subsequent Greek
+studies by Mr. Gladstone were his 'Juventus Mundi' and the 'Homeric
+Synchronism.' There is probably no greater living authority on the text
+of Homer than Mr. Gladstone, and the Ancient Greek race and literature
+have exercised over him a perennial fascination."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone dwells much on the relation of Homer to Christianity. "The
+standard of humanity of the Greek poet is different, yet many of his
+ideas almost carry us back to the early morning of our race; the hours
+of its greater simplicity and purity, and more free intercourse with
+God.... How is it possible to overvalue this primitive representation of
+the human race in a form complete, distinct and separate, with its own
+religion, stories, policy, history, arts, manners, fresh and true to the
+standard of its nature, like the form of an infant from the hand of the
+Creator, yet mature, full, and finished, in its own sense, after its own
+laws, like some masterpiece of the sculptor's art?" The Homeric scene of
+action is not Paradise, but it is just as far removed from the vices of
+a later heathenism.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone compares the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," which he believed
+to be the poems of one poet, Homer, with the Old Testament writings, and
+observes that "Homer can never be put into competition with the
+Scriptures as touching the great fundamental, invaluable code of truth
+and hope;" but he shows how one may in a sense be supplementary to the
+other. As regards the history of the Greek race, it is Homer that
+furnishes "the point of origin from which all distances are to be
+measured." He says: "The Mosaic books, and the other historical books of
+the Old Testament, are not intended to present, and do not present, a
+picture of human society or of our nature drawn at large. The poems of
+Homer may be viewed as the complement of the earliest portion of the
+sacred records."</p>
+
+<p>Again: "The Holy Scriptures are like a thin stream, beginning from the
+very fountain-head of our race, and gradually, but continuously, finding
+their way through an extended solitude into times otherwise known, and
+into the general current of the fortunes of mankind. The Homeric poems
+are like a broad lake, outstretched in the distance, which provides us
+with a mirror of one particular age and people, alike full and
+marvelous, but which is entirely disassociated by a period of many
+generations from any other records, except such as are of the most
+partial and fragmentary kind. In respect of the influence which they
+have respectively exercised upon mankind, it might appear almost profane
+to compare them. In this point of view the Scriptures stand so far apart
+from every other production, on account of their great offices in
+relation to the coming of the Redeemer and to the spiritual training of
+mankind, that there can be nothing either like or second to them."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone thinks that "the poems of Homer possess extrinsic worth as
+a faithful and vivid picture of early Grecian life and measures; they
+have also an intrinsic value which has given their author the first
+place in that marvelous trinity of genius&mdash;Homer, Dante, and
+Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>As to the historic aims of Homer, Mr. Gladstone says: "Where other poets
+sketch, Homer draws; and where they draw he carves. He alone of all the
+now famous epic writers, moves (in the 'Iliad' especially) subject to
+the stricter laws of time and place; he alone, while producing an
+unsurpassed work of the imagination, is also the greatest chronicler
+that ever lived, and presents to us, from his own single hand, a
+representation of life, manners, history, of morals, theology, and
+politics, so vivid and comprehensive, that it may be hard to say whether
+any of the more refined ages of Greece or Rome, with their clouds of
+authors and their multiplied forms of historical record, are either more
+faithfully or more completely conveyed to us."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone fixes the probable date of Homer within a generation or
+two of the Trojan war, assigning as his principal reason for so doing
+the poet's visible identity with the age, the altering but not yet
+vanishing age of which he sings, and the broad interval in tone and
+feeling between himself and the very nearest of all that follow him. He
+presents several arguments to prove the trustworthiness of the text
+of Homer.</p>
+
+<p>In 1877, Mr. Gladstone wrote an article on the "Dominions of the
+Odysseus," and also wrote a preface to Dr. Henry Schliemann's "Mycenae."</p>
+
+<p>One of his most remarkable productions bore the title of, "The Vatican
+Decrees in their Bearing on Civil Allegiance; a Political
+Expostulation." This book was an amplification of an article from his
+own pen, which appeared October, 1874, in the <i>Contemporary Review</i>. It
+created great public excitement and many replies. One hundred and twenty
+thousand copies were sold. Mr. Higginson says: "The vigor of the style,
+the learning exhibited, and the source whence it came, all contributed
+to give it an extraordinary influence.... It was boldly proclaimed in
+this pamphlet that, since 1870, Rome has substituted for the proud boast
+of <i>semper eadem</i>, a policy of violence and change of faith;... 'that
+she had equally repudiated modern thought and ancient history;' ... 'that
+she has reburnished and paraded anew every rusty tool she was thought to
+have disused,' and 'that Rome requires a convert who now joins her to
+forfeit his moral and mental freedom, and to place his loyalty and
+civil duty at the mercy of another.'"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone issued another pamphlet, entitled "Vaticanism; and Answers
+to Reproofs and Replies," He reiterated his original charges, saying:
+"The Vatican decrees do, in the strictest sense, establish for the Pope
+a supreme command over loyalty and civil duty.... Even in those parts of
+Christendom where the decrees and the present attitude of the Papal See
+do not produce or aggravate open broils with the civil power, by
+undermining moral liberty, they impair moral responsibility, and
+silently, in the succession of generations, if not in the lifetime of
+individuals, tend to emasculate the vigor of the mind."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone published in seven volumes, in 1879, "Gleanings of Past
+Years." The essay entitled "Kin Beyond the Sea" at first created much
+excitement. "The Kin Beyond the Sea" was America, of which he says: "She
+will probably become what we are now, the head servant in the great
+household of the world, the employer of all employed; because her
+services will be the most and ablest." Again: "The England and the
+America of the present are probably the two strongest nations in the
+world. But there can hardly be a doubt, as between the America and the
+England of the future, that the daughter, at some no very distant time,
+will, whether fairer or less fair, be unquestionably yet stronger than
+the mother." Mr. Gladstone argues in support of this position from the
+concentrated continuous empire which America possesses, and the enormous
+progress she has made within a century.</p>
+
+<p>In an address at the opening of the Art Loan Exhibition of Chester,
+August 11, 1879, Mr. Gladstone said: "With the English those two things
+are quite distinct; but in the oldest times of human industry&mdash;that is
+to say amongst the Greeks&mdash;there was no separation whatever, no gap at
+all, between the idea of beauty and the idea of utility. Whatever the
+ancient Greek produced he made as useful as he could; and at the same
+time, reward for work with him was to make it as beautiful as he could.
+In the industrial productions of America there is very little idea of
+beauty; for example, an American's axe is not intended to cut away a
+tree neatly, but quickly. We want a workman to understand that if he can
+learn to appreciate beauty in industrial productions, he is thereby
+doing good to himself, first of all in the improvement of his mind, and
+in the pleasure he derives from his work, and likewise that literally he
+is increasing his own capital, which is his labor."</p>
+
+<p>In his articles on "Ecce Homo" he expresses the hope "that the present
+tendency to treat the old belief of man with a precipitate, shallow,
+and unexamining disparagement, is simply a distemper, that inflicts for
+a time the moral atmosphere, that is due, like plagues and fevers, to
+our own previous folly and neglect; and that when it has served its work
+of admonition and reform, will be allowed to pass away."</p>
+
+<p>The "Impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture" is the title of a book by Mr.
+Gladstone, the articles of which were originally published in <i>The
+Sunday School Times</i>, Philadelphia.</p>
+
+
+<a name="340"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="340 (23K)" src="images/340.jpg" height="371" width="454">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c13"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+<h4>
+GREAT BUDGETS
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>The year 1860 marked the beginning of the second half of Mr. Gladstone's
+life as a statesman, in which he stood prominently forward as a
+Reformer. July 18, 1859, as Chancellor in the Liberal government of Lord
+Palmerston, he brought forward his budget. The budget of 1860 was the
+greatest of all his financial measures, for a new departure was taken in
+British commerce and manufactures. Mr. Cobden, in behalf of the English
+Government, had negotiated with France a treaty based on free trade
+principles&mdash;"a treaty which gave an impetus to the trade of this
+country, whose far-reaching effects are felt even to our day."</p>
+
+<p>The Chancellor explained the various propositions of his financial
+statements. Speaking of discontent with the income tax he observed: "I
+speak on general terms. Indeed, I now remember that I myself had, about
+a fortnight ago, a letter addressed to me complaining of the monstrous
+injustice and iniquity of the income tax, and proposing that, in
+consideration thereof, the Chancellor of the Exchequer should be
+publicly hanged."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone said that the total reduction of duties would be over
+£1,000,000, requiring a slight extension of taxation; that by this means
+nearly £1,000,000 would be returned to the general revenue; that the
+loss to the revenue by the French Treaty, which was based upon free
+trade principles, and the reduction of duties, would be half made up by
+the imposts specified; that the abolition of the paper duty would
+produce the happiest results from the spread of cheap literature. The
+reductions proposed would give a total relief to the consumer of nearly
+£4,000,000, and cause a net loss of the revenue of over £2,000,000, a
+sum about equivalent to the amount coming in from the cessation of
+government annuities that year. The total revenue was £70,564,000, and
+as the total expenses of government was £70,000,000, there remained an
+estimated surplus of £464,000.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone concluded; "There were times, now long by, when sovereigns
+made progress through the land, and when at the proclamation of their
+heralds, they caused to be scattered whole showers of coin among the
+people who thronged upon their steps.... Our Sovereign is enabled,
+through the wisdom of her great council, assembled in Parliament around
+her, again to scatter blessings among her subjects by means of wise and
+prudent laws; of laws which do not sap in any respect the foundations of
+duty or of manhood, but which strike away the shackles from the arm of
+industry."</p>
+
+<p>"It was one of the peculiarities of Mr. Gladstone's budget addresses
+that they roused curiosity in the outset, and, being delivered in a
+musical, sonorous, and perfectly modulated voice, kept the listeners
+interested to the very close. This financial statement of 1860 was
+admirably arranged for the purpose of awakening and keeping attention,
+piquing and teasing curiosity, and sustaining desire to hear from the
+first sentence to the last. It was not a speech, it was an oration, in
+the form of a great State paper, made eloquent, in which there was a
+proper restraint over the crowding ideas, the most exact accuracy in the
+sentences, and even in the very words chosen; the most perfect balancing
+of parts, and, more than all, there were no errors or omissions; nothing
+was put wrongly and nothing was overlooked. With a House crowded in
+every corner, with the strain upon his own mental faculties, and the
+great physical tax implied in the management of his voice, and the
+necessity for remaining upon his feet during this long period, 'the
+observed of all observers,' Mr. Gladstone took all as quietly, we are
+told, as if he had just risen to address a few observations to Mr.
+Speaker. Indeed, it was laughingly said that he could address a House
+for a whole week, and on the Friday evening have taken a new departure,
+beginning with the observation, 'After these preliminary remarks, I will
+now proceed to deal with the subject matter of my financial plan.'"</p>
+
+<p>The ministry was supported by large majorities, and carried their
+measures, but when the bill for the repeal of the duty on paper at home,
+as well as coming into the country, came before the House of Lords, it
+was rejected. Mr. Gladstone appeared to be confronted by the greatest
+constitutional crisis of his life. He gave vent to his indignation, and
+declared that the action of the Lords was a gigantic innovation, and
+that the House of Commons had the undoubted right of selecting the
+manner in which the people should be taxed. This speech was pronounced
+by Lord John Russell "magnificently mad," and Lord Granville said that
+"it was a toss-up whether Gladstone resigned or not, and that if he did
+it would break up the Liberal party." Quiet was finally restored, and
+the following year Mr. Gladstone adroitly brought the same feature
+before the Lords in a way that compelled acceptance.</p>
+
+<p>The budget of 1861 showed a surplus of £2,000,000 over the estimated
+surplus, and proposed to remit the penny on the income tax, and to
+repeal the paper duty. Instead of being divided into several bills as in
+the previous year, the budget was presented as a whole&mdash;all included in
+one. By this device the Lords were forced to acquiesce in the repeal of
+the paper duty, or take the responsibility of rejecting the whole bill.
+The Peers grumbled, and some of them were enraged. Lord Robert Cecil,
+now Marquis of Salisbury, rudely declared that Mr. Gladstone's conduct
+was only worthy of an attorney. He begged to apologize to the attorneys.
+They were honorable men and would have scorned the course pursued by the
+ministers. Another member of the House of Lords protested that the
+budget gave a mortal stab to the Constitution. Mr. Gladstone retorted:
+"I want to know, to what Constitution does it give a mortal stab? In my
+opinion it gives no mortal stab, and no stab at all, to any Constitution
+that we are bound to care for. But, on the contrary, so far as it alters
+anything in the most recent course of practice, it alters in the
+direction of restoring that good old Constitution which took its root in
+Saxon times, which grew from the Plantagenets, which endured the iron
+repression of the Tudors, which resisted the aggressions of the Stuarts,
+and which has come to its full maturity under the House of Brunswick. I
+think that is the Constitution, if I may presume to say so, which it is
+our duty to guard, and which&mdash;if, indeed, the proceedings of this year
+can be said to affect it at all&mdash;will be all the better for the
+operation. But the Constitution which my right honorable friend worships
+is a very different affair."</p>
+
+<p>In 1860, Mr. Gladstone was elected Lord Rector of Edinburgh University,
+and the degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, in 1861, introduced one of his most beneficial
+measures&mdash;a bill creating the Post Office Savings Bank. The success of
+the scheme has gone beyond all expectation. At the close of 1891, the
+amount deposited was £71,608,002, and growing at the average rate of
+over £4,000,000 annually.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's financial measures for 1862, while not involving such
+momentous issues as those of the preceding year, nevertheless
+encountered considerable opposition. The budget was a stationary one,
+with no surplus, no new taxes, no remission of taxes, no
+heavier burdens.</p>
+
+<p>In October, 1862, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone made a journey down the Tyne,
+which is thus described: "It was not possible to show to royal visitors
+more demonstrations of honor than were showered on the illustrious
+Commoner and his wife.... At every point, at every bank and hill and
+factory, in every opening where people could stand or climb, expectant
+crowds awaited Mr. Gladstone's arrival. Women and children, in all
+costumes and of all conditions, lined the shores ... as Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone passed. Cannon boomed from every point;... such a succession
+of cannonading never before greeted a triumphant conqueror on
+the march."</p>
+
+<p>It was during this journey that Mr. Gladstone made the memorable speech,
+at New Castle, upon the American Civil War, which had broken out the
+same year. There had been much speculation as to whether the English
+government would recognize the Confederacy as a separate and independent
+power, and the utterance of a member of the Cabinet under the
+circumstances was regarded as entirely unwarranted. Mr. Gladstone
+himself frankly acknowledged his error in 1867: "I must confess that I
+was wrong; that I took too much upon myself in expressing such an
+opinion. Yet the motive was not bad. My sympathies were then&mdash;where they
+had long before been, where they are now&mdash;with the whole
+American people."</p>
+
+<p>The session of 1863 was barren of important subjects of debate, and
+hence unusual interest was centered in the Chancellor's statement, which
+was another masterly financial presentation, and its leading
+propositions were cordially received. The whole reduction of taxation
+for the year was £3,340,000, or counting the total reductions, present
+and prospective, of £4,601,000. This still left a surplus of £400,000.</p>
+
+<p>In four years £8,000,000 had been paid for war with China out of the
+ordinary revenues. A proposition to subject charities to the income tax,
+although endorsed by the whole cabinet, led to such powerful opposition
+throughout the country that it was finally withdrawn. The arguments of
+the Chancellor were endorsed by many who were opposed to the
+indiscriminate and mistaken beneficence which was so prevalent on
+death-beds.</p>
+
+<p>A bill was introduced at this session by Sir Morton Peto, entitled the
+"Dissenters' Burial Bill," the object of which was to enable
+Nonconformists to have their own religious rites and services, and by
+their own ministers, in the graveyards of the Established Church. The
+bill was strongly opposed by Lord Robert Cecil and Mr. Disraeli. Mr.
+Gladstone favored the measure. The bill was rejected, and Mr. Gladstone
+at a later period discovered that his progress in ecclesiastical and
+political opinions was creating a breach between himself and his
+constituents at Oxford.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's financial scheme for 1864 was received with undiminished
+interest. It was characterized as "a policy of which peace, progress and
+retrenchment were the watchwords." An available surplus of £2,260,000
+enabled him to propose reductions.</p>
+
+<p>The subject of reform, which had been coming up in the House of Commons
+in one way or another and agitating the House and the country since
+1859, when the Conservative party was beaten on the question, reappeared
+in 1864. The question of lowering the borough franchise came up, and Mr.
+Gladstone startled the House and the country by his declaration upon the
+subject of reform, which showed the rapid development of his views upon
+the subject. The Conservative party was filled with alarm, and the hopes
+of the Reform party correspondingly elated. "The eyes of all Radical
+Reformers turned to Mr. Gladstone as the future Minister of Reform in
+Church and State. He became from the same moment an object of distrust,
+and something approaching to detestation in the eyes of all steady-going
+Conservatives."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone said: "I say that every man who is not presentably
+incapacitated by some consideration of personal unfitness or political
+danger, is morally entitled to come within the pale of the
+constitution." This declaration was the first note sounded in a conflict
+which, twelve months later, was to cost Mr. Gladstone his seat for
+Oxford University, and finally to culminate in the disruption of the
+Liberal Government. The general feeling in regard to this speech was
+that if the Liberal party had failed in its duty on the subject of
+reform in the existing Parliament after Mr. Gladstone's utterances,
+that the condition of things must undergo a change, so great was the
+effect of his speech in the country. The bill, which was presented by a
+private member and lost, was made memorable by the speech of the
+Chancellor. The eyes of careful political leaders were again turned
+towards Mr. Gladstone, and strong predictions made of his coming
+exaltation to the Premiership. Mr. Speaker Denison said, in October,
+1864: "I now anticipate that Mr. Gladstone will be Premier. Neither
+party has any leader. I hope Mr. Gladstone may get support from the
+Conservatives who now support Palmerston." And these expectations were
+known to Mr. Gladstone himself, for Bishop Wilberforce had a
+conversation with him and writes: "Long talk with Gladstone as to
+Premiership: he is for acting under John Russell." Again to Mr.
+Gladstone: "Anything which breaks up, or tends to break up, Palmerston's
+supremacy, must bring you nearer to the post in which I long to see you,
+and, if I live, shall see you." Lord Palmerston himself said: "Gladstone
+will soon have it all his own way; and whenever he gets my place we
+shall have strange things."</p>
+
+<p>The hostile feeling towards the Palmerston government, which had been
+growing in intensity, chiefly on the ground of its foreign policy,
+reached its full height in a fierce battle between the Ministry and the
+Opposition. July 4, 1864, Mr. Disraeli brought forward his motion of
+"no confidence." Mr. Gladstone replied for the government, and sought to
+rebut the accusations made by the leader of the Opposition. He said that
+it was the very first time in which the House of Commons had been called
+upon to record the degradation of the country, simply for the sake of
+displacing a ministry.</p>
+
+<p>An amusing episode which occurred during this debate is worthy of record
+here; Mr. Bernard Osborne "grew amusingly sarcastic at the expense of
+the government, though he paid at the same time a great compliment to
+Mr. Gladstone. He likened the Cabinet to a museum of curiosities, in
+which there were some birds of rare and noble plumage, both alive and
+stuffed. There had been a difficulty, unfortunately, in keeping up the
+breed, and it was found necessary to cross it with the famous Peelites.
+'I will do them the justice to say that they have a very great and noble
+Minister among them in the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and it is to his
+measures alone that they owe the little popularity and the little
+support they get from this Liberal party.' Describing Mr. Milner Gibson,
+the honorable gentleman said he was like some 'fly in amber,' and the
+wonder was 'how the devil he got there.' Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright must
+have been disappointed in this 'young man from the country.' He had
+become insolent and almost quarrelsome under the guidance of the noble
+lord. Should that Parliament decide on terminating its own and their
+existence, they would find consolation that the funeral oration would be
+pronounced by Mr. Newdegate, and that some friendly hand would inscribe
+on their mausoleum, 'Rest and be thankful.'" Mr. Disraeli's motion was
+lost, and the ministry was sustained.</p>
+
+<p>The budget of 1865 represented the country as in a prosperous financial
+condition. The total reduction was over £5,000,000. Such a financial
+showing gained the warm approval of the people, and excited but little
+opposition in the House. It was evident that a master-hand was guiding
+the national finances, and fortunately the Chancellor's calculations
+were verified by the continued prosperity of the country. At a later
+period, in commenting upon the policy of the two parties&mdash;Conservative
+and Liberal&mdash;Mr. Gladstone said: "From thence it follows that the policy
+of the Liberal party has been to reduce the public charges and to keep
+the expenditure within the estimates, and, as a result, to diminish the
+taxation of the country and the national debt; that the policy of the
+Tory government, since they took office in 1866, has been to increase
+the public charges, and to allow the departments to spend more than
+their estimates, and, as a result, to create deficits and to render the
+reduction of taxation impossible. Which policy will the country prefer?"</p>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c14"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+<h4>
+LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>July, 1865, Parliament having run its allotted course, according to the
+constitution, was dissolved, and a general election took place, which
+resulted in the Liberal party being returned again with a majority. Mr.
+Gladstone's relations with many of his constituents were not harmonious,
+owing to his pronounced Liberal views, and his seat for Oxford was
+seriously imperilled. Mr. Gathorne Hardy was nominated to run against
+him. The High Tory party resolved to defeat him, and he was defeated by
+a majority of 180. "The electors preferred the uncompromising defender
+of the Church and Toryism to the brilliant statesman and financier."
+Almost all of the distinguished residents of Oxford and three-fourths of
+the tutors and lecturers of the University voted for Mr. Gladstone, and
+his rejection was entirely owing to the opposing vote of non-residents
+and the bigotry of the hostile country clergymen of the Church of
+England. From the Bishop of Oxford Mr. Gladstone received the following
+indignant protest:</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot forbear expressing to you my grief and indignation at the
+result. It is needless for me to say that everything I could with
+propriety do I did heartily to save our University this great loss and
+dishonor, as well from a loving honor of you. You were too great
+for them."</p>
+
+<p>"The enemies of the University," observed the <i>Times</i>, "will make the
+most of her disgrace. It has hitherto been supposed that a learned
+constituency was to some extent exempt from the vulgar motives of party
+spirit, and capable of forming a higher estimate of statesmanship than
+common tradesmen or tenant-farmers."</p>
+
+<p>His valedictory address to his former constituents was short: "After
+an arduous connection of eighteen years, I bid you, respectfully,
+farewell.... It is one imperative duty, and one alone, which induces me
+to trouble you with these few parting words, the duty of expressing my
+profound and lasting gratitude for indulgence as generous, and for
+support as warm and enthusiastic in itself, and as honorable from the
+character and distinctions of those who have given it, as has, in my
+belief, ever been accorded by any constituency to any representative."</p>
+
+<p>One event in Parliament, in 1865, contributed much to Mr. Gladstone's
+defeat: In March, 1865, Mr. Dillwyn, the Radical member for Swansea,
+moved "that the present position of the Irish Church Establishment is
+unsatisfactory, and calls for the early attention of her Majesty's
+Government."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Stafford Northcote wrote: "Gladstone made a terribly long stride in
+his downward progress last night, and denounced the Irish Church in a
+way which shows how, by and by, he will deal not only with it, but with
+the Church of England too.... He laid down the doctrines that the tithe
+was national property, and ought to be dealt with by the State in a
+manner most advantageous to the people; and that the Church of England
+was only national because the majority of the people still belong
+to her."</p>
+
+<p>"It was now felt that henceforth Mr. Gladstone must belong to the
+country, and not to the University." He realized this himself, for
+driven from Oxford, he went down to South Lancashire, seeking to be
+returned from there to Parliament, and in the Free Trade Hall,
+Manchester, said: "At last, my friends, I am come among you, and I am
+come among you unmuzzled." These words were greeted with loud and
+prolonged applause. The advanced Liberals seemed to take the same view,
+and regarded Mr. Gladstone's defeat at Oxford by the Conservatives as
+his political enfranchisement. His defeat was not wholly unexpected to
+himself. In 1860 he said: "Without having to complain, I am entirely
+sick and weary of the terms upon which I hold the seat."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone felt keenly the separation, for he wrote to the Bishop of
+Oxford: "There have been two great deaths, or transmigrations of spirit,
+in my political existence&mdash;one, very slow, the breaking of ties with my
+original party, the other, very short and sharp, the breaking of the tie
+with Oxford. There will probably be a third, and no more." And in a
+speech at Liverpool, there was something of pathos in his reference to
+Oxford, when he said that if he had clung to the representation of the
+University with desperate fondness, it was because he would not desert a
+post to which he seemed to have been called. But he had now been
+dismissed from it, not by academical, but by political agencies.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone was elected to represent his native district in
+Parliament, and he was at the head of the poll in Manchester, Liverpool,
+and all the large towns. The result of the general elections was a
+considerable gain to the Liberal party, but that party sustained a
+severe loss by the death of Lord Palmerston, October 18, 1865.</p>
+
+<p>A new cabinet was constructed, with Earl Russell as Premier, and Mr.
+Gladstone as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr. Gladstone became for
+the first time the recognized leader in the House of Commons, which
+then meant virtually Prime Minister, for with the aged Premier in the
+House of Lords, and the youthful Chancellor in the Commons, it meant
+nothing else. But Earl Russell and his younger colleague were calculated
+to work in harmonious action, for they were both Reformers. The ardent
+temperament and the severe conscientiousness of the leader was the cause
+of much speculation and anxiety as to his management. His first
+appearance as leader of the House was therefore waited for with much
+curiosity. The new Parliament was opened February 6, 1866, by the Queen
+in person, for the first time since the death of Prince Albert. In the
+speech from the throne it was announced that Parliament would be
+directed to consider such improvements in the laws which regulate the
+right of voting in the election of the members of the House of Commons
+as may tend to strengthen our free institutions, and conduce to the
+public welfare. Bishop Wilberforce wrote: "Gladstone has risen entirely
+to his position, and done all his most sanguine friends hoped for as
+leader.... There is a general feeling of insecurity of the ministry, and
+the Reform Bill to be launched to-night is thought a bad rock."</p>
+
+<p>May 3, 1866, Mr. Gladstone brought forward what was destined to be his
+last budget for some years. There was a surplus of over a million and a
+quarter of pounds, which allowed a further and considerable reduction
+of taxation.</p>
+
+<p>The condition of Ireland was very grave at this time, and as
+apprehensions were felt in regard to the Fenians, a bill suspending the
+Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland was passed. Mr. Gladstone, in explaining
+the necessity for the measure, said that the government were ready at
+any time to consider any measure for the benefit of Ireland, but it was
+the single duty of the House at the moment to strengthen the hands of
+the Executive in the preservation of law and order. The bill was renewed
+by the Derby government, and passed as before, as the result of an
+anticipated great Fenian uprising under "Head-Centre" Stephens.</p>
+
+<p>During a debate on the bill for the abolition of Church rates, Mr.
+Gladstone said that the law requiring Church rates was <i>prima facie</i>
+open to great objection, but he could not vote for total abolition. He
+offered a compromise and proposed that Dissenters be exempted from
+paying Church rates, and at the same time be disqualified from
+interfering with funds to which they had not contributed. The compromise
+was accepted, but failed to become a law.</p>
+
+<p>On the subject of reform, mentioned in the address, there were great
+debates, during the session of 1866. The new Cabinet, known as the
+Russell-Gladstone Ministry, set themselves to work in earnest upon a
+question that had baffled all the skill of various administrations. As a
+part of the reform scheme, Mr. Gladstone brought forward a Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons, March 12th.</p>
+
+<p>The bill satisfied most of the Liberal party. Mr. Robert Lowe, a
+Liberal, became one of its most powerful assailants. His enmity to the
+working classes made him extremely unpopular. Mr. Horseman also joined
+the Conservatives in opposing the bill. Mr. Bright, in a crushing
+retort, fastened upon the small party of Liberals, led by these two
+members in opposition to the bill, the epithet of "Adullamites." Mr.
+Horseman, Mr. Bright said, had "retired into what may be called his
+political Cave of Adullam, to which he invited every one who was in
+distress, and every one who was discontented. He had long been anxious
+to found a party in this house, and there is scarcely a member at this
+end of the House who is able to address us with effect or to take much
+part, whom he has not tried to bring over to his party and his cabal. At
+last he has succeeded in hooking ... Mr. Lowe. I know it was the opinion
+many years ago of a member of the Cabinet that two men could make a
+party. When a party is formed of two men so amiable and so disinterested
+as the two gentlemen, we may hope to see for the first time in
+Parliament a party perfectly harmonious and distinguished by mutual and
+unbroken trust. But there is one difficulty which it is impossible to
+remove. This party of two is like the Scotch terrier that is so covered
+with hair that you could not tell which was the head and which was the
+tail." This sally, which excited immoderate laughter, remains one of the
+happiest examples of Parliamentary retort and badinage.</p>
+
+<p>During this session the Conservative party met at the residence of the
+Marquis of Salisbury, and decided upon strongly opposing the measure
+proposed by the Liberal government. Mr. Bright characterized it as "a
+dirty conspiracy." On the other hand, the country supported the bill,
+and great meetings were held in its interest. Mr. Gladstone spoke at a
+great meeting at Liverpool. He said: "Having produced this measure,
+founded in a spirit of moderation, we hope to support it with
+decision.... We have passed the Rubicon, we have broken the bridge and
+burned the boats behind us. We have advisedly cut off the means of
+retreat, and having done this, we hope that, as far as time is yet
+permitted, we have done our duty to the Crown and to the nation." This
+was regarded as the bugle-call to the Liberal party for the
+coming battle.</p>
+
+<p>The debate began April 12th, and continued for eight nights. "On no
+occasion since, and seldom before, has such a flow of eloquence been
+heard within the walls of the House of Commons." Mr. Disraeli spoke for
+three hours against the bill, and in his speech accused Mr. Gladstone of
+introducing American ideas of Government, and of having once assailed
+the very principles he now advocated, when in the Oxford Union he spoke
+against the Reform Bill of 1832. Mr. Gladstone's reply was one of the
+most noteworthy parts of this famous debate. He rose at one o'clock in
+the morning to conclude a legislative battle which had begun two weeks
+before. "At last," Mr. Gladstone said, "we have obtained a declaration
+from an authoritative source that a bill which, in a country with five
+millions of adult males, proposes to add to a limited constituency
+200,000 of the middle class and 200,000 of the working class, is, in the
+judgment of the leader of the Tory party, a bill to reconstruct the
+constitution upon American principles.</p>
+
+<p>"The right honorable gentleman, secure in the recollection of his own
+consistency, has taunted me with the errors of my boyhood. When he
+addressed the honorable member of Westminster, he showed his magnanimity
+by declaring that he would not take the philosopher to task for what he
+wrote twenty-five years ago; but when he caught one who, thirty-six
+years ago, just emerged from boyhood, and still an undergraduate at
+Oxford, had expressed an opinion adverse to the Reform Bill of 1832, of
+which he had so long and bitterly repented, then the right honorable
+gentleman could not resist the temptation."</p>
+
+<p>The bill was put upon its passage. The greatest excitement prevailed.
+"The house seemed charged with electricity, like a vast thunder-cloud;
+and now a spark was about to be applied. Strangers rose in their seats,
+the crowd at the bar pushed half-way up the House, the Royal Princes
+leaned forward in their standing places, and all was confusion."
+Presently order was restored, and breathless excitement prevailed while
+the tellers announced that the bill had been carried by a majority of
+only five.</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly had the words left the teller's lips than there arose a wild,
+raging, mad-brained shout from floor and gallery, such as has never been
+heard in the present House of Commons. Dozens of half-frantic Tories
+stood up in their seats, madly waved their hats and hurrahed at the top
+of their voices. Strangers in both galleries clapped their hands. The
+Adullamites on the Ministerial benches, carried away by the delirium of
+the moment, waved their hats in sympathy with the Opposition, and
+cheered as loudly as any. Mr. Lowe, the leader, instigator, and prime
+mover of the conspiracy, stood up in the excitement of the
+moment&mdash;flushed, triumphant, and avenged.... He took off his hat, waved
+it in wide and triumphant circles over the heads of the very men who had
+just gone into the lobby against him.... But see, the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer lifts up his hand to bespeak silence, as if he had something
+to say in regard to the result of the division. But the more the great
+orator lifts his hand beseechingly, the more the cheers are renewed and
+the hats waved. At length the noise comes to an end by the process of
+exhaustion, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer rises. Then there is a
+universal hush, and you might hear a pin drop."</p>
+
+<p>"Few, if any, could anticipate at this time, that in the course of one
+short year a Conservative Government would find itself compelled to take
+up that very question of Reform, whose virtual defeat its opponents now
+hailed with such intoxicating expressions of delight." However, the bill
+was unexpectedly wrecked June 18th, by an amendment substituting a ratal
+instead of a rental basis for the borough franchise. The ministry
+regarding this as a vital point, could not agree to it, and consequently
+threw up their measure and resigned office. The Queen was unwilling to
+accept their resignation. But the ministry felt that they had lost the
+confidence of the House, so their resignation was announced June 26th.</p>
+
+<p>The apathy of the people about reform that Earl Russell thought he
+perceived, as far as London was concerned, at once disappeared. A great
+demonstration was made at Trafalgar Square, where some ten thousand
+people assembled and passed resolutions in favor of reform. A serious
+riot occurred at Hyde Park in consequence of the prohibition by the
+Government of the meeting of the Reform League. The Reformers then
+marched to Carleton House Terrace, the residence of Mr. Gladstone,
+singing songs in his honor. He was away from home, but Mrs. Gladstone
+and her family came out on the balcony to acknowledge the tribute paid
+by the people. It is said that Mr. Gladstone, now for the first time,
+became a popular hero. Great meetings were held in the interest of
+reform in the large towns of the North and the Midlands, where his name
+was received with tumultuous applause. Mr. Gladstone was hailed
+everywhere as the leader of the Liberal party. Reform demonstrations
+continued during the whole of the recess. A meeting was held at
+Brookfields, near Birmingham, which was attended by nearly 250,000
+people. The language of some of the ardent friends of reform was not
+always discreet, but Mr. Gladstone appears to have preserved a calm and
+dignified attitude.</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of 1866, Lord Derby had announced his acceptance of office
+as Premier, and the formation of a Conservative Cabinet. The
+demonstrations of the people compelled the Conservatives to introduce
+measures in Liberal Reform. Accordingly, in 1867, Mr. Disraeli and his
+colleagues passed a Reform Bill, which, after various modifications, was
+far more extreme than that presented by the Liberals and defeated.</p>
+
+<p>Owing to a division in the ranks of the Liberal members on the pending
+bill, Mr. Gladstone withdrew from the active leadership of the House,
+but soon resumed it. Mr. Bright said, at Birmingham, that since 1832,
+there had been no man of Mr. Gladstone's rank as a statesman who had
+imported into the Reform question so much of conviction, of earnestness,
+and of zeal.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after this deputations from various parts of the country,
+accompanied by their representatives in Parliament, called on Mr.
+Gladstone to present addresses expressive of confidence in him as
+Liberal leader.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Cranborne expressed his astonishment at hearing the bill described
+as a Conservative triumph. It was right that its real parentage should
+be established. The bill had been modified by Mr. Gladstone. All his
+points were conceded. If the adoption on the principles of Mr. Bright
+could be described as a triumph, then indeed the Conservative party, in
+the whole history of its previous annals, had won no triumphs so simple
+as this. In the House of Lords the Duke of Buccleuch declared that the
+only word in the bill that remained unaltered was the first word,
+"whereas."</p>
+
+<p>"The work of reform was completed in the session of 1868, by the passing
+of the Scotch and Irish Reform Bills, a Boundary Bill for England and
+Wales, an Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill, and
+the Registration of Voters Bill. The object of the last-named measure
+was to accelerate the elections, and to enable Parliament to meet before
+the end of 1868."</p>
+
+<p>In the autumn of 1866, Mr. Gladstone and his family again visited Italy,
+and at Rome had an audience with Pope Pio Nono. It became necessary two
+years later, owing to this interview, for Mr. Gladstone formally to
+explain his visit.</p>
+
+<p>In February, 1868, Lord Derby, owing to failing health, resigned. The
+Derby Ministry retired from office, and Mr. Disraeli became Prime
+Minister. An English author writes: "There was, of course, but one
+possible Conservative Premier&mdash;Mr. Disraeli&mdash;he who had served the
+Conservative party for more than thirty years, who had led it to
+victory, and who had long been the ruling spirit of the Cabinet."</p>
+
+<p>The elevation of Mr. Disraeli to the Premiership before Mr. Gladstone,
+produced, in some quarters, profound regret and even indignation. But
+Mr. Disraeli, though in office, was not in power. He was nominally the
+leader of a House that contained a large majority of his political
+opponents, now united among themselves. The schism in the Liberal party
+had been healed by the question of Reform, and they could now defeat the
+government whenever they chose to do so; consequently Mr. Gladstone took
+the initiative. His compulsory Church Rates Abolition Bill was
+introduced and accepted. By this measure all legal proceedings for the
+recovery of church rates were abolished. The question that overshadowed
+all others, however, was that of the Irish Church.</p>
+
+<p>On the 16th of March Mr. Gladstone struck the first blow in the struggle
+that was to end in the disestablishment of the Irish Church. Mr. Maguire
+moved that the House consider the condition of Ireland. Mr. Gladstone
+said that Ireland had a controversy with England and a long account
+against England. It was a debt of justice, and he enumerated six
+particulars, one of which was the Established Episcopal Church.
+Religious Equality, he contended, must be conceded. He said, in
+referring to his speech made on the motion of Mr. Dillwyn in 1865: "The
+opinion I held then and hold now&mdash;namely, that in order to the
+settlement of this question of the Irish Church, that Church, as a State
+Church must cease to exist."</p>
+
+<p>This speech excited feelings of consternation amongst the
+Ministerialists. Mr. Disraeli bewailed his own unhappy fate at the
+commencement of his career as Prime Minister, at finding himself face
+to face with the necessity of settling an account of seven centuries
+old. He complained that all the elements of the Irish crisis had existed
+while Mr. Gladstone was in office, but no attempt had been made to deal
+with them.</p>
+
+<p>March 23d Mr. Gladstone proposed resolutions affirming that the Irish
+Episcopal Church should cease to exist as an establishment, and asking
+the Queen to place at the disposal of Parliament her interest in the
+temporalities of the Irish Church.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's resolution was carried by a majority of 65, and the
+Queen replied that she would not suffer her interests to stand in the
+way of any measures contemplated by Parliament. Consequently Mr.
+Gladstone brought in his Irish Church Suspensory Bill, which was adopted
+by the Commons, but rejected by the Lords. During the discussion,
+ministerial explanations followed; Mr. Disraeli described, in his most
+pompous vein, his audiences with the Queen. His statement amounted to
+this&mdash;that, in spite of adverse votes, the Ministers intended to hold on
+till the autumn, and then to appeal to the new electorate created by the
+Reform Act.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Houghton wrote: "Gladstone is the great triumph, but as he owns
+that he has to drive a four-in-hand, consisting of English Liberals,
+English Dissenters, Scotch Presbyterians, and Irish Catholics, he
+requires all his courage to look the difficulties in the face and trust
+to surmount them."</p>
+
+<p>An appeal was now made to the country. The general election that
+followed, in November, was fought out mainly upon this question. A great
+Liberal majority was returned to Parliament, which was placed at 115.
+But there were several individual defeats, among them Mr. Gladstone
+himself, who was rejected by South Lancaster. This was in part owing to
+the readjustment of seats according to the Reform Bill. But Mr.
+Gladstone received an invitation from Greenwich, in the southwestern
+division, where he was warmly received by the electors. "He spoke
+everywhere, with all his fiery eloquence, on the monstrous foolishness
+of a religious establishment which ministered only to a handful of the
+people." Is the Irish Church to be or not to be? was the question. He
+was returned for that borough by a large majority over his Conservative
+opponents.</p>
+
+<p>Archbishop Wilberforce wrote in November: "The returns to the House of
+Commons leave no doubt of the answer of the country to Gladstone's
+appeal. In a few weeks he will be in office at the head of a majority of
+something like a hundred, elected on the distinct issue of Gladstone and
+the Irish Church."</p>
+
+<p>The feeling was so enormously great in its preponderance for Mr.
+Gladstone's policy of Liberal Reform, especially for the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church, that Mr. Disraeli did not adopt
+the usual course of waiting for the endorsement of the new Parliament,
+which he felt sure would be given to Mr. Gladstone, but resigned, and
+the first Disraeli Cabinet went out of office, December 2d.</p>
+
+<p>December 4, 1868, the Queen summoned Mr. Gladstone to Windsor to form a
+Cabinet. He had now attained the summit of political ambition. He was
+the first Commoner in the land&mdash;the uncrowned king of the British Empire
+&mdash;for such is the English Premier. "All the industry and self-denial of
+a laborious life, all the anxieties and burdens and battles of five and
+thirty years of Parliamentary struggle were crowned by this supreme and
+adequate reward. He was Prime Minister of England&mdash;had attained to that
+goal of the Eton boy's ambition; and, what perhaps was to him of greater
+consideration, he was looked up to by vast numbers of the people as
+their great leader."</p>
+
+<p>December 9th the new government was completed and the ministers received
+their seals from the Queen. Mr. Bright, contrary to all expectation,
+became President of the Board of Trade. In offering themselves for
+re-election, the members of the new Cabinet found no trouble&mdash;all were
+returned. Mr. Gladstone was returned by Greenwich.</p>
+
+<p>With the year 1869 Mr. Gladstone entered upon a great period of Reform.
+The new Parliament was opened December 10th. On the 11th Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone paid a visit to Lord and Lady Salisbury, at Hatfield. Bishop
+Wilberforce was there and had opportunity to observe his old and honored
+friend in the first flush of his new dignity. Here are his comments:
+"Gladstone, as ever, great, earnest, and honest; as unlike the tricky
+Disraeli as possible." To Dr. Trench the Bishop wrote: "The nation has
+decided against our establishment, and we bow to its decision, and on
+what tenure and conditions it is to be held, remains confessedly open."
+"But his sagacious and statesmanlike counsel was disregarded. The Irish
+Bishops ranged themselves in bitter but futile hostility to the change.
+A frantic outbreak of Protestant violence began in Ireland and spread to
+England." Bishop Wilberforce notes this conversation at Windsor Castle:
+"The Queen very affable. 'So sorry Mr. Gladstone started this about the
+Irish Church, and he is a great friend of yours.'"</p>
+
+<p>On the 15th of February Parliament assembled. March 1st Mr. Gladstone
+introduced his momentous bill in a speech of three hours, his first
+speech as Prime Minister, which was characterized as "calm, moderate and
+kindly." It was proposed that on January 1, 1871, the Irish Church
+should cease to exist as an establishment and should become a
+free Church.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Disraeli, in the Commons, moved the rejection of the bill. In
+opposing the measure he objected to disestablishment, because he was in
+favor of the union of Church and State.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone eloquently concluded as follows: "As the clock points
+rapidly towards the dawn, so as rapidly flow out the years, the months,
+the days, that remain to the existence of the Irish Established
+Church.... Not now are we opening this great question. Opened, perhaps,
+it was when the Parliament which expired last year pronounced upon it
+that emphatic judgment which can never be recalled. Opened it was,
+further, when in the months of autumn the discussions were held in every
+quarter of the Irish Church. Prosecuted another stage it was, when the
+completed elections discovered to us a manifestation of the national
+verdict more emphatic than, with the rarest exceptions, has been
+witnessed during the whole of our Parliamentary history. The good cause
+was further advanced towards its triumphant issue when the silent
+acknowledgment of the late government, that they declined to contest the
+question, was given by their retirement from office, and their choosing
+a less responsible position from which to carry on a more desultory
+warfare against the policy which they had in the previous session
+unsuccessfully attempted to resist. Another blow will soon be struck in
+the same good cause, and I will not intercept it one single
+moment more."</p>
+
+<p>The bill passed by an overwhelming vote&mdash;368 against 250&mdash;and went up to
+the Lords, where stirring debates occurred. But there, as well as in the
+House, the Irish Establishment was doomed. The bill, substantially
+unaltered, received the Royal assent July 26, 1869.</p>
+
+<p>The Annual Register for 1869 declared that the bill "was carried through
+in the face of a united and powerful opposition, mainly by the resolute
+will and unflinching energy of the Prime Minister.... Upon the whole,
+whatever may be thought of its merits or demerits, it can hardly be
+disputed that the Act of the Disestablishment of the Irish Church,
+introduced and carried into a law within somewhat less than five months,
+was the most remarkable legislative achievement of modern times."</p>
+
+<p>The parliamentary session of 1870 was rendered memorable by the passing
+of a scarcely less popular and important measure&mdash;the Irish Land Bill.
+Mr. Gladstone, in speaking of Ireland, had referred to three branches of
+an Upas tree, to the growth of which her present sad condition was
+largely owing&mdash;the Irish Church, the Irish Land Laws, and the Irish
+Universities. The first branch had fallen with the disestablishment of
+the Irish Church, and Mr. Gladstone, pressing on in his reform, now
+proposed to lop off the second branch by his Irish Land Bill, which was
+in itself a revolution. It was claimed for Mr. Gladstone's new bill, or
+Land Scheme, that while it insured for the tenant security of holding,
+it did not confiscate a single valuable right of the Irish land-owner.
+Mr. Gladstone remarked that he believed there was a great fund of
+national wealth in the soil of Ireland as yet undeveloped, and said he
+trusted that both tenant and landlord would accept the bill because it
+was just. The bill passed, and received the approval of the Queen,
+August 1, 1870.</p>
+
+
+<a name="374"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="374 (67K)" src="images/374.jpg" height="470" width="551">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c15"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+<h4>
+THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>In what has been denominated the "Golden Age of Liberalism" the Liberal
+party was united, enthusiastic, victorious, full of energy, confidence
+and hope. "I have not any misgivings about Gladstone personally," says
+an English writer, "but as leader of the party to which the folly of the
+Conservatives and the selfish treachery of Disraeli, bit by bit, allied
+him, he cannot do what he would, and, with all his vast powers, there is
+a want of sharp-sighted clearness as to others. But God rules. I do not
+see how we are, after Disraeli's Reform Bill, long to avoid fundamental
+changes, both in Church and State."</p>
+
+<p>Justin McCarthy has well summed up the aims of Mr. Gladstone and his
+party on their accession to power: "Nothing in modern English history is
+like the rush of the extraordinary years of reforming energy on which
+the new administration had now entered. Mr. Gladstone's government had
+to grapple with five or six great questions, any one of which might
+have seemed enough to engage the whole attention of an ordinary
+administration. The new Prime Minister had pledged himself to abolish
+the State Church in Ireland, and to reform the Irish Land Tenure system.
+He had made up his mind to put an end to the purchase of commissions in
+the army. Recent events and experiences had convinced him that it was
+necessary to introduce the system of voting by ballot. He accepted for
+his government the responsibility of originating a complete system of
+national education."</p>
+
+<p>The first great measure of the new administration had been successfully
+pushed through, and, flushed with triumph, the Liberal leaders were now
+ready to introduce other important legislation. In 1870, the Elementary
+Education Act, providing for the establishment of school boards, and
+securing the benefits of education for the poor in England and Wales was
+introduced. By it a national and compulsory system of education was
+established for the first time. "It is important to note that the
+concessions made during its course to the convictions of Tories and
+Churchmen, in the matter of religious education, stirred the bitter and
+abiding wrath of the political Dissenters." The measure was passed,
+while the half-penny postage for newspapers, and the half-penny post
+cards were among the benefits secured.</p>
+
+<p>In April, 1870, a party of English travelers in Greece were seized by
+brigands. The ladies were released and also Lord Muncaster, who was sent
+to Athens to arrange for ransom and a free pardon. But the Greek
+Government sending soldiers to release the captives and capture the
+captors, the English were murdered. The English Minister at Athens was
+in treaty for the release of his countrymen, but the great difficulty
+was to procure pardon from the Greek government. This terrible affair
+created a profound sensation in England, and it was brought before
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone pleaded for further information before taking
+decided steps. But for the arrest and execution of most of the brigands,
+and the extirpation of the band, the diabolical deed went unavenged.</p>
+
+<p>In July, war broke out suddenly between France and Germany, which
+resulted in the dethronement of Napoleon III. England preserved
+neutrality. However, Mr. Gladstone had his opinion regarding the war and
+thus represented it: "It is not for me to distribute praise and blame;
+but I think the war as a whole, and the state of things out of which it
+has grown, deserve a severer condemnation than any which the nineteenth
+century has exhibited since the peace of 1815." And later, in an
+anonymous article, the only one he ever wrote, and which contained the
+famous phrase, "the streak of silver sea," he "distributed blame with
+great impartiality between both belligerent powers."</p>
+
+<p>Among the business transacted in the session of 1870 was the following:
+All appointments to situations in all Civil Departments of the State,
+except the Foreign Office and posts requiring professional knowledge,
+should be filled by open competition; and the royal prerogative that
+claimed the General Commanding-in-Chief as the agent of the Crown be
+abolished, and that distinguished personage was formally declared to be
+subordinate to the Minister of War. Mr. Gladstone announced the
+intention of the government to release the Fenian prisoners then
+undergoing sentences for treason or treason-felony, on condition of
+their not remaining in or returning to the United Kingdom. The Premier,
+alluding to the enormity of their offenses, said that the same
+principles of justice which dictated their sentences would amply
+sanction the prolongation of their imprisonment if the public security
+demanded it. The press and country generally approved this decision of
+the Premier, but some condemned him for the condition he imposed in the
+amnesty. The religious test imposed upon all students entering at the
+universities was abolished, and all students of all creeds could now
+enter the universities on an equal footing. Heretofore special
+privileges were accorded to members of the Established Episcopal Church,
+and all others were cut off from the full enjoyment of the
+universities.</p>
+
+<p>A bill to establish secret voting was rejected by the Lords, but was
+passed the next session. The House of Lords, emboldened by their success
+in throwing out the voting bill, defeated a bill to abolish the purchase
+of commissions in the army, but Mr. Gladstone was not to be turned from
+his purpose, and startled the peers by a new departure&mdash;he dispensed
+with their consent, and accomplished his purpose without the decision of
+Parliament. Finding that purchase in the army existed only by royal
+sanction, he, with prompt decision, advised the Queen to issue a royal
+warrant declaring that on and after November 1, 1871, all regulations
+attending the purchase of commissions should be cancelled. The purchase
+of official positions in the army was thus abolished. It was regarded as
+a high-handed act on the part of the Prime Minister, and a stretch of
+executive authority, and was denounced by Lords and Commons, friends and
+foes. Tories and Peers especially were enraged, and regarded themselves
+as baffled.</p>
+
+<p>The condition of affairs in Ireland was alarming. The spread of an
+agrarian conspiracy at Westmeath compelled the government to move for a
+committee to inquire into the unlawful combination and confederacy
+existing. "Mr. Disraeli was severely sarcastic at the expense of the
+government."</p>
+
+<p>The grant proposed by the government to the Princess Louise on her
+marriage aroused the opposition of some members of the House, who
+claimed to represent the sentiments of a considerable number of people.
+It was proposed to grant £30,000 and an annuity of £6,000. The Premier
+stated that the Queen in marrying her daughter to one of her own
+subjects, had followed her womanly and motherly instincts. He dwelt upon
+the political importance of supporting the dignity of the crown in a
+suitable manner; upon the value of a stable dynasty; and the unwisdom of
+making minute pecuniary calculations upon such occasions. It was carried
+by a remarkable majority of 350 votes against 1.</p>
+
+<p>In 1871 the treaty of Washington was concluded. But the Geneva awards
+for the damage done to American shipping by the "Alabama," did much to
+undermine Mr. Gladstone's popularity with the warlike portion of the
+British public and there were various indications that the Ministry were
+becoming unpopular. There were other causes tributary to this effect.
+His plans of retrenchment had deprived Greenwich of much of its trade,
+hence his seat was threatened. Mr. Gladstone resolved to face the
+difficulty boldly, and to meet the murmurers on their own ground,
+October 28, 1871, he addressed his Greenwich constituents. The air was
+heavy with murmurs and threats. Twenty thousand people were gathered at
+Blackheath. It was a cold afternoon when he appeared bare-headed, and
+defended the whole policy of the administration. "His speech was as
+long, as methodical, as argumentative, and in parts as eloquent, as if
+he had been speaking at his ease under the friendly and commodious
+shelter of the House of Commons." The growing unpopularity of the
+Government was evidenced in the first reception given to the Premier by
+his constituents. Groans and cheers were mingled, and his voice at first
+was drowned by the din. Finally he was heard, and won the day, the
+people enthusiastically applauding and waving a forest of hats. One
+cause of unpopularity was what is called "the Ewelme Scandal," and
+another the elevation of Sir Robert Collin to the Judicial Committee of
+the Privy Council.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone said: "I have a shrewd suspicion in my mind that a very
+large proportion of the people of England have a sneaking kindness for
+the hereditary principle. My observation has not been of a very brief
+period, and what I have observed is this, that wherever there is
+anything to be, done, or to be given, and there are two candidates for
+it who are exactly alike&mdash;alike in opinions, alike in character, alike
+in possessions, the one being a commoner and the other a lord&mdash;the
+Englishman is very apt indeed to prefer the lord." He detailed the great
+advantage which had accrued from the legislation of the past generation,
+including free-trade, the removal of twenty millions of taxation, a
+cheap press, and an education bill, Mr. Gladstone thus restored himself
+to the confidence of his constituents, but the ministry did not wholly
+regain the popularity they once enjoyed. The Gladstone period had passed
+its zenith and its decadence had already begun.</p>
+
+<p>During the autumn Mr. Gladstone received the freedom of the city of
+Aberdeen, and made a speech, in which occurred a remarkable reference to
+"the newly-invented cry of Home Rule." He spoke of the political
+illusions to which Ireland was periodically subject, the extremes to
+which England had gone in satisfying her demands, and the removal of all
+her grievances, except that which related to higher education. He said
+that any inequalities resting between England and Ireland were in favor
+of Ireland, and as to Home Rule, if Ireland was entitled to it, Scotland
+was better entitled, and even more so Wales.</p>
+
+<p>Ireland had proved the glory of Mr. Gladstone's administration. Its name
+had been associated with the most brilliant legislative triumphs of
+government. But Ireland was also destined to be the government's most
+serious stumbling-block, and fated to be the immediate measure of its
+overthrow. In the session of 1873 Mr. Gladstone endeavored to further
+his plans for Reform, and consequently vigorously attacked the third
+branch of the "upas tree," to which he had referred. He labored to put
+the universities on a proper basis, that they might be truly educational
+centres for the whole of Ireland, and not for a small section of its
+inhabitants alone. This step followed legitimately after the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church. He introduced to this end a large
+and comprehensive measure, but although it was favorably received at the
+outset, a hostile feeling soon began and manifested itself. Mr.
+Gladstone pleaded powerfully for the measure, and said: "To mete out
+justice to Ireland, according to the best view that with human infirmity
+we could form, has been the work&mdash;I will almost say the sacred work&mdash;of
+this Parliament. Having put our hands to the plough, let us not turn
+back. Let not what we think the fault or perverseness of those whom we
+are attempting to assist have the slightest effect in turning us, even
+by a hair's-breadth, from the path on which we have entered. As we begun
+so let us persevere, even to the end, and with firm and resolute hand
+let us efface from the law and practice of the country the last&mdash;for I
+believe it is the last&mdash;of the religious and social grievances of
+Ireland." Mr. Disraeli made fun of the bill, stalwart Liberals condemned
+it, and the Irish members voted against it, hence the bill was defeated
+by a small majority of three votes. Mr. Gladstone consequently resigned,
+but Mr. Disraeli positively declined to take office with a majority of
+the House of Commons against him, and refused to appeal to the country.
+Mr. Gladstone read an extract from a letter he had addressed to the
+Queen, in which he contended that Mr. Disraeli's refusal to accept
+office was contrary to all precedent. But under the extraordinary
+circumstances he and his colleagues consented to resume office, and they
+would endeavor to proceed, both with regard to legislation and
+administration upon the same principle as those which had heretofore
+regulated their conduct. Mr. Lowe, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
+having resigned, Mr. Gladstone assumed the duties of the office himself,
+thus serving in the double offices of Premier and Chancellor. During the
+recess various speeches were made in defence of the Ministerial policy,
+but the government failed to recover its once overwhelming popularity.</p>
+
+<p>On the 19th of July, 1873, Mr. Gladstone lost by sudden death one of his
+oldest and most highly esteemed friends&mdash;Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of
+Winchester. He was riding to Holmbury with Earl Granville, when he was
+thrown from his horse and killed instantly.</p>
+
+<p>The end of Mr. Gladstone's first ministry was now drawing near. The
+people no longer desired to keep up with the reforming zeal of the
+administration. Mr. Disraeli's strongly exaggerated description of the
+Premier's policy had the effect of forming the popular discontent;
+Liberal members were deserting him. The Bible was in danger of being
+left out of the schools, and beer was threatened with taxation. The flag
+of "Beer and the Bible"&mdash;strange combination&mdash;having been hoisted by
+clergy and publicans, the cry against the ministry became irresistible.
+Deserted by the people and by many of his own party, what was to be done
+unless to appeal to the country and decide by a general election what
+was wanted and who would be sustained.</p>
+
+<p>January, 1874, Mr. Gladstone issued a manifesto dissolving Parliament.
+In this document, entitled to be called a State paper for its political
+and historical importance, Mr. Gladstone stated his reasons for what was
+regarded by many as a <i>coup d' tat</i>. It is impossible to describe the
+public excitement and confusion which attended the general election thus
+unexpectedly decreed. Mr. Gladstone, recovering from a cold, appealed
+with great energy to Greenwich for re-election. The general election
+resulted in the defeat of the Liberals, and gave to the Conservatives a
+majority of forty-six in the House. Mr. Gladstone was elected, but
+Greenwich which returned two members, placed the Premier second on the
+poll&mdash;below a local distiller. Following the example of his
+predecessor, in 1868, Mr. Gladstone resigned. "Thus was overthrown one
+of the greatest administrations of the century; indeed, it may be
+doubted whether any other English Ministry was ever able to show such a
+splendid record of great legislative acts within so short a period.
+There was not one measure, but a dozen, which would have shed lustre
+upon any government; and the six years of Mr. Gladstone's first
+Premiership are well entitled to the epithet which has been accorded to
+them of 'the Golden Age of Liberalism.'"</p>
+
+<p>Before the next Parliament met Mr. Gladstone was to give the country
+another surprise. He was now sixty-four years old, had been forty years
+in active parliamentary labors, and thought himself justified in seeking
+rest from the arduous duties of public life, at least the pressing cares
+as leader of one of the great political parties. When his contemplated
+retirement had before become known to his friends, they induced him for
+a while longer to act as leader, but in February, 1875, he finally
+retired from the leadership and indeed appeared but rarely in the House
+of Commons during that session.</p>
+
+<p>"The retirement of Mr. Gladstone from active leadership naturally
+filled his party with dismay. According to the general law of human
+life, they only realized their blessings when they had lost them. They
+had grumbled at their chief and mutinied against him and helped to
+depose him. But, now that this commanding genius was suddenly withdrawn
+from their councils they found that they had nothing to put in its
+place. Their indignation waxed fast and furious, and was not the less
+keen because they had to some extent, brought their trouble on
+themselves. They complained with almost a ludicrous pathos that Mr.
+Gladstone had led them into a wilderness of opposition and left them
+there to perish. They were as sheep without a shepherd and the ravening
+wolves of Toryism seemed to have it all their own way."</p>
+
+<p>Between the time of Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the Premiership and
+his resignation of leadership in the House, he had quickly reappeared in
+the House of Commons and vigorously opposed the Public Worship
+Regulation Bill. Mr. Gladstone attacked the bill with a power and
+vehemence which astonished the House. The great objection to it was its
+interference with liberty, and with the variety of customs which had
+grown up in different parts of the country. To enforce strict uniformity
+would be oppressive and inconvenient. The bill became law, however,
+though it has largely proved inoperative, Mr. Gladstone also opposed the
+Endowed Schools Act Amendment Bill, which practically gave to the Church
+of England the control of schools that were thrown open to the whole
+nation by the policy of the last Parliament. So great a storm was raised
+over this reactionary bill that Mr. Disraeli was obliged to modify its
+provisions considerably before it could become a law. Mr. Gladstone was
+also active at this time in delivering addresses at Liverpool College,
+the Buckley Institute and the well-known Nonconformist College at
+Mill Hill.</p>
+
+<a name="388"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="388 (83K)" src="images/388.jpg" height="499" width="551">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c16"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+<h4>
+THE EASTERN QUESTION
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<a name="568"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0568 (128K)" src="images/568.jpg" height="618" width="921">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>During his retirement from the leadership of the Liberal Party, Mr.
+Gladstone employed his great abilities in theological controversy and
+literary productions. It was during this period that he collected his
+miscellaneous writings, entitled "Gleanings from Past Years." A little
+more than a year had elapsed when he again entered the political arena.
+"He threw aside polemics and criticisms, he forgot for awhile Homer and
+the Pope," and "rushed from his library at Hawarden, forgetting alike
+ancient Greece and modern Rome," as he flung himself with impassioned
+energy and youthful vigor into a new crusade against Turkey. A quarter
+of a century before he had aroused all Europe with the story of the
+Neapolitan barbarities, and now again his keen sense of justice and
+strong, humanitarian sympathies impel him with righteous indignation to
+the eloquent defence of another oppressed people, and the denunciation
+of their wrongs. It was the Eastern Question that at once brought back
+the Liberal leader into the domain of politics. "The spirit of the
+war-horse could not be quenched, and the country thrilled with his fiery
+condemnation of the Bulgarian massacres." His activity was phenomenal.
+"He made the most impassioned speeches, often in the open air; he
+published pamphlets which rushed into incredible circulations; he poured
+letter after letter into the newspapers; he darkened the sky with
+controversial postcards, and, as soon as Parliament met in February,
+1877, he was ready with all his unequalled resources of eloquence,
+argumentation and inconvenient enquiry, to drive home his great
+indictment against the Turkish government and its champion, Mr.
+Disraeli, who had now become Lord Beaconsfield."</p>
+
+<p>"The reason of all this passion is not difficult to discover. Mr.
+Gladstone is a Christian; and in the Turk he saw the great
+anti-Christian power where it ought not, in the fairest provinces of
+Christendom, and stained with the record of odious cruelty practised
+through long centuries on its defenceless subjects who were worshippers
+of Jesus Christ."</p>
+
+<p>Turkish oppression, which had for a long time existed in its worst
+forms, resulted in an insurrection against Turkey and Herzegovina,
+July 1, 1875. This, however, was only the beginning, for others suffering
+under Ottoman oppression rebelled, and all Europe was involved.</p>
+
+<p>In January, 1876, the Herzegovinians gained a victory over the Turkish
+troops. The European powers then suggested a settlement favorable to the
+insurgents, which was accepted by the Sultan. But early in May another
+insurrection broke out in several Bulgarian villages, which was quickly
+followed by the most horrible atrocities. A conference on the Eastern
+question was held at Berlin in May, and soon afterward the English
+ministers announced in Parliament that they were unable to assent to the
+terms agreed upon at the Berlin Conference. This announcement caused
+much surprise and comment in England. Public feeling already aroused,
+was not allayed when it became known that the British fleet in the
+Mediterranean had been ordered to Besiki Bay, seemingly for the
+protection of the Turkish Empire.</p>
+
+<p>June 28th the Bulgarian insurrection was suppressed. On the 10th of July
+the Sultan, Abdul Aziz, was deposed and was succeeded by Murad V, who
+declared that he desired to guarantee liberty to all. Mr. Disraeli
+stated, in the House of Commons, that the steps taken by the Ministry
+would lead to permanent peace. But within two weeks the <i>Daily News</i>
+published a letter from Constantinople detailing the massacre in
+Bulgaria by the Turks, which moved all England with indignation.
+Innocent men, women and children had been slaughtered by the thousands;
+at least sixty villages had been utterly destroyed; the most revolting
+scenes of violence had been enacted; and a district once the most
+fertile in the Empire had been laid waste and completely ruined. Forty
+girls were shut up in a straw loft and burnt, and outrages of the most
+fearful description were committed upon hundreds of defenceless
+captives.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, grew "jocular upon the cruelties
+and sufferings almost unparalleled in the world's history," and
+expressed his belief that the outrages committed by the Turkish troops
+had been exaggerated, and sneered at the rumor as "coffee-house babble;"
+while as to the torture of the impalement, which had caused universal
+anger and disgust, that an Oriental people have their way of executing
+malefactors, and generally terminated their connection with culprits in
+an expeditious manner.</p>
+
+<p>In the official report presented to Parliament by Mr. W. Baring, the
+reported outrages in Bulgaria were corroborated. No fewer than 12,000
+persons had perished in the sandjak of Philippopolis! The most fearful
+tragedy, however, was at Batak, where over 1000 people took refuge in
+the church and churchyard. The Bashi-Bazouks fired through the windows,
+and, getting upon the roof, tore off the tiles and threw burning pieces
+of wood and rags dipped in petroleum among the mass of unhappy human
+beings inside. At last the door was forced in and the massacre was
+completed. The inside of the church was then burnt, and hardly one
+escaped. "The massacre at Batak was the most heinous crime which stained
+the history of the present century;" and for this exploit the Turkish
+Commander, Achmet Agha, had bestowed on him the order of the Medjidie.
+Sir Henry Elliot, the English Ambassador at Constantinople, was directed
+to lay these facts before the Sultan and to demand the punishment of the
+offenders. The demand, however, was never enforced.</p>
+
+<p>Prince Milan issued a proclamation to his people, declaring that, while
+professing neutrality, the Sultan had continued to send military forces
+of savage hordes to the Servian frontier. In June, Prince Milan left
+Belgrade and joined his army on the frontier. The Montenegrins declared
+war on Turkey and joined forces with Servia. July 6th the Servians were
+defeated. Thus was Turkey plunged into war with her Christian provinces,
+and all through her own misrule in peace and her barbarities in war.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Disraeli in a speech made in the House of Commons, August 11th,
+explained that he had not denied the existence of the "Bulgarian.
+Atrocities," but he had no official knowledge of them. He affirmed that
+Great Britain was not responsible for what occurred in Turkey, nor were
+the Turks the special <i>protégés</i> of England. He announced that the
+special duty of the Government at that moment was to preserve the
+British Empire, and that they would never consent to any step that would
+hazard the existence of that empire, This speech, which was
+distinguished by much of his old brilliancy and power, was his last
+speech in the House. On the morning after this speech it was publicly
+announced that Mr. Disraeli would immediately be elevated to the peerage
+under the title of the Earl of Beaconsfield.</p>
+
+<p>In September, 1876, deeming it high time that the indignant voice of
+England should be heard in demonstration of the infamous deeds practiced
+by the Turk, Mr. Gladstone issued his pamphlet, entitled "Bulgarian
+Horrors and the Question of the East." It had an enormous circulation.
+He called for a stop to be put to the anarchy, the misrule and the
+bloodshed in Bulgaria, and demanded that the Ottoman rule should be
+excluded, not only from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also from Bulgaria.
+The Turks must clear out, "bag and baggage," from the provinces they
+have desolated and profaned. The pamphlet, and the latter expression
+especially, produced a great sensation.</p>
+
+<p>The pamphlet "brought home to the English people the idea that for these
+horrors which were going on, they too, as non-interfering allies of
+Turkey, were in part responsible." Soon after this Mr. Gladstone
+addressed a large concourse of his constituents at Blackheath, in which
+he severely arraigned the Government. This address was one of the most
+impassioned and eloquent of Mr. Gladstone's political orations, and at
+some points the people were literally carried away with their feelings.</p>
+
+<p>November 1st, Turkey was forced by Russia to agree to an armistice of
+eight weeks. On the 2d the Russian Emperor pledged his word to the
+English Ambassador that he had no intention of acquiring Constantinople;
+that if compelled to occupy Bulgaria, it would be only until the safety
+of the Christian inhabitants be secured; and urged the Ambassador to
+remove the distrust of Russia prevailing in England. Yet, in the face of
+all these assurances, Lord Beaconsfield delivered a war-like speech, at
+the banquet at Guildhall, November 9th. Informed of this speech the Czar
+declared that if the Porte did not accede to his demands, Russia would
+then act independently.</p>
+
+<p>On the 8th of December there was a great conference at St. James' Hall,
+London, to discuss the Eastern question. The Duke of Westminster
+presided at the afternoon meeting. At the evening gathering Lord
+Shaftesbury occupied the chair. Mr. E. Freeman said: "Perish the
+interests of England, perish our dominion in India, sooner than we
+should strike one blow or speak one word on behalf of the wrong against
+the right." The chief interest of the occasion centered in the speech of
+Mr. Gladstone who was received with unbounded applause. He declared that
+there had been no change in public sentiment in England on the question;
+that the promoters of that meeting had no desire to embarrass the
+Government; that the power and influence of England had been employed to
+effect results at variance with the convictions of the country; that
+Lord Beaconsfield had only recently appeared anxious; and that England
+had duties towards the Christian subjects of Turkey. Mr. Gladstone
+continued that he hoped that the instructions given to Lord Salisbury,
+who had been sent for conference to Constantinople, were not in
+accordance with the speech at Guildhall, but that he would be left to
+his own clear insight and generous impulses; that the conference would
+insist upon the independence of the provinces, or at least would insure
+them against arbitrary injustice and oppression, and that the work
+indicated was not merely a worthy deed but an absolute duty.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, during the recess of Parliament, delivered speeches upon
+the burning question of the day all over England. At Hawarden he
+pleaded that it was the wretched Turkish system that was at fault, and
+not the Turks themselves, and hoped for a remedy. To the electors of
+Frome he spoke of the tremendous responsibility of the Ministers. In a
+speech at the Taunton Railway Station, he said, in reference to the
+injunction for himself and friends to mind their own business, that the
+Eastern question was their own business. And when the Constantinople
+Conference failed he spoke of this "great transaction and woeful
+failure," and laid all the blame of failure on the Ministry. As to the
+treaties of 1856 being in force, his opinion was, that Turkey had
+entirely broken those treaties and trampled them under foot.</p>
+
+<p>January 20, 1877, the conference closed. Parliament met February 8, 1877,
+and the conflict was transferred from the country to that narrower
+arena. In the House of Lords the Duke of Argyle delivered a powerful
+speech, to which the Premier, Disraeli, replied, that he believed that
+any interference directed to the alleviation of the sufferings of the
+Turkish Christians would only make their sufferings worse. He asked for
+calm, sagacious and statesmanlike consideration of the whole subject,
+never forgetting the great interests of England, if it was to have any
+solution at all.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone, upon his appearance in the House, was greeted as a Daniel
+come to judgment. He was taken to task by Mr. Chaplin, who complained
+that Mr. Gladstone and others of the Liberal party "had endeavored to
+regulate the foreign policy of the country by pamphlets, by speeches at
+public meetings, and by a so-called National Conference, instead of
+leaving it in the hands of the Executive Government," and intimated that
+Mr. Gladstone was afraid to meet the House in debate upon the question.
+Mr. Gladstone, rebuking Mr. Chaplain, said that it was the first time in
+a public career extending over nearly half a century, he had been
+accused of a disinclination to meet his opponents in a fair fight, and
+promised him that neither he nor his friends would have reason to
+complain of his reticence. Tories and Liberals knew he had not shrunk
+from meeting the public on this question. He was glad that there was a
+tremendous feeling abroad upon this Eastern question. He had been told
+that by the pamphlet he wrote and the speech he delivered, he had done
+all this mischief, and agitated Europe and the world; but if that were
+the case why did not the honorable gentleman, by writing another
+pamphlet, and delivering another speech, put the whole thing right? If
+he (the speaker) had done anything, it was only in the same way that a
+man applies a match to an enormous mass of fuel already prepared. Mr.
+Gladstone closed with the following words: "We have, I think, the most
+solemn and the greatest question to determine that has come before
+Parliament in my time.... In the original entrance of the Turks into
+Europe, it may be said to have been a turning point in human history. To
+a great extent it continues to be the cardinal question, the question
+which casts into the shade every other question."</p>
+
+<p>April 24, 1877, war was declared by Russia against Turkey. The Czar
+issued a manifesto, assigning as reasons for this war the refusal of
+guarantee by the Porte for the proposed reforms, the failure of the
+Conference and the rejection of the Proteol signed on the previous 31st
+of March. England, France and Italy proclaimed their neutrality. Mr.
+Gladstone initiated a great debate in the House of Commons, May 7th,
+which lasted five days. He presented a series of resolutions expressing
+grave dissatisfaction with the policy of Turkey, and declared that she
+had forfeited all claim to support, moral and material. Mr. Gladstone
+asked whether, with regard to the great battle of freedom against
+oppression then going on, "we in England could lay our hands upon our
+hearts, and in the face of God and man, say, 'We have well and
+sufficiently performed our part?'"</p>
+
+<p>These resolutions were of course hostile to the Government, and many
+Liberals refused to vote for them, because they pledged England to a
+policy of force in connection with Russia. Besides the Government gave
+assurances to avail themselves of any opportunity of interposing their
+good offices. The resolutions consequently were lost. Mr. Gladstone was
+not quite the leader of his party again.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after this debate, and before the close of the session, Mr.
+Gladstone addressed a large meeting at Birmingham on the Eastern
+question and the present condition of the Liberal party. Later on he
+visited Ireland. On his return he addressed, by their request, the
+people gathered to receive him. He expressed his belief that Turkey
+would have yielded to the concerted action of Europe; noticed the change
+in the tone of the ministry from the omission in the Premier's speech of
+the phrase, "the independence of Turkey;" protested strongly against
+England being dragged into war, and warmly eulogized the non-conformists
+for the consistency and unanimity with which they had insisted on
+justice to the Eastern Christians. Political feeling entered into
+everything at this time, but as an evidence of the hold Mr. Gladstone
+retained in the Scottish heart, he was in November elected Lord Rector
+of Glasgow University by a large majority. Lord Beaconsfield was the
+retiring Lord Rector, and the Conservatives nominated Sir S. Northcote,
+the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as Mr. Gladstone's opponent.</p>
+
+<p>The war in the East went disastrously for the Ottoman arms. January 23,
+1878, the Porte agreed to accept the terms of peace submitted by the
+Grand Duke Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone was invited January 30, 1878, to attend a meeting of
+undergraduates at Oxford, held to celebrate the formation of a Liberal
+Palmerston Club. He strongly condemned the sending of the British fleet
+into the Dardanelles as a breach of European law; and confessed that he
+had been an agitator for the past eighteen months, day and night, to
+counteract what he believed to be the evil purposes of Lord
+Beaconsfield.</p>
+
+<p>In February the House of Commons passed a vote of credit, but on the 3d
+of March a treaty of peace was signed between Turkey and Russia, at
+Sanstefano, the terms of which in part were: Turkey to pay a large war
+indemnity; Servia and Montenegro to be independent and to receive
+accessions of territory; Bulgaria to be formed into a principality with
+greatly extended boundaries, and to be governed by a prince elected by
+the inhabitants; the navigation of the Straits was declared free for
+merchant vessels, both in times of peace and war; Russian troops to
+occupy Bulgaria for two years; Batoum, Ardahan, Kars and Bayazid, with
+their territories, to be ceded to Russia, and Turkey to pay an indemnity
+to Roumania. The terms of the treaty were regarded oppressive to Turkey
+by the Beaconsfield Ministry, who proposed that the whole treaty be
+submitted to a congress at Berlin, to meet in June, 1878. The treaty was
+approved after some modifications. The English Plenipotentiaries were
+the Earl of Beaconsfield and Marquis of Salisbury, who, for their share
+in the treaty, received a popular ovation and rewards from the Queen.
+Thus was Turkey humiliated and Russia benefited, having obtained her
+demands. To the people assembled Lord Beaconsfield said from the window
+of the Foreign Office: "Lord Salisbury and myself have brought you back
+peace, but a peace, I hope with honor, which may satisfy our Sovereign
+and tend to the welfare of the country." But at this very time the envoy
+of Russia, whom the ministry thought to be circumvented, was entering
+the Afghan capital; so that, although there was peace on the Bosphorus,
+as a direct result of the Eastern policy, there was war in Afghanistan.
+The Conservatives were very ready for awhile to use as a watchword the
+phrase, "Peace and Honor," but before long it became the occasion
+of ridicule.</p>
+
+<p>Parliament was called upon to appropriate £8,000,000 to defray the cost
+of the Afghan and Zulu wars. When Mr. Gladstone's government retired
+from office, there was a surplus of over £3,000,000, but the budgets of
+1878 and 1879 both showed large deficits. The people had applauded the
+"imperial policy," "the jingoism" of Lord Beaconsfield's administration
+during the past two or three years, but they were not so appreciative
+when they found it so costly a policy to themselves. The depression in
+business also had its effect upon the country. The unpopularity of the
+Liberal government, which culminated in its defeat in 1873, was now, in
+1879, being shifted to their Conservative opponents, whose term of
+office was fast drawing to a close.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Gladstone's resolute and splendid hostility to Lord Beaconsfield's
+whole system of foreign policy restored him to his paramount place among
+English politicians. For four years&mdash;from 1876 to 1880&mdash;he sustained the
+high and holy strife with an enthusiasm, a versatility, a courage and a
+resourcefulness which raised the enthusiasm of his followers to the
+highest pitch, and filled his guilty and baffled antagonists with a rage
+which went near to frenzy. By frustrating Lord Beaconsfield's design of
+going to war on behalf of Turkey, he saved England from the indelible
+disgrace of a second and more gratuitous Crimea. But it was not only in
+Eastern Europe that his saving influence was felt. In Africa and India,
+and wherever British honor was involved, he was the resolute and
+unsparing enemy of that odious system of bluster and swagger and might
+against right, on which Lord Beaconsfield and his colleagues bestowed
+the tawdry nickname of Imperialism."</p>
+
+<a name="404"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="404 (28K)" src="images/404.jpg" height="749" width="456">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c17"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+<h4>
+MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>The leadership of the Liberal party had, upon the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone, been turned over to Lord Hartington. His sympathies were upon
+the right side on the Eastern question, but he was a calm, slow-moving
+man. At the proper time he would have taken the right measures in
+Parliament, but the temper of the Liberal party and of the people
+demanded present action and emphatic speech, then Mr. Gladstone came to
+the rescue, and Lord Hartington found himself pushed aside. Mr.
+Gladstone was again in fact the leader of the Liberal party, whose
+standard he had carried aloft during those stirring times when the
+Eastern question was the all-absorbing topic of debate in Parliament and
+among the people of the land. The foreign policy of Lord Beaconsfield in
+1878 and 1879 found a sleepless critic in Mr. Gladstone.</p>
+
+<p>The day after the Parliament of 1878 had adjourned for the Easter
+recess, it was announced that the Ministry had ordered the Indian
+Government to dispatch 7000 native troops to the Island of Malta. The
+order occasioned much discussion&mdash;political, legal, and constitutional.
+It was warmly debated. It was thought that Lord Beaconsfield had
+transcended his powers and done what could be done only by a vote of
+Parliament. In the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone condemned the
+proceedings as unconstitutional, and pointed out the dangers of the
+Ministerial policy. Lord Beaconsfield received what he calculated
+upon&mdash;the support of the House. For a member to differ from his policy
+was almost to incur the imputation of disloyalty to Crown and country.
+Indeed, Mr. Gladstone was seriously accused of treason by a member of
+the House for an article in the <i>Nineteenth Century</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone undauntedly continued the contest. He addressed a meeting
+of Liberals in the Drill Hall, Bermondsey, July 20th, in which he said
+that the Dissolution of Parliament could not long be postponed, and
+urged the union and organization of all Liberals, and prompt measures to
+secure such representation as the Liberals deserved in the coming
+Parliament. Speaking of the Anglo-Turkish treaty, he pointed out the
+serious obligations which devolved upon England under it. He added,
+regarding the Turkish Convention, that, possibly it was necessary to
+sustain the credit of the country, but whether that credit should be
+sustained at such a price remained for the people to determine at the
+polls. He rejoiced that these most unwise, extravagant, unwarrantable,
+unconstitutional and dangerous proceedings had not been the work of the
+Liberal party, but he was grieved to think that any party should be
+found in England to perform such transactions.</p>
+
+<p>A great debate arose in the House of Commons, extending over the whole
+range of the Eastern question: The Treaty of Berlin, the Anglo-Turkish
+Convention, the acquisition of Cyprus, the claims of Greece, etc. It was
+begun by the Marquis of Hartington, who offered a resolution regretting
+the grave responsibilities the Ministry had assumed for England with no
+means of securing their fulfillment, and without the previous knowledge
+of Parliament. Mr. Gladstone's speech during this debate is described as
+"a long and eloquent address, unsurpassable for its comprehensive grasp
+of the subject, its lucidity, point, and the high tone which animated it
+throughout." Mr. Gladstone denied that his strictures upon the
+Government in a speech made out of Parliament could be construed as Lord
+Beaconsfield had taken them as a personal attack and provocation. If
+criticism of this kind is prohibited the doors of the House might as
+well be shut. He observed that, "Liberty of speech is the liberty which
+secures all other liberties, and the abridgment of which would render
+all other liberties vain and useless possessions." In discussing the
+Congress at Berlin, Mr. Gladstone said, that he could not shut his eyes
+to the fact that the Sclavs, looking to Russia had been freed, while the
+Greeks, looking to England, remained with all their aspirations
+unsatisfied; that Russia had secured much territory and large indemnity,
+with the sanction of Europe; that the English Plenipotentiaries at the
+Congress, Lord Salisbury and Lord Beaconsfield, as a general rule, took
+the side of servitude, and that opposed to freedom.</p>
+
+<p>With regard to the English responsibilities in Asiatic Turkey put upon
+England at the Convention, he called them an "unheard of," and
+"mad-undertaking," accomplished "in the dark," by the present Ministry.
+Dealing with the treaty-making power of the country, he claimed that it
+rested with Parliament in conjunction with the Executive. The strength
+and the eloquence were on the side of the opposition, but the votes were
+for the Government. The resolutions of Lord Hartington were defeated,
+and the "imperial policy" of the Ministry was sustained. The <i>Spectator</i>
+said, that, "Reason, prudence, and patriotism have hardly ever in our
+times been voted down with so little show of argument, and even of
+plausible suggestion."</p>
+
+<p>The next step taken by the Ministry was to undertake war with
+Afghanistan, in hopes of checking the advances of Russia in that
+direction and of redressing grievances. England accomplished her purpose
+in part, but greatly suffered for her exploit. Mr. Gladstone could not
+remain quiet under the "adventurous policy" of the Premier. He condemned
+the ministerial policy which had made the Queen an Empress, then
+manipulated the prerogative in a manner wholly unexampled in this age,
+and employed it in inaugurating policies about which neither the nation
+nor the Parliament had ever been consulted. But arguments were of no
+avail. The Conservative majority in Parliament had imbibed the idea that
+the honor of England had to be protected. Some thought it had never been
+assailed, but Lord Beaconsfield declared it was in peril, and men and
+money were voted to defend it. "So the order was given for distant
+peoples to be attacked, English blood to be spilled, the burdens of the
+people, already too heavy, to be swollen, and the future liabilities of
+this country to be enormously increased."</p>
+
+<p>In November, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Lord Beaconsfield, speaking of
+Eastern affairs, said that the Government was not afraid of any invasion
+of India by its northwestern frontier; but the frontier was "haphazard
+and not a scientific one," and the Government wanted a satisfactory
+frontier. Mr. Gladstone, in a letter to the Bedford Liberal Association,
+asked: "What right have we to annex by war, or to menace the territory
+of our neighbors, in order to make 'scientific' a frontier which is
+already safe?"</p>
+
+<p>In the autumn of 1879 Mr. Gladstone, having resolved to retire from the
+representation of Greenwich at the next election, paid a farewell visit
+to his constituents. At a luncheon given by the Liberal Association he
+dwelt upon the necessity of a Liberal union. The Liberals had, owing to
+their dissensions, given twenty-six votes to their opponents in 1874,
+while the Government had been carried on for years by a Conservative
+majority of less than twenty-six, showing the importance of
+organization. At night Mr. Gladstone attended a great public meeting in
+the Plumstead Skating Rink. On his entrance the whole audience rose and
+cheered for several minutes. An address was presented, expressing regret
+at his retirement, and the pride they would ever feel at having been
+associated with his name and fame. Mr. Gladstone alluded to Lord
+Beaconsfield's phrase respecting "harassed interests," and said he knew
+of only one harassed interest, and that was the British nation. He
+protested against the words "personal government" being taken to imply
+that the Sovereign desired to depart from the traditions of the
+constitution, yet he charged the advisers of the Crown with having
+invidiously begun a system intended to narrow the liberties of the
+people of England and to reduce Parliament to the condition of the
+French Parliaments before the great Revolution.</p>
+
+<a name="570"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0570 (93K)" src="images/570.jpg" height="845" width="560">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone threw the whole responsibility of the Afghan war on the
+Ministry, and maintaining that England had departed from the customs of
+the forefathers, concluded as follows: "It is written in the eternal
+laws of the universe of God that sin shall be followed by suffering. An
+unjust war is a tremendous sin. The question which you have to consider
+is whether this war is just or unjust. So far as I am able to collect
+the evidence, it is unjust."</p>
+
+<p>In December, 1878, the following resolution was offered in the House of
+Commons: "That this House disapproves the conduct of her Majesty's
+Government, which has resulted in the war with Afghanistan." Mr.
+Gladstone strongly condemned the war with Afghanistan and the irritating
+policy towards the Ameer, and concluded his address with the following
+eloquent responses to the historical and moral aspects of the Afghan
+difficulty: "You have made this war in concealment from Parliament, in
+reversal of the policy of every Indian and Home Government that has
+existed for the last twenty-five years, in contempt of the supplication
+of the Ameer and in defiance of the advice of your own agent, and all
+for the sake of obtaining a scientific frontier." This powerful speech
+greatly impressed, for the moment, both parties in the House, but the
+vote of censure was defeated, and the policy of the administration was
+endorsed. During the debate Mr. Latham made a witty comparison. He said
+that the Cabinet reminded him of the gentleman, who seeing his horses
+run away, and being assured by the coachman that they must drive into
+something, replied, "Then smash into something cheap!"</p>
+
+<p>The Ministry presented a motion that the revenues of India should be
+applied for the purposes of the war. Mr. Gladstone observed that it was
+the people of England who had had all the glory and all the advantage
+which resulted from the destruction of the late administration, and the
+accession of the present Cabinet; and hence it was the people who must
+measure the <i>pros</i> and the <i>cons</i>, and who must be content, after having
+reaped such innumerable benefits, to encounter the disadvantage of
+meeting charges which undoubtedly the existing government would leave
+behind it as a legacy to posterity. England gained her end in the
+humiliation of Russia, but there were those who felt that the result of
+the English policy would further the advance of Russia in Europe, and
+that force would never make friends of the Afghans.</p>
+
+<p>In the sessions of 1879 the Greek question came up in the House of
+Commons on a motion, "That, in the opinion of this House, tranquillity
+in the East demands that satisfaction be given to the just claims of
+Greece, and no satisfaction can be considered adequate that does not
+ensure execution of the recommendations embodied in Protocol 13 of the
+Berlin Congress." Mr. Gladstone hoped that even in the present House
+there would be found those who would encourage the first legitimate
+aspirations of the Hellenic races after freedom. The government had
+given pledges to advance the claims of Greece that had not been redeemed
+at Berlin. Not one of the European powers was now averse to the claims
+of the Greek kingdom, whose successful pleadings depended wholly upon
+England for favorable answer. But the government objected, and the
+motion was rejected. In July, Sir Charles Dilke called the attention of
+the House to the obligations of Turkey under the Treaty of Berlin, when
+Mr. Gladstone again earnestly enforced the claims of "Greece, weak as
+she may be, is yet strong in the principles in which she rests."</p>
+
+<p>December 29, 1879, Mr. Gladstone attained the seventieth year of his
+age. His friends in Liverpool, and the Greenwich Liberal Association
+presented him with congratulatory addresses. The journals paid him warm
+tributes for his long and eminent public services. But few thought that
+the veteran that had so successfully gone through one electoral campaign
+was destined in a few months to pass through another, still more
+remarkable, and yet be fresh for new triumphs. In the autumn of 1879 Mr.
+Gladstone resolved upon a very important, and as his enemies thought, a
+hopeless step. He had retired from the representation of Greenwich, and
+he now boldly decided to contest the election for Midlothian, the county
+of Edinburgh. He consequently proceeded to Scotland, in November, where
+such an ovation was given him as has never been accorded to any man in
+modern times. During the period of three weeks he addressed meetings
+numbering seventy-five thousand people, while a quarter of a million of
+people, with every exhibition of good-will and admiration, took part in
+some way in the demonstration in his honor. In this canvass of
+delivering political speeches he performed an oratorical and
+intellectual feat unparalleled in the history of any statesman who had
+attained his seventieth year. Mr. Gladstone addressed large concourses
+of people. When he reached Edinburgh, "his progress was as the progress
+of a nation's guest, or a king returning to his own again."</p>
+
+<p>Midlothian, the scene of Mr. Gladstone's astonishing exertions, was one
+of the Conservative strongholds, under the dominent influence of the
+Duke of Buccleuch, whose son, Lord Dalkeith, Mr. Gladstone opposed in
+contesting for the representation in Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said:
+"Being a man of Scotch blood, I am very much attached to Scotland, and
+like even the Scottish accent," and he afterwards said, "and Scotland
+showed herself equally proud of her son." He spoke at Edinburgh,
+November 26th, and on the following day at Dalkeith, in the very heart
+of the Duke of Buccleuch's own property to an audience of three thousand
+people, mostly agriculturists. At Edinburgh he met nearly five thousand
+persons at the Corn Exchange, representing more than one hundred
+Scottish Liberal Associations. In the Waverley Market Mr. Gladstone
+addressed more than twenty thousand people, one of the largest
+congregations ever assembled in-doors in Scotland, and met with a
+reception which for enthusiasm was in keeping with the vastness of the
+audience. December 5th, at Glasgow, he delivered his address as Lord
+Rector to the students of the University, and in the evening addressed
+an immense audience of nearly six thousand in St. Andrew's Hall. He was
+most enthusiastically received, and he dwelt chiefly on Cyprus, the Suez
+Canal, India, and Afghanistan. "We had Afghanistan ruined," he urged,
+"India not advanced, but thrown back in government, subjected to heavy
+and unjust charges, subjected to what might well be termed, in
+comparison with the mild government of former years, a system of
+oppression; and with all this we had at home the law broken and the
+rights of Parliament invaded."</p>
+
+<p>On the 8th of March, 1880, the immediate dissolution of Parliament was
+announced in both Houses of Parliament, and the news created intense
+political excitement and activity throughout the land. In his manifesto,
+in the shape of a letter to the Duke of Marlborough, the Prime Minister
+referred to the attempt made to sever the constitutional tie between
+Great Britain and Ireland, and said: "It is to be hoped that all men of
+light and leading will resist this destructive doctrine. There are some
+who challenge the expediency of the Imperial character of this realm.
+Having attempted and failed to enfeeble our colonies by their policy of
+decomposition, they may now perhaps recognize in the disintegration of
+the United Kingdom a mode which will not only accomplish, but
+precipitate, that purpose. Peace rests on the presence, not to say the
+ascendency, of England in the councils of Europe."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone and Lord Hartington issued their counter-manifestoes. Mr.
+Gladstone repudiated Lord Beaconsfield's dark allusion to the repeal of
+the union and the abandonment of the colonies, characterizing them as
+base insinuations, the real purpose of which was to hide from view the
+policy pursued by the Ministry, and its effect upon the condition of
+the country; and said that public distress had been aggravated by
+continual shocks from neglected legislation at home, "while abroad they
+had strained the prerogative by gross misuse, had weakened the Empire by
+needless wars, and dishonored it in the eyes of Europe by their
+clandestine acquisition of the Island of Cyprus."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone began the electoral campaign with a speech at Marylebone
+on the 10th of March, in which he announced Lord Derby's secession from
+the Conservative to the Liberal party; and then he left London to enter
+upon his second Midlothian campaign. At various points on the journey
+Mr. Gladstone stopped and addressed the people from the cars, and it is
+a remarkable fact that wherever he delivered an address the Liberals
+gained a seat.</p>
+
+<a name="564"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0564 (131K)" src="images/564.jpg" height="579" width="874">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>The first address made by Mr. Gladstone on his own account, was
+delivered on the 17th of March, in the Music Hall, Edinburgh. After
+dwelling at great length upon various questions of foreign policy, he
+concluded with the following references personal to his opponents and
+himself: "I give them credit for patriotic motives; I give them credit
+for those patriotic motives which are incessantly and gratuitously
+denied to us. I believe that we are all united, gentlemen&mdash;indeed it
+would be most unnatural if we were not&mdash;in a fond attachment, perhaps in
+something of a proud attachment, to the great country to which
+we belong."</p>
+
+<p>In his final speech at West Calder Mr. Gladstone drew a powerful
+indictment against the administration, and placed the issue before the
+country in a strong light. Throughout all the campaign, as the time for
+the general election was approaching, only one question was submitted to
+the electors, "Do you approve or condemn Lord Beaconsfield's system of
+foreign policy?" And the answer was given at Easter, 1880, when the
+Prime Minister and his colleagues received the most empathic
+condemnation which had ever been bestowed upon an English Government,
+and the Liberals were returned in an overwhelming majority of fifty over
+Tories and Home Rulers combined. Mr. Gladstone succeeded in ousting Lord
+Dalkeith from the representation of Midlothian by a respectable
+majority. He was also elected at Leeds, but this seat was afterwards
+given to his son, Herbert Gladstone. At the conclusion of the election
+all the journals joined in admiring the indomitable energy and vigor of
+the orator, who could carry out this great enterprise when he had
+already passed the age of three-score years and ten. Edinburgh was
+illuminated in the evening, and everywhere were to be witnessed signs of
+rejoicing at Mr. Gladstone's victory. The result of the elections
+throughout the country exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the
+Liberals. So large a proportion of Liberal members had not been returned
+to the House of Commons since the days of the first Reform Bill.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Beaconsfield, as soon as the result of the election was known, and
+without waiting for the meeting of Parliament, resigned. The Queen, in
+conformity with the constitutional custom, summoned Lord Hartington, the
+titular leader of the Liberal party in the House of Commons, to form a
+cabinet. But he could do nothing. Then the Queen sent for Lord
+Granville, who with Lord Hartington, went to Windsor April 23d. They
+both assured the Queen that the victory was Mr. Gladstone's; that the
+people had designated him for office, and that the Liberal party would
+be satisfied with no other, and that he was the inevitable Prime
+Minister. They returned to London in the afternoon, sought Mr. Gladstone
+at Harley Street, where he was awaiting the message they brought from
+the Queen&mdash;to repair to Windsor. That evening, without an hour's delay,
+he went to Windsor, kissed hands, and returned to London Prime Minister
+for the second time.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone again filled the double office of Premier and Chancellor
+of the Exchequer in the new cabinet, which for general ability and
+debating power was one of the strongest of the century. While some of
+the cabinet officers were like Mr. Gladstone himself, without title,
+others were representatives of the oldest nobility of the land. At the
+very beginning the new administration were confronted by perplexing
+questions. The Eastern question, chiefly by Mr. Gladstone's influence,
+had been settled in accordance with the dictates of humanity and
+religion. But there were other difficulties to be overcome. "At home,
+his administration did good and useful work, including the extension of
+the suffrage to the agricultural laborers; but it was seriously, and at
+length fatally, embarrassed by two controversies which sprang up with
+little warning, and found the Liberal party and its leaders totally
+unprepared to deal with them."</p>
+
+<p>The first embarrassing question which arose when the new Parliament met
+was the great deficit of nine million pounds instead of an expected
+surplus in the Indian Budget, owing to the Afghan war.</p>
+
+<p>Foremost among the difficulties encountered was the case of Mr. Charles
+Bradlaugh, elected a member of Parliament for Northampton. He demanded
+to be permitted to make a solemn affirmation or declaration of
+allegiance, instead of taking the usual oath. The question created much
+discussion and great feeling, and Mr. Bradlaugh's persistence was met by
+violence. Mr. Bright contended for liberty of conscience. Mr. Gladstone
+favored permitting Mr. Bradlaugh to affirm on his own responsibility
+which was finally done, but Mr. Bradlaugh was prosecuted in the courts.
+The great difficulty arose from Mr. Bradlaugh's atheism.</p>
+
+<p>A considerable share of the session of 1880 was occupied in the
+consideration of the Irish Compensation for Disturbance Bill and other
+Irish measures. In consequence of the rapid increase of evictions by
+landlords, this protective measure had become absolutely necessary in
+the interests of the Irish tenants. After prolonged debate&mdash;very
+prolonged for so short a bill&mdash;thirty-five lines only&mdash;the bill was
+passed by the Commons, but defeated by the Lords. The result was "seen
+in a ghastly record of outrage and murder which stained the
+following winter."</p>
+
+<p>Home Rule for Ireland, which movement was started in the "seventies,"
+was gaining ground, and every election returned to the House more
+members pledged to its support. Those who were bent upon obtaining Home
+Rule at any cost used obstructive means against other legislation to
+gain their object, but as yet the movement was confined to the members
+who had been elected by Irish constituents.</p>
+
+<p>About the close of the session of 1880 the heavy burdens and
+responsibilities of public service borne by Mr. Gladstone began to tell
+upon him. At the end of July, while returning from home for the House
+of Commons, Mr. Gladstone was taken ill. He was prostrated by fever and
+great fears for his recovery were entertained by his family, his party
+and a host of admirers throughout the country. A great outburst of
+popular sympathy was manifested and frequent messages were received from
+the Queen and many foreign potentates and celebrities. Distinguished
+callers and telegrams continued to arrive at Downing Street for ten days
+while the patient was confined to his bed at home. The President of the
+United States and the King and Queen of the Belgians were among those
+who sent messages of sympathy. "Rarely indeed, if ever, has there been
+witnessed such a general and spontaneous expression of the national
+sympathy towards a distinguished statesman whose life had been
+imperilled by illness."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's large store of vital energy brought him safely through
+his dangerous illness and on approaching convalescence he took a sea
+voyage round the entire coast of England in Sir Donald Currie's steamer,
+"Grantully Castle."</p>
+
+<p>Three years after this voyage around England the Premier visited the
+Orkneys on a similar trip, in the "Pembroke Castle," the poet laureate
+being of the party on this occasion. From the Orkneys he sailed across
+to Denmark and suddenly appeared at Copenhagen, where Mr. Gladstone
+entertained the Czar and Czarina, the King of Greece, and the King and
+Queen of Denmark, and many others of their relatives who happened to be
+visiting them at that time.</p>
+
+<p>A great meeting was held June 21, 1880, in Her Majesty's opera house,
+for the purpose of presenting an address from the Liberals of Middlesex
+to Mr. Herbert Gladstone, who had made a gallant contest in that country
+at the general election. The entrance of the Premier some time after the
+meeting began was the signal for an outburst of enthusiasm. Before Mr.
+Gladstone appeared, the chairman, Mr. Foster, had paid a high tribute to
+the Premier for his great abilities and his self-denial in the public
+service. After his son had received the address, the Premier arose to
+speak, when the whole audience arose to their feet and welcomed him with
+immense cheering.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone referred at length to the Midlothian campaign, and paid a
+tribute to the spirit and energy of the Liberals of the whole country.
+The sound which went forth from Midlothian reverberated through the land
+and was felt to be among the powerful operative causes which led to the
+great triumph of the Liberal party.</p>
+
+<p>At the Lord Mayor's banquet, November 9, 1880, Mr. Gladstone's speech
+was looked forward to with much anxiety, owing to the singularly
+disturbed condition of Ireland. Referring to the "party of disorder" in
+Ireland, he said that as anxious as the government was to pass laws for
+the improvement of the land laws, their prior duty was to so enforce the
+laws as to secure order. If an increase of power was needed to secure
+this, they would not fail to ask it.</p>
+
+<p>In 1881, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Mr. Gladstone said that he was
+glad to discern signs of improvement in Ireland during the last twelve
+months; but the struggle between the representatives of law and the
+representatives of lawlessness had rendered necessary an augmentation of
+the executive power.</p>
+
+<p>In August, 1881, at Greenwich, the Liberals of the borough presented Mr.
+Gladstone with an illustrated address and a carved oak chair as a token
+of their esteem and a souvenir of his former representation of their
+borough. On the cushion back of the chair were embossed in gold the arms
+of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with a motto "Fide et Virtute," and above, in
+the midst of some wood-carving representing the rose, the thistle, the
+shamrock, and the leek, was a silver plate, bearing a suitable
+inscription.</p>
+
+<p>The Parliamentary session of 1881 was almost exclusively devoted to
+Irish affairs. Instead of the contemplated Land Act, the ministry were
+compelled, on account of the disturbed condition of Ireland, to bring
+in first a Coercion Act, although the measure was naturally distasteful
+to such friends of Ireland in the Cabinet as Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Bright. Property and life had become very insecure, and there was a
+startling increase of agrarian crime that such a measure was deemed
+necessary. But while passing the Coercion Act, Mr. Gladstone accompanied
+it by a great and beneficial measure&mdash;a second Irish Land Bill, which
+instituted a court for the purpose of dealing with the differences
+between landlord and tenant.</p>
+
+<p>This bill&mdash;one of Mr. Gladstone's greatest measures&mdash;became a law August
+23, 1881. Mr. Gladstone in his speech remarked that the complaint was
+made that the bill was an infringement of liberty in Ireland and was
+aimed at the Land League, but no person or body could be touched by the
+bill unless they violated the law, and then could only be arrested upon
+reasonable suspicion of crime committed or of inciting to crime or of
+interfering with law or order. There would be the fullest freedom of
+discussion allowed. Dealing with the Land League he said it had been
+attempted to compare it with the Corn Laws, but Mr. Bright had
+completely demolished that miserable argument. It was compared also to
+the trade unions, but they made an onward step in the intelligence and
+in the love of law and order among the working classes. They had never
+tainted themselves by word or deed which would bring them into suspicion
+in connection with the maintenance of law. The leaders of the Land
+League were now put forward as martyrs on the same platform as
+O'Connell; but on every occasion of his life-long agitation O'Connell
+set himself to avoid whatever might tend to a breach of law and order.
+Then Mr. Gladstone showed the necessity of the Coercion Act from the
+condition of Ireland, where during the past year there had been a great
+increase of crime, and the outrages were agrarian, and not connected
+with the distress. It was a significant fact that the agrarian outrages
+had risen and fallen with the meetings of the Land League. Nothing could
+be more idle than to confound the agrarian crime of Ireland with the
+ordinary crime of England, or even of Ireland. In regard to general
+crime, Ireland held a high and honorable place, but how different was
+the case with agrarian crime! He referred to the miscarriage of justice
+in Ireland, and said that the bill, if passed, would restore to Ireland
+the first conditions of Christian and civilized existence. But it "only
+irritated while it failed to terrify."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's was a great speech and showed his mastery of details,
+and his power of expounding and illustrating broad and general
+principles. He began his exposition by confessing that it was the most
+difficult question with which he had ever been called upon to deal. He
+concluded with an eloquent invocation to justice.</p>
+
+<p>On the 19th of April, 1881, Lord Beaconsfield died. For many years he
+and Mr. Gladstone had been at the head of their respective parties.
+"Their opposition, as one critic has well and tersely put it, like that
+of Pitt and Fox, was one of temperament and character as well as of
+genius, position and political opinions." The Premier paid an eloquent
+tribute to him and proposed a public funeral, which was declined. Mr.
+Gladstone then moved for a monument in Westminster Abbey to the memory
+of the deceased Earl.</p>
+
+<p>In October, 1881, Mr. Gladstone made a visit to Leeds, for which borough
+he was returned in 1880, but for which his son Herbert sat. He delivered
+several important addresses on subjects which then absorbed the public
+attention, especially dealing with the land question local government,
+and Free Trade <i>versus</i> Fair Trade. Mr. Gladstone said:</p>
+
+<p>"My boyhood was spent at the mouth of the Mersey, and in those days I
+used to see those beautiful American liners, the packets between New
+York and Liverpool, which then conducted the bulk and the pick of the
+trade between the two countries. The Americans were then deemed to be
+so entirely superior to us in shipbuilding and navigation that they had
+four-fifths of the whole trade between the two countries in their hands,
+and that four-fifths was the best of the trade. What is the case now,
+when free trade has operated and has applied its stimulus to the
+intelligence of England, and when, on the other hand, the action of the
+Americans has been restrained by the enactment, the enhancement and the
+tightening of the protective system? The scales are exactly reversed,
+and instead of America doing four-fifths and that the best, we do
+four-fifths of the business, and the Americans pick up the leavings of
+the British and transact the residue of the trade. Not because they are
+inferior to us in anything; it would be a fatal error to suppose it; not
+because they have less intelligence or less perseverance. They are your
+descendants; they are your kinsmen; and they are fully equal to you in
+all that goes to make human energy and power; but they are laboring
+under the delusion from which you yourselves have but recently escaped,
+and in which some misguided fellow-citizens seek again to entangle you.</p>
+
+<p>"I am reminded that I was guilty on a certain occasion of stating in an
+article&mdash;not a political article&mdash;that, in my opinion, it was far from
+improbable that as the volume of the future was unrolled, America, with
+its vast population and its wonderful resources, and not less with that
+severe education which, from the high price of labor, America is
+receiving in the strong necessity of resorting to every description of
+labor-saving contrivances, and consequent development, not only on a
+large scale, but down to the smallest scale of mechanical genius of the
+country&mdash;on that account the day may come when that country may claim to
+possess the commercial primacy of the world, I gave sad offence to many.
+I at present will say this, that as long as America adheres to the
+protective system your commercial primacy is secure. Nothing in the
+world can wrest it from you while America continues to fetter her own
+strong hands and arms, and with these fettered arms is content to
+compete with you, who are free, in neutral markets. And as long as
+America follows the doctrine of protection, or the doctrines now known
+as those of 'fair trade,' you are perfectly safe, and you need not
+allow, any of you, even your slightest slumbers to be disturbed by the
+fear that America will take from you your commercial primacy."</p>
+
+<a name="560"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0560 (153K)" src="images/560.jpg" height="627" width="920">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>After his return to London Mr. Gladstone received an address from the
+Corporation, setting forth the long services he had rendered to the
+country. Mr. Gladstone, in his reply, touched upon Irish obstruction,
+and announced, incidentally, the arrest of Mr. Parnell. Mr. Parnell, the
+leader of the Irish party, having openly defied the law, had been
+arrested and imprisoned without trial, under the Coercion Act, passed at
+the last session.</p>
+
+
+<a name="561"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0561 (139K)" src="images/561.jpg" height="970" width="625">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>On the opening night of the Parliament, of 1882, Mr. Gladstone laid
+before the House the proposed new rules of Parliamentary procedure. The
+<i>clōture</i>, by a bare majority, was to be established, in order to secure
+the power of closing debate by a vote of the House.</p>
+
+<p>The House of Lords decided upon the appointment of a Select Committee to
+inquire into the working of the Land Act, including the alleged total
+collapse of the clauses relating to purchase, emigration, and arrears.
+The Prime Minister in the House of Commons introduced a resolution
+condemning the proposed inquiry as tending to defeat the operation of
+the Land Act and as injurious to the good government of Ireland.</p>
+
+<a name="544"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0544 (116K)" src="images/544.jpg" height="555" width="921">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>Early in May, 1882, the whole country was startled and terrified by the
+news of the assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish, the new chief
+secretary for Ireland, and Mr. Burke under-secretary, in the Phoenix
+Park, Dublin. A social revolution was raging in Ireland. Outrages and
+murders had been fearfully frequent, and such brutal murders as those of
+Mrs. Smythe and Mr. Herbert had filled England with terror. In the
+first week of May announcement was made that Earl Cowper had resigned
+the Viceroyalty. Rather than share the responsibility of releasing Mr.
+Parnell, Mr. Dillon and Mr. O'Kelly, Mr. Forster left the Cabinet. Lord
+Spencer was appointed to the Viceroyalty, and Lord Frederick Cavendish
+succeeded Mr. Forster, and two days thereafter all England was thrilled
+with sorrow and indignation by the terrible news of the assassination in
+Phoenix Park. The news shattered the hopes of many concerning Ireland,
+and fell with special severity upon Mr. Gladstone, because he and Lord
+Cavendish enjoyed the closest friendship. The government presented a
+Prevention of Crimes Bill of a very stringent character. In the course
+of debate warm discussions arose over an "understanding" called, "The
+Kilmainham Compact," but Mr. Gladstone successfully defended the
+government in regard to its supposed negotiations with Mr. Parnell. This
+bill was directed against secret societies and illegal combinations, and
+it was hoped that as the Land League party had expressed its horror at
+the Phoenix Park crime, and charged that it was the work of American
+conspirators, they would allow the measure speedily to become law. Mr.
+Bright declared that the bill would harm no innocent person, and
+explained his own doctrine, that "Force is no remedy," was intended to
+apply not to outrages, but to grievances. For three weeks Mr. Parnell
+and his followers obstructed legislation in every conceivable way, and
+were finally suspended for systematic obstruction. The obstructionists
+removed, the bill was then passed, after a sitting of twenty-eight
+hours. The measure was passed by the Lords July 7th, and the Queen
+signed the bill July 12th. A crisis nearly arose between the Lords and
+the Commons over the Irish Arrears Bill, but the Lords finally yielded.</p>
+
+
+<a name="432"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="432 (42K)" src="images/432.jpg" height="408" width="356">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c18"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+<h4>
+THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>It is our purpose next to trace the events that led to the overthrow of
+the Second Administration of Mr. Gladstone, and to the formation of his
+Third Cabinet. The question that seemed to begin the work of weakening
+the foundations of his existing government was their policy in regard to
+Egypt, which began with the occupation of Egypt in 1882.</p>
+
+<p>The budget of the session of 1882 was presented by Mr. Gladstone April
+24th. It was not expected that anything novel in the way of legislation
+would be attempted in it. But its main interest was in this, that it
+proposed a vote of credit for the Egyptian Expedition, which was to be
+provided for by addition to the income-tax, making it sixpence
+half-penny in the pound for the year. The financial proposals were
+agreed to. In the course of the session Mr. Bright resigned his place in
+the Cabinet on the ground that the intervention in Egypt was a manifest
+violation of the moral law, that the Government had interfered by force
+of arms in Egypt, and directed the bombardment of Alexandria. Mr.
+Gladstone denied that the Ministry were at war with Egypt, and stated
+that the measures taken at Alexandria were strictly measures of
+self-defence. In justifying his resignation Mr. Bright said there had
+been a manifest violation of the moral law; but the Premier, while
+agreeing with his late colleague generally on the question of the moral
+law differed from him as to this particular application of it.</p>
+
+<p>The Prime Minister attended the Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Mansion
+House, August 9, 1882. In replying to the toast to Her Majesty's
+Ministers, after some preliminary remarks, Mr. Gladstone alluded to the
+campaign in Egypt, which had been so much discussed, and said: "Let it
+be well understood for what we go and for what we do not go to Egypt. We
+do not go to make war on its people, but to rescue them from the
+oppression of a military tyranny which at present extinguishes every
+free voice and chains every man of the people of that country. We do not
+go to make war on the Mohammedan religion, for it is amongst the
+proudest distinctions of Christianity to establish tolerance, and we
+know that wherever the British rule exists, the same respect which we
+claim for the exercise of our own conscientious convictions is yielded
+to the professors of every other faith on the surface of the globe. We
+do not, my Lord Mayor, go to repress the growth of Egyptian liberties.
+We wish them well; for we have no other interest in Egypt, which cannot
+in any other way so well and so effectually attain her own prosperity as
+by the enjoyment of a well regulated, and an expanding freedom."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's confidence respecting the early termination of the war
+in Egypt was somewhat justified by Sir Garnet Wolseley's victory at
+Tel-el-Kebir, but the future relations of England with Egypt were still
+left an open subject of discussion and speculation. Again, November 9th,
+at the banquet at the Guildhall, to the Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Gladstone
+spoke. He called attention to the settlement of the troubles in the East
+of Europe, congratulating his hearers on the removal by the naval and
+military forces of the Egyptian difficulty, and calling attention to
+Ireland, compared its condition with that of the previous March and
+October, 1881, showing a diminution of agrarian crime to the extent of
+four-fifths. This happy result had been brought about, not by coercive
+means alone, but by the exercise of remedial measures. "If the people of
+Ireland were willing to walk in the ways of legality, England was
+strong, and generous, and free enough to entertain in a friendly and
+kindly spirit any demand which they might make."</p>
+
+<p>On the 13th of December, 1882, Mr. Gladstone's political jubilee was
+celebrated. Fifty years before, on that day, he had been returned to
+Parliament as member for Newark. A large number of congratulatory
+addresses, letters, and telegrams complimenting him on the completion of
+his fifty years of parliamentary service were received by him. He had
+entered the first Reformed Parliament as a conservative, had gone ever
+forward in the path of reform, and was yet to lead in greater measures
+of reform.</p>
+
+<p>The excellent prospects regarding domestic measures with which the
+session of 1883 was opened were dispelled by prolonged and fruitless
+debates on measures proposed and on the address from the Queen. But Mr.
+Gladstone was absent, the state of his health requiring him to pass
+several weeks at Cannes. He returned home in March greatly invigorated,
+and at once threw himself with wonted ardour into the parliamentary
+conflict. Mr. Parnell offered a bill to amend the Irish Land Act of
+1887, which was opposed by the Premier and lost.</p>
+
+<p>An affirmation bill was introduced at this session by the Government,
+which provided that members who objected to taking the oath might have
+the privilege of affirming. The opposition spoke of the measure as a
+"Bradlaugh Relief Bill." Its rejection was moved, and in its defense
+Mr. Gladstone made one of his best speeches, which was warmly applauded.
+He said: "I must painfully record my opinion, that grave injury has been
+done to religion in many minds&mdash;not in instructed minds, but in those
+which are ill-instructed or partially instructed&mdash;in consequence of
+things which ought never to have occurred. Great mischief has been done
+in many minds by a resistance offered to the man elected by the
+constituency of Northampton, which a portion of the people believe to be
+unjust. When they see the profession of religion and the interests of
+religion, ostensibly associated with what they are deeply convinced is
+injustice, it leads to questions about religion itself, which commonly
+end in impairing those convictions, and that belief, the loss of which I
+believe to be the most inexpressible calamity which can fall either upon
+a man or upon a nation." But the measure was lost.</p>
+
+<p>During the session of 1883 the Bankruptcy Bill and the Patents Bill were
+both passed, and effected reforms which had long been felt to be
+necessary. The Corrupt Practices Act was designed to remove from British
+parliamentary and borough elections the stigma which attached to them in
+so many parts of the country. The Government was checked, however, in
+its policy in the Transvaal, and Mr. Childers' action in regard to the
+Suez Canal.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone attended, in March, the celebration of the inauguration
+of the National Liberal party, predicting for it a useful and brilliant
+future, if it remained faithful to its time-honored principles and
+traditions.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Stafford Northcote, in the session of 1884, moved a vote of censure,
+and vigorously attacked the Egyptian policy of the administration. Mr.
+Gladstone defended the ministerial action with spirit and effect. He
+declared that the Government had found, and not made, the situation in
+Egypt and the Soudan. The Prime Minister "traced all the mischief to
+Lord Salisbury's dual control. Though the motive and object had been to
+secure a better government for Egypt, a great error had been committed.
+The British Government had fulfilled all the obligations imposed upon
+them, and they were acting for the benefit of the civilized world.
+Reforms had been effected in the judicature, legislature, police, and
+military organizations of Egypt; and they were resolved to see all the
+vital points recommended carried out by the Khedive's Government. As to
+the war in the Soudan, it was hateful to the people of Egypt; and
+England declined to have anything to do with the reconquest of the
+Soudan.... General Gordon, whom Mr. Gladstone characterized as a hero
+and a genius, had been despatched to Khartoum for the purpose of
+withdrawing, if possible, in safety the 29,000 soldiers of the Khedive
+scattered over the Soudan. The General's mission was not the reconquest
+of the Soudan, but its peaceful evacuation, and the reconstruction of
+the country, by giving back to the Sultan the ancestral power which had
+been suspended during the Egyptian occupation. The Government had to
+consider in any steps which they took the danger of thwarting Gordon's
+peaceful mission and endangering his life." Mr. Gladstone said that the
+policy of the Government was to "rescue and retire." Sir S. Northcote's
+resolution was rejected by 311 to 292 votes, showing the growing
+strength of the Opposition.</p>
+
+
+<a name="566"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0566 (122K)" src="images/566.jpg" height="850" width="540">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>The pacific mission of General Gordon to Khartoum having failed, there
+was great solicitude felt for that gallant soldier's welfare and safety.
+Sir M. Hicks-Beach offered another vote of censure, complaining of the
+dilatory conduct of the Government for not taking steps to secure the
+safety of General Gordon. Mr. Gladstone, in reply, admitted the
+obligations of the Government to General Gordon, and stated that on
+reasonable proof of danger he would be assisted. "The nation would never
+grudge adequate efforts for the protection of its agents, but it was the
+duty of the Government to consider the treasure, the blood, and the
+honor of the country, together with the circumstances of the time, the
+season, the climate, and the military difficulties. Conscious of what
+their obligations were, they would continue to use their best endeavours
+to fulfil them, unmoved by the threats and the captious criticisms of
+the Opposition." The proposed censure was defeated.</p>
+
+<p>A conference of European powers was held on Egyptian affairs, but was
+abortive; and Mr. Gladstone while announcing that he wished to get out
+of Egypt as soon as circumstances would allow, admitted that
+institutions, however good, were not likely to survive the withdrawal of
+our troops. Lord Northbrook was next despatched by the government on a
+mission to Egypt, with the object of rescuing her from her financial
+embarrassments, and averting the impending dangers of a national
+bankruptcy.</p>
+
+<p>In February, 1884, Mr. Gladstone introduced the Government Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons. It was a great measure and proposed to
+complete the work of parliamentary reform by conferring the suffrage
+upon every person in the United Kingdom who was the head of a household.
+Mr. Gladstone said that the results of the bill would be to add to the
+English constituency upwards of 1,300,000 voters; to the Scotch
+constituency over 200,000 voters; and to the Irish constituency over
+400,000 voters; which would add to the aggregate constituency of the
+United Kingdom, which was then 3,000,000 voters, 2,000,000 more, or
+nearly twice as many as were added in 1832. The Premier appealed for
+union on this great reform, and observed: "Let us hold firmly together,
+and success will crown our efforts. You will, as much as any former
+Parliament that has conferred great legislative benefits on the nation,
+have your reward, and read your history in a nation's eyes; for you will
+have deserved all the benefits you will have conferred. You will have
+made a strong nation stronger still&mdash;stronger in union without, and
+stronger against its foes (if and when it has any foes) within; stronger
+in union between class and class, and in rallying all classes and
+portions of the community in one solid compact mass round the ancient
+Throne which it has loved so well, and round the Constitution, now to be
+more than ever free and more than ever powerful."</p>
+
+<p>The measure was warmly debated. Besides this opposition there were,
+outside of the House, ominous utterances threatening the rejection of
+the scheme. Mr. Gladstone, referring to these hostile murmurings, said
+that hitherto the attitude of the government had been, in Shakespeare's
+words, "Beware of entrance to a quarrel; but, being in, bear it, that
+the opposer may beware of thee." He deprecated a quarrel and declared
+that the government had done everything to prevent a collision between
+the two Houses of Parliament on this question, which would open up a
+prospect more serious than any he remembered since the first
+Reform Bill.</p>
+
+<p>The House of Lords passed a resolution to the effect that the Lords
+would not concur in any measure of reform without having the complete
+bill before them, including the redistribution and registration, as well
+as an extension of the suffrage. The Premier promised to introduce a
+Redistribution Bill in the following session, but Lord Salisbury, since
+the death of Lord Beaconsfield, the leader of the Conservative party,
+declined to discuss the Redistribution Bill, "with a rope around his
+neck," by which he meant a franchise act under which his party must
+appeal to the country. Negotiations followed between the Liberal and
+Conservative leaders with fruitless results, and the House of Lords
+finally passed a resolution that it would be desirable for Parliament to
+have an autumn session, to consider the Representation of the People
+Bill, in connection with the Redistribution Bill, which the government
+had brought before Parliament.</p>
+
+<p>Public meetings were held at various places throughout the country, and
+the question of the enlargement of the franchise discussed. The policy
+of the Tories was strongly condemned at many large and influential
+public gatherings. In August Mr. Gladstone visited Midlothian and
+delivered a powerful address in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. He
+explained that the special purpose for which he appeared before his
+constituents was to promote, by every legitimate means in his power, the
+speedy passage of the Franchise Bill. "The unfortunate rejection of the
+measure," he observed, "had already drawn in its train other questions
+of the gravest kind, and the vast proportion of the people would soon be
+asking whether an organic change was not required in the House of Lords.
+He, however, did not believe that the House of Lords had as yet placed
+itself in a position of irretrievable error. He believed that it was
+possible for it to go back, and to go back with dignity and honor."</p>
+
+<p>With regard to the foreign policy of the Government, which had been
+attacked and compared unfavorably with the Midlothian programme of 1879,
+Mr. Gladstone defended it with spirit. He expressed his satisfaction
+with the expansion of Germany abroad, and reviewed the policy of the
+Government in Eastern Europe, Afghanistan, India and South Africa. As to
+the Transvaal, he contended that "they were strong and could afford to
+be merciful," and that it was not possible without the grossest and most
+shameful breach of faith to persist in holding the Boers to annexation,
+"when we had pledged ourselves beforehand that they should not be
+annexed except with their own good will." In reply to the oft-repeated
+question, "What took you to Egypt?" the Premier said: "Honor and
+plighted faith." The covenants they were keeping were those entered into
+by their Tory predecessors, and most unfortunate and most unwise he
+considered them to be. The Government had respected the sovereignty of
+the Porte and the title of the European Powers to be concerned in all
+matters territorially affecting the Turkish Empire; they had discouraged
+the spirit of aggression as well as they could, and had contracted no
+embarrassing engagements. Great improvements had been introduced in the
+administration of Egypt, but he regretted the total failure of the late
+Conference of the Powers to solve the problem of Egyptian finance. With
+regard to General Gordon the Government were considering the best means
+to be adopted for fulfilling their obligations.</p>
+
+<p>Parliament met in October, 1884. The Franchise Bill was introduced and
+sent to the House of Lords, and the Redistribution Bill, upon which a
+compromise with the Conservatives had been reached, was presented in the
+House of Commons. The measure, as altered, proposed to disfranchise all
+boroughs with a population under 15,000, to give only one member to
+towns with a population between 15,000 and 50,000, and to take one
+member each from the counties of Rutland and Hereford. By this
+arrangement one hundred and sixty seats would be "extinguished," which,
+with the six seats extinguished before, would be revived and distributed
+as follows: "Eight new boroughs would be created, the representation of
+London, Liverpool, and other large cities and towns would be greatly
+increased, while in dealing with the remainder of the seats
+unappropriated, the Government would apply equal electoral areas
+throughout the country." The Franchise Bill&mdash;a truly democratic
+bill&mdash;-was carried through both Houses, and became a law. The
+Redistribution Bill was carried, January, 1885, after animated debate.
+Registration measures were also passed for England, Scotland and
+Ireland, which received the royal assent May 21st.</p>
+
+<p>January, 1885, Mr. Gladstone wrote a kindly, serious, yet courtly letter
+of congratulation to Prince Albert Victor, eldest son of the Prince of
+Wales and heir presumptive to the Crown, on the attainment of
+his majority.</p>
+
+<p>In the hour of triumph the government was doomed to receive a stunning
+blow. The news of the fall of Khartoum and the untimely death of General
+Gordon sent a thrill of horror and indignation throughout England. The
+government was seriously condemned for its procrastination in not
+sending timely relief, for the rescue of the imperiled English. But when
+the facts became fully known it was found that no blame could be
+attached to Mr. Gladstone, who was himself strongly moved by the death
+of General Gordon, whose work and character he highly esteemed. The
+Prime Minister was, however, equal to the emergency, and announced that
+it was necessary to overthrow the Mahdi at Khartoum, to renew operations
+against Osman Digna, and to construct a railway from Suakin to Berber
+with a view to a campaign in the fall. The reserves were called out by
+royal proclamation.</p>
+
+<p>However, these measures met with opposition. Sir Stafford Northcote
+brought forward a motion affirming that the risks and sacrifices which
+the government appeared to be ready to encounter could only be justified
+by a distinct recognition of England's responsibility for Egypt, and
+those portions of the Soudan which were necessary to its security. An
+amendment was proposed by Mr. John Morley, but regretting its decision
+to continue the conflict with the Mahdi. Mr. Gladstone replied forcibly
+to both motion and amendment, and appealed to the Liberal party to
+sustain the administration and its policy by an unmistakable vote of
+confidence. The government was sustained.</p>
+
+<p>The Great Powers of Europe, in convention for the settlement of the
+finances of Egypt, had concluded that it would require a loan of
+£9,000,000 to save Egypt from bankruptcy. This loan was to be issued on
+an international guarantee, with an international inquiry at the end of
+two years into the success of the scheme. This plan of adjustment was
+agreed to by the House. A short time after this settlement Mr. Gladstone
+announced a vote of credit to provide against any danger from Russian
+action, stated that no farther operations would be undertaken either on
+the Nile or near Suakin, and that General Graham's campaign would be
+abandoned, as well as the construction of the new railway.</p>
+
+<p>Great excitement was created in England by the announcement of the
+advance of the Russians on the Indian frontier. March 13th Mr. Gladstone
+stated in the House that as the protests formerly made against the
+advance of Russia had been allowed to lapse, it had been agreed that
+pending the delineation of the frontier there should be no further
+advance on either side. In April, however, a conflict occurred between
+the Russians and the Afghans, which seemed to indicate that General
+Komaroff had committed an act of unprovoked aggression on the Ameer. Mr.
+Gladstone moved a vote of credit on the 27th in a speech, whose
+eloquence and energy greatly stirred both sides of the House. Happily,
+the difficulty with Russia was adjusted by conceding Pendjeh to Russia
+in consideration of the surrender of Zulfiker to the Ameer.</p>
+
+<p>The administration of Mr. Gladstone, which had weathered through many
+storms, was destined to fall in a wholly unexpected way. When the budget
+for 1885 was produced there was a deficit of upwards of a million
+pounds, besides the depressed revenue and an estimated expenditure for
+the current year of not less than £100,000,000. Mr. Childers, the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer, proposed to make the taxation upon land
+proportionate to that on personal property, and to augment the duties on
+spirits and beer. But various interests were antagonized, and opposition
+was aroused. The country members demanded that no new taxes be put on
+the land until the promised relief of local taxation had been granted.
+The agricultural and liquor interests were discontented, as well as the
+Scotch and Irish members, with the whisky duty. Concessions were made,
+but they failed to reconcile the opposition. A hostile motion was
+offered by Sir M. Hicks-Beach, and Mr. Gladstone declared that the
+Cabinet would resign if defeated. Many Liberals were absent when the
+vote was taken, regarding a majority for the Ministry as certain, but
+the amendment was carried June 9th by a vote of 264 to 252, and the
+Premier and his colleagues resigned. The Liberals were desirous of
+passing a vote of confidence in the administration, but Mr. Gladstone
+deprecated this, as he felt the situation to be intolerable, and was
+desirous of being relieved from the responsibility of office.
+Misfortunes, both in reference to affairs at home and abroad, had fallen
+heavily upon the Government, for many of which they were not
+responsible, and the Cabinet had been held together chiefly by the
+masterly personality of the Premier. Hence it was not without a feeling
+of personal satisfaction that Mr. Gladstone transferred the seats of
+office to his successor, Lord Salisbury. On his retirement from office
+the Queen offered an Earldom to Mr. Gladstone, which he declined. Its
+acceptance would have meant burial in the House of Lords, and an end to
+his progressive action.</p>
+
+<p>The events that led to the third administration of Mr. Gladstone will
+next engage our attention.</p>
+
+<p>The first general election under the New Reform Act was held in
+November, 1885. Mr. Gladstone again appealed to his constituents, and,
+although nearly seventy-six years of age, spoke with an energy and force
+far beyond all his contemporaries. His attitude on the question of
+Dis-establishment drew back many wavering Scotch votes. He discussed the
+Scotch question at Edinburgh, and said there was no fear of change so
+long as England dealt liberally, equitably, and prudently with Ireland,
+but demands must be subject to the condition that the unity of the
+empire, and all the powers of the Imperial Parliament for maintaining
+that authority, must be preserved.</p>
+
+<p>In another address he stated his conviction, that the day had not come
+when the Dis-establishment of the Church in Scotland should be made a
+test question. The question pressing for settlement by the next
+Parliament was land reform, local government, parliamentary procedure,
+and the imperial relations between Ireland and England; and every
+sensible man would admit that it was right to direct attention to them
+rather than to a matter impossible of immediate solution.</p>
+
+<p>At West Calder Mr. Gladstone made an address, in which he "approved Lord
+Salisbury's action with regard to Servia, complained of the ministerial
+condemnation of Lord Ripon's Indian administration, ridiculed the idea
+of benefit resulting from a Royal Commission on trade depression, warned
+the electors against remedies which were really worse than the disease,
+and defended Free-Trade principles. He furthur advocated comprehensive
+land reforms, including free transfer, facility of registration, and the
+uprooting of mortmain."</p>
+
+
+<a name="451"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="451 (67K)" src="images/451.jpg" height="340" width="507">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone was returned again for Midlothian by an overwhelming
+majority. The elections resulted in the return of 333 Liberals, 249
+Conservatives, 86 Parnellites, and 2 Independents. The Liberals thus
+secured a substantial triumph. The agricultural districts were faithful
+to the Liberals, but they lost in the boroughs. The clergy and the
+publicans, and the Parnellites were found "arrayed" in "scandalous
+alliance" against the Liberal cause. The Liberal party was just short of
+the numbers required to defeat the combined forces of Tories and
+Parnellites. Lord Salisbury was retained in office, but the
+Conservatives were disunited, and the life of his administration hung by
+a thread. The Liberals were strong, hopeful, and united. In Mr.
+Chamberlain they had a popular champion of great ability and industry.</p>
+
+<p>December 17, 1885 England was astonished by the appearance of an
+anonymous paragraph in the <i>Times</i>, affirming that, if Mr. Gladstone
+returned to power, he would deal with a liberal hand with the demands of
+Home Rule. The author of the paragraph has never been clearly
+ascertained, but the atmosphere of mystery with which it was surrounded
+was not regarded as becoming, either to such an important policy or to
+the personal dignity of the illustrious statesman. A storm of questions,
+contradictions, explanations, enthusiasms, and jeremiads followed its
+appearance. Mr. Gladstone would neither affirm nor deny, but held his
+peace. The question, he said, was one for a responsible Ministry alone
+to handle. There was great uncertainty. It was, however, plain that if
+Mr. Gladstone should favor Home Rule, the Parnellites would support him,
+and the Tories must leave office. But only twelve months before Lord
+Shaftesbury wrote: "In a year or so we shall have Home Rule disposed of
+(at all hazards), to save us from daily and hourly bores."</p>
+
+<p>The Parliament of 1886 had scarcely opened before the Salisbury
+government was defeated upon an amendment to the Queen's address,
+affirming the necessity for affording facilities to agricultural
+laborers to obtain allotments and small holdings. Some of the leading
+Liberals opposed the amendment, but Mr. Gladstone earnestly favored it,
+as a recognition of the evils arising from the divorce of so large a
+proportion of the population from the land. The Irish and the Liberals
+coalesced, and the Government was placed in a minority of seventy-nine,
+and Lord Salisbury immediately resigned.</p>
+
+<p>Late at night, January 29, 1886, Sir Henry Ponsonby arrived at Mr.
+Gladstone's residence with a summons from the Queen for him to repair to
+her at Osborne. On the 1st of February Mr. Gladstone "kissed hands," and
+became for the third time Prime Minister of England. The new Premier was
+forced to face unusual difficulties, but he finally came to the
+conclusion that it was impossible to deal with the Irish question upon
+the old stereotyped lines. He was resolved to treat this subject upon
+large and generous principles. Accordingly, on the 8th of April, Mr.
+Gladstone, in the presence of a crowded House, brought forward his Home
+Rule Bill&mdash;his bill for the government of Ireland. With certain imperial
+reservations and safeguards the bill gave to Ireland what she had long
+demanded&mdash;the right to make her own laws. The interest in the expected
+legislation was so great that members began to arrive at half-past five
+in the morning, while sixty of them were so eager to secure seats that
+they breakfasted at Westminster.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's new measure was not only opposed by the Conservatives,
+but it alienated from the Premier some of the most influential of the
+Liberal party. Among the Liberals who opposed the measure were those who
+had been the colleagues of Mr. Gladstone only the June before in the
+Cabinet&mdash;Lord Hartington, Lord Shilborne, Lord Northbrook, Lord Derby
+and Lord Carlingford. Mr. Gladstone's forces, however, were reinforced
+by Mr. Morley, Lord Herschell and others. May 10th, Mr. Gladstone denied
+that he had ever declared Home Rule for Ireland incompatible with
+Imperial unity. It was a remedy for social disorder. The policy of the
+opposition was coercion, while that of the government was autonomy.</p>
+
+<p>On the 18th of April the Premier presented the Irish Land Purchase Bill,
+for the buying out of the Irish landlords, which was intended to come
+into operation on the same day as the Home Rule Bill. The object of this
+measure was to give to all Irish landowners the option of being bought
+out on the terms of the Act, and opening towards the exercise of that
+option where their rent was from agricultural land. The State authority
+was to be the purchaser, and the occupier was to be the proprietor. The
+nominal purchase price was fixed at twenty years' purchase of the net
+rental, ascertained by deducting law charges, bad debts, and cost of
+management from judicial rent. Where there was no judicial rental the
+Land Court could, if it chose, make use of Griffiths' valuation for
+coming to a fair decision. To meet the demand for the means of purchase
+thus established, Mr. Gladstone proposed to create £50,000,000 three per
+cents. The repayment of advances would be secured by a Receiver General,
+appointed by and acting upon British authority.</p>
+
+<p>The Land Purchase Bill was also opposed. It was the final cause which
+led to the retirement from the government of Mr. Chamberlain, "the able
+and enterprising exponent of the new Radicalism." He was soon followed
+by Sir George Trevelyan, "who combined the most dignified traditions,
+social and literary, of the Whig party with a fervent and stable
+Liberalism which the vicissitudes of twenty years had constantly tried
+and never found wanting." Mr. Bright also arrayed himself in opposition
+to the government, and accused Mr. Gladstone of successfully concealing
+his thoughts upon the Irish question in November. Mr. Gladstone replied
+that the position of Ireland had changed since 1881.</p>
+
+<p>The debate extended over many nights, and the opposition to the Irish
+bills of so many Liberal leaders in every constituency, soon led to
+disaffection among the people. What was lost in some districts, however,
+was to some extent made up, says an English writer, by "the support of
+that very broken reed, the Irish vote, which was destined to pierce the
+hand of so many a confiding candidate who leaned upon it." While this
+debate was in progress a bill directed against the carrying of arms in
+Ireland was introduced and pushed forward rapidly through both Houses,
+and became a law.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone explained the position of the Cabinet on the Home Rule and
+Land Bills at a meeting of Liberals held at the Foreign Office, May
+27th. He stated that the Government at present only asked for an
+endorsement of the leading principles of the two measures; and in
+closing the debate afterwards on the second reading of the Home Rule
+Bill, in the House of Commons, he made an eloquent appeal for Ireland.
+But all parties were preparing for the conflict, and members of opposite
+parties were consolidating themselves for opposition. "The Whigs, under
+Lord Hartington, coalesced with the Radicals, under Mr. Chamberlain, and
+both together made a working alliance with the Tories. This alliance was
+admirably organized in London and in the constituencies."</p>
+
+<p>It seems that the Premier was deceived by his official counsellors of
+the Liberal party as to the real condition of affairs respecting Home
+Rule and the prospects for the passage of his bills. He did not dream of
+defeat, but if by some mischance they would suffer defeat, then he could
+appeal to the country with the certainty of being sustained by the
+popular vote. This was what Mr. Gladstone hoped, and what he thought he
+had the assurance of. But hopes of success began to give way to fears of
+defeat as the time drew near to take the vote. However, some still
+hopeful prophesied a small majority against the bill&mdash;only ten votes at
+the most. The Cabinet desperately resolved not to resign if beaten by so
+small a majority, but would have some adherent move a vote of
+confidence. This they argued would be favored by some opposed to Home
+Rule, and the question be deferred to another session, leaving the
+Liberals still in office. But these hopes were doomed to be blasted.
+Early in the morning of June 8th the momentous division took place, and
+it was found that the Government, instead of getting a majority, was
+defeated by thirty votes. It was found that ninety-three Liberals had
+voted with the majority.</p>
+
+<p>The Premier at once advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, and though
+Her Majesty at first demurred at the trouble of another election within
+seven months of the last, and begged Mr. Gladstone to reconsider his
+counsel, yet he argued that a general election would cause less trouble
+than a year of embittered and fanatical agitation against Home Rule.
+Besides, as he said to a colleague, "If we did not dissolve we would be
+showing the white feather." Mr. Gladstone finally had his way, the Queen
+yielded and Parliament was dissolved June 26, 1886. June 14th Mr.
+Gladstone issued an address to the electors of Midlothian, and later
+paid a visit to Edinburgh and Glasgow, where he made powerful addresses.
+He then spoke at Manchester, and, passing on to Liverpool, he advocated
+the cause of Ireland, calling upon the people to "ring out the old, ring
+in the new," and to make Ireland not an enemy but a friend.</p>
+
+<p>The result of this appeal to the country was the return of a decided
+majority of over a hundred against Home Rule, and thus, after a short
+term of five months in office, the third administration of Mr. Gladstone
+was brought to a close, and he became again the leader of the
+Opposition. The dissolution and appeal to the country was a practical
+blunder, but Mr. Gladstone's address to the people was skilfully worded.
+He freely admitted that the Irish bills were dead, and asked the
+constituencies simply to sanction a principle, and that, too, a very
+plain and reasonable one in itself. He invited the people to vote aye or
+no to this question: "Whether you will or will not have regard to the
+prayer of Ireland for the management by herself of the affairs
+specifically and exclusively her own?" The separation of the bare
+principle of self-government from the practical difficulties presented
+by the bills enabled many Liberals who were opposed to the measures to
+support Mr. Gladstone, but the majority of voters failed to make this
+distinction, and hence came defeat. The decision of the people was not
+regarded as final.</p>
+
+<a name="563"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0563 (112K)" src="images/563.jpg" height="1015" width="650">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>In 1887 the Jubilee of the Queen was celebrated. Fifty years before
+Queen Victoria had ascended the throne of England. Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone celebrated the Queen's Jubilee by giving a treat to all the
+inhabitants of the estates of Hawarden, who were of the Queen's age,
+which was sixty-eight and upwards. The treat took the shape of a dinner
+and tea, served in a large tent erected in front of the castle, and the
+guests numbered upwards of two hundred and fifty. The principal toast,
+proposed by Mr. Gladstone, was the Queen. He contrasted the jubilee then
+being celebrated all over the English-speaking world, with that of
+George the Third, which was "a jubilee of the great folks, a jubilee of
+corporations and of authorities, a jubilee of the upper classes." On the
+other hand, he continued, the Victorian Jubilee was one when "the
+population are better fed, better clothed, and better housed&mdash;and by a
+great deal&mdash;than they were fifty years ago, and the great mass of these
+happy and blessed changes is associated with the name and action of
+the Queen."</p>
+
+<p>In the year of the Queen's Jubilee, 1887, Mr. Gladstone addressed many
+gatherings, and at Swansea, where he was the guest of Sir Hussey Vivian,
+he spoke to a vast concourse of people, estimated at one
+hundred thousand.</p>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c19"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+<h4>
+PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<a name="559"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0559 (127K)" src="images/559.jpg" height="607" width="929">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+<a name="542"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0542 (112K)" src="images/542.jpg" height="990" width="615">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>When Parliament met in 1887 Mr. Gladstone entered upon "a course of
+extraordinary physical and intellectual efforts, with voice and pen, in
+Parliament and on the platform, on behalf of the cause, defeated but not
+abandoned, of self-government for Ireland." The Tory administration
+passed a Crimes Prevention Bill for Ireland of great severity. Irish
+members of Parliament were thrown into prison, but the Act failed of its
+object&mdash;the suppression of the Land League.</p>
+
+<p>In December, 1887, Mr. Gladstone visited Italy and made Naples his
+headquarters. He was received with joy for the service he had rendered
+to the Italian people. The University of Bologna, in celebrating the
+eighth century of its existence, conferred upon him the degree of
+Doctor of Arts.</p>
+
+<p>In 1888 the House of Commons appointed a Commission to try the "Times"
+charges against Mr. Parnell. The charges were found to be false.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone visited Birmingham in November, 1888. After paying a
+glowing tribute to John Bright, and expressing an earnest desire for his
+recovery to health, he condemned the Coercion Act. Mr. Gladstone
+received many handsome presents from the workingmen, and Mrs. Gladstone
+received from the ladies a medallion cameo portrait of her husband. A
+great demonstration was made at Bingley Hall, in which were gathered
+over 20,000 persons.</p>
+
+<p>A number of Liberals, who had deserted Mr. Gladstone, returned upon the
+promise of certain imperial guarantees which were granted, among them
+Sir George Trevelyan. Mr. Chamberlain, who had asked for these
+safeguards, did not accept them.</p>
+
+
+<p>July 25, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone celebrated their "Golden Wedding."
+Among the many to offer congratulations were the Queen by telegram, and
+the Prince of Wales by letter. A pleasant surprise met them at home. A
+portrait of Mr. Gladstone, by Sir John Millais, was found hanging in the
+breakfast-room, "A gift from English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish Women."</p>
+
+<p>In 1890 trouble came to the Liberal party through the scandal connecting
+the names of Mr. Parnell and Mrs. O'Shea. Mr. Gladstone announced that
+the Irish party must choose between himself and Mr. Parnell. In
+November, 1890, Mr. Parnell was deposed from the chairmanship of the
+United Irish National Party. This led to a division. Mr. Justin McCarthy
+was elected leader by the Anti-Parnellites, and the Parnellites
+selected Mr. John Redmond.</p>
+
+<p>Parliament would soon terminate by limitation, so Mr. Gladstone devoted
+himself to preparing the people for the coming general election.
+Besides, in February, 1891, he made an address, at the opening of St.
+Martin's Free Public Library, and in March to the boys at Eton College
+on Homeric Studies. June 28, 1892, Parliament came to an end. Mr.
+Gladstone's journey to Edinburgh, in July, was all along the route "a
+triumphal progress." He was re-elected. The question of the day was Home
+Rule, and wherever the people had the opportunity of declaring
+themselves, they pronounced condemnation upon the policy of Lord
+Salisbury's administration, and in favor of Home Rule for Ireland.</p>
+
+<p>The new Parliament met, and, August 12, 1892, a motion was made of "No
+Confidence" in the Salisbury government. The division was the largest
+ever taken in the House of Commons, the vote being 350 for the motion
+and 310 against it&mdash;a majority of 40 for Mr. Gladstone. The scene in
+the House which attended the overthrow of the Salisbury government was
+less dramatic than that which accompanied the defeat of the Gladstone
+ministry in 1885, but it was full of exciting episodes. The House was
+packed to the doors. The excitement was intense, and the confusion
+great. When the figures were announced, another wild scene of disorder
+prevailed and there was prolonged cheering. "Ten minutes later the great
+forum was empty and the excited assembly had found its way to the quiet
+outside under the stars."</p>
+
+<p>Monday, August 15, 1892, Mr. Gladstone repaired to Osborne on the Royal
+Yacht, and became for the fourth time Prime Minister. Since 1868 he had
+been the undisputed leader of his party. His main supporters in all his
+reform measures were the Nonconformists, whose claim for "the absolute
+religious equality of all denominations before the law of the land,"
+must, in time, it was thought, bring about the disestablishment of the
+Episcopal Church.</p>
+
+<a name="558"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0558 (108K)" src="images/558.jpg" height="963" width="577">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>In September, 1892, Mr. Gladstone went to Sir E. Watkin's <i>Chalet</i> on
+Mount Snowdon, Wales, where he made his Boulder Stone speech. To
+commemorate his visit a slab of gray Aberdeen granite was "let into the
+actual brown rock," on which is the following inscription in Welsh and
+in English: "September 13, 1892. Upon this rock the Right Honorable
+W.E. Gladstone, M.P., when Prime Minister for the fourth time, and
+eighty-three years old, addressed the people of Eryi upon justice to
+Wales. The multitude sang Cymric hymns and 'The Land of My Fathers.'"</p>
+
+<p>December 29, 1892, Mr. Gladstone celebrated his eighty-third birthday.
+Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were at Biarritz. Congratulatory telegrams and
+messages were received in great numbers, besides many handsome presents.
+The event was celebrated all over England. The Midlothian Liberals sent
+congratulations upon the return of the Liberal Party to power under his
+leadership, and the completion of his sixty years' service in the House.
+Resolutions were passed deploring the wickedness of the dynamite outrage
+at Dublin, December 24, and yet avowing the justice of granting to
+Ireland the right to manage her own affairs.</p>
+
+<p>January 31, 1893, Parliament was opened. In the House of Commons there
+was a brilliant gathering, and nearly all the members were present, many
+of them standing. Just before noon the Hon. Arthur Wellesley Peel,
+Speaker, took his seat, and Archdeacon Farrar, Chaplain, offered prayer.
+When Mr. Gladstone entered from behind the Speaker's chair, every
+Liberal and Irish Nationalist stood up and greeted him with prolonged
+and enthusiastic cheers; and when he took the oath as Prime Minister,
+he received another ovation. The members were then summoned to the House
+of Lords to hear the Queen's speech, which was read by the Lord High
+Chancellor, Baron Herschall. The Prince of Wales and his son, the Duke
+of York, occupied seats on the "cross bench."</p>
+
+<p>February 13, the excitement in and about the Parliament Houses was as
+great as that which prevailed two weeks before. Enthusiastic crowds
+greeted Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone. When the doors of the House of Commons
+were opened, there was a "disorderly rush" of the members into the House
+to obtain seats, "the members shouting and struggling, several being
+thrown to the floor in the excitement." Peers, Commons, and visitors
+filled the floor and galleries. The Prince of Wales and other members of
+the royal family were present. When Mr. Gladstone arose he was greeted
+with applause. He reminded the House that for seven years the voices
+which used to plead the cause of Irish government in Irish affairs had
+been mute within the walls of the House. He then asked permission to
+introduce a "Bill to Amend the Provision for the Government of Ireland,"
+which was the title of the Home Rule Bill. Mr. Balfour led the
+opposition to the bill. Mr. Chamberlain declared that the bill would not
+accomplish its purpose, whereupon Mr. Justin McCarthy, for the
+anti-Parnellities, replied that the Irish would accept it as a message
+of everlasting peace, and Mr. John Redmond, for the Parnellites,
+answered that if disturbances followed in Ireland it would be due to the
+Conservatives.</p>
+
+<p>The Ulster Unionists opposed the bill. The Scotch-Irish Protestants of
+the north of Ireland declared that they preferred to stand where they
+did in 1690, when they defeated James II and his Catholic followers, in
+the battle of the Boyne, and fought for William of Orange for the
+English throne and liberty and Protestantism. Their opposition to Home
+Rule for Ireland grew out of their hostility to Roman Catholicism and
+the fear of its supremacy.</p>
+
+
+<a name="565"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0565 (125K)" src="images/565.jpg" height="630" width="913">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>After six months of earnest debate in the House of Commons, the Home
+Rule Bill for Ireland was passed, with slight amendments, September 1,
+1893, by a vote of 301 to 267, a majority of thirty-four, The struggle
+was perhaps the most heated in the history of Parliament.</p>
+
+<p>The bill was sent to the House of Lords, where it was defeated,
+midnight, September 8, by the surprising majority of 419 to 41, after
+only one week's discussion. Members that never attended were drummed up
+to vote against the bill. The usual working force of the House of Lords
+is from thirty to forty members. The vote was the largest ever taken in
+the Lords.</p>
+
+<p>At once the cry, "Down with, the House of Lords!" was heard. The
+National Liberal Federation issued a circular, in which were the words:
+"The question of mending or ending the House of Lords ... displaces for
+awhile all other subjects of reform." Mr. Gladstone was probably aware
+of the contents of this manifesto before it was issued, and the
+sentiments were in accord with those uttered by him two years before at
+New Castle.</p>
+
+<p>September 27th, Mr. Gladstone addressed his constituents at Edinburgh.
+He was received with an outburst of enthusiasm. He said that the
+People's Chamber had passed the bill. If the nation was determined it
+would not be baffled by the Peers. If the Commons should go before the
+country, then the Lords should go too, and if defeated, should do what
+the Commons would do&mdash;clear out.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen wanted Mr. Gladstone to appeal to the country, and there was
+an opinion among some that Mr. Gladstone would be defeated at the polls
+upon the question; but the Premier intimated to the Queen his intention
+not to appeal, and announced the readiness of the Cabinet to be
+dismissed by the Queen. However, the Queen would hardly expose the
+throne to the danger threatening the Peers.</p>
+
+<p>December 29, 1893, Mr. Gladstone attained the eighty-fourth year of his
+age. When he entered the House of Commons that day his political
+associates of the Liberal party all rose anta greeted him with cheers.
+When the applause had subsided, the Conservatives raised their hats and
+their leader, Mr. Balfour, rose and tendered his congratulations. Mr.
+Gladstone was much pleased with the demonstrations of his friends, as
+well as with the graceful compliments of his political opponents.
+Besides about two hundred congratulatory messages, letters and telegrams
+were received, those from Queen Victoria, and the Prince and Princess of
+Wales, being among the first.</p>
+
+<p>July 6, 1893, Prince George of Wales, Duke of York, and Princess Mary of
+Teck were married. The Prince was by inheritance heir, after the Prince
+of Wales, to the throne of England. Mr. Gladstone attended the wedding,
+arrayed in the blue and gold uniform of a brother of the Trinity House,
+with naval epaulettes, and was conducted to the royal pew reserved
+for him.</p>
+
+
+<a name="470"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="470 (137K)" src="images/470.jpg" height="528" width="705">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>Among the great measures proposed at this time by Mr. Gladstone were the
+Employers' Liability, and the Parish Councils Bills. The latter was as
+evolutionary and as revolutionary as the Home Rule Bill. Its object was
+to take the control of 10,000 rural English parishes out of the hands of
+the squire and the parson and put it into the hands of the people. With
+its amendments regarding woman suffrage, to which Mr. Gladstone was
+opposed, it gave to every man and woman in England one vote&mdash;and only
+one&mdash;in local affairs. February 21, 1894, when Mr. Gladstone had
+returned from Biarritz, where he had gone for his health, there was
+again a notable assemblage in the House of Commons to hear him speak. It
+was expected that he would make a bitter attack upon the House of Lords,
+which had attempted to defeat both these bills by amendments. But he
+calmly spoke of the lamentable divergence between the two branches of
+the legislature upon the Employers' Liability Bill, and asked that the
+amendment be rejected, which was done by a majority of 225 to 6. The
+bill was therefore withdrawn, and the responsibility of its defeat
+thrown upon the Lords. The House also rejected all the important
+amendments of the Parish Councils Bill, but concurred in the unimportant
+changes made by the Lords. It was sent back then to the lords, and
+finally passed by them. But Mr. Gladstone greatly disappointed many of
+his political friends by his mild manner of dealing with the House of
+Lords. The extreme Radicals were angered and condemned severely the
+Premier for what they called his "backing down" and his "feeble speech."</p>
+
+<p>Rumors in reference to Mr. Gladstone's resignation, which had been
+started by the <i>Pall Mall Gazette</i>, while he was yet at Biarritz, were
+now renewed. February 28, 1894, Mr. Gladstone informed the Queen of his
+contemplated retirement, giving as reasons his failing eyesight,
+deafness and age. March 1st, he made an important speech in the House of
+Commons. He displayed so much vigor and earnestness in his speech that
+it was thought that he had given up the idea of retiring. But this was
+his last speech as Premier. March 2d, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were
+summoned to Windsor, where they dined with the Queen, and remained over
+night. Saturday, March 3, 1894, Mr. Gladstone tendered his resignation
+as Premier to the Queen, who accepted it with many expressions of favor
+and regret, and offered him again a peerage, which was declined. On the
+way to Windsor and return to London, Mr. Gladstone was greeted by a
+large and enthusiastic crowd. Hundreds of letters and telegrams
+expressing regret, because of his retirement, were received by the
+ex-Premier, On Sunday he attended church as usual and was looking well,
+Mr. Balfour in the Commons, and Lord Salisbury in the Lords, vied with
+Mr. Gladstone's political friends in speaking his praise, and referring
+in the highest terms to his character and labors. The press in all parts
+of the world spoke in glowing terms of his natural endowments, great
+attainments, invaluable services, pure character and wonderfully
+vigorous old age. It was quite evident that Mr. Gladstone's retirement
+was not enforced by mental or physical infirmities, or by his unfitness
+for the leadership of the House and the Premiership, but that as a wise
+precaution, and upon the solicitation of his family, he had laid down
+his power while he was yet able to wield it with astonishing vigor. Thus
+closed the fourth administration of this remarkable man, the greatest
+English statesman of his time. In all history there is no parallel case,
+and no official record such as his.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Rosebery was appointed Premier in the place of Mr. Gladstone, and
+Sir William V. Harcourt became the leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone wrote congratulating Lord Rosebery, and
+promised to aid him whenever his assistance was required. In assuming
+office Lord Rosebery eulogized Mr. Gladstone, and announced that there
+would be no change in the policy of reform of the Liberal party under
+the new administration, and declared for Home Rule for Ireland, the
+disestablishment of the church in Wales and Scotland, and the reform of
+the House of Lords.</p>
+
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c20"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+<h4>
+IN PRIVATE LIFE
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>Justin McCarthy, in the closing pages of his Story of Gladstone's Life,
+says: "The long political struggle was over and done. The heat of the
+opposition this way and that had gone out forever, and Mr. Gladstone had
+none left but friends on both sides of the political field. Probably
+that ceremonial, that installation of the Prince of Wales as Chancellor
+of the Welsh University, was the last occasion on which Mr. Gladstone
+would consent to make an appearance on a public platform. It was a
+graceful close to such a great career."</p>
+
+<p>The occasion referred to was the ceremonial at Aberystwith, Wales, June
+26, 1896, when the Prince of Wales was installed as Chancellor of the
+Welsh University, and when the Prince presented to the Princess of Wales
+and to Mr. Gladstone honorary degrees conferred upon them by the
+University. The appearance of Mr. Gladstone was the signal for great
+applause. The Prince in his remarks was very complimentary to Mr.
+Gladstone, and spoke of the honor paid the University by the presence of
+the aged scholar and statesman, and also said it was truly one of the
+proudest moments of his life, when he found himself in the flattering
+position of being able to confer an academic honor upon one furnishing
+the rare instance of occupying the highest position as a statesman and
+who at the same time had attained such distinction in scholarship.</p>
+
+<p>But Mr. McCarthy was mistaken about this being the closing public
+service in the life of Mr. Gladstone. It was very far from his last
+public appearance. After that event Mr. Gladstone appeared repeatedly.
+Though his official life had closed, yet he was to emerge from
+retirement many times, and especially when it became necessary for him
+to raise his strong voice for humanity. His advocacy of the great causes
+of Armenian rescue, of Grecian independence, of Arbitration instead of
+War, and the unity and harmony of the two great English-speaking people,
+was given with all the old time fire of youth. What Mr. Gladstone did
+and said with pen and voice since the occasion mentioned, was enough not
+only for another chapter, but a whole volume, and sufficient alone to
+immortalize any man.</p>
+
+<p>After the great struggle for Home Rule and during the sultry summer of
+1893, Mr. Gladstone repaired to his favorite winter resort, Biarritz, in
+the south of France, It was while he was there that rumors of his
+resignation were heard, based on the ground of his failing health. Dr.
+Granger, of Chester, who was also an oculist, was summoned to examine
+Mr. Gladstone's eyes. He told Mr. Gladstone that a cataract had
+obliterated the sight of one eye, and that another cataract had begun to
+form on the other. In other words Mr. Gladstone was threatened with
+total blindness. The Prime Minister reflected a moment, and then
+requested&mdash;almost ordered&mdash;the physician to operate immediately upon his
+eye. He said: "I wish you to remove the cataract at once." The physician
+replied that it was not far enough advanced for an operation. "You do
+not understand me," answered the patient, "it is the old cataract I wish
+removed. If that is out of the way, I shall still have one good eye,
+when the new cataract impairs the sight of the other." As the physician
+still hesitated, Mr. Gladstone continued: "You still seem not to
+understand me. I want you to perform the operation here and now while I
+am sitting in this chair." "But it might not be successful," said Dr.
+Granger. "That is a risk I accept," was the instant reply. However, the
+physician dared not then undertake it, and afterwards said that Mr.
+Gladstone's eyes were as good as they were a year before, and that his
+general health was also good.</p>
+
+<p>In May, 1894, Mr. Gladstone's eye was successfully operated upon for
+cataract. He took no anaesthetic, and was conscious during the time.
+Every precaution was taken to insure success, and the patient was put to
+bed for rest and quiet and kept on low diet. Mr. Gladstone's eyes were
+so improved by judicious treatment that before long he could read ten or
+twelve hours a day. This could be regarded as complete restoration of
+sight, and enabled him, upon his retirement from public life, to devote
+himself to the work he so well loved when at home in his study
+at Hawarden.</p>
+
+<a name="569"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0569 (97K)" src="images/569.jpg" height="593" width="912">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's retirement from public life, from the Premiership, the
+Cabinet, the leadership of the Liberal Party, and from Parliament did
+not mean his entrance upon a period of inactivity. In the shades of
+Hawarden and in the quiet of his study he kept up the industry that had
+characterized his whole life heretofore.</p>
+
+<p>It had been the custom for centuries for English statesmen, upon
+retiring from official life, to devote themselves to the classics. Mr.
+Gladstone, who was pre-eminently a statesman-scholar, found it very
+congenial to his mind and habits to follow this old English custom. He
+first translated and published "The Odes of Horace." Then he took
+Butler's "Analogy" as a text book, and prepared and published "Studies
+Subsidiary to the Works of Bishop Butler." The discussion necessarily
+takes a wide range, treating, among other matters, of Butler's method,
+its application to the Scriptures, the future life, miracles and the
+mediation of Christ. Says W.T. Stead: "No one who reads the strenuous
+arguments with which Mr. Gladstone summarizes the reasoning of Bishop
+Butler on the future life is conscious of any weakening in the vigorous
+dialectic which was so often employed with brilliant success in the
+House of Commons."</p>
+
+<p>One of Mr. Gladstone's latest productions was his "Personal
+Recollections of Arthur H. Hallam," which was written for the "Youth's
+Companion." It is a tribute to the memory and worth of one of his early
+friends at Eton.</p>
+
+<p>These and other literary works occupied most of his time. But Mr.
+Gladstone would not content himself with quiet literary work. He had too
+long and too intensely been active in the world's great movements and on
+humanity's behalf to stand aloof. Hence it was not long before he was
+again in the arena, doing valiant service for the Armenian and
+against the Turk.</p>
+
+<p>In 1892 the Sultan, in the execution of a plan devised in 1890, issued
+an edict against religious freedom. In 1894, he threw off the mask and
+began to execute his deliberate and preconcerted plan to force all
+Christian Armenians to become Mohammedans or to die. Robbery, outrage
+and murder were the means used by the hands of brutal soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>In a letter to an indignation meeting held in London, December 17th,
+1894, Mr. Gladstone wrote denouncing these outrages of the Turks. The
+reading of the letter was greeted with prolonged applause.</p>
+
+<p>A deputation of Armenian gentlemen, residing in London and in Paris,
+took occasion on Mr. Gladstone's 85th birthday, December 29th, 1894, to
+present a silver chalice to Hawarden Church as "a memorial of Mr.
+Gladstone's sympathy with and assistance to the Armenian people." Mr.
+Gladstone's address to the deputation was regarded as one of the most
+peculiar and characteristic acts of his life. He gave himself wholly to
+the cause of these oppressed people, and was stirred by the outrages and
+murders perpetrated upon them as he was 18 years before. He said that
+the Turks should go out as they did go out of Bulgaria "bag and
+baggage," and he denounced the government of the Sultan as "a disgrace
+to Mahomet, the prophet whom it professed to follow, a disgrace to
+civilization at large, and a curse to mankind." He contended that every
+nation had ever the right and the authority to act "on behalf of
+humanity and of justice."</p>
+
+<p>There were those who condemned Mr. Gladstone's speech, declaring that it
+might disrupt the peace of Europe, but there were many others who
+thought that the sooner peace secured at such a cost was disturbed the
+better. It was but natural for those who wrongfully claimed the
+sovereign right to oppress their own subjects, to denounce all
+interference in the affairs of the Sultan.</p>
+
+<p>It was reported, March 19, 1895, that Francis Seymour Stevenson, M.P.,
+Chairman of the Anglo-Armenian Association, on behalf of the Tiflis
+Armenians, would present to Mr. Gladstone, on his return to London, the
+ancient copy of the Armenian Gospels, inscribed upon vellum, which was
+to accompany the address to the ex-Premier, then being signed by the
+Armenians there. In a letter Mr. Gladstone had but recently declared
+that he had abandoned all hope that the condition of affairs in Armenia
+would change for the better. The Sultan, he declared, was no longer
+worthy of the courtesies of diplomatic usage, or of Christian tolerance.
+Mr. Gladstone promised that when these Gospels were formally presented
+to him he would deliver a "rattling" address on behalf of the Armenians.
+When a delegation waited on him, he said, after assuring them of his
+sympathy, that the danger in the Armenian situation now was that useful
+action might be abandoned, in view of the promises of the Turkish
+Government to institute reforms.</p>
+
+<p>In June 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attended the opening of the Kaiser
+Wilhelm Canal as guests of Sir Donald Currie, on his steamship
+Tantallon Castle, returning home on the twenty-fifth. During this trip
+an effort was made to arrange for an interview between the Ex-Premier
+and the Prince Bismarck, but the Prince seemed disinclined and the
+project failed.</p>
+
+<p>It was while Mr. Gladstone was at Kiel, that the Rosebery Ministry fell
+by an accidental defeat of the Liberal Party in Parliament, and which
+again brought Mr. Gladstone to the front in the public mind. Lord
+Rosebery telegraphed Mr. Gladstone full particulars of the situation,
+and Mr. Gladstone strongly advised against the resignation of the
+Government and urged that a vote of confidence be taken. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote that the Liberal Party could well afford to stand on its record.
+The Ministry with but two exceptions, was the same, as that formed by
+Mr. Gladstone in August 1892, and had his confidence.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, the cabinet of Lord Rosebery resigned, and the Marquis of
+Salisbury again became Prime Minister,&mdash;on the very day of Mr.
+Gladstone's arrival home. However Lord Rosebery retained the leadership
+of the Liberal Party.</p>
+
+<p>There is no doubt that if the wishes of the Liberal Party had been
+gratified, Mr. Gladstone would have taken the leadership and again
+become Prime Minister. Subsequent events proved that he would have been
+equal, at least for a while, to the task of succeeding Lord Rosebery.
+But Mr. Gladstone was not willing. He refused to re-enter Parliament,
+and wrote a letter to his old constituents at Midlothian, declining
+their kind offer to send him to the House and bade them a kind farewell.
+In his letter he said that the Liberal Party is a party of progress and
+reform, and urged his constituents to stand by it. He regarded the
+changes of the century exceedingly beneficial.</p>
+
+<p>August 6, 1895, Mr. Gladstone made a great speech at Chester. A meeting
+was held in the Town Hall to arouse public sentiment against the
+slaughter of Armenian Christians within the Empire of the Sultan by
+Turkish soldiers, and to devise some means of putting an end to such
+crimes, and of punishing the oppressor. The audience was very large,
+including many Armenians resident in England, and rose with vociferous
+cheering when Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, the Duke of Westminster, the
+Bishop of Chester, and the Mayor of Chester entered the hall. The Bishop
+of Ripon was already there. The Duke of Westminster presided, and read a
+letter from the Marquis of Salisbury, the Premier.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone arose amid an outburst of enthusiastic applause, and
+addressing the vast audience said:</p>
+
+<p>That the massacres in Armenia resulted from intolerable
+government&mdash;perhaps the worst in the world. He offered a resolution
+pledging the support of the entire nation to the British Government in
+its efforts to secure for the Armenians such reforms as would guarantee
+the safety of life, honor, religion and property. Mr. Gladstone said
+that language failed to describe the horrors of the massacre of Sussoun,
+which made the blood run cold. The Sultan was responsible, for these
+barbarities were not the act of the criminal class, such as afflicts
+every country, the malefactors who usually perpetrate horrible crime,
+but were perpetrated by the agents of the Sultan&mdash;the soldiers and the
+Kurds, tax-gatherers and police of the Turkish Government. And what had
+been done, and was daily being done, could be summed up in four awful
+words&mdash;plunder, murder, rape and torture. Plunder and murder were bad
+enough, but these were almost venial by the side of the work of the
+ravisher and the torturer. And the victims were defenceless men, women
+and children&mdash;Armenians, one of the oldest Christian civilized races,
+and one of the most pacific, industrious and intelligent races of
+the world.</p>
+
+<p>There was no exaggeration in the language used to describe the horrible
+outrages visited upon whole communities of innocent and helpless people.
+The truth of these terrible charges in their most hideous form, was
+established by unbiased American testimony, by Dr, Dillon, an eye
+witness, and by the representatives of England, France and Russia.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing but a sense of duty, said Mr. Gladstone, had brought him at his
+age to resign the repose, which was the last of many great earthly
+blessings remaining to him, to address them.</p>
+
+<p>If the Powers of Europe were to recede before the irrational resistance
+of the Sultan, they would be disgraced in the eyes of the world, and the
+Christian population of the Turkish Empire would be doomed to
+extermination, according to the plan of the Porte. Terrible word, but
+true in its application.</p>
+
+<p>As to the remedy the cleanest was to make the Turk march out of Armenia,
+as he did out of Bulgaria, "bag and baggage." He cautioned against
+trusting the promises of the government at Constantinople, which he knew
+from long experience, were worthless; and declared that the Sultan was
+bound by no treaty obligation. The word "ought" was not heeded at
+Constantinople, but the word "must" was understood fully there. Coercion
+was a word perfectly comprehended there&mdash;a drastic dose which never
+failed. If we have the smallest regard for humanity, he concluded, we
+shall, with the help of God, demand that which is just and necessary.
+Mr. Gladstone was frequently and loudly applauded during his speech, at
+the conclusion of which the resolution was adopted.</p>
+
+<p>The most powerful voice in all Britain had been raised with stirring
+and thrilling power for justice and humanity. The testimony of an eye
+witness is to the effect, that never did the grand old man seem in finer
+form. His undimmed eye flashed as he spoke with withering scorn against
+hypocrisy and with hottest hate against wrong. His natural force was not
+abated, his health robust, and his conviction unsubdued. His deeply
+lined and pale face was transfigured with the glow of righteous
+indignation. The aged statesman was in his old House of Commons vigor.
+"There was the same facile movement of his body, and the same
+penetrating look as though he would pierce the very soul of his
+auditors; the same triumphant march of sentence after sentence to their
+chosen goal, and yet the same subtle method of introducing qualifying
+clauses all along the march without loosing the grip of his theme; the
+same ascent to lofty principles and commanding generalizations, blended
+with the complete mastery of details; and, above all, the same sublimity
+of outlook and ringing emphasis of sincerity in every tone." It was an
+occasion never to be forgotten. A distinguished hearer said: "To read
+his speech, as thousands will, is much; but to have heard it, to have
+felt it-oh! that is simply indescribable, and will mark for many, one of
+the most memorable days of this last decade of this closing century.
+The sweet cadence of his voice, the fascination of his personality, and,
+above all, the consecration of his splendid gifts to the cause of
+plundered men and ravished women, raise the occasion into prominence in
+the annals of a great people. Chiefly, I feel the triumphs of soul. His
+utterance of the words 'wives,' 'women,' lifted them into an atmosphere
+of awe and solemnity, and his tone in speaking of 'rape' and 'torture'
+gave them an ineffable loathsomeness. It seemed as if so much soul had
+never been put into a Saxon speech. Keen satire, rasping rebuke, an
+avalanche of indignation, rapier-like thrusts to the vital fibre of the
+situation, and withal the invincible cogency of argument against the
+Turkish Government, gave the oration a primary place amongst the
+master-pieces of human eloquence."</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this famous speech Mr. Gladstone referred to America;
+once when welcoming the sympathy of the American people with the
+suffering Armenians, and again as he described the testimony of the
+United States as a witness that gained enormously in value because it
+was entirely free from suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>A large meeting was held in St. James Hall, London, October 19, 1896, in
+memory of Christian Martyrs in Turkey. The Bishop of Rochester presided.
+The hall was packed with an audience of 2,600, while nearly 7,000
+applied for admission. Many prominent persons were present. The large
+audience was in sombre funeral attire. About thirty front seats were
+occupied by Armenians. It was stated that 60,000 Armenians so far had
+been murdered with tortures and indignities indescribable. To this
+meeting Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter which was greeted with the
+wildest enthusiasm. He said that he hoped the meeting would worthily
+crown the Armenian meetings of the past two months, which were without a
+parallel during his political life. The great object, he said, was to
+strengthen Lord Salisbury's hands and to stop the series of massacres,
+which were probably still unfinished, and to provide against their
+renewal. As he believed that Lord Salisbury would use his powerful
+position for the best, personally he objected in the strongest manner to
+abridging Lord Salisbury's discretion by laying down this or that as
+things which he ought not to do. It was a wild paradox, without the
+support of reason or history, to say that the enforcement of treaty
+rights to stop systematic massacre, together with effective security
+against Great Britain's abusing them for selfish ends, would provoke the
+hostilities of one or more of the powers.</p>
+
+<p>To advertise beforehand in the ears of the Great Assassin that Great
+Britain's action would cut down&mdash;what the most backward of the six
+Powers think to be sufficient&mdash;would be the; abandonment of duty and
+prudence and would be to doom the national movement to disappointment.
+The concert of Europe was valuable and important, but such an
+announcement would be certain to be followed by its failure.</p>
+
+<p>One of the immediate effects of Mr. Gladstone's denunciation of the
+Sultan for the Armenian massacres was the resignation by Lord Rosebery
+of the leadership of the Liberal Party. Mr. Gladstone's return to
+politics, the agitation of the Turkish question and the differences
+between these two leaders of the Liberal movement as to the best way of
+dealing with the Sultan, were assigned as reasons by Lord Rosebery for
+his resignation.</p>
+
+<p>It was then again suggested that Mr. Gladstone assume the leadership of
+the Liberal Party and accept a peerage and a seat in the House of Lords,
+so often tendered him by the Queen. Then Sir William Vernon-Harcourt
+could lead in the House of Commons and bear the burden, while Mr.
+Gladstone could be at the head of affairs without the worry of the House
+of Commons. Besides, Mr. Morgan offered to resign his seat in the House
+of Commons in his favor. But Mr. Gladstone would not agree to any of
+these plans as far as they pertained to himself.</p>
+
+<p>July 22, 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone returned to London to attend a
+great social function, the marriage of one of the daughters of the
+Prince and Princess of Wales to Prince Charles of Denmark. Mr. Gladstone
+evinced much interest in everything connected with the important event,
+and was himself the object of much attention.</p>
+
+<p>September 23, 1896, Mr. Gladstone wrote a long letter to the Paris
+Figaro in response to an appeal from its editor, M. Leudet, to Mr.
+Gladstone to arouse the French press in behalf of the Armenians. After
+expressing his diffidence in complying with the request, Mr. Gladstone
+declared his belief that the population of Great Britain were more
+united in sentiment and more thoroughly aroused by the present outrages
+in Turkey than they were by the atrocities in Bulgaria in 1876.</p>
+
+<p>He said: "The question whether effect can be given to the national
+indignation is now in the balance, and will probably soon be decided. I
+have read in some Austrian newspapers an affected scruple against sole
+action by any one State in a European crisis, but there are two
+first-class Powers who will not make that scruple their own. One of
+these is Russia, who in 1878, earned lasting honors by liberating
+Bulgaria and, helping onward the freedom and security of other Balkan
+States. The other Power is France, who, in 1840, took up the cause of
+Egypt and pushed it single handed to the verge of a European war. She
+wisely forbore to bring about that horrible, transcendent calamity, but
+I gravely doubt whether she was not right and the combined Powers wrong
+in their policy of that period."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone denounced the Sultan as the "Great Assassin," and
+continued: "For more than a year he has triumphed over the diplomacy of
+the six Powers, they have been laid prostrate at his feet. There is no
+parallel in history to the humiliation they have patiently borne. He has
+therefore had every encouragement to continue a course that has been
+crowned with such success. The impending question seems to be, not
+whether, but when and where he will proceed to his next murderous
+exploits. The question for Europe and each Power is whether he shall be
+permitted to swell by more myriads the tremendous total of his victims.</p>
+
+<p>"In other years when I possessed power I did my best to promote the
+concert of Europe, but I sorrowfully admit that all the good done in
+Turkey during the last twenty years was done, not by it, but more nearly
+despite it." The letter concludes by expressing the hope that the French
+people would pursue a policy worthy of their greatness, their fame and
+the high place they have held in European Christian history.</p>
+
+<p>September 24, 1896, a meeting was called by the Reform Club, of
+Liverpool, to protest against the recent massacres of 2000 Armenians at
+Constantinople at the affair of the Ottoman Bank, and many more
+throughout the Turkish Empire. Mr. Gladstone was asked to address the
+meeting. When requested by the agent of the Associated Press for an
+advanced proof of his speech he declined, but wrote that he would
+"recommend giving the warmest support to the Queen's government, and
+would contend that England should act alone if necessary for the
+fulfillment of the covenants which have been so disgracefully broken."</p>
+
+
+<a name="555"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0555 (105K)" src="images/555.jpg" height="958" width="610">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+<p>Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with their son Herbert, arrived at noon at
+Liverpool, and were met at the railroad station by 2,000 enthusiastic
+people. The meeting was held in the vast auditorium of the Circus
+Building, which was filled. Thousands failed to obtain entrance.</p>
+
+<p>Before the arrival of Mr. Gladstone there was a spontaneous outburst of
+applause, everybody present standing and singing "God save the Queen."
+When Mr. Gladstone entered, the prolonged roar of applause could be
+heard for miles, arising from thousands inside and outside the hall.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl of Derby, Conservative, presided. He was accompanied by the
+Countess of Derby, who with many distinguished persons occupied
+the platform.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone stepped briskly to the front of the platform at 12.30 p.m.
+bowing repeatedly in response to the applause. He looked strong and
+well for a man of his age and labors, and was easily heard. After a few
+preliminary remarks, he moved the following resolution:</p>
+
+<p>"That this meeting trusts that Her Majesty's ministers, realizing to the
+fullest extent the terrible condition in which their fellow Christians
+are placed, will do everything possible to obtain for them full security
+and protection; and this meeting assures Her Majesty's ministers that
+they may rely upon the cordial support of the citizens of Liverpool in
+whatever steps they may feel it necessary to take for that purpose."</p>
+
+<p>The resolution was received with great cheering.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone resumed: "We have a just title to threaten Turkey with
+coercion, but that does not in itself mean war; and I think that the
+first step should be the recall of our Ambassador, and it should be
+followed by the dismissal of the Turkish Ambassador from London. Such a
+course is frequent and would not give the right of complaint to anybody.
+When diplomatic relations are suspended, England should inform the
+Sultan that she should consider the means of enforcing her just and
+humane demands. I do not believe that Europe will make war to insure the
+continuance of massacres more terrible than ever recorded in the dismal,
+deplorable history of crime.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, as in 1876, to the guilt of massacre is added the impudence of
+denial, which will continue just as long as Europe is content to listen.
+I doubt if it is an exaggeration to say that it was in the Sultan's
+palace, and there only, that the inspiration has been supplied, and the
+policy devised of the whole series of massacres. When the Sultan carries
+massacre into his own capital under the eyes of the Ambassadors, he
+appears to have gained the very acme of what it is possible for him to
+do. But the weakness of diplomacy, I trust, is about to be strengthened
+by the echo of this nation's voice."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone then referred to the supineness of the Ambassadors of the
+Powers at Constantinople, and continued: "The concert of Europe is an
+august and useful instrument, but it has not usually succeeded in
+dealing with the Eastern question, which has arrived at a period when it
+is necessary to strengthen the hands of the Government by an expression
+of national opinion. I believe that the continued presence of the
+Ambassadors at Constantinople has operated as a distinct countenance to
+the Sultan, who is thus their recognized ally.</p>
+
+<p>"But, while urging the Government to act, it does not follow that, even
+for the sake of the great object in view, Great Britain should
+transplant Europe into a state of war. On the other hand, however, I
+deny that England must abandon her own right to independent judgment
+and allow herself to be domineered over by the other powers."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone expressed the opinion that the purpose of the meeting was
+defensive and prospective, saying that no one can hold out the hope that
+the massacres are ended, although he ventured to anticipate that the
+words spoken at the meeting would find their way to the palace at
+Constantinople. "The present movement," he said, "is based on broad
+grounds of humanity, and is not directed against the Mohammedans, but
+against the Turkish officials, evidence of whose barbarities rests in
+credible official reports." Mr. Gladstone declared his adhesion to the
+principles contained in the resolution, and said he came to the meeting
+not claiming any authority for sentiments expressed except that of a
+citizen of Liverpool.</p>
+
+<p>"But," he remarked, "the national platform upon which the meeting is
+based gives greater authority for sentiments universally entertained
+throughout the length and breadth of the land, and I urge that in this
+matter party sympathy be renounced. I entertain the lively hope and
+strong belief that the present deplorable situation is not due to the
+act or default of the Government of this great country."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone spoke about twenty minutes and was repeatedly interrupted
+by applause. He was in good voice, and did not seem fatigued when he
+had finished.</p>
+
+<p>The next day the Turkish Embassy at London telegraphed Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at Liverpool verbatim to the Sultan.</p>
+
+<p>The London Times in an editorial said: "The spectacle of the veteran
+statesman quitting his retirement to plead the cause of the oppressed is
+well calculated to move the sympathy and admiration of the nation. The
+ardor of Mr. Gladstone's feelings on this subject is notorious. All the
+more striking and significant is the comparative restraint and
+moderation of the speech."</p>
+
+<p>Other questions besides those mentioned were claiming the attention of
+English statesmen. In the Spring, prior to the great Liverpool meeting,
+the Venezuela boundary question was agitating the two great English
+speaking nations to the very verge of war. A large Peace Meeting was
+held in London, March 3, 1896, to favor arbitration. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote: "I am glad that the discussion of arbitration is to be separated
+from the Venezuela question, upon which I do not feel myself in final
+and full possession of the facts that I should wish. My views on
+arbitration in place of war were gathered from the part I took in the
+matter of the Alabama claims. I will only add that my conviction and
+sentiment on the subject grow in strength from year to year in
+proportion to the growth of that monstrous and barbarous militarism, in
+regard to which I consider England has to bear no small responsibility."</p>
+
+<p>The meeting favored permanent international arbitration, and an
+Anglo-American treaty was finally signed by the representatives of the
+two nations, providing for the settlement of all questions between the
+two nations by arbitration instead of by war, but the Senate of the
+United States refused to ratify the treaty.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone deplored intensely the extraordinary misunderstanding
+which had prevailed on the subject of the Venezuela frontier. He seemed
+to think that nothing but a little common sense was needed to secure the
+pacific settlement of the question at any moment. A hundred square miles
+more or less on either side of the boundary of British Guiana was to him
+a matter of supreme indifference. He was extremely anxious to see
+justice done, and one of his last speeches in the House of Commons was
+in favor of permanent arbitration between England and the United States.</p>
+
+<p>Another one of the absorbing questions that came before the civilized
+world for consideration, and almost to the exclusion of the Armenian
+question, was the Cretan Question. Greece heroically sustained the
+insurrection of the Cretans against the Turkish rule. The scene of
+Turkish cruelty was now transferred to the isle of Crete. For the time
+the Armenian massacres were forgotten. The Greeks rushed to the rescue,
+while all Europe held aloof. Mr. Gladstone sent the following dispatch
+to the Chronicle: "I do not dare to stimulate Greece when I cannot help
+her, but I shall profoundly rejoice at her success. I hope the Powers
+will recollect that they have their own character to redeem." This was
+in February, 1897, Later he wrote that to expel the Greek troops from
+Crete and keep as police the butchers of Armenia, would further deepen
+the disgrace of the Powers of Europe.</p>
+
+<p>In March, 1897, Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter, now justly celebrated,
+on the same subject to the Duke of Westminster in which he expressed his
+opinion more fully, and which was evidently the sentiment of the English
+speaking people of the world. The letter was in the form of a pamphlet
+of 16 pages, published, and entitled The Eastern Crisis.</p>
+
+<p>In less than a week after this eloquent manifesto in behalf of the
+Cretans and of Greece was put forth, it was currently reported that the
+precise solution of the problem recommended by Mr. Gladstone was likely
+to be adopted. The Sultan himself, fearful of the effect of the appeal
+on public opinion in Europe, sought the settlement of the question in
+the manner suggested. The Greeks still clamored for war. In the war
+that followed between Greece and Turkey, Greece was defeated and crushed
+by the Turk. Only by the intervention of the Powers was Greece saved
+from becoming a part of the Sultan's Empire.</p>
+
+<p>After peace had been concluded between Turkey and Greece, Mr. Gladstone
+undertook to arouse public opinion by a trenchant review of the
+situation. Looking back over the past two years of England's Eastern
+policy, he inquires as to what have been the results, and then answers
+his own question. He thus enumerates:</p>
+
+<p>1. The slaughter of 100,000 Armenian Christians, men, women and
+children, with no guarantee against a repetition of the crime.</p>
+
+<p>2. The Turkish Umpire stronger than at any time since the Crimean war.</p>
+
+<p>3. Christian Greece weaker than at any time since she became a kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>These are facts, Mr. Gladstone claimed, for which the leading Christian
+nations and statesmen of Europe are responsible.</p>
+
+<p>While Mr. Gladstone thus expresses himself, yet his vigorous protests
+had not been without effect. His voice penetrated into the very palace
+of the Sultan, and into every Cabinet of Europe, and was heard by every
+statesman and ruler throughout the world, and aroused the people
+everywhere. It was a mighty voice lifted for right and against
+oppression. The Sultan was afraid and was compelled to desist; not that
+he feared the protests and the warnings of the Christian Nations of
+Europe, but because that one voice was the expression of the popular
+feeling of all Christians throughout the world, and to defy such
+sentiment would be to court the overthrow of his throne, if not of the
+dominion of the Turk in Europe.</p>
+
+<p>In June, 1894, an invitation was extended to Mr. Gladstone to visit the
+United States, signed by many representative men in public life. But Mr.
+Gladstone, while acknowledging the compliment, declined because of his
+age. It would, he thought, be a tremendous undertaking for him. The
+fatigue of the voyage and the strain of the receptions while in America,
+would prove greater than his physical condition could bear.</p>
+
+<p>Later Mr. Gladstone was waited on at Hawarden by one hundred members of
+the Philadelphia Manufacturer's Club. He personally escorted them over
+the Castle grounds and narrated the history of the Castle to them.
+Greatly pleased with the warmth of their reception, they thanked Mr.
+Gladstone for his courtesy. They then gave him three cheers. This token
+of appreciation was very gratifying to Mr. Gladstone, who said that it
+was the first time he had ever heard American cheers.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday afternoon, August 15, 1896, Li Hung Chang, the great Chinese
+Statesman and Embassador, visited Mr. Gladstone at Hawarden. Probably
+the three greatest living statesmen of the time were Gladstone, Bismarck
+and Li Hung Chang. The Embassador and his suite went to Chester in a
+special train, and were driven in three open carriages to Hawarden.
+Along the route as, well as at the station, the party was cheered by a
+large crowd. The Viceroy was sleeping when the train reached Chester and
+he was allowed to sleep until he awoke. Yet the party was ahead of time
+in reaching the Castle, but Mr. Gladstone hastened to receive them. The
+Chinese visitors were received at the door by Mr. Henry Gladstone. Li
+Hung Chang was escorted into the Library where he was introduced to Mr.
+and Mrs. Gladstone.</p>
+
+<p>The intention of Mr. Gladstone was to have as escort a guard of honor to
+the Viceroy, the Hawarden corps of the Welsh Fusiliers, which reached
+the Castle, owing to the visitors being ahead of time, ten minutes after
+the arrival of the party.</p>
+
+<p>The two aged statesmen sat near the window overlooking the terrace, and
+at once, with the aid of Lo Feug Luh, engaged in conversation, Li asked
+various questions concerning Mr. Gladstone's career, and was informed by
+Mr. Gladstone that he had been Prime Minister nearly thirteen years,
+and in the Cabinet nearly twenty-four years. When complimented upon the
+service he had rendered to his country, Mr. Gladstone replied that he
+had done what he could, but he should have done a great deal more. Li
+observed that British interests and British trade in China were greater
+than those of all other countries put together. The Viceroy also talked
+with Mr. Gladstone of free trade, of restrictions upon commerce, of the
+power of the British Navy, of the greatness of the British Revenues, of
+the vastness of the Colonial Empire, of the necessity of a railway
+system to commerce and upon a number of similar subjects. Refreshments
+were served which Li enjoyed, and then by request he wrote his autograph
+in three books, using Dorothy Drew's colors for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone and Li were photographed together sitting on chairs outside
+the porch. Mr. Gladstone presented Li with three books from his library,
+and then the Chinese visitors departed.</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday evening October 10, 1896, the Right Hon. and Most Rev.
+Edward White Benson, D.D., Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all
+England, arrived at Hawarden with Mrs. Benson on a visit to his old
+friend Mr. Gladstone. Sunday morning Dr. Benson went with the Gladstone
+family to Hawarden Church and occupied the Gladstone pew. After the
+service had commenced a commotion was observed. It was caused by the
+fall of Dr. Benson In the pew while kneeling in prayer. Attendants
+removed Dr. Benson to the Rectory, and medical aid was summoned, but
+death came soon after from apoplexy. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone, rector,
+proceeded with the service until notified of the death of the
+Archbishop, when he dismissed the congregation. Mr. Gladstone, who had
+not attended church from indisposition, was deeply affected by the death
+of his guest and friend.</p>
+
+<p>The morning papers of London, June 1, 1896, printed a long letter from
+Mr. Gladstone to Cardinal Rampolla for submission to the Pope Leo XIII,
+in favor of the unity of Christendom by means of a papal declaration in
+favor of the validity of Anglican orders. It created a great sensation.
+Shortly after this the Pope issued an Encyclical letter addressed to
+"all bishops in communion with the Holy See." The theme was the same as
+that of Mr. Gladstone's letter, to which it was regarded as an answer.
+The Pope invited all the English people "to return to the religion of
+the Roman Catholic Church." "This," remarks Mr. Justin McCarthy, "was
+exactly what any thoughtful person might have expected." While this
+letter and its answer did not satisfy the clergy of the established
+Church of England, who were favorably disposed towards Rome, on the
+other hand it aroused the dissenting Christians of England to reply
+that they were opposed to all state or established churches, whether
+Roman Catholic or English Episcopal.</p>
+
+<p>On December 29, 1896, the eighty-seventh anniversary of Mr. Gladstone's
+birth was celebrated at Hawarden, surrounded by his family and friends.
+There were the usual demonstrations by the villagers, consisting in the
+ringing of bells and the appointments of deputations to wait upon the
+aged statesman at the Castle with congratulations. An enormous flow of
+telegrams and messages continued throughout the day from all parts of
+the kingdom, the United States and the Continent. Among those sending
+congratulations were the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Baroness de
+Rothschild. Mr. Gladstone was in good health, and in the afternoon went
+out for a walk.</p>
+
+<p>May 10, 1897, the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the
+Princess Victoria, visited Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone at Hawarden. They were
+received by Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone in the porch erected in 1889 to
+commemorate their golden wedding. The mutual greetings were of the
+heartiest nature. The royal party inspected the ruins of the old castle,
+Mr. Gladstone acting as escort to the Princess of Wales. An interesting
+incident occurred on the lawn. The Princess took great interest in
+inspecting the favorite dogs of the Gladstone family. These were the
+black Pomeranians. Two puppies were carried in a basket, one of which
+the Princess accepted as a gift.</p>
+
+<p>June 22, 1897, was celebrated with great pomp and rejoicing the Diamond
+Jubilee of Victoria, the Queen of England and Empress of India, when the
+Queen reached the 60th anniversary of her reign, which is the longest in
+English history. Victoria became queen at the age of 19 years, in 1837,
+and then the British Isles possessed a population of 26,000,000 and they
+had became 40,000,000. Her Empire has been extended until in India,
+South, Central and Western Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North
+America, and including the British Isles, there were 360,000,000 people
+who owned her sway. And to this greatness and glory Mr. Gladstone had
+been one to contribute largely, while his influence has been felt more
+still by far in promoting the moral greatness of the people. Throughout
+all the Empire the event was celebrated, and the jubilee procession in
+London was swollen by representatives of all parts of the Queen's domain
+and all nations on earth which rendered it the greatest pageant ever
+beheld. Even the Turk was there, but Mr. Gladstone was not there, nor
+was his name even mentioned for a place in the march on jubilee day. Yet
+the period of Victoria's reign will often be spoken of in history as the
+Gladstonian Era.</p>
+
+<p>"The public life of a leading statesman," says an eminent writer,
+"offers the boldest and stateliest outline to the public view. It may be
+that the most striking and memorable chapters in a future biography of
+Mr. Gladstone will contain the story of his private affairs and domestic
+life." His daily life at home was a model of simplicity and regularity,
+and the great secret of the vast amount of work he accomplished was
+owing to the fact that every odd five minutes were occupied. He had a
+deep sense of the preciousness of time and the responsibility which
+everyone incurs who uses or misuses it. "To such a length did he carry
+this that at a picnic to a favorite Welsh mountain he has been seen to
+fling himself on the heather and bury himself in some pamphlet upon a
+question of the day, until called to lighter things by those who were
+responsible for the provision basket."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone was ever a most severe economist of time, a habit acquired
+as long ago as 1839, when he awed his young wife by filling up all odd
+bits and scraps of time with study or work. Out of his pocket would come
+the little classic at every chance opportunity of leisure. This accounts
+for his ability to get through in one day more than most people do in a
+week. Then besides, he had the faculty of concentrating the whole power
+of his mind upon the one thing before him, whether small or great. He
+was unable to divide the machinery of his mind. Interruption was almost
+fatal to his train of thought, but he was generally oblivious to
+conversation buzzing around him. Hence it was some time before a
+questioner could get an answer&mdash;he did not seem to hear, but patience
+finally secured attention, after the train of absorbing thought
+was finished.</p>
+
+<p>It was this power of concentrating all his faculties upon what he was
+doing, whether it was work or play, that made Mr. Gladstone one of the
+ablest as well as happiest of the century. He took the keenest delight
+in the scholarly and beautiful, and this accounts for his disregard of
+minor ills and evils. He was too absorbed to be fretful or impatient.
+But to be absorbed in great things did not mean, in his case, to be
+neglectful of little things. At one time his mind and time were so
+completely taken up with the Eastern question, that he could not be
+induced to spare a thought for Ireland, and afterward it was quite as
+difficult to get him to think of any political question except that
+of Ireland.</p>
+
+<p>In the daily routine of private life none in the household were more
+punctual and regular than Mr. Gladstone. At 8 o'clock he was up and in
+his study. From 1842 he always found time, with all his manifold duties,
+to go to church regularly, rain or shine, every morning except when ill,
+at half-past 8 o'clock, He walked along the public road from the castle
+to Hawarden church. Writes an observer: "The old statesman, with his
+fine, hale, gentle face, is an interesting figure as he walks lightly
+and briskly along the country road, silently acknowledging the fervent
+salutations of his friends&mdash;the Hawarden villagers. He wears a long
+coat, well buttoned up, a long shawl wrapped closely around his neck,
+and a soft felt hat&mdash;a very different figure from that of the Prime
+Minister as he is known in London."</p>
+
+<p>At the Castle prayers were read to the family and household soon after 9
+o'clock daily. His customary breakfast was comprised of a hard-boiled
+egg, a slice of tongue, dry toast and tea. The whole morning whether at
+home or on a visit was devoted to business. Luncheon at Hawarden was
+without formality. "Lunch was on the hob," for several hours, to be
+partaken of when it suited the convenience of the various members of the
+family. Tea, of which Mr. Gladstone was particularly fond, and of which
+he could partake at any hour of the day, or night, was served in the
+afternoon at 5 o'clock,&mdash;after which he finished his correspondence.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon, Mr. Gladstone was accustomed to a walk in the grounds,
+accompanied by his faithful little black Pomeranian dog, Petz, who was
+obtained on a trip abroad, and became and remained for many years, an
+important member of the household, and one of Mr. Gladstone's most
+devoted followers. Increasing years of over fourscore, prevented finally
+walks of fifty miles a day once indulged in, and the axes stood unused
+in their stands in the vestibule and library, but still Mr. Gladstone
+kept up his walks with his silent companion Petz. After walking for half
+an hour longer in his library after his return to the Castle, Mr.
+Gladstone would dress for dinner, which operation usually took him from
+three to five minutes. At 8 o'clock he joined the family, at dinner,
+which was a cheerful meal. Like Goethe he ate heartily and enjoyed his
+meals, but his diet was extremely simple, Mr. Gladstone eating only what
+was prescribed by his physician. At dinner he talked freely and
+brilliantly even when none but his family were present. When visitors
+were present he would enter upon whatever was the subject of
+conversation, taking his share with others, and pouring a flood of light
+upon any theme suggested, giving all the benefit of the fund of wisdom
+and anecdote collected through two generations of unparalleled political
+and social activity.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, when there were no visitors at Hawarden, Mr. Gladstone
+would quietly sit reading in his library, or conversing with his family.
+He never used tobacco. Shortly after 10 o'clock he retired to bed and to
+sleep. He never allowed himself to think and be sleepless. Mr. Bright
+had a habit of making his speeches after he had retired to bed, which
+Mr. Gladstone thought was detrimental to his health. Bight hours was the
+time Mr. Gladstone permitted himself to sleep. His bed-room was on the
+second floor and reached by a fine staircase. Everything in the room was
+plain and homely.</p>
+
+<p>On the walls of his bed-room and over the mantlepiece was a text
+emblazoned, on which at evening and morning he could look, which read:
+"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee."
+This not only expresses Mr. Gladstone's trust in God, but doubtless
+accounts in a large degree for that tranquility of mind so notably his,
+even in those trying times that prostrated many and carried many more
+away from their bearings.</p>
+
+<p>From the worry or weariness of business, Mr. Gladstone was ever ready to
+turn for rest to reading, which has thus proved of inestimable value to
+him. "His family cannot speak without emotion of that look of perfect
+happiness and peace that beamed from his eye on such occasions." When
+during the general elections of 1882, this was denied him, he turned
+with equal readiness to writing and thinking on other subjects. During
+the Midlothian Campaign and General Election, and through the Cabinet
+making that followed, he relieved the pressure on his over-burdened
+brain by writing an article on Home Rule, "written with all the force
+and freshness of a first shock of discovery;" he was also writing daily
+on the Psalms; he was preparing a paper for the Oriental Congress which
+was to startle the educated world by "its originality and ingenuity;"
+and he was composing with great and careful investigation his Oxford
+lecture on "The rise and progress of learning in the University
+of Oxford."</p>
+
+<p>All during the morning hours he would sit in the silence of that
+corner-room on the ground floor reading. There were three writing-desks
+in the library, and one was chiefly reserved for correspondence of a
+political nature, and another for his literary work, while the third was
+used by Mrs. Gladstone. He spent his evenings when at Hawarden in a cosy
+corner of the library reading. He had a wonderfully constructed lamp so
+arranged for him for night reading, as to throw the utmost possible
+light on the pages of the book. It was generally a novel that employed
+his mind at night. Occasionally he gives Mrs. Drew about two hundred
+novels to divide the sheep from the goats among them. She divides them
+into three classes&mdash;novels worth keeping, novels to be given away, and
+novels to be destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone generally had three books in course of reading at the same
+time, changing from one to the other. These books were carefully
+selected with reference to their character and contents, and he was
+particular as to their order and variation. For instance at one time he
+was reading Dr. Laugen's Roman History, in German, in the morning,
+Virgil in the afternoon, and a novel at night. Scott was his preference
+among novelists. He read with pencil in hand, and he had an elaborate
+system of marking a book. Aristotle, St. Augustine, Dante and Bishop
+Butler were the authors who had the deepest influence upon him, so he
+himself said. His copy of the Odyssey of Homer he had rebound several
+times, as he preferred always to use the same copy.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Drew says of her father: "There could not be a better illustration
+of his mind than his Temple of Peace&mdash;his study, with its
+extraordinarily methodical arrangement. Away from home he will write an
+exact description of the key or paper he requires, as: 'Open the left
+hand drawer of the writing table nearest the fireplace, and at the back
+of the drawer, in the right hand corner, you will find some keys. You
+will see three on one string; send me the one with such and such teeth.'
+His mind is arranged in the same way; he has only to open a particular
+compartment, labelled so and so, to find the information he requires.
+His memory in consequence is almost unfailing. It is commonly found that
+in old age the memory may be perfect as regards times long gone by, but
+inaccurate and defective as to more recent events. But with Mr.
+Gladstone the things of the present are as deeply stamped on his brain
+as the things of the past." Some one has said of Mr. Gladstone that his
+memory was "terrible." It is evident that he always kept abreast of the
+times&mdash;informing himself of everything new in literature, science and
+art, and when over eighty years of age was as ready to imbibe fresh
+ideas as when he was only eighteen, and far more discriminating.</p>
+
+<p>Those who entered Mr. Gladstone's official room on a Sunday, during the
+busiest parliamentary session, could not fail to be struck by the
+atmosphere of repose, the signs and symbols of the day, the books lying
+open near the armchair, the deserted writing-table, the absence of
+papers and newspapers. On Sunday Mr. Gladstone put away all business of
+a secular nature, occupied his time in reading special books, suitable
+to the day, and generally attended church twice, never dined out, except
+he went on a mission of mercy, or to cheer some sorrowful friend. When
+the Queen invited him to Windsor Castle on Sunday for one night, as she
+did sometimes, he always arranged to stay in Windsor Saturday. In his
+dressing room he kept a large open bible in which he daily read.
+Physically, intellectually and spiritually Mr. Gladstone's Sundays were
+regarded by his family as a priceless blessing to him, and to have made
+him the man he was. Mr. Gladstone had strict notions of his duty to his
+church. Whenever he established himself in London, he always attended
+the nearest church, and became regular in his attendance, not only on
+the Sabbath, but daily. With an empire on his shoulders he found time
+for daily public devotion, and in church-going he was no "gadabout."
+When he resided at Carlton House Terrace he attended the church of St.
+Martin-in-the-Fields.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone's daily correspondence, when Prime Minister, was simply
+enormous. At first he felt it to be a conscientious duty to deal with
+the most of it himself, but finally came to trust the bulk of it to
+secretaries as other ministers did. Some letters came to him daily that
+he had to answer with his own hand; for example, from ministers or on
+confidental business, from the court, At the end of every Cabinet
+Council the Premier has to write a letter with his own hand to his
+sovereign, giving full information of the business transacted. The same
+kind of report is required daily from Parliament. Of course Mr.
+Gladstone, whenever he was Prime Minister, faithfully attended to this
+duty and dispatched the required letters written with his own hand to
+the Queen.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone was remarkable for the strength and endurance of his body
+as well as for the vigor of his intellect. "Don't talk to me of Mr.
+Gladstone's mind," said a contemporary; "it is his body which astonishes
+me." He never had any serious illness in his life, and up to quite
+recent years were vigorous exercise, sometimes walking when in Scotland
+20 miles at a stretch over rough and mountainous country. The physical
+effort of speaking to twenty thousand people, and being heard in every
+part of the vast building by the audience, as was the case at
+Birmingham, in 1889, was remarkable. His power of endurance was
+wonderful. In 1882, he once sat up through an all-night sitting of the
+House of Commons, and going back to 10 Downing Street, at 8 o'clock in
+the morning, for half an hour's rest, again returned to the House and
+remained until the conclusion of the setting. Tree-cutting, which was
+with him a frequent recreation until he became a very old man, was
+chosen "as giving him the maximum of healthy exercise in the minimum of
+time." This favorite pastime of the great statesman was so closely
+associated with him that it was deemed the proper thing to do to place
+on exhibition in the Great Columbian Exposition at Chicago one of the
+axes of Mr. Gladstone.</p>
+
+<p>The Psalmist says, "A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes
+upon the thick trees." These singular words were written long before
+Mr. Gladstone's day, but famous as he was for felling the great trees of
+the forest, the words have a deeper meaning and in more than one sense
+met their fulfilment in him. His swift and keen axe of reform brought
+down many hoary headed evils. Mr. Gladstone himself explained why he
+cultivated this habit of cutting down trees. He said: "I chop wood
+because I find that it is the only occupation in the world that drives
+all thought from my mind. When I walk or ride or play cricket, I am
+still debating important business problems, but when I chop wood I can
+think of nothing but making the chips fly."</p>
+
+<p>The following story illustrates Mr. Gladstone's remarkable powers and
+the surprise he would spring upon those who met him. Two gentlemen who
+were invited guests at a table where Mr. Gladstone was expected, made a
+wager that they would start a conversation on a subject about which even
+Mr. Gladstone would know nothing. To accomplish this end they "read up"
+an "ancient" magazine article on some unfamiliar subject connected with
+Chinese manufactures. When the favorable opportunity came the topic was
+started, and the two conspirators watched with amusement the growing
+interest in the subject which Mr. Gladstone's face betrayed. Finally he
+joined in the conversation, and their amusement was turned into
+confusion, when Mr. Gladstone said, "Ah, gentlemen, I perceive you have
+been reading an article I wrote in the &mdash;&mdash; Magazine some thirty or
+forty years ago."</p>
+
+<br><br><hr><br><br>
+
+<center>
+<a name="c21"></a>
+<br><br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+<h4>
+CLOSING SCENES OF A LONG AND EVENTFUL LIFE
+</h4>
+</center>
+<br>
+
+<p>Mr. Gladstone died at Hawarden Castle, at 5 o'clock, Thursday Morning,
+May 19, 1898.</p>
+
+<p>The first intimation of the rapidly approaching end of Mr. Gladstone was
+conveyed in a bulletin issued at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning, May 17. It
+read "Mr. Gladstone had a poor and broken sleep last night; he is
+somewhat exhausted, but suffers no discomfort." The report of the
+evening before was assuring as to any sudden change, so that the anxiety
+was increased. For hours no additional information was given, but there
+were indications outside the Castle of a crisis. Throughout the day
+could be heard expressions of deep regret among the working people,
+asking, "How is the old gentleman?" Despite the heavy rain the people
+collected in groups, and the hush and quiet that prevailed indicated the
+presence of death.</p>
+
+<p>A bulletin at 5 p.m. said: "Mr. Gladstone has taken a serious turn for
+the worse. His death may be expected in twenty-four hours." All day the
+condition of the patient had been critical. The doctor doubted that his
+patient was fully conscious at any time, he answered, "Yes," and "No."
+He refused all medicine, exclaiming No! No! It was remarked that when
+addressed in English, Mr. Gladstone would answer in French, and
+sometimes was praying in French.</p>
+
+<p>Later in the evening the servants of the household were admitted to the
+sick room for a final farewell. They found Mr. Gladstone lying in a deep
+sleep; each in turn knelt down, kissed his hand and tearfully withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>About 9 o'clock the patient rallied a little and fell into a peaceful
+sleep, which was thought to be his last.</p>
+
+<p>The rain had continued to fall during the night, but the villagers had
+been coming singly and in groups to glance silently at the rain-beaten
+scrap of paper which was the latest bulletin, and then silently
+returning to the gate, and disappearing in the darkness only to
+return later.</p>
+
+<p>About 4 o'clock in the morning Mr. Gladstone seemed to be sinking. The
+scene in the sick-room was painful. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read
+prayers and hymns, including Mr. Gladstone's favorite, "Rock of Ages."
+When this was concluded, Mr. Gladstone murmured, "Our Father." As Mrs.
+Gladstone leaned over her husband, he turned his head and his lips moved
+slightly. Though extremely distressed, Mrs. Gladstone bore up with
+remarkable fortitude. But Mr. Gladstone rallied again, and Wednesday
+morning he was still living. By his almost superhuman vitality he had
+fought death away.</p>
+
+<p>The morning was beautiful and clear and the sunshine came in at the open
+window of Mr. Gladstone's room. The aged sufferer was hovering between
+life and death, and only by the feeble beating of his pulse could it be
+told he was alive. He was sleeping himself away into eternal day. Mrs.
+Gladstone sat by the side of his bed, holding his hand, and never
+leaving except for needed rest. At times he seemed to recognize for a
+moment some of those with him. He surely knew his wife as she tenderly
+kissed his hand.</p>
+
+<p>It soon became known abroad that Mr. Gladstone was dying. In the House
+of Commons it caused profound sorrow. Everything else was stopped while
+members discussed how best to honor him, even by taking steps without,
+precedent as that of adjourning, because the circumstances were
+unprecedented. His former colleagues silently watched his last struggle
+with the relentless foe, to whom, true to himself, he was yielding
+slowly, inch by inch.</p>
+
+<p>Telegrams of inquiry and sympathy came from all parts of the world to
+the Castle. The Queen wrote making inquiries and tendering assurances of
+profound sympathy. A long telegram from the Princess of Wales concluded:
+"I am praying for you." The Prince of Wales wrote: "My thoughts are with
+you at this trying time., God grant that your father does not suffer."
+The Duke of Devonshire before the British Empire League referred
+touchingly to the mournful scenes at Hawarden, when "the greatest of
+Englishmen was slowly passing away." And all over the land people of all
+conditions and at all kinds of gatherings, politicians, divines,
+reformers, and women joined in expressions of grief and sympathy. Many
+were the messages of regard and condolence that came from other lands.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Dobie furnishes the following picture of the dying man. "His grand
+face bears a most peaceful and beautiful look. A few days ago the deeply
+bitten wrinkles that so long marked it were almost gone; but now,
+strangely enough, they seem strong and deep as ever. He looks too in
+wonderfully good color."</p>
+
+<p>At 2 o'clock in the morning, it was evident that the time had come, and
+the family gathered about the bed of the aged man, from that time none
+of them left the room until all was over. The only absentee was little
+Dorothy Drew, who tearfully complained that her grandfather did not know
+her. Behind the family circle stood the physicians and the nurses, and
+the old coachman, who had been unable to be present when the other
+servants took their farewell, and who was now sent for to witness the
+closing scene.</p>
+
+<p>The end was most peaceful. There were no signs of bodily pain or of
+mental distress. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read prayers and repeated
+hymns. The nurse continued to bathe with spirits the brow of the
+patient, who showed gratitude by murmuring, "How nice!" While the son
+was engaged in praying, came the gentle, almost perceptible cessation of
+life, and the great man was no more. So quietly had he breathed his
+last, that the family did not know it until it was announced by the
+medical attendants. The weeping family then filed slowly from the room,
+Mrs. Gladstone was led into another room and induced to lie down. The
+only spoken evidence that Mr. Gladstone realized his surroundings in his
+last moments was when his son recited the litany. Then the dying man
+murmured, "Amen." This was the last word spoken by Mr. Gladstone and was
+uttered just before he died.</p>
+
+<p>The death of Mr. Gladstone was announced to the people of Hawarden by
+the tolling of the church bell. The following bulletin was posted at 6
+a.m.: "In the natural course of things the funeral will be at Hawarden.
+Mr. Gladstone expressed a strong wish to have no flowers at his funeral;
+and the family will be grateful if this desire is strictly respected."</p>
+
+<p>There was something indescribably pathetic in the daily bulletins about
+Mr. Gladstone. All the world knew that he was afflicted with a fatal but
+slow disease, and all the world was struck with wondering admiration at
+his sustained fortitude, patience, and resignation. The tragedy of a
+life, devoted simply and purely to the public service, drawing to an end
+in so long an agony, was a spectacle that struck home to the heart of
+the most callous. These bulletins were posted on the front door of the
+Jubilee Porch, at Hawarden Castle, at 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 10 o'clock at
+night daily, and published throughout the world.</p>
+
+<p>When the sad event was announced that Mr. Gladstone had passed away, the
+action of the House of Commons was prompt, decided and sympathetic. The
+House was crowded Thursday, May 19, when Speaker Gully called upon the
+government leader, Mr. A. J. Balfour, the First Lord of the Treasury,
+and all the members uncovering their heads, Mr. Balfour said:</p>
+
+<p>"I think it will be felt in all parts of the House that we should do
+fitting honor to the great man whose long and splendid career closed
+to-day, by adjourning.</p>
+
+<p>"This is not the occasion for uttering the thoughts which naturally
+suggest themselves. That occasion will present itself to-morrow, when it
+will be my duty to submit to the House an address to the Queen, praying
+her to grant the honor of a public funeral, if such honor is not
+inconsistent with the expressed wishes of himself or of those who have
+the right to speak in his behalf, and also praying the Queen to direct
+that a public monument be erected at Westminster with an inscription
+expressive of the public admiration, attachment and high estimate
+entertained by the House of Mr. Gladstone's rare and splendid gifts and
+devoted labors in Parliament and in high offices of State.</p>
+
+<p>"Before actually moving the adjournment, I have to propose a formal
+resolution that the House to-morrow resolve itself into committee to
+draw up an address, the contents of which I have just indicated."</p>
+
+<p>After a word of assent from Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Liberal
+leader, the resolution was adopted and the House adjourned.</p>
+
+<p>The House of Commons was crowded again on Friday, and went into
+committee of the whole to consider the address to the Queen in regard
+to the interment of the remains of Mr. Gladstone in Westminster Abbey.
+Not since the introduction of the Home Rule Bill by Mr. Gladstone had
+there been such an assemblage in the House, members filled every seat,
+clustered on the steps of the speaker's dais, and occupied every space.
+The galleries were all filled. In the Peer's gallery were the foremost
+members of the House of Lords. United States Ambassador Hay and all his
+staff were present with other Ambassadors. The members of the House were
+in deep mourning, and all removed their hats, as if in the presence of
+the dead. An unusual hush overspread all. After the prayer by the
+chaplain, there was an impressive silence for a quarter of an hour,
+before Mr. Balfour rose to speak. The whole scene was profoundly
+affecting. The eulogies of Mr. Gladstone formed an historic episode.
+All, without respect to party, united in honoring their late illustrious
+countryman.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Balfour delivered a brilliant panegyric of the dead statesman, and
+his speech was eloquent and displayed great taste. He was so ill,
+however, from weakness of heart that he was barely able to totter to his
+place and to ask the indulgence of the speaker while he rested, before
+offering his oration. He was too sick for the sad duty imposed upon him,
+but he preferred to pay this last tribute to his friend. The
+circumstances were painful, but added a dramatic touch to the scene.
+His oration was lengthy and his eulogy spoken with evident emotion. He
+concluded by formally moving the presentation of the address to the
+Queen. The Liberal Leader, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the political as
+well as the personal friend of Mr. Gladstone, seconded the motion. He
+paid a heartfelt tribute to the memory of his eminent colleague, and
+spoke in a vein of lofty and glowing eloquence until overcome with
+emotion, so that he had to stop thrice to wipe his eyes; finally he
+completely broke down and was unable to proceed.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dillon, the Irish leader, in a speech of five minutes duration, and
+in his most oratorical style, dwelt on Mr. Gladstone's fervid sympathy
+for the oppressed people of all races, and touched a chord which stirred
+the House. As Mr. Dillon had spoken for Ireland, so Mr. Abel Thomas
+followed as the representative of Wales.</p>
+
+<p>The address to the Queen was unanimously adopted.</p>
+
+<p>In the House of Lords there was also a full attendance of members. The
+Marquis of Salisbury, Prime Minister, spoke feelingly of Mr. Gladstone,
+who, he said, "was ever guided in all his efforts by a lofty moral
+idea". The deceased will be remembered, not so much for his political
+work as for the great example, hardly paralleled in history, of the
+great Christian Statesman.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl of Kimberly, the liberal leader in the House of Lords, followed
+in a touching tribute, and the Duke of Devonshire expressed generous
+appreciation of Mr. Gladstone's services in behalf of the Liberal
+Unionists, saying their severance from Mr. Gladstone was a most painful
+incident. But, he added, he could "recall no word from Mr. Gladstone
+which added unnecessarily to the bitterness of the situation." The Earl
+of Rosebery delivered an eloquent panegyric. The honors of the occasion
+were unanimously accorded to him, whose eulogy of his predecessor in the
+leadership of the liberal party was a masterpiece of its kind. He spoke
+of the triumphs of life rather than the sorrows of death. Death was not
+all sadness. His life was full&mdash;-his memory remains. To all time he is
+an example for our race and mankind. He instanced as an illustration of
+the fine courtesy always observed by Mr. Gladstone towards his political
+opponents, that the last letter he had written with his own hand was a
+private note to Lady Salisbury, several weeks since, congratulating her
+and her husband on their providential escape from a carriage accident at
+Hatfield. Lord Salisbury was visibly touched by Lord Rosebery's
+reference to this circumstance.</p>
+
+<p>The House of Lords then adopted the Resolution to the Queen.</p>
+
+
+
+<p>The body of Mr. Gladstone, un-coffined, was laid on a couch in the
+Library of the Castle&mdash;the room called the Temple of Peace. He was
+dressed in a suit of black cloth, over which were the scarlet robes of
+the university, and by his side the cap was placed. His hands were
+folded on his breast. He rested on a most beautiful white satin cloth,
+with a rich border in Eastern embroidery. Above his head in letters of
+gold were the words sewn into the satin: "Requiescat in pace." There was
+the beauty of death&mdash;the terror was all gone. During Tuesday the body
+was viewed by the tenants on the estate, the neighbors and friends.</p>
+
+
+<a name="554"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0554 (109K)" src="images/554.jpg" height="628" width="849">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>On Wednesday morning, May 25th, at 6 o'clock, the remains, having been
+enclosed in a plain panelled elm coffin, were removed to the village
+church, where they were lying in state during the day. The body was
+carried by half-a-dozen old retainers of the family to a bier on wheels,
+on which it was taken to the church, over the lawn, following the
+private path Mr. Gladstone used to tread on his way to church, and past
+the favorite nooks of the deceased in the park. The family&mdash;excepting
+Mrs. Gladstone, who came later, tenants, servants, friends, local
+officials and neighbors followed in procession, Thousands of people were
+arriving by public and private conveyances at Hawarden. At eleven
+o'clock the doors of the church were opened, when men, women and
+children, from all the surrounding country, and even tourists from
+abroad, entered to view the remains. All day long a constant stream of
+people poured into the church, while the streets were filled with people
+unable to gain admittance. Several ladies fainted from excess of emotion
+when passing the bier, and many men and women dropped on their knees and
+silently prayed.</p>
+
+<a name="553"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0553 (115K)" src="images/553.jpg" height="638" width="999">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>At 6 o'clock in the evening the body was removed from Hawarden Church
+and carried to the station for the journey to London. The procession to
+bear the remains was composed of the family, representatives of
+organizations, friends and neighbors. Vast crowds lined the route, afoot
+and in every kind of vehicle. The cortege stopped at the entrance to the
+Park&mdash;Hawarden Lodge, and sang one of Mr. Gladstone's favorite hymns.
+Again, when the procession reached the Castle, it paused at the entrance
+and sang another hymn loved by the late resident of the house, and went
+on its way to Broughton Hall Station. Every step of the way, after
+leaving the park, was again lined with sympathetic spectators. While at
+the station the spectacle was remarkable for the surrounding crush of
+human beings. A special train was provided for the body and the family.
+As the body of Mr. Gladstone was placed upon the funeral car the sorrow
+of the people was manifest. The representatives of the Earl Marshall, of
+England, took possession of the funeral at this point. Henry and Herbert
+Gladstone accompanied the body to London and Mrs. Gladstone and family
+returned to the castle to follow later.</p>
+
+
+
+<a name="552"></a>
+<br><br>
+<center>
+<img alt="Illus0552 (128K)" src="images/552.jpg" height="614" width="884">
+</center>
+<br><br>
+
+
+
+<p>All along the route to London grief-stricken people were standing to
+view the funeral train as it passed at Chester, Crewe, Rugby, Stafford
+and Farnworth until the darkness and lateness of the night shut out
+the scene.</p>
+
+<p>When the train reached London and passed to Westminster, it was early in
+the morning. A group of some thirty gentlemen, connected with the
+ceremonies, was at the station; among them the Duke of Norfolk, About
+two hundred people looked silently on while the body was removed from
+the train to the hearse, and the funeral cortege moved on to Westminster
+Hall at once and entered the Palace Yard just as "Big Ben" tolled the
+hour of one like a funeral knell.</p>
+
+<p>The coffin was placed in position for lying in state in Westminster
+Hall, and at about 3 o'clock Canon Wilberforce conducted a special
+service in the presence of Henry and Herbert Gladstone and several
+members of the House of Commons.</p>
+
+<p>The scenes that followed were remarkably impressive and unparalleled.
+The people began to arrive at Westminster at 2 o'clock in the morning.
+The line formed was continually augmented by all classes of
+people,&mdash;peers, peeresses, cabinet members, members of the House of
+Commons, military and naval officers, clergymen, costermongers, old and
+young, until 6 o'clock, when the doors were opened and the procession
+commenced to stream into the Hall, and passed the catafalque.</p>
+
+<p>This long procession of mourners continued all day Thursday and Friday.
+Two hundred thousand people, at least, paid homage to the dead
+statesman. On Friday evening, after the crowd had departed, large
+delegations, representing Liberal organizations from all parts of the
+kingdom, visited the Hall, by special arrangement, and fifteen hundred
+of them paid respect to the memory of their late leader.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday morning, May 28, thousands of people assembled in the square
+outside to witness the passage of the funeral cortege from Westminster
+Hall, where it was formed, to the Abbey, to find sepulchre in the tomb
+of kings. The procession passed through two lines of policemen. It was
+not a military parade, with all its pomp, but a ceremony made glorious
+by the homage of the people, among them the greatest of the nation. The
+funeral was in every respect impressive, dignified and lofty, in every
+way worthy the great civilian, and the nation that accorded him a
+public burial with its greatest dead. And the people were there. Every
+spot on which the eye rested swarmed with human beings. They looked from
+the windows of the hospital, and from the roofs of houses. Everybody was
+dressed in black.</p>
+
+<p>The principal officials had assembled in Westminster Hall at 10 o'clock.
+The Bishop of London, the Right Rev. Mandell Creighton, D.D., read a
+brief prayer and at 10.30 o'clock the procession had formed and slowly
+passed through the crowds who with uncovered heads stood on either side
+of short pathway, a distance 300 yards, to the western entrance of the
+Abbey, between two ranks of the Eton Volunteers, the boys of the school
+where Mr. Gladstone received his early education, in their
+buff uniforms.</p>
+
+<p>The pall-bearers who walked on each side of the coffin were perhaps the
+personages who attracted the most attention during the day. They were
+the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Marquis of Salisbury, the
+Earl of Kimberly, A. J. Balfour, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Duke
+of Rutland, Lord Rosebery, Baron Rendel and George Armitstead, the two
+latter being life-long friends of the deceased statesman.</p>
+
+<p>When Mrs. Gladstone entered the Abbey the whole assembly rose and
+remained standing until she was seated. This honor was accorded only
+once beside&mdash;when the Princess of Wales, the Princess Mary and the
+Duchess of York appeared.</p>
+
+<p>The Abbey was filled with people. Every gallery, balcony and niche high
+up among the rafters held a cluster of deeply interested spectators.
+Temporary galleries had been erected in long tiers around the open
+grave, which was in the floor of the Abbey. There were 2,500 persons
+assembled in the Abbey, all&mdash;both men and women&mdash;clothed in black,
+except a few officials whose regalia relieved this sombre background by
+its brilliancy. The two Houses of Parliament sat facing each other,
+seated on temporary seats on opposite sides of the grave. About them
+were the mayors of the principal cities, delegates from Liberal
+organizations, representatives of other civic and political societies,
+representatives of the Non-Conformists, while the long nave was crowded
+with thousands of men and women, among them being most of the
+celebrities in all branches of English life. In each gallery was a
+presiding officer with his official mace beside him, whose place was in
+the centre, and who was its most prominent figure. It was a
+distinguished assembly in a famous place. Beneath were the illustrious
+dead; around were the illustrious living.</p>
+
+<p>The members of the bereaved family sat in the stall nearest the
+bier&mdash;Mrs. Gladstone, her sons Henry, Herbert and Stephen; with other
+members of the family, children and grand-children, including little
+Dorothy Drew, Mr. Gladstone's favorite grand-child, in her new mourning.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of York occupied the Dean's pew
+opposite. Other royalties were present in person or by their
+representatives.</p>
+
+<p>Within the chancel stood the Dean of Westminster, and behind him were
+gathered the cathedral clergy, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the
+scarlet and white surpliced choir, filling the chapel.</p>
+
+<p>It was the wish of the deceased for simplicity, but he was buried with a
+nation's homage in the tomb of kings. In the northern transept, known as
+the "Statesmen's Corner", of Westminster Abbey, where England's greatest
+dead rests, the body of Mr. Gladstone was entombed. His grave is near
+the graves of Pitt, Palmerston, Canning and Peel, beside that of his
+life-long political adversary, Lord Beaconsfield (Benjamin Disraeli),
+whose marble effigy looks down upon it, decked with the regalia Mr.
+Gladstone had so often refused. Two possible future kings of Great
+Britain walked besides the great commoner's coffin and stood beside his
+grave, and all the nobility and learning of the nation surrounded his
+bier. This state funeral, the first since that of Lord Palmerston, was
+rendered more imposing by the magnificence of the edifice in which it
+was solemnized. The coffin rested on an elevated bier before the altar,
+its plainness hidden beneath a pall of white-and gold embroidered cloth.</p>
+
+<p>A choir of one hundred male singers, which had awaited the coffin at the
+entrance to the Abbey, preceded it along the nave, chanting, "I am the
+Resurrection and the Life." When the coffin was laid on the bier,
+Purcell's funeral chant, "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge," was sung,
+and Dean Bradley and the whole assemblage sang, "Rock of Ages," and then
+while the coffin was being borne along the aisle to the grave, sang Mr.
+Gladstone's favorite hymn, "Praise to the Holiest in the Height."</p>
+
+<p>The choir of Westminster Abbey is said to be fine at any time, but for
+this great occasion special arrangements had been made, and there was a
+recruiting of the best voices from several of the choirs of London, and
+many musical instruments beside. The result was to win general praise
+for the beauty, harmony and perfection of the music. The weird, dismal
+strains of a quartette of trombones, in a recess far above the heads of
+the congregation, playing the three splendid "Equali," Beethoven's
+funeral hymn, swept through the vaulted roof of the Abbey, in pure tones
+never to be forgotten. When these ceased and finally died away, the
+great organ and a band of brass instruments took up Schubert's funeral
+march, booming sonorously; and changed to Beethoven's funeral march with
+a clash of cymbals in the orchestral accompaniment. A third march being
+required, owing to the time needed by the procession to reach the Abbey,
+"Marche Solennelle" was played.</p>
+
+<p>The choir, and a large number of bishops and other clergy, joined the
+procession at the west door and together they all proceeded to
+the grave.</p>
+
+<p>There was no sermon. The service was simple and solemn. The final paean
+of victory over death and the grave from Paul's great epistle was read,
+and the last hymn sung was, "Oh God! Our Help in Ages Past." The dean
+read the appointed appropriate service, committing the body to the
+earth, and then the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a loud voice,
+pronounced the benediction. The family and others near the grave kneeled
+during the concluding ceremonies, and then Mrs. Gladstone was helped
+from her knees to her unoccupied chair at the head of the grave.</p>
+
+<p>After the benediction came one of the saddest moments of the day. Mrs.
+Gladstone stood, with great courage and composure, throughout the
+service, supported on the arms of her two sons, Herbert and Stephen, and
+with other members of her family near the grave. Her face was lifted
+upward, and her lips were moving as though repeating the lines of the
+service. She also kept standing during the one official feature of the
+service; "The Proclamation by Garter, by Norroy, King of Arms, of the
+Style of the Deceased," as the official programme had it, and in which
+the various offices which Mr. Gladstone had held in his lifetime, were
+enumerated. Then, when the final word was spoken, the widow, still
+supported by her sons, approached the edge of the grave and there took a
+last, long look and was conducted away. Other relatives followed, and
+then most of the members of Parliament. Finally the Prince of Wales, the
+Duke of York and other pall-bearers defiled past the grave, took a last
+view of the coffin in the deep grave, and when they had been escorted
+down the nave to entrance, the people slowly departed.</p>
+
+<p>The "Dead March" from "Saul" and the "Marche Solennelle" of Schubert
+was played as the congregation slowly wended its way out of the
+sacred edifice.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the most solemn function of all, witnessed by none but the
+Gladstone family and the officials, was when the casket was opened
+shortly after midnight on Thursday to allow the Earl Marshal to verify
+with his own eyes that it really contained the remains of the dead
+statesman. It was said that the old man's face, seen for the last time
+by the Duke of Norfolk, who is responsible to England for his sacred
+charge, was more peaceful and younger looking than it had seemed for
+years. At the very last moment a small gold Armenian cross, a memento of
+that nation for which the great statesman worked so zealously, was
+placed by his side. Then all was sealed.</p>
+
+<p>As the deceased statesman was undoubtedly the greatest parliamentarian
+of our time, the following concise expressions with regard to his
+character and influence have been collected from a number of
+representative members of different political parties in both Houses of
+Parliament:</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis of Londonderry said: "What impressed me about Mr. Gladstone
+was his extraordinary moral influence."</p>
+
+<p>Lord George Hamilton: "I doubt whether we ever had a parliamentarian who
+equalled Mr. Gladstone."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis of Lorne: "I share the universal regret at Mr. Gladstone's
+death as a personal loss."</p>
+
+<p>Sir John Gorst: "One feature, which greatly distinguished Mr. Gladstone,
+was his remarkable candour in debate. He never affected to misunderstand
+his opponents' arguments, and spared no pains in trying to make his own
+meaning understood."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Charles Dilke: "I think Mr. Gladstone's leading personal
+characteristic was his old-fashioned courtesy. Whilst a statesman, his
+absolute mastery of finance, both in its principles and details, was
+incomparably superior to that of any of his contemporaries."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Thomas Ellis, the chief Liberal Whip, confessed that the greatest
+interest of his life in Parliament was to watch Mr. Gladstone's face.
+"It was like the sea in the fascination of its infinite variety, and of
+its incalculable reserve and strength. Every motion in his great soul
+was reflected in his face and form. To have had opportunities of
+watching that face, and of witnessing one triumph after another, is a
+precious privilege, for some of the charms of his face, as of his
+oratory and character, were incommunicable. He more than any man helped
+to build up and shape the present commercial and political fabric of
+Britain, but to struggling nations his words and deeds were as the
+breath of life."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Joseph Pease: "His memory will be kept green by a grateful country.
+Death soon buries the battle-axe of party, and he who devoted a long
+life and immense intellectual power, coupled with strong convictions on
+moral and Christian ethics, to the well being of his country and the
+world, will never be forgotten by the English people."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. James Bryce, author of "The American Commonwealth": "This sad event
+is the most noble and pathetic closing of a great life which we have
+seen in England in historical memory. I cannot recall any other case in
+which the whole nation has followed the setting of the sun of life with
+such sympathy, such regret, and such admiration."</p>
+
+<p>Lord Kinnaird: "Few men in public life have been able to draw out such
+personal love and devotion from his followers and friends. In the midst
+of an ever-busy life he was always ready to take his part in the
+conflict of right against wrong, of truth against error, and he earned
+the gratitude of all patriots, for he was never ashamed of contending
+that no true progress could be made which left out of sight the moral
+well-being of the people."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Labouchere: "What impressed me most in Mr. Gladstone was his power
+of concentrated effort. Once he had decided on a course, action at once
+followed. Every thought was bent to attain the end, no labour was deemed
+to arduous. He alone knew how to deal with supporters and opponents. The
+former he inspired with his own fierce energy."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. John Redmond, leader of the Parnellite group of the Irish
+Nationalists: "The loss to England is absolutely incalculable. I regard
+Mr. Gladstone as having been the greatest parliamentarian of the age,
+and the greatest parliamentary orator. Englishmen of all parties ought
+to be grateful to him for his services in promoting the greatness and
+prosperity of their empire."</p>
+
+<p>John Dillon: "The greatest and most patriotic of Englishmen. If I were
+asked to say what I think most characteristic of Gladstone, I should say
+his abiding love for the common people and his faith in the government
+founded upon them, so that, while he remained the most patriotic of
+Englishmen, he is to-day mourned with equal intensity throughout the
+civilized world."</p>
+
+<p>Justin McCarthy, M. P.: "The death of Mr. Gladstone closes a career
+which may be described as absolutely unique in English political
+history. It was the career of a great statesman, whose statesmanship was
+first and last inspired, informed and guided by conscience, by
+principle, and by love of justice. There were great English statesmen
+before Mr. Gladstone's time and during Mr. Gladstone's time, but we
+shall look in vain for an example of any statesman in office, who made
+genius and eloquence, as Mr. Gladstone did, the mere servants of
+righteousness and conscientious purpose. Into the mind of Gladstone no
+thought of personal ambition or personal advancement ever entered. He
+was as conscientious as Burke. In the brilliancy of his gifts he was at
+least the equal of Bolingbroke. He was as great an orator as either
+Pitt, and he has left the imprint of his intellect on beneficent
+political and social legislation. In eloquence he far surpassed Cobden
+and was the peer of Bright, while his position as Parliamentary leader
+enabled him to initiate and carry out measures of reform which Bright
+and Cobden could only support. He was, in short, the greatest and the
+best Prime Minister known to English history."</p>
+
+<p>Michael Davitt: "One can only join with the whole world in admiration of
+the almost boundless talents of Mr. Gladstone, which were devoted with
+unparalleled power of charm to the service of his fellow-men. He was
+probably the greatest British statesman and leaves behind a record of a
+career unequalled in the annals of English politics. For the magnitude
+of his national labors and integrity of his personal character, Irishmen
+will remember him gratefully."</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Daily Chronicle</i> heads its editorial with a quotation from
+Wordsworth:</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<p> "This is the happy warrior: this is he:<br>
+     That every man in arms should wish to be."</p>
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+<p>The editorial says: "A glorious light has been extinguished in the land;
+all his life lies in the past, a memory to us and our children; an
+inspiration and possession forever. The end has come as to a soldier at
+his post. It found him calm, expectant, faithful, unshaken. Death has
+come robed in the terrors of mortal pain; but what better can be said
+than that as he taught his fellows how to live, so he has taught them
+how to die?</p>
+
+<p>"It is impossible at this hour to survey the mighty range of this
+splendid life. We would assign to him the title. 'The Great Nationalist
+of the Nineteenth Century;' the greatest of the master-builders of
+modern England. Timidity had no place in Mr. Gladstone's soul. Ho was a
+lion among men, endowed with a granite strength of will and purpose,
+rare indeed in our age of feeble convictions."</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Daily News</i> says: "One of his most characteristics qualities was
+his personal humility. This cannot be explained without the key, for Mr.
+Gladstone did not in the ordinary meaning of the word, underrate
+himself. He was not easy to persuade. He paid little attention to other
+people's opinions when his mind was made up. He was quite aware of his
+own ascendency in counsel and his supremacy in debate. The secret of his
+humility was an abiding sense that these things were of no importance
+compared with the relations between God's creatures and their Creator,
+Mr. Gladstone once said with characteristic candour that he had a
+vulnerable temper. He was quickly moved to indignation by whatever he
+thought injurious either to himself or to others, and was incapable of
+concealing his emotions, for, if he said nothing, his countenance showed
+what he felt. More expressive features were never given to man.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Gladstone's exquisite courtesy, which in and out of Parliament was
+the model for all, proceeded from the same source. It was essentially
+Christian. Moreover, nobody laughed more heartily over an anecdote that
+was really good. He was many men in one; but he impressed all alike with
+the essential greatness of his character.</p>
+
+<p>"He was built mentally and morally on a large scale. Of course it cannot
+be denied that such a face, such a voice, such natural dignity, and such
+perfect gesture produced in themselves an immense effect. There was
+nothing common-place about him. Mr. Gladstone was absolutely simple; and
+his simplicity was not the least attractive element of his fascinating
+personality.</p>
+
+<p>"His life presented aspects of charm to all minds. His learning
+captivated the scholar, his eloquence and statesmanship the politician,
+his financial genius the business man; while his domestic relations and
+simple human graciousness appealed to all hearts.</p>
+
+<p>"'There is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.'"</p>
+
+<p><i>Public Ledger</i>, Philadelphia: "To write Gladstone's career is to write
+the history of the Victorian era and that of the closing years of the
+reign of William IV, for Gladstone took his seat in Parliament for the
+first time in 1832, two years after he was out of college, and
+Victoria's accession took place in 1837. Since that remote day Gladstone
+has been four times Premier; has delivered numberless speeches of the
+highest order of excellence; has published a multitude of pamphlets and
+volumes which attest consummate intellectual gifts, and has been a great
+force in English statesmanship and scholarship through an exceptionally
+long life and almost to the very close of it. It has been given to
+exceedingly few men to play so great, so transcendent a role in any
+country or at any time."</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook
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@@ -0,0 +1,11967 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Grand Old Man
+
+Author: Richard B. Cook
+
+Posting Date: November 17, 2011 [EBook #9900]
+Release Date: February, 2006
+First Posted: November 4, 2003
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAND OLD MAN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charlie Kirschner, Tom
+Allen, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE GRAND OLD MAN
+
+OR THE
+
+Life and Public Services
+
+of
+
+The Right Honorable William Ewart
+
+GLADSTONE
+
+
+Four Times
+
+Prime Minister of England
+
+BY
+
+Richard B. Cook, D.D.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+William E. Gladstone was cosmopolitan. The Premier of the British Empire
+is ever a prominent personage, but he has stood above them all. For more
+than half a century he has been the active advocate of liberty, morality
+and religion, and of movements that had for their object the prosperity,
+advancement and happiness of men. In all this he has been upright,
+disinterested and conscientious in word and deed. He has proved himself
+to be the world's champion of human rights. For these reasons he has
+endeared himself to all men wherever civilization has advanced to
+enlighten and to elevate in this wide world.
+
+With the closing of the 19th century the world is approaching a crisis
+in which every nation is involved. For a time the map of the world
+might as well be rolled up. Great questions that have agitated one or
+more nations have convulsed the whole earth because steam and
+electricity have annihilated time and space. Questions that have sprung
+up between England and Africa, France and Prussia, China and Japan,
+Russia and China, Turkey and Armenia, Greece and Turkey, Spain and
+America have proved international and have moved all nations. The daily
+proceedings of Congress at Washington are discussed in Japan.
+
+In these times of turning and overturning, of discontent and unrest, of
+greed and war, when the needs of the nations most demand men of
+world-wide renown, of great experience in government and diplomacy, and
+of firm hold upon the confidence of the people; such men as, for
+example, Gladstone, Salisbury, Bismark, Crispi and Li Hung Chang, who
+have led the mighty advance of civilization, are passing away. Upon
+younger men falls the heavy burden of the world, and the solution of the
+mighty problems of this climax of the most momentous of all centuries.
+
+However, the Record of these illustrious lives remains to us for
+guidance and inspiration. History is the biography of great men. The
+lamp of history is the beacon light of many lives. The biography of
+William E. Gladstone is the history, not only of the English
+Parliament, but of the progress of civilization in the earth for the
+whole period of his public life. With the life of Mr. Gladstone in his
+hand, the student of history or the young statesman has a light to guide
+him and to help him solve those intricate problems now perplexing the
+nations, and upon the right solution of which depends Christian
+civilization--the liberties, progress, prosperity and happiness of the
+human race.
+
+Hence, the life and public services of the Grand Old Man cannot fail to
+be of intense interest to all, particularly to the English, because he
+has repeatedly occupied the highest position under the sovereign of
+England, to the Irish whether Protestant or Catholic, north or south,
+because of his advocacy of (Reforms) for Ireland; to the Scotch because
+of his Scottish descent; to the German because he reminds them of their
+own great chancellor, the Unifier of Germany, Prince Bismarck; and to
+the American because he was ever the champion of freedom; and as there
+has been erected in Westminster Abbey a tablet to the memory of Lord
+Howe, so will the American people enshrine in their hearts, among the
+greatest of the great, the memory of William Ewart Gladstone.
+
+     "In youth a student and in eld a sage;
+        Lover of freedom; of mankind the friend;
+        Noble in aim from childhood to the end;
+      Great is thy mark upon historic page."
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+ANCESTRY AND BIRTH
+
+CHAPTER II
+AT ETON AND OXFORD
+
+CHAPTER III
+EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES
+
+CHAPTER IV
+BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE
+
+CHAPTER V
+TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE
+
+CHAPTER VI
+ENTERS THE CABINET
+
+CHAPTER VII
+MEMBER FOR OXFORD
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+CHAPTER IX
+THE FIRST BUDGET
+
+CHAPTER X
+THE CRIMEAN WAR
+
+CHAPTER XI
+IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT
+
+CHAPTER XII
+HOMERIC STUDIES
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+GREAT BUDGETS
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER
+
+CHAPTER XV
+THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+THE EASTERN QUESTION
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME
+
+CHAPTER XX
+IN PRIVATE LIFE
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+CLOSING SCENES
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone entering Palace Yard, Westminster.]
+
+
+
+                        "In thought, word and deed,
+     How throughout all thy warfare thou wast pure,
+     I find it easy to believe."
+                                --ROBERT BROWNING
+
+
+
+
+List of Illustrations.
+
+WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE (_Frontispiece_)
+
+GLADSTONE ENTERING PALACE YARD, WESTMINSTER
+
+GLADSTONE AND SISTER
+
+INTERIOR OF THE OLD HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+BIRTHPLACE OF GLADSTONE
+
+GLIMPSES OF GLADSTONE'S EARLIER YEARS
+
+HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
+
+GLADSTONE'S LONDON RESIDENCE
+
+LOBBY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+GRATTAN
+
+KILMAINHAM JAIL
+
+GLADSTONE'S MARRIAGE AT HAWARDEN
+
+NO. 10 DOWNING STREET, LONDON
+
+THE PARK GATE, HAWARDEN
+
+OLD HAWARDEN CASTLE
+
+HAWARDEN CASTLE, FROM THE PARK
+
+WATERFALL IN HAWARDEN PARK
+
+COURT YARD, HAWARDEN
+
+GLADSTONE READING THE LESSONS AT HAWARDEN CHURCH
+
+THE REV. H. DREW
+
+DOROTHY'S DOVECOTE
+
+DINING-ROOM IN THE ORPHANAGE
+
+STAIRCASE IN THE ORPHANAGE
+
+HAWARDEN CHURCH
+
+HAWARDEN CASTLE
+
+LOYAL ULSTER
+
+GLADSTONE'S EARLY ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES
+
+GLADSTONE'S LATER ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES
+
+GLADSTONE IN WALES
+
+CITY AND COUNTY VOLUNTEERS OF DUBLIN
+
+CONDITION OF IRELAND, 1882
+
+GLADSTONE VISITING NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+GLADSTONE INTRODUCING HIS FIRST BUDGET
+
+THE SUNDERLAND SHIPOWNER SURPRISED
+
+FAMILY GROUP AT HAWARDEN
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
+
+GLADSTONE AND GRANDDAUGHTER
+
+GLADSTONE'S AXE
+
+GLADSTONE FAMILY GROUP
+
+SALISBURY MINISTRY DEFEATED
+
+THE OLD LION
+
+GLADSTONE'S RECEPTION IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+GLADSTONE'S MAIL
+
+RELEASE OF PARNELL, DILLON AND O'KELLY
+
+GLADSTONE ON HIS WAY HOME
+
+THE MIDLOTHIAN CAMPAIGN
+
+QUEEN VICTORIA
+
+GLADSTONE AND HIS SON, HERBERT
+
+GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+IRISH LEADERS
+
+IRISH CONSTABULARY EVICTING TENANTS
+
+GLADSTONE'S STUDY AT HAWARDEN
+
+FOURTH ADMINISTRATION CABINET
+
+GLADSTONE ON THE QUEEN'S YACHT
+
+ST. JAMES PALACE
+
+QUEEN AND PREMIER
+
+GLADSTONE IN HIS STUDY, READING
+
+MR. AND MRS. GLADSTONE, 1897
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY.
+
+There are few, even among those who differed from him, who would deny to
+Mr. Gladstone the title of a great statesman: and in order to appreciate
+his wonderful career, it is necessary to realize the condition of the
+world of thought, manners and works at the time when he entered
+public life.
+
+In medicine there was no chloroform; in art the sun had not been
+enlisted in portraiture; railways were just struggling into existence;
+the electric telegraph was unknown; gas was an unfashionable light;
+postage was dear, and newspapers were taxed.
+
+In literature, Scott had just died; Carlyle was awaiting the publication
+of his first characteristic book; Tennyson was regarded as worthy of
+hope because of his juvenile poems; Macaulay was simply a brilliant
+young man who had written some stirring verse and splendid prose; the
+Brontes were schoolgirls; Thackeray was dreaming of becoming an artist;
+Dickens had not written a line of fiction; Browning and George Eliot
+were yet to come.
+
+In theology, Newman was just emerging from evangelicalism; Pusey was an
+Oxford tutor; Samuel Wilberforce a village curate; Henry Manning a young
+graduate; and Darwin was commencing that series of investigations which
+revolutionized the popular conception of created things.
+
+Princess, afterwards Queen Victoria, was a girl of thirteen; Cobden a
+young calico printer; Bright a younger cotton spinner; Palmerston was
+regarded as a man-about-town, and Disraeli as a brilliant and eccentric
+novelist with parliamentary ambition. The future Marquis of Salisbury
+and Prime Minister of Great Britain was an infant scarcely out of arms;
+Lord Rosebery, (Mr. Gladstone's successor in the Liberal Premiership),
+Lord Spencer, Lord Herschell, Mr. John Morley, Mr. Campbell-Bannerman,
+Mr. Asquith, Mr. Brice, Mr. Acland and Mr. Arnold Morley, or more than
+half the members of his latest cabinet remained to be born; as did also
+the Duke of Devonshire, Mr. Balfour and Mr. Chamberlain, among those who
+were his keenest opponents toward the end of his public career.
+
+At last the end of Mr. Gladstone's public life arrived, but it had been
+extended to an age greater than that at which any English statesman had
+ever conducted the government of his country.
+
+Of the significance of the life of this great man, it would be
+superfluous to speak. The story will signally fail of its purpose if it
+does not carry its own moral with it. We can best conclude these
+introductory remarks by applying to the subject of the following pages,
+some words which he applied a generation ago to others:
+
+In the sphere of common experience we see some human beings live and
+die, and furnish by their life no special lessons visible to man, but
+only that general teaching in elementary and simple forms which is
+derivable from every particle of human histories. Others there have
+been, who, from the times when their young lives first, as it were,
+peeped over the horizon, seemed at once to--
+
+       "'Flame in the forehead of the evening sky,'"
+     --Whose lengthening years have been but one growing
+              splendor, and who at last--
+       "------Leave a lofty name,
+     A light, a landmark on the cliffs of fame."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+ANCESTRY AND BIRTH
+
+All history, says Emerson, "resolves itself into the biographies of a
+few stout and earnest persons." These remarks find exemplification in
+the life of William Ewart Gladstone, of whom they are pre-eminently
+true. His recorded life, from the early period of his graduation to his
+fourth premiership, would embrace in every important respect not only
+the history of the British Empire, but very largely the international
+events of every nation of the world for more than half a century.
+
+William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., D.C.L., statesman, orator and scholar,
+was born December 27, 1809, in Liverpool, England. The house in which he
+was born, number 62 Rodney Street, a commodious and imposing
+"double-fronted" dwelling of red brick, is still standing. In the
+neighborhood of the Rodney Street house, and a few years before or after
+the birth of William E. Gladstone, a number of distinguished persons
+were born, among them William Roscoe, the writer and philanthropist,
+John Gibson, the sculptor, Doctor Bickersteth, the late Bishop of Ripon,
+Mrs. Hemans, the poetess, and Doctor James Martineau, Professor of
+Mental and Moral Philosophy in Manchester New College, and the brother
+of Harriet Martineau, the authoress.
+
+The Gladstone family, or Gledstanes, which was the original family name,
+was of Scottish origin. The derivation of the name is obvious enough to
+any one familiar with the ancestral home. A _gled_ is a hawk, and that
+fierce and beautiful bird would have found its natural refuge among the
+_stanes_, or rocks, of the craggy moorlands which surround the
+"fortalice of gledstanes." As far back as 1296 Herbert de Gledstane
+figures in the Ragman Roll as one of the lairds who swore fealty to
+Edward I. His descendants for generations held knightly rank, and bore
+their part in the adventurous life of the Border. The chief stock was
+settled at Liberton, in the upper part of Clydesdale. It was a family of
+Scottish lairds, holding large estates in the sixteenth century. The
+estate dwindled, and in the beginning of the seventeenth century passed
+out of their hands, except the adjacent property of Authurshiel, which
+remained in their possession for a hundred years longer. A younger
+branch of the family--the son of the last of the Gledstanes of
+Arthurshiel--after many generations, came to dwell at Biggar, in
+Lanarkshire, where he conducted the business of a "maltster," or
+grain merchant.
+
+Here, and at about this time, the name was changed to Gladstones, and a
+grandson of the maltster of Biggar, Thomas Gladstones, settled in Leith
+and there became a "corn-merchant." He was born at Mid Toftcombs, in
+1732, and married Helen Neilson, of Springfield. His aptitude for
+business was so great that he was enabled to make ample provision for a
+large family of sixteen children. His son, John Gladstone, was the
+father of William E. Gladstone, the subject of our sketch.
+
+Some have ascribed to Mr. Gladstone an illustrious, even a royal
+ancestry, through his father's marriage. He met and married a lovely,
+cultured and pious woman of Dingwall, in Orkney, the daughter of Andrew
+Robertson, Provost of Dingwall, named Ann Robertson, whom the
+unimpeachable Sir Bernard Burke supplied with a pedigree from Henry III,
+king of England, and Robert Bruce, of Bannockburn, king of Scotland, so
+that it is royal English and Scottish blood that runs in the veins of
+Mr. Gladstone.
+
+"This alleged illustrious pedigree," says E.B. Smith, in his elaborate
+work on William E. Gladstone, "is thus traced: Lady Jane Beaufort, who
+was a descendant of Henry III, married James I, of Scotland, who was a
+descendant of Bruce. From this alliance it is said that the steps can be
+followed clearly down to the father of Miss Robertson. A Scottish writer
+upon genealogy, also referring to this matter, states that Mr. Gladstone
+is descended on the mother's side from the ancient Mackenzie of Kintail,
+through whom is introduced the blood of the Bruce, of the ancient Kings
+of Man, and of the Lords of the Isles and Earls of Ross; also from the
+Munros of Fowlis, and the Robertsons of Strowan and Athole. What was of
+more consequence to the Gladstones of recent generations, however, than
+royal blood, was the fact that by their energy and honorable enterprise
+they carved their own fortunes, and rose to positions of public esteem
+and eminence." It has been their pride that they sprang from the ranks
+of the middle classes, from which have come so many of the great men of
+England eminent in political and military life.
+
+In an address delivered at the Liverpool Collegiate Institute, December
+21, 1872, Sir John Gladstone said; "I know not why the commerce of
+England should not have its old families rejoicing to be connected with
+commerce from generation to generation. It has been so in other
+countries; I trust it may be so in this country. I think it is a subject
+of sorrow, and almost of scandal, when those families who have either
+acquired or recovered wealth and station through commerce, turn their
+backs upon it and seem to be ashamed of it. It certainly is not so with
+my brother or with me. His sons are treading in his steps, and one of my
+sons, I rejoice to say, is treading in the steps of my father and
+my brother."
+
+George W.E. Russell, in his admirable biography of Mr. William E.
+Gladstone, says, "Sir John Gladstone was a pure Scotchman, a lowlander
+by birth and descent. Provost Robertson belonged to the Clan Donachie,
+and by this marriage the robust and business-like qualities of the
+Lowlander were blended with the poetic imagination, the sensibility and
+fire of the Gael."
+
+An interesting story is told, showing how Sir John Gladstone, the father
+of William E. Gladstone, came to live in Liverpool, and enter upon his
+great business career, and where he became a merchant prince. Born at
+Leith in 1763, he in due time entered his father's business, where he
+served until he was twenty-one years old. At that time his father sent
+him to Liverpool to dispose of a cargo of grain, belonging to him, which
+had arrived at that port. His demeanor and business qualities so
+impressed Mr. Corrie, a grain merchant of that place, that he urged his
+father to let him settle there. Consent was obtained and young Gladstone
+entered the house of Corrie & Company as a clerk. His tact and
+shrewdness were soon manifest, and he was eventually taken into the firm
+as a partner, and the name of the house became Corrie, Gladstone
+& Bradshaw.
+
+John Gladstone on one occasion proved the temporary preserver of the
+firm of which he had become a member. He was sent to America to buy
+grain for the firm, in a time of great scarcity in Europe, owing to the
+failure of the crops, but he found the condition of things the same in
+America. There was no grain to be had. While in great perplexity as to
+what to do he received advices from Liverpool that twenty-four vessels
+had been dispatched for the grain he was expected to purchase, to bring
+it to Europe. The prospect was that these vessels would have to return
+to Europe empty as they had come, and the house of Corrie & Company be
+involved thereby in ruin. It was then that John Gladstone rose to the
+emergency of the occasion, and by his enterprise and energy saved
+himself and partners from financial failure, to the great surprise and
+admiration of the merchants of Liverpool. It was in this way: He made a
+thorough examination of the American markets for articles of commerce
+that could be sold in Europe to advantage, and filling his vessels with
+them sent them home. This sagacious movement not only saved his house,
+but gave him a name and place among the foremost merchants of his day.
+His name was also a synonym for push and integrity, not only on the
+Liverpool exchange, but in London and throughout all England. The
+business of the firm became very great and the wealth of its members
+very large.
+
+During the war with Napoleon, on the continent, and the war of 1812 with
+the United States, the commerce of England, as mistress of the seas, was
+injured, and the Gladstone firm suffered greatly and was among the first
+to seek peace, for its own sake and in the interests of trade. In one
+year the commerce of Liverpool declined to the amount of 140,000 tons,
+which was about one-fourth of the entire trade, and there was a decrease
+of more than $100,000 in the dock-dues of that port. John Gladstone was
+among those who successfully petitioned the British government for a
+change of its suicidal policy towards the American States.
+
+After sixteen years of successful operations, during a part of which
+time it had been government agent, the firm was dissolved and its
+business was continued by John Gladstone. His six brothers having
+followed him from Leith to Liverpool, he took into partnership with him
+his brother Robert. Their business became very extensive, having a large
+trade with Russia, and as sugar importers and West India merchants. John
+Gladstone was the chairman of the West India Association and took an
+active part in the improvement and enlargement of the docks of
+Liverpool. In 1814, when the monopoly of the East India Company was
+broken and the trade of India and China thrown open to competition, the
+firm of John Gladstone & Company was the first to send a private vessel
+to Calcutta.
+
+John Gladstone was a public-spirited man and took great interest in the
+welfare of his adopted city. He was ever ready to labor for its
+prosperity, and consequently endeared himself to the people of all
+classes and conditions, and of every shade of political opinion.
+
+The high estimation in which he was held by the citizens of Liverpool
+was especially manifest October 18, 1824, when they presented him with a
+testimonial, consisting of a magnificent service of plate, of
+twenty-eight pieces, and bearing the following inscription: "_To John
+Gladstone, Esq., M.P., this service of plate was presented MDCCCXXIV, by
+his fellow townsmen and friends, to mark their high sense of his
+successful exertions for the promotion of trade and commerce, and in
+acknowledgment of his most important services rendered to the town of
+Liverpool_."
+
+John Gladstone, though devoted to commerce, had time for literary
+pursuits. He wrote a pamphlet, "On the Present State of Slavery in the
+British West Indies and in the United States of America; and on the
+Importation of Sugar from British Settlements in India." He also
+published, in 1830, another pamphlet, containing a statement of facts
+connected with the same general subject, "in a letter addressed to Sir
+Robert Peel." In 1846 he published a pamphlet, entitled "Plain facts
+intimately connected with the intended Repeal of the Corn Laws; or
+Probable Effects on the Public Revenue and the Prosperity of
+the Country."
+
+From the subject discussed it can be readily and truly imagined that
+John Gladstone had given thought to political subjects. He was in favor
+of a qualified reform which, while affording a greater enfranchisement
+of the people, looked also to the interests of all. Having an opinion,
+and not being afraid to express it, he was frequently called upon to
+address public meetings. The matters discussed by him were, however,
+rather national than municipal, rather humane than partisan. He was a
+strong advocate for certain reforms at home in 1818, and in 1823 on the
+seas, and for Greek independence in 1824. "On the 14th of February,
+1824, a public meeting was held in Liverpool Town Hall, 'for the purpose
+of considering the best means of assisting the Greeks in their present
+important struggle for independence.' Mr. Gladstone spoke impressively
+in favor of the cause which had already evoked great enthusiasm amongst
+the people, and enlisted the sympathies and support of Lord Byron and
+other distinguished friends of freedom."
+
+It was in 1818 that he addressed a meeting called "to consider the
+propriety of petitioning Parliament to take into consideration the
+progressive and alarming increase in the crimes of forging and uttering
+forged Bank of England notes." The penalties for these crimes were
+already heavy, but their infliction did not deter men from committing
+them, and these crimes increased at an enormous rate. Resolutions were
+passed at the Liverpool meeting, recommending the revision and amendment
+of existing laws.
+
+Then again, so late as the year 1823, the navigation between Liverpool
+and Dublin was in a lamentable condition, and human life was recklessly
+imperiled, and no one seemed willing to interfere and to interest
+himself in the interests of humanity. It was then that he again came to
+the front to advocate a just cause. To illustrate the dangers to vessels
+and passengers, the case of the sloop _Alert_ may be cited. It was
+wrecked off the Welsh coast, with between 100 and 140 persons on board,
+of whom only seventeen were saved. For the safety and rescue of all
+those souls on board this packet-boat there was only one small shallop,
+twelve feet long. Mr. Gladstone was impressed with the terrible nature
+of the existing evil, and obtained an amendment to the Steamboat Act,
+requiring imperatively that every passenger vessel should be provided
+with boats sufficient for every passenger it was licensed to carry. By
+this wise and humane provision thousands of lives were doubtless saved
+that would otherwise have been lost--the victims of reckless seamanship
+and commercial greed.
+
+John Gladstone, either through the influence of Mr. Canning, or from
+having imbibed some political taste, sat in the House of Commons nine
+years, representing Lancaster in 1819, Woodstock from 1821 to 1826, and
+Berwick in 1827; but he never would consent to sit in Parliament for the
+city of Liverpool, for he thought that so large and important a
+constituency required peculiar representation such as he was
+unqualified to give.
+
+He was the warm supporter and intimate friend of the celebrated Canning.
+At first he was a Whig, but finally came to support Mr. Canning, and
+became a Liberal Conservative. In 1812 he presided over a meeting at
+Liverpool, which was called to invite Mr. Canning to represent the
+borough in Parliament. After the election the successful candidates were
+claimed and carried in procession through the streets. The procession
+finally halted at Mr. Gladstone's house, in Rodney Street, from the
+balcony of which Mr. Canning addressed the populace. His election laid
+the foundation of a deep and lasting friendship between Mr. Canning and
+Mr. Gladstone. "At this time the son of the latter was but three years
+of age. Shortly afterwards--that is, as soon as he was able to
+understand anything of public men, and public movements and
+events"--says G.B. Smith, "the name of Canning began to exercise that
+strange fascination over the mind of William Ewart Gladstone which has
+never wholly passed away," and Mr. Gladstone himself acknowledged that
+he was brought up "under the shadow of the great name of Canning."
+
+John Gladstone presided at a farewell dinner given by the Liverpool
+Canning Club, in August, 1822, in honor of Mr. Canning, who had been
+Governor-General of India. But Mr. Canning, instead of going to India,
+entered the British Cabinet, and in 1827 became Prime Minister, and John
+Gladstone moved a congratulatory address to the king upon the formation
+of the Canning Ministry.
+
+In 1845 John Gladstone was created a baronet by Sir Robert Peel, but he
+lived to enjoy his deserved honors but a short time, for he died in
+1851, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. His motto had ever been,
+"Diligent in business." His enormous wealth enabled him to provide
+handsomely for his family, not only after death, but during
+his lifetime.
+
+At the time of his father's death, William E. Gladstone was still an
+adherent of the Tory party, yet his steps indicated that he was
+advancing towards Liberalism; and he had already reached distinction as
+a statesman, both in Parliament and in the Cabinet, while as yet he was
+but 42 years old, which was about half of his age when called for the
+fourth time to be Prime Minister of England.
+
+Sir John Gladstone and his wife had six children--four sons, Thomas
+Gladstone, afterwards baronet; John Gladstone, who became a captain, and
+died in 1863; Robert Gladstone, brought up a merchant, who died in 1875,
+and two daughters, Annie McKenzie Gladstone, who died years ago, and
+Helen Jane Gladstone. William E. Gladstone was the fourth son. The
+following is from the pen of the son, who says of his aged father, Sir
+John Gladstone: "His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated; he
+was full of bodily and mental vigor; whatsoever his hand found to do he
+did it with his might; he could not understand or tolerate those who,
+perceiving an object to be good, did not at once and actively pursue it;
+and with all this energy he gained a corresponding warmth, and, so to
+speak, eagerness of affection, a keen appreciation of humor, in which he
+found a rest, and an indescribable frankness and simplicity of
+character, which, crowning his other qualities, made him, I think, and I
+strive to think impartially, nearly or quite the most interesting old
+man I ever knew."
+
+Personally, Sir John Gladstone was a man of much intelligence and of
+sterling principle, of high moral and religious character, and his
+house consequently was a model home. "His house was by all accounts a
+home pre-eminently calculated to mould the thoughts and direct the
+course of an intelligent and receptive nature. There was a father's
+masterful will and keen perception, the sweetness and piety of the
+mother, wealth with all its substantial advantages and few of its
+mischiefs, a strong sense of the value of money, a rigid avoidance of
+extravagance and excesses; everywhere a strenuous purpose in life,
+constant employment, and concentrated ambition."
+
+Mrs. John Gladstone, the wife and mother, is described by one who knew
+her intimately as "a lady of very great accomplishments; of fascinating
+manners, of commanding presence and high intellect; one to grace any
+home and endear any heart."
+
+The following picture of the everyday life of the family is interesting
+and instructive, on account of Sir John Gladstone, as well as on that of
+his more distinguished son, and is from the pen of an eye-witness:
+"Nothing was ever taken for granted between him and his sons. A
+succession of arguments on great topics and small topics
+alike--arguments conducted with perfect good humor, but also with the
+most implicable logic--formed the staple of the family conversation. The
+children and their parents argued upon everything. They would debate as
+to whether a window should be opened, and whether it was likely to be
+fair or wet the next day. It was all perfectly good-humored, but curious
+to a stranger, because of the evident care which all the disputants took
+to advance no proposition, even as to the prospect of rain, rashly."
+
+In such a home as this was William E. Gladstone in training as the great
+Parliamentary debater and leader, and for the highest office under the
+British crown. This reminds us of a story of Burke. The king one day,
+unexpectedly entering the office of his minister, found the elder Burke
+sitting at his desk, with his eyes fixed upon his young son, who was
+standing on his father's desk in the attitude of speaking. "What are you
+doing?" asked the astonished king. "I am making the greatest minister
+England ever saw," was the reply. And so in fact, and yet all
+unconsciously, was Sir John doing for his son, William.
+
+William E. Gladstone "was born," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"at a critical moment in the fortunes of England and of Europe. Abroad
+the greatest genius that the world has ever seen was wading through
+slaughter to a universal throne, and no effectual resistance had as yet
+been offered to a progress which menaced the liberty of Europe and the
+existence of its States. At home, a crazy king and a profligate
+heir-apparent presided over a social system in which all civil evils
+were harmoniously combined. A despotic administration was supported by a
+parliamentary representation as corrupt as illusory; a church, in which
+spiritual religion was all but extinct, had sold herself as a bondslave
+to the governing classes. Rank and wealth and territorial ascendency
+were divorced from public duty, and even learning had become the
+handmaid of tyranny. The sacred name of justice was prostituted to
+sanction a system of legal murder. Commercial enterprise was paralyzed
+by prohibitive legislation; public credit was shaken to its base; the
+prime necessaries of life were ruinously dear. The pangs of poverty were
+aggravated by the concurrent evils of war and famine, and the common
+people, fast bound in misery and iron, were powerless to make their
+sufferings known or to seek redress, except by the desperate methods of
+conspiracy and insurrection. None of the elements of revolution were
+wanting, and the fates seemed to be hurrying England to the brink of a
+civil catastrophe.
+
+"The general sense of insecurity and apprehension, inseparable from such
+a condition of affairs, produced its effect upon even the robust minds.
+Sir John Gladstone was not a likely victim of panic, but he was a man
+with a large stake in the country, the more precious because acquired by
+his own exertion; he believed that the safeguards of property and order
+were imperilled by foreign arms and domestic sedition; and he had seen
+with indignation and disgust the excesses of a factious Whiggery, which
+was not ashamed to exult in the triumph of the French over the English
+Government. Under the pressure of these influences Sir John Gladstone
+gradually separated himself from the Whigs, with whom in earlier life he
+had acted, and became the close ally of Canning, whose return for
+Liverpool he actually promoted."
+
+With such surroundings it is not to be wondered at that William E.
+Gladstone entered political life a Tory, contending against the
+principles he afterwards espoused. His original bent, however, was not
+towards politics, but the church; and it was only at the earnest desire
+of his father that he ultimately decided to enter Parliament, and serve
+his country in the Legislature.
+
+His subsequent life proved the wisdom of the choice. In the Legislature
+of his country was begun, carried on and consummated grandly, one of the
+most remarkable careers in the annals of history for versatility,
+brilliancy, solidity and long continuance. Rarely has there been
+exhibited so complete a combination of qualities in statesmanship. His
+intellectual endowments were almost without a parallel, and his
+achievements without a precedent. In him seemed to be centered a rich
+collection of the highest gifts of genius, great learning and readiness
+in debate and discourse in the House of Commons, and extraordinary
+wisdom in the administration of the affairs of the nation. His financial
+talent, his business aptitude, his classical attainments, and above all
+his moral fervor, and religious spirit were conspicuous. Some men would
+have been contented with political power, or classical learning, or
+literary distinction, but he excelled in all these--not only as a
+statesman, but as a man of letters and a classical scholar. Neither has
+held him exclusively as its own--he belongs to all, or rather they
+belong to him--for he explored and conquered them. His literary
+productions equal in merit his papers of State, while his knowledge of
+the classics would do credit to any scholar.
+
+He possessed the unusual quality of throwing the light of his own mind
+on the greatest questions of national and international importance, of
+bringing them down to the understanding and appreciation of the masses
+of the people, of infusing, by his earnestness, the fire of his own soul
+in the people, and of arousing in them the greatest enthusiasm.
+
+In the biography of this wonderful person we propose to set before the
+reader the man himself--his words and his deeds. This method enables him
+to speak for himself, and thus the reader may study him and know him,
+and because thereof be lifted into a higher plane of nobler and better
+being. The acts and utterances of such a character are his best
+biography, and especially for one differing so largely from all other
+men as to have none to be compared with him.
+
+In this record we simply spread before the reader his private life and
+public services, connected together through many startling changes, from
+home to school, from university to Parliament, from Tory follower to
+Liberal leader, from the early start in his political course to the
+grand consummation of the statesman's success in his attainment to the
+fourth Premiership of this Grand Old Man, and the glorious end of an
+eventful life.
+
+We could not do better, in closing this chapter, than to reproduce a
+part of the character sketch of William E. Gladstone, from the pen of
+William T. Stead, and published in the "Review of Reviews:"
+
+"So much has been written about Mr. Gladstone that it was with some
+sinking of heart I ventured to select him as a subject for my next
+character sketch. But I took heart of grace when I remembered that the
+object of these sketches is to describe their subject as he appears to
+himself at his best, and his countrymen. There are plenty of other
+people ready to fill in the shadows. This paper claims in no way to be a
+critical estimate or a judicial summing up of the merits and demerits
+of the most remarkable of all living Englishmen. It is merely an attempt
+to catch, as it were, the outline of the heroic figure which has
+dominated English politics for the lifetime of this generation, and
+thereby to explain something of the fascination which his personality
+has exercised and still exercises over the men and women of his time. If
+his enemies, and they are many, say that I have idealized a wily old
+opportunist out of all recognition, I answer that to the majority of his
+fellow-subjects my portrait is not overdrawn. The real Gladstone may be
+other than this, but this is probably more like the Gladstone for whom
+the electors believe they are voting, than a picture of Gladstone,
+'warts and all,' would be. And when I am abused, as I know I shall be,
+for printing such a sketch, I shall reply that there is at least one
+thing to be said in its favor. To those who know him best, in his own
+household, and to those who only know him as a great name in history, my
+sketch will only appear faulty because it does not do full justice to
+the character and genius of this extraordinary man."
+
+Mr. Gladstone appeals to the men of to-day from the vantage point of
+extreme old age. Age is so frequently dotage, that when a veteran
+appears who preserves the heart of a boy and the happy audacity of
+youth, under the 'lyart haffets wearing thin and bare' of aged manhood,
+it seems as if there is something supernatural about it, and all men
+feel the fascination and the charm. Mr. Gladstone, as he gleefully
+remarked the other day, has broken the record. He has outlived Lord
+Palmerston, who died when eighty-one, and Thiers, who only lived to be
+eighty. The blind old Dandolo in Byron's familiar verse--
+
+     The octogenarian chief, Byzantium's conquering foe,
+
+had not more energy than the Liberal leader, who, now in his
+eighty-third year, has more nerve and spring and go than any of his
+lieutenants, not excluding the youngest recruit. There is something
+imposing and even sublime in the long procession of years which bridge
+as with eighty-two arches the abyss of past time, and carry us back to
+the days of Canning, and of Castlereagh, of Napoleon, and of Wellington.
+His parliamentary career extends over sixty years--the lifetime of two
+generations. He is the custodian of all the traditions, the hero of the
+experience of successive administrations, from a time dating back longer
+than most of his colleagues can remember. For nearly forty years he has
+had a leading part in making or unmaking of Cabinets; he has served his
+Queen and his country in almost every capacity in office and in
+opposition, and yet to-day, despite his prolonged sojourn in the malaria
+of political wire-pulling, his heart seems to be as the heart of a
+little child. If some who remember 'the old Parliamentary hand' should
+whisper that innocence of the dove is sometimes compatible with the
+wisdom of the serpent, I make no dissent. It is easy to be a dove, and
+to be as silly as a dove. It is easy to be as wise as a serpent, and as
+wicked, let us say, as Mr. Governor Hill or Lord Beaconsfield. But it is
+the combination that is difficult, and in Mr. Gladstone the combination
+is almost ideally complete.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone is old enough to be the grandfather of the younger race
+of politicians, but still his courage, his faith, his versatility, put
+the youngest of them to shame. It is this ebullience of youthful energy,
+this inexhaustible vitality, which is the admiration and despair of his
+contemporaries. Surely when a schoolboy at Eton he must somewhere have
+discovered the elixir of life, or have been bathed by some beneficent
+fairy in the well of perpetual youth. Gladly would many a man of fifty
+exchange physique with this hale and hearty octogenarian. Only in one
+respect does he show any trace of advancing years. His hearing is not
+quite so good as it was, but still it is far better than that of
+Cardinal Manning, who became very deaf in his closing years. Otherwise
+Mr. Gladstone is hale and hearty. His eye is not dim, neither is his
+natural force abated. A splendid physical frame, carefully preserved,
+gives every promise of a continuance of his green old age.
+
+"His political opponents, who began this Parliament by confidently
+calculating upon his death before the dissolution, are now beginning to
+admit that it is by no means improbable that Mr. Gladstone may survive
+the century. Nor was it quite so fantastic as it appears at first sight,
+when an ingenious disciple told him the other day that by the fitness of
+things he ought to live for twenty years yet. 'For,' said this political
+arithmetician, 'you have been twenty-six years a Tory, twenty-six years
+a Whig Liberal, and you have been only six years a Radical Home Ruler.
+To make the balance even you have twenty years still to serve.'
+
+"Sir Provo Wallis, the Admiral of the Fleet, who died the other day at
+the age of one hundred, had not a better constitution than Mr.
+Gladstone, nor had it been more carefully preserved in the rough and
+tumble of our naval war. If the man who smelt powder in the famous fight
+between the Chesapeake and the Shannon lived to read the reports of the
+preparations for the exhibition at Chicago, it is not so incredible that
+Mr. Gladstone may at least be in the foretop of the State at the dawn of
+the twentieth century.
+
+"The thought is enough to turn the Tories green with sickening despair,
+that the chances of his life, from a life insurance office point of
+view, are probably much better than Lord Salisbury's. But that is one of
+the attributes of Mr. Gladstone which endear him so much to his party.
+He is always making his enemies sick with despairing jealousy. He is the
+great political evergreen, who seems, even in his political life, to
+have borrowed something of immortality from the fame which he has won.
+He has long been the Grand Old Man. If he lives much longer he bids fair
+to be known as the immortal old man in more senses than one."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE'S BIRTHPLACE, RODNEY STREET, LIVERPOOL.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+AT ETON AND OXFORD
+
+There is very little recorded of the boyhood of some great men, and this
+is true of the childhood of William E. Gladstone, until he leaves the
+parental home for school, which he does in 1821, at the early age of
+eleven. He was fortunate in his parentage, but no less so in his early
+associations, both in and out of school. We refer particularly to his
+private preceptors, two of whom, the venerable Archdeacon Jones and the
+Rev. William Rawson, first Vicar of Seaforth, a watering-place near
+Liverpool, were both men of high character and great ability. Mr.
+Gladstone always highly esteemed Mr. Rawson, his earliest preceptor, and
+visited him on his death-bed. Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+was for two years young Gladstone's private tutor, beginning his
+instruction when his pupil left Eton in 1827.
+
+Besides these associations of his early life there were Canning, a
+frequent visitor, as has been mentioned, at his father's house, and
+Hannah More--"Holy Hannah," as Horace Walpole called her. She singled
+out "Billy" Gladstone for her especial pet out of the group of eleven
+children in whom her warm heart delighted, and it has been asked
+wonderingly if Miss More could preternaturally have lengthened her days
+until William E. Gladstone's present glory, whether she would have gone
+on dubbing him "Billy" in undignified brevity until the end.
+
+William E. Gladstone, when very young, gave such evidence of uncommon
+intellectual ability and promise of future greatness that his father
+resolved upon educating him in the best schools of England. There are
+four or five great schools in England in which the English youth are
+prepared in four or five years for Cambridge or Oxford. "Eton, the
+largest and the most celebrated of the public schools of England, ranks
+as the second in point of antiquity, Winchester alone being older."
+After the preparation at home, under private teachers, to which we have
+referred, William E. Gladstone was sent to Eton, in September, 1821. His
+biographer, George W.E. Russell, writes, "From a provincial town, from
+mercantile surroundings, from an atmosphere of money-making, from a
+strictly regulated life, the impressible boy was transplanted, at the
+age of eleven, to the shadow of Windsor and the banks of the Thames, to
+an institution which belongs to history, to scenes haunted by the
+memory of the most illustrious Englishmen, to a free and independent
+existence among companions who were the very flower of English boyhood.
+A transition so violent and yet so delightful was bound to produce an
+impression which lapse of time was powerless to efface, and no one who
+knows the man and the school can wonder that for seventy years Mr.
+Gladstone has been the most enthusiastic of Etonians."
+
+Eton of to-day is not in all respects the Eton of three-quarters of a
+century ago, and yet in some particulars it is as it was when young
+"Billy" Gladstone studied within its walls. The system of education and
+discipline pursued has undergone some modifications in recent
+years--notably during the provostship of the Rev. Francis Hodgson; but
+radical defects are still alleged against it. It is not remarkable,
+however, that every Eton boy becomes deeply attached to the school,
+notwithstanding the apprenticeship to hardships he may have been
+compelled to undergo.
+
+The "hardships" there must have been particularly great when young
+Gladstone entered Eton, at the close of the summer holidays of 1821. The
+school was under the head-mastership of "the terrific Dr. Keate." He was
+not the man to spare even the scholar who, upon the emphatic testimony
+of Sir Roderick Murchison, was "the prettiest boy that ever went to
+Eton," and who was as studious and well-behaved as he was good-looking.
+
+The town of Eton, in which the school is located, about 22 miles from
+London, in Berkshire, is beautifully situated on the banks of the river
+Thames, opposite Windsor Castle, the residence of the Queen of England.
+
+Eton College is one of the most famous and best endowed educational
+institutions of learning in England. It was founded in 1440 by Henry VI.
+The king was very solicitous that the work should be of a durable kind,
+and he provided for free scholarships. Eton of Mr. Gladstone's day,
+according to a critic, was divided into two schools--the upper and the
+lower. It also had two kinds of scholars, namely, seventy called king's
+scholars or "collegers," who are maintained gratuitously, sleep in the
+college, and wear a peculiar dress; and another class--the
+majority--called "oppidans," who live in the town. Between these two
+classes of students there prevails perpetual hostility. At Cambridge,
+there was founded, in connection with Eton, what is called King's
+College, to receive as fellows students from Eton, and to give them
+gratuitously an education. The ground on which students of Eton were
+promoted to King's College and these fellowships was, strangely to say,
+upon that of seniority, or long residence, and not of merit. Because
+there was no competition, scholars who were deficient in education at
+Eton were promoted to Cambridge, where they had no incentive to work,
+being exempt from the ordinary university examination.
+
+At Eton "no instruction was given in any branch of mathematical,
+physical, metaphysical or moral science, nor in the evidences of
+Christianity. The only subjects which it professed to impart a knowledge
+of were the Greek and Latin languages; as much divinity as can be gained
+from construing the Greek Testament, and reading a portion of Tomline on
+the Thirty-nine Articles, and a little ancient and modern geography." So
+much for the instruction imparted. As regards the hours of tuition,
+there seems to have been fault there, in that they were too few and
+insufficient, there being in all only eleven hours a week study. Then as
+to the manner of study, no time was given the scholar to study the style
+of an author; he was "hurried from Herodotus to Thucydides, from
+Thucydides to Xenophon, from Xenophon to Lucian, without being
+habituated to the style of any one author--without gaining an interest
+in the history, or even catching the thread of the narrative; and when
+the whole book is finished he has probably collected only a few vague
+ideas about Darius crying over a great army, Abydos and Nicias and
+Demosthenes being routed with a great army near Syracuse, mixed up with
+a recollection of the death of Cyrus and Socrates, some moral precept
+from Socrates, and some jokes against false philosophers and heathen
+gods." Hence the Eton student who goes to Cambridge finds he has done
+but a little desultory reading, and that he must begin again. It was
+charged that the system of education at Eton failed in every point. The
+moral discipline of the school was also called in question. The number
+of scholars was so great that the proper control of them seemed
+impossible under the management. Great laxity prevailed among the larger
+boys, while the younger and weaker students were exposed to the tyranny
+of the older and stronger ones without hope of redress. The result was
+that the system of "fagging," or the acting of some boys as drudges for
+the others, flourished. "The right" of fagging depended upon the place
+in the school; all boys in the sixth and fifth forms had the power of
+ordering--all below the latter form being bound to obey. This system of
+fagging has a very injurious effect upon most of the boys; "it finds
+them slaves and leaves them despots. A boy who has suffered himself,
+insensibly learns to see no harm in making others suffer in turn. The
+whole thing is wrong in principle, and engenders passions which should
+be stifled and not encouraged." Why free and enlightened England should
+tolerate, even then, such barbarous slavery cannot be understood and
+yet there are outrageous customs prevailing among college students of
+our day in every civilized land that should be suppressed.
+
+Flogging was in vogue, too, at Eton, with all its degrading and
+demoralizing effects, and was performed by the Head-Master himself. In
+1820, the year before Mr. Gladstone entered Eton, there were 280 upper
+students and 319 lower, a total of 612, and none were exempt.
+
+Some curious stories are told of flogging, which has ever existed at
+Eton, and from which even the largest boys were not exempt. Mr. Lewis
+relates how a young man of twenty, just upon the point of leaving
+school, and engaged to be married to a lady at Windsor, was well and
+soundly whipped by Dr. Goodford, for arriving one evening at his tutor's
+house after the specified time. And it is related that Arthur Wellesley,
+afterwards the Iron Duke of Wellington, was flogged at Eton for having
+been "barred out." At the same time there were eighty boys who
+were whipped.
+
+And the Eton of twenty years later was very little improved over its
+condition in Mr. Gladstone's time there, or in 1845. John D. Lewis,
+speaking of this period, says that after the boys reached the fifth
+form, then began "some of the greatest anomalies and absurdities of the
+then Etonian system." The student was now safe from the ordeal of
+examinations, and that the higher classes, including ten senior
+collegers and ten senior oppidans, contained some of the very worst
+scholars. "A boy's place on the general roll was no more a criterion of
+his acquirements and his industry than would be the 'year' of a young
+man at Oxford or Cambridge." The collegers, however, were required to
+pass some kind of examination, in accordance with which their place on
+the list for the King's college was fixed. But the evils regarding the
+hours of study and the nature of the studies were as bad. "The regular
+holidays and Saints' days, two whole holidays in a week, and two
+half-holidays, were a matter of common occurrence."
+
+Lord Morley, in his examination before the Commission on Public Schools,
+was asked whether a boy would be looked down upon at Eton for being
+industrious in his studies, replied, "Not if he could do something else
+well." And this seems to be the spirit of the Eton boy with whom a lack
+of scholarship is more than made up by skill in river or field sports.
+
+This is true to-day; for a recent writer in the _Forum_, upon "The
+Training of Boys at Eton," says: "Athletic prominence is in English
+public schools almost synonymous with social prominence; many a boy
+whose capacity and character commanded both respect and liking at the
+universities and in after life, is almost a nobody at a public school,
+because he has no special athletic gifts.... Great athletic capacity may
+co-exist with low moral and intellectual character."
+
+There were few inducements to study and to excel in scholarship, and
+plenty to idleness and neglect, hence he who did so must study in hours
+and out of hours, in season and out of season. The curriculum is still
+strictly classical, but French, German and mathematics are taught. The
+collegers of recent years have done very fair work and carried off many
+distinctions at Cambridge. With all these odds against them, and these
+difficulties to surmount, yet there were Eton boys whose attainments
+were deep and solid, and who became famous men, and one of these was
+William E. Gladstone.
+
+When young Gladstone entered Eton his brothers, Thomas and Robertson
+Gladstone, were already there, and the three boys boarded at Mrs.
+Shurey's, whose house "at the south end of the broad walk in front of
+the schools and facing the chapel," was rather nearer the famous
+"Christopher Inn" than would be thought desirable nowadays. On the wall
+opposite the house the name of "Gladstone" is carved. Thomas Gladstone
+was in the fifth form, and William was placed in the middle remove of
+the fourth form, and became his eldest brother's "fag." This doubtlessly
+saved him much annoyance and suffering, and allowed him better to
+pursue the studious bent of his indications.
+
+William E. Gladstone was what Etonians called a "sap"--in other words, a
+student faithful in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him at
+school--one who studied his lessons and was prepared for his recitations
+in the classroom. This agreeable fact has been immortalized in a famous
+line in Lord Lytton's "New Timon." He worked hard at his classical
+studies, as required by the rules of the school, and applied himself
+diligently to the study of mathematics during the holidays.
+
+It is said that his interest in the work of the school was first aroused
+by Mr. Hawtrey, who afterwards became Head-Master, who commended some of
+his Latin verses, and "sent him up for good." This led the young man to
+associate intellectual work with the ideas of ambition and success.
+While he did not seem to be especially an apt scholar in the restricted
+sense for original versification in the classical languages, or for
+turning English into Greek or Latin, yet he seemed to seize the precise
+meaning of the authors and to give the sense. "His composition was
+stiff," but yet, says a classmate, "when there were thrilling passages
+of Virgil or Homer, or difficult passages in 'Scriptores Graeci' to
+translate, he or Lord Arthur Hervey was generally called up to edify
+the class with quotations or translations."
+
+He had no prizes at Eton except what is called being sent up for good,
+on account of verses, and he was honored on several occasions. Besides
+he took deep interest in starting a college periodical, and with some of
+the most intellectual of the students sustained it with his pen. The
+more studious of Eton boys have on several occasions in the present
+century been in the habit of establishing periodicals for the purpose of
+ventilating their opinions. In 1786 Mr. Canning and Mr. Hookham Frere
+established the _Microcosm_, whose essays and _jeux d'esprit_, while
+having reference primarily to Eton, demonstrated that the writers were
+not insensible to what was going on in the great world without. It was
+for this college paper that Canning wrote his "Essay on the Epic of the
+Queen of Hearts," which, as a burlesque criticism, has been awarded a
+high place in English literature. Lord Henry Spencer, Hookham Frere,
+Capel Lofft, and Mr. Millish, were also contributors to the columns of
+the _Microcosm_. In the year 1820 W. Mackworth Praed set on foot a
+manuscript journal, entitled _Apis Matina_. This was in turn succeeded
+by the _Etonian_, to which Praed contributed some of his most brilliant
+productions. John Moultrie, Henry Nelson Coleridge, Walter Blunt, and
+Chauncy Hare Townshend were also among the writers for its papers, who
+helped to make it of exceptional excellence. Its articles are of no
+ordinary interest even now.
+
+In the last year of William E. Gladstone's stay at Eton, in 1827, and
+seven years after Praed's venture, he was largely instrumental in
+launching the _Eton Miscellany_, professedly edited by Bartholomew
+Bouverie, and Mr. Gladstone became a most frequent, voluminous and
+valuable contributor to its pages. He wrote articles of every
+kind--prologues, epilogues, leaders, historical essays, satirical
+sketches, classical translations, humorous productions, poetry and
+prose. And among the principal contributors with him were Sir Francis
+Doyle, George Selwyn, James Colville, Arthur Hallam, John Haumer and
+James Milnes-Gaskell. The introduction, written by and signed "William
+Ewart Gladstone" for this magazine, contained the following interesting
+and singular passage, which probably fairly sets forth the hopes and
+fears that beset statesmen in maturer years, as well as Eton boys of
+only seventeen years of age:
+
+"In my present undertaking there is one gulf in which I fear to sink,
+and that gulf is Lethe. There is one stream which I dread my inability
+to stem--it is the tide of Popular Opinion. I have ventured, and no
+doubt rashly ventured--
+
+     Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,
+     To try my fortune in a sea of glory,
+     But far beyond my depth."
+
+At present it is hope alone that buoys me up; for more substantial
+support I must be indebted to my own exertions, well knowing that in
+this land of literature merit never wants its reward. That such merit is
+mine I dare not presume to think; but still there is something within me
+that bids me hope that I may be able to glide prosperously down the
+stream of public estimation; or, in the words of Virgil,
+
+     '--Celerare viam rumore secundo.'
+
+"I was surprised even to see some works with the names of Shakespeare
+and Milton on them sharing the common destiny, but on examination I
+found that those of the latter were some political rhapsodies, which
+richly deserved their fate; and that the former consisted of some
+editions of his works which had been burdened with notes and mangled
+with emendations by his merciless commentators. In other places I
+perceived authors worked up into frenzy by seeing their own compositions
+descending like the rest. Often did the infuriated scribes extend their
+hands, and make a plunge to endeavor to save their beloved offspring,
+but in vain; I pitied the anguish of their disappointment, but with
+feelings of the same commiseration as that which one feels for a
+malefactor on beholding his death, being at the same time fully
+conscious how well he has deserved it."
+
+Little did this diffident and youthful editor imagine that he was
+forecasting the future for himself by the aid of youth's most ardent
+desires, and that he would live to become the Primate of all England and
+the foremost statesman of his day.
+
+There were two volumes of the _Miscellany_, dated June-July and
+October-November, respectively, and Mr. Gladstone contributed thirteen
+articles to the first volume. Among the contributions were an "Ode to
+the Shade of Watt Tyler," a vigorous rendering of a chorus from the
+Hucuba of Euripides, and a letter under the name of "Philophantasm,"
+detailing an encounter he had with the poet Virgil, in which the great
+poet appeared muttering something which did not sound like Latin to an
+Eton boy, and complaining that he knew he was hated by the Eton boys
+because he was difficult to learn, and pleading to be as well received
+henceforth as Horace.
+
+We give a quotation from a poem, consisting of some two hundred and
+fifty lines, from his pen, which, appeared also in the _Miscellany_:
+
+     "Who foremost now the deadly spear to dart,
+      And strike the javelin to the Moslem's heart?
+      Who foremost now to climb the leaguered wall,
+      The first to triumph, or the first to fall?
+      Lo, where the Moslems rushing to the fight,
+      Back bear their squadrons in inglorious flight.
+      With plumed helmet, and with glittering lance,
+     'Tis Richard bids his steel-clad bands advance;
+     'Tis Richard stalks along the blood-dyed plain,
+      And views unmoved the slaying and the slain;
+     'Tis Richard bathes his hands in Moslem blood,
+      And tinges Jordan with the purple flood.
+      Yet where the timbrels ring, the trumpets sound,
+      And tramp of horsemen shakes the solid ground,
+      Though 'mid the deadly charge and rush of fight,
+      No thought be theirs of terror or of flight,--
+      Ofttimes a sigh will rise, a tear will flow,
+      And youthful bosoms melt in silent woe;
+      For who of iron frame and harder heart
+      Can bid the mem'ry of his home depart?
+      Tread the dark desert and the thirsty sand,
+      Nor give one thought to England's smiling land?
+      To scenes of bliss, and days of other years--
+      The Vale of Gladness and the Vale of Tears;
+      That, passed and vanish'd from their loving sight,
+      This 'neath their view, and wrapt in shades of night?"
+
+Among other writers who contributed to the first volume of the
+_Miscellany_ were Arthur Henry Hallam and Doyle, also G.A. Selwyn,
+afterwards Bishop Selwyn, the friend of Mr. Gladstone, and to whom he
+recently paid the following tribute: "Connected as tutor with families
+of rank and influence, universally popular from his frank, manly, and
+engaging character--and scarcely less so from his extraordinary rigor as
+an athlete--he was attached to Eton, where he resided, with a love
+surpassing the love of Etonians. In himself he formed a large part of
+the life of Eton, and Eton formed a large part of his life. To him is
+due no small share of the beneficial movement in the direction of
+religious earnestness which marked the Eton of forty years back, and
+which was not, in my opinion, sensibly affected by any influence
+extraneous to the place itself. At a moment's notice, upon the call of
+duty, he tore up the singularly deep roots which his life had struck
+deep into the soil of England."
+
+Both Mr. Gladstone and the future Bishop of Selwyn contributed humorous
+letters to "The Postman," the correspondence department of the _Eton
+Miscellany_.
+
+In the second volume of the _Eton Miscellany_ are articles of equal
+interest to those that appeared in the first. Doyle, Jelf, Selwyn,
+Shadwell and Arthur Henry Hallam were contributors, the latter having
+written "The Battle of the Boyne," a parody upon Campbell's
+"Hohenlinden." But here again Mr. Gladstone was the principal
+contributor, having contributed to this even more largely than to the
+first, having written seventeen articles, besides the introductions to
+the various numbers of the volume. Indeed one would think from his
+devotion to these literary pursuits during his last year at Eton, that
+he had very little leisure for those ordinary sports so necessary to
+Eton boys. He seems to have begun his great literary activity. Among
+them may be mentioned an "Ode to the Shade of Watt Tyler," mentioned
+before, which is an example of his humorous style:
+
+     "Shade of him whose valiant tongue
+      On high the song of freedom sung;
+      Shade of him, whose mighty soul
+      Would pay no taxes on his poll;
+      Though, swift as lightning, civic sword
+        Descended on thy fated head,
+      The blood of England's boldest poured,
+        And numbered Tyler with the dead!
+
+     "Still may thy spirit flap its wings
+      At midnight o'er the couch of kings;
+      And peer and prelate tremble, too,
+      In dread of mighty interview!
+      With patriot gesture of command,
+        With eyes that like thy forges gleam,
+      Lest Tyler's voice and Tyler's hand
+        Be heard and seen in nightly dream.
+
+     "I hymn the gallant and the good
+      From Tyler down to Thistlewood,
+      My muse the trophies grateful sings,
+      The deeds of Miller and of Ings;
+      She sings of all who, soon or late,
+        Have burst Subjection's iron chain,
+      Have seal'd the bloody despot's fate,
+        Or cleft a peer or priest in twain.
+
+     "Shades, that soft Sedition woo,
+      Around the haunts of Peterloo!
+      That hover o'er the meeting-halls,
+      Where many a voice stentorian bawls!
+      Still flit the sacred choir around,
+        With 'Freedom' let the garrets ring,
+      And vengeance soon in thunder sound
+        On Church, and constable, and king."
+
+In a paper on "Eloquence," in the same volume, he shows that even then
+his young mind was impressed by the fame attached to successful oratory
+in Parliament. Visions of glory and honor open before the enraptured
+sight of those devoted to oratorical pursuits, and whose ardent and
+aspiring minds are directed to the House of Commons. Evidently the young
+writer himself "had visions of parliamentary oratory, and of a
+successful _debut_ in the House of Commons, with perhaps an offer from
+the Minister, a Secretaryship of State, and even the Premiership itself
+in the distance." But then there are barriers to pass and ordeals to
+undergo. "There are roars of coughing, as well as roars of cheering"
+from the members of the House, "and maiden speeches sometimes act more
+forcibly on the lungs of hearers than the most violent or most cutting
+of all the breezes which AEOLUS can boast." But the writer draws comfort
+from the fact that Lord Morfeth, Edward Geoffrey, Stanley and Lord
+Castlereagh who were all members of the Eton college debating society
+were then among the most successful young speakers in Parliament. This
+sounds more like prophecy than dreams, for within a very few years after
+writing this article the writer himself had passed the dreaded barrier
+and endured the ordeal, and had not only made his appearance in the
+House of Commons, but had been invited to fill an honorable place in the
+Cabinet of the Ministry then in power.
+
+Another contribution of Mr. Gladstone's to the _Miscellany_, and perhaps
+the most meritorious of the youthful writer's productions, was
+entitled, "Ancient and Modern Genius Compared," in which the young
+Etonian editor ardently and affectionately apostrophized the memory of
+Canning, his father's great friend and his own ideal man and statesman,
+who had just then perished untimely and amid universal regret. In this
+article he first takes the part of the moderns as against the ancients,
+though he by no means deprecates the genius of the latter, and then
+eloquently apostrophizes the object of his youthful hero-worship, the
+immortal Canning, whose death he compares to that of the lamented Pitt.
+The following are extracts from this production:
+
+"It is for those who revered him in the plenitude of his meridian glory
+to mourn over him in the darkness of his premature extinction: to mourn
+over the hopes that are buried in his grave, and the evils that arise
+from his withdrawing from the scene of life. Surely if eloquence never
+excelled and seldom equalled--if an expanded mind and judgment whose
+vigor was paralleled only by its soundness--if brilliant wit--if a
+glowing imagination--if a warm heart, and an unbending firmness--could
+have strengthened the frail tenure, and prolonged the momentary duration
+of human existence, that man had been immortal! But nature could endure
+no longer. Thus has Providence ordained that inasmuch as the intellect
+is more brilliant, it shall be more short-lived; as its sphere is more
+expanded, more swiftly is it summoned away. Lest we should give to man
+the honor due to God--lest we should exalt the object of our admiration
+into a divinity for our worship--He who calls the weary and the mourner
+to eternal rest hath been pleased to remove him from our eyes.
+
+"The degrees of inscrutable wisdom are unknown to us; but if ever there
+was a man for whose sake it was meet to indulge the kindly though frail
+feelings of our nature--for whom the tear of sorrow was to us both
+prompted by affection and dictated by duty--that man was
+George Canning."
+
+After Hallam, Selwyn and other contributors to the _Miscellany_ left
+Eton, at midsummer, 1827, Mr. Gladstone still remained and became the
+mainstay of the magazine. "Mr. Gladstone and I remained behind as its
+main supporters," writes Sir Francis Doyle, "or rather it would be more
+like the truth if I said that Mr. Gladstone supported the whole burden
+upon his own shoulders. I was unpunctual and unmethodical, so were his
+other vassals; and the '_Miscellany_' would have fallen to the ground
+but for Mr. Gladstone's untiring energy, pertinacity and tact."
+
+Although Mr. Gladstone labored in editorial work upon the _Miscellany_,
+yet he took time to bestow attention upon his duties in the Eton
+Society of the College, learnedly called "The Literati," and vulgarly
+called "Pop," and took a leading part in the debates and in the private
+business of the Society. The Eton Society of Gladstone's day was a
+brilliant group of boys. He introduced desirable new members, moved for
+more readable and instructive newspapers, proposing new rules for better
+order and more decorous conduct, moving fines on those guilty of
+disorder or breaches of the rules, and paying a fine imposed upon
+himself for putting down an illegal question. "In debate he champions
+the claims of metaphysics against those of mathematics, and defends
+aristocracy against democracy;" confesses innate feelings of dislike to
+the French; protests against disarmament of the Highlanders as
+inexpedient and unjust; deplores the fate of Strafford and the action of
+the House of Commons, which he claimed they should be able to "revere as
+our glory and confide in as our protection." The meetings of the Eton
+Society were held over Miss Hatton's "sock-shop."
+
+In politics its members were Tory--intensely so, and although current
+politics were forbidden subjects, yet, political opinions were disclosed
+in discussions of historical or academical questions. "The execution of
+Strafford and Charles I, the characters of Oliver Cromwell and Milton,
+the 'Central Social' of Rousseau, and the events of the French
+Revolution, laid bare the speakers' political tendencies as effectually
+as if the conduct of Queen Caroline, the foreign policy of Lord
+Castlereagh, or the repeal of the Test and Corporation Act had been the
+subject of debate."
+
+It was October 15, 1825, when Gladstone was elected a member of the Eton
+Society, and on the 29th of the same month made his maiden speech on the
+question "Is the education of the poor on the whole beneficial?" It is
+recorded in the minutes of the meeting that "Mr. Gladstone rose and
+eloquently addressed the house." He spoke in favor of education; and one
+who heard him says that his opening words were, "Sir, in this age of
+increased and increasing civilization." Says an eminent writer, by way
+of comment upon these words, "It almost oppresses the imagination to
+picture the shoreless sea of eloquence which rolls between that exordium
+and the oratory to which we still are listening and hope to listen for
+years to come."
+
+"The peroration of his speech on the question whether Queen Anne's
+Ministers, in the last four years of her reign, deserved well of their
+country, is so characteristic, both in substance and in form," that we
+reproduce it here from Dr, Russell's work on Gladstone:
+
+"Thus much, sir, I have said, as conceiving myself bound in fairness not
+to regard the names under which men have hidden their designs so much
+as the designs themselves. I am well aware that my prejudices and my
+predilections have long been enlisted on the side of Toryism (cheers)
+and that in a cause like this I am not likely to be influenced unfairly
+against men bearing that name and professing to act on the principles
+which I have always been accustomed to revere. But the good of my
+country must stand on a higher ground than distinctions like these. In
+common fairness and in common candor, I feel myself compelled to give my
+decisive verdict against the conduct of men whose measures I firmly
+believe to have been hostile to British interests, destructive of
+British glory, and subversive of the splendid and, I trust, lasting
+fabric of the British constitution."
+
+The following extracts from the diary of William Cowper, afterwards Lord
+Mount-Temple, we also reproduce from the same author: "On Saturday,
+October 27, 1827, the subject for debate was:
+
+"'Whether the deposition of Richard II was justifiable or not.' Jelf
+opened; not a good speech. Doyle spoke _extempore_, made several
+mistakes, which were corrected by Jelf. Gladstone spoke well. The Whigs
+were regularly floored; only four Whigs to eleven Tories, but they very
+nearly kept up with them in coughing and 'hear, hears,' Adjourned to
+Monday after 4.
+
+"Monday, 29.--Gladstone finished his speech, and ended with a great deal
+of flattery of Doyle, saying that he was sure he would have courage
+enough to own that he was wrong. It succeeded. Doyle rose amidst
+reiterated cheers to own that he was convinced by the arguments of the
+other side. He had determined before to answer them and cut up
+Gladstone!
+
+"December 1.--Debate, 'Whether the Peerage Bill of 1719 was calculated
+to be beneficial or not.' Thanks voted to Doyle and Gladstone; the
+latter spoke well; will be a great loss to the Society."
+
+There were many boys at Eton--schoolfellows of Mr. Gladstone--who became
+men of note in after days. Among them the Hallams, Charles Canning,
+afterwards Lord Canning and Governor-General of India; Walter Hamilton,
+Bishop of Salisbury; Edward Hamilton, his brother, of Charters; James
+Hope, afterwards Hope-Scott; James Bruce, afterwards Lord Elgin; James
+Milnes-Gaskell, M.P. for Wenlock; Henry Denison; Sir Francis Doyle;
+Alexander Kinglake; George Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand and of
+Litchfield; Lord Arthur Hervey, Bishop of Bath and Wells; William
+Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire; George Cornwallis Lewis; Frederic
+Tennyson; Gerald Wellesley, Dean of Windsor; Spencer Walpole, Home
+Secretary; Frederic Rogers, Lord Blachford; James Colvile, Chief Justice
+at Calcutta, and others.
+
+By universal acknowledgment the most remarkable youth at Eton in that
+day was Arthur Hallam, "in mind and character not unworthy of the
+magnificent eulogy of 'In Memoriam.'" He was the most intimate friend of
+young Gladstone. They always took breakfast together, although they
+boarded apart in different houses, and during the separation of
+vacations they were diligent correspondents.
+
+The father of William E. Gladstone, as we have seen, discovered
+premonitions of future greatness in his son, and we may well ask the
+question what impression was made by him upon his fellow school-mates at
+Eton. Arthur Hallam wrote: "Whatever may be our lot, I am confident that
+_he_ is a bud that will bloom with a richer fragrance than almost any
+whose early promise I have witnessed."
+
+James Milnes-Gaskell says: "Gladstone is no ordinary individual; and
+perhaps if I were called on to select the individual I am intimate with
+to whom I should first turn in an emergency, and whom I thought in every
+way pre-eminently distinguished for high excellence, I think I should
+turn to Gladstone. If you finally decide in favor of Cambridge, my
+separation from Gladstone will be a source of great sorrow to me." And
+the explanation of this latter remark is that the writer's mother wanted
+him to go to Cambridge, while he wished to go to Oxford, because
+Gladstone was going there.
+
+Sir Francis Doyle writes: "I may as well remark that my father, a man of
+great ability, as well as of great experience of life, predicted
+Gladstone's future eminence from the manner in which he handled this
+somewhat tiresome business. [The editorial work and management of the
+_Eton Miscellany._] 'It is not' he remarked, 'that I think his papers
+better than yours or Hallam's--that is not my meaning at all; but the
+force of character he has shown in managing his subordinates, and the
+combination of ability and power that he has made evident, convince me
+that such a young man cannot fail to distinguish himself hereafter.'"
+
+The recreations of young Gladstone were not in all respects like his
+school-mates. He took no part in games, for he had no taste in that
+direction, and while his companions were at play he was studiously
+employed in his room. One of the boys afterwards declared, "without
+challenge or contradiction, that he was never seen to run." Yet he had
+his diversions and was fond of sculling, and kept a "lock-up," or
+private boat, for his own use. He liked walking for exercise, and walked
+fast and far. His chief amusement when not writing, reading or debating,
+was to ramble among the delights of Windsor with a few intimate friends;
+and he had only a few whom he admitted to his inner circle. To others
+beyond he was not known and was not generally popular. Gladstone,
+Charles Canning, Handley, Bruce, Hodgson, Lord Bruce and Milnes-Gaskell
+set up a Salt Hill Club. They met every whole holiday or half-holiday,
+as was convenient, after twelve, "and went up to Salt Hill to bully the
+fat waiter, eat toasted cheese, and drink egg-wine." It is startling to
+hear from such an authority as James Milnes-Gaskell that "in all our
+meetings, as well as at almost every time, Gladstone went by the name of
+Mr. Tipple."
+
+[Illustration: HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.]
+
+The strongest testimony is borne to the moral character of young
+Gladstone while at Eton. By common consent he was pre-eminently
+God-fearing, orderly and conscientious. Bishop Hamilton, of Salisbury,
+writes: "At Eton I was a thoroughly idle boy; but I was saved from some
+worse things by getting to know Gladstone." This is the strong testimony
+of one school-boy after he has reached maturity and distinction for
+another. "To have exercised, while still a school-boy, an influence for
+good upon one of the greatest of contemporary saints, is surely such a
+distinction as few Prime Ministers ever attain."
+
+Two stories are told of him while at Eton that go to show the moral
+determination of the boy to do right. On one occasion he turned his
+glass upside down and refused to drink a coarse toast proposed,
+according to annual custom, at an election dinner at the "Christopher
+Inn." This shows the purity of his mind, but there is another
+illustrating the humane feeling in his heart. He came forth as the
+champion of some miserable pigs which it was the inhumane custom to
+torture at Eton Fair on Ash Wednesday, and when he was bantered by his
+school-fellows for his humanity, he offered to write his reply "in good
+round hand upon their faces."
+
+At Christmas, 1827, Gladstone left Eton, and after that studied six
+months under private tutors, Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+being one. Of this Mr. Gladstone writes: "I resided with Dr. Turner at
+Wilmslow (in Cheshire) from January till a few months later. My
+residence with him was cut off by his appointment to the Bishopric of
+Calcutta.... My companions were the present (1877) Bishop of Sodor and
+Man, and Sir C.A. Wood, Deputy-Chairman of the G.W. Railway. We employed
+our spare time in gymnastics, in turning, and in rambles. I remember
+paying a visit to Macclesfield. In a silk factory the owner showed us
+his silk handkerchiefs, and complained much of Mr. Huskisson for having
+removed the prohibition of the foreign article. The thought passed
+through my mind at the time: Why make laws to enable people to produce
+articles of such hideous pattern and indifferent quality as this?
+Alderly Edge was a favorite place of resort. We dined with Sir John
+Stanley (at Alderly) on the day when the king's speech was received; and
+I recollect that he ridiculed (I think very justly) the epithet
+_untoward_, which was applied in it to the Battle of Navarino."
+
+In 1828, and after two years as a private pupil of Dr. Turner, Mr.
+Gladstone entered Christ Church College, Oxford and in the following
+year was nominated to a studentship on the foundation. Although he had
+no prizes at Oxford of the highest class, unless honors in the schools
+be so called--and in this respect he achieved a success which falls to
+the lot of but few students. In the year 1831, when he went up for his
+final examination, he completed his academical education by attaining
+the highest honors in the university--graduating double-first-class.
+
+Of the city of Oxford, where Oxford University is situated, Matthew
+Arnold writes: "Beautiful city! So venerable, so lovely, so unravaged by
+the fierce intellectual life of our century, so serene! And yet, steeped
+in sentiment as she lies, spreading her gardens to the moonlight, or
+whispering from her towers the last enchantments of the Middle Age, who
+will deny that Oxford, by her ineffable charm, keeps ever calling us
+near to the true goal of all of us, to the ideal, to perfection--to
+beauty, in a word, which is only truth seen from another side."
+
+Describing Christ Church College, a writer has said that there is no
+other College where a man has so great a choice of society, or a man
+entire freedom in choosing it.
+
+As to the studies required, a greater stress was laid upon a knowledge
+of the Bible and of the evidences of Christianity than upon classical
+literature; some proficiency was required also, either in mathematics or
+the science of reasoning. The system of education accommodated itself to
+the capacity and wants of the students, but the man of talent was at no
+loss as to a field for his exertions, or a reward for his industry. The
+honors of the ministry were all within his reach. In the cultivation of
+taste and general information Oxford afforded every opportunity, but the
+modern languages were not taught.
+
+An interesting fact is related of young Gladstone when he entered
+Oxford, as to his studies at the university. He wrote his father that he
+disliked mathematics, and that he intended to concentrate his time and
+attention upon the classics. This was a great blow to his father, who
+replied that he did not think a man was a man unless he knew
+mathematics. The dutiful son yielded to his father's wishes, abandoned
+his own plan, and applied himself with energy and success to the study
+of mathematics. But for this change of study he might not have become
+the greatest of Chancellors of the Exchequer.
+
+Gladstone's instructors at Oxford were men of reputation. Rev. Robert
+Biscoe, whose lectures on Aristotle attracted some of the best men to
+the university, was his tutor; he attended the lectures of Dr. Burton on
+Divinity, and of Dr. Pusey on Hebrew, and read classics privately with
+Bishop Wordsworth. He read steadily but not laboriously. Nothing was
+ever allowed to interfere with his morning's work. He read for four
+hours, and then took a walk. Though not averse to company and suppers,
+yet he always read for two or three hours before bedtime.
+
+Among the undergraduates at Oxford then, who became conspicuous, were
+Henry Edward Manning, afterwards Cardinal Archbishop; Archibald Campbell
+Tait, Archbishop of Canterbury; Sidney Herbert, Robert Lowe, Lord
+Sherbrooke, and Lord Selborne. "The man who _took_ me most," says a
+visitor to Oxford in 1829, "was the youngest Gladstone of Liverpool--I
+am sure a very superior person."
+
+Gladstone's chosen friends were all steady and industrious men, and many
+of them were more distinctively religious than is generally found in the
+life of undergraduates. And his choice of associates in this respect was
+the subject of criticism on the part of a more secularly minded student
+who wrote, "Gladstone has mixed himself up with the St. Mary Hall and
+Oriel set, who are really, for the most part, only fit to live with
+maiden aunts and keep tame rabbits." And the question, Which was
+right--Gladstone or the student? may be answered by another, Which one
+became Prime Minister of England?
+
+"Gladstone's first rooms were in the 'old library,' near the hall; but
+for the greater part of his time he occupied the right-hand rooms on the
+first floor of the first staircase, on the right as the visitor enters
+Canterbury gate. He was, alike in study and in conduct, a model
+undergraduate, and the great influence of his character and talents was
+used with manly resolution against the riotous conduct of the 'Tufts,'
+whose brutality caused the death of one of their number in 1831. We read
+this note in the correspondence of a friend: 'I heard from Gladstone
+yesterday; he says that the number of gentlemen commoners has increased,
+is increasing, and ought to be diminished.' Every one who has
+experienced the hubristic qualities of the Tufted race, and its
+satellites, will cordially sympathize with this sentiment of an orderly
+and industrious undergraduate. He was conspicuously moderate in the use
+of wine. His good example in this respect affected not only his
+contemporaries but also his successors at the university; men who
+followed him to Oxford ten years later found it still operative, and
+declare that undergraduates drank less in the forties, because Gladstone
+had been courageously abstemious in the thirties."
+
+But there were those who better estimated Gladstone's worth and looked
+approvingly upon his course, as "the blameless schoolboy became the
+blameless undergraduate; diligent, sober, regular alike in study and
+devotion, giving his whole energies to the duties of the place, and
+quietly abiding in the religious faith in which he had been trained.
+Bishop Charles Wordsworth said that no man of his standing in the
+university habitually read his Bible more or knew it better. Cardinal
+Manning described him walking in the university with his 'Bible and
+Prayer-book tucked under his arm.' ... He quitted Oxford with a
+religious belief still untinctured by Catholic theology. But the great
+change was not far distant, and he had already formed some of the
+friendships which, in their development were destined to effect so
+profoundly the course of his religious thought."
+
+In reference to the religious and political opinions and influences
+prevailing at Oxford, it may be remarked that the atmosphere of Oxford
+was calculated to strengthen Mr. Gladstone's conservative views, and did
+have this effect, and as English statesmen had not then learned to put
+their trust in the people, the cause of reform found few or no friends
+at the university, and he was among those hostile to it, and was known
+for his pronounced Tory and High Church opinions.
+
+He belonged to the famous debating society known as the Oxford Union,
+was a brilliant debater, and in 1831 was its secretary, and later its
+president. On various occasions he carried, by a majority of one only, a
+motion that the Wellington Administration was undeserving of the
+confidence of the country; he defended the results of the Catholic
+Emancipation; he opposed a motion for the removal of Jewish
+disabilities, and he persuaded 94 students out of 130 to condemn Earl
+Grey's Reform Bill as a measure "which threatened not only to change the
+form of government, but ultimately to break up the very foundation of
+social order." His last speech at Oxford was in support of his own
+amendment to a motion for the immediate emancipation of the slaves in
+the West Indies. On a certain occasion he entertained a party of
+students from Cambridge, consisting of Sir Francis Doyle, Monckton
+Milnes, Sunderland, and Arthur H. Hallam, who discussed among them the
+superiority of Shelley over Byron as a poet. The motion was opposed by
+one Oxonion, the late Cardinal Manning, but Shelley received 90 votes to
+33 for Byron.
+
+One who heard the debate on the Reform Bill says that "it converted
+Alston, the son of the member in Parliament for Hertford, who
+immediately on the conclusion of Gladstone's speech walked across from
+the Whig to the Tory side of the house, amidst loud acclamations."
+Another who was present writes, "Most of the speakers rose, more or
+less, above their usual level, but when Mr. Gladstone sat down we all of
+us felt that an epoch in our lives had occurred. It certainly was the
+finest speech of his that I ever heard." And Bishop Charles Wordsworth
+writes his experience of Mr. Gladstone at this time, "made me feel no
+less sure than of my own existence that Gladstone, our then
+Christ-Church undergraduate, would one day rise to be Prime Minister
+of England."
+
+In the spring of 1832 Mr. Gladstone quitted Oxford. In summing up
+results it may be said, in the language of Mr. Russell: "Among the
+purely intellectual effects produced on Mr. Gladstone by the discipline
+of Oxford, it is obvious to reckon an almost excessive exactness in the
+statement of propositions, a habit of rigorous definition, a microscopic
+care in the choice of words, and a tendency to analyze every sentiment
+and every phrase, and to distinguish with intense precaution between
+statements almost exactly similar. From Aristotle and Bishop Butler and
+Edmund Burke he learned the value of authority, the sacredness of law,
+the danger of laying rash and inconsiderate hands upon the ark of State.
+In the political atmosphere of Oxford he was taught to apply these
+principles to the civil events of his time, to dread innovation, to
+respect existing institutions, and to regard the Church and the Throne
+as inseparably associated by Divine ordinance."
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone's London Home]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES
+
+It is customary for the sons of gentlemen who graduate at Cambridge and
+Oxford to spend some time in travel on the continent upon the completion
+of their university studies. The custom was observed in Mr. Gladstone's
+early days even more than at the present. In accordance then with the
+prevailing usage he went abroad after graduating at Oxford. In the
+spring of 1832 he started on his travels and spent nearly the whole of
+the next six months in Italy, "learning the language, studying the art,
+and revelling in the natural beauties of that glorious land." In the
+following September, however, he was suddenly recalled to England to
+enter upon his first Parliamentary campaign.
+
+At Oxford Toryism prevailed, and was of the old-fashioned type, far
+removed from the utilitarian conservatism of the present day. Charles I
+was a saint and a martyr, the claims of rank and birth were admitted
+with a childlike simplicity, the high functions of government were the
+birthright of the few, and the people had nothing to do with the laws,
+except to obey them. Mr. Gladstone was a Tory. The political views he
+held upon leaving Oxford had much to do with his recall from abroad and
+his running for a seat in the House of Commons. Of these opinions held
+by him then, and afterwards repudiated, he, in a speech delivered at the
+opening of the Palmerston Club, Oxford, in December, 1878, says: "I
+trace in the education of Oxford of my own time one great defect.
+Perhaps it was my own fault; but I must admit that I did not learn, when
+at Oxford, that which I have learned since, viz., to set a due value on
+the imperishable and inestimable principles of human liberty. The temper
+which, I think, too much prevailed in academic circles, was that liberty
+was regarded with jealousy and fear, which could not be wholly dispensed
+with, but which was continually to be watched for fear of excess.... I
+think that the principle of the Conservative party is jealousy of
+liberty and of the people, only qualified by fear; but I think the
+policy of the Liberal party is trust in the people, only qualified by
+prudence. I can only assure you, gentlemen, that now I am in front of
+extended popular privileges. I have no fear of those enlargements of the
+Constitution that seem to be approaching. On the contrary, I hail them
+with desire. I am not in the least degree conscious that I have less
+reverence for antiquity, for the beautiful, and good, and glorious
+charges that our ancestors have handed down to us as a patrimony to our
+race, than I had in other days when I held other political opinions. I
+have learnt to set the true value upon human liberty, and in whatever I
+have changed, there, and there only, has been the explanation of
+the change."
+
+It was Mr. Gladstone's Tory principles that led to an invitation from
+the Duke of Newcastle, whose son, the Earl of Lincoln, afterwards a
+member of Lord Aberdeen's Cabinet during the Crimean War, had been his
+schoolmate at Eton and Oxford, and his intimate friend; to return to
+England and to contest the representation of Newark in Parliament. In
+accordance with this summons he hurried home.
+
+Let us review the national situation. It was a time of general alarm and
+uncertainty, from political unrest, commercial stagnation, and
+devastating pestilence. "The terrors of the time begat a hundred forms
+of strange fanaticism; and among men who were not fanatics there was a
+deep and wide conviction that national judgments were overtaking
+national sins, and that the only hope of safety for England lay in a
+return to that practical recognition of religion in the political sphere
+at the proudest moments of English history. 'The beginning and the end
+of what is the matter with us in these days,' wrote Carlyle, 'is that we
+have forgotten God.'"
+
+England was in a condition of great political excitement and expectancy.
+One of the greatest battles in Parliamentary history had just been
+fought and won by the people. The Reform Bill, which admitted large
+classes, hitherto unrepresented, to the right of citizenship, had
+passed, after a long struggle, during which law and order were defied
+and riots prevailed in various parts of the kingdom.
+
+The King clearly perceiving that the wish of the people could no longer
+be disregarded with safety, and heedless of the advice of the
+aristocracy, gave his assent to the measure. This bill, which became a
+law June 7, 1832, "transformed the whole of the Electoral arrangements
+of the United Kingdom." It was demanded that the King be present in the
+House of Lords to witness the ceremony of the subjugation of his crown
+and peers, as it was deemed, but the King, feeling he had yielded enough
+to the popular will, refused. Walpole, in his history, writes: "King and
+Queen sat sullenly apart in their palace. Peer and country gentleman
+moodily awaited the ruin of their country and the destruction of their
+property. Fanaticism still raved at the wickedness of a people; the
+people, clamoring for work, still succumbed before the mysterious
+disease which was continually claiming more and more victims. But the
+nation cared not for the sullenness of the Court, the forebodings of the
+landed classes, the ravings of the pulpit, or even the mysterious
+operations of a new plague. The deep gloom that had overshadowed the
+land had been relieved by one single ray. The victory had been won. The
+bill had become law."
+
+The first reformed House of Commons, after the passage of the terrible
+Reform Bill, met and was looked upon by some of the friends of Reform
+with fond hopes and expectations, and by others, the Tories, with fear
+and apprehension. The poor looked upon the Reform Bill as a measure for
+their redemption, and the landed proprietors regarded it as the first
+sign of departed national greatness. Both classes were disappointed. It
+neither revived business nor despoiled owners. The result was a surprise
+to politicians of both parties. The Reformers did not, as was
+anticipated, carry their extreme measures, and the Tories did not
+realize the great losses they expected. While the Ministry preserved its
+power and even obtained some victories in England and Scotland, it
+sustained serious defeats in Ireland. In England many earnest and
+popular friends of Reform were defeated in the election, and some
+counties, among them Bristol, Stamford, Hertford, Norwich and Newark,
+were pronounced against the Ministry.
+
+The Duke of Newcastle, who was one of the chief potentates of the high
+Tory party, and had lost his control of Newark in 1831, by the election
+of a Radical, was determined to regain it. He regarded it as his right
+to be represented in the House of Commons, or that Newark should elect
+whom he nominated. And he had propounded the memorable political maxim,
+"Have I not a right to do what I like with my own?" The Duke wanted a
+capable candidate to help him regain his ascendency. His son, Lord
+Lincoln, here came to his aid. He had heard the remarkable speech of his
+friend, Mr. Gladstone, in the Oxford Union, against the Reform Bill, and
+had written home regarding him, that "a man had uprisen in Israel." At
+his suggestion the Duke invited the young graduate of Oxford to run as
+the Tory candidate for a seat in Parliament from Newark. The wisdom of
+this selection for the accomplishment of the purpose in view, was fully
+demonstrated.
+
+[Illustration: The Lobby of the House of Commons]
+
+His personal appearance at this time may be thus described: He was
+somewhat robust. His youthful face bore none of those deep furrows which
+have rendered his countenance so remarkable in maturer years. But there
+was the same broad intellectual forehead, the massive nose, the same
+anxious eyes and the earnest enthusiasm of later years. His look was
+bright and thoughtful and his bearing attractive. He was handsome and
+possessed a most intelligent and expressive countenance. Says his
+biographer, Mr. Russell: "William Ewart Gladstone was now twenty-two
+years old, with a physical constitution of unequalled vigor, the
+prospect of ample fortune, great and varied knowledge, and a natural
+tendency to political theorization, and an inexhaustible copiousness and
+readiness of speech. In person he was striking and attractive, with
+strongly marked features, a pale complexion, abundance of dark hair and
+eyes of piercing lustre. People who judged only by his external aspect
+considered that he was delicate."
+
+Young Gladstone found two opponents contesting with him to represent
+Newark in Parliament, W.F. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, afterwards Lord
+Chancellor Truro. The latter was an advanced Liberal and had
+unsuccessfully contested the borough in 1829 and 1830, and had in
+consideration of his defeat received from his sympathetic friends a
+piece of plate inscribed: "By his ardent friends, the Blue electors of
+the borough, who by their exertions and sufferings in the cause of
+independence, largely conduced to awaken the attention of the nation to
+the necessity of Reform in Parliament. Upon this humble token of respect
+(contributed in the hour of defeat) the Blue electors of Newark inscribe
+their sense of the splendid ability, unwearied perseverance, and
+disinterested public spirit displayed by Sergeant Wilde in maintaining
+the two contests of 1829 and 1830, in order to emancipate the borough
+from political thraldoms, and restore to its inhabitants the free
+exercise of their long-lost rights." But Sergeant Wilde was more
+successful the following year, 1831, when the "Reform fever" was at its
+height, and defeated the Duke of Newcastle's nominee and became member
+of the House of Commons for the borough. These facts made the coming
+election, which followed the passage of the Reform Bill, of unusual
+interest, to those concerned, and the struggle would be of a close and
+determined character.
+
+Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest with his experienced, able and
+popular antagonist, with much against him, for he was young, unknown and
+untried; but his youth and personal appearance and manly bearing were in
+his favor, and these, with his eloquence and ready wit, gained for him
+many friends. His speeches demonstrated that he lacked neither
+arguments, nor words wherewith to clothe them. He needed, however, to
+call into requisition all his abilities, for Sergeant Wilde was a
+powerful antagonist, and had no thought of being displaced by his
+youthful opponent, "a political stripling," as he called him, without a
+desperate struggle. But Mr. Gladstone had behind him the ducal influence
+and the support of the Red Club, so he entered upon the contest with
+energy and enthusiasm.
+
+The young Tory's first election address was delivered upon this
+occasion. It was dated October 9th, 1832, was all such an address should
+be, and was addressed, "To the worthy and independent electors of the
+borough of Newark." It began by saying that he was bound in his opinions
+by no man and no party, but that he deprecated the growing unreasonable
+and indiscriminating desire for change then so common, but confessed
+that labor has a right to "receive adequate remuneration." On the
+question of human slavery, then greatly agitated, he remarked, "We are
+agreed that both the physical and the moral bondage of the slave are to
+be abolished. The question is as to the _order_, and the order only; now
+Scripture attacks the moral evil _before_ the corporal one, the corporal
+one _through_ the moral one, and I am content with the order which
+Scripture has established." He saw insurmountable obstacles against
+immediate emancipation, one of which was that the negro would exchange
+the evil now affecting him for greater ones--for a relapse into deeper
+debasement, if not for bloodshed and internal war.
+
+He therefore advocated a system of Christian education, to make the
+negro slaves fit for emancipation and to prepare them for freedom, Then,
+he argued, without bloodshed and the violation of property rights, and
+with unimpaired benefit to the negro, the desirable end might be reached
+in the utter extinction of slavery.
+
+Of this appropriate address, so important in the light of coming events,
+we quote two paragraphs in full. In speaking of existing evils and the
+remedies for them, he observed: "For the mitigation of these evils, we
+must, I think, look not only to particular measures, but to the
+restoration of sounder general principles. I mean especially that
+principle on which alone the incorporation of Religion with the State in
+our Constitution can be defended; that the duties of governors are
+strictly and peculiarly religious; and that legislatures, like
+individuals, are bound to carry throughout their acts the spirit of the
+high truths they have acknowledged. Principles are now arrayed against
+our institutions; and not by truckling nor by temporizing--not by
+oppression nor corruption--but by principles they must be met.
+
+"And now, gentlemen, as regards the enthusiasm with which you have
+rallied round your ancient flag, and welcomed the humble representative
+of those principles whose emblem it is, I trust that neither the lapse
+of time nor the seductions of prosperity can ever efface it from my
+memory. To my opponents, my acknowledgments are due for the good humor
+and kindness with which they have received me; and while I would thank
+my friends for their jealous and unwearied exertions in my favor, I
+briefly but emphatically assure them, that if promises be an adequate
+foundation of confidence, or experience a reasonable ground of
+calculation, our victory _is sure_"
+
+The new candidate for Parliamentary honors was "heckled," as it is
+called, at the hustings, or was interrupted continually while speaking,
+and questioned by his opponents as to the circumstances of his
+candidature, his father's connection with slavery, and his own views of
+capital punishment. From his first appearance in Newark, Mr. Gladstone
+had been subjected to these examinations and he stood the ordeal well
+and answered prudently. An instance of this is given. A Radical elector,
+Mr. Gillson, asked the young Tory candidate if he was the Duke of
+Newcastle's nominee, and was met by Mr. Gladstone demanding the
+questioner's definition of the term "nominee." Mr. Gillson replied that
+he meant a person sent by the Duke of Newcastle to be pushed down the
+throats of the voters whether they would or not. But Mr. Gladstone was
+equal to the occasion, and said according to that definition he was not
+the nominee of the Duke, but came to Newark by the invitation of the Red
+Club, than whom none were more respectable and intelligent.
+
+This same Red Club was Conservative, and promised to Mr. Gladstone, the
+thorough Conservative candidate, 650 votes, the whole number within its
+ranks. He also received the promise of 240 votes of other electors. This
+was known before the election, so that the result was confidently
+predicted. On the 11th of December, 1832, the "nomination" was held and
+the polling or election was held on the two following days, and Mr.
+Gladstone was chosen by a considerable majority, the votes being,
+Gladstone, 882; Handley, 793; Wilde, 719. Sergeant Wilde was defeated.
+
+During the public discussions before the election Mr. Gladstone was
+placed at a great disadvantage. There were three candidates to be heard
+from and his speech was to be the last in order. Sergeant Wilde made a
+very lengthy speech, which exhausted the patience of his hearers, who
+had already stood for nearly seven hours, and showed disinclination to
+listen to another three hours' address, which, from Mr. Gladstone's
+talents, they were far from thinking impossible. The Sergeant was
+condemned for occupying the attention of the electors for such an
+inordinate length of time, but this did not prevent a scene of
+outrageous noise and uproar when the Tory candidate rose to speak. The
+important topic was slavery, but Mr. Gladstone had not proceeded far
+when the hooting and hissing drowned his voice so that he found it
+impossible to proceed. When a show of hands was demanded it was declared
+in favor of Mr. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, but when the election came,
+it was Mr. Gladstone who triumphed, as has been seen, and who was sent
+to Parliament as the member from Newark.
+
+In speaking of the manner in which the Parliamentary elections are
+conducted, an English writer says: "Since 1832, few of those scenes of
+violence, and even of bloodshed, which formerly distinguished
+Parliamentary elections in many English boroughs, have been witnessed.
+Some of these lawless outbreaks were doubtless due to the unpopularity
+of the candidates forced upon the electors; but even in the largest
+towns--where territorial influence had little sway--riots occurred upon
+which we look back with doubtful amazement. Men holding strong political
+views have ceased to enforce those views by the aid of brickbats and
+other dangerous missiles. Yet at the beginning of the present century
+such arguments were very popular. And to the violence which prevailed
+was added the most unblushing bribery. Several boroughs, long notorious
+for extensive bribery, have since been disfranchised. The practice,
+however, extended to most towns in the kingdom, though it was not always
+carried on in the same open manner. By a long established custom, a
+voter at Hull received a donation of two guineas, or four for a
+plumper. In Liverpool men were openly paid for their votes; and Lord
+Cochrane stated in the House of Commons that, after his return for
+Honiton, he sent the town-crier round the borough to tell the voters to
+go to the chief banker for L10 10s. each. The great enlargement of the
+constituencies, secured by the Reform Bill of 1832, did much to put an
+end to this disgraceful condition of things; but to a wider political
+enlightenment also, some portion of the credit for such a result must be
+attributed."
+
+What the friends and foes of the new Tory member for Newark thought of
+his successful canvass and election, it is interesting to learn. When
+Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest the question was frequently put,
+"Who is Mr. Gladstone?" And it was answered, "He is the son of the
+friend of Mr. Canning, the great Liverpool merchant. He is, we
+understand, not more than four or five and twenty, but he has won golden
+opinions from all sorts of people, and promises to be an ornament to the
+House of Commons." And a few days after his election he addressed a
+meeting of the Constitutional Club, at Nottingham, when a Conservative
+journal made the first prophecy as to his future great political fame,
+saying: "He will one day be classed amongst the most able statesmen in
+the British Senate." The impression his successful contest made upon the
+late friends of his school-days may be learned from the following: A
+short time before the election Arthur Hallam, writing of his friend,
+"the old _W.E.G._," says: "I shall be very glad if he gets in.... We
+want such a man as that. In some things he is likely to be obstinate and
+prejudiced; but he has a fine fund of high, chivalrous Tory sentiment,
+and a tongue, moreover, to let it loose with." And after the election he
+exclaims: "And Gladstone has turned out the Sergeant!... What a triumph
+for him. He has made his reputation by it; all that remains is to keep
+up to it."
+
+That one of Mr. Gladstone's Liberal opponents was impressed by his
+talent and character is shown by the following lines of "descriptive
+prophecy, perhaps more remarkable for good feeling than for
+good poetry:"
+
+     "Yet on one form, whose ear can ne'er refuse
+      The Muses' tribute, for he lov'd the Muse,
+     (And when the soul the gen'rous virtues raise,
+      A friendly Whig may chant a Tory's praise,)
+      Full many a fond expectant eye is bent
+      Where Newark's towers are mirror'd in the Trent.
+      Perchance ere long to shine in senates first,
+      If manhood echo what his youth rehears'd,
+      Soon Gladstone's brows will bloom with greener bays
+      Than twine the chaplet of the minstrel's lays;
+      Nor heed, while poring o'er each graver line,
+      The far, faint music of a flute like mine.
+      His was no head contentedly which press'd
+      The downy pillow in obedient rest,
+      Where lazy pilots, with their canvas furl'd,
+      Let up the Gades of their mental world;
+      His was no tongue which meanly stoop'd to wear
+      The guise of virtue, while his heart was bare;
+      But all he thought through ev'ry action ran;
+      God's noblest work--I've known one honest man."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke at Newark in company with his friend, the Earl of
+Lincoln, shortly after his election, when another favorable testimony
+was given, and his address spoken of as "a manly, eloquent speech,
+replete with sound constitutional sentiments, high moral feeling, and
+ability of the most distinguished order."
+
+In commenting upon the result of the election a representative of the
+press of Newark wrote: "We have been told there was no reaction against
+the Ministry, no reaction in favor of Conservative principles. The
+delusion has now vanished, and made room for sober reason and
+reflection. The shadow satisfies no longer, and the return of Mr.
+Gladstone, to the discomfiture of the learned Sergeant and his friends,
+has restored the town of Newark to the high rank which it formerly held
+in the estimation of the friends of order and good government. We
+venture to predict that the losing candidate in this contest has
+suffered so severely that he will never show his face in Newark on a
+similar occasion."
+
+But Mr. Gladstone had made bitter political enemies already, who were
+not at all reconciled to his election, nor pleased with him. That they
+were not at all slow to express unbecomingly their bitterness against
+him, because of their unexpected defeat, the following shows from the
+_Reflector_: "Mr. Gladstone is the son of Gladstone of Liverpool, a
+person who (we are speaking of the father) had amassed a large fortune
+by West India dealings. In other words, a great part of his gold has
+sprung from the blood of black slaves. Respecting the youth himself--a
+person fresh from college, and whose mind is as much like a sheet of
+white foolscap as possible--he was utterly unknown. He came recommended
+by no claim in the world _except the will of the Duke_. The Duke nodded
+unto Newark, and Newark sent back the man, or rather the boy of his
+choice. What! Is this to be, now that the Reform Bill has done its work?
+Are sixteen hundred men still to bow down to a wooden-headed lord, as
+the people of Egypt used to do to their beasts, to their reptiles, and
+their ropes of onions? There must be something wrong--something
+imperfect. What is it? What is wanting? Why, the Ballot! If there be a
+doubt of this (and we believe there is a doubt even amongst intelligent
+men) the tale of Newark must set the question at rest. Sergeant Wilde
+was met on his entry into the town by almost the whole population. He
+was greeted everywhere, cheered everywhere. He was received with delight
+by his friends and with good and earnest wishes for his success by his
+nominal foes. The voters for Gladstone went up to that candidate's booth
+(the slave-driver, as they called him) with Wilde's colors. People who
+had before voted for Wilde, on being asked to give their suffrage said,
+'We cannot, we dare not. We have lost half our business, and shall lose
+the rest if we go against the Duke. We would do anything in our power
+for Sergeant Wilde and for the cause, but we cannot starve!' Now what
+say ye, our merry men, touching the Ballot?"
+
+However Mr. Gladstone had won as we have seen the golden opinions of
+many, and the dreams of his more youthful days were realized when he was
+sent to represent the people in the House of Commons.
+
+On the 29th of January, 1833, the first Reformed Parliament met, and
+William E. Gladstone, as the member from Newark, took his seat for the
+first time in "an assembly which he was destined to adorn, delight and
+astonish for more than half a century, and over which for a great
+portion of that period, he was to wield an unequalled and a paramount
+authority." There were more than three hundred new members in the House
+of Commons. Lord Althorp led the Whigs, who were largely in the majority
+and the Tories constituted a compact minority under the skillful
+leadership of Sir Robert Peel, while the Irish members who were hostile
+to the ministry followed O'Connell. On the 5th of February the king
+attended and delivered the speech from the throne in person. This
+Parliamentary session was destined to become one of the most memorable
+in history for the importance of the subjects discussed and disposed of,
+among them the social condition of Ireland, the position of the Irish
+church, the discontent and misery of the poor in England, and slavery in
+the British colonies; and for the fact that it was the first Parliament
+in which William E. Gladstone sat and took part.
+
+There was no reference made to the subject of slavery in the speech from
+the throne, but the ministry resolved to consider it. Mr. Stanley, the
+Colonial Secretary, afterwards fourteenth Earl of Derby and Prime
+Minister, brought forth, May 14th, 1833, a series of resolutions in
+favor of the extinction of slavery in the British colonies. "All
+children of slaves, born after the passage of the Act, and all children
+of six years old and under, were declared free. But the rest of the
+slaves were to serve a sort of apprenticeship--three-fourths of their
+time was for a certain number of years to remain at the disposal of the
+masters; the other fourth was their own, to be paid for at a fixed rate
+of wages." The planters were to be duly compensated out of the national
+treasury.
+
+It was during the discussion of these resolutions that Mr. Gladstone
+made his maiden speech in Parliament. It was made in answer to what
+seemed a personal challenge by Lord Howick, Ex-Under Secretary for the
+colonies, who, opposing gradual emancipation, referred to an estate in
+Demerara, owned by Mr. Gladstone's father, for the purpose of showing
+that great destruction of life had taken place in the West Indies owing
+to the manner in which the slaves were worked. In reply to this Mr.
+Gladstone said that he would meet some of Lord Howick's statements with
+denials and others with explanations. He admitted that he had a
+pecuniary interest in it as a question of justice, of humanity, and of
+religion. The real cause of the decrease, he said, was owing, not to the
+increased cultivation of sugar, but to the very large proportion of
+Africans upon the estate. When it came into his father's possession it
+was so weak, owing to the large number of negroes upon it, that he was
+obliged to add two hundred more people to the gang. It was well known
+that negroes were imported into Demarara and Trinidad up to a later
+period than into any of the colonies; and he should at a proper time, be
+able to prove that the decrease on his father's plantation, Vreeden
+Hoop, was among the old Africans, and that there was an increase going
+on in the Creole population, which would be a sufficient answer to the
+charges preferred. The quantity of sugar produced was small compared to
+that produced on other estates. The cultivation of cotton in Demarara
+had been abandoned, and that of coffee much diminished, and the people
+engaged in these sources of production had been employed in the
+cultivation of sugar. Besides in Demarara the labor of the same number
+of negroes, distributed over the year, would produce in that colony a
+certain quantity of sugar with less injury to the people, than negroes
+could produce in other colonies, working only at the stated periods
+of crops.
+
+He was ready to concede that the cultivation was of a more injurious
+character than others; and he would ask, Were there not certain
+employments in other countries more destructive of life than others? He
+would only instance those of painting and working in lead mines, both of
+which were well known to have that tendency. The noble lord attempted to
+impugn the character of the gentleman acting as manager of his father's
+estates; and in making the selection he had surely been most
+unfortunate; for there was not a person in the colony more remarkable
+for humanity and the kind treatment of his slaves than Mr. Maclean. Mr.
+Gladstone, in concluding this able defense of his father, said, that he
+held in his hand two letters from Mr. Maclean, in which he spoke in the
+kindest terms of the negroes under his charge; described their state of
+happiness, content and healthiness--their good conduct and the
+infrequency of severe punishment--and recommended certain additional
+comforts, which he said the slaves well deserved.
+
+On the 3d of June, on the resumption of the debate on the abolition of
+slavery, Mr. Gladstone again addressed the House. He now entered more
+fully into the charges which Lord Howick had brought against the
+management of his father's estates in Demarara, and showed their
+groundlessness. When he had discussed the existing aspect of slavery in
+Trinidad, Jamaica and other places, he proceeded to deal with the
+general question. He confessed with shame and pain that cases of wanton
+cruelty had occurred in the colonies, but added that they would always
+exist, particularly under the system of slavery; and this was
+unquestionably a substantial reason why the British Legislature and
+public should set themselves in good earnest to provide for its
+extinction; but he maintained that these instances of cruelty could
+easily be explained by the West Indians, who represented them as rare
+and isolated cases, and who maintained that the ordinary relation of
+master and slave was one of kindliness and not of hostility. He
+deprecated cruelty, and he deprecated slavery, both of which were
+abhorrent to the nature of Englishmen; but, conceding these things, he
+asked, "Were not Englishmen to retain a right to their own honestly and
+legally-acquired property?" But the cruelty did not exist, and he saw no
+reason for the attack which had recently been made upon the West India
+interest. He hoped the House would make a point to adopt the principle
+of compensation, and to stimulate the slave to genuine and spontaneous
+industry. If this were not done, and moral instruction were not imparted
+to the slaves, liberty would prove a curse instead of a blessing to
+them. Touching upon the property question, and the proposed plans for
+emancipation, Mr. Gladstone said that the House might consume its time
+and exert its wisdom in devising these plans, but without the
+concurrence of the Colonial Legislatures success would be hopeless. He
+thought there was excessive wickedness in any violent interference under
+the present circumstances. They were still in the midst of unconcluded
+inquiries, and to pursue the measure then under discussion, at that
+moment, was to commit an act of great and unnecessary hostility toward
+the island of Jamaica. "It was the duty of the House to place as broad a
+distinction as possible between the idle and the industrious slaves, and
+nothing could be too strong to secure the freedom of the latter; but,
+with respect to the idle slaves, no period of emancipation could hasten
+their improvement. If the labors of the House should be conducted to a
+satisfactory issue, it would redound to the honor of the nation, and to
+the reputation of his Majesty's Ministers, whilst it would be delightful
+to the West India planters themselves--for they must feel that to hold
+in bondage their fellow-men must always involve the greatest
+responsibility. But let not any man think of carrying this measure by
+force. England rested her power not upon physical force, but upon her
+principles, her intellect and virtue; and if this great measure were not
+placed on a fair basis, or were conducted by violence, he should lament
+it, as a signal for the ruin of the Colonies and the downfall of the
+Empire." The attitude of Mr. Gladstone, as borne out by the tenor of his
+speech, was not one of hostility to emancipation, though he was
+undoubtedly unfavorable to an immediate and indiscriminate
+enfranchisement. He demanded, moreover, that the interests of the
+planters should be duly regarded.
+
+The result of the consideration of these resolutions in the House of
+Commons was that human slavery in the British Colonies was abolished,
+and the sum of twenty million pounds, or one hundred million dollars was
+voted to compensate the slave-owners for their losses. Thus was the
+work begun by Wilberforce finally crowned with success.
+
+It is an interesting question how Mr. Gladstone's first efforts in
+Parliament were received. Among his friends his speech was anticipated
+with lively interest. That morning he was riding in Hyde Park, on his
+gray Arabian mare, "his hat, narrow-brimmed, high up on the centre of
+his head, sustained by a crop of thick curly hair." He was pointed out
+to Lord Charles Russell by a passer-by who said, "That is Gladstone. He
+is to make his maiden speech to-night. It will be worth hearing."
+
+From the first he appears to have favorably impressed the members of the
+House. Modest in demeanor, earnest in manner, and fluent in speech, he
+at once commanded the respect and attention of his fellow-members.
+
+And here is a later testimony as to the early impression made upon his
+colleagues and contemporaries, when he was twenty-nine years of age,
+erroneously stated as thirty-five: "Mr. Gladstone, the member for
+Newark, is one of the most rising young men on the Tory side of the
+House. His party expect great things from him; and certainly, when it is
+remembered that his age is only thirty-five, the success of the
+Parliamentary efforts he has already made justifies their expectations.
+He is well informed on most of the subjects which usually occupy the
+attention of the Legislature; and he is happy in turning his
+information to good account. He is ready on all occasions, which he
+deems fitting ones, with a speech in favor of the policy advocated by
+the party with whom he acts. His extempore resources are ample. Few men
+in the House can improvise better. It does not appear to cost him an
+effort to speak.... He is a man of very considerable talent, but has
+nothing approaching to genius. His abilities are much more the result of
+an excellent education and of mature study than of any prodigality of
+nature in the distribution of her mental gifts. _I have no idea that he
+will ever acquire the reputation of a great statesman. His views are not
+sufficiently profound or enlarged for that; his celebrity in the House
+of Commons will chiefly depend on his readiness and dexterity as a
+debater, in conjunction with the excellence of his elocution, and the
+gracefulness of his manner when speaking_.... His style is polished, but
+has no appearance of the effect of previous preparation. He displays
+considerable acuteness in replying to an opponent; he is quick in his
+perception of anything vulnerable in the speech to which he replies, and
+happy in laying the weak point bare to the gaze of the House. He now and
+then indulges in sarcasm, which is, in most cases, very felicitous. He
+is plausible even when most in error. When it suits himself or his party
+he can apply himself with the strictest closeness to the real point at
+issue; when to evade the point is deemed most politic, no man can wander
+from it more widely."
+
+How far these estimates were true we leave to the reader to determine,
+after the perusal of his life, and in the light of subsequent events.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, after his maiden speech, took an active part in the
+business of the House during the remainder of the session of 1833. He
+spoke upon the question of bribery and corruption at Liverpool, and July
+8th made an elaborate speech on the Irish Church Temporalities Bill. The
+condition of Ireland was then, as now, one of the most urgent questions
+confronting the Ministry. Macaulay "solemnly declared that he would
+rather live in the midst of many civil wars that he had read of than in
+some parts of Ireland at this moment." Sydney Smith humorously described
+"those Irish Protestants whose shutters are bullet-proof; whose
+dinner-table is regularly spread out with knife, fork, and cocked
+pistol; salt-cellar and powder-flask; who sleep in sheet-iron nightcaps;
+who have fought so often and so nobly before their scullery-door, and
+defended the parlor passage as bravely as Leonidas defended the pass of
+Thermopylae." Crime was rife and to remedy the serious state of affairs
+a stringent Coercion Bill was introduced by the government. Mr.
+Gladstone voted silently for the bill which became a law.
+
+The other bill introduced was that upon the Irish Church, and proposed
+the reduction of the number of Protestant Episcopal Bishops in Ireland
+and the curtailment of the income of the Church. This bill Mr. Gladstone
+opposed in a speech, and he voted against it, but it was passed.
+
+It was in the following session that Mr. Hume introduced his
+"'Universities Admission Bill,' designed to enable Nonconformists of all
+kinds to enter the universities, by removing the necessity of
+subscribing to the thirty-nine articles at matriculation." In the debate
+that followed Mr. Gladstone soon gave evidence that he knew more about
+the subject than did the author of the bill. In speaking against the
+bill, he said in part, "The whole system of the university and of its
+colleges, both in study and in discipline, aimed at the formation of a
+moral character, and that aim could not be attained if every student
+were at liberty to exclude himself from the religious training of the
+place." And in reply to a remark made by Lord Palmerston in reference to
+the students going "from wine to prayers, and from prayers to wine," Mr.
+Gladstone replied, he did not believe that in their most convivial
+moments they were unfit to enter the house of prayer. This bill was
+also passed.
+
+It might have been expected that Mr. Gladstone's active participation in
+the debates in the House of Commons, and the practical ability and
+debating power he manifested would not escape the attention of the
+leaders of his party. But the recognition of his merit came sooner than
+could have been expected. It became evident, towards the close of 1834
+that the downfall of the Liberal Ministry was near at hand. Lord
+Althorp, who had kept the Liberals together, was transferred to the
+House of Lords, and the growing unpopularity of the Whigs did the rest.
+The Ministry under Lord Melbourne was dismissed by the king, and a new
+Cabinet formed by Sir Robert Peel. The new Premier offered Mr. Gladstone
+the office of Junior Lord of the Treasury, which was accepted.
+
+Truly has an eminent writer said: "When a Prime Minister in
+difficulties, looking about for men to fill the minor offices of his
+administration, sees among his supporters a clever and comely young man,
+eloquent in speech, ready in debate, with a safe seat, an ample fortune,
+a high reputation at the university, and a father who wields political
+influence in an important constituency, he sees a Junior Lord of the
+Treasury made ready to his hand."
+
+Appealing to his constituents at Newark, who, two years before, had sent
+him to Parliament, he was re-elected. Mr. Handley having retired,
+Sergeant Wilde was elected with Mr. Gladstone without opposition. Mr.
+Gladstone was "chaired," or drawn by horses through the town, seated on
+a chair, after the election, and then addressed the assembled people to
+the number of 6,000, his speech being received with "deafening cheers."
+
+Shortly after Parliament assembled, Mr. Gladstone was promoted to the
+office of Under-Secretary for the Colonies. His official chief was Lord
+Aberdeen, afterwards Prime Minister; and thus began a relation which was
+destined to greatly affect the destinies of both statesmen.
+
+Mr. Gladstone gave ample proof in his new office of his great abilities
+and untiring energies.
+
+In March he presented to the House his first bill, which was for the
+better regulation of the transportation of passengers in merchant
+vessels to the continent and to the Islands of North America. This bill,
+which contained many humane provisions, was very favorably received. The
+new Parliament, which met February 10, 1835, contained a considerable
+Liberal majority. The old House of Commons had been destroyed by fire
+during the recess, and the new Commons reassembled in the chamber which
+had been the House of Lords, and for the first time there was a gallery
+for reporters in the House.
+
+"A standing order still existed, which forbade the publication of the
+debates, but the reporters' gallery was a formal and visible recognition
+of the people's right to know what their representatives were doing in
+their name." However, the new Ministry was but short-lived, for Sir
+Robert Peel resigned April 8th, and Mr. Gladstone retired with
+his chief.
+
+Mr. Gladstone spent the days of his retirement from ministerial office
+partly in study, and partly in recreation. Being free to follow the bent
+of his own inclinations, he ordered his life according to his own
+ideals. He lived in chambers at the Albany, pursued the same steady
+course of work, proper recreation and systematic devotion, which he had
+marked out at Oxford. He freely went into society, dined out frequently,
+and took part in musical parties, much to the edification of his friends
+who were charmed with the beauty and cultivation of his rich baritone.
+His friend Monckton Milnes had established himself in London and
+collected around him a society of young men, interested in politics and
+religion, and whom he entertained Sunday evenings. But this arrangement
+"unfortunately," as Mr. Milnes said, excluded from these gatherings the
+more serious members, such as Acland and Gladstone. Mr. Milnes expressed
+his opinion of such self-exclusion in these words: "I really think when
+people keep Friday as a fast, they might make a feast of Sunday." But
+Mr. Gladstone evidently was not of this opinion, and remained away from
+these Lord's Day parties. However at other times he met his friends, and
+received them at his own rooms in the Albany, and on one memorable
+occasion entertained Wordsworth at breakfast and a few admirers of this
+distinguished guest.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's relaxations were occasional, and the most of his time
+was devoted to his Parliamentary duties and study. His constant
+companions were Homer and Dante, and he at this time, it is recorded,
+read the whole of St. Augustine, in twenty-two octavo volumes. He was a
+constant attendant upon public worship at St. James', Piccadilly, and
+Margaret Chapel, and a careful critic of sermons. At the same time he
+diligently applied himself to the work of a private member of the House
+of Commons, working on committees and taking constant part in debate.
+
+In 1836 the question of slavery again came up before Parliament. This
+time the question was as to the working of the system of negro
+apprenticeship, which had taken the place of slavery. It was asserted
+that the system was only slavery under another name. He warmly and ably
+defended again the West Indian planters. He pleaded that many of the
+planters were humane men, and defended also the honor of his relatives
+connected with the traffic so much denounced, when it was assailed. He
+contended that while the evils of the system had been exaggerated, all
+mention of its advantages had been carefully withheld. The condition of
+the negroes was improving. He deprecated the attempt made to renew and
+perpetuate the system of agitation at the expense of candor and truth.
+He also at this time spoke on support of authority and order in the
+government of Canada, and on Church Rates, dwelling upon the necessity
+of national religion to the security of a state. Mr. Gladstone was not
+only a Tory but a High Churchman.
+
+King William IV died June 20, 1837, and was succeeded by Queen Victoria.
+A general election ensued. The Parliament, which had been prorogued by
+the young queen in person, was dissolved on the 17th of July. Mr.
+Gladstone, without his consent, was nominated to represent Manchester in
+the House, but was re-elected for Newark without opposition. He then
+turned his steps towards Scotland, "to see what grouse he could persuade
+into his bag." The new Parliament met October 20th, but no business of
+importance came before it until after the Christmas holidays.
+
+In 1838 a bill was presented in both Houses of Parliament for the
+immediate abolition of negro apprenticeship. Many harrowing details of
+the cruelties practiced were cited. Mr. Gladstone returned to the
+championship of the planters with increased power and success. His long,
+eloquent and powerful speech of March 30th, although on the unpopular
+side of the question, is regarded as having so greatly enhanced his
+reputation as to bring him to the front rank among Parliamentary
+debaters. Having impassionately defended the planters from the
+exaggerated charges made against them, he further said: "You consumed
+forty-five millions of pounds of cotton in 1837 which proceeded from
+free labor; and, proceeding from slave labor, three hundred and eighteen
+millions of pounds! And this, while the vast regions of India afford the
+means of obtaining at a cheaper rate, and by a slight original outlay,
+to facilitate transport, all that you can require. If, Sir, the
+complaints against the general body of the West Indians had been
+substantiated, I should have deemed it an unworthy artifice to attempt
+diverting the attention of the House from the question immediately at
+issue, by merely proving that delinquencies existed in other quarters;
+but feeling as I do that those charges have been overthrown in debate, I
+think myself entitled and bound to show how capricious are the honorable
+gentlemen in the distribution of their sympathies among those different
+objects which call for their application."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, "having turned the tables upon his opponents," concluded
+by demanding justice, and the motion before the House was rejected.
+
+About one month later Rev. Samuel Wilberforce, afterwards Bishop of
+Oxford, and of Winchester, wrote to Mr. Gladstone: "It would be an
+affectation in you, which you are above, not to know that few young men
+have the weight you have in the House of Commons, and are gaining
+rapidly throughout the country. Now I do not wish to urge you to
+consider this as a talent for the use of which you must render an
+account, for so I know you do esteem it, but what I want to urge upon
+you is that you should calmly look far before you; see the degree of
+weight and influence to which you may fairly, if God spares your life
+and powers, look forward in future years, and thus act _now_ with a view
+to _then_. There is no height to which you may not fairly rise in this
+country. If it pleases God to spare us violent convulsions and the loss
+of our liberties, you may at a future day wield the whole government of
+this land; and if this should be so, of what extreme moment will your
+_past steps_ then be to the real usefulness of your high station....
+Almost all our public men act from the merest expediency.... I would
+have you view yourself as one who may become the head of all the better
+feelings of this country, the maintainer of its Church and of its
+liberties, and who must now be fitting himself for this high
+vocation.... I think my father's life so beautifully shows that a deep
+and increasing personal religion must be the root of that firm and
+unwearied consistency in right, which I have ventured thus to press
+upon you."
+
+Mr. Gladstone began his Parliamentary life as a Tory. Later he developed
+into a Liberal, a Radical, and yet there is not one who conscientiously
+doubts his utter honesty. His life has been that of his
+century--progressive, liberal, humanitarian in its trend.
+
+[Illustration: Grattan]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE
+
+We have now followed Mr. Gladstone in his course until well on the way
+in his political career, and yet he is but twenty-eight years of age.
+His personal appearance in the House of Commons at this early stage of
+his Parliamentary life is thus described: "Mr. Gladstone's appearance
+and manners are much in his favor. He is a fine looking man. He is about
+the usual height and of good figure. His countenance is mild and
+pleasant, and has a highly intellectual expression. His eyes are clear
+and quick. His eyebrows are dark and rather prominent. There is not a
+dandy in the House but envies what Truefit would call his 'fine head of
+jet-black hair.' It is always carefully parted from the crown downwards
+to his brow, where it is tastefully shaded. His features are small and
+regular, and his complexion must be a very unworthy witness if he does
+not possess an abundant stock of health.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's gesture is varied, but not violent. When he rises he
+generally puts both his hands behind his back, and having there suffered
+them to embrace each other for a short time, he unclasps them and allows
+them to drop on either side. They are not permitted to remain long in
+that locality before you see them, again closed together and hanging
+down before him. Their reunion is not suffered to last for any length of
+time, Again a separation takes place, and now the right hand is seen
+moving up and down before him. Having thus exercised it a little, he
+thrusts it into the pocket of his coat, and then orders the left hand to
+follow its example. Having granted them a momentary repose there, they
+are again put into gentle motion, and in a few seconds they are seen
+reposing _vis-a-vis_ on his breast. He moves his face and body from one
+direction to another, not forgetting to bestow a liberal share of his
+attention on his own party. He is always listened to with much attention
+by the House, and appears to be highly respected by men of all parties.
+He is a man of good business habits; of this he furnished abundant proof
+when Under-Secretary for the Colonies, during the short-lived
+administration of Robert Peel."
+
+From this pen picture and other like notices of Mr. Gladstone he must,
+at that time, have attained great distinction and attracted a good deal
+of attention for one so young, and from that day to this he has
+commanded the attention not only of the British Senate and people, but
+of the world at large. And why? may we ask, unless because of his modest
+manner and distinguished services, his exalted ability and moral worth.
+
+"The House of Commons was his ground," writes Justin McCarthy. "There he
+was always seen to the best advantage."
+
+Nevertheless, Mr. Gladstone wrote with the same earnestness and ability
+with which he spoke. It was early in life that he distinguished himself
+as an author, as well as an orator and debater in the House of Commons.
+And it was most natural for him to write upon the subject of the Church,
+for not only his education led him to the consideration of such themes,
+but it was within his sphere as an English statesman, for the law of the
+land provided for the union of the Church and State. It was in 1838,
+when he was not thirty years of age, that he wrote his first book and
+stepped at once to the front rank as an author. He had ever been a
+staunch defender of the Established Church and his first appearance in
+literature was by a remarkable work in defense of the State Church
+entitled, "The State in its Relations with the Church." The treatise is
+thus dedicated: "Inscribed to the University of Oxford, tried and not
+found wanting through the vicissitudes of a thousand years; in the
+belief that she is providentially designed to be a fountain of
+blessings, spiritual, social and intellectual, to this and other
+countries, to present and future times; and in the hope that the temper
+of these pages may be found not alien from her own."
+
+This first published book of Mr. Gladstone's was due to the perception
+that the _status_ of the Church, in its connection with the secular
+power, was about to undergo the severe assaults of the opponents of the
+Union. There was growing opposition to the recognition of the Episcopal
+Church as the Church of the State and to taxation of people of other
+religious beliefs for its support; and this objection was to the
+recognition and support of any Church by the State. What is called the
+"American idea"--the entire separation of the Church and State--or as
+enunciated first by Roger Williams in 1636, in Rhode Island, that the
+magistrate should have authority in civil affairs only, was becoming
+more and more the doctrine of dissenters. Preparations were already
+being made for attacking the national establishment of religion, and
+with all the fervor springing from conviction and a deep-seated
+enthusiasm, he came forward to take part in the controversy on Church
+and State, and as a defender of the Established or Episcopal Church
+of England.
+
+Some of the positions assumed in this work have since been renounced as
+untenable, but its ability as a whole, its breadth and its learning
+could not be denied. It then created a great sensation, and has since
+been widely discussed. After an examination and a defense of the theory
+of the connection between Church and State, Mr. Gladstone thus
+summarizes his principal reasons for the maintenance of the Church
+establishment:
+
+"Because the Government stands with us in a paternal relation to the
+people, and is bound in all things not merely to consider their existing
+tastes, but the capabilities and ways of their improvement; because it
+has both an intrinsic competency and external means to amend and assist
+their choice; because to be in accordance with God's mind and will, it
+must have a religion, and because to be in accordance with its
+conscience, that religion must be the truth, as held by it under the
+most solemn and accumulated responsibilities; because this is the only
+sanctifying and preserving principle of society, as well as to the
+individual, that particular benefit, without which all others are worse
+than valueless; we must, therefore, disregard the din of political
+contention and the pressure of novelty and momentary motives, and in
+behalf of our regard to man, as well as of our allegiance to God,
+maintain among ourselves, where happily it still exists, the union
+between the Church and the State."
+
+Dr. Russell in the following quotation not only accounts for this
+production from the pen, of Mr. Gladstone, but gives also an outline of
+the argument:
+
+"Naturally and profoundly religious ... Mr. Gladstone conceived that
+those who professed the warmest regard for the Church of England and
+posed as her most strenuous defenders, were inclined to base their
+championship on mistaken grounds and to direct their efforts towards
+even mischievous ends. To supply a more reasonable basis for action and
+to lead this energy into more profitable channels were the objects which
+he proposed to himself in his treatise of 1838. The distinctive
+principle of the book was that the State had a conscience. This being
+admitted, the issue was this: whether the State in its best condition,
+has such a conscience as can take cognizance of religious truth and
+error, and in particular whether the State of the United Kingdom at that
+time was, or was not, so far in that condition as to be under an
+obligation to give an active and an exclusive support to the established
+religion of the country.
+
+"The work attempted to survey the actual state of the relations between
+the State and the Church; to show from history the ground which had been
+defined for the National Church at the Reformation; and to inquire and
+determine whether the existing state of things was worth preserving and
+defending against encroachment from whatever quarter. This question it
+decided emphatically in the affirmative. Faithful to logic and to its
+theory, the book did not shrink from applying them to the external case
+of the Irish Church. It did not disguise the difficulties of the case,
+for the author was alive to the paradox which it involved. But the one
+master idea of the system, that the State as it then stood was capable
+in this age, as it had been in ages long gone by, of assuming
+beneficially a responsibility for the inculcation of a particular
+religion, carried him through all. His doctrine was that the Church, as
+established by law, was to be maintained for its truth; that this was
+the only principle in which it could be properly and permanently upheld;
+that this principle, if good in England, was good also for Ireland; that
+truth is of all possessions the most precious to the soul of man; and
+that to remove this priceless treasure from the view and the reach of
+the Irish people would be meanly to purchase their momentary favor at
+the expense of their permanent interests, and would be a high offense
+against our own sacred obligations."
+
+We quote also from the opening chapter of the second volume of this
+work, which treats of the connection subsisting between the State of the
+United Kingdom and the Church of England and Ireland, and shows Mr.
+Gladstone's views at that period of his life upon the relations of the
+Church as affecting Ireland in particular. The passage also indicates
+the changes that have taken place in his mind since the time when he
+defended these principles. It also shows the style in which this
+remarkable book was written and enables us to compare, not only his
+opinions now and then, but his style in writing then with his style now.
+
+"The Protestant legislature of the British Empire maintains in the
+possession of the Church property of Ireland the ministers of a creed
+professed, according to the parliamentary enumeration, of 1835, by
+one-ninth of its population, regarded with partial favor by scarcely
+another ninth, and disowned by the remaining seven. And not only does
+this anomaly meet us full in view, but we have also to consider and
+digest the fact, that the maintenance of this Church for near three
+centuries in Ireland has been contemporaneous with a system of partial
+and abusive government, varying in degree of culpability, but rarely,
+until of later years, when we have been forced to look at the subject
+and to feel it, to be exempted in common fairness from the reproach of
+gross inattention (to say the very least) to the interests of a noble
+but neglected people.
+
+"But, however formidable at first sight the admissions, which I have no
+desire to narrow or to qualify, may appear, they in no way shake the
+foregoing arguments. They do not change the nature of truth and her
+capability and destiny to benefit mankind. They do not relieve
+Government of its responsibility, if they show that that responsibility
+was once unfelt and unsatisfied. They place the legislature of the
+country in the condition, as it were, of one called to do penance for
+past offences; but duty remains unaltered and imperative, and abates
+nothing of her demand on our services. It is undoubtedly competent, in a
+constitutional view, to the Government of this country to continue the
+present disposition of Church property in Ireland. It appears not too
+much to assume that our imperial legislature has been qualified to take,
+and has taken in point of fact, a sounder view of religious truth than
+the majority of the people of Ireland in their destitute and
+uninstructed state. We believe, accordingly, that that which we place
+before them is, whether they know it or not, calculated to be beneficial
+to them; and that if they know it not now, they will know it when it is
+presented to them fairly. Shall we, then, purchase their applause at the
+expense of their substantial, nay, their spiritual interests?
+
+"It does, indeed, so happen that there are powerful motives on the other
+side concurring with that which has here been represented as paramount.
+In the first instance we are not called upon to establish a creed, but
+only to maintain an existing legal settlement, when our constitutional
+right is undoubted. In the second, political considerations tend
+strongly to recommend that maintenance. A common form of faith binds the
+Irish Protestants to ourselves, while they, upon the other hand, are
+fast linked to Ireland; and thus they supply the most natural bond of
+connection between the countries. But if England, by overthrowing their
+Church, should weaken their moral position, they would be no longer
+able, perhaps no longer willing, to counteract the desires of the
+majority tending, under the direction of their leaders (however, by a
+wise policy, revocable from that fatal course) to what is termed
+national independence. Pride and fear, on the one hand, are therefore
+bearing up against more immediate apprehension and difficulty on the
+other. And with some men these may be the fundamental considerations;
+but it may be doubted whether such men will not flinch in some stage of
+the contest, should its aspect at any moment become unfavorable."
+
+Of course the opponents of Mr. Gladstone's views, as set forth in his
+book, strongly combated his theories. They replied that "the taxation of
+the State is equal upon all persons, and has for its object their
+individual, social and political welfare and safety; but that the
+taxation of one man for the support of his neighbor's religion does not
+come within the limits of such taxation, and is, in fact, unjust and
+inequitable."
+
+It was no easy task for Mr. Gladstone, with all his parliamentary
+duties, to aspire to authorship, and carry his book through the press.
+In preparing for publication he passed through all the agonies of the
+author, but was nobly helped by his friend, James R. Hope, who
+afterwards became Mr. Hope-Scott, Q.C., who read and criticised his
+manuscript and saw the sheets through the press. Some of the letters
+from the young Defender of the Faith to his friend contain much that is
+worth preserving. We give some extracts.
+
+He writes: "If you let them lie just as they are, turning the leaves one
+by one, I think you will not find the manuscript very hard to make out,
+though it is strangely cut in pieces and patched.
+
+"I hope its general tendency will meet with your approval; but a point
+about which I am in doubt, and to which I request your particular
+attention, is, whether the work or some of the chapters are not so
+deficient in clearness and arrangement as to require being absolutely
+rewritten before they can with propriety be published.... Between my
+eyes and my business I fear it would be hard for me to re-write, but if
+I could put it into the hands of any other person who could, and who
+would extract from my papers anything worth having, that might do.
+
+"As regards myself, if I go on and publish, I shall be quite prepared to
+find some persons surprised, but this, if it should prove so, cannot be
+helped. I shall not knowingly exaggerate anything; and when a man
+expects to be washed overboard he must tie himself with a rope to
+the mast.
+
+"I shall trust to your friendship for frankness in the discharge of your
+irksome task. Pray make verbal corrections without scruple where they
+are needed."
+
+Again: "I thank you most cordially for your remarks, and I rejoice to
+find you act so entirely in the spirit I had anticipated. I trust you
+will continue to speak with freedom, which is the best compliment as
+well as the best service you can render me.
+
+"I think it very probable that you may find that V and VI require quite
+as rigorous treatment as II, and I am very desirous to set both my mind
+and eyes at liberty before I go to the Continent, which I can now hardly
+expect to do before the first week in September. This interval I trust
+would suffice unless you find that the other chapters stand in
+equal need.
+
+"I entirely concur with your view regarding the necessity of care and of
+not grudging labor in a matter so important and so responsible as an
+endeavor to raise one of the most momentous controversies which has
+ever agitated human opinion,"
+
+Again: "Thanks for your letter. I have been pretty hard at work, and
+have done a good deal, especially on V. Something yet remains. I must
+make inquiry about the law of excommunication.... I have made a very
+stupid classification, and have now amended it; instead of faith,
+discipline and practice, what I meant was the rule of faith, discipline,
+and the bearing of particular doctrines upon practice.
+
+"I send back also I and II that you may see what I have done."
+
+The work was successfully issued in the autumn of 1838, and passed
+rapidly through three editions. How it was received it would be
+interesting to inquire. While his friends applauded, even his opponents
+testified to the ability it displayed. On the authority of Lord
+Houghton, it is said that Sir Robert Peel, the young author's political
+leader, on receiving a copy as a gift from his follower, read it with
+scornful curiosity, and, throwing it on the floor, exclaimed with truly
+official horror: "With such a career before him, why should he write
+books? That young man will ruin his fine political career if he persists
+in writing trash like this." However, others gave the book a heartier
+reception. Crabb Robinson writes in his diary: "I went to Wordsworth
+this forenoon. He was ill in bed. I read Gladstone's book to him."
+
+December 13, 1838, Baron Bunsen wrote: "Last night at eleven, when I
+came from the Duke, Gladstone's book was lying on my table, having come
+out at seven o'clock. It is a book of the time, a great event--the first
+book since Burke that goes to the bottom of the vital question; far
+above his party and his time. I sat up till after midnight, and this
+morning I continued until I had read the whole. Gladstone is the first
+man in England as to intellectual power, and he has heard higher tones
+than any one else in the land." And again to Dr. Arnold he writes in
+high praise of the book, but lamenting its author's entanglement in
+Tractarian traditions, adds: "His genius will soon free itself entirely
+and fly towards Heaven with its own wings."
+
+Sir Henry Taylor wrote to the Poet Southey: "I am reading Gladstone's
+book, which I shall send you if he has not.... His party begin to think
+of him as the man who will one day be at their head and at the head of
+the government, and certainly no man of his standing has yet appeared
+who seems likely to stand in his way. Two wants, however, may lie across
+his political career--want of robust health and want of flexibility."
+
+Cardinal Newman wrote: "Gladstone's book, as you see, is making a
+sensation." And again: "The _Times_ is again at poor Gladstone. Really I
+feel as if I could do anything for him. I have not read his book, but
+its consequences speak for it. Poor fellow! it is so noble a thing."
+
+Lord Macaulay, in the _Edinburgh Review_, April, 1839, in his well-known
+searching criticism, while paying high tribute to the author's talents
+and character, said: "We believe that we do him no more than justice
+when we say that his abilities and demeanor have obtained for him the
+respect and good will of all parties.... That a young politician should,
+in the intervals afforded by his Parliamentary avocations, have
+constructed and propounded, with much study and mental toil, an original
+theory, on a great problem in politics, is a circumstance which,
+abstracted from all considerations of the soundness or unsoundness of
+his opinions, must be considered as highly creditable to him. We
+certainly cannot wish that Mr. Gladstone's doctrine may become
+fashionable among public men. But we heartily wish that his laudable
+desire to penetrate beneath the surface of questions, and to arrive, by
+long and intent meditation, at the knowledge of great general laws, were
+much more fashionable than we at all expect it to become."
+
+It was in this article, by Lord Macaulay, that the mow famous words
+occurred which former Conservative friends of Mr. Gladstone delight to
+recall in view of his change of political opinions: "The writer of this
+volume is a young man of unblemished character and of distinguished
+parliamentary talents; the rising hope of those stern and unbending
+Tories who follow, reluctantly and cautiously, a leader whose experience
+and eloquence are indispensable to them, but whose cautious temper and
+moderate opinions they abhor. It would not be strange if Mr. Gladstone
+were one of the most unpopular men in England."
+
+Higginson writes: "The hope of the stern and unbending Tories has for
+years been the unquestioned leader of English Liberals, and though he
+may have been at times as unpopular as Macaulay could have predicted,
+the hostility has come mainly from the ranks of those who were thus
+early named as his friends. But whatever may have been Mr. Gladstone's
+opinions or affiliations, whoever may have been his friends or foes, the
+credit of surpassing ability has always been his."
+
+It was remarked by Lord Macaulay that the entire theory of Mr.
+Gladstone's book rested upon one great fundamental proposition, namely,
+that the propagation of religious truth is one of the chief ends of
+government _as_ government; and he proceeded to combat this doctrine. He
+granted that government was designed to protect our persons and our
+property, but declined to receive the doctrine of paternal government,
+until a government be shown that loved its subjects, as a father loves
+his child, and was as superior in intelligence to its subjects as a
+father was to his children. Lord Macaulay then demonstrated, by
+appropriate illustrations, the fallacy of the theory that every society
+of individuals with any power whatever, is under obligation as such
+society to profess a religion; and that there could be unity of action
+in large bodies without unity of religious views. Persecutions would
+naturally follow, or be justifiable in an association where Mr.
+Gladstone's views were paramount. It would be impossible to conceive of
+the circumstances in which it would be right to establish by law, as the
+one exclusive religion of the State, the religion of the minority. The
+religious teaching which the sovereign ought officially to countenance
+and maintain is that from which he, in his conscience, believes that the
+people will receive the most benefit with the smallest mixture of evil.
+It is not necessarily his own religious belief that he will select. He
+may prefer the doctrines of the Church of England to those of the Church
+of Scotland, but he would not force the former upon the inhabitants of
+Scotland. The critic raised no objections, though he goes on to state
+the conditions under which an established Church might be retained with
+advantage. There are many institutions which, being set up, ought not
+to be rudely pulled down. On the 14th of June, 1839, the question of
+National Education was introduced in the House of Commons by the
+Ministry of the day. Lord Stanley opposed the proposal of the government
+in a powerful speech, and offered an amendment to this effect: "That an
+address be presented to her Majesty to rescind the order in council for
+constituting the proposed Board of Privy Council." The position of the
+government was defended by Lord Morpeth, who, while he held his own
+views respecting the doctrines of the Roman Catholics and also
+respecting Unitarian tenets, he maintained that as long as the State
+thought it proper to employ Roman Catholic sinews, and to finger
+Unitarian gold, it could not refuse to extend to those by whom it so
+profited the blessings of education. Speeches were also made by Lord
+Ashley, Mr. Buller, Mr. O'Connell and others, and in the course of
+debate reference was freely made to Mr. Gladstone's book on Church and
+State. Finally Mr. Gladstone rose and remarked, that he would not flinch
+from a word he had uttered or written upon religious subjects, and
+claimed the right to contrast his principles, and to try results, in
+comparison with those professed by Lord John Russell, and to ascertain
+the effects of both upon the institutions of the country, so far as they
+operated upon the Established Church in England, in Scotland and in
+Ireland. It was at this time that a very remarkable scene was witnessed
+in the House. Turning upon Mr. O'Connell, who had expressed his great
+fondness for statistics, Mr. Gladstone said the use he had made of them
+reminded him of an observation of Mr. Canning's, "He had a great
+aversion to hear of a fact in debate, but what he most distrusted was a
+figure." He then proceeded to show the inadequacy of the figures
+presented by Mr. O'Connell. In reply to Lord Morpeth's declaration
+concerning the duty of the State to provide education for Dissenters so
+long as it fingered their gold, Mr. Gladstone said that if the State was
+to be regarded as having no other functions than that of representing
+the mere will of the people as to religious tenets, he admitted the
+truth of his principle, but not that the State could have a conscience.
+It was not his habit to revile religion in any form, but he asked what
+ground there was for restricting his lordship's reasoning to
+Christianity. He referred to the position held by the Jews upon this
+educational question, and read to the House an extract from a recent
+petition as follows: "Your petitioners feel the deepest gratitude for
+the expression of her Majesty's most gracious wish that the youth of the
+country should be religiously brought up, and the rights of conscience
+respected, while they earnestly hope that the education of the people,
+Jewish and Christian, will be sedulously connected with a due regard to
+the Holy Scriptures."
+
+Mr. Gladstone very pertinently asked how the education of the Jewish
+people, who considered the New Testament an imposture, was "to be
+sedulously connected with a due regard to the Holy Scriptures," which
+consisted of the Old and New Testaments? To oblige the Jewish children
+to read the latter would be directly contrary to the views of the
+gentlemen on the other side of the House. He would have no child forced
+to do so, but he protested against paying money from the treasury of the
+State to men whose business it was to inculcate erroneous doctrines. The
+debate was concluded, and the government carried its motion by a very
+small majority. Two years later, when the Jews' Civil Disabilities Bill
+was before Parliament, Mr. Gladstone again took the unpopular side in
+the debate and opposed the Bill, which was carried in the House of
+Commons but defeated in the House of Lords.
+
+Mr. Gladstone published, in 1840, another work, entitled "Church
+Principles Considered in their Results." It was supplementary to his
+former book in defense of Church and State, and was written "beneath the
+shades of Hagley," the house of Lord and Lady Lyttelton, and dedicated
+"in token of sincere affection" to the author's life-long friend and
+relative, Lord Lyttelton. He dwelt upon the leading moral
+characteristics of the English Episcopal Church, their intrinsic value
+and their adaptation to the circumstances of the times, and defined
+these characteristics to be the doctrine of the visibility of the
+Church, the apostolic succession in the ministry, the authority of the
+Church in matters of faith and the truths symbolized in the sacraments.
+
+In one chapter he strongly attacks Rationalism as a reference of the
+gospel to the depraved standard of the actual human natures and by no
+means to its understanding properly so called, as its measure and
+criterion. He says: "That therefore to rely upon the understanding,
+misinformed as it is by depraved affections, as our adequate instructor
+in matters of religion, is most highly irrational." Nevertheless, "the
+understanding has a great function in religion and is a medium to the
+affections, and may even correct their particular impulses."
+
+In reference to the question of the reconversion of England to
+Catholicism, earnestly desired by some, Mr. Gladstone forcibly remarked:
+"England, which with ill grace and ceaseless efforts at remonstrance,
+endured the yoke when Rome was in her zenith, and when her powers were
+but here and there evoked; will the same England, afraid of the truth
+which she has vindicated, or even with the license which has mingled
+like a weed with its growth, recur to that system in its decrepitude
+which she repudiated in its vigor?" If the Church of England ever lost
+her power, it would never be by submission to Rome, "but by that
+principle of religions insubordination and self-dependence which, if it
+refuse her tempered rule and succeed in its overthrow, will much more
+surely refuse and much more easily succeed in resisting the
+unequivocally arbitrary impositions of the Roman scheme." Here is the
+key-note of many of Mr. Gladstone's utterances in after years against
+the pretentious and aspirations of Rome. The defense of the English
+Church and its principles and opposition to the Church of Rome have been
+unchanging features in Mr. Gladstone's religious course. But, in the
+light of these early utterances, some have criticised severely that
+legislative act, carried through by him in later years, by which the
+Disestablishment of the Irish Church was effected. How could the author
+of "The State in its Relations with the Church" become the destroyer of
+the fabric of the Irish Church?
+
+To meet these charges of inconsistency Mr. Gladstone issued, in 1868, "A
+Chapter of Autobiography." The author's motives in putting forth this
+chapter of autobiography were two--first, there was "the great and
+glaring change" in his course of action with respect to the Established
+Church of Ireland, which was not due to the eccentricity or perversion
+of an individual mind, but to the silent changes going on at the very
+basis of modern society. Secondly, there was danger that a great cause
+then in progress might suffer in point of credit, if not of energy and
+rapidity, from the real or supposed delinquencies of the author.
+
+He stated that "The author had upheld the doctrine that the Church was
+to be maintained for its truth, and that if the principle was good for
+England it was good for Ireland too. But he denied that he had ever
+propounded the maxim _simpliciter_ that we were to maintain the
+establishment. He admitted that his opinion of the Church of Ireland was
+the exact opposite of what it had been; but if the propositions of his
+work were in conflict with an assault upon the existence of the Irish
+Establishment, they were even more hostile to the grounds upon which it
+was now sought to maintain it. He did not wish to maintain the Church
+upon the basis usually advanced, but for the benefit of the whole people
+of Ireland, and if it could not be maintained as the truth it could not
+be maintained at all."
+
+Mr. Gladstone contended that the Irish Episcopal Church had fallen out
+of harmony with the spirit and use of the time, and must be judged by a
+practical rather than a theoretic test. In concluding the author puts
+antithetically the case for and against the maintenance of the Church of
+Ireland: "An establishment that does its work in much and has the hope
+and likelihood of doing it in more; that has a broad and living way open
+to it into the hearts of the people; that can command the services of
+the present by the recollections and traditions of the past; able to
+appeal to the active zeal of the greater portion of the people, and to
+the respect or scruples of living work and service, and whose
+adversaries, if she has them, are in the main content to believe that
+there will be a future for them and their opinions; such an
+establishment should surely be maintained.
+
+"But an establishment that neither does nor has her hope of doing work,
+except for a few, and those few the portion of the community whose
+claims to public aid is the smallest of all; an establishment severed
+from the mass of the people by an impassable gulf and a wall of brass;
+an establishment whose good offices, could she offer them, would be
+intercepted by a long, unbroken chain of painful and shameful
+recollections; an establishment leaning for support upon the extraneous
+aid of a State, which becomes discredited with the people by the very
+act of leading it; such an establishment will do well for its own sake,
+and for the sake of its creed, to divest itself, as soon as may be, of
+gauds and trappings, and to commence a new career, in which renouncing
+at once the credit and the discredit of the civil sanction, and shall
+seek its strength from within and put a fearless trust in the message
+that it bears."
+
+Such, then, were the reasons that led the defender of the Irish Church
+to become its assailant, "That a man should change his opinions is no
+reproach to him; it is only inferior minds that are never open to
+conviction."
+
+Mr. Gladstone is a firm Anglican, as we have seen, but the following
+extract from his address made at the Liverpool College, in December,
+1872, gives a fine insight as to the breadth of his Christian
+sentiments:
+
+"Not less forcibly than justly, you hear much to the effect that the
+divisions among Christians render it impossible to say what Christianity
+is, and so destroy all certainty as to the true religion. But if the
+divisions among Christians are remarkable, not less so is their unity in
+the greatest doctrines that they hold. Well-nigh fifteen hundred years
+have passed away since the great controversies concerning the Deity and
+the person of the Redeemer were, after a long agony, determined. As
+before that time, in a manner less defined but adequate for their day,
+so, even since that time, amid all chance and change, more--aye, many
+more--than ninety-nine in every hundred Christians have, with one
+voice, confessed the Deity and incarnation of our Lord as the cardinal
+and central truth of our religion. Surely there is some comfort here,
+some sense of brotherhood; some glory due to the past, some hope for the
+times that are to come."
+
+Mr. Gladstone as Prime Minister of England, during his several
+administrations, has had a large Church patronage to dispense, in other
+words, has been called upon, by virtue of his office, to till many
+vacancies in the Established Church, but it has been truly testified
+that there has probably never been so laboriously conscientious a
+distributor of ecclesiastical crown patronage as Mr. Gladstone. In his
+ecclesiastical appointments he never took politics into consideration. A
+conspicuous instance of this may be mentioned. When it was rumored that
+he intended to recommend Dr. Benson, the present Archbishop, for the
+vacant See of Canterbury, a political supporter called to remonstrate
+with him. Mr. Gladstone begged to know the ground of his objection. "The
+Bishop of Truro is a strong Tory," was the answer; "but that is not all.
+He has joined Mr. Raikes's election committee at Cambridge; and it was
+only last week that Raikes made a violent personal attack upon
+yourself." "Do you know," replied Mr. Gladstone, "that you have just
+supplied me with a strong argument in Dr. Benson's favor? for, if he
+had been a worldly man or self-seeker he would not have done anything so
+imprudent."
+
+Mr. Gladstone sympathized more or less with the Nonconformists
+struggling against the application of university tests and other
+disabilities from which the Dissenters suffered, but it was not until
+1876 that he really discovered the true religions work of the English
+Nonconformists. The manner in which the Congregationalists, Baptists,
+Quakers and others rallied to the standard raised in the cause of
+Bulgarian nationality effected a great change in his attitude towards
+his Dissenting fellow countrymen. He entertained many of the
+representative Nonconformist ministers at breakfast, and the fidelity
+and devotion of Nonconformists generally to the Bulgarian cause left on
+his mind an impression which has only deepened with the lapse of time.
+The extent to which this influences him may be gathered from the reply
+which he made to Dr. Doellinger whilst that learned divine was discussing
+with him the question of Church and State. Dr. Doellinger was expressing
+his surprise that Mr. Gladstone could possibly coquette in any way with
+the party that demanded the severance of Church and State in either
+Wales or Scotland. It was to him quite incomprehensible that a statesman
+who held so profoundly the idea of the importance of religion could make
+his own a cause whose avowed object was to cut asunder the Church from
+the State. Mr. Gladstone listened attentively to Dr. Doellinger's
+remarks, and then, in an absent kind of way, said, "But you forget how
+nobly the Nonconformists supported me at the time of the Eastern
+Question." The blank look of amazement on Dr. Doellinger's face showed
+the wide difference between the standpoint of the politician and the
+ecclesiastic. But Mr. Gladstone knew upon whom to rely in the hour of
+need, when great moral issues were at stake. The Bishops of the House of
+Lords had not always done their duty. Lord Shaftesbury, himself a very
+ardent Churchman, wrote, June 16, 1855, in reference to the Religious
+Worship Bill: "The Bishops have exhibited great ignorance, bigotry and
+opposition to evangelical life and action, and have seriously injured
+their character, influence and position."
+
+Mr. Gladstone never displayed more marked respect for the "Nonconformist
+conscience" than when, in deference to their earnest appeal, he risked
+the great split in the Home Rule ranks that followed his repudiation of
+Mr. Parnell. Mr. Gladstone never hesitated or made the slightest
+pretense about the matter. If the Nonconformists had been as indifferent
+as the Churchmen, his famous letter about the Irish leadership would not
+have been written. "He merely acted, as he himself stated, as the
+registrar of the moral temperature which made Mr. Parnell impossible.
+He knew the men who are the Ironsides of his party too well not to
+understand that if he had remained silent the English Home Rulers would
+have practically ceased to exist. He saw the need, rose to the occasion
+and cleared the obstacle which would otherwise have been a fatal
+impediment to the success of his course. Mr. Gladstone is a practical
+statesman, and with some instinct divined the inevitable."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's religious belief, as well as his opinion of the Bible
+and the plan of salvation revealed in the Gospel, are manifest as
+expressed in the following words from his pen:
+
+"If asked what is the remedy for the deeper sorrows of the human
+heart--what a man should chiefly look to in his progress through life as
+the power that is to sustain him under trials and enable him manfully to
+confront his afflictions--I must point him to something which, in a
+well-known hymn is called 'the old, old story,' told of in an old, old
+book, and taught with an old, old teaching, which is the greatest and
+best gift ever given to mankind."
+
+Another may read the lessons on the Lord's day in Hawarden Church and
+write and speak in defense of the Established Church of England, but Mr.
+Gladstone did more--he put his trust in his Lord and Saviour, and
+believed in his word. Mr. Gladstone was denominationally a member of
+the Episcopal Church, but religiously he held to views commonly held by
+all Evangelical Christians, from which the temptations of wealth at
+home, of college and of politics never turned him.
+
+[Illustration: Kilmainham Jail, where the Irish M.P.'s were confined in
+1883]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE
+
+Mr. Gladstone spent the winter of 1838-9 in Rome. The physicians had
+recommended travel in the south of Europe for his health and
+particularly for his eyes, the sight of which had become impaired by
+hard reading in the preparation of his book. He had given up lamps and
+read entirely by candle-light with injurious results. He was joined at
+Rome by his friend, Henry Manning, afterwards Cardinal, and in company
+they visited Monsignor, afterwards Cardinal, Wiseman, at the English
+College, on the feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury. They attended solemn
+mass in honor of that Saint, and the places in the missal were found for
+them by a young student of the college, named Grant, who afterwards
+became Bishop of Southwark.
+
+Besides visiting Italy he explored Sicily, and kept a journal of his
+tour. Sicily is a beautiful and fertile island in the Mediterranean
+Sea, and is the granary of Rome. His recorded observations show the
+keenness of his perceptions and the intensity with which he enjoyed the
+beautiful and wonderful in nature.
+
+Mount Etna, the greatest volcano of Europe, and which rises 10,000 feet
+above the sea, stirred his soul greatly, and he made an ascent of the
+mountain at the beginning of the great eruption of 1838. Etna has many
+points of interest for all classes of scientific men, and not least for
+the student of arboriculture. It bears at the height of 4000 feet above
+the level of the sea a wonderful growth--a very large tree--which is
+claimed by some to be the oldest tree in the world. It is a venerable
+chestnut, and known as "the father of the forest." It is certainly one
+of the most remarkable as well as celebrated of trees. It consists not
+of one vast trunk, but of a cluster of smaller decayed trees or portions
+of trees growing in a circle, each with a hollow trunk of great
+antiquity, covered with ferns or ivy, and stretching out a few gnarled
+branches with scanty foliage. That it is one tree seems to be evident
+from the growth of the bark only on the outside. It is said that
+excavations about the roots of the tree showed these various stems to be
+united at a very small depth below the surface of the ground. It still
+bears rich foliage and much small fruit, though the heart of the trunk
+is decayed, and a public road leads through it wide enough for two
+coaches to drive abreast. Travelers have differed in their measurements
+of this stupendous growth. Admiral Smyth, who takes the lowest estimate,
+giving 163 feet, and Brydone giving, as the highest, 204 feet. In the
+middle of the cavity a hut is built, for the accommodation of those who
+collect and preserve the chestnuts. One of the Queens of Arragon is
+reported to have taken shelter in this tree, with her mounted suite of
+one hundred persons; but, "we may, perhaps, gather from this that
+mythology is not confined to the lower latitudes."
+
+Further up the mountain is another venerable chestnut, which, with more
+reason, probably, may be described without fear of contradiction as the
+largest chestnut tree in the world. It rises from one solid stem to a
+remarkable height before it branches. At an elevation of two feet from
+the earth its circumference was found by Brydone to be seventy-six feet.
+These trees are reputed to have flourished for much more than a thousand
+years. Their luxuriant growth is attributed in part to the humid
+atmosphere of the Bosco, elevated above the scorching, arid region of
+the coast, and in part to the great richness of the soil. The luxuriance
+of the vegetation on the slopes of Etna attracts the attention of every
+traveler; and Mr. Gladstone remarked upon this point: "It seems as
+though the finest of all soils were produced from the most agonizing
+throes of nature, as the hardiest characters are often reared amidst
+the severest circumstances. The aspect of this side of Sicily is
+infinitely more active and the country is cultivated as well as most
+parts of Italy."
+
+He and his party started on the 30th of October, and found the path
+nearly uniform from Catania, but the country bore a volcanic aspect at
+every step. At Nicolosi their rest was disturbed by the distant booming
+of the mountain. From this point to the Bosco the scenery is described
+as a dreary region, but the tract of the wood showed some beautiful
+places resembling an English park, with old oaks and abundant fern.
+"Here we found flocks browsing; they are much exposed to sheep-stealers,
+who do not touch travelers, calculating with justice that men do not
+carry much money to the summit of Etna." The party passed the Casa degli
+Inglesi, which registered a temperature of 31 deg., and then continued the
+ascent on foot for the crater. A magnificent view of sunrise was
+here obtained.
+
+"Just before we reached the lip of the crater the guide exultingly
+pointed out what he declared to be ordinarily the greatest sight of the
+mountain, namely, the shadow of the cone of Etna, drawn with the utmost
+delicacy by the newly-risen sun, but of gigantic extent; its point at
+this moment rested on the mountains of Palermo, probably one hundred
+miles off, and the entire figure was visible, the atmosphere over the
+mountains having become and continuing perfectly and beautifully
+transparent, although in the hundreds of valleys which were beneath us,
+from the east to the west of Sicily, and from the mountains of Messina
+down to Cape Passaro, there were still abundant vapors waiting for a
+higher sun to disperse them; but we enjoyed in its perfection this view
+of the earliest and finest work of the greater light of heaven, in the
+passage of his beams over this portion of the earth's surface. During
+the hour we spent on the summit, the vision of the shadow was speedily
+contracting, and taught us how rapid is the real rise of the sun in the
+heavens, although its effect is diminished to the eye by a kind of
+foreshortening."
+
+The writer next describes in vivid and powerful language the scene
+presented to the view at the very mouth of the crater. A large space,
+one mile in circumference, which a few days before had been one
+fathomless pit, from which issued masses of smoke, was now absolutely
+filled up to within a few feet of the brim all round. A great mass of
+lava, a portion of the contents of this immense pit, was seen to detach
+itself by degrees from one behind. "It opened like an orange, and we saw
+the red-hot fibres stretch in a broader and still broader vein, until
+the mass had found a support on the new ground it occupied in front; as
+we came back on our way down this had grown black." A stick put to it
+took fire immediately. Within a few yards of this lava bed were found
+pieces of ice, formed on the outside of the stones by Frost, "which here
+disputes every inch of ground with his fierce rival Fire."
+
+Mr. Gladstone and his fellow-travelers were the first spectators of the
+great volcanic action of this year. From the highest peak attainable the
+company gazed upon the splendid prospect to the east spread out before
+them, embracing the Messina Mountains and the fine kindred outline of
+the Calabrian coast, described by Virgil in the third book of the
+Aeneid. Mr. Gladstone graphically describes the eruption which took
+place and of which he was the enraptured witness. Lava masses of 150 to
+200 pounds weight were thrown to a distance of probably a mile and a
+half; smaller ones to a distance even more remote. The showers were
+abundant and continuous, and the writer was impressed by the closeness
+of the descriptions in Virgil with the actual reality of the eruption
+witnessed by himself. On this point he observes:
+
+"Now how faithfully has Virgil (Ae. iii, 571, et seq.) comprised these
+particulars, doubtless without exaggeration, in his fine description!
+First, the thunder-clap, or crack--
+
+     'Horrificis juxta tonat Aetna ruinis.'
+
+Secondly, the vibration of the ground to the report--
+
+     'Et, fessum quoties mutet latus, intremere omnem
+      Murmure Trinacriam.'
+
+Thirdly, the sheet of flame--
+
+     'Attolitque globos flarmmarum, et sidera lambit.'
+
+Fourthly, the smoke--
+
+     'Et coelum subtexere fumo.'
+
+Fifthly, the fire shower--
+
+     'Scopulos avulsaque viscera montis
+      Erigit erucatans, liquefactaque saxa sub auras
+      Cum gemitu glomerat, fundoque exae tuat imo.'
+
+Sixthly the column of ash--
+
+     'Atram prorumpit ad aethera nubem
+      Turbine fumantem piceo et candente favilla.'
+
+And this is within the limits of twelve lines. Modern poetry has its own
+merits, but the conveyance of information is not, generally speaking,
+one of them. What would Virgil have thought of authors publishing poems
+with explanatory notes (to illustrate is a different matter), as if they
+were so many books of conundrums? Indeed this vice is of very
+late years."
+
+The entire description, of which this is but an extract, is very
+effective and animated, and gives with great vividness the first
+impressions of a mind susceptible to the grand and imposing aspects
+of nature.
+
+"After Etna," says Mr. Gladstone in his diary, "the temples are
+certainly the great charm and attraction of Sicily. I do not know
+whether there is any one among them which, taken alone, exceeds in
+beauty that of Neptune, at Paestum; but they have the advantage of
+number and variety, as well as of highly interesting positions. At
+Segesta the temple is enthroned in a perfect mountain solitude, and it
+is like a beautiful tomb of its religion, so stately, so entire; while
+around, but for one solitary house of the keeper, there is nothing,
+absolutely nothing, to disturb the apparent reign of Silence and of
+Death.... The temples enshrine a most pure and salutary principle of
+art, that which connects grandeur of effect with simplicity of detail;
+and, retaining their beauty and their dignity in their decay, they
+represent the great man when fallen, as types of that almost highest of
+human qualities--silent yet not sullen, endurance."
+
+While sojourning at Rome Mr. Gladstone met Lord Macaulay. Writing home
+from Rome in the same year, Lord Macaulay says: "On Christmas Eve I
+found Gladstone in the throng, and I accosted him, as we had met, though
+we had never been introduced to each other. He received my advances with
+very great _empressement_ indeed, and we had a good deal of pleasant
+talk." And again he writes: "I enjoyed Italy immensely; far more than I
+had expected. By-the-by, I met Gladstone at Rome. We talked and walked
+together in St. Peter's during the best part of an afternoon. He is
+both a clever and an amiable man."
+
+Among the visitors at Rome the winter that Mr. Gladstone spent in the
+eternal city were the widow and daughters of Sir Stephen Richard Glynne,
+of Hawarden Castle, Flintshire, Wales. He had already made the
+acquaintance of these ladies, having been a friend of Lady Glynne's
+eldest son at Oxford, and having visited him at Hawarden in 1835. He was
+thrown much into their society while at Rome, and became engaged to the
+elder of Lady Glynne's daughters, Catharine Glynne. It is strange to
+relate that some time before this when Miss Glynne met her future
+husband at a dinner-party, an English minister sitting next to her had
+thus drawn her attention to Mr. Gladstone: "Mark that young man; he will
+yet be Prime Minister of England." Miss Glynne and her sister were known
+as "the handsome Miss Glynnes."
+
+William E. Gladstone and Catharine Glynne were married July 25, 1839, at
+Hawarden Castle. At the same time and place Miss Mary Glynne was married
+to George William, fourth Lord Lyttleton, with whom Mr. Gladstone was on
+the most intimate terms of friendship until his lordship's untoward and
+lamented death. The brother of these ladies was Sir Stephen Glynne, the
+then owner of Hawarden. Mrs. Gladstone was "in her issue heir" of Sir
+Stephen Glynne, who was ninth and last baronet of that name.
+
+The marriage ceremony has been thus described by an eye-witness:
+
+"For some time past the little town of Hawarden has been in a state of
+excitement in consequence of the anticipated nuptials of the two sisters
+of Sir Stephen Glynne, Bart., M.P., who have been engaged for some time
+past to Lord Lyttelton and to Mr. W. Ewart Gladstone. Thursday last
+(July 25th) was fixed upon for the ceremony to take place; but in
+consequence of the Chartists having attacked Lord Lyttelton's mansion in
+Worcestershire, it was feared that the marriage would be delayed. All
+anxieties on this subject were put an end to by orders being issued to
+make ready for the ceremony, and the Hawarden folks lost no time in
+making due preparations accordingly. The church was elegantly and
+profusely decorated with laurels, while extremely handsome garlands,
+composed of the finest flowers, were suspended from the venerable roof.
+About half-past ten a simultaneous rising of the assembled multitude and
+the burst of melody from the organ announced that the fair brides had
+arrived, and all eyes were turned towards the door to witness the bridal
+_cortege_. In a few minutes more the party arrived at the communion
+table and the imposing ceremony commenced. At this period the _coup
+d'oeil_ was extremely interesting. The bridal party exhibited every
+elegance of costume; while the dresses of the multitude, lit up by the
+rays of a brilliant sunlight, filled up the picture. The Rev. the Hon.
+G. Neville performed the ceremony. At its conclusion the brides visited
+the rectory, whence they soon afterwards set out--Lord and Lady
+Lyttelton to their seat in Worcestershire, and Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone on
+a visit to Sir Richard Brooke, Norton Priory Mansion, in Cheshire. The
+bridal party having returned to the castle, the good folks of Hawarden
+filled up the day with rambling over Sir Stephen Glynne's delightful
+park, to which free access was given to all comers; and towards evening
+a dance on the green was got up."
+
+It is to be remarked that by his marriage Mr. Gladstone became allied
+with the house of Grenville, a family of statesmen, which, directly or
+in its ramifications, had already supplied England with four Prime
+Ministers. Baron Bunsen, who made his acquaintance that year, writes
+that he "was delighted with the man who is some day to govern England if
+his book is not in the way."
+
+Mrs. Gladstone is widely and deservedly known for her many philanthropic
+enterprises, but even better, perhaps, has proved herself to be a noble
+and devoted wife and mother. She has cheered by her sympathy her
+illustrious husband in his defeats as well as in his triumphs, in the
+many great undertakings of his political career, and been to him all the
+late Viscountess Beaconsfield was to Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary
+rival. As a mother, she nursed and reared all her children, and ever
+kept them in the maternal eye, carefully watching over and tending them.
+One of the most interesting buildings at Hawarden is Mrs. Gladstone's
+orphanage, which stands close to the castle. Here desolate orphans are
+well cared for, and find, until they are prepared to enter on the
+conflict and to encounter the cares of life, a happy home.
+
+Mrs. Gladstone, although in many respects an ideal wife, was never able
+to approach her husband in the methodical and business-like arrangement
+of her affairs. Shortly after their wedding, the story runs, Mr.
+Gladstone seriously took in hand the tuition of his handsome young wife
+in book-keeping, and Mrs. Gladstone applied herself with diligence to
+the unwelcome task. Some time after she came down in triumph to her
+husband to display her domestic accounts and her correspondence, all
+docketed in a fashion which she supposed would excite the admiration of
+her husband. Mr. Gladstone cast his eye over the results of his wife's
+labor and exclaimed in despair: "You have done them all wrong, from
+beginning to end!" His wife, however, has been so invaluable a helpmeet
+in other ways that it seems somewhat invidious to recall that little
+incident. She had other work to do, and she wisely left the accounts to
+her husband and his private secretaries.
+
+The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone has been blessed by eight children,
+all of whom save two still survive. There were four sons, the eldest,
+William Henry, was a member of the Legislature, and the second, the Rev.
+Stephen Edward Gladstone, is rector of Hawarden. The third son is named
+Henry Neville and the fourth Herbert John Gladstone. The former is
+engaged in commerce and the latter is the popular member for Leeds. The
+eldest daughter, Anne, is married to Rev. E.C. Wickham, A.M., headmaster
+of Wellington College; and the second, Catharine Jessy Gladstone, died
+in 1850; the third daughter, Mary, is married to Rev. W. Drew, and the
+fourth, Helen Gladstone, is principal of Newnham College. As Sir John
+Gladstone had the pleasure of seeing his son William Ewart become a
+distinguished member of Parliament, so Mr. Gladstone in his turn was
+able to witness his eldest son take his seat in the British Senate.
+
+It was a sad bereavement when the Gladstones were called upon to part
+with their little daughter, Catharine Jessy, April 9, 1850, between four
+and five years old. Her illness was long and painful, and Mr. Gladstone
+bore his part in the nursing and watching. He was tenderly fond of his
+little children and the sorrow had therefore a peculiar bitterness. But
+Mr. Gladstone has since had another sad experience of death entering the
+family circle. July 4, 1891, the eldest son, William Henry Gladstone,
+died. The effect upon the aged father was greatly feared, and the world
+sympathized with the great statesman and father in his sad trial, and
+with the afflicted family. In a letter dated July 9, the day after the
+interment, Mr. Gladstone wrote:
+
+"We, in our affliction are deeply sensible of the mercies of God. He
+gave us for fifty years a most precious son. He has now only hidden him
+for a very brief space from the sight of our eyes. It seems a violent
+transition from such thoughts to the arena of political contention, but
+the transition may be softened by the conviction we profoundly hold that
+we, in the first and greatest of our present controversies, work for the
+honor, well-being and future peace of our opponents not less than
+for our own."
+
+When away from the trammels of office, Mr. Gladstone taught his elder
+children Italian. All the sons went to Eton and Oxford, and the
+daughters were educated at home by English, French and German
+governesses. A close union of affection and sentiment has always been a
+marked characteristic of this model English family. Marriage and
+domestic cares, however, made little difference in Mr. Gladstone's
+mode of life. He was still the diligent student, the constant debater
+and the copious writer that he had been at Eton, at Oxford and in
+the Albany.
+
+[Illustration: THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE BRITISH PREMIER, No. 10
+DOWNING STREET, LONDON.]
+
+In the early days of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone lived in
+London with Lady Glynne, at 13 Carlton House Terrace. Later they lived
+at 6 Carlton Gardens, which was made over to them by Sir John Gladstone;
+then again at 13 Carlton House Terrace; and when Mr. Gladstone was in
+office, at the official residence of the Prime Minister, Downing Street.
+In 1850 Mr. Gladstone succeeded to his patrimony, and in 1856 he bought
+11 Carlton House Terrace, which was his London house for twenty years;
+and he subsequently lived for four years at 73 Harley Street. During the
+parliamentary recess Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone divided their time between
+Fasque, Sir John Gladstone's seat in Kincardineshire, and Hawarden
+Castle, which they shared with Mrs. Gladstone's brother, Sir Stephen
+Glynne, till in his death in 1874, when it passed into their sole
+possession. In 1854 Mrs. Gladstone's brother added to the castle a new
+wing, which he especially dedicated to his illustrious brother-in-law,
+and which is fondly known as "The Gladstone Wing." And Mr. Gladstone,
+having only one country house, probably spent as much time at Hawarden
+as any other minister finds it possible to devote to residence out
+of London.
+
+Hawarden, usually pronounced Harden, is the name of a large market-town,
+far removed from the centre and seat of trade and empire, in Flintshire,
+North Wales, six miles southwest from the singular and ancient city of
+Chester, of which it may be called a suburb. It is not pretty, but a
+clean and tolerably well-built place, with some good houses and the
+usual characteristics of a Welsh village. The public road from Chester
+to Hawarden, which passes by the magnificent seat of the Duke of
+Westminster, is not, except for this, interesting to the stranger. There
+is a pedestrian route along the banks of the river Dee, over the lower
+ferry and across the meadows. But for the most part the way lies along
+dreary wastes, unadorned by any of the beautiful landscape scenery so
+common in Wales. Broughton Hall, its pleasant church and quiet
+churchyard, belonging to the Hawarden estate, are passed on the way. The
+village lies at the foot of the Castle, and outside of the gates of
+Hawarden Park. The parish contains 13,000 acres, and of these the estate
+of Mr. Gladstone consists of nearly 7000. The road from the village for
+the most part is dreary, but within the gates the park is as beautiful
+as it is extensive. Richly wooded, on both sides of its fine drive are
+charming vistas opening amongst the oaks, limes and elms. On the height
+to the left of the drive is the ancient Hawarden Castle, for there are
+two--the old and the new--the latter being the more modern home of the
+proprietor.
+
+[Illustration: THE PARK GATE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+The ancient Castle of Hawarden, situated on an eminence commanding an
+extensive prospect, is now in ruins. What, however, was left of the old
+Castle at the beginning of the century stands to-day a monument of the
+massive work of the early masons. The remnant, which ages of time and
+the Parliamentary wars and the strange zeal of its first owner under
+Cromwell for its destruction, allowed to remain, is in a marvelous state
+of preservation, and the masonry in some places fifteen feet thick.
+There is a grandeur in the ruin to be enjoyed, as well as a scene of
+beauty from its towers. The old Castle, like the park itself, is open to
+the public without restriction. Only two requests are made in the
+interests of good order. One is that visitors entering the park kindly
+keep to the gravel walks, while the other is that they do not inscribe
+their names on the stone-work of the ancient ruin, which request has
+been unheeded.
+
+This ancient Castle was doubtless a stronghold of the Saxons in very
+early times, for it was found in the possession of Edwin of Mercia at
+the Norman Conquest, and was granted by William the Conqueror to his
+nephew, Hugh Lupus. In later times Prince Llewelyn was Lord of Hawarden,
+of which he was dispossessed by his brother, David. It was only after
+Wales was conquered that Hawarden became an English stronghold, held
+against the Welsh.
+
+[Illustration: OLD HAWARDEN CASTLE.]
+
+The Castle had its vicissitudes, both as to its condition and
+proprietorship, for many years, even generations. Somewhere between 1267
+and 1280 the Castle had been destroyed and rebuilt. It was rebuilt in
+the time of Edward I or Edward II, and formed one link in the chain by
+which the Edwards held the Welsh to their loyalty. Its name appears in
+the doomsday-book, where it is spelled Haordine. It was presented by
+King Edward to the House of Salisbury. Then the Earls of Derby came
+into possession, and they entertained within its walls Henry VII in the
+latter part of the fifteenth century. During the Parliamentary wars it
+was held at first for the Parliament, and was taken by siege in 1643.
+The royalists were in possession two years later, and at Christmas time,
+in 1645, Parliament ordered that the Castle be dismantled, which was
+effectively done. The latest proprietor of those times was James, Earl
+of Derby. He was executed and the estates were sold. They were purchased
+by Sergeant Glynne, Lord Chief Justice of England under Cromwell, from
+whom in a long line of descent they were inherited, upon the death of
+the last baronet, Sir Stephen Glynne, in 1874, by the wife of William E.
+Gladstone. Sergeant Glynne's son, Sir William, the first baronet, when
+he came into possession, was seized with the unaccountable notion of
+further destroying the old Castle, and by the end of the seventeenth
+century very little remained beyond what stands to-day.
+
+[Illustration: A GLIMPSE OF THE CASTLE FROM THE PARK.]
+
+Hawarden is supposed to be synonymous with the word Burg-Ardden, Ardin,
+a fortified mound or hill. It is usually supposed to be an English word,
+but of Welsh derivation, and is no doubt related to dinas, in Welsh the
+exact equivalent to the Saxon _burg_. The Welsh still call it Penarlas,
+a word the etymology of which points to a period when the lowlands of
+Saltney were under water, and the Castle looked over a lake. The
+earlier history of the Castle goes back to the time when it was held by
+the ancient Britons, and stood firm against Saxon, Dane, or whatever
+invading foe sought to deprive the people of their heritage in the
+soil. On the invasion of William, as we have seen, it was in the
+possession of Edwin, sovereign of Deira. "We find it afterwards," says
+another account, "in the possession of Roger Fitzvalarine, a son of one
+of the adventurers who came over with the Conqueror. Then it was held,
+subordinately, by the Monthault, or Montalt, family, the stewards of the
+palatinate of Chester. It is remarkable, as we noticed in our story of
+Hughenden Manor, that as the traditions of that ancient place touched
+the memory of Simon de Montfort, the great Earl of Leicester, so do they
+also in the story of the old Castle of Hawarden. Here Llewelyn, the last
+native prince of Wales, held a memorable conference with the Earl. With
+in the walls of Hawarden was signed the treaty of peace between Wales
+and Cheshire, not long to last; here Llewelyn saw the beautiful daughter
+of De Montfort, whose memory haunted him so tenderly and so long. Again
+we find the Castle in the possession of the Montalt family, from whom it
+descended to the Stanleys, the Earl of Derby.... Here the last native
+princes of Wales, Llewelyn and David, attempted to grasp their crumbling
+sceptre, Here no doubt halted Edward I, 'girt with many a baron bold;'
+here the Tudor prince, Henry VII, of Welsh birth, visited in the later
+years of the fifteenth century; and this was the occasion upon which it
+passed into the family whose representatives had proclaimed him monarch
+on Bosworth field. But when James, Earl of Derby, was beheaded, after
+the battle of Worcester, in 1651, the estate was purchased under the
+Sequestration Act by Sergeant Glynne, whose portrait hangs over the
+mantleshelf of the drawing-room; 'but,' says Mrs. Gladstone, in calling
+our attention to it, 'he is an ancestor of whom we have no occasion to
+be and are not proud.'"
+
+This remark of Mrs. Gladstone's may be explained by the following from
+the pen of a reputable author: "Sergeant Glynne, who flourished
+(literally flourished) during the seventeenth century, was a most
+unscrupulous man in those troubled times. He was at first a supporter of
+Charles I, then got office and preferment under Cromwell, and yet again,
+like a veritable Vicar of Bray, became a Royalist on the return of
+Charles II. The Earl of Derby, who was taken prisoner at the battle of
+Worcester, in 1661, was executed, and his estates forfeited. Of these
+estates Sergeant Glynne managed to get possession of Hawarden; and
+though on the Restoration all Royalists' forfeited estates were ordered
+to be restored, Glynne managed somehow to remain in possession of the
+property."
+
+[Illustration: WATERFALL IN HAWARDEN PARK.]
+
+It is very probable that Hawarden Castle was no exception to those cruel
+haunts of feudal tyranny and oppression belonging to the days of its
+power. Many years ago, when the rubbish was cleared away beneath the
+Castle ruin, a flight of steps was found, at the foot of which was a
+door, and a draw-bridge, which crossed a long, deep chasm, neatly faced
+with freestone; then another door leading to several small rooms, all,
+probably, places of confinement; and those hollows, now fringed with
+timber trees, in those days constituted a broad, deep fosse.
+
+The old Hawarden Castle, a curious ruin covered with moss and ivy, like
+many other ancient piles of stone in historic England, is a reminder of
+a past and warlike age, when an Englishman's home had to be a castle to
+protect him and his family from his enemies. But times have changed for
+the better, and long immunity from internal foes and invading armies has
+had its peaceful effects upon the lands and the homes of men. As the
+grounds of Hawarden show the remarkable cultivation produced by long
+periods of peaceful toil, so the ancient castle has given way for the
+modern dwelling, a peaceful abode whose only protecting wall is that
+with which the law surrounds it.
+
+Modern Hawarden Castle is a castle only in name. The new "Castle" has
+been the home of the Glynns' for generations, and ever since the
+marriage of Mr. Gladstone and Miss Glynn has been the dwelling of the
+Gladstones. Mr. Gladstone has greatly improved the Hawarden estate and
+the castle has not been overlooked. Among the improvements to the castle
+may be named the additions to the library and the Golden Wedding Porch.
+
+The new Castle was begun in 1752, by Sir John Glynne, who "created a
+stout, honest, square, red-brick mansion;" which was added to and
+altered in the Gothic style in 1814. The Glynnes lived in Oxfordshire
+till early in the eighteenth century, when they built themselves a small
+house, which was on the site of the present Castle. The new Hawarden
+Castle stands in front of the massive ruin of the old Castle, which has
+looked down on the surrounding country for six centuries. A recent
+writer speaking of the new structure as a sham Castle, with its plaster
+and stucco, and imitation turrets, says: "It would not have been
+surprising if the old Castle had, after the manner of Jewish chivalry,
+torn its hair of thickly entwined ivy, rent its garments of moss and
+lichen, and fallen down prostrate, determined forever to shut out the
+sight of the modern monstrosity."
+
+However, the author somewhat relents and thus describes the modern
+edifice:
+
+"The aspect of the house is very impressive and imposing, as it first
+suddenly seems to start upon the view after a long carriage-drive
+through the noble trees, if not immediately near, but breaking and
+brightening the view on either hand; yet, within and without, the house
+seems like its mighty master--not pensive but rural; it does not even
+breathe the spirit of quiet. Its rooms look active and power-compelling,
+and we could not but feel that they were not indebted to any of the
+aesthetic inventions and elegancies of furniture for their charm. Thus
+we have heard of one visitor pathetically exclaiming, 'Not one _dado_
+adorns the walls!' Hawarden is called a Castle, but it has not, either
+in its exterior or interior, the aspect of a Castle. It is a home; it
+has a noble appearance as it rises on the elevated ground, near the old
+feudal ruin which it has superseded, and looks over the grand and
+forest-like park, the grand pieces of broken ground, dells and hollows,
+and charming woodlands."
+
+[Illustration: COURT YARD, HAWARDEN CASTLE.]
+
+The traditional history of Hawarden Church, as well as that of the
+Castle, travels back to a very remote antiquity, and is the central
+point of interest to many a tragedy, and some of a very grotesque
+character. For instance, for many ages the inhabitants of Hawarden were
+called "Harden Jews," and for this designation we have the following
+legendary account. In the year 946, during the reign of Cynan ap Elisap
+Anarawd, King of Gwynedd North, there was a Christian temple at Harden,
+and a rood-loft, in which was placed an image of the Virgin Mary, with a
+very large cross in her hands, which was called "holy rood." During a
+very hot and dry summer the inhabitants prayed much and ardently for
+rain, but without any effect. Among the rest, Lady Trowst, wife of
+Sytsyllt, governor of Harden Castle, went also to pray, when, during
+this exercise, the holy rood fell upon her head and killed her. Such
+behavior upon the part of this wooden Virgin could be tolerated no
+longer. A great tumult ensued in consequence, and it was concluded to
+try the said Virgin for murder, and the jury not only found her guilty
+of wilful murder, but of inattention in not answering the prayers of
+innumerable petitioners. The sentence was hanging, but Span, of Mancot,
+who was one of the jury, opposed this act saying it was best to drown,
+since it was rain they prayed for. This was fiercely opposed by Corbin,
+of the gate, who advised that she should be laid on the sands by the
+river. So, this being done, the tide carried the lady, floating gently,
+like another lady, Elaine, upon its soft bosom, and placed her near the
+walls of Caerleon (now Chester), where she was found next day, says the
+legend, drowned and dead. Here the inhabitants of Caerleon buried her.
+Upon this occasion, it is said, the river, which had until then been
+called the Usk, was changed to Rood Die, or Rood Dee. We need not stay
+here to analyze some things belonging to locality and etymology, which
+appear to us somewhat anachronistic and contradictory in this ancient
+and queer legend.
+
+Hawarden Church is a fairly large structure, externally a plain old
+brick building with a low tower and a dwarf spire, standing in the midst
+of a large population of graves. There is preserved in the annals of
+the Church a list of the rectors of Hawarden as far back as 1180.
+
+About forty years ago a fire broke out in the Church, and when all was
+over, very little was left of the original structure except the walls.
+It was restored with great expedition, and was re-opened within the same
+year. The present building is a restoration to the memory of the
+immediate ancestor, from whom the estate is derived by the present
+family. It is the centre of hard, earnest work, done for an
+exceptionally large parish. But the Church population is occasionally
+recruited from all the ends of the earth.
+
+It is here that the Gladstone family worship on the plain, uncushioned
+pew, near the lectern and opposite the pulpit. When the estates came
+into the hands of the Glynnes the living was bestowed upon a member of
+the family. The Rector is Rev. Stephen Gladstone, second son of the
+Premier. He is not a great preacher, but he is quietly earnest and
+instructive. Mr. Gladstone was up early on Sunday mornings and seldom
+failed to be in his pew at Church. Crowds filled the Church Sunday,
+morning and evening, week after week, many of them strangers, to see the
+Prime Minister of England, and behold him leave his pew and, standing at
+the reading-desk, go through his part of the service--that of reading
+the lessons for the day, in this obscure village Church. After church
+Mr. Gladstone went to the rectory with his family, with his cloak only
+over his shoulders, when the weather required, and as he walked along
+the path through the churchyard would bow to the crowds that stood on
+either side uncovered to greet him as he passed by. The two brothers,
+until recently, lived at the rectory, and the whole family seemed to
+live in the most beautiful harmony together.
+
+Both Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attribute much of his health to the fact
+that he will have his Sabbath to himself and his family, undisturbed by
+any of the agitations of business, the cares of State, or even the
+recreations of literature and scholastic study. This profound public
+regard for the day of rest, whether in London or at Hawarden, awakens a
+feeling of admiration and puts us in mind of his great predecessor in
+statesmanship, Cecil, Lord Burleigh, who, when he arrived at Theobalds
+on a Saturday evening would throw off his cloak or chain of office and
+exclaim, "Lie there and rest, my good lord treasurer."
+
+[Illustration: THE REV. H. DREW, WARDEN OF ST. DENIOL'S.]
+
+One of the main points of interest at the home of Mr. Gladstone is the
+library. There is not a room in Hawarden Castle in which there is not an
+abundance of books, which are not all collected in the library, but
+distributed all over the house. Where other people have cabinets for
+curiosities, china, etc., there are here shelves and cases full of
+books. In ante-room and bed-room dressing-room and nursery they are
+found, not by single volumes, but in serried ranks; well-known and
+useful books. But it is in the library where Mr. Gladstone has collected
+by years of careful selection, a most valuable and large array of
+books, from all parts of the world, upon every subject. These books are
+classified and so arranged as to be of immediate use. All those on one
+particular subject are grouped together.
+
+[Illustration: DOROTHY'S DOVECOTE]
+
+Mr. Gladstone was a familiar figure in the book stores, and especially
+where rare, old books were to be found, and he seldom failed to return
+home with some book in his pocket. Mrs. Gladstone is said to have gone
+through his pockets often upon his return home, and sent back many a
+volume to the book-seller, that had found its way to the pocket of her
+husband, after a hasty glance at its title. He kept himself informed of
+all that was going on in the literary, scientific and artistic worlds,
+receiving each week a parcel of the newest books for his private
+readings. Every day he looked over several book-sellers's catalogues,
+and certain subjects were sure of getting an order.
+
+Hawarden library gave every evidence of being for use, and not show. Mr.
+Gladstone knew what books he had and was familiar with their contents.
+Some books were in frequent use, but others were not forgotten. He could
+put his hand on any one he wanted to refer to. At the end of a volume
+read he would construct an index of his own by which he could find
+passages to which he wished to refer.
+
+There are few stories that Mr. Gladstone told with greater relish than
+one concerning Sir Antonio Panizzi, who many years ago visited the
+library at Hawarden. Looking round the room and at its closely packed
+shelves, he observed in a patronizing tone, "I see you have got some
+books here." Nettled at this seemingly slighting allusion to the paucity
+of his library, Mr. Gladstone asked Panizzi how many volumes he thought
+were on the shelves. Panizzi replied: "From five to six thousand." Then
+a loud and exulting laugh rang round the room as Mr. Gladstone answered:
+"You are wrong by at least two thousand, as there are eight thousand
+volumes and more before you now." Since then the library has
+grown rapidly.
+
+[Illustration: DINING ROOM IN THE ORPHANAGE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+The fate of this large library was naturally a matter of much
+consideration to Mr. Gladstone. It was particularly rich in classical
+and theological works, so it occured to its owner to form a public
+library under a trusteeship, for the benefit of students, under the care
+of the Rector of Hawarden, or some other clergyman. So he caused to be
+erected at a cost to him of about $5,000, a corrugated iron building on
+a knoll just outside Hawarden Church. The name of this parish library is
+"The St. Deiniol's Theological and General Library of Hawarden." In
+1891, Mr. Gladstone had deposited about 20,000 volumes upon the shelves
+in this new building, with his own hands, which books were carried in
+hand-carts from the castle. Since that time thousands have been added to
+this valuable collection.
+
+[Illustration: STAIRCASE IN THE ORPHANAGE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+It was a happy thought of Mr. Gladstone to found a theological library
+in the immediate vicinity of Hawarden; also to have connected with it a
+hostel where students could be boarded and lodged for six dollars a week
+and thus be enabled to use the library in the pursuit of their studies.
+Mr. Gladstone has endowed the institution with $150,000. Rev. H. Drew,
+the son-in-law of Mr. Gladstone, is warden and librarian.
+
+[Illustration: HAWARDEN CHURCH.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+ENTERS THE CABINET
+
+We come now to another memorable period in the life of William E.
+Gladstone. This period, beginning with 1840, has been styled "a
+memorable decade" in the history of Parliament. His marriage and the
+publication of his first book were great events in his eventful life,
+but the young and brilliant statesman was soon to enter the British
+Cabinet. He was before long to demonstrate that he not only possessed
+the arts of the fluent and vigorous Parliamentary debater, but the more
+solid qualities pertaining to the practical statesman and financier. In
+following his course we will be led to observe the early stages of his
+changing opinions on great questions of State, and to trace the causes
+which led to his present advanced views as well as to his exalted
+position. The estimation in which he was then held may be indicated by
+the following, from one of his contemporaries, Sir Stafford Northcote,
+afterwards Lord Iddesleigh, and who subsequently succeeded him as
+leader of the House of Commons: "There is but one statesman of the
+present day in whom I feel entire confidence, and with whom I cordially
+agree, and that statesman is Mr. Gladstone. I look upon him as the
+representative of the party, scarcely developed as yet, though secretly
+forming and strengthening, which will stand by all that is dear and
+sacred in my estimation, in the struggle which I believe will come ere
+_very_ long between good and evil, order and disorder, the Church and
+the world, and I see a very small band collecting round him, and ready
+to fight manfully under his leading."
+
+In 1840 Mr. Gladstone crossed swords with the distinguished historian
+and Parliamentary debater, Lord Macaulay, in debate in the House of
+Commons on the relations of England with China. The speech of Mr.
+Gladstone was remarkable for its eloquent expression of anxiety that the
+arms of England should never be employed in unrighteous enterprises. Sir
+James Graham moved a vote of censure of the ministry for "want of
+foresight and precaution," and "especially their neglect to furnish the
+superintendent at Canton with powers and instructions calculated to
+provide against the growing evils connected with the contraband traffic
+in opium, and adapted to the novel and difficult situation in which the
+superintendent was placed." Mr. Gladstone, on the 8th of April, spoke
+strongly in favor of the motion, and said if it failed to involve the
+ministry in condemnation they would still be called upon to show cause
+for their intention of making war upon China. Answering the speech of
+Lord Macaulay of the previous evening, Mr. Gladstone said: "The right
+honorable gentleman opposite spoke last night in eloquent terms of the
+British flag waving in glory at Canton, and of the animating effects
+produced on the minds of our sailors by the knowledge that in no country
+under heaven was it permitted to be insulted. But how comes it to pass
+that the sight of that flag always raises the spirit of Englishmen? It
+is because it has always been associated with the cause of justice, with
+opposition to oppression, with respect to national rights, with
+honorable commercial enterprises; but now, under the auspices of the
+noble lord, that flag is hoisted to protect an infamous contraband
+traffic, and if it were never to be hoisted except as it is now hoisted
+on the coast of China, we should recoil from its sight with horror, and
+should never again feel our hearts thrill, as they now thrill with
+emotion, when it floats proudly and magnificently on the breeze." The
+ministry escaped censure when the vote was taken by a bare majority.
+
+In the summer of 1840 Mr. Gladstone, accompanied by Lord Lyttleton, went
+to Eton to examine candidates of the Newcastle Scholarship, founded by
+his political friend, the Duke of Newcastle. Mr. Gladstone had the
+pleasure in this examination of awarding the Newcastle medal to Henry
+Fitzmaurice Hallam, the youngest brother of his own beloved friend and
+son of the historian Hallam. One of the scholars he examined writes: "I
+have a vivid and delightful impression of Mr. Gladstone sitting in what
+was then called the library, on an _estrade_ on which the head master
+habitually sate, above which was placed, about 1840, the bust of the
+Duke of Newcastle and the names of the Newcastle scholars.... When he
+gave me a Virgil and asked me to translate Georg. ii, 475, _seq_., I was
+pleasantly surprised by the beautiful eye turning on me with the
+question, 'What is the meaning of _sacra fero_?' and his look of
+approval when I said, 'Carry the sacred vessels in the procession.'"
+
+"I wish you to understand that Mr. Gladstone appeared not to me only,
+but to others, as a gentleman wholly unlike other examiners or school
+people. It was not as _a politician_ that we admired him, but as a
+refined Churchman, deep also in political philosophy (so we conjectured
+from his quoting Burke on the Continual State retaining its identity
+though made up of passing individuals), deep also in lofty poetry, as we
+guessed from his giving us, as a theme for original Latin verse, 'the
+poet's eye in a fine frenzy,' etc. When he spoke to us in 'Pop' as an
+honorary member, we were charmed and affected emotionally: his voice was
+low and sweet, his manner was that of an elder cousin: he seemed to
+treat us with unaffected respect; and to be treated with respect by a
+man is the greatest delight for a boy. It was the golden time of
+'retrograding transcendentalism,' as the hard-heads called the
+Anglo-Catholic symphony. He seemed to me then an apostle of unworldly
+ardor, bridling his life."
+
+The Whig administration, which for some time had been growing very
+unpopular, was defeated and went out of power in 1841. From the very
+beginning of the session their overthrow was imminent. Among the causes
+which rendered the ministry obnoxious to the country, and led to their
+downfall, may be named the disappointment of both their dissenting
+English supporters and Irish allies; their financial policy had proved a
+complete failure and dissatisfied the nation; and the deficit in the
+revenue this year amounted to no less a sum than two millions and a half
+pounds. Every effort to remedy the financial difficulties offered by the
+ministry to the House was rejected, Hence it was felt on all sides that
+the government of the country must be committed to stronger hands.
+Accordingly, in May, Sir Robert Peel proposed a resolution in the House
+of Commons to the effect that the ministry did not possess sufficiently
+the confidence of the House to carry through measures deemed essential
+for the public welfare; and that their continuance in office was, under
+the circumstances, at variance with the Constitution, For five days this
+resolution was discussed, but Mr. Gladstone took no part in the debate.
+The motion of Sir Robert Peel passed by a majority vote of one, and on
+the 7th of June Lord John Russell announced that the ministry would at
+once dissolve Parliament and appeal to the country. Parliament was
+prorogued by the Queen in person June 22d, and the country was soon in
+the turmoil of a general election. By the end of July it was found that
+the ministry had been defeated and with greater loss than the Tories
+even had expected. The Tories had a great majority of the new members
+returned. The Liberal seats gained by the Tories were seventy-eight,
+while the Tory seats gained by Liberals were only thirty-eight, thus
+making a Tory majority of eighty. Mr. Gladstone was again elected at
+Newark, and was at the head of the poll; with Lord John Manners,
+afterwards Duke of Rutland, as his colleague.
+
+The new Parliament met in August, and the ministers were defeated, in
+both Houses, on the Address and resigned. Sir Robert Peel was called
+upon by the Queen to form a new ministry, and Mr. Gladstone was
+included by his leader in the administration. In appearing on the
+hustings at Newark Mr. Gladstone said that there were two points upon
+which the British farmer might rely--the first being that adequate
+protection would be given him, and, second, that protection would be
+given him through the means of the sliding scale. The duties were to be
+reduced and the system improved, but the principle was to be maintained.
+"There was no English statesman who could foresee at this period the
+results of that extraordinary agitation which, in the course of the next
+five years, was destined to secure the abrogation of the Corn Laws."
+
+There is a tradition that, having already conceived a lively interest in
+the ecclesiastical and agrarian problems of Ireland, Mr. Gladstone had
+set his affections on the Chief Secretaryship. But Sir Robert Peel, a
+consummate judge of administrative capacity, had discerned his young
+friend's financial aptitude, and the member for Newark became
+vice-president of the Board of Trade and master of the Mint.
+
+Although in the midst of engrossing cares of office as vice-president of
+the Board of Trade, yet Mr. Gladstone found time to renew his old
+interest in ecclesiastical concerns. In the fall of 1841 an English
+Episcopal Bishopric was established at Jerusalem, Mr. Gladstone dined
+with Baron Bunsen on the birthday of the King of Prussia, when, as
+reported by Lord Shaftesbury, he "stripped himself of a part of his
+Puseyite garments, spoke like a pious man, rejoiced in the bishopric of
+Jerusalem, and proposed the health of Alexander, the new Bishop of that
+see. This is delightful, for he is a good man, a clever man and an
+industrious man." And Baron Bunsen, speaking of the same occasion, said,
+"Never was heard a more exquisite speech, It flowed like a gentle,
+translucent stream. We drove back to town in the clearest starlight;
+Gladstone continuing with unabated animation to pour forth his
+harmonious thoughts in melodious tone." And Mr. Gladstone himself writes
+later; "Amidst public business, quite sufficient for a man of my
+compass, I have, during the whole of the week, perforce, been carrying
+on with the Bishop of London and with Bunsen a correspondence on, and
+inquisition into, the Jerusalem design, until I almost reel and stagger
+under it."
+
+And still later he writes: "I am ready individually to brave
+misconstruction for the sake of union with any Christian men, provided
+the terms of the union be not contrary to sound principle; and perhaps
+in this respect might go further, at least in one of the possible
+directions, than you. But to declare the living constitution of a
+Christian Church to be of secondary moment is of course in my view
+equivalent to a denial of a portion of the faith--and I think you will
+say it is a construction which can not fairly be put upon the design,
+as far as it exists in fixed rules and articles. It is one thing to
+attribute this in the way of unfavorable surmise, or as an apprehension
+of ultimate developments--it is another to publish it to the world as a
+character ostentatiously assumed."
+
+We have evidence also that at this time he was not permitted to forget
+that he was an author, for he thus writes, April 6, 1842, to his
+publisher: "Amidst the pressure of more urgent affairs, I have held no
+consultation with you regarding my books and the sale or no sale of
+them. As to the third edition of the 'State in its Relations,' I should
+think that the remaining copies had better be got rid of in whatever
+summary or ignominious mode you may deem best. They must be dead beyond
+recall. As to the others, I do not know whether the season of the year
+has at all revived the demand; and would suggest to you whether it would
+be well to advertise them a little. I do not think they find their way
+much into the second-hand shops. With regard to the fourth edition, I do
+not know whether it would be well to procure any review or notice of it,
+and I am not a fair judge of its merits, even in comparison with the
+original form of the work; but my idea is that it is less defective,
+both in the theoretical and in the historical development, and ought to
+be worth the notice of those who deemed the earlier editions worth
+their notice and purchase; that it would really put a reader in
+possession of the view it was intended to convey, which I fear is more
+than can with any truth be said of its predecessors. I am not, however,
+in any state of anxiety or impatience; and I am chiefly moved to refer
+these suggestions to your judgment from perceiving that the fourth
+edition is as yet far from having cleared itself."
+
+It was from this time that a marked change was observable in the
+subjects of Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary addresses. "Instead of
+speaking on the corporate conscience of the State and the endowments of
+the Church, the importance of Christian education and the theological
+unfitness of the Jews to sit in Parliament, he was solving business-like
+problems about foreign tariffs and the exportation of machinery; waxing
+eloquent over the regulation of railways and a graduated tax on corn;
+subtle on the momentary merits of half-farthings and great in the
+mysterious lore of quassia and cocculus indicus."
+
+In the short session of Parliament, in 1841, that which followed the
+accession of Sir Robert Peel to the office of Prime Minister, he was
+questioned by his opponents as to his future policy. The Premier
+declined to state the nature of the measures he intended to present, or
+which he contemplated making, in the intervening months of the recess
+of Parliament so near at hand. He wanted time for the arrangement of his
+plans and the construction of his political programme. An effort was
+made to embarrass the administration by refusing to vote the necessary
+supplies, until inquiry should be made into the existing distress, but
+it was defeated. Three weeks later Parliament was dissolved by Royal
+commission. In the following sitting of Parliament several measures of
+high practical character were presented.
+
+Sir Robert Peel acceded to office in very critical times. The condition
+of the country was truly lamentable. Distress and discontent were
+widespread and the difficulties of the government were greatly enhanced
+by popular tumults. The Free Trade agitation was already making great
+headway in the land, and when the Premier brought forward his new
+sliding scale of duties in the House of Commons it was denounced by Mr.
+Cobden as an insult to a suffering people. The Premier said that he
+considered the present not an unfavorable time for discussing the corn
+laws; that there was no great stock on hand of foreign growth to alarm
+the farmers; that the recess had been marked by universal calm; that
+there was no popular violence to interrupt legislation; and that there
+was a disposition to view any proposal for the adjustment of the
+question with calmness and moderation.
+
+The Premier's view of the situation did not seem to be wholly in accord
+with the well-known facts, for the Queen even, on her appearance at the
+London theatres, had been hooted, and the Prime Minister himself was
+burnt in effigy during a riot at Northampton; great excitement prevailed
+throughout the country, and Lord John Russell moved as an amendment
+"That this House, considering the evils which have been caused by the
+present corn laws and especially by the fluctuation of the graduated or
+sliding scale, is not prepared to adopt the measure of her Majesty's
+government, which is founded on the same principles and is likely to be
+attended by similar results."
+
+It was incumbent upon Mr. Gladstone to lead the opposition to this
+motion. He showed that the proposed plan was not founded on the same
+principle of the existing one, except that both involved a sliding
+scale; that the present distress was caused by fluctuation of the
+seasons and not by the laws; that high prices of food were chargeable to
+successive failures of the crops; that these unavoidable fluctuations
+were not aggravated by the corn laws; that Sir Robert Peel's plan of
+working was far superior to that of Lord John Russell; that the drains
+upon the currency, caused by bad harvests, were not to be prevented by a
+fixed duty; that a uniform protection could not be given to corn, as to
+other articles, because at high prices of corn no duty could be
+maintained, and that, therefore, at low prices, it was but just to give
+a duty which would be an effectual protection. The debate which followed
+was characterized by vigorous speeches from Mr. Roebuck and Lord
+Palmerston. Lord John Russell's amendment was lost by a large majority.
+A motion presented by Mr. Villiers, the Free Trade advocate, for the
+immediate repeal of the corn laws was also lost by a majority of over
+three hundred.
+
+On the 11th of March Sir Robert Peel introduced his budget. The budget
+for 1842 was produced under depressing circumstances. There was a
+deficit of L2,750,000, or about $15,000,000, and taxation upon articles
+of consumption had been pushed to its utmost limit. Peel was a great
+financier, but the fiscal difficulties by which he was now surrounded
+were enough to appall the most ingenious of financial ministers.
+
+Mr. Gladstone rendered the Premier invaluable service in the preparation
+both of his budget and of his tariff scheme. The merit of the budget was
+its taxation of wealth and the relief of the manufacturing industry. The
+second branch of the financial plan, the revised tariff--a customs
+duties scheme--was very important, and it was understood to be mainly
+the work of Mr. Gladstone. Out of nearly 1200 duty-paying articles, a
+total abolition, or a considerable reduction, was made in no fewer than
+750. This was certainly a great step towards the freedom of
+manufacturers, Sir Robert Peel's boast that he had endeavored to relieve
+manufacturing industries was more than justified by this great and
+comprehensive measure. The very best means for relieving the
+manufacturing industries had been devised.
+
+But while this great relief to industry was welcomed the Opposition did
+not relax their efforts for the abolition of the corn laws, which were
+continued into the session of 1843. Sir Robert Peel acknowledged, amidst
+loud cheers from the Opposition, that all were agreed in the general
+rule that we should purchase in the cheapest market and sell in the
+dearest; but he added, "If I propose a greater change in the corn laws
+than that which I submit to the consideration of the House I should only
+aggravate the distress of the country, and only increase the alarm which
+prevails among important interests." Mr. Hume hailed with joy the
+appearance of the Premier and his colleagues as converts to the
+principles of Free Trade; Mr. Gladstone replied, that, whoever were the
+authors of the principles on which the government measures rested, he
+must protest against the statement that the ministry came forward as
+converts to principles which they had formerly opposed.
+
+During the progress of the debate of 1842, on the revised Tariff Bill,
+Mr. Gladstone's labors were very great. He was called upon to explain or
+defend the details of the scheme, and had something to say about every
+article of consumption included in, or excluded from, the list. He spoke
+one hundred and twenty-nine times, chiefly on themes connected with the
+new fiscal legislature. He demonstrated his capacity for grasping all
+the most complicated details of finance, and also the power of
+comprehending the scope and necessities of the commercial interests of
+the country. No measure with which his name has since been connected has
+done him more credit. He spoke incessantly, and amazed the House by his
+mastery of details, his intimate acquaintance with the commercial needs
+of the country, and his inexhaustible power of exposition. On March 14th
+Greville wrote, "Gladstone has already displayed a capacity which makes
+his admission into the Cabinet indispensable." A commercial minister had
+appeared on the scene, and the shade of Hoskisson had revived.
+
+Though engrossed in schemes of practical legislation, and in all the
+excitements and interests of office, he could, as he has ever done
+during his long career, turn aside for the discourse on social and
+educational questions with much earnestness and eloquence, as if they,
+and only they, possessed his mind. In January, 1843, he spoke at the
+opening of the Collegiate Institute of Liverpool, and delivered a
+powerful plea for the better education of the middle classes, which was
+one of the most forcible speeches he ever delivered. He said:
+
+"We believe that if you could erect a system which should present to
+mankind all branches of knowledge save the one that is essential, you
+would only be building up a Tower of Babel, which, when you had
+completed it, would be the more signal in its fall, and which would bury
+those who had raised it in its ruins. We believe that if you can take a
+human being in his youth, and if you can make him an accomplished man in
+natural philosophy, in mathematics, or in the knowledge necessary for
+the profession of a merchant, a lawyer, or a physician; that if in any
+or all of these endowments you could form his mind--yes, if you could
+endow him with the science and power of a Newton, and so send him
+forth--and if you had concealed from him, or, rather, had not given him
+a knowledge and love of the Christian faith--he would go forth into the
+world, able indeed with reference to those purposes of science,
+successful with the accumulation of wealth for the multiplication of
+more, but 'poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked' with reference to
+everything that constitutes the true and sovereign purposes of our
+existence--nay, worse, worse--with respect to the sovereign purpose--
+than if he had still remained in the ignorance which we all commiserate,
+and which it is the object of this institution to assist in removing."
+
+It was admitted on all hands that great fiscal reforms had been
+conceived and executed; and speaking of the session of 1842, a writer,
+not favorable to the Tories, wrote: "The nation saw and felt that its
+business was understood and accomplished, and the House of Commons was
+no longer like a sleeper under a nightmare. The long session was a busy
+one. The Queen wore a cheerful air when she thanked Parliament for their
+effectual labors. The Opposition was such as could no longer impede the
+operations of the next session. The condition of the country was fearful
+enough, but something was done for its future improvement, and the way
+was now shown to be open for further beneficent legislation."
+
+The corn law reformers renewed their efforts, led by Lord Howick, as
+soon as the parliamentary session of 1843 opened. An inquiry by the
+whole House was demanded into the causes of the long continued
+manufacturing depression referred to in the Queen's speech. Mr.
+Gladstone replied that while the Opposition proposed to repeal the corn
+laws, they offered no measure of relief in their place. The corn laws
+were at the root of the distress in the country, but the difficulty was
+to unite the ranks of the Opposition in opinion as to what ought to
+follow the repeal of the corn laws. The question between the government
+and the Opposition was not really so great as the latter wished to make
+out. It was simply as to the amount of relaxation the country could bear
+in the duties. It was the intention of the First Lord of the Treasury to
+attain his object "by increasing the employment of the people, by
+cheapening the prices of the articles of consumption, as also the
+articles of industry, by encouraging the means of exchange with foreign
+nations, and thereby encouraging in return an extension of the export
+trade; but besides all this, if he understood the measure of the
+government last year, it was proposed that the relaxation should be
+practically so limited as to cause no violent shock to existing
+interests, such as would have the tendency of displacing that labor
+which should be employed, and which, if displaced, would be unable to
+find another field." The measure of the previous year had nothing but a
+beneficial effect, but the repeal of the corn laws would displace a vast
+mass of labor. Lord Howick's motion was defeated and so were others
+offered by Mr. Villiers and Lord John Russell, by diminishing
+majorities, and Mr. Gladstone protested against the constant renewal of
+uneasiness in the country by successive motions of this kind in
+Parliament.
+
+The year 1843 was one destined to witness a great advance in Mr.
+Gladstone's progress towards the front rank among statesmen. June 10th,
+Lord Ripon, who was President of the Board of Trade, left this place for
+the Board of Control, and Mr. Gladstone was appointed to the position,
+and thus became a member of the Cabinet at the age of thirty-three Mr.
+Gladstone now became in name what he had been already in fact--the
+President of the Board of Trade. He states that "the very first opinion
+which he was ever called upon to give in Cabinet" was an opinion in
+favor of withdrawing the bill providing education for children in
+factories; to which vehement opposition was offered by the Dissenters,
+on the ground that it was too favorable to the Established Church. It
+seemed that his position was assured and yet in October he wrote to a
+friend: "Uneasy, in my opinion, must be the position of every member of
+Parliament who thinks independently in these times, or in any that are
+likely to succeed them; and in proportion as a man's course of thought
+deviates from the ordinary lines his seat must less and less resemble a
+bed of roses." Mr. Gladstone possibly felt when he penned these lines
+that the time was at hand when his convictions would force him to take a
+position that would array against him some of his most ardent friends.
+
+During the session of 1844 Mr. Gladstone addressed the House on a
+variety of subjects, including rail ways, the law of partnership, the
+agricultural interest, the abolition of the corn laws, the Dissenters'
+Chapel Bill and the sugar duties. One very valuable bill he had carried
+was a measure for the abolition of restrictions on the exportation of
+machinery. Another was the railway bill, to improve the railway system,
+by which the Board of Trade had conditional power to purchase railways
+which had not adopted a revised scale of tolls. The bill also
+compulsorily provided for at least one third-class train per week-day
+upon every line of railway, to charge but one penny a mile, regulated
+the speed of traveling, compelled such trains to stop at every station,
+and arranged for the carrying of children under three years of age for
+nothing and those under twelve at reduced fares. This measure, conceived
+so distinctly in the interests of the poorer classes, met with
+considerable opposition at first from the various railway companies, but
+it was ultimately passed into law. These were measures passed in the
+spirit of reform, though by a Conservative government.
+
+There was another matter legislated upon which shows how Mr. Gladstone's
+mind was undergoing changes in the direction of religious toleration.
+Lady Hewley had originally founded and given to Calvinistic Independents
+certain charities which had gradually passed to Unitarians, who were
+ousted from their benefits. A bill was proposed to vest property left to
+Dissenting bodies in the hands of that religions body with whom it had
+remained for the preceding twenty years. The measure was passed, but
+when it was discussed in the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone said that it
+was a bill which it was incumbent upon the House to endorse; that there
+was no contrariety between his principles of religious belief and those
+on which legislation in this case ought to proceed; that there was a
+great question of justice, viz., whether those who were called
+Presbyterian Dissenters, and who were a century and a half ago of
+Trinitarian opinions, ought not to be protected at the present moment in
+possession of the chapels which they held, with the appurtenances of
+those chapels? On the question of substantial justice he pronounced the
+strongest affirmative opinion. "After this speech there were those who
+thought, and expressed their hope and belief in words, that the
+'champion of Free Trade' would ere long become the advocate of the most
+unrestricted liberty in matters of religion. Their hope, if sanguine as
+to its immediate fulfillment, was far from groundless."
+
+However, in December of the same year Mr. Gladstone wrote to his friend
+Archdeacon, afterwards Bishop Wilberforce, about the prospects of the
+Church of England: "I rejoice to see that your views on the whole are
+hopeful. For my part I heartily go along with you. The fabric
+consolidates itself more and more, even while the earthquake rocks it;
+for, with a thousand drawbacks and deductions, love grows larger, zeal
+warmer, truth firmer among us. It makes the mind sad to speculate upon
+the question how much better all might have been; but our mourning
+should be turned into joy and thankfulness when we think also how much
+worse it _was_."
+
+The next event in the life of Mr. Gladstone is marked by a momentous
+change in his political position. Scarcely had Parliament met in
+January, 1845, when it was announced to the astonishment of everyone
+that Mr. Gladstone had resigned his place as President of the Board of
+Trade in the Cabinet. He set a good deal of speculation at rest by the
+announcement made in his speech on the address of the Queen, that his
+resignation was due solely to the government intentions with regard to
+Maynooth College. Before, however, he had resigned, Mr. Gladstone had
+completed a second and revised tariff, carrying further the principles
+of the revision of 1842.
+
+In the session of 1844 Sir Robert Peel, in response to the requests of
+Irish members, had promised that the Government would take up the
+question of academical education in Ireland, with the view of bringing
+it more nearly to the standard of England and Scotland, increasing its
+amount and improving its quality. In fulfillment of this pledge the
+government, at the beginning of the session of 1845, proposed to
+establish non-sectarian colleges in Ireland, and to increase the
+appropriation to Maynooth. The College of Maynooth, which was
+established for the education of Roman Catholic priests and laymen, had
+fallen into poverty and decay. In order to gratify the Irish, the
+government offered to increase the grant already made from $45,000 to
+$150,000 a year. This appropriation was not to be subject to any annual
+vote, and the affairs of the College were to be executed by the Board of
+Works. These proposals placed Mr. Gladstone in a position of great
+difficulty. He must either support Sir Robert Peel's measure, or retire
+from the Cabinet into isolation, if not subject to the imputation of
+eccentricity. He took council with his friends, Archdeacon Manning and
+Mr. Hope, who advised him to remain, and with Lord Stanley who warned
+him that his resignation must be followed by resistance of the proposals
+of the government, which would involve him in a storm of religious
+agitation. But Mr. Gladstone persisted in his intention, in what seemed
+like giving up his brilliant prospects, but said it would not
+necessarily be followed by resistance to the proposal about Maynooth.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that the proposed increase in the Maynooth endowment
+and the establishment of non-sectarian colleges were at variance with
+views he had written and uttered upon the relations of the Church and
+State. "I am sensible how fallible my judgment is," said Mr. Gladstone,
+"and how easily I might have erred; but still it has been my conviction
+that although I was not to fetter my judgment as a member of Parliament
+by a reference to abstract theories, yet, on the other hand, it was
+absolutely due to the public and due to myself that I should, so far as
+in me lay, place myself in a position to form an opinion upon a matter
+of so great importance, that should not only be actually free from all
+bias or leaning with respect to any consideration whatsoever, but an
+opinion that should be unsuspected. On that account I have taken a
+course most painful to myself in respect to personal feelings, and have
+separated myself from men with whom and under whom I have long acted in
+public life, and of whom I am bound to say, although I have now no
+longer the honor of serving my most gracious Sovereign, that I continue
+to regard them with unaltered sentiments both of public regard and
+private attachment."
+
+Then again he said: "My whole purpose was to place myself in a position
+in which I should be free to consider any course without being liable
+to any just suspicion on the ground of personal interest. It is not
+profane if I now say, '_with a great price obtained I this freedom_.'
+The political association in which I stood was to me at the time the
+_alpha_ and _omega_ of public life. The government of Sir Robert Peel
+was believed to be of immovable strength. My place, as President of the
+Board of Trade, was at the very kernel of its most interesting
+operations; for it was in progress from year to year, with continually
+waxing courage, towards the emancipation of industry, and therein
+towards the accomplishment of another great and blessed work of public
+justice. Giving up what I highly prized, aware that
+
+                            male sarta
+     Gratia nequicquam coit, et rescinditur.
+
+I felt myself open to the charge of being opinionated and wanting in
+deference to really great authorities, and I could not but know that I
+should inevitably be regarded as fastidious and fanciful, fitter for a
+dreamer, or possibly a schoolman, than for the active purposes of public
+life in a busy and moving age."
+
+There were some of his party angry and others who thought that there was
+something almost Quixotic in Mr. Gladstone's honorable resignation,
+because so soon as he felt himself free he gave his support to the
+Maynooth Bill and also to the scheme for the extension of academical
+education in Ireland, which latter was described by Sir R. Inglis as a
+"gigantic scheme of godless education." In Greville's "Memoirs" we find:
+"Gladstone's explanation is ludicrous. Everybody said that he had only
+succeeded in showing that his resignation was unnecessary. He was
+criticised as the possessor of a kind of supernatural virtue that could
+scarcely be popular with the slaves of party, and he was considered
+whimsical, fantastic, impracticable, a man whose 'conscience was so
+tender that he could not go straight,' a visionary not to be relied
+on--in fact, a character and intellect useless to the political
+manager." "I am greatly alarmed at Gladstone's resignation. I fear it
+foretells measures opposed to the Church truth," wrote Wilberforce; and
+Peel told Gladstone beforehand that his reasons for his resignation
+would be considered insufficient. But Mr. Gladstone's resignation, when
+understood, elicited the liveliest expressions of regret from friend and
+foe, as well as the most flattering testimonies as to his ability and
+character. His chief, Sir Robert Peel, and Lord John Russell, the leader
+of the Opposition, were alike complimentary in their remarks.
+
+Dr. Russell, the biographer of Mr. Gladstone, says: "Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement, by impairing his reputation for common sense, threatened
+serious and lasting injury to his political career, But the whirligig
+of time brought its revenges even more swiftly than usual. A conjunction
+of events arose in which he was destined to repair the mischief which
+the speculative side had wrought; but for the moment the speculative
+side was uppermost."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was fast leaving his Toryism behind. To show how far his
+views had changed in the course of seven years, it may be said that in
+his speech on these measures he observed how that exclusive support to
+the Established Church was a doctrine that was being more and more
+abandoned. Mr. Burke considered it contrary to wise policy to give
+exclusive privileges to a negative creed like that of Protestantism.
+They could not prove their religious scruples for denying this grant to
+Roman Catholics, because they gave their votes of money to almost every
+Dissenting seat. He hoped the concession now made--which was a great and
+liberal gift, because unrestricted and given in a spirit of
+confidence--would not lead to the renewal of agitation in Ireland by Mr.
+O'Connell. It might be well for him to reflect that agitation was a
+two-edged sword. Being conformable to justice and not contrary to
+principle, he hoped the measure proposed would pass into a law.
+
+W.T. Stead, in a recent article, said, in relation to Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement from the Cabinet, that "It is ridiculous to pretend, with
+Mr. Gladstone's career before us, that his course has been swayed by
+calculating self-interest. He has been the very madman of politics from
+the point of view of Mr. Worldly Wiseman. 'No man,' said he, the other
+day, 'has ever committed suicide so often as I,' and that witness is
+true. The first and perhaps the most typical of all his many suicides
+was his resignation of his seat in Sir Robert Peel's Cabinet, not
+because he disapproved of the Maynooth Grant, but because, as he had at
+one time written against it, he was determined that his advocacy of it
+should be purged of the last taint of self-interest. As Mr. George
+Russell rightly remarks, 'This was an act of Parliamentary Quixotism too
+eccentric to be intelligible. It argued a fastidious sensitiveness of
+conscience, and a nice sense of political propriety so opposed to the
+sordid selfishness and unblushing tergiversation of the ordinary
+place-hunter as to be almost offensive.' But as Mr. Gladstone was then,
+so he has been all his life--the very Quixote of conscience. Judged by
+every standard of human probability, he has ruined himself over and over
+and over again. He is always ruining himself, and always rising, like
+the Phoenix, in renewed youth from the ashes of his funeral pyre. As was
+said in homely phrase some years ago, he 'always keeps bobbing up
+again.' What is the secret of this wonderful capacity of revival? How
+is it that Mr. Gladstone seems to find even his blunders help him, and
+the affirmation of principles that seem to be destructive to all chance
+of the success of his policy absolutely helps him to its realization?"
+
+From a merely human standpoint it is inexplicable. But
+
+     'If right or wrong in this God's world of ours
+      Be leagued with higher powers,'
+
+then the mystery is not so insolvable. He believed in the higher powers.
+He never shrank from putting his faith to the test; and on the whole,
+who can deny that for his country and for himself he has reason to
+rejoice in the verification of his working hypothesis?
+
+'We walk by faith and not by sight,' he said once; 'and by no one so
+much as by those who are in politics is this necessary.' It is the
+evidence of things not seen, the eternal principles, the great invisible
+moral sanctions that men are wont to call the laws of God, which alone
+supply a safe guide through this mortal wilderness.
+
+     'Men of a thousand shifts and wiles, look here!
+        See one straightforward conscience put in pawn
+      To win a world; see the obedient sphere
+        By bravery's simple gravitation drawn!
+      Shall we not heed the lesson taught of old,
+        And by the Present's lips repeated still?
+      In our own single manhood to be bold,
+        Fortressed in conscience and impregnable.'
+
+"Mr. Gladstone has never hesitated to counter at sharp right angles the
+passion and the fury of the day. Those who represent him as ever strong
+upon the strong side, wilfully shut their eyes to half his history. He
+challenged Lord Palmerston over the Don Pacifico question, and was
+believed to have wrecked himself almost as completely as when in 1876 he
+countered even more resolutely the fantastic Jingoism of Lord
+Beaconsfield. It is easy for those who come after and enter into the
+spoils gained by sacrifices of which they themselves were incapable to
+describe the Bulgarian agitation as an astute party move. The party did
+not think so. Its leaders did not think so. Some of those who now halloo
+loud enough behind Mr. Gladstone were then bitter enough in their
+complaint that he had wrecked his party. One at least, who was
+constrained to say the other thing in public, made up for it by bitter
+and contemptuous cavilings in private. Now it is easy to see that Lord
+Beaconsfield was mistaken and that Mr. Gladstone held the winning card
+all along. But no one knew it at the time when the card had to be
+played, certainly not Mr. Gladstone himself. He simply saw his duty a
+dead sure thing, and, like Jim Bludsoe on the burning boat, 'He went for
+it there and then.' It turned up trumps, but no one knew how heavy were
+the odds against it save those who went through the stress and the
+strain of that testing and trying time by his side."
+
+In the summer of 1845 Mr. Gladstone proposed to his intimate friend, Mr.
+J.R. Hope, that they should spend the month of September in a working
+tour in Ireland, giving evidence of his characteristic desire always to
+come in personal contact with any question that he had to discuss. He
+suggests "their eschewing all grandeur, and taking little account even
+of scenery, compared with the purpose of looking, from close quarters,
+at the institutions for religion and education of the country, and at
+the character of the people. It seems ridiculous to talk of supplying
+the defects of second-hand information by so short a trip; but although
+a longer time would be much better, yet even a very contracted one does
+much when it is added to an habitual, though indirect, knowledge." The
+projected trip, however, had to be abandoned.
+
+Towards the close of the year 1845 Mr. Gladstone issued a pamphlet
+entitled "Remarks upon recent Commercial Legislation," in which he not
+only discussed the salutary effects of the late commercial policy, but
+used arguments clearly showing that he was advancing to the position of
+a free-trader. His general conclusion was that English statesmen should
+use every effort to disburden of all charges, so far as the law was
+concerned, the materials of industry, and thus enable the workman to
+approach his work at home on better terms, as the terms in which he
+entered foreign markets were altered for the worse against him.
+
+While Mr. Gladstone was so willing to deal generously more than ever
+before with the Irish Roman Catholics, his confidence in the Established
+Episcopal Church of Ireland was growing less. "I am sorry," he wrote to
+Bishop Wilberforce, "to express my apprehension that the Irish Church is
+not in a large sense efficient; the working results of the last ten
+years have disappointed me. I may be answered, Have faith in the
+ordinance of God; but then I must see the seal and signature, and these,
+how can I separate from ecclesiastical descent? The title, in short, is
+questioned, and vehemently, not only by the Radicalism of the day, but
+by the Roman Bishops, who claim to hold succession of St. Patrick, and
+this claim has been alive all along from the Reformation, so that lapse
+of years does nothing against it."
+
+The name of Dr. Doellinger, the distinguished reformed Roman Catholic,
+has been mentioned already in connection with that of Mr. Gladstone. In
+the fall of 1845 Mr. Gladstone went to Munich and paid his first visit
+to Dr. Doellinger. For a week he remained in daily intercourse with this
+eminent divine, and the foundation was laid of a friendship which was
+sustained by repeated visits and correspondence, and which lasted until
+the doctor's death in 1890.
+
+In the winter of 1845 Mr. Gladstone met with a painful accident that
+resulted in a permanent injury to his hand. He was by no means what is
+termed a sportsman, yet he was somewhat fond of shooting. His gun was
+prematurely discharged while he was loading it, and shattered the first
+finger of his left hand, so that amputation was necessary.
+
+[Illustration: Loyal Ulster]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+
+MEMBER FOR OXFORD
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's career," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"naturally divides itself into three parts. The first of them ends with
+his retirement from the representation of Newark. The central part
+ranges from 1847 to 1868. Happily the third is still incomplete." The
+first division, according to Dr. Russell, of this remarkable life, we
+have considered, and we now pass on to the development of the second
+period. The causes which led up to Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the
+representation for Newark to that of Oxford we will now proceed
+to trace.
+
+The agitation by the ablest orators against the corn laws had been going
+on for ten years, when an announcement was made in the "Times" of
+December 4, 1845, that Parliament would be convened the first week in
+January, and that the Queen's address would recommend the immediate
+consideration of the corn laws, preparatory to their total abolition.
+This startling news took the other daily papers by surprise, for there
+had been recently a lull in the agitation, and several of them
+contradicted it positively. Yet the newspapers had noticed the unusual
+occurrence of four cabinet meetings in one week. The original statement
+was confirmed. The ministry was pledged to support the measure. The hour
+had come, the doom of the corn laws was sealed. Mr. Gladstone's thoughts
+and labors for some years past had been leading him away from
+Protection, in which he had been brought up, in the direction of Free
+Trade; and although he was unable to participate in the last part of the
+struggle in Parliament, because he was not a member of the House, he was
+yet in harmony with Sir Robert Peel, and indeed is said to have
+converted the Premier to Free Trade views. Such a change of views was
+not the sudden impulse of an hour. The next step was to announce his
+changed convictions. And so upon other occasions in his life, his
+attitude on the question of the corn laws led to his separation from
+some old and greatly cherished political and personal friends, and among
+the first to disapprove of his new departure must have been his own
+father, who would think his son was going to ruin the country.
+
+The Duke of Buccleuch and Lord Stanley informed Sir Robert Peel that
+they could not support a measure for the repeal of the corn laws, and
+Sir Robert Peel, being doubtful whether he could carry through the
+proposed measure in the face of such opposition, tendered his
+resignation as premier to the Queen. Lord John Russell was called upon
+to form a new ministry, but, having failed in this, the Queen desired
+Sir Robert Peel to withdraw his resignation, and resume the head of the
+government again.
+
+It was found when the list of the new Peel Cabinet was published, that
+Mr. Gladstone was a member of it; having accepted the office of Colonial
+Secretary, in the place of Lord Stanley, who had resigned because not in
+sympathy with the proposed movement and of repeal. Accepting office in a
+ministry pledged to repeal the corn laws led to the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone from the House of Commons as the representative for Newark.
+The Duke of New Castle, the patron and friend of Mr. Gladstone, was an
+ardent Protectionist, and could not sanction the candidature of a
+supporter of Free Trade principles. His patronage was therefore
+necessarily withdrawn from Mr. Gladstone. Indeed, the Duke had turned
+his own son, Lord Lincoln, out of the representation of Nottinghamshire
+for accepting office under Sir Robert Peel, and he naturally showed no
+mercy to the brilliant but wayward politician, whom his favor had made
+member for Newark. Besides, Mr. Gladstone felt he held opposite
+principles from those he held when elected, and that unless the
+constituency had changed with him, he could no longer honorably continue
+to represent them, even if the influence and friendship of the Duke
+permitted it.
+
+Accordingly he did not offer himself for re-election, but retired and
+issued an address to the electors of Newark, dated January 5, 1846, of
+which the following is an extract: "By accepting the office of Secretary
+of State for the Colonies, I have ceased to be your representative in
+Parliament. On several accounts I should have been peculiarly desirous
+at the present time of giving you an opportunity to pronounce your
+constitutional judgment on my public conduct, by soliciting at your
+hands a renewal of the trust which I have already received from you on
+five successive occasions, and held during a period of thirteen years.
+But as I have good reason to believe that a candidate recommended to
+your favor through local connections may ask your suffrages, it becomes
+my very painful duty to announce to you on that ground alone my
+retirement from a position which has afforded me so much of honor and of
+satisfaction." Mr. Gladstone further goes on to explain that he accepted
+office because he held that "it was for those who believed the
+Government was acting according to the demands of public duty to testify
+that belief, however limited their sphere might be, by their
+co-operation." He had acted "in obedience to the clear and imperious
+call of public obligation."
+
+It was in this way that Mr. Gladstone became a voluntary exile from the
+House of Commons during this important season, and took no part in the
+debates, his personal powerful advocacy being lost in the consideration
+of the great measure before the House. He was a member of the Cabinet,
+but not of the House of Commons. It was no secret, however, that he was
+the most advanced Free Trader in the Peel Cabinet, and that the policy
+of the government in regard to this great measure of 1846 was to a large
+extent moulded by him.
+
+It is also known that his representations of the effects of Free Trade
+on the industry of the country and the general well-being of the people
+strengthened the Premier in his resolve to sweep away the obnoxious corn
+laws. His pamphlet on recent commercial legislation had prepared the way
+for the later momentous changes; and to Mr. Gladstone is due much of the
+credit for the speedy consummation of the Free Trade policy of the Peel
+Ministry. Mr. Gladstone may be regarded as the pioneer of the movement.
+
+Just at this time a calamity occurred in Ireland which furnished Sir
+Robert Peel an additional argument for the prompt repeal of the corn
+laws; namely, a prospective famine, owing to the failure of the potato
+crop. With threatened famine in Ireland, such as had never been
+experienced, the Prime Minister saw clearly that corn must be admitted
+into the country free of duty. The Anti-Corn Law League was growing
+powerful and even irresistible, while both in England and Ireland many
+landlords of influence, who did not belong to the League, were in
+sympathy with the movement started by the Premier and ready to extend to
+him a hearty support.
+
+But the friends of Protection did not leave the Premier without
+opposition. Knowing that Sir Robert Peel's personal influence was
+greater than that of any minister who had "virtually governed the
+empire," they used every means at their command, fair and unfair, to
+defeat the bill. However, their efforts were destined to failure. Some
+contended that the presentation and passage of the corn law repeal bill
+ought to be left to the Liberals. But Free Trade had not received the
+support of every member of the Liberal party, and Sir Robert Peel was in
+a position to carry out the measure, and it was not in accordance with
+the wisdom of practical politics to halt. Indeed, at this very juncture,
+Mr. Cobden wrote to the Premier that he had the power, and that it would
+be disastrous to the country for him to hesitate. Writing from
+Edinburgh, Lord John Russell announced his conversion to total and
+immediate repeal of the corn laws. Sir Robert Peel hesitated no longer,
+but, feeling that the crisis had arrived, determined to grapple with it.
+It was duty to country before and above fancied loyalty to party to be
+considered. It is strange what remedies some men deem sensible,
+suggested to prevent famine in Ireland.
+
+"Obviously the Government was in difficulties. What those difficulties
+were it was not hard to guess. In the previous autumn it had become
+known that, after a long season of sunless wet, the potatoes had
+everywhere been attacked by an obscure disease. The failure of this crop
+meant an Irish famine. The steps suggested to meet this impending
+calamity were strange enough. The head of the English peerage
+recommended the poor to rely on curry-powder as a nutritious and
+satisfying food. Another duke thought that the government could show no
+favor to a population almost in a state of rebellion, but that
+individuals might get up a subscription. A noble lord, harmonizing
+materialism and faith, urged the government to encourage the provision
+of salt fish, and at the same time to appoint a day of public
+acknowledgment of our dependence on Divine goodness. The council of the
+Royal Agricultural Society, numbering some of the wealthiest noblemen
+and squires in England, were not ashamed to lecture the laborers on the
+sustaining properties of thrice-boiled bones."
+
+When Parliament assembled the Premier entered into an explanation of the
+late ministerial crisis, and unfolded his projected plans. He said that
+the failure of the potato crop had led to the dissolution of the late
+government, that matters now could brook no further delay; that prompt
+action must now be taken on the Corn Laws; that the progress of reason
+and truth demanded it; that his opinions on the subject of Protection
+had undergone a great change; that the experience of the past three
+years confirmed him in his new views; that he could not conceal the
+knowledge of his convictions, however much it might lay him open to the
+charge of inconsistency; that, though accused of apathy and neglect, he
+and his colleagues were even then engaged in the most extensive and
+arduous inquiries into the true state of Ireland; and that, as these
+inquiries progressed, he has been forced to the conclusion that the
+protection policy was unsound and consequently untenable.
+
+It is worthy of note that Mr. Disraeli, the future Parliamentary rival
+of Mr. Gladstone, took part, as a member of the House of Commons, in the
+discussion of the question under consideration. The following words show
+his attitude: "To the opinions which I have expressed in this House in
+favor of Protection I adhere. They sent to this House, and if I had
+relinquished them I should have relinquished my seat also." "It would be
+an unprofitable talk," writes Barnett Smith, "to unravel the many
+inconsistencies of Lord Beaconsfield's career; but with regard to this
+deliverance upon Protection, the curious in such matters may turn back
+to the records of 1842, when they will discover that at that time he was
+quite prepared to advocate measures of a Free Trade character. But we
+must pass on from this important question of the Corn Laws, with the
+angry controversy to which it gave rise. Sir Robert Peel brought forward
+his measure, and after lengthened debate in both Houses, it became law,
+and grain was admitted into English ports under the new tariff."
+
+After all their success in carrying through the important Corn Law
+Repeal scheme, the ministry of Sir Robert Peel was doomed to fall upon
+an Irish question. The very day that brought their victory in the
+passage of the Corn Law Repeal Act in the House of Lords saw the defeat
+of the ministry in the House of Commons on their bill for the
+suppression of outrage in Ireland. Sir Robert Peel found himself in a
+minority of 73 and therefore tendered his resignation. It was accepted
+and Sir Robert Peel went out of office forever. Lord John Russell was
+sent for by the Queen, and he succeeded in forming a Whig Ministry.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's return to the Cabinet of Sir Robert Peel, as we have
+seen, cost him his seat in the House of Commons. It was not until the
+brief session of 1847, that he appeared again in Parliament. The Queen
+dissolved Parliament in person, July, 23d. The election succeeding
+turned in many instances upon ecclesiastical questions, and especially
+upon the Maynooth grant.
+
+It was announced early in 1847 that one of the two members of the House
+of Commons for the University of Oxford intended to retire at the next
+general election. Mr. Canning had pronounced the representation of the
+university as the most coveted prize of public life, and Mr. Gladstone
+himself confessed that he "desired it with an almost passionate
+fondness." Mr. Gladstone, as a graduate of Oxford, was looked upon not
+only by his contemporaries, but by his seniors and those who came after
+him, with feelings of enthusiastic admiration. The feeling then was
+reciprocal, and he was proposed for the vacant seat. Sir R.N. Inglis was
+secure in his seat, and so the contest lay between Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Round, who was of the ultra-Protestant and Tory school. The contest
+excited the keenest interest and was expected on all hands to be
+very close.
+
+Mr. Gladstone in his address to the electors of his _Alma Mater_
+confessed that in the earlier part of his public life he had been an
+advocate for the exclusive support of the national religion of the
+state, but it had been in vain; the time was against him. He said: "I
+found that scarcely a year passed without the adoption of some fresh
+measure involving the national recognition and the national support of
+various forms of religion, and, in particular, that a recent and fresh
+provision had been made for the propagation from a public chair of Arian
+or Socinian doctrines. The question remaining for me was whether, aware
+of the opposition of the English people, I should set down as equal to
+nothing, in a matter primarily connected not with our own but with their
+priesthood, the wishes of the people of Ireland; and whether I should
+avail myself of the popular feeling in regard to the Roman Catholics for
+the purpose of enforcing against them a system which we had ceased by
+common consent to enforce against Arians--a system, above all, of which
+I must say that it never can be conformable to policy, to justice or
+even to decency, when it has become avowedly partial and one-sided in
+its application."
+
+This address intensified the determination of those opposed to Mr.
+Gladstone to defeat him. A great portion of the press was, however, in
+his favor. Some of the journals that were enthusiastic for Mr. Gladstone
+were very bitter against Mr. Round. Mr. Gladstone's distinguished talent
+and industry were lauded, as well as his earnest attachment to the
+Church of England. He had, however, renounced the exclusiveness of his
+politico-ecclesiastical principles, and no longer importuned Parliament
+to ignore all forms of religion but those established by law, or which
+were exactly coincident with his own belief. "His election," declared
+one journal, "unlike that of Mr. Round, while it sends an important
+member to the House of Commons, will certainly be creditable, and may be
+valuable to the university; and we heartily hope that no negligence or
+hesitation among his supporters may impede his success." Even outside of
+church circles the election was regarded with great interest.
+
+The nomination took place July 29th. After the usual ceremony, the
+voting commenced in convocation-house, which was densely crowded. So
+great was the pressure of the throng that men fainted and had to be
+carried out. Mr. Coleridge, afterward Lord Coleridge, was the secretary
+of Mr. Gladstone's committee. Distinguished men, among them Sir Robert
+Peel, his colleague in the Cabinet, came from a great distance to
+"plump" for Mr. Gladstone. The venerable Dr. Routh, then nearly
+ninety-two years old, came forth from his retirement at Magdalen College
+to vote for him. Mrs. Gladstone, according to Mr. Hope-Scott, was an
+indefatigable canvasser for her husband. At the close of the poll the
+vote stood: Inglis, 1700; Gladstone, 997; Round, 824. Of course Sir
+Robert Inglis, with his "prehistoric Toryism," stood at the head. To the
+supporters of Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Round must be added 154 who were
+paired. Mr. Gladstone received a majority of 173 over his
+ultra-Protestant opponent. The total number of those polled exceeded
+that registered at any previous election, showing the intense and
+general interest in the result.
+
+This period of Mr. Gladstone's life has been very properly styled by one
+of his biographers, as the transition period. "On one side the
+Conservative Free-trader clings fondly and tenaciously to the Toryism of
+his youth, on another, he is reaching out toward new realms of Liberal
+thought and action. He opposes marriage with a deceased wife's sister on
+theological and social grounds, asserting roundly that such marriage is
+'contrary to the law of God, declared for three thousand years and
+upwards.' He deprecates the appointment of a Commission to enquire into
+the Universities, because it will deter intending benefactors from
+effecting their munificent intentions. He argues for a second chamber in
+Australian legislatures, citing, perhaps a little unfortunately, the
+constitutional example of contemporary France. In all these utterances
+it is not hard to read the influence of the traditions in which he was
+reared, or of the ecclesiastical community which he represents in
+Parliament.
+
+"Yet even in the theological domain a tendency towards Liberalism shows
+itself. His hatred of Erastianism is evinced by his gallant but
+unsuccessful attempt to secure for the clergy and laity of each colonial
+diocese the power of self-government. Amid the indignant protests of his
+Tory allies, and in opposition to his own previous speech and vote, he
+vindicates the policy of admitting the Jews to Parliament. He defends
+the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Court of Rome; he
+supports the alteration of the parliamentary oath; and, though he will
+not abet an abstract attack on Church Rates, he contends that their
+maintainance involves a corresponding duty to provide accommodation in
+the church for the very poorest of the congregation.
+
+"On the commercial side his Liberalism is rampant. With even fanatical
+faith he clings to Free Trade as the best guarantee for our national
+stability amid the crash of the dynasties and constitutions which went
+down in '48. He thunders against the insidious dangers of reciprocity.
+He desires, by reforming the laws which govern navigation, to make the
+ocean, 'that great highway of nations, as free to the ships that
+traverse its bosom as to the winds that sweep it.'
+
+"And so the three years--1847, 1848, 1849--rolled by, full of stirring
+events in Europe and in England, in Church and in State, but marked by
+no special incidents in the life of Mr. Gladstone. For him these years
+were a period of mental growth, of transition, of development. A change
+was silently proceeding, which was not completed for twenty years, if,
+indeed, it has been completed yet. 'There have been,' he wrote in later
+days to Bishop Wilberforce, 'two great deaths, or transmigrations of
+spirit, in my political existence--one, very slow, the breaking of ties
+with my original party.' This was now in progress. The other will be
+narrated in due course."
+
+One of the features of the general election of 1847 that excited the
+wildest popular comment was the election of Baron Rothschild for the
+City of London. There was nothing illegal in the election of a Jew, but
+he was virtually precluded from taking his seat in the House of Commons,
+because the law required every member to subscribe not only to the
+Christian religion, but to the Protestant Episcopal faith. To obviate
+this difficulty, Lord John Russell, soon after Parliament assembled,
+offered a resolution affirming the eligibility of Jews to all functions
+and offices to which Roman Catholics were admissible by law. Sir R.H.
+Inglis opposed the resolution and Mr. Gladstone, his colleague,
+supported it.
+
+Mr. Gladstone inquired whether there were any grounds for the
+disqualification of the Jews which distinguished them from any other
+classes in the community. They contended for a "Christian Parliament,
+but the present measure did not make severance between politics and
+religion, it only amounted to a declaration that there was no necessity
+for excluding a Jew, as such, from an assembly in which every man felt
+sure that a vast and overwhelming majority of its members would always
+be Christian. It was said that by admitting a few Jews they would
+un-Christianize Parliament; that was true in word, but not in
+substance." He had no doubt that the majority of the members who
+composed it would always perform their obligations on the true faith of
+a Christian. It was too late to say that the measure was un-Christian,
+and that it would call down the vengeance of heaven. When he opposed the
+last law of the removal of Jewish disabilities, he foresaw that if he
+gave the Jew municipal, magisterial and executive functions, we could
+not refuse him legislative functions any longer. "The Jew was refused
+entrance into the House because he would then be a maker of the law; but
+who made the maker of the law? The constituencies; and into these
+constituencies had been admitted the Jews. Now were the constituencies
+Christian constituencies? If they were, was it probable that the
+Parliament would cease to be a Christian Parliament?"
+
+Mr. Gladstone admitted the force of the prayer in Bishop Wilberforce's
+petition, that in view of this concession measures should be taken to
+give greater vigor to the Church, and thus operate to the prevention of
+an organic change in the relations between Church and State. In
+concluding his defence of Lord John Russell's resolution Mr. Gladstone
+expressed the opinion that if they admitted Jews into Parliament,
+prejudice might be awakened for awhile, but the good sense of the people
+would soon allay it, and members would have the consolation of knowing
+that in case of difficulty they had yielded to a sense of justice, and
+by so doing had not disparaged religion or lowered Christianity, but
+rather had elevated both in all reflecting and well-regulated minds. The
+logic of this speech could not be controverted, though Mr. Newdegate
+declared that Mr. Gladstone would never have gained his election for the
+University of Oxford had his sentiments on the Jewish question been then
+known. The resolution of Lord John Russell was carried by a large
+majority, whereupon he announced first a resolution, and then a bill, in
+accordance with its terms.
+
+The year 1848 was a year of excitement and revolution. All Europe was in
+a state of agitation, and France by a new revolution presented another
+one of her national surprises. The news of a revolution in France caused
+the greatest perturbation throughout England, and disturbances in the
+capital of the country. Great demonstrations were made at Trafalgar
+Square and Charing Cross, March 6th, but the meetings assumed more of a
+burlesque than of a serious character. In Glasgow and other parts of the
+country there were serious riots. Shops were sacked, and the military
+was called out to quell the disturbance, which was not effected until
+the soldiers fired with fatal results upon the rioters. There were
+uprisings and mob violence also at Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, but
+they were of a less formidable character. A Chartist meeting was held on
+Kennington Common, March 13th, but, though the meeting had been looked
+forward to with great apprehensions by all lovers of law and order, yet
+it passed off without the serious results anticipated.
+
+Though great preparations were made in view of the demonstration, yet,
+fortunately it passed off without loss of life. The meeting however had
+furnished a pretext for the gathering of a lawless mob, although but few
+were politically concerned in it. It was deemed necessary, to provide
+against every emergency, so special constables in great numbers were
+sworn in previous to the meetings, and it is interesting to observe that
+amongst the citizens who came forward in London to enroll themselves as
+preservers of the peace of society were William Ewart Gladstone, the
+Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Derby, and Prince Louis Napoleon,
+afterwards Emperor of France.
+
+The people were becoming dissatisfied with the government of the
+country, particularly with its financial measures. A deficiency of two
+million pounds appeared, and additional taxation would be necessary
+owing to the Caffre War. It was therefore proposed to continue the
+income tax for five years and increase it slightly. Owing to the
+distress in Ireland it was not proposed to extend the operation of this
+measure to that country. The property tax was defended on the same
+principles laid down by Mr. Pitt, and in 1842, by Sir Robert Peel. But
+this scheme was bitterly opposed and many attributed the depressed
+condition of the finances to free trade. Sir Robert Peel decided to
+support the proposed tax for three years. Mr. Disraeli desired the
+success of Sir Robert Peel's policy, and described himself as a
+"free-trader, but not a free-booter of the Manchester school;" and he
+dubbed the blue-book of the Import Duties Committee "the greatest work
+of imagination that the nineteenth century has produced." He said that
+the government, by acting upon it, and taking it for a guide, resembled
+a man smoking a cigar on a barrel of gunpowder.
+
+This epigrammatic speech of Mr. Disraeli brought Mr. Gladstone to his
+feet. He said, by way of introduction, that he could not hope to sustain
+the lively interest created by the remarkable speech of his
+predecessor--a display to which he felt himself unequal--he would pass
+over the matters of a personal description touched upon by the
+honorable gentleman, and confine himself to defending the policy which
+had been assailed. Mr. Gladstone then demonstrated, by a series of
+elaborate statistics, the complete success of Sir Robert Peel's policy.
+He also said, that the confidence of the public would be greatly shaken
+by an adverse vote, and he alluded to the unsettled condition of affairs
+in the Cabinet. "I am sure," said Mr. Gladstone, "that this House of
+Commons will prove itself to be worthy of the Parliaments which preceded
+it, worthy of the Sovereign which it has been called to advise, and
+worthy of the people which it has been chosen to represent, by
+sustaining this nation, and enabling it to stand firm in the midst of
+the convulsions that shake European society; by doing all that pertains
+to us for the purpose of maintaining social order, the stability of
+trade, and the means of public employment; and by discharging our
+consciences, on our own part, under the difficult circumstances of the
+crisis, in the perfect trust that if we set a good example to the
+nations--for whose interests we are appointed to consult--they, too,
+will stand firm as they have in other times of almost desperate
+emergency; and that through their good sense, their moderation, and
+their attachment to the institutions of the country, we shall see these
+institutions still exist, a blessing and a benefit to prosperity,
+whatever alarms and whatever misfortunes may unfortunately befall other
+portions of civilized Europe."
+
+"It was fortunate for the future interests of the country," says Dr.
+Smith, his biographer, "that the proposals of the government were at
+this juncture supported by a great majority of the House of Commons. In
+a moment of unreasoning panic there was some danger of the adoption of a
+reactionary policy--a step that would have lost to the country those
+blessings which it subsequently enjoyed as the outcome of Free Trade."
+
+May 15, Mr. Labouchere, President of the Board of Trade, proposed a plan
+for the modification of the navigation laws. Reserving the coasting
+trade and fisheries of Great Britain and the Colonies, it was proposed
+"to throw open the whole navigation of the country, of every sort and
+description." But the Queen claimed the right of putting such
+restrictions as she saw fit upon the navigation of foreign countries, if
+those countries did not meet England on equal terms; and that each
+colony should be allowed to throw open its coasting trade to foreign
+countries. Mr. Gladstone made a lengthy speech, examining closely the
+operation of existing laws, and showing the necessity for their repeal.
+With regard to the power claimed by the Queen in Council, with a view to
+enforcing reciprocity, Mr. Gladstone said, "I confess it appears to me
+there is a great objection to conferring such a power as that which is
+proposed to be given to the Queen in Council." He contended also for a
+gradual change in the laws. The policy of excluding the coasting trade
+from the measure he also condemned. "It would have been much more frank
+to have offered to admit the Americans to our coasting trade if they
+would admit us to theirs." If England and America concurred in setting
+an example to the world, he hoped we should "live to see the ocean, that
+great highway of nations, as free to the ships that traverse its bosom
+as the winds that sweep it. England would then have achieved another
+triumph, and have made another powerful contribution to the prosperity
+of mankind." The bill was postponed until the following year.
+
+During the session of 1848 Mr. Gladstone spoke upon the proposed grant
+of Vancouver's Island to the Hudson's Bay Company; and upon the Sugar
+Duties Bill; but the most important speech delivered by him at that time
+was upon a measure to legalize diplomatic relations with the Court of
+Rome. It was objected that thus recognizing the spiritual governor of
+Rome and of all the Roman Catholic population of the world, would
+neither conciliate the affections of the Protestants, nor satisfy the
+wishes of the Roman Catholics, who had denounced it strongly to
+the Pope.
+
+Mr. Gladstone took broad and comprehensive views of the question. To
+some features of the Bill he was opposed, but was in favor of its
+principle. It was unfortunate as to time, owing to the condition of
+affairs in Italy. England must take one of two positions. If she
+declined political communication with the See of Rome, she had no right
+to complain of any steps which the Pope might take with respect to the
+administration of his own ecclesiastical affairs; but an act so directly
+in contravention of the laws of the land as the partitioning of the
+country into archbishoprics and bishoprics was a most unfortunate
+proceeding; wrong because it was generally and justly offensive to the
+feelings of the people of England, and totally unnecessary, as he
+believed, for Roman Catholic purposes, but also because it ill assorted
+with the grounds on which the Parliament was invited by the present bill
+to establish definite relations with the See of Rome. For one hundred
+years after the Reformation the Pope was actually in arms for the
+purpose of recovering by force his lost dominions in this country. It
+was only natural, therefore, that we should have prohibited relations
+with the See of Rome when it attacked the title of the Sovereign of
+these realms, but there was no such reason for continuing the
+prohibition at the present moment.
+
+Those who have studied Mr. Gladstone's career carefully attest that this
+speech would have been impossible from his lips ten years before the
+time it was delivered; and early in the next session of Parliament he
+delivered another speech which furnishes us an example of the growth of
+his liberal views in matters of conscience. Lord John Russell proposes
+further relief upon the matter of oaths to be taken by members of
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said that the civil political claims of the
+Jew should not be barred, and he deprecated the tendency to degenerate
+formalism in oaths, but he was glad that the words, "on the true faith
+of a Christian" in respect to all Christian members of the House of
+Commons had been retained. He also, later in the session, favored
+correcting the enormous evils growing out of the Church rate system,
+with taxation of all the further support of the State Church. He did not
+believe in imposing an uncompensated burden upon any man. Every man
+contributing his quota was entitled to demand a free place in the house
+of his Maker. "But the centre and best parts of the Church were occupied
+by pews exclusively for the middle classes, while the laboring classes
+were jealously excluded from almost every part of light and hearing in
+the Churches, and were treated in a manner most painful to
+reflect upon."
+
+When Mr. Labouchere re-introduced the ministerial bill for the repeal of
+the Navigation Laws, in the session of 1849, Mr. Gladstone supported
+generally the measure in a full and exhaustive speech. He favored the
+bill with certain modifications. The Marquis of Granby expressed fears
+at the consequences of the change proposed, and Mr. Gladstone answered
+him: "The noble Marquis," he observed, "desired to expel the vapours and
+exhalations that had been raised with regard to the principle of
+political economy, and which vapours and exhalations I find for the most
+part in the fears with which those changes are regarded. The noble
+Marquis consequently hoped that the Trojan horse would not be allowed to
+come within the walls of Parliament. But however applicable the figures
+may be to other plans, it does not, I submit, apply to the mode of
+proceeding I venture to recommend to the House, because we follow the
+precedent of what Mr. Huskisson did before us. Therefore more than one
+moiety of the Trojan horse has already got within the citadel--it has
+been there for twenty-five years, and yet what has proceeded from its
+bowels has only tended to augment the rate of increase in the progress
+of your shipping. Therefore, let us not be alarmed by vague and dreamy
+ratiocinations of evil, which had never been wanting on any occasion,
+and which never will be wanting so long as this is a free State, wherein
+every man can find full vent and scope for the expression, not only of
+his principles, but of his prejudices and his fears. Let us not be
+deterred by those apprehensions from giving a calm and serious
+examination to this question, connected as it is with the welfare of our
+country. Let us follow steadily the light of experience, and be
+convinced that He who preserved us during the past will also be
+sufficient to sustain us during all the dangers of the future."
+
+Mr. Disraeli seized the opportunity to make a caustic speech, in which
+he fiercely attacked both Mr. Labouchere and Mr. Gladstone, and alluded
+sarcastically to their "great sacrifices," and said that the latter was
+about to give up that good development of the principle of reciprocity
+which the House had waited for with so much suspense. Mr. Gladstone
+replied, "I am perfectly satisfied to bear his sarcasm, good humoured
+and brilliant as it is, while I can appeal to his judgment as to whether
+the step I have taken was unbecoming in one who conscientiously differs
+with him on the freedom of trade, and has endeavoured to realize it;
+because, so far from its being the cause of the distress of the country,
+it has been, under the mercy of God, the most signal and effectual means
+of mitigating this distress, and accelerating the dawn of the day of
+returning prosperity."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke also during the session upon the subject of Colonial
+Reform which came before the House on several occasions, and especially
+in connection with riots in Canada; and on a bill for the removal of
+legal restrictions against marriage with a deceased wife's sister. He
+opposed the latter measure upon theological, social, and moral grounds,
+and begged the House to repeat the almost entire sentiment of the
+country respecting the bill. To do otherwise would be to inflict upon
+the Church the misfortune of having anarchy introduced among its
+ministers. He hoped they would do all that in them lay to maintain the
+strictness of the obligations of marriage, and the purity of the
+hallowed sphere of domestic life. The bill was rejected.
+
+In the Parliamentary session of 1850 one of the chief topics of
+discussion was the great depression of the agricultural interests of the
+country. The country was at peace, the revenues were in a good
+condition, foreign trade had increased, but the farmers still made loud
+complaints of the disastrous condition, which they attributed to
+free-trade measures, which they contended had affected the whole of the
+agricultural interests. Consequently, February 19th, Mr. Disraeli moved
+for a committee of the whole House to consider such a revision of the
+Poor Laws of the United Kingdom as might mitigate the distress of the
+agricultural classes. Some thought that this was a movement against
+free-trade, but Mr. Gladstone courted the fullest investigation, and
+seeing no danger in the motion, voted for it. However, the motion of
+Mr. Disraeli was lost.
+
+Mr. Gladstone likewise favored the extension of the benefits of
+Constitutional government to certain of the colonies,--for example as
+set forth in the Australian Colonies Government Bill; and twice during
+the session he addressed the House on questions connected with slavery,
+and upon motion of Mr. Haywood for an inquiry into the state of the
+English and Irish universities, and the government unexpectedly gave
+their consent to the issuing of a Royal Commission for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone said that any person who might be deliberating with himself
+whether he would devote a portion of his substance for prosecuting the
+objects of learning, civilization and religion, would be checked by the
+prospect that at any given time, and under any given circumstances, a
+minister, who was the creature of a political majority, might institute
+a state inquiry into the mode in which the funds he might devise were
+administered. It was not wise to discourage eleemosynary establishments.
+It would be better for the Crown to see what could be done to improve
+the colleges by administering existing laws.
+
+In reviewing the past ten years we exclaim, truly has the period from
+1841 to 1850, in the political life of Mr. Gladstone, been called a
+memorable decade.
+
+It was in the year 1850, as we have seen, that the Gladstones were
+plunged into domestic sorrow by the death of their little daughter,
+Catharine Jessy; and it was this same year that brought to Mr. Gladstone
+another grief from a very different source. This second bereavement was
+caused by the withdrawal of two of his oldest and most intimate friends,
+the Archdeacon of Chichester and Mr. J.R. Hope, from the Protestant
+Episcopal Church of England and their union with the Roman Catholic
+Church. Mr. Hope, who became Hope-Scott on succeeding to the estate of
+Abbotsford, was the gentleman who helped Mr. Gladstone in getting
+through the press his book on Church and State, revising, correcting and
+reading proof. The Archdeacon, afterwards Cardinal Manning, had, from
+his undergraduate days, exercised a powerful influence over his
+contemporaries. He was gifted with maturity of intellect and character,
+had great shrewdness, much tenacity of will, a cogent, attractive style,
+combined with an impressive air of authority, to which the natural
+advantages of person and bearing added force. Besides having these
+qualifications for leadership, he had fervid devotion, enlarged
+acquaintance with life and men, and an "unequalled gift of
+administration;" though a priest, he was essentially a statesman, and
+had at one time contemplated a political career. He was Mr. Gladstone's
+most trusted counsellor and most intimate friend.
+
+The cause, or rather occasion for these secessions from the Church of
+England to the Church of Rome, is thus related: "An Evangelical
+clergyman, the Rev. G.C. Gorham, had been presented to a living in the
+diocese of Exeter; and that truly formidable prelate, Bishop Phillpotts,
+refused to institute him, alleging that he held heterodox views on the
+subject of Holy Baptism. After complicated litigation, the Judicial
+Committee of the Privy Council decided, on March 8, 1850, that the
+doctrine held by the incriminated clergyman was not such as to bar him
+from preferment in the Church of England. This decision naturally
+created great commotion in the Church. Men's minds were rudely shaken.
+The orthodoxy of the Church of England seemed to be jeopardized, and the
+supremacy of the Privy Council was in a matter touching religious
+doctrine felt to be an intolerable burden."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, as well as others, was profoundly agitated by these
+events, and June 4th he expressed his views in a letter to Dr.
+Blomfield, Bishop of London. The theme of his letter was, "The Royal
+Supremacy, viewed in the light of Reason, History and the Constitution."
+He contended that the Royal Supremacy, as settled at the Reformation,
+was not inconsistent with the spiritual life and inherent jurisdiction
+of the Church, but the recent establishment of the Privy Council as the
+ultimate court of appeal in religious causes was "an injurious and even
+dangerous departure from the Reformation settlement."
+
+In this letter Mr. Gladstone said, in summing up: "I find it no part of
+my duty, my lord, to idolize the Bishops of England and Wales, or to
+place my conscience in their keeping. I do not presume or dare to
+speculate upon their particular decisions; but I say that, acting
+jointly, publicly, solemnly, responsibly, they are the best and most
+natural organs of the judicial office of the Church in matters of
+heresy, and, according to reason, history and the constitution, in that
+subject-matter the fittest and safest counsellors of the Crown."
+
+But this view regarding the Church of England did not suit some minds,
+and among them the two friends with whom Mr. Gladstone had, up to this
+time, acted in religious matters. These troubles in the Church so
+powerfully affected them that they withdrew.
+
+The following quotation shows Mr. Gladstone's firmness in regard to his
+own choice of the Protestant Christianity over and above Catholicism, In
+a letter, written in 1873, to Mrs. Maxwell-Scott, of Abbotsford, the
+daughter of his friend Hope, he thus writes of an interview had with
+her father: "It must have been about this time that I had another
+conversation with him about religion, of which, again, I exactly
+recollect the spot. Regarding (forgive me) the adoption of the Roman
+religion by members of the Church of England as nearly the greatest
+calamity that could befall Christian faith in this country, I rapidly
+became alarmed when these changes began; and very long before the great
+luminary, Dr. Newman, drew after him, it may well be said, 'the third
+part of the stars of Heaven.' This alarm I naturally and freely
+expressed to the man upon whom I most relied, your father."
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone in Wales; addressing a meeting at the foot of
+Snowden]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+In considering Mr. Gladstone's exposure of the cruelties practiced in
+the prisons of Naples, we are confronted with his attitude in the House
+of Commons just before, in a case where the same principles seemed to be
+involved, and in which Mr. Gladstone took the directly opposite course.
+We refer to the Don Pacifico case. Both were at first merely personal
+questions, but finally became international. Mr. Gladstone to many
+appeared to take an inconsistent course in these seemingly similar
+cases, in that while opposing national intervention in the affairs of
+Don Pacifico, he tried to stir up all Europe for the relief of the
+sufferers in the Neapolitan prisons. "It is not a little remarkable that
+the statesman who had so lately and so vigorously denounced the 'vain
+conception that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice
+and folly, of abuse and imperfection, among the other countries of the
+world,' should now have found himself irresistibly impelled by
+conscience and humanity to undertake a signal and effective crusade
+against the domestic administration of a friendly power."
+
+The most memorable debate in the new chamber of the House of Commons,
+which was first occupied in 1850, was that associated with the name of
+Don Pacifico. It is however conceded that the circumstances from which
+it all proceeded were comparatively trivial in the extreme. Don Pacifico
+was a Maltese Jew and a British subject, dwelling at Athens. He had made
+himself distasteful to the people of Athens, and consequently his house
+was destroyed and robbed by a mob, April 4, 1847. He appealed to the
+government at Athens for redress, demanding over $150,000 indemnity for
+the loss of his property, among which "a peculiarly sumptuous bedstead
+figured largely." Don Pacifico's claim was unheeded, probably because it
+was exorbitant and the Greek government was poor. Lord Palmerston was
+then the Foreign Secretary of the English Government. He was rash and
+independent in his Foreign policy, and often acted, as the Queen
+complained, without consultation and without the authority of the
+Sovereign.
+
+The Foreign Secretary had had other quarrels with the Government at
+Athens. Land belonging to an English resident in Athens had been seized
+without sufficient compensation; Ionian subjects of the English Crown
+had suffered hardships at the hands of the Greek authorities, and an
+English Midshipman had been arrested by mistake. Lord Palmerston looked
+upon these incidents, slight as they were in themselves, as indicative
+of a plot on the part of the French Minister against the English, and
+especially as the Greek Government was so dilatory in satisfying the
+English claims. "This was enough. The outrage on Don Pacifico's bedstead
+remained the head and front of Greek offending, but Lord Palmerston
+included all the other slight blunders and delays of justice in one
+sweeping indictment; made the private claims into a national demand, and
+peremptorily informed the Greek Government that they must pay what was
+demanded of them within a given time. The Government hesitated, and the
+British fleet was ordered to the Piraeus, and seized all the Greek
+vessels which were found in the waters. Russia and France took umbrage
+at this high-handed proceeding and championed Greece. Lord Palmerston
+informed them it was none of their business and stood firm. The French
+Ambassador was withdrawn from London, and for awhile the peace of Europe
+was menaced." The execution of the orders of Lord Palmerston was left
+with Admiral Sir William Parker, who was first to proceed to Athens with
+the English fleet, and failing to obtain satisfaction was to blockade
+the Piraeus, which instructions he faithfully obeyed.
+
+The debate began in Parliament June 24, 1850. The stability of the Whig
+administration, then in power, depended upon the results. In the House
+of Lords, Lord Stanley moved a resolution, which was carried, expressing
+regret that "various claims against the Greek Government, doubtful in
+point of justice and exaggerated in amount, have been enforced by
+coercive measures, directed against the commerce and people of Greece,
+and calculated to endanger the continuance of our friendly relations
+with foreign powers." A counter-resolution was necessary in the House of
+Commons to offset the action of the Lords, so a Radical, Mr. Roebuck,
+much to the surprise of many, came to the defense of the Government and
+offered the following motion, which was carried: "That the principles
+which have hitherto regulated the foreign policy of Her Majesty's
+Government are such as were required to preserve untarnished the honor
+and dignity of this country, and, in times of unexampled difficulty, the
+best calculated to maintain peace between England and the various
+nations of the world."
+
+The debate which followed, and which was prolonged over four nights, was
+marked on both sides by speeches of unusual oratorical power and
+brilliancy. The speeches of Lord Palmerston, Sir Robert Peel, Mr.
+Cockburn, Mr. Cobden, Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone were pronounced as
+remarkable orations. Sir Robert Peel made a powerful speech against the
+Ministers, which was made memorable not only for its eloquence, but
+because it was his last. Lord Palmerston defended himself vigorously in
+a speech of five hours' duration. "He spoke," said Mr. Gladstone, "from
+the dusk of one day to the dawn of the next." He defended his policy at
+every point. In every step taken he had been influenced by the sole
+desire that the meanest, the poorest, even the most disreputable subject
+of the English Crown should be defended by the whole might of England
+against foreign oppression. He reminded them of all that was implied in
+the Roman boast, _Civis Romanus sum_, and urged the House to make it
+clear that a British subject, in whatever land he might be, should feel
+confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of England could
+protect him. This could not be resisted. _Civis Romanus sum_ settled
+the question.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's reply was a masterpiece. It was exhaustive and
+trenchant, and produced a great effect. He first spoke upon the position
+of the Government and the constitutional doctrines which they had laid
+down in regard to it, and then severely condemned the conduct of the
+Premier for being so heedless of the censure of the House of Lords and
+in trying to shield himself behind the precedents which are in reality
+no precedents at all. With reference to the Greek question, he
+repudiated precedents which involved the conduct of strong countries
+against weak ones. The Greek Government had put no impediment in the way
+of arbitration. Instead of trusting and trying the tribunals of the
+country and employing diplomatic agency simply as a supplemental
+resource, Lord Palmerston had interspersed authority of foreign power,
+in contravention both of the particular stipulations of the treaty in
+force between Greece and England and of the general principles of the
+law of nations. He had thus set the mischievous example of abandoning
+the methods of law and order, and resorted to those of force.
+Non-interference had been laid down as the basis of our conduct towards
+other nations, but the policy of Lord Palmerston had been characterized
+by a spirit of active interference.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's words were in part as follows: "Does he [Lord
+Palmerston] make the claim for us [the English] that we are to be lifted
+upon a platform high above the standing-ground of all other nations?...
+It is indeed too clear ... that he adopts, in part, the vain conception
+that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice and folly,
+of abuse and imperfection among the other countries of the world; that
+we are to be the universal schoolmasters, and that all those who
+hesitate to recognize our office can be governed only by prejudice or
+personal animosity, and shall have the blind war of diplomacy forthwith
+declared against them."
+
+Again: "Let us recognize, and recognize with frankness, the equality of
+the weak with the strong; the principles of brotherhood among nations,
+and of their sacred independence. When we are asking for the maintenance
+of the rights which belong to our fellow-subjects, resident in Greece,
+let us do as we would be done by, and let us pay all respect to a feeble
+State and to the infancy of free institutions.... Let us refrain from
+all gratuitous and arbitrary meddling in the internal concerns of other
+States, even as we should resent the same interference if it were
+attempted to be practiced toward ourselves."
+
+In this address Mr. Gladstone evinces his inclination to appeal to the
+higher and nobler nature of man, to the principles of brotherhood among
+nations, to the law of God and nature, and to ask as a test of the
+foreign policy of the government, not whether it is striking, or
+brilliant, or successful, but whether it is right.
+
+This speech of Mr. Gladstone's was recognized as the finest he had
+delivered in Parliament, and its power was acknowledged by both sides of
+the House, by political opponent and friend. Lord Chief Justice
+Cockburn, then a member of the House, referring in a speech the
+following evening to Mr. Gladstone and his remarkable speech, uttered
+these words: "I suppose we are now to consider him as the representative
+of Lord Stanley in the House--Gladstone _Vice_ Disraeli, am I to say,
+resigned or superseded?" The government was sustained.
+
+We have already stated that it was during this memorable debate that Sir
+Robert Peel made his last speech.--On the following day, 29th of June,
+1850, Sir Robert called at Buckingham Palace for the purpose of leaving
+his card. On proceeding up Constitution Hill on horse back he met one of
+Lady Dover's daughters, and exchanged salutations. Immediately
+afterwards his horse became restive and shying towards the rails of the
+Green Park, threw Sir Robert sideways on his left shoulder. Medical aid
+was at hand and was at once administered. Sir Robert groaned when lifted
+and when asked whether he was much hurt replied, "Yes, very much." He
+was conveyed home where the meeting with his family was very affecting,
+and he swooned in the arms of his physician. He was placed upon a sofa
+in the dining-room from which he never moved. His sufferings were so
+acute that a minute examination of his injuries could not be made. For
+two or three days he lingered and then died, July 2d. An examination
+made after death revealed the fact that the fifth rib on the left side
+was fractured, the broken rib pressing on the lung, producing effusion
+and pulmonary engorgement. This was probably the seat of the mortal
+injury, and was where Sir Robert complained of the greatest pain.
+
+The news of Sir Robert's death produced a profound sensation throughout
+the land. Great and universal were the tokens of respect and grief.
+There was but one feeling,--that England had lost one of her most
+illustrious statesmen. Even those who had been in opposition to his
+views, alluded to the great loss the nation had sustained and paid a
+fitting tribute to his memory. The House of Commons, on motion of Mr.
+Hume July 3d, at once adjourned. In the House of Lords the Duke of
+Wellington and Lord Brougham spoke in appreciative words of the departed
+statesman. "Such was the leader whom Mr. Gladstone had faithfully
+followed for many years."
+
+Supporting Mr. Hume's motion, Mr. Gladstone said: "I am quite sure that
+every heart is much too full to allow us, at a period so early, to enter
+upon a consideration of the amount of that calamity with which the
+country has been visited in his, I must even now say, premature death;
+for though he has died full of years and full of honors, yet it is a
+death which our human eyes will regard as premature; because we had
+fondly hoped that, in whatever position he was placed, by the weight of
+his character, by the splendor of his talents, by the purity of his
+virtues, he would still have been spared to render to his countrymen the
+most essential services. I will only, sir, quote those most touching and
+feeling lines which were applied by one of the greatest poets of this
+country to the memory of a man great indeed, but yet not greater than
+Sir Robert Peel:"
+
+     'Now is the stately column broke,
+      The beacon light is quenched in smoke;
+      The trumpet's silver voice is still;
+      The warder silent on the hill.'
+
+"Sir, I will add no more--in saying this I have, perhaps, said too much.
+It might have been better had I confined myself to seconding the motion.
+I am sure the tribute of respect which we now offer will be all the more
+valuable from the silence with which the motion is received, and which I
+well know has not arisen from the want, but from the excess of feeling
+on the part of members of this House."
+
+Upon the death of Sir Robert Peel began the disintegration of the party
+distinguished by his name--Peelites. Some of its members united with the
+Conservatives, and others, such as Sir James Graham, Sidney Herbert, and
+Mr. Gladstone held themselves aloof from both Whigs and Tories.
+Conservative traditions still exercised considerable influence over
+them, but they could not join them, because they were already
+surrendering to strong liberal tendencies. It is said that Mr. Gladstone
+at this time, and for a decade thereafter, until the death of Sir James
+Graham, was greatly indebted to this statesman, not only for the growth
+of his liberal principles, but for his development as a practical
+statesman. Sir James wielded great influence over his contemporaries
+generally, because of his great knowledge of Parliamentary tactics, and
+the fact that he was the best educated and most thoroughly accomplished
+statesman of his age. "If he could be prevailed upon to speak in the
+course of a great debate, his speech was worth fifty votes," so great
+was his influence and power. "However great may have been the
+indebtedness of Mr. Gladstone to Sir James Graham, if the former had not
+been possessed of far wider sympathies--to say nothing of superior
+special intellectual qualities--than his political mentor, he never
+could have conceived and executed those important legislative acts for
+which his name will now chiefly be remembered."
+
+The other case occupying the attention of Parliament, to which we have
+alluded, we must now consider--Mr. Gladstone and the prisons of Naples.
+Owing to the illness of one of his children, for whom a southern climate
+was recommended, Mr. Gladstone spent several months of the Winter of
+1850-1 in Naples. His brief visit to this city on a purely domestic
+mission was destined to assume an international importance. It came to
+his knowledge that a large number of the citizens of Naples, who had
+been members of the Chamber of Deputies, an actual majority of the
+representatives of the people, had been exiled or imprisoned by King
+Ferdinand, because they formed the opposition party to the government,
+and that between twenty and thirty thousand of that monarch's subjects
+had been cast into prison on the charge of political disaffection. The
+sympathies of Mr. Gladstone were at once enlisted in behalf of the
+oppressed Neapolitans. At first Mr. Gladstone looked at the matter only
+from a humanitarian and not from a political aspect, and it was only
+upon the former ground that he felt called and impelled to attempt the
+redress of the wrongs which were a scandal to the name of civilisation
+in Europe. And it was not long before England and the Continent were
+aroused by his denunciations of the Neapolitan system of government. Mr.
+Gladstone first carefully ascertained the truth of the statements made
+to him in order to attest their accuracy, and then published two letters
+on the subject addressed to the Earl of Aberdeen. These letters were
+soon followed by a third. In the first of these letters, dated April 7,
+1851, he brings an elaborate, detailed and horrible indictment against
+the rulers of Naples, especially as regards their prisons and the
+treatment of persons confined in them for political offenses. He
+disclaimed any thought of having gone to Naples for the purpose of
+political criticism or censorship, to look for defects in the
+administration of the government, or to hear the grievances of the
+people, or to propagate ideas belonging to another country. But after a
+residence of three or four months in their city he had returned home
+with a deep feeling of the duty upon him to make some endeavor to
+mitigate the horrors in the midst of which the government of Naples was
+carried on.
+
+There were chiefly three reasons that led him to adopt the present
+course: "First, that the present practices of the Government of Naples,
+in reference to real or supposed political offenders, are an outrage
+upon religion, upon civilization, upon humanity and upon decency.
+Secondly, that these practices are certainly, and even rapidly, doing
+the work of Republicanism in that country--a political creed which has
+little natural or habitual root in the character of the people. Thirdly,
+that as a member of the Conservative party in one of the great family of
+European nations, I am compelled to remember that party stands in
+virtual and real, though perhaps unconscious alliance with all the
+established Governments of Europe as such; and that, according to the
+measure of its influence, they suffer more or less of moral detriment
+from its reverses, and derive strength and encouragement from its
+successes."
+
+He passed over the consideration of the all important question whether
+the actual Government of the Two Sicilies was one with or without a
+title, one of law or one of force, and came to the real question at
+issue. His charge against the Neapolitan Government was not one of mere
+imperfection, not corruption in low quarters, not occasional severity,
+but that of incessant, systematic, deliberate violation of the law by
+the power appointed to watch over and maintain it.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, with impassionate language, thus formulates his fearful
+indictment: "It is such violation of human and written law as this,
+carried on for the purpose of violating every other law, unwritten and
+eternal, human and divine; it is the wholesale persecution of virtue,
+when united with intelligence, operating upon such a scale that entire
+classes may with truth be said to be its object, so that the Government
+is in bitter and cruel, as well as utterly illegal hostility to whatever
+in the nation really lives and moves, and forms the mainspring of
+practical progress and improvement; it is the awful profanation of
+public religion, by its notorious alliance in the governing powers with
+the violation of every moral rule under the stimulants of fear and
+vengeance; it is the perfect prostitution of the judicial office which
+has made it, under veils only too threadbare and transparent, the
+degraded recipient of the vilest and clumsiest forgeries, got up
+wilfully and deliberately, by the immediate advisers of the Crown, for
+the purpose of destroying the peace, the freedom, aye, and even, if not
+by capital sentences, the life of men among the most virtuous, upright,
+intelligent, distinguished and refined of the whole community; it is the
+savage and cowardly system of moral as well as in a lower degree of
+physical torture, through which the sentences obtained from the debased
+courts of justice are carried into effect.
+
+"The effect of all this is a total inversion of all the moral and social
+ideas. Law, instead of being respected, is odious. Force and not
+affection is the foundation of government. There is no association, but
+a violent antagonism between the idea of freedom and that of order. The
+governing power, which teaches of itself that it is the image of God
+upon earth, is clothed in the view of the overwhelming majority of the
+thinking public with all the vices for its attributes. I have seen and
+heard the strong expression used, 'This is the negation of God erected
+into a system of Government.'"
+
+It was not merely the large numbers imprisoned unjustly, to which public
+attention was directed, that called for righteous indignation and made
+Mr. Gladstone's words create such a sensation in Europe, but the mode of
+procedure was arbitrary in the extreme. The law of Naples required that
+personal liberty should be inviolable, except under warrant from a court
+of justice. Yet in utter disregard of this law the authorities watched
+the people, paid domiciliary visits, ransacked houses, seized papers and
+effects, and tore up floors at pleasure under pretense of searching for
+arms, imprisoned men by the score, by the hundred, by the thousand
+without any warrant whatever, sometimes without even any written
+authority whatever, or anything beyond the word of a policeman,
+constantly without any statement whatever of the nature of the offense.
+Charges were fabricated to get rid of inconvenient persons. Perjury and
+forgery were resorted to in order to establish charges, and the whole
+mode of conducting trials was a burlesque of justice.
+
+He thus describes the dungeons of Naples, in which some of the prisoners
+were confined for their political opinions: "The prisons of Naples, as
+is well known, are another name for the extreme of filth and horror. I
+have really seen something of them, but not the worst. This I have seen,
+my Lord: the official doctors not going to the sick prisoners, but the
+sick prisoners, men almost with death on their faces, toiling up stairs
+to them at that charnel-house of the Vicaria, because the lower regions
+of such a palace of darkness are too foul and loathsome to allow it to
+be expected that professional men should consent to earn bread by
+entering them." Of some of those sufferers Mr. Gladstone speaks
+particularly. He names Pironte, formerly a judge, Baron Porcari, and
+Carlo Poerio, a distinguished patriot. The latter he specially speaks of
+as a refined and accomplished gentleman, a copious and elegant speaker,
+a respected and blameless character, yet he had been arrested and
+condemned for treason. Mr. Gladstone says: "The condemnation of such a
+man for treason is a proceeding just as conformable to the laws of
+truth, justice, decency, and fair play, and to the common sense of the
+community--in fact, just as great and gross an outrage on them all--as
+would be a like condemnation in this country of any of our best known
+public men--Lord John Russell, or Lord Lansdowne, or Sir James Graham,
+or yourself."
+
+There was no name dearer to Englishmen than that of Poerio to his
+Neapolitan fellow-countrymen. Poerio was tried and condemned on the sole
+accusation of a worthless character named Jerrolino. He would have been
+acquitted nevertheless, by a division of four to five of his judges, had
+not Navarro (who sat as a judge while directly concerned in the charge
+against the prisoner), by the distinct use of intimidation, procured
+the number necessary for a sentence. A statement is furnished on the
+authority of an eye-witness, as to the inhumanity with which invalid
+prisoners were treated by the Grand Criminal Court of Naples; and Mr.
+Gladstone minutely describes the manner of the imprisonment of Poerio
+and six of his incarcerated associates. Each prisoner bore a weight of
+chain amounting to thirty-two pounds and for no purpose whatever were
+these chains undone. All the prisoners were confined, night and day, in
+a small room, which may be described as amongst the closest of dungeons;
+but Poerio was after this condemned to a still lower depth of calamity
+and suffering. "Never before have I conversed," says Mr. Gladstone,
+speaking of Poerio, "and never probably shall I converse again, with a
+cultivated and accomplished gentleman, of whose innocence, obedience to
+law, and love of his country, I was as firmly and as rationally assured
+as your lordship's or that of any other man of the very highest
+character, whilst he stood before me, amidst surrounding felons, and
+clad in the vile uniform of guilt and shame." But he is now gone where
+he will scarcely have the opportunity even of such conversation. I
+cannot honestly suppress my conviction that the object in the case of
+Poerio, as a man of mental power sufficient to be feared, is to obtain
+the scaffold's aim by means more cruel than the scaffold, and without
+the outcry which the scaffold would create.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that it was time for the veil to be lifted from
+scenes more fit for hell than earth, or that some considerable
+mitigation should be voluntarily adopted. This letter was published in
+1851--the year of the great Exposition in London--and a copy was sent to
+the representative of the Queen in every court of Europe. Its
+publication caused a wide-spread indignation in England, a great
+sensation abroad, and profoundly agitated the court of Naples.
+
+In the English Parliament Sir De Lacy Evans put the following question
+to the Foreign Secretary: "If the British Minister at the court of
+Naples had been instructed to employ his good offices in the cause of
+humanity, for the diminution of these lamentable severities, and with
+what result?" In reply to this question Lord Palmerston accepted and
+adopted Mr. Gladstone's statement, which had been confirmed from other
+quarters, expressing keen sympathy and humanitarian feeling with the
+cause which he had espoused, but Lord Palmerston pointed out that it was
+impossible to do anything in a matter which related entirely to the
+domestic affairs of the Government at Naples. He said: "Instead of
+confining himself to those amusements that abound in Naples, instead of
+diving into volcanoes, and exploring excavated cities, we see him going
+into courts of justice, visiting prisons, descending into dungeons, and
+examining great numbers of the cases of unfortunate victims of
+illegality and injustice, with the view afterwards to enlist public
+opinion in the endeavor to remedy those abuses." This announcement by
+the Foreign Secretary was warmly applauded by the House. "A few days
+afterwards Lord Palmerston was requested by Prince Castelcicala to
+forward the reply of the Neapolitan Government to the different European
+courts to which Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet had been sent. His lordship,
+with his wonted courage and independent spirit, replied that he 'must
+decline being accessory to the circulation of a pamphlet which, in my
+opinion, does no credit to its writer, or the Government which he
+defends, or to the political party of which he professes to be the
+champion.' He also informed the Prince that information received from
+other sources led him to the conclusion that Mr. Gladstone had by no
+means overstated the various evils which he had described; and he [Lord
+Palmerston] regretted that the Neapolitan Government had not set to work
+earnestly and effectually to correct the manifold and grave abuses which
+clearly existed."
+
+The second paper of Mr. Gladstone upon the same subject was a sequel to
+the first. His wish was that everything possible should be done first
+in the way of private representation and remonstrance, and he did not
+regret the course he had taken, though it entailed devious delays. In
+answer to the natural inquiry why he should simply appear in his
+personal capacity through the press, instead of inviting to the grave
+and painful question the attention of the House of Commons, of which he
+was a member, he said, that he had advisedly abstained from mixing up
+his statements with any British agency or influences which were
+official, diplomatic, or political. The claims and interests which he
+had in view were either wholly null and valueless, or they were broad as
+the extension of the human race and long-lived as its duration.
+
+As to his general charges he had nothing to retract. His representations
+had not been too strongly stated, for the most disgraceful circumstances
+were those which rested upon public notoriety, or upon his own personal
+knowledge. It had been stated that he had overestimated the number of
+prisoners, and he would give the Neapolitan Government the full benefit
+of any correction. But the number of political prisoners _in itself_,
+was a secondary feature of the case, for "if they were fairly and
+legally arrested, fairly and legally treated before trial--fairly and
+legally tried, that was the main matter. For the honor of human nature
+men would at first receive some statements with incredulity. Men ought
+to be slow to believe that such things could happen, and happen in a
+Christian country, the seat of almost the oldest European civilization."
+But those thus disposed in the beginning he hoped would not close their
+minds to the reception of the truth, however painful to believe. The
+general probability of his statements could not, unfortunately
+be gainsaid.
+
+Many replies were made to Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet that were violent and
+abusive. They appeared not only in Naples, Turin, and Paris, but even
+in London.
+
+All these answers, were in truth no replies at all, for they did not
+disprove the facts. These professed corrections of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements did not touch the real basis of the question. It was
+necessary to say something if possible by way of defense, or justice,
+which had as yet not been done.
+
+There was one reply that was put forth that Mr. Gladstone felt demanded
+some attention, namely, the official answer of the Neapolitan Government
+to his charges. To this he replied in a letter, in 1852. In his reply he
+placed, point by point, the answers in the scales along with his own
+accusations. There was in the Neapolitan answers to the letters really a
+tacit admission of the accuracy of nine-tenths of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements, Mr. Gladstone enumerated the few retractions which he had
+to make, which were five in number. That the prisoner, Settembrine, had
+not been tortured and confined to double chains for life, as was
+currently reported and believed; that six judges had been dismissed at
+Reggio upon presuming to acquit a batch of political prisoners, required
+modifying to three; that seventeen invalids had not been massacred in
+the prison of Procida during a revolt, as stated; and that certain
+prisoners alleged to have been still incarcerated after acquittal had
+been released after the lapse of two days. These were all the
+modifications he had to make in his previous statements. And as to the
+long list of his grave accusations, not one of them rested upon hearsay.
+He pointed out how small and insignificant a fraction of error had found
+its way into his papers. He fearlessly reasserted that agonizing
+corporal punishment was inflicted by the officials in Neapolitan
+prisons, and that without judicial authority. As to Settembrine, the
+political prisoner named, he was incarcerated in a small room with eight
+other prisoners, one of whom boasted that he had murdered, at various
+times, thirty-five persons. Several of his victims had been his prison
+companions, and "the murders of this Ergastolo" had exceeded fifty in a
+single year. It was true that at the massacre at Procida the sick had
+not been slain in the prisons, yet prisoners who hid under beds were
+dragged forth and shot in cold blood by the soldiery after order had
+been restored. The work of slaughter had been twice renewed, and two
+officers received promotion or honors for that abominable enormity.
+
+Mr. Gladstone found in the reply of the Government of Naples no reason
+to retract his damaging statements in reference to Neapolitan
+inhumanity, on the other hand he discovered grounds for emphasizing his
+accusations. And as to his statement regarding the number of the
+sufferers from Neapolitan injustice and cruelty, he defended at length
+his statement as to the enormous number of the prisoners.
+
+It was clear to all candid minds that all the replies had failed to
+prove him wrong in any of his substantial changes, which retained their
+full force. "The arrow has shot deep into the mark," observed Mr.
+Gladstone, "and cannot be dislodged. But I have sought, in once more
+entering the field, not only to sum up the state of the facts in the
+manner nearest to exactitude, but likewise to close the case as I began
+it, presenting it from first to last in the light of a matter which is
+not primarily or mainly political, which is better kept apart from
+Parliamentary discussion, which has no connection whatever with any
+peculiar idea or separate object or interest of England, but which
+appertains to the sphere of humanity at large, and well deserves the
+consideration of every man who feels a concern for the well-being of
+his race, in its bearings on that well-being; on the elementary demands
+of individual domestic happiness; on the permanent maintenance of public
+order; on the stability of thrones; on the solution of that great
+problem, which, day and night, in its innumerable forms must haunt the
+reflections of every statesman, both here and elsewhere, how to
+harmonize the old with the new conditions of society, and to mitigate
+the increasing stress of time and change upon what remains of this
+ancient and venerable fabric of the traditional civilization of Europe."
+
+Mr. Gladstone also said, that the question had been asked, whether a
+government "could be induced to change its policy, because some
+individual or other had by lying accusations held it up to the hatred of
+mankind," yet he had the satisfaction of knowing that upon the challenge
+of a mere individual, the government of Naples had been compelled to
+plead before the tribunal of general opinion, and to admit the
+jurisdiction of that tribunal. It was to public sentiment that the
+Neapolitan Government was paying deference when it resolved on the manly
+course of a judicial reply; and he hoped that further deference would be
+paid to that public sentiment in the complete reform of its departments
+and the whole future management of its affairs.
+
+After a consideration of the political position of the throne of the
+Two Sicilies, in connection with its dominions on the mainland, Mr.
+Gladstone thus concluded his examination of the official reply of the
+Neapolitan Government: "These pages have been written in the hope that,
+by thus making, through the press, rather than in another mode, that
+rejoinder to the Neapolitan reply which was doubtless due from me, I
+might still, as far as depended on me, keep the question on its true
+ground, as one not of politics but of morality, and not of England but
+of Christendom and of mankind. Again I express the hope that this may be
+my closing word. I express the hope that it may not become a hard
+necessity to keep this controversy alive until it reaches its one only
+possible issue, which no power of man can permanently intercept. I
+express the hope that while there is time, while there is quiet, while
+dignity may yet be saved in showing mercy, and in the blessed work of
+restoring Justice to her seat, the Government of Naples may set its hand
+in earnest to the work of real and searching, however quiet and
+unostentatious, reform; that it may not become unavoidable to reiterate
+these appeals from the hand of power to the one common heart of mankind;
+to produce these painful documents, those harrowing descriptions, which
+might be supplied in rank abundance, of which I have scarcely given the
+faintest idea or sketch, and which, if laid from time to time before the
+world, would bear down like a deluge every effort at apology or
+palliation, and would cause all that has recently been made known to be
+forgotten and eclipsed in deeper horrors yet; lest the strength of
+offended and indignant humanity should rise up as a giant refreshed with
+wine, and, while sweeping away these abominations from the eye of
+Heaven, should sweep away along with them things pure and honest,
+ancient, venerable, salutary to mankind, crowned with the glories of the
+past and still capable of bearing future fruit."
+
+The original purpose of these letters, though at first not gained, was
+unmistakable in the subsequent revolution which created a regenerated,
+free and united Italy. The moral influence of such an exposure was
+incalculable and eventually irresistible. The great Italian patriot and
+liberator of Italy, General Garibaldi, was known to say that Mr.
+Gladstone's protest "sounded the first trumpet call of Italian liberty."
+If France and England had unitedly protested against the Neapolitan
+abuse of power and violation of law, such a protest would have been
+heard and redress granted, but such joint action was not taken. The
+letters reached the fourteenth edition and in this edition Mr. Gladstone
+said that by a royal decree, issued December 27, 1858, ninety-one
+political prisoners had their punishment commuted into perpetual exile
+from the kingdom of the two Sicilies, but that a Ministerial order of
+January 9, 1859, directed that they should be conveyed to America; that
+of these ninety-one persons no less than fourteen had died long before
+in dungeons, and that only sixty-six of them embarked January 16, 1859,
+and were taken to Cadiz, where they were shipped on board an American
+sailing vessel, which was to have carried them to New York, but
+eventually landed them at Cork. "Eleven men were kept behind, either
+because it was afterwards thought advisable not to release them, as in
+the case of Longo and Delli Franci, two artillery officers, who were
+still in the dungeons of Gaeta. Whenever the prisoners were too sick to
+be moved, as was the case with Pironti, who was paralytic; or because
+they were in some provincial dungeons too remote from Naples." Such was
+the fate of some of the patriots officially liberated by Ferdinand's
+successor, Francis II.
+
+The charges of Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan Government met with
+confirmation from another source nearer home. In 1851 Mr. Gladstone
+translated and published Farini's important and bulky work, entitled,
+"The Roman State, from 1815 to 1850." The author, Farini, addressed a
+note to his translator, in which he said that he had dedicated the
+concluding volume of his work to Mr. Gladstone, who, by his love of
+Italian letters, and by his deeds of Italian charity, had established a
+relationship with Italy in the spirit of those great Italian writers who
+had been their masters in eloquence, in civil philosophy and in national
+virtue, from Dante and Macchivelli down to Alfieri and Gioberti. Signor
+Farini endorsed the charges made by Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan
+Government. He wrote: "The scandalous trials for high treason still
+continue at Naples; accusers, examiners, judges, false witnesses, all
+are bought; the prisons, those tombs of the living, are full; two
+thousand citizens of all ranks and conditions are already condemned to
+the dungeons, as many to confinement, double that number to exile; the
+majority guilty of no crime but that of having believed in the oaths
+made by Ferdinand II. But, in truth, nothing more was needed to press
+home the indictment."
+
+At the period of Mr. Gladstone's visit to Naples there was a growing
+sentiment throughout Italy for Italian independence and union. The
+infamous measures adopted by the King of Naples to repress in his own
+dominions every aspiration after freedom, only succeeded in making the
+people more determined and the liberty for which they sighed surer in
+the end. His system of misgovernment went on for a few years longer and
+was the promoting cause of the revolutionary movements which continually
+disturbed the whole Italian peninsula. A conference was held in Paris
+upon the Italian question, which failed to accomplish anything, against
+which failure Count Cavour addressed a protest to the French and British
+Governments in April, 1856. Afterwards the King of Naples and his
+Ministers were remonstrated with, but this was of no avail, only drawing
+forth an assertion that the sovereign had the right to deal with his own
+subjects as he pleased. France and England finally withdrew their
+representatives from Naples, and the storm soon afterwards broke. The
+brilliant success of Garibaldi in 1860 filled Francis II with terror. He
+was now, like all evil men, ready to make the most lavish promises of
+liberal reform to escape the consequences of his misdeeds. However, his
+repentance came too late. The victorious Garibaldi issued a decree
+ultimately, stating that the Two Sicilies, which had been redeemed by
+Italian blood, and which had freely elected him their dictator, formed
+an integral part of one and indivisable Italy, under the constitutional
+King Victor Emmanuel and his descendants. Francis II was dethroned and
+expelled from his kingdom by the legitimate fruits of his own hateful
+policy and that of his predecessor. "Count Cavour was the brain as
+Garibaldi was the hand of that mighty movement which resulted in the
+unity of Italy," says an English writer, "but as Englishmen we may take
+pride in the fact that not the least among the precipitating causes of
+this movement was the fearless exposure by Mr. Gladstone of the
+cruelties and tyrannies of the Neapolitan Government."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE VISITING NEAPOLITAN PRISONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+
+THE FIRST BUDGET
+
+The precise date at which Mr. Gladstone became a Liberal cannot be
+determined, but during the Parliamentary sessions of 1851 and 1852 he
+became finally alienated from the Conservative party, although he did
+not enter the ranks of the Liberals for some years afterward. He himself
+stated that so late as 1851 he had not formally left the Tory party,
+nevertheless his advance towards Liberalism is very pronounced at this
+period. It is well for us to trace the important events of these two
+sessions, for they also lead up to the brilliant financial measures of
+1853, which caused Mr. Gladstone's name to be classed with those of Pitt
+and Peel. Mr. Gladstone's trusted leader was dead, and he was gradually
+coming forward to take the place in debate of the fallen statesman.
+
+When Mr. Gladstone returned home from Italy he found England convulsed
+over renewed papal aggressions. The Pope had, in the preceding
+September, issued Letters Apostolic, establishing a Roman Catholic
+Hierarchy in England, and in which he had mapped out the whole country
+into papal dioceses. This act of aggression produced a storm of public
+indignation. It was regarded by the people generally as an attempt to
+wrest from them their liberties and enslave them. It was looked upon by
+the Protestants indignantly as an attack upon the Reformed Faith.
+Anglicans resented it as an act which practically denied the
+jurisdiction and authority of the Church of England, established already
+by law. Englishmen, faithfully devoted to the British Constitution,
+which guaranteed the Protestant Religion, were incensed by this
+interference with the prerogative of the Crown; while all ardent
+patriots were influenced by the unwarranted and unsolicited interference
+of a foreign potentate. Every element of combustion being present,
+meetings were held everywhere, inflammatory speeches were made on every
+public occasion, and patriotic resolutions were passed. Pulpit and
+platform rang with repeated cries of "No Popery," and echoed at the Lord
+Mayor's banquet, at the Guildhall, and even at Covent Garden Theatre in
+Shakesperian strains. The Prime Minister, Lord John Russell, published
+his famous Durham letter, addressed to the Bishop of Durham, rebuking
+and defying the Pope, and charging the whole High Church Party of the
+Church of England with being the secret allies and fellow-workers
+of Rome.
+
+In the beginning of the Parliamentary session of 1851 Lord John Russell
+moved for permission to bring in a bill to counteract the aggressive
+policy of the Church of Rome, on account of which aggression of the Pope
+the whole country was well-nigh in a condition of panic. The measure was
+debated for four days, and was entitled the Ecclesiastical Faiths Bill.
+It was designed to prevent the assumption by Roman Catholic prelates of
+titles taken from any territory or place in England. Severe penalties
+were attached to the use of such titles, and all acts done by, and
+requests made to, persons under them were to be void. The bill was not
+well received by some, being thought, on one side too mild and on the
+other as too stringent. Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone both opposed it;
+the latter because the change was wanted by English Catholics rather
+than by the Vatican. He condemned the vanity and boastful spirit of the
+papal documents, but contended that his fellow Catholic countrymen
+should not suffer for that. The difficulty of applying it to Ireland,
+where the system objected to already existed, was pointed out. However
+the preliminary motion was passed by 395 votes against 63, "this
+enormous majority," says an English author, "attesting the wide-spread
+fear of Romish machinations." The measure became a law, but it was a
+dead letter, and was quietly repealed twenty years afterwards at Mr.
+Gladstone's request.
+
+Before, however, the bill was passed a ministerial crisis had
+intervened. During this session other difficulties were encountered by
+the Ministry. The financial as well as this ecclesiastical question was
+a problem. The Conservatives were strong and compact, and enjoyed the
+adhesion of the Peelites, while the Ministerial party was to a great
+extent demoralized. Mr. Disraeli, owing to the deep distress that
+prevailed in the agricultural districts, renewed his motion upon the
+burdens on land and the inequalities of taxation, and consequently he
+presented a resolution that it was the duty of the government to
+introduce measures for the alleviation of the distress without delay.
+The government admitted the distress, but denied that it was increasing.
+They attempted to prove that pauperism had decreased in all parts of the
+kingdom--England, Ireland and Scotland. Commerce was in a most
+prosperous condition, while the revenues had reached the unexampled
+amount of $350,000,000. "Sir James Graham stigmatized the motion as an
+attempt to turn out the administration, to dissolve Parliament, and to
+return to Protection." The Ministry was sustained by a small majority,
+and was successful in some measures, but soon suffered several minor
+defeats and finally was forced to retire.
+
+One of the successful measures was that introduced by Mr. Loche King,
+and opposed by Lord John Russell, for assimilating the country franchise
+to that of the boroughs. The budget of the government introduced January
+17th was unpopular. It demanded a renewed lease for three years of the
+obnoxious income-tax, but promised a partial remission of the window
+duties, which was a tax upon every window in a house, together with some
+relief to the agriculturists. The first budget having been rejected a
+second financial statement was offered later in the session. It imposed
+a house-tax, withdrew the bonus to agriculturists, repealed the
+window-tax, but re-demanded the income-tax for three years. The main
+features of the budget were acceptable to the House, but the Government
+suffered defeat on minor financial questions, which tendered still
+further to diminish the popularity of the ministry.
+
+Upon the resignation of Lord John Russell and his Cabinet, in February,
+1851, Lord Stanley was called upon to form a new administration, and Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the Cabinet. Lord Stanley
+having failed, Lord Aberdeen was invited to form a new Cabinet, by the
+Queen, with like results. Both these gentlemen having declined the task
+of forming a new administration, Lord John Russell and his colleagues
+resumed office, but the reconstructed ministry was soon to receive a
+fatal blow through Lord Palmerston, the foreign Secretary.
+
+On the 2d of December, 1851, Louis Napoleon, Prince President of the
+French Republic, by a single act of lawless violence, abolished the
+constitution, and made himself Dictator. The details of this monstrous
+deed, and of the bloodshed that accompanied it, created a profound
+sensation in England. The Queen was very anxious that no step should be
+taken and no word said by her ministry which could be construed into an
+approval by the English government of what had been done. Indeed the
+Queen who knew the failing of her Foreign Secretary to act hastily in
+important matters of State without the consent or advice of Queen or
+Cabinet, questioned the Premier and was assured that nothing had been
+done in recognition of the new government in Paris. Indeed the Cabinet
+had passed a resolution to abstain from the expression of opinions in
+approval or disapproval of the recent _coup d'etat_ in France. But it
+soon leaked out that Lord Palmerston who thought he understood full well
+the foreign relations of England, and what her policy should be, had
+both in public dispatches and private conversation spoken favorably of
+the policy adopted by Louis Napoleon. He had even expressed to Count
+Walewski, the French Ambassador in London, his entire approval of the
+Prince President's act. This was too much for the Queen, who had as
+early as the August before, in a memorandum sent to the Premier,
+imperatively protested against the crown's being ignored by the Foreign
+Secretary, so Lord Palmerston was dismissed from office by Lord John
+Russell, Christmas Eve, 1851. He bore his discharge with meekness, and
+even omitted in Parliament to defend himself in points where he was
+wronged. But Justin McCarthy says: "Lord Palmerston was in the wrong in
+many if not most of the controversies which had preceded it; that is to
+say, he was wrong in committing England as he so often did to measures
+which had not the approval of the sovereign or his colleagues."
+
+In February following, 1852, Lord Palmerston enjoyed, as he expressed
+it, his "tit-for-tat with Johnny Russell" and helped the Tories to
+defeat his late chief in a measure for reorganizing the militia as a
+precaution against possible aggression from France. The ministry had not
+saved itself by the overthrow of Lord Palmerston.
+
+Upon the retirement of Lord John Russell from office, in 1852, the Earl
+of Derby, formerly Lord Stanley, succeeded him as Prime Minister. Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the new Tory Cabinet, but
+declined, whereupon Lord Malmesbury dubiously remarked, November 28th:
+"I cannot make out Gladstone, who seems to me a dark horse." Mr.
+Disraeli was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer, and became Leader in
+the House of Commons, entering the Cabinet for the first time. "There
+was a scarcely disguised intention to revive protection." It was Free
+Trade or Protection, and the Peelites defended their fallen leader,
+Peel. "A makeshift budget" was introduced by Mr. Disraeli and passed. It
+was destined, it seems, that the Derby Administration was not to be
+supported, but to be driven out of power by Mr. Gladstone, who was to
+cross swords before the nation with his future parliamentary
+rival, Disraeli.
+
+Mr. Disraeli seemed now bent upon declaring the Free Trade Policy of Sir
+Robert Peel a failure. Mr. Disraeli's power of forgetfulness of the past
+is one of the most fortunate ever conferred upon a statesman. During the
+debate he declared that the main reason why his party had opposed Free
+Trade was not that it would injure the landlord, nor the farmer, but
+that "it would prove injurious to the cause of labor." "He also said,
+though interrupted by cries of astonishment and of 'Oh, oh!' that not a
+single attempt had been made in the House of Commons to abrogate the
+measure of 1846." Mr. Sidney Herbert, who was wounded to the quick by
+the assaults on Sir Robert Peel, rose to defend the great Conservative
+statesman. His speech contained one passage of scathing invective
+addressed to Mr. Disraeli.
+
+Mr. Herbert said: "The memory of Sir Robert Peel requires no
+vindication--his memory is embalmed in the grateful recollection of the
+people of this country; and I say, if ever retribution is wanted--for it
+is not words that humiliate, but deeds--if a man wants to see
+humiliation, which God knows is always a painful sight, he need but look
+there!"--and upon this Mr. Herbert pointed with his finger to Mr.
+Disraeli sitting on the Treasury Bench. The sting of invective is truth,
+and Mr. Herbert certainly spoke daggers if he used none; yet the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer sat impassive as a Sphinx.
+
+Parliament was dissolved soon after the formation of the new government,
+July 1, 1852, and during the recess, September 14, 1852, the Duke of
+Wellington passed away and a public funeral was given the victor
+of Waterloo.
+
+On the assembling of Parliament Mr. Gladstone delivered a eulogy on the
+Duke, drawing special lessons from his illustrious career, which had
+been prolonged to a green old age. Mr. Gladstone said: "While many of
+the actions of his life, while many of the qualities he possessed, are
+unattainable by others, there are lessons which we may all derive from
+the life and actions of that illustrious man. It may never be given to
+another subject of the British Crown to perform services so brilliant as
+he performed; it may never be given to another man to hold the sword
+which was to gain the independence of Europe, to rally the nations
+around it, and while England saved herself by her constancy, to save
+Europe by her example; it may never be given to another man, after
+having attained such eminence, after such an unexampled series of
+victories, to show equal moderation in peace as he has shown greatness
+in war, and to devote the remainder of his life to the cause of internal
+and external peace for that country which he has so well served; it may
+never be given to another man to have equal authority, both with the
+Sovereign he served and with the Senate of which he was to the end a
+venerated member; it may never be given to another man after such a
+career to preserve, even to the last, the full possession of those great
+faculties with which he was endowed, and to carry on the services of one
+of the most important departments of the State with unexampled
+regularity and success, even to the latest day of his life. These are
+circumstances, these are qualities, which may never occur again in the
+history of this country. But these are qualities which the Duke of
+Wellington displayed, of which we may all act in humble imitation: that
+sincere and unceasing devotion to our country; that honest and upright
+determination to act for the benefit of the country on every occasion;
+that devoted loyalty, which, while it made him ever anxious to serve the
+Crown, never induced him to conceal from the Sovereign that which he
+believed to be the truth; that devotedness in the constant performance
+of duty; that temperance of his life, which enabled him at all times to
+give his mind and his faculties to the services which he was called on
+to perform; that regular, consistent, and unceasing piety by which he
+was distinguished at all times of his life; these are qualities that are
+attainable by others, and these are qualities which should not be lost
+as an example."
+
+At this session of Parliament Mr. Disraeli brought forward his second
+budget in a five hour speech. The new Chancellor of the Exchequer
+proposed to remit a portion of the taxes upon malt, tea, and sugar, but
+to counterbalance these losses he also proposed to extend the income-tax
+and house-tax. The debate, which was very personal, was prolonged
+several days, and Mr. Disraeli, towards its close, bitterly attacked
+several members, among them Sir James Graham, whom Mr. Gladstone not
+only defended, but in so doing administered a scathing rebuke to the
+Chancellor for his bitter invective and personal abuse. Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at the close of Mr. Disraeli's presentation was crushing, and was
+generally regarded as giving the death-blow to this financial scheme.
+
+Mr. Gladstone told Mr. Disraeli that he was not entitled to charge with
+insolence men of as high position and of as high character in the House
+as himself, and when the cheers which had interrupted him had subsided,
+concluded: "I must tell the right honorable gentleman that he is not
+entitled to say to my right honorable friend, the member for Carlisle,
+that he regards but does not respect him. And I must tell him that
+whatever else he has learnt--and he has learnt much--he has not learnt
+to keep within those limits of discretion, of moderation, and of
+forbearance that ought to restrain the conduct and language of every
+member in this House, the disregard of which, while it is an offence in
+the meanest amongst us, is an offence of tenfold weight when committed
+by the leader of the House of Commons."
+
+The thrilling scene enacted in the House of Commons on that memorable
+night is thus described: "In the following month the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer produced his second budget. It was an ambitious and a skillful
+attempt to reconcile conflicting interests, and to please all while
+offending none. The government had come into office pledged to do
+something for the relief of the agricultural interests. They redeemed
+their pledge by reducing the duty on malt. This reduction created a
+deficit; and they repaired the deficit by doubling the duty on inhabited
+houses. Unluckily, the agricultural interests proved, as usual,
+ungrateful to its benefactors, and made light of the reduction on malt;
+while those who were to pay for it in double taxation were naturally
+indignant. The voices of criticism, 'angry, loud, discordant voices,'
+were heard simultaneously on every side. The debate waxed fast and
+furious. In defending his hopeless proposals, Mr. Disraeli gave full
+scope to his most characteristic gift; he pelted his opponents right and
+left with sarcasms, taunts, and epigrams, and went as near personal
+insult as the forms of Parliament permit. He sat down late at night, and
+Mr. Gladstone rose in a crowded and excited House to deliver an
+unpremeditated reply which has ever since been celebrated. Even the cold
+and colorless pages of 'Hansard' show signs of the excitement under
+which he labored, and of the tumultuous applause and dissent by which
+his opening sentences were interrupted. 'The speech of the Chancellor of
+the Exchequer,' he said, 'must be answered on the moment. It must be
+tried by the laws of decency and propriety.'" He indignantly rebuked his
+rival's language and demeanor. He reminded him of the discretion and
+decorum due from every member, but pre-eminently due from the leader of
+the House. He tore his financial scheme to ribbons. It was the beginning
+of a duel which lasted till death removed one of the combatants from the
+political arena. 'Those who had thought it impossible that any
+impression could be made upon the House after the speech of Mr.
+Disraeli had to acknowledge that a yet greater impression was produced
+by the unprepared reply of Mr. Gladstone.' The House divided and the
+government were left in a minority of nineteen. This happened in the
+early morning of December 17, 1852. Within an hour of the division Lord
+Derby wrote to the Queen a letter announcing his defeat and the
+consequences which it must entail, and that evening at Osborne he placed
+his formal resignation in her majesty's hands.
+
+It is related as an evidence of the intense excitement, if not frenzy,
+that prevailed at the time, that Mr. Gladstone met with indignity at his
+Club. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says that, "twenty ruffians of the
+Carleton Club" had given a dinner to Major Beresford, who had been
+charged with bribery at the Derby election and had escaped with only a
+censure, and that "after dinner, when they were drunk, they went up
+stairs and finding Mr. Gladstone alone in the drawing-room, some of them
+proposed to throw him out of the window. This they did not quite dare to
+do, but contented themselves with giving some insulting message or order
+to the waiter and then went away." Mr. Gladstone, however, remained a
+member of the Club until he joined the Whig administration in 1859.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's crushing _expose_ of the blunders of Mr. Disraeli's
+budget was almost ludicrous in its completeness, and it was universally
+felt that the scheme could not survive his brilliant attack. The effect
+that the merciless criticism of Disraeli's budget was not only the
+discomfiture of Mr. Disraeli and the overthrow of the Russell
+administration, but the elevation of Mr. Gladstone to the place vacated
+by Chancellor Disraeli.
+
+The Earl of Aberdeen became Prime Minister. The new government was a
+coalition of Whigs and Peelites, with a representative of the Radicals
+in the person of Sir William Molesworth. Mr. Gladstone, the Duke of
+Newcastle, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert were the Peelites in
+the Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+
+We may refer here to a letter of Mr. Gladstone, written Christmas, 1851,
+in order to show his growing Liberalism. The letter was to Dr. Skinner,
+Bishop of Aberdeen and Primus, on the positions and functions of the
+laity in the Church. This letter is remarkable, because, as Dr. Charles
+Wordsworth, Bishop of St. Andrew's, said at the time, "it contained the
+germ of liberation and the political equality of all religions." The
+Bishop published a controversial rejoinder, which drew from Dr.
+Gaisford, Dean of Christ Church, these emphatic words: "You have proved
+to my satisfaction that this gentleman is unfit to represent the
+University," meaning the representation for Oxford in Parliament.
+
+This feeling was growing, for when the Russell Ministry fell and it
+became necessary for Mr. Gladstone, because he accepted a place in the
+Cabinet, to appeal for re-election to his constituents at Oxford, he met
+with much opposition, because of his Liberalism. Appealing to his
+university to return him, and endorse his acceptance of office in the
+new Ministry of the Earl of Aberdeen, Mr. Gladstone soon discovered that
+he had made many enemies by his manifest tendencies toward
+Liberal-Conservatism. He had given unmistakable evidence that he held
+less firmly the old traditions of that unbending Toryism of which he was
+once the most promising representative. Lord Derby, whom he had deposed,
+had been elected Chancellor of the University to succeed the Duke of
+Wellington, deceased. Consequently his return to the House was ardently
+contested. His opponents looked around for a candidate of strong
+Conservative principles. The Marquis of Chandos, who was first elected,
+declined to run in opposition to Mr. Gladstone; but at length a suitable
+opponent was found in Mr. Dudley Perceval, of Christ Church, son of the
+Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, who was nominated January 4th.
+
+Dr. Hawkins, Provost of Oriel, one of the twenty colleges of Oxford,
+proposed Mr. Gladstone, and Archdeacon Denison, leader of the High
+Church party, proposed Mr. Dudley Perceval. According to the custom at
+university elections, neither candidate was present. It was objected to
+Mr. Gladstone that he had voted improperly on ecclesiastical questions,
+and had accepted office in "a hybrid ministry." The "Times" described
+Mr. Perceval as "a very near relative of our old friend Mrs. Harris. To
+remove any doubt on this point, let him be exhibited at Exeter Hall with
+the documentary evidence of his name, existence and history; his
+first-class, his defeat at Finsbury, his talents, his principles. If we
+must go to Oxford to record our votes it would at least be something to
+know that we were voting against a real man and not a mere name." The
+"Morning Chronicle," on the other hand, affirmed that a section of the
+Carleton Club were "making a tool of the Oxford Convocation for the
+purpose of the meanest and smallest political rancor against Mr.
+Gladstone."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, who fought the battle on ecclesiastical lines, wrote,
+after the nomination, to the chairman of his election committee,
+as follows:
+
+"Unless I had a full and clear conviction that the interests of the
+Church, whether as relates to the legislative functions of Parliament,
+or the impartial and wise recommendation of fit persons to her majesty
+for high ecclesiastical offices, were at least as safe in the hands of
+Lord Aberdeen as in those of Lord Derby (though I would on no account
+disparage Lord Derby's personal sentiments towards the Church), I should
+not have accepted office under Lord Aberdeen. As regards the second, if
+it be thought that during twenty years of public life, or that during
+the latter part of them, I have failed to give guarantees of attachment
+to the interests of the Church--to such as so think I can offer neither
+apology nor pledge. To those who think otherwise, I tender the assurance
+that I have not by my recent assumption of office made any change
+whatever in that particular, or in any principles relating to it."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was again elected by a fair majority and returned to
+Parliament. Seventy-four of the professors voted for Mr. Gladstone and
+fifteen for Mr. Perceval.
+
+When Parliament assembled the Earl of Aberdeen announced in the House of
+Lords that the measures of the Government would be both Conservative and
+Liberal,--at home to maintain Free Trade principles and to pursue the
+commercial and financial system of the late Sir Robert Peel, and abroad
+to secure the general peace of Europe without relaxing defensive
+measures.
+
+Mr. Gladstone had already proved himself to have a wonderful mastery of
+figures, and the confused technicalities of finance. He did not
+disappoint the hopes of his friends in regard to his fiscal abilities.
+On the contrary, he speedily inaugurated a new and brilliant era in
+finance. Previous to presenting his first budget, in 1853, Mr. Gladstone
+brought forward a scheme for the reduction of the national debt, which
+was approved by Radicals as well as Conservatives, and adopted by the
+House. The scheme worked most successfully until the breaking out of the
+Crimean war. During this very short period of two years the public debt
+was reduced by more than $57,500,000.
+
+In consequence of his general reputation and also of this brilliant
+financial scheme, the first budget of Mr. Gladstone was waited for with
+intense interest. His first budget was introduced April 18, 1853. It was
+one of his greatest budgets, and for statesmanlike breadth of conception
+it has never been surpassed. In bringing it forward Mr. Gladstone spoke
+five hours, and during that length of time held the House spellbound.
+The speech was delivered with the greatest ease, and was perspicuity
+itself throughout. Even when dealing with the most abstruse financial
+detail his language flowed on without interruption, and he never paused
+for a word. "Here was an orator who could apply all the resources of a
+burnished rhetoric to the elucidation of figures; who could make pippins
+and cheese interesting and tea serious; who could sweep the widest
+horizon of the financial future and yet stoop to bestow the minutest
+attention on the microcosm of penny stamps and post-horses. The members
+on the floor and ladies in the gallery of the House listened attentively
+and showed no signs of weariness throughout." A contemporary awarded to
+him the palm for unsurpassed fluency and choice of diction, and says:
+
+"The impression produced upon the minds of the crowded and brilliant
+assembly by Mr. Gladstone's evident mastery and grasp of the subject,
+was, that England had at length found a skillful financier, upon whom
+the mantle of Peel had descended. The cheering when the right honorable
+gentleman sat down was of the most enthusiastic and prolonged character,
+and his friends and colleagues hastened to tender him their warm
+congratulations upon the distinguished success he had achieved in his
+first budget."
+
+The budget provided for the gradual reduction of the income tax to
+expire in 1860; for an increase in the duty on spirits; for the
+abolition of the soap duties; the reduction of the tax on cabs and
+hackney coaches; the introduction of the penny receipt stamp and the
+equalization of the assessed taxes on property. By these provisions it
+was proposed to make life easier and cheaper for large and numerous
+classes. The duty on 123 articles was abolished and the duty on 133
+others reduced, the total relief amounting to $25,000,000. Mr. Gladstone
+gave a clear exposition of the income tax, which he declared was never
+intended to be permanent. It had been the last resort in times of
+national danger, and he could not consent to retain it as a part of the
+permanent and ordinary finances of the country. It was objectionable on
+account of its unequal incidence, of the harassing investigation into
+private affairs which it entailed and of the frauds to which it
+inevitably led.
+
+The value of the reduction in the necessities of life proposed by Mr.
+Gladstone is seen from the following from a contemporary writer:
+
+"The present budget, more than any other budget within our recollection,
+is a cupboard budget; otherwise, a poor man's budget. With certain very
+ugly features, the thing has altogether a good, hopeful aspect, together
+with very fair proportions. It is not given to any Chancellor of the
+Exchequer to make a budget fascinating as a fairy tale. Nevertheless,
+there are visions of wealth and comfort in the present budget that
+mightily recommend it to us. It seems to add color and fatness to the
+poor man's beef; to give flavor and richness to the poor man's
+plum-pudding. The budget is essentially a cupboard budget; and let the
+name of Gladstone be, for the time at least, musical at the poor man's
+fireside."
+
+It unquestionably established Gladstone as the foremost financier of
+his day. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says of him: "He spoke for five
+hours; and by universal consent it was one of the grandest displays and
+most able financial statements that ever was heard in the House of
+Commons; a great scheme, boldly and skillfully and honestly devised,
+disdaining popular clamor and pressure from without, and the execution
+of its absolute perfection."
+
+We reproduce some extracts from this important speech: "Depend upon it,
+when you come to close quarters with this subject, when you come to
+measure and test the respective relations of intelligence and labor and
+property in all their myriad and complex forms, and when you come to
+represent those relations in arithmetical results, you are undertaking
+an operation of which I should say it was beyond the power of man to
+conduct it with satisfaction, but which, at any rate, is an operation to
+which you ought not constantly to recur; for if, as my noble friend once
+said with universal applause, this country could not bear a revolution
+once a year, I will venture to say that it cannot bear a reconstruction
+of the income tax once a year.
+
+"Whatever you do in regard to the income tax, you must be bold, you must
+be intelligible, you must be decisive. You must not palter with it. If
+you do, I have striven at least to point out as well as my feeble
+powers will permit, the almost desecration I would say, certainly the
+gross breach of duty to your country, of which you will be found guilty,
+in thus putting to hazard one of the most potent and effective among all
+its material resources. I believe it to be of vital importance, whether
+you keep this tax or whether you part with it, that you should either
+keep it or should leave it in a state in which it will be fit for
+service on an emergency, and that it will be impossible to do if you
+break up the basis of your income tax.
+
+"If the Committee have followed me, they will understand that we found
+ourselves on the principle that the income-tax ought to be marked as a
+temporary measure; that the public feeling that relief should be given
+to intelligence and skill as compared with property ought to be met, and
+may be met with justice and with safety, in the manner we have pointed
+out; that the income tax in its operation ought to be mitigated by every
+rational means, compatible with its integrity; and, above all, that it
+should be associated in the last term of its existence, as it was in the
+first, with those remissions of indirect taxation which have so greatly
+redoubled to the profit of this country and have set so admirable an
+example--an example that has already in some quarters proved contagious
+to the other nations of the earth, These are the principles on which we
+stand, and these the figures. I have shown you that if you grant us the
+taxes which we ask, to the moderate amount of L2,500,000 in the whole,
+much less than that sum for the present year, you, or the Parliament
+which may be in existence in 1860, will be in the condition, if it shall
+so think fit, to part with the income tax."
+
+Sir, I scarcely dare to look at the clock, shamefully reminding me, as
+it must, how long, how shamelessly, I have trespassed on the time of the
+committee. All I can say in apology is that I have endeavored to keep
+closely to the topics which I had before me--
+
+          --immensum spatiis confecimus aequor,
+     Et jam tempus equum fumantia solvere colla.
+
+"These are the proposals of the Government. They may be approved or they
+may be condemned, but I have at least this full and undoubting
+confidence, that it will on all hands be admitted that we have not
+sought to evade the difficulties of our position; that we have not
+concealed those difficulties, either from ourselves or from others; that
+we have not attempted to counteract them by narrow or flimsy expedients;
+that we have prepared plans which, if you will adopt them, will go some
+way to close up many vexed financial questions--questions such as, if
+not now settled, may be attended with public inconvenience, and even
+with public danger, in future years and under less favorable
+circumstances; that we have endeavored, in the plans we have now
+submitted to you, to make the path of our successors in future years not
+more arduous but more easy; and I may be permitted to add that, while we
+have sought to do justice, by the changes we propose in taxation, to
+intelligence and skill as compared with property--while we have sought
+to do justice to the great laboring community of England by furthering
+their relief from indirect taxation, we have not been guided by any
+desire to put one class against another. We have felt we should best
+maintain our own honor, that we should best meet the views of
+Parliament, and best promote the interests of the country, by declining
+to draw any invidious distinctions between class and class, by adapting
+it to ourselves as a sacred aim to differ and distribute--burden if we
+must, benefit if we may--with equal and impartial hand; and we have the
+consolation of believing that by proposals such as these we contribute,
+as far as in us lies, not only to develop the material resources of the
+country, but to knit the hearts of the various classes of this great
+nation yet more closely than heretofore to that throne and to those
+institutions under which it is their happiness to live."
+
+It is seldom that a venture of such magnitude as Mr. Gladstone's first
+budget meets with universal success. But from the outset the plan was
+received with universal favor. Besides the plaudits with which the
+orator was greeted at the conclusion of his speech, his proposals were
+received favorably by the whole nation. Being constructed upon Free
+Trade principles, it was welcomed by the press and the country. It added
+greatly, not only to the growing reputation of the new Chancellor of the
+Exchequer as a financier, but also to his popularity.
+
+The following anecdote of Mr. Gladstone is told by Walter Jerrold and is
+appropriate as well as timely here:
+
+"During Mr. Gladstone's first tenure of office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer, a curious adventure occurred to him in the London offices of
+the late Mr. W. Lindsay, merchant, shipowner and M.P. There one day
+entered a brusque and wealthy shipowner of Sunderland, inquiring for Mr.
+Lindsay. As Mr. Lindsay was out, the visitor was requested to wait in an
+adjacent room, where he found a person busily engaged in copying some
+figures. The Sunderland shipowner paced the room several times and took
+careful note of the writer's doings, and at length said to him, 'Thou
+writes a bonny hand, thou dost.'
+
+"'I am glad you think so,' was the reply.
+
+"'Ah, thou dost. Thou makes thy figures weel. Thou'rt just the chap I
+want.'
+
+"'Indeed!' said the Londoner.
+
+"'Yes, indeed,' said the Sunderland man. 'I'm a man of few words. Noo,
+if thou'lt come over to canny ould Sunderland thou seest I'll give thee
+a hundred and twenty pounds a year, and that's a plum thou dost not meet
+with every day in thy life, I reckon. Noo then.'
+
+"The Londoner replied that he was much obliged for the offer, and would
+wait till Mr. Lindsay returned, whom he would consult upon the subject.
+Accordingly, on the return of the latter, he was informed of the
+shipowner's tempting offer.
+
+"'Very well,' said Mr. Lindsay, 'I should be sorry to stand in your way.
+One hundred and twenty pounds is more than I can afford to pay you in
+the department in which you are at present placed. You will find my
+friend a good and kind master, and, under the circumstances, the sooner
+you know each other the better. Allow me, therefore, Mr.----, to
+introduce you to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, Chancellor of the
+Exchequer.' The Sunderland shipowner was a little taken aback at first,
+but he soon recovered his self-possession, and enjoyed the joke quite as
+much as Mr. Gladstone did."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+
+THE CRIMEAN WAR
+
+The Crimean War, the great event with which the Aberdeen Cabinet was
+associated, was a contest between Russia and Turkey, England and France.
+A dispute which arose between Russia and Turkey as to the possession of
+the Holy Places of Jerusalem was the precipitating cause. For a long
+time the Greek and the Latin Churches had contended for the possession
+of the Holy Land. Russia supported the claim of the Greek Church, and
+France that of the Papal Church. The Czar claimed a Protectorate over
+all the Greek subjects of the Porte. Russia sought to extend her
+conquests south and to seize upon Turkey. France and England sustained
+Turkey. Sardinia afterwards joined the Anglo-French alliance.
+
+The people of England generally favored the war, and evinced much
+enthusiasm at the prospect of it. Lord Aberdeen and Mr. Gladstone wished
+England to stand aloof. The Peelite members of the cabinet were
+generally less inclined to war than the Whigs. Lord Palmerston and Lord
+John Russell favored England's support of Turkey. Some thought that
+England could have averted the war by pursuing persistently either of
+two courses: to inform Turkey that England would give her no aid; or to
+warn Russia that if she went to war, England would fight for Turkey. But
+with a ministry halting between two opinions, and the people demanding
+it, England "drifted into war" with Russia.
+
+July 2, 1853, the Russian troops crossed the Pruth and occupied the
+Danubian Principalities which had been by treaty, in 1849, evacuated by
+Turkey and Russia, and declared by both powers neutral territory between
+them. London was startled, October 4, 1853, by a telegram announcing
+that the Sultan had declared war against Russia. England and France
+jointly sent an _ultimatum_ to the Czar, to which no answer was
+returned. March 28, 1854, England declared war.
+
+On the 12th of March, while great excitement prevailed and public
+meetings were held throughout England, declaring for and against war,
+Mr. Gladstone made an address on the occasion of the inauguration of the
+statue of Sir Robert Peel, at Manchester. He spoke of the designs of
+Russia, and described her as a power which threatened to override all
+other powers, and as a source of danger to the peace of the world.
+Against such designs, seen in Russia's attempt to overthrow the Ottoman
+Empire, England had determined to set herself at whatever cost. War was
+a calamity that the government did not desire to bring upon the country,
+"a calamity which stained the face of nature with human gore, gave loose
+rein to crime, and took bread from the people. No doubt negotiation is
+repugnant to the national impatience at the sight of injustice and
+oppression; it is beset with delay, intrigue, and chicane; but these are
+not so horrible as war, if negotiation can be made to result in saving
+this country from a calamity which deprives the nation of subsistence
+and arrests the operations of industry. To attain that result ... Her
+Majesty's Ministers have persevered in exercising that self-command and
+that self-restraint which impatience may mistake for indifference,
+feebleness or cowardice, but which are truly the crowning greatness of a
+great people, and which do not evince the want of readiness to
+vindicate, when the time comes, the honor of this country."
+
+In November a conference of some of the European powers was held at
+Vienna to avert the war by mediating between Russia and Turkey, but was
+unsuccessful. Mr. Gladstone said: "Austria urged the two leading
+states, England and France, to send in their _ultimatum_ to Russia, and
+promised it her decided support.... Prussia at the critical moment, to
+speak in homely language, bolted.... In fact, she broke up the European
+concert, by which France and England had hoped to pull down the
+stubbornness of the Czar."
+
+Mr. Gladstone had opposed the war, not only on humanitarian and
+Christian grounds, but also because the preparation of a war budget
+overthrew all his financial schemes and hopes; a new budget was
+necessary, and he as Chancellor of the Exchequer must prepare it.
+Knowing that the struggle was inevitable, he therefore bent his energies
+to the task and conceived a scheme for discharging the expenses of the
+war out of the current revenue, provided it required no more than ten
+million pounds extra, so that the country should not be permanently
+burdened. It would require to do this the imposition of fresh taxes.
+
+"It thus fell to the lot of the most pacific of Ministers, the devotee
+of retrenchment, and the anxious cultivator of all industrial arts, to
+prepare a war budget, and to meet as well as he might the exigencies of
+a conflict which had so cruelly dislocated all the ingenious devices of
+financial optimism."
+
+Mr. Gladstone afterwards moved for over six and a half millions of
+pounds more than already granted, and proposed a further increase in the
+taxes. Mr. Disraeli opposed Mr. Gladstone's budget. He devised a scheme
+to borrow and thus increase the debt. He opposed the imposition of new
+taxes. Mr. Gladstone said: "Every good motive and every bad motive,
+combated only by the desire of the approval of honorable men and by
+conscientious rectitude--every motive of ease, comfort, and of certainty
+spring forward to induce a Chancellor of the Exchequer to become the
+first man to recommend a loan." Mr. Gladstone was sustained.
+
+The war had begun in earnest. The Duke of Newcastle received a telegram
+on the 21st of September announcing that 25,000 English troops, 25,000
+French and 8000 Turks had landed safely at Eupatoria "without meeting
+with any resistance, and had already begun to march upon Sebastopol."
+
+The war was popular with the English people, but the ministry of Lord
+Aberdeen, which inaugurated it, was becoming unpopular. This became
+apparent in the autumn of 1854. There were not actual dissensions in the
+Cabinet, but there was great want of harmony as to the conduct of the
+war. The Queen knew with what reluctance Lord Aberdeen had entered upon
+the war, but she had the utmost confidence in him as a man and a
+statesman. She was most desirous that the war be prosecuted with vigor,
+and trusted the Premier for the realization of her hopes and those of
+the nation, but unity in the Cabinet was necessary for the successful
+prosecution of the war.
+
+Parliament assembled December 12, 1854, "under circumstances more
+stirring and momentous than any which had occurred since the year of
+Waterloo." The management of the war was the main subject under
+discussion. The English troops had covered themselves with glory in the
+battles of Alma, Balaclava and Inkermann. But the sacrifice was great.
+Thousands were slain and homes made desolate, while the British army was
+suffering greatly, and the sick and wounded were needing attention. Half
+a million pounds were subscribed in three months, and Miss Florence
+Nightingale with thirty-seven lady nurses, soon to be reinforced by
+fifty more, set out at once for the seat of war to nurse the sick and
+wounded soldiers. It is recorded that "they reached Scutari on the 5th
+of November, in time to receive the soldiers who had been wounded at the
+battle of Balaclava. On the arrival of Miss Nightingale the great
+hospital at Scutari, in which up to this time all had been chaos and
+discomfort, was reduced to order, and those tender lenitives which only
+woman's thought and woman's sympathy can bring to the sick man's couch,
+were applied to solace and alleviate the agonies of pain or the torture
+of fever and prostration."
+
+It was natural to attribute the want of proper management to the
+ministry, and hence the Government found itself under fire. In the House
+of Lords the Earl of Derby condemned the inefficient manner in which the
+war had been carried on, the whole conduct of the ministry in the war,
+and the insufficiency of the number of troops sent out to check the
+power of Russia. The Duke of Newcastle replied, and while not defending
+all the actions of the ministry during the war, yet contended that the
+government were prepared to prosecute it with resolve and unflinching
+firmness. While not standing ready to reject overtures of peace, they
+would not accept any but an honorable termination of the war. The
+ministry relied upon the army, the people, and upon their allies with
+the full confidence of ultimate success.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, attacked the policy of the
+ministry from beginning to end. Everything was a blunder or a mishap of
+some description or other; the government had invaded Russia with 25,000
+troops without providing any provision for their support.
+
+When the House of Commons assembled, in January, 1855, it became
+apparent that there was a determination to sift to the bottom the
+charges that had been made against the ministry regarding their manner
+of carrying on the war. The Queen expressed her sympathy for Lord
+Aberdeen, who was in a most unenviable position. Motions hostile to the
+government were introduced in the House of Lords, while in the House of
+Commons Mr. Roebuck moved for a select committee "to inquire into the
+condition of the army before Sebastopol, and into the conduct of those
+departments of the government whose duty it has been to minister to the
+wants of the army."
+
+Lord John Russell resigned his office and left his colleagues to face
+the vote. He could not see how Mr. Roebuck's motion could be resisted.
+This seemed to portend the downfall of the ministry. The Duke of
+Newcastle, Secretary of War, offered to retire to save the government.
+Lord Palmerston believed that the breaking up of the ministry would be a
+calamity to the country, but he doubted the expediency of the retirement
+of the Duke of Newcastle, and his own fitness for the place of Minister
+of War, if vacated. Finally the Cabinet resolved to hold together,
+except Lord John Russell.
+
+In the debate it was declared that the condition of things at the seat
+of war was exaggerated; but the speech of Mr. Stafford caused a great
+sensation. He described the sufferings which he declared he had himself
+witnessed. He summed up by quoting the language of a French officer, who
+said: "You seem, sir, to carry on war according to the system of the
+Middle Ages." The situation of the ministry was critical before, but
+this speech seemed to make sure the passage of the resolutions.
+
+It was under all these depressing circumstances that Mr. Gladstone rose
+to defend himself and his colleagues. In a fine passage he thus
+described what the position of the Cabinet would have been if they had
+shrunk from their duty: "What sort of epitaph would have been written
+over their remains? He himself would have written it thus: Here lie the
+dishonored ashes of a ministry which found England at peace and left it
+in war, which was content to enjoy the emoluments of office and to wield
+the sceptre of power so long as no man had the courage to question their
+existence. They saw the storm gathering over the country; they heard the
+agonizing accounts which were almost daily received of the state of the
+sick and wounded in the East. These things did not move them. But as
+soon as the Honorable Member for Sheffield raised his hand to point the
+thunderbolt, they became conscience-stricken with a sense of guilt, and,
+hoping to escape punishment, they ran away from duty."
+
+This eloquent passage was received with tumultuous cheers. Mr.
+Gladstone claimed that there had been many exaggerations as to the state
+of the army and there were then more than 30,000 British troops under
+arms before Sebastopol. The administration of the War Department at home
+was no doubt defective, but he declined to admit that it had not
+improved, or that it was as bad as to deserve formal censure, and the
+Duke of Newcastle did not merit the condemnation sought to be cast on
+him as the head of the War Department.
+
+Mr. Disraeli was eagerly heard when he rose to speak. He said that the
+government admitted that they needed reconstruction, and that now the
+House was called upon to vote confidence in the administration. It was
+not the Duke of Newcastle nor the military system, but the policy of the
+whole Cabinet which he characterized as a "deplorable administration."
+
+The result of the vote was a strange surprise to all parties, and one of
+the greatest ever experienced in Parliamentary history. The vote for Mr.
+Roebuck's committee was 205; and against it, 148; a majority against the
+ministry of 157. "The scene was a peculiar and probably an unparalleled
+one. The cheers which are usually heard from one side or the other of
+the House on the numbers of a division being announced, were not
+forthcoming. The members were for a moment spellbound with
+astonishment, then there came a murmur of amazement and finally a burst
+of general laughter." The resignation of the Aberdeen ministry was
+announced February 1st, the Duke of Newcastle stating that it had been
+his intention to give up the office of Secretary of War whether Mr.
+Roebuck's resolution had passed or not.
+
+Thus was overthrown the famous coalition Cabinet of Lord Aberdeen--one
+of the most brilliant ever seen--a Cabinet distinguished for its
+oratorical strength, and for the conspicuous abilities of its chief
+members. Mr. Gladstone, who was the most distinguished Peelite in the
+Cabinet, certainly could not, up to this period, be suspected of
+lukewarmness in the prosecution of the war. Lord Palmerston formed a
+reconstructed rather than a new Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone and his friends
+at first declined to serve in the new Cabinet, out of regard for the
+Duke of Newcastle and Lord Aberdeen, the real victims of the adverse
+vote. But these noblemen besought Mr. Gladstone not to let his personal
+feelings stand in the way of his own interests, and not to deprive the
+country of his great services, so he resumed office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer. Lord Palmerston had been regarded as the coming man, and his
+name carried weight upon the Continent and at home. But the new
+ministry was surrounded by serious difficulties, and did not pull
+together very long. The War Minister, Lord Panmure, entered upon his
+duties with energy, and proposed, February 16th, his remedy for existing
+evils; but on the 19th of February Mr. Layard in the House of Commons
+said, "the country stood on the brink of ruin--it had fallen into the
+abyss of disgrace and become the laughing-stock of Europe." He declared
+that the new ministry differed little from the last.
+
+Lord Palmerston, in answer to inquiries, lamented the sufferings of the
+army and confessed that mishaps had been made, but the present ministry
+had come forward in an emergency and from a sense of public duty, and he
+believed would obtain the confidence of the country. But another strange
+turn in events was at hand. Mr. Roebuck gave notice of the appointment
+of his committee. Hostility to the ministry was disclaimed, but Mr.
+Gladstone, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert took the same view of
+the question they had previously taken. They were opposed to the
+investigation as a dangerous breach of a great constitutional principle,
+and if the committee was granted, it would be a precedent from whose
+repetition the Executive could never again escape, however unreasonable
+might be the nature of the demand. They therefore retired from office.
+
+The report of the committee, when presented, practically advised a vote
+of censure upon the Aberdeen Cabinet for the sufferings of the British
+army, hence the house declined to entertain it by a large majority of
+107. As the appointment of the committee, however, was the only way to
+allay the popular excitement, there were many who thought that the
+Peelites would have done well to recognize the urgency of the crisis and
+not to have abandoned the Government.
+
+The resignation of Mr. Gladstone made him very unpopular. However, "the
+wave of unpopularity lasted perhaps for a couple of years, and was
+afterwards replaced by a long-sustained popularity, which has not been
+exceeded by any statesman of the country. Greville referred to Gladstone
+about this time as 'the most unpopular man in the country.'"
+
+March 2d the Emperor Nicholas died suddenly, and there were momentary
+hopes of peace; but his successor, Alexander, resolved to prosecute the
+struggle rather than yield the positions taken by the late Czar. He
+issued a warlike proclamation, and though he agreed to take part in the
+Vienna Conference of European powers, to be held March 15th, there were
+no signs that he intended to recede from the Russian claims.
+
+Lord John Russell was sent to Vienna as English Plenipotentiary. The
+English aimed to secure the limitation of the preponderance of Russia in
+the Black Sea, and the acknowledgment of Turkey as one of the great
+European powers. To gain these points would, it was thought, end the
+war. Russia "would not consent to limit the number of her ships--if she
+did so she forfeited her honor, she would be no longer Russia. They did
+not want Turkey, they would be glad to maintain the Sultan, but they
+knew it was impossible; he must perish; they were resolved not to let
+any other power have Constantinople--they must not have that door to
+their dominions in the Black Sea shut against them." The Conference
+failed, and Lord John Russell was held responsible for its failure, and
+was eventually forced out of the Cabinet on that account. The failure of
+the Vienna negotiations produced great excitement, and the ministry were
+attacked and defeated in both Houses of Parliament. Mr. Disraeli offered
+a resolution of dissatisfaction in the House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone
+spoke during the debate on the failure of the Vienna Conference, and
+defended the war of the Crimea. He did not consider it a failure, for
+Russia now agreed to most of the points raised by the allies, and the
+only matter to be adjusted, was the proposition to limit the power of
+Russia in the Black Sea. Personally, he had formerly favored the
+curtailment of Russia's power there, but he now thought that such a
+proposal implied a great indignity to Russia. He believed that the
+proposal of Russia to give to Turkey the power of opening and shutting
+the straits was one calculated to bring about a peaceful settlement. The
+time was favorable to make peace. Lord John Russell replied vigorously
+to Mr. Gladstone. The House decided by a majority of 100 to support the
+ministry in the further prosecution of the war until a safe and
+honorable peace could be secured.
+
+But on the 10th of July Sir E. Bulwer Lytton offered the following
+resolution: "That the conduct of our Ministry, in the recent
+negotiations at Vienna, has, in the opinion of this House, shaken the
+confidence of this country in those to whom its affairs are entrusted."
+Lord John Russell again declined to face discussion and resigned. During
+the debate on the motion Mr. Disraeli bitterly attacked Lord John
+Russell and the Premier, Lord Palmerston. But Mr. Gladstone said that so
+far from blaming the Ministry for hesitating about the offers of peace
+at Vienna, he blamed them for not giving the propositions that
+consideration which their gravity demanded, and for abruptly
+terminating the Conference and closing the hope of an honorable peace.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, on the 3d of August, made another powerful appeal for the
+cessation of the war. He held that there was now no definite object for
+continuing the struggle; defended the Austrian proposals; defied the
+Western powers to control the future destinies of Russia, save for a
+moment; and he placed "the individual responsibility of the continuance
+of the war on the head of the Ministry."
+
+But while Sebastopol held out there was no prospect of peace with
+Russia. Finally, in September, that fortress was taken and destroyed,
+and the Peace of Paris was concluded, March, 1856.
+
+[Illustration: HOUSE OF COMMONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+
+IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT
+
+It was in February, 1855, that Mr. Gladstone resigned his seat in the
+Cabinet. After the Treaty of Paris, March, 1856, which put an end to the
+Crimean War, Mr. Gladstone found himself in opposition to the Ministry
+of Lord Palmerston. He had assumed a position of independence,
+associating politically with neither party. The political parties
+dreaded criticism and attack from him, for he was not properly
+constructed for the defense of either. He had himself declared his
+"sympathies" were "with the Conservatives, and his opinions with the
+Liberals," and that he and his Peelite colleagues, during this period of
+political isolation, were like roving icebergs on which men could not
+land with safety, but with which ships might come into perilous
+collision. Their weight was too great not to count, but it counted first
+this way and then that. Mr. Gladstone was conscientious in his
+opposition. He said: "I greatly felt being turned out of office. I saw
+great things to do. I longed to do them. I am losing the best years of
+my life out of my natural service. Yet I have never ceased to rejoice
+that I am not in office with Palmerston, when I have seen the tricks,
+the shufflings, the frauds he daily has recourse to as to his business.
+I rejoice not to sit on the Treasury Bench with him."
+
+In August, 1855, Lord Aberdeen said; "Gladstone intends to be Prime
+Minister. He has great qualifications, but some serious defects. He is
+supreme in the House of Commons. He is too obstinate; if a man can be
+too honest, he is too honest. I have told Gladstone that when he is
+Prime Minister, I will have a seat in his Cabinet, if he desires it,
+without an office."
+
+During 1856, several measures came before Parliament which Mr. Gladstone
+opposed. He vindicated the freedom of the Belgian press, whose liberty
+some of the powers would curtail, and opposed resolutions to consider
+the state of education in England and Wales, as tending to create a
+central controlling power, involving secular instruction and endless
+religious quarrels. He also opposed the budget of Sir G.C. Lewis, which
+imposed more duties upon the tea and sugar of the working-man, and was
+said to be generally at variance with the policy pursued by every
+enlightened minister of finance. Besides, he condemned the continuance
+of the war duties in times of peace. "He was a particularly acute thorn
+in the side of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and criticised the
+budget with unsparing vigor. 'Gladstone seems bent on leading Sir George
+Lewis a weary life,' wrote Mr. Greville. But finance was by no means the
+only subject of this terrible free-lance."
+
+A resolution was offered in the House of Commons expressing
+disapprobation with the English Cabinet for sanctioning, in 1855 and
+'56, the violation of international law, by secretly enlisting the
+subjects of the United States as recruits for the British army, by the
+intervention of the English Ambassador. Mr. Gladstone said: "It appears
+to me that the two cardinal aims that we ought to keep in view in the
+discussion of this question are peace and a thoroughly cordial
+understanding with America for one, the honor and fame of England for
+the other. I am bound to say that in regard to neither of these points
+am I satisfied with the existing state of things, or with the conduct of
+Her Majesty's Government. A cordial understanding with America has not
+been preserved, and the honor of this country has been compromised."
+
+Lord Palmerston, though very popular with the people, had greatly
+offended a large portion of the House of Commons by his interference in
+China. A lorcha, called the _Arrow_, flying the British flag, had been
+seized by the Chinese, and the question arose as to the right of the
+vessel to the protection of England. The opponents of the government
+contended that the vessel was built in China, was captured by pirates,
+and recaptured by the Chinese, and hence had no claim to British
+protection. To bring the matter to an issue Mr. Cobden introduced a
+resolution of inquiry and censure. For five nights the debate was
+protracted, and many able speeches were made on both sides, but Mr.
+Gladstone made one of the most effective speeches, against the ministry.
+He said: "Every man, I trust, will give his vote with the consciousness
+that it may depend upon his single vote whether the miseries, the
+crimes, the atrocities that I fear are now proceeding in China are to be
+discountenanced or not. We have now come to the crisis of the case.
+England is not yet committed. With you, then, with us, with every one of
+us, it rests to show that this House, which is the first, the most
+ancient, and the noblest temple of freedom in the world, is also the
+temple of that everlasting justice without which freedom itself would
+only be a name or only a curse to mankind."
+
+The Premier ably defended himself, but the resolution of Mr. Cobden was
+passed. Parliament was dissolved March 21, 1857, and Lord Palmerston
+appealed to the country. He was victorious at the polls. Among the
+prominent Liberals who lost their seats were Cobden, Bright, and Milner
+Gibson. The Peelites suffered loss too, but Mr. Gladstone was again
+elected for Oxford University. However, Mr. Greville writes, under date
+of June 3d: "Gladstone hardly ever goes near the House of Commons, and
+never opens his lips." But his indifference and silence were not to
+last long.
+
+When the Divorce Bill, which originated in the Lords, came up in the
+Commons, Mr. Gladstone made an impassioned speech against the measure,
+contending for the equality of woman with man in all the rights
+pertaining to marriage. He dealt with the question on theological, legal
+and social grounds. He contended that marriage was not only or chiefly a
+civil contract, but a "mystery" of the Christian religion. By the law of
+God it could not be so annulled as to permit of the re-marriage of the
+parties. "Our Lord," he says, "has emphatically told us that, at and
+from the beginning, marriage was perpetual, and was on both sides
+single." He dwelt with pathetic force on the injustice between man and
+woman of the proposed legislation, which would entitle the husband to
+divorce from an unfaithful wife, but would give no corresponding
+protection to the woman; and predicted the gloomiest consequences to the
+conjugal morality of the country from the erection of this new and
+odious tribunal. Nevertheless the bill became a law.
+
+In 1858 a bill was introduced in the House of Commons by Lord
+Palmerston, to make conspiracy to murder a felony. It grew out of the
+attempt of Orsini upon the life of Napoleon III. The bill at first was
+carried by an immense majority, but the conviction spread that the
+measure was introduced solely at the dictation of the French Emperor,
+and hence the proposal was strongly opposed. Mr. Gladstone said: "These
+times are grave for liberty. We live in the nineteenth century; we talk
+of progress; we believe we are advancing, but can any man of observation
+who has watched the events of the last few years in Europe have failed
+to perceive that there is a movement indeed, but a downward and backward
+movement? There are few spots in which institutions that claim our
+sympathy still exist and flourish.... But in these times more than ever
+does responsibility centre upon the institutions of England, and if it
+does centre upon England, upon her principles, upon her laws and upon
+her governors, then I say that a measure passed by this House of
+Commons--the chief hope of freedom--which attempts to establish a moral
+complicity between us and those who seek safety in repressive measures,
+will be a blow and a discouragement to that sacred cause in every
+country in the world."
+
+The bill was defeated by a majority of nineteen, and Lord Palmerston
+again resigned. He was succeeded by Lord Derby, who once more came into
+power. Mr. Disraeli again became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and leader
+of the House of Commons. The new ministry, which existed largely on
+sufferance, passed some good measures.
+
+The one hundredth anniversary of the battle of Plassey was celebrated in
+England June 23, 1857, to obtain funds for a monument to Lord Clive, who
+secured India to England. The English then felt secure in the government
+of that land, yet at that very time one of the most wide-spread,
+destructive and cruel rebellions was raging, and shaking to its very
+foundations the English rule in Hindostan. Suddenly the news came of the
+terrible Indian mutiny and of the indiscriminate slaughter of men, women
+and children, filling all hearts with horror, and then of the crushing
+out of the rebellion. Lord Canning, Governor-General, issued a
+proclamation to the chiefs of Oudh, looking to the confiscation of the
+possessions of mutineers who failed to return to the allegiance of
+England. It was meant as clemency. But Lord Ellenborough, the officer in
+charge of affairs in India, dispatched "a rattling condemnation of the
+whole proceeding." Says Justin McCarthy: "It was absurd language for a
+man like Lord Ellenborough to address to a statesman like Lord Canning,
+who had just succeeded in keeping the fabric of English government in
+India together during the most terrible trial ever imposed on it by
+fate." The matter was taken up by Parliament. Lord Shaftesbury moved
+that the Lords disprove the sending of the dispatch. In the Commons the
+ministry were arraigned. But Lord Ellenborough took upon himself the
+sole responsibility of the dispatch, and resigned. Mr. Gladstone was
+invited to the vacant place, but declined.
+
+The most important among the bills passed by Parliament was the India
+Bill, by which the government of India was transferred from the East
+India Company to the Crown and the Home government. Mr. Gladstone, who
+opposed the bill, proposed a clause providing that the Indian troops
+should not be employed in military operations beyond the frontiers
+of India.
+
+In November, 1858, Mr. Gladstone accepted from the Premier the post of
+Lord High Commissioner Extraordinary to the Ionian Islands. The people
+of the Ionian Islands, which in 1800 was formed into the Republic of the
+Seven Islands, and was under the protection of Great Britain from 1815,
+were desirous of adding themselves to Greece. But the British government
+objected to the separation and their union with Greece. Mr. Gladstone
+was to repair to Corfu for the purpose of reconciling the people to the
+British protectorate. The Ionians regarded his appointment as a virtual
+abandonment of the protectorate of Great Britain. Mr. Gladstone,
+December 3d, addressed the Senate at Corfu in Italian. He had the
+reputation of being a Greek student, and the inhabitants of the Islands
+persisted in regarding him not as a Commissioner of a Conservative
+English Government, but as "Gladstone the Phil-Hellene!" He made a tour
+of the Islands, holding levees, receiving deputations and delivering
+harangues, and was received wherever he went with the honors due to a
+liberator. His path everywhere was made to seem like a triumphal
+progress. It was in vain he repeated his assurance that he came to
+reconcile them to the protectorate and not to deliver them from it. But
+the popular instinct insisted upon regarding him as at least the
+precursor of their union with the Kingdom of Greece. The legislative
+assembly met January 27, 1859, and proposed annexation to Greece.
+Finding that this was their firm wish and determination, Mr. Gladstone
+despatched to the Queen a copy of the vote, in which the representatives
+declared that "the single and unanimous will of the Ionian people has
+been and is for their union with the Kingdom of Greece." Mr. Gladstone
+returned home in February, 1859. The Ionians continued their agitation,
+and in 1864 were formally given over to the government of Greece.
+
+Parliament was opened February 3, 1859, by the Queen, who in her speech
+from the throne said that the attention of Parliament would be called
+to the state of the law regulating the representation of the people. The
+plan of the government was presented by Mr. Disraeli. "It was a fanciful
+performance," says an English writer. The ministry proposed not to alter
+the limits of the franchise, but to introduce into boroughs a new kind
+of franchise founded on personal property. Mr. Disraeli characterized
+the government measure as "wise, prudent, adequate, conservative, and
+framed by men who reverence the past, are proud of the present, and
+confident of the future." Two members of the Cabinet promptly resigned
+rather than be parties to these proposals. Mr. Bright objected because
+the working classes were excluded. An amendment was moved by Lord John
+Russell condemning interference with the franchise which enabled
+freeholders in boroughs to vote in counties, and demanding a wider
+extension of the suffrage in boroughs.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, though agreeing with these views, declined to support the
+amendment, because, if carried, it would upset the government and bring
+in a weaker administration. He did not propose to support the
+government, but he desired to see a settlement of the question of
+reform, and he thought the present opportunity advantageous for such
+settlement. He pleaded eloquently for the retention of the
+small boroughs.
+
+The bill was lost by a majority of thirty-nine. Lord Derby having
+advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, this was done April 3d. The
+general elections which resulted from the defeat of the Conservatives in
+the House of Commons on the Reform Bill, resulted in returning the
+Liberals with a considerable majority. Mr. Gladstone was again returned
+unopposed for the University of Oxford. The Queen opened the new
+Parliament June 7th. In reply to the speech from the throne an amendment
+to the address was moved by Lord Hartington, proposing a vote of want of
+confidence in the ministers. After three nights debate it was carried on
+June 10th, by a majority of thirteen, Mr. Gladstone voting with the
+government. Lord Derby and his colleagues immediately resigned. The
+Queen being averse to choosing between Lord John Russell and Lord
+Palmerston, turned to Lord Granville, leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Lords. He failed to form a Cabinet, and Lord Palmerston again
+became Prime Minister.
+
+The revolution of the political wheel once more brought Mr. Gladstone
+into office as Chancellor of the Exchequer. It became necessary in
+accepting a Cabinet position to again appeal to his constituents at
+Oxford for re-election. He voted as he did to sustain Lord Derby's
+administration and to settle the Reform question, yet he was
+misunderstood and some of his constituents alienated. He was strongly
+opposed by the Conservative Marquis of Chandos. The Conservatives
+claimed that he should not be returned, because, as Professor Mansel
+said, by his "acceptance of office he must now be considered as giving
+his definite adhesion to the Liberal party, as at present reconstructed,
+and as approving of the policy of those who overthrew Lord Derby's
+government." It was found on the conclusion of the poll, which continued
+for five days, that Mr. Gladstone was returned with a majority of nearly
+two hundred over his opponent. It is worthy of note that this same year
+Cambridge conferred upon Mr. Gladstone the honorary degree of D.C.L.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+
+HOMERIC STUDIES
+
+"The plenitude and variety of Mr. Gladstone's intellectual powers," says
+G. Barnett Smith, "have been the subject of such frequent comment that
+it would be superfluous to insist upon them here. On the political side
+of his career his life has been as unresting and active as that of any
+other great party leader, and if we regard him in the literary aspect we
+are equally astonished at his energy and versatility. Putting out of
+view his various works upon Homer, his miscellaneous writings of
+themselves, with the reading they involve, would entitle their author to
+take high rank on the score of industry.... We stand amazed at the
+infinity of topics which have received Mr. Gladstone's attention."
+
+To solve the problems associated with Homer has been the chief
+intellectual recreation, the close and earnest study of Mr. Gladstone's
+literary life. "The blind old man of Scio's rocky isle" possessed for
+him an irresistible and a perennial charm. Nor can this occasion
+surprise, for all who have given themselves up to the consideration and
+attempted solution of the Homeric poems have found the fascination of
+the occupation gather in intensity. It is not alone from the poetic
+point of view that the first great epic of the world attracts students
+of all ages and of all countries. Homer presents, in addition, and
+beyond every other writer, a vast field for ethnological, geographical,
+and historical speculation and research. The ancient world stands
+revealed in the Homeric poems. Besides, almost numberless volumes have
+been written based upon the equally debatable questions of the Homeric
+text and the Homeric unity.
+
+Some literary works of Mr. Gladstone have been already noticed. "Studies
+on Homer and Homeric Age" shows Mr. Gladstone's classic tastes and
+knowledge as well as his great industry and ability. This work was
+published in three volumes, in 1858. It is his _magnum opus_ in
+literature, and exhibits wide and laborious research. "It discusses the
+Homeric controversy in its broad aspects, the relation of Homer to the
+Sacred Writings, his place in education, his historic aims, the probable
+period of the poet's life, the Homeric text, the ethnology of the Greek
+races, and the politics and poetry of Homer. Among subsequent Greek
+studies by Mr. Gladstone were his 'Juventus Mundi' and the 'Homeric
+Synchronism.' There is probably no greater living authority on the text
+of Homer than Mr. Gladstone, and the Ancient Greek race and literature
+have exercised over him a perennial fascination."
+
+Mr. Gladstone dwells much on the relation of Homer to Christianity. "The
+standard of humanity of the Greek poet is different, yet many of his
+ideas almost carry us back to the early morning of our race; the hours
+of its greater simplicity and purity, and more free intercourse with
+God.... How is it possible to overvalue this primitive representation of
+the human race in a form complete, distinct and separate, with its own
+religion, stories, policy, history, arts, manners, fresh and true to the
+standard of its nature, like the form of an infant from the hand of the
+Creator, yet mature, full, and finished, in its own sense, after its own
+laws, like some masterpiece of the sculptor's art?" The Homeric scene of
+action is not Paradise, but it is just as far removed from the vices of
+a later heathenism.
+
+Mr. Gladstone compares the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," which he believed
+to be the poems of one poet, Homer, with the Old Testament writings, and
+observes that "Homer can never be put into competition with the
+Scriptures as touching the great fundamental, invaluable code of truth
+and hope;" but he shows how one may in a sense be supplementary to the
+other. As regards the history of the Greek race, it is Homer that
+furnishes "the point of origin from which all distances are to be
+measured." He says: "The Mosaic books, and the other historical books of
+the Old Testament, are not intended to present, and do not present, a
+picture of human society or of our nature drawn at large. The poems of
+Homer may be viewed as the complement of the earliest portion of the
+sacred records."
+
+Again: "The Holy Scriptures are like a thin stream, beginning from the
+very fountain-head of our race, and gradually, but continuously, finding
+their way through an extended solitude into times otherwise known, and
+into the general current of the fortunes of mankind. The Homeric poems
+are like a broad lake, outstretched in the distance, which provides us
+with a mirror of one particular age and people, alike full and
+marvelous, but which is entirely disassociated by a period of many
+generations from any other records, except such as are of the most
+partial and fragmentary kind. In respect of the influence which they
+have respectively exercised upon mankind, it might appear almost profane
+to compare them. In this point of view the Scriptures stand so far apart
+from every other production, on account of their great offices in
+relation to the coming of the Redeemer and to the spiritual training of
+mankind, that there can be nothing either like or second to them."
+
+Mr. Gladstone thinks that "the poems of Homer possess extrinsic worth as
+a faithful and vivid picture of early Grecian life and measures; they
+have also an intrinsic value which has given their author the first
+place in that marvelous trinity of genius--Homer, Dante, and
+Shakespeare."
+
+As to the historic aims of Homer, Mr. Gladstone says: "Where other poets
+sketch, Homer draws; and where they draw he carves. He alone of all the
+now famous epic writers, moves (in the 'Iliad' especially) subject to
+the stricter laws of time and place; he alone, while producing an
+unsurpassed work of the imagination, is also the greatest chronicler
+that ever lived, and presents to us, from his own single hand, a
+representation of life, manners, history, of morals, theology, and
+politics, so vivid and comprehensive, that it may be hard to say whether
+any of the more refined ages of Greece or Rome, with their clouds of
+authors and their multiplied forms of historical record, are either more
+faithfully or more completely conveyed to us."
+
+Mr. Gladstone fixes the probable date of Homer within a generation or
+two of the Trojan war, assigning as his principal reason for so doing
+the poet's visible identity with the age, the altering but not yet
+vanishing age of which he sings, and the broad interval in tone and
+feeling between himself and the very nearest of all that follow him. He
+presents several arguments to prove the trustworthiness of the text
+of Homer.
+
+In 1877, Mr. Gladstone wrote an article on the "Dominions of the
+Odysseus," and also wrote a preface to Dr. Henry Schliemann's "Mycenae."
+
+One of his most remarkable productions bore the title of, "The Vatican
+Decrees in their Bearing on Civil Allegiance; a Political
+Expostulation." This book was an amplification of an article from his
+own pen, which appeared October, 1874, in the _Contemporary Review_. It
+created great public excitement and many replies. One hundred and twenty
+thousand copies were sold. Mr. Higginson says: "The vigor of the style,
+the learning exhibited, and the source whence it came, all contributed
+to give it an extraordinary influence.... It was boldly proclaimed in
+this pamphlet that, since 1870, Rome has substituted for the proud boast
+of _semper eadem_, a policy of violence and change of faith;... 'that
+she had equally repudiated modern thought and ancient history;' ... 'that
+she has reburnished and paraded anew every rusty tool she was thought to
+have disused,' and 'that Rome requires a convert who now joins her to
+forfeit his moral and mental freedom, and to place his loyalty and
+civil duty at the mercy of another.'"
+
+Mr. Gladstone issued another pamphlet, entitled "Vaticanism; and Answers
+to Reproofs and Replies," He reiterated his original charges, saying:
+"The Vatican decrees do, in the strictest sense, establish for the Pope
+a supreme command over loyalty and civil duty.... Even in those parts of
+Christendom where the decrees and the present attitude of the Papal See
+do not produce or aggravate open broils with the civil power, by
+undermining moral liberty, they impair moral responsibility, and
+silently, in the succession of generations, if not in the lifetime of
+individuals, tend to emasculate the vigor of the mind."
+
+Mr. Gladstone published in seven volumes, in 1879, "Gleanings of Past
+Years." The essay entitled "Kin Beyond the Sea" at first created much
+excitement. "The Kin Beyond the Sea" was America, of which he says: "She
+will probably become what we are now, the head servant in the great
+household of the world, the employer of all employed; because her
+services will be the most and ablest." Again: "The England and the
+America of the present are probably the two strongest nations in the
+world. But there can hardly be a doubt, as between the America and the
+England of the future, that the daughter, at some no very distant time,
+will, whether fairer or less fair, be unquestionably yet stronger than
+the mother." Mr. Gladstone argues in support of this position from the
+concentrated continuous empire which America possesses, and the enormous
+progress she has made within a century.
+
+In an address at the opening of the Art Loan Exhibition of Chester,
+August 11, 1879, Mr. Gladstone said: "With the English those two things
+are quite distinct; but in the oldest times of human industry--that is
+to say amongst the Greeks--there was no separation whatever, no gap at
+all, between the idea of beauty and the idea of utility. Whatever the
+ancient Greek produced he made as useful as he could; and at the same
+time, reward for work with him was to make it as beautiful as he could.
+In the industrial productions of America there is very little idea of
+beauty; for example, an American's axe is not intended to cut away a
+tree neatly, but quickly. We want a workman to understand that if he can
+learn to appreciate beauty in industrial productions, he is thereby
+doing good to himself, first of all in the improvement of his mind, and
+in the pleasure he derives from his work, and likewise that literally he
+is increasing his own capital, which is his labor."
+
+In his articles on "Ecce Homo" he expresses the hope "that the present
+tendency to treat the old belief of man with a precipitate, shallow,
+and unexamining disparagement, is simply a distemper, that inflicts for
+a time the moral atmosphere, that is due, like plagues and fevers, to
+our own previous folly and neglect; and that when it has served its work
+of admonition and reform, will be allowed to pass away."
+
+The "Impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture" is the title of a book by Mr.
+Gladstone, the articles of which were originally published in _The
+Sunday School Times_, Philadelphia.
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE'S AXE]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+GREAT BUDGETS
+
+The year 1860 marked the beginning of the second half of Mr. Gladstone's
+life as a statesman, in which he stood prominently forward as a
+Reformer. July 18, 1859, as Chancellor in the Liberal government of Lord
+Palmerston, he brought forward his budget. The budget of 1860 was the
+greatest of all his financial measures, for a new departure was taken in
+British commerce and manufactures. Mr. Cobden, in behalf of the English
+Government, had negotiated with France a treaty based on free trade
+principles--"a treaty which gave an impetus to the trade of this
+country, whose far-reaching effects are felt even to our day."
+
+The Chancellor explained the various propositions of his financial
+statements. Speaking of discontent with the income tax he observed: "I
+speak on general terms. Indeed, I now remember that I myself had, about
+a fortnight ago, a letter addressed to me complaining of the monstrous
+injustice and iniquity of the income tax, and proposing that, in
+consideration thereof, the Chancellor of the Exchequer should be
+publicly hanged."
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that the total reduction of duties would be over
+L1,000,000, requiring a slight extension of taxation; that by this means
+nearly L1,000,000 would be returned to the general revenue; that the
+loss to the revenue by the French Treaty, which was based upon free
+trade principles, and the reduction of duties, would be half made up by
+the imposts specified; that the abolition of the paper duty would
+produce the happiest results from the spread of cheap literature. The
+reductions proposed would give a total relief to the consumer of nearly
+L4,000,000, and cause a net loss of the revenue of over L2,000,000, a
+sum about equivalent to the amount coming in from the cessation of
+government annuities that year. The total revenue was L70,564,000, and
+as the total expenses of government was L70,000,000, there remained an
+estimated surplus of L464,000.
+
+Mr. Gladstone concluded; "There were times, now long by, when sovereigns
+made progress through the land, and when at the proclamation of their
+heralds, they caused to be scattered whole showers of coin among the
+people who thronged upon their steps.... Our Sovereign is enabled,
+through the wisdom of her great council, assembled in Parliament around
+her, again to scatter blessings among her subjects by means of wise and
+prudent laws; of laws which do not sap in any respect the foundations of
+duty or of manhood, but which strike away the shackles from the arm of
+industry."
+
+"It was one of the peculiarities of Mr. Gladstone's budget addresses
+that they roused curiosity in the outset, and, being delivered in a
+musical, sonorous, and perfectly modulated voice, kept the listeners
+interested to the very close. This financial statement of 1860 was
+admirably arranged for the purpose of awakening and keeping attention,
+piquing and teasing curiosity, and sustaining desire to hear from the
+first sentence to the last. It was not a speech, it was an oration, in
+the form of a great State paper, made eloquent, in which there was a
+proper restraint over the crowding ideas, the most exact accuracy in the
+sentences, and even in the very words chosen; the most perfect balancing
+of parts, and, more than all, there were no errors or omissions; nothing
+was put wrongly and nothing was overlooked. With a House crowded in
+every corner, with the strain upon his own mental faculties, and the
+great physical tax implied in the management of his voice, and the
+necessity for remaining upon his feet during this long period, 'the
+observed of all observers,' Mr. Gladstone took all as quietly, we are
+told, as if he had just risen to address a few observations to Mr.
+Speaker. Indeed, it was laughingly said that he could address a House
+for a whole week, and on the Friday evening have taken a new departure,
+beginning with the observation, 'After these preliminary remarks, I will
+now proceed to deal with the subject matter of my financial plan.'"
+
+The ministry was supported by large majorities, and carried their
+measures, but when the bill for the repeal of the duty on paper at home,
+as well as coming into the country, came before the House of Lords, it
+was rejected. Mr. Gladstone appeared to be confronted by the greatest
+constitutional crisis of his life. He gave vent to his indignation, and
+declared that the action of the Lords was a gigantic innovation, and
+that the House of Commons had the undoubted right of selecting the
+manner in which the people should be taxed. This speech was pronounced
+by Lord John Russell "magnificently mad," and Lord Granville said that
+"it was a toss-up whether Gladstone resigned or not, and that if he did
+it would break up the Liberal party." Quiet was finally restored, and
+the following year Mr. Gladstone adroitly brought the same feature
+before the Lords in a way that compelled acceptance.
+
+The budget of 1861 showed a surplus of L2,000,000 over the estimated
+surplus, and proposed to remit the penny on the income tax, and to
+repeal the paper duty. Instead of being divided into several bills as in
+the previous year, the budget was presented as a whole--all included in
+one. By this device the Lords were forced to acquiesce in the repeal of
+the paper duty, or take the responsibility of rejecting the whole bill.
+The Peers grumbled, and some of them were enraged. Lord Robert Cecil,
+now Marquis of Salisbury, rudely declared that Mr. Gladstone's conduct
+was only worthy of an attorney. He begged to apologize to the attorneys.
+They were honorable men and would have scorned the course pursued by the
+ministers. Another member of the House of Lords protested that the
+budget gave a mortal stab to the Constitution. Mr. Gladstone retorted:
+"I want to know, to what Constitution does it give a mortal stab? In my
+opinion it gives no mortal stab, and no stab at all, to any Constitution
+that we are bound to care for. But, on the contrary, so far as it alters
+anything in the most recent course of practice, it alters in the
+direction of restoring that good old Constitution which took its root in
+Saxon times, which grew from the Plantagenets, which endured the iron
+repression of the Tudors, which resisted the aggressions of the Stuarts,
+and which has come to its full maturity under the House of Brunswick. I
+think that is the Constitution, if I may presume to say so, which it is
+our duty to guard, and which--if, indeed, the proceedings of this year
+can be said to affect it at all--will be all the better for the
+operation. But the Constitution which my right honorable friend worships
+is a very different affair."
+
+In 1860, Mr. Gladstone was elected Lord Rector of Edinburgh University,
+and the degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, in 1861, introduced one of his most beneficial
+measures--a bill creating the Post Office Savings Bank. The success of
+the scheme has gone beyond all expectation. At the close of 1891, the
+amount deposited was L71,608,002, and growing at the average rate of
+over L4,000,000 annually.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's financial measures for 1862, while not involving such
+momentous issues as those of the preceding year, nevertheless
+encountered considerable opposition. The budget was a stationary one,
+with no surplus, no new taxes, no remission of taxes, no
+heavier burdens.
+
+In October, 1862, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone made a journey down the Tyne,
+which is thus described: "It was not possible to show to royal visitors
+more demonstrations of honor than were showered on the illustrious
+Commoner and his wife.... At every point, at every bank and hill and
+factory, in every opening where people could stand or climb, expectant
+crowds awaited Mr. Gladstone's arrival. Women and children, in all
+costumes and of all conditions, lined the shores ... as Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone passed. Cannon boomed from every point;... such a succession
+of cannonading never before greeted a triumphant conqueror on
+the march."
+
+It was during this journey that Mr. Gladstone made the memorable speech,
+at New Castle, upon the American Civil War, which had broken out the
+same year. There had been much speculation as to whether the English
+government would recognize the Confederacy as a separate and independent
+power, and the utterance of a member of the Cabinet under the
+circumstances was regarded as entirely unwarranted. Mr. Gladstone
+himself frankly acknowledged his error in 1867: "I must confess that I
+was wrong; that I took too much upon myself in expressing such an
+opinion. Yet the motive was not bad. My sympathies were then--where they
+had long before been, where they are now--with the whole
+American people."
+
+The session of 1863 was barren of important subjects of debate, and
+hence unusual interest was centered in the Chancellor's statement, which
+was another masterly financial presentation, and its leading
+propositions were cordially received. The whole reduction of taxation
+for the year was L3,340,000, or counting the total reductions, present
+and prospective, of L4,601,000. This still left a surplus of L400,000.
+
+In four years L8,000,000 had been paid for war with China out of the
+ordinary revenues. A proposition to subject charities to the income tax,
+although endorsed by the whole cabinet, led to such powerful opposition
+throughout the country that it was finally withdrawn. The arguments of
+the Chancellor were endorsed by many who were opposed to the
+indiscriminate and mistaken beneficence which was so prevalent on
+death-beds.
+
+A bill was introduced at this session by Sir Morton Peto, entitled the
+"Dissenters' Burial Bill," the object of which was to enable
+Nonconformists to have their own religious rites and services, and by
+their own ministers, in the graveyards of the Established Church. The
+bill was strongly opposed by Lord Robert Cecil and Mr. Disraeli. Mr.
+Gladstone favored the measure. The bill was rejected, and Mr. Gladstone
+at a later period discovered that his progress in ecclesiastical and
+political opinions was creating a breach between himself and his
+constituents at Oxford.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's financial scheme for 1864 was received with undiminished
+interest. It was characterized as "a policy of which peace, progress and
+retrenchment were the watchwords." An available surplus of L2,260,000
+enabled him to propose reductions.
+
+The subject of reform, which had been coming up in the House of Commons
+in one way or another and agitating the House and the country since
+1859, when the Conservative party was beaten on the question, reappeared
+in 1864. The question of lowering the borough franchise came up, and Mr.
+Gladstone startled the House and the country by his declaration upon the
+subject of reform, which showed the rapid development of his views upon
+the subject. The Conservative party was filled with alarm, and the hopes
+of the Reform party correspondingly elated. "The eyes of all Radical
+Reformers turned to Mr. Gladstone as the future Minister of Reform in
+Church and State. He became from the same moment an object of distrust,
+and something approaching to detestation in the eyes of all steady-going
+Conservatives."
+
+Mr. Gladstone said: "I say that every man who is not presentably
+incapacitated by some consideration of personal unfitness or political
+danger, is morally entitled to come within the pale of the
+constitution." This declaration was the first note sounded in a conflict
+which, twelve months later, was to cost Mr. Gladstone his seat for
+Oxford University, and finally to culminate in the disruption of the
+Liberal Government. The general feeling in regard to this speech was
+that if the Liberal party had failed in its duty on the subject of
+reform in the existing Parliament after Mr. Gladstone's utterances,
+that the condition of things must undergo a change, so great was the
+effect of his speech in the country. The bill, which was presented by a
+private member and lost, was made memorable by the speech of the
+Chancellor. The eyes of careful political leaders were again turned
+towards Mr. Gladstone, and strong predictions made of his coming
+exaltation to the Premiership. Mr. Speaker Denison said, in October,
+1864: "I now anticipate that Mr. Gladstone will be Premier. Neither
+party has any leader. I hope Mr. Gladstone may get support from the
+Conservatives who now support Palmerston." And these expectations were
+known to Mr. Gladstone himself, for Bishop Wilberforce had a
+conversation with him and writes: "Long talk with Gladstone as to
+Premiership: he is for acting under John Russell." Again to Mr.
+Gladstone: "Anything which breaks up, or tends to break up, Palmerston's
+supremacy, must bring you nearer to the post in which I long to see you,
+and, if I live, shall see you." Lord Palmerston himself said: "Gladstone
+will soon have it all his own way; and whenever he gets my place we
+shall have strange things."
+
+The hostile feeling towards the Palmerston government, which had been
+growing in intensity, chiefly on the ground of its foreign policy,
+reached its full height in a fierce battle between the Ministry and the
+Opposition. July 4, 1864, Mr. Disraeli brought forward his motion of
+"no confidence." Mr. Gladstone replied for the government, and sought to
+rebut the accusations made by the leader of the Opposition. He said that
+it was the very first time in which the House of Commons had been called
+upon to record the degradation of the country, simply for the sake of
+displacing a ministry.
+
+An amusing episode which occurred during this debate is worthy of record
+here; Mr. Bernard Osborne "grew amusingly sarcastic at the expense of
+the government, though he paid at the same time a great compliment to
+Mr. Gladstone. He likened the Cabinet to a museum of curiosities, in
+which there were some birds of rare and noble plumage, both alive and
+stuffed. There had been a difficulty, unfortunately, in keeping up the
+breed, and it was found necessary to cross it with the famous Peelites.
+'I will do them the justice to say that they have a very great and noble
+Minister among them in the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and it is to his
+measures alone that they owe the little popularity and the little
+support they get from this Liberal party.' Describing Mr. Milner Gibson,
+the honorable gentleman said he was like some 'fly in amber,' and the
+wonder was 'how the devil he got there.' Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright must
+have been disappointed in this 'young man from the country.' He had
+become insolent and almost quarrelsome under the guidance of the noble
+lord. Should that Parliament decide on terminating its own and their
+existence, they would find consolation that the funeral oration would be
+pronounced by Mr. Newdegate, and that some friendly hand would inscribe
+on their mausoleum, 'Rest and be thankful.'" Mr. Disraeli's motion was
+lost, and the ministry was sustained.
+
+The budget of 1865 represented the country as in a prosperous financial
+condition. The total reduction was over L5,000,000. Such a financial
+showing gained the warm approval of the people, and excited but little
+opposition in the House. It was evident that a master-hand was guiding
+the national finances, and fortunately the Chancellor's calculations
+were verified by the continued prosperity of the country. At a later
+period, in commenting upon the policy of the two parties--Conservative
+and Liberal--Mr. Gladstone said: "From thence it follows that the policy
+of the Liberal party has been to reduce the public charges and to keep
+the expenditure within the estimates, and, as a result, to diminish the
+taxation of the country and the national debt; that the policy of the
+Tory government, since they took office in 1866, has been to increase
+the public charges, and to allow the departments to spend more than
+their estimates, and, as a result, to create deficits and to render the
+reduction of taxation impossible. Which policy will the country prefer?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER
+
+July, 1865, Parliament having run its allotted course, according to the
+constitution, was dissolved, and a general election took place, which
+resulted in the Liberal party being returned again with a majority. Mr.
+Gladstone's relations with many of his constituents were not harmonious,
+owing to his pronounced Liberal views, and his seat for Oxford was
+seriously imperilled. Mr. Gathorne Hardy was nominated to run against
+him. The High Tory party resolved to defeat him, and he was defeated by
+a majority of 180. "The electors preferred the uncompromising defender
+of the Church and Toryism to the brilliant statesman and financier."
+Almost all of the distinguished residents of Oxford and three-fourths of
+the tutors and lecturers of the University voted for Mr. Gladstone, and
+his rejection was entirely owing to the opposing vote of non-residents
+and the bigotry of the hostile country clergymen of the Church of
+England. From the Bishop of Oxford Mr. Gladstone received the following
+indignant protest:
+
+"I cannot forbear expressing to you my grief and indignation at the
+result. It is needless for me to say that everything I could with
+propriety do I did heartily to save our University this great loss and
+dishonor, as well from a loving honor of you. You were too great
+for them."
+
+"The enemies of the University," observed the _Times_, "will make the
+most of her disgrace. It has hitherto been supposed that a learned
+constituency was to some extent exempt from the vulgar motives of party
+spirit, and capable of forming a higher estimate of statesmanship than
+common tradesmen or tenant-farmers."
+
+His valedictory address to his former constituents was short: "After
+an arduous connection of eighteen years, I bid you, respectfully,
+farewell.... It is one imperative duty, and one alone, which induces me
+to trouble you with these few parting words, the duty of expressing my
+profound and lasting gratitude for indulgence as generous, and for
+support as warm and enthusiastic in itself, and as honorable from the
+character and distinctions of those who have given it, as has, in my
+belief, ever been accorded by any constituency to any representative."
+
+One event in Parliament, in 1865, contributed much to Mr. Gladstone's
+defeat: In March, 1865, Mr. Dillwyn, the Radical member for Swansea,
+moved "that the present position of the Irish Church Establishment is
+unsatisfactory, and calls for the early attention of her Majesty's
+Government."
+
+Sir Stafford Northcote wrote: "Gladstone made a terribly long stride in
+his downward progress last night, and denounced the Irish Church in a
+way which shows how, by and by, he will deal not only with it, but with
+the Church of England too.... He laid down the doctrines that the tithe
+was national property, and ought to be dealt with by the State in a
+manner most advantageous to the people; and that the Church of England
+was only national because the majority of the people still belong
+to her."
+
+"It was now felt that henceforth Mr. Gladstone must belong to the
+country, and not to the University." He realized this himself, for
+driven from Oxford, he went down to South Lancashire, seeking to be
+returned from there to Parliament, and in the Free Trade Hall,
+Manchester, said: "At last, my friends, I am come among you, and I am
+come among you unmuzzled." These words were greeted with loud and
+prolonged applause. The advanced Liberals seemed to take the same view,
+and regarded Mr. Gladstone's defeat at Oxford by the Conservatives as
+his political enfranchisement. His defeat was not wholly unexpected to
+himself. In 1860 he said: "Without having to complain, I am entirely
+sick and weary of the terms upon which I hold the seat."
+
+Mr. Gladstone felt keenly the separation, for he wrote to the Bishop of
+Oxford: "There have been two great deaths, or transmigrations of spirit,
+in my political existence--one, very slow, the breaking of ties with my
+original party, the other, very short and sharp, the breaking of the tie
+with Oxford. There will probably be a third, and no more." And in a
+speech at Liverpool, there was something of pathos in his reference to
+Oxford, when he said that if he had clung to the representation of the
+University with desperate fondness, it was because he would not desert a
+post to which he seemed to have been called. But he had now been
+dismissed from it, not by academical, but by political agencies.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was elected to represent his native district in
+Parliament, and he was at the head of the poll in Manchester, Liverpool,
+and all the large towns. The result of the general elections was a
+considerable gain to the Liberal party, but that party sustained a
+severe loss by the death of Lord Palmerston, October 18, 1865.
+
+A new cabinet was constructed, with Earl Russell as Premier, and Mr.
+Gladstone as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr. Gladstone became for
+the first time the recognized leader in the House of Commons, which
+then meant virtually Prime Minister, for with the aged Premier in the
+House of Lords, and the youthful Chancellor in the Commons, it meant
+nothing else. But Earl Russell and his younger colleague were calculated
+to work in harmonious action, for they were both Reformers. The ardent
+temperament and the severe conscientiousness of the leader was the cause
+of much speculation and anxiety as to his management. His first
+appearance as leader of the House was therefore waited for with much
+curiosity. The new Parliament was opened February 6, 1866, by the Queen
+in person, for the first time since the death of Prince Albert. In the
+speech from the throne it was announced that Parliament would be
+directed to consider such improvements in the laws which regulate the
+right of voting in the election of the members of the House of Commons
+as may tend to strengthen our free institutions, and conduce to the
+public welfare. Bishop Wilberforce wrote: "Gladstone has risen entirely
+to his position, and done all his most sanguine friends hoped for as
+leader.... There is a general feeling of insecurity of the ministry, and
+the Reform Bill to be launched to-night is thought a bad rock."
+
+May 3, 1866, Mr. Gladstone brought forward what was destined to be his
+last budget for some years. There was a surplus of over a million and a
+quarter of pounds, which allowed a further and considerable reduction
+of taxation.
+
+The condition of Ireland was very grave at this time, and as
+apprehensions were felt in regard to the Fenians, a bill suspending the
+Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland was passed. Mr. Gladstone, in explaining
+the necessity for the measure, said that the government were ready at
+any time to consider any measure for the benefit of Ireland, but it was
+the single duty of the House at the moment to strengthen the hands of
+the Executive in the preservation of law and order. The bill was renewed
+by the Derby government, and passed as before, as the result of an
+anticipated great Fenian uprising under "Head-Centre" Stephens.
+
+During a debate on the bill for the abolition of Church rates, Mr.
+Gladstone said that the law requiring Church rates was _prima facie_
+open to great objection, but he could not vote for total abolition. He
+offered a compromise and proposed that Dissenters be exempted from
+paying Church rates, and at the same time be disqualified from
+interfering with funds to which they had not contributed. The compromise
+was accepted, but failed to become a law.
+
+On the subject of reform, mentioned in the address, there were great
+debates, during the session of 1866. The new Cabinet, known as the
+Russell-Gladstone Ministry, set themselves to work in earnest upon a
+question that had baffled all the skill of various administrations. As a
+part of the reform scheme, Mr. Gladstone brought forward a Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons, March 12th.
+
+The bill satisfied most of the Liberal party. Mr. Robert Lowe, a
+Liberal, became one of its most powerful assailants. His enmity to the
+working classes made him extremely unpopular. Mr. Horseman also joined
+the Conservatives in opposing the bill. Mr. Bright, in a crushing
+retort, fastened upon the small party of Liberals, led by these two
+members in opposition to the bill, the epithet of "Adullamites." Mr.
+Horseman, Mr. Bright said, had "retired into what may be called his
+political Cave of Adullam, to which he invited every one who was in
+distress, and every one who was discontented. He had long been anxious
+to found a party in this house, and there is scarcely a member at this
+end of the House who is able to address us with effect or to take much
+part, whom he has not tried to bring over to his party and his cabal. At
+last he has succeeded in hooking ... Mr. Lowe. I know it was the opinion
+many years ago of a member of the Cabinet that two men could make a
+party. When a party is formed of two men so amiable and so disinterested
+as the two gentlemen, we may hope to see for the first time in
+Parliament a party perfectly harmonious and distinguished by mutual and
+unbroken trust. But there is one difficulty which it is impossible to
+remove. This party of two is like the Scotch terrier that is so covered
+with hair that you could not tell which was the head and which was the
+tail." This sally, which excited immoderate laughter, remains one of the
+happiest examples of Parliamentary retort and badinage.
+
+During this session the Conservative party met at the residence of the
+Marquis of Salisbury, and decided upon strongly opposing the measure
+proposed by the Liberal government. Mr. Bright characterized it as "a
+dirty conspiracy." On the other hand, the country supported the bill,
+and great meetings were held in its interest. Mr. Gladstone spoke at a
+great meeting at Liverpool. He said: "Having produced this measure,
+founded in a spirit of moderation, we hope to support it with
+decision.... We have passed the Rubicon, we have broken the bridge and
+burned the boats behind us. We have advisedly cut off the means of
+retreat, and having done this, we hope that, as far as time is yet
+permitted, we have done our duty to the Crown and to the nation." This
+was regarded as the bugle-call to the Liberal party for the
+coming battle.
+
+The debate began April 12th, and continued for eight nights. "On no
+occasion since, and seldom before, has such a flow of eloquence been
+heard within the walls of the House of Commons." Mr. Disraeli spoke for
+three hours against the bill, and in his speech accused Mr. Gladstone of
+introducing American ideas of Government, and of having once assailed
+the very principles he now advocated, when in the Oxford Union he spoke
+against the Reform Bill of 1832. Mr. Gladstone's reply was one of the
+most noteworthy parts of this famous debate. He rose at one o'clock in
+the morning to conclude a legislative battle which had begun two weeks
+before. "At last," Mr. Gladstone said, "we have obtained a declaration
+from an authoritative source that a bill which, in a country with five
+millions of adult males, proposes to add to a limited constituency
+200,000 of the middle class and 200,000 of the working class, is, in the
+judgment of the leader of the Tory party, a bill to reconstruct the
+constitution upon American principles.
+
+"The right honorable gentleman, secure in the recollection of his own
+consistency, has taunted me with the errors of my boyhood. When he
+addressed the honorable member of Westminster, he showed his magnanimity
+by declaring that he would not take the philosopher to task for what he
+wrote twenty-five years ago; but when he caught one who, thirty-six
+years ago, just emerged from boyhood, and still an undergraduate at
+Oxford, had expressed an opinion adverse to the Reform Bill of 1832, of
+which he had so long and bitterly repented, then the right honorable
+gentleman could not resist the temptation."
+
+The bill was put upon its passage. The greatest excitement prevailed.
+"The house seemed charged with electricity, like a vast thunder-cloud;
+and now a spark was about to be applied. Strangers rose in their seats,
+the crowd at the bar pushed half-way up the House, the Royal Princes
+leaned forward in their standing places, and all was confusion."
+Presently order was restored, and breathless excitement prevailed while
+the tellers announced that the bill had been carried by a majority of
+only five.
+
+"Hardly had the words left the teller's lips than there arose a wild,
+raging, mad-brained shout from floor and gallery, such as has never been
+heard in the present House of Commons. Dozens of half-frantic Tories
+stood up in their seats, madly waved their hats and hurrahed at the top
+of their voices. Strangers in both galleries clapped their hands. The
+Adullamites on the Ministerial benches, carried away by the delirium of
+the moment, waved their hats in sympathy with the Opposition, and
+cheered as loudly as any. Mr. Lowe, the leader, instigator, and prime
+mover of the conspiracy, stood up in the excitement of the
+moment--flushed, triumphant, and avenged.... He took off his hat, waved
+it in wide and triumphant circles over the heads of the very men who had
+just gone into the lobby against him.... But see, the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer lifts up his hand to bespeak silence, as if he had something
+to say in regard to the result of the division. But the more the great
+orator lifts his hand beseechingly, the more the cheers are renewed and
+the hats waved. At length the noise comes to an end by the process of
+exhaustion, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer rises. Then there is a
+universal hush, and you might hear a pin drop."
+
+"Few, if any, could anticipate at this time, that in the course of one
+short year a Conservative Government would find itself compelled to take
+up that very question of Reform, whose virtual defeat its opponents now
+hailed with such intoxicating expressions of delight." However, the bill
+was unexpectedly wrecked June 18th, by an amendment substituting a ratal
+instead of a rental basis for the borough franchise. The ministry
+regarding this as a vital point, could not agree to it, and consequently
+threw up their measure and resigned office. The Queen was unwilling to
+accept their resignation. But the ministry felt that they had lost the
+confidence of the House, so their resignation was announced June 26th.
+
+The apathy of the people about reform that Earl Russell thought he
+perceived, as far as London was concerned, at once disappeared. A great
+demonstration was made at Trafalgar Square, where some ten thousand
+people assembled and passed resolutions in favor of reform. A serious
+riot occurred at Hyde Park in consequence of the prohibition by the
+Government of the meeting of the Reform League. The Reformers then
+marched to Carleton House Terrace, the residence of Mr. Gladstone,
+singing songs in his honor. He was away from home, but Mrs. Gladstone
+and her family came out on the balcony to acknowledge the tribute paid
+by the people. It is said that Mr. Gladstone, now for the first time,
+became a popular hero. Great meetings were held in the interest of
+reform in the large towns of the North and the Midlands, where his name
+was received with tumultuous applause. Mr. Gladstone was hailed
+everywhere as the leader of the Liberal party. Reform demonstrations
+continued during the whole of the recess. A meeting was held at
+Brookfields, near Birmingham, which was attended by nearly 250,000
+people. The language of some of the ardent friends of reform was not
+always discreet, but Mr. Gladstone appears to have preserved a calm and
+dignified attitude.
+
+In the summer of 1866, Lord Derby had announced his acceptance of office
+as Premier, and the formation of a Conservative Cabinet. The
+demonstrations of the people compelled the Conservatives to introduce
+measures in Liberal Reform. Accordingly, in 1867, Mr. Disraeli and his
+colleagues passed a Reform Bill, which, after various modifications, was
+far more extreme than that presented by the Liberals and defeated.
+
+Owing to a division in the ranks of the Liberal members on the pending
+bill, Mr. Gladstone withdrew from the active leadership of the House,
+but soon resumed it. Mr. Bright said, at Birmingham, that since 1832,
+there had been no man of Mr. Gladstone's rank as a statesman who had
+imported into the Reform question so much of conviction, of earnestness,
+and of zeal.
+
+Not long after this deputations from various parts of the country,
+accompanied by their representatives in Parliament, called on Mr.
+Gladstone to present addresses expressive of confidence in him as
+Liberal leader.
+
+Lord Cranborne expressed his astonishment at hearing the bill described
+as a Conservative triumph. It was right that its real parentage should
+be established. The bill had been modified by Mr. Gladstone. All his
+points were conceded. If the adoption on the principles of Mr. Bright
+could be described as a triumph, then indeed the Conservative party, in
+the whole history of its previous annals, had won no triumphs so simple
+as this. In the House of Lords the Duke of Buccleuch declared that the
+only word in the bill that remained unaltered was the first word,
+"whereas."
+
+"The work of reform was completed in the session of 1868, by the passing
+of the Scotch and Irish Reform Bills, a Boundary Bill for England and
+Wales, an Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill, and
+the Registration of Voters Bill. The object of the last-named measure
+was to accelerate the elections, and to enable Parliament to meet before
+the end of 1868."
+
+In the autumn of 1866, Mr. Gladstone and his family again visited Italy,
+and at Rome had an audience with Pope Pio Nono. It became necessary two
+years later, owing to this interview, for Mr. Gladstone formally to
+explain his visit.
+
+In February, 1868, Lord Derby, owing to failing health, resigned. The
+Derby Ministry retired from office, and Mr. Disraeli became Prime
+Minister. An English author writes: "There was, of course, but one
+possible Conservative Premier--Mr. Disraeli--he who had served the
+Conservative party for more than thirty years, who had led it to
+victory, and who had long been the ruling spirit of the Cabinet."
+
+The elevation of Mr. Disraeli to the Premiership before Mr. Gladstone,
+produced, in some quarters, profound regret and even indignation. But
+Mr. Disraeli, though in office, was not in power. He was nominally the
+leader of a House that contained a large majority of his political
+opponents, now united among themselves. The schism in the Liberal party
+had been healed by the question of Reform, and they could now defeat the
+government whenever they chose to do so; consequently Mr. Gladstone took
+the initiative. His compulsory Church Rates Abolition Bill was
+introduced and accepted. By this measure all legal proceedings for the
+recovery of church rates were abolished. The question that overshadowed
+all others, however, was that of the Irish Church.
+
+On the 16th of March Mr. Gladstone struck the first blow in the struggle
+that was to end in the disestablishment of the Irish Church. Mr. Maguire
+moved that the House consider the condition of Ireland. Mr. Gladstone
+said that Ireland had a controversy with England and a long account
+against England. It was a debt of justice, and he enumerated six
+particulars, one of which was the Established Episcopal Church.
+Religious Equality, he contended, must be conceded. He said, in
+referring to his speech made on the motion of Mr. Dillwyn in 1865: "The
+opinion I held then and hold now--namely, that in order to the
+settlement of this question of the Irish Church, that Church, as a State
+Church must cease to exist."
+
+This speech excited feelings of consternation amongst the
+Ministerialists. Mr. Disraeli bewailed his own unhappy fate at the
+commencement of his career as Prime Minister, at finding himself face
+to face with the necessity of settling an account of seven centuries
+old. He complained that all the elements of the Irish crisis had existed
+while Mr. Gladstone was in office, but no attempt had been made to deal
+with them.
+
+March 23d Mr. Gladstone proposed resolutions affirming that the Irish
+Episcopal Church should cease to exist as an establishment, and asking
+the Queen to place at the disposal of Parliament her interest in the
+temporalities of the Irish Church.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's resolution was carried by a majority of 65, and the
+Queen replied that she would not suffer her interests to stand in the
+way of any measures contemplated by Parliament. Consequently Mr.
+Gladstone brought in his Irish Church Suspensory Bill, which was adopted
+by the Commons, but rejected by the Lords. During the discussion,
+ministerial explanations followed; Mr. Disraeli described, in his most
+pompous vein, his audiences with the Queen. His statement amounted to
+this--that, in spite of adverse votes, the Ministers intended to hold on
+till the autumn, and then to appeal to the new electorate created by the
+Reform Act.
+
+Lord Houghton wrote: "Gladstone is the great triumph, but as he owns
+that he has to drive a four-in-hand, consisting of English Liberals,
+English Dissenters, Scotch Presbyterians, and Irish Catholics, he
+requires all his courage to look the difficulties in the face and trust
+to surmount them."
+
+An appeal was now made to the country. The general election that
+followed, in November, was fought out mainly upon this question. A great
+Liberal majority was returned to Parliament, which was placed at 115.
+But there were several individual defeats, among them Mr. Gladstone
+himself, who was rejected by South Lancaster. This was in part owing to
+the readjustment of seats according to the Reform Bill. But Mr.
+Gladstone received an invitation from Greenwich, in the southwestern
+division, where he was warmly received by the electors. "He spoke
+everywhere, with all his fiery eloquence, on the monstrous foolishness
+of a religious establishment which ministered only to a handful of the
+people." Is the Irish Church to be or not to be? was the question. He
+was returned for that borough by a large majority over his Conservative
+opponents.
+
+Archbishop Wilberforce wrote in November: "The returns to the House of
+Commons leave no doubt of the answer of the country to Gladstone's
+appeal. In a few weeks he will be in office at the head of a majority of
+something like a hundred, elected on the distinct issue of Gladstone and
+the Irish Church."
+
+The feeling was so enormously great in its preponderance for Mr.
+Gladstone's policy of Liberal Reform, especially for the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church, that Mr. Disraeli did not adopt
+the usual course of waiting for the endorsement of the new Parliament,
+which he felt sure would be given to Mr. Gladstone, but resigned, and
+the first Disraeli Cabinet went out of office, December 2d.
+
+December 4, 1868, the Queen summoned Mr. Gladstone to Windsor to form a
+Cabinet. He had now attained the summit of political ambition. He was
+the first Commoner in the land--the uncrowned king of the British Empire
+--for such is the English Premier. "All the industry and self-denial of
+a laborious life, all the anxieties and burdens and battles of five and
+thirty years of Parliamentary struggle were crowned by this supreme and
+adequate reward. He was Prime Minister of England--had attained to that
+goal of the Eton boy's ambition; and, what perhaps was to him of greater
+consideration, he was looked up to by vast numbers of the people as
+their great leader."
+
+December 9th the new government was completed and the ministers received
+their seals from the Queen. Mr. Bright, contrary to all expectation,
+became President of the Board of Trade. In offering themselves for
+re-election, the members of the new Cabinet found no trouble--all were
+returned. Mr. Gladstone was returned by Greenwich.
+
+With the year 1869 Mr. Gladstone entered upon a great period of Reform.
+The new Parliament was opened December 10th. On the 11th Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone paid a visit to Lord and Lady Salisbury, at Hatfield. Bishop
+Wilberforce was there and had opportunity to observe his old and honored
+friend in the first flush of his new dignity. Here are his comments:
+"Gladstone, as ever, great, earnest, and honest; as unlike the tricky
+Disraeli as possible." To Dr. Trench the Bishop wrote: "The nation has
+decided against our establishment, and we bow to its decision, and on
+what tenure and conditions it is to be held, remains confessedly open."
+"But his sagacious and statesmanlike counsel was disregarded. The Irish
+Bishops ranged themselves in bitter but futile hostility to the change.
+A frantic outbreak of Protestant violence began in Ireland and spread to
+England." Bishop Wilberforce notes this conversation at Windsor Castle:
+"The Queen very affable. 'So sorry Mr. Gladstone started this about the
+Irish Church, and he is a great friend of yours.'"
+
+On the 15th of February Parliament assembled. March 1st Mr. Gladstone
+introduced his momentous bill in a speech of three hours, his first
+speech as Prime Minister, which was characterized as "calm, moderate and
+kindly." It was proposed that on January 1, 1871, the Irish Church
+should cease to exist as an establishment and should become a
+free Church.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the Commons, moved the rejection of the bill. In
+opposing the measure he objected to disestablishment, because he was in
+favor of the union of Church and State.
+
+Mr. Gladstone eloquently concluded as follows: "As the clock points
+rapidly towards the dawn, so as rapidly flow out the years, the months,
+the days, that remain to the existence of the Irish Established
+Church.... Not now are we opening this great question. Opened, perhaps,
+it was when the Parliament which expired last year pronounced upon it
+that emphatic judgment which can never be recalled. Opened it was,
+further, when in the months of autumn the discussions were held in every
+quarter of the Irish Church. Prosecuted another stage it was, when the
+completed elections discovered to us a manifestation of the national
+verdict more emphatic than, with the rarest exceptions, has been
+witnessed during the whole of our Parliamentary history. The good cause
+was further advanced towards its triumphant issue when the silent
+acknowledgment of the late government, that they declined to contest the
+question, was given by their retirement from office, and their choosing
+a less responsible position from which to carry on a more desultory
+warfare against the policy which they had in the previous session
+unsuccessfully attempted to resist. Another blow will soon be struck in
+the same good cause, and I will not intercept it one single
+moment more."
+
+The bill passed by an overwhelming vote--368 against 250--and went up to
+the Lords, where stirring debates occurred. But there, as well as in the
+House, the Irish Establishment was doomed. The bill, substantially
+unaltered, received the Royal assent July 26, 1869.
+
+The Annual Register for 1869 declared that the bill "was carried through
+in the face of a united and powerful opposition, mainly by the resolute
+will and unflinching energy of the Prime Minister.... Upon the whole,
+whatever may be thought of its merits or demerits, it can hardly be
+disputed that the Act of the Disestablishment of the Irish Church,
+introduced and carried into a law within somewhat less than five months,
+was the most remarkable legislative achievement of modern times."
+
+The parliamentary session of 1870 was rendered memorable by the passing
+of a scarcely less popular and important measure--the Irish Land Bill.
+Mr. Gladstone, in speaking of Ireland, had referred to three branches of
+an Upas tree, to the growth of which her present sad condition was
+largely owing--the Irish Church, the Irish Land Laws, and the Irish
+Universities. The first branch had fallen with the disestablishment of
+the Irish Church, and Mr. Gladstone, pressing on in his reform, now
+proposed to lop off the second branch by his Irish Land Bill, which was
+in itself a revolution. It was claimed for Mr. Gladstone's new bill, or
+Land Scheme, that while it insured for the tenant security of holding,
+it did not confiscate a single valuable right of the Irish land-owner.
+Mr. Gladstone remarked that he believed there was a great fund of
+national wealth in the soil of Ireland as yet undeveloped, and said he
+trusted that both tenant and landlord would accept the bill because it
+was just. The bill passed, and received the approval of the Queen,
+August 1, 1870.
+
+[Illustration: The Old Lion]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+
+THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM
+
+In what has been denominated the "Golden Age of Liberalism" the Liberal
+party was united, enthusiastic, victorious, full of energy, confidence
+and hope. "I have not any misgivings about Gladstone personally," says
+an English writer, "but as leader of the party to which the folly of the
+Conservatives and the selfish treachery of Disraeli, bit by bit, allied
+him, he cannot do what he would, and, with all his vast powers, there is
+a want of sharp-sighted clearness as to others. But God rules. I do not
+see how we are, after Disraeli's Reform Bill, long to avoid fundamental
+changes, both in Church and State."
+
+Justin McCarthy has well summed up the aims of Mr. Gladstone and his
+party on their accession to power: "Nothing in modern English history is
+like the rush of the extraordinary years of reforming energy on which
+the new administration had now entered. Mr. Gladstone's government had
+to grapple with five or six great questions, any one of which might
+have seemed enough to engage the whole attention of an ordinary
+administration. The new Prime Minister had pledged himself to abolish
+the State Church in Ireland, and to reform the Irish Land Tenure system.
+He had made up his mind to put an end to the purchase of commissions in
+the army. Recent events and experiences had convinced him that it was
+necessary to introduce the system of voting by ballot. He accepted for
+his government the responsibility of originating a complete system of
+national education."
+
+The first great measure of the new administration had been successfully
+pushed through, and, flushed with triumph, the Liberal leaders were now
+ready to introduce other important legislation. In 1870, the Elementary
+Education Act, providing for the establishment of school boards, and
+securing the benefits of education for the poor in England and Wales was
+introduced. By it a national and compulsory system of education was
+established for the first time. "It is important to note that the
+concessions made during its course to the convictions of Tories and
+Churchmen, in the matter of religious education, stirred the bitter and
+abiding wrath of the political Dissenters." The measure was passed,
+while the half-penny postage for newspapers, and the half-penny post
+cards were among the benefits secured.
+
+In April, 1870, a party of English travelers in Greece were seized by
+brigands. The ladies were released and also Lord Muncaster, who was sent
+to Athens to arrange for ransom and a free pardon. But the Greek
+Government sending soldiers to release the captives and capture the
+captors, the English were murdered. The English Minister at Athens was
+in treaty for the release of his countrymen, but the great difficulty
+was to procure pardon from the Greek government. This terrible affair
+created a profound sensation in England, and it was brought before
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone pleaded for further information before taking
+decided steps. But for the arrest and execution of most of the brigands,
+and the extirpation of the band, the diabolical deed went unavenged.
+
+In July, war broke out suddenly between France and Germany, which
+resulted in the dethronement of Napoleon III. England preserved
+neutrality. However, Mr. Gladstone had his opinion regarding the war and
+thus represented it: "It is not for me to distribute praise and blame;
+but I think the war as a whole, and the state of things out of which it
+has grown, deserve a severer condemnation than any which the nineteenth
+century has exhibited since the peace of 1815." And later, in an
+anonymous article, the only one he ever wrote, and which contained the
+famous phrase, "the streak of silver sea," he "distributed blame with
+great impartiality between both belligerent powers."
+
+Among the business transacted in the session of 1870 was the following:
+All appointments to situations in all Civil Departments of the State,
+except the Foreign Office and posts requiring professional knowledge,
+should be filled by open competition; and the royal prerogative that
+claimed the General Commanding-in-Chief as the agent of the Crown be
+abolished, and that distinguished personage was formally declared to be
+subordinate to the Minister of War. Mr. Gladstone announced the
+intention of the government to release the Fenian prisoners then
+undergoing sentences for treason or treason-felony, on condition of
+their not remaining in or returning to the United Kingdom. The Premier,
+alluding to the enormity of their offenses, said that the same
+principles of justice which dictated their sentences would amply
+sanction the prolongation of their imprisonment if the public security
+demanded it. The press and country generally approved this decision of
+the Premier, but some condemned him for the condition he imposed in the
+amnesty. The religious test imposed upon all students entering at the
+universities was abolished, and all students of all creeds could now
+enter the universities on an equal footing. Heretofore special
+privileges were accorded to members of the Established Episcopal Church,
+and all others were cut off from the full enjoyment of the
+universities.
+
+A bill to establish secret voting was rejected by the Lords, but was
+passed the next session. The House of Lords, emboldened by their success
+in throwing out the voting bill, defeated a bill to abolish the purchase
+of commissions in the army, but Mr. Gladstone was not to be turned from
+his purpose, and startled the peers by a new departure--he dispensed
+with their consent, and accomplished his purpose without the decision of
+Parliament. Finding that purchase in the army existed only by royal
+sanction, he, with prompt decision, advised the Queen to issue a royal
+warrant declaring that on and after November 1, 1871, all regulations
+attending the purchase of commissions should be cancelled. The purchase
+of official positions in the army was thus abolished. It was regarded as
+a high-handed act on the part of the Prime Minister, and a stretch of
+executive authority, and was denounced by Lords and Commons, friends and
+foes. Tories and Peers especially were enraged, and regarded themselves
+as baffled.
+
+The condition of affairs in Ireland was alarming. The spread of an
+agrarian conspiracy at Westmeath compelled the government to move for a
+committee to inquire into the unlawful combination and confederacy
+existing. "Mr. Disraeli was severely sarcastic at the expense of the
+government."
+
+The grant proposed by the government to the Princess Louise on her
+marriage aroused the opposition of some members of the House, who
+claimed to represent the sentiments of a considerable number of people.
+It was proposed to grant L30,000 and an annuity of L6,000. The Premier
+stated that the Queen in marrying her daughter to one of her own
+subjects, had followed her womanly and motherly instincts. He dwelt upon
+the political importance of supporting the dignity of the crown in a
+suitable manner; upon the value of a stable dynasty; and the unwisdom of
+making minute pecuniary calculations upon such occasions. It was carried
+by a remarkable majority of 350 votes against 1.
+
+In 1871 the treaty of Washington was concluded. But the Geneva awards
+for the damage done to American shipping by the "Alabama," did much to
+undermine Mr. Gladstone's popularity with the warlike portion of the
+British public and there were various indications that the Ministry were
+becoming unpopular. There were other causes tributary to this effect.
+His plans of retrenchment had deprived Greenwich of much of its trade,
+hence his seat was threatened. Mr. Gladstone resolved to face the
+difficulty boldly, and to meet the murmurers on their own ground,
+October 28, 1871, he addressed his Greenwich constituents. The air was
+heavy with murmurs and threats. Twenty thousand people were gathered at
+Blackheath. It was a cold afternoon when he appeared bare-headed, and
+defended the whole policy of the administration. "His speech was as
+long, as methodical, as argumentative, and in parts as eloquent, as if
+he had been speaking at his ease under the friendly and commodious
+shelter of the House of Commons." The growing unpopularity of the
+Government was evidenced in the first reception given to the Premier by
+his constituents. Groans and cheers were mingled, and his voice at first
+was drowned by the din. Finally he was heard, and won the day, the
+people enthusiastically applauding and waving a forest of hats. One
+cause of unpopularity was what is called "the Ewelme Scandal," and
+another the elevation of Sir Robert Collin to the Judicial Committee of
+the Privy Council.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said: "I have a shrewd suspicion in my mind that a very
+large proportion of the people of England have a sneaking kindness for
+the hereditary principle. My observation has not been of a very brief
+period, and what I have observed is this, that wherever there is
+anything to be, done, or to be given, and there are two candidates for
+it who are exactly alike--alike in opinions, alike in character, alike
+in possessions, the one being a commoner and the other a lord--the
+Englishman is very apt indeed to prefer the lord." He detailed the great
+advantage which had accrued from the legislation of the past generation,
+including free-trade, the removal of twenty millions of taxation, a
+cheap press, and an education bill, Mr. Gladstone thus restored himself
+to the confidence of his constituents, but the ministry did not wholly
+regain the popularity they once enjoyed. The Gladstone period had passed
+its zenith and its decadence had already begun.
+
+During the autumn Mr. Gladstone received the freedom of the city of
+Aberdeen, and made a speech, in which occurred a remarkable reference to
+"the newly-invented cry of Home Rule." He spoke of the political
+illusions to which Ireland was periodically subject, the extremes to
+which England had gone in satisfying her demands, and the removal of all
+her grievances, except that which related to higher education. He said
+that any inequalities resting between England and Ireland were in favor
+of Ireland, and as to Home Rule, if Ireland was entitled to it, Scotland
+was better entitled, and even more so Wales.
+
+Ireland had proved the glory of Mr. Gladstone's administration. Its name
+had been associated with the most brilliant legislative triumphs of
+government. But Ireland was also destined to be the government's most
+serious stumbling-block, and fated to be the immediate measure of its
+overthrow. In the session of 1873 Mr. Gladstone endeavored to further
+his plans for Reform, and consequently vigorously attacked the third
+branch of the "upas tree," to which he had referred. He labored to put
+the universities on a proper basis, that they might be truly educational
+centres for the whole of Ireland, and not for a small section of its
+inhabitants alone. This step followed legitimately after the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church. He introduced to this end a large
+and comprehensive measure, but although it was favorably received at the
+outset, a hostile feeling soon began and manifested itself. Mr.
+Gladstone pleaded powerfully for the measure, and said: "To mete out
+justice to Ireland, according to the best view that with human infirmity
+we could form, has been the work--I will almost say the sacred work--of
+this Parliament. Having put our hands to the plough, let us not turn
+back. Let not what we think the fault or perverseness of those whom we
+are attempting to assist have the slightest effect in turning us, even
+by a hair's-breadth, from the path on which we have entered. As we begun
+so let us persevere, even to the end, and with firm and resolute hand
+let us efface from the law and practice of the country the last--for I
+believe it is the last--of the religious and social grievances of
+Ireland." Mr. Disraeli made fun of the bill, stalwart Liberals condemned
+it, and the Irish members voted against it, hence the bill was defeated
+by a small majority of three votes. Mr. Gladstone consequently resigned,
+but Mr. Disraeli positively declined to take office with a majority of
+the House of Commons against him, and refused to appeal to the country.
+Mr. Gladstone read an extract from a letter he had addressed to the
+Queen, in which he contended that Mr. Disraeli's refusal to accept
+office was contrary to all precedent. But under the extraordinary
+circumstances he and his colleagues consented to resume office, and they
+would endeavor to proceed, both with regard to legislation and
+administration upon the same principle as those which had heretofore
+regulated their conduct. Mr. Lowe, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
+having resigned, Mr. Gladstone assumed the duties of the office himself,
+thus serving in the double offices of Premier and Chancellor. During the
+recess various speeches were made in defence of the Ministerial policy,
+but the government failed to recover its once overwhelming popularity.
+
+On the 19th of July, 1873, Mr. Gladstone lost by sudden death one of his
+oldest and most highly esteemed friends--Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of
+Winchester. He was riding to Holmbury with Earl Granville, when he was
+thrown from his horse and killed instantly.
+
+The end of Mr. Gladstone's first ministry was now drawing near. The
+people no longer desired to keep up with the reforming zeal of the
+administration. Mr. Disraeli's strongly exaggerated description of the
+Premier's policy had the effect of forming the popular discontent;
+Liberal members were deserting him. The Bible was in danger of being
+left out of the schools, and beer was threatened with taxation. The flag
+of "Beer and the Bible"--strange combination--having been hoisted by
+clergy and publicans, the cry against the ministry became irresistible.
+Deserted by the people and by many of his own party, what was to be done
+unless to appeal to the country and decide by a general election what
+was wanted and who would be sustained.
+
+January, 1874, Mr. Gladstone issued a manifesto dissolving Parliament.
+In this document, entitled to be called a State paper for its political
+and historical importance, Mr. Gladstone stated his reasons for what was
+regarded by many as a _coup d' tat_. It is impossible to describe the
+public excitement and confusion which attended the general election thus
+unexpectedly decreed. Mr. Gladstone, recovering from a cold, appealed
+with great energy to Greenwich for re-election. The general election
+resulted in the defeat of the Liberals, and gave to the Conservatives a
+majority of forty-six in the House. Mr. Gladstone was elected, but
+Greenwich which returned two members, placed the Premier second on the
+poll--below a local distiller. Following the example of his
+predecessor, in 1868, Mr. Gladstone resigned. "Thus was overthrown one
+of the greatest administrations of the century; indeed, it may be
+doubted whether any other English Ministry was ever able to show such a
+splendid record of great legislative acts within so short a period.
+There was not one measure, but a dozen, which would have shed lustre
+upon any government; and the six years of Mr. Gladstone's first
+Premiership are well entitled to the epithet which has been accorded to
+them of 'the Golden Age of Liberalism.'"
+
+Before the next Parliament met Mr. Gladstone was to give the country
+another surprise. He was now sixty-four years old, had been forty years
+in active parliamentary labors, and thought himself justified in seeking
+rest from the arduous duties of public life, at least the pressing cares
+as leader of one of the great political parties. When his contemplated
+retirement had before become known to his friends, they induced him for
+a while longer to act as leader, but in February, 1875, he finally
+retired from the leadership and indeed appeared but rarely in the House
+of Commons during that session.
+
+"The retirement of Mr. Gladstone from active leadership naturally
+filled his party with dismay. According to the general law of human
+life, they only realized their blessings when they had lost them. They
+had grumbled at their chief and mutinied against him and helped to
+depose him. But, now that this commanding genius was suddenly withdrawn
+from their councils they found that they had nothing to put in its
+place. Their indignation waxed fast and furious, and was not the less
+keen because they had to some extent, brought their trouble on
+themselves. They complained with almost a ludicrous pathos that Mr.
+Gladstone had led them into a wilderness of opposition and left them
+there to perish. They were as sheep without a shepherd and the ravening
+wolves of Toryism seemed to have it all their own way."
+
+Between the time of Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the Premiership and
+his resignation of leadership in the House, he had quickly reappeared in
+the House of Commons and vigorously opposed the Public Worship
+Regulation Bill. Mr. Gladstone attacked the bill with a power and
+vehemence which astonished the House. The great objection to it was its
+interference with liberty, and with the variety of customs which had
+grown up in different parts of the country. To enforce strict uniformity
+would be oppressive and inconvenient. The bill became law, however,
+though it has largely proved inoperative, Mr. Gladstone also opposed the
+Endowed Schools Act Amendment Bill, which practically gave to the Church
+of England the control of schools that were thrown open to the whole
+nation by the policy of the last Parliament. So great a storm was raised
+over this reactionary bill that Mr. Disraeli was obliged to modify its
+provisions considerably before it could become a law. Mr. Gladstone was
+also active at this time in delivering addresses at Liverpool College,
+the Buckley Institute and the well-known Nonconformist College at
+Mill Hill.
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE'S MAIL]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+THE EASTERN QUESTION
+
+During his retirement from the leadership of the Liberal Party, Mr.
+Gladstone employed his great abilities in theological controversy and
+literary productions. It was during this period that he collected his
+miscellaneous writings, entitled "Gleanings from Past Years." A little
+more than a year had elapsed when he again entered the political arena.
+"He threw aside polemics and criticisms, he forgot for awhile Homer and
+the Pope," and "rushed from his library at Hawarden, forgetting alike
+ancient Greece and modern Rome," as he flung himself with impassioned
+energy and youthful vigor into a new crusade against Turkey. A quarter
+of a century before he had aroused all Europe with the story of the
+Neapolitan barbarities, and now again his keen sense of justice and
+strong, humanitarian sympathies impel him with righteous indignation to
+the eloquent defence of another oppressed people, and the denunciation
+of their wrongs. It was the Eastern Question that at once brought back
+the Liberal leader into the domain of politics. "The spirit of the
+war-horse could not be quenched, and the country thrilled with his fiery
+condemnation of the Bulgarian massacres." His activity was phenomenal.
+"He made the most impassioned speeches, often in the open air; he
+published pamphlets which rushed into incredible circulations; he poured
+letter after letter into the newspapers; he darkened the sky with
+controversial postcards, and, as soon as Parliament met in February,
+1877, he was ready with all his unequalled resources of eloquence,
+argumentation and inconvenient enquiry, to drive home his great
+indictment against the Turkish government and its champion, Mr.
+Disraeli, who had now become Lord Beaconsfield."
+
+"The reason of all this passion is not difficult to discover. Mr.
+Gladstone is a Christian; and in the Turk he saw the great
+anti-Christian power where it ought not, in the fairest provinces of
+Christendom, and stained with the record of odious cruelty practised
+through long centuries on its defenceless subjects who were worshippers
+of Jesus Christ."
+
+Turkish oppression, which had for a long time existed in its worst
+forms, resulted in an insurrection against Turkey and Herzegovina,
+July 1, 1875. This, however, was only the beginning, for others suffering
+under Ottoman oppression rebelled, and all Europe was involved.
+
+In January, 1876, the Herzegovinians gained a victory over the Turkish
+troops. The European powers then suggested a settlement favorable to the
+insurgents, which was accepted by the Sultan. But early in May another
+insurrection broke out in several Bulgarian villages, which was quickly
+followed by the most horrible atrocities. A conference on the Eastern
+question was held at Berlin in May, and soon afterward the English
+ministers announced in Parliament that they were unable to assent to the
+terms agreed upon at the Berlin Conference. This announcement caused
+much surprise and comment in England. Public feeling already aroused,
+was not allayed when it became known that the British fleet in the
+Mediterranean had been ordered to Besiki Bay, seemingly for the
+protection of the Turkish Empire.
+
+June 28th the Bulgarian insurrection was suppressed. On the 10th of July
+the Sultan, Abdul Aziz, was deposed and was succeeded by Murad V, who
+declared that he desired to guarantee liberty to all. Mr. Disraeli
+stated, in the House of Commons, that the steps taken by the Ministry
+would lead to permanent peace. But within two weeks the _Daily News_
+published a letter from Constantinople detailing the massacre in
+Bulgaria by the Turks, which moved all England with indignation.
+Innocent men, women and children had been slaughtered by the thousands;
+at least sixty villages had been utterly destroyed; the most revolting
+scenes of violence had been enacted; and a district once the most
+fertile in the Empire had been laid waste and completely ruined. Forty
+girls were shut up in a straw loft and burnt, and outrages of the most
+fearful description were committed upon hundreds of defenceless
+captives.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, grew "jocular upon the cruelties
+and sufferings almost unparalleled in the world's history," and
+expressed his belief that the outrages committed by the Turkish troops
+had been exaggerated, and sneered at the rumor as "coffee-house babble;"
+while as to the torture of the impalement, which had caused universal
+anger and disgust, that an Oriental people have their way of executing
+malefactors, and generally terminated their connection with culprits in
+an expeditious manner.
+
+In the official report presented to Parliament by Mr. W. Baring, the
+reported outrages in Bulgaria were corroborated. No fewer than 12,000
+persons had perished in the sandjak of Philippopolis! The most fearful
+tragedy, however, was at Batak, where over 1000 people took refuge in
+the church and churchyard. The Bashi-Bazouks fired through the windows,
+and, getting upon the roof, tore off the tiles and threw burning pieces
+of wood and rags dipped in petroleum among the mass of unhappy human
+beings inside. At last the door was forced in and the massacre was
+completed. The inside of the church was then burnt, and hardly one
+escaped. "The massacre at Batak was the most heinous crime which stained
+the history of the present century;" and for this exploit the Turkish
+Commander, Achmet Agha, had bestowed on him the order of the Medjidie.
+Sir Henry Elliot, the English Ambassador at Constantinople, was directed
+to lay these facts before the Sultan and to demand the punishment of the
+offenders. The demand, however, was never enforced.
+
+Prince Milan issued a proclamation to his people, declaring that, while
+professing neutrality, the Sultan had continued to send military forces
+of savage hordes to the Servian frontier. In June, Prince Milan left
+Belgrade and joined his army on the frontier. The Montenegrins declared
+war on Turkey and joined forces with Servia. July 6th the Servians were
+defeated. Thus was Turkey plunged into war with her Christian provinces,
+and all through her own misrule in peace and her barbarities in war.
+
+Mr. Disraeli in a speech made in the House of Commons, August 11th,
+explained that he had not denied the existence of the "Bulgarian.
+Atrocities," but he had no official knowledge of them. He affirmed that
+Great Britain was not responsible for what occurred in Turkey, nor were
+the Turks the special _proteges_ of England. He announced that the
+special duty of the Government at that moment was to preserve the
+British Empire, and that they would never consent to any step that would
+hazard the existence of that empire, This speech, which was
+distinguished by much of his old brilliancy and power, was his last
+speech in the House. On the morning after this speech it was publicly
+announced that Mr. Disraeli would immediately be elevated to the peerage
+under the title of the Earl of Beaconsfield.
+
+In September, 1876, deeming it high time that the indignant voice of
+England should be heard in demonstration of the infamous deeds practiced
+by the Turk, Mr. Gladstone issued his pamphlet, entitled "Bulgarian
+Horrors and the Question of the East." It had an enormous circulation.
+He called for a stop to be put to the anarchy, the misrule and the
+bloodshed in Bulgaria, and demanded that the Ottoman rule should be
+excluded, not only from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also from Bulgaria.
+The Turks must clear out, "bag and baggage," from the provinces they
+have desolated and profaned. The pamphlet, and the latter expression
+especially, produced a great sensation.
+
+The pamphlet "brought home to the English people the idea that for these
+horrors which were going on, they too, as non-interfering allies of
+Turkey, were in part responsible." Soon after this Mr. Gladstone
+addressed a large concourse of his constituents at Blackheath, in which
+he severely arraigned the Government. This address was one of the most
+impassioned and eloquent of Mr. Gladstone's political orations, and at
+some points the people were literally carried away with their feelings.
+
+November 1st, Turkey was forced by Russia to agree to an armistice of
+eight weeks. On the 2d the Russian Emperor pledged his word to the
+English Ambassador that he had no intention of acquiring Constantinople;
+that if compelled to occupy Bulgaria, it would be only until the safety
+of the Christian inhabitants be secured; and urged the Ambassador to
+remove the distrust of Russia prevailing in England. Yet, in the face of
+all these assurances, Lord Beaconsfield delivered a war-like speech, at
+the banquet at Guildhall, November 9th. Informed of this speech the Czar
+declared that if the Porte did not accede to his demands, Russia would
+then act independently.
+
+On the 8th of December there was a great conference at St. James' Hall,
+London, to discuss the Eastern question. The Duke of Westminster
+presided at the afternoon meeting. At the evening gathering Lord
+Shaftesbury occupied the chair. Mr. E. Freeman said: "Perish the
+interests of England, perish our dominion in India, sooner than we
+should strike one blow or speak one word on behalf of the wrong against
+the right." The chief interest of the occasion centered in the speech of
+Mr. Gladstone who was received with unbounded applause. He declared that
+there had been no change in public sentiment in England on the question;
+that the promoters of that meeting had no desire to embarrass the
+Government; that the power and influence of England had been employed to
+effect results at variance with the convictions of the country; that
+Lord Beaconsfield had only recently appeared anxious; and that England
+had duties towards the Christian subjects of Turkey. Mr. Gladstone
+continued that he hoped that the instructions given to Lord Salisbury,
+who had been sent for conference to Constantinople, were not in
+accordance with the speech at Guildhall, but that he would be left to
+his own clear insight and generous impulses; that the conference would
+insist upon the independence of the provinces, or at least would insure
+them against arbitrary injustice and oppression, and that the work
+indicated was not merely a worthy deed but an absolute duty.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, during the recess of Parliament, delivered speeches upon
+the burning question of the day all over England. At Hawarden he
+pleaded that it was the wretched Turkish system that was at fault, and
+not the Turks themselves, and hoped for a remedy. To the electors of
+Frome he spoke of the tremendous responsibility of the Ministers. In a
+speech at the Taunton Railway Station, he said, in reference to the
+injunction for himself and friends to mind their own business, that the
+Eastern question was their own business. And when the Constantinople
+Conference failed he spoke of this "great transaction and woeful
+failure," and laid all the blame of failure on the Ministry. As to the
+treaties of 1856 being in force, his opinion was, that Turkey had
+entirely broken those treaties and trampled them under foot.
+
+January 20, 1877, the conference closed. Parliament met February 8, 1877,
+and the conflict was transferred from the country to that narrower
+arena. In the House of Lords the Duke of Argyle delivered a powerful
+speech, to which the Premier, Disraeli, replied, that he believed that
+any interference directed to the alleviation of the sufferings of the
+Turkish Christians would only make their sufferings worse. He asked for
+calm, sagacious and statesmanlike consideration of the whole subject,
+never forgetting the great interests of England, if it was to have any
+solution at all.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, upon his appearance in the House, was greeted as a Daniel
+come to judgment. He was taken to task by Mr. Chaplin, who complained
+that Mr. Gladstone and others of the Liberal party "had endeavored to
+regulate the foreign policy of the country by pamphlets, by speeches at
+public meetings, and by a so-called National Conference, instead of
+leaving it in the hands of the Executive Government," and intimated that
+Mr. Gladstone was afraid to meet the House in debate upon the question.
+Mr. Gladstone, rebuking Mr. Chaplain, said that it was the first time in
+a public career extending over nearly half a century, he had been
+accused of a disinclination to meet his opponents in a fair fight, and
+promised him that neither he nor his friends would have reason to
+complain of his reticence. Tories and Liberals knew he had not shrunk
+from meeting the public on this question. He was glad that there was a
+tremendous feeling abroad upon this Eastern question. He had been told
+that by the pamphlet he wrote and the speech he delivered, he had done
+all this mischief, and agitated Europe and the world; but if that were
+the case why did not the honorable gentleman, by writing another
+pamphlet, and delivering another speech, put the whole thing right? If
+he (the speaker) had done anything, it was only in the same way that a
+man applies a match to an enormous mass of fuel already prepared. Mr.
+Gladstone closed with the following words: "We have, I think, the most
+solemn and the greatest question to determine that has come before
+Parliament in my time.... In the original entrance of the Turks into
+Europe, it may be said to have been a turning point in human history. To
+a great extent it continues to be the cardinal question, the question
+which casts into the shade every other question."
+
+April 24, 1877, war was declared by Russia against Turkey. The Czar
+issued a manifesto, assigning as reasons for this war the refusal of
+guarantee by the Porte for the proposed reforms, the failure of the
+Conference and the rejection of the Proteol signed on the previous 31st
+of March. England, France and Italy proclaimed their neutrality. Mr.
+Gladstone initiated a great debate in the House of Commons, May 7th,
+which lasted five days. He presented a series of resolutions expressing
+grave dissatisfaction with the policy of Turkey, and declared that she
+had forfeited all claim to support, moral and material. Mr. Gladstone
+asked whether, with regard to the great battle of freedom against
+oppression then going on, "we in England could lay our hands upon our
+hearts, and in the face of God and man, say, 'We have well and
+sufficiently performed our part?'"
+
+These resolutions were of course hostile to the Government, and many
+Liberals refused to vote for them, because they pledged England to a
+policy of force in connection with Russia. Besides the Government gave
+assurances to avail themselves of any opportunity of interposing their
+good offices. The resolutions consequently were lost. Mr. Gladstone was
+not quite the leader of his party again.
+
+Shortly after this debate, and before the close of the session, Mr.
+Gladstone addressed a large meeting at Birmingham on the Eastern
+question and the present condition of the Liberal party. Later on he
+visited Ireland. On his return he addressed, by their request, the
+people gathered to receive him. He expressed his belief that Turkey
+would have yielded to the concerted action of Europe; noticed the change
+in the tone of the ministry from the omission in the Premier's speech of
+the phrase, "the independence of Turkey;" protested strongly against
+England being dragged into war, and warmly eulogized the non-conformists
+for the consistency and unanimity with which they had insisted on
+justice to the Eastern Christians. Political feeling entered into
+everything at this time, but as an evidence of the hold Mr. Gladstone
+retained in the Scottish heart, he was in November elected Lord Rector
+of Glasgow University by a large majority. Lord Beaconsfield was the
+retiring Lord Rector, and the Conservatives nominated Sir S. Northcote,
+the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as Mr. Gladstone's opponent.
+
+The war in the East went disastrously for the Ottoman arms. January 23,
+1878, the Porte agreed to accept the terms of peace submitted by the
+Grand Duke Nicholas.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was invited January 30, 1878, to attend a meeting of
+undergraduates at Oxford, held to celebrate the formation of a Liberal
+Palmerston Club. He strongly condemned the sending of the British fleet
+into the Dardanelles as a breach of European law; and confessed that he
+had been an agitator for the past eighteen months, day and night, to
+counteract what he believed to be the evil purposes of Lord
+Beaconsfield.
+
+In February the House of Commons passed a vote of credit, but on the 3d
+of March a treaty of peace was signed between Turkey and Russia, at
+Sanstefano, the terms of which in part were: Turkey to pay a large war
+indemnity; Servia and Montenegro to be independent and to receive
+accessions of territory; Bulgaria to be formed into a principality with
+greatly extended boundaries, and to be governed by a prince elected by
+the inhabitants; the navigation of the Straits was declared free for
+merchant vessels, both in times of peace and war; Russian troops to
+occupy Bulgaria for two years; Batoum, Ardahan, Kars and Bayazid, with
+their territories, to be ceded to Russia, and Turkey to pay an indemnity
+to Roumania. The terms of the treaty were regarded oppressive to Turkey
+by the Beaconsfield Ministry, who proposed that the whole treaty be
+submitted to a congress at Berlin, to meet in June, 1878. The treaty was
+approved after some modifications. The English Plenipotentiaries were
+the Earl of Beaconsfield and Marquis of Salisbury, who, for their share
+in the treaty, received a popular ovation and rewards from the Queen.
+Thus was Turkey humiliated and Russia benefited, having obtained her
+demands. To the people assembled Lord Beaconsfield said from the window
+of the Foreign Office: "Lord Salisbury and myself have brought you back
+peace, but a peace, I hope with honor, which may satisfy our Sovereign
+and tend to the welfare of the country." But at this very time the envoy
+of Russia, whom the ministry thought to be circumvented, was entering
+the Afghan capital; so that, although there was peace on the Bosphorus,
+as a direct result of the Eastern policy, there was war in Afghanistan.
+The Conservatives were very ready for awhile to use as a watchword the
+phrase, "Peace and Honor," but before long it became the occasion
+of ridicule.
+
+Parliament was called upon to appropriate L8,000,000 to defray the cost
+of the Afghan and Zulu wars. When Mr. Gladstone's government retired
+from office, there was a surplus of over L3,000,000, but the budgets of
+1878 and 1879 both showed large deficits. The people had applauded the
+"imperial policy," "the jingoism" of Lord Beaconsfield's administration
+during the past two or three years, but they were not so appreciative
+when they found it so costly a policy to themselves. The depression in
+business also had its effect upon the country. The unpopularity of the
+Liberal government, which culminated in its defeat in 1873, was now, in
+1879, being shifted to their Conservative opponents, whose term of
+office was fast drawing to a close.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's resolute and splendid hostility to Lord Beaconsfield's
+whole system of foreign policy restored him to his paramount place among
+English politicians. For four years--from 1876 to 1880--he sustained the
+high and holy strife with an enthusiasm, a versatility, a courage and a
+resourcefulness which raised the enthusiasm of his followers to the
+highest pitch, and filled his guilty and baffled antagonists with a rage
+which went near to frenzy. By frustrating Lord Beaconsfield's design of
+going to war on behalf of Turkey, he saved England from the indelible
+disgrace of a second and more gratuitous Crimea. But it was not only in
+Eastern Europe that his saving influence was felt. In Africa and India,
+and wherever British honor was involved, he was the resolute and
+unsparing enemy of that odious system of bluster and swagger and might
+against right, on which Lord Beaconsfield and his colleagues bestowed
+the tawdry nickname of Imperialism."
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE ON HIS WAY HOME]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP
+
+The leadership of the Liberal party had, upon the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone, been turned over to Lord Hartington. His sympathies were upon
+the right side on the Eastern question, but he was a calm, slow-moving
+man. At the proper time he would have taken the right measures in
+Parliament, but the temper of the Liberal party and of the people
+demanded present action and emphatic speech, then Mr. Gladstone came to
+the rescue, and Lord Hartington found himself pushed aside. Mr.
+Gladstone was again in fact the leader of the Liberal party, whose
+standard he had carried aloft during those stirring times when the
+Eastern question was the all-absorbing topic of debate in Parliament and
+among the people of the land. The foreign policy of Lord Beaconsfield in
+1878 and 1879 found a sleepless critic in Mr. Gladstone.
+
+The day after the Parliament of 1878 had adjourned for the Easter
+recess, it was announced that the Ministry had ordered the Indian
+Government to dispatch 7000 native troops to the Island of Malta. The
+order occasioned much discussion--political, legal, and constitutional.
+It was warmly debated. It was thought that Lord Beaconsfield had
+transcended his powers and done what could be done only by a vote of
+Parliament. In the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone condemned the
+proceedings as unconstitutional, and pointed out the dangers of the
+Ministerial policy. Lord Beaconsfield received what he calculated
+upon--the support of the House. For a member to differ from his policy
+was almost to incur the imputation of disloyalty to Crown and country.
+Indeed, Mr. Gladstone was seriously accused of treason by a member of
+the House for an article in the _Nineteenth Century_.
+
+Mr. Gladstone undauntedly continued the contest. He addressed a meeting
+of Liberals in the Drill Hall, Bermondsey, July 20th, in which he said
+that the Dissolution of Parliament could not long be postponed, and
+urged the union and organization of all Liberals, and prompt measures to
+secure such representation as the Liberals deserved in the coming
+Parliament. Speaking of the Anglo-Turkish treaty, he pointed out the
+serious obligations which devolved upon England under it. He added,
+regarding the Turkish Convention, that, possibly it was necessary to
+sustain the credit of the country, but whether that credit should be
+sustained at such a price remained for the people to determine at the
+polls. He rejoiced that these most unwise, extravagant, unwarrantable,
+unconstitutional and dangerous proceedings had not been the work of the
+Liberal party, but he was grieved to think that any party should be
+found in England to perform such transactions.
+
+A great debate arose in the House of Commons, extending over the whole
+range of the Eastern question: The Treaty of Berlin, the Anglo-Turkish
+Convention, the acquisition of Cyprus, the claims of Greece, etc. It was
+begun by the Marquis of Hartington, who offered a resolution regretting
+the grave responsibilities the Ministry had assumed for England with no
+means of securing their fulfillment, and without the previous knowledge
+of Parliament. Mr. Gladstone's speech during this debate is described as
+"a long and eloquent address, unsurpassable for its comprehensive grasp
+of the subject, its lucidity, point, and the high tone which animated it
+throughout." Mr. Gladstone denied that his strictures upon the
+Government in a speech made out of Parliament could be construed as Lord
+Beaconsfield had taken them as a personal attack and provocation. If
+criticism of this kind is prohibited the doors of the House might as
+well be shut. He observed that, "Liberty of speech is the liberty which
+secures all other liberties, and the abridgment of which would render
+all other liberties vain and useless possessions." In discussing the
+Congress at Berlin, Mr. Gladstone said, that he could not shut his eyes
+to the fact that the Sclavs, looking to Russia had been freed, while the
+Greeks, looking to England, remained with all their aspirations
+unsatisfied; that Russia had secured much territory and large indemnity,
+with the sanction of Europe; that the English Plenipotentiaries at the
+Congress, Lord Salisbury and Lord Beaconsfield, as a general rule, took
+the side of servitude, and that opposed to freedom.
+
+With regard to the English responsibilities in Asiatic Turkey put upon
+England at the Convention, he called them an "unheard of," and
+"mad-undertaking," accomplished "in the dark," by the present Ministry.
+Dealing with the treaty-making power of the country, he claimed that it
+rested with Parliament in conjunction with the Executive. The strength
+and the eloquence were on the side of the opposition, but the votes were
+for the Government. The resolutions of Lord Hartington were defeated,
+and the "imperial policy" of the Ministry was sustained. The _Spectator_
+said, that, "Reason, prudence, and patriotism have hardly ever in our
+times been voted down with so little show of argument, and even of
+plausible suggestion."
+
+The next step taken by the Ministry was to undertake war with
+Afghanistan, in hopes of checking the advances of Russia in that
+direction and of redressing grievances. England accomplished her purpose
+in part, but greatly suffered for her exploit. Mr. Gladstone could not
+remain quiet under the "adventurous policy" of the Premier. He condemned
+the ministerial policy which had made the Queen an Empress, then
+manipulated the prerogative in a manner wholly unexampled in this age,
+and employed it in inaugurating policies about which neither the nation
+nor the Parliament had ever been consulted. But arguments were of no
+avail. The Conservative majority in Parliament had imbibed the idea that
+the honor of England had to be protected. Some thought it had never been
+assailed, but Lord Beaconsfield declared it was in peril, and men and
+money were voted to defend it. "So the order was given for distant
+peoples to be attacked, English blood to be spilled, the burdens of the
+people, already too heavy, to be swollen, and the future liabilities of
+this country to be enormously increased."
+
+In November, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Lord Beaconsfield, speaking of
+Eastern affairs, said that the Government was not afraid of any invasion
+of India by its northwestern frontier; but the frontier was "haphazard
+and not a scientific one," and the Government wanted a satisfactory
+frontier. Mr. Gladstone, in a letter to the Bedford Liberal Association,
+asked: "What right have we to annex by war, or to menace the territory
+of our neighbors, in order to make 'scientific' a frontier which is
+already safe?"
+
+In the autumn of 1879 Mr. Gladstone, having resolved to retire from the
+representation of Greenwich at the next election, paid a farewell visit
+to his constituents. At a luncheon given by the Liberal Association he
+dwelt upon the necessity of a Liberal union. The Liberals had, owing to
+their dissensions, given twenty-six votes to their opponents in 1874,
+while the Government had been carried on for years by a Conservative
+majority of less than twenty-six, showing the importance of
+organization. At night Mr. Gladstone attended a great public meeting in
+the Plumstead Skating Rink. On his entrance the whole audience rose and
+cheered for several minutes. An address was presented, expressing regret
+at his retirement, and the pride they would ever feel at having been
+associated with his name and fame. Mr. Gladstone alluded to Lord
+Beaconsfield's phrase respecting "harassed interests," and said he knew
+of only one harassed interest, and that was the British nation. He
+protested against the words "personal government" being taken to imply
+that the Sovereign desired to depart from the traditions of the
+constitution, yet he charged the advisers of the Crown with having
+invidiously begun a system intended to narrow the liberties of the
+people of England and to reduce Parliament to the condition of the
+French Parliaments before the great Revolution.
+
+Mr. Gladstone threw the whole responsibility of the Afghan war on the
+Ministry, and maintaining that England had departed from the customs of
+the forefathers, concluded as follows: "It is written in the eternal
+laws of the universe of God that sin shall be followed by suffering. An
+unjust war is a tremendous sin. The question which you have to consider
+is whether this war is just or unjust. So far as I am able to collect
+the evidence, it is unjust."
+
+In December, 1878, the following resolution was offered in the House of
+Commons: "That this House disapproves the conduct of her Majesty's
+Government, which has resulted in the war with Afghanistan." Mr.
+Gladstone strongly condemned the war with Afghanistan and the irritating
+policy towards the Ameer, and concluded his address with the following
+eloquent responses to the historical and moral aspects of the Afghan
+difficulty: "You have made this war in concealment from Parliament, in
+reversal of the policy of every Indian and Home Government that has
+existed for the last twenty-five years, in contempt of the supplication
+of the Ameer and in defiance of the advice of your own agent, and all
+for the sake of obtaining a scientific frontier." This powerful speech
+greatly impressed, for the moment, both parties in the House, but the
+vote of censure was defeated, and the policy of the administration was
+endorsed. During the debate Mr. Latham made a witty comparison. He said
+that the Cabinet reminded him of the gentleman, who seeing his horses
+run away, and being assured by the coachman that they must drive into
+something, replied, "Then smash into something cheap!"
+
+The Ministry presented a motion that the revenues of India should be
+applied for the purposes of the war. Mr. Gladstone observed that it was
+the people of England who had had all the glory and all the advantage
+which resulted from the destruction of the late administration, and the
+accession of the present Cabinet; and hence it was the people who must
+measure the _pros_ and the _cons_, and who must be content, after having
+reaped such innumerable benefits, to encounter the disadvantage of
+meeting charges which undoubtedly the existing government would leave
+behind it as a legacy to posterity. England gained her end in the
+humiliation of Russia, but there were those who felt that the result of
+the English policy would further the advance of Russia in Europe, and
+that force would never make friends of the Afghans.
+
+In the sessions of 1879 the Greek question came up in the House of
+Commons on a motion, "That, in the opinion of this House, tranquillity
+in the East demands that satisfaction be given to the just claims of
+Greece, and no satisfaction can be considered adequate that does not
+ensure execution of the recommendations embodied in Protocol 13 of the
+Berlin Congress." Mr. Gladstone hoped that even in the present House
+there would be found those who would encourage the first legitimate
+aspirations of the Hellenic races after freedom. The government had
+given pledges to advance the claims of Greece that had not been redeemed
+at Berlin. Not one of the European powers was now averse to the claims
+of the Greek kingdom, whose successful pleadings depended wholly upon
+England for favorable answer. But the government objected, and the
+motion was rejected. In July, Sir Charles Dilke called the attention of
+the House to the obligations of Turkey under the Treaty of Berlin, when
+Mr. Gladstone again earnestly enforced the claims of "Greece, weak as
+she may be, is yet strong in the principles in which she rests."
+
+December 29, 1879, Mr. Gladstone attained the seventieth year of his
+age. His friends in Liverpool, and the Greenwich Liberal Association
+presented him with congratulatory addresses. The journals paid him warm
+tributes for his long and eminent public services. But few thought that
+the veteran that had so successfully gone through one electoral campaign
+was destined in a few months to pass through another, still more
+remarkable, and yet be fresh for new triumphs. In the autumn of 1879 Mr.
+Gladstone resolved upon a very important, and as his enemies thought, a
+hopeless step. He had retired from the representation of Greenwich, and
+he now boldly decided to contest the election for Midlothian, the county
+of Edinburgh. He consequently proceeded to Scotland, in November, where
+such an ovation was given him as has never been accorded to any man in
+modern times. During the period of three weeks he addressed meetings
+numbering seventy-five thousand people, while a quarter of a million of
+people, with every exhibition of good-will and admiration, took part in
+some way in the demonstration in his honor. In this canvass of
+delivering political speeches he performed an oratorical and
+intellectual feat unparalleled in the history of any statesman who had
+attained his seventieth year. Mr. Gladstone addressed large concourses
+of people. When he reached Edinburgh, "his progress was as the progress
+of a nation's guest, or a king returning to his own again."
+
+Midlothian, the scene of Mr. Gladstone's astonishing exertions, was one
+of the Conservative strongholds, under the dominent influence of the
+Duke of Buccleuch, whose son, Lord Dalkeith, Mr. Gladstone opposed in
+contesting for the representation in Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said:
+"Being a man of Scotch blood, I am very much attached to Scotland, and
+like even the Scottish accent," and he afterwards said, "and Scotland
+showed herself equally proud of her son." He spoke at Edinburgh,
+November 26th, and on the following day at Dalkeith, in the very heart
+of the Duke of Buccleuch's own property to an audience of three thousand
+people, mostly agriculturists. At Edinburgh he met nearly five thousand
+persons at the Corn Exchange, representing more than one hundred
+Scottish Liberal Associations. In the Waverley Market Mr. Gladstone
+addressed more than twenty thousand people, one of the largest
+congregations ever assembled in-doors in Scotland, and met with a
+reception which for enthusiasm was in keeping with the vastness of the
+audience. December 5th, at Glasgow, he delivered his address as Lord
+Rector to the students of the University, and in the evening addressed
+an immense audience of nearly six thousand in St. Andrew's Hall. He was
+most enthusiastically received, and he dwelt chiefly on Cyprus, the Suez
+Canal, India, and Afghanistan. "We had Afghanistan ruined," he urged,
+"India not advanced, but thrown back in government, subjected to heavy
+and unjust charges, subjected to what might well be termed, in
+comparison with the mild government of former years, a system of
+oppression; and with all this we had at home the law broken and the
+rights of Parliament invaded."
+
+On the 8th of March, 1880, the immediate dissolution of Parliament was
+announced in both Houses of Parliament, and the news created intense
+political excitement and activity throughout the land. In his manifesto,
+in the shape of a letter to the Duke of Marlborough, the Prime Minister
+referred to the attempt made to sever the constitutional tie between
+Great Britain and Ireland, and said: "It is to be hoped that all men of
+light and leading will resist this destructive doctrine. There are some
+who challenge the expediency of the Imperial character of this realm.
+Having attempted and failed to enfeeble our colonies by their policy of
+decomposition, they may now perhaps recognize in the disintegration of
+the United Kingdom a mode which will not only accomplish, but
+precipitate, that purpose. Peace rests on the presence, not to say the
+ascendency, of England in the councils of Europe."
+
+Mr. Gladstone and Lord Hartington issued their counter-manifestoes. Mr.
+Gladstone repudiated Lord Beaconsfield's dark allusion to the repeal of
+the union and the abandonment of the colonies, characterizing them as
+base insinuations, the real purpose of which was to hide from view the
+policy pursued by the Ministry, and its effect upon the condition of
+the country; and said that public distress had been aggravated by
+continual shocks from neglected legislation at home, "while abroad they
+had strained the prerogative by gross misuse, had weakened the Empire by
+needless wars, and dishonored it in the eyes of Europe by their
+clandestine acquisition of the Island of Cyprus."
+
+Mr. Gladstone began the electoral campaign with a speech at Marylebone
+on the 10th of March, in which he announced Lord Derby's secession from
+the Conservative to the Liberal party; and then he left London to enter
+upon his second Midlothian campaign. At various points on the journey
+Mr. Gladstone stopped and addressed the people from the cars, and it is
+a remarkable fact that wherever he delivered an address the Liberals
+gained a seat.
+
+The first address made by Mr. Gladstone on his own account, was
+delivered on the 17th of March, in the Music Hall, Edinburgh. After
+dwelling at great length upon various questions of foreign policy, he
+concluded with the following references personal to his opponents and
+himself: "I give them credit for patriotic motives; I give them credit
+for those patriotic motives which are incessantly and gratuitously
+denied to us. I believe that we are all united, gentlemen--indeed it
+would be most unnatural if we were not--in a fond attachment, perhaps in
+something of a proud attachment, to the great country to which
+we belong."
+
+In his final speech at West Calder Mr. Gladstone drew a powerful
+indictment against the administration, and placed the issue before the
+country in a strong light. Throughout all the campaign, as the time for
+the general election was approaching, only one question was submitted to
+the electors, "Do you approve or condemn Lord Beaconsfield's system of
+foreign policy?" And the answer was given at Easter, 1880, when the
+Prime Minister and his colleagues received the most empathic
+condemnation which had ever been bestowed upon an English Government,
+and the Liberals were returned in an overwhelming majority of fifty over
+Tories and Home Rulers combined. Mr. Gladstone succeeded in ousting Lord
+Dalkeith from the representation of Midlothian by a respectable
+majority. He was also elected at Leeds, but this seat was afterwards
+given to his son, Herbert Gladstone. At the conclusion of the election
+all the journals joined in admiring the indomitable energy and vigor of
+the orator, who could carry out this great enterprise when he had
+already passed the age of three-score years and ten. Edinburgh was
+illuminated in the evening, and everywhere were to be witnessed signs of
+rejoicing at Mr. Gladstone's victory. The result of the elections
+throughout the country exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the
+Liberals. So large a proportion of Liberal members had not been returned
+to the House of Commons since the days of the first Reform Bill.
+
+Lord Beaconsfield, as soon as the result of the election was known, and
+without waiting for the meeting of Parliament, resigned. The Queen, in
+conformity with the constitutional custom, summoned Lord Hartington, the
+titular leader of the Liberal party in the House of Commons, to form a
+cabinet. But he could do nothing. Then the Queen sent for Lord
+Granville, who with Lord Hartington, went to Windsor April 23d. They
+both assured the Queen that the victory was Mr. Gladstone's; that the
+people had designated him for office, and that the Liberal party would
+be satisfied with no other, and that he was the inevitable Prime
+Minister. They returned to London in the afternoon, sought Mr. Gladstone
+at Harley Street, where he was awaiting the message they brought from
+the Queen--to repair to Windsor. That evening, without an hour's delay,
+he went to Windsor, kissed hands, and returned to London Prime Minister
+for the second time.
+
+Mr. Gladstone again filled the double office of Premier and Chancellor
+of the Exchequer in the new cabinet, which for general ability and
+debating power was one of the strongest of the century. While some of
+the cabinet officers were like Mr. Gladstone himself, without title,
+others were representatives of the oldest nobility of the land. At the
+very beginning the new administration were confronted by perplexing
+questions. The Eastern question, chiefly by Mr. Gladstone's influence,
+had been settled in accordance with the dictates of humanity and
+religion. But there were other difficulties to be overcome. "At home,
+his administration did good and useful work, including the extension of
+the suffrage to the agricultural laborers; but it was seriously, and at
+length fatally, embarrassed by two controversies which sprang up with
+little warning, and found the Liberal party and its leaders totally
+unprepared to deal with them."
+
+The first embarrassing question which arose when the new Parliament met
+was the great deficit of nine million pounds instead of an expected
+surplus in the Indian Budget, owing to the Afghan war.
+
+Foremost among the difficulties encountered was the case of Mr. Charles
+Bradlaugh, elected a member of Parliament for Northampton. He demanded
+to be permitted to make a solemn affirmation or declaration of
+allegiance, instead of taking the usual oath. The question created much
+discussion and great feeling, and Mr. Bradlaugh's persistence was met by
+violence. Mr. Bright contended for liberty of conscience. Mr. Gladstone
+favored permitting Mr. Bradlaugh to affirm on his own responsibility
+which was finally done, but Mr. Bradlaugh was prosecuted in the courts.
+The great difficulty arose from Mr. Bradlaugh's atheism.
+
+A considerable share of the session of 1880 was occupied in the
+consideration of the Irish Compensation for Disturbance Bill and other
+Irish measures. In consequence of the rapid increase of evictions by
+landlords, this protective measure had become absolutely necessary in
+the interests of the Irish tenants. After prolonged debate--very
+prolonged for so short a bill--thirty-five lines only--the bill was
+passed by the Commons, but defeated by the Lords. The result was "seen
+in a ghastly record of outrage and murder which stained the
+following winter."
+
+Home Rule for Ireland, which movement was started in the "seventies,"
+was gaining ground, and every election returned to the House more
+members pledged to its support. Those who were bent upon obtaining Home
+Rule at any cost used obstructive means against other legislation to
+gain their object, but as yet the movement was confined to the members
+who had been elected by Irish constituents.
+
+About the close of the session of 1880 the heavy burdens and
+responsibilities of public service borne by Mr. Gladstone began to tell
+upon him. At the end of July, while returning from home for the House
+of Commons, Mr. Gladstone was taken ill. He was prostrated by fever and
+great fears for his recovery were entertained by his family, his party
+and a host of admirers throughout the country. A great outburst of
+popular sympathy was manifested and frequent messages were received from
+the Queen and many foreign potentates and celebrities. Distinguished
+callers and telegrams continued to arrive at Downing Street for ten days
+while the patient was confined to his bed at home. The President of the
+United States and the King and Queen of the Belgians were among those
+who sent messages of sympathy. "Rarely indeed, if ever, has there been
+witnessed such a general and spontaneous expression of the national
+sympathy towards a distinguished statesman whose life had been
+imperilled by illness."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's large store of vital energy brought him safely through
+his dangerous illness and on approaching convalescence he took a sea
+voyage round the entire coast of England in Sir Donald Currie's steamer,
+"Grantully Castle."
+
+Three years after this voyage around England the Premier visited the
+Orkneys on a similar trip, in the "Pembroke Castle," the poet laureate
+being of the party on this occasion. From the Orkneys he sailed across
+to Denmark and suddenly appeared at Copenhagen, where Mr. Gladstone
+entertained the Czar and Czarina, the King of Greece, and the King and
+Queen of Denmark, and many others of their relatives who happened to be
+visiting them at that time.
+
+A great meeting was held June 21, 1880, in Her Majesty's opera house,
+for the purpose of presenting an address from the Liberals of Middlesex
+to Mr. Herbert Gladstone, who had made a gallant contest in that country
+at the general election. The entrance of the Premier some time after the
+meeting began was the signal for an outburst of enthusiasm. Before Mr.
+Gladstone appeared, the chairman, Mr. Foster, had paid a high tribute to
+the Premier for his great abilities and his self-denial in the public
+service. After his son had received the address, the Premier arose to
+speak, when the whole audience arose to their feet and welcomed him with
+immense cheering.
+
+Mr. Gladstone referred at length to the Midlothian campaign, and paid a
+tribute to the spirit and energy of the Liberals of the whole country.
+The sound which went forth from Midlothian reverberated through the land
+and was felt to be among the powerful operative causes which led to the
+great triumph of the Liberal party.
+
+At the Lord Mayor's banquet, November 9, 1880, Mr. Gladstone's speech
+was looked forward to with much anxiety, owing to the singularly
+disturbed condition of Ireland. Referring to the "party of disorder" in
+Ireland, he said that as anxious as the government was to pass laws for
+the improvement of the land laws, their prior duty was to so enforce the
+laws as to secure order. If an increase of power was needed to secure
+this, they would not fail to ask it.
+
+In 1881, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Mr. Gladstone said that he was
+glad to discern signs of improvement in Ireland during the last twelve
+months; but the struggle between the representatives of law and the
+representatives of lawlessness had rendered necessary an augmentation of
+the executive power.
+
+In August, 1881, at Greenwich, the Liberals of the borough presented Mr.
+Gladstone with an illustrated address and a carved oak chair as a token
+of their esteem and a souvenir of his former representation of their
+borough. On the cushion back of the chair were embossed in gold the arms
+of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with a motto "Fide et Virtute," and above, in
+the midst of some wood-carving representing the rose, the thistle, the
+shamrock, and the leek, was a silver plate, bearing a suitable
+inscription.
+
+The Parliamentary session of 1881 was almost exclusively devoted to
+Irish affairs. Instead of the contemplated Land Act, the ministry were
+compelled, on account of the disturbed condition of Ireland, to bring
+in first a Coercion Act, although the measure was naturally distasteful
+to such friends of Ireland in the Cabinet as Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Bright. Property and life had become very insecure, and there was a
+startling increase of agrarian crime that such a measure was deemed
+necessary. But while passing the Coercion Act, Mr. Gladstone accompanied
+it by a great and beneficial measure--a second Irish Land Bill, which
+instituted a court for the purpose of dealing with the differences
+between landlord and tenant.
+
+This bill--one of Mr. Gladstone's greatest measures--became a law August
+23, 1881. Mr. Gladstone in his speech remarked that the complaint was
+made that the bill was an infringement of liberty in Ireland and was
+aimed at the Land League, but no person or body could be touched by the
+bill unless they violated the law, and then could only be arrested upon
+reasonable suspicion of crime committed or of inciting to crime or of
+interfering with law or order. There would be the fullest freedom of
+discussion allowed. Dealing with the Land League he said it had been
+attempted to compare it with the Corn Laws, but Mr. Bright had
+completely demolished that miserable argument. It was compared also to
+the trade unions, but they made an onward step in the intelligence and
+in the love of law and order among the working classes. They had never
+tainted themselves by word or deed which would bring them into suspicion
+in connection with the maintenance of law. The leaders of the Land
+League were now put forward as martyrs on the same platform as
+O'Connell; but on every occasion of his life-long agitation O'Connell
+set himself to avoid whatever might tend to a breach of law and order.
+Then Mr. Gladstone showed the necessity of the Coercion Act from the
+condition of Ireland, where during the past year there had been a great
+increase of crime, and the outrages were agrarian, and not connected
+with the distress. It was a significant fact that the agrarian outrages
+had risen and fallen with the meetings of the Land League. Nothing could
+be more idle than to confound the agrarian crime of Ireland with the
+ordinary crime of England, or even of Ireland. In regard to general
+crime, Ireland held a high and honorable place, but how different was
+the case with agrarian crime! He referred to the miscarriage of justice
+in Ireland, and said that the bill, if passed, would restore to Ireland
+the first conditions of Christian and civilized existence. But it "only
+irritated while it failed to terrify."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's was a great speech and showed his mastery of details,
+and his power of expounding and illustrating broad and general
+principles. He began his exposition by confessing that it was the most
+difficult question with which he had ever been called upon to deal. He
+concluded with an eloquent invocation to justice.
+
+On the 19th of April, 1881, Lord Beaconsfield died. For many years he
+and Mr. Gladstone had been at the head of their respective parties.
+"Their opposition, as one critic has well and tersely put it, like that
+of Pitt and Fox, was one of temperament and character as well as of
+genius, position and political opinions." The Premier paid an eloquent
+tribute to him and proposed a public funeral, which was declined. Mr.
+Gladstone then moved for a monument in Westminster Abbey to the memory
+of the deceased Earl.
+
+In October, 1881, Mr. Gladstone made a visit to Leeds, for which borough
+he was returned in 1880, but for which his son Herbert sat. He delivered
+several important addresses on subjects which then absorbed the public
+attention, especially dealing with the land question local government,
+and Free Trade _versus_ Fair Trade. Mr. Gladstone said:
+
+"My boyhood was spent at the mouth of the Mersey, and in those days I
+used to see those beautiful American liners, the packets between New
+York and Liverpool, which then conducted the bulk and the pick of the
+trade between the two countries. The Americans were then deemed to be
+so entirely superior to us in shipbuilding and navigation that they had
+four-fifths of the whole trade between the two countries in their hands,
+and that four-fifths was the best of the trade. What is the case now,
+when free trade has operated and has applied its stimulus to the
+intelligence of England, and when, on the other hand, the action of the
+Americans has been restrained by the enactment, the enhancement and the
+tightening of the protective system? The scales are exactly reversed,
+and instead of America doing four-fifths and that the best, we do
+four-fifths of the business, and the Americans pick up the leavings of
+the British and transact the residue of the trade. Not because they are
+inferior to us in anything; it would be a fatal error to suppose it; not
+because they have less intelligence or less perseverance. They are your
+descendants; they are your kinsmen; and they are fully equal to you in
+all that goes to make human energy and power; but they are laboring
+under the delusion from which you yourselves have but recently escaped,
+and in which some misguided fellow-citizens seek again to entangle you.
+
+"I am reminded that I was guilty on a certain occasion of stating in an
+article--not a political article--that, in my opinion, it was far from
+improbable that as the volume of the future was unrolled, America, with
+its vast population and its wonderful resources, and not less with that
+severe education which, from the high price of labor, America is
+receiving in the strong necessity of resorting to every description of
+labor-saving contrivances, and consequent development, not only on a
+large scale, but down to the smallest scale of mechanical genius of the
+country--on that account the day may come when that country may claim to
+possess the commercial primacy of the world, I gave sad offence to many.
+I at present will say this, that as long as America adheres to the
+protective system your commercial primacy is secure. Nothing in the
+world can wrest it from you while America continues to fetter her own
+strong hands and arms, and with these fettered arms is content to
+compete with you, who are free, in neutral markets. And as long as
+America follows the doctrine of protection, or the doctrines now known
+as those of 'fair trade,' you are perfectly safe, and you need not
+allow, any of you, even your slightest slumbers to be disturbed by the
+fear that America will take from you your commercial primacy."
+
+After his return to London Mr. Gladstone received an address from the
+Corporation, setting forth the long services he had rendered to the
+country. Mr. Gladstone, in his reply, touched upon Irish obstruction,
+and announced, incidentally, the arrest of Mr. Parnell. Mr. Parnell, the
+leader of the Irish party, having openly defied the law, had been
+arrested and imprisoned without trial, under the Coercion Act, passed at
+the last session.
+
+On the opening night of the Parliament, of 1882, Mr. Gladstone laid
+before the House the proposed new rules of Parliamentary procedure. The
+_cloture_, by a bare majority, was to be established, in order to secure
+the power of closing debate by a vote of the House.
+
+The House of Lords decided upon the appointment of a Select Committee to
+inquire into the working of the Land Act, including the alleged total
+collapse of the clauses relating to purchase, emigration, and arrears.
+The Prime Minister in the House of Commons introduced a resolution
+condemning the proposed inquiry as tending to defeat the operation of
+the Land Act and as injurious to the good government of Ireland.
+
+Early in May, 1882, the whole country was startled and terrified by the
+news of the assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish, the new chief
+secretary for Ireland, and Mr. Burke under-secretary, in the Phoenix
+Park, Dublin. A social revolution was raging in Ireland. Outrages and
+murders had been fearfully frequent, and such brutal murders as those of
+Mrs. Smythe and Mr. Herbert had filled England with terror. In the
+first week of May announcement was made that Earl Cowper had resigned
+the Viceroyalty. Rather than share the responsibility of releasing Mr.
+Parnell, Mr. Dillon and Mr. O'Kelly, Mr. Forster left the Cabinet. Lord
+Spencer was appointed to the Viceroyalty, and Lord Frederick Cavendish
+succeeded Mr. Forster, and two days thereafter all England was thrilled
+with sorrow and indignation by the terrible news of the assassination in
+Phoenix Park. The news shattered the hopes of many concerning Ireland,
+and fell with special severity upon Mr. Gladstone, because he and Lord
+Cavendish enjoyed the closest friendship. The government presented a
+Prevention of Crimes Bill of a very stringent character. In the course
+of debate warm discussions arose over an "understanding" called, "The
+Kilmainham Compact," but Mr. Gladstone successfully defended the
+government in regard to its supposed negotiations with Mr. Parnell. This
+bill was directed against secret societies and illegal combinations, and
+it was hoped that as the Land League party had expressed its horror at
+the Phoenix Park crime, and charged that it was the work of American
+conspirators, they would allow the measure speedily to become law. Mr.
+Bright declared that the bill would harm no innocent person, and
+explained his own doctrine, that "Force is no remedy," was intended to
+apply not to outrages, but to grievances. For three weeks Mr. Parnell
+and his followers obstructed legislation in every conceivable way, and
+were finally suspended for systematic obstruction. The obstructionists
+removed, the bill was then passed, after a sitting of twenty-eight
+hours. The measure was passed by the Lords July 7th, and the Queen
+signed the bill July 12th. A crisis nearly arose between the Lords and
+the Commons over the Irish Arrears Bill, but the Lords finally yielded.
+
+[Illustration: GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE
+
+It is our purpose next to trace the events that led to the overthrow of
+the Second Administration of Mr. Gladstone, and to the formation of his
+Third Cabinet. The question that seemed to begin the work of weakening
+the foundations of his existing government was their policy in regard to
+Egypt, which began with the occupation of Egypt in 1882.
+
+The budget of the session of 1882 was presented by Mr. Gladstone April
+24th. It was not expected that anything novel in the way of legislation
+would be attempted in it. But its main interest was in this, that it
+proposed a vote of credit for the Egyptian Expedition, which was to be
+provided for by addition to the income-tax, making it sixpence
+half-penny in the pound for the year. The financial proposals were
+agreed to. In the course of the session Mr. Bright resigned his place in
+the Cabinet on the ground that the intervention in Egypt was a manifest
+violation of the moral law, that the Government had interfered by force
+of arms in Egypt, and directed the bombardment of Alexandria. Mr.
+Gladstone denied that the Ministry were at war with Egypt, and stated
+that the measures taken at Alexandria were strictly measures of
+self-defence. In justifying his resignation Mr. Bright said there had
+been a manifest violation of the moral law; but the Premier, while
+agreeing with his late colleague generally on the question of the moral
+law differed from him as to this particular application of it.
+
+The Prime Minister attended the Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Mansion
+House, August 9, 1882. In replying to the toast to Her Majesty's
+Ministers, after some preliminary remarks, Mr. Gladstone alluded to the
+campaign in Egypt, which had been so much discussed, and said: "Let it
+be well understood for what we go and for what we do not go to Egypt. We
+do not go to make war on its people, but to rescue them from the
+oppression of a military tyranny which at present extinguishes every
+free voice and chains every man of the people of that country. We do not
+go to make war on the Mohammedan religion, for it is amongst the
+proudest distinctions of Christianity to establish tolerance, and we
+know that wherever the British rule exists, the same respect which we
+claim for the exercise of our own conscientious convictions is yielded
+to the professors of every other faith on the surface of the globe. We
+do not, my Lord Mayor, go to repress the growth of Egyptian liberties.
+We wish them well; for we have no other interest in Egypt, which cannot
+in any other way so well and so effectually attain her own prosperity as
+by the enjoyment of a well regulated, and an expanding freedom."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's confidence respecting the early termination of the war
+in Egypt was somewhat justified by Sir Garnet Wolseley's victory at
+Tel-el-Kebir, but the future relations of England with Egypt were still
+left an open subject of discussion and speculation. Again, November 9th,
+at the banquet at the Guildhall, to the Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Gladstone
+spoke. He called attention to the settlement of the troubles in the East
+of Europe, congratulating his hearers on the removal by the naval and
+military forces of the Egyptian difficulty, and calling attention to
+Ireland, compared its condition with that of the previous March and
+October, 1881, showing a diminution of agrarian crime to the extent of
+four-fifths. This happy result had been brought about, not by coercive
+means alone, but by the exercise of remedial measures. "If the people of
+Ireland were willing to walk in the ways of legality, England was
+strong, and generous, and free enough to entertain in a friendly and
+kindly spirit any demand which they might make."
+
+On the 13th of December, 1882, Mr. Gladstone's political jubilee was
+celebrated. Fifty years before, on that day, he had been returned to
+Parliament as member for Newark. A large number of congratulatory
+addresses, letters, and telegrams complimenting him on the completion of
+his fifty years of parliamentary service were received by him. He had
+entered the first Reformed Parliament as a conservative, had gone ever
+forward in the path of reform, and was yet to lead in greater measures
+of reform.
+
+The excellent prospects regarding domestic measures with which the
+session of 1883 was opened were dispelled by prolonged and fruitless
+debates on measures proposed and on the address from the Queen. But Mr.
+Gladstone was absent, the state of his health requiring him to pass
+several weeks at Cannes. He returned home in March greatly invigorated,
+and at once threw himself with wonted ardour into the parliamentary
+conflict. Mr. Parnell offered a bill to amend the Irish Land Act of
+1887, which was opposed by the Premier and lost.
+
+An affirmation bill was introduced at this session by the Government,
+which provided that members who objected to taking the oath might have
+the privilege of affirming. The opposition spoke of the measure as a
+"Bradlaugh Relief Bill." Its rejection was moved, and in its defense
+Mr. Gladstone made one of his best speeches, which was warmly applauded.
+He said: "I must painfully record my opinion, that grave injury has been
+done to religion in many minds--not in instructed minds, but in those
+which are ill-instructed or partially instructed--in consequence of
+things which ought never to have occurred. Great mischief has been done
+in many minds by a resistance offered to the man elected by the
+constituency of Northampton, which a portion of the people believe to be
+unjust. When they see the profession of religion and the interests of
+religion, ostensibly associated with what they are deeply convinced is
+injustice, it leads to questions about religion itself, which commonly
+end in impairing those convictions, and that belief, the loss of which I
+believe to be the most inexpressible calamity which can fall either upon
+a man or upon a nation." But the measure was lost.
+
+During the session of 1883 the Bankruptcy Bill and the Patents Bill were
+both passed, and effected reforms which had long been felt to be
+necessary. The Corrupt Practices Act was designed to remove from British
+parliamentary and borough elections the stigma which attached to them in
+so many parts of the country. The Government was checked, however, in
+its policy in the Transvaal, and Mr. Childers' action in regard to the
+Suez Canal.
+
+Mr. Gladstone attended, in March, the celebration of the inauguration
+of the National Liberal party, predicting for it a useful and brilliant
+future, if it remained faithful to its time-honored principles and
+traditions.
+
+Sir Stafford Northcote, in the session of 1884, moved a vote of censure,
+and vigorously attacked the Egyptian policy of the administration. Mr.
+Gladstone defended the ministerial action with spirit and effect. He
+declared that the Government had found, and not made, the situation in
+Egypt and the Soudan. The Prime Minister "traced all the mischief to
+Lord Salisbury's dual control. Though the motive and object had been to
+secure a better government for Egypt, a great error had been committed.
+The British Government had fulfilled all the obligations imposed upon
+them, and they were acting for the benefit of the civilized world.
+Reforms had been effected in the judicature, legislature, police, and
+military organizations of Egypt; and they were resolved to see all the
+vital points recommended carried out by the Khedive's Government. As to
+the war in the Soudan, it was hateful to the people of Egypt; and
+England declined to have anything to do with the reconquest of the
+Soudan.... General Gordon, whom Mr. Gladstone characterized as a hero
+and a genius, had been despatched to Khartoum for the purpose of
+withdrawing, if possible, in safety the 29,000 soldiers of the Khedive
+scattered over the Soudan. The General's mission was not the reconquest
+of the Soudan, but its peaceful evacuation, and the reconstruction of
+the country, by giving back to the Sultan the ancestral power which had
+been suspended during the Egyptian occupation. The Government had to
+consider in any steps which they took the danger of thwarting Gordon's
+peaceful mission and endangering his life." Mr. Gladstone said that the
+policy of the Government was to "rescue and retire." Sir S. Northcote's
+resolution was rejected by 311 to 292 votes, showing the growing
+strength of the Opposition.
+
+The pacific mission of General Gordon to Khartoum having failed, there
+was great solicitude felt for that gallant soldier's welfare and safety.
+Sir M. Hicks-Beach offered another vote of censure, complaining of the
+dilatory conduct of the Government for not taking steps to secure the
+safety of General Gordon. Mr. Gladstone, in reply, admitted the
+obligations of the Government to General Gordon, and stated that on
+reasonable proof of danger he would be assisted. "The nation would never
+grudge adequate efforts for the protection of its agents, but it was the
+duty of the Government to consider the treasure, the blood, and the
+honor of the country, together with the circumstances of the time, the
+season, the climate, and the military difficulties. Conscious of what
+their obligations were, they would continue to use their best endeavours
+to fulfil them, unmoved by the threats and the captious criticisms of
+the Opposition." The proposed censure was defeated.
+
+A conference of European powers was held on Egyptian affairs, but was
+abortive; and Mr. Gladstone while announcing that he wished to get out
+of Egypt as soon as circumstances would allow, admitted that
+institutions, however good, were not likely to survive the withdrawal of
+our troops. Lord Northbrook was next despatched by the government on a
+mission to Egypt, with the object of rescuing her from her financial
+embarrassments, and averting the impending dangers of a national
+bankruptcy.
+
+In February, 1884, Mr. Gladstone introduced the Government Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons. It was a great measure and proposed to
+complete the work of parliamentary reform by conferring the suffrage
+upon every person in the United Kingdom who was the head of a household.
+Mr. Gladstone said that the results of the bill would be to add to the
+English constituency upwards of 1,300,000 voters; to the Scotch
+constituency over 200,000 voters; and to the Irish constituency over
+400,000 voters; which would add to the aggregate constituency of the
+United Kingdom, which was then 3,000,000 voters, 2,000,000 more, or
+nearly twice as many as were added in 1832. The Premier appealed for
+union on this great reform, and observed: "Let us hold firmly together,
+and success will crown our efforts. You will, as much as any former
+Parliament that has conferred great legislative benefits on the nation,
+have your reward, and read your history in a nation's eyes; for you will
+have deserved all the benefits you will have conferred. You will have
+made a strong nation stronger still--stronger in union without, and
+stronger against its foes (if and when it has any foes) within; stronger
+in union between class and class, and in rallying all classes and
+portions of the community in one solid compact mass round the ancient
+Throne which it has loved so well, and round the Constitution, now to be
+more than ever free and more than ever powerful."
+
+The measure was warmly debated. Besides this opposition there were,
+outside of the House, ominous utterances threatening the rejection of
+the scheme. Mr. Gladstone, referring to these hostile murmurings, said
+that hitherto the attitude of the government had been, in Shakespeare's
+words, "Beware of entrance to a quarrel; but, being in, bear it, that
+the opposer may beware of thee." He deprecated a quarrel and declared
+that the government had done everything to prevent a collision between
+the two Houses of Parliament on this question, which would open up a
+prospect more serious than any he remembered since the first
+Reform Bill.
+
+The House of Lords passed a resolution to the effect that the Lords
+would not concur in any measure of reform without having the complete
+bill before them, including the redistribution and registration, as well
+as an extension of the suffrage. The Premier promised to introduce a
+Redistribution Bill in the following session, but Lord Salisbury, since
+the death of Lord Beaconsfield, the leader of the Conservative party,
+declined to discuss the Redistribution Bill, "with a rope around his
+neck," by which he meant a franchise act under which his party must
+appeal to the country. Negotiations followed between the Liberal and
+Conservative leaders with fruitless results, and the House of Lords
+finally passed a resolution that it would be desirable for Parliament to
+have an autumn session, to consider the Representation of the People
+Bill, in connection with the Redistribution Bill, which the government
+had brought before Parliament.
+
+Public meetings were held at various places throughout the country, and
+the question of the enlargement of the franchise discussed. The policy
+of the Tories was strongly condemned at many large and influential
+public gatherings. In August Mr. Gladstone visited Midlothian and
+delivered a powerful address in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. He
+explained that the special purpose for which he appeared before his
+constituents was to promote, by every legitimate means in his power, the
+speedy passage of the Franchise Bill. "The unfortunate rejection of the
+measure," he observed, "had already drawn in its train other questions
+of the gravest kind, and the vast proportion of the people would soon be
+asking whether an organic change was not required in the House of Lords.
+He, however, did not believe that the House of Lords had as yet placed
+itself in a position of irretrievable error. He believed that it was
+possible for it to go back, and to go back with dignity and honor."
+
+With regard to the foreign policy of the Government, which had been
+attacked and compared unfavorably with the Midlothian programme of 1879,
+Mr. Gladstone defended it with spirit. He expressed his satisfaction
+with the expansion of Germany abroad, and reviewed the policy of the
+Government in Eastern Europe, Afghanistan, India and South Africa. As to
+the Transvaal, he contended that "they were strong and could afford to
+be merciful," and that it was not possible without the grossest and most
+shameful breach of faith to persist in holding the Boers to annexation,
+"when we had pledged ourselves beforehand that they should not be
+annexed except with their own good will." In reply to the oft-repeated
+question, "What took you to Egypt?" the Premier said: "Honor and
+plighted faith." The covenants they were keeping were those entered into
+by their Tory predecessors, and most unfortunate and most unwise he
+considered them to be. The Government had respected the sovereignty of
+the Porte and the title of the European Powers to be concerned in all
+matters territorially affecting the Turkish Empire; they had discouraged
+the spirit of aggression as well as they could, and had contracted no
+embarrassing engagements. Great improvements had been introduced in the
+administration of Egypt, but he regretted the total failure of the late
+Conference of the Powers to solve the problem of Egyptian finance. With
+regard to General Gordon the Government were considering the best means
+to be adopted for fulfilling their obligations.
+
+Parliament met in October, 1884. The Franchise Bill was introduced and
+sent to the House of Lords, and the Redistribution Bill, upon which a
+compromise with the Conservatives had been reached, was presented in the
+House of Commons. The measure, as altered, proposed to disfranchise all
+boroughs with a population under 15,000, to give only one member to
+towns with a population between 15,000 and 50,000, and to take one
+member each from the counties of Rutland and Hereford. By this
+arrangement one hundred and sixty seats would be "extinguished," which,
+with the six seats extinguished before, would be revived and distributed
+as follows: "Eight new boroughs would be created, the representation of
+London, Liverpool, and other large cities and towns would be greatly
+increased, while in dealing with the remainder of the seats
+unappropriated, the Government would apply equal electoral areas
+throughout the country." The Franchise Bill--a truly democratic
+bill---was carried through both Houses, and became a law. The
+Redistribution Bill was carried, January, 1885, after animated debate.
+Registration measures were also passed for England, Scotland and
+Ireland, which received the royal assent May 21st.
+
+January, 1885, Mr. Gladstone wrote a kindly, serious, yet courtly letter
+of congratulation to Prince Albert Victor, eldest son of the Prince of
+Wales and heir presumptive to the Crown, on the attainment of
+his majority.
+
+In the hour of triumph the government was doomed to receive a stunning
+blow. The news of the fall of Khartoum and the untimely death of General
+Gordon sent a thrill of horror and indignation throughout England. The
+government was seriously condemned for its procrastination in not
+sending timely relief, for the rescue of the imperiled English. But when
+the facts became fully known it was found that no blame could be
+attached to Mr. Gladstone, who was himself strongly moved by the death
+of General Gordon, whose work and character he highly esteemed. The
+Prime Minister was, however, equal to the emergency, and announced that
+it was necessary to overthrow the Mahdi at Khartoum, to renew operations
+against Osman Digna, and to construct a railway from Suakin to Berber
+with a view to a campaign in the fall. The reserves were called out by
+royal proclamation.
+
+However, these measures met with opposition. Sir Stafford Northcote
+brought forward a motion affirming that the risks and sacrifices which
+the government appeared to be ready to encounter could only be justified
+by a distinct recognition of England's responsibility for Egypt, and
+those portions of the Soudan which were necessary to its security. An
+amendment was proposed by Mr. John Morley, but regretting its decision
+to continue the conflict with the Mahdi. Mr. Gladstone replied forcibly
+to both motion and amendment, and appealed to the Liberal party to
+sustain the administration and its policy by an unmistakable vote of
+confidence. The government was sustained.
+
+The Great Powers of Europe, in convention for the settlement of the
+finances of Egypt, had concluded that it would require a loan of
+L9,000,000 to save Egypt from bankruptcy. This loan was to be issued on
+an international guarantee, with an international inquiry at the end of
+two years into the success of the scheme. This plan of adjustment was
+agreed to by the House. A short time after this settlement Mr. Gladstone
+announced a vote of credit to provide against any danger from Russian
+action, stated that no farther operations would be undertaken either on
+the Nile or near Suakin, and that General Graham's campaign would be
+abandoned, as well as the construction of the new railway.
+
+Great excitement was created in England by the announcement of the
+advance of the Russians on the Indian frontier. March 13th Mr. Gladstone
+stated in the House that as the protests formerly made against the
+advance of Russia had been allowed to lapse, it had been agreed that
+pending the delineation of the frontier there should be no further
+advance on either side. In April, however, a conflict occurred between
+the Russians and the Afghans, which seemed to indicate that General
+Komaroff had committed an act of unprovoked aggression on the Ameer. Mr.
+Gladstone moved a vote of credit on the 27th in a speech, whose
+eloquence and energy greatly stirred both sides of the House. Happily,
+the difficulty with Russia was adjusted by conceding Pendjeh to Russia
+in consideration of the surrender of Zulfiker to the Ameer.
+
+The administration of Mr. Gladstone, which had weathered through many
+storms, was destined to fall in a wholly unexpected way. When the budget
+for 1885 was produced there was a deficit of upwards of a million
+pounds, besides the depressed revenue and an estimated expenditure for
+the current year of not less than L100,000,000. Mr. Childers, the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer, proposed to make the taxation upon land
+proportionate to that on personal property, and to augment the duties on
+spirits and beer. But various interests were antagonized, and opposition
+was aroused. The country members demanded that no new taxes be put on
+the land until the promised relief of local taxation had been granted.
+The agricultural and liquor interests were discontented, as well as the
+Scotch and Irish members, with the whisky duty. Concessions were made,
+but they failed to reconcile the opposition. A hostile motion was
+offered by Sir M. Hicks-Beach, and Mr. Gladstone declared that the
+Cabinet would resign if defeated. Many Liberals were absent when the
+vote was taken, regarding a majority for the Ministry as certain, but
+the amendment was carried June 9th by a vote of 264 to 252, and the
+Premier and his colleagues resigned. The Liberals were desirous of
+passing a vote of confidence in the administration, but Mr. Gladstone
+deprecated this, as he felt the situation to be intolerable, and was
+desirous of being relieved from the responsibility of office.
+Misfortunes, both in reference to affairs at home and abroad, had fallen
+heavily upon the Government, for many of which they were not
+responsible, and the Cabinet had been held together chiefly by the
+masterly personality of the Premier. Hence it was not without a feeling
+of personal satisfaction that Mr. Gladstone transferred the seats of
+office to his successor, Lord Salisbury. On his retirement from office
+the Queen offered an Earldom to Mr. Gladstone, which he declined. Its
+acceptance would have meant burial in the House of Lords, and an end to
+his progressive action.
+
+The events that led to the third administration of Mr. Gladstone will
+next engage our attention.
+
+The first general election under the New Reform Act was held in
+November, 1885. Mr. Gladstone again appealed to his constituents, and,
+although nearly seventy-six years of age, spoke with an energy and force
+far beyond all his contemporaries. His attitude on the question of
+Dis-establishment drew back many wavering Scotch votes. He discussed the
+Scotch question at Edinburgh, and said there was no fear of change so
+long as England dealt liberally, equitably, and prudently with Ireland,
+but demands must be subject to the condition that the unity of the
+empire, and all the powers of the Imperial Parliament for maintaining
+that authority, must be preserved.
+
+In another address he stated his conviction, that the day had not come
+when the Dis-establishment of the Church in Scotland should be made a
+test question. The question pressing for settlement by the next
+Parliament was land reform, local government, parliamentary procedure,
+and the imperial relations between Ireland and England; and every
+sensible man would admit that it was right to direct attention to them
+rather than to a matter impossible of immediate solution.
+
+At West Calder Mr. Gladstone made an address, in which he "approved Lord
+Salisbury's action with regard to Servia, complained of the ministerial
+condemnation of Lord Ripon's Indian administration, ridiculed the idea
+of benefit resulting from a Royal Commission on trade depression, warned
+the electors against remedies which were really worse than the disease,
+and defended Free-Trade principles. He furthur advocated comprehensive
+land reforms, including free transfer, facility of registration, and the
+uprooting of mortmain."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE'S STUDY AT EDWARDEN.]
+
+Mr. Gladstone was returned again for Midlothian by an overwhelming
+majority. The elections resulted in the return of 333 Liberals, 249
+Conservatives, 86 Parnellites, and 2 Independents. The Liberals thus
+secured a substantial triumph. The agricultural districts were faithful
+to the Liberals, but they lost in the boroughs. The clergy and the
+publicans, and the Parnellites were found "arrayed" in "scandalous
+alliance" against the Liberal cause. The Liberal party was just short of
+the numbers required to defeat the combined forces of Tories and
+Parnellites. Lord Salisbury was retained in office, but the
+Conservatives were disunited, and the life of his administration hung by
+a thread. The Liberals were strong, hopeful, and united. In Mr.
+Chamberlain they had a popular champion of great ability and industry.
+
+December 17, 1885 England was astonished by the appearance of an
+anonymous paragraph in the _Times_, affirming that, if Mr. Gladstone
+returned to power, he would deal with a liberal hand with the demands of
+Home Rule. The author of the paragraph has never been clearly
+ascertained, but the atmosphere of mystery with which it was surrounded
+was not regarded as becoming, either to such an important policy or to
+the personal dignity of the illustrious statesman. A storm of questions,
+contradictions, explanations, enthusiasms, and jeremiads followed its
+appearance. Mr. Gladstone would neither affirm nor deny, but held his
+peace. The question, he said, was one for a responsible Ministry alone
+to handle. There was great uncertainty. It was, however, plain that if
+Mr. Gladstone should favor Home Rule, the Parnellites would support him,
+and the Tories must leave office. But only twelve months before Lord
+Shaftesbury wrote: "In a year or so we shall have Home Rule disposed of
+(at all hazards), to save us from daily and hourly bores."
+
+The Parliament of 1886 had scarcely opened before the Salisbury
+government was defeated upon an amendment to the Queen's address,
+affirming the necessity for affording facilities to agricultural
+laborers to obtain allotments and small holdings. Some of the leading
+Liberals opposed the amendment, but Mr. Gladstone earnestly favored it,
+as a recognition of the evils arising from the divorce of so large a
+proportion of the population from the land. The Irish and the Liberals
+coalesced, and the Government was placed in a minority of seventy-nine,
+and Lord Salisbury immediately resigned.
+
+Late at night, January 29, 1886, Sir Henry Ponsonby arrived at Mr.
+Gladstone's residence with a summons from the Queen for him to repair to
+her at Osborne. On the 1st of February Mr. Gladstone "kissed hands," and
+became for the third time Prime Minister of England. The new Premier was
+forced to face unusual difficulties, but he finally came to the
+conclusion that it was impossible to deal with the Irish question upon
+the old stereotyped lines. He was resolved to treat this subject upon
+large and generous principles. Accordingly, on the 8th of April, Mr.
+Gladstone, in the presence of a crowded House, brought forward his Home
+Rule Bill--his bill for the government of Ireland. With certain imperial
+reservations and safeguards the bill gave to Ireland what she had long
+demanded--the right to make her own laws. The interest in the expected
+legislation was so great that members began to arrive at half-past five
+in the morning, while sixty of them were so eager to secure seats that
+they breakfasted at Westminster.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's new measure was not only opposed by the Conservatives,
+but it alienated from the Premier some of the most influential of the
+Liberal party. Among the Liberals who opposed the measure were those who
+had been the colleagues of Mr. Gladstone only the June before in the
+Cabinet--Lord Hartington, Lord Shilborne, Lord Northbrook, Lord Derby
+and Lord Carlingford. Mr. Gladstone's forces, however, were reinforced
+by Mr. Morley, Lord Herschell and others. May 10th, Mr. Gladstone denied
+that he had ever declared Home Rule for Ireland incompatible with
+Imperial unity. It was a remedy for social disorder. The policy of the
+opposition was coercion, while that of the government was autonomy.
+
+On the 18th of April the Premier presented the Irish Land Purchase Bill,
+for the buying out of the Irish landlords, which was intended to come
+into operation on the same day as the Home Rule Bill. The object of this
+measure was to give to all Irish landowners the option of being bought
+out on the terms of the Act, and opening towards the exercise of that
+option where their rent was from agricultural land. The State authority
+was to be the purchaser, and the occupier was to be the proprietor. The
+nominal purchase price was fixed at twenty years' purchase of the net
+rental, ascertained by deducting law charges, bad debts, and cost of
+management from judicial rent. Where there was no judicial rental the
+Land Court could, if it chose, make use of Griffiths' valuation for
+coming to a fair decision. To meet the demand for the means of purchase
+thus established, Mr. Gladstone proposed to create L50,000,000 three per
+cents. The repayment of advances would be secured by a Receiver General,
+appointed by and acting upon British authority.
+
+The Land Purchase Bill was also opposed. It was the final cause which
+led to the retirement from the government of Mr. Chamberlain, "the able
+and enterprising exponent of the new Radicalism." He was soon followed
+by Sir George Trevelyan, "who combined the most dignified traditions,
+social and literary, of the Whig party with a fervent and stable
+Liberalism which the vicissitudes of twenty years had constantly tried
+and never found wanting." Mr. Bright also arrayed himself in opposition
+to the government, and accused Mr. Gladstone of successfully concealing
+his thoughts upon the Irish question in November. Mr. Gladstone replied
+that the position of Ireland had changed since 1881.
+
+The debate extended over many nights, and the opposition to the Irish
+bills of so many Liberal leaders in every constituency, soon led to
+disaffection among the people. What was lost in some districts, however,
+was to some extent made up, says an English writer, by "the support of
+that very broken reed, the Irish vote, which was destined to pierce the
+hand of so many a confiding candidate who leaned upon it." While this
+debate was in progress a bill directed against the carrying of arms in
+Ireland was introduced and pushed forward rapidly through both Houses,
+and became a law.
+
+Mr. Gladstone explained the position of the Cabinet on the Home Rule and
+Land Bills at a meeting of Liberals held at the Foreign Office, May
+27th. He stated that the Government at present only asked for an
+endorsement of the leading principles of the two measures; and in
+closing the debate afterwards on the second reading of the Home Rule
+Bill, in the House of Commons, he made an eloquent appeal for Ireland.
+But all parties were preparing for the conflict, and members of opposite
+parties were consolidating themselves for opposition. "The Whigs, under
+Lord Hartington, coalesced with the Radicals, under Mr. Chamberlain, and
+both together made a working alliance with the Tories. This alliance was
+admirably organized in London and in the constituencies."
+
+It seems that the Premier was deceived by his official counsellors of
+the Liberal party as to the real condition of affairs respecting Home
+Rule and the prospects for the passage of his bills. He did not dream of
+defeat, but if by some mischance they would suffer defeat, then he could
+appeal to the country with the certainty of being sustained by the
+popular vote. This was what Mr. Gladstone hoped, and what he thought he
+had the assurance of. But hopes of success began to give way to fears of
+defeat as the time drew near to take the vote. However, some still
+hopeful prophesied a small majority against the bill--only ten votes at
+the most. The Cabinet desperately resolved not to resign if beaten by so
+small a majority, but would have some adherent move a vote of
+confidence. This they argued would be favored by some opposed to Home
+Rule, and the question be deferred to another session, leaving the
+Liberals still in office. But these hopes were doomed to be blasted.
+Early in the morning of June 8th the momentous division took place, and
+it was found that the Government, instead of getting a majority, was
+defeated by thirty votes. It was found that ninety-three Liberals had
+voted with the majority.
+
+The Premier at once advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, and though
+Her Majesty at first demurred at the trouble of another election within
+seven months of the last, and begged Mr. Gladstone to reconsider his
+counsel, yet he argued that a general election would cause less trouble
+than a year of embittered and fanatical agitation against Home Rule.
+Besides, as he said to a colleague, "If we did not dissolve we would be
+showing the white feather." Mr. Gladstone finally had his way, the Queen
+yielded and Parliament was dissolved June 26, 1886. June 14th Mr.
+Gladstone issued an address to the electors of Midlothian, and later
+paid a visit to Edinburgh and Glasgow, where he made powerful addresses.
+He then spoke at Manchester, and, passing on to Liverpool, he advocated
+the cause of Ireland, calling upon the people to "ring out the old, ring
+in the new," and to make Ireland not an enemy but a friend.
+
+The result of this appeal to the country was the return of a decided
+majority of over a hundred against Home Rule, and thus, after a short
+term of five months in office, the third administration of Mr. Gladstone
+was brought to a close, and he became again the leader of the
+Opposition. The dissolution and appeal to the country was a practical
+blunder, but Mr. Gladstone's address to the people was skilfully worded.
+He freely admitted that the Irish bills were dead, and asked the
+constituencies simply to sanction a principle, and that, too, a very
+plain and reasonable one in itself. He invited the people to vote aye or
+no to this question: "Whether you will or will not have regard to the
+prayer of Ireland for the management by herself of the affairs
+specifically and exclusively her own?" The separation of the bare
+principle of self-government from the practical difficulties presented
+by the bills enabled many Liberals who were opposed to the measures to
+support Mr. Gladstone, but the majority of voters failed to make this
+distinction, and hence came defeat. The decision of the people was not
+regarded as final.
+
+In 1887 the Jubilee of the Queen was celebrated. Fifty years before
+Queen Victoria had ascended the throne of England. Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone celebrated the Queen's Jubilee by giving a treat to all the
+inhabitants of the estates of Hawarden, who were of the Queen's age,
+which was sixty-eight and upwards. The treat took the shape of a dinner
+and tea, served in a large tent erected in front of the castle, and the
+guests numbered upwards of two hundred and fifty. The principal toast,
+proposed by Mr. Gladstone, was the Queen. He contrasted the jubilee then
+being celebrated all over the English-speaking world, with that of
+George the Third, which was "a jubilee of the great folks, a jubilee of
+corporations and of authorities, a jubilee of the upper classes." On the
+other hand, he continued, the Victorian Jubilee was one when "the
+population are better fed, better clothed, and better housed--and by a
+great deal--than they were fifty years ago, and the great mass of these
+happy and blessed changes is associated with the name and action of
+the Queen."
+
+In the year of the Queen's Jubilee, 1887, Mr. Gladstone addressed many
+gatherings, and at Swansea, where he was the guest of Sir Hussey Vivian,
+he spoke to a vast concourse of people, estimated at one
+hundred thousand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME
+
+When Parliament met in 1887 Mr. Gladstone entered upon "a course of
+extraordinary physical and intellectual efforts, with voice and pen, in
+Parliament and on the platform, on behalf of the cause, defeated but not
+abandoned, of self-government for Ireland." The Tory administration
+passed a Crimes Prevention Bill for Ireland of great severity. Irish
+members of Parliament were thrown into prison, but the Act failed of its
+object--the suppression of the Land League.
+
+In December, 1887, Mr. Gladstone visited Italy and made Naples his
+headquarters. He was received with joy for the service he had rendered
+to the Italian people. The University of Bologna, in celebrating the
+eighth century of its existence, conferred upon him the degree of
+Doctor of Arts.
+
+In 1888 the House of Commons appointed a Commission to try the "Times"
+charges against Mr. Parnell. The charges were found to be false.
+
+Mr. Gladstone visited Birmingham in November, 1888. After paying a
+glowing tribute to John Bright, and expressing an earnest desire for his
+recovery to health, he condemned the Coercion Act. Mr. Gladstone
+received many handsome presents from the workingmen, and Mrs. Gladstone
+received from the ladies a medallion cameo portrait of her husband. A
+great demonstration was made at Bingley Hall, in which were gathered
+over 20,000 persons.
+
+A number of Liberals, who had deserted Mr. Gladstone, returned upon the
+promise of certain imperial guarantees which were granted, among them
+Sir George Trevelyan. Mr. Chamberlain, who had asked for these
+safeguards, did not accept them.
+
+July 25, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone celebrated their "Golden Wedding."
+Among the many to offer congratulations were the Queen by telegram, and
+the Prince of Wales by letter. A pleasant surprise met them at home. A
+portrait of Mr. Gladstone, by Sir John Millais, was found hanging in the
+breakfast-room, "A gift from English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish Women."
+
+In 1890 trouble came to the Liberal party through the scandal connecting
+the names of Mr. Parnell and Mrs. O'Shea. Mr. Gladstone announced that
+the Irish party must choose between himself and Mr. Parnell. In
+November, 1890, Mr. Parnell was deposed from the chairmanship of the
+United Irish National Party. This led to a division. Mr. Justin McCarthy
+was elected leader by the Anti-Parnellites, and the Parnellites
+selected Mr. John Redmond.
+
+Parliament would soon terminate by limitation, so Mr. Gladstone devoted
+himself to preparing the people for the coming general election.
+Besides, in February, 1891, he made an address, at the opening of St.
+Martin's Free Public Library, and in March to the boys at Eton College
+on Homeric Studies. June 28, 1892, Parliament came to an end. Mr.
+Gladstone's journey to Edinburgh, in July, was all along the route "a
+triumphal progress." He was re-elected. The question of the day was Home
+Rule, and wherever the people had the opportunity of declaring
+themselves, they pronounced condemnation upon the policy of Lord
+Salisbury's administration, and in favor of Home Rule for Ireland.
+
+The new Parliament met, and, August 12, 1892, a motion was made of "No
+Confidence" in the Salisbury government. The division was the largest
+ever taken in the House of Commons, the vote being 350 for the motion
+and 310 against it--a majority of 40 for Mr. Gladstone. The scene in
+the House which attended the overthrow of the Salisbury government was
+less dramatic than that which accompanied the defeat of the Gladstone
+ministry in 1885, but it was full of exciting episodes. The House was
+packed to the doors. The excitement was intense, and the confusion
+great. When the figures were announced, another wild scene of disorder
+prevailed and there was prolonged cheering. "Ten minutes later the great
+forum was empty and the excited assembly had found its way to the quiet
+outside under the stars."
+
+Monday, August 15, 1892, Mr. Gladstone repaired to Osborne on the Royal
+Yacht, and became for the fourth time Prime Minister. Since 1868 he had
+been the undisputed leader of his party. His main supporters in all his
+reform measures were the Nonconformists, whose claim for "the absolute
+religious equality of all denominations before the law of the land,"
+must, in time, it was thought, bring about the disestablishment of the
+Episcopal Church.
+
+In September, 1892, Mr. Gladstone went to Sir E. Watkin's _Chalet_ on
+Mount Snowdon, Wales, where he made his Boulder Stone speech. To
+commemorate his visit a slab of gray Aberdeen granite was "let into the
+actual brown rock," on which is the following inscription in Welsh and
+in English: "September 13, 1892. Upon this rock the Right Honorable
+W.E. Gladstone, M.P., when Prime Minister for the fourth time, and
+eighty-three years old, addressed the people of Eryi upon justice to
+Wales. The multitude sang Cymric hymns and 'The Land of My Fathers.'"
+
+December 29, 1892, Mr. Gladstone celebrated his eighty-third birthday.
+Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were at Biarritz. Congratulatory telegrams and
+messages were received in great numbers, besides many handsome presents.
+The event was celebrated all over England. The Midlothian Liberals sent
+congratulations upon the return of the Liberal Party to power under his
+leadership, and the completion of his sixty years' service in the House.
+Resolutions were passed deploring the wickedness of the dynamite outrage
+at Dublin, December 24, and yet avowing the justice of granting to
+Ireland the right to manage her own affairs.
+
+January 31, 1893, Parliament was opened. In the House of Commons there
+was a brilliant gathering, and nearly all the members were present, many
+of them standing. Just before noon the Hon. Arthur Wellesley Peel,
+Speaker, took his seat, and Archdeacon Farrar, Chaplain, offered prayer.
+When Mr. Gladstone entered from behind the Speaker's chair, every
+Liberal and Irish Nationalist stood up and greeted him with prolonged
+and enthusiastic cheers; and when he took the oath as Prime Minister,
+he received another ovation. The members were then summoned to the House
+of Lords to hear the Queen's speech, which was read by the Lord High
+Chancellor, Baron Herschall. The Prince of Wales and his son, the Duke
+of York, occupied seats on the "cross bench."
+
+February 13, the excitement in and about the Parliament Houses was as
+great as that which prevailed two weeks before. Enthusiastic crowds
+greeted Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone. When the doors of the House of Commons
+were opened, there was a "disorderly rush" of the members into the House
+to obtain seats, "the members shouting and struggling, several being
+thrown to the floor in the excitement." Peers, Commons, and visitors
+filled the floor and galleries. The Prince of Wales and other members of
+the royal family were present. When Mr. Gladstone arose he was greeted
+with applause. He reminded the House that for seven years the voices
+which used to plead the cause of Irish government in Irish affairs had
+been mute within the walls of the House. He then asked permission to
+introduce a "Bill to Amend the Provision for the Government of Ireland,"
+which was the title of the Home Rule Bill. Mr. Balfour led the
+opposition to the bill. Mr. Chamberlain declared that the bill would not
+accomplish its purpose, whereupon Mr. Justin McCarthy, for the
+anti-Parnellities, replied that the Irish would accept it as a message
+of everlasting peace, and Mr. John Redmond, for the Parnellites,
+answered that if disturbances followed in Ireland it would be due to the
+Conservatives.
+
+The Ulster Unionists opposed the bill. The Scotch-Irish Protestants of
+the north of Ireland declared that they preferred to stand where they
+did in 1690, when they defeated James II and his Catholic followers, in
+the battle of the Boyne, and fought for William of Orange for the
+English throne and liberty and Protestantism. Their opposition to Home
+Rule for Ireland grew out of their hostility to Roman Catholicism and
+the fear of its supremacy.
+
+After six months of earnest debate in the House of Commons, the Home
+Rule Bill for Ireland was passed, with slight amendments, September 1,
+1893, by a vote of 301 to 267, a majority of thirty-four, The struggle
+was perhaps the most heated in the history of Parliament.
+
+The bill was sent to the House of Lords, where it was defeated,
+midnight, September 8, by the surprising majority of 419 to 41, after
+only one week's discussion. Members that never attended were drummed up
+to vote against the bill. The usual working force of the House of Lords
+is from thirty to forty members. The vote was the largest ever taken in
+the Lords.
+
+At once the cry, "Down with, the House of Lords!" was heard. The
+National Liberal Federation issued a circular, in which were the words:
+"The question of mending or ending the House of Lords ... displaces for
+awhile all other subjects of reform." Mr. Gladstone was probably aware
+of the contents of this manifesto before it was issued, and the
+sentiments were in accord with those uttered by him two years before at
+New Castle.
+
+September 27th, Mr. Gladstone addressed his constituents at Edinburgh.
+He was received with an outburst of enthusiasm. He said that the
+People's Chamber had passed the bill. If the nation was determined it
+would not be baffled by the Peers. If the Commons should go before the
+country, then the Lords should go too, and if defeated, should do what
+the Commons would do--clear out.
+
+The Queen wanted Mr. Gladstone to appeal to the country, and there was
+an opinion among some that Mr. Gladstone would be defeated at the polls
+upon the question; but the Premier intimated to the Queen his intention
+not to appeal, and announced the readiness of the Cabinet to be
+dismissed by the Queen. However, the Queen would hardly expose the
+throne to the danger threatening the Peers.
+
+December 29, 1893, Mr. Gladstone attained the eighty-fourth year of his
+age. When he entered the House of Commons that day his political
+associates of the Liberal party all rose anta greeted him with cheers.
+When the applause had subsided, the Conservatives raised their hats and
+their leader, Mr. Balfour, rose and tendered his congratulations. Mr.
+Gladstone was much pleased with the demonstrations of his friends, as
+well as with the graceful compliments of his political opponents.
+Besides about two hundred congratulatory messages, letters and telegrams
+were received, those from Queen Victoria, and the Prince and Princess of
+Wales, being among the first.
+
+July 6, 1893, Prince George of Wales, Duke of York, and Princess Mary of
+Teck were married. The Prince was by inheritance heir, after the Prince
+of Wales, to the throne of England. Mr. Gladstone attended the wedding,
+arrayed in the blue and gold uniform of a brother of the Trinity House,
+with naval epaulettes, and was conducted to the royal pew reserved
+for him.
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+Among the great measures proposed at this time by Mr. Gladstone were the
+Employers' Liability, and the Parish Councils Bills. The latter was as
+evolutionary and as revolutionary as the Home Rule Bill. Its object was
+to take the control of 10,000 rural English parishes out of the hands of
+the squire and the parson and put it into the hands of the people. With
+its amendments regarding woman suffrage, to which Mr. Gladstone was
+opposed, it gave to every man and woman in England one vote--and only
+one--in local affairs. February 21, 1894, when Mr. Gladstone had
+returned from Biarritz, where he had gone for his health, there was
+again a notable assemblage in the House of Commons to hear him speak. It
+was expected that he would make a bitter attack upon the House of Lords,
+which had attempted to defeat both these bills by amendments. But he
+calmly spoke of the lamentable divergence between the two branches of
+the legislature upon the Employers' Liability Bill, and asked that the
+amendment be rejected, which was done by a majority of 225 to 6. The
+bill was therefore withdrawn, and the responsibility of its defeat
+thrown upon the Lords. The House also rejected all the important
+amendments of the Parish Councils Bill, but concurred in the unimportant
+changes made by the Lords. It was sent back then to the lords, and
+finally passed by them. But Mr. Gladstone greatly disappointed many of
+his political friends by his mild manner of dealing with the House of
+Lords. The extreme Radicals were angered and condemned severely the
+Premier for what they called his "backing down" and his "feeble speech."
+
+Rumors in reference to Mr. Gladstone's resignation, which had been
+started by the _Pall Mall Gazette_, while he was yet at Biarritz, were
+now renewed. February 28, 1894, Mr. Gladstone informed the Queen of his
+contemplated retirement, giving as reasons his failing eyesight,
+deafness and age. March 1st, he made an important speech in the House of
+Commons. He displayed so much vigor and earnestness in his speech that
+it was thought that he had given up the idea of retiring. But this was
+his last speech as Premier. March 2d, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were
+summoned to Windsor, where they dined with the Queen, and remained over
+night. Saturday, March 3, 1894, Mr. Gladstone tendered his resignation
+as Premier to the Queen, who accepted it with many expressions of favor
+and regret, and offered him again a peerage, which was declined. On the
+way to Windsor and return to London, Mr. Gladstone was greeted by a
+large and enthusiastic crowd. Hundreds of letters and telegrams
+expressing regret, because of his retirement, were received by the
+ex-Premier, On Sunday he attended church as usual and was looking well,
+Mr. Balfour in the Commons, and Lord Salisbury in the Lords, vied with
+Mr. Gladstone's political friends in speaking his praise, and referring
+in the highest terms to his character and labors. The press in all parts
+of the world spoke in glowing terms of his natural endowments, great
+attainments, invaluable services, pure character and wonderfully
+vigorous old age. It was quite evident that Mr. Gladstone's retirement
+was not enforced by mental or physical infirmities, or by his unfitness
+for the leadership of the House and the Premiership, but that as a wise
+precaution, and upon the solicitation of his family, he had laid down
+his power while he was yet able to wield it with astonishing vigor. Thus
+closed the fourth administration of this remarkable man, the greatest
+English statesman of his time. In all history there is no parallel case,
+and no official record such as his.
+
+Lord Rosebery was appointed Premier in the place of Mr. Gladstone, and
+Sir William V. Harcourt became the leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone wrote congratulating Lord Rosebery, and
+promised to aid him whenever his assistance was required. In assuming
+office Lord Rosebery eulogized Mr. Gladstone, and announced that there
+would be no change in the policy of reform of the Liberal party under
+the new administration, and declared for Home Rule for Ireland, the
+disestablishment of the church in Wales and Scotland, and the reform of
+the House of Lords.
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+
+IN PRIVATE LIFE
+
+Justin McCarthy, in the closing pages of his Story of Gladstone's Life,
+says: "The long political struggle was over and done. The heat of the
+opposition this way and that had gone out forever, and Mr. Gladstone had
+none left but friends on both sides of the political field. Probably
+that ceremonial, that installation of the Prince of Wales as Chancellor
+of the Welsh University, was the last occasion on which Mr. Gladstone
+would consent to make an appearance on a public platform. It was a
+graceful close to such a great career."
+
+The occasion referred to was the ceremonial at Aberystwith, Wales, June
+26, 1896, when the Prince of Wales was installed as Chancellor of the
+Welsh University, and when the Prince presented to the Princess of Wales
+and to Mr. Gladstone honorary degrees conferred upon them by the
+University. The appearance of Mr. Gladstone was the signal for great
+applause. The Prince in his remarks was very complimentary to Mr.
+Gladstone, and spoke of the honor paid the University by the presence of
+the aged scholar and statesman, and also said it was truly one of the
+proudest moments of his life, when he found himself in the flattering
+position of being able to confer an academic honor upon one furnishing
+the rare instance of occupying the highest position as a statesman and
+who at the same time had attained such distinction in scholarship.
+
+But Mr. McCarthy was mistaken about this being the closing public
+service in the life of Mr. Gladstone. It was very far from his last
+public appearance. After that event Mr. Gladstone appeared repeatedly.
+Though his official life had closed, yet he was to emerge from
+retirement many times, and especially when it became necessary for him
+to raise his strong voice for humanity. His advocacy of the great causes
+of Armenian rescue, of Grecian independence, of Arbitration instead of
+War, and the unity and harmony of the two great English-speaking people,
+was given with all the old time fire of youth. What Mr. Gladstone did
+and said with pen and voice since the occasion mentioned, was enough not
+only for another chapter, but a whole volume, and sufficient alone to
+immortalize any man.
+
+After the great struggle for Home Rule and during the sultry summer of
+1893, Mr. Gladstone repaired to his favorite winter resort, Biarritz, in
+the south of France, It was while he was there that rumors of his
+resignation were heard, based on the ground of his failing health. Dr.
+Granger, of Chester, who was also an oculist, was summoned to examine
+Mr. Gladstone's eyes. He told Mr. Gladstone that a cataract had
+obliterated the sight of one eye, and that another cataract had begun to
+form on the other. In other words Mr. Gladstone was threatened with
+total blindness. The Prime Minister reflected a moment, and then
+requested--almost ordered--the physician to operate immediately upon his
+eye. He said: "I wish you to remove the cataract at once." The physician
+replied that it was not far enough advanced for an operation. "You do
+not understand me," answered the patient, "it is the old cataract I wish
+removed. If that is out of the way, I shall still have one good eye,
+when the new cataract impairs the sight of the other." As the physician
+still hesitated, Mr. Gladstone continued: "You still seem not to
+understand me. I want you to perform the operation here and now while I
+am sitting in this chair." "But it might not be successful," said Dr.
+Granger. "That is a risk I accept," was the instant reply. However, the
+physician dared not then undertake it, and afterwards said that Mr.
+Gladstone's eyes were as good as they were a year before, and that his
+general health was also good.
+
+In May, 1894, Mr. Gladstone's eye was successfully operated upon for
+cataract. He took no anaesthetic, and was conscious during the time.
+Every precaution was taken to insure success, and the patient was put to
+bed for rest and quiet and kept on low diet. Mr. Gladstone's eyes were
+so improved by judicious treatment that before long he could read ten or
+twelve hours a day. This could be regarded as complete restoration of
+sight, and enabled him, upon his retirement from public life, to devote
+himself to the work he so well loved when at home in his study
+at Hawarden.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's retirement from public life, from the Premiership, the
+Cabinet, the leadership of the Liberal Party, and from Parliament did
+not mean his entrance upon a period of inactivity. In the shades of
+Hawarden and in the quiet of his study he kept up the industry that had
+characterized his whole life heretofore.
+
+It had been the custom for centuries for English statesmen, upon
+retiring from official life, to devote themselves to the classics. Mr.
+Gladstone, who was pre-eminently a statesman-scholar, found it very
+congenial to his mind and habits to follow this old English custom. He
+first translated and published "The Odes of Horace." Then he took
+Butler's "Analogy" as a text book, and prepared and published "Studies
+Subsidiary to the Works of Bishop Butler." The discussion necessarily
+takes a wide range, treating, among other matters, of Butler's method,
+its application to the Scriptures, the future life, miracles and the
+mediation of Christ. Says W.T. Stead: "No one who reads the strenuous
+arguments with which Mr. Gladstone summarizes the reasoning of Bishop
+Butler on the future life is conscious of any weakening in the vigorous
+dialectic which was so often employed with brilliant success in the
+House of Commons."
+
+One of Mr. Gladstone's latest productions was his "Personal
+Recollections of Arthur H. Hallam," which was written for the "Youth's
+Companion." It is a tribute to the memory and worth of one of his early
+friends at Eton.
+
+These and other literary works occupied most of his time. But Mr.
+Gladstone would not content himself with quiet literary work. He had too
+long and too intensely been active in the world's great movements and on
+humanity's behalf to stand aloof. Hence it was not long before he was
+again in the arena, doing valiant service for the Armenian and
+against the Turk.
+
+In 1892 the Sultan, in the execution of a plan devised in 1890, issued
+an edict against religious freedom. In 1894, he threw off the mask and
+began to execute his deliberate and preconcerted plan to force all
+Christian Armenians to become Mohammedans or to die. Robbery, outrage
+and murder were the means used by the hands of brutal soldiers.
+
+In a letter to an indignation meeting held in London, December 17th,
+1894, Mr. Gladstone wrote denouncing these outrages of the Turks. The
+reading of the letter was greeted with prolonged applause.
+
+A deputation of Armenian gentlemen, residing in London and in Paris,
+took occasion on Mr. Gladstone's 85th birthday, December 29th, 1894, to
+present a silver chalice to Hawarden Church as "a memorial of Mr.
+Gladstone's sympathy with and assistance to the Armenian people." Mr.
+Gladstone's address to the deputation was regarded as one of the most
+peculiar and characteristic acts of his life. He gave himself wholly to
+the cause of these oppressed people, and was stirred by the outrages and
+murders perpetrated upon them as he was 18 years before. He said that
+the Turks should go out as they did go out of Bulgaria "bag and
+baggage," and he denounced the government of the Sultan as "a disgrace
+to Mahomet, the prophet whom it professed to follow, a disgrace to
+civilization at large, and a curse to mankind." He contended that every
+nation had ever the right and the authority to act "on behalf of
+humanity and of justice."
+
+There were those who condemned Mr. Gladstone's speech, declaring that it
+might disrupt the peace of Europe, but there were many others who
+thought that the sooner peace secured at such a cost was disturbed the
+better. It was but natural for those who wrongfully claimed the
+sovereign right to oppress their own subjects, to denounce all
+interference in the affairs of the Sultan.
+
+It was reported, March 19, 1895, that Francis Seymour Stevenson, M.P.,
+Chairman of the Anglo-Armenian Association, on behalf of the Tiflis
+Armenians, would present to Mr. Gladstone, on his return to London, the
+ancient copy of the Armenian Gospels, inscribed upon vellum, which was
+to accompany the address to the ex-Premier, then being signed by the
+Armenians there. In a letter Mr. Gladstone had but recently declared
+that he had abandoned all hope that the condition of affairs in Armenia
+would change for the better. The Sultan, he declared, was no longer
+worthy of the courtesies of diplomatic usage, or of Christian tolerance.
+Mr. Gladstone promised that when these Gospels were formally presented
+to him he would deliver a "rattling" address on behalf of the Armenians.
+When a delegation waited on him, he said, after assuring them of his
+sympathy, that the danger in the Armenian situation now was that useful
+action might be abandoned, in view of the promises of the Turkish
+Government to institute reforms.
+
+In June 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attended the opening of the Kaiser
+Wilhelm Canal as guests of Sir Donald Currie, on his steamship
+Tantallon Castle, returning home on the twenty-fifth. During this trip
+an effort was made to arrange for an interview between the Ex-Premier
+and the Prince Bismarck, but the Prince seemed disinclined and the
+project failed.
+
+It was while Mr. Gladstone was at Kiel, that the Rosebery Ministry fell
+by an accidental defeat of the Liberal Party in Parliament, and which
+again brought Mr. Gladstone to the front in the public mind. Lord
+Rosebery telegraphed Mr. Gladstone full particulars of the situation,
+and Mr. Gladstone strongly advised against the resignation of the
+Government and urged that a vote of confidence be taken. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote that the Liberal Party could well afford to stand on its record.
+The Ministry with but two exceptions, was the same, as that formed by
+Mr. Gladstone in August 1892, and had his confidence.
+
+Nevertheless, the cabinet of Lord Rosebery resigned, and the Marquis of
+Salisbury again became Prime Minister,--on the very day of Mr.
+Gladstone's arrival home. However Lord Rosebery retained the leadership
+of the Liberal Party.
+
+There is no doubt that if the wishes of the Liberal Party had been
+gratified, Mr. Gladstone would have taken the leadership and again
+become Prime Minister. Subsequent events proved that he would have been
+equal, at least for a while, to the task of succeeding Lord Rosebery.
+But Mr. Gladstone was not willing. He refused to re-enter Parliament,
+and wrote a letter to his old constituents at Midlothian, declining
+their kind offer to send him to the House and bade them a kind farewell.
+In his letter he said that the Liberal Party is a party of progress and
+reform, and urged his constituents to stand by it. He regarded the
+changes of the century exceedingly beneficial.
+
+August 6, 1895, Mr. Gladstone made a great speech at Chester. A meeting
+was held in the Town Hall to arouse public sentiment against the
+slaughter of Armenian Christians within the Empire of the Sultan by
+Turkish soldiers, and to devise some means of putting an end to such
+crimes, and of punishing the oppressor. The audience was very large,
+including many Armenians resident in England, and rose with vociferous
+cheering when Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, the Duke of Westminster, the
+Bishop of Chester, and the Mayor of Chester entered the hall. The Bishop
+of Ripon was already there. The Duke of Westminster presided, and read a
+letter from the Marquis of Salisbury, the Premier.
+
+Mr. Gladstone arose amid an outburst of enthusiastic applause, and
+addressing the vast audience said:
+
+That the massacres in Armenia resulted from intolerable
+government--perhaps the worst in the world. He offered a resolution
+pledging the support of the entire nation to the British Government in
+its efforts to secure for the Armenians such reforms as would guarantee
+the safety of life, honor, religion and property. Mr. Gladstone said
+that language failed to describe the horrors of the massacre of Sussoun,
+which made the blood run cold. The Sultan was responsible, for these
+barbarities were not the act of the criminal class, such as afflicts
+every country, the malefactors who usually perpetrate horrible crime,
+but were perpetrated by the agents of the Sultan--the soldiers and the
+Kurds, tax-gatherers and police of the Turkish Government. And what had
+been done, and was daily being done, could be summed up in four awful
+words--plunder, murder, rape and torture. Plunder and murder were bad
+enough, but these were almost venial by the side of the work of the
+ravisher and the torturer. And the victims were defenceless men, women
+and children--Armenians, one of the oldest Christian civilized races,
+and one of the most pacific, industrious and intelligent races of
+the world.
+
+There was no exaggeration in the language used to describe the horrible
+outrages visited upon whole communities of innocent and helpless people.
+The truth of these terrible charges in their most hideous form, was
+established by unbiased American testimony, by Dr, Dillon, an eye
+witness, and by the representatives of England, France and Russia.
+
+Nothing but a sense of duty, said Mr. Gladstone, had brought him at his
+age to resign the repose, which was the last of many great earthly
+blessings remaining to him, to address them.
+
+If the Powers of Europe were to recede before the irrational resistance
+of the Sultan, they would be disgraced in the eyes of the world, and the
+Christian population of the Turkish Empire would be doomed to
+extermination, according to the plan of the Porte. Terrible word, but
+true in its application.
+
+As to the remedy the cleanest was to make the Turk march out of Armenia,
+as he did out of Bulgaria, "bag and baggage." He cautioned against
+trusting the promises of the government at Constantinople, which he knew
+from long experience, were worthless; and declared that the Sultan was
+bound by no treaty obligation. The word "ought" was not heeded at
+Constantinople, but the word "must" was understood fully there. Coercion
+was a word perfectly comprehended there--a drastic dose which never
+failed. If we have the smallest regard for humanity, he concluded, we
+shall, with the help of God, demand that which is just and necessary.
+Mr. Gladstone was frequently and loudly applauded during his speech, at
+the conclusion of which the resolution was adopted.
+
+The most powerful voice in all Britain had been raised with stirring
+and thrilling power for justice and humanity. The testimony of an eye
+witness is to the effect, that never did the grand old man seem in finer
+form. His undimmed eye flashed as he spoke with withering scorn against
+hypocrisy and with hottest hate against wrong. His natural force was not
+abated, his health robust, and his conviction unsubdued. His deeply
+lined and pale face was transfigured with the glow of righteous
+indignation. The aged statesman was in his old House of Commons vigor.
+"There was the same facile movement of his body, and the same
+penetrating look as though he would pierce the very soul of his
+auditors; the same triumphant march of sentence after sentence to their
+chosen goal, and yet the same subtle method of introducing qualifying
+clauses all along the march without loosing the grip of his theme; the
+same ascent to lofty principles and commanding generalizations, blended
+with the complete mastery of details; and, above all, the same sublimity
+of outlook and ringing emphasis of sincerity in every tone." It was an
+occasion never to be forgotten. A distinguished hearer said: "To read
+his speech, as thousands will, is much; but to have heard it, to have
+felt it-oh! that is simply indescribable, and will mark for many, one of
+the most memorable days of this last decade of this closing century.
+The sweet cadence of his voice, the fascination of his personality, and,
+above all, the consecration of his splendid gifts to the cause of
+plundered men and ravished women, raise the occasion into prominence in
+the annals of a great people. Chiefly, I feel the triumphs of soul. His
+utterance of the words 'wives,' 'women,' lifted them into an atmosphere
+of awe and solemnity, and his tone in speaking of 'rape' and 'torture'
+gave them an ineffable loathsomeness. It seemed as if so much soul had
+never been put into a Saxon speech. Keen satire, rasping rebuke, an
+avalanche of indignation, rapier-like thrusts to the vital fibre of the
+situation, and withal the invincible cogency of argument against the
+Turkish Government, gave the oration a primary place amongst the
+master-pieces of human eloquence."
+
+In the course of this famous speech Mr. Gladstone referred to America;
+once when welcoming the sympathy of the American people with the
+suffering Armenians, and again as he described the testimony of the
+United States as a witness that gained enormously in value because it
+was entirely free from suspicion.
+
+A large meeting was held in St. James Hall, London, October 19, 1896, in
+memory of Christian Martyrs in Turkey. The Bishop of Rochester presided.
+The hall was packed with an audience of 2,600, while nearly 7,000
+applied for admission. Many prominent persons were present. The large
+audience was in sombre funeral attire. About thirty front seats were
+occupied by Armenians. It was stated that 60,000 Armenians so far had
+been murdered with tortures and indignities indescribable. To this
+meeting Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter which was greeted with the
+wildest enthusiasm. He said that he hoped the meeting would worthily
+crown the Armenian meetings of the past two months, which were without a
+parallel during his political life. The great object, he said, was to
+strengthen Lord Salisbury's hands and to stop the series of massacres,
+which were probably still unfinished, and to provide against their
+renewal. As he believed that Lord Salisbury would use his powerful
+position for the best, personally he objected in the strongest manner to
+abridging Lord Salisbury's discretion by laying down this or that as
+things which he ought not to do. It was a wild paradox, without the
+support of reason or history, to say that the enforcement of treaty
+rights to stop systematic massacre, together with effective security
+against Great Britain's abusing them for selfish ends, would provoke the
+hostilities of one or more of the powers.
+
+To advertise beforehand in the ears of the Great Assassin that Great
+Britain's action would cut down--what the most backward of the six
+Powers think to be sufficient--would be the; abandonment of duty and
+prudence and would be to doom the national movement to disappointment.
+The concert of Europe was valuable and important, but such an
+announcement would be certain to be followed by its failure.
+
+One of the immediate effects of Mr. Gladstone's denunciation of the
+Sultan for the Armenian massacres was the resignation by Lord Rosebery
+of the leadership of the Liberal Party. Mr. Gladstone's return to
+politics, the agitation of the Turkish question and the differences
+between these two leaders of the Liberal movement as to the best way of
+dealing with the Sultan, were assigned as reasons by Lord Rosebery for
+his resignation.
+
+It was then again suggested that Mr. Gladstone assume the leadership of
+the Liberal Party and accept a peerage and a seat in the House of Lords,
+so often tendered him by the Queen. Then Sir William Vernon-Harcourt
+could lead in the House of Commons and bear the burden, while Mr.
+Gladstone could be at the head of affairs without the worry of the House
+of Commons. Besides, Mr. Morgan offered to resign his seat in the House
+of Commons in his favor. But Mr. Gladstone would not agree to any of
+these plans as far as they pertained to himself.
+
+July 22, 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone returned to London to attend a
+great social function, the marriage of one of the daughters of the
+Prince and Princess of Wales to Prince Charles of Denmark. Mr. Gladstone
+evinced much interest in everything connected with the important event,
+and was himself the object of much attention.
+
+September 23, 1896, Mr. Gladstone wrote a long letter to the Paris
+Figaro in response to an appeal from its editor, M. Leudet, to Mr.
+Gladstone to arouse the French press in behalf of the Armenians. After
+expressing his diffidence in complying with the request, Mr. Gladstone
+declared his belief that the population of Great Britain were more
+united in sentiment and more thoroughly aroused by the present outrages
+in Turkey than they were by the atrocities in Bulgaria in 1876.
+
+He said: "The question whether effect can be given to the national
+indignation is now in the balance, and will probably soon be decided. I
+have read in some Austrian newspapers an affected scruple against sole
+action by any one State in a European crisis, but there are two
+first-class Powers who will not make that scruple their own. One of
+these is Russia, who in 1878, earned lasting honors by liberating
+Bulgaria and, helping onward the freedom and security of other Balkan
+States. The other Power is France, who, in 1840, took up the cause of
+Egypt and pushed it single handed to the verge of a European war. She
+wisely forbore to bring about that horrible, transcendent calamity, but
+I gravely doubt whether she was not right and the combined Powers wrong
+in their policy of that period."
+
+Mr. Gladstone denounced the Sultan as the "Great Assassin," and
+continued: "For more than a year he has triumphed over the diplomacy of
+the six Powers, they have been laid prostrate at his feet. There is no
+parallel in history to the humiliation they have patiently borne. He has
+therefore had every encouragement to continue a course that has been
+crowned with such success. The impending question seems to be, not
+whether, but when and where he will proceed to his next murderous
+exploits. The question for Europe and each Power is whether he shall be
+permitted to swell by more myriads the tremendous total of his victims.
+
+"In other years when I possessed power I did my best to promote the
+concert of Europe, but I sorrowfully admit that all the good done in
+Turkey during the last twenty years was done, not by it, but more nearly
+despite it." The letter concludes by expressing the hope that the French
+people would pursue a policy worthy of their greatness, their fame and
+the high place they have held in European Christian history.
+
+September 24, 1896, a meeting was called by the Reform Club, of
+Liverpool, to protest against the recent massacres of 2000 Armenians at
+Constantinople at the affair of the Ottoman Bank, and many more
+throughout the Turkish Empire. Mr. Gladstone was asked to address the
+meeting. When requested by the agent of the Associated Press for an
+advanced proof of his speech he declined, but wrote that he would
+"recommend giving the warmest support to the Queen's government, and
+would contend that England should act alone if necessary for the
+fulfillment of the covenants which have been so disgracefully broken."
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with their son Herbert, arrived at noon at
+Liverpool, and were met at the railroad station by 2,000 enthusiastic
+people. The meeting was held in the vast auditorium of the Circus
+Building, which was filled. Thousands failed to obtain entrance.
+
+Before the arrival of Mr. Gladstone there was a spontaneous outburst of
+applause, everybody present standing and singing "God save the Queen."
+When Mr. Gladstone entered, the prolonged roar of applause could be
+heard for miles, arising from thousands inside and outside the hall.
+
+The Earl of Derby, Conservative, presided. He was accompanied by the
+Countess of Derby, who with many distinguished persons occupied
+the platform.
+
+Mr. Gladstone stepped briskly to the front of the platform at 12.30 p.m.
+bowing repeatedly in response to the applause. He looked strong and
+well for a man of his age and labors, and was easily heard. After a few
+preliminary remarks, he moved the following resolution:
+
+"That this meeting trusts that Her Majesty's ministers, realizing to the
+fullest extent the terrible condition in which their fellow Christians
+are placed, will do everything possible to obtain for them full security
+and protection; and this meeting assures Her Majesty's ministers that
+they may rely upon the cordial support of the citizens of Liverpool in
+whatever steps they may feel it necessary to take for that purpose."
+
+The resolution was received with great cheering.
+
+Mr. Gladstone resumed: "We have a just title to threaten Turkey with
+coercion, but that does not in itself mean war; and I think that the
+first step should be the recall of our Ambassador, and it should be
+followed by the dismissal of the Turkish Ambassador from London. Such a
+course is frequent and would not give the right of complaint to anybody.
+When diplomatic relations are suspended, England should inform the
+Sultan that she should consider the means of enforcing her just and
+humane demands. I do not believe that Europe will make war to insure the
+continuance of massacres more terrible than ever recorded in the dismal,
+deplorable history of crime.
+
+"Now, as in 1876, to the guilt of massacre is added the impudence of
+denial, which will continue just as long as Europe is content to listen.
+I doubt if it is an exaggeration to say that it was in the Sultan's
+palace, and there only, that the inspiration has been supplied, and the
+policy devised of the whole series of massacres. When the Sultan carries
+massacre into his own capital under the eyes of the Ambassadors, he
+appears to have gained the very acme of what it is possible for him to
+do. But the weakness of diplomacy, I trust, is about to be strengthened
+by the echo of this nation's voice."
+
+Mr. Gladstone then referred to the supineness of the Ambassadors of the
+Powers at Constantinople, and continued: "The concert of Europe is an
+august and useful instrument, but it has not usually succeeded in
+dealing with the Eastern question, which has arrived at a period when it
+is necessary to strengthen the hands of the Government by an expression
+of national opinion. I believe that the continued presence of the
+Ambassadors at Constantinople has operated as a distinct countenance to
+the Sultan, who is thus their recognized ally.
+
+"But, while urging the Government to act, it does not follow that, even
+for the sake of the great object in view, Great Britain should
+transplant Europe into a state of war. On the other hand, however, I
+deny that England must abandon her own right to independent judgment
+and allow herself to be domineered over by the other powers."
+
+Mr. Gladstone expressed the opinion that the purpose of the meeting was
+defensive and prospective, saying that no one can hold out the hope that
+the massacres are ended, although he ventured to anticipate that the
+words spoken at the meeting would find their way to the palace at
+Constantinople. "The present movement," he said, "is based on broad
+grounds of humanity, and is not directed against the Mohammedans, but
+against the Turkish officials, evidence of whose barbarities rests in
+credible official reports." Mr. Gladstone declared his adhesion to the
+principles contained in the resolution, and said he came to the meeting
+not claiming any authority for sentiments expressed except that of a
+citizen of Liverpool.
+
+"But," he remarked, "the national platform upon which the meeting is
+based gives greater authority for sentiments universally entertained
+throughout the length and breadth of the land, and I urge that in this
+matter party sympathy be renounced. I entertain the lively hope and
+strong belief that the present deplorable situation is not due to the
+act or default of the Government of this great country."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke about twenty minutes and was repeatedly interrupted
+by applause. He was in good voice, and did not seem fatigued when he
+had finished.
+
+The next day the Turkish Embassy at London telegraphed Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at Liverpool verbatim to the Sultan.
+
+The London Times in an editorial said: "The spectacle of the veteran
+statesman quitting his retirement to plead the cause of the oppressed is
+well calculated to move the sympathy and admiration of the nation. The
+ardor of Mr. Gladstone's feelings on this subject is notorious. All the
+more striking and significant is the comparative restraint and
+moderation of the speech."
+
+Other questions besides those mentioned were claiming the attention of
+English statesmen. In the Spring, prior to the great Liverpool meeting,
+the Venezuela boundary question was agitating the two great English
+speaking nations to the very verge of war. A large Peace Meeting was
+held in London, March 3, 1896, to favor arbitration. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote: "I am glad that the discussion of arbitration is to be separated
+from the Venezuela question, upon which I do not feel myself in final
+and full possession of the facts that I should wish. My views on
+arbitration in place of war were gathered from the part I took in the
+matter of the Alabama claims. I will only add that my conviction and
+sentiment on the subject grow in strength from year to year in
+proportion to the growth of that monstrous and barbarous militarism, in
+regard to which I consider England has to bear no small responsibility."
+
+The meeting favored permanent international arbitration, and an
+Anglo-American treaty was finally signed by the representatives of the
+two nations, providing for the settlement of all questions between the
+two nations by arbitration instead of by war, but the Senate of the
+United States refused to ratify the treaty.
+
+Mr. Gladstone deplored intensely the extraordinary misunderstanding
+which had prevailed on the subject of the Venezuela frontier. He seemed
+to think that nothing but a little common sense was needed to secure the
+pacific settlement of the question at any moment. A hundred square miles
+more or less on either side of the boundary of British Guiana was to him
+a matter of supreme indifference. He was extremely anxious to see
+justice done, and one of his last speeches in the House of Commons was
+in favor of permanent arbitration between England and the United States.
+
+Another one of the absorbing questions that came before the civilized
+world for consideration, and almost to the exclusion of the Armenian
+question, was the Cretan Question. Greece heroically sustained the
+insurrection of the Cretans against the Turkish rule. The scene of
+Turkish cruelty was now transferred to the isle of Crete. For the time
+the Armenian massacres were forgotten. The Greeks rushed to the rescue,
+while all Europe held aloof. Mr. Gladstone sent the following dispatch
+to the Chronicle: "I do not dare to stimulate Greece when I cannot help
+her, but I shall profoundly rejoice at her success. I hope the Powers
+will recollect that they have their own character to redeem." This was
+in February, 1897, Later he wrote that to expel the Greek troops from
+Crete and keep as police the butchers of Armenia, would further deepen
+the disgrace of the Powers of Europe.
+
+In March, 1897, Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter, now justly celebrated,
+on the same subject to the Duke of Westminster in which he expressed his
+opinion more fully, and which was evidently the sentiment of the English
+speaking people of the world. The letter was in the form of a pamphlet
+of 16 pages, published, and entitled The Eastern Crisis.
+
+In less than a week after this eloquent manifesto in behalf of the
+Cretans and of Greece was put forth, it was currently reported that the
+precise solution of the problem recommended by Mr. Gladstone was likely
+to be adopted. The Sultan himself, fearful of the effect of the appeal
+on public opinion in Europe, sought the settlement of the question in
+the manner suggested. The Greeks still clamored for war. In the war
+that followed between Greece and Turkey, Greece was defeated and crushed
+by the Turk. Only by the intervention of the Powers was Greece saved
+from becoming a part of the Sultan's Empire.
+
+After peace had been concluded between Turkey and Greece, Mr. Gladstone
+undertook to arouse public opinion by a trenchant review of the
+situation. Looking back over the past two years of England's Eastern
+policy, he inquires as to what have been the results, and then answers
+his own question. He thus enumerates:
+
+1. The slaughter of 100,000 Armenian Christians, men, women and
+children, with no guarantee against a repetition of the crime.
+
+2. The Turkish Umpire stronger than at any time since the Crimean war.
+
+3. Christian Greece weaker than at any time since she became a kingdom.
+
+These are facts, Mr. Gladstone claimed, for which the leading Christian
+nations and statesmen of Europe are responsible.
+
+While Mr. Gladstone thus expresses himself, yet his vigorous protests
+had not been without effect. His voice penetrated into the very palace
+of the Sultan, and into every Cabinet of Europe, and was heard by every
+statesman and ruler throughout the world, and aroused the people
+everywhere. It was a mighty voice lifted for right and against
+oppression. The Sultan was afraid and was compelled to desist; not that
+he feared the protests and the warnings of the Christian Nations of
+Europe, but because that one voice was the expression of the popular
+feeling of all Christians throughout the world, and to defy such
+sentiment would be to court the overthrow of his throne, if not of the
+dominion of the Turk in Europe.
+
+In June, 1894, an invitation was extended to Mr. Gladstone to visit the
+United States, signed by many representative men in public life. But Mr.
+Gladstone, while acknowledging the compliment, declined because of his
+age. It would, he thought, be a tremendous undertaking for him. The
+fatigue of the voyage and the strain of the receptions while in America,
+would prove greater than his physical condition could bear.
+
+Later Mr. Gladstone was waited on at Hawarden by one hundred members of
+the Philadelphia Manufacturer's Club. He personally escorted them over
+the Castle grounds and narrated the history of the Castle to them.
+Greatly pleased with the warmth of their reception, they thanked Mr.
+Gladstone for his courtesy. They then gave him three cheers. This token
+of appreciation was very gratifying to Mr. Gladstone, who said that it
+was the first time he had ever heard American cheers.
+
+Saturday afternoon, August 15, 1896, Li Hung Chang, the great Chinese
+Statesman and Embassador, visited Mr. Gladstone at Hawarden. Probably
+the three greatest living statesmen of the time were Gladstone, Bismarck
+and Li Hung Chang. The Embassador and his suite went to Chester in a
+special train, and were driven in three open carriages to Hawarden.
+Along the route as, well as at the station, the party was cheered by a
+large crowd. The Viceroy was sleeping when the train reached Chester and
+he was allowed to sleep until he awoke. Yet the party was ahead of time
+in reaching the Castle, but Mr. Gladstone hastened to receive them. The
+Chinese visitors were received at the door by Mr. Henry Gladstone. Li
+Hung Chang was escorted into the Library where he was introduced to Mr.
+and Mrs. Gladstone.
+
+The intention of Mr. Gladstone was to have as escort a guard of honor to
+the Viceroy, the Hawarden corps of the Welsh Fusiliers, which reached
+the Castle, owing to the visitors being ahead of time, ten minutes after
+the arrival of the party.
+
+The two aged statesmen sat near the window overlooking the terrace, and
+at once, with the aid of Lo Feug Luh, engaged in conversation, Li asked
+various questions concerning Mr. Gladstone's career, and was informed by
+Mr. Gladstone that he had been Prime Minister nearly thirteen years,
+and in the Cabinet nearly twenty-four years. When complimented upon the
+service he had rendered to his country, Mr. Gladstone replied that he
+had done what he could, but he should have done a great deal more. Li
+observed that British interests and British trade in China were greater
+than those of all other countries put together. The Viceroy also talked
+with Mr. Gladstone of free trade, of restrictions upon commerce, of the
+power of the British Navy, of the greatness of the British Revenues, of
+the vastness of the Colonial Empire, of the necessity of a railway
+system to commerce and upon a number of similar subjects. Refreshments
+were served which Li enjoyed, and then by request he wrote his autograph
+in three books, using Dorothy Drew's colors for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone and Li were photographed together sitting on chairs outside
+the porch. Mr. Gladstone presented Li with three books from his library,
+and then the Chinese visitors departed.
+
+On Saturday evening October 10, 1896, the Right Hon. and Most Rev.
+Edward White Benson, D.D., Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all
+England, arrived at Hawarden with Mrs. Benson on a visit to his old
+friend Mr. Gladstone. Sunday morning Dr. Benson went with the Gladstone
+family to Hawarden Church and occupied the Gladstone pew. After the
+service had commenced a commotion was observed. It was caused by the
+fall of Dr. Benson In the pew while kneeling in prayer. Attendants
+removed Dr. Benson to the Rectory, and medical aid was summoned, but
+death came soon after from apoplexy. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone, rector,
+proceeded with the service until notified of the death of the
+Archbishop, when he dismissed the congregation. Mr. Gladstone, who had
+not attended church from indisposition, was deeply affected by the death
+of his guest and friend.
+
+The morning papers of London, June 1, 1896, printed a long letter from
+Mr. Gladstone to Cardinal Rampolla for submission to the Pope Leo XIII,
+in favor of the unity of Christendom by means of a papal declaration in
+favor of the validity of Anglican orders. It created a great sensation.
+Shortly after this the Pope issued an Encyclical letter addressed to
+"all bishops in communion with the Holy See." The theme was the same as
+that of Mr. Gladstone's letter, to which it was regarded as an answer.
+The Pope invited all the English people "to return to the religion of
+the Roman Catholic Church." "This," remarks Mr. Justin McCarthy, "was
+exactly what any thoughtful person might have expected." While this
+letter and its answer did not satisfy the clergy of the established
+Church of England, who were favorably disposed towards Rome, on the
+other hand it aroused the dissenting Christians of England to reply
+that they were opposed to all state or established churches, whether
+Roman Catholic or English Episcopal.
+
+On December 29, 1896, the eighty-seventh anniversary of Mr. Gladstone's
+birth was celebrated at Hawarden, surrounded by his family and friends.
+There were the usual demonstrations by the villagers, consisting in the
+ringing of bells and the appointments of deputations to wait upon the
+aged statesman at the Castle with congratulations. An enormous flow of
+telegrams and messages continued throughout the day from all parts of
+the kingdom, the United States and the Continent. Among those sending
+congratulations were the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Baroness de
+Rothschild. Mr. Gladstone was in good health, and in the afternoon went
+out for a walk.
+
+May 10, 1897, the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the
+Princess Victoria, visited Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone at Hawarden. They were
+received by Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone in the porch erected in 1889 to
+commemorate their golden wedding. The mutual greetings were of the
+heartiest nature. The royal party inspected the ruins of the old castle,
+Mr. Gladstone acting as escort to the Princess of Wales. An interesting
+incident occurred on the lawn. The Princess took great interest in
+inspecting the favorite dogs of the Gladstone family. These were the
+black Pomeranians. Two puppies were carried in a basket, one of which
+the Princess accepted as a gift.
+
+June 22, 1897, was celebrated with great pomp and rejoicing the Diamond
+Jubilee of Victoria, the Queen of England and Empress of India, when the
+Queen reached the 60th anniversary of her reign, which is the longest in
+English history. Victoria became queen at the age of 19 years, in 1837,
+and then the British Isles possessed a population of 26,000,000 and they
+had became 40,000,000. Her Empire has been extended until in India,
+South, Central and Western Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North
+America, and including the British Isles, there were 360,000,000 people
+who owned her sway. And to this greatness and glory Mr. Gladstone had
+been one to contribute largely, while his influence has been felt more
+still by far in promoting the moral greatness of the people. Throughout
+all the Empire the event was celebrated, and the jubilee procession in
+London was swollen by representatives of all parts of the Queen's domain
+and all nations on earth which rendered it the greatest pageant ever
+beheld. Even the Turk was there, but Mr. Gladstone was not there, nor
+was his name even mentioned for a place in the march on jubilee day. Yet
+the period of Victoria's reign will often be spoken of in history as the
+Gladstonian Era.
+
+"The public life of a leading statesman," says an eminent writer,
+"offers the boldest and stateliest outline to the public view. It may be
+that the most striking and memorable chapters in a future biography of
+Mr. Gladstone will contain the story of his private affairs and domestic
+life." His daily life at home was a model of simplicity and regularity,
+and the great secret of the vast amount of work he accomplished was
+owing to the fact that every odd five minutes were occupied. He had a
+deep sense of the preciousness of time and the responsibility which
+everyone incurs who uses or misuses it. "To such a length did he carry
+this that at a picnic to a favorite Welsh mountain he has been seen to
+fling himself on the heather and bury himself in some pamphlet upon a
+question of the day, until called to lighter things by those who were
+responsible for the provision basket."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was ever a most severe economist of time, a habit acquired
+as long ago as 1839, when he awed his young wife by filling up all odd
+bits and scraps of time with study or work. Out of his pocket would come
+the little classic at every chance opportunity of leisure. This accounts
+for his ability to get through in one day more than most people do in a
+week. Then besides, he had the faculty of concentrating the whole power
+of his mind upon the one thing before him, whether small or great. He
+was unable to divide the machinery of his mind. Interruption was almost
+fatal to his train of thought, but he was generally oblivious to
+conversation buzzing around him. Hence it was some time before a
+questioner could get an answer--he did not seem to hear, but patience
+finally secured attention, after the train of absorbing thought
+was finished.
+
+It was this power of concentrating all his faculties upon what he was
+doing, whether it was work or play, that made Mr. Gladstone one of the
+ablest as well as happiest of the century. He took the keenest delight
+in the scholarly and beautiful, and this accounts for his disregard of
+minor ills and evils. He was too absorbed to be fretful or impatient.
+But to be absorbed in great things did not mean, in his case, to be
+neglectful of little things. At one time his mind and time were so
+completely taken up with the Eastern question, that he could not be
+induced to spare a thought for Ireland, and afterward it was quite as
+difficult to get him to think of any political question except that
+of Ireland.
+
+In the daily routine of private life none in the household were more
+punctual and regular than Mr. Gladstone. At 8 o'clock he was up and in
+his study. From 1842 he always found time, with all his manifold duties,
+to go to church regularly, rain or shine, every morning except when ill,
+at half-past 8 o'clock, He walked along the public road from the castle
+to Hawarden church. Writes an observer: "The old statesman, with his
+fine, hale, gentle face, is an interesting figure as he walks lightly
+and briskly along the country road, silently acknowledging the fervent
+salutations of his friends--the Hawarden villagers. He wears a long
+coat, well buttoned up, a long shawl wrapped closely around his neck,
+and a soft felt hat--a very different figure from that of the Prime
+Minister as he is known in London."
+
+At the Castle prayers were read to the family and household soon after 9
+o'clock daily. His customary breakfast was comprised of a hard-boiled
+egg, a slice of tongue, dry toast and tea. The whole morning whether at
+home or on a visit was devoted to business. Luncheon at Hawarden was
+without formality. "Lunch was on the hob," for several hours, to be
+partaken of when it suited the convenience of the various members of the
+family. Tea, of which Mr. Gladstone was particularly fond, and of which
+he could partake at any hour of the day, or night, was served in the
+afternoon at 5 o'clock,--after which he finished his correspondence.
+
+In the afternoon, Mr. Gladstone was accustomed to a walk in the grounds,
+accompanied by his faithful little black Pomeranian dog, Petz, who was
+obtained on a trip abroad, and became and remained for many years, an
+important member of the household, and one of Mr. Gladstone's most
+devoted followers. Increasing years of over fourscore, prevented finally
+walks of fifty miles a day once indulged in, and the axes stood unused
+in their stands in the vestibule and library, but still Mr. Gladstone
+kept up his walks with his silent companion Petz. After walking for half
+an hour longer in his library after his return to the Castle, Mr.
+Gladstone would dress for dinner, which operation usually took him from
+three to five minutes. At 8 o'clock he joined the family, at dinner,
+which was a cheerful meal. Like Goethe he ate heartily and enjoyed his
+meals, but his diet was extremely simple, Mr. Gladstone eating only what
+was prescribed by his physician. At dinner he talked freely and
+brilliantly even when none but his family were present. When visitors
+were present he would enter upon whatever was the subject of
+conversation, taking his share with others, and pouring a flood of light
+upon any theme suggested, giving all the benefit of the fund of wisdom
+and anecdote collected through two generations of unparalleled political
+and social activity.
+
+After dinner, when there were no visitors at Hawarden, Mr. Gladstone
+would quietly sit reading in his library, or conversing with his family.
+He never used tobacco. Shortly after 10 o'clock he retired to bed and to
+sleep. He never allowed himself to think and be sleepless. Mr. Bright
+had a habit of making his speeches after he had retired to bed, which
+Mr. Gladstone thought was detrimental to his health. Bight hours was the
+time Mr. Gladstone permitted himself to sleep. His bed-room was on the
+second floor and reached by a fine staircase. Everything in the room was
+plain and homely.
+
+On the walls of his bed-room and over the mantlepiece was a text
+emblazoned, on which at evening and morning he could look, which read:
+"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee."
+This not only expresses Mr. Gladstone's trust in God, but doubtless
+accounts in a large degree for that tranquility of mind so notably his,
+even in those trying times that prostrated many and carried many more
+away from their bearings.
+
+From the worry or weariness of business, Mr. Gladstone was ever ready to
+turn for rest to reading, which has thus proved of inestimable value to
+him. "His family cannot speak without emotion of that look of perfect
+happiness and peace that beamed from his eye on such occasions." When
+during the general elections of 1882, this was denied him, he turned
+with equal readiness to writing and thinking on other subjects. During
+the Midlothian Campaign and General Election, and through the Cabinet
+making that followed, he relieved the pressure on his over-burdened
+brain by writing an article on Home Rule, "written with all the force
+and freshness of a first shock of discovery;" he was also writing daily
+on the Psalms; he was preparing a paper for the Oriental Congress which
+was to startle the educated world by "its originality and ingenuity;"
+and he was composing with great and careful investigation his Oxford
+lecture on "The rise and progress of learning in the University
+of Oxford."
+
+All during the morning hours he would sit in the silence of that
+corner-room on the ground floor reading. There were three writing-desks
+in the library, and one was chiefly reserved for correspondence of a
+political nature, and another for his literary work, while the third was
+used by Mrs. Gladstone. He spent his evenings when at Hawarden in a cosy
+corner of the library reading. He had a wonderfully constructed lamp so
+arranged for him for night reading, as to throw the utmost possible
+light on the pages of the book. It was generally a novel that employed
+his mind at night. Occasionally he gives Mrs. Drew about two hundred
+novels to divide the sheep from the goats among them. She divides them
+into three classes--novels worth keeping, novels to be given away, and
+novels to be destroyed.
+
+Mr. Gladstone generally had three books in course of reading at the same
+time, changing from one to the other. These books were carefully
+selected with reference to their character and contents, and he was
+particular as to their order and variation. For instance at one time he
+was reading Dr. Laugen's Roman History, in German, in the morning,
+Virgil in the afternoon, and a novel at night. Scott was his preference
+among novelists. He read with pencil in hand, and he had an elaborate
+system of marking a book. Aristotle, St. Augustine, Dante and Bishop
+Butler were the authors who had the deepest influence upon him, so he
+himself said. His copy of the Odyssey of Homer he had rebound several
+times, as he preferred always to use the same copy.
+
+Mrs. Drew says of her father: "There could not be a better illustration
+of his mind than his Temple of Peace--his study, with its
+extraordinarily methodical arrangement. Away from home he will write an
+exact description of the key or paper he requires, as: 'Open the left
+hand drawer of the writing table nearest the fireplace, and at the back
+of the drawer, in the right hand corner, you will find some keys. You
+will see three on one string; send me the one with such and such teeth.'
+His mind is arranged in the same way; he has only to open a particular
+compartment, labelled so and so, to find the information he requires.
+His memory in consequence is almost unfailing. It is commonly found that
+in old age the memory may be perfect as regards times long gone by, but
+inaccurate and defective as to more recent events. But with Mr.
+Gladstone the things of the present are as deeply stamped on his brain
+as the things of the past." Some one has said of Mr. Gladstone that his
+memory was "terrible." It is evident that he always kept abreast of the
+times--informing himself of everything new in literature, science and
+art, and when over eighty years of age was as ready to imbibe fresh
+ideas as when he was only eighteen, and far more discriminating.
+
+Those who entered Mr. Gladstone's official room on a Sunday, during the
+busiest parliamentary session, could not fail to be struck by the
+atmosphere of repose, the signs and symbols of the day, the books lying
+open near the armchair, the deserted writing-table, the absence of
+papers and newspapers. On Sunday Mr. Gladstone put away all business of
+a secular nature, occupied his time in reading special books, suitable
+to the day, and generally attended church twice, never dined out, except
+he went on a mission of mercy, or to cheer some sorrowful friend. When
+the Queen invited him to Windsor Castle on Sunday for one night, as she
+did sometimes, he always arranged to stay in Windsor Saturday. In his
+dressing room he kept a large open bible in which he daily read.
+Physically, intellectually and spiritually Mr. Gladstone's Sundays were
+regarded by his family as a priceless blessing to him, and to have made
+him the man he was. Mr. Gladstone had strict notions of his duty to his
+church. Whenever he established himself in London, he always attended
+the nearest church, and became regular in his attendance, not only on
+the Sabbath, but daily. With an empire on his shoulders he found time
+for daily public devotion, and in church-going he was no "gadabout."
+When he resided at Carlton House Terrace he attended the church of St.
+Martin-in-the-Fields.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's daily correspondence, when Prime Minister, was simply
+enormous. At first he felt it to be a conscientious duty to deal with
+the most of it himself, but finally came to trust the bulk of it to
+secretaries as other ministers did. Some letters came to him daily that
+he had to answer with his own hand; for example, from ministers or on
+confidental business, from the court, At the end of every Cabinet
+Council the Premier has to write a letter with his own hand to his
+sovereign, giving full information of the business transacted. The same
+kind of report is required daily from Parliament. Of course Mr.
+Gladstone, whenever he was Prime Minister, faithfully attended to this
+duty and dispatched the required letters written with his own hand to
+the Queen.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was remarkable for the strength and endurance of his body
+as well as for the vigor of his intellect. "Don't talk to me of Mr.
+Gladstone's mind," said a contemporary; "it is his body which astonishes
+me." He never had any serious illness in his life, and up to quite
+recent years were vigorous exercise, sometimes walking when in Scotland
+20 miles at a stretch over rough and mountainous country. The physical
+effort of speaking to twenty thousand people, and being heard in every
+part of the vast building by the audience, as was the case at
+Birmingham, in 1889, was remarkable. His power of endurance was
+wonderful. In 1882, he once sat up through an all-night sitting of the
+House of Commons, and going back to 10 Downing Street, at 8 o'clock in
+the morning, for half an hour's rest, again returned to the House and
+remained until the conclusion of the setting. Tree-cutting, which was
+with him a frequent recreation until he became a very old man, was
+chosen "as giving him the maximum of healthy exercise in the minimum of
+time." This favorite pastime of the great statesman was so closely
+associated with him that it was deemed the proper thing to do to place
+on exhibition in the Great Columbian Exposition at Chicago one of the
+axes of Mr. Gladstone.
+
+The Psalmist says, "A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes
+upon the thick trees." These singular words were written long before
+Mr. Gladstone's day, but famous as he was for felling the great trees of
+the forest, the words have a deeper meaning and in more than one sense
+met their fulfilment in him. His swift and keen axe of reform brought
+down many hoary headed evils. Mr. Gladstone himself explained why he
+cultivated this habit of cutting down trees. He said: "I chop wood
+because I find that it is the only occupation in the world that drives
+all thought from my mind. When I walk or ride or play cricket, I am
+still debating important business problems, but when I chop wood I can
+think of nothing but making the chips fly."
+
+The following story illustrates Mr. Gladstone's remarkable powers and
+the surprise he would spring upon those who met him. Two gentlemen who
+were invited guests at a table where Mr. Gladstone was expected, made a
+wager that they would start a conversation on a subject about which even
+Mr. Gladstone would know nothing. To accomplish this end they "read up"
+an "ancient" magazine article on some unfamiliar subject connected with
+Chinese manufactures. When the favorable opportunity came the topic was
+started, and the two conspirators watched with amusement the growing
+interest in the subject which Mr. Gladstone's face betrayed. Finally he
+joined in the conversation, and their amusement was turned into
+confusion, when Mr. Gladstone said, "Ah, gentlemen, I perceive you have
+been reading an article I wrote in the ---- Magazine some thirty or
+forty years ago."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+CLOSING SCENES OF A LONG AND EVENTFUL LIFE
+
+Mr. Gladstone died at Hawarden Castle, at 5 o'clock, Thursday Morning,
+May 19, 1898.
+
+The first intimation of the rapidly approaching end of Mr. Gladstone was
+conveyed in a bulletin issued at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning, May 17. It
+read "Mr. Gladstone had a poor and broken sleep last night; he is
+somewhat exhausted, but suffers no discomfort." The report of the
+evening before was assuring as to any sudden change, so that the anxiety
+was increased. For hours no additional information was given, but there
+were indications outside the Castle of a crisis. Throughout the day
+could be heard expressions of deep regret among the working people,
+asking, "How is the old gentleman?" Despite the heavy rain the people
+collected in groups, and the hush and quiet that prevailed indicated the
+presence of death.
+
+A bulletin at 5 p.m. said: "Mr. Gladstone has taken a serious turn for
+the worse. His death may be expected in twenty-four hours." All day the
+condition of the patient had been critical. The doctor doubted that his
+patient was fully conscious at any time, he answered, "Yes," and "No."
+He refused all medicine, exclaiming No! No! It was remarked that when
+addressed in English, Mr. Gladstone would answer in French, and
+sometimes was praying in French.
+
+Later in the evening the servants of the household were admitted to the
+sick room for a final farewell. They found Mr. Gladstone lying in a deep
+sleep; each in turn knelt down, kissed his hand and tearfully withdrew.
+
+About 9 o'clock the patient rallied a little and fell into a peaceful
+sleep, which was thought to be his last.
+
+The rain had continued to fall during the night, but the villagers had
+been coming singly and in groups to glance silently at the rain-beaten
+scrap of paper which was the latest bulletin, and then silently
+returning to the gate, and disappearing in the darkness only to
+return later.
+
+About 4 o'clock in the morning Mr. Gladstone seemed to be sinking. The
+scene in the sick-room was painful. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read
+prayers and hymns, including Mr. Gladstone's favorite, "Rock of Ages."
+When this was concluded, Mr. Gladstone murmured, "Our Father." As Mrs.
+Gladstone leaned over her husband, he turned his head and his lips moved
+slightly. Though extremely distressed, Mrs. Gladstone bore up with
+remarkable fortitude. But Mr. Gladstone rallied again, and Wednesday
+morning he was still living. By his almost superhuman vitality he had
+fought death away.
+
+The morning was beautiful and clear and the sunshine came in at the open
+window of Mr. Gladstone's room. The aged sufferer was hovering between
+life and death, and only by the feeble beating of his pulse could it be
+told he was alive. He was sleeping himself away into eternal day. Mrs.
+Gladstone sat by the side of his bed, holding his hand, and never
+leaving except for needed rest. At times he seemed to recognize for a
+moment some of those with him. He surely knew his wife as she tenderly
+kissed his hand.
+
+It soon became known abroad that Mr. Gladstone was dying. In the House
+of Commons it caused profound sorrow. Everything else was stopped while
+members discussed how best to honor him, even by taking steps without,
+precedent as that of adjourning, because the circumstances were
+unprecedented. His former colleagues silently watched his last struggle
+with the relentless foe, to whom, true to himself, he was yielding
+slowly, inch by inch.
+
+Telegrams of inquiry and sympathy came from all parts of the world to
+the Castle. The Queen wrote making inquiries and tendering assurances of
+profound sympathy. A long telegram from the Princess of Wales concluded:
+"I am praying for you." The Prince of Wales wrote: "My thoughts are with
+you at this trying time., God grant that your father does not suffer."
+The Duke of Devonshire before the British Empire League referred
+touchingly to the mournful scenes at Hawarden, when "the greatest of
+Englishmen was slowly passing away." And all over the land people of all
+conditions and at all kinds of gatherings, politicians, divines,
+reformers, and women joined in expressions of grief and sympathy. Many
+were the messages of regard and condolence that came from other lands.
+
+Dr. Dobie furnishes the following picture of the dying man. "His grand
+face bears a most peaceful and beautiful look. A few days ago the deeply
+bitten wrinkles that so long marked it were almost gone; but now,
+strangely enough, they seem strong and deep as ever. He looks too in
+wonderfully good color."
+
+At 2 o'clock in the morning, it was evident that the time had come, and
+the family gathered about the bed of the aged man, from that time none
+of them left the room until all was over. The only absentee was little
+Dorothy Drew, who tearfully complained that her grandfather did not know
+her. Behind the family circle stood the physicians and the nurses, and
+the old coachman, who had been unable to be present when the other
+servants took their farewell, and who was now sent for to witness the
+closing scene.
+
+The end was most peaceful. There were no signs of bodily pain or of
+mental distress. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read prayers and repeated
+hymns. The nurse continued to bathe with spirits the brow of the
+patient, who showed gratitude by murmuring, "How nice!" While the son
+was engaged in praying, came the gentle, almost perceptible cessation of
+life, and the great man was no more. So quietly had he breathed his
+last, that the family did not know it until it was announced by the
+medical attendants. The weeping family then filed slowly from the room,
+Mrs. Gladstone was led into another room and induced to lie down. The
+only spoken evidence that Mr. Gladstone realized his surroundings in his
+last moments was when his son recited the litany. Then the dying man
+murmured, "Amen." This was the last word spoken by Mr. Gladstone and was
+uttered just before he died.
+
+The death of Mr. Gladstone was announced to the people of Hawarden by
+the tolling of the church bell. The following bulletin was posted at 6
+a.m.: "In the natural course of things the funeral will be at Hawarden.
+Mr. Gladstone expressed a strong wish to have no flowers at his funeral;
+and the family will be grateful if this desire is strictly respected."
+
+There was something indescribably pathetic in the daily bulletins about
+Mr. Gladstone. All the world knew that he was afflicted with a fatal but
+slow disease, and all the world was struck with wondering admiration at
+his sustained fortitude, patience, and resignation. The tragedy of a
+life, devoted simply and purely to the public service, drawing to an end
+in so long an agony, was a spectacle that struck home to the heart of
+the most callous. These bulletins were posted on the front door of the
+Jubilee Porch, at Hawarden Castle, at 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 10 o'clock at
+night daily, and published throughout the world.
+
+When the sad event was announced that Mr. Gladstone had passed away, the
+action of the House of Commons was prompt, decided and sympathetic. The
+House was crowded Thursday, May 19, when Speaker Gully called upon the
+government leader, Mr. A. J. Balfour, the First Lord of the Treasury,
+and all the members uncovering their heads, Mr. Balfour said:
+
+"I think it will be felt in all parts of the House that we should do
+fitting honor to the great man whose long and splendid career closed
+to-day, by adjourning.
+
+"This is not the occasion for uttering the thoughts which naturally
+suggest themselves. That occasion will present itself to-morrow, when it
+will be my duty to submit to the House an address to the Queen, praying
+her to grant the honor of a public funeral, if such honor is not
+inconsistent with the expressed wishes of himself or of those who have
+the right to speak in his behalf, and also praying the Queen to direct
+that a public monument be erected at Westminster with an inscription
+expressive of the public admiration, attachment and high estimate
+entertained by the House of Mr. Gladstone's rare and splendid gifts and
+devoted labors in Parliament and in high offices of State.
+
+"Before actually moving the adjournment, I have to propose a formal
+resolution that the House to-morrow resolve itself into committee to
+draw up an address, the contents of which I have just indicated."
+
+After a word of assent from Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Liberal
+leader, the resolution was adopted and the House adjourned.
+
+The House of Commons was crowded again on Friday, and went into
+committee of the whole to consider the address to the Queen in regard
+to the interment of the remains of Mr. Gladstone in Westminster Abbey.
+Not since the introduction of the Home Rule Bill by Mr. Gladstone had
+there been such an assemblage in the House, members filled every seat,
+clustered on the steps of the speaker's dais, and occupied every space.
+The galleries were all filled. In the Peer's gallery were the foremost
+members of the House of Lords. United States Ambassador Hay and all his
+staff were present with other Ambassadors. The members of the House were
+in deep mourning, and all removed their hats, as if in the presence of
+the dead. An unusual hush overspread all. After the prayer by the
+chaplain, there was an impressive silence for a quarter of an hour,
+before Mr. Balfour rose to speak. The whole scene was profoundly
+affecting. The eulogies of Mr. Gladstone formed an historic episode.
+All, without respect to party, united in honoring their late illustrious
+countryman.
+
+Mr. Balfour delivered a brilliant panegyric of the dead statesman, and
+his speech was eloquent and displayed great taste. He was so ill,
+however, from weakness of heart that he was barely able to totter to his
+place and to ask the indulgence of the speaker while he rested, before
+offering his oration. He was too sick for the sad duty imposed upon him,
+but he preferred to pay this last tribute to his friend. The
+circumstances were painful, but added a dramatic touch to the scene.
+His oration was lengthy and his eulogy spoken with evident emotion. He
+concluded by formally moving the presentation of the address to the
+Queen. The Liberal Leader, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the political as
+well as the personal friend of Mr. Gladstone, seconded the motion. He
+paid a heartfelt tribute to the memory of his eminent colleague, and
+spoke in a vein of lofty and glowing eloquence until overcome with
+emotion, so that he had to stop thrice to wipe his eyes; finally he
+completely broke down and was unable to proceed.
+
+Mr. Dillon, the Irish leader, in a speech of five minutes duration, and
+in his most oratorical style, dwelt on Mr. Gladstone's fervid sympathy
+for the oppressed people of all races, and touched a chord which stirred
+the House. As Mr. Dillon had spoken for Ireland, so Mr. Abel Thomas
+followed as the representative of Wales.
+
+The address to the Queen was unanimously adopted.
+
+In the House of Lords there was also a full attendance of members. The
+Marquis of Salisbury, Prime Minister, spoke feelingly of Mr. Gladstone,
+who, he said, "was ever guided in all his efforts by a lofty moral
+idea". The deceased will be remembered, not so much for his political
+work as for the great example, hardly paralleled in history, of the
+great Christian Statesman.
+
+The Earl of Kimberly, the liberal leader in the House of Lords, followed
+in a touching tribute, and the Duke of Devonshire expressed generous
+appreciation of Mr. Gladstone's services in behalf of the Liberal
+Unionists, saying their severance from Mr. Gladstone was a most painful
+incident. But, he added, he could "recall no word from Mr. Gladstone
+which added unnecessarily to the bitterness of the situation." The Earl
+of Rosebery delivered an eloquent panegyric. The honors of the occasion
+were unanimously accorded to him, whose eulogy of his predecessor in the
+leadership of the liberal party was a masterpiece of its kind. He spoke
+of the triumphs of life rather than the sorrows of death. Death was not
+all sadness. His life was full---his memory remains. To all time he is
+an example for our race and mankind. He instanced as an illustration of
+the fine courtesy always observed by Mr. Gladstone towards his political
+opponents, that the last letter he had written with his own hand was a
+private note to Lady Salisbury, several weeks since, congratulating her
+and her husband on their providential escape from a carriage accident at
+Hatfield. Lord Salisbury was visibly touched by Lord Rosebery's
+reference to this circumstance.
+
+The House of Lords then adopted the Resolution to the Queen.
+
+The body of Mr. Gladstone, un-coffined, was laid on a couch in the
+Library of the Castle--the room called the Temple of Peace. He was
+dressed in a suit of black cloth, over which were the scarlet robes of
+the university, and by his side the cap was placed. His hands were
+folded on his breast. He rested on a most beautiful white satin cloth,
+with a rich border in Eastern embroidery. Above his head in letters of
+gold were the words sewn into the satin: "Requiescat in pace." There was
+the beauty of death--the terror was all gone. During Tuesday the body
+was viewed by the tenants on the estate, the neighbors and friends.
+
+On Wednesday morning, May 25th, at 6 o'clock, the remains, having been
+enclosed in a plain panelled elm coffin, were removed to the village
+church, where they were lying in state during the day. The body was
+carried by half-a-dozen old retainers of the family to a bier on wheels,
+on which it was taken to the church, over the lawn, following the
+private path Mr. Gladstone used to tread on his way to church, and past
+the favorite nooks of the deceased in the park. The family--excepting
+Mrs. Gladstone, who came later, tenants, servants, friends, local
+officials and neighbors followed in procession, Thousands of people were
+arriving by public and private conveyances at Hawarden. At eleven
+o'clock the doors of the church were opened, when men, women and
+children, from all the surrounding country, and even tourists from
+abroad, entered to view the remains. All day long a constant stream of
+people poured into the church, while the streets were filled with people
+unable to gain admittance. Several ladies fainted from excess of emotion
+when passing the bier, and many men and women dropped on their knees and
+silently prayed.
+
+At 6 o'clock in the evening the body was removed from Hawarden Church
+and carried to the station for the journey to London. The procession to
+bear the remains was composed of the family, representatives of
+organizations, friends and neighbors. Vast crowds lined the route, afoot
+and in every kind of vehicle. The cortege stopped at the entrance to the
+Park--Hawarden Lodge, and sang one of Mr. Gladstone's favorite hymns.
+Again, when the procession reached the Castle, it paused at the entrance
+and sang another hymn loved by the late resident of the house, and went
+on its way to Broughton Hall Station. Every step of the way, after
+leaving the park, was again lined with sympathetic spectators. While at
+the station the spectacle was remarkable for the surrounding crush of
+human beings. A special train was provided for the body and the family.
+As the body of Mr. Gladstone was placed upon the funeral car the sorrow
+of the people was manifest. The representatives of the Earl Marshall, of
+England, took possession of the funeral at this point. Henry and Herbert
+Gladstone accompanied the body to London and Mrs. Gladstone and family
+returned to the castle to follow later.
+
+All along the route to London grief-stricken people were standing to
+view the funeral train as it passed at Chester, Crewe, Rugby, Stafford
+and Farnworth until the darkness and lateness of the night shut out
+the scene.
+
+When the train reached London and passed to Westminster, it was early in
+the morning. A group of some thirty gentlemen, connected with the
+ceremonies, was at the station; among them the Duke of Norfolk, About
+two hundred people looked silently on while the body was removed from
+the train to the hearse, and the funeral cortege moved on to Westminster
+Hall at once and entered the Palace Yard just as "Big Ben" tolled the
+hour of one like a funeral knell.
+
+The coffin was placed in position for lying in state in Westminster
+Hall, and at about 3 o'clock Canon Wilberforce conducted a special
+service in the presence of Henry and Herbert Gladstone and several
+members of the House of Commons.
+
+The scenes that followed were remarkably impressive and unparalleled.
+The people began to arrive at Westminster at 2 o'clock in the morning.
+The line formed was continually augmented by all classes of
+people,--peers, peeresses, cabinet members, members of the House of
+Commons, military and naval officers, clergymen, costermongers, old and
+young, until 6 o'clock, when the doors were opened and the procession
+commenced to stream into the Hall, and passed the catafalque.
+
+This long procession of mourners continued all day Thursday and Friday.
+Two hundred thousand people, at least, paid homage to the dead
+statesman. On Friday evening, after the crowd had departed, large
+delegations, representing Liberal organizations from all parts of the
+kingdom, visited the Hall, by special arrangement, and fifteen hundred
+of them paid respect to the memory of their late leader.
+
+Saturday morning, May 28, thousands of people assembled in the square
+outside to witness the passage of the funeral cortege from Westminster
+Hall, where it was formed, to the Abbey, to find sepulchre in the tomb
+of kings. The procession passed through two lines of policemen. It was
+not a military parade, with all its pomp, but a ceremony made glorious
+by the homage of the people, among them the greatest of the nation. The
+funeral was in every respect impressive, dignified and lofty, in every
+way worthy the great civilian, and the nation that accorded him a
+public burial with its greatest dead. And the people were there. Every
+spot on which the eye rested swarmed with human beings. They looked from
+the windows of the hospital, and from the roofs of houses. Everybody was
+dressed in black.
+
+The principal officials had assembled in Westminster Hall at 10 o'clock.
+The Bishop of London, the Right Rev. Mandell Creighton, D.D., read a
+brief prayer and at 10.30 o'clock the procession had formed and slowly
+passed through the crowds who with uncovered heads stood on either side
+of short pathway, a distance 300 yards, to the western entrance of the
+Abbey, between two ranks of the Eton Volunteers, the boys of the school
+where Mr. Gladstone received his early education, in their
+buff uniforms.
+
+The pall-bearers who walked on each side of the coffin were perhaps the
+personages who attracted the most attention during the day. They were
+the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Marquis of Salisbury, the
+Earl of Kimberly, A. J. Balfour, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Duke
+of Rutland, Lord Rosebery, Baron Rendel and George Armitstead, the two
+latter being life-long friends of the deceased statesman.
+
+When Mrs. Gladstone entered the Abbey the whole assembly rose and
+remained standing until she was seated. This honor was accorded only
+once beside--when the Princess of Wales, the Princess Mary and the
+Duchess of York appeared.
+
+The Abbey was filled with people. Every gallery, balcony and niche high
+up among the rafters held a cluster of deeply interested spectators.
+Temporary galleries had been erected in long tiers around the open
+grave, which was in the floor of the Abbey. There were 2,500 persons
+assembled in the Abbey, all--both men and women--clothed in black,
+except a few officials whose regalia relieved this sombre background by
+its brilliancy. The two Houses of Parliament sat facing each other,
+seated on temporary seats on opposite sides of the grave. About them
+were the mayors of the principal cities, delegates from Liberal
+organizations, representatives of other civic and political societies,
+representatives of the Non-Conformists, while the long nave was crowded
+with thousands of men and women, among them being most of the
+celebrities in all branches of English life. In each gallery was a
+presiding officer with his official mace beside him, whose place was in
+the centre, and who was its most prominent figure. It was a
+distinguished assembly in a famous place. Beneath were the illustrious
+dead; around were the illustrious living.
+
+The members of the bereaved family sat in the stall nearest the
+bier--Mrs. Gladstone, her sons Henry, Herbert and Stephen; with other
+members of the family, children and grand-children, including little
+Dorothy Drew, Mr. Gladstone's favorite grand-child, in her new mourning.
+
+The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of York occupied the Dean's pew
+opposite. Other royalties were present in person or by their
+representatives.
+
+Within the chancel stood the Dean of Westminster, and behind him were
+gathered the cathedral clergy, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the
+scarlet and white surpliced choir, filling the chapel.
+
+It was the wish of the deceased for simplicity, but he was buried with a
+nation's homage in the tomb of kings. In the northern transept, known as
+the "Statesmen's Corner", of Westminster Abbey, where England's greatest
+dead rests, the body of Mr. Gladstone was entombed. His grave is near
+the graves of Pitt, Palmerston, Canning and Peel, beside that of his
+life-long political adversary, Lord Beaconsfield (Benjamin Disraeli),
+whose marble effigy looks down upon it, decked with the regalia Mr.
+Gladstone had so often refused. Two possible future kings of Great
+Britain walked besides the great commoner's coffin and stood beside his
+grave, and all the nobility and learning of the nation surrounded his
+bier. This state funeral, the first since that of Lord Palmerston, was
+rendered more imposing by the magnificence of the edifice in which it
+was solemnized. The coffin rested on an elevated bier before the altar,
+its plainness hidden beneath a pall of white-and gold embroidered cloth.
+
+A choir of one hundred male singers, which had awaited the coffin at the
+entrance to the Abbey, preceded it along the nave, chanting, "I am the
+Resurrection and the Life." When the coffin was laid on the bier,
+Purcell's funeral chant, "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge," was sung,
+and Dean Bradley and the whole assemblage sang, "Rock of Ages," and then
+while the coffin was being borne along the aisle to the grave, sang Mr.
+Gladstone's favorite hymn, "Praise to the Holiest in the Height."
+
+The choir of Westminster Abbey is said to be fine at any time, but for
+this great occasion special arrangements had been made, and there was a
+recruiting of the best voices from several of the choirs of London, and
+many musical instruments beside. The result was to win general praise
+for the beauty, harmony and perfection of the music. The weird, dismal
+strains of a quartette of trombones, in a recess far above the heads of
+the congregation, playing the three splendid "Equali," Beethoven's
+funeral hymn, swept through the vaulted roof of the Abbey, in pure tones
+never to be forgotten. When these ceased and finally died away, the
+great organ and a band of brass instruments took up Schubert's funeral
+march, booming sonorously; and changed to Beethoven's funeral march with
+a clash of cymbals in the orchestral accompaniment. A third march being
+required, owing to the time needed by the procession to reach the Abbey,
+"Marche Solennelle" was played.
+
+The choir, and a large number of bishops and other clergy, joined the
+procession at the west door and together they all proceeded to
+the grave.
+
+There was no sermon. The service was simple and solemn. The final paean
+of victory over death and the grave from Paul's great epistle was read,
+and the last hymn sung was, "Oh God! Our Help in Ages Past." The dean
+read the appointed appropriate service, committing the body to the
+earth, and then the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a loud voice,
+pronounced the benediction. The family and others near the grave kneeled
+during the concluding ceremonies, and then Mrs. Gladstone was helped
+from her knees to her unoccupied chair at the head of the grave.
+
+After the benediction came one of the saddest moments of the day. Mrs.
+Gladstone stood, with great courage and composure, throughout the
+service, supported on the arms of her two sons, Herbert and Stephen, and
+with other members of her family near the grave. Her face was lifted
+upward, and her lips were moving as though repeating the lines of the
+service. She also kept standing during the one official feature of the
+service; "The Proclamation by Garter, by Norroy, King of Arms, of the
+Style of the Deceased," as the official programme had it, and in which
+the various offices which Mr. Gladstone had held in his lifetime, were
+enumerated. Then, when the final word was spoken, the widow, still
+supported by her sons, approached the edge of the grave and there took a
+last, long look and was conducted away. Other relatives followed, and
+then most of the members of Parliament. Finally the Prince of Wales, the
+Duke of York and other pall-bearers defiled past the grave, took a last
+view of the coffin in the deep grave, and when they had been escorted
+down the nave to entrance, the people slowly departed.
+
+The "Dead March" from "Saul" and the "Marche Solennelle" of Schubert
+was played as the congregation slowly wended its way out of the
+sacred edifice.
+
+Perhaps the most solemn function of all, witnessed by none but the
+Gladstone family and the officials, was when the casket was opened
+shortly after midnight on Thursday to allow the Earl Marshal to verify
+with his own eyes that it really contained the remains of the dead
+statesman. It was said that the old man's face, seen for the last time
+by the Duke of Norfolk, who is responsible to England for his sacred
+charge, was more peaceful and younger looking than it had seemed for
+years. At the very last moment a small gold Armenian cross, a memento of
+that nation for which the great statesman worked so zealously, was
+placed by his side. Then all was sealed.
+
+As the deceased statesman was undoubtedly the greatest parliamentarian
+of our time, the following concise expressions with regard to his
+character and influence have been collected from a number of
+representative members of different political parties in both Houses of
+Parliament:
+
+The Marquis of Londonderry said: "What impressed me about Mr. Gladstone
+was his extraordinary moral influence."
+
+Lord George Hamilton: "I doubt whether we ever had a parliamentarian who
+equalled Mr. Gladstone."
+
+The Marquis of Lorne: "I share the universal regret at Mr. Gladstone's
+death as a personal loss."
+
+Sir John Gorst: "One feature, which greatly distinguished Mr. Gladstone,
+was his remarkable candour in debate. He never affected to misunderstand
+his opponents' arguments, and spared no pains in trying to make his own
+meaning understood."
+
+Sir Charles Dilke: "I think Mr. Gladstone's leading personal
+characteristic was his old-fashioned courtesy. Whilst a statesman, his
+absolute mastery of finance, both in its principles and details, was
+incomparably superior to that of any of his contemporaries."
+
+Mr. Thomas Ellis, the chief Liberal Whip, confessed that the greatest
+interest of his life in Parliament was to watch Mr. Gladstone's face.
+"It was like the sea in the fascination of its infinite variety, and of
+its incalculable reserve and strength. Every motion in his great soul
+was reflected in his face and form. To have had opportunities of
+watching that face, and of witnessing one triumph after another, is a
+precious privilege, for some of the charms of his face, as of his
+oratory and character, were incommunicable. He more than any man helped
+to build up and shape the present commercial and political fabric of
+Britain, but to struggling nations his words and deeds were as the
+breath of life."
+
+Sir Joseph Pease: "His memory will be kept green by a grateful country.
+Death soon buries the battle-axe of party, and he who devoted a long
+life and immense intellectual power, coupled with strong convictions on
+moral and Christian ethics, to the well being of his country and the
+world, will never be forgotten by the English people."
+
+Mr. James Bryce, author of "The American Commonwealth": "This sad event
+is the most noble and pathetic closing of a great life which we have
+seen in England in historical memory. I cannot recall any other case in
+which the whole nation has followed the setting of the sun of life with
+such sympathy, such regret, and such admiration."
+
+Lord Kinnaird: "Few men in public life have been able to draw out such
+personal love and devotion from his followers and friends. In the midst
+of an ever-busy life he was always ready to take his part in the
+conflict of right against wrong, of truth against error, and he earned
+the gratitude of all patriots, for he was never ashamed of contending
+that no true progress could be made which left out of sight the moral
+well-being of the people."
+
+Mr. Labouchere: "What impressed me most in Mr. Gladstone was his power
+of concentrated effort. Once he had decided on a course, action at once
+followed. Every thought was bent to attain the end, no labour was deemed
+to arduous. He alone knew how to deal with supporters and opponents. The
+former he inspired with his own fierce energy."
+
+Mr. John Redmond, leader of the Parnellite group of the Irish
+Nationalists: "The loss to England is absolutely incalculable. I regard
+Mr. Gladstone as having been the greatest parliamentarian of the age,
+and the greatest parliamentary orator. Englishmen of all parties ought
+to be grateful to him for his services in promoting the greatness and
+prosperity of their empire."
+
+John Dillon: "The greatest and most patriotic of Englishmen. If I were
+asked to say what I think most characteristic of Gladstone, I should say
+his abiding love for the common people and his faith in the government
+founded upon them, so that, while he remained the most patriotic of
+Englishmen, he is to-day mourned with equal intensity throughout the
+civilized world."
+
+Justin McCarthy, M. P.: "The death of Mr. Gladstone closes a career
+which may be described as absolutely unique in English political
+history. It was the career of a great statesman, whose statesmanship was
+first and last inspired, informed and guided by conscience, by
+principle, and by love of justice. There were great English statesmen
+before Mr. Gladstone's time and during Mr. Gladstone's time, but we
+shall look in vain for an example of any statesman in office, who made
+genius and eloquence, as Mr. Gladstone did, the mere servants of
+righteousness and conscientious purpose. Into the mind of Gladstone no
+thought of personal ambition or personal advancement ever entered. He
+was as conscientious as Burke. In the brilliancy of his gifts he was at
+least the equal of Bolingbroke. He was as great an orator as either
+Pitt, and he has left the imprint of his intellect on beneficent
+political and social legislation. In eloquence he far surpassed Cobden
+and was the peer of Bright, while his position as Parliamentary leader
+enabled him to initiate and carry out measures of reform which Bright
+and Cobden could only support. He was, in short, the greatest and the
+best Prime Minister known to English history."
+
+Michael Davitt: "One can only join with the whole world in admiration of
+the almost boundless talents of Mr. Gladstone, which were devoted with
+unparalleled power of charm to the service of his fellow-men. He was
+probably the greatest British statesman and leaves behind a record of a
+career unequalled in the annals of English politics. For the magnitude
+of his national labors and integrity of his personal character, Irishmen
+will remember him gratefully."
+
+The _Daily Chronicle_ heads its editorial with a quotation from
+Wordsworth:
+
+     "This is the happy warrior: this is he:
+     That every man in arms should wish to be."
+
+The editorial says: "A glorious light has been extinguished in the land;
+all his life lies in the past, a memory to us and our children; an
+inspiration and possession forever. The end has come as to a soldier at
+his post. It found him calm, expectant, faithful, unshaken. Death has
+come robed in the terrors of mortal pain; but what better can be said
+than that as he taught his fellows how to live, so he has taught them
+how to die?
+
+"It is impossible at this hour to survey the mighty range of this
+splendid life. We would assign to him the title. 'The Great Nationalist
+of the Nineteenth Century;' the greatest of the master-builders of
+modern England. Timidity had no place in Mr. Gladstone's soul. Ho was a
+lion among men, endowed with a granite strength of will and purpose,
+rare indeed in our age of feeble convictions."
+
+The _Daily News_ says: "One of his most characteristics qualities was
+his personal humility. This cannot be explained without the key, for Mr.
+Gladstone did not in the ordinary meaning of the word, underrate
+himself. He was not easy to persuade. He paid little attention to other
+people's opinions when his mind was made up. He was quite aware of his
+own ascendency in counsel and his supremacy in debate. The secret of his
+humility was an abiding sense that these things were of no importance
+compared with the relations between God's creatures and their Creator,
+Mr. Gladstone once said with characteristic candour that he had a
+vulnerable temper. He was quickly moved to indignation by whatever he
+thought injurious either to himself or to others, and was incapable of
+concealing his emotions, for, if he said nothing, his countenance showed
+what he felt. More expressive features were never given to man.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's exquisite courtesy, which in and out of Parliament was
+the model for all, proceeded from the same source. It was essentially
+Christian. Moreover, nobody laughed more heartily over an anecdote that
+was really good. He was many men in one; but he impressed all alike with
+the essential greatness of his character.
+
+"He was built mentally and morally on a large scale. Of course it cannot
+be denied that such a face, such a voice, such natural dignity, and such
+perfect gesture produced in themselves an immense effect. There was
+nothing common-place about him. Mr. Gladstone was absolutely simple; and
+his simplicity was not the least attractive element of his fascinating
+personality.
+
+"His life presented aspects of charm to all minds. His learning
+captivated the scholar, his eloquence and statesmanship the politician,
+his financial genius the business man; while his domestic relations and
+simple human graciousness appealed to all hearts.
+
+"'There is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.'"
+
+_Public Ledger_, Philadelphia: "To write Gladstone's career is to write
+the history of the Victorian era and that of the closing years of the
+reign of William IV, for Gladstone took his seat in Parliament for the
+first time in 1832, two years after he was out of college, and
+Victoria's accession took place in 1837. Since that remote day Gladstone
+has been four times Premier; has delivered numberless speeches of the
+highest order of excellence; has published a multitude of pamphlets and
+volumes which attest consummate intellectual gifts, and has been a great
+force in English statesmanship and scholarship through an exceptionally
+long life and almost to the very close of it. It has been given to
+exceedingly few men to play so great, so transcendent a role in any
+country or at any time."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook
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+Tom Allen, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+THE GRAND OLD MAN
+
+OR THE
+
+Life and Public Services
+
+of
+
+The Right Honorable William Ewart
+
+GLADSTONE
+
+
+Four Times
+
+Prime Minister of England
+
+BY
+
+Richard B. Cook, D.D.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+William E. Gladstone was cosmopolitan. The Premier of the British Empire
+is ever a prominent personage, but he has stood above them all. For more
+than half a century he has been the active advocate of liberty, morality
+and religion, and of movements that had for their object the prosperity,
+advancement and happiness of men. In all this he has been upright,
+disinterested and conscientious in word and deed. He has proved himself
+to be the world's champion of human rights. For these reasons he has
+endeared himself to all men wherever civilization has advanced to
+enlighten and to elevate in this wide world.
+
+With the closing of the 19th century the world is approaching a crisis
+in which every nation is involved. For a time the map of the world
+might as well be rolled up. Great questions that have agitated one or
+more nations have convulsed the whole earth because steam and
+electricity have annihilated time and space. Questions that have sprung
+up between England and Africa, France and Prussia, China and Japan,
+Russia and China, Turkey and Armenia, Greece and Turkey, Spain and
+America have proved international and have moved all nations. The daily
+proceedings of Congress at Washington are discussed in Japan.
+
+In these times of turning and overturning, of discontent and unrest, of
+greed and war, when the needs of the nations most demand men of
+world-wide renown, of great experience in government and diplomacy, and
+of firm hold upon the confidence of the people; such men as, for
+example, Gladstone, Salisbury, Bismark, Crispi and Li Hung Chang, who
+have led the mighty advance of civilization, are passing away. Upon
+younger men falls the heavy burden of the world, and the solution of the
+mighty problems of this climax of the most momentous of all centuries.
+
+However, the Record of these illustrious lives remains to us for
+guidance and inspiration. History is the biography of great men. The
+lamp of history is the beacon light of many lives. The biography of
+William E. Gladstone is the history, not only of the English
+Parliament, but of the progress of civilization in the earth for the
+whole period of his public life. With the life of Mr. Gladstone in his
+hand, the student of history or the young statesman has a light to guide
+him and to help him solve those intricate problems now perplexing the
+nations, and upon the right solution of which depends Christian
+civilization--the liberties, progress, prosperity and happiness of the
+human race.
+
+Hence, the life and public services of the Grand Old Man cannot fail to
+be of intense interest to all, particularly to the English, because he
+has repeatedly occupied the highest position under the sovereign of
+England, to the Irish whether Protestant or Catholic, north or south,
+because of his advocacy of (Reforms) for Ireland; to the Scotch because
+of his Scottish descent; to the German because he reminds them of their
+own great chancellor, the Unifier of Germany, Prince Bismarck; and to
+the American because he was ever the champion of freedom; and as there
+has been erected in Westminster Abbey a tablet to the memory of Lord
+Howe, so will the American people enshrine in their hearts, among the
+greatest of the great, the memory of William Ewart Gladstone.
+
+     "In youth a student and in eld a sage;
+        Lover of freedom; of mankind the friend;
+        Noble in aim from childhood to the end;
+      Great is thy mark upon historic page."
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+ANCESTRY AND BIRTH
+
+CHAPTER II
+AT ETON AND OXFORD
+
+CHAPTER III
+EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES
+
+CHAPTER IV
+BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE
+
+CHAPTER V
+TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE
+
+CHAPTER VI
+ENTERS THE CABINET
+
+CHAPTER VII
+MEMBER FOR OXFORD
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+CHAPTER IX
+THE FIRST BUDGET
+
+CHAPTER X
+THE CRIMEAN WAR
+
+CHAPTER XI
+IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT
+
+CHAPTER XII
+HOMERIC STUDIES
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+GREAT BUDGETS
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER
+
+CHAPTER XV
+THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+THE EASTERN QUESTION
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME
+
+CHAPTER XX
+IN PRIVATE LIFE
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+CLOSING SCENES
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone entering Palace Yard, Westminster.]
+
+
+
+                        "In thought, word and deed,
+     How throughout all thy warfare thou wast pure,
+     I find it easy to believe."
+                                --ROBERT BROWNING
+
+
+
+
+List of Illustrations.
+
+WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE (_Frontispiece_)
+
+GLADSTONE ENTERING PALACE YARD, WESTMINSTER
+
+GLADSTONE AND SISTER
+
+INTERIOR OF THE OLD HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+BIRTHPLACE OF GLADSTONE
+
+GLIMPSES OF GLADSTONE'S EARLIER YEARS
+
+HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
+
+GLADSTONE'S LONDON RESIDENCE
+
+LOBBY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+GRATTAN
+
+KILMAINHAM JAIL
+
+GLADSTONE'S MARRIAGE AT HAWARDEN
+
+NO. 10 DOWNING STREET, LONDON
+
+THE PARK GATE, HAWARDEN
+
+OLD HAWARDEN CASTLE
+
+HAWARDEN CASTLE, FROM THE PARK
+
+WATERFALL IN HAWARDEN PARK
+
+COURT YARD, HAWARDEN
+
+GLADSTONE READING THE LESSONS AT HAWARDEN CHURCH
+
+THE REV. H. DREW
+
+DOROTHY'S DOVECOTE
+
+DINING-ROOM IN THE ORPHANAGE
+
+STAIRCASE IN THE ORPHANAGE
+
+HAWARDEN CHURCH
+
+HAWARDEN CASTLE
+
+LOYAL ULSTER
+
+GLADSTONE'S EARLY ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES
+
+GLADSTONE'S LATER ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES
+
+GLADSTONE IN WALES
+
+CITY AND COUNTY VOLUNTEERS OF DUBLIN
+
+CONDITION OF IRELAND, 1882
+
+GLADSTONE VISITING NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+GLADSTONE INTRODUCING HIS FIRST BUDGET
+
+THE SUNDERLAND SHIPOWNER SURPRISED
+
+FAMILY GROUP AT HAWARDEN
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
+
+GLADSTONE AND GRANDDAUGHTER
+
+GLADSTONE'S AXE
+
+GLADSTONE FAMILY GROUP
+
+SALISBURY MINISTRY DEFEATED
+
+THE OLD LION
+
+GLADSTONE'S RECEPTION IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+GLADSTONE'S MAIL
+
+RELEASE OF PARNELL, DILLON AND O'KELLY
+
+GLADSTONE ON HIS WAY HOME
+
+THE MIDLOTHIAN CAMPAIGN
+
+QUEEN VICTORIA
+
+GLADSTONE AND HIS SON, HERBERT
+
+GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+IRISH LEADERS
+
+IRISH CONSTABULARY EVICTING TENANTS
+
+GLADSTONE'S STUDY AT HAWARDEN
+
+FOURTH ADMINISTRATION CABINET
+
+GLADSTONE ON THE QUEEN'S YACHT
+
+ST. JAMES PALACE
+
+QUEEN AND PREMIER
+
+GLADSTONE IN HIS STUDY, READING
+
+MR. AND MRS. GLADSTONE, 1897
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY.
+
+There are few, even among those who differed from him, who would deny to
+Mr. Gladstone the title of a great statesman: and in order to appreciate
+his wonderful career, it is necessary to realize the condition of the
+world of thought, manners and works at the time when he entered
+public life.
+
+In medicine there was no chloroform; in art the sun had not been
+enlisted in portraiture; railways were just struggling into existence;
+the electric telegraph was unknown; gas was an unfashionable light;
+postage was dear, and newspapers were taxed.
+
+In literature, Scott had just died; Carlyle was awaiting the publication
+of his first characteristic book; Tennyson was regarded as worthy of
+hope because of his juvenile poems; Macaulay was simply a brilliant
+young man who had written some stirring verse and splendid prose; the
+Brontes were schoolgirls; Thackeray was dreaming of becoming an artist;
+Dickens had not written a line of fiction; Browning and George Eliot
+were yet to come.
+
+In theology, Newman was just emerging from evangelicalism; Pusey was an
+Oxford tutor; Samuel Wilberforce a village curate; Henry Manning a young
+graduate; and Darwin was commencing that series of investigations which
+revolutionized the popular conception of created things.
+
+Princess, afterwards Queen Victoria, was a girl of thirteen; Cobden a
+young calico printer; Bright a younger cotton spinner; Palmerston was
+regarded as a man-about-town, and Disraeli as a brilliant and eccentric
+novelist with parliamentary ambition. The future Marquis of Salisbury
+and Prime Minister of Great Britain was an infant scarcely out of arms;
+Lord Rosebery, (Mr. Gladstone's successor in the Liberal Premiership),
+Lord Spencer, Lord Herschell, Mr. John Morley, Mr. Campbell-Bannerman,
+Mr. Asquith, Mr. Brice, Mr. Acland and Mr. Arnold Morley, or more than
+half the members of his latest cabinet remained to be born; as did also
+the Duke of Devonshire, Mr. Balfour and Mr. Chamberlain, among those who
+were his keenest opponents toward the end of his public career.
+
+At last the end of Mr. Gladstone's public life arrived, but it had been
+extended to an age greater than that at which any English statesman had
+ever conducted the government of his country.
+
+Of the significance of the life of this great man, it would be
+superfluous to speak. The story will signally fail of its purpose if it
+does not carry its own moral with it. We can best conclude these
+introductory remarks by applying to the subject of the following pages,
+some words which he applied a generation ago to others:
+
+In the sphere of common experience we see some human beings live and
+die, and furnish by their life no special lessons visible to man, but
+only that general teaching in elementary and simple forms which is
+derivable from every particle of human histories. Others there have
+been, who, from the times when their young lives first, as it were,
+peeped over the horizon, seemed at once to--
+
+       "'Flame in the forehead of the evening sky,'"
+     --Whose lengthening years have been but one growing
+              splendor, and who at last--
+       "------Leave a lofty name,
+     A light, a landmark on the cliffs of fame."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+ANCESTRY AND BIRTH
+
+All history, says Emerson, "resolves itself into the biographies of a
+few stout and earnest persons." These remarks find exemplification in
+the life of William Ewart Gladstone, of whom they are pre-eminently
+true. His recorded life, from the early period of his graduation to his
+fourth premiership, would embrace in every important respect not only
+the history of the British Empire, but very largely the international
+events of every nation of the world for more than half a century.
+
+William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., D.C.L., statesman, orator and scholar,
+was born December 27, 1809, in Liverpool, England. The house in which he
+was born, number 62 Rodney Street, a commodious and imposing
+"double-fronted" dwelling of red brick, is still standing. In the
+neighborhood of the Rodney Street house, and a few years before or after
+the birth of William E. Gladstone, a number of distinguished persons
+were born, among them William Roscoe, the writer and philanthropist,
+John Gibson, the sculptor, Doctor Bickersteth, the late Bishop of Ripon,
+Mrs. Hemans, the poetess, and Doctor James Martineau, Professor of
+Mental and Moral Philosophy in Manchester New College, and the brother
+of Harriet Martineau, the authoress.
+
+The Gladstone family, or Gledstanes, which was the original family name,
+was of Scottish origin. The derivation of the name is obvious enough to
+any one familiar with the ancestral home. A _gled_ is a hawk, and that
+fierce and beautiful bird would have found its natural refuge among the
+_stanes_, or rocks, of the craggy moorlands which surround the
+"fortalice of gledstanes." As far back as 1296 Herbert de Gledstane
+figures in the Ragman Roll as one of the lairds who swore fealty to
+Edward I. His descendants for generations held knightly rank, and bore
+their part in the adventurous life of the Border. The chief stock was
+settled at Liberton, in the upper part of Clydesdale. It was a family of
+Scottish lairds, holding large estates in the sixteenth century. The
+estate dwindled, and in the beginning of the seventeenth century passed
+out of their hands, except the adjacent property of Authurshiel, which
+remained in their possession for a hundred years longer. A younger
+branch of the family--the son of the last of the Gledstanes of
+Arthurshiel--after many generations, came to dwell at Biggar, in
+Lanarkshire, where he conducted the business of a "maltster," or
+grain merchant.
+
+Here, and at about this time, the name was changed to Gladstones, and a
+grandson of the maltster of Biggar, Thomas Gladstones, settled in Leith
+and there became a "corn-merchant." He was born at Mid Toftcombs, in
+1732, and married Helen Neilson, of Springfield. His aptitude for
+business was so great that he was enabled to make ample provision for a
+large family of sixteen children. His son, John Gladstone, was the
+father of William E. Gladstone, the subject of our sketch.
+
+Some have ascribed to Mr. Gladstone an illustrious, even a royal
+ancestry, through his father's marriage. He met and married a lovely,
+cultured and pious woman of Dingwall, in Orkney, the daughter of Andrew
+Robertson, Provost of Dingwall, named Ann Robertson, whom the
+unimpeachable Sir Bernard Burke supplied with a pedigree from Henry III,
+king of England, and Robert Bruce, of Bannockburn, king of Scotland, so
+that it is royal English and Scottish blood that runs in the veins of
+Mr. Gladstone.
+
+"This alleged illustrious pedigree," says E.B. Smith, in his elaborate
+work on William E. Gladstone, "is thus traced: Lady Jane Beaufort, who
+was a descendant of Henry III, married James I, of Scotland, who was a
+descendant of Bruce. From this alliance it is said that the steps can be
+followed clearly down to the father of Miss Robertson. A Scottish writer
+upon genealogy, also referring to this matter, states that Mr. Gladstone
+is descended on the mother's side from the ancient Mackenzie of Kintail,
+through whom is introduced the blood of the Bruce, of the ancient Kings
+of Man, and of the Lords of the Isles and Earls of Ross; also from the
+Munros of Fowlis, and the Robertsons of Strowan and Athole. What was of
+more consequence to the Gladstones of recent generations, however, than
+royal blood, was the fact that by their energy and honorable enterprise
+they carved their own fortunes, and rose to positions of public esteem
+and eminence." It has been their pride that they sprang from the ranks
+of the middle classes, from which have come so many of the great men of
+England eminent in political and military life.
+
+In an address delivered at the Liverpool Collegiate Institute, December
+21, 1872, Sir John Gladstone said; "I know not why the commerce of
+England should not have its old families rejoicing to be connected with
+commerce from generation to generation. It has been so in other
+countries; I trust it may be so in this country. I think it is a subject
+of sorrow, and almost of scandal, when those families who have either
+acquired or recovered wealth and station through commerce, turn their
+backs upon it and seem to be ashamed of it. It certainly is not so with
+my brother or with me. His sons are treading in his steps, and one of my
+sons, I rejoice to say, is treading in the steps of my father and
+my brother."
+
+George W.E. Russell, in his admirable biography of Mr. William E.
+Gladstone, says, "Sir John Gladstone was a pure Scotchman, a lowlander
+by birth and descent. Provost Robertson belonged to the Clan Donachie,
+and by this marriage the robust and business-like qualities of the
+Lowlander were blended with the poetic imagination, the sensibility and
+fire of the Gael."
+
+An interesting story is told, showing how Sir John Gladstone, the father
+of William E. Gladstone, came to live in Liverpool, and enter upon his
+great business career, and where he became a merchant prince. Born at
+Leith in 1763, he in due time entered his father's business, where he
+served until he was twenty-one years old. At that time his father sent
+him to Liverpool to dispose of a cargo of grain, belonging to him, which
+had arrived at that port. His demeanor and business qualities so
+impressed Mr. Corrie, a grain merchant of that place, that he urged his
+father to let him settle there. Consent was obtained and young Gladstone
+entered the house of Corrie & Company as a clerk. His tact and
+shrewdness were soon manifest, and he was eventually taken into the firm
+as a partner, and the name of the house became Corrie, Gladstone
+& Bradshaw.
+
+John Gladstone on one occasion proved the temporary preserver of the
+firm of which he had become a member. He was sent to America to buy
+grain for the firm, in a time of great scarcity in Europe, owing to the
+failure of the crops, but he found the condition of things the same in
+America. There was no grain to be had. While in great perplexity as to
+what to do he received advices from Liverpool that twenty-four vessels
+had been dispatched for the grain he was expected to purchase, to bring
+it to Europe. The prospect was that these vessels would have to return
+to Europe empty as they had come, and the house of Corrie & Company be
+involved thereby in ruin. It was then that John Gladstone rose to the
+emergency of the occasion, and by his enterprise and energy saved
+himself and partners from financial failure, to the great surprise and
+admiration of the merchants of Liverpool. It was in this way: He made a
+thorough examination of the American markets for articles of commerce
+that could be sold in Europe to advantage, and filling his vessels with
+them sent them home. This sagacious movement not only saved his house,
+but gave him a name and place among the foremost merchants of his day.
+His name was also a synonym for push and integrity, not only on the
+Liverpool exchange, but in London and throughout all England. The
+business of the firm became very great and the wealth of its members
+very large.
+
+During the war with Napoleon, on the continent, and the war of 1812 with
+the United States, the commerce of England, as mistress of the seas, was
+injured, and the Gladstone firm suffered greatly and was among the first
+to seek peace, for its own sake and in the interests of trade. In one
+year the commerce of Liverpool declined to the amount of 140,000 tons,
+which was about one-fourth of the entire trade, and there was a decrease
+of more than $100,000 in the dock-dues of that port. John Gladstone was
+among those who successfully petitioned the British government for a
+change of its suicidal policy towards the American States.
+
+After sixteen years of successful operations, during a part of which
+time it had been government agent, the firm was dissolved and its
+business was continued by John Gladstone. His six brothers having
+followed him from Leith to Liverpool, he took into partnership with him
+his brother Robert. Their business became very extensive, having a large
+trade with Russia, and as sugar importers and West India merchants. John
+Gladstone was the chairman of the West India Association and took an
+active part in the improvement and enlargement of the docks of
+Liverpool. In 1814, when the monopoly of the East India Company was
+broken and the trade of India and China thrown open to competition, the
+firm of John Gladstone & Company was the first to send a private vessel
+to Calcutta.
+
+John Gladstone was a public-spirited man and took great interest in the
+welfare of his adopted city. He was ever ready to labor for its
+prosperity, and consequently endeared himself to the people of all
+classes and conditions, and of every shade of political opinion.
+
+The high estimation in which he was held by the citizens of Liverpool
+was especially manifest October 18, 1824, when they presented him with a
+testimonial, consisting of a magnificent service of plate, of
+twenty-eight pieces, and bearing the following inscription: "_To John
+Gladstone, Esq., M.P., this service of plate was presented MDCCCXXIV, by
+his fellow townsmen and friends, to mark their high sense of his
+successful exertions for the promotion of trade and commerce, and in
+acknowledgment of his most important services rendered to the town of
+Liverpool_."
+
+John Gladstone, though devoted to commerce, had time for literary
+pursuits. He wrote a pamphlet, "On the Present State of Slavery in the
+British West Indies and in the United States of America; and on the
+Importation of Sugar from British Settlements in India." He also
+published, in 1830, another pamphlet, containing a statement of facts
+connected with the same general subject, "in a letter addressed to Sir
+Robert Peel." In 1846 he published a pamphlet, entitled "Plain facts
+intimately connected with the intended Repeal of the Corn Laws; or
+Probable Effects on the Public Revenue and the Prosperity of
+the Country."
+
+From the subject discussed it can be readily and truly imagined that
+John Gladstone had given thought to political subjects. He was in favor
+of a qualified reform which, while affording a greater enfranchisement
+of the people, looked also to the interests of all. Having an opinion,
+and not being afraid to express it, he was frequently called upon to
+address public meetings. The matters discussed by him were, however,
+rather national than municipal, rather humane than partisan. He was a
+strong advocate for certain reforms at home in 1818, and in 1823 on the
+seas, and for Greek independence in 1824. "On the 14th of February,
+1824, a public meeting was held in Liverpool Town Hall, 'for the purpose
+of considering the best means of assisting the Greeks in their present
+important struggle for independence.' Mr. Gladstone spoke impressively
+in favor of the cause which had already evoked great enthusiasm amongst
+the people, and enlisted the sympathies and support of Lord Byron and
+other distinguished friends of freedom."
+
+It was in 1818 that he addressed a meeting called "to consider the
+propriety of petitioning Parliament to take into consideration the
+progressive and alarming increase in the crimes of forging and uttering
+forged Bank of England notes." The penalties for these crimes were
+already heavy, but their infliction did not deter men from committing
+them, and these crimes increased at an enormous rate. Resolutions were
+passed at the Liverpool meeting, recommending the revision and amendment
+of existing laws.
+
+Then again, so late as the year 1823, the navigation between Liverpool
+and Dublin was in a lamentable condition, and human life was recklessly
+imperiled, and no one seemed willing to interfere and to interest
+himself in the interests of humanity. It was then that he again came to
+the front to advocate a just cause. To illustrate the dangers to vessels
+and passengers, the case of the sloop _Alert_ may be cited. It was
+wrecked off the Welsh coast, with between 100 and 140 persons on board,
+of whom only seventeen were saved. For the safety and rescue of all
+those souls on board this packet-boat there was only one small shallop,
+twelve feet long. Mr. Gladstone was impressed with the terrible nature
+of the existing evil, and obtained an amendment to the Steamboat Act,
+requiring imperatively that every passenger vessel should be provided
+with boats sufficient for every passenger it was licensed to carry. By
+this wise and humane provision thousands of lives were doubtless saved
+that would otherwise have been lost--the victims of reckless seamanship
+and commercial greed.
+
+John Gladstone, either through the influence of Mr. Canning, or from
+having imbibed some political taste, sat in the House of Commons nine
+years, representing Lancaster in 1819, Woodstock from 1821 to 1826, and
+Berwick in 1827; but he never would consent to sit in Parliament for the
+city of Liverpool, for he thought that so large and important a
+constituency required peculiar representation such as he was
+unqualified to give.
+
+He was the warm supporter and intimate friend of the celebrated Canning.
+At first he was a Whig, but finally came to support Mr. Canning, and
+became a Liberal Conservative. In 1812 he presided over a meeting at
+Liverpool, which was called to invite Mr. Canning to represent the
+borough in Parliament. After the election the successful candidates were
+claimed and carried in procession through the streets. The procession
+finally halted at Mr. Gladstone's house, in Rodney Street, from the
+balcony of which Mr. Canning addressed the populace. His election laid
+the foundation of a deep and lasting friendship between Mr. Canning and
+Mr. Gladstone. "At this time the son of the latter was but three years
+of age. Shortly afterwards--that is, as soon as he was able to
+understand anything of public men, and public movements and
+events"--says G.B. Smith, "the name of Canning began to exercise that
+strange fascination over the mind of William Ewart Gladstone which has
+never wholly passed away," and Mr. Gladstone himself acknowledged that
+he was brought up "under the shadow of the great name of Canning."
+
+John Gladstone presided at a farewell dinner given by the Liverpool
+Canning Club, in August, 1822, in honor of Mr. Canning, who had been
+Governor-General of India. But Mr. Canning, instead of going to India,
+entered the British Cabinet, and in 1827 became Prime Minister, and John
+Gladstone moved a congratulatory address to the king upon the formation
+of the Canning Ministry.
+
+In 1845 John Gladstone was created a baronet by Sir Robert Peel, but he
+lived to enjoy his deserved honors but a short time, for he died in
+1851, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. His motto had ever been,
+"Diligent in business." His enormous wealth enabled him to provide
+handsomely for his family, not only after death, but during
+his lifetime.
+
+At the time of his father's death, William E. Gladstone was still an
+adherent of the Tory party, yet his steps indicated that he was
+advancing towards Liberalism; and he had already reached distinction as
+a statesman, both in Parliament and in the Cabinet, while as yet he was
+but 42 years old, which was about half of his age when called for the
+fourth time to be Prime Minister of England.
+
+Sir John Gladstone and his wife had six children--four sons, Thomas
+Gladstone, afterwards baronet; John Gladstone, who became a captain, and
+died in 1863; Robert Gladstone, brought up a merchant, who died in 1875,
+and two daughters, Annie McKenzie Gladstone, who died years ago, and
+Helen Jane Gladstone. William E. Gladstone was the fourth son. The
+following is from the pen of the son, who says of his aged father, Sir
+John Gladstone: "His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated; he
+was full of bodily and mental vigor; whatsoever his hand found to do he
+did it with his might; he could not understand or tolerate those who,
+perceiving an object to be good, did not at once and actively pursue it;
+and with all this energy he gained a corresponding warmth, and, so to
+speak, eagerness of affection, a keen appreciation of humor, in which he
+found a rest, and an indescribable frankness and simplicity of
+character, which, crowning his other qualities, made him, I think, and I
+strive to think impartially, nearly or quite the most interesting old
+man I ever knew."
+
+Personally, Sir John Gladstone was a man of much intelligence and of
+sterling principle, of high moral and religious character, and his
+house consequently was a model home. "His house was by all accounts a
+home pre-eminently calculated to mould the thoughts and direct the
+course of an intelligent and receptive nature. There was a father's
+masterful will and keen perception, the sweetness and piety of the
+mother, wealth with all its substantial advantages and few of its
+mischiefs, a strong sense of the value of money, a rigid avoidance of
+extravagance and excesses; everywhere a strenuous purpose in life,
+constant employment, and concentrated ambition."
+
+Mrs. John Gladstone, the wife and mother, is described by one who knew
+her intimately as "a lady of very great accomplishments; of fascinating
+manners, of commanding presence and high intellect; one to grace any
+home and endear any heart."
+
+The following picture of the everyday life of the family is interesting
+and instructive, on account of Sir John Gladstone, as well as on that of
+his more distinguished son, and is from the pen of an eye-witness:
+"Nothing was ever taken for granted between him and his sons. A
+succession of arguments on great topics and small topics
+alike--arguments conducted with perfect good humor, but also with the
+most implicable logic--formed the staple of the family conversation. The
+children and their parents argued upon everything. They would debate as
+to whether a window should be opened, and whether it was likely to be
+fair or wet the next day. It was all perfectly good-humored, but curious
+to a stranger, because of the evident care which all the disputants took
+to advance no proposition, even as to the prospect of rain, rashly."
+
+In such a home as this was William E. Gladstone in training as the great
+Parliamentary debater and leader, and for the highest office under the
+British crown. This reminds us of a story of Burke. The king one day,
+unexpectedly entering the office of his minister, found the elder Burke
+sitting at his desk, with his eyes fixed upon his young son, who was
+standing on his father's desk in the attitude of speaking. "What are you
+doing?" asked the astonished king. "I am making the greatest minister
+England ever saw," was the reply. And so in fact, and yet all
+unconsciously, was Sir John doing for his son, William.
+
+William E. Gladstone "was born," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"at a critical moment in the fortunes of England and of Europe. Abroad
+the greatest genius that the world has ever seen was wading through
+slaughter to a universal throne, and no effectual resistance had as yet
+been offered to a progress which menaced the liberty of Europe and the
+existence of its States. At home, a crazy king and a profligate
+heir-apparent presided over a social system in which all civil evils
+were harmoniously combined. A despotic administration was supported by a
+parliamentary representation as corrupt as illusory; a church, in which
+spiritual religion was all but extinct, had sold herself as a bondslave
+to the governing classes. Rank and wealth and territorial ascendency
+were divorced from public duty, and even learning had become the
+handmaid of tyranny. The sacred name of justice was prostituted to
+sanction a system of legal murder. Commercial enterprise was paralyzed
+by prohibitive legislation; public credit was shaken to its base; the
+prime necessaries of life were ruinously dear. The pangs of poverty were
+aggravated by the concurrent evils of war and famine, and the common
+people, fast bound in misery and iron, were powerless to make their
+sufferings known or to seek redress, except by the desperate methods of
+conspiracy and insurrection. None of the elements of revolution were
+wanting, and the fates seemed to be hurrying England to the brink of a
+civil catastrophe.
+
+"The general sense of insecurity and apprehension, inseparable from such
+a condition of affairs, produced its effect upon even the robust minds.
+Sir John Gladstone was not a likely victim of panic, but he was a man
+with a large stake in the country, the more precious because acquired by
+his own exertion; he believed that the safeguards of property and order
+were imperilled by foreign arms and domestic sedition; and he had seen
+with indignation and disgust the excesses of a factious Whiggery, which
+was not ashamed to exult in the triumph of the French over the English
+Government. Under the pressure of these influences Sir John Gladstone
+gradually separated himself from the Whigs, with whom in earlier life he
+had acted, and became the close ally of Canning, whose return for
+Liverpool he actually promoted."
+
+With such surroundings it is not to be wondered at that William E.
+Gladstone entered political life a Tory, contending against the
+principles he afterwards espoused. His original bent, however, was not
+towards politics, but the church; and it was only at the earnest desire
+of his father that he ultimately decided to enter Parliament, and serve
+his country in the Legislature.
+
+His subsequent life proved the wisdom of the choice. In the Legislature
+of his country was begun, carried on and consummated grandly, one of the
+most remarkable careers in the annals of history for versatility,
+brilliancy, solidity and long continuance. Rarely has there been
+exhibited so complete a combination of qualities in statesmanship. His
+intellectual endowments were almost without a parallel, and his
+achievements without a precedent. In him seemed to be centered a rich
+collection of the highest gifts of genius, great learning and readiness
+in debate and discourse in the House of Commons, and extraordinary
+wisdom in the administration of the affairs of the nation. His financial
+talent, his business aptitude, his classical attainments, and above all
+his moral fervor, and religious spirit were conspicuous. Some men would
+have been contented with political power, or classical learning, or
+literary distinction, but he excelled in all these--not only as a
+statesman, but as a man of letters and a classical scholar. Neither has
+held him exclusively as its own--he belongs to all, or rather they
+belong to him--for he explored and conquered them. His literary
+productions equal in merit his papers of State, while his knowledge of
+the classics would do credit to any scholar.
+
+He possessed the unusual quality of throwing the light of his own mind
+on the greatest questions of national and international importance, of
+bringing them down to the understanding and appreciation of the masses
+of the people, of infusing, by his earnestness, the fire of his own soul
+in the people, and of arousing in them the greatest enthusiasm.
+
+In the biography of this wonderful person we propose to set before the
+reader the man himself--his words and his deeds. This method enables him
+to speak for himself, and thus the reader may study him and know him,
+and because thereof be lifted into a higher plane of nobler and better
+being. The acts and utterances of such a character are his best
+biography, and especially for one differing so largely from all other
+men as to have none to be compared with him.
+
+In this record we simply spread before the reader his private life and
+public services, connected together through many startling changes, from
+home to school, from university to Parliament, from Tory follower to
+Liberal leader, from the early start in his political course to the
+grand consummation of the statesman's success in his attainment to the
+fourth Premiership of this Grand Old Man, and the glorious end of an
+eventful life.
+
+We could not do better, in closing this chapter, than to reproduce a
+part of the character sketch of William E. Gladstone, from the pen of
+William T. Stead, and published in the "Review of Reviews:"
+
+"So much has been written about Mr. Gladstone that it was with some
+sinking of heart I ventured to select him as a subject for my next
+character sketch. But I took heart of grace when I remembered that the
+object of these sketches is to describe their subject as he appears to
+himself at his best, and his countrymen. There are plenty of other
+people ready to fill in the shadows. This paper claims in no way to be a
+critical estimate or a judicial summing up of the merits and demerits
+of the most remarkable of all living Englishmen. It is merely an attempt
+to catch, as it were, the outline of the heroic figure which has
+dominated English politics for the lifetime of this generation, and
+thereby to explain something of the fascination which his personality
+has exercised and still exercises over the men and women of his time. If
+his enemies, and they are many, say that I have idealized a wily old
+opportunist out of all recognition, I answer that to the majority of his
+fellow-subjects my portrait is not overdrawn. The real Gladstone may be
+other than this, but this is probably more like the Gladstone for whom
+the electors believe they are voting, than a picture of Gladstone,
+'warts and all,' would be. And when I am abused, as I know I shall be,
+for printing such a sketch, I shall reply that there is at least one
+thing to be said in its favor. To those who know him best, in his own
+household, and to those who only know him as a great name in history, my
+sketch will only appear faulty because it does not do full justice to
+the character and genius of this extraordinary man."
+
+Mr. Gladstone appeals to the men of to-day from the vantage point of
+extreme old age. Age is so frequently dotage, that when a veteran
+appears who preserves the heart of a boy and the happy audacity of
+youth, under the 'lyart haffets wearing thin and bare' of aged manhood,
+it seems as if there is something supernatural about it, and all men
+feel the fascination and the charm. Mr. Gladstone, as he gleefully
+remarked the other day, has broken the record. He has outlived Lord
+Palmerston, who died when eighty-one, and Thiers, who only lived to be
+eighty. The blind old Dandolo in Byron's familiar verse--
+
+     The octogenarian chief, Byzantium's conquering foe,
+
+had not more energy than the Liberal leader, who, now in his
+eighty-third year, has more nerve and spring and go than any of his
+lieutenants, not excluding the youngest recruit. There is something
+imposing and even sublime in the long procession of years which bridge
+as with eighty-two arches the abyss of past time, and carry us back to
+the days of Canning, and of Castlereagh, of Napoleon, and of Wellington.
+His parliamentary career extends over sixty years--the lifetime of two
+generations. He is the custodian of all the traditions, the hero of the
+experience of successive administrations, from a time dating back longer
+than most of his colleagues can remember. For nearly forty years he has
+had a leading part in making or unmaking of Cabinets; he has served his
+Queen and his country in almost every capacity in office and in
+opposition, and yet to-day, despite his prolonged sojourn in the malaria
+of political wire-pulling, his heart seems to be as the heart of a
+little child. If some who remember 'the old Parliamentary hand' should
+whisper that innocence of the dove is sometimes compatible with the
+wisdom of the serpent, I make no dissent. It is easy to be a dove, and
+to be as silly as a dove. It is easy to be as wise as a serpent, and as
+wicked, let us say, as Mr. Governor Hill or Lord Beaconsfield. But it is
+the combination that is difficult, and in Mr. Gladstone the combination
+is almost ideally complete.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone is old enough to be the grandfather of the younger race
+of politicians, but still his courage, his faith, his versatility, put
+the youngest of them to shame. It is this ebullience of youthful energy,
+this inexhaustible vitality, which is the admiration and despair of his
+contemporaries. Surely when a schoolboy at Eton he must somewhere have
+discovered the elixir of life, or have been bathed by some beneficent
+fairy in the well of perpetual youth. Gladly would many a man of fifty
+exchange physique with this hale and hearty octogenarian. Only in one
+respect does he show any trace of advancing years. His hearing is not
+quite so good as it was, but still it is far better than that of
+Cardinal Manning, who became very deaf in his closing years. Otherwise
+Mr. Gladstone is hale and hearty. His eye is not dim, neither is his
+natural force abated. A splendid physical frame, carefully preserved,
+gives every promise of a continuance of his green old age.
+
+"His political opponents, who began this Parliament by confidently
+calculating upon his death before the dissolution, are now beginning to
+admit that it is by no means improbable that Mr. Gladstone may survive
+the century. Nor was it quite so fantastic as it appears at first sight,
+when an ingenious disciple told him the other day that by the fitness of
+things he ought to live for twenty years yet. 'For,' said this political
+arithmetician, 'you have been twenty-six years a Tory, twenty-six years
+a Whig Liberal, and you have been only six years a Radical Home Ruler.
+To make the balance even you have twenty years still to serve.'
+
+"Sir Provo Wallis, the Admiral of the Fleet, who died the other day at
+the age of one hundred, had not a better constitution than Mr.
+Gladstone, nor had it been more carefully preserved in the rough and
+tumble of our naval war. If the man who smelt powder in the famous fight
+between the Chesapeake and the Shannon lived to read the reports of the
+preparations for the exhibition at Chicago, it is not so incredible that
+Mr. Gladstone may at least be in the foretop of the State at the dawn of
+the twentieth century.
+
+"The thought is enough to turn the Tories green with sickening despair,
+that the chances of his life, from a life insurance office point of
+view, are probably much better than Lord Salisbury's. But that is one of
+the attributes of Mr. Gladstone which endear him so much to his party.
+He is always making his enemies sick with despairing jealousy. He is the
+great political evergreen, who seems, even in his political life, to
+have borrowed something of immortality from the fame which he has won.
+He has long been the Grand Old Man. If he lives much longer he bids fair
+to be known as the immortal old man in more senses than one."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE'S BIRTHPLACE, RODNEY STREET, LIVERPOOL.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+AT ETON AND OXFORD
+
+There is very little recorded of the boyhood of some great men, and this
+is true of the childhood of William E. Gladstone, until he leaves the
+parental home for school, which he does in 1821, at the early age of
+eleven. He was fortunate in his parentage, but no less so in his early
+associations, both in and out of school. We refer particularly to his
+private preceptors, two of whom, the venerable Archdeacon Jones and the
+Rev. William Rawson, first Vicar of Seaforth, a watering-place near
+Liverpool, were both men of high character and great ability. Mr.
+Gladstone always highly esteemed Mr. Rawson, his earliest preceptor, and
+visited him on his death-bed. Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+was for two years young Gladstone's private tutor, beginning his
+instruction when his pupil left Eton in 1827.
+
+Besides these associations of his early life there were Canning, a
+frequent visitor, as has been mentioned, at his father's house, and
+Hannah More--"Holy Hannah," as Horace Walpole called her. She singled
+out "Billy" Gladstone for her especial pet out of the group of eleven
+children in whom her warm heart delighted, and it has been asked
+wonderingly if Miss More could preternaturally have lengthened her days
+until William E. Gladstone's present glory, whether she would have gone
+on dubbing him "Billy" in undignified brevity until the end.
+
+William E. Gladstone, when very young, gave such evidence of uncommon
+intellectual ability and promise of future greatness that his father
+resolved upon educating him in the best schools of England. There are
+four or five great schools in England in which the English youth are
+prepared in four or five years for Cambridge or Oxford. "Eton, the
+largest and the most celebrated of the public schools of England, ranks
+as the second in point of antiquity, Winchester alone being older."
+After the preparation at home, under private teachers, to which we have
+referred, William E. Gladstone was sent to Eton, in September, 1821. His
+biographer, George W.E. Russell, writes, "From a provincial town, from
+mercantile surroundings, from an atmosphere of money-making, from a
+strictly regulated life, the impressible boy was transplanted, at the
+age of eleven, to the shadow of Windsor and the banks of the Thames, to
+an institution which belongs to history, to scenes haunted by the
+memory of the most illustrious Englishmen, to a free and independent
+existence among companions who were the very flower of English boyhood.
+A transition so violent and yet so delightful was bound to produce an
+impression which lapse of time was powerless to efface, and no one who
+knows the man and the school can wonder that for seventy years Mr.
+Gladstone has been the most enthusiastic of Etonians."
+
+Eton of to-day is not in all respects the Eton of three-quarters of a
+century ago, and yet in some particulars it is as it was when young
+"Billy" Gladstone studied within its walls. The system of education and
+discipline pursued has undergone some modifications in recent
+years--notably during the provostship of the Rev. Francis Hodgson; but
+radical defects are still alleged against it. It is not remarkable,
+however, that every Eton boy becomes deeply attached to the school,
+notwithstanding the apprenticeship to hardships he may have been
+compelled to undergo.
+
+The "hardships" there must have been particularly great when young
+Gladstone entered Eton, at the close of the summer holidays of 1821. The
+school was under the head-mastership of "the terrific Dr. Keate." He was
+not the man to spare even the scholar who, upon the emphatic testimony
+of Sir Roderick Murchison, was "the prettiest boy that ever went to
+Eton," and who was as studious and well-behaved as he was good-looking.
+
+The town of Eton, in which the school is located, about 22 miles from
+London, in Berkshire, is beautifully situated on the banks of the river
+Thames, opposite Windsor Castle, the residence of the Queen of England.
+
+Eton College is one of the most famous and best endowed educational
+institutions of learning in England. It was founded in 1440 by Henry VI.
+The king was very solicitous that the work should be of a durable kind,
+and he provided for free scholarships. Eton of Mr. Gladstone's day,
+according to a critic, was divided into two schools--the upper and the
+lower. It also had two kinds of scholars, namely, seventy called king's
+scholars or "collegers," who are maintained gratuitously, sleep in the
+college, and wear a peculiar dress; and another class--the
+majority--called "oppidans," who live in the town. Between these two
+classes of students there prevails perpetual hostility. At Cambridge,
+there was founded, in connection with Eton, what is called King's
+College, to receive as fellows students from Eton, and to give them
+gratuitously an education. The ground on which students of Eton were
+promoted to King's College and these fellowships was, strangely to say,
+upon that of seniority, or long residence, and not of merit. Because
+there was no competition, scholars who were deficient in education at
+Eton were promoted to Cambridge, where they had no incentive to work,
+being exempt from the ordinary university examination.
+
+At Eton "no instruction was given in any branch of mathematical,
+physical, metaphysical or moral science, nor in the evidences of
+Christianity. The only subjects which it professed to impart a knowledge
+of were the Greek and Latin languages; as much divinity as can be gained
+from construing the Greek Testament, and reading a portion of Tomline on
+the Thirty-nine Articles, and a little ancient and modern geography." So
+much for the instruction imparted. As regards the hours of tuition,
+there seems to have been fault there, in that they were too few and
+insufficient, there being in all only eleven hours a week study. Then as
+to the manner of study, no time was given the scholar to study the style
+of an author; he was "hurried from Herodotus to Thucydides, from
+Thucydides to Xenophon, from Xenophon to Lucian, without being
+habituated to the style of any one author--without gaining an interest
+in the history, or even catching the thread of the narrative; and when
+the whole book is finished he has probably collected only a few vague
+ideas about Darius crying over a great army, Abydos and Nicias and
+Demosthenes being routed with a great army near Syracuse, mixed up with
+a recollection of the death of Cyrus and Socrates, some moral precept
+from Socrates, and some jokes against false philosophers and heathen
+gods." Hence the Eton student who goes to Cambridge finds he has done
+but a little desultory reading, and that he must begin again. It was
+charged that the system of education at Eton failed in every point. The
+moral discipline of the school was also called in question. The number
+of scholars was so great that the proper control of them seemed
+impossible under the management. Great laxity prevailed among the larger
+boys, while the younger and weaker students were exposed to the tyranny
+of the older and stronger ones without hope of redress. The result was
+that the system of "fagging," or the acting of some boys as drudges for
+the others, flourished. "The right" of fagging depended upon the place
+in the school; all boys in the sixth and fifth forms had the power of
+ordering--all below the latter form being bound to obey. This system of
+fagging has a very injurious effect upon most of the boys; "it finds
+them slaves and leaves them despots. A boy who has suffered himself,
+insensibly learns to see no harm in making others suffer in turn. The
+whole thing is wrong in principle, and engenders passions which should
+be stifled and not encouraged." Why free and enlightened England should
+tolerate, even then, such barbarous slavery cannot be understood and
+yet there are outrageous customs prevailing among college students of
+our day in every civilized land that should be suppressed.
+
+Flogging was in vogue, too, at Eton, with all its degrading and
+demoralizing effects, and was performed by the Head-Master himself. In
+1820, the year before Mr. Gladstone entered Eton, there were 280 upper
+students and 319 lower, a total of 612, and none were exempt.
+
+Some curious stories are told of flogging, which has ever existed at
+Eton, and from which even the largest boys were not exempt. Mr. Lewis
+relates how a young man of twenty, just upon the point of leaving
+school, and engaged to be married to a lady at Windsor, was well and
+soundly whipped by Dr. Goodford, for arriving one evening at his tutor's
+house after the specified time. And it is related that Arthur Wellesley,
+afterwards the Iron Duke of Wellington, was flogged at Eton for having
+been "barred out." At the same time there were eighty boys who
+were whipped.
+
+And the Eton of twenty years later was very little improved over its
+condition in Mr. Gladstone's time there, or in 1845. John D. Lewis,
+speaking of this period, says that after the boys reached the fifth
+form, then began "some of the greatest anomalies and absurdities of the
+then Etonian system." The student was now safe from the ordeal of
+examinations, and that the higher classes, including ten senior
+collegers and ten senior oppidans, contained some of the very worst
+scholars. "A boy's place on the general roll was no more a criterion of
+his acquirements and his industry than would be the 'year' of a young
+man at Oxford or Cambridge." The collegers, however, were required to
+pass some kind of examination, in accordance with which their place on
+the list for the King's college was fixed. But the evils regarding the
+hours of study and the nature of the studies were as bad. "The regular
+holidays and Saints' days, two whole holidays in a week, and two
+half-holidays, were a matter of common occurrence."
+
+Lord Morley, in his examination before the Commission on Public Schools,
+was asked whether a boy would be looked down upon at Eton for being
+industrious in his studies, replied, "Not if he could do something else
+well." And this seems to be the spirit of the Eton boy with whom a lack
+of scholarship is more than made up by skill in river or field sports.
+
+This is true to-day; for a recent writer in the _Forum_, upon "The
+Training of Boys at Eton," says: "Athletic prominence is in English
+public schools almost synonymous with social prominence; many a boy
+whose capacity and character commanded both respect and liking at the
+universities and in after life, is almost a nobody at a public school,
+because he has no special athletic gifts.... Great athletic capacity may
+co-exist with low moral and intellectual character."
+
+There were few inducements to study and to excel in scholarship, and
+plenty to idleness and neglect, hence he who did so must study in hours
+and out of hours, in season and out of season. The curriculum is still
+strictly classical, but French, German and mathematics are taught. The
+collegers of recent years have done very fair work and carried off many
+distinctions at Cambridge. With all these odds against them, and these
+difficulties to surmount, yet there were Eton boys whose attainments
+were deep and solid, and who became famous men, and one of these was
+William E. Gladstone.
+
+When young Gladstone entered Eton his brothers, Thomas and Robertson
+Gladstone, were already there, and the three boys boarded at Mrs.
+Shurey's, whose house "at the south end of the broad walk in front of
+the schools and facing the chapel," was rather nearer the famous
+"Christopher Inn" than would be thought desirable nowadays. On the wall
+opposite the house the name of "Gladstone" is carved. Thomas Gladstone
+was in the fifth form, and William was placed in the middle remove of
+the fourth form, and became his eldest brother's "fag." This doubtlessly
+saved him much annoyance and suffering, and allowed him better to
+pursue the studious bent of his indications.
+
+William E. Gladstone was what Etonians called a "sap"--in other words, a
+student faithful in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him at
+school--one who studied his lessons and was prepared for his recitations
+in the classroom. This agreeable fact has been immortalized in a famous
+line in Lord Lytton's "New Timon." He worked hard at his classical
+studies, as required by the rules of the school, and applied himself
+diligently to the study of mathematics during the holidays.
+
+It is said that his interest in the work of the school was first aroused
+by Mr. Hawtrey, who afterwards became Head-Master, who commended some of
+his Latin verses, and "sent him up for good." This led the young man to
+associate intellectual work with the ideas of ambition and success.
+While he did not seem to be especially an apt scholar in the restricted
+sense for original versification in the classical languages, or for
+turning English into Greek or Latin, yet he seemed to seize the precise
+meaning of the authors and to give the sense. "His composition was
+stiff," but yet, says a classmate, "when there were thrilling passages
+of Virgil or Homer, or difficult passages in 'Scriptores Graeci' to
+translate, he or Lord Arthur Hervey was generally called up to edify
+the class with quotations or translations."
+
+He had no prizes at Eton except what is called being sent up for good,
+on account of verses, and he was honored on several occasions. Besides
+he took deep interest in starting a college periodical, and with some of
+the most intellectual of the students sustained it with his pen. The
+more studious of Eton boys have on several occasions in the present
+century been in the habit of establishing periodicals for the purpose of
+ventilating their opinions. In 1786 Mr. Canning and Mr. Hookham Frere
+established the _Microcosm_, whose essays and _jeux d'esprit_, while
+having reference primarily to Eton, demonstrated that the writers were
+not insensible to what was going on in the great world without. It was
+for this college paper that Canning wrote his "Essay on the Epic of the
+Queen of Hearts," which, as a burlesque criticism, has been awarded a
+high place in English literature. Lord Henry Spencer, Hookham Frere,
+Capel Lofft, and Mr. Millish, were also contributors to the columns of
+the _Microcosm_. In the year 1820 W. Mackworth Praed set on foot a
+manuscript journal, entitled _Apis Matina_. This was in turn succeeded
+by the _Etonian_, to which Praed contributed some of his most brilliant
+productions. John Moultrie, Henry Nelson Coleridge, Walter Blunt, and
+Chauncy Hare Townshend were also among the writers for its papers, who
+helped to make it of exceptional excellence. Its articles are of no
+ordinary interest even now.
+
+In the last year of William E. Gladstone's stay at Eton, in 1827, and
+seven years after Praed's venture, he was largely instrumental in
+launching the _Eton Miscellany_, professedly edited by Bartholomew
+Bouverie, and Mr. Gladstone became a most frequent, voluminous and
+valuable contributor to its pages. He wrote articles of every
+kind--prologues, epilogues, leaders, historical essays, satirical
+sketches, classical translations, humorous productions, poetry and
+prose. And among the principal contributors with him were Sir Francis
+Doyle, George Selwyn, James Colville, Arthur Hallam, John Haumer and
+James Milnes-Gaskell. The introduction, written by and signed "William
+Ewart Gladstone" for this magazine, contained the following interesting
+and singular passage, which probably fairly sets forth the hopes and
+fears that beset statesmen in maturer years, as well as Eton boys of
+only seventeen years of age:
+
+"In my present undertaking there is one gulf in which I fear to sink,
+and that gulf is Lethe. There is one stream which I dread my inability
+to stem--it is the tide of Popular Opinion. I have ventured, and no
+doubt rashly ventured--
+
+     Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,
+     To try my fortune in a sea of glory,
+     But far beyond my depth."
+
+At present it is hope alone that buoys me up; for more substantial
+support I must be indebted to my own exertions, well knowing that in
+this land of literature merit never wants its reward. That such merit is
+mine I dare not presume to think; but still there is something within me
+that bids me hope that I may be able to glide prosperously down the
+stream of public estimation; or, in the words of Virgil,
+
+     '--Celerare viam rumore secundo.'
+
+"I was surprised even to see some works with the names of Shakespeare
+and Milton on them sharing the common destiny, but on examination I
+found that those of the latter were some political rhapsodies, which
+richly deserved their fate; and that the former consisted of some
+editions of his works which had been burdened with notes and mangled
+with emendations by his merciless commentators. In other places I
+perceived authors worked up into frenzy by seeing their own compositions
+descending like the rest. Often did the infuriated scribes extend their
+hands, and make a plunge to endeavor to save their beloved offspring,
+but in vain; I pitied the anguish of their disappointment, but with
+feelings of the same commiseration as that which one feels for a
+malefactor on beholding his death, being at the same time fully
+conscious how well he has deserved it."
+
+Little did this diffident and youthful editor imagine that he was
+forecasting the future for himself by the aid of youth's most ardent
+desires, and that he would live to become the Primate of all England and
+the foremost statesman of his day.
+
+There were two volumes of the _Miscellany_, dated June-July and
+October-November, respectively, and Mr. Gladstone contributed thirteen
+articles to the first volume. Among the contributions were an "Ode to
+the Shade of Watt Tyler," a vigorous rendering of a chorus from the
+Hucuba of Euripides, and a letter under the name of "Philophantasm,"
+detailing an encounter he had with the poet Virgil, in which the great
+poet appeared muttering something which did not sound like Latin to an
+Eton boy, and complaining that he knew he was hated by the Eton boys
+because he was difficult to learn, and pleading to be as well received
+henceforth as Horace.
+
+We give a quotation from a poem, consisting of some two hundred and
+fifty lines, from his pen, which, appeared also in the _Miscellany_:
+
+     "Who foremost now the deadly spear to dart,
+      And strike the javelin to the Moslem's heart?
+      Who foremost now to climb the leaguered wall,
+      The first to triumph, or the first to fall?
+      Lo, where the Moslems rushing to the fight,
+      Back bear their squadrons in inglorious flight.
+      With plumed helmet, and with glittering lance,
+     'Tis Richard bids his steel-clad bands advance;
+     'Tis Richard stalks along the blood-dyed plain,
+      And views unmoved the slaying and the slain;
+     'Tis Richard bathes his hands in Moslem blood,
+      And tinges Jordan with the purple flood.
+      Yet where the timbrels ring, the trumpets sound,
+      And tramp of horsemen shakes the solid ground,
+      Though 'mid the deadly charge and rush of fight,
+      No thought be theirs of terror or of flight,--
+      Ofttimes a sigh will rise, a tear will flow,
+      And youthful bosoms melt in silent woe;
+      For who of iron frame and harder heart
+      Can bid the mem'ry of his home depart?
+      Tread the dark desert and the thirsty sand,
+      Nor give one thought to England's smiling land?
+      To scenes of bliss, and days of other years--
+      The Vale of Gladness and the Vale of Tears;
+      That, passed and vanish'd from their loving sight,
+      This 'neath their view, and wrapt in shades of night?"
+
+Among other writers who contributed to the first volume of the
+_Miscellany_ were Arthur Henry Hallam and Doyle, also G.A. Selwyn,
+afterwards Bishop Selwyn, the friend of Mr. Gladstone, and to whom he
+recently paid the following tribute: "Connected as tutor with families
+of rank and influence, universally popular from his frank, manly, and
+engaging character--and scarcely less so from his extraordinary rigor as
+an athlete--he was attached to Eton, where he resided, with a love
+surpassing the love of Etonians. In himself he formed a large part of
+the life of Eton, and Eton formed a large part of his life. To him is
+due no small share of the beneficial movement in the direction of
+religious earnestness which marked the Eton of forty years back, and
+which was not, in my opinion, sensibly affected by any influence
+extraneous to the place itself. At a moment's notice, upon the call of
+duty, he tore up the singularly deep roots which his life had struck
+deep into the soil of England."
+
+Both Mr. Gladstone and the future Bishop of Selwyn contributed humorous
+letters to "The Postman," the correspondence department of the _Eton
+Miscellany_.
+
+In the second volume of the _Eton Miscellany_ are articles of equal
+interest to those that appeared in the first. Doyle, Jelf, Selwyn,
+Shadwell and Arthur Henry Hallam were contributors, the latter having
+written "The Battle of the Boyne," a parody upon Campbell's
+"Hohenlinden." But here again Mr. Gladstone was the principal
+contributor, having contributed to this even more largely than to the
+first, having written seventeen articles, besides the introductions to
+the various numbers of the volume. Indeed one would think from his
+devotion to these literary pursuits during his last year at Eton, that
+he had very little leisure for those ordinary sports so necessary to
+Eton boys. He seems to have begun his great literary activity. Among
+them may be mentioned an "Ode to the Shade of Watt Tyler," mentioned
+before, which is an example of his humorous style:
+
+     "Shade of him whose valiant tongue
+      On high the song of freedom sung;
+      Shade of him, whose mighty soul
+      Would pay no taxes on his poll;
+      Though, swift as lightning, civic sword
+        Descended on thy fated head,
+      The blood of England's boldest poured,
+        And numbered Tyler with the dead!
+
+     "Still may thy spirit flap its wings
+      At midnight o'er the couch of kings;
+      And peer and prelate tremble, too,
+      In dread of mighty interview!
+      With patriot gesture of command,
+        With eyes that like thy forges gleam,
+      Lest Tyler's voice and Tyler's hand
+        Be heard and seen in nightly dream.
+
+     "I hymn the gallant and the good
+      From Tyler down to Thistlewood,
+      My muse the trophies grateful sings,
+      The deeds of Miller and of Ings;
+      She sings of all who, soon or late,
+        Have burst Subjection's iron chain,
+      Have seal'd the bloody despot's fate,
+        Or cleft a peer or priest in twain.
+
+     "Shades, that soft Sedition woo,
+      Around the haunts of Peterloo!
+      That hover o'er the meeting-halls,
+      Where many a voice stentorian bawls!
+      Still flit the sacred choir around,
+        With 'Freedom' let the garrets ring,
+      And vengeance soon in thunder sound
+        On Church, and constable, and king."
+
+In a paper on "Eloquence," in the same volume, he shows that even then
+his young mind was impressed by the fame attached to successful oratory
+in Parliament. Visions of glory and honor open before the enraptured
+sight of those devoted to oratorical pursuits, and whose ardent and
+aspiring minds are directed to the House of Commons. Evidently the young
+writer himself "had visions of parliamentary oratory, and of a
+successful _debut_ in the House of Commons, with perhaps an offer from
+the Minister, a Secretaryship of State, and even the Premiership itself
+in the distance." But then there are barriers to pass and ordeals to
+undergo. "There are roars of coughing, as well as roars of cheering"
+from the members of the House, "and maiden speeches sometimes act more
+forcibly on the lungs of hearers than the most violent or most cutting
+of all the breezes which AEOLUS can boast." But the writer draws comfort
+from the fact that Lord Morfeth, Edward Geoffrey, Stanley and Lord
+Castlereagh who were all members of the Eton college debating society
+were then among the most successful young speakers in Parliament. This
+sounds more like prophecy than dreams, for within a very few years after
+writing this article the writer himself had passed the dreaded barrier
+and endured the ordeal, and had not only made his appearance in the
+House of Commons, but had been invited to fill an honorable place in the
+Cabinet of the Ministry then in power.
+
+Another contribution of Mr. Gladstone's to the _Miscellany_, and perhaps
+the most meritorious of the youthful writer's productions, was
+entitled, "Ancient and Modern Genius Compared," in which the young
+Etonian editor ardently and affectionately apostrophized the memory of
+Canning, his father's great friend and his own ideal man and statesman,
+who had just then perished untimely and amid universal regret. In this
+article he first takes the part of the moderns as against the ancients,
+though he by no means deprecates the genius of the latter, and then
+eloquently apostrophizes the object of his youthful hero-worship, the
+immortal Canning, whose death he compares to that of the lamented Pitt.
+The following are extracts from this production:
+
+"It is for those who revered him in the plenitude of his meridian glory
+to mourn over him in the darkness of his premature extinction: to mourn
+over the hopes that are buried in his grave, and the evils that arise
+from his withdrawing from the scene of life. Surely if eloquence never
+excelled and seldom equalled--if an expanded mind and judgment whose
+vigor was paralleled only by its soundness--if brilliant wit--if a
+glowing imagination--if a warm heart, and an unbending firmness--could
+have strengthened the frail tenure, and prolonged the momentary duration
+of human existence, that man had been immortal! But nature could endure
+no longer. Thus has Providence ordained that inasmuch as the intellect
+is more brilliant, it shall be more short-lived; as its sphere is more
+expanded, more swiftly is it summoned away. Lest we should give to man
+the honor due to God--lest we should exalt the object of our admiration
+into a divinity for our worship--He who calls the weary and the mourner
+to eternal rest hath been pleased to remove him from our eyes.
+
+"The degrees of inscrutable wisdom are unknown to us; but if ever there
+was a man for whose sake it was meet to indulge the kindly though frail
+feelings of our nature--for whom the tear of sorrow was to us both
+prompted by affection and dictated by duty--that man was
+George Canning."
+
+After Hallam, Selwyn and other contributors to the _Miscellany_ left
+Eton, at midsummer, 1827, Mr. Gladstone still remained and became the
+mainstay of the magazine. "Mr. Gladstone and I remained behind as its
+main supporters," writes Sir Francis Doyle, "or rather it would be more
+like the truth if I said that Mr. Gladstone supported the whole burden
+upon his own shoulders. I was unpunctual and unmethodical, so were his
+other vassals; and the '_Miscellany_' would have fallen to the ground
+but for Mr. Gladstone's untiring energy, pertinacity and tact."
+
+Although Mr. Gladstone labored in editorial work upon the _Miscellany_,
+yet he took time to bestow attention upon his duties in the Eton
+Society of the College, learnedly called "The Literati," and vulgarly
+called "Pop," and took a leading part in the debates and in the private
+business of the Society. The Eton Society of Gladstone's day was a
+brilliant group of boys. He introduced desirable new members, moved for
+more readable and instructive newspapers, proposing new rules for better
+order and more decorous conduct, moving fines on those guilty of
+disorder or breaches of the rules, and paying a fine imposed upon
+himself for putting down an illegal question. "In debate he champions
+the claims of metaphysics against those of mathematics, and defends
+aristocracy against democracy;" confesses innate feelings of dislike to
+the French; protests against disarmament of the Highlanders as
+inexpedient and unjust; deplores the fate of Strafford and the action of
+the House of Commons, which he claimed they should be able to "revere as
+our glory and confide in as our protection." The meetings of the Eton
+Society were held over Miss Hatton's "sock-shop."
+
+In politics its members were Tory--intensely so, and although current
+politics were forbidden subjects, yet, political opinions were disclosed
+in discussions of historical or academical questions. "The execution of
+Strafford and Charles I, the characters of Oliver Cromwell and Milton,
+the 'Central Social' of Rousseau, and the events of the French
+Revolution, laid bare the speakers' political tendencies as effectually
+as if the conduct of Queen Caroline, the foreign policy of Lord
+Castlereagh, or the repeal of the Test and Corporation Act had been the
+subject of debate."
+
+It was October 15, 1825, when Gladstone was elected a member of the Eton
+Society, and on the 29th of the same month made his maiden speech on the
+question "Is the education of the poor on the whole beneficial?" It is
+recorded in the minutes of the meeting that "Mr. Gladstone rose and
+eloquently addressed the house." He spoke in favor of education; and one
+who heard him says that his opening words were, "Sir, in this age of
+increased and increasing civilization." Says an eminent writer, by way
+of comment upon these words, "It almost oppresses the imagination to
+picture the shoreless sea of eloquence which rolls between that exordium
+and the oratory to which we still are listening and hope to listen for
+years to come."
+
+"The peroration of his speech on the question whether Queen Anne's
+Ministers, in the last four years of her reign, deserved well of their
+country, is so characteristic, both in substance and in form," that we
+reproduce it here from Dr, Russell's work on Gladstone:
+
+"Thus much, sir, I have said, as conceiving myself bound in fairness not
+to regard the names under which men have hidden their designs so much
+as the designs themselves. I am well aware that my prejudices and my
+predilections have long been enlisted on the side of Toryism (cheers)
+and that in a cause like this I am not likely to be influenced unfairly
+against men bearing that name and professing to act on the principles
+which I have always been accustomed to revere. But the good of my
+country must stand on a higher ground than distinctions like these. In
+common fairness and in common candor, I feel myself compelled to give my
+decisive verdict against the conduct of men whose measures I firmly
+believe to have been hostile to British interests, destructive of
+British glory, and subversive of the splendid and, I trust, lasting
+fabric of the British constitution."
+
+The following extracts from the diary of William Cowper, afterwards Lord
+Mount-Temple, we also reproduce from the same author: "On Saturday,
+October 27, 1827, the subject for debate was:
+
+"'Whether the deposition of Richard II was justifiable or not.' Jelf
+opened; not a good speech. Doyle spoke _extempore_, made several
+mistakes, which were corrected by Jelf. Gladstone spoke well. The Whigs
+were regularly floored; only four Whigs to eleven Tories, but they very
+nearly kept up with them in coughing and 'hear, hears,' Adjourned to
+Monday after 4.
+
+"Monday, 29.--Gladstone finished his speech, and ended with a great deal
+of flattery of Doyle, saying that he was sure he would have courage
+enough to own that he was wrong. It succeeded. Doyle rose amidst
+reiterated cheers to own that he was convinced by the arguments of the
+other side. He had determined before to answer them and cut up
+Gladstone!
+
+"December 1.--Debate, 'Whether the Peerage Bill of 1719 was calculated
+to be beneficial or not.' Thanks voted to Doyle and Gladstone; the
+latter spoke well; will be a great loss to the Society."
+
+There were many boys at Eton--schoolfellows of Mr. Gladstone--who became
+men of note in after days. Among them the Hallams, Charles Canning,
+afterwards Lord Canning and Governor-General of India; Walter Hamilton,
+Bishop of Salisbury; Edward Hamilton, his brother, of Charters; James
+Hope, afterwards Hope-Scott; James Bruce, afterwards Lord Elgin; James
+Milnes-Gaskell, M.P. for Wenlock; Henry Denison; Sir Francis Doyle;
+Alexander Kinglake; George Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand and of
+Litchfield; Lord Arthur Hervey, Bishop of Bath and Wells; William
+Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire; George Cornwallis Lewis; Frederic
+Tennyson; Gerald Wellesley, Dean of Windsor; Spencer Walpole, Home
+Secretary; Frederic Rogers, Lord Blachford; James Colvile, Chief Justice
+at Calcutta, and others.
+
+By universal acknowledgment the most remarkable youth at Eton in that
+day was Arthur Hallam, "in mind and character not unworthy of the
+magnificent eulogy of 'In Memoriam.'" He was the most intimate friend of
+young Gladstone. They always took breakfast together, although they
+boarded apart in different houses, and during the separation of
+vacations they were diligent correspondents.
+
+The father of William E. Gladstone, as we have seen, discovered
+premonitions of future greatness in his son, and we may well ask the
+question what impression was made by him upon his fellow school-mates at
+Eton. Arthur Hallam wrote: "Whatever may be our lot, I am confident that
+_he_ is a bud that will bloom with a richer fragrance than almost any
+whose early promise I have witnessed."
+
+James Milnes-Gaskell says: "Gladstone is no ordinary individual; and
+perhaps if I were called on to select the individual I am intimate with
+to whom I should first turn in an emergency, and whom I thought in every
+way pre-eminently distinguished for high excellence, I think I should
+turn to Gladstone. If you finally decide in favor of Cambridge, my
+separation from Gladstone will be a source of great sorrow to me." And
+the explanation of this latter remark is that the writer's mother wanted
+him to go to Cambridge, while he wished to go to Oxford, because
+Gladstone was going there.
+
+Sir Francis Doyle writes: "I may as well remark that my father, a man of
+great ability, as well as of great experience of life, predicted
+Gladstone's future eminence from the manner in which he handled this
+somewhat tiresome business. [The editorial work and management of the
+_Eton Miscellany._] 'It is not' he remarked, 'that I think his papers
+better than yours or Hallam's--that is not my meaning at all; but the
+force of character he has shown in managing his subordinates, and the
+combination of ability and power that he has made evident, convince me
+that such a young man cannot fail to distinguish himself hereafter.'"
+
+The recreations of young Gladstone were not in all respects like his
+school-mates. He took no part in games, for he had no taste in that
+direction, and while his companions were at play he was studiously
+employed in his room. One of the boys afterwards declared, "without
+challenge or contradiction, that he was never seen to run." Yet he had
+his diversions and was fond of sculling, and kept a "lock-up," or
+private boat, for his own use. He liked walking for exercise, and walked
+fast and far. His chief amusement when not writing, reading or debating,
+was to ramble among the delights of Windsor with a few intimate friends;
+and he had only a few whom he admitted to his inner circle. To others
+beyond he was not known and was not generally popular. Gladstone,
+Charles Canning, Handley, Bruce, Hodgson, Lord Bruce and Milnes-Gaskell
+set up a Salt Hill Club. They met every whole holiday or half-holiday,
+as was convenient, after twelve, "and went up to Salt Hill to bully the
+fat waiter, eat toasted cheese, and drink egg-wine." It is startling to
+hear from such an authority as James Milnes-Gaskell that "in all our
+meetings, as well as at almost every time, Gladstone went by the name of
+Mr. Tipple."
+
+[Illustration: HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.]
+
+The strongest testimony is borne to the moral character of young
+Gladstone while at Eton. By common consent he was pre-eminently
+God-fearing, orderly and conscientious. Bishop Hamilton, of Salisbury,
+writes: "At Eton I was a thoroughly idle boy; but I was saved from some
+worse things by getting to know Gladstone." This is the strong testimony
+of one school-boy after he has reached maturity and distinction for
+another. "To have exercised, while still a school-boy, an influence for
+good upon one of the greatest of contemporary saints, is surely such a
+distinction as few Prime Ministers ever attain."
+
+Two stories are told of him while at Eton that go to show the moral
+determination of the boy to do right. On one occasion he turned his
+glass upside down and refused to drink a coarse toast proposed,
+according to annual custom, at an election dinner at the "Christopher
+Inn." This shows the purity of his mind, but there is another
+illustrating the humane feeling in his heart. He came forth as the
+champion of some miserable pigs which it was the inhumane custom to
+torture at Eton Fair on Ash Wednesday, and when he was bantered by his
+school-fellows for his humanity, he offered to write his reply "in good
+round hand upon their faces."
+
+At Christmas, 1827, Gladstone left Eton, and after that studied six
+months under private tutors, Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+being one. Of this Mr. Gladstone writes: "I resided with Dr. Turner at
+Wilmslow (in Cheshire) from January till a few months later. My
+residence with him was cut off by his appointment to the Bishopric of
+Calcutta.... My companions were the present (1877) Bishop of Sodor and
+Man, and Sir C.A. Wood, Deputy-Chairman of the G.W. Railway. We employed
+our spare time in gymnastics, in turning, and in rambles. I remember
+paying a visit to Macclesfield. In a silk factory the owner showed us
+his silk handkerchiefs, and complained much of Mr. Huskisson for having
+removed the prohibition of the foreign article. The thought passed
+through my mind at the time: Why make laws to enable people to produce
+articles of such hideous pattern and indifferent quality as this?
+Alderly Edge was a favorite place of resort. We dined with Sir John
+Stanley (at Alderly) on the day when the king's speech was received; and
+I recollect that he ridiculed (I think very justly) the epithet
+_untoward_, which was applied in it to the Battle of Navarino."
+
+In 1828, and after two years as a private pupil of Dr. Turner, Mr.
+Gladstone entered Christ Church College, Oxford and in the following
+year was nominated to a studentship on the foundation. Although he had
+no prizes at Oxford of the highest class, unless honors in the schools
+be so called--and in this respect he achieved a success which falls to
+the lot of but few students. In the year 1831, when he went up for his
+final examination, he completed his academical education by attaining
+the highest honors in the university--graduating double-first-class.
+
+Of the city of Oxford, where Oxford University is situated, Matthew
+Arnold writes: "Beautiful city! So venerable, so lovely, so unravaged by
+the fierce intellectual life of our century, so serene! And yet, steeped
+in sentiment as she lies, spreading her gardens to the moonlight, or
+whispering from her towers the last enchantments of the Middle Age, who
+will deny that Oxford, by her ineffable charm, keeps ever calling us
+near to the true goal of all of us, to the ideal, to perfection--to
+beauty, in a word, which is only truth seen from another side."
+
+Describing Christ Church College, a writer has said that there is no
+other College where a man has so great a choice of society, or a man
+entire freedom in choosing it.
+
+As to the studies required, a greater stress was laid upon a knowledge
+of the Bible and of the evidences of Christianity than upon classical
+literature; some proficiency was required also, either in mathematics or
+the science of reasoning. The system of education accommodated itself to
+the capacity and wants of the students, but the man of talent was at no
+loss as to a field for his exertions, or a reward for his industry. The
+honors of the ministry were all within his reach. In the cultivation of
+taste and general information Oxford afforded every opportunity, but the
+modern languages were not taught.
+
+An interesting fact is related of young Gladstone when he entered
+Oxford, as to his studies at the university. He wrote his father that he
+disliked mathematics, and that he intended to concentrate his time and
+attention upon the classics. This was a great blow to his father, who
+replied that he did not think a man was a man unless he knew
+mathematics. The dutiful son yielded to his father's wishes, abandoned
+his own plan, and applied himself with energy and success to the study
+of mathematics. But for this change of study he might not have become
+the greatest of Chancellors of the Exchequer.
+
+Gladstone's instructors at Oxford were men of reputation. Rev. Robert
+Biscoe, whose lectures on Aristotle attracted some of the best men to
+the university, was his tutor; he attended the lectures of Dr. Burton on
+Divinity, and of Dr. Pusey on Hebrew, and read classics privately with
+Bishop Wordsworth. He read steadily but not laboriously. Nothing was
+ever allowed to interfere with his morning's work. He read for four
+hours, and then took a walk. Though not averse to company and suppers,
+yet he always read for two or three hours before bedtime.
+
+Among the undergraduates at Oxford then, who became conspicuous, were
+Henry Edward Manning, afterwards Cardinal Archbishop; Archibald Campbell
+Tait, Archbishop of Canterbury; Sidney Herbert, Robert Lowe, Lord
+Sherbrooke, and Lord Selborne. "The man who _took_ me most," says a
+visitor to Oxford in 1829, "was the youngest Gladstone of Liverpool--I
+am sure a very superior person."
+
+Gladstone's chosen friends were all steady and industrious men, and many
+of them were more distinctively religious than is generally found in the
+life of undergraduates. And his choice of associates in this respect was
+the subject of criticism on the part of a more secularly minded student
+who wrote, "Gladstone has mixed himself up with the St. Mary Hall and
+Oriel set, who are really, for the most part, only fit to live with
+maiden aunts and keep tame rabbits." And the question, Which was
+right--Gladstone or the student? may be answered by another, Which one
+became Prime Minister of England?
+
+"Gladstone's first rooms were in the 'old library,' near the hall; but
+for the greater part of his time he occupied the right-hand rooms on the
+first floor of the first staircase, on the right as the visitor enters
+Canterbury gate. He was, alike in study and in conduct, a model
+undergraduate, and the great influence of his character and talents was
+used with manly resolution against the riotous conduct of the 'Tufts,'
+whose brutality caused the death of one of their number in 1831. We read
+this note in the correspondence of a friend: 'I heard from Gladstone
+yesterday; he says that the number of gentlemen commoners has increased,
+is increasing, and ought to be diminished.' Every one who has
+experienced the hubristic qualities of the Tufted race, and its
+satellites, will cordially sympathize with this sentiment of an orderly
+and industrious undergraduate. He was conspicuously moderate in the use
+of wine. His good example in this respect affected not only his
+contemporaries but also his successors at the university; men who
+followed him to Oxford ten years later found it still operative, and
+declare that undergraduates drank less in the forties, because Gladstone
+had been courageously abstemious in the thirties."
+
+But there were those who better estimated Gladstone's worth and looked
+approvingly upon his course, as "the blameless schoolboy became the
+blameless undergraduate; diligent, sober, regular alike in study and
+devotion, giving his whole energies to the duties of the place, and
+quietly abiding in the religious faith in which he had been trained.
+Bishop Charles Wordsworth said that no man of his standing in the
+university habitually read his Bible more or knew it better. Cardinal
+Manning described him walking in the university with his 'Bible and
+Prayer-book tucked under his arm.' ... He quitted Oxford with a
+religious belief still untinctured by Catholic theology. But the great
+change was not far distant, and he had already formed some of the
+friendships which, in their development were destined to effect so
+profoundly the course of his religious thought."
+
+In reference to the religious and political opinions and influences
+prevailing at Oxford, it may be remarked that the atmosphere of Oxford
+was calculated to strengthen Mr. Gladstone's conservative views, and did
+have this effect, and as English statesmen had not then learned to put
+their trust in the people, the cause of reform found few or no friends
+at the university, and he was among those hostile to it, and was known
+for his pronounced Tory and High Church opinions.
+
+He belonged to the famous debating society known as the Oxford Union,
+was a brilliant debater, and in 1831 was its secretary, and later its
+president. On various occasions he carried, by a majority of one only, a
+motion that the Wellington Administration was undeserving of the
+confidence of the country; he defended the results of the Catholic
+Emancipation; he opposed a motion for the removal of Jewish
+disabilities, and he persuaded 94 students out of 130 to condemn Earl
+Grey's Reform Bill as a measure "which threatened not only to change the
+form of government, but ultimately to break up the very foundation of
+social order." His last speech at Oxford was in support of his own
+amendment to a motion for the immediate emancipation of the slaves in
+the West Indies. On a certain occasion he entertained a party of
+students from Cambridge, consisting of Sir Francis Doyle, Monckton
+Milnes, Sunderland, and Arthur H. Hallam, who discussed among them the
+superiority of Shelley over Byron as a poet. The motion was opposed by
+one Oxonion, the late Cardinal Manning, but Shelley received 90 votes to
+33 for Byron.
+
+One who heard the debate on the Reform Bill says that "it converted
+Alston, the son of the member in Parliament for Hertford, who
+immediately on the conclusion of Gladstone's speech walked across from
+the Whig to the Tory side of the house, amidst loud acclamations."
+Another who was present writes, "Most of the speakers rose, more or
+less, above their usual level, but when Mr. Gladstone sat down we all of
+us felt that an epoch in our lives had occurred. It certainly was the
+finest speech of his that I ever heard." And Bishop Charles Wordsworth
+writes his experience of Mr. Gladstone at this time, "made me feel no
+less sure than of my own existence that Gladstone, our then
+Christ-Church undergraduate, would one day rise to be Prime Minister
+of England."
+
+In the spring of 1832 Mr. Gladstone quitted Oxford. In summing up
+results it may be said, in the language of Mr. Russell: "Among the
+purely intellectual effects produced on Mr. Gladstone by the discipline
+of Oxford, it is obvious to reckon an almost excessive exactness in the
+statement of propositions, a habit of rigorous definition, a microscopic
+care in the choice of words, and a tendency to analyze every sentiment
+and every phrase, and to distinguish with intense precaution between
+statements almost exactly similar. From Aristotle and Bishop Butler and
+Edmund Burke he learned the value of authority, the sacredness of law,
+the danger of laying rash and inconsiderate hands upon the ark of State.
+In the political atmosphere of Oxford he was taught to apply these
+principles to the civil events of his time, to dread innovation, to
+respect existing institutions, and to regard the Church and the Throne
+as inseparably associated by Divine ordinance."
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone's London Home]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES
+
+It is customary for the sons of gentlemen who graduate at Cambridge and
+Oxford to spend some time in travel on the continent upon the completion
+of their university studies. The custom was observed in Mr. Gladstone's
+early days even more than at the present. In accordance then with the
+prevailing usage he went abroad after graduating at Oxford. In the
+spring of 1832 he started on his travels and spent nearly the whole of
+the next six months in Italy, "learning the language, studying the art,
+and revelling in the natural beauties of that glorious land." In the
+following September, however, he was suddenly recalled to England to
+enter upon his first Parliamentary campaign.
+
+At Oxford Toryism prevailed, and was of the old-fashioned type, far
+removed from the utilitarian conservatism of the present day. Charles I
+was a saint and a martyr, the claims of rank and birth were admitted
+with a childlike simplicity, the high functions of government were the
+birthright of the few, and the people had nothing to do with the laws,
+except to obey them. Mr. Gladstone was a Tory. The political views he
+held upon leaving Oxford had much to do with his recall from abroad and
+his running for a seat in the House of Commons. Of these opinions held
+by him then, and afterwards repudiated, he, in a speech delivered at the
+opening of the Palmerston Club, Oxford, in December, 1878, says: "I
+trace in the education of Oxford of my own time one great defect.
+Perhaps it was my own fault; but I must admit that I did not learn, when
+at Oxford, that which I have learned since, viz., to set a due value on
+the imperishable and inestimable principles of human liberty. The temper
+which, I think, too much prevailed in academic circles, was that liberty
+was regarded with jealousy and fear, which could not be wholly dispensed
+with, but which was continually to be watched for fear of excess.... I
+think that the principle of the Conservative party is jealousy of
+liberty and of the people, only qualified by fear; but I think the
+policy of the Liberal party is trust in the people, only qualified by
+prudence. I can only assure you, gentlemen, that now I am in front of
+extended popular privileges. I have no fear of those enlargements of the
+Constitution that seem to be approaching. On the contrary, I hail them
+with desire. I am not in the least degree conscious that I have less
+reverence for antiquity, for the beautiful, and good, and glorious
+charges that our ancestors have handed down to us as a patrimony to our
+race, than I had in other days when I held other political opinions. I
+have learnt to set the true value upon human liberty, and in whatever I
+have changed, there, and there only, has been the explanation of
+the change."
+
+It was Mr. Gladstone's Tory principles that led to an invitation from
+the Duke of Newcastle, whose son, the Earl of Lincoln, afterwards a
+member of Lord Aberdeen's Cabinet during the Crimean War, had been his
+schoolmate at Eton and Oxford, and his intimate friend; to return to
+England and to contest the representation of Newark in Parliament. In
+accordance with this summons he hurried home.
+
+Let us review the national situation. It was a time of general alarm and
+uncertainty, from political unrest, commercial stagnation, and
+devastating pestilence. "The terrors of the time begat a hundred forms
+of strange fanaticism; and among men who were not fanatics there was a
+deep and wide conviction that national judgments were overtaking
+national sins, and that the only hope of safety for England lay in a
+return to that practical recognition of religion in the political sphere
+at the proudest moments of English history. 'The beginning and the end
+of what is the matter with us in these days,' wrote Carlyle, 'is that we
+have forgotten God.'"
+
+England was in a condition of great political excitement and expectancy.
+One of the greatest battles in Parliamentary history had just been
+fought and won by the people. The Reform Bill, which admitted large
+classes, hitherto unrepresented, to the right of citizenship, had
+passed, after a long struggle, during which law and order were defied
+and riots prevailed in various parts of the kingdom.
+
+The King clearly perceiving that the wish of the people could no longer
+be disregarded with safety, and heedless of the advice of the
+aristocracy, gave his assent to the measure. This bill, which became a
+law June 7, 1832, "transformed the whole of the Electoral arrangements
+of the United Kingdom." It was demanded that the King be present in the
+House of Lords to witness the ceremony of the subjugation of his crown
+and peers, as it was deemed, but the King, feeling he had yielded enough
+to the popular will, refused. Walpole, in his history, writes: "King and
+Queen sat sullenly apart in their palace. Peer and country gentleman
+moodily awaited the ruin of their country and the destruction of their
+property. Fanaticism still raved at the wickedness of a people; the
+people, clamoring for work, still succumbed before the mysterious
+disease which was continually claiming more and more victims. But the
+nation cared not for the sullenness of the Court, the forebodings of the
+landed classes, the ravings of the pulpit, or even the mysterious
+operations of a new plague. The deep gloom that had overshadowed the
+land had been relieved by one single ray. The victory had been won. The
+bill had become law."
+
+The first reformed House of Commons, after the passage of the terrible
+Reform Bill, met and was looked upon by some of the friends of Reform
+with fond hopes and expectations, and by others, the Tories, with fear
+and apprehension. The poor looked upon the Reform Bill as a measure for
+their redemption, and the landed proprietors regarded it as the first
+sign of departed national greatness. Both classes were disappointed. It
+neither revived business nor despoiled owners. The result was a surprise
+to politicians of both parties. The Reformers did not, as was
+anticipated, carry their extreme measures, and the Tories did not
+realize the great losses they expected. While the Ministry preserved its
+power and even obtained some victories in England and Scotland, it
+sustained serious defeats in Ireland. In England many earnest and
+popular friends of Reform were defeated in the election, and some
+counties, among them Bristol, Stamford, Hertford, Norwich and Newark,
+were pronounced against the Ministry.
+
+The Duke of Newcastle, who was one of the chief potentates of the high
+Tory party, and had lost his control of Newark in 1831, by the election
+of a Radical, was determined to regain it. He regarded it as his right
+to be represented in the House of Commons, or that Newark should elect
+whom he nominated. And he had propounded the memorable political maxim,
+"Have I not a right to do what I like with my own?" The Duke wanted a
+capable candidate to help him regain his ascendency. His son, Lord
+Lincoln, here came to his aid. He had heard the remarkable speech of his
+friend, Mr. Gladstone, in the Oxford Union, against the Reform Bill, and
+had written home regarding him, that "a man had uprisen in Israel." At
+his suggestion the Duke invited the young graduate of Oxford to run as
+the Tory candidate for a seat in Parliament from Newark. The wisdom of
+this selection for the accomplishment of the purpose in view, was fully
+demonstrated.
+
+[Illustration: The Lobby of the House of Commons]
+
+His personal appearance at this time may be thus described: He was
+somewhat robust. His youthful face bore none of those deep furrows which
+have rendered his countenance so remarkable in maturer years. But there
+was the same broad intellectual forehead, the massive nose, the same
+anxious eyes and the earnest enthusiasm of later years. His look was
+bright and thoughtful and his bearing attractive. He was handsome and
+possessed a most intelligent and expressive countenance. Says his
+biographer, Mr. Russell: "William Ewart Gladstone was now twenty-two
+years old, with a physical constitution of unequalled vigor, the
+prospect of ample fortune, great and varied knowledge, and a natural
+tendency to political theorization, and an inexhaustible copiousness and
+readiness of speech. In person he was striking and attractive, with
+strongly marked features, a pale complexion, abundance of dark hair and
+eyes of piercing lustre. People who judged only by his external aspect
+considered that he was delicate."
+
+Young Gladstone found two opponents contesting with him to represent
+Newark in Parliament, W.F. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, afterwards Lord
+Chancellor Truro. The latter was an advanced Liberal and had
+unsuccessfully contested the borough in 1829 and 1830, and had in
+consideration of his defeat received from his sympathetic friends a
+piece of plate inscribed: "By his ardent friends, the Blue electors of
+the borough, who by their exertions and sufferings in the cause of
+independence, largely conduced to awaken the attention of the nation to
+the necessity of Reform in Parliament. Upon this humble token of respect
+(contributed in the hour of defeat) the Blue electors of Newark inscribe
+their sense of the splendid ability, unwearied perseverance, and
+disinterested public spirit displayed by Sergeant Wilde in maintaining
+the two contests of 1829 and 1830, in order to emancipate the borough
+from political thraldoms, and restore to its inhabitants the free
+exercise of their long-lost rights." But Sergeant Wilde was more
+successful the following year, 1831, when the "Reform fever" was at its
+height, and defeated the Duke of Newcastle's nominee and became member
+of the House of Commons for the borough. These facts made the coming
+election, which followed the passage of the Reform Bill, of unusual
+interest, to those concerned, and the struggle would be of a close and
+determined character.
+
+Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest with his experienced, able and
+popular antagonist, with much against him, for he was young, unknown and
+untried; but his youth and personal appearance and manly bearing were in
+his favor, and these, with his eloquence and ready wit, gained for him
+many friends. His speeches demonstrated that he lacked neither
+arguments, nor words wherewith to clothe them. He needed, however, to
+call into requisition all his abilities, for Sergeant Wilde was a
+powerful antagonist, and had no thought of being displaced by his
+youthful opponent, "a political stripling," as he called him, without a
+desperate struggle. But Mr. Gladstone had behind him the ducal influence
+and the support of the Red Club, so he entered upon the contest with
+energy and enthusiasm.
+
+The young Tory's first election address was delivered upon this
+occasion. It was dated October 9th, 1832, was all such an address should
+be, and was addressed, "To the worthy and independent electors of the
+borough of Newark." It began by saying that he was bound in his opinions
+by no man and no party, but that he deprecated the growing unreasonable
+and indiscriminating desire for change then so common, but confessed
+that labor has a right to "receive adequate remuneration." On the
+question of human slavery, then greatly agitated, he remarked, "We are
+agreed that both the physical and the moral bondage of the slave are to
+be abolished. The question is as to the _order_, and the order only; now
+Scripture attacks the moral evil _before_ the corporal one, the corporal
+one _through_ the moral one, and I am content with the order which
+Scripture has established." He saw insurmountable obstacles against
+immediate emancipation, one of which was that the negro would exchange
+the evil now affecting him for greater ones--for a relapse into deeper
+debasement, if not for bloodshed and internal war.
+
+He therefore advocated a system of Christian education, to make the
+negro slaves fit for emancipation and to prepare them for freedom, Then,
+he argued, without bloodshed and the violation of property rights, and
+with unimpaired benefit to the negro, the desirable end might be reached
+in the utter extinction of slavery.
+
+Of this appropriate address, so important in the light of coming events,
+we quote two paragraphs in full. In speaking of existing evils and the
+remedies for them, he observed: "For the mitigation of these evils, we
+must, I think, look not only to particular measures, but to the
+restoration of sounder general principles. I mean especially that
+principle on which alone the incorporation of Religion with the State in
+our Constitution can be defended; that the duties of governors are
+strictly and peculiarly religious; and that legislatures, like
+individuals, are bound to carry throughout their acts the spirit of the
+high truths they have acknowledged. Principles are now arrayed against
+our institutions; and not by truckling nor by temporizing--not by
+oppression nor corruption--but by principles they must be met.
+
+"And now, gentlemen, as regards the enthusiasm with which you have
+rallied round your ancient flag, and welcomed the humble representative
+of those principles whose emblem it is, I trust that neither the lapse
+of time nor the seductions of prosperity can ever efface it from my
+memory. To my opponents, my acknowledgments are due for the good humor
+and kindness with which they have received me; and while I would thank
+my friends for their jealous and unwearied exertions in my favor, I
+briefly but emphatically assure them, that if promises be an adequate
+foundation of confidence, or experience a reasonable ground of
+calculation, our victory _is sure_"
+
+The new candidate for Parliamentary honors was "heckled," as it is
+called, at the hustings, or was interrupted continually while speaking,
+and questioned by his opponents as to the circumstances of his
+candidature, his father's connection with slavery, and his own views of
+capital punishment. From his first appearance in Newark, Mr. Gladstone
+had been subjected to these examinations and he stood the ordeal well
+and answered prudently. An instance of this is given. A Radical elector,
+Mr. Gillson, asked the young Tory candidate if he was the Duke of
+Newcastle's nominee, and was met by Mr. Gladstone demanding the
+questioner's definition of the term "nominee." Mr. Gillson replied that
+he meant a person sent by the Duke of Newcastle to be pushed down the
+throats of the voters whether they would or not. But Mr. Gladstone was
+equal to the occasion, and said according to that definition he was not
+the nominee of the Duke, but came to Newark by the invitation of the Red
+Club, than whom none were more respectable and intelligent.
+
+This same Red Club was Conservative, and promised to Mr. Gladstone, the
+thorough Conservative candidate, 650 votes, the whole number within its
+ranks. He also received the promise of 240 votes of other electors. This
+was known before the election, so that the result was confidently
+predicted. On the 11th of December, 1832, the "nomination" was held and
+the polling or election was held on the two following days, and Mr.
+Gladstone was chosen by a considerable majority, the votes being,
+Gladstone, 882; Handley, 793; Wilde, 719. Sergeant Wilde was defeated.
+
+During the public discussions before the election Mr. Gladstone was
+placed at a great disadvantage. There were three candidates to be heard
+from and his speech was to be the last in order. Sergeant Wilde made a
+very lengthy speech, which exhausted the patience of his hearers, who
+had already stood for nearly seven hours, and showed disinclination to
+listen to another three hours' address, which, from Mr. Gladstone's
+talents, they were far from thinking impossible. The Sergeant was
+condemned for occupying the attention of the electors for such an
+inordinate length of time, but this did not prevent a scene of
+outrageous noise and uproar when the Tory candidate rose to speak. The
+important topic was slavery, but Mr. Gladstone had not proceeded far
+when the hooting and hissing drowned his voice so that he found it
+impossible to proceed. When a show of hands was demanded it was declared
+in favor of Mr. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, but when the election came,
+it was Mr. Gladstone who triumphed, as has been seen, and who was sent
+to Parliament as the member from Newark.
+
+In speaking of the manner in which the Parliamentary elections are
+conducted, an English writer says: "Since 1832, few of those scenes of
+violence, and even of bloodshed, which formerly distinguished
+Parliamentary elections in many English boroughs, have been witnessed.
+Some of these lawless outbreaks were doubtless due to the unpopularity
+of the candidates forced upon the electors; but even in the largest
+towns--where territorial influence had little sway--riots occurred upon
+which we look back with doubtful amazement. Men holding strong political
+views have ceased to enforce those views by the aid of brickbats and
+other dangerous missiles. Yet at the beginning of the present century
+such arguments were very popular. And to the violence which prevailed
+was added the most unblushing bribery. Several boroughs, long notorious
+for extensive bribery, have since been disfranchised. The practice,
+however, extended to most towns in the kingdom, though it was not always
+carried on in the same open manner. By a long established custom, a
+voter at Hull received a donation of two guineas, or four for a
+plumper. In Liverpool men were openly paid for their votes; and Lord
+Cochrane stated in the House of Commons that, after his return for
+Honiton, he sent the town-crier round the borough to tell the voters to
+go to the chief banker for L10 10s. each. The great enlargement of the
+constituencies, secured by the Reform Bill of 1832, did much to put an
+end to this disgraceful condition of things; but to a wider political
+enlightenment also, some portion of the credit for such a result must be
+attributed."
+
+What the friends and foes of the new Tory member for Newark thought of
+his successful canvass and election, it is interesting to learn. When
+Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest the question was frequently put,
+"Who is Mr. Gladstone?" And it was answered, "He is the son of the
+friend of Mr. Canning, the great Liverpool merchant. He is, we
+understand, not more than four or five and twenty, but he has won golden
+opinions from all sorts of people, and promises to be an ornament to the
+House of Commons." And a few days after his election he addressed a
+meeting of the Constitutional Club, at Nottingham, when a Conservative
+journal made the first prophecy as to his future great political fame,
+saying: "He will one day be classed amongst the most able statesmen in
+the British Senate." The impression his successful contest made upon the
+late friends of his school-days may be learned from the following: A
+short time before the election Arthur Hallam, writing of his friend,
+"the old _W.E.G._," says: "I shall be very glad if he gets in.... We
+want such a man as that. In some things he is likely to be obstinate and
+prejudiced; but he has a fine fund of high, chivalrous Tory sentiment,
+and a tongue, moreover, to let it loose with." And after the election he
+exclaims: "And Gladstone has turned out the Sergeant!... What a triumph
+for him. He has made his reputation by it; all that remains is to keep
+up to it."
+
+That one of Mr. Gladstone's Liberal opponents was impressed by his
+talent and character is shown by the following lines of "descriptive
+prophecy, perhaps more remarkable for good feeling than for
+good poetry:"
+
+     "Yet on one form, whose ear can ne'er refuse
+      The Muses' tribute, for he lov'd the Muse,
+     (And when the soul the gen'rous virtues raise,
+      A friendly Whig may chant a Tory's praise,)
+      Full many a fond expectant eye is bent
+      Where Newark's towers are mirror'd in the Trent.
+      Perchance ere long to shine in senates first,
+      If manhood echo what his youth rehears'd,
+      Soon Gladstone's brows will bloom with greener bays
+      Than twine the chaplet of the minstrel's lays;
+      Nor heed, while poring o'er each graver line,
+      The far, faint music of a flute like mine.
+      His was no head contentedly which press'd
+      The downy pillow in obedient rest,
+      Where lazy pilots, with their canvas furl'd,
+      Let up the Gades of their mental world;
+      His was no tongue which meanly stoop'd to wear
+      The guise of virtue, while his heart was bare;
+      But all he thought through ev'ry action ran;
+      God's noblest work--I've known one honest man."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke at Newark in company with his friend, the Earl of
+Lincoln, shortly after his election, when another favorable testimony
+was given, and his address spoken of as "a manly, eloquent speech,
+replete with sound constitutional sentiments, high moral feeling, and
+ability of the most distinguished order."
+
+In commenting upon the result of the election a representative of the
+press of Newark wrote: "We have been told there was no reaction against
+the Ministry, no reaction in favor of Conservative principles. The
+delusion has now vanished, and made room for sober reason and
+reflection. The shadow satisfies no longer, and the return of Mr.
+Gladstone, to the discomfiture of the learned Sergeant and his friends,
+has restored the town of Newark to the high rank which it formerly held
+in the estimation of the friends of order and good government. We
+venture to predict that the losing candidate in this contest has
+suffered so severely that he will never show his face in Newark on a
+similar occasion."
+
+But Mr. Gladstone had made bitter political enemies already, who were
+not at all reconciled to his election, nor pleased with him. That they
+were not at all slow to express unbecomingly their bitterness against
+him, because of their unexpected defeat, the following shows from the
+_Reflector_: "Mr. Gladstone is the son of Gladstone of Liverpool, a
+person who (we are speaking of the father) had amassed a large fortune
+by West India dealings. In other words, a great part of his gold has
+sprung from the blood of black slaves. Respecting the youth himself--a
+person fresh from college, and whose mind is as much like a sheet of
+white foolscap as possible--he was utterly unknown. He came recommended
+by no claim in the world _except the will of the Duke_. The Duke nodded
+unto Newark, and Newark sent back the man, or rather the boy of his
+choice. What! Is this to be, now that the Reform Bill has done its work?
+Are sixteen hundred men still to bow down to a wooden-headed lord, as
+the people of Egypt used to do to their beasts, to their reptiles, and
+their ropes of onions? There must be something wrong--something
+imperfect. What is it? What is wanting? Why, the Ballot! If there be a
+doubt of this (and we believe there is a doubt even amongst intelligent
+men) the tale of Newark must set the question at rest. Sergeant Wilde
+was met on his entry into the town by almost the whole population. He
+was greeted everywhere, cheered everywhere. He was received with delight
+by his friends and with good and earnest wishes for his success by his
+nominal foes. The voters for Gladstone went up to that candidate's booth
+(the slave-driver, as they called him) with Wilde's colors. People who
+had before voted for Wilde, on being asked to give their suffrage said,
+'We cannot, we dare not. We have lost half our business, and shall lose
+the rest if we go against the Duke. We would do anything in our power
+for Sergeant Wilde and for the cause, but we cannot starve!' Now what
+say ye, our merry men, touching the Ballot?"
+
+However Mr. Gladstone had won as we have seen the golden opinions of
+many, and the dreams of his more youthful days were realized when he was
+sent to represent the people in the House of Commons.
+
+On the 29th of January, 1833, the first Reformed Parliament met, and
+William E. Gladstone, as the member from Newark, took his seat for the
+first time in "an assembly which he was destined to adorn, delight and
+astonish for more than half a century, and over which for a great
+portion of that period, he was to wield an unequalled and a paramount
+authority." There were more than three hundred new members in the House
+of Commons. Lord Althorp led the Whigs, who were largely in the majority
+and the Tories constituted a compact minority under the skillful
+leadership of Sir Robert Peel, while the Irish members who were hostile
+to the ministry followed O'Connell. On the 5th of February the king
+attended and delivered the speech from the throne in person. This
+Parliamentary session was destined to become one of the most memorable
+in history for the importance of the subjects discussed and disposed of,
+among them the social condition of Ireland, the position of the Irish
+church, the discontent and misery of the poor in England, and slavery in
+the British colonies; and for the fact that it was the first Parliament
+in which William E. Gladstone sat and took part.
+
+There was no reference made to the subject of slavery in the speech from
+the throne, but the ministry resolved to consider it. Mr. Stanley, the
+Colonial Secretary, afterwards fourteenth Earl of Derby and Prime
+Minister, brought forth, May 14th, 1833, a series of resolutions in
+favor of the extinction of slavery in the British colonies. "All
+children of slaves, born after the passage of the Act, and all children
+of six years old and under, were declared free. But the rest of the
+slaves were to serve a sort of apprenticeship--three-fourths of their
+time was for a certain number of years to remain at the disposal of the
+masters; the other fourth was their own, to be paid for at a fixed rate
+of wages." The planters were to be duly compensated out of the national
+treasury.
+
+It was during the discussion of these resolutions that Mr. Gladstone
+made his maiden speech in Parliament. It was made in answer to what
+seemed a personal challenge by Lord Howick, Ex-Under Secretary for the
+colonies, who, opposing gradual emancipation, referred to an estate in
+Demerara, owned by Mr. Gladstone's father, for the purpose of showing
+that great destruction of life had taken place in the West Indies owing
+to the manner in which the slaves were worked. In reply to this Mr.
+Gladstone said that he would meet some of Lord Howick's statements with
+denials and others with explanations. He admitted that he had a
+pecuniary interest in it as a question of justice, of humanity, and of
+religion. The real cause of the decrease, he said, was owing, not to the
+increased cultivation of sugar, but to the very large proportion of
+Africans upon the estate. When it came into his father's possession it
+was so weak, owing to the large number of negroes upon it, that he was
+obliged to add two hundred more people to the gang. It was well known
+that negroes were imported into Demarara and Trinidad up to a later
+period than into any of the colonies; and he should at a proper time, be
+able to prove that the decrease on his father's plantation, Vreeden
+Hoop, was among the old Africans, and that there was an increase going
+on in the Creole population, which would be a sufficient answer to the
+charges preferred. The quantity of sugar produced was small compared to
+that produced on other estates. The cultivation of cotton in Demarara
+had been abandoned, and that of coffee much diminished, and the people
+engaged in these sources of production had been employed in the
+cultivation of sugar. Besides in Demarara the labor of the same number
+of negroes, distributed over the year, would produce in that colony a
+certain quantity of sugar with less injury to the people, than negroes
+could produce in other colonies, working only at the stated periods
+of crops.
+
+He was ready to concede that the cultivation was of a more injurious
+character than others; and he would ask, Were there not certain
+employments in other countries more destructive of life than others? He
+would only instance those of painting and working in lead mines, both of
+which were well known to have that tendency. The noble lord attempted to
+impugn the character of the gentleman acting as manager of his father's
+estates; and in making the selection he had surely been most
+unfortunate; for there was not a person in the colony more remarkable
+for humanity and the kind treatment of his slaves than Mr. Maclean. Mr.
+Gladstone, in concluding this able defense of his father, said, that he
+held in his hand two letters from Mr. Maclean, in which he spoke in the
+kindest terms of the negroes under his charge; described their state of
+happiness, content and healthiness--their good conduct and the
+infrequency of severe punishment--and recommended certain additional
+comforts, which he said the slaves well deserved.
+
+On the 3d of June, on the resumption of the debate on the abolition of
+slavery, Mr. Gladstone again addressed the House. He now entered more
+fully into the charges which Lord Howick had brought against the
+management of his father's estates in Demarara, and showed their
+groundlessness. When he had discussed the existing aspect of slavery in
+Trinidad, Jamaica and other places, he proceeded to deal with the
+general question. He confessed with shame and pain that cases of wanton
+cruelty had occurred in the colonies, but added that they would always
+exist, particularly under the system of slavery; and this was
+unquestionably a substantial reason why the British Legislature and
+public should set themselves in good earnest to provide for its
+extinction; but he maintained that these instances of cruelty could
+easily be explained by the West Indians, who represented them as rare
+and isolated cases, and who maintained that the ordinary relation of
+master and slave was one of kindliness and not of hostility. He
+deprecated cruelty, and he deprecated slavery, both of which were
+abhorrent to the nature of Englishmen; but, conceding these things, he
+asked, "Were not Englishmen to retain a right to their own honestly and
+legally-acquired property?" But the cruelty did not exist, and he saw no
+reason for the attack which had recently been made upon the West India
+interest. He hoped the House would make a point to adopt the principle
+of compensation, and to stimulate the slave to genuine and spontaneous
+industry. If this were not done, and moral instruction were not imparted
+to the slaves, liberty would prove a curse instead of a blessing to
+them. Touching upon the property question, and the proposed plans for
+emancipation, Mr. Gladstone said that the House might consume its time
+and exert its wisdom in devising these plans, but without the
+concurrence of the Colonial Legislatures success would be hopeless. He
+thought there was excessive wickedness in any violent interference under
+the present circumstances. They were still in the midst of unconcluded
+inquiries, and to pursue the measure then under discussion, at that
+moment, was to commit an act of great and unnecessary hostility toward
+the island of Jamaica. "It was the duty of the House to place as broad a
+distinction as possible between the idle and the industrious slaves, and
+nothing could be too strong to secure the freedom of the latter; but,
+with respect to the idle slaves, no period of emancipation could hasten
+their improvement. If the labors of the House should be conducted to a
+satisfactory issue, it would redound to the honor of the nation, and to
+the reputation of his Majesty's Ministers, whilst it would be delightful
+to the West India planters themselves--for they must feel that to hold
+in bondage their fellow-men must always involve the greatest
+responsibility. But let not any man think of carrying this measure by
+force. England rested her power not upon physical force, but upon her
+principles, her intellect and virtue; and if this great measure were not
+placed on a fair basis, or were conducted by violence, he should lament
+it, as a signal for the ruin of the Colonies and the downfall of the
+Empire." The attitude of Mr. Gladstone, as borne out by the tenor of his
+speech, was not one of hostility to emancipation, though he was
+undoubtedly unfavorable to an immediate and indiscriminate
+enfranchisement. He demanded, moreover, that the interests of the
+planters should be duly regarded.
+
+The result of the consideration of these resolutions in the House of
+Commons was that human slavery in the British Colonies was abolished,
+and the sum of twenty million pounds, or one hundred million dollars was
+voted to compensate the slave-owners for their losses. Thus was the
+work begun by Wilberforce finally crowned with success.
+
+It is an interesting question how Mr. Gladstone's first efforts in
+Parliament were received. Among his friends his speech was anticipated
+with lively interest. That morning he was riding in Hyde Park, on his
+gray Arabian mare, "his hat, narrow-brimmed, high up on the centre of
+his head, sustained by a crop of thick curly hair." He was pointed out
+to Lord Charles Russell by a passer-by who said, "That is Gladstone. He
+is to make his maiden speech to-night. It will be worth hearing."
+
+From the first he appears to have favorably impressed the members of the
+House. Modest in demeanor, earnest in manner, and fluent in speech, he
+at once commanded the respect and attention of his fellow-members.
+
+And here is a later testimony as to the early impression made upon his
+colleagues and contemporaries, when he was twenty-nine years of age,
+erroneously stated as thirty-five: "Mr. Gladstone, the member for
+Newark, is one of the most rising young men on the Tory side of the
+House. His party expect great things from him; and certainly, when it is
+remembered that his age is only thirty-five, the success of the
+Parliamentary efforts he has already made justifies their expectations.
+He is well informed on most of the subjects which usually occupy the
+attention of the Legislature; and he is happy in turning his
+information to good account. He is ready on all occasions, which he
+deems fitting ones, with a speech in favor of the policy advocated by
+the party with whom he acts. His extempore resources are ample. Few men
+in the House can improvise better. It does not appear to cost him an
+effort to speak.... He is a man of very considerable talent, but has
+nothing approaching to genius. His abilities are much more the result of
+an excellent education and of mature study than of any prodigality of
+nature in the distribution of her mental gifts. _I have no idea that he
+will ever acquire the reputation of a great statesman. His views are not
+sufficiently profound or enlarged for that; his celebrity in the House
+of Commons will chiefly depend on his readiness and dexterity as a
+debater, in conjunction with the excellence of his elocution, and the
+gracefulness of his manner when speaking_.... His style is polished, but
+has no appearance of the effect of previous preparation. He displays
+considerable acuteness in replying to an opponent; he is quick in his
+perception of anything vulnerable in the speech to which he replies, and
+happy in laying the weak point bare to the gaze of the House. He now and
+then indulges in sarcasm, which is, in most cases, very felicitous. He
+is plausible even when most in error. When it suits himself or his party
+he can apply himself with the strictest closeness to the real point at
+issue; when to evade the point is deemed most politic, no man can wander
+from it more widely."
+
+How far these estimates were true we leave to the reader to determine,
+after the perusal of his life, and in the light of subsequent events.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, after his maiden speech, took an active part in the
+business of the House during the remainder of the session of 1833. He
+spoke upon the question of bribery and corruption at Liverpool, and July
+8th made an elaborate speech on the Irish Church Temporalities Bill. The
+condition of Ireland was then, as now, one of the most urgent questions
+confronting the Ministry. Macaulay "solemnly declared that he would
+rather live in the midst of many civil wars that he had read of than in
+some parts of Ireland at this moment." Sydney Smith humorously described
+"those Irish Protestants whose shutters are bullet-proof; whose
+dinner-table is regularly spread out with knife, fork, and cocked
+pistol; salt-cellar and powder-flask; who sleep in sheet-iron nightcaps;
+who have fought so often and so nobly before their scullery-door, and
+defended the parlor passage as bravely as Leonidas defended the pass of
+Thermopylae." Crime was rife and to remedy the serious state of affairs
+a stringent Coercion Bill was introduced by the government. Mr.
+Gladstone voted silently for the bill which became a law.
+
+The other bill introduced was that upon the Irish Church, and proposed
+the reduction of the number of Protestant Episcopal Bishops in Ireland
+and the curtailment of the income of the Church. This bill Mr. Gladstone
+opposed in a speech, and he voted against it, but it was passed.
+
+It was in the following session that Mr. Hume introduced his
+"'Universities Admission Bill,' designed to enable Nonconformists of all
+kinds to enter the universities, by removing the necessity of
+subscribing to the thirty-nine articles at matriculation." In the debate
+that followed Mr. Gladstone soon gave evidence that he knew more about
+the subject than did the author of the bill. In speaking against the
+bill, he said in part, "The whole system of the university and of its
+colleges, both in study and in discipline, aimed at the formation of a
+moral character, and that aim could not be attained if every student
+were at liberty to exclude himself from the religious training of the
+place." And in reply to a remark made by Lord Palmerston in reference to
+the students going "from wine to prayers, and from prayers to wine," Mr.
+Gladstone replied, he did not believe that in their most convivial
+moments they were unfit to enter the house of prayer. This bill was
+also passed.
+
+It might have been expected that Mr. Gladstone's active participation in
+the debates in the House of Commons, and the practical ability and
+debating power he manifested would not escape the attention of the
+leaders of his party. But the recognition of his merit came sooner than
+could have been expected. It became evident, towards the close of 1834
+that the downfall of the Liberal Ministry was near at hand. Lord
+Althorp, who had kept the Liberals together, was transferred to the
+House of Lords, and the growing unpopularity of the Whigs did the rest.
+The Ministry under Lord Melbourne was dismissed by the king, and a new
+Cabinet formed by Sir Robert Peel. The new Premier offered Mr. Gladstone
+the office of Junior Lord of the Treasury, which was accepted.
+
+Truly has an eminent writer said: "When a Prime Minister in
+difficulties, looking about for men to fill the minor offices of his
+administration, sees among his supporters a clever and comely young man,
+eloquent in speech, ready in debate, with a safe seat, an ample fortune,
+a high reputation at the university, and a father who wields political
+influence in an important constituency, he sees a Junior Lord of the
+Treasury made ready to his hand."
+
+Appealing to his constituents at Newark, who, two years before, had sent
+him to Parliament, he was re-elected. Mr. Handley having retired,
+Sergeant Wilde was elected with Mr. Gladstone without opposition. Mr.
+Gladstone was "chaired," or drawn by horses through the town, seated on
+a chair, after the election, and then addressed the assembled people to
+the number of 6,000, his speech being received with "deafening cheers."
+
+Shortly after Parliament assembled, Mr. Gladstone was promoted to the
+office of Under-Secretary for the Colonies. His official chief was Lord
+Aberdeen, afterwards Prime Minister; and thus began a relation which was
+destined to greatly affect the destinies of both statesmen.
+
+Mr. Gladstone gave ample proof in his new office of his great abilities
+and untiring energies.
+
+In March he presented to the House his first bill, which was for the
+better regulation of the transportation of passengers in merchant
+vessels to the continent and to the Islands of North America. This bill,
+which contained many humane provisions, was very favorably received. The
+new Parliament, which met February 10, 1835, contained a considerable
+Liberal majority. The old House of Commons had been destroyed by fire
+during the recess, and the new Commons reassembled in the chamber which
+had been the House of Lords, and for the first time there was a gallery
+for reporters in the House.
+
+"A standing order still existed, which forbade the publication of the
+debates, but the reporters' gallery was a formal and visible recognition
+of the people's right to know what their representatives were doing in
+their name." However, the new Ministry was but short-lived, for Sir
+Robert Peel resigned April 8th, and Mr. Gladstone retired with
+his chief.
+
+Mr. Gladstone spent the days of his retirement from ministerial office
+partly in study, and partly in recreation. Being free to follow the bent
+of his own inclinations, he ordered his life according to his own
+ideals. He lived in chambers at the Albany, pursued the same steady
+course of work, proper recreation and systematic devotion, which he had
+marked out at Oxford. He freely went into society, dined out frequently,
+and took part in musical parties, much to the edification of his friends
+who were charmed with the beauty and cultivation of his rich baritone.
+His friend Monckton Milnes had established himself in London and
+collected around him a society of young men, interested in politics and
+religion, and whom he entertained Sunday evenings. But this arrangement
+"unfortunately," as Mr. Milnes said, excluded from these gatherings the
+more serious members, such as Acland and Gladstone. Mr. Milnes expressed
+his opinion of such self-exclusion in these words: "I really think when
+people keep Friday as a fast, they might make a feast of Sunday." But
+Mr. Gladstone evidently was not of this opinion, and remained away from
+these Lord's Day parties. However at other times he met his friends, and
+received them at his own rooms in the Albany, and on one memorable
+occasion entertained Wordsworth at breakfast and a few admirers of this
+distinguished guest.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's relaxations were occasional, and the most of his time
+was devoted to his Parliamentary duties and study. His constant
+companions were Homer and Dante, and he at this time, it is recorded,
+read the whole of St. Augustine, in twenty-two octavo volumes. He was a
+constant attendant upon public worship at St. James', Piccadilly, and
+Margaret Chapel, and a careful critic of sermons. At the same time he
+diligently applied himself to the work of a private member of the House
+of Commons, working on committees and taking constant part in debate.
+
+In 1836 the question of slavery again came up before Parliament. This
+time the question was as to the working of the system of negro
+apprenticeship, which had taken the place of slavery. It was asserted
+that the system was only slavery under another name. He warmly and ably
+defended again the West Indian planters. He pleaded that many of the
+planters were humane men, and defended also the honor of his relatives
+connected with the traffic so much denounced, when it was assailed. He
+contended that while the evils of the system had been exaggerated, all
+mention of its advantages had been carefully withheld. The condition of
+the negroes was improving. He deprecated the attempt made to renew and
+perpetuate the system of agitation at the expense of candor and truth.
+He also at this time spoke on support of authority and order in the
+government of Canada, and on Church Rates, dwelling upon the necessity
+of national religion to the security of a state. Mr. Gladstone was not
+only a Tory but a High Churchman.
+
+King William IV died June 20, 1837, and was succeeded by Queen Victoria.
+A general election ensued. The Parliament, which had been prorogued by
+the young queen in person, was dissolved on the 17th of July. Mr.
+Gladstone, without his consent, was nominated to represent Manchester in
+the House, but was re-elected for Newark without opposition. He then
+turned his steps towards Scotland, "to see what grouse he could persuade
+into his bag." The new Parliament met October 20th, but no business of
+importance came before it until after the Christmas holidays.
+
+In 1838 a bill was presented in both Houses of Parliament for the
+immediate abolition of negro apprenticeship. Many harrowing details of
+the cruelties practiced were cited. Mr. Gladstone returned to the
+championship of the planters with increased power and success. His long,
+eloquent and powerful speech of March 30th, although on the unpopular
+side of the question, is regarded as having so greatly enhanced his
+reputation as to bring him to the front rank among Parliamentary
+debaters. Having impassionately defended the planters from the
+exaggerated charges made against them, he further said: "You consumed
+forty-five millions of pounds of cotton in 1837 which proceeded from
+free labor; and, proceeding from slave labor, three hundred and eighteen
+millions of pounds! And this, while the vast regions of India afford the
+means of obtaining at a cheaper rate, and by a slight original outlay,
+to facilitate transport, all that you can require. If, Sir, the
+complaints against the general body of the West Indians had been
+substantiated, I should have deemed it an unworthy artifice to attempt
+diverting the attention of the House from the question immediately at
+issue, by merely proving that delinquencies existed in other quarters;
+but feeling as I do that those charges have been overthrown in debate, I
+think myself entitled and bound to show how capricious are the honorable
+gentlemen in the distribution of their sympathies among those different
+objects which call for their application."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, "having turned the tables upon his opponents," concluded
+by demanding justice, and the motion before the House was rejected.
+
+About one month later Rev. Samuel Wilberforce, afterwards Bishop of
+Oxford, and of Winchester, wrote to Mr. Gladstone: "It would be an
+affectation in you, which you are above, not to know that few young men
+have the weight you have in the House of Commons, and are gaining
+rapidly throughout the country. Now I do not wish to urge you to
+consider this as a talent for the use of which you must render an
+account, for so I know you do esteem it, but what I want to urge upon
+you is that you should calmly look far before you; see the degree of
+weight and influence to which you may fairly, if God spares your life
+and powers, look forward in future years, and thus act _now_ with a view
+to _then_. There is no height to which you may not fairly rise in this
+country. If it pleases God to spare us violent convulsions and the loss
+of our liberties, you may at a future day wield the whole government of
+this land; and if this should be so, of what extreme moment will your
+_past steps_ then be to the real usefulness of your high station....
+Almost all our public men act from the merest expediency.... I would
+have you view yourself as one who may become the head of all the better
+feelings of this country, the maintainer of its Church and of its
+liberties, and who must now be fitting himself for this high
+vocation.... I think my father's life so beautifully shows that a deep
+and increasing personal religion must be the root of that firm and
+unwearied consistency in right, which I have ventured thus to press
+upon you."
+
+Mr. Gladstone began his Parliamentary life as a Tory. Later he developed
+into a Liberal, a Radical, and yet there is not one who conscientiously
+doubts his utter honesty. His life has been that of his
+century--progressive, liberal, humanitarian in its trend.
+
+[Illustration: Grattan]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE
+
+We have now followed Mr. Gladstone in his course until well on the way
+in his political career, and yet he is but twenty-eight years of age.
+His personal appearance in the House of Commons at this early stage of
+his Parliamentary life is thus described: "Mr. Gladstone's appearance
+and manners are much in his favor. He is a fine looking man. He is about
+the usual height and of good figure. His countenance is mild and
+pleasant, and has a highly intellectual expression. His eyes are clear
+and quick. His eyebrows are dark and rather prominent. There is not a
+dandy in the House but envies what Truefit would call his 'fine head of
+jet-black hair.' It is always carefully parted from the crown downwards
+to his brow, where it is tastefully shaded. His features are small and
+regular, and his complexion must be a very unworthy witness if he does
+not possess an abundant stock of health.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's gesture is varied, but not violent. When he rises he
+generally puts both his hands behind his back, and having there suffered
+them to embrace each other for a short time, he unclasps them and allows
+them to drop on either side. They are not permitted to remain long in
+that locality before you see them, again closed together and hanging
+down before him. Their reunion is not suffered to last for any length of
+time, Again a separation takes place, and now the right hand is seen
+moving up and down before him. Having thus exercised it a little, he
+thrusts it into the pocket of his coat, and then orders the left hand to
+follow its example. Having granted them a momentary repose there, they
+are again put into gentle motion, and in a few seconds they are seen
+reposing _vis-a-vis_ on his breast. He moves his face and body from one
+direction to another, not forgetting to bestow a liberal share of his
+attention on his own party. He is always listened to with much attention
+by the House, and appears to be highly respected by men of all parties.
+He is a man of good business habits; of this he furnished abundant proof
+when Under-Secretary for the Colonies, during the short-lived
+administration of Robert Peel."
+
+From this pen picture and other like notices of Mr. Gladstone he must,
+at that time, have attained great distinction and attracted a good deal
+of attention for one so young, and from that day to this he has
+commanded the attention not only of the British Senate and people, but
+of the world at large. And why? may we ask, unless because of his modest
+manner and distinguished services, his exalted ability and moral worth.
+
+"The House of Commons was his ground," writes Justin McCarthy. "There he
+was always seen to the best advantage."
+
+Nevertheless, Mr. Gladstone wrote with the same earnestness and ability
+with which he spoke. It was early in life that he distinguished himself
+as an author, as well as an orator and debater in the House of Commons.
+And it was most natural for him to write upon the subject of the Church,
+for not only his education led him to the consideration of such themes,
+but it was within his sphere as an English statesman, for the law of the
+land provided for the union of the Church and State. It was in 1838,
+when he was not thirty years of age, that he wrote his first book and
+stepped at once to the front rank as an author. He had ever been a
+staunch defender of the Established Church and his first appearance in
+literature was by a remarkable work in defense of the State Church
+entitled, "The State in its Relations with the Church." The treatise is
+thus dedicated: "Inscribed to the University of Oxford, tried and not
+found wanting through the vicissitudes of a thousand years; in the
+belief that she is providentially designed to be a fountain of
+blessings, spiritual, social and intellectual, to this and other
+countries, to present and future times; and in the hope that the temper
+of these pages may be found not alien from her own."
+
+This first published book of Mr. Gladstone's was due to the perception
+that the _status_ of the Church, in its connection with the secular
+power, was about to undergo the severe assaults of the opponents of the
+Union. There was growing opposition to the recognition of the Episcopal
+Church as the Church of the State and to taxation of people of other
+religious beliefs for its support; and this objection was to the
+recognition and support of any Church by the State. What is called the
+"American idea"--the entire separation of the Church and State--or as
+enunciated first by Roger Williams in 1636, in Rhode Island, that the
+magistrate should have authority in civil affairs only, was becoming
+more and more the doctrine of dissenters. Preparations were already
+being made for attacking the national establishment of religion, and
+with all the fervor springing from conviction and a deep-seated
+enthusiasm, he came forward to take part in the controversy on Church
+and State, and as a defender of the Established or Episcopal Church
+of England.
+
+Some of the positions assumed in this work have since been renounced as
+untenable, but its ability as a whole, its breadth and its learning
+could not be denied. It then created a great sensation, and has since
+been widely discussed. After an examination and a defense of the theory
+of the connection between Church and State, Mr. Gladstone thus
+summarizes his principal reasons for the maintenance of the Church
+establishment:
+
+"Because the Government stands with us in a paternal relation to the
+people, and is bound in all things not merely to consider their existing
+tastes, but the capabilities and ways of their improvement; because it
+has both an intrinsic competency and external means to amend and assist
+their choice; because to be in accordance with God's mind and will, it
+must have a religion, and because to be in accordance with its
+conscience, that religion must be the truth, as held by it under the
+most solemn and accumulated responsibilities; because this is the only
+sanctifying and preserving principle of society, as well as to the
+individual, that particular benefit, without which all others are worse
+than valueless; we must, therefore, disregard the din of political
+contention and the pressure of novelty and momentary motives, and in
+behalf of our regard to man, as well as of our allegiance to God,
+maintain among ourselves, where happily it still exists, the union
+between the Church and the State."
+
+Dr. Russell in the following quotation not only accounts for this
+production from the pen, of Mr. Gladstone, but gives also an outline of
+the argument:
+
+"Naturally and profoundly religious ... Mr. Gladstone conceived that
+those who professed the warmest regard for the Church of England and
+posed as her most strenuous defenders, were inclined to base their
+championship on mistaken grounds and to direct their efforts towards
+even mischievous ends. To supply a more reasonable basis for action and
+to lead this energy into more profitable channels were the objects which
+he proposed to himself in his treatise of 1838. The distinctive
+principle of the book was that the State had a conscience. This being
+admitted, the issue was this: whether the State in its best condition,
+has such a conscience as can take cognizance of religious truth and
+error, and in particular whether the State of the United Kingdom at that
+time was, or was not, so far in that condition as to be under an
+obligation to give an active and an exclusive support to the established
+religion of the country.
+
+"The work attempted to survey the actual state of the relations between
+the State and the Church; to show from history the ground which had been
+defined for the National Church at the Reformation; and to inquire and
+determine whether the existing state of things was worth preserving and
+defending against encroachment from whatever quarter. This question it
+decided emphatically in the affirmative. Faithful to logic and to its
+theory, the book did not shrink from applying them to the external case
+of the Irish Church. It did not disguise the difficulties of the case,
+for the author was alive to the paradox which it involved. But the one
+master idea of the system, that the State as it then stood was capable
+in this age, as it had been in ages long gone by, of assuming
+beneficially a responsibility for the inculcation of a particular
+religion, carried him through all. His doctrine was that the Church, as
+established by law, was to be maintained for its truth; that this was
+the only principle in which it could be properly and permanently upheld;
+that this principle, if good in England, was good also for Ireland; that
+truth is of all possessions the most precious to the soul of man; and
+that to remove this priceless treasure from the view and the reach of
+the Irish people would be meanly to purchase their momentary favor at
+the expense of their permanent interests, and would be a high offense
+against our own sacred obligations."
+
+We quote also from the opening chapter of the second volume of this
+work, which treats of the connection subsisting between the State of the
+United Kingdom and the Church of England and Ireland, and shows Mr.
+Gladstone's views at that period of his life upon the relations of the
+Church as affecting Ireland in particular. The passage also indicates
+the changes that have taken place in his mind since the time when he
+defended these principles. It also shows the style in which this
+remarkable book was written and enables us to compare, not only his
+opinions now and then, but his style in writing then with his style now.
+
+"The Protestant legislature of the British Empire maintains in the
+possession of the Church property of Ireland the ministers of a creed
+professed, according to the parliamentary enumeration, of 1835, by
+one-ninth of its population, regarded with partial favor by scarcely
+another ninth, and disowned by the remaining seven. And not only does
+this anomaly meet us full in view, but we have also to consider and
+digest the fact, that the maintenance of this Church for near three
+centuries in Ireland has been contemporaneous with a system of partial
+and abusive government, varying in degree of culpability, but rarely,
+until of later years, when we have been forced to look at the subject
+and to feel it, to be exempted in common fairness from the reproach of
+gross inattention (to say the very least) to the interests of a noble
+but neglected people.
+
+"But, however formidable at first sight the admissions, which I have no
+desire to narrow or to qualify, may appear, they in no way shake the
+foregoing arguments. They do not change the nature of truth and her
+capability and destiny to benefit mankind. They do not relieve
+Government of its responsibility, if they show that that responsibility
+was once unfelt and unsatisfied. They place the legislature of the
+country in the condition, as it were, of one called to do penance for
+past offences; but duty remains unaltered and imperative, and abates
+nothing of her demand on our services. It is undoubtedly competent, in a
+constitutional view, to the Government of this country to continue the
+present disposition of Church property in Ireland. It appears not too
+much to assume that our imperial legislature has been qualified to take,
+and has taken in point of fact, a sounder view of religious truth than
+the majority of the people of Ireland in their destitute and
+uninstructed state. We believe, accordingly, that that which we place
+before them is, whether they know it or not, calculated to be beneficial
+to them; and that if they know it not now, they will know it when it is
+presented to them fairly. Shall we, then, purchase their applause at the
+expense of their substantial, nay, their spiritual interests?
+
+"It does, indeed, so happen that there are powerful motives on the other
+side concurring with that which has here been represented as paramount.
+In the first instance we are not called upon to establish a creed, but
+only to maintain an existing legal settlement, when our constitutional
+right is undoubted. In the second, political considerations tend
+strongly to recommend that maintenance. A common form of faith binds the
+Irish Protestants to ourselves, while they, upon the other hand, are
+fast linked to Ireland; and thus they supply the most natural bond of
+connection between the countries. But if England, by overthrowing their
+Church, should weaken their moral position, they would be no longer
+able, perhaps no longer willing, to counteract the desires of the
+majority tending, under the direction of their leaders (however, by a
+wise policy, revocable from that fatal course) to what is termed
+national independence. Pride and fear, on the one hand, are therefore
+bearing up against more immediate apprehension and difficulty on the
+other. And with some men these may be the fundamental considerations;
+but it may be doubted whether such men will not flinch in some stage of
+the contest, should its aspect at any moment become unfavorable."
+
+Of course the opponents of Mr. Gladstone's views, as set forth in his
+book, strongly combated his theories. They replied that "the taxation of
+the State is equal upon all persons, and has for its object their
+individual, social and political welfare and safety; but that the
+taxation of one man for the support of his neighbor's religion does not
+come within the limits of such taxation, and is, in fact, unjust and
+inequitable."
+
+It was no easy task for Mr. Gladstone, with all his parliamentary
+duties, to aspire to authorship, and carry his book through the press.
+In preparing for publication he passed through all the agonies of the
+author, but was nobly helped by his friend, James R. Hope, who
+afterwards became Mr. Hope-Scott, Q.C., who read and criticised his
+manuscript and saw the sheets through the press. Some of the letters
+from the young Defender of the Faith to his friend contain much that is
+worth preserving. We give some extracts.
+
+He writes: "If you let them lie just as they are, turning the leaves one
+by one, I think you will not find the manuscript very hard to make out,
+though it is strangely cut in pieces and patched.
+
+"I hope its general tendency will meet with your approval; but a point
+about which I am in doubt, and to which I request your particular
+attention, is, whether the work or some of the chapters are not so
+deficient in clearness and arrangement as to require being absolutely
+rewritten before they can with propriety be published.... Between my
+eyes and my business I fear it would be hard for me to re-write, but if
+I could put it into the hands of any other person who could, and who
+would extract from my papers anything worth having, that might do.
+
+"As regards myself, if I go on and publish, I shall be quite prepared to
+find some persons surprised, but this, if it should prove so, cannot be
+helped. I shall not knowingly exaggerate anything; and when a man
+expects to be washed overboard he must tie himself with a rope to
+the mast.
+
+"I shall trust to your friendship for frankness in the discharge of your
+irksome task. Pray make verbal corrections without scruple where they
+are needed."
+
+Again: "I thank you most cordially for your remarks, and I rejoice to
+find you act so entirely in the spirit I had anticipated. I trust you
+will continue to speak with freedom, which is the best compliment as
+well as the best service you can render me.
+
+"I think it very probable that you may find that V and VI require quite
+as rigorous treatment as II, and I am very desirous to set both my mind
+and eyes at liberty before I go to the Continent, which I can now hardly
+expect to do before the first week in September. This interval I trust
+would suffice unless you find that the other chapters stand in
+equal need.
+
+"I entirely concur with your view regarding the necessity of care and of
+not grudging labor in a matter so important and so responsible as an
+endeavor to raise one of the most momentous controversies which has
+ever agitated human opinion,"
+
+Again: "Thanks for your letter. I have been pretty hard at work, and
+have done a good deal, especially on V. Something yet remains. I must
+make inquiry about the law of excommunication.... I have made a very
+stupid classification, and have now amended it; instead of faith,
+discipline and practice, what I meant was the rule of faith, discipline,
+and the bearing of particular doctrines upon practice.
+
+"I send back also I and II that you may see what I have done."
+
+The work was successfully issued in the autumn of 1838, and passed
+rapidly through three editions. How it was received it would be
+interesting to inquire. While his friends applauded, even his opponents
+testified to the ability it displayed. On the authority of Lord
+Houghton, it is said that Sir Robert Peel, the young author's political
+leader, on receiving a copy as a gift from his follower, read it with
+scornful curiosity, and, throwing it on the floor, exclaimed with truly
+official horror: "With such a career before him, why should he write
+books? That young man will ruin his fine political career if he persists
+in writing trash like this." However, others gave the book a heartier
+reception. Crabb Robinson writes in his diary: "I went to Wordsworth
+this forenoon. He was ill in bed. I read Gladstone's book to him."
+
+December 13, 1838, Baron Bunsen wrote: "Last night at eleven, when I
+came from the Duke, Gladstone's book was lying on my table, having come
+out at seven o'clock. It is a book of the time, a great event--the first
+book since Burke that goes to the bottom of the vital question; far
+above his party and his time. I sat up till after midnight, and this
+morning I continued until I had read the whole. Gladstone is the first
+man in England as to intellectual power, and he has heard higher tones
+than any one else in the land." And again to Dr. Arnold he writes in
+high praise of the book, but lamenting its author's entanglement in
+Tractarian traditions, adds: "His genius will soon free itself entirely
+and fly towards Heaven with its own wings."
+
+Sir Henry Taylor wrote to the Poet Southey: "I am reading Gladstone's
+book, which I shall send you if he has not.... His party begin to think
+of him as the man who will one day be at their head and at the head of
+the government, and certainly no man of his standing has yet appeared
+who seems likely to stand in his way. Two wants, however, may lie across
+his political career--want of robust health and want of flexibility."
+
+Cardinal Newman wrote: "Gladstone's book, as you see, is making a
+sensation." And again: "The _Times_ is again at poor Gladstone. Really I
+feel as if I could do anything for him. I have not read his book, but
+its consequences speak for it. Poor fellow! it is so noble a thing."
+
+Lord Macaulay, in the _Edinburgh Review_, April, 1839, in his well-known
+searching criticism, while paying high tribute to the author's talents
+and character, said: "We believe that we do him no more than justice
+when we say that his abilities and demeanor have obtained for him the
+respect and good will of all parties.... That a young politician should,
+in the intervals afforded by his Parliamentary avocations, have
+constructed and propounded, with much study and mental toil, an original
+theory, on a great problem in politics, is a circumstance which,
+abstracted from all considerations of the soundness or unsoundness of
+his opinions, must be considered as highly creditable to him. We
+certainly cannot wish that Mr. Gladstone's doctrine may become
+fashionable among public men. But we heartily wish that his laudable
+desire to penetrate beneath the surface of questions, and to arrive, by
+long and intent meditation, at the knowledge of great general laws, were
+much more fashionable than we at all expect it to become."
+
+It was in this article, by Lord Macaulay, that the mow famous words
+occurred which former Conservative friends of Mr. Gladstone delight to
+recall in view of his change of political opinions: "The writer of this
+volume is a young man of unblemished character and of distinguished
+parliamentary talents; the rising hope of those stern and unbending
+Tories who follow, reluctantly and cautiously, a leader whose experience
+and eloquence are indispensable to them, but whose cautious temper and
+moderate opinions they abhor. It would not be strange if Mr. Gladstone
+were one of the most unpopular men in England."
+
+Higginson writes: "The hope of the stern and unbending Tories has for
+years been the unquestioned leader of English Liberals, and though he
+may have been at times as unpopular as Macaulay could have predicted,
+the hostility has come mainly from the ranks of those who were thus
+early named as his friends. But whatever may have been Mr. Gladstone's
+opinions or affiliations, whoever may have been his friends or foes, the
+credit of surpassing ability has always been his."
+
+It was remarked by Lord Macaulay that the entire theory of Mr.
+Gladstone's book rested upon one great fundamental proposition, namely,
+that the propagation of religious truth is one of the chief ends of
+government _as_ government; and he proceeded to combat this doctrine. He
+granted that government was designed to protect our persons and our
+property, but declined to receive the doctrine of paternal government,
+until a government be shown that loved its subjects, as a father loves
+his child, and was as superior in intelligence to its subjects as a
+father was to his children. Lord Macaulay then demonstrated, by
+appropriate illustrations, the fallacy of the theory that every society
+of individuals with any power whatever, is under obligation as such
+society to profess a religion; and that there could be unity of action
+in large bodies without unity of religious views. Persecutions would
+naturally follow, or be justifiable in an association where Mr.
+Gladstone's views were paramount. It would be impossible to conceive of
+the circumstances in which it would be right to establish by law, as the
+one exclusive religion of the State, the religion of the minority. The
+religious teaching which the sovereign ought officially to countenance
+and maintain is that from which he, in his conscience, believes that the
+people will receive the most benefit with the smallest mixture of evil.
+It is not necessarily his own religious belief that he will select. He
+may prefer the doctrines of the Church of England to those of the Church
+of Scotland, but he would not force the former upon the inhabitants of
+Scotland. The critic raised no objections, though he goes on to state
+the conditions under which an established Church might be retained with
+advantage. There are many institutions which, being set up, ought not
+to be rudely pulled down. On the 14th of June, 1839, the question of
+National Education was introduced in the House of Commons by the
+Ministry of the day. Lord Stanley opposed the proposal of the government
+in a powerful speech, and offered an amendment to this effect: "That an
+address be presented to her Majesty to rescind the order in council for
+constituting the proposed Board of Privy Council." The position of the
+government was defended by Lord Morpeth, who, while he held his own
+views respecting the doctrines of the Roman Catholics and also
+respecting Unitarian tenets, he maintained that as long as the State
+thought it proper to employ Roman Catholic sinews, and to finger
+Unitarian gold, it could not refuse to extend to those by whom it so
+profited the blessings of education. Speeches were also made by Lord
+Ashley, Mr. Buller, Mr. O'Connell and others, and in the course of
+debate reference was freely made to Mr. Gladstone's book on Church and
+State. Finally Mr. Gladstone rose and remarked, that he would not flinch
+from a word he had uttered or written upon religious subjects, and
+claimed the right to contrast his principles, and to try results, in
+comparison with those professed by Lord John Russell, and to ascertain
+the effects of both upon the institutions of the country, so far as they
+operated upon the Established Church in England, in Scotland and in
+Ireland. It was at this time that a very remarkable scene was witnessed
+in the House. Turning upon Mr. O'Connell, who had expressed his great
+fondness for statistics, Mr. Gladstone said the use he had made of them
+reminded him of an observation of Mr. Canning's, "He had a great
+aversion to hear of a fact in debate, but what he most distrusted was a
+figure." He then proceeded to show the inadequacy of the figures
+presented by Mr. O'Connell. In reply to Lord Morpeth's declaration
+concerning the duty of the State to provide education for Dissenters so
+long as it fingered their gold, Mr. Gladstone said that if the State was
+to be regarded as having no other functions than that of representing
+the mere will of the people as to religious tenets, he admitted the
+truth of his principle, but not that the State could have a conscience.
+It was not his habit to revile religion in any form, but he asked what
+ground there was for restricting his lordship's reasoning to
+Christianity. He referred to the position held by the Jews upon this
+educational question, and read to the House an extract from a recent
+petition as follows: "Your petitioners feel the deepest gratitude for
+the expression of her Majesty's most gracious wish that the youth of the
+country should be religiously brought up, and the rights of conscience
+respected, while they earnestly hope that the education of the people,
+Jewish and Christian, will be sedulously connected with a due regard to
+the Holy Scriptures."
+
+Mr. Gladstone very pertinently asked how the education of the Jewish
+people, who considered the New Testament an imposture, was "to be
+sedulously connected with a due regard to the Holy Scriptures," which
+consisted of the Old and New Testaments? To oblige the Jewish children
+to read the latter would be directly contrary to the views of the
+gentlemen on the other side of the House. He would have no child forced
+to do so, but he protested against paying money from the treasury of the
+State to men whose business it was to inculcate erroneous doctrines. The
+debate was concluded, and the government carried its motion by a very
+small majority. Two years later, when the Jews' Civil Disabilities Bill
+was before Parliament, Mr. Gladstone again took the unpopular side in
+the debate and opposed the Bill, which was carried in the House of
+Commons but defeated in the House of Lords.
+
+Mr. Gladstone published, in 1840, another work, entitled "Church
+Principles Considered in their Results." It was supplementary to his
+former book in defense of Church and State, and was written "beneath the
+shades of Hagley," the house of Lord and Lady Lyttelton, and dedicated
+"in token of sincere affection" to the author's life-long friend and
+relative, Lord Lyttelton. He dwelt upon the leading moral
+characteristics of the English Episcopal Church, their intrinsic value
+and their adaptation to the circumstances of the times, and defined
+these characteristics to be the doctrine of the visibility of the
+Church, the apostolic succession in the ministry, the authority of the
+Church in matters of faith and the truths symbolized in the sacraments.
+
+In one chapter he strongly attacks Rationalism as a reference of the
+gospel to the depraved standard of the actual human natures and by no
+means to its understanding properly so called, as its measure and
+criterion. He says: "That therefore to rely upon the understanding,
+misinformed as it is by depraved affections, as our adequate instructor
+in matters of religion, is most highly irrational." Nevertheless, "the
+understanding has a great function in religion and is a medium to the
+affections, and may even correct their particular impulses."
+
+In reference to the question of the reconversion of England to
+Catholicism, earnestly desired by some, Mr. Gladstone forcibly remarked:
+"England, which with ill grace and ceaseless efforts at remonstrance,
+endured the yoke when Rome was in her zenith, and when her powers were
+but here and there evoked; will the same England, afraid of the truth
+which she has vindicated, or even with the license which has mingled
+like a weed with its growth, recur to that system in its decrepitude
+which she repudiated in its vigor?" If the Church of England ever lost
+her power, it would never be by submission to Rome, "but by that
+principle of religions insubordination and self-dependence which, if it
+refuse her tempered rule and succeed in its overthrow, will much more
+surely refuse and much more easily succeed in resisting the
+unequivocally arbitrary impositions of the Roman scheme." Here is the
+key-note of many of Mr. Gladstone's utterances in after years against
+the pretentious and aspirations of Rome. The defense of the English
+Church and its principles and opposition to the Church of Rome have been
+unchanging features in Mr. Gladstone's religious course. But, in the
+light of these early utterances, some have criticised severely that
+legislative act, carried through by him in later years, by which the
+Disestablishment of the Irish Church was effected. How could the author
+of "The State in its Relations with the Church" become the destroyer of
+the fabric of the Irish Church?
+
+To meet these charges of inconsistency Mr. Gladstone issued, in 1868, "A
+Chapter of Autobiography." The author's motives in putting forth this
+chapter of autobiography were two--first, there was "the great and
+glaring change" in his course of action with respect to the Established
+Church of Ireland, which was not due to the eccentricity or perversion
+of an individual mind, but to the silent changes going on at the very
+basis of modern society. Secondly, there was danger that a great cause
+then in progress might suffer in point of credit, if not of energy and
+rapidity, from the real or supposed delinquencies of the author.
+
+He stated that "The author had upheld the doctrine that the Church was
+to be maintained for its truth, and that if the principle was good for
+England it was good for Ireland too. But he denied that he had ever
+propounded the maxim _simpliciter_ that we were to maintain the
+establishment. He admitted that his opinion of the Church of Ireland was
+the exact opposite of what it had been; but if the propositions of his
+work were in conflict with an assault upon the existence of the Irish
+Establishment, they were even more hostile to the grounds upon which it
+was now sought to maintain it. He did not wish to maintain the Church
+upon the basis usually advanced, but for the benefit of the whole people
+of Ireland, and if it could not be maintained as the truth it could not
+be maintained at all."
+
+Mr. Gladstone contended that the Irish Episcopal Church had fallen out
+of harmony with the spirit and use of the time, and must be judged by a
+practical rather than a theoretic test. In concluding the author puts
+antithetically the case for and against the maintenance of the Church of
+Ireland: "An establishment that does its work in much and has the hope
+and likelihood of doing it in more; that has a broad and living way open
+to it into the hearts of the people; that can command the services of
+the present by the recollections and traditions of the past; able to
+appeal to the active zeal of the greater portion of the people, and to
+the respect or scruples of living work and service, and whose
+adversaries, if she has them, are in the main content to believe that
+there will be a future for them and their opinions; such an
+establishment should surely be maintained.
+
+"But an establishment that neither does nor has her hope of doing work,
+except for a few, and those few the portion of the community whose
+claims to public aid is the smallest of all; an establishment severed
+from the mass of the people by an impassable gulf and a wall of brass;
+an establishment whose good offices, could she offer them, would be
+intercepted by a long, unbroken chain of painful and shameful
+recollections; an establishment leaning for support upon the extraneous
+aid of a State, which becomes discredited with the people by the very
+act of leading it; such an establishment will do well for its own sake,
+and for the sake of its creed, to divest itself, as soon as may be, of
+gauds and trappings, and to commence a new career, in which renouncing
+at once the credit and the discredit of the civil sanction, and shall
+seek its strength from within and put a fearless trust in the message
+that it bears."
+
+Such, then, were the reasons that led the defender of the Irish Church
+to become its assailant, "That a man should change his opinions is no
+reproach to him; it is only inferior minds that are never open to
+conviction."
+
+Mr. Gladstone is a firm Anglican, as we have seen, but the following
+extract from his address made at the Liverpool College, in December,
+1872, gives a fine insight as to the breadth of his Christian
+sentiments:
+
+"Not less forcibly than justly, you hear much to the effect that the
+divisions among Christians render it impossible to say what Christianity
+is, and so destroy all certainty as to the true religion. But if the
+divisions among Christians are remarkable, not less so is their unity in
+the greatest doctrines that they hold. Well-nigh fifteen hundred years
+have passed away since the great controversies concerning the Deity and
+the person of the Redeemer were, after a long agony, determined. As
+before that time, in a manner less defined but adequate for their day,
+so, even since that time, amid all chance and change, more--aye, many
+more--than ninety-nine in every hundred Christians have, with one
+voice, confessed the Deity and incarnation of our Lord as the cardinal
+and central truth of our religion. Surely there is some comfort here,
+some sense of brotherhood; some glory due to the past, some hope for the
+times that are to come."
+
+Mr. Gladstone as Prime Minister of England, during his several
+administrations, has had a large Church patronage to dispense, in other
+words, has been called upon, by virtue of his office, to till many
+vacancies in the Established Church, but it has been truly testified
+that there has probably never been so laboriously conscientious a
+distributor of ecclesiastical crown patronage as Mr. Gladstone. In his
+ecclesiastical appointments he never took politics into consideration. A
+conspicuous instance of this may be mentioned. When it was rumored that
+he intended to recommend Dr. Benson, the present Archbishop, for the
+vacant See of Canterbury, a political supporter called to remonstrate
+with him. Mr. Gladstone begged to know the ground of his objection. "The
+Bishop of Truro is a strong Tory," was the answer; "but that is not all.
+He has joined Mr. Raikes's election committee at Cambridge; and it was
+only last week that Raikes made a violent personal attack upon
+yourself." "Do you know," replied Mr. Gladstone, "that you have just
+supplied me with a strong argument in Dr. Benson's favor? for, if he
+had been a worldly man or self-seeker he would not have done anything so
+imprudent."
+
+Mr. Gladstone sympathized more or less with the Nonconformists
+struggling against the application of university tests and other
+disabilities from which the Dissenters suffered, but it was not until
+1876 that he really discovered the true religions work of the English
+Nonconformists. The manner in which the Congregationalists, Baptists,
+Quakers and others rallied to the standard raised in the cause of
+Bulgarian nationality effected a great change in his attitude towards
+his Dissenting fellow countrymen. He entertained many of the
+representative Nonconformist ministers at breakfast, and the fidelity
+and devotion of Nonconformists generally to the Bulgarian cause left on
+his mind an impression which has only deepened with the lapse of time.
+The extent to which this influences him may be gathered from the reply
+which he made to Dr. Doellinger whilst that learned divine was discussing
+with him the question of Church and State. Dr. Doellinger was expressing
+his surprise that Mr. Gladstone could possibly coquette in any way with
+the party that demanded the severance of Church and State in either
+Wales or Scotland. It was to him quite incomprehensible that a statesman
+who held so profoundly the idea of the importance of religion could make
+his own a cause whose avowed object was to cut asunder the Church from
+the State. Mr. Gladstone listened attentively to Dr. Doellinger's
+remarks, and then, in an absent kind of way, said, "But you forget how
+nobly the Nonconformists supported me at the time of the Eastern
+Question." The blank look of amazement on Dr. Doellinger's face showed
+the wide difference between the standpoint of the politician and the
+ecclesiastic. But Mr. Gladstone knew upon whom to rely in the hour of
+need, when great moral issues were at stake. The Bishops of the House of
+Lords had not always done their duty. Lord Shaftesbury, himself a very
+ardent Churchman, wrote, June 16, 1855, in reference to the Religious
+Worship Bill: "The Bishops have exhibited great ignorance, bigotry and
+opposition to evangelical life and action, and have seriously injured
+their character, influence and position."
+
+Mr. Gladstone never displayed more marked respect for the "Nonconformist
+conscience" than when, in deference to their earnest appeal, he risked
+the great split in the Home Rule ranks that followed his repudiation of
+Mr. Parnell. Mr. Gladstone never hesitated or made the slightest
+pretense about the matter. If the Nonconformists had been as indifferent
+as the Churchmen, his famous letter about the Irish leadership would not
+have been written. "He merely acted, as he himself stated, as the
+registrar of the moral temperature which made Mr. Parnell impossible.
+He knew the men who are the Ironsides of his party too well not to
+understand that if he had remained silent the English Home Rulers would
+have practically ceased to exist. He saw the need, rose to the occasion
+and cleared the obstacle which would otherwise have been a fatal
+impediment to the success of his course. Mr. Gladstone is a practical
+statesman, and with some instinct divined the inevitable."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's religious belief, as well as his opinion of the Bible
+and the plan of salvation revealed in the Gospel, are manifest as
+expressed in the following words from his pen:
+
+"If asked what is the remedy for the deeper sorrows of the human
+heart--what a man should chiefly look to in his progress through life as
+the power that is to sustain him under trials and enable him manfully to
+confront his afflictions--I must point him to something which, in a
+well-known hymn is called 'the old, old story,' told of in an old, old
+book, and taught with an old, old teaching, which is the greatest and
+best gift ever given to mankind."
+
+Another may read the lessons on the Lord's day in Hawarden Church and
+write and speak in defense of the Established Church of England, but Mr.
+Gladstone did more--he put his trust in his Lord and Saviour, and
+believed in his word. Mr. Gladstone was denominationally a member of
+the Episcopal Church, but religiously he held to views commonly held by
+all Evangelical Christians, from which the temptations of wealth at
+home, of college and of politics never turned him.
+
+[Illustration: Kilmainham Jail, where the Irish M.P.'s were confined in
+1883]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE
+
+Mr. Gladstone spent the winter of 1838-9 in Rome. The physicians had
+recommended travel in the south of Europe for his health and
+particularly for his eyes, the sight of which had become impaired by
+hard reading in the preparation of his book. He had given up lamps and
+read entirely by candle-light with injurious results. He was joined at
+Rome by his friend, Henry Manning, afterwards Cardinal, and in company
+they visited Monsignor, afterwards Cardinal, Wiseman, at the English
+College, on the feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury. They attended solemn
+mass in honor of that Saint, and the places in the missal were found for
+them by a young student of the college, named Grant, who afterwards
+became Bishop of Southwark.
+
+Besides visiting Italy he explored Sicily, and kept a journal of his
+tour. Sicily is a beautiful and fertile island in the Mediterranean
+Sea, and is the granary of Rome. His recorded observations show the
+keenness of his perceptions and the intensity with which he enjoyed the
+beautiful and wonderful in nature.
+
+Mount Etna, the greatest volcano of Europe, and which rises 10,000 feet
+above the sea, stirred his soul greatly, and he made an ascent of the
+mountain at the beginning of the great eruption of 1838. Etna has many
+points of interest for all classes of scientific men, and not least for
+the student of arboriculture. It bears at the height of 4000 feet above
+the level of the sea a wonderful growth--a very large tree--which is
+claimed by some to be the oldest tree in the world. It is a venerable
+chestnut, and known as "the father of the forest." It is certainly one
+of the most remarkable as well as celebrated of trees. It consists not
+of one vast trunk, but of a cluster of smaller decayed trees or portions
+of trees growing in a circle, each with a hollow trunk of great
+antiquity, covered with ferns or ivy, and stretching out a few gnarled
+branches with scanty foliage. That it is one tree seems to be evident
+from the growth of the bark only on the outside. It is said that
+excavations about the roots of the tree showed these various stems to be
+united at a very small depth below the surface of the ground. It still
+bears rich foliage and much small fruit, though the heart of the trunk
+is decayed, and a public road leads through it wide enough for two
+coaches to drive abreast. Travelers have differed in their measurements
+of this stupendous growth. Admiral Smyth, who takes the lowest estimate,
+giving 163 feet, and Brydone giving, as the highest, 204 feet. In the
+middle of the cavity a hut is built, for the accommodation of those who
+collect and preserve the chestnuts. One of the Queens of Arragon is
+reported to have taken shelter in this tree, with her mounted suite of
+one hundred persons; but, "we may, perhaps, gather from this that
+mythology is not confined to the lower latitudes."
+
+Further up the mountain is another venerable chestnut, which, with more
+reason, probably, may be described without fear of contradiction as the
+largest chestnut tree in the world. It rises from one solid stem to a
+remarkable height before it branches. At an elevation of two feet from
+the earth its circumference was found by Brydone to be seventy-six feet.
+These trees are reputed to have flourished for much more than a thousand
+years. Their luxuriant growth is attributed in part to the humid
+atmosphere of the Bosco, elevated above the scorching, arid region of
+the coast, and in part to the great richness of the soil. The luxuriance
+of the vegetation on the slopes of Etna attracts the attention of every
+traveler; and Mr. Gladstone remarked upon this point: "It seems as
+though the finest of all soils were produced from the most agonizing
+throes of nature, as the hardiest characters are often reared amidst
+the severest circumstances. The aspect of this side of Sicily is
+infinitely more active and the country is cultivated as well as most
+parts of Italy."
+
+He and his party started on the 30th of October, and found the path
+nearly uniform from Catania, but the country bore a volcanic aspect at
+every step. At Nicolosi their rest was disturbed by the distant booming
+of the mountain. From this point to the Bosco the scenery is described
+as a dreary region, but the tract of the wood showed some beautiful
+places resembling an English park, with old oaks and abundant fern.
+"Here we found flocks browsing; they are much exposed to sheep-stealers,
+who do not touch travelers, calculating with justice that men do not
+carry much money to the summit of Etna." The party passed the Casa degli
+Inglesi, which registered a temperature of 31 deg., and then continued the
+ascent on foot for the crater. A magnificent view of sunrise was
+here obtained.
+
+"Just before we reached the lip of the crater the guide exultingly
+pointed out what he declared to be ordinarily the greatest sight of the
+mountain, namely, the shadow of the cone of Etna, drawn with the utmost
+delicacy by the newly-risen sun, but of gigantic extent; its point at
+this moment rested on the mountains of Palermo, probably one hundred
+miles off, and the entire figure was visible, the atmosphere over the
+mountains having become and continuing perfectly and beautifully
+transparent, although in the hundreds of valleys which were beneath us,
+from the east to the west of Sicily, and from the mountains of Messina
+down to Cape Passaro, there were still abundant vapors waiting for a
+higher sun to disperse them; but we enjoyed in its perfection this view
+of the earliest and finest work of the greater light of heaven, in the
+passage of his beams over this portion of the earth's surface. During
+the hour we spent on the summit, the vision of the shadow was speedily
+contracting, and taught us how rapid is the real rise of the sun in the
+heavens, although its effect is diminished to the eye by a kind of
+foreshortening."
+
+The writer next describes in vivid and powerful language the scene
+presented to the view at the very mouth of the crater. A large space,
+one mile in circumference, which a few days before had been one
+fathomless pit, from which issued masses of smoke, was now absolutely
+filled up to within a few feet of the brim all round. A great mass of
+lava, a portion of the contents of this immense pit, was seen to detach
+itself by degrees from one behind. "It opened like an orange, and we saw
+the red-hot fibres stretch in a broader and still broader vein, until
+the mass had found a support on the new ground it occupied in front; as
+we came back on our way down this had grown black." A stick put to it
+took fire immediately. Within a few yards of this lava bed were found
+pieces of ice, formed on the outside of the stones by Frost, "which here
+disputes every inch of ground with his fierce rival Fire."
+
+Mr. Gladstone and his fellow-travelers were the first spectators of the
+great volcanic action of this year. From the highest peak attainable the
+company gazed upon the splendid prospect to the east spread out before
+them, embracing the Messina Mountains and the fine kindred outline of
+the Calabrian coast, described by Virgil in the third book of the
+Aeneid. Mr. Gladstone graphically describes the eruption which took
+place and of which he was the enraptured witness. Lava masses of 150 to
+200 pounds weight were thrown to a distance of probably a mile and a
+half; smaller ones to a distance even more remote. The showers were
+abundant and continuous, and the writer was impressed by the closeness
+of the descriptions in Virgil with the actual reality of the eruption
+witnessed by himself. On this point he observes:
+
+"Now how faithfully has Virgil (Ae. iii, 571, et seq.) comprised these
+particulars, doubtless without exaggeration, in his fine description!
+First, the thunder-clap, or crack--
+
+     'Horrificis juxta tonat Aetna ruinis.'
+
+Secondly, the vibration of the ground to the report--
+
+     'Et, fessum quoties mutet latus, intremere omnem
+      Murmure Trinacriam.'
+
+Thirdly, the sheet of flame--
+
+     'Attolitque globos flarmmarum, et sidera lambit.'
+
+Fourthly, the smoke--
+
+     'Et coelum subtexere fumo.'
+
+Fifthly, the fire shower--
+
+     'Scopulos avulsaque viscera montis
+      Erigit erucatans, liquefactaque saxa sub auras
+      Cum gemitu glomerat, fundoque exae tuat imo.'
+
+Sixthly the column of ash--
+
+     'Atram prorumpit ad aethera nubem
+      Turbine fumantem piceo et candente favilla.'
+
+And this is within the limits of twelve lines. Modern poetry has its own
+merits, but the conveyance of information is not, generally speaking,
+one of them. What would Virgil have thought of authors publishing poems
+with explanatory notes (to illustrate is a different matter), as if they
+were so many books of conundrums? Indeed this vice is of very
+late years."
+
+The entire description, of which this is but an extract, is very
+effective and animated, and gives with great vividness the first
+impressions of a mind susceptible to the grand and imposing aspects
+of nature.
+
+"After Etna," says Mr. Gladstone in his diary, "the temples are
+certainly the great charm and attraction of Sicily. I do not know
+whether there is any one among them which, taken alone, exceeds in
+beauty that of Neptune, at Paestum; but they have the advantage of
+number and variety, as well as of highly interesting positions. At
+Segesta the temple is enthroned in a perfect mountain solitude, and it
+is like a beautiful tomb of its religion, so stately, so entire; while
+around, but for one solitary house of the keeper, there is nothing,
+absolutely nothing, to disturb the apparent reign of Silence and of
+Death.... The temples enshrine a most pure and salutary principle of
+art, that which connects grandeur of effect with simplicity of detail;
+and, retaining their beauty and their dignity in their decay, they
+represent the great man when fallen, as types of that almost highest of
+human qualities--silent yet not sullen, endurance."
+
+While sojourning at Rome Mr. Gladstone met Lord Macaulay. Writing home
+from Rome in the same year, Lord Macaulay says: "On Christmas Eve I
+found Gladstone in the throng, and I accosted him, as we had met, though
+we had never been introduced to each other. He received my advances with
+very great _empressement_ indeed, and we had a good deal of pleasant
+talk." And again he writes: "I enjoyed Italy immensely; far more than I
+had expected. By-the-by, I met Gladstone at Rome. We talked and walked
+together in St. Peter's during the best part of an afternoon. He is
+both a clever and an amiable man."
+
+Among the visitors at Rome the winter that Mr. Gladstone spent in the
+eternal city were the widow and daughters of Sir Stephen Richard Glynne,
+of Hawarden Castle, Flintshire, Wales. He had already made the
+acquaintance of these ladies, having been a friend of Lady Glynne's
+eldest son at Oxford, and having visited him at Hawarden in 1835. He was
+thrown much into their society while at Rome, and became engaged to the
+elder of Lady Glynne's daughters, Catharine Glynne. It is strange to
+relate that some time before this when Miss Glynne met her future
+husband at a dinner-party, an English minister sitting next to her had
+thus drawn her attention to Mr. Gladstone: "Mark that young man; he will
+yet be Prime Minister of England." Miss Glynne and her sister were known
+as "the handsome Miss Glynnes."
+
+William E. Gladstone and Catharine Glynne were married July 25, 1839, at
+Hawarden Castle. At the same time and place Miss Mary Glynne was married
+to George William, fourth Lord Lyttleton, with whom Mr. Gladstone was on
+the most intimate terms of friendship until his lordship's untoward and
+lamented death. The brother of these ladies was Sir Stephen Glynne, the
+then owner of Hawarden. Mrs. Gladstone was "in her issue heir" of Sir
+Stephen Glynne, who was ninth and last baronet of that name.
+
+The marriage ceremony has been thus described by an eye-witness:
+
+"For some time past the little town of Hawarden has been in a state of
+excitement in consequence of the anticipated nuptials of the two sisters
+of Sir Stephen Glynne, Bart., M.P., who have been engaged for some time
+past to Lord Lyttelton and to Mr. W. Ewart Gladstone. Thursday last
+(July 25th) was fixed upon for the ceremony to take place; but in
+consequence of the Chartists having attacked Lord Lyttelton's mansion in
+Worcestershire, it was feared that the marriage would be delayed. All
+anxieties on this subject were put an end to by orders being issued to
+make ready for the ceremony, and the Hawarden folks lost no time in
+making due preparations accordingly. The church was elegantly and
+profusely decorated with laurels, while extremely handsome garlands,
+composed of the finest flowers, were suspended from the venerable roof.
+About half-past ten a simultaneous rising of the assembled multitude and
+the burst of melody from the organ announced that the fair brides had
+arrived, and all eyes were turned towards the door to witness the bridal
+_cortege_. In a few minutes more the party arrived at the communion
+table and the imposing ceremony commenced. At this period the _coup
+d'oeil_ was extremely interesting. The bridal party exhibited every
+elegance of costume; while the dresses of the multitude, lit up by the
+rays of a brilliant sunlight, filled up the picture. The Rev. the Hon.
+G. Neville performed the ceremony. At its conclusion the brides visited
+the rectory, whence they soon afterwards set out--Lord and Lady
+Lyttelton to their seat in Worcestershire, and Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone on
+a visit to Sir Richard Brooke, Norton Priory Mansion, in Cheshire. The
+bridal party having returned to the castle, the good folks of Hawarden
+filled up the day with rambling over Sir Stephen Glynne's delightful
+park, to which free access was given to all comers; and towards evening
+a dance on the green was got up."
+
+It is to be remarked that by his marriage Mr. Gladstone became allied
+with the house of Grenville, a family of statesmen, which, directly or
+in its ramifications, had already supplied England with four Prime
+Ministers. Baron Bunsen, who made his acquaintance that year, writes
+that he "was delighted with the man who is some day to govern England if
+his book is not in the way."
+
+Mrs. Gladstone is widely and deservedly known for her many philanthropic
+enterprises, but even better, perhaps, has proved herself to be a noble
+and devoted wife and mother. She has cheered by her sympathy her
+illustrious husband in his defeats as well as in his triumphs, in the
+many great undertakings of his political career, and been to him all the
+late Viscountess Beaconsfield was to Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary
+rival. As a mother, she nursed and reared all her children, and ever
+kept them in the maternal eye, carefully watching over and tending them.
+One of the most interesting buildings at Hawarden is Mrs. Gladstone's
+orphanage, which stands close to the castle. Here desolate orphans are
+well cared for, and find, until they are prepared to enter on the
+conflict and to encounter the cares of life, a happy home.
+
+Mrs. Gladstone, although in many respects an ideal wife, was never able
+to approach her husband in the methodical and business-like arrangement
+of her affairs. Shortly after their wedding, the story runs, Mr.
+Gladstone seriously took in hand the tuition of his handsome young wife
+in book-keeping, and Mrs. Gladstone applied herself with diligence to
+the unwelcome task. Some time after she came down in triumph to her
+husband to display her domestic accounts and her correspondence, all
+docketed in a fashion which she supposed would excite the admiration of
+her husband. Mr. Gladstone cast his eye over the results of his wife's
+labor and exclaimed in despair: "You have done them all wrong, from
+beginning to end!" His wife, however, has been so invaluable a helpmeet
+in other ways that it seems somewhat invidious to recall that little
+incident. She had other work to do, and she wisely left the accounts to
+her husband and his private secretaries.
+
+The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone has been blessed by eight children,
+all of whom save two still survive. There were four sons, the eldest,
+William Henry, was a member of the Legislature, and the second, the Rev.
+Stephen Edward Gladstone, is rector of Hawarden. The third son is named
+Henry Neville and the fourth Herbert John Gladstone. The former is
+engaged in commerce and the latter is the popular member for Leeds. The
+eldest daughter, Anne, is married to Rev. E.C. Wickham, A.M., headmaster
+of Wellington College; and the second, Catharine Jessy Gladstone, died
+in 1850; the third daughter, Mary, is married to Rev. W. Drew, and the
+fourth, Helen Gladstone, is principal of Newnham College. As Sir John
+Gladstone had the pleasure of seeing his son William Ewart become a
+distinguished member of Parliament, so Mr. Gladstone in his turn was
+able to witness his eldest son take his seat in the British Senate.
+
+It was a sad bereavement when the Gladstones were called upon to part
+with their little daughter, Catharine Jessy, April 9, 1850, between four
+and five years old. Her illness was long and painful, and Mr. Gladstone
+bore his part in the nursing and watching. He was tenderly fond of his
+little children and the sorrow had therefore a peculiar bitterness. But
+Mr. Gladstone has since had another sad experience of death entering the
+family circle. July 4, 1891, the eldest son, William Henry Gladstone,
+died. The effect upon the aged father was greatly feared, and the world
+sympathized with the great statesman and father in his sad trial, and
+with the afflicted family. In a letter dated July 9, the day after the
+interment, Mr. Gladstone wrote:
+
+"We, in our affliction are deeply sensible of the mercies of God. He
+gave us for fifty years a most precious son. He has now only hidden him
+for a very brief space from the sight of our eyes. It seems a violent
+transition from such thoughts to the arena of political contention, but
+the transition may be softened by the conviction we profoundly hold that
+we, in the first and greatest of our present controversies, work for the
+honor, well-being and future peace of our opponents not less than
+for our own."
+
+When away from the trammels of office, Mr. Gladstone taught his elder
+children Italian. All the sons went to Eton and Oxford, and the
+daughters were educated at home by English, French and German
+governesses. A close union of affection and sentiment has always been a
+marked characteristic of this model English family. Marriage and
+domestic cares, however, made little difference in Mr. Gladstone's
+mode of life. He was still the diligent student, the constant debater
+and the copious writer that he had been at Eton, at Oxford and in
+the Albany.
+
+[Illustration: THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE BRITISH PREMIER, No. 10
+DOWNING STREET, LONDON.]
+
+In the early days of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone lived in
+London with Lady Glynne, at 13 Carlton House Terrace. Later they lived
+at 6 Carlton Gardens, which was made over to them by Sir John Gladstone;
+then again at 13 Carlton House Terrace; and when Mr. Gladstone was in
+office, at the official residence of the Prime Minister, Downing Street.
+In 1850 Mr. Gladstone succeeded to his patrimony, and in 1856 he bought
+11 Carlton House Terrace, which was his London house for twenty years;
+and he subsequently lived for four years at 73 Harley Street. During the
+parliamentary recess Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone divided their time between
+Fasque, Sir John Gladstone's seat in Kincardineshire, and Hawarden
+Castle, which they shared with Mrs. Gladstone's brother, Sir Stephen
+Glynne, till in his death in 1874, when it passed into their sole
+possession. In 1854 Mrs. Gladstone's brother added to the castle a new
+wing, which he especially dedicated to his illustrious brother-in-law,
+and which is fondly known as "The Gladstone Wing." And Mr. Gladstone,
+having only one country house, probably spent as much time at Hawarden
+as any other minister finds it possible to devote to residence out
+of London.
+
+Hawarden, usually pronounced Harden, is the name of a large market-town,
+far removed from the centre and seat of trade and empire, in Flintshire,
+North Wales, six miles southwest from the singular and ancient city of
+Chester, of which it may be called a suburb. It is not pretty, but a
+clean and tolerably well-built place, with some good houses and the
+usual characteristics of a Welsh village. The public road from Chester
+to Hawarden, which passes by the magnificent seat of the Duke of
+Westminster, is not, except for this, interesting to the stranger. There
+is a pedestrian route along the banks of the river Dee, over the lower
+ferry and across the meadows. But for the most part the way lies along
+dreary wastes, unadorned by any of the beautiful landscape scenery so
+common in Wales. Broughton Hall, its pleasant church and quiet
+churchyard, belonging to the Hawarden estate, are passed on the way. The
+village lies at the foot of the Castle, and outside of the gates of
+Hawarden Park. The parish contains 13,000 acres, and of these the estate
+of Mr. Gladstone consists of nearly 7000. The road from the village for
+the most part is dreary, but within the gates the park is as beautiful
+as it is extensive. Richly wooded, on both sides of its fine drive are
+charming vistas opening amongst the oaks, limes and elms. On the height
+to the left of the drive is the ancient Hawarden Castle, for there are
+two--the old and the new--the latter being the more modern home of the
+proprietor.
+
+[Illustration: THE PARK GATE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+The ancient Castle of Hawarden, situated on an eminence commanding an
+extensive prospect, is now in ruins. What, however, was left of the old
+Castle at the beginning of the century stands to-day a monument of the
+massive work of the early masons. The remnant, which ages of time and
+the Parliamentary wars and the strange zeal of its first owner under
+Cromwell for its destruction, allowed to remain, is in a marvelous state
+of preservation, and the masonry in some places fifteen feet thick.
+There is a grandeur in the ruin to be enjoyed, as well as a scene of
+beauty from its towers. The old Castle, like the park itself, is open to
+the public without restriction. Only two requests are made in the
+interests of good order. One is that visitors entering the park kindly
+keep to the gravel walks, while the other is that they do not inscribe
+their names on the stone-work of the ancient ruin, which request has
+been unheeded.
+
+This ancient Castle was doubtless a stronghold of the Saxons in very
+early times, for it was found in the possession of Edwin of Mercia at
+the Norman Conquest, and was granted by William the Conqueror to his
+nephew, Hugh Lupus. In later times Prince Llewelyn was Lord of Hawarden,
+of which he was dispossessed by his brother, David. It was only after
+Wales was conquered that Hawarden became an English stronghold, held
+against the Welsh.
+
+[Illustration: OLD HAWARDEN CASTLE.]
+
+The Castle had its vicissitudes, both as to its condition and
+proprietorship, for many years, even generations. Somewhere between 1267
+and 1280 the Castle had been destroyed and rebuilt. It was rebuilt in
+the time of Edward I or Edward II, and formed one link in the chain by
+which the Edwards held the Welsh to their loyalty. Its name appears in
+the doomsday-book, where it is spelled Haordine. It was presented by
+King Edward to the House of Salisbury. Then the Earls of Derby came
+into possession, and they entertained within its walls Henry VII in the
+latter part of the fifteenth century. During the Parliamentary wars it
+was held at first for the Parliament, and was taken by siege in 1643.
+The royalists were in possession two years later, and at Christmas time,
+in 1645, Parliament ordered that the Castle be dismantled, which was
+effectively done. The latest proprietor of those times was James, Earl
+of Derby. He was executed and the estates were sold. They were purchased
+by Sergeant Glynne, Lord Chief Justice of England under Cromwell, from
+whom in a long line of descent they were inherited, upon the death of
+the last baronet, Sir Stephen Glynne, in 1874, by the wife of William E.
+Gladstone. Sergeant Glynne's son, Sir William, the first baronet, when
+he came into possession, was seized with the unaccountable notion of
+further destroying the old Castle, and by the end of the seventeenth
+century very little remained beyond what stands to-day.
+
+[Illustration: A GLIMPSE OF THE CASTLE FROM THE PARK.]
+
+Hawarden is supposed to be synonymous with the word Burg-Ardden, Ardin,
+a fortified mound or hill. It is usually supposed to be an English word,
+but of Welsh derivation, and is no doubt related to dinas, in Welsh the
+exact equivalent to the Saxon _burg_. The Welsh still call it Penarlas,
+a word the etymology of which points to a period when the lowlands of
+Saltney were under water, and the Castle looked over a lake. The
+earlier history of the Castle goes back to the time when it was held by
+the ancient Britons, and stood firm against Saxon, Dane, or whatever
+invading foe sought to deprive the people of their heritage in the
+soil. On the invasion of William, as we have seen, it was in the
+possession of Edwin, sovereign of Deira. "We find it afterwards," says
+another account, "in the possession of Roger Fitzvalarine, a son of one
+of the adventurers who came over with the Conqueror. Then it was held,
+subordinately, by the Monthault, or Montalt, family, the stewards of the
+palatinate of Chester. It is remarkable, as we noticed in our story of
+Hughenden Manor, that as the traditions of that ancient place touched
+the memory of Simon de Montfort, the great Earl of Leicester, so do they
+also in the story of the old Castle of Hawarden. Here Llewelyn, the last
+native prince of Wales, held a memorable conference with the Earl. With
+in the walls of Hawarden was signed the treaty of peace between Wales
+and Cheshire, not long to last; here Llewelyn saw the beautiful daughter
+of De Montfort, whose memory haunted him so tenderly and so long. Again
+we find the Castle in the possession of the Montalt family, from whom it
+descended to the Stanleys, the Earl of Derby.... Here the last native
+princes of Wales, Llewelyn and David, attempted to grasp their crumbling
+sceptre, Here no doubt halted Edward I, 'girt with many a baron bold;'
+here the Tudor prince, Henry VII, of Welsh birth, visited in the later
+years of the fifteenth century; and this was the occasion upon which it
+passed into the family whose representatives had proclaimed him monarch
+on Bosworth field. But when James, Earl of Derby, was beheaded, after
+the battle of Worcester, in 1651, the estate was purchased under the
+Sequestration Act by Sergeant Glynne, whose portrait hangs over the
+mantleshelf of the drawing-room; 'but,' says Mrs. Gladstone, in calling
+our attention to it, 'he is an ancestor of whom we have no occasion to
+be and are not proud.'"
+
+This remark of Mrs. Gladstone's may be explained by the following from
+the pen of a reputable author: "Sergeant Glynne, who flourished
+(literally flourished) during the seventeenth century, was a most
+unscrupulous man in those troubled times. He was at first a supporter of
+Charles I, then got office and preferment under Cromwell, and yet again,
+like a veritable Vicar of Bray, became a Royalist on the return of
+Charles II. The Earl of Derby, who was taken prisoner at the battle of
+Worcester, in 1661, was executed, and his estates forfeited. Of these
+estates Sergeant Glynne managed to get possession of Hawarden; and
+though on the Restoration all Royalists' forfeited estates were ordered
+to be restored, Glynne managed somehow to remain in possession of the
+property."
+
+[Illustration: WATERFALL IN HAWARDEN PARK.]
+
+It is very probable that Hawarden Castle was no exception to those cruel
+haunts of feudal tyranny and oppression belonging to the days of its
+power. Many years ago, when the rubbish was cleared away beneath the
+Castle ruin, a flight of steps was found, at the foot of which was a
+door, and a draw-bridge, which crossed a long, deep chasm, neatly faced
+with freestone; then another door leading to several small rooms, all,
+probably, places of confinement; and those hollows, now fringed with
+timber trees, in those days constituted a broad, deep fosse.
+
+The old Hawarden Castle, a curious ruin covered with moss and ivy, like
+many other ancient piles of stone in historic England, is a reminder of
+a past and warlike age, when an Englishman's home had to be a castle to
+protect him and his family from his enemies. But times have changed for
+the better, and long immunity from internal foes and invading armies has
+had its peaceful effects upon the lands and the homes of men. As the
+grounds of Hawarden show the remarkable cultivation produced by long
+periods of peaceful toil, so the ancient castle has given way for the
+modern dwelling, a peaceful abode whose only protecting wall is that
+with which the law surrounds it.
+
+Modern Hawarden Castle is a castle only in name. The new "Castle" has
+been the home of the Glynns' for generations, and ever since the
+marriage of Mr. Gladstone and Miss Glynn has been the dwelling of the
+Gladstones. Mr. Gladstone has greatly improved the Hawarden estate and
+the castle has not been overlooked. Among the improvements to the castle
+may be named the additions to the library and the Golden Wedding Porch.
+
+The new Castle was begun in 1752, by Sir John Glynne, who "created a
+stout, honest, square, red-brick mansion;" which was added to and
+altered in the Gothic style in 1814. The Glynnes lived in Oxfordshire
+till early in the eighteenth century, when they built themselves a small
+house, which was on the site of the present Castle. The new Hawarden
+Castle stands in front of the massive ruin of the old Castle, which has
+looked down on the surrounding country for six centuries. A recent
+writer speaking of the new structure as a sham Castle, with its plaster
+and stucco, and imitation turrets, says: "It would not have been
+surprising if the old Castle had, after the manner of Jewish chivalry,
+torn its hair of thickly entwined ivy, rent its garments of moss and
+lichen, and fallen down prostrate, determined forever to shut out the
+sight of the modern monstrosity."
+
+However, the author somewhat relents and thus describes the modern
+edifice:
+
+"The aspect of the house is very impressive and imposing, as it first
+suddenly seems to start upon the view after a long carriage-drive
+through the noble trees, if not immediately near, but breaking and
+brightening the view on either hand; yet, within and without, the house
+seems like its mighty master--not pensive but rural; it does not even
+breathe the spirit of quiet. Its rooms look active and power-compelling,
+and we could not but feel that they were not indebted to any of the
+aesthetic inventions and elegancies of furniture for their charm. Thus
+we have heard of one visitor pathetically exclaiming, 'Not one _dado_
+adorns the walls!' Hawarden is called a Castle, but it has not, either
+in its exterior or interior, the aspect of a Castle. It is a home; it
+has a noble appearance as it rises on the elevated ground, near the old
+feudal ruin which it has superseded, and looks over the grand and
+forest-like park, the grand pieces of broken ground, dells and hollows,
+and charming woodlands."
+
+[Illustration: COURT YARD, HAWARDEN CASTLE.]
+
+The traditional history of Hawarden Church, as well as that of the
+Castle, travels back to a very remote antiquity, and is the central
+point of interest to many a tragedy, and some of a very grotesque
+character. For instance, for many ages the inhabitants of Hawarden were
+called "Harden Jews," and for this designation we have the following
+legendary account. In the year 946, during the reign of Cynan ap Elisap
+Anarawd, King of Gwynedd North, there was a Christian temple at Harden,
+and a rood-loft, in which was placed an image of the Virgin Mary, with a
+very large cross in her hands, which was called "holy rood." During a
+very hot and dry summer the inhabitants prayed much and ardently for
+rain, but without any effect. Among the rest, Lady Trowst, wife of
+Sytsyllt, governor of Harden Castle, went also to pray, when, during
+this exercise, the holy rood fell upon her head and killed her. Such
+behavior upon the part of this wooden Virgin could be tolerated no
+longer. A great tumult ensued in consequence, and it was concluded to
+try the said Virgin for murder, and the jury not only found her guilty
+of wilful murder, but of inattention in not answering the prayers of
+innumerable petitioners. The sentence was hanging, but Span, of Mancot,
+who was one of the jury, opposed this act saying it was best to drown,
+since it was rain they prayed for. This was fiercely opposed by Corbin,
+of the gate, who advised that she should be laid on the sands by the
+river. So, this being done, the tide carried the lady, floating gently,
+like another lady, Elaine, upon its soft bosom, and placed her near the
+walls of Caerleon (now Chester), where she was found next day, says the
+legend, drowned and dead. Here the inhabitants of Caerleon buried her.
+Upon this occasion, it is said, the river, which had until then been
+called the Usk, was changed to Rood Die, or Rood Dee. We need not stay
+here to analyze some things belonging to locality and etymology, which
+appear to us somewhat anachronistic and contradictory in this ancient
+and queer legend.
+
+Hawarden Church is a fairly large structure, externally a plain old
+brick building with a low tower and a dwarf spire, standing in the midst
+of a large population of graves. There is preserved in the annals of
+the Church a list of the rectors of Hawarden as far back as 1180.
+
+About forty years ago a fire broke out in the Church, and when all was
+over, very little was left of the original structure except the walls.
+It was restored with great expedition, and was re-opened within the same
+year. The present building is a restoration to the memory of the
+immediate ancestor, from whom the estate is derived by the present
+family. It is the centre of hard, earnest work, done for an
+exceptionally large parish. But the Church population is occasionally
+recruited from all the ends of the earth.
+
+It is here that the Gladstone family worship on the plain, uncushioned
+pew, near the lectern and opposite the pulpit. When the estates came
+into the hands of the Glynnes the living was bestowed upon a member of
+the family. The Rector is Rev. Stephen Gladstone, second son of the
+Premier. He is not a great preacher, but he is quietly earnest and
+instructive. Mr. Gladstone was up early on Sunday mornings and seldom
+failed to be in his pew at Church. Crowds filled the Church Sunday,
+morning and evening, week after week, many of them strangers, to see the
+Prime Minister of England, and behold him leave his pew and, standing at
+the reading-desk, go through his part of the service--that of reading
+the lessons for the day, in this obscure village Church. After church
+Mr. Gladstone went to the rectory with his family, with his cloak only
+over his shoulders, when the weather required, and as he walked along
+the path through the churchyard would bow to the crowds that stood on
+either side uncovered to greet him as he passed by. The two brothers,
+until recently, lived at the rectory, and the whole family seemed to
+live in the most beautiful harmony together.
+
+Both Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attribute much of his health to the fact
+that he will have his Sabbath to himself and his family, undisturbed by
+any of the agitations of business, the cares of State, or even the
+recreations of literature and scholastic study. This profound public
+regard for the day of rest, whether in London or at Hawarden, awakens a
+feeling of admiration and puts us in mind of his great predecessor in
+statesmanship, Cecil, Lord Burleigh, who, when he arrived at Theobalds
+on a Saturday evening would throw off his cloak or chain of office and
+exclaim, "Lie there and rest, my good lord treasurer."
+
+[Illustration: THE REV. H. DREW, WARDEN OF ST. DENIOL'S.]
+
+One of the main points of interest at the home of Mr. Gladstone is the
+library. There is not a room in Hawarden Castle in which there is not an
+abundance of books, which are not all collected in the library, but
+distributed all over the house. Where other people have cabinets for
+curiosities, china, etc., there are here shelves and cases full of
+books. In ante-room and bed-room dressing-room and nursery they are
+found, not by single volumes, but in serried ranks; well-known and
+useful books. But it is in the library where Mr. Gladstone has collected
+by years of careful selection, a most valuable and large array of
+books, from all parts of the world, upon every subject. These books are
+classified and so arranged as to be of immediate use. All those on one
+particular subject are grouped together.
+
+[Illustration: DOROTHY'S DOVECOTE]
+
+Mr. Gladstone was a familiar figure in the book stores, and especially
+where rare, old books were to be found, and he seldom failed to return
+home with some book in his pocket. Mrs. Gladstone is said to have gone
+through his pockets often upon his return home, and sent back many a
+volume to the book-seller, that had found its way to the pocket of her
+husband, after a hasty glance at its title. He kept himself informed of
+all that was going on in the literary, scientific and artistic worlds,
+receiving each week a parcel of the newest books for his private
+readings. Every day he looked over several book-sellers's catalogues,
+and certain subjects were sure of getting an order.
+
+Hawarden library gave every evidence of being for use, and not show. Mr.
+Gladstone knew what books he had and was familiar with their contents.
+Some books were in frequent use, but others were not forgotten. He could
+put his hand on any one he wanted to refer to. At the end of a volume
+read he would construct an index of his own by which he could find
+passages to which he wished to refer.
+
+There are few stories that Mr. Gladstone told with greater relish than
+one concerning Sir Antonio Panizzi, who many years ago visited the
+library at Hawarden. Looking round the room and at its closely packed
+shelves, he observed in a patronizing tone, "I see you have got some
+books here." Nettled at this seemingly slighting allusion to the paucity
+of his library, Mr. Gladstone asked Panizzi how many volumes he thought
+were on the shelves. Panizzi replied: "From five to six thousand." Then
+a loud and exulting laugh rang round the room as Mr. Gladstone answered:
+"You are wrong by at least two thousand, as there are eight thousand
+volumes and more before you now." Since then the library has
+grown rapidly.
+
+[Illustration: DINING ROOM IN THE ORPHANAGE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+The fate of this large library was naturally a matter of much
+consideration to Mr. Gladstone. It was particularly rich in classical
+and theological works, so it occured to its owner to form a public
+library under a trusteeship, for the benefit of students, under the care
+of the Rector of Hawarden, or some other clergyman. So he caused to be
+erected at a cost to him of about $5,000, a corrugated iron building on
+a knoll just outside Hawarden Church. The name of this parish library is
+"The St. Deiniol's Theological and General Library of Hawarden." In
+1891, Mr. Gladstone had deposited about 20,000 volumes upon the shelves
+in this new building, with his own hands, which books were carried in
+hand-carts from the castle. Since that time thousands have been added to
+this valuable collection.
+
+[Illustration: STAIRCASE IN THE ORPHANAGE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+It was a happy thought of Mr. Gladstone to found a theological library
+in the immediate vicinity of Hawarden; also to have connected with it a
+hostel where students could be boarded and lodged for six dollars a week
+and thus be enabled to use the library in the pursuit of their studies.
+Mr. Gladstone has endowed the institution with $150,000. Rev. H. Drew,
+the son-in-law of Mr. Gladstone, is warden and librarian.
+
+[Illustration: HAWARDEN CHURCH.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+ENTERS THE CABINET
+
+We come now to another memorable period in the life of William E.
+Gladstone. This period, beginning with 1840, has been styled "a
+memorable decade" in the history of Parliament. His marriage and the
+publication of his first book were great events in his eventful life,
+but the young and brilliant statesman was soon to enter the British
+Cabinet. He was before long to demonstrate that he not only possessed
+the arts of the fluent and vigorous Parliamentary debater, but the more
+solid qualities pertaining to the practical statesman and financier. In
+following his course we will be led to observe the early stages of his
+changing opinions on great questions of State, and to trace the causes
+which led to his present advanced views as well as to his exalted
+position. The estimation in which he was then held may be indicated by
+the following, from one of his contemporaries, Sir Stafford Northcote,
+afterwards Lord Iddesleigh, and who subsequently succeeded him as
+leader of the House of Commons: "There is but one statesman of the
+present day in whom I feel entire confidence, and with whom I cordially
+agree, and that statesman is Mr. Gladstone. I look upon him as the
+representative of the party, scarcely developed as yet, though secretly
+forming and strengthening, which will stand by all that is dear and
+sacred in my estimation, in the struggle which I believe will come ere
+_very_ long between good and evil, order and disorder, the Church and
+the world, and I see a very small band collecting round him, and ready
+to fight manfully under his leading."
+
+In 1840 Mr. Gladstone crossed swords with the distinguished historian
+and Parliamentary debater, Lord Macaulay, in debate in the House of
+Commons on the relations of England with China. The speech of Mr.
+Gladstone was remarkable for its eloquent expression of anxiety that the
+arms of England should never be employed in unrighteous enterprises. Sir
+James Graham moved a vote of censure of the ministry for "want of
+foresight and precaution," and "especially their neglect to furnish the
+superintendent at Canton with powers and instructions calculated to
+provide against the growing evils connected with the contraband traffic
+in opium, and adapted to the novel and difficult situation in which the
+superintendent was placed." Mr. Gladstone, on the 8th of April, spoke
+strongly in favor of the motion, and said if it failed to involve the
+ministry in condemnation they would still be called upon to show cause
+for their intention of making war upon China. Answering the speech of
+Lord Macaulay of the previous evening, Mr. Gladstone said: "The right
+honorable gentleman opposite spoke last night in eloquent terms of the
+British flag waving in glory at Canton, and of the animating effects
+produced on the minds of our sailors by the knowledge that in no country
+under heaven was it permitted to be insulted. But how comes it to pass
+that the sight of that flag always raises the spirit of Englishmen? It
+is because it has always been associated with the cause of justice, with
+opposition to oppression, with respect to national rights, with
+honorable commercial enterprises; but now, under the auspices of the
+noble lord, that flag is hoisted to protect an infamous contraband
+traffic, and if it were never to be hoisted except as it is now hoisted
+on the coast of China, we should recoil from its sight with horror, and
+should never again feel our hearts thrill, as they now thrill with
+emotion, when it floats proudly and magnificently on the breeze." The
+ministry escaped censure when the vote was taken by a bare majority.
+
+In the summer of 1840 Mr. Gladstone, accompanied by Lord Lyttleton, went
+to Eton to examine candidates of the Newcastle Scholarship, founded by
+his political friend, the Duke of Newcastle. Mr. Gladstone had the
+pleasure in this examination of awarding the Newcastle medal to Henry
+Fitzmaurice Hallam, the youngest brother of his own beloved friend and
+son of the historian Hallam. One of the scholars he examined writes: "I
+have a vivid and delightful impression of Mr. Gladstone sitting in what
+was then called the library, on an _estrade_ on which the head master
+habitually sate, above which was placed, about 1840, the bust of the
+Duke of Newcastle and the names of the Newcastle scholars.... When he
+gave me a Virgil and asked me to translate Georg. ii, 475, _seq_., I was
+pleasantly surprised by the beautiful eye turning on me with the
+question, 'What is the meaning of _sacra fero_?' and his look of
+approval when I said, 'Carry the sacred vessels in the procession.'"
+
+"I wish you to understand that Mr. Gladstone appeared not to me only,
+but to others, as a gentleman wholly unlike other examiners or school
+people. It was not as _a politician_ that we admired him, but as a
+refined Churchman, deep also in political philosophy (so we conjectured
+from his quoting Burke on the Continual State retaining its identity
+though made up of passing individuals), deep also in lofty poetry, as we
+guessed from his giving us, as a theme for original Latin verse, 'the
+poet's eye in a fine frenzy,' etc. When he spoke to us in 'Pop' as an
+honorary member, we were charmed and affected emotionally: his voice was
+low and sweet, his manner was that of an elder cousin: he seemed to
+treat us with unaffected respect; and to be treated with respect by a
+man is the greatest delight for a boy. It was the golden time of
+'retrograding transcendentalism,' as the hard-heads called the
+Anglo-Catholic symphony. He seemed to me then an apostle of unworldly
+ardor, bridling his life."
+
+The Whig administration, which for some time had been growing very
+unpopular, was defeated and went out of power in 1841. From the very
+beginning of the session their overthrow was imminent. Among the causes
+which rendered the ministry obnoxious to the country, and led to their
+downfall, may be named the disappointment of both their dissenting
+English supporters and Irish allies; their financial policy had proved a
+complete failure and dissatisfied the nation; and the deficit in the
+revenue this year amounted to no less a sum than two millions and a half
+pounds. Every effort to remedy the financial difficulties offered by the
+ministry to the House was rejected, Hence it was felt on all sides that
+the government of the country must be committed to stronger hands.
+Accordingly, in May, Sir Robert Peel proposed a resolution in the House
+of Commons to the effect that the ministry did not possess sufficiently
+the confidence of the House to carry through measures deemed essential
+for the public welfare; and that their continuance in office was, under
+the circumstances, at variance with the Constitution, For five days this
+resolution was discussed, but Mr. Gladstone took no part in the debate.
+The motion of Sir Robert Peel passed by a majority vote of one, and on
+the 7th of June Lord John Russell announced that the ministry would at
+once dissolve Parliament and appeal to the country. Parliament was
+prorogued by the Queen in person June 22d, and the country was soon in
+the turmoil of a general election. By the end of July it was found that
+the ministry had been defeated and with greater loss than the Tories
+even had expected. The Tories had a great majority of the new members
+returned. The Liberal seats gained by the Tories were seventy-eight,
+while the Tory seats gained by Liberals were only thirty-eight, thus
+making a Tory majority of eighty. Mr. Gladstone was again elected at
+Newark, and was at the head of the poll; with Lord John Manners,
+afterwards Duke of Rutland, as his colleague.
+
+The new Parliament met in August, and the ministers were defeated, in
+both Houses, on the Address and resigned. Sir Robert Peel was called
+upon by the Queen to form a new ministry, and Mr. Gladstone was
+included by his leader in the administration. In appearing on the
+hustings at Newark Mr. Gladstone said that there were two points upon
+which the British farmer might rely--the first being that adequate
+protection would be given him, and, second, that protection would be
+given him through the means of the sliding scale. The duties were to be
+reduced and the system improved, but the principle was to be maintained.
+"There was no English statesman who could foresee at this period the
+results of that extraordinary agitation which, in the course of the next
+five years, was destined to secure the abrogation of the Corn Laws."
+
+There is a tradition that, having already conceived a lively interest in
+the ecclesiastical and agrarian problems of Ireland, Mr. Gladstone had
+set his affections on the Chief Secretaryship. But Sir Robert Peel, a
+consummate judge of administrative capacity, had discerned his young
+friend's financial aptitude, and the member for Newark became
+vice-president of the Board of Trade and master of the Mint.
+
+Although in the midst of engrossing cares of office as vice-president of
+the Board of Trade, yet Mr. Gladstone found time to renew his old
+interest in ecclesiastical concerns. In the fall of 1841 an English
+Episcopal Bishopric was established at Jerusalem, Mr. Gladstone dined
+with Baron Bunsen on the birthday of the King of Prussia, when, as
+reported by Lord Shaftesbury, he "stripped himself of a part of his
+Puseyite garments, spoke like a pious man, rejoiced in the bishopric of
+Jerusalem, and proposed the health of Alexander, the new Bishop of that
+see. This is delightful, for he is a good man, a clever man and an
+industrious man." And Baron Bunsen, speaking of the same occasion, said,
+"Never was heard a more exquisite speech, It flowed like a gentle,
+translucent stream. We drove back to town in the clearest starlight;
+Gladstone continuing with unabated animation to pour forth his
+harmonious thoughts in melodious tone." And Mr. Gladstone himself writes
+later; "Amidst public business, quite sufficient for a man of my
+compass, I have, during the whole of the week, perforce, been carrying
+on with the Bishop of London and with Bunsen a correspondence on, and
+inquisition into, the Jerusalem design, until I almost reel and stagger
+under it."
+
+And still later he writes: "I am ready individually to brave
+misconstruction for the sake of union with any Christian men, provided
+the terms of the union be not contrary to sound principle; and perhaps
+in this respect might go further, at least in one of the possible
+directions, than you. But to declare the living constitution of a
+Christian Church to be of secondary moment is of course in my view
+equivalent to a denial of a portion of the faith--and I think you will
+say it is a construction which can not fairly be put upon the design,
+as far as it exists in fixed rules and articles. It is one thing to
+attribute this in the way of unfavorable surmise, or as an apprehension
+of ultimate developments--it is another to publish it to the world as a
+character ostentatiously assumed."
+
+We have evidence also that at this time he was not permitted to forget
+that he was an author, for he thus writes, April 6, 1842, to his
+publisher: "Amidst the pressure of more urgent affairs, I have held no
+consultation with you regarding my books and the sale or no sale of
+them. As to the third edition of the 'State in its Relations,' I should
+think that the remaining copies had better be got rid of in whatever
+summary or ignominious mode you may deem best. They must be dead beyond
+recall. As to the others, I do not know whether the season of the year
+has at all revived the demand; and would suggest to you whether it would
+be well to advertise them a little. I do not think they find their way
+much into the second-hand shops. With regard to the fourth edition, I do
+not know whether it would be well to procure any review or notice of it,
+and I am not a fair judge of its merits, even in comparison with the
+original form of the work; but my idea is that it is less defective,
+both in the theoretical and in the historical development, and ought to
+be worth the notice of those who deemed the earlier editions worth
+their notice and purchase; that it would really put a reader in
+possession of the view it was intended to convey, which I fear is more
+than can with any truth be said of its predecessors. I am not, however,
+in any state of anxiety or impatience; and I am chiefly moved to refer
+these suggestions to your judgment from perceiving that the fourth
+edition is as yet far from having cleared itself."
+
+It was from this time that a marked change was observable in the
+subjects of Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary addresses. "Instead of
+speaking on the corporate conscience of the State and the endowments of
+the Church, the importance of Christian education and the theological
+unfitness of the Jews to sit in Parliament, he was solving business-like
+problems about foreign tariffs and the exportation of machinery; waxing
+eloquent over the regulation of railways and a graduated tax on corn;
+subtle on the momentary merits of half-farthings and great in the
+mysterious lore of quassia and cocculus indicus."
+
+In the short session of Parliament, in 1841, that which followed the
+accession of Sir Robert Peel to the office of Prime Minister, he was
+questioned by his opponents as to his future policy. The Premier
+declined to state the nature of the measures he intended to present, or
+which he contemplated making, in the intervening months of the recess
+of Parliament so near at hand. He wanted time for the arrangement of his
+plans and the construction of his political programme. An effort was
+made to embarrass the administration by refusing to vote the necessary
+supplies, until inquiry should be made into the existing distress, but
+it was defeated. Three weeks later Parliament was dissolved by Royal
+commission. In the following sitting of Parliament several measures of
+high practical character were presented.
+
+Sir Robert Peel acceded to office in very critical times. The condition
+of the country was truly lamentable. Distress and discontent were
+widespread and the difficulties of the government were greatly enhanced
+by popular tumults. The Free Trade agitation was already making great
+headway in the land, and when the Premier brought forward his new
+sliding scale of duties in the House of Commons it was denounced by Mr.
+Cobden as an insult to a suffering people. The Premier said that he
+considered the present not an unfavorable time for discussing the corn
+laws; that there was no great stock on hand of foreign growth to alarm
+the farmers; that the recess had been marked by universal calm; that
+there was no popular violence to interrupt legislation; and that there
+was a disposition to view any proposal for the adjustment of the
+question with calmness and moderation.
+
+The Premier's view of the situation did not seem to be wholly in accord
+with the well-known facts, for the Queen even, on her appearance at the
+London theatres, had been hooted, and the Prime Minister himself was
+burnt in effigy during a riot at Northampton; great excitement prevailed
+throughout the country, and Lord John Russell moved as an amendment
+"That this House, considering the evils which have been caused by the
+present corn laws and especially by the fluctuation of the graduated or
+sliding scale, is not prepared to adopt the measure of her Majesty's
+government, which is founded on the same principles and is likely to be
+attended by similar results."
+
+It was incumbent upon Mr. Gladstone to lead the opposition to this
+motion. He showed that the proposed plan was not founded on the same
+principle of the existing one, except that both involved a sliding
+scale; that the present distress was caused by fluctuation of the
+seasons and not by the laws; that high prices of food were chargeable to
+successive failures of the crops; that these unavoidable fluctuations
+were not aggravated by the corn laws; that Sir Robert Peel's plan of
+working was far superior to that of Lord John Russell; that the drains
+upon the currency, caused by bad harvests, were not to be prevented by a
+fixed duty; that a uniform protection could not be given to corn, as to
+other articles, because at high prices of corn no duty could be
+maintained, and that, therefore, at low prices, it was but just to give
+a duty which would be an effectual protection. The debate which followed
+was characterized by vigorous speeches from Mr. Roebuck and Lord
+Palmerston. Lord John Russell's amendment was lost by a large majority.
+A motion presented by Mr. Villiers, the Free Trade advocate, for the
+immediate repeal of the corn laws was also lost by a majority of over
+three hundred.
+
+On the 11th of March Sir Robert Peel introduced his budget. The budget
+for 1842 was produced under depressing circumstances. There was a
+deficit of L2,750,000, or about $15,000,000, and taxation upon articles
+of consumption had been pushed to its utmost limit. Peel was a great
+financier, but the fiscal difficulties by which he was now surrounded
+were enough to appall the most ingenious of financial ministers.
+
+Mr. Gladstone rendered the Premier invaluable service in the preparation
+both of his budget and of his tariff scheme. The merit of the budget was
+its taxation of wealth and the relief of the manufacturing industry. The
+second branch of the financial plan, the revised tariff--a customs
+duties scheme--was very important, and it was understood to be mainly
+the work of Mr. Gladstone. Out of nearly 1200 duty-paying articles, a
+total abolition, or a considerable reduction, was made in no fewer than
+750. This was certainly a great step towards the freedom of
+manufacturers, Sir Robert Peel's boast that he had endeavored to relieve
+manufacturing industries was more than justified by this great and
+comprehensive measure. The very best means for relieving the
+manufacturing industries had been devised.
+
+But while this great relief to industry was welcomed the Opposition did
+not relax their efforts for the abolition of the corn laws, which were
+continued into the session of 1843. Sir Robert Peel acknowledged, amidst
+loud cheers from the Opposition, that all were agreed in the general
+rule that we should purchase in the cheapest market and sell in the
+dearest; but he added, "If I propose a greater change in the corn laws
+than that which I submit to the consideration of the House I should only
+aggravate the distress of the country, and only increase the alarm which
+prevails among important interests." Mr. Hume hailed with joy the
+appearance of the Premier and his colleagues as converts to the
+principles of Free Trade; Mr. Gladstone replied, that, whoever were the
+authors of the principles on which the government measures rested, he
+must protest against the statement that the ministry came forward as
+converts to principles which they had formerly opposed.
+
+During the progress of the debate of 1842, on the revised Tariff Bill,
+Mr. Gladstone's labors were very great. He was called upon to explain or
+defend the details of the scheme, and had something to say about every
+article of consumption included in, or excluded from, the list. He spoke
+one hundred and twenty-nine times, chiefly on themes connected with the
+new fiscal legislature. He demonstrated his capacity for grasping all
+the most complicated details of finance, and also the power of
+comprehending the scope and necessities of the commercial interests of
+the country. No measure with which his name has since been connected has
+done him more credit. He spoke incessantly, and amazed the House by his
+mastery of details, his intimate acquaintance with the commercial needs
+of the country, and his inexhaustible power of exposition. On March 14th
+Greville wrote, "Gladstone has already displayed a capacity which makes
+his admission into the Cabinet indispensable." A commercial minister had
+appeared on the scene, and the shade of Hoskisson had revived.
+
+Though engrossed in schemes of practical legislation, and in all the
+excitements and interests of office, he could, as he has ever done
+during his long career, turn aside for the discourse on social and
+educational questions with much earnestness and eloquence, as if they,
+and only they, possessed his mind. In January, 1843, he spoke at the
+opening of the Collegiate Institute of Liverpool, and delivered a
+powerful plea for the better education of the middle classes, which was
+one of the most forcible speeches he ever delivered. He said:
+
+"We believe that if you could erect a system which should present to
+mankind all branches of knowledge save the one that is essential, you
+would only be building up a Tower of Babel, which, when you had
+completed it, would be the more signal in its fall, and which would bury
+those who had raised it in its ruins. We believe that if you can take a
+human being in his youth, and if you can make him an accomplished man in
+natural philosophy, in mathematics, or in the knowledge necessary for
+the profession of a merchant, a lawyer, or a physician; that if in any
+or all of these endowments you could form his mind--yes, if you could
+endow him with the science and power of a Newton, and so send him
+forth--and if you had concealed from him, or, rather, had not given him
+a knowledge and love of the Christian faith--he would go forth into the
+world, able indeed with reference to those purposes of science,
+successful with the accumulation of wealth for the multiplication of
+more, but 'poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked' with reference to
+everything that constitutes the true and sovereign purposes of our
+existence--nay, worse, worse--with respect to the sovereign purpose--
+than if he had still remained in the ignorance which we all commiserate,
+and which it is the object of this institution to assist in removing."
+
+It was admitted on all hands that great fiscal reforms had been
+conceived and executed; and speaking of the session of 1842, a writer,
+not favorable to the Tories, wrote: "The nation saw and felt that its
+business was understood and accomplished, and the House of Commons was
+no longer like a sleeper under a nightmare. The long session was a busy
+one. The Queen wore a cheerful air when she thanked Parliament for their
+effectual labors. The Opposition was such as could no longer impede the
+operations of the next session. The condition of the country was fearful
+enough, but something was done for its future improvement, and the way
+was now shown to be open for further beneficent legislation."
+
+The corn law reformers renewed their efforts, led by Lord Howick, as
+soon as the parliamentary session of 1843 opened. An inquiry by the
+whole House was demanded into the causes of the long continued
+manufacturing depression referred to in the Queen's speech. Mr.
+Gladstone replied that while the Opposition proposed to repeal the corn
+laws, they offered no measure of relief in their place. The corn laws
+were at the root of the distress in the country, but the difficulty was
+to unite the ranks of the Opposition in opinion as to what ought to
+follow the repeal of the corn laws. The question between the government
+and the Opposition was not really so great as the latter wished to make
+out. It was simply as to the amount of relaxation the country could bear
+in the duties. It was the intention of the First Lord of the Treasury to
+attain his object "by increasing the employment of the people, by
+cheapening the prices of the articles of consumption, as also the
+articles of industry, by encouraging the means of exchange with foreign
+nations, and thereby encouraging in return an extension of the export
+trade; but besides all this, if he understood the measure of the
+government last year, it was proposed that the relaxation should be
+practically so limited as to cause no violent shock to existing
+interests, such as would have the tendency of displacing that labor
+which should be employed, and which, if displaced, would be unable to
+find another field." The measure of the previous year had nothing but a
+beneficial effect, but the repeal of the corn laws would displace a vast
+mass of labor. Lord Howick's motion was defeated and so were others
+offered by Mr. Villiers and Lord John Russell, by diminishing
+majorities, and Mr. Gladstone protested against the constant renewal of
+uneasiness in the country by successive motions of this kind in
+Parliament.
+
+The year 1843 was one destined to witness a great advance in Mr.
+Gladstone's progress towards the front rank among statesmen. June 10th,
+Lord Ripon, who was President of the Board of Trade, left this place for
+the Board of Control, and Mr. Gladstone was appointed to the position,
+and thus became a member of the Cabinet at the age of thirty-three Mr.
+Gladstone now became in name what he had been already in fact--the
+President of the Board of Trade. He states that "the very first opinion
+which he was ever called upon to give in Cabinet" was an opinion in
+favor of withdrawing the bill providing education for children in
+factories; to which vehement opposition was offered by the Dissenters,
+on the ground that it was too favorable to the Established Church. It
+seemed that his position was assured and yet in October he wrote to a
+friend: "Uneasy, in my opinion, must be the position of every member of
+Parliament who thinks independently in these times, or in any that are
+likely to succeed them; and in proportion as a man's course of thought
+deviates from the ordinary lines his seat must less and less resemble a
+bed of roses." Mr. Gladstone possibly felt when he penned these lines
+that the time was at hand when his convictions would force him to take a
+position that would array against him some of his most ardent friends.
+
+During the session of 1844 Mr. Gladstone addressed the House on a
+variety of subjects, including rail ways, the law of partnership, the
+agricultural interest, the abolition of the corn laws, the Dissenters'
+Chapel Bill and the sugar duties. One very valuable bill he had carried
+was a measure for the abolition of restrictions on the exportation of
+machinery. Another was the railway bill, to improve the railway system,
+by which the Board of Trade had conditional power to purchase railways
+which had not adopted a revised scale of tolls. The bill also
+compulsorily provided for at least one third-class train per week-day
+upon every line of railway, to charge but one penny a mile, regulated
+the speed of traveling, compelled such trains to stop at every station,
+and arranged for the carrying of children under three years of age for
+nothing and those under twelve at reduced fares. This measure, conceived
+so distinctly in the interests of the poorer classes, met with
+considerable opposition at first from the various railway companies, but
+it was ultimately passed into law. These were measures passed in the
+spirit of reform, though by a Conservative government.
+
+There was another matter legislated upon which shows how Mr. Gladstone's
+mind was undergoing changes in the direction of religious toleration.
+Lady Hewley had originally founded and given to Calvinistic Independents
+certain charities which had gradually passed to Unitarians, who were
+ousted from their benefits. A bill was proposed to vest property left to
+Dissenting bodies in the hands of that religions body with whom it had
+remained for the preceding twenty years. The measure was passed, but
+when it was discussed in the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone said that it
+was a bill which it was incumbent upon the House to endorse; that there
+was no contrariety between his principles of religious belief and those
+on which legislation in this case ought to proceed; that there was a
+great question of justice, viz., whether those who were called
+Presbyterian Dissenters, and who were a century and a half ago of
+Trinitarian opinions, ought not to be protected at the present moment in
+possession of the chapels which they held, with the appurtenances of
+those chapels? On the question of substantial justice he pronounced the
+strongest affirmative opinion. "After this speech there were those who
+thought, and expressed their hope and belief in words, that the
+'champion of Free Trade' would ere long become the advocate of the most
+unrestricted liberty in matters of religion. Their hope, if sanguine as
+to its immediate fulfillment, was far from groundless."
+
+However, in December of the same year Mr. Gladstone wrote to his friend
+Archdeacon, afterwards Bishop Wilberforce, about the prospects of the
+Church of England: "I rejoice to see that your views on the whole are
+hopeful. For my part I heartily go along with you. The fabric
+consolidates itself more and more, even while the earthquake rocks it;
+for, with a thousand drawbacks and deductions, love grows larger, zeal
+warmer, truth firmer among us. It makes the mind sad to speculate upon
+the question how much better all might have been; but our mourning
+should be turned into joy and thankfulness when we think also how much
+worse it _was_."
+
+The next event in the life of Mr. Gladstone is marked by a momentous
+change in his political position. Scarcely had Parliament met in
+January, 1845, when it was announced to the astonishment of everyone
+that Mr. Gladstone had resigned his place as President of the Board of
+Trade in the Cabinet. He set a good deal of speculation at rest by the
+announcement made in his speech on the address of the Queen, that his
+resignation was due solely to the government intentions with regard to
+Maynooth College. Before, however, he had resigned, Mr. Gladstone had
+completed a second and revised tariff, carrying further the principles
+of the revision of 1842.
+
+In the session of 1844 Sir Robert Peel, in response to the requests of
+Irish members, had promised that the Government would take up the
+question of academical education in Ireland, with the view of bringing
+it more nearly to the standard of England and Scotland, increasing its
+amount and improving its quality. In fulfillment of this pledge the
+government, at the beginning of the session of 1845, proposed to
+establish non-sectarian colleges in Ireland, and to increase the
+appropriation to Maynooth. The College of Maynooth, which was
+established for the education of Roman Catholic priests and laymen, had
+fallen into poverty and decay. In order to gratify the Irish, the
+government offered to increase the grant already made from $45,000 to
+$150,000 a year. This appropriation was not to be subject to any annual
+vote, and the affairs of the College were to be executed by the Board of
+Works. These proposals placed Mr. Gladstone in a position of great
+difficulty. He must either support Sir Robert Peel's measure, or retire
+from the Cabinet into isolation, if not subject to the imputation of
+eccentricity. He took council with his friends, Archdeacon Manning and
+Mr. Hope, who advised him to remain, and with Lord Stanley who warned
+him that his resignation must be followed by resistance of the proposals
+of the government, which would involve him in a storm of religious
+agitation. But Mr. Gladstone persisted in his intention, in what seemed
+like giving up his brilliant prospects, but said it would not
+necessarily be followed by resistance to the proposal about Maynooth.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that the proposed increase in the Maynooth endowment
+and the establishment of non-sectarian colleges were at variance with
+views he had written and uttered upon the relations of the Church and
+State. "I am sensible how fallible my judgment is," said Mr. Gladstone,
+"and how easily I might have erred; but still it has been my conviction
+that although I was not to fetter my judgment as a member of Parliament
+by a reference to abstract theories, yet, on the other hand, it was
+absolutely due to the public and due to myself that I should, so far as
+in me lay, place myself in a position to form an opinion upon a matter
+of so great importance, that should not only be actually free from all
+bias or leaning with respect to any consideration whatsoever, but an
+opinion that should be unsuspected. On that account I have taken a
+course most painful to myself in respect to personal feelings, and have
+separated myself from men with whom and under whom I have long acted in
+public life, and of whom I am bound to say, although I have now no
+longer the honor of serving my most gracious Sovereign, that I continue
+to regard them with unaltered sentiments both of public regard and
+private attachment."
+
+Then again he said: "My whole purpose was to place myself in a position
+in which I should be free to consider any course without being liable
+to any just suspicion on the ground of personal interest. It is not
+profane if I now say, '_with a great price obtained I this freedom_.'
+The political association in which I stood was to me at the time the
+_alpha_ and _omega_ of public life. The government of Sir Robert Peel
+was believed to be of immovable strength. My place, as President of the
+Board of Trade, was at the very kernel of its most interesting
+operations; for it was in progress from year to year, with continually
+waxing courage, towards the emancipation of industry, and therein
+towards the accomplishment of another great and blessed work of public
+justice. Giving up what I highly prized, aware that
+
+                            male sarta
+     Gratia nequicquam coit, et rescinditur.
+
+I felt myself open to the charge of being opinionated and wanting in
+deference to really great authorities, and I could not but know that I
+should inevitably be regarded as fastidious and fanciful, fitter for a
+dreamer, or possibly a schoolman, than for the active purposes of public
+life in a busy and moving age."
+
+There were some of his party angry and others who thought that there was
+something almost Quixotic in Mr. Gladstone's honorable resignation,
+because so soon as he felt himself free he gave his support to the
+Maynooth Bill and also to the scheme for the extension of academical
+education in Ireland, which latter was described by Sir R. Inglis as a
+"gigantic scheme of godless education." In Greville's "Memoirs" we find:
+"Gladstone's explanation is ludicrous. Everybody said that he had only
+succeeded in showing that his resignation was unnecessary. He was
+criticised as the possessor of a kind of supernatural virtue that could
+scarcely be popular with the slaves of party, and he was considered
+whimsical, fantastic, impracticable, a man whose 'conscience was so
+tender that he could not go straight,' a visionary not to be relied
+on--in fact, a character and intellect useless to the political
+manager." "I am greatly alarmed at Gladstone's resignation. I fear it
+foretells measures opposed to the Church truth," wrote Wilberforce; and
+Peel told Gladstone beforehand that his reasons for his resignation
+would be considered insufficient. But Mr. Gladstone's resignation, when
+understood, elicited the liveliest expressions of regret from friend and
+foe, as well as the most flattering testimonies as to his ability and
+character. His chief, Sir Robert Peel, and Lord John Russell, the leader
+of the Opposition, were alike complimentary in their remarks.
+
+Dr. Russell, the biographer of Mr. Gladstone, says: "Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement, by impairing his reputation for common sense, threatened
+serious and lasting injury to his political career, But the whirligig
+of time brought its revenges even more swiftly than usual. A conjunction
+of events arose in which he was destined to repair the mischief which
+the speculative side had wrought; but for the moment the speculative
+side was uppermost."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was fast leaving his Toryism behind. To show how far his
+views had changed in the course of seven years, it may be said that in
+his speech on these measures he observed how that exclusive support to
+the Established Church was a doctrine that was being more and more
+abandoned. Mr. Burke considered it contrary to wise policy to give
+exclusive privileges to a negative creed like that of Protestantism.
+They could not prove their religious scruples for denying this grant to
+Roman Catholics, because they gave their votes of money to almost every
+Dissenting seat. He hoped the concession now made--which was a great and
+liberal gift, because unrestricted and given in a spirit of
+confidence--would not lead to the renewal of agitation in Ireland by Mr.
+O'Connell. It might be well for him to reflect that agitation was a
+two-edged sword. Being conformable to justice and not contrary to
+principle, he hoped the measure proposed would pass into a law.
+
+W.T. Stead, in a recent article, said, in relation to Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement from the Cabinet, that "It is ridiculous to pretend, with
+Mr. Gladstone's career before us, that his course has been swayed by
+calculating self-interest. He has been the very madman of politics from
+the point of view of Mr. Worldly Wiseman. 'No man,' said he, the other
+day, 'has ever committed suicide so often as I,' and that witness is
+true. The first and perhaps the most typical of all his many suicides
+was his resignation of his seat in Sir Robert Peel's Cabinet, not
+because he disapproved of the Maynooth Grant, but because, as he had at
+one time written against it, he was determined that his advocacy of it
+should be purged of the last taint of self-interest. As Mr. George
+Russell rightly remarks, 'This was an act of Parliamentary Quixotism too
+eccentric to be intelligible. It argued a fastidious sensitiveness of
+conscience, and a nice sense of political propriety so opposed to the
+sordid selfishness and unblushing tergiversation of the ordinary
+place-hunter as to be almost offensive.' But as Mr. Gladstone was then,
+so he has been all his life--the very Quixote of conscience. Judged by
+every standard of human probability, he has ruined himself over and over
+and over again. He is always ruining himself, and always rising, like
+the Phoenix, in renewed youth from the ashes of his funeral pyre. As was
+said in homely phrase some years ago, he 'always keeps bobbing up
+again.' What is the secret of this wonderful capacity of revival? How
+is it that Mr. Gladstone seems to find even his blunders help him, and
+the affirmation of principles that seem to be destructive to all chance
+of the success of his policy absolutely helps him to its realization?"
+
+From a merely human standpoint it is inexplicable. But
+
+     'If right or wrong in this God's world of ours
+      Be leagued with higher powers,'
+
+then the mystery is not so insolvable. He believed in the higher powers.
+He never shrank from putting his faith to the test; and on the whole,
+who can deny that for his country and for himself he has reason to
+rejoice in the verification of his working hypothesis?
+
+'We walk by faith and not by sight,' he said once; 'and by no one so
+much as by those who are in politics is this necessary.' It is the
+evidence of things not seen, the eternal principles, the great invisible
+moral sanctions that men are wont to call the laws of God, which alone
+supply a safe guide through this mortal wilderness.
+
+     'Men of a thousand shifts and wiles, look here!
+        See one straightforward conscience put in pawn
+      To win a world; see the obedient sphere
+        By bravery's simple gravitation drawn!
+      Shall we not heed the lesson taught of old,
+        And by the Present's lips repeated still?
+      In our own single manhood to be bold,
+        Fortressed in conscience and impregnable.'
+
+"Mr. Gladstone has never hesitated to counter at sharp right angles the
+passion and the fury of the day. Those who represent him as ever strong
+upon the strong side, wilfully shut their eyes to half his history. He
+challenged Lord Palmerston over the Don Pacifico question, and was
+believed to have wrecked himself almost as completely as when in 1876 he
+countered even more resolutely the fantastic Jingoism of Lord
+Beaconsfield. It is easy for those who come after and enter into the
+spoils gained by sacrifices of which they themselves were incapable to
+describe the Bulgarian agitation as an astute party move. The party did
+not think so. Its leaders did not think so. Some of those who now halloo
+loud enough behind Mr. Gladstone were then bitter enough in their
+complaint that he had wrecked his party. One at least, who was
+constrained to say the other thing in public, made up for it by bitter
+and contemptuous cavilings in private. Now it is easy to see that Lord
+Beaconsfield was mistaken and that Mr. Gladstone held the winning card
+all along. But no one knew it at the time when the card had to be
+played, certainly not Mr. Gladstone himself. He simply saw his duty a
+dead sure thing, and, like Jim Bludsoe on the burning boat, 'He went for
+it there and then.' It turned up trumps, but no one knew how heavy were
+the odds against it save those who went through the stress and the
+strain of that testing and trying time by his side."
+
+In the summer of 1845 Mr. Gladstone proposed to his intimate friend, Mr.
+J.R. Hope, that they should spend the month of September in a working
+tour in Ireland, giving evidence of his characteristic desire always to
+come in personal contact with any question that he had to discuss. He
+suggests "their eschewing all grandeur, and taking little account even
+of scenery, compared with the purpose of looking, from close quarters,
+at the institutions for religion and education of the country, and at
+the character of the people. It seems ridiculous to talk of supplying
+the defects of second-hand information by so short a trip; but although
+a longer time would be much better, yet even a very contracted one does
+much when it is added to an habitual, though indirect, knowledge." The
+projected trip, however, had to be abandoned.
+
+Towards the close of the year 1845 Mr. Gladstone issued a pamphlet
+entitled "Remarks upon recent Commercial Legislation," in which he not
+only discussed the salutary effects of the late commercial policy, but
+used arguments clearly showing that he was advancing to the position of
+a free-trader. His general conclusion was that English statesmen should
+use every effort to disburden of all charges, so far as the law was
+concerned, the materials of industry, and thus enable the workman to
+approach his work at home on better terms, as the terms in which he
+entered foreign markets were altered for the worse against him.
+
+While Mr. Gladstone was so willing to deal generously more than ever
+before with the Irish Roman Catholics, his confidence in the Established
+Episcopal Church of Ireland was growing less. "I am sorry," he wrote to
+Bishop Wilberforce, "to express my apprehension that the Irish Church is
+not in a large sense efficient; the working results of the last ten
+years have disappointed me. I may be answered, Have faith in the
+ordinance of God; but then I must see the seal and signature, and these,
+how can I separate from ecclesiastical descent? The title, in short, is
+questioned, and vehemently, not only by the Radicalism of the day, but
+by the Roman Bishops, who claim to hold succession of St. Patrick, and
+this claim has been alive all along from the Reformation, so that lapse
+of years does nothing against it."
+
+The name of Dr. Doellinger, the distinguished reformed Roman Catholic,
+has been mentioned already in connection with that of Mr. Gladstone. In
+the fall of 1845 Mr. Gladstone went to Munich and paid his first visit
+to Dr. Doellinger. For a week he remained in daily intercourse with this
+eminent divine, and the foundation was laid of a friendship which was
+sustained by repeated visits and correspondence, and which lasted until
+the doctor's death in 1890.
+
+In the winter of 1845 Mr. Gladstone met with a painful accident that
+resulted in a permanent injury to his hand. He was by no means what is
+termed a sportsman, yet he was somewhat fond of shooting. His gun was
+prematurely discharged while he was loading it, and shattered the first
+finger of his left hand, so that amputation was necessary.
+
+[Illustration: Loyal Ulster]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+
+MEMBER FOR OXFORD
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's career," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"naturally divides itself into three parts. The first of them ends with
+his retirement from the representation of Newark. The central part
+ranges from 1847 to 1868. Happily the third is still incomplete." The
+first division, according to Dr. Russell, of this remarkable life, we
+have considered, and we now pass on to the development of the second
+period. The causes which led up to Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the
+representation for Newark to that of Oxford we will now proceed
+to trace.
+
+The agitation by the ablest orators against the corn laws had been going
+on for ten years, when an announcement was made in the "Times" of
+December 4, 1845, that Parliament would be convened the first week in
+January, and that the Queen's address would recommend the immediate
+consideration of the corn laws, preparatory to their total abolition.
+This startling news took the other daily papers by surprise, for there
+had been recently a lull in the agitation, and several of them
+contradicted it positively. Yet the newspapers had noticed the unusual
+occurrence of four cabinet meetings in one week. The original statement
+was confirmed. The ministry was pledged to support the measure. The hour
+had come, the doom of the corn laws was sealed. Mr. Gladstone's thoughts
+and labors for some years past had been leading him away from
+Protection, in which he had been brought up, in the direction of Free
+Trade; and although he was unable to participate in the last part of the
+struggle in Parliament, because he was not a member of the House, he was
+yet in harmony with Sir Robert Peel, and indeed is said to have
+converted the Premier to Free Trade views. Such a change of views was
+not the sudden impulse of an hour. The next step was to announce his
+changed convictions. And so upon other occasions in his life, his
+attitude on the question of the corn laws led to his separation from
+some old and greatly cherished political and personal friends, and among
+the first to disapprove of his new departure must have been his own
+father, who would think his son was going to ruin the country.
+
+The Duke of Buccleuch and Lord Stanley informed Sir Robert Peel that
+they could not support a measure for the repeal of the corn laws, and
+Sir Robert Peel, being doubtful whether he could carry through the
+proposed measure in the face of such opposition, tendered his
+resignation as premier to the Queen. Lord John Russell was called upon
+to form a new ministry, but, having failed in this, the Queen desired
+Sir Robert Peel to withdraw his resignation, and resume the head of the
+government again.
+
+It was found when the list of the new Peel Cabinet was published, that
+Mr. Gladstone was a member of it; having accepted the office of Colonial
+Secretary, in the place of Lord Stanley, who had resigned because not in
+sympathy with the proposed movement and of repeal. Accepting office in a
+ministry pledged to repeal the corn laws led to the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone from the House of Commons as the representative for Newark.
+The Duke of New Castle, the patron and friend of Mr. Gladstone, was an
+ardent Protectionist, and could not sanction the candidature of a
+supporter of Free Trade principles. His patronage was therefore
+necessarily withdrawn from Mr. Gladstone. Indeed, the Duke had turned
+his own son, Lord Lincoln, out of the representation of Nottinghamshire
+for accepting office under Sir Robert Peel, and he naturally showed no
+mercy to the brilliant but wayward politician, whom his favor had made
+member for Newark. Besides, Mr. Gladstone felt he held opposite
+principles from those he held when elected, and that unless the
+constituency had changed with him, he could no longer honorably continue
+to represent them, even if the influence and friendship of the Duke
+permitted it.
+
+Accordingly he did not offer himself for re-election, but retired and
+issued an address to the electors of Newark, dated January 5, 1846, of
+which the following is an extract: "By accepting the office of Secretary
+of State for the Colonies, I have ceased to be your representative in
+Parliament. On several accounts I should have been peculiarly desirous
+at the present time of giving you an opportunity to pronounce your
+constitutional judgment on my public conduct, by soliciting at your
+hands a renewal of the trust which I have already received from you on
+five successive occasions, and held during a period of thirteen years.
+But as I have good reason to believe that a candidate recommended to
+your favor through local connections may ask your suffrages, it becomes
+my very painful duty to announce to you on that ground alone my
+retirement from a position which has afforded me so much of honor and of
+satisfaction." Mr. Gladstone further goes on to explain that he accepted
+office because he held that "it was for those who believed the
+Government was acting according to the demands of public duty to testify
+that belief, however limited their sphere might be, by their
+co-operation." He had acted "in obedience to the clear and imperious
+call of public obligation."
+
+It was in this way that Mr. Gladstone became a voluntary exile from the
+House of Commons during this important season, and took no part in the
+debates, his personal powerful advocacy being lost in the consideration
+of the great measure before the House. He was a member of the Cabinet,
+but not of the House of Commons. It was no secret, however, that he was
+the most advanced Free Trader in the Peel Cabinet, and that the policy
+of the government in regard to this great measure of 1846 was to a large
+extent moulded by him.
+
+It is also known that his representations of the effects of Free Trade
+on the industry of the country and the general well-being of the people
+strengthened the Premier in his resolve to sweep away the obnoxious corn
+laws. His pamphlet on recent commercial legislation had prepared the way
+for the later momentous changes; and to Mr. Gladstone is due much of the
+credit for the speedy consummation of the Free Trade policy of the Peel
+Ministry. Mr. Gladstone may be regarded as the pioneer of the movement.
+
+Just at this time a calamity occurred in Ireland which furnished Sir
+Robert Peel an additional argument for the prompt repeal of the corn
+laws; namely, a prospective famine, owing to the failure of the potato
+crop. With threatened famine in Ireland, such as had never been
+experienced, the Prime Minister saw clearly that corn must be admitted
+into the country free of duty. The Anti-Corn Law League was growing
+powerful and even irresistible, while both in England and Ireland many
+landlords of influence, who did not belong to the League, were in
+sympathy with the movement started by the Premier and ready to extend to
+him a hearty support.
+
+But the friends of Protection did not leave the Premier without
+opposition. Knowing that Sir Robert Peel's personal influence was
+greater than that of any minister who had "virtually governed the
+empire," they used every means at their command, fair and unfair, to
+defeat the bill. However, their efforts were destined to failure. Some
+contended that the presentation and passage of the corn law repeal bill
+ought to be left to the Liberals. But Free Trade had not received the
+support of every member of the Liberal party, and Sir Robert Peel was in
+a position to carry out the measure, and it was not in accordance with
+the wisdom of practical politics to halt. Indeed, at this very juncture,
+Mr. Cobden wrote to the Premier that he had the power, and that it would
+be disastrous to the country for him to hesitate. Writing from
+Edinburgh, Lord John Russell announced his conversion to total and
+immediate repeal of the corn laws. Sir Robert Peel hesitated no longer,
+but, feeling that the crisis had arrived, determined to grapple with it.
+It was duty to country before and above fancied loyalty to party to be
+considered. It is strange what remedies some men deem sensible,
+suggested to prevent famine in Ireland.
+
+"Obviously the Government was in difficulties. What those difficulties
+were it was not hard to guess. In the previous autumn it had become
+known that, after a long season of sunless wet, the potatoes had
+everywhere been attacked by an obscure disease. The failure of this crop
+meant an Irish famine. The steps suggested to meet this impending
+calamity were strange enough. The head of the English peerage
+recommended the poor to rely on curry-powder as a nutritious and
+satisfying food. Another duke thought that the government could show no
+favor to a population almost in a state of rebellion, but that
+individuals might get up a subscription. A noble lord, harmonizing
+materialism and faith, urged the government to encourage the provision
+of salt fish, and at the same time to appoint a day of public
+acknowledgment of our dependence on Divine goodness. The council of the
+Royal Agricultural Society, numbering some of the wealthiest noblemen
+and squires in England, were not ashamed to lecture the laborers on the
+sustaining properties of thrice-boiled bones."
+
+When Parliament assembled the Premier entered into an explanation of the
+late ministerial crisis, and unfolded his projected plans. He said that
+the failure of the potato crop had led to the dissolution of the late
+government, that matters now could brook no further delay; that prompt
+action must now be taken on the Corn Laws; that the progress of reason
+and truth demanded it; that his opinions on the subject of Protection
+had undergone a great change; that the experience of the past three
+years confirmed him in his new views; that he could not conceal the
+knowledge of his convictions, however much it might lay him open to the
+charge of inconsistency; that, though accused of apathy and neglect, he
+and his colleagues were even then engaged in the most extensive and
+arduous inquiries into the true state of Ireland; and that, as these
+inquiries progressed, he has been forced to the conclusion that the
+protection policy was unsound and consequently untenable.
+
+It is worthy of note that Mr. Disraeli, the future Parliamentary rival
+of Mr. Gladstone, took part, as a member of the House of Commons, in the
+discussion of the question under consideration. The following words show
+his attitude: "To the opinions which I have expressed in this House in
+favor of Protection I adhere. They sent to this House, and if I had
+relinquished them I should have relinquished my seat also." "It would be
+an unprofitable talk," writes Barnett Smith, "to unravel the many
+inconsistencies of Lord Beaconsfield's career; but with regard to this
+deliverance upon Protection, the curious in such matters may turn back
+to the records of 1842, when they will discover that at that time he was
+quite prepared to advocate measures of a Free Trade character. But we
+must pass on from this important question of the Corn Laws, with the
+angry controversy to which it gave rise. Sir Robert Peel brought forward
+his measure, and after lengthened debate in both Houses, it became law,
+and grain was admitted into English ports under the new tariff."
+
+After all their success in carrying through the important Corn Law
+Repeal scheme, the ministry of Sir Robert Peel was doomed to fall upon
+an Irish question. The very day that brought their victory in the
+passage of the Corn Law Repeal Act in the House of Lords saw the defeat
+of the ministry in the House of Commons on their bill for the
+suppression of outrage in Ireland. Sir Robert Peel found himself in a
+minority of 73 and therefore tendered his resignation. It was accepted
+and Sir Robert Peel went out of office forever. Lord John Russell was
+sent for by the Queen, and he succeeded in forming a Whig Ministry.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's return to the Cabinet of Sir Robert Peel, as we have
+seen, cost him his seat in the House of Commons. It was not until the
+brief session of 1847, that he appeared again in Parliament. The Queen
+dissolved Parliament in person, July, 23d. The election succeeding
+turned in many instances upon ecclesiastical questions, and especially
+upon the Maynooth grant.
+
+It was announced early in 1847 that one of the two members of the House
+of Commons for the University of Oxford intended to retire at the next
+general election. Mr. Canning had pronounced the representation of the
+university as the most coveted prize of public life, and Mr. Gladstone
+himself confessed that he "desired it with an almost passionate
+fondness." Mr. Gladstone, as a graduate of Oxford, was looked upon not
+only by his contemporaries, but by his seniors and those who came after
+him, with feelings of enthusiastic admiration. The feeling then was
+reciprocal, and he was proposed for the vacant seat. Sir R.N. Inglis was
+secure in his seat, and so the contest lay between Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Round, who was of the ultra-Protestant and Tory school. The contest
+excited the keenest interest and was expected on all hands to be
+very close.
+
+Mr. Gladstone in his address to the electors of his _Alma Mater_
+confessed that in the earlier part of his public life he had been an
+advocate for the exclusive support of the national religion of the
+state, but it had been in vain; the time was against him. He said: "I
+found that scarcely a year passed without the adoption of some fresh
+measure involving the national recognition and the national support of
+various forms of religion, and, in particular, that a recent and fresh
+provision had been made for the propagation from a public chair of Arian
+or Socinian doctrines. The question remaining for me was whether, aware
+of the opposition of the English people, I should set down as equal to
+nothing, in a matter primarily connected not with our own but with their
+priesthood, the wishes of the people of Ireland; and whether I should
+avail myself of the popular feeling in regard to the Roman Catholics for
+the purpose of enforcing against them a system which we had ceased by
+common consent to enforce against Arians--a system, above all, of which
+I must say that it never can be conformable to policy, to justice or
+even to decency, when it has become avowedly partial and one-sided in
+its application."
+
+This address intensified the determination of those opposed to Mr.
+Gladstone to defeat him. A great portion of the press was, however, in
+his favor. Some of the journals that were enthusiastic for Mr. Gladstone
+were very bitter against Mr. Round. Mr. Gladstone's distinguished talent
+and industry were lauded, as well as his earnest attachment to the
+Church of England. He had, however, renounced the exclusiveness of his
+politico-ecclesiastical principles, and no longer importuned Parliament
+to ignore all forms of religion but those established by law, or which
+were exactly coincident with his own belief. "His election," declared
+one journal, "unlike that of Mr. Round, while it sends an important
+member to the House of Commons, will certainly be creditable, and may be
+valuable to the university; and we heartily hope that no negligence or
+hesitation among his supporters may impede his success." Even outside of
+church circles the election was regarded with great interest.
+
+The nomination took place July 29th. After the usual ceremony, the
+voting commenced in convocation-house, which was densely crowded. So
+great was the pressure of the throng that men fainted and had to be
+carried out. Mr. Coleridge, afterward Lord Coleridge, was the secretary
+of Mr. Gladstone's committee. Distinguished men, among them Sir Robert
+Peel, his colleague in the Cabinet, came from a great distance to
+"plump" for Mr. Gladstone. The venerable Dr. Routh, then nearly
+ninety-two years old, came forth from his retirement at Magdalen College
+to vote for him. Mrs. Gladstone, according to Mr. Hope-Scott, was an
+indefatigable canvasser for her husband. At the close of the poll the
+vote stood: Inglis, 1700; Gladstone, 997; Round, 824. Of course Sir
+Robert Inglis, with his "prehistoric Toryism," stood at the head. To the
+supporters of Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Round must be added 154 who were
+paired. Mr. Gladstone received a majority of 173 over his
+ultra-Protestant opponent. The total number of those polled exceeded
+that registered at any previous election, showing the intense and
+general interest in the result.
+
+This period of Mr. Gladstone's life has been very properly styled by one
+of his biographers, as the transition period. "On one side the
+Conservative Free-trader clings fondly and tenaciously to the Toryism of
+his youth, on another, he is reaching out toward new realms of Liberal
+thought and action. He opposes marriage with a deceased wife's sister on
+theological and social grounds, asserting roundly that such marriage is
+'contrary to the law of God, declared for three thousand years and
+upwards.' He deprecates the appointment of a Commission to enquire into
+the Universities, because it will deter intending benefactors from
+effecting their munificent intentions. He argues for a second chamber in
+Australian legislatures, citing, perhaps a little unfortunately, the
+constitutional example of contemporary France. In all these utterances
+it is not hard to read the influence of the traditions in which he was
+reared, or of the ecclesiastical community which he represents in
+Parliament.
+
+"Yet even in the theological domain a tendency towards Liberalism shows
+itself. His hatred of Erastianism is evinced by his gallant but
+unsuccessful attempt to secure for the clergy and laity of each colonial
+diocese the power of self-government. Amid the indignant protests of his
+Tory allies, and in opposition to his own previous speech and vote, he
+vindicates the policy of admitting the Jews to Parliament. He defends
+the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Court of Rome; he
+supports the alteration of the parliamentary oath; and, though he will
+not abet an abstract attack on Church Rates, he contends that their
+maintainance involves a corresponding duty to provide accommodation in
+the church for the very poorest of the congregation.
+
+"On the commercial side his Liberalism is rampant. With even fanatical
+faith he clings to Free Trade as the best guarantee for our national
+stability amid the crash of the dynasties and constitutions which went
+down in '48. He thunders against the insidious dangers of reciprocity.
+He desires, by reforming the laws which govern navigation, to make the
+ocean, 'that great highway of nations, as free to the ships that
+traverse its bosom as to the winds that sweep it.'
+
+"And so the three years--1847, 1848, 1849--rolled by, full of stirring
+events in Europe and in England, in Church and in State, but marked by
+no special incidents in the life of Mr. Gladstone. For him these years
+were a period of mental growth, of transition, of development. A change
+was silently proceeding, which was not completed for twenty years, if,
+indeed, it has been completed yet. 'There have been,' he wrote in later
+days to Bishop Wilberforce, 'two great deaths, or transmigrations of
+spirit, in my political existence--one, very slow, the breaking of ties
+with my original party.' This was now in progress. The other will be
+narrated in due course."
+
+One of the features of the general election of 1847 that excited the
+wildest popular comment was the election of Baron Rothschild for the
+City of London. There was nothing illegal in the election of a Jew, but
+he was virtually precluded from taking his seat in the House of Commons,
+because the law required every member to subscribe not only to the
+Christian religion, but to the Protestant Episcopal faith. To obviate
+this difficulty, Lord John Russell, soon after Parliament assembled,
+offered a resolution affirming the eligibility of Jews to all functions
+and offices to which Roman Catholics were admissible by law. Sir R.H.
+Inglis opposed the resolution and Mr. Gladstone, his colleague,
+supported it.
+
+Mr. Gladstone inquired whether there were any grounds for the
+disqualification of the Jews which distinguished them from any other
+classes in the community. They contended for a "Christian Parliament,
+but the present measure did not make severance between politics and
+religion, it only amounted to a declaration that there was no necessity
+for excluding a Jew, as such, from an assembly in which every man felt
+sure that a vast and overwhelming majority of its members would always
+be Christian. It was said that by admitting a few Jews they would
+un-Christianize Parliament; that was true in word, but not in
+substance." He had no doubt that the majority of the members who
+composed it would always perform their obligations on the true faith of
+a Christian. It was too late to say that the measure was un-Christian,
+and that it would call down the vengeance of heaven. When he opposed the
+last law of the removal of Jewish disabilities, he foresaw that if he
+gave the Jew municipal, magisterial and executive functions, we could
+not refuse him legislative functions any longer. "The Jew was refused
+entrance into the House because he would then be a maker of the law; but
+who made the maker of the law? The constituencies; and into these
+constituencies had been admitted the Jews. Now were the constituencies
+Christian constituencies? If they were, was it probable that the
+Parliament would cease to be a Christian Parliament?"
+
+Mr. Gladstone admitted the force of the prayer in Bishop Wilberforce's
+petition, that in view of this concession measures should be taken to
+give greater vigor to the Church, and thus operate to the prevention of
+an organic change in the relations between Church and State. In
+concluding his defence of Lord John Russell's resolution Mr. Gladstone
+expressed the opinion that if they admitted Jews into Parliament,
+prejudice might be awakened for awhile, but the good sense of the people
+would soon allay it, and members would have the consolation of knowing
+that in case of difficulty they had yielded to a sense of justice, and
+by so doing had not disparaged religion or lowered Christianity, but
+rather had elevated both in all reflecting and well-regulated minds. The
+logic of this speech could not be controverted, though Mr. Newdegate
+declared that Mr. Gladstone would never have gained his election for the
+University of Oxford had his sentiments on the Jewish question been then
+known. The resolution of Lord John Russell was carried by a large
+majority, whereupon he announced first a resolution, and then a bill, in
+accordance with its terms.
+
+The year 1848 was a year of excitement and revolution. All Europe was in
+a state of agitation, and France by a new revolution presented another
+one of her national surprises. The news of a revolution in France caused
+the greatest perturbation throughout England, and disturbances in the
+capital of the country. Great demonstrations were made at Trafalgar
+Square and Charing Cross, March 6th, but the meetings assumed more of a
+burlesque than of a serious character. In Glasgow and other parts of the
+country there were serious riots. Shops were sacked, and the military
+was called out to quell the disturbance, which was not effected until
+the soldiers fired with fatal results upon the rioters. There were
+uprisings and mob violence also at Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, but
+they were of a less formidable character. A Chartist meeting was held on
+Kennington Common, March 13th, but, though the meeting had been looked
+forward to with great apprehensions by all lovers of law and order, yet
+it passed off without the serious results anticipated.
+
+Though great preparations were made in view of the demonstration, yet,
+fortunately it passed off without loss of life. The meeting however had
+furnished a pretext for the gathering of a lawless mob, although but few
+were politically concerned in it. It was deemed necessary, to provide
+against every emergency, so special constables in great numbers were
+sworn in previous to the meetings, and it is interesting to observe that
+amongst the citizens who came forward in London to enroll themselves as
+preservers of the peace of society were William Ewart Gladstone, the
+Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Derby, and Prince Louis Napoleon,
+afterwards Emperor of France.
+
+The people were becoming dissatisfied with the government of the
+country, particularly with its financial measures. A deficiency of two
+million pounds appeared, and additional taxation would be necessary
+owing to the Caffre War. It was therefore proposed to continue the
+income tax for five years and increase it slightly. Owing to the
+distress in Ireland it was not proposed to extend the operation of this
+measure to that country. The property tax was defended on the same
+principles laid down by Mr. Pitt, and in 1842, by Sir Robert Peel. But
+this scheme was bitterly opposed and many attributed the depressed
+condition of the finances to free trade. Sir Robert Peel decided to
+support the proposed tax for three years. Mr. Disraeli desired the
+success of Sir Robert Peel's policy, and described himself as a
+"free-trader, but not a free-booter of the Manchester school;" and he
+dubbed the blue-book of the Import Duties Committee "the greatest work
+of imagination that the nineteenth century has produced." He said that
+the government, by acting upon it, and taking it for a guide, resembled
+a man smoking a cigar on a barrel of gunpowder.
+
+This epigrammatic speech of Mr. Disraeli brought Mr. Gladstone to his
+feet. He said, by way of introduction, that he could not hope to sustain
+the lively interest created by the remarkable speech of his
+predecessor--a display to which he felt himself unequal--he would pass
+over the matters of a personal description touched upon by the
+honorable gentleman, and confine himself to defending the policy which
+had been assailed. Mr. Gladstone then demonstrated, by a series of
+elaborate statistics, the complete success of Sir Robert Peel's policy.
+He also said, that the confidence of the public would be greatly shaken
+by an adverse vote, and he alluded to the unsettled condition of affairs
+in the Cabinet. "I am sure," said Mr. Gladstone, "that this House of
+Commons will prove itself to be worthy of the Parliaments which preceded
+it, worthy of the Sovereign which it has been called to advise, and
+worthy of the people which it has been chosen to represent, by
+sustaining this nation, and enabling it to stand firm in the midst of
+the convulsions that shake European society; by doing all that pertains
+to us for the purpose of maintaining social order, the stability of
+trade, and the means of public employment; and by discharging our
+consciences, on our own part, under the difficult circumstances of the
+crisis, in the perfect trust that if we set a good example to the
+nations--for whose interests we are appointed to consult--they, too,
+will stand firm as they have in other times of almost desperate
+emergency; and that through their good sense, their moderation, and
+their attachment to the institutions of the country, we shall see these
+institutions still exist, a blessing and a benefit to prosperity,
+whatever alarms and whatever misfortunes may unfortunately befall other
+portions of civilized Europe."
+
+"It was fortunate for the future interests of the country," says Dr.
+Smith, his biographer, "that the proposals of the government were at
+this juncture supported by a great majority of the House of Commons. In
+a moment of unreasoning panic there was some danger of the adoption of a
+reactionary policy--a step that would have lost to the country those
+blessings which it subsequently enjoyed as the outcome of Free Trade."
+
+May 15, Mr. Labouchere, President of the Board of Trade, proposed a plan
+for the modification of the navigation laws. Reserving the coasting
+trade and fisheries of Great Britain and the Colonies, it was proposed
+"to throw open the whole navigation of the country, of every sort and
+description." But the Queen claimed the right of putting such
+restrictions as she saw fit upon the navigation of foreign countries, if
+those countries did not meet England on equal terms; and that each
+colony should be allowed to throw open its coasting trade to foreign
+countries. Mr. Gladstone made a lengthy speech, examining closely the
+operation of existing laws, and showing the necessity for their repeal.
+With regard to the power claimed by the Queen in Council, with a view to
+enforcing reciprocity, Mr. Gladstone said, "I confess it appears to me
+there is a great objection to conferring such a power as that which is
+proposed to be given to the Queen in Council." He contended also for a
+gradual change in the laws. The policy of excluding the coasting trade
+from the measure he also condemned. "It would have been much more frank
+to have offered to admit the Americans to our coasting trade if they
+would admit us to theirs." If England and America concurred in setting
+an example to the world, he hoped we should "live to see the ocean, that
+great highway of nations, as free to the ships that traverse its bosom
+as the winds that sweep it. England would then have achieved another
+triumph, and have made another powerful contribution to the prosperity
+of mankind." The bill was postponed until the following year.
+
+During the session of 1848 Mr. Gladstone spoke upon the proposed grant
+of Vancouver's Island to the Hudson's Bay Company; and upon the Sugar
+Duties Bill; but the most important speech delivered by him at that time
+was upon a measure to legalize diplomatic relations with the Court of
+Rome. It was objected that thus recognizing the spiritual governor of
+Rome and of all the Roman Catholic population of the world, would
+neither conciliate the affections of the Protestants, nor satisfy the
+wishes of the Roman Catholics, who had denounced it strongly to
+the Pope.
+
+Mr. Gladstone took broad and comprehensive views of the question. To
+some features of the Bill he was opposed, but was in favor of its
+principle. It was unfortunate as to time, owing to the condition of
+affairs in Italy. England must take one of two positions. If she
+declined political communication with the See of Rome, she had no right
+to complain of any steps which the Pope might take with respect to the
+administration of his own ecclesiastical affairs; but an act so directly
+in contravention of the laws of the land as the partitioning of the
+country into archbishoprics and bishoprics was a most unfortunate
+proceeding; wrong because it was generally and justly offensive to the
+feelings of the people of England, and totally unnecessary, as he
+believed, for Roman Catholic purposes, but also because it ill assorted
+with the grounds on which the Parliament was invited by the present bill
+to establish definite relations with the See of Rome. For one hundred
+years after the Reformation the Pope was actually in arms for the
+purpose of recovering by force his lost dominions in this country. It
+was only natural, therefore, that we should have prohibited relations
+with the See of Rome when it attacked the title of the Sovereign of
+these realms, but there was no such reason for continuing the
+prohibition at the present moment.
+
+Those who have studied Mr. Gladstone's career carefully attest that this
+speech would have been impossible from his lips ten years before the
+time it was delivered; and early in the next session of Parliament he
+delivered another speech which furnishes us an example of the growth of
+his liberal views in matters of conscience. Lord John Russell proposes
+further relief upon the matter of oaths to be taken by members of
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said that the civil political claims of the
+Jew should not be barred, and he deprecated the tendency to degenerate
+formalism in oaths, but he was glad that the words, "on the true faith
+of a Christian" in respect to all Christian members of the House of
+Commons had been retained. He also, later in the session, favored
+correcting the enormous evils growing out of the Church rate system,
+with taxation of all the further support of the State Church. He did not
+believe in imposing an uncompensated burden upon any man. Every man
+contributing his quota was entitled to demand a free place in the house
+of his Maker. "But the centre and best parts of the Church were occupied
+by pews exclusively for the middle classes, while the laboring classes
+were jealously excluded from almost every part of light and hearing in
+the Churches, and were treated in a manner most painful to
+reflect upon."
+
+When Mr. Labouchere re-introduced the ministerial bill for the repeal of
+the Navigation Laws, in the session of 1849, Mr. Gladstone supported
+generally the measure in a full and exhaustive speech. He favored the
+bill with certain modifications. The Marquis of Granby expressed fears
+at the consequences of the change proposed, and Mr. Gladstone answered
+him: "The noble Marquis," he observed, "desired to expel the vapours and
+exhalations that had been raised with regard to the principle of
+political economy, and which vapours and exhalations I find for the most
+part in the fears with which those changes are regarded. The noble
+Marquis consequently hoped that the Trojan horse would not be allowed to
+come within the walls of Parliament. But however applicable the figures
+may be to other plans, it does not, I submit, apply to the mode of
+proceeding I venture to recommend to the House, because we follow the
+precedent of what Mr. Huskisson did before us. Therefore more than one
+moiety of the Trojan horse has already got within the citadel--it has
+been there for twenty-five years, and yet what has proceeded from its
+bowels has only tended to augment the rate of increase in the progress
+of your shipping. Therefore, let us not be alarmed by vague and dreamy
+ratiocinations of evil, which had never been wanting on any occasion,
+and which never will be wanting so long as this is a free State, wherein
+every man can find full vent and scope for the expression, not only of
+his principles, but of his prejudices and his fears. Let us not be
+deterred by those apprehensions from giving a calm and serious
+examination to this question, connected as it is with the welfare of our
+country. Let us follow steadily the light of experience, and be
+convinced that He who preserved us during the past will also be
+sufficient to sustain us during all the dangers of the future."
+
+Mr. Disraeli seized the opportunity to make a caustic speech, in which
+he fiercely attacked both Mr. Labouchere and Mr. Gladstone, and alluded
+sarcastically to their "great sacrifices," and said that the latter was
+about to give up that good development of the principle of reciprocity
+which the House had waited for with so much suspense. Mr. Gladstone
+replied, "I am perfectly satisfied to bear his sarcasm, good humoured
+and brilliant as it is, while I can appeal to his judgment as to whether
+the step I have taken was unbecoming in one who conscientiously differs
+with him on the freedom of trade, and has endeavoured to realize it;
+because, so far from its being the cause of the distress of the country,
+it has been, under the mercy of God, the most signal and effectual means
+of mitigating this distress, and accelerating the dawn of the day of
+returning prosperity."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke also during the session upon the subject of Colonial
+Reform which came before the House on several occasions, and especially
+in connection with riots in Canada; and on a bill for the removal of
+legal restrictions against marriage with a deceased wife's sister. He
+opposed the latter measure upon theological, social, and moral grounds,
+and begged the House to repeat the almost entire sentiment of the
+country respecting the bill. To do otherwise would be to inflict upon
+the Church the misfortune of having anarchy introduced among its
+ministers. He hoped they would do all that in them lay to maintain the
+strictness of the obligations of marriage, and the purity of the
+hallowed sphere of domestic life. The bill was rejected.
+
+In the Parliamentary session of 1850 one of the chief topics of
+discussion was the great depression of the agricultural interests of the
+country. The country was at peace, the revenues were in a good
+condition, foreign trade had increased, but the farmers still made loud
+complaints of the disastrous condition, which they attributed to
+free-trade measures, which they contended had affected the whole of the
+agricultural interests. Consequently, February 19th, Mr. Disraeli moved
+for a committee of the whole House to consider such a revision of the
+Poor Laws of the United Kingdom as might mitigate the distress of the
+agricultural classes. Some thought that this was a movement against
+free-trade, but Mr. Gladstone courted the fullest investigation, and
+seeing no danger in the motion, voted for it. However, the motion of
+Mr. Disraeli was lost.
+
+Mr. Gladstone likewise favored the extension of the benefits of
+Constitutional government to certain of the colonies,--for example as
+set forth in the Australian Colonies Government Bill; and twice during
+the session he addressed the House on questions connected with slavery,
+and upon motion of Mr. Haywood for an inquiry into the state of the
+English and Irish universities, and the government unexpectedly gave
+their consent to the issuing of a Royal Commission for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone said that any person who might be deliberating with himself
+whether he would devote a portion of his substance for prosecuting the
+objects of learning, civilization and religion, would be checked by the
+prospect that at any given time, and under any given circumstances, a
+minister, who was the creature of a political majority, might institute
+a state inquiry into the mode in which the funds he might devise were
+administered. It was not wise to discourage eleemosynary establishments.
+It would be better for the Crown to see what could be done to improve
+the colleges by administering existing laws.
+
+In reviewing the past ten years we exclaim, truly has the period from
+1841 to 1850, in the political life of Mr. Gladstone, been called a
+memorable decade.
+
+It was in the year 1850, as we have seen, that the Gladstones were
+plunged into domestic sorrow by the death of their little daughter,
+Catharine Jessy; and it was this same year that brought to Mr. Gladstone
+another grief from a very different source. This second bereavement was
+caused by the withdrawal of two of his oldest and most intimate friends,
+the Archdeacon of Chichester and Mr. J.R. Hope, from the Protestant
+Episcopal Church of England and their union with the Roman Catholic
+Church. Mr. Hope, who became Hope-Scott on succeeding to the estate of
+Abbotsford, was the gentleman who helped Mr. Gladstone in getting
+through the press his book on Church and State, revising, correcting and
+reading proof. The Archdeacon, afterwards Cardinal Manning, had, from
+his undergraduate days, exercised a powerful influence over his
+contemporaries. He was gifted with maturity of intellect and character,
+had great shrewdness, much tenacity of will, a cogent, attractive style,
+combined with an impressive air of authority, to which the natural
+advantages of person and bearing added force. Besides having these
+qualifications for leadership, he had fervid devotion, enlarged
+acquaintance with life and men, and an "unequalled gift of
+administration;" though a priest, he was essentially a statesman, and
+had at one time contemplated a political career. He was Mr. Gladstone's
+most trusted counsellor and most intimate friend.
+
+The cause, or rather occasion for these secessions from the Church of
+England to the Church of Rome, is thus related: "An Evangelical
+clergyman, the Rev. G.C. Gorham, had been presented to a living in the
+diocese of Exeter; and that truly formidable prelate, Bishop Phillpotts,
+refused to institute him, alleging that he held heterodox views on the
+subject of Holy Baptism. After complicated litigation, the Judicial
+Committee of the Privy Council decided, on March 8, 1850, that the
+doctrine held by the incriminated clergyman was not such as to bar him
+from preferment in the Church of England. This decision naturally
+created great commotion in the Church. Men's minds were rudely shaken.
+The orthodoxy of the Church of England seemed to be jeopardized, and the
+supremacy of the Privy Council was in a matter touching religious
+doctrine felt to be an intolerable burden."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, as well as others, was profoundly agitated by these
+events, and June 4th he expressed his views in a letter to Dr.
+Blomfield, Bishop of London. The theme of his letter was, "The Royal
+Supremacy, viewed in the light of Reason, History and the Constitution."
+He contended that the Royal Supremacy, as settled at the Reformation,
+was not inconsistent with the spiritual life and inherent jurisdiction
+of the Church, but the recent establishment of the Privy Council as the
+ultimate court of appeal in religious causes was "an injurious and even
+dangerous departure from the Reformation settlement."
+
+In this letter Mr. Gladstone said, in summing up: "I find it no part of
+my duty, my lord, to idolize the Bishops of England and Wales, or to
+place my conscience in their keeping. I do not presume or dare to
+speculate upon their particular decisions; but I say that, acting
+jointly, publicly, solemnly, responsibly, they are the best and most
+natural organs of the judicial office of the Church in matters of
+heresy, and, according to reason, history and the constitution, in that
+subject-matter the fittest and safest counsellors of the Crown."
+
+But this view regarding the Church of England did not suit some minds,
+and among them the two friends with whom Mr. Gladstone had, up to this
+time, acted in religious matters. These troubles in the Church so
+powerfully affected them that they withdrew.
+
+The following quotation shows Mr. Gladstone's firmness in regard to his
+own choice of the Protestant Christianity over and above Catholicism, In
+a letter, written in 1873, to Mrs. Maxwell-Scott, of Abbotsford, the
+daughter of his friend Hope, he thus writes of an interview had with
+her father: "It must have been about this time that I had another
+conversation with him about religion, of which, again, I exactly
+recollect the spot. Regarding (forgive me) the adoption of the Roman
+religion by members of the Church of England as nearly the greatest
+calamity that could befall Christian faith in this country, I rapidly
+became alarmed when these changes began; and very long before the great
+luminary, Dr. Newman, drew after him, it may well be said, 'the third
+part of the stars of Heaven.' This alarm I naturally and freely
+expressed to the man upon whom I most relied, your father."
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone in Wales; addressing a meeting at the foot of
+Snowden]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+In considering Mr. Gladstone's exposure of the cruelties practiced in
+the prisons of Naples, we are confronted with his attitude in the House
+of Commons just before, in a case where the same principles seemed to be
+involved, and in which Mr. Gladstone took the directly opposite course.
+We refer to the Don Pacifico case. Both were at first merely personal
+questions, but finally became international. Mr. Gladstone to many
+appeared to take an inconsistent course in these seemingly similar
+cases, in that while opposing national intervention in the affairs of
+Don Pacifico, he tried to stir up all Europe for the relief of the
+sufferers in the Neapolitan prisons. "It is not a little remarkable that
+the statesman who had so lately and so vigorously denounced the 'vain
+conception that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice
+and folly, of abuse and imperfection, among the other countries of the
+world,' should now have found himself irresistibly impelled by
+conscience and humanity to undertake a signal and effective crusade
+against the domestic administration of a friendly power."
+
+The most memorable debate in the new chamber of the House of Commons,
+which was first occupied in 1850, was that associated with the name of
+Don Pacifico. It is however conceded that the circumstances from which
+it all proceeded were comparatively trivial in the extreme. Don Pacifico
+was a Maltese Jew and a British subject, dwelling at Athens. He had made
+himself distasteful to the people of Athens, and consequently his house
+was destroyed and robbed by a mob, April 4, 1847. He appealed to the
+government at Athens for redress, demanding over $150,000 indemnity for
+the loss of his property, among which "a peculiarly sumptuous bedstead
+figured largely." Don Pacifico's claim was unheeded, probably because it
+was exorbitant and the Greek government was poor. Lord Palmerston was
+then the Foreign Secretary of the English Government. He was rash and
+independent in his Foreign policy, and often acted, as the Queen
+complained, without consultation and without the authority of the
+Sovereign.
+
+The Foreign Secretary had had other quarrels with the Government at
+Athens. Land belonging to an English resident in Athens had been seized
+without sufficient compensation; Ionian subjects of the English Crown
+had suffered hardships at the hands of the Greek authorities, and an
+English Midshipman had been arrested by mistake. Lord Palmerston looked
+upon these incidents, slight as they were in themselves, as indicative
+of a plot on the part of the French Minister against the English, and
+especially as the Greek Government was so dilatory in satisfying the
+English claims. "This was enough. The outrage on Don Pacifico's bedstead
+remained the head and front of Greek offending, but Lord Palmerston
+included all the other slight blunders and delays of justice in one
+sweeping indictment; made the private claims into a national demand, and
+peremptorily informed the Greek Government that they must pay what was
+demanded of them within a given time. The Government hesitated, and the
+British fleet was ordered to the Piraeus, and seized all the Greek
+vessels which were found in the waters. Russia and France took umbrage
+at this high-handed proceeding and championed Greece. Lord Palmerston
+informed them it was none of their business and stood firm. The French
+Ambassador was withdrawn from London, and for awhile the peace of Europe
+was menaced." The execution of the orders of Lord Palmerston was left
+with Admiral Sir William Parker, who was first to proceed to Athens with
+the English fleet, and failing to obtain satisfaction was to blockade
+the Piraeus, which instructions he faithfully obeyed.
+
+The debate began in Parliament June 24, 1850. The stability of the Whig
+administration, then in power, depended upon the results. In the House
+of Lords, Lord Stanley moved a resolution, which was carried, expressing
+regret that "various claims against the Greek Government, doubtful in
+point of justice and exaggerated in amount, have been enforced by
+coercive measures, directed against the commerce and people of Greece,
+and calculated to endanger the continuance of our friendly relations
+with foreign powers." A counter-resolution was necessary in the House of
+Commons to offset the action of the Lords, so a Radical, Mr. Roebuck,
+much to the surprise of many, came to the defense of the Government and
+offered the following motion, which was carried: "That the principles
+which have hitherto regulated the foreign policy of Her Majesty's
+Government are such as were required to preserve untarnished the honor
+and dignity of this country, and, in times of unexampled difficulty, the
+best calculated to maintain peace between England and the various
+nations of the world."
+
+The debate which followed, and which was prolonged over four nights, was
+marked on both sides by speeches of unusual oratorical power and
+brilliancy. The speeches of Lord Palmerston, Sir Robert Peel, Mr.
+Cockburn, Mr. Cobden, Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone were pronounced as
+remarkable orations. Sir Robert Peel made a powerful speech against the
+Ministers, which was made memorable not only for its eloquence, but
+because it was his last. Lord Palmerston defended himself vigorously in
+a speech of five hours' duration. "He spoke," said Mr. Gladstone, "from
+the dusk of one day to the dawn of the next." He defended his policy at
+every point. In every step taken he had been influenced by the sole
+desire that the meanest, the poorest, even the most disreputable subject
+of the English Crown should be defended by the whole might of England
+against foreign oppression. He reminded them of all that was implied in
+the Roman boast, _Civis Romanus sum_, and urged the House to make it
+clear that a British subject, in whatever land he might be, should feel
+confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of England could
+protect him. This could not be resisted. _Civis Romanus sum_ settled
+the question.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's reply was a masterpiece. It was exhaustive and
+trenchant, and produced a great effect. He first spoke upon the position
+of the Government and the constitutional doctrines which they had laid
+down in regard to it, and then severely condemned the conduct of the
+Premier for being so heedless of the censure of the House of Lords and
+in trying to shield himself behind the precedents which are in reality
+no precedents at all. With reference to the Greek question, he
+repudiated precedents which involved the conduct of strong countries
+against weak ones. The Greek Government had put no impediment in the way
+of arbitration. Instead of trusting and trying the tribunals of the
+country and employing diplomatic agency simply as a supplemental
+resource, Lord Palmerston had interspersed authority of foreign power,
+in contravention both of the particular stipulations of the treaty in
+force between Greece and England and of the general principles of the
+law of nations. He had thus set the mischievous example of abandoning
+the methods of law and order, and resorted to those of force.
+Non-interference had been laid down as the basis of our conduct towards
+other nations, but the policy of Lord Palmerston had been characterized
+by a spirit of active interference.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's words were in part as follows: "Does he [Lord
+Palmerston] make the claim for us [the English] that we are to be lifted
+upon a platform high above the standing-ground of all other nations?...
+It is indeed too clear ... that he adopts, in part, the vain conception
+that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice and folly,
+of abuse and imperfection among the other countries of the world; that
+we are to be the universal schoolmasters, and that all those who
+hesitate to recognize our office can be governed only by prejudice or
+personal animosity, and shall have the blind war of diplomacy forthwith
+declared against them."
+
+Again: "Let us recognize, and recognize with frankness, the equality of
+the weak with the strong; the principles of brotherhood among nations,
+and of their sacred independence. When we are asking for the maintenance
+of the rights which belong to our fellow-subjects, resident in Greece,
+let us do as we would be done by, and let us pay all respect to a feeble
+State and to the infancy of free institutions.... Let us refrain from
+all gratuitous and arbitrary meddling in the internal concerns of other
+States, even as we should resent the same interference if it were
+attempted to be practiced toward ourselves."
+
+In this address Mr. Gladstone evinces his inclination to appeal to the
+higher and nobler nature of man, to the principles of brotherhood among
+nations, to the law of God and nature, and to ask as a test of the
+foreign policy of the government, not whether it is striking, or
+brilliant, or successful, but whether it is right.
+
+This speech of Mr. Gladstone's was recognized as the finest he had
+delivered in Parliament, and its power was acknowledged by both sides of
+the House, by political opponent and friend. Lord Chief Justice
+Cockburn, then a member of the House, referring in a speech the
+following evening to Mr. Gladstone and his remarkable speech, uttered
+these words: "I suppose we are now to consider him as the representative
+of Lord Stanley in the House--Gladstone _Vice_ Disraeli, am I to say,
+resigned or superseded?" The government was sustained.
+
+We have already stated that it was during this memorable debate that Sir
+Robert Peel made his last speech.--On the following day, 29th of June,
+1850, Sir Robert called at Buckingham Palace for the purpose of leaving
+his card. On proceeding up Constitution Hill on horse back he met one of
+Lady Dover's daughters, and exchanged salutations. Immediately
+afterwards his horse became restive and shying towards the rails of the
+Green Park, threw Sir Robert sideways on his left shoulder. Medical aid
+was at hand and was at once administered. Sir Robert groaned when lifted
+and when asked whether he was much hurt replied, "Yes, very much." He
+was conveyed home where the meeting with his family was very affecting,
+and he swooned in the arms of his physician. He was placed upon a sofa
+in the dining-room from which he never moved. His sufferings were so
+acute that a minute examination of his injuries could not be made. For
+two or three days he lingered and then died, July 2d. An examination
+made after death revealed the fact that the fifth rib on the left side
+was fractured, the broken rib pressing on the lung, producing effusion
+and pulmonary engorgement. This was probably the seat of the mortal
+injury, and was where Sir Robert complained of the greatest pain.
+
+The news of Sir Robert's death produced a profound sensation throughout
+the land. Great and universal were the tokens of respect and grief.
+There was but one feeling,--that England had lost one of her most
+illustrious statesmen. Even those who had been in opposition to his
+views, alluded to the great loss the nation had sustained and paid a
+fitting tribute to his memory. The House of Commons, on motion of Mr.
+Hume July 3d, at once adjourned. In the House of Lords the Duke of
+Wellington and Lord Brougham spoke in appreciative words of the departed
+statesman. "Such was the leader whom Mr. Gladstone had faithfully
+followed for many years."
+
+Supporting Mr. Hume's motion, Mr. Gladstone said: "I am quite sure that
+every heart is much too full to allow us, at a period so early, to enter
+upon a consideration of the amount of that calamity with which the
+country has been visited in his, I must even now say, premature death;
+for though he has died full of years and full of honors, yet it is a
+death which our human eyes will regard as premature; because we had
+fondly hoped that, in whatever position he was placed, by the weight of
+his character, by the splendor of his talents, by the purity of his
+virtues, he would still have been spared to render to his countrymen the
+most essential services. I will only, sir, quote those most touching and
+feeling lines which were applied by one of the greatest poets of this
+country to the memory of a man great indeed, but yet not greater than
+Sir Robert Peel:"
+
+     'Now is the stately column broke,
+      The beacon light is quenched in smoke;
+      The trumpet's silver voice is still;
+      The warder silent on the hill.'
+
+"Sir, I will add no more--in saying this I have, perhaps, said too much.
+It might have been better had I confined myself to seconding the motion.
+I am sure the tribute of respect which we now offer will be all the more
+valuable from the silence with which the motion is received, and which I
+well know has not arisen from the want, but from the excess of feeling
+on the part of members of this House."
+
+Upon the death of Sir Robert Peel began the disintegration of the party
+distinguished by his name--Peelites. Some of its members united with the
+Conservatives, and others, such as Sir James Graham, Sidney Herbert, and
+Mr. Gladstone held themselves aloof from both Whigs and Tories.
+Conservative traditions still exercised considerable influence over
+them, but they could not join them, because they were already
+surrendering to strong liberal tendencies. It is said that Mr. Gladstone
+at this time, and for a decade thereafter, until the death of Sir James
+Graham, was greatly indebted to this statesman, not only for the growth
+of his liberal principles, but for his development as a practical
+statesman. Sir James wielded great influence over his contemporaries
+generally, because of his great knowledge of Parliamentary tactics, and
+the fact that he was the best educated and most thoroughly accomplished
+statesman of his age. "If he could be prevailed upon to speak in the
+course of a great debate, his speech was worth fifty votes," so great
+was his influence and power. "However great may have been the
+indebtedness of Mr. Gladstone to Sir James Graham, if the former had not
+been possessed of far wider sympathies--to say nothing of superior
+special intellectual qualities--than his political mentor, he never
+could have conceived and executed those important legislative acts for
+which his name will now chiefly be remembered."
+
+The other case occupying the attention of Parliament, to which we have
+alluded, we must now consider--Mr. Gladstone and the prisons of Naples.
+Owing to the illness of one of his children, for whom a southern climate
+was recommended, Mr. Gladstone spent several months of the Winter of
+1850-1 in Naples. His brief visit to this city on a purely domestic
+mission was destined to assume an international importance. It came to
+his knowledge that a large number of the citizens of Naples, who had
+been members of the Chamber of Deputies, an actual majority of the
+representatives of the people, had been exiled or imprisoned by King
+Ferdinand, because they formed the opposition party to the government,
+and that between twenty and thirty thousand of that monarch's subjects
+had been cast into prison on the charge of political disaffection. The
+sympathies of Mr. Gladstone were at once enlisted in behalf of the
+oppressed Neapolitans. At first Mr. Gladstone looked at the matter only
+from a humanitarian and not from a political aspect, and it was only
+upon the former ground that he felt called and impelled to attempt the
+redress of the wrongs which were a scandal to the name of civilisation
+in Europe. And it was not long before England and the Continent were
+aroused by his denunciations of the Neapolitan system of government. Mr.
+Gladstone first carefully ascertained the truth of the statements made
+to him in order to attest their accuracy, and then published two letters
+on the subject addressed to the Earl of Aberdeen. These letters were
+soon followed by a third. In the first of these letters, dated April 7,
+1851, he brings an elaborate, detailed and horrible indictment against
+the rulers of Naples, especially as regards their prisons and the
+treatment of persons confined in them for political offenses. He
+disclaimed any thought of having gone to Naples for the purpose of
+political criticism or censorship, to look for defects in the
+administration of the government, or to hear the grievances of the
+people, or to propagate ideas belonging to another country. But after a
+residence of three or four months in their city he had returned home
+with a deep feeling of the duty upon him to make some endeavor to
+mitigate the horrors in the midst of which the government of Naples was
+carried on.
+
+There were chiefly three reasons that led him to adopt the present
+course: "First, that the present practices of the Government of Naples,
+in reference to real or supposed political offenders, are an outrage
+upon religion, upon civilization, upon humanity and upon decency.
+Secondly, that these practices are certainly, and even rapidly, doing
+the work of Republicanism in that country--a political creed which has
+little natural or habitual root in the character of the people. Thirdly,
+that as a member of the Conservative party in one of the great family of
+European nations, I am compelled to remember that party stands in
+virtual and real, though perhaps unconscious alliance with all the
+established Governments of Europe as such; and that, according to the
+measure of its influence, they suffer more or less of moral detriment
+from its reverses, and derive strength and encouragement from its
+successes."
+
+He passed over the consideration of the all important question whether
+the actual Government of the Two Sicilies was one with or without a
+title, one of law or one of force, and came to the real question at
+issue. His charge against the Neapolitan Government was not one of mere
+imperfection, not corruption in low quarters, not occasional severity,
+but that of incessant, systematic, deliberate violation of the law by
+the power appointed to watch over and maintain it.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, with impassionate language, thus formulates his fearful
+indictment: "It is such violation of human and written law as this,
+carried on for the purpose of violating every other law, unwritten and
+eternal, human and divine; it is the wholesale persecution of virtue,
+when united with intelligence, operating upon such a scale that entire
+classes may with truth be said to be its object, so that the Government
+is in bitter and cruel, as well as utterly illegal hostility to whatever
+in the nation really lives and moves, and forms the mainspring of
+practical progress and improvement; it is the awful profanation of
+public religion, by its notorious alliance in the governing powers with
+the violation of every moral rule under the stimulants of fear and
+vengeance; it is the perfect prostitution of the judicial office which
+has made it, under veils only too threadbare and transparent, the
+degraded recipient of the vilest and clumsiest forgeries, got up
+wilfully and deliberately, by the immediate advisers of the Crown, for
+the purpose of destroying the peace, the freedom, aye, and even, if not
+by capital sentences, the life of men among the most virtuous, upright,
+intelligent, distinguished and refined of the whole community; it is the
+savage and cowardly system of moral as well as in a lower degree of
+physical torture, through which the sentences obtained from the debased
+courts of justice are carried into effect.
+
+"The effect of all this is a total inversion of all the moral and social
+ideas. Law, instead of being respected, is odious. Force and not
+affection is the foundation of government. There is no association, but
+a violent antagonism between the idea of freedom and that of order. The
+governing power, which teaches of itself that it is the image of God
+upon earth, is clothed in the view of the overwhelming majority of the
+thinking public with all the vices for its attributes. I have seen and
+heard the strong expression used, 'This is the negation of God erected
+into a system of Government.'"
+
+It was not merely the large numbers imprisoned unjustly, to which public
+attention was directed, that called for righteous indignation and made
+Mr. Gladstone's words create such a sensation in Europe, but the mode of
+procedure was arbitrary in the extreme. The law of Naples required that
+personal liberty should be inviolable, except under warrant from a court
+of justice. Yet in utter disregard of this law the authorities watched
+the people, paid domiciliary visits, ransacked houses, seized papers and
+effects, and tore up floors at pleasure under pretense of searching for
+arms, imprisoned men by the score, by the hundred, by the thousand
+without any warrant whatever, sometimes without even any written
+authority whatever, or anything beyond the word of a policeman,
+constantly without any statement whatever of the nature of the offense.
+Charges were fabricated to get rid of inconvenient persons. Perjury and
+forgery were resorted to in order to establish charges, and the whole
+mode of conducting trials was a burlesque of justice.
+
+He thus describes the dungeons of Naples, in which some of the prisoners
+were confined for their political opinions: "The prisons of Naples, as
+is well known, are another name for the extreme of filth and horror. I
+have really seen something of them, but not the worst. This I have seen,
+my Lord: the official doctors not going to the sick prisoners, but the
+sick prisoners, men almost with death on their faces, toiling up stairs
+to them at that charnel-house of the Vicaria, because the lower regions
+of such a palace of darkness are too foul and loathsome to allow it to
+be expected that professional men should consent to earn bread by
+entering them." Of some of those sufferers Mr. Gladstone speaks
+particularly. He names Pironte, formerly a judge, Baron Porcari, and
+Carlo Poerio, a distinguished patriot. The latter he specially speaks of
+as a refined and accomplished gentleman, a copious and elegant speaker,
+a respected and blameless character, yet he had been arrested and
+condemned for treason. Mr. Gladstone says: "The condemnation of such a
+man for treason is a proceeding just as conformable to the laws of
+truth, justice, decency, and fair play, and to the common sense of the
+community--in fact, just as great and gross an outrage on them all--as
+would be a like condemnation in this country of any of our best known
+public men--Lord John Russell, or Lord Lansdowne, or Sir James Graham,
+or yourself."
+
+There was no name dearer to Englishmen than that of Poerio to his
+Neapolitan fellow-countrymen. Poerio was tried and condemned on the sole
+accusation of a worthless character named Jerrolino. He would have been
+acquitted nevertheless, by a division of four to five of his judges, had
+not Navarro (who sat as a judge while directly concerned in the charge
+against the prisoner), by the distinct use of intimidation, procured
+the number necessary for a sentence. A statement is furnished on the
+authority of an eye-witness, as to the inhumanity with which invalid
+prisoners were treated by the Grand Criminal Court of Naples; and Mr.
+Gladstone minutely describes the manner of the imprisonment of Poerio
+and six of his incarcerated associates. Each prisoner bore a weight of
+chain amounting to thirty-two pounds and for no purpose whatever were
+these chains undone. All the prisoners were confined, night and day, in
+a small room, which may be described as amongst the closest of dungeons;
+but Poerio was after this condemned to a still lower depth of calamity
+and suffering. "Never before have I conversed," says Mr. Gladstone,
+speaking of Poerio, "and never probably shall I converse again, with a
+cultivated and accomplished gentleman, of whose innocence, obedience to
+law, and love of his country, I was as firmly and as rationally assured
+as your lordship's or that of any other man of the very highest
+character, whilst he stood before me, amidst surrounding felons, and
+clad in the vile uniform of guilt and shame." But he is now gone where
+he will scarcely have the opportunity even of such conversation. I
+cannot honestly suppress my conviction that the object in the case of
+Poerio, as a man of mental power sufficient to be feared, is to obtain
+the scaffold's aim by means more cruel than the scaffold, and without
+the outcry which the scaffold would create.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that it was time for the veil to be lifted from
+scenes more fit for hell than earth, or that some considerable
+mitigation should be voluntarily adopted. This letter was published in
+1851--the year of the great Exposition in London--and a copy was sent to
+the representative of the Queen in every court of Europe. Its
+publication caused a wide-spread indignation in England, a great
+sensation abroad, and profoundly agitated the court of Naples.
+
+In the English Parliament Sir De Lacy Evans put the following question
+to the Foreign Secretary: "If the British Minister at the court of
+Naples had been instructed to employ his good offices in the cause of
+humanity, for the diminution of these lamentable severities, and with
+what result?" In reply to this question Lord Palmerston accepted and
+adopted Mr. Gladstone's statement, which had been confirmed from other
+quarters, expressing keen sympathy and humanitarian feeling with the
+cause which he had espoused, but Lord Palmerston pointed out that it was
+impossible to do anything in a matter which related entirely to the
+domestic affairs of the Government at Naples. He said: "Instead of
+confining himself to those amusements that abound in Naples, instead of
+diving into volcanoes, and exploring excavated cities, we see him going
+into courts of justice, visiting prisons, descending into dungeons, and
+examining great numbers of the cases of unfortunate victims of
+illegality and injustice, with the view afterwards to enlist public
+opinion in the endeavor to remedy those abuses." This announcement by
+the Foreign Secretary was warmly applauded by the House. "A few days
+afterwards Lord Palmerston was requested by Prince Castelcicala to
+forward the reply of the Neapolitan Government to the different European
+courts to which Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet had been sent. His lordship,
+with his wonted courage and independent spirit, replied that he 'must
+decline being accessory to the circulation of a pamphlet which, in my
+opinion, does no credit to its writer, or the Government which he
+defends, or to the political party of which he professes to be the
+champion.' He also informed the Prince that information received from
+other sources led him to the conclusion that Mr. Gladstone had by no
+means overstated the various evils which he had described; and he [Lord
+Palmerston] regretted that the Neapolitan Government had not set to work
+earnestly and effectually to correct the manifold and grave abuses which
+clearly existed."
+
+The second paper of Mr. Gladstone upon the same subject was a sequel to
+the first. His wish was that everything possible should be done first
+in the way of private representation and remonstrance, and he did not
+regret the course he had taken, though it entailed devious delays. In
+answer to the natural inquiry why he should simply appear in his
+personal capacity through the press, instead of inviting to the grave
+and painful question the attention of the House of Commons, of which he
+was a member, he said, that he had advisedly abstained from mixing up
+his statements with any British agency or influences which were
+official, diplomatic, or political. The claims and interests which he
+had in view were either wholly null and valueless, or they were broad as
+the extension of the human race and long-lived as its duration.
+
+As to his general charges he had nothing to retract. His representations
+had not been too strongly stated, for the most disgraceful circumstances
+were those which rested upon public notoriety, or upon his own personal
+knowledge. It had been stated that he had overestimated the number of
+prisoners, and he would give the Neapolitan Government the full benefit
+of any correction. But the number of political prisoners _in itself_,
+was a secondary feature of the case, for "if they were fairly and
+legally arrested, fairly and legally treated before trial--fairly and
+legally tried, that was the main matter. For the honor of human nature
+men would at first receive some statements with incredulity. Men ought
+to be slow to believe that such things could happen, and happen in a
+Christian country, the seat of almost the oldest European civilization."
+But those thus disposed in the beginning he hoped would not close their
+minds to the reception of the truth, however painful to believe. The
+general probability of his statements could not, unfortunately
+be gainsaid.
+
+Many replies were made to Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet that were violent and
+abusive. They appeared not only in Naples, Turin, and Paris, but even
+in London.
+
+All these answers, were in truth no replies at all, for they did not
+disprove the facts. These professed corrections of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements did not touch the real basis of the question. It was
+necessary to say something if possible by way of defense, or justice,
+which had as yet not been done.
+
+There was one reply that was put forth that Mr. Gladstone felt demanded
+some attention, namely, the official answer of the Neapolitan Government
+to his charges. To this he replied in a letter, in 1852. In his reply he
+placed, point by point, the answers in the scales along with his own
+accusations. There was in the Neapolitan answers to the letters really a
+tacit admission of the accuracy of nine-tenths of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements, Mr. Gladstone enumerated the few retractions which he had
+to make, which were five in number. That the prisoner, Settembrine, had
+not been tortured and confined to double chains for life, as was
+currently reported and believed; that six judges had been dismissed at
+Reggio upon presuming to acquit a batch of political prisoners, required
+modifying to three; that seventeen invalids had not been massacred in
+the prison of Procida during a revolt, as stated; and that certain
+prisoners alleged to have been still incarcerated after acquittal had
+been released after the lapse of two days. These were all the
+modifications he had to make in his previous statements. And as to the
+long list of his grave accusations, not one of them rested upon hearsay.
+He pointed out how small and insignificant a fraction of error had found
+its way into his papers. He fearlessly reasserted that agonizing
+corporal punishment was inflicted by the officials in Neapolitan
+prisons, and that without judicial authority. As to Settembrine, the
+political prisoner named, he was incarcerated in a small room with eight
+other prisoners, one of whom boasted that he had murdered, at various
+times, thirty-five persons. Several of his victims had been his prison
+companions, and "the murders of this Ergastolo" had exceeded fifty in a
+single year. It was true that at the massacre at Procida the sick had
+not been slain in the prisons, yet prisoners who hid under beds were
+dragged forth and shot in cold blood by the soldiery after order had
+been restored. The work of slaughter had been twice renewed, and two
+officers received promotion or honors for that abominable enormity.
+
+Mr. Gladstone found in the reply of the Government of Naples no reason
+to retract his damaging statements in reference to Neapolitan
+inhumanity, on the other hand he discovered grounds for emphasizing his
+accusations. And as to his statement regarding the number of the
+sufferers from Neapolitan injustice and cruelty, he defended at length
+his statement as to the enormous number of the prisoners.
+
+It was clear to all candid minds that all the replies had failed to
+prove him wrong in any of his substantial changes, which retained their
+full force. "The arrow has shot deep into the mark," observed Mr.
+Gladstone, "and cannot be dislodged. But I have sought, in once more
+entering the field, not only to sum up the state of the facts in the
+manner nearest to exactitude, but likewise to close the case as I began
+it, presenting it from first to last in the light of a matter which is
+not primarily or mainly political, which is better kept apart from
+Parliamentary discussion, which has no connection whatever with any
+peculiar idea or separate object or interest of England, but which
+appertains to the sphere of humanity at large, and well deserves the
+consideration of every man who feels a concern for the well-being of
+his race, in its bearings on that well-being; on the elementary demands
+of individual domestic happiness; on the permanent maintenance of public
+order; on the stability of thrones; on the solution of that great
+problem, which, day and night, in its innumerable forms must haunt the
+reflections of every statesman, both here and elsewhere, how to
+harmonize the old with the new conditions of society, and to mitigate
+the increasing stress of time and change upon what remains of this
+ancient and venerable fabric of the traditional civilization of Europe."
+
+Mr. Gladstone also said, that the question had been asked, whether a
+government "could be induced to change its policy, because some
+individual or other had by lying accusations held it up to the hatred of
+mankind," yet he had the satisfaction of knowing that upon the challenge
+of a mere individual, the government of Naples had been compelled to
+plead before the tribunal of general opinion, and to admit the
+jurisdiction of that tribunal. It was to public sentiment that the
+Neapolitan Government was paying deference when it resolved on the manly
+course of a judicial reply; and he hoped that further deference would be
+paid to that public sentiment in the complete reform of its departments
+and the whole future management of its affairs.
+
+After a consideration of the political position of the throne of the
+Two Sicilies, in connection with its dominions on the mainland, Mr.
+Gladstone thus concluded his examination of the official reply of the
+Neapolitan Government: "These pages have been written in the hope that,
+by thus making, through the press, rather than in another mode, that
+rejoinder to the Neapolitan reply which was doubtless due from me, I
+might still, as far as depended on me, keep the question on its true
+ground, as one not of politics but of morality, and not of England but
+of Christendom and of mankind. Again I express the hope that this may be
+my closing word. I express the hope that it may not become a hard
+necessity to keep this controversy alive until it reaches its one only
+possible issue, which no power of man can permanently intercept. I
+express the hope that while there is time, while there is quiet, while
+dignity may yet be saved in showing mercy, and in the blessed work of
+restoring Justice to her seat, the Government of Naples may set its hand
+in earnest to the work of real and searching, however quiet and
+unostentatious, reform; that it may not become unavoidable to reiterate
+these appeals from the hand of power to the one common heart of mankind;
+to produce these painful documents, those harrowing descriptions, which
+might be supplied in rank abundance, of which I have scarcely given the
+faintest idea or sketch, and which, if laid from time to time before the
+world, would bear down like a deluge every effort at apology or
+palliation, and would cause all that has recently been made known to be
+forgotten and eclipsed in deeper horrors yet; lest the strength of
+offended and indignant humanity should rise up as a giant refreshed with
+wine, and, while sweeping away these abominations from the eye of
+Heaven, should sweep away along with them things pure and honest,
+ancient, venerable, salutary to mankind, crowned with the glories of the
+past and still capable of bearing future fruit."
+
+The original purpose of these letters, though at first not gained, was
+unmistakable in the subsequent revolution which created a regenerated,
+free and united Italy. The moral influence of such an exposure was
+incalculable and eventually irresistible. The great Italian patriot and
+liberator of Italy, General Garibaldi, was known to say that Mr.
+Gladstone's protest "sounded the first trumpet call of Italian liberty."
+If France and England had unitedly protested against the Neapolitan
+abuse of power and violation of law, such a protest would have been
+heard and redress granted, but such joint action was not taken. The
+letters reached the fourteenth edition and in this edition Mr. Gladstone
+said that by a royal decree, issued December 27, 1858, ninety-one
+political prisoners had their punishment commuted into perpetual exile
+from the kingdom of the two Sicilies, but that a Ministerial order of
+January 9, 1859, directed that they should be conveyed to America; that
+of these ninety-one persons no less than fourteen had died long before
+in dungeons, and that only sixty-six of them embarked January 16, 1859,
+and were taken to Cadiz, where they were shipped on board an American
+sailing vessel, which was to have carried them to New York, but
+eventually landed them at Cork. "Eleven men were kept behind, either
+because it was afterwards thought advisable not to release them, as in
+the case of Longo and Delli Franci, two artillery officers, who were
+still in the dungeons of Gaeta. Whenever the prisoners were too sick to
+be moved, as was the case with Pironti, who was paralytic; or because
+they were in some provincial dungeons too remote from Naples." Such was
+the fate of some of the patriots officially liberated by Ferdinand's
+successor, Francis II.
+
+The charges of Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan Government met with
+confirmation from another source nearer home. In 1851 Mr. Gladstone
+translated and published Farini's important and bulky work, entitled,
+"The Roman State, from 1815 to 1850." The author, Farini, addressed a
+note to his translator, in which he said that he had dedicated the
+concluding volume of his work to Mr. Gladstone, who, by his love of
+Italian letters, and by his deeds of Italian charity, had established a
+relationship with Italy in the spirit of those great Italian writers who
+had been their masters in eloquence, in civil philosophy and in national
+virtue, from Dante and Macchivelli down to Alfieri and Gioberti. Signor
+Farini endorsed the charges made by Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan
+Government. He wrote: "The scandalous trials for high treason still
+continue at Naples; accusers, examiners, judges, false witnesses, all
+are bought; the prisons, those tombs of the living, are full; two
+thousand citizens of all ranks and conditions are already condemned to
+the dungeons, as many to confinement, double that number to exile; the
+majority guilty of no crime but that of having believed in the oaths
+made by Ferdinand II. But, in truth, nothing more was needed to press
+home the indictment."
+
+At the period of Mr. Gladstone's visit to Naples there was a growing
+sentiment throughout Italy for Italian independence and union. The
+infamous measures adopted by the King of Naples to repress in his own
+dominions every aspiration after freedom, only succeeded in making the
+people more determined and the liberty for which they sighed surer in
+the end. His system of misgovernment went on for a few years longer and
+was the promoting cause of the revolutionary movements which continually
+disturbed the whole Italian peninsula. A conference was held in Paris
+upon the Italian question, which failed to accomplish anything, against
+which failure Count Cavour addressed a protest to the French and British
+Governments in April, 1856. Afterwards the King of Naples and his
+Ministers were remonstrated with, but this was of no avail, only drawing
+forth an assertion that the sovereign had the right to deal with his own
+subjects as he pleased. France and England finally withdrew their
+representatives from Naples, and the storm soon afterwards broke. The
+brilliant success of Garibaldi in 1860 filled Francis II with terror. He
+was now, like all evil men, ready to make the most lavish promises of
+liberal reform to escape the consequences of his misdeeds. However, his
+repentance came too late. The victorious Garibaldi issued a decree
+ultimately, stating that the Two Sicilies, which had been redeemed by
+Italian blood, and which had freely elected him their dictator, formed
+an integral part of one and indivisable Italy, under the constitutional
+King Victor Emmanuel and his descendants. Francis II was dethroned and
+expelled from his kingdom by the legitimate fruits of his own hateful
+policy and that of his predecessor. "Count Cavour was the brain as
+Garibaldi was the hand of that mighty movement which resulted in the
+unity of Italy," says an English writer, "but as Englishmen we may take
+pride in the fact that not the least among the precipitating causes of
+this movement was the fearless exposure by Mr. Gladstone of the
+cruelties and tyrannies of the Neapolitan Government."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE VISITING NEAPOLITAN PRISONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+
+THE FIRST BUDGET
+
+The precise date at which Mr. Gladstone became a Liberal cannot be
+determined, but during the Parliamentary sessions of 1851 and 1852 he
+became finally alienated from the Conservative party, although he did
+not enter the ranks of the Liberals for some years afterward. He himself
+stated that so late as 1851 he had not formally left the Tory party,
+nevertheless his advance towards Liberalism is very pronounced at this
+period. It is well for us to trace the important events of these two
+sessions, for they also lead up to the brilliant financial measures of
+1853, which caused Mr. Gladstone's name to be classed with those of Pitt
+and Peel. Mr. Gladstone's trusted leader was dead, and he was gradually
+coming forward to take the place in debate of the fallen statesman.
+
+When Mr. Gladstone returned home from Italy he found England convulsed
+over renewed papal aggressions. The Pope had, in the preceding
+September, issued Letters Apostolic, establishing a Roman Catholic
+Hierarchy in England, and in which he had mapped out the whole country
+into papal dioceses. This act of aggression produced a storm of public
+indignation. It was regarded by the people generally as an attempt to
+wrest from them their liberties and enslave them. It was looked upon by
+the Protestants indignantly as an attack upon the Reformed Faith.
+Anglicans resented it as an act which practically denied the
+jurisdiction and authority of the Church of England, established already
+by law. Englishmen, faithfully devoted to the British Constitution,
+which guaranteed the Protestant Religion, were incensed by this
+interference with the prerogative of the Crown; while all ardent
+patriots were influenced by the unwarranted and unsolicited interference
+of a foreign potentate. Every element of combustion being present,
+meetings were held everywhere, inflammatory speeches were made on every
+public occasion, and patriotic resolutions were passed. Pulpit and
+platform rang with repeated cries of "No Popery," and echoed at the Lord
+Mayor's banquet, at the Guildhall, and even at Covent Garden Theatre in
+Shakesperian strains. The Prime Minister, Lord John Russell, published
+his famous Durham letter, addressed to the Bishop of Durham, rebuking
+and defying the Pope, and charging the whole High Church Party of the
+Church of England with being the secret allies and fellow-workers
+of Rome.
+
+In the beginning of the Parliamentary session of 1851 Lord John Russell
+moved for permission to bring in a bill to counteract the aggressive
+policy of the Church of Rome, on account of which aggression of the Pope
+the whole country was well-nigh in a condition of panic. The measure was
+debated for four days, and was entitled the Ecclesiastical Faiths Bill.
+It was designed to prevent the assumption by Roman Catholic prelates of
+titles taken from any territory or place in England. Severe penalties
+were attached to the use of such titles, and all acts done by, and
+requests made to, persons under them were to be void. The bill was not
+well received by some, being thought, on one side too mild and on the
+other as too stringent. Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone both opposed it;
+the latter because the change was wanted by English Catholics rather
+than by the Vatican. He condemned the vanity and boastful spirit of the
+papal documents, but contended that his fellow Catholic countrymen
+should not suffer for that. The difficulty of applying it to Ireland,
+where the system objected to already existed, was pointed out. However
+the preliminary motion was passed by 395 votes against 63, "this
+enormous majority," says an English author, "attesting the wide-spread
+fear of Romish machinations." The measure became a law, but it was a
+dead letter, and was quietly repealed twenty years afterwards at Mr.
+Gladstone's request.
+
+Before, however, the bill was passed a ministerial crisis had
+intervened. During this session other difficulties were encountered by
+the Ministry. The financial as well as this ecclesiastical question was
+a problem. The Conservatives were strong and compact, and enjoyed the
+adhesion of the Peelites, while the Ministerial party was to a great
+extent demoralized. Mr. Disraeli, owing to the deep distress that
+prevailed in the agricultural districts, renewed his motion upon the
+burdens on land and the inequalities of taxation, and consequently he
+presented a resolution that it was the duty of the government to
+introduce measures for the alleviation of the distress without delay.
+The government admitted the distress, but denied that it was increasing.
+They attempted to prove that pauperism had decreased in all parts of the
+kingdom--England, Ireland and Scotland. Commerce was in a most
+prosperous condition, while the revenues had reached the unexampled
+amount of $350,000,000. "Sir James Graham stigmatized the motion as an
+attempt to turn out the administration, to dissolve Parliament, and to
+return to Protection." The Ministry was sustained by a small majority,
+and was successful in some measures, but soon suffered several minor
+defeats and finally was forced to retire.
+
+One of the successful measures was that introduced by Mr. Loche King,
+and opposed by Lord John Russell, for assimilating the country franchise
+to that of the boroughs. The budget of the government introduced January
+17th was unpopular. It demanded a renewed lease for three years of the
+obnoxious income-tax, but promised a partial remission of the window
+duties, which was a tax upon every window in a house, together with some
+relief to the agriculturists. The first budget having been rejected a
+second financial statement was offered later in the session. It imposed
+a house-tax, withdrew the bonus to agriculturists, repealed the
+window-tax, but re-demanded the income-tax for three years. The main
+features of the budget were acceptable to the House, but the Government
+suffered defeat on minor financial questions, which tendered still
+further to diminish the popularity of the ministry.
+
+Upon the resignation of Lord John Russell and his Cabinet, in February,
+1851, Lord Stanley was called upon to form a new administration, and Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the Cabinet. Lord Stanley
+having failed, Lord Aberdeen was invited to form a new Cabinet, by the
+Queen, with like results. Both these gentlemen having declined the task
+of forming a new administration, Lord John Russell and his colleagues
+resumed office, but the reconstructed ministry was soon to receive a
+fatal blow through Lord Palmerston, the foreign Secretary.
+
+On the 2d of December, 1851, Louis Napoleon, Prince President of the
+French Republic, by a single act of lawless violence, abolished the
+constitution, and made himself Dictator. The details of this monstrous
+deed, and of the bloodshed that accompanied it, created a profound
+sensation in England. The Queen was very anxious that no step should be
+taken and no word said by her ministry which could be construed into an
+approval by the English government of what had been done. Indeed the
+Queen who knew the failing of her Foreign Secretary to act hastily in
+important matters of State without the consent or advice of Queen or
+Cabinet, questioned the Premier and was assured that nothing had been
+done in recognition of the new government in Paris. Indeed the Cabinet
+had passed a resolution to abstain from the expression of opinions in
+approval or disapproval of the recent _coup d'etat_ in France. But it
+soon leaked out that Lord Palmerston who thought he understood full well
+the foreign relations of England, and what her policy should be, had
+both in public dispatches and private conversation spoken favorably of
+the policy adopted by Louis Napoleon. He had even expressed to Count
+Walewski, the French Ambassador in London, his entire approval of the
+Prince President's act. This was too much for the Queen, who had as
+early as the August before, in a memorandum sent to the Premier,
+imperatively protested against the crown's being ignored by the Foreign
+Secretary, so Lord Palmerston was dismissed from office by Lord John
+Russell, Christmas Eve, 1851. He bore his discharge with meekness, and
+even omitted in Parliament to defend himself in points where he was
+wronged. But Justin McCarthy says: "Lord Palmerston was in the wrong in
+many if not most of the controversies which had preceded it; that is to
+say, he was wrong in committing England as he so often did to measures
+which had not the approval of the sovereign or his colleagues."
+
+In February following, 1852, Lord Palmerston enjoyed, as he expressed
+it, his "tit-for-tat with Johnny Russell" and helped the Tories to
+defeat his late chief in a measure for reorganizing the militia as a
+precaution against possible aggression from France. The ministry had not
+saved itself by the overthrow of Lord Palmerston.
+
+Upon the retirement of Lord John Russell from office, in 1852, the Earl
+of Derby, formerly Lord Stanley, succeeded him as Prime Minister. Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the new Tory Cabinet, but
+declined, whereupon Lord Malmesbury dubiously remarked, November 28th:
+"I cannot make out Gladstone, who seems to me a dark horse." Mr.
+Disraeli was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer, and became Leader in
+the House of Commons, entering the Cabinet for the first time. "There
+was a scarcely disguised intention to revive protection." It was Free
+Trade or Protection, and the Peelites defended their fallen leader,
+Peel. "A makeshift budget" was introduced by Mr. Disraeli and passed. It
+was destined, it seems, that the Derby Administration was not to be
+supported, but to be driven out of power by Mr. Gladstone, who was to
+cross swords before the nation with his future parliamentary
+rival, Disraeli.
+
+Mr. Disraeli seemed now bent upon declaring the Free Trade Policy of Sir
+Robert Peel a failure. Mr. Disraeli's power of forgetfulness of the past
+is one of the most fortunate ever conferred upon a statesman. During the
+debate he declared that the main reason why his party had opposed Free
+Trade was not that it would injure the landlord, nor the farmer, but
+that "it would prove injurious to the cause of labor." "He also said,
+though interrupted by cries of astonishment and of 'Oh, oh!' that not a
+single attempt had been made in the House of Commons to abrogate the
+measure of 1846." Mr. Sidney Herbert, who was wounded to the quick by
+the assaults on Sir Robert Peel, rose to defend the great Conservative
+statesman. His speech contained one passage of scathing invective
+addressed to Mr. Disraeli.
+
+Mr. Herbert said: "The memory of Sir Robert Peel requires no
+vindication--his memory is embalmed in the grateful recollection of the
+people of this country; and I say, if ever retribution is wanted--for it
+is not words that humiliate, but deeds--if a man wants to see
+humiliation, which God knows is always a painful sight, he need but look
+there!"--and upon this Mr. Herbert pointed with his finger to Mr.
+Disraeli sitting on the Treasury Bench. The sting of invective is truth,
+and Mr. Herbert certainly spoke daggers if he used none; yet the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer sat impassive as a Sphinx.
+
+Parliament was dissolved soon after the formation of the new government,
+July 1, 1852, and during the recess, September 14, 1852, the Duke of
+Wellington passed away and a public funeral was given the victor
+of Waterloo.
+
+On the assembling of Parliament Mr. Gladstone delivered a eulogy on the
+Duke, drawing special lessons from his illustrious career, which had
+been prolonged to a green old age. Mr. Gladstone said: "While many of
+the actions of his life, while many of the qualities he possessed, are
+unattainable by others, there are lessons which we may all derive from
+the life and actions of that illustrious man. It may never be given to
+another subject of the British Crown to perform services so brilliant as
+he performed; it may never be given to another man to hold the sword
+which was to gain the independence of Europe, to rally the nations
+around it, and while England saved herself by her constancy, to save
+Europe by her example; it may never be given to another man, after
+having attained such eminence, after such an unexampled series of
+victories, to show equal moderation in peace as he has shown greatness
+in war, and to devote the remainder of his life to the cause of internal
+and external peace for that country which he has so well served; it may
+never be given to another man to have equal authority, both with the
+Sovereign he served and with the Senate of which he was to the end a
+venerated member; it may never be given to another man after such a
+career to preserve, even to the last, the full possession of those great
+faculties with which he was endowed, and to carry on the services of one
+of the most important departments of the State with unexampled
+regularity and success, even to the latest day of his life. These are
+circumstances, these are qualities, which may never occur again in the
+history of this country. But these are qualities which the Duke of
+Wellington displayed, of which we may all act in humble imitation: that
+sincere and unceasing devotion to our country; that honest and upright
+determination to act for the benefit of the country on every occasion;
+that devoted loyalty, which, while it made him ever anxious to serve the
+Crown, never induced him to conceal from the Sovereign that which he
+believed to be the truth; that devotedness in the constant performance
+of duty; that temperance of his life, which enabled him at all times to
+give his mind and his faculties to the services which he was called on
+to perform; that regular, consistent, and unceasing piety by which he
+was distinguished at all times of his life; these are qualities that are
+attainable by others, and these are qualities which should not be lost
+as an example."
+
+At this session of Parliament Mr. Disraeli brought forward his second
+budget in a five hour speech. The new Chancellor of the Exchequer
+proposed to remit a portion of the taxes upon malt, tea, and sugar, but
+to counterbalance these losses he also proposed to extend the income-tax
+and house-tax. The debate, which was very personal, was prolonged
+several days, and Mr. Disraeli, towards its close, bitterly attacked
+several members, among them Sir James Graham, whom Mr. Gladstone not
+only defended, but in so doing administered a scathing rebuke to the
+Chancellor for his bitter invective and personal abuse. Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at the close of Mr. Disraeli's presentation was crushing, and was
+generally regarded as giving the death-blow to this financial scheme.
+
+Mr. Gladstone told Mr. Disraeli that he was not entitled to charge with
+insolence men of as high position and of as high character in the House
+as himself, and when the cheers which had interrupted him had subsided,
+concluded: "I must tell the right honorable gentleman that he is not
+entitled to say to my right honorable friend, the member for Carlisle,
+that he regards but does not respect him. And I must tell him that
+whatever else he has learnt--and he has learnt much--he has not learnt
+to keep within those limits of discretion, of moderation, and of
+forbearance that ought to restrain the conduct and language of every
+member in this House, the disregard of which, while it is an offence in
+the meanest amongst us, is an offence of tenfold weight when committed
+by the leader of the House of Commons."
+
+The thrilling scene enacted in the House of Commons on that memorable
+night is thus described: "In the following month the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer produced his second budget. It was an ambitious and a skillful
+attempt to reconcile conflicting interests, and to please all while
+offending none. The government had come into office pledged to do
+something for the relief of the agricultural interests. They redeemed
+their pledge by reducing the duty on malt. This reduction created a
+deficit; and they repaired the deficit by doubling the duty on inhabited
+houses. Unluckily, the agricultural interests proved, as usual,
+ungrateful to its benefactors, and made light of the reduction on malt;
+while those who were to pay for it in double taxation were naturally
+indignant. The voices of criticism, 'angry, loud, discordant voices,'
+were heard simultaneously on every side. The debate waxed fast and
+furious. In defending his hopeless proposals, Mr. Disraeli gave full
+scope to his most characteristic gift; he pelted his opponents right and
+left with sarcasms, taunts, and epigrams, and went as near personal
+insult as the forms of Parliament permit. He sat down late at night, and
+Mr. Gladstone rose in a crowded and excited House to deliver an
+unpremeditated reply which has ever since been celebrated. Even the cold
+and colorless pages of 'Hansard' show signs of the excitement under
+which he labored, and of the tumultuous applause and dissent by which
+his opening sentences were interrupted. 'The speech of the Chancellor of
+the Exchequer,' he said, 'must be answered on the moment. It must be
+tried by the laws of decency and propriety.'" He indignantly rebuked his
+rival's language and demeanor. He reminded him of the discretion and
+decorum due from every member, but pre-eminently due from the leader of
+the House. He tore his financial scheme to ribbons. It was the beginning
+of a duel which lasted till death removed one of the combatants from the
+political arena. 'Those who had thought it impossible that any
+impression could be made upon the House after the speech of Mr.
+Disraeli had to acknowledge that a yet greater impression was produced
+by the unprepared reply of Mr. Gladstone.' The House divided and the
+government were left in a minority of nineteen. This happened in the
+early morning of December 17, 1852. Within an hour of the division Lord
+Derby wrote to the Queen a letter announcing his defeat and the
+consequences which it must entail, and that evening at Osborne he placed
+his formal resignation in her majesty's hands.
+
+It is related as an evidence of the intense excitement, if not frenzy,
+that prevailed at the time, that Mr. Gladstone met with indignity at his
+Club. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says that, "twenty ruffians of the
+Carleton Club" had given a dinner to Major Beresford, who had been
+charged with bribery at the Derby election and had escaped with only a
+censure, and that "after dinner, when they were drunk, they went up
+stairs and finding Mr. Gladstone alone in the drawing-room, some of them
+proposed to throw him out of the window. This they did not quite dare to
+do, but contented themselves with giving some insulting message or order
+to the waiter and then went away." Mr. Gladstone, however, remained a
+member of the Club until he joined the Whig administration in 1859.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's crushing _expose_ of the blunders of Mr. Disraeli's
+budget was almost ludicrous in its completeness, and it was universally
+felt that the scheme could not survive his brilliant attack. The effect
+that the merciless criticism of Disraeli's budget was not only the
+discomfiture of Mr. Disraeli and the overthrow of the Russell
+administration, but the elevation of Mr. Gladstone to the place vacated
+by Chancellor Disraeli.
+
+The Earl of Aberdeen became Prime Minister. The new government was a
+coalition of Whigs and Peelites, with a representative of the Radicals
+in the person of Sir William Molesworth. Mr. Gladstone, the Duke of
+Newcastle, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert were the Peelites in
+the Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+
+We may refer here to a letter of Mr. Gladstone, written Christmas, 1851,
+in order to show his growing Liberalism. The letter was to Dr. Skinner,
+Bishop of Aberdeen and Primus, on the positions and functions of the
+laity in the Church. This letter is remarkable, because, as Dr. Charles
+Wordsworth, Bishop of St. Andrew's, said at the time, "it contained the
+germ of liberation and the political equality of all religions." The
+Bishop published a controversial rejoinder, which drew from Dr.
+Gaisford, Dean of Christ Church, these emphatic words: "You have proved
+to my satisfaction that this gentleman is unfit to represent the
+University," meaning the representation for Oxford in Parliament.
+
+This feeling was growing, for when the Russell Ministry fell and it
+became necessary for Mr. Gladstone, because he accepted a place in the
+Cabinet, to appeal for re-election to his constituents at Oxford, he met
+with much opposition, because of his Liberalism. Appealing to his
+university to return him, and endorse his acceptance of office in the
+new Ministry of the Earl of Aberdeen, Mr. Gladstone soon discovered that
+he had made many enemies by his manifest tendencies toward
+Liberal-Conservatism. He had given unmistakable evidence that he held
+less firmly the old traditions of that unbending Toryism of which he was
+once the most promising representative. Lord Derby, whom he had deposed,
+had been elected Chancellor of the University to succeed the Duke of
+Wellington, deceased. Consequently his return to the House was ardently
+contested. His opponents looked around for a candidate of strong
+Conservative principles. The Marquis of Chandos, who was first elected,
+declined to run in opposition to Mr. Gladstone; but at length a suitable
+opponent was found in Mr. Dudley Perceval, of Christ Church, son of the
+Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, who was nominated January 4th.
+
+Dr. Hawkins, Provost of Oriel, one of the twenty colleges of Oxford,
+proposed Mr. Gladstone, and Archdeacon Denison, leader of the High
+Church party, proposed Mr. Dudley Perceval. According to the custom at
+university elections, neither candidate was present. It was objected to
+Mr. Gladstone that he had voted improperly on ecclesiastical questions,
+and had accepted office in "a hybrid ministry." The "Times" described
+Mr. Perceval as "a very near relative of our old friend Mrs. Harris. To
+remove any doubt on this point, let him be exhibited at Exeter Hall with
+the documentary evidence of his name, existence and history; his
+first-class, his defeat at Finsbury, his talents, his principles. If we
+must go to Oxford to record our votes it would at least be something to
+know that we were voting against a real man and not a mere name." The
+"Morning Chronicle," on the other hand, affirmed that a section of the
+Carleton Club were "making a tool of the Oxford Convocation for the
+purpose of the meanest and smallest political rancor against Mr.
+Gladstone."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, who fought the battle on ecclesiastical lines, wrote,
+after the nomination, to the chairman of his election committee,
+as follows:
+
+"Unless I had a full and clear conviction that the interests of the
+Church, whether as relates to the legislative functions of Parliament,
+or the impartial and wise recommendation of fit persons to her majesty
+for high ecclesiastical offices, were at least as safe in the hands of
+Lord Aberdeen as in those of Lord Derby (though I would on no account
+disparage Lord Derby's personal sentiments towards the Church), I should
+not have accepted office under Lord Aberdeen. As regards the second, if
+it be thought that during twenty years of public life, or that during
+the latter part of them, I have failed to give guarantees of attachment
+to the interests of the Church--to such as so think I can offer neither
+apology nor pledge. To those who think otherwise, I tender the assurance
+that I have not by my recent assumption of office made any change
+whatever in that particular, or in any principles relating to it."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was again elected by a fair majority and returned to
+Parliament. Seventy-four of the professors voted for Mr. Gladstone and
+fifteen for Mr. Perceval.
+
+When Parliament assembled the Earl of Aberdeen announced in the House of
+Lords that the measures of the Government would be both Conservative and
+Liberal,--at home to maintain Free Trade principles and to pursue the
+commercial and financial system of the late Sir Robert Peel, and abroad
+to secure the general peace of Europe without relaxing defensive
+measures.
+
+Mr. Gladstone had already proved himself to have a wonderful mastery of
+figures, and the confused technicalities of finance. He did not
+disappoint the hopes of his friends in regard to his fiscal abilities.
+On the contrary, he speedily inaugurated a new and brilliant era in
+finance. Previous to presenting his first budget, in 1853, Mr. Gladstone
+brought forward a scheme for the reduction of the national debt, which
+was approved by Radicals as well as Conservatives, and adopted by the
+House. The scheme worked most successfully until the breaking out of the
+Crimean war. During this very short period of two years the public debt
+was reduced by more than $57,500,000.
+
+In consequence of his general reputation and also of this brilliant
+financial scheme, the first budget of Mr. Gladstone was waited for with
+intense interest. His first budget was introduced April 18, 1853. It was
+one of his greatest budgets, and for statesmanlike breadth of conception
+it has never been surpassed. In bringing it forward Mr. Gladstone spoke
+five hours, and during that length of time held the House spellbound.
+The speech was delivered with the greatest ease, and was perspicuity
+itself throughout. Even when dealing with the most abstruse financial
+detail his language flowed on without interruption, and he never paused
+for a word. "Here was an orator who could apply all the resources of a
+burnished rhetoric to the elucidation of figures; who could make pippins
+and cheese interesting and tea serious; who could sweep the widest
+horizon of the financial future and yet stoop to bestow the minutest
+attention on the microcosm of penny stamps and post-horses. The members
+on the floor and ladies in the gallery of the House listened attentively
+and showed no signs of weariness throughout." A contemporary awarded to
+him the palm for unsurpassed fluency and choice of diction, and says:
+
+"The impression produced upon the minds of the crowded and brilliant
+assembly by Mr. Gladstone's evident mastery and grasp of the subject,
+was, that England had at length found a skillful financier, upon whom
+the mantle of Peel had descended. The cheering when the right honorable
+gentleman sat down was of the most enthusiastic and prolonged character,
+and his friends and colleagues hastened to tender him their warm
+congratulations upon the distinguished success he had achieved in his
+first budget."
+
+The budget provided for the gradual reduction of the income tax to
+expire in 1860; for an increase in the duty on spirits; for the
+abolition of the soap duties; the reduction of the tax on cabs and
+hackney coaches; the introduction of the penny receipt stamp and the
+equalization of the assessed taxes on property. By these provisions it
+was proposed to make life easier and cheaper for large and numerous
+classes. The duty on 123 articles was abolished and the duty on 133
+others reduced, the total relief amounting to $25,000,000. Mr. Gladstone
+gave a clear exposition of the income tax, which he declared was never
+intended to be permanent. It had been the last resort in times of
+national danger, and he could not consent to retain it as a part of the
+permanent and ordinary finances of the country. It was objectionable on
+account of its unequal incidence, of the harassing investigation into
+private affairs which it entailed and of the frauds to which it
+inevitably led.
+
+The value of the reduction in the necessities of life proposed by Mr.
+Gladstone is seen from the following from a contemporary writer:
+
+"The present budget, more than any other budget within our recollection,
+is a cupboard budget; otherwise, a poor man's budget. With certain very
+ugly features, the thing has altogether a good, hopeful aspect, together
+with very fair proportions. It is not given to any Chancellor of the
+Exchequer to make a budget fascinating as a fairy tale. Nevertheless,
+there are visions of wealth and comfort in the present budget that
+mightily recommend it to us. It seems to add color and fatness to the
+poor man's beef; to give flavor and richness to the poor man's
+plum-pudding. The budget is essentially a cupboard budget; and let the
+name of Gladstone be, for the time at least, musical at the poor man's
+fireside."
+
+It unquestionably established Gladstone as the foremost financier of
+his day. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says of him: "He spoke for five
+hours; and by universal consent it was one of the grandest displays and
+most able financial statements that ever was heard in the House of
+Commons; a great scheme, boldly and skillfully and honestly devised,
+disdaining popular clamor and pressure from without, and the execution
+of its absolute perfection."
+
+We reproduce some extracts from this important speech: "Depend upon it,
+when you come to close quarters with this subject, when you come to
+measure and test the respective relations of intelligence and labor and
+property in all their myriad and complex forms, and when you come to
+represent those relations in arithmetical results, you are undertaking
+an operation of which I should say it was beyond the power of man to
+conduct it with satisfaction, but which, at any rate, is an operation to
+which you ought not constantly to recur; for if, as my noble friend once
+said with universal applause, this country could not bear a revolution
+once a year, I will venture to say that it cannot bear a reconstruction
+of the income tax once a year.
+
+"Whatever you do in regard to the income tax, you must be bold, you must
+be intelligible, you must be decisive. You must not palter with it. If
+you do, I have striven at least to point out as well as my feeble
+powers will permit, the almost desecration I would say, certainly the
+gross breach of duty to your country, of which you will be found guilty,
+in thus putting to hazard one of the most potent and effective among all
+its material resources. I believe it to be of vital importance, whether
+you keep this tax or whether you part with it, that you should either
+keep it or should leave it in a state in which it will be fit for
+service on an emergency, and that it will be impossible to do if you
+break up the basis of your income tax.
+
+"If the Committee have followed me, they will understand that we found
+ourselves on the principle that the income-tax ought to be marked as a
+temporary measure; that the public feeling that relief should be given
+to intelligence and skill as compared with property ought to be met, and
+may be met with justice and with safety, in the manner we have pointed
+out; that the income tax in its operation ought to be mitigated by every
+rational means, compatible with its integrity; and, above all, that it
+should be associated in the last term of its existence, as it was in the
+first, with those remissions of indirect taxation which have so greatly
+redoubled to the profit of this country and have set so admirable an
+example--an example that has already in some quarters proved contagious
+to the other nations of the earth, These are the principles on which we
+stand, and these the figures. I have shown you that if you grant us the
+taxes which we ask, to the moderate amount of L2,500,000 in the whole,
+much less than that sum for the present year, you, or the Parliament
+which may be in existence in 1860, will be in the condition, if it shall
+so think fit, to part with the income tax."
+
+Sir, I scarcely dare to look at the clock, shamefully reminding me, as
+it must, how long, how shamelessly, I have trespassed on the time of the
+committee. All I can say in apology is that I have endeavored to keep
+closely to the topics which I had before me--
+
+          --immensum spatiis confecimus aequor,
+     Et jam tempus equum fumantia solvere colla.
+
+"These are the proposals of the Government. They may be approved or they
+may be condemned, but I have at least this full and undoubting
+confidence, that it will on all hands be admitted that we have not
+sought to evade the difficulties of our position; that we have not
+concealed those difficulties, either from ourselves or from others; that
+we have not attempted to counteract them by narrow or flimsy expedients;
+that we have prepared plans which, if you will adopt them, will go some
+way to close up many vexed financial questions--questions such as, if
+not now settled, may be attended with public inconvenience, and even
+with public danger, in future years and under less favorable
+circumstances; that we have endeavored, in the plans we have now
+submitted to you, to make the path of our successors in future years not
+more arduous but more easy; and I may be permitted to add that, while we
+have sought to do justice, by the changes we propose in taxation, to
+intelligence and skill as compared with property--while we have sought
+to do justice to the great laboring community of England by furthering
+their relief from indirect taxation, we have not been guided by any
+desire to put one class against another. We have felt we should best
+maintain our own honor, that we should best meet the views of
+Parliament, and best promote the interests of the country, by declining
+to draw any invidious distinctions between class and class, by adapting
+it to ourselves as a sacred aim to differ and distribute--burden if we
+must, benefit if we may--with equal and impartial hand; and we have the
+consolation of believing that by proposals such as these we contribute,
+as far as in us lies, not only to develop the material resources of the
+country, but to knit the hearts of the various classes of this great
+nation yet more closely than heretofore to that throne and to those
+institutions under which it is their happiness to live."
+
+It is seldom that a venture of such magnitude as Mr. Gladstone's first
+budget meets with universal success. But from the outset the plan was
+received with universal favor. Besides the plaudits with which the
+orator was greeted at the conclusion of his speech, his proposals were
+received favorably by the whole nation. Being constructed upon Free
+Trade principles, it was welcomed by the press and the country. It added
+greatly, not only to the growing reputation of the new Chancellor of the
+Exchequer as a financier, but also to his popularity.
+
+The following anecdote of Mr. Gladstone is told by Walter Jerrold and is
+appropriate as well as timely here:
+
+"During Mr. Gladstone's first tenure of office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer, a curious adventure occurred to him in the London offices of
+the late Mr. W. Lindsay, merchant, shipowner and M.P. There one day
+entered a brusque and wealthy shipowner of Sunderland, inquiring for Mr.
+Lindsay. As Mr. Lindsay was out, the visitor was requested to wait in an
+adjacent room, where he found a person busily engaged in copying some
+figures. The Sunderland shipowner paced the room several times and took
+careful note of the writer's doings, and at length said to him, 'Thou
+writes a bonny hand, thou dost.'
+
+"'I am glad you think so,' was the reply.
+
+"'Ah, thou dost. Thou makes thy figures weel. Thou'rt just the chap I
+want.'
+
+"'Indeed!' said the Londoner.
+
+"'Yes, indeed,' said the Sunderland man. 'I'm a man of few words. Noo,
+if thou'lt come over to canny ould Sunderland thou seest I'll give thee
+a hundred and twenty pounds a year, and that's a plum thou dost not meet
+with every day in thy life, I reckon. Noo then.'
+
+"The Londoner replied that he was much obliged for the offer, and would
+wait till Mr. Lindsay returned, whom he would consult upon the subject.
+Accordingly, on the return of the latter, he was informed of the
+shipowner's tempting offer.
+
+"'Very well,' said Mr. Lindsay, 'I should be sorry to stand in your way.
+One hundred and twenty pounds is more than I can afford to pay you in
+the department in which you are at present placed. You will find my
+friend a good and kind master, and, under the circumstances, the sooner
+you know each other the better. Allow me, therefore, Mr.----, to
+introduce you to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, Chancellor of the
+Exchequer.' The Sunderland shipowner was a little taken aback at first,
+but he soon recovered his self-possession, and enjoyed the joke quite as
+much as Mr. Gladstone did."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+
+THE CRIMEAN WAR
+
+The Crimean War, the great event with which the Aberdeen Cabinet was
+associated, was a contest between Russia and Turkey, England and France.
+A dispute which arose between Russia and Turkey as to the possession of
+the Holy Places of Jerusalem was the precipitating cause. For a long
+time the Greek and the Latin Churches had contended for the possession
+of the Holy Land. Russia supported the claim of the Greek Church, and
+France that of the Papal Church. The Czar claimed a Protectorate over
+all the Greek subjects of the Porte. Russia sought to extend her
+conquests south and to seize upon Turkey. France and England sustained
+Turkey. Sardinia afterwards joined the Anglo-French alliance.
+
+The people of England generally favored the war, and evinced much
+enthusiasm at the prospect of it. Lord Aberdeen and Mr. Gladstone wished
+England to stand aloof. The Peelite members of the cabinet were
+generally less inclined to war than the Whigs. Lord Palmerston and Lord
+John Russell favored England's support of Turkey. Some thought that
+England could have averted the war by pursuing persistently either of
+two courses: to inform Turkey that England would give her no aid; or to
+warn Russia that if she went to war, England would fight for Turkey. But
+with a ministry halting between two opinions, and the people demanding
+it, England "drifted into war" with Russia.
+
+July 2, 1853, the Russian troops crossed the Pruth and occupied the
+Danubian Principalities which had been by treaty, in 1849, evacuated by
+Turkey and Russia, and declared by both powers neutral territory between
+them. London was startled, October 4, 1853, by a telegram announcing
+that the Sultan had declared war against Russia. England and France
+jointly sent an _ultimatum_ to the Czar, to which no answer was
+returned. March 28, 1854, England declared war.
+
+On the 12th of March, while great excitement prevailed and public
+meetings were held throughout England, declaring for and against war,
+Mr. Gladstone made an address on the occasion of the inauguration of the
+statue of Sir Robert Peel, at Manchester. He spoke of the designs of
+Russia, and described her as a power which threatened to override all
+other powers, and as a source of danger to the peace of the world.
+Against such designs, seen in Russia's attempt to overthrow the Ottoman
+Empire, England had determined to set herself at whatever cost. War was
+a calamity that the government did not desire to bring upon the country,
+"a calamity which stained the face of nature with human gore, gave loose
+rein to crime, and took bread from the people. No doubt negotiation is
+repugnant to the national impatience at the sight of injustice and
+oppression; it is beset with delay, intrigue, and chicane; but these are
+not so horrible as war, if negotiation can be made to result in saving
+this country from a calamity which deprives the nation of subsistence
+and arrests the operations of industry. To attain that result ... Her
+Majesty's Ministers have persevered in exercising that self-command and
+that self-restraint which impatience may mistake for indifference,
+feebleness or cowardice, but which are truly the crowning greatness of a
+great people, and which do not evince the want of readiness to
+vindicate, when the time comes, the honor of this country."
+
+In November a conference of some of the European powers was held at
+Vienna to avert the war by mediating between Russia and Turkey, but was
+unsuccessful. Mr. Gladstone said: "Austria urged the two leading
+states, England and France, to send in their _ultimatum_ to Russia, and
+promised it her decided support.... Prussia at the critical moment, to
+speak in homely language, bolted.... In fact, she broke up the European
+concert, by which France and England had hoped to pull down the
+stubbornness of the Czar."
+
+Mr. Gladstone had opposed the war, not only on humanitarian and
+Christian grounds, but also because the preparation of a war budget
+overthrew all his financial schemes and hopes; a new budget was
+necessary, and he as Chancellor of the Exchequer must prepare it.
+Knowing that the struggle was inevitable, he therefore bent his energies
+to the task and conceived a scheme for discharging the expenses of the
+war out of the current revenue, provided it required no more than ten
+million pounds extra, so that the country should not be permanently
+burdened. It would require to do this the imposition of fresh taxes.
+
+"It thus fell to the lot of the most pacific of Ministers, the devotee
+of retrenchment, and the anxious cultivator of all industrial arts, to
+prepare a war budget, and to meet as well as he might the exigencies of
+a conflict which had so cruelly dislocated all the ingenious devices of
+financial optimism."
+
+Mr. Gladstone afterwards moved for over six and a half millions of
+pounds more than already granted, and proposed a further increase in the
+taxes. Mr. Disraeli opposed Mr. Gladstone's budget. He devised a scheme
+to borrow and thus increase the debt. He opposed the imposition of new
+taxes. Mr. Gladstone said: "Every good motive and every bad motive,
+combated only by the desire of the approval of honorable men and by
+conscientious rectitude--every motive of ease, comfort, and of certainty
+spring forward to induce a Chancellor of the Exchequer to become the
+first man to recommend a loan." Mr. Gladstone was sustained.
+
+The war had begun in earnest. The Duke of Newcastle received a telegram
+on the 21st of September announcing that 25,000 English troops, 25,000
+French and 8000 Turks had landed safely at Eupatoria "without meeting
+with any resistance, and had already begun to march upon Sebastopol."
+
+The war was popular with the English people, but the ministry of Lord
+Aberdeen, which inaugurated it, was becoming unpopular. This became
+apparent in the autumn of 1854. There were not actual dissensions in the
+Cabinet, but there was great want of harmony as to the conduct of the
+war. The Queen knew with what reluctance Lord Aberdeen had entered upon
+the war, but she had the utmost confidence in him as a man and a
+statesman. She was most desirous that the war be prosecuted with vigor,
+and trusted the Premier for the realization of her hopes and those of
+the nation, but unity in the Cabinet was necessary for the successful
+prosecution of the war.
+
+Parliament assembled December 12, 1854, "under circumstances more
+stirring and momentous than any which had occurred since the year of
+Waterloo." The management of the war was the main subject under
+discussion. The English troops had covered themselves with glory in the
+battles of Alma, Balaclava and Inkermann. But the sacrifice was great.
+Thousands were slain and homes made desolate, while the British army was
+suffering greatly, and the sick and wounded were needing attention. Half
+a million pounds were subscribed in three months, and Miss Florence
+Nightingale with thirty-seven lady nurses, soon to be reinforced by
+fifty more, set out at once for the seat of war to nurse the sick and
+wounded soldiers. It is recorded that "they reached Scutari on the 5th
+of November, in time to receive the soldiers who had been wounded at the
+battle of Balaclava. On the arrival of Miss Nightingale the great
+hospital at Scutari, in which up to this time all had been chaos and
+discomfort, was reduced to order, and those tender lenitives which only
+woman's thought and woman's sympathy can bring to the sick man's couch,
+were applied to solace and alleviate the agonies of pain or the torture
+of fever and prostration."
+
+It was natural to attribute the want of proper management to the
+ministry, and hence the Government found itself under fire. In the House
+of Lords the Earl of Derby condemned the inefficient manner in which the
+war had been carried on, the whole conduct of the ministry in the war,
+and the insufficiency of the number of troops sent out to check the
+power of Russia. The Duke of Newcastle replied, and while not defending
+all the actions of the ministry during the war, yet contended that the
+government were prepared to prosecute it with resolve and unflinching
+firmness. While not standing ready to reject overtures of peace, they
+would not accept any but an honorable termination of the war. The
+ministry relied upon the army, the people, and upon their allies with
+the full confidence of ultimate success.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, attacked the policy of the
+ministry from beginning to end. Everything was a blunder or a mishap of
+some description or other; the government had invaded Russia with 25,000
+troops without providing any provision for their support.
+
+When the House of Commons assembled, in January, 1855, it became
+apparent that there was a determination to sift to the bottom the
+charges that had been made against the ministry regarding their manner
+of carrying on the war. The Queen expressed her sympathy for Lord
+Aberdeen, who was in a most unenviable position. Motions hostile to the
+government were introduced in the House of Lords, while in the House of
+Commons Mr. Roebuck moved for a select committee "to inquire into the
+condition of the army before Sebastopol, and into the conduct of those
+departments of the government whose duty it has been to minister to the
+wants of the army."
+
+Lord John Russell resigned his office and left his colleagues to face
+the vote. He could not see how Mr. Roebuck's motion could be resisted.
+This seemed to portend the downfall of the ministry. The Duke of
+Newcastle, Secretary of War, offered to retire to save the government.
+Lord Palmerston believed that the breaking up of the ministry would be a
+calamity to the country, but he doubted the expediency of the retirement
+of the Duke of Newcastle, and his own fitness for the place of Minister
+of War, if vacated. Finally the Cabinet resolved to hold together,
+except Lord John Russell.
+
+In the debate it was declared that the condition of things at the seat
+of war was exaggerated; but the speech of Mr. Stafford caused a great
+sensation. He described the sufferings which he declared he had himself
+witnessed. He summed up by quoting the language of a French officer, who
+said: "You seem, sir, to carry on war according to the system of the
+Middle Ages." The situation of the ministry was critical before, but
+this speech seemed to make sure the passage of the resolutions.
+
+It was under all these depressing circumstances that Mr. Gladstone rose
+to defend himself and his colleagues. In a fine passage he thus
+described what the position of the Cabinet would have been if they had
+shrunk from their duty: "What sort of epitaph would have been written
+over their remains? He himself would have written it thus: Here lie the
+dishonored ashes of a ministry which found England at peace and left it
+in war, which was content to enjoy the emoluments of office and to wield
+the sceptre of power so long as no man had the courage to question their
+existence. They saw the storm gathering over the country; they heard the
+agonizing accounts which were almost daily received of the state of the
+sick and wounded in the East. These things did not move them. But as
+soon as the Honorable Member for Sheffield raised his hand to point the
+thunderbolt, they became conscience-stricken with a sense of guilt, and,
+hoping to escape punishment, they ran away from duty."
+
+This eloquent passage was received with tumultuous cheers. Mr.
+Gladstone claimed that there had been many exaggerations as to the state
+of the army and there were then more than 30,000 British troops under
+arms before Sebastopol. The administration of the War Department at home
+was no doubt defective, but he declined to admit that it had not
+improved, or that it was as bad as to deserve formal censure, and the
+Duke of Newcastle did not merit the condemnation sought to be cast on
+him as the head of the War Department.
+
+Mr. Disraeli was eagerly heard when he rose to speak. He said that the
+government admitted that they needed reconstruction, and that now the
+House was called upon to vote confidence in the administration. It was
+not the Duke of Newcastle nor the military system, but the policy of the
+whole Cabinet which he characterized as a "deplorable administration."
+
+The result of the vote was a strange surprise to all parties, and one of
+the greatest ever experienced in Parliamentary history. The vote for Mr.
+Roebuck's committee was 205; and against it, 148; a majority against the
+ministry of 157. "The scene was a peculiar and probably an unparalleled
+one. The cheers which are usually heard from one side or the other of
+the House on the numbers of a division being announced, were not
+forthcoming. The members were for a moment spellbound with
+astonishment, then there came a murmur of amazement and finally a burst
+of general laughter." The resignation of the Aberdeen ministry was
+announced February 1st, the Duke of Newcastle stating that it had been
+his intention to give up the office of Secretary of War whether Mr.
+Roebuck's resolution had passed or not.
+
+Thus was overthrown the famous coalition Cabinet of Lord Aberdeen--one
+of the most brilliant ever seen--a Cabinet distinguished for its
+oratorical strength, and for the conspicuous abilities of its chief
+members. Mr. Gladstone, who was the most distinguished Peelite in the
+Cabinet, certainly could not, up to this period, be suspected of
+lukewarmness in the prosecution of the war. Lord Palmerston formed a
+reconstructed rather than a new Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone and his friends
+at first declined to serve in the new Cabinet, out of regard for the
+Duke of Newcastle and Lord Aberdeen, the real victims of the adverse
+vote. But these noblemen besought Mr. Gladstone not to let his personal
+feelings stand in the way of his own interests, and not to deprive the
+country of his great services, so he resumed office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer. Lord Palmerston had been regarded as the coming man, and his
+name carried weight upon the Continent and at home. But the new
+ministry was surrounded by serious difficulties, and did not pull
+together very long. The War Minister, Lord Panmure, entered upon his
+duties with energy, and proposed, February 16th, his remedy for existing
+evils; but on the 19th of February Mr. Layard in the House of Commons
+said, "the country stood on the brink of ruin--it had fallen into the
+abyss of disgrace and become the laughing-stock of Europe." He declared
+that the new ministry differed little from the last.
+
+Lord Palmerston, in answer to inquiries, lamented the sufferings of the
+army and confessed that mishaps had been made, but the present ministry
+had come forward in an emergency and from a sense of public duty, and he
+believed would obtain the confidence of the country. But another strange
+turn in events was at hand. Mr. Roebuck gave notice of the appointment
+of his committee. Hostility to the ministry was disclaimed, but Mr.
+Gladstone, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert took the same view of
+the question they had previously taken. They were opposed to the
+investigation as a dangerous breach of a great constitutional principle,
+and if the committee was granted, it would be a precedent from whose
+repetition the Executive could never again escape, however unreasonable
+might be the nature of the demand. They therefore retired from office.
+
+The report of the committee, when presented, practically advised a vote
+of censure upon the Aberdeen Cabinet for the sufferings of the British
+army, hence the house declined to entertain it by a large majority of
+107. As the appointment of the committee, however, was the only way to
+allay the popular excitement, there were many who thought that the
+Peelites would have done well to recognize the urgency of the crisis and
+not to have abandoned the Government.
+
+The resignation of Mr. Gladstone made him very unpopular. However, "the
+wave of unpopularity lasted perhaps for a couple of years, and was
+afterwards replaced by a long-sustained popularity, which has not been
+exceeded by any statesman of the country. Greville referred to Gladstone
+about this time as 'the most unpopular man in the country.'"
+
+March 2d the Emperor Nicholas died suddenly, and there were momentary
+hopes of peace; but his successor, Alexander, resolved to prosecute the
+struggle rather than yield the positions taken by the late Czar. He
+issued a warlike proclamation, and though he agreed to take part in the
+Vienna Conference of European powers, to be held March 15th, there were
+no signs that he intended to recede from the Russian claims.
+
+Lord John Russell was sent to Vienna as English Plenipotentiary. The
+English aimed to secure the limitation of the preponderance of Russia in
+the Black Sea, and the acknowledgment of Turkey as one of the great
+European powers. To gain these points would, it was thought, end the
+war. Russia "would not consent to limit the number of her ships--if she
+did so she forfeited her honor, she would be no longer Russia. They did
+not want Turkey, they would be glad to maintain the Sultan, but they
+knew it was impossible; he must perish; they were resolved not to let
+any other power have Constantinople--they must not have that door to
+their dominions in the Black Sea shut against them." The Conference
+failed, and Lord John Russell was held responsible for its failure, and
+was eventually forced out of the Cabinet on that account. The failure of
+the Vienna negotiations produced great excitement, and the ministry were
+attacked and defeated in both Houses of Parliament. Mr. Disraeli offered
+a resolution of dissatisfaction in the House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone
+spoke during the debate on the failure of the Vienna Conference, and
+defended the war of the Crimea. He did not consider it a failure, for
+Russia now agreed to most of the points raised by the allies, and the
+only matter to be adjusted, was the proposition to limit the power of
+Russia in the Black Sea. Personally, he had formerly favored the
+curtailment of Russia's power there, but he now thought that such a
+proposal implied a great indignity to Russia. He believed that the
+proposal of Russia to give to Turkey the power of opening and shutting
+the straits was one calculated to bring about a peaceful settlement. The
+time was favorable to make peace. Lord John Russell replied vigorously
+to Mr. Gladstone. The House decided by a majority of 100 to support the
+ministry in the further prosecution of the war until a safe and
+honorable peace could be secured.
+
+But on the 10th of July Sir E. Bulwer Lytton offered the following
+resolution: "That the conduct of our Ministry, in the recent
+negotiations at Vienna, has, in the opinion of this House, shaken the
+confidence of this country in those to whom its affairs are entrusted."
+Lord John Russell again declined to face discussion and resigned. During
+the debate on the motion Mr. Disraeli bitterly attacked Lord John
+Russell and the Premier, Lord Palmerston. But Mr. Gladstone said that so
+far from blaming the Ministry for hesitating about the offers of peace
+at Vienna, he blamed them for not giving the propositions that
+consideration which their gravity demanded, and for abruptly
+terminating the Conference and closing the hope of an honorable peace.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, on the 3d of August, made another powerful appeal for the
+cessation of the war. He held that there was now no definite object for
+continuing the struggle; defended the Austrian proposals; defied the
+Western powers to control the future destinies of Russia, save for a
+moment; and he placed "the individual responsibility of the continuance
+of the war on the head of the Ministry."
+
+But while Sebastopol held out there was no prospect of peace with
+Russia. Finally, in September, that fortress was taken and destroyed,
+and the Peace of Paris was concluded, March, 1856.
+
+[Illustration: HOUSE OF COMMONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+
+IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT
+
+It was in February, 1855, that Mr. Gladstone resigned his seat in the
+Cabinet. After the Treaty of Paris, March, 1856, which put an end to the
+Crimean War, Mr. Gladstone found himself in opposition to the Ministry
+of Lord Palmerston. He had assumed a position of independence,
+associating politically with neither party. The political parties
+dreaded criticism and attack from him, for he was not properly
+constructed for the defense of either. He had himself declared his
+"sympathies" were "with the Conservatives, and his opinions with the
+Liberals," and that he and his Peelite colleagues, during this period of
+political isolation, were like roving icebergs on which men could not
+land with safety, but with which ships might come into perilous
+collision. Their weight was too great not to count, but it counted first
+this way and then that. Mr. Gladstone was conscientious in his
+opposition. He said: "I greatly felt being turned out of office. I saw
+great things to do. I longed to do them. I am losing the best years of
+my life out of my natural service. Yet I have never ceased to rejoice
+that I am not in office with Palmerston, when I have seen the tricks,
+the shufflings, the frauds he daily has recourse to as to his business.
+I rejoice not to sit on the Treasury Bench with him."
+
+In August, 1855, Lord Aberdeen said; "Gladstone intends to be Prime
+Minister. He has great qualifications, but some serious defects. He is
+supreme in the House of Commons. He is too obstinate; if a man can be
+too honest, he is too honest. I have told Gladstone that when he is
+Prime Minister, I will have a seat in his Cabinet, if he desires it,
+without an office."
+
+During 1856, several measures came before Parliament which Mr. Gladstone
+opposed. He vindicated the freedom of the Belgian press, whose liberty
+some of the powers would curtail, and opposed resolutions to consider
+the state of education in England and Wales, as tending to create a
+central controlling power, involving secular instruction and endless
+religious quarrels. He also opposed the budget of Sir G.C. Lewis, which
+imposed more duties upon the tea and sugar of the working-man, and was
+said to be generally at variance with the policy pursued by every
+enlightened minister of finance. Besides, he condemned the continuance
+of the war duties in times of peace. "He was a particularly acute thorn
+in the side of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and criticised the
+budget with unsparing vigor. 'Gladstone seems bent on leading Sir George
+Lewis a weary life,' wrote Mr. Greville. But finance was by no means the
+only subject of this terrible free-lance."
+
+A resolution was offered in the House of Commons expressing
+disapprobation with the English Cabinet for sanctioning, in 1855 and
+'56, the violation of international law, by secretly enlisting the
+subjects of the United States as recruits for the British army, by the
+intervention of the English Ambassador. Mr. Gladstone said: "It appears
+to me that the two cardinal aims that we ought to keep in view in the
+discussion of this question are peace and a thoroughly cordial
+understanding with America for one, the honor and fame of England for
+the other. I am bound to say that in regard to neither of these points
+am I satisfied with the existing state of things, or with the conduct of
+Her Majesty's Government. A cordial understanding with America has not
+been preserved, and the honor of this country has been compromised."
+
+Lord Palmerston, though very popular with the people, had greatly
+offended a large portion of the House of Commons by his interference in
+China. A lorcha, called the _Arrow_, flying the British flag, had been
+seized by the Chinese, and the question arose as to the right of the
+vessel to the protection of England. The opponents of the government
+contended that the vessel was built in China, was captured by pirates,
+and recaptured by the Chinese, and hence had no claim to British
+protection. To bring the matter to an issue Mr. Cobden introduced a
+resolution of inquiry and censure. For five nights the debate was
+protracted, and many able speeches were made on both sides, but Mr.
+Gladstone made one of the most effective speeches, against the ministry.
+He said: "Every man, I trust, will give his vote with the consciousness
+that it may depend upon his single vote whether the miseries, the
+crimes, the atrocities that I fear are now proceeding in China are to be
+discountenanced or not. We have now come to the crisis of the case.
+England is not yet committed. With you, then, with us, with every one of
+us, it rests to show that this House, which is the first, the most
+ancient, and the noblest temple of freedom in the world, is also the
+temple of that everlasting justice without which freedom itself would
+only be a name or only a curse to mankind."
+
+The Premier ably defended himself, but the resolution of Mr. Cobden was
+passed. Parliament was dissolved March 21, 1857, and Lord Palmerston
+appealed to the country. He was victorious at the polls. Among the
+prominent Liberals who lost their seats were Cobden, Bright, and Milner
+Gibson. The Peelites suffered loss too, but Mr. Gladstone was again
+elected for Oxford University. However, Mr. Greville writes, under date
+of June 3d: "Gladstone hardly ever goes near the House of Commons, and
+never opens his lips." But his indifference and silence were not to
+last long.
+
+When the Divorce Bill, which originated in the Lords, came up in the
+Commons, Mr. Gladstone made an impassioned speech against the measure,
+contending for the equality of woman with man in all the rights
+pertaining to marriage. He dealt with the question on theological, legal
+and social grounds. He contended that marriage was not only or chiefly a
+civil contract, but a "mystery" of the Christian religion. By the law of
+God it could not be so annulled as to permit of the re-marriage of the
+parties. "Our Lord," he says, "has emphatically told us that, at and
+from the beginning, marriage was perpetual, and was on both sides
+single." He dwelt with pathetic force on the injustice between man and
+woman of the proposed legislation, which would entitle the husband to
+divorce from an unfaithful wife, but would give no corresponding
+protection to the woman; and predicted the gloomiest consequences to the
+conjugal morality of the country from the erection of this new and
+odious tribunal. Nevertheless the bill became a law.
+
+In 1858 a bill was introduced in the House of Commons by Lord
+Palmerston, to make conspiracy to murder a felony. It grew out of the
+attempt of Orsini upon the life of Napoleon III. The bill at first was
+carried by an immense majority, but the conviction spread that the
+measure was introduced solely at the dictation of the French Emperor,
+and hence the proposal was strongly opposed. Mr. Gladstone said: "These
+times are grave for liberty. We live in the nineteenth century; we talk
+of progress; we believe we are advancing, but can any man of observation
+who has watched the events of the last few years in Europe have failed
+to perceive that there is a movement indeed, but a downward and backward
+movement? There are few spots in which institutions that claim our
+sympathy still exist and flourish.... But in these times more than ever
+does responsibility centre upon the institutions of England, and if it
+does centre upon England, upon her principles, upon her laws and upon
+her governors, then I say that a measure passed by this House of
+Commons--the chief hope of freedom--which attempts to establish a moral
+complicity between us and those who seek safety in repressive measures,
+will be a blow and a discouragement to that sacred cause in every
+country in the world."
+
+The bill was defeated by a majority of nineteen, and Lord Palmerston
+again resigned. He was succeeded by Lord Derby, who once more came into
+power. Mr. Disraeli again became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and leader
+of the House of Commons. The new ministry, which existed largely on
+sufferance, passed some good measures.
+
+The one hundredth anniversary of the battle of Plassey was celebrated in
+England June 23, 1857, to obtain funds for a monument to Lord Clive, who
+secured India to England. The English then felt secure in the government
+of that land, yet at that very time one of the most wide-spread,
+destructive and cruel rebellions was raging, and shaking to its very
+foundations the English rule in Hindostan. Suddenly the news came of the
+terrible Indian mutiny and of the indiscriminate slaughter of men, women
+and children, filling all hearts with horror, and then of the crushing
+out of the rebellion. Lord Canning, Governor-General, issued a
+proclamation to the chiefs of Oudh, looking to the confiscation of the
+possessions of mutineers who failed to return to the allegiance of
+England. It was meant as clemency. But Lord Ellenborough, the officer in
+charge of affairs in India, dispatched "a rattling condemnation of the
+whole proceeding." Says Justin McCarthy: "It was absurd language for a
+man like Lord Ellenborough to address to a statesman like Lord Canning,
+who had just succeeded in keeping the fabric of English government in
+India together during the most terrible trial ever imposed on it by
+fate." The matter was taken up by Parliament. Lord Shaftesbury moved
+that the Lords disprove the sending of the dispatch. In the Commons the
+ministry were arraigned. But Lord Ellenborough took upon himself the
+sole responsibility of the dispatch, and resigned. Mr. Gladstone was
+invited to the vacant place, but declined.
+
+The most important among the bills passed by Parliament was the India
+Bill, by which the government of India was transferred from the East
+India Company to the Crown and the Home government. Mr. Gladstone, who
+opposed the bill, proposed a clause providing that the Indian troops
+should not be employed in military operations beyond the frontiers
+of India.
+
+In November, 1858, Mr. Gladstone accepted from the Premier the post of
+Lord High Commissioner Extraordinary to the Ionian Islands. The people
+of the Ionian Islands, which in 1800 was formed into the Republic of the
+Seven Islands, and was under the protection of Great Britain from 1815,
+were desirous of adding themselves to Greece. But the British government
+objected to the separation and their union with Greece. Mr. Gladstone
+was to repair to Corfu for the purpose of reconciling the people to the
+British protectorate. The Ionians regarded his appointment as a virtual
+abandonment of the protectorate of Great Britain. Mr. Gladstone,
+December 3d, addressed the Senate at Corfu in Italian. He had the
+reputation of being a Greek student, and the inhabitants of the Islands
+persisted in regarding him not as a Commissioner of a Conservative
+English Government, but as "Gladstone the Phil-Hellene!" He made a tour
+of the Islands, holding levees, receiving deputations and delivering
+harangues, and was received wherever he went with the honors due to a
+liberator. His path everywhere was made to seem like a triumphal
+progress. It was in vain he repeated his assurance that he came to
+reconcile them to the protectorate and not to deliver them from it. But
+the popular instinct insisted upon regarding him as at least the
+precursor of their union with the Kingdom of Greece. The legislative
+assembly met January 27, 1859, and proposed annexation to Greece.
+Finding that this was their firm wish and determination, Mr. Gladstone
+despatched to the Queen a copy of the vote, in which the representatives
+declared that "the single and unanimous will of the Ionian people has
+been and is for their union with the Kingdom of Greece." Mr. Gladstone
+returned home in February, 1859. The Ionians continued their agitation,
+and in 1864 were formally given over to the government of Greece.
+
+Parliament was opened February 3, 1859, by the Queen, who in her speech
+from the throne said that the attention of Parliament would be called
+to the state of the law regulating the representation of the people. The
+plan of the government was presented by Mr. Disraeli. "It was a fanciful
+performance," says an English writer. The ministry proposed not to alter
+the limits of the franchise, but to introduce into boroughs a new kind
+of franchise founded on personal property. Mr. Disraeli characterized
+the government measure as "wise, prudent, adequate, conservative, and
+framed by men who reverence the past, are proud of the present, and
+confident of the future." Two members of the Cabinet promptly resigned
+rather than be parties to these proposals. Mr. Bright objected because
+the working classes were excluded. An amendment was moved by Lord John
+Russell condemning interference with the franchise which enabled
+freeholders in boroughs to vote in counties, and demanding a wider
+extension of the suffrage in boroughs.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, though agreeing with these views, declined to support the
+amendment, because, if carried, it would upset the government and bring
+in a weaker administration. He did not propose to support the
+government, but he desired to see a settlement of the question of
+reform, and he thought the present opportunity advantageous for such
+settlement. He pleaded eloquently for the retention of the
+small boroughs.
+
+The bill was lost by a majority of thirty-nine. Lord Derby having
+advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, this was done April 3d. The
+general elections which resulted from the defeat of the Conservatives in
+the House of Commons on the Reform Bill, resulted in returning the
+Liberals with a considerable majority. Mr. Gladstone was again returned
+unopposed for the University of Oxford. The Queen opened the new
+Parliament June 7th. In reply to the speech from the throne an amendment
+to the address was moved by Lord Hartington, proposing a vote of want of
+confidence in the ministers. After three nights debate it was carried on
+June 10th, by a majority of thirteen, Mr. Gladstone voting with the
+government. Lord Derby and his colleagues immediately resigned. The
+Queen being averse to choosing between Lord John Russell and Lord
+Palmerston, turned to Lord Granville, leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Lords. He failed to form a Cabinet, and Lord Palmerston again
+became Prime Minister.
+
+The revolution of the political wheel once more brought Mr. Gladstone
+into office as Chancellor of the Exchequer. It became necessary in
+accepting a Cabinet position to again appeal to his constituents at
+Oxford for re-election. He voted as he did to sustain Lord Derby's
+administration and to settle the Reform question, yet he was
+misunderstood and some of his constituents alienated. He was strongly
+opposed by the Conservative Marquis of Chandos. The Conservatives
+claimed that he should not be returned, because, as Professor Mansel
+said, by his "acceptance of office he must now be considered as giving
+his definite adhesion to the Liberal party, as at present reconstructed,
+and as approving of the policy of those who overthrew Lord Derby's
+government." It was found on the conclusion of the poll, which continued
+for five days, that Mr. Gladstone was returned with a majority of nearly
+two hundred over his opponent. It is worthy of note that this same year
+Cambridge conferred upon Mr. Gladstone the honorary degree of D.C.L.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+
+HOMERIC STUDIES
+
+"The plenitude and variety of Mr. Gladstone's intellectual powers," says
+G. Barnett Smith, "have been the subject of such frequent comment that
+it would be superfluous to insist upon them here. On the political side
+of his career his life has been as unresting and active as that of any
+other great party leader, and if we regard him in the literary aspect we
+are equally astonished at his energy and versatility. Putting out of
+view his various works upon Homer, his miscellaneous writings of
+themselves, with the reading they involve, would entitle their author to
+take high rank on the score of industry.... We stand amazed at the
+infinity of topics which have received Mr. Gladstone's attention."
+
+To solve the problems associated with Homer has been the chief
+intellectual recreation, the close and earnest study of Mr. Gladstone's
+literary life. "The blind old man of Scio's rocky isle" possessed for
+him an irresistible and a perennial charm. Nor can this occasion
+surprise, for all who have given themselves up to the consideration and
+attempted solution of the Homeric poems have found the fascination of
+the occupation gather in intensity. It is not alone from the poetic
+point of view that the first great epic of the world attracts students
+of all ages and of all countries. Homer presents, in addition, and
+beyond every other writer, a vast field for ethnological, geographical,
+and historical speculation and research. The ancient world stands
+revealed in the Homeric poems. Besides, almost numberless volumes have
+been written based upon the equally debatable questions of the Homeric
+text and the Homeric unity.
+
+Some literary works of Mr. Gladstone have been already noticed. "Studies
+on Homer and Homeric Age" shows Mr. Gladstone's classic tastes and
+knowledge as well as his great industry and ability. This work was
+published in three volumes, in 1858. It is his _magnum opus_ in
+literature, and exhibits wide and laborious research. "It discusses the
+Homeric controversy in its broad aspects, the relation of Homer to the
+Sacred Writings, his place in education, his historic aims, the probable
+period of the poet's life, the Homeric text, the ethnology of the Greek
+races, and the politics and poetry of Homer. Among subsequent Greek
+studies by Mr. Gladstone were his 'Juventus Mundi' and the 'Homeric
+Synchronism.' There is probably no greater living authority on the text
+of Homer than Mr. Gladstone, and the Ancient Greek race and literature
+have exercised over him a perennial fascination."
+
+Mr. Gladstone dwells much on the relation of Homer to Christianity. "The
+standard of humanity of the Greek poet is different, yet many of his
+ideas almost carry us back to the early morning of our race; the hours
+of its greater simplicity and purity, and more free intercourse with
+God.... How is it possible to overvalue this primitive representation of
+the human race in a form complete, distinct and separate, with its own
+religion, stories, policy, history, arts, manners, fresh and true to the
+standard of its nature, like the form of an infant from the hand of the
+Creator, yet mature, full, and finished, in its own sense, after its own
+laws, like some masterpiece of the sculptor's art?" The Homeric scene of
+action is not Paradise, but it is just as far removed from the vices of
+a later heathenism.
+
+Mr. Gladstone compares the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," which he believed
+to be the poems of one poet, Homer, with the Old Testament writings, and
+observes that "Homer can never be put into competition with the
+Scriptures as touching the great fundamental, invaluable code of truth
+and hope;" but he shows how one may in a sense be supplementary to the
+other. As regards the history of the Greek race, it is Homer that
+furnishes "the point of origin from which all distances are to be
+measured." He says: "The Mosaic books, and the other historical books of
+the Old Testament, are not intended to present, and do not present, a
+picture of human society or of our nature drawn at large. The poems of
+Homer may be viewed as the complement of the earliest portion of the
+sacred records."
+
+Again: "The Holy Scriptures are like a thin stream, beginning from the
+very fountain-head of our race, and gradually, but continuously, finding
+their way through an extended solitude into times otherwise known, and
+into the general current of the fortunes of mankind. The Homeric poems
+are like a broad lake, outstretched in the distance, which provides us
+with a mirror of one particular age and people, alike full and
+marvelous, but which is entirely disassociated by a period of many
+generations from any other records, except such as are of the most
+partial and fragmentary kind. In respect of the influence which they
+have respectively exercised upon mankind, it might appear almost profane
+to compare them. In this point of view the Scriptures stand so far apart
+from every other production, on account of their great offices in
+relation to the coming of the Redeemer and to the spiritual training of
+mankind, that there can be nothing either like or second to them."
+
+Mr. Gladstone thinks that "the poems of Homer possess extrinsic worth as
+a faithful and vivid picture of early Grecian life and measures; they
+have also an intrinsic value which has given their author the first
+place in that marvelous trinity of genius--Homer, Dante, and
+Shakespeare."
+
+As to the historic aims of Homer, Mr. Gladstone says: "Where other poets
+sketch, Homer draws; and where they draw he carves. He alone of all the
+now famous epic writers, moves (in the 'Iliad' especially) subject to
+the stricter laws of time and place; he alone, while producing an
+unsurpassed work of the imagination, is also the greatest chronicler
+that ever lived, and presents to us, from his own single hand, a
+representation of life, manners, history, of morals, theology, and
+politics, so vivid and comprehensive, that it may be hard to say whether
+any of the more refined ages of Greece or Rome, with their clouds of
+authors and their multiplied forms of historical record, are either more
+faithfully or more completely conveyed to us."
+
+Mr. Gladstone fixes the probable date of Homer within a generation or
+two of the Trojan war, assigning as his principal reason for so doing
+the poet's visible identity with the age, the altering but not yet
+vanishing age of which he sings, and the broad interval in tone and
+feeling between himself and the very nearest of all that follow him. He
+presents several arguments to prove the trustworthiness of the text
+of Homer.
+
+In 1877, Mr. Gladstone wrote an article on the "Dominions of the
+Odysseus," and also wrote a preface to Dr. Henry Schliemann's "Mycenae."
+
+One of his most remarkable productions bore the title of, "The Vatican
+Decrees in their Bearing on Civil Allegiance; a Political
+Expostulation." This book was an amplification of an article from his
+own pen, which appeared October, 1874, in the _Contemporary Review_. It
+created great public excitement and many replies. One hundred and twenty
+thousand copies were sold. Mr. Higginson says: "The vigor of the style,
+the learning exhibited, and the source whence it came, all contributed
+to give it an extraordinary influence.... It was boldly proclaimed in
+this pamphlet that, since 1870, Rome has substituted for the proud boast
+of _semper eadem_, a policy of violence and change of faith;... 'that
+she had equally repudiated modern thought and ancient history;' ... 'that
+she has reburnished and paraded anew every rusty tool she was thought to
+have disused,' and 'that Rome requires a convert who now joins her to
+forfeit his moral and mental freedom, and to place his loyalty and
+civil duty at the mercy of another.'"
+
+Mr. Gladstone issued another pamphlet, entitled "Vaticanism; and Answers
+to Reproofs and Replies," He reiterated his original charges, saying:
+"The Vatican decrees do, in the strictest sense, establish for the Pope
+a supreme command over loyalty and civil duty.... Even in those parts of
+Christendom where the decrees and the present attitude of the Papal See
+do not produce or aggravate open broils with the civil power, by
+undermining moral liberty, they impair moral responsibility, and
+silently, in the succession of generations, if not in the lifetime of
+individuals, tend to emasculate the vigor of the mind."
+
+Mr. Gladstone published in seven volumes, in 1879, "Gleanings of Past
+Years." The essay entitled "Kin Beyond the Sea" at first created much
+excitement. "The Kin Beyond the Sea" was America, of which he says: "She
+will probably become what we are now, the head servant in the great
+household of the world, the employer of all employed; because her
+services will be the most and ablest." Again: "The England and the
+America of the present are probably the two strongest nations in the
+world. But there can hardly be a doubt, as between the America and the
+England of the future, that the daughter, at some no very distant time,
+will, whether fairer or less fair, be unquestionably yet stronger than
+the mother." Mr. Gladstone argues in support of this position from the
+concentrated continuous empire which America possesses, and the enormous
+progress she has made within a century.
+
+In an address at the opening of the Art Loan Exhibition of Chester,
+August 11, 1879, Mr. Gladstone said: "With the English those two things
+are quite distinct; but in the oldest times of human industry--that is
+to say amongst the Greeks--there was no separation whatever, no gap at
+all, between the idea of beauty and the idea of utility. Whatever the
+ancient Greek produced he made as useful as he could; and at the same
+time, reward for work with him was to make it as beautiful as he could.
+In the industrial productions of America there is very little idea of
+beauty; for example, an American's axe is not intended to cut away a
+tree neatly, but quickly. We want a workman to understand that if he can
+learn to appreciate beauty in industrial productions, he is thereby
+doing good to himself, first of all in the improvement of his mind, and
+in the pleasure he derives from his work, and likewise that literally he
+is increasing his own capital, which is his labor."
+
+In his articles on "Ecce Homo" he expresses the hope "that the present
+tendency to treat the old belief of man with a precipitate, shallow,
+and unexamining disparagement, is simply a distemper, that inflicts for
+a time the moral atmosphere, that is due, like plagues and fevers, to
+our own previous folly and neglect; and that when it has served its work
+of admonition and reform, will be allowed to pass away."
+
+The "Impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture" is the title of a book by Mr.
+Gladstone, the articles of which were originally published in _The
+Sunday School Times_, Philadelphia.
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE'S AXE]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+GREAT BUDGETS
+
+The year 1860 marked the beginning of the second half of Mr. Gladstone's
+life as a statesman, in which he stood prominently forward as a
+Reformer. July 18, 1859, as Chancellor in the Liberal government of Lord
+Palmerston, he brought forward his budget. The budget of 1860 was the
+greatest of all his financial measures, for a new departure was taken in
+British commerce and manufactures. Mr. Cobden, in behalf of the English
+Government, had negotiated with France a treaty based on free trade
+principles--"a treaty which gave an impetus to the trade of this
+country, whose far-reaching effects are felt even to our day."
+
+The Chancellor explained the various propositions of his financial
+statements. Speaking of discontent with the income tax he observed: "I
+speak on general terms. Indeed, I now remember that I myself had, about
+a fortnight ago, a letter addressed to me complaining of the monstrous
+injustice and iniquity of the income tax, and proposing that, in
+consideration thereof, the Chancellor of the Exchequer should be
+publicly hanged."
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that the total reduction of duties would be over
+L1,000,000, requiring a slight extension of taxation; that by this means
+nearly L1,000,000 would be returned to the general revenue; that the
+loss to the revenue by the French Treaty, which was based upon free
+trade principles, and the reduction of duties, would be half made up by
+the imposts specified; that the abolition of the paper duty would
+produce the happiest results from the spread of cheap literature. The
+reductions proposed would give a total relief to the consumer of nearly
+L4,000,000, and cause a net loss of the revenue of over L2,000,000, a
+sum about equivalent to the amount coming in from the cessation of
+government annuities that year. The total revenue was L70,564,000, and
+as the total expenses of government was L70,000,000, there remained an
+estimated surplus of L464,000.
+
+Mr. Gladstone concluded; "There were times, now long by, when sovereigns
+made progress through the land, and when at the proclamation of their
+heralds, they caused to be scattered whole showers of coin among the
+people who thronged upon their steps.... Our Sovereign is enabled,
+through the wisdom of her great council, assembled in Parliament around
+her, again to scatter blessings among her subjects by means of wise and
+prudent laws; of laws which do not sap in any respect the foundations of
+duty or of manhood, but which strike away the shackles from the arm of
+industry."
+
+"It was one of the peculiarities of Mr. Gladstone's budget addresses
+that they roused curiosity in the outset, and, being delivered in a
+musical, sonorous, and perfectly modulated voice, kept the listeners
+interested to the very close. This financial statement of 1860 was
+admirably arranged for the purpose of awakening and keeping attention,
+piquing and teasing curiosity, and sustaining desire to hear from the
+first sentence to the last. It was not a speech, it was an oration, in
+the form of a great State paper, made eloquent, in which there was a
+proper restraint over the crowding ideas, the most exact accuracy in the
+sentences, and even in the very words chosen; the most perfect balancing
+of parts, and, more than all, there were no errors or omissions; nothing
+was put wrongly and nothing was overlooked. With a House crowded in
+every corner, with the strain upon his own mental faculties, and the
+great physical tax implied in the management of his voice, and the
+necessity for remaining upon his feet during this long period, 'the
+observed of all observers,' Mr. Gladstone took all as quietly, we are
+told, as if he had just risen to address a few observations to Mr.
+Speaker. Indeed, it was laughingly said that he could address a House
+for a whole week, and on the Friday evening have taken a new departure,
+beginning with the observation, 'After these preliminary remarks, I will
+now proceed to deal with the subject matter of my financial plan.'"
+
+The ministry was supported by large majorities, and carried their
+measures, but when the bill for the repeal of the duty on paper at home,
+as well as coming into the country, came before the House of Lords, it
+was rejected. Mr. Gladstone appeared to be confronted by the greatest
+constitutional crisis of his life. He gave vent to his indignation, and
+declared that the action of the Lords was a gigantic innovation, and
+that the House of Commons had the undoubted right of selecting the
+manner in which the people should be taxed. This speech was pronounced
+by Lord John Russell "magnificently mad," and Lord Granville said that
+"it was a toss-up whether Gladstone resigned or not, and that if he did
+it would break up the Liberal party." Quiet was finally restored, and
+the following year Mr. Gladstone adroitly brought the same feature
+before the Lords in a way that compelled acceptance.
+
+The budget of 1861 showed a surplus of L2,000,000 over the estimated
+surplus, and proposed to remit the penny on the income tax, and to
+repeal the paper duty. Instead of being divided into several bills as in
+the previous year, the budget was presented as a whole--all included in
+one. By this device the Lords were forced to acquiesce in the repeal of
+the paper duty, or take the responsibility of rejecting the whole bill.
+The Peers grumbled, and some of them were enraged. Lord Robert Cecil,
+now Marquis of Salisbury, rudely declared that Mr. Gladstone's conduct
+was only worthy of an attorney. He begged to apologize to the attorneys.
+They were honorable men and would have scorned the course pursued by the
+ministers. Another member of the House of Lords protested that the
+budget gave a mortal stab to the Constitution. Mr. Gladstone retorted:
+"I want to know, to what Constitution does it give a mortal stab? In my
+opinion it gives no mortal stab, and no stab at all, to any Constitution
+that we are bound to care for. But, on the contrary, so far as it alters
+anything in the most recent course of practice, it alters in the
+direction of restoring that good old Constitution which took its root in
+Saxon times, which grew from the Plantagenets, which endured the iron
+repression of the Tudors, which resisted the aggressions of the Stuarts,
+and which has come to its full maturity under the House of Brunswick. I
+think that is the Constitution, if I may presume to say so, which it is
+our duty to guard, and which--if, indeed, the proceedings of this year
+can be said to affect it at all--will be all the better for the
+operation. But the Constitution which my right honorable friend worships
+is a very different affair."
+
+In 1860, Mr. Gladstone was elected Lord Rector of Edinburgh University,
+and the degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, in 1861, introduced one of his most beneficial
+measures--a bill creating the Post Office Savings Bank. The success of
+the scheme has gone beyond all expectation. At the close of 1891, the
+amount deposited was L71,608,002, and growing at the average rate of
+over L4,000,000 annually.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's financial measures for 1862, while not involving such
+momentous issues as those of the preceding year, nevertheless
+encountered considerable opposition. The budget was a stationary one,
+with no surplus, no new taxes, no remission of taxes, no
+heavier burdens.
+
+In October, 1862, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone made a journey down the Tyne,
+which is thus described: "It was not possible to show to royal visitors
+more demonstrations of honor than were showered on the illustrious
+Commoner and his wife.... At every point, at every bank and hill and
+factory, in every opening where people could stand or climb, expectant
+crowds awaited Mr. Gladstone's arrival. Women and children, in all
+costumes and of all conditions, lined the shores ... as Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone passed. Cannon boomed from every point;... such a succession
+of cannonading never before greeted a triumphant conqueror on
+the march."
+
+It was during this journey that Mr. Gladstone made the memorable speech,
+at New Castle, upon the American Civil War, which had broken out the
+same year. There had been much speculation as to whether the English
+government would recognize the Confederacy as a separate and independent
+power, and the utterance of a member of the Cabinet under the
+circumstances was regarded as entirely unwarranted. Mr. Gladstone
+himself frankly acknowledged his error in 1867: "I must confess that I
+was wrong; that I took too much upon myself in expressing such an
+opinion. Yet the motive was not bad. My sympathies were then--where they
+had long before been, where they are now--with the whole
+American people."
+
+The session of 1863 was barren of important subjects of debate, and
+hence unusual interest was centered in the Chancellor's statement, which
+was another masterly financial presentation, and its leading
+propositions were cordially received. The whole reduction of taxation
+for the year was L3,340,000, or counting the total reductions, present
+and prospective, of L4,601,000. This still left a surplus of L400,000.
+
+In four years L8,000,000 had been paid for war with China out of the
+ordinary revenues. A proposition to subject charities to the income tax,
+although endorsed by the whole cabinet, led to such powerful opposition
+throughout the country that it was finally withdrawn. The arguments of
+the Chancellor were endorsed by many who were opposed to the
+indiscriminate and mistaken beneficence which was so prevalent on
+death-beds.
+
+A bill was introduced at this session by Sir Morton Peto, entitled the
+"Dissenters' Burial Bill," the object of which was to enable
+Nonconformists to have their own religious rites and services, and by
+their own ministers, in the graveyards of the Established Church. The
+bill was strongly opposed by Lord Robert Cecil and Mr. Disraeli. Mr.
+Gladstone favored the measure. The bill was rejected, and Mr. Gladstone
+at a later period discovered that his progress in ecclesiastical and
+political opinions was creating a breach between himself and his
+constituents at Oxford.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's financial scheme for 1864 was received with undiminished
+interest. It was characterized as "a policy of which peace, progress and
+retrenchment were the watchwords." An available surplus of L2,260,000
+enabled him to propose reductions.
+
+The subject of reform, which had been coming up in the House of Commons
+in one way or another and agitating the House and the country since
+1859, when the Conservative party was beaten on the question, reappeared
+in 1864. The question of lowering the borough franchise came up, and Mr.
+Gladstone startled the House and the country by his declaration upon the
+subject of reform, which showed the rapid development of his views upon
+the subject. The Conservative party was filled with alarm, and the hopes
+of the Reform party correspondingly elated. "The eyes of all Radical
+Reformers turned to Mr. Gladstone as the future Minister of Reform in
+Church and State. He became from the same moment an object of distrust,
+and something approaching to detestation in the eyes of all steady-going
+Conservatives."
+
+Mr. Gladstone said: "I say that every man who is not presentably
+incapacitated by some consideration of personal unfitness or political
+danger, is morally entitled to come within the pale of the
+constitution." This declaration was the first note sounded in a conflict
+which, twelve months later, was to cost Mr. Gladstone his seat for
+Oxford University, and finally to culminate in the disruption of the
+Liberal Government. The general feeling in regard to this speech was
+that if the Liberal party had failed in its duty on the subject of
+reform in the existing Parliament after Mr. Gladstone's utterances,
+that the condition of things must undergo a change, so great was the
+effect of his speech in the country. The bill, which was presented by a
+private member and lost, was made memorable by the speech of the
+Chancellor. The eyes of careful political leaders were again turned
+towards Mr. Gladstone, and strong predictions made of his coming
+exaltation to the Premiership. Mr. Speaker Denison said, in October,
+1864: "I now anticipate that Mr. Gladstone will be Premier. Neither
+party has any leader. I hope Mr. Gladstone may get support from the
+Conservatives who now support Palmerston." And these expectations were
+known to Mr. Gladstone himself, for Bishop Wilberforce had a
+conversation with him and writes: "Long talk with Gladstone as to
+Premiership: he is for acting under John Russell." Again to Mr.
+Gladstone: "Anything which breaks up, or tends to break up, Palmerston's
+supremacy, must bring you nearer to the post in which I long to see you,
+and, if I live, shall see you." Lord Palmerston himself said: "Gladstone
+will soon have it all his own way; and whenever he gets my place we
+shall have strange things."
+
+The hostile feeling towards the Palmerston government, which had been
+growing in intensity, chiefly on the ground of its foreign policy,
+reached its full height in a fierce battle between the Ministry and the
+Opposition. July 4, 1864, Mr. Disraeli brought forward his motion of
+"no confidence." Mr. Gladstone replied for the government, and sought to
+rebut the accusations made by the leader of the Opposition. He said that
+it was the very first time in which the House of Commons had been called
+upon to record the degradation of the country, simply for the sake of
+displacing a ministry.
+
+An amusing episode which occurred during this debate is worthy of record
+here; Mr. Bernard Osborne "grew amusingly sarcastic at the expense of
+the government, though he paid at the same time a great compliment to
+Mr. Gladstone. He likened the Cabinet to a museum of curiosities, in
+which there were some birds of rare and noble plumage, both alive and
+stuffed. There had been a difficulty, unfortunately, in keeping up the
+breed, and it was found necessary to cross it with the famous Peelites.
+'I will do them the justice to say that they have a very great and noble
+Minister among them in the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and it is to his
+measures alone that they owe the little popularity and the little
+support they get from this Liberal party.' Describing Mr. Milner Gibson,
+the honorable gentleman said he was like some 'fly in amber,' and the
+wonder was 'how the devil he got there.' Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright must
+have been disappointed in this 'young man from the country.' He had
+become insolent and almost quarrelsome under the guidance of the noble
+lord. Should that Parliament decide on terminating its own and their
+existence, they would find consolation that the funeral oration would be
+pronounced by Mr. Newdegate, and that some friendly hand would inscribe
+on their mausoleum, 'Rest and be thankful.'" Mr. Disraeli's motion was
+lost, and the ministry was sustained.
+
+The budget of 1865 represented the country as in a prosperous financial
+condition. The total reduction was over L5,000,000. Such a financial
+showing gained the warm approval of the people, and excited but little
+opposition in the House. It was evident that a master-hand was guiding
+the national finances, and fortunately the Chancellor's calculations
+were verified by the continued prosperity of the country. At a later
+period, in commenting upon the policy of the two parties--Conservative
+and Liberal--Mr. Gladstone said: "From thence it follows that the policy
+of the Liberal party has been to reduce the public charges and to keep
+the expenditure within the estimates, and, as a result, to diminish the
+taxation of the country and the national debt; that the policy of the
+Tory government, since they took office in 1866, has been to increase
+the public charges, and to allow the departments to spend more than
+their estimates, and, as a result, to create deficits and to render the
+reduction of taxation impossible. Which policy will the country prefer?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER
+
+July, 1865, Parliament having run its allotted course, according to the
+constitution, was dissolved, and a general election took place, which
+resulted in the Liberal party being returned again with a majority. Mr.
+Gladstone's relations with many of his constituents were not harmonious,
+owing to his pronounced Liberal views, and his seat for Oxford was
+seriously imperilled. Mr. Gathorne Hardy was nominated to run against
+him. The High Tory party resolved to defeat him, and he was defeated by
+a majority of 180. "The electors preferred the uncompromising defender
+of the Church and Toryism to the brilliant statesman and financier."
+Almost all of the distinguished residents of Oxford and three-fourths of
+the tutors and lecturers of the University voted for Mr. Gladstone, and
+his rejection was entirely owing to the opposing vote of non-residents
+and the bigotry of the hostile country clergymen of the Church of
+England. From the Bishop of Oxford Mr. Gladstone received the following
+indignant protest:
+
+"I cannot forbear expressing to you my grief and indignation at the
+result. It is needless for me to say that everything I could with
+propriety do I did heartily to save our University this great loss and
+dishonor, as well from a loving honor of you. You were too great
+for them."
+
+"The enemies of the University," observed the _Times_, "will make the
+most of her disgrace. It has hitherto been supposed that a learned
+constituency was to some extent exempt from the vulgar motives of party
+spirit, and capable of forming a higher estimate of statesmanship than
+common tradesmen or tenant-farmers."
+
+His valedictory address to his former constituents was short: "After
+an arduous connection of eighteen years, I bid you, respectfully,
+farewell.... It is one imperative duty, and one alone, which induces me
+to trouble you with these few parting words, the duty of expressing my
+profound and lasting gratitude for indulgence as generous, and for
+support as warm and enthusiastic in itself, and as honorable from the
+character and distinctions of those who have given it, as has, in my
+belief, ever been accorded by any constituency to any representative."
+
+One event in Parliament, in 1865, contributed much to Mr. Gladstone's
+defeat: In March, 1865, Mr. Dillwyn, the Radical member for Swansea,
+moved "that the present position of the Irish Church Establishment is
+unsatisfactory, and calls for the early attention of her Majesty's
+Government."
+
+Sir Stafford Northcote wrote: "Gladstone made a terribly long stride in
+his downward progress last night, and denounced the Irish Church in a
+way which shows how, by and by, he will deal not only with it, but with
+the Church of England too.... He laid down the doctrines that the tithe
+was national property, and ought to be dealt with by the State in a
+manner most advantageous to the people; and that the Church of England
+was only national because the majority of the people still belong
+to her."
+
+"It was now felt that henceforth Mr. Gladstone must belong to the
+country, and not to the University." He realized this himself, for
+driven from Oxford, he went down to South Lancashire, seeking to be
+returned from there to Parliament, and in the Free Trade Hall,
+Manchester, said: "At last, my friends, I am come among you, and I am
+come among you unmuzzled." These words were greeted with loud and
+prolonged applause. The advanced Liberals seemed to take the same view,
+and regarded Mr. Gladstone's defeat at Oxford by the Conservatives as
+his political enfranchisement. His defeat was not wholly unexpected to
+himself. In 1860 he said: "Without having to complain, I am entirely
+sick and weary of the terms upon which I hold the seat."
+
+Mr. Gladstone felt keenly the separation, for he wrote to the Bishop of
+Oxford: "There have been two great deaths, or transmigrations of spirit,
+in my political existence--one, very slow, the breaking of ties with my
+original party, the other, very short and sharp, the breaking of the tie
+with Oxford. There will probably be a third, and no more." And in a
+speech at Liverpool, there was something of pathos in his reference to
+Oxford, when he said that if he had clung to the representation of the
+University with desperate fondness, it was because he would not desert a
+post to which he seemed to have been called. But he had now been
+dismissed from it, not by academical, but by political agencies.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was elected to represent his native district in
+Parliament, and he was at the head of the poll in Manchester, Liverpool,
+and all the large towns. The result of the general elections was a
+considerable gain to the Liberal party, but that party sustained a
+severe loss by the death of Lord Palmerston, October 18, 1865.
+
+A new cabinet was constructed, with Earl Russell as Premier, and Mr.
+Gladstone as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr. Gladstone became for
+the first time the recognized leader in the House of Commons, which
+then meant virtually Prime Minister, for with the aged Premier in the
+House of Lords, and the youthful Chancellor in the Commons, it meant
+nothing else. But Earl Russell and his younger colleague were calculated
+to work in harmonious action, for they were both Reformers. The ardent
+temperament and the severe conscientiousness of the leader was the cause
+of much speculation and anxiety as to his management. His first
+appearance as leader of the House was therefore waited for with much
+curiosity. The new Parliament was opened February 6, 1866, by the Queen
+in person, for the first time since the death of Prince Albert. In the
+speech from the throne it was announced that Parliament would be
+directed to consider such improvements in the laws which regulate the
+right of voting in the election of the members of the House of Commons
+as may tend to strengthen our free institutions, and conduce to the
+public welfare. Bishop Wilberforce wrote: "Gladstone has risen entirely
+to his position, and done all his most sanguine friends hoped for as
+leader.... There is a general feeling of insecurity of the ministry, and
+the Reform Bill to be launched to-night is thought a bad rock."
+
+May 3, 1866, Mr. Gladstone brought forward what was destined to be his
+last budget for some years. There was a surplus of over a million and a
+quarter of pounds, which allowed a further and considerable reduction
+of taxation.
+
+The condition of Ireland was very grave at this time, and as
+apprehensions were felt in regard to the Fenians, a bill suspending the
+Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland was passed. Mr. Gladstone, in explaining
+the necessity for the measure, said that the government were ready at
+any time to consider any measure for the benefit of Ireland, but it was
+the single duty of the House at the moment to strengthen the hands of
+the Executive in the preservation of law and order. The bill was renewed
+by the Derby government, and passed as before, as the result of an
+anticipated great Fenian uprising under "Head-Centre" Stephens.
+
+During a debate on the bill for the abolition of Church rates, Mr.
+Gladstone said that the law requiring Church rates was _prima facie_
+open to great objection, but he could not vote for total abolition. He
+offered a compromise and proposed that Dissenters be exempted from
+paying Church rates, and at the same time be disqualified from
+interfering with funds to which they had not contributed. The compromise
+was accepted, but failed to become a law.
+
+On the subject of reform, mentioned in the address, there were great
+debates, during the session of 1866. The new Cabinet, known as the
+Russell-Gladstone Ministry, set themselves to work in earnest upon a
+question that had baffled all the skill of various administrations. As a
+part of the reform scheme, Mr. Gladstone brought forward a Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons, March 12th.
+
+The bill satisfied most of the Liberal party. Mr. Robert Lowe, a
+Liberal, became one of its most powerful assailants. His enmity to the
+working classes made him extremely unpopular. Mr. Horseman also joined
+the Conservatives in opposing the bill. Mr. Bright, in a crushing
+retort, fastened upon the small party of Liberals, led by these two
+members in opposition to the bill, the epithet of "Adullamites." Mr.
+Horseman, Mr. Bright said, had "retired into what may be called his
+political Cave of Adullam, to which he invited every one who was in
+distress, and every one who was discontented. He had long been anxious
+to found a party in this house, and there is scarcely a member at this
+end of the House who is able to address us with effect or to take much
+part, whom he has not tried to bring over to his party and his cabal. At
+last he has succeeded in hooking ... Mr. Lowe. I know it was the opinion
+many years ago of a member of the Cabinet that two men could make a
+party. When a party is formed of two men so amiable and so disinterested
+as the two gentlemen, we may hope to see for the first time in
+Parliament a party perfectly harmonious and distinguished by mutual and
+unbroken trust. But there is one difficulty which it is impossible to
+remove. This party of two is like the Scotch terrier that is so covered
+with hair that you could not tell which was the head and which was the
+tail." This sally, which excited immoderate laughter, remains one of the
+happiest examples of Parliamentary retort and badinage.
+
+During this session the Conservative party met at the residence of the
+Marquis of Salisbury, and decided upon strongly opposing the measure
+proposed by the Liberal government. Mr. Bright characterized it as "a
+dirty conspiracy." On the other hand, the country supported the bill,
+and great meetings were held in its interest. Mr. Gladstone spoke at a
+great meeting at Liverpool. He said: "Having produced this measure,
+founded in a spirit of moderation, we hope to support it with
+decision.... We have passed the Rubicon, we have broken the bridge and
+burned the boats behind us. We have advisedly cut off the means of
+retreat, and having done this, we hope that, as far as time is yet
+permitted, we have done our duty to the Crown and to the nation." This
+was regarded as the bugle-call to the Liberal party for the
+coming battle.
+
+The debate began April 12th, and continued for eight nights. "On no
+occasion since, and seldom before, has such a flow of eloquence been
+heard within the walls of the House of Commons." Mr. Disraeli spoke for
+three hours against the bill, and in his speech accused Mr. Gladstone of
+introducing American ideas of Government, and of having once assailed
+the very principles he now advocated, when in the Oxford Union he spoke
+against the Reform Bill of 1832. Mr. Gladstone's reply was one of the
+most noteworthy parts of this famous debate. He rose at one o'clock in
+the morning to conclude a legislative battle which had begun two weeks
+before. "At last," Mr. Gladstone said, "we have obtained a declaration
+from an authoritative source that a bill which, in a country with five
+millions of adult males, proposes to add to a limited constituency
+200,000 of the middle class and 200,000 of the working class, is, in the
+judgment of the leader of the Tory party, a bill to reconstruct the
+constitution upon American principles.
+
+"The right honorable gentleman, secure in the recollection of his own
+consistency, has taunted me with the errors of my boyhood. When he
+addressed the honorable member of Westminster, he showed his magnanimity
+by declaring that he would not take the philosopher to task for what he
+wrote twenty-five years ago; but when he caught one who, thirty-six
+years ago, just emerged from boyhood, and still an undergraduate at
+Oxford, had expressed an opinion adverse to the Reform Bill of 1832, of
+which he had so long and bitterly repented, then the right honorable
+gentleman could not resist the temptation."
+
+The bill was put upon its passage. The greatest excitement prevailed.
+"The house seemed charged with electricity, like a vast thunder-cloud;
+and now a spark was about to be applied. Strangers rose in their seats,
+the crowd at the bar pushed half-way up the House, the Royal Princes
+leaned forward in their standing places, and all was confusion."
+Presently order was restored, and breathless excitement prevailed while
+the tellers announced that the bill had been carried by a majority of
+only five.
+
+"Hardly had the words left the teller's lips than there arose a wild,
+raging, mad-brained shout from floor and gallery, such as has never been
+heard in the present House of Commons. Dozens of half-frantic Tories
+stood up in their seats, madly waved their hats and hurrahed at the top
+of their voices. Strangers in both galleries clapped their hands. The
+Adullamites on the Ministerial benches, carried away by the delirium of
+the moment, waved their hats in sympathy with the Opposition, and
+cheered as loudly as any. Mr. Lowe, the leader, instigator, and prime
+mover of the conspiracy, stood up in the excitement of the
+moment--flushed, triumphant, and avenged.... He took off his hat, waved
+it in wide and triumphant circles over the heads of the very men who had
+just gone into the lobby against him.... But see, the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer lifts up his hand to bespeak silence, as if he had something
+to say in regard to the result of the division. But the more the great
+orator lifts his hand beseechingly, the more the cheers are renewed and
+the hats waved. At length the noise comes to an end by the process of
+exhaustion, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer rises. Then there is a
+universal hush, and you might hear a pin drop."
+
+"Few, if any, could anticipate at this time, that in the course of one
+short year a Conservative Government would find itself compelled to take
+up that very question of Reform, whose virtual defeat its opponents now
+hailed with such intoxicating expressions of delight." However, the bill
+was unexpectedly wrecked June 18th, by an amendment substituting a ratal
+instead of a rental basis for the borough franchise. The ministry
+regarding this as a vital point, could not agree to it, and consequently
+threw up their measure and resigned office. The Queen was unwilling to
+accept their resignation. But the ministry felt that they had lost the
+confidence of the House, so their resignation was announced June 26th.
+
+The apathy of the people about reform that Earl Russell thought he
+perceived, as far as London was concerned, at once disappeared. A great
+demonstration was made at Trafalgar Square, where some ten thousand
+people assembled and passed resolutions in favor of reform. A serious
+riot occurred at Hyde Park in consequence of the prohibition by the
+Government of the meeting of the Reform League. The Reformers then
+marched to Carleton House Terrace, the residence of Mr. Gladstone,
+singing songs in his honor. He was away from home, but Mrs. Gladstone
+and her family came out on the balcony to acknowledge the tribute paid
+by the people. It is said that Mr. Gladstone, now for the first time,
+became a popular hero. Great meetings were held in the interest of
+reform in the large towns of the North and the Midlands, where his name
+was received with tumultuous applause. Mr. Gladstone was hailed
+everywhere as the leader of the Liberal party. Reform demonstrations
+continued during the whole of the recess. A meeting was held at
+Brookfields, near Birmingham, which was attended by nearly 250,000
+people. The language of some of the ardent friends of reform was not
+always discreet, but Mr. Gladstone appears to have preserved a calm and
+dignified attitude.
+
+In the summer of 1866, Lord Derby had announced his acceptance of office
+as Premier, and the formation of a Conservative Cabinet. The
+demonstrations of the people compelled the Conservatives to introduce
+measures in Liberal Reform. Accordingly, in 1867, Mr. Disraeli and his
+colleagues passed a Reform Bill, which, after various modifications, was
+far more extreme than that presented by the Liberals and defeated.
+
+Owing to a division in the ranks of the Liberal members on the pending
+bill, Mr. Gladstone withdrew from the active leadership of the House,
+but soon resumed it. Mr. Bright said, at Birmingham, that since 1832,
+there had been no man of Mr. Gladstone's rank as a statesman who had
+imported into the Reform question so much of conviction, of earnestness,
+and of zeal.
+
+Not long after this deputations from various parts of the country,
+accompanied by their representatives in Parliament, called on Mr.
+Gladstone to present addresses expressive of confidence in him as
+Liberal leader.
+
+Lord Cranborne expressed his astonishment at hearing the bill described
+as a Conservative triumph. It was right that its real parentage should
+be established. The bill had been modified by Mr. Gladstone. All his
+points were conceded. If the adoption on the principles of Mr. Bright
+could be described as a triumph, then indeed the Conservative party, in
+the whole history of its previous annals, had won no triumphs so simple
+as this. In the House of Lords the Duke of Buccleuch declared that the
+only word in the bill that remained unaltered was the first word,
+"whereas."
+
+"The work of reform was completed in the session of 1868, by the passing
+of the Scotch and Irish Reform Bills, a Boundary Bill for England and
+Wales, an Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill, and
+the Registration of Voters Bill. The object of the last-named measure
+was to accelerate the elections, and to enable Parliament to meet before
+the end of 1868."
+
+In the autumn of 1866, Mr. Gladstone and his family again visited Italy,
+and at Rome had an audience with Pope Pio Nono. It became necessary two
+years later, owing to this interview, for Mr. Gladstone formally to
+explain his visit.
+
+In February, 1868, Lord Derby, owing to failing health, resigned. The
+Derby Ministry retired from office, and Mr. Disraeli became Prime
+Minister. An English author writes: "There was, of course, but one
+possible Conservative Premier--Mr. Disraeli--he who had served the
+Conservative party for more than thirty years, who had led it to
+victory, and who had long been the ruling spirit of the Cabinet."
+
+The elevation of Mr. Disraeli to the Premiership before Mr. Gladstone,
+produced, in some quarters, profound regret and even indignation. But
+Mr. Disraeli, though in office, was not in power. He was nominally the
+leader of a House that contained a large majority of his political
+opponents, now united among themselves. The schism in the Liberal party
+had been healed by the question of Reform, and they could now defeat the
+government whenever they chose to do so; consequently Mr. Gladstone took
+the initiative. His compulsory Church Rates Abolition Bill was
+introduced and accepted. By this measure all legal proceedings for the
+recovery of church rates were abolished. The question that overshadowed
+all others, however, was that of the Irish Church.
+
+On the 16th of March Mr. Gladstone struck the first blow in the struggle
+that was to end in the disestablishment of the Irish Church. Mr. Maguire
+moved that the House consider the condition of Ireland. Mr. Gladstone
+said that Ireland had a controversy with England and a long account
+against England. It was a debt of justice, and he enumerated six
+particulars, one of which was the Established Episcopal Church.
+Religious Equality, he contended, must be conceded. He said, in
+referring to his speech made on the motion of Mr. Dillwyn in 1865: "The
+opinion I held then and hold now--namely, that in order to the
+settlement of this question of the Irish Church, that Church, as a State
+Church must cease to exist."
+
+This speech excited feelings of consternation amongst the
+Ministerialists. Mr. Disraeli bewailed his own unhappy fate at the
+commencement of his career as Prime Minister, at finding himself face
+to face with the necessity of settling an account of seven centuries
+old. He complained that all the elements of the Irish crisis had existed
+while Mr. Gladstone was in office, but no attempt had been made to deal
+with them.
+
+March 23d Mr. Gladstone proposed resolutions affirming that the Irish
+Episcopal Church should cease to exist as an establishment, and asking
+the Queen to place at the disposal of Parliament her interest in the
+temporalities of the Irish Church.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's resolution was carried by a majority of 65, and the
+Queen replied that she would not suffer her interests to stand in the
+way of any measures contemplated by Parliament. Consequently Mr.
+Gladstone brought in his Irish Church Suspensory Bill, which was adopted
+by the Commons, but rejected by the Lords. During the discussion,
+ministerial explanations followed; Mr. Disraeli described, in his most
+pompous vein, his audiences with the Queen. His statement amounted to
+this--that, in spite of adverse votes, the Ministers intended to hold on
+till the autumn, and then to appeal to the new electorate created by the
+Reform Act.
+
+Lord Houghton wrote: "Gladstone is the great triumph, but as he owns
+that he has to drive a four-in-hand, consisting of English Liberals,
+English Dissenters, Scotch Presbyterians, and Irish Catholics, he
+requires all his courage to look the difficulties in the face and trust
+to surmount them."
+
+An appeal was now made to the country. The general election that
+followed, in November, was fought out mainly upon this question. A great
+Liberal majority was returned to Parliament, which was placed at 115.
+But there were several individual defeats, among them Mr. Gladstone
+himself, who was rejected by South Lancaster. This was in part owing to
+the readjustment of seats according to the Reform Bill. But Mr.
+Gladstone received an invitation from Greenwich, in the southwestern
+division, where he was warmly received by the electors. "He spoke
+everywhere, with all his fiery eloquence, on the monstrous foolishness
+of a religious establishment which ministered only to a handful of the
+people." Is the Irish Church to be or not to be? was the question. He
+was returned for that borough by a large majority over his Conservative
+opponents.
+
+Archbishop Wilberforce wrote in November: "The returns to the House of
+Commons leave no doubt of the answer of the country to Gladstone's
+appeal. In a few weeks he will be in office at the head of a majority of
+something like a hundred, elected on the distinct issue of Gladstone and
+the Irish Church."
+
+The feeling was so enormously great in its preponderance for Mr.
+Gladstone's policy of Liberal Reform, especially for the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church, that Mr. Disraeli did not adopt
+the usual course of waiting for the endorsement of the new Parliament,
+which he felt sure would be given to Mr. Gladstone, but resigned, and
+the first Disraeli Cabinet went out of office, December 2d.
+
+December 4, 1868, the Queen summoned Mr. Gladstone to Windsor to form a
+Cabinet. He had now attained the summit of political ambition. He was
+the first Commoner in the land--the uncrowned king of the British Empire
+--for such is the English Premier. "All the industry and self-denial of
+a laborious life, all the anxieties and burdens and battles of five and
+thirty years of Parliamentary struggle were crowned by this supreme and
+adequate reward. He was Prime Minister of England--had attained to that
+goal of the Eton boy's ambition; and, what perhaps was to him of greater
+consideration, he was looked up to by vast numbers of the people as
+their great leader."
+
+December 9th the new government was completed and the ministers received
+their seals from the Queen. Mr. Bright, contrary to all expectation,
+became President of the Board of Trade. In offering themselves for
+re-election, the members of the new Cabinet found no trouble--all were
+returned. Mr. Gladstone was returned by Greenwich.
+
+With the year 1869 Mr. Gladstone entered upon a great period of Reform.
+The new Parliament was opened December 10th. On the 11th Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone paid a visit to Lord and Lady Salisbury, at Hatfield. Bishop
+Wilberforce was there and had opportunity to observe his old and honored
+friend in the first flush of his new dignity. Here are his comments:
+"Gladstone, as ever, great, earnest, and honest; as unlike the tricky
+Disraeli as possible." To Dr. Trench the Bishop wrote: "The nation has
+decided against our establishment, and we bow to its decision, and on
+what tenure and conditions it is to be held, remains confessedly open."
+"But his sagacious and statesmanlike counsel was disregarded. The Irish
+Bishops ranged themselves in bitter but futile hostility to the change.
+A frantic outbreak of Protestant violence began in Ireland and spread to
+England." Bishop Wilberforce notes this conversation at Windsor Castle:
+"The Queen very affable. 'So sorry Mr. Gladstone started this about the
+Irish Church, and he is a great friend of yours.'"
+
+On the 15th of February Parliament assembled. March 1st Mr. Gladstone
+introduced his momentous bill in a speech of three hours, his first
+speech as Prime Minister, which was characterized as "calm, moderate and
+kindly." It was proposed that on January 1, 1871, the Irish Church
+should cease to exist as an establishment and should become a
+free Church.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the Commons, moved the rejection of the bill. In
+opposing the measure he objected to disestablishment, because he was in
+favor of the union of Church and State.
+
+Mr. Gladstone eloquently concluded as follows: "As the clock points
+rapidly towards the dawn, so as rapidly flow out the years, the months,
+the days, that remain to the existence of the Irish Established
+Church.... Not now are we opening this great question. Opened, perhaps,
+it was when the Parliament which expired last year pronounced upon it
+that emphatic judgment which can never be recalled. Opened it was,
+further, when in the months of autumn the discussions were held in every
+quarter of the Irish Church. Prosecuted another stage it was, when the
+completed elections discovered to us a manifestation of the national
+verdict more emphatic than, with the rarest exceptions, has been
+witnessed during the whole of our Parliamentary history. The good cause
+was further advanced towards its triumphant issue when the silent
+acknowledgment of the late government, that they declined to contest the
+question, was given by their retirement from office, and their choosing
+a less responsible position from which to carry on a more desultory
+warfare against the policy which they had in the previous session
+unsuccessfully attempted to resist. Another blow will soon be struck in
+the same good cause, and I will not intercept it one single
+moment more."
+
+The bill passed by an overwhelming vote--368 against 250--and went up to
+the Lords, where stirring debates occurred. But there, as well as in the
+House, the Irish Establishment was doomed. The bill, substantially
+unaltered, received the Royal assent July 26, 1869.
+
+The Annual Register for 1869 declared that the bill "was carried through
+in the face of a united and powerful opposition, mainly by the resolute
+will and unflinching energy of the Prime Minister.... Upon the whole,
+whatever may be thought of its merits or demerits, it can hardly be
+disputed that the Act of the Disestablishment of the Irish Church,
+introduced and carried into a law within somewhat less than five months,
+was the most remarkable legislative achievement of modern times."
+
+The parliamentary session of 1870 was rendered memorable by the passing
+of a scarcely less popular and important measure--the Irish Land Bill.
+Mr. Gladstone, in speaking of Ireland, had referred to three branches of
+an Upas tree, to the growth of which her present sad condition was
+largely owing--the Irish Church, the Irish Land Laws, and the Irish
+Universities. The first branch had fallen with the disestablishment of
+the Irish Church, and Mr. Gladstone, pressing on in his reform, now
+proposed to lop off the second branch by his Irish Land Bill, which was
+in itself a revolution. It was claimed for Mr. Gladstone's new bill, or
+Land Scheme, that while it insured for the tenant security of holding,
+it did not confiscate a single valuable right of the Irish land-owner.
+Mr. Gladstone remarked that he believed there was a great fund of
+national wealth in the soil of Ireland as yet undeveloped, and said he
+trusted that both tenant and landlord would accept the bill because it
+was just. The bill passed, and received the approval of the Queen,
+August 1, 1870.
+
+[Illustration: The Old Lion]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+
+THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM
+
+In what has been denominated the "Golden Age of Liberalism" the Liberal
+party was united, enthusiastic, victorious, full of energy, confidence
+and hope. "I have not any misgivings about Gladstone personally," says
+an English writer, "but as leader of the party to which the folly of the
+Conservatives and the selfish treachery of Disraeli, bit by bit, allied
+him, he cannot do what he would, and, with all his vast powers, there is
+a want of sharp-sighted clearness as to others. But God rules. I do not
+see how we are, after Disraeli's Reform Bill, long to avoid fundamental
+changes, both in Church and State."
+
+Justin McCarthy has well summed up the aims of Mr. Gladstone and his
+party on their accession to power: "Nothing in modern English history is
+like the rush of the extraordinary years of reforming energy on which
+the new administration had now entered. Mr. Gladstone's government had
+to grapple with five or six great questions, any one of which might
+have seemed enough to engage the whole attention of an ordinary
+administration. The new Prime Minister had pledged himself to abolish
+the State Church in Ireland, and to reform the Irish Land Tenure system.
+He had made up his mind to put an end to the purchase of commissions in
+the army. Recent events and experiences had convinced him that it was
+necessary to introduce the system of voting by ballot. He accepted for
+his government the responsibility of originating a complete system of
+national education."
+
+The first great measure of the new administration had been successfully
+pushed through, and, flushed with triumph, the Liberal leaders were now
+ready to introduce other important legislation. In 1870, the Elementary
+Education Act, providing for the establishment of school boards, and
+securing the benefits of education for the poor in England and Wales was
+introduced. By it a national and compulsory system of education was
+established for the first time. "It is important to note that the
+concessions made during its course to the convictions of Tories and
+Churchmen, in the matter of religious education, stirred the bitter and
+abiding wrath of the political Dissenters." The measure was passed,
+while the half-penny postage for newspapers, and the half-penny post
+cards were among the benefits secured.
+
+In April, 1870, a party of English travelers in Greece were seized by
+brigands. The ladies were released and also Lord Muncaster, who was sent
+to Athens to arrange for ransom and a free pardon. But the Greek
+Government sending soldiers to release the captives and capture the
+captors, the English were murdered. The English Minister at Athens was
+in treaty for the release of his countrymen, but the great difficulty
+was to procure pardon from the Greek government. This terrible affair
+created a profound sensation in England, and it was brought before
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone pleaded for further information before taking
+decided steps. But for the arrest and execution of most of the brigands,
+and the extirpation of the band, the diabolical deed went unavenged.
+
+In July, war broke out suddenly between France and Germany, which
+resulted in the dethronement of Napoleon III. England preserved
+neutrality. However, Mr. Gladstone had his opinion regarding the war and
+thus represented it: "It is not for me to distribute praise and blame;
+but I think the war as a whole, and the state of things out of which it
+has grown, deserve a severer condemnation than any which the nineteenth
+century has exhibited since the peace of 1815." And later, in an
+anonymous article, the only one he ever wrote, and which contained the
+famous phrase, "the streak of silver sea," he "distributed blame with
+great impartiality between both belligerent powers."
+
+Among the business transacted in the session of 1870 was the following:
+All appointments to situations in all Civil Departments of the State,
+except the Foreign Office and posts requiring professional knowledge,
+should be filled by open competition; and the royal prerogative that
+claimed the General Commanding-in-Chief as the agent of the Crown be
+abolished, and that distinguished personage was formally declared to be
+subordinate to the Minister of War. Mr. Gladstone announced the
+intention of the government to release the Fenian prisoners then
+undergoing sentences for treason or treason-felony, on condition of
+their not remaining in or returning to the United Kingdom. The Premier,
+alluding to the enormity of their offenses, said that the same
+principles of justice which dictated their sentences would amply
+sanction the prolongation of their imprisonment if the public security
+demanded it. The press and country generally approved this decision of
+the Premier, but some condemned him for the condition he imposed in the
+amnesty. The religious test imposed upon all students entering at the
+universities was abolished, and all students of all creeds could now
+enter the universities on an equal footing. Heretofore special
+privileges were accorded to members of the Established Episcopal Church,
+and all others were cut off from the full enjoyment of the
+universities.
+
+A bill to establish secret voting was rejected by the Lords, but was
+passed the next session. The House of Lords, emboldened by their success
+in throwing out the voting bill, defeated a bill to abolish the purchase
+of commissions in the army, but Mr. Gladstone was not to be turned from
+his purpose, and startled the peers by a new departure--he dispensed
+with their consent, and accomplished his purpose without the decision of
+Parliament. Finding that purchase in the army existed only by royal
+sanction, he, with prompt decision, advised the Queen to issue a royal
+warrant declaring that on and after November 1, 1871, all regulations
+attending the purchase of commissions should be cancelled. The purchase
+of official positions in the army was thus abolished. It was regarded as
+a high-handed act on the part of the Prime Minister, and a stretch of
+executive authority, and was denounced by Lords and Commons, friends and
+foes. Tories and Peers especially were enraged, and regarded themselves
+as baffled.
+
+The condition of affairs in Ireland was alarming. The spread of an
+agrarian conspiracy at Westmeath compelled the government to move for a
+committee to inquire into the unlawful combination and confederacy
+existing. "Mr. Disraeli was severely sarcastic at the expense of the
+government."
+
+The grant proposed by the government to the Princess Louise on her
+marriage aroused the opposition of some members of the House, who
+claimed to represent the sentiments of a considerable number of people.
+It was proposed to grant L30,000 and an annuity of L6,000. The Premier
+stated that the Queen in marrying her daughter to one of her own
+subjects, had followed her womanly and motherly instincts. He dwelt upon
+the political importance of supporting the dignity of the crown in a
+suitable manner; upon the value of a stable dynasty; and the unwisdom of
+making minute pecuniary calculations upon such occasions. It was carried
+by a remarkable majority of 350 votes against 1.
+
+In 1871 the treaty of Washington was concluded. But the Geneva awards
+for the damage done to American shipping by the "Alabama," did much to
+undermine Mr. Gladstone's popularity with the warlike portion of the
+British public and there were various indications that the Ministry were
+becoming unpopular. There were other causes tributary to this effect.
+His plans of retrenchment had deprived Greenwich of much of its trade,
+hence his seat was threatened. Mr. Gladstone resolved to face the
+difficulty boldly, and to meet the murmurers on their own ground,
+October 28, 1871, he addressed his Greenwich constituents. The air was
+heavy with murmurs and threats. Twenty thousand people were gathered at
+Blackheath. It was a cold afternoon when he appeared bare-headed, and
+defended the whole policy of the administration. "His speech was as
+long, as methodical, as argumentative, and in parts as eloquent, as if
+he had been speaking at his ease under the friendly and commodious
+shelter of the House of Commons." The growing unpopularity of the
+Government was evidenced in the first reception given to the Premier by
+his constituents. Groans and cheers were mingled, and his voice at first
+was drowned by the din. Finally he was heard, and won the day, the
+people enthusiastically applauding and waving a forest of hats. One
+cause of unpopularity was what is called "the Ewelme Scandal," and
+another the elevation of Sir Robert Collin to the Judicial Committee of
+the Privy Council.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said: "I have a shrewd suspicion in my mind that a very
+large proportion of the people of England have a sneaking kindness for
+the hereditary principle. My observation has not been of a very brief
+period, and what I have observed is this, that wherever there is
+anything to be, done, or to be given, and there are two candidates for
+it who are exactly alike--alike in opinions, alike in character, alike
+in possessions, the one being a commoner and the other a lord--the
+Englishman is very apt indeed to prefer the lord." He detailed the great
+advantage which had accrued from the legislation of the past generation,
+including free-trade, the removal of twenty millions of taxation, a
+cheap press, and an education bill, Mr. Gladstone thus restored himself
+to the confidence of his constituents, but the ministry did not wholly
+regain the popularity they once enjoyed. The Gladstone period had passed
+its zenith and its decadence had already begun.
+
+During the autumn Mr. Gladstone received the freedom of the city of
+Aberdeen, and made a speech, in which occurred a remarkable reference to
+"the newly-invented cry of Home Rule." He spoke of the political
+illusions to which Ireland was periodically subject, the extremes to
+which England had gone in satisfying her demands, and the removal of all
+her grievances, except that which related to higher education. He said
+that any inequalities resting between England and Ireland were in favor
+of Ireland, and as to Home Rule, if Ireland was entitled to it, Scotland
+was better entitled, and even more so Wales.
+
+Ireland had proved the glory of Mr. Gladstone's administration. Its name
+had been associated with the most brilliant legislative triumphs of
+government. But Ireland was also destined to be the government's most
+serious stumbling-block, and fated to be the immediate measure of its
+overthrow. In the session of 1873 Mr. Gladstone endeavored to further
+his plans for Reform, and consequently vigorously attacked the third
+branch of the "upas tree," to which he had referred. He labored to put
+the universities on a proper basis, that they might be truly educational
+centres for the whole of Ireland, and not for a small section of its
+inhabitants alone. This step followed legitimately after the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church. He introduced to this end a large
+and comprehensive measure, but although it was favorably received at the
+outset, a hostile feeling soon began and manifested itself. Mr.
+Gladstone pleaded powerfully for the measure, and said: "To mete out
+justice to Ireland, according to the best view that with human infirmity
+we could form, has been the work--I will almost say the sacred work--of
+this Parliament. Having put our hands to the plough, let us not turn
+back. Let not what we think the fault or perverseness of those whom we
+are attempting to assist have the slightest effect in turning us, even
+by a hair's-breadth, from the path on which we have entered. As we begun
+so let us persevere, even to the end, and with firm and resolute hand
+let us efface from the law and practice of the country the last--for I
+believe it is the last--of the religious and social grievances of
+Ireland." Mr. Disraeli made fun of the bill, stalwart Liberals condemned
+it, and the Irish members voted against it, hence the bill was defeated
+by a small majority of three votes. Mr. Gladstone consequently resigned,
+but Mr. Disraeli positively declined to take office with a majority of
+the House of Commons against him, and refused to appeal to the country.
+Mr. Gladstone read an extract from a letter he had addressed to the
+Queen, in which he contended that Mr. Disraeli's refusal to accept
+office was contrary to all precedent. But under the extraordinary
+circumstances he and his colleagues consented to resume office, and they
+would endeavor to proceed, both with regard to legislation and
+administration upon the same principle as those which had heretofore
+regulated their conduct. Mr. Lowe, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
+having resigned, Mr. Gladstone assumed the duties of the office himself,
+thus serving in the double offices of Premier and Chancellor. During the
+recess various speeches were made in defence of the Ministerial policy,
+but the government failed to recover its once overwhelming popularity.
+
+On the 19th of July, 1873, Mr. Gladstone lost by sudden death one of his
+oldest and most highly esteemed friends--Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of
+Winchester. He was riding to Holmbury with Earl Granville, when he was
+thrown from his horse and killed instantly.
+
+The end of Mr. Gladstone's first ministry was now drawing near. The
+people no longer desired to keep up with the reforming zeal of the
+administration. Mr. Disraeli's strongly exaggerated description of the
+Premier's policy had the effect of forming the popular discontent;
+Liberal members were deserting him. The Bible was in danger of being
+left out of the schools, and beer was threatened with taxation. The flag
+of "Beer and the Bible"--strange combination--having been hoisted by
+clergy and publicans, the cry against the ministry became irresistible.
+Deserted by the people and by many of his own party, what was to be done
+unless to appeal to the country and decide by a general election what
+was wanted and who would be sustained.
+
+January, 1874, Mr. Gladstone issued a manifesto dissolving Parliament.
+In this document, entitled to be called a State paper for its political
+and historical importance, Mr. Gladstone stated his reasons for what was
+regarded by many as a _coup d' tat_. It is impossible to describe the
+public excitement and confusion which attended the general election thus
+unexpectedly decreed. Mr. Gladstone, recovering from a cold, appealed
+with great energy to Greenwich for re-election. The general election
+resulted in the defeat of the Liberals, and gave to the Conservatives a
+majority of forty-six in the House. Mr. Gladstone was elected, but
+Greenwich which returned two members, placed the Premier second on the
+poll--below a local distiller. Following the example of his
+predecessor, in 1868, Mr. Gladstone resigned. "Thus was overthrown one
+of the greatest administrations of the century; indeed, it may be
+doubted whether any other English Ministry was ever able to show such a
+splendid record of great legislative acts within so short a period.
+There was not one measure, but a dozen, which would have shed lustre
+upon any government; and the six years of Mr. Gladstone's first
+Premiership are well entitled to the epithet which has been accorded to
+them of 'the Golden Age of Liberalism.'"
+
+Before the next Parliament met Mr. Gladstone was to give the country
+another surprise. He was now sixty-four years old, had been forty years
+in active parliamentary labors, and thought himself justified in seeking
+rest from the arduous duties of public life, at least the pressing cares
+as leader of one of the great political parties. When his contemplated
+retirement had before become known to his friends, they induced him for
+a while longer to act as leader, but in February, 1875, he finally
+retired from the leadership and indeed appeared but rarely in the House
+of Commons during that session.
+
+"The retirement of Mr. Gladstone from active leadership naturally
+filled his party with dismay. According to the general law of human
+life, they only realized their blessings when they had lost them. They
+had grumbled at their chief and mutinied against him and helped to
+depose him. But, now that this commanding genius was suddenly withdrawn
+from their councils they found that they had nothing to put in its
+place. Their indignation waxed fast and furious, and was not the less
+keen because they had to some extent, brought their trouble on
+themselves. They complained with almost a ludicrous pathos that Mr.
+Gladstone had led them into a wilderness of opposition and left them
+there to perish. They were as sheep without a shepherd and the ravening
+wolves of Toryism seemed to have it all their own way."
+
+Between the time of Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the Premiership and
+his resignation of leadership in the House, he had quickly reappeared in
+the House of Commons and vigorously opposed the Public Worship
+Regulation Bill. Mr. Gladstone attacked the bill with a power and
+vehemence which astonished the House. The great objection to it was its
+interference with liberty, and with the variety of customs which had
+grown up in different parts of the country. To enforce strict uniformity
+would be oppressive and inconvenient. The bill became law, however,
+though it has largely proved inoperative, Mr. Gladstone also opposed the
+Endowed Schools Act Amendment Bill, which practically gave to the Church
+of England the control of schools that were thrown open to the whole
+nation by the policy of the last Parliament. So great a storm was raised
+over this reactionary bill that Mr. Disraeli was obliged to modify its
+provisions considerably before it could become a law. Mr. Gladstone was
+also active at this time in delivering addresses at Liverpool College,
+the Buckley Institute and the well-known Nonconformist College at
+Mill Hill.
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE'S MAIL]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+THE EASTERN QUESTION
+
+During his retirement from the leadership of the Liberal Party, Mr.
+Gladstone employed his great abilities in theological controversy and
+literary productions. It was during this period that he collected his
+miscellaneous writings, entitled "Gleanings from Past Years." A little
+more than a year had elapsed when he again entered the political arena.
+"He threw aside polemics and criticisms, he forgot for awhile Homer and
+the Pope," and "rushed from his library at Hawarden, forgetting alike
+ancient Greece and modern Rome," as he flung himself with impassioned
+energy and youthful vigor into a new crusade against Turkey. A quarter
+of a century before he had aroused all Europe with the story of the
+Neapolitan barbarities, and now again his keen sense of justice and
+strong, humanitarian sympathies impel him with righteous indignation to
+the eloquent defence of another oppressed people, and the denunciation
+of their wrongs. It was the Eastern Question that at once brought back
+the Liberal leader into the domain of politics. "The spirit of the
+war-horse could not be quenched, and the country thrilled with his fiery
+condemnation of the Bulgarian massacres." His activity was phenomenal.
+"He made the most impassioned speeches, often in the open air; he
+published pamphlets which rushed into incredible circulations; he poured
+letter after letter into the newspapers; he darkened the sky with
+controversial postcards, and, as soon as Parliament met in February,
+1877, he was ready with all his unequalled resources of eloquence,
+argumentation and inconvenient enquiry, to drive home his great
+indictment against the Turkish government and its champion, Mr.
+Disraeli, who had now become Lord Beaconsfield."
+
+"The reason of all this passion is not difficult to discover. Mr.
+Gladstone is a Christian; and in the Turk he saw the great
+anti-Christian power where it ought not, in the fairest provinces of
+Christendom, and stained with the record of odious cruelty practised
+through long centuries on its defenceless subjects who were worshippers
+of Jesus Christ."
+
+Turkish oppression, which had for a long time existed in its worst
+forms, resulted in an insurrection against Turkey and Herzegovina,
+July 1, 1875. This, however, was only the beginning, for others suffering
+under Ottoman oppression rebelled, and all Europe was involved.
+
+In January, 1876, the Herzegovinians gained a victory over the Turkish
+troops. The European powers then suggested a settlement favorable to the
+insurgents, which was accepted by the Sultan. But early in May another
+insurrection broke out in several Bulgarian villages, which was quickly
+followed by the most horrible atrocities. A conference on the Eastern
+question was held at Berlin in May, and soon afterward the English
+ministers announced in Parliament that they were unable to assent to the
+terms agreed upon at the Berlin Conference. This announcement caused
+much surprise and comment in England. Public feeling already aroused,
+was not allayed when it became known that the British fleet in the
+Mediterranean had been ordered to Besiki Bay, seemingly for the
+protection of the Turkish Empire.
+
+June 28th the Bulgarian insurrection was suppressed. On the 10th of July
+the Sultan, Abdul Aziz, was deposed and was succeeded by Murad V, who
+declared that he desired to guarantee liberty to all. Mr. Disraeli
+stated, in the House of Commons, that the steps taken by the Ministry
+would lead to permanent peace. But within two weeks the _Daily News_
+published a letter from Constantinople detailing the massacre in
+Bulgaria by the Turks, which moved all England with indignation.
+Innocent men, women and children had been slaughtered by the thousands;
+at least sixty villages had been utterly destroyed; the most revolting
+scenes of violence had been enacted; and a district once the most
+fertile in the Empire had been laid waste and completely ruined. Forty
+girls were shut up in a straw loft and burnt, and outrages of the most
+fearful description were committed upon hundreds of defenceless
+captives.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, grew "jocular upon the cruelties
+and sufferings almost unparalleled in the world's history," and
+expressed his belief that the outrages committed by the Turkish troops
+had been exaggerated, and sneered at the rumor as "coffee-house babble;"
+while as to the torture of the impalement, which had caused universal
+anger and disgust, that an Oriental people have their way of executing
+malefactors, and generally terminated their connection with culprits in
+an expeditious manner.
+
+In the official report presented to Parliament by Mr. W. Baring, the
+reported outrages in Bulgaria were corroborated. No fewer than 12,000
+persons had perished in the sandjak of Philippopolis! The most fearful
+tragedy, however, was at Batak, where over 1000 people took refuge in
+the church and churchyard. The Bashi-Bazouks fired through the windows,
+and, getting upon the roof, tore off the tiles and threw burning pieces
+of wood and rags dipped in petroleum among the mass of unhappy human
+beings inside. At last the door was forced in and the massacre was
+completed. The inside of the church was then burnt, and hardly one
+escaped. "The massacre at Batak was the most heinous crime which stained
+the history of the present century;" and for this exploit the Turkish
+Commander, Achmet Agha, had bestowed on him the order of the Medjidie.
+Sir Henry Elliot, the English Ambassador at Constantinople, was directed
+to lay these facts before the Sultan and to demand the punishment of the
+offenders. The demand, however, was never enforced.
+
+Prince Milan issued a proclamation to his people, declaring that, while
+professing neutrality, the Sultan had continued to send military forces
+of savage hordes to the Servian frontier. In June, Prince Milan left
+Belgrade and joined his army on the frontier. The Montenegrins declared
+war on Turkey and joined forces with Servia. July 6th the Servians were
+defeated. Thus was Turkey plunged into war with her Christian provinces,
+and all through her own misrule in peace and her barbarities in war.
+
+Mr. Disraeli in a speech made in the House of Commons, August 11th,
+explained that he had not denied the existence of the "Bulgarian.
+Atrocities," but he had no official knowledge of them. He affirmed that
+Great Britain was not responsible for what occurred in Turkey, nor were
+the Turks the special _proteges_ of England. He announced that the
+special duty of the Government at that moment was to preserve the
+British Empire, and that they would never consent to any step that would
+hazard the existence of that empire, This speech, which was
+distinguished by much of his old brilliancy and power, was his last
+speech in the House. On the morning after this speech it was publicly
+announced that Mr. Disraeli would immediately be elevated to the peerage
+under the title of the Earl of Beaconsfield.
+
+In September, 1876, deeming it high time that the indignant voice of
+England should be heard in demonstration of the infamous deeds practiced
+by the Turk, Mr. Gladstone issued his pamphlet, entitled "Bulgarian
+Horrors and the Question of the East." It had an enormous circulation.
+He called for a stop to be put to the anarchy, the misrule and the
+bloodshed in Bulgaria, and demanded that the Ottoman rule should be
+excluded, not only from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also from Bulgaria.
+The Turks must clear out, "bag and baggage," from the provinces they
+have desolated and profaned. The pamphlet, and the latter expression
+especially, produced a great sensation.
+
+The pamphlet "brought home to the English people the idea that for these
+horrors which were going on, they too, as non-interfering allies of
+Turkey, were in part responsible." Soon after this Mr. Gladstone
+addressed a large concourse of his constituents at Blackheath, in which
+he severely arraigned the Government. This address was one of the most
+impassioned and eloquent of Mr. Gladstone's political orations, and at
+some points the people were literally carried away with their feelings.
+
+November 1st, Turkey was forced by Russia to agree to an armistice of
+eight weeks. On the 2d the Russian Emperor pledged his word to the
+English Ambassador that he had no intention of acquiring Constantinople;
+that if compelled to occupy Bulgaria, it would be only until the safety
+of the Christian inhabitants be secured; and urged the Ambassador to
+remove the distrust of Russia prevailing in England. Yet, in the face of
+all these assurances, Lord Beaconsfield delivered a war-like speech, at
+the banquet at Guildhall, November 9th. Informed of this speech the Czar
+declared that if the Porte did not accede to his demands, Russia would
+then act independently.
+
+On the 8th of December there was a great conference at St. James' Hall,
+London, to discuss the Eastern question. The Duke of Westminster
+presided at the afternoon meeting. At the evening gathering Lord
+Shaftesbury occupied the chair. Mr. E. Freeman said: "Perish the
+interests of England, perish our dominion in India, sooner than we
+should strike one blow or speak one word on behalf of the wrong against
+the right." The chief interest of the occasion centered in the speech of
+Mr. Gladstone who was received with unbounded applause. He declared that
+there had been no change in public sentiment in England on the question;
+that the promoters of that meeting had no desire to embarrass the
+Government; that the power and influence of England had been employed to
+effect results at variance with the convictions of the country; that
+Lord Beaconsfield had only recently appeared anxious; and that England
+had duties towards the Christian subjects of Turkey. Mr. Gladstone
+continued that he hoped that the instructions given to Lord Salisbury,
+who had been sent for conference to Constantinople, were not in
+accordance with the speech at Guildhall, but that he would be left to
+his own clear insight and generous impulses; that the conference would
+insist upon the independence of the provinces, or at least would insure
+them against arbitrary injustice and oppression, and that the work
+indicated was not merely a worthy deed but an absolute duty.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, during the recess of Parliament, delivered speeches upon
+the burning question of the day all over England. At Hawarden he
+pleaded that it was the wretched Turkish system that was at fault, and
+not the Turks themselves, and hoped for a remedy. To the electors of
+Frome he spoke of the tremendous responsibility of the Ministers. In a
+speech at the Taunton Railway Station, he said, in reference to the
+injunction for himself and friends to mind their own business, that the
+Eastern question was their own business. And when the Constantinople
+Conference failed he spoke of this "great transaction and woeful
+failure," and laid all the blame of failure on the Ministry. As to the
+treaties of 1856 being in force, his opinion was, that Turkey had
+entirely broken those treaties and trampled them under foot.
+
+January 20, 1877, the conference closed. Parliament met February 8, 1877,
+and the conflict was transferred from the country to that narrower
+arena. In the House of Lords the Duke of Argyle delivered a powerful
+speech, to which the Premier, Disraeli, replied, that he believed that
+any interference directed to the alleviation of the sufferings of the
+Turkish Christians would only make their sufferings worse. He asked for
+calm, sagacious and statesmanlike consideration of the whole subject,
+never forgetting the great interests of England, if it was to have any
+solution at all.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, upon his appearance in the House, was greeted as a Daniel
+come to judgment. He was taken to task by Mr. Chaplin, who complained
+that Mr. Gladstone and others of the Liberal party "had endeavored to
+regulate the foreign policy of the country by pamphlets, by speeches at
+public meetings, and by a so-called National Conference, instead of
+leaving it in the hands of the Executive Government," and intimated that
+Mr. Gladstone was afraid to meet the House in debate upon the question.
+Mr. Gladstone, rebuking Mr. Chaplain, said that it was the first time in
+a public career extending over nearly half a century, he had been
+accused of a disinclination to meet his opponents in a fair fight, and
+promised him that neither he nor his friends would have reason to
+complain of his reticence. Tories and Liberals knew he had not shrunk
+from meeting the public on this question. He was glad that there was a
+tremendous feeling abroad upon this Eastern question. He had been told
+that by the pamphlet he wrote and the speech he delivered, he had done
+all this mischief, and agitated Europe and the world; but if that were
+the case why did not the honorable gentleman, by writing another
+pamphlet, and delivering another speech, put the whole thing right? If
+he (the speaker) had done anything, it was only in the same way that a
+man applies a match to an enormous mass of fuel already prepared. Mr.
+Gladstone closed with the following words: "We have, I think, the most
+solemn and the greatest question to determine that has come before
+Parliament in my time.... In the original entrance of the Turks into
+Europe, it may be said to have been a turning point in human history. To
+a great extent it continues to be the cardinal question, the question
+which casts into the shade every other question."
+
+April 24, 1877, war was declared by Russia against Turkey. The Czar
+issued a manifesto, assigning as reasons for this war the refusal of
+guarantee by the Porte for the proposed reforms, the failure of the
+Conference and the rejection of the Proteol signed on the previous 31st
+of March. England, France and Italy proclaimed their neutrality. Mr.
+Gladstone initiated a great debate in the House of Commons, May 7th,
+which lasted five days. He presented a series of resolutions expressing
+grave dissatisfaction with the policy of Turkey, and declared that she
+had forfeited all claim to support, moral and material. Mr. Gladstone
+asked whether, with regard to the great battle of freedom against
+oppression then going on, "we in England could lay our hands upon our
+hearts, and in the face of God and man, say, 'We have well and
+sufficiently performed our part?'"
+
+These resolutions were of course hostile to the Government, and many
+Liberals refused to vote for them, because they pledged England to a
+policy of force in connection with Russia. Besides the Government gave
+assurances to avail themselves of any opportunity of interposing their
+good offices. The resolutions consequently were lost. Mr. Gladstone was
+not quite the leader of his party again.
+
+Shortly after this debate, and before the close of the session, Mr.
+Gladstone addressed a large meeting at Birmingham on the Eastern
+question and the present condition of the Liberal party. Later on he
+visited Ireland. On his return he addressed, by their request, the
+people gathered to receive him. He expressed his belief that Turkey
+would have yielded to the concerted action of Europe; noticed the change
+in the tone of the ministry from the omission in the Premier's speech of
+the phrase, "the independence of Turkey;" protested strongly against
+England being dragged into war, and warmly eulogized the non-conformists
+for the consistency and unanimity with which they had insisted on
+justice to the Eastern Christians. Political feeling entered into
+everything at this time, but as an evidence of the hold Mr. Gladstone
+retained in the Scottish heart, he was in November elected Lord Rector
+of Glasgow University by a large majority. Lord Beaconsfield was the
+retiring Lord Rector, and the Conservatives nominated Sir S. Northcote,
+the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as Mr. Gladstone's opponent.
+
+The war in the East went disastrously for the Ottoman arms. January 23,
+1878, the Porte agreed to accept the terms of peace submitted by the
+Grand Duke Nicholas.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was invited January 30, 1878, to attend a meeting of
+undergraduates at Oxford, held to celebrate the formation of a Liberal
+Palmerston Club. He strongly condemned the sending of the British fleet
+into the Dardanelles as a breach of European law; and confessed that he
+had been an agitator for the past eighteen months, day and night, to
+counteract what he believed to be the evil purposes of Lord
+Beaconsfield.
+
+In February the House of Commons passed a vote of credit, but on the 3d
+of March a treaty of peace was signed between Turkey and Russia, at
+Sanstefano, the terms of which in part were: Turkey to pay a large war
+indemnity; Servia and Montenegro to be independent and to receive
+accessions of territory; Bulgaria to be formed into a principality with
+greatly extended boundaries, and to be governed by a prince elected by
+the inhabitants; the navigation of the Straits was declared free for
+merchant vessels, both in times of peace and war; Russian troops to
+occupy Bulgaria for two years; Batoum, Ardahan, Kars and Bayazid, with
+their territories, to be ceded to Russia, and Turkey to pay an indemnity
+to Roumania. The terms of the treaty were regarded oppressive to Turkey
+by the Beaconsfield Ministry, who proposed that the whole treaty be
+submitted to a congress at Berlin, to meet in June, 1878. The treaty was
+approved after some modifications. The English Plenipotentiaries were
+the Earl of Beaconsfield and Marquis of Salisbury, who, for their share
+in the treaty, received a popular ovation and rewards from the Queen.
+Thus was Turkey humiliated and Russia benefited, having obtained her
+demands. To the people assembled Lord Beaconsfield said from the window
+of the Foreign Office: "Lord Salisbury and myself have brought you back
+peace, but a peace, I hope with honor, which may satisfy our Sovereign
+and tend to the welfare of the country." But at this very time the envoy
+of Russia, whom the ministry thought to be circumvented, was entering
+the Afghan capital; so that, although there was peace on the Bosphorus,
+as a direct result of the Eastern policy, there was war in Afghanistan.
+The Conservatives were very ready for awhile to use as a watchword the
+phrase, "Peace and Honor," but before long it became the occasion
+of ridicule.
+
+Parliament was called upon to appropriate L8,000,000 to defray the cost
+of the Afghan and Zulu wars. When Mr. Gladstone's government retired
+from office, there was a surplus of over L3,000,000, but the budgets of
+1878 and 1879 both showed large deficits. The people had applauded the
+"imperial policy," "the jingoism" of Lord Beaconsfield's administration
+during the past two or three years, but they were not so appreciative
+when they found it so costly a policy to themselves. The depression in
+business also had its effect upon the country. The unpopularity of the
+Liberal government, which culminated in its defeat in 1873, was now, in
+1879, being shifted to their Conservative opponents, whose term of
+office was fast drawing to a close.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's resolute and splendid hostility to Lord Beaconsfield's
+whole system of foreign policy restored him to his paramount place among
+English politicians. For four years--from 1876 to 1880--he sustained the
+high and holy strife with an enthusiasm, a versatility, a courage and a
+resourcefulness which raised the enthusiasm of his followers to the
+highest pitch, and filled his guilty and baffled antagonists with a rage
+which went near to frenzy. By frustrating Lord Beaconsfield's design of
+going to war on behalf of Turkey, he saved England from the indelible
+disgrace of a second and more gratuitous Crimea. But it was not only in
+Eastern Europe that his saving influence was felt. In Africa and India,
+and wherever British honor was involved, he was the resolute and
+unsparing enemy of that odious system of bluster and swagger and might
+against right, on which Lord Beaconsfield and his colleagues bestowed
+the tawdry nickname of Imperialism."
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE ON HIS WAY HOME]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP
+
+The leadership of the Liberal party had, upon the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone, been turned over to Lord Hartington. His sympathies were upon
+the right side on the Eastern question, but he was a calm, slow-moving
+man. At the proper time he would have taken the right measures in
+Parliament, but the temper of the Liberal party and of the people
+demanded present action and emphatic speech, then Mr. Gladstone came to
+the rescue, and Lord Hartington found himself pushed aside. Mr.
+Gladstone was again in fact the leader of the Liberal party, whose
+standard he had carried aloft during those stirring times when the
+Eastern question was the all-absorbing topic of debate in Parliament and
+among the people of the land. The foreign policy of Lord Beaconsfield in
+1878 and 1879 found a sleepless critic in Mr. Gladstone.
+
+The day after the Parliament of 1878 had adjourned for the Easter
+recess, it was announced that the Ministry had ordered the Indian
+Government to dispatch 7000 native troops to the Island of Malta. The
+order occasioned much discussion--political, legal, and constitutional.
+It was warmly debated. It was thought that Lord Beaconsfield had
+transcended his powers and done what could be done only by a vote of
+Parliament. In the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone condemned the
+proceedings as unconstitutional, and pointed out the dangers of the
+Ministerial policy. Lord Beaconsfield received what he calculated
+upon--the support of the House. For a member to differ from his policy
+was almost to incur the imputation of disloyalty to Crown and country.
+Indeed, Mr. Gladstone was seriously accused of treason by a member of
+the House for an article in the _Nineteenth Century_.
+
+Mr. Gladstone undauntedly continued the contest. He addressed a meeting
+of Liberals in the Drill Hall, Bermondsey, July 20th, in which he said
+that the Dissolution of Parliament could not long be postponed, and
+urged the union and organization of all Liberals, and prompt measures to
+secure such representation as the Liberals deserved in the coming
+Parliament. Speaking of the Anglo-Turkish treaty, he pointed out the
+serious obligations which devolved upon England under it. He added,
+regarding the Turkish Convention, that, possibly it was necessary to
+sustain the credit of the country, but whether that credit should be
+sustained at such a price remained for the people to determine at the
+polls. He rejoiced that these most unwise, extravagant, unwarrantable,
+unconstitutional and dangerous proceedings had not been the work of the
+Liberal party, but he was grieved to think that any party should be
+found in England to perform such transactions.
+
+A great debate arose in the House of Commons, extending over the whole
+range of the Eastern question: The Treaty of Berlin, the Anglo-Turkish
+Convention, the acquisition of Cyprus, the claims of Greece, etc. It was
+begun by the Marquis of Hartington, who offered a resolution regretting
+the grave responsibilities the Ministry had assumed for England with no
+means of securing their fulfillment, and without the previous knowledge
+of Parliament. Mr. Gladstone's speech during this debate is described as
+"a long and eloquent address, unsurpassable for its comprehensive grasp
+of the subject, its lucidity, point, and the high tone which animated it
+throughout." Mr. Gladstone denied that his strictures upon the
+Government in a speech made out of Parliament could be construed as Lord
+Beaconsfield had taken them as a personal attack and provocation. If
+criticism of this kind is prohibited the doors of the House might as
+well be shut. He observed that, "Liberty of speech is the liberty which
+secures all other liberties, and the abridgment of which would render
+all other liberties vain and useless possessions." In discussing the
+Congress at Berlin, Mr. Gladstone said, that he could not shut his eyes
+to the fact that the Sclavs, looking to Russia had been freed, while the
+Greeks, looking to England, remained with all their aspirations
+unsatisfied; that Russia had secured much territory and large indemnity,
+with the sanction of Europe; that the English Plenipotentiaries at the
+Congress, Lord Salisbury and Lord Beaconsfield, as a general rule, took
+the side of servitude, and that opposed to freedom.
+
+With regard to the English responsibilities in Asiatic Turkey put upon
+England at the Convention, he called them an "unheard of," and
+"mad-undertaking," accomplished "in the dark," by the present Ministry.
+Dealing with the treaty-making power of the country, he claimed that it
+rested with Parliament in conjunction with the Executive. The strength
+and the eloquence were on the side of the opposition, but the votes were
+for the Government. The resolutions of Lord Hartington were defeated,
+and the "imperial policy" of the Ministry was sustained. The _Spectator_
+said, that, "Reason, prudence, and patriotism have hardly ever in our
+times been voted down with so little show of argument, and even of
+plausible suggestion."
+
+The next step taken by the Ministry was to undertake war with
+Afghanistan, in hopes of checking the advances of Russia in that
+direction and of redressing grievances. England accomplished her purpose
+in part, but greatly suffered for her exploit. Mr. Gladstone could not
+remain quiet under the "adventurous policy" of the Premier. He condemned
+the ministerial policy which had made the Queen an Empress, then
+manipulated the prerogative in a manner wholly unexampled in this age,
+and employed it in inaugurating policies about which neither the nation
+nor the Parliament had ever been consulted. But arguments were of no
+avail. The Conservative majority in Parliament had imbibed the idea that
+the honor of England had to be protected. Some thought it had never been
+assailed, but Lord Beaconsfield declared it was in peril, and men and
+money were voted to defend it. "So the order was given for distant
+peoples to be attacked, English blood to be spilled, the burdens of the
+people, already too heavy, to be swollen, and the future liabilities of
+this country to be enormously increased."
+
+In November, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Lord Beaconsfield, speaking of
+Eastern affairs, said that the Government was not afraid of any invasion
+of India by its northwestern frontier; but the frontier was "haphazard
+and not a scientific one," and the Government wanted a satisfactory
+frontier. Mr. Gladstone, in a letter to the Bedford Liberal Association,
+asked: "What right have we to annex by war, or to menace the territory
+of our neighbors, in order to make 'scientific' a frontier which is
+already safe?"
+
+In the autumn of 1879 Mr. Gladstone, having resolved to retire from the
+representation of Greenwich at the next election, paid a farewell visit
+to his constituents. At a luncheon given by the Liberal Association he
+dwelt upon the necessity of a Liberal union. The Liberals had, owing to
+their dissensions, given twenty-six votes to their opponents in 1874,
+while the Government had been carried on for years by a Conservative
+majority of less than twenty-six, showing the importance of
+organization. At night Mr. Gladstone attended a great public meeting in
+the Plumstead Skating Rink. On his entrance the whole audience rose and
+cheered for several minutes. An address was presented, expressing regret
+at his retirement, and the pride they would ever feel at having been
+associated with his name and fame. Mr. Gladstone alluded to Lord
+Beaconsfield's phrase respecting "harassed interests," and said he knew
+of only one harassed interest, and that was the British nation. He
+protested against the words "personal government" being taken to imply
+that the Sovereign desired to depart from the traditions of the
+constitution, yet he charged the advisers of the Crown with having
+invidiously begun a system intended to narrow the liberties of the
+people of England and to reduce Parliament to the condition of the
+French Parliaments before the great Revolution.
+
+Mr. Gladstone threw the whole responsibility of the Afghan war on the
+Ministry, and maintaining that England had departed from the customs of
+the forefathers, concluded as follows: "It is written in the eternal
+laws of the universe of God that sin shall be followed by suffering. An
+unjust war is a tremendous sin. The question which you have to consider
+is whether this war is just or unjust. So far as I am able to collect
+the evidence, it is unjust."
+
+In December, 1878, the following resolution was offered in the House of
+Commons: "That this House disapproves the conduct of her Majesty's
+Government, which has resulted in the war with Afghanistan." Mr.
+Gladstone strongly condemned the war with Afghanistan and the irritating
+policy towards the Ameer, and concluded his address with the following
+eloquent responses to the historical and moral aspects of the Afghan
+difficulty: "You have made this war in concealment from Parliament, in
+reversal of the policy of every Indian and Home Government that has
+existed for the last twenty-five years, in contempt of the supplication
+of the Ameer and in defiance of the advice of your own agent, and all
+for the sake of obtaining a scientific frontier." This powerful speech
+greatly impressed, for the moment, both parties in the House, but the
+vote of censure was defeated, and the policy of the administration was
+endorsed. During the debate Mr. Latham made a witty comparison. He said
+that the Cabinet reminded him of the gentleman, who seeing his horses
+run away, and being assured by the coachman that they must drive into
+something, replied, "Then smash into something cheap!"
+
+The Ministry presented a motion that the revenues of India should be
+applied for the purposes of the war. Mr. Gladstone observed that it was
+the people of England who had had all the glory and all the advantage
+which resulted from the destruction of the late administration, and the
+accession of the present Cabinet; and hence it was the people who must
+measure the _pros_ and the _cons_, and who must be content, after having
+reaped such innumerable benefits, to encounter the disadvantage of
+meeting charges which undoubtedly the existing government would leave
+behind it as a legacy to posterity. England gained her end in the
+humiliation of Russia, but there were those who felt that the result of
+the English policy would further the advance of Russia in Europe, and
+that force would never make friends of the Afghans.
+
+In the sessions of 1879 the Greek question came up in the House of
+Commons on a motion, "That, in the opinion of this House, tranquillity
+in the East demands that satisfaction be given to the just claims of
+Greece, and no satisfaction can be considered adequate that does not
+ensure execution of the recommendations embodied in Protocol 13 of the
+Berlin Congress." Mr. Gladstone hoped that even in the present House
+there would be found those who would encourage the first legitimate
+aspirations of the Hellenic races after freedom. The government had
+given pledges to advance the claims of Greece that had not been redeemed
+at Berlin. Not one of the European powers was now averse to the claims
+of the Greek kingdom, whose successful pleadings depended wholly upon
+England for favorable answer. But the government objected, and the
+motion was rejected. In July, Sir Charles Dilke called the attention of
+the House to the obligations of Turkey under the Treaty of Berlin, when
+Mr. Gladstone again earnestly enforced the claims of "Greece, weak as
+she may be, is yet strong in the principles in which she rests."
+
+December 29, 1879, Mr. Gladstone attained the seventieth year of his
+age. His friends in Liverpool, and the Greenwich Liberal Association
+presented him with congratulatory addresses. The journals paid him warm
+tributes for his long and eminent public services. But few thought that
+the veteran that had so successfully gone through one electoral campaign
+was destined in a few months to pass through another, still more
+remarkable, and yet be fresh for new triumphs. In the autumn of 1879 Mr.
+Gladstone resolved upon a very important, and as his enemies thought, a
+hopeless step. He had retired from the representation of Greenwich, and
+he now boldly decided to contest the election for Midlothian, the county
+of Edinburgh. He consequently proceeded to Scotland, in November, where
+such an ovation was given him as has never been accorded to any man in
+modern times. During the period of three weeks he addressed meetings
+numbering seventy-five thousand people, while a quarter of a million of
+people, with every exhibition of good-will and admiration, took part in
+some way in the demonstration in his honor. In this canvass of
+delivering political speeches he performed an oratorical and
+intellectual feat unparalleled in the history of any statesman who had
+attained his seventieth year. Mr. Gladstone addressed large concourses
+of people. When he reached Edinburgh, "his progress was as the progress
+of a nation's guest, or a king returning to his own again."
+
+Midlothian, the scene of Mr. Gladstone's astonishing exertions, was one
+of the Conservative strongholds, under the dominent influence of the
+Duke of Buccleuch, whose son, Lord Dalkeith, Mr. Gladstone opposed in
+contesting for the representation in Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said:
+"Being a man of Scotch blood, I am very much attached to Scotland, and
+like even the Scottish accent," and he afterwards said, "and Scotland
+showed herself equally proud of her son." He spoke at Edinburgh,
+November 26th, and on the following day at Dalkeith, in the very heart
+of the Duke of Buccleuch's own property to an audience of three thousand
+people, mostly agriculturists. At Edinburgh he met nearly five thousand
+persons at the Corn Exchange, representing more than one hundred
+Scottish Liberal Associations. In the Waverley Market Mr. Gladstone
+addressed more than twenty thousand people, one of the largest
+congregations ever assembled in-doors in Scotland, and met with a
+reception which for enthusiasm was in keeping with the vastness of the
+audience. December 5th, at Glasgow, he delivered his address as Lord
+Rector to the students of the University, and in the evening addressed
+an immense audience of nearly six thousand in St. Andrew's Hall. He was
+most enthusiastically received, and he dwelt chiefly on Cyprus, the Suez
+Canal, India, and Afghanistan. "We had Afghanistan ruined," he urged,
+"India not advanced, but thrown back in government, subjected to heavy
+and unjust charges, subjected to what might well be termed, in
+comparison with the mild government of former years, a system of
+oppression; and with all this we had at home the law broken and the
+rights of Parliament invaded."
+
+On the 8th of March, 1880, the immediate dissolution of Parliament was
+announced in both Houses of Parliament, and the news created intense
+political excitement and activity throughout the land. In his manifesto,
+in the shape of a letter to the Duke of Marlborough, the Prime Minister
+referred to the attempt made to sever the constitutional tie between
+Great Britain and Ireland, and said: "It is to be hoped that all men of
+light and leading will resist this destructive doctrine. There are some
+who challenge the expediency of the Imperial character of this realm.
+Having attempted and failed to enfeeble our colonies by their policy of
+decomposition, they may now perhaps recognize in the disintegration of
+the United Kingdom a mode which will not only accomplish, but
+precipitate, that purpose. Peace rests on the presence, not to say the
+ascendency, of England in the councils of Europe."
+
+Mr. Gladstone and Lord Hartington issued their counter-manifestoes. Mr.
+Gladstone repudiated Lord Beaconsfield's dark allusion to the repeal of
+the union and the abandonment of the colonies, characterizing them as
+base insinuations, the real purpose of which was to hide from view the
+policy pursued by the Ministry, and its effect upon the condition of
+the country; and said that public distress had been aggravated by
+continual shocks from neglected legislation at home, "while abroad they
+had strained the prerogative by gross misuse, had weakened the Empire by
+needless wars, and dishonored it in the eyes of Europe by their
+clandestine acquisition of the Island of Cyprus."
+
+Mr. Gladstone began the electoral campaign with a speech at Marylebone
+on the 10th of March, in which he announced Lord Derby's secession from
+the Conservative to the Liberal party; and then he left London to enter
+upon his second Midlothian campaign. At various points on the journey
+Mr. Gladstone stopped and addressed the people from the cars, and it is
+a remarkable fact that wherever he delivered an address the Liberals
+gained a seat.
+
+The first address made by Mr. Gladstone on his own account, was
+delivered on the 17th of March, in the Music Hall, Edinburgh. After
+dwelling at great length upon various questions of foreign policy, he
+concluded with the following references personal to his opponents and
+himself: "I give them credit for patriotic motives; I give them credit
+for those patriotic motives which are incessantly and gratuitously
+denied to us. I believe that we are all united, gentlemen--indeed it
+would be most unnatural if we were not--in a fond attachment, perhaps in
+something of a proud attachment, to the great country to which
+we belong."
+
+In his final speech at West Calder Mr. Gladstone drew a powerful
+indictment against the administration, and placed the issue before the
+country in a strong light. Throughout all the campaign, as the time for
+the general election was approaching, only one question was submitted to
+the electors, "Do you approve or condemn Lord Beaconsfield's system of
+foreign policy?" And the answer was given at Easter, 1880, when the
+Prime Minister and his colleagues received the most empathic
+condemnation which had ever been bestowed upon an English Government,
+and the Liberals were returned in an overwhelming majority of fifty over
+Tories and Home Rulers combined. Mr. Gladstone succeeded in ousting Lord
+Dalkeith from the representation of Midlothian by a respectable
+majority. He was also elected at Leeds, but this seat was afterwards
+given to his son, Herbert Gladstone. At the conclusion of the election
+all the journals joined in admiring the indomitable energy and vigor of
+the orator, who could carry out this great enterprise when he had
+already passed the age of three-score years and ten. Edinburgh was
+illuminated in the evening, and everywhere were to be witnessed signs of
+rejoicing at Mr. Gladstone's victory. The result of the elections
+throughout the country exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the
+Liberals. So large a proportion of Liberal members had not been returned
+to the House of Commons since the days of the first Reform Bill.
+
+Lord Beaconsfield, as soon as the result of the election was known, and
+without waiting for the meeting of Parliament, resigned. The Queen, in
+conformity with the constitutional custom, summoned Lord Hartington, the
+titular leader of the Liberal party in the House of Commons, to form a
+cabinet. But he could do nothing. Then the Queen sent for Lord
+Granville, who with Lord Hartington, went to Windsor April 23d. They
+both assured the Queen that the victory was Mr. Gladstone's; that the
+people had designated him for office, and that the Liberal party would
+be satisfied with no other, and that he was the inevitable Prime
+Minister. They returned to London in the afternoon, sought Mr. Gladstone
+at Harley Street, where he was awaiting the message they brought from
+the Queen--to repair to Windsor. That evening, without an hour's delay,
+he went to Windsor, kissed hands, and returned to London Prime Minister
+for the second time.
+
+Mr. Gladstone again filled the double office of Premier and Chancellor
+of the Exchequer in the new cabinet, which for general ability and
+debating power was one of the strongest of the century. While some of
+the cabinet officers were like Mr. Gladstone himself, without title,
+others were representatives of the oldest nobility of the land. At the
+very beginning the new administration were confronted by perplexing
+questions. The Eastern question, chiefly by Mr. Gladstone's influence,
+had been settled in accordance with the dictates of humanity and
+religion. But there were other difficulties to be overcome. "At home,
+his administration did good and useful work, including the extension of
+the suffrage to the agricultural laborers; but it was seriously, and at
+length fatally, embarrassed by two controversies which sprang up with
+little warning, and found the Liberal party and its leaders totally
+unprepared to deal with them."
+
+The first embarrassing question which arose when the new Parliament met
+was the great deficit of nine million pounds instead of an expected
+surplus in the Indian Budget, owing to the Afghan war.
+
+Foremost among the difficulties encountered was the case of Mr. Charles
+Bradlaugh, elected a member of Parliament for Northampton. He demanded
+to be permitted to make a solemn affirmation or declaration of
+allegiance, instead of taking the usual oath. The question created much
+discussion and great feeling, and Mr. Bradlaugh's persistence was met by
+violence. Mr. Bright contended for liberty of conscience. Mr. Gladstone
+favored permitting Mr. Bradlaugh to affirm on his own responsibility
+which was finally done, but Mr. Bradlaugh was prosecuted in the courts.
+The great difficulty arose from Mr. Bradlaugh's atheism.
+
+A considerable share of the session of 1880 was occupied in the
+consideration of the Irish Compensation for Disturbance Bill and other
+Irish measures. In consequence of the rapid increase of evictions by
+landlords, this protective measure had become absolutely necessary in
+the interests of the Irish tenants. After prolonged debate--very
+prolonged for so short a bill--thirty-five lines only--the bill was
+passed by the Commons, but defeated by the Lords. The result was "seen
+in a ghastly record of outrage and murder which stained the
+following winter."
+
+Home Rule for Ireland, which movement was started in the "seventies,"
+was gaining ground, and every election returned to the House more
+members pledged to its support. Those who were bent upon obtaining Home
+Rule at any cost used obstructive means against other legislation to
+gain their object, but as yet the movement was confined to the members
+who had been elected by Irish constituents.
+
+About the close of the session of 1880 the heavy burdens and
+responsibilities of public service borne by Mr. Gladstone began to tell
+upon him. At the end of July, while returning from home for the House
+of Commons, Mr. Gladstone was taken ill. He was prostrated by fever and
+great fears for his recovery were entertained by his family, his party
+and a host of admirers throughout the country. A great outburst of
+popular sympathy was manifested and frequent messages were received from
+the Queen and many foreign potentates and celebrities. Distinguished
+callers and telegrams continued to arrive at Downing Street for ten days
+while the patient was confined to his bed at home. The President of the
+United States and the King and Queen of the Belgians were among those
+who sent messages of sympathy. "Rarely indeed, if ever, has there been
+witnessed such a general and spontaneous expression of the national
+sympathy towards a distinguished statesman whose life had been
+imperilled by illness."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's large store of vital energy brought him safely through
+his dangerous illness and on approaching convalescence he took a sea
+voyage round the entire coast of England in Sir Donald Currie's steamer,
+"Grantully Castle."
+
+Three years after this voyage around England the Premier visited the
+Orkneys on a similar trip, in the "Pembroke Castle," the poet laureate
+being of the party on this occasion. From the Orkneys he sailed across
+to Denmark and suddenly appeared at Copenhagen, where Mr. Gladstone
+entertained the Czar and Czarina, the King of Greece, and the King and
+Queen of Denmark, and many others of their relatives who happened to be
+visiting them at that time.
+
+A great meeting was held June 21, 1880, in Her Majesty's opera house,
+for the purpose of presenting an address from the Liberals of Middlesex
+to Mr. Herbert Gladstone, who had made a gallant contest in that country
+at the general election. The entrance of the Premier some time after the
+meeting began was the signal for an outburst of enthusiasm. Before Mr.
+Gladstone appeared, the chairman, Mr. Foster, had paid a high tribute to
+the Premier for his great abilities and his self-denial in the public
+service. After his son had received the address, the Premier arose to
+speak, when the whole audience arose to their feet and welcomed him with
+immense cheering.
+
+Mr. Gladstone referred at length to the Midlothian campaign, and paid a
+tribute to the spirit and energy of the Liberals of the whole country.
+The sound which went forth from Midlothian reverberated through the land
+and was felt to be among the powerful operative causes which led to the
+great triumph of the Liberal party.
+
+At the Lord Mayor's banquet, November 9, 1880, Mr. Gladstone's speech
+was looked forward to with much anxiety, owing to the singularly
+disturbed condition of Ireland. Referring to the "party of disorder" in
+Ireland, he said that as anxious as the government was to pass laws for
+the improvement of the land laws, their prior duty was to so enforce the
+laws as to secure order. If an increase of power was needed to secure
+this, they would not fail to ask it.
+
+In 1881, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Mr. Gladstone said that he was
+glad to discern signs of improvement in Ireland during the last twelve
+months; but the struggle between the representatives of law and the
+representatives of lawlessness had rendered necessary an augmentation of
+the executive power.
+
+In August, 1881, at Greenwich, the Liberals of the borough presented Mr.
+Gladstone with an illustrated address and a carved oak chair as a token
+of their esteem and a souvenir of his former representation of their
+borough. On the cushion back of the chair were embossed in gold the arms
+of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with a motto "Fide et Virtute," and above, in
+the midst of some wood-carving representing the rose, the thistle, the
+shamrock, and the leek, was a silver plate, bearing a suitable
+inscription.
+
+The Parliamentary session of 1881 was almost exclusively devoted to
+Irish affairs. Instead of the contemplated Land Act, the ministry were
+compelled, on account of the disturbed condition of Ireland, to bring
+in first a Coercion Act, although the measure was naturally distasteful
+to such friends of Ireland in the Cabinet as Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Bright. Property and life had become very insecure, and there was a
+startling increase of agrarian crime that such a measure was deemed
+necessary. But while passing the Coercion Act, Mr. Gladstone accompanied
+it by a great and beneficial measure--a second Irish Land Bill, which
+instituted a court for the purpose of dealing with the differences
+between landlord and tenant.
+
+This bill--one of Mr. Gladstone's greatest measures--became a law August
+23, 1881. Mr. Gladstone in his speech remarked that the complaint was
+made that the bill was an infringement of liberty in Ireland and was
+aimed at the Land League, but no person or body could be touched by the
+bill unless they violated the law, and then could only be arrested upon
+reasonable suspicion of crime committed or of inciting to crime or of
+interfering with law or order. There would be the fullest freedom of
+discussion allowed. Dealing with the Land League he said it had been
+attempted to compare it with the Corn Laws, but Mr. Bright had
+completely demolished that miserable argument. It was compared also to
+the trade unions, but they made an onward step in the intelligence and
+in the love of law and order among the working classes. They had never
+tainted themselves by word or deed which would bring them into suspicion
+in connection with the maintenance of law. The leaders of the Land
+League were now put forward as martyrs on the same platform as
+O'Connell; but on every occasion of his life-long agitation O'Connell
+set himself to avoid whatever might tend to a breach of law and order.
+Then Mr. Gladstone showed the necessity of the Coercion Act from the
+condition of Ireland, where during the past year there had been a great
+increase of crime, and the outrages were agrarian, and not connected
+with the distress. It was a significant fact that the agrarian outrages
+had risen and fallen with the meetings of the Land League. Nothing could
+be more idle than to confound the agrarian crime of Ireland with the
+ordinary crime of England, or even of Ireland. In regard to general
+crime, Ireland held a high and honorable place, but how different was
+the case with agrarian crime! He referred to the miscarriage of justice
+in Ireland, and said that the bill, if passed, would restore to Ireland
+the first conditions of Christian and civilized existence. But it "only
+irritated while it failed to terrify."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's was a great speech and showed his mastery of details,
+and his power of expounding and illustrating broad and general
+principles. He began his exposition by confessing that it was the most
+difficult question with which he had ever been called upon to deal. He
+concluded with an eloquent invocation to justice.
+
+On the 19th of April, 1881, Lord Beaconsfield died. For many years he
+and Mr. Gladstone had been at the head of their respective parties.
+"Their opposition, as one critic has well and tersely put it, like that
+of Pitt and Fox, was one of temperament and character as well as of
+genius, position and political opinions." The Premier paid an eloquent
+tribute to him and proposed a public funeral, which was declined. Mr.
+Gladstone then moved for a monument in Westminster Abbey to the memory
+of the deceased Earl.
+
+In October, 1881, Mr. Gladstone made a visit to Leeds, for which borough
+he was returned in 1880, but for which his son Herbert sat. He delivered
+several important addresses on subjects which then absorbed the public
+attention, especially dealing with the land question local government,
+and Free Trade _versus_ Fair Trade. Mr. Gladstone said:
+
+"My boyhood was spent at the mouth of the Mersey, and in those days I
+used to see those beautiful American liners, the packets between New
+York and Liverpool, which then conducted the bulk and the pick of the
+trade between the two countries. The Americans were then deemed to be
+so entirely superior to us in shipbuilding and navigation that they had
+four-fifths of the whole trade between the two countries in their hands,
+and that four-fifths was the best of the trade. What is the case now,
+when free trade has operated and has applied its stimulus to the
+intelligence of England, and when, on the other hand, the action of the
+Americans has been restrained by the enactment, the enhancement and the
+tightening of the protective system? The scales are exactly reversed,
+and instead of America doing four-fifths and that the best, we do
+four-fifths of the business, and the Americans pick up the leavings of
+the British and transact the residue of the trade. Not because they are
+inferior to us in anything; it would be a fatal error to suppose it; not
+because they have less intelligence or less perseverance. They are your
+descendants; they are your kinsmen; and they are fully equal to you in
+all that goes to make human energy and power; but they are laboring
+under the delusion from which you yourselves have but recently escaped,
+and in which some misguided fellow-citizens seek again to entangle you.
+
+"I am reminded that I was guilty on a certain occasion of stating in an
+article--not a political article--that, in my opinion, it was far from
+improbable that as the volume of the future was unrolled, America, with
+its vast population and its wonderful resources, and not less with that
+severe education which, from the high price of labor, America is
+receiving in the strong necessity of resorting to every description of
+labor-saving contrivances, and consequent development, not only on a
+large scale, but down to the smallest scale of mechanical genius of the
+country--on that account the day may come when that country may claim to
+possess the commercial primacy of the world, I gave sad offence to many.
+I at present will say this, that as long as America adheres to the
+protective system your commercial primacy is secure. Nothing in the
+world can wrest it from you while America continues to fetter her own
+strong hands and arms, and with these fettered arms is content to
+compete with you, who are free, in neutral markets. And as long as
+America follows the doctrine of protection, or the doctrines now known
+as those of 'fair trade,' you are perfectly safe, and you need not
+allow, any of you, even your slightest slumbers to be disturbed by the
+fear that America will take from you your commercial primacy."
+
+After his return to London Mr. Gladstone received an address from the
+Corporation, setting forth the long services he had rendered to the
+country. Mr. Gladstone, in his reply, touched upon Irish obstruction,
+and announced, incidentally, the arrest of Mr. Parnell. Mr. Parnell, the
+leader of the Irish party, having openly defied the law, had been
+arrested and imprisoned without trial, under the Coercion Act, passed at
+the last session.
+
+On the opening night of the Parliament, of 1882, Mr. Gladstone laid
+before the House the proposed new rules of Parliamentary procedure. The
+_cloture_, by a bare majority, was to be established, in order to secure
+the power of closing debate by a vote of the House.
+
+The House of Lords decided upon the appointment of a Select Committee to
+inquire into the working of the Land Act, including the alleged total
+collapse of the clauses relating to purchase, emigration, and arrears.
+The Prime Minister in the House of Commons introduced a resolution
+condemning the proposed inquiry as tending to defeat the operation of
+the Land Act and as injurious to the good government of Ireland.
+
+Early in May, 1882, the whole country was startled and terrified by the
+news of the assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish, the new chief
+secretary for Ireland, and Mr. Burke under-secretary, in the Phoenix
+Park, Dublin. A social revolution was raging in Ireland. Outrages and
+murders had been fearfully frequent, and such brutal murders as those of
+Mrs. Smythe and Mr. Herbert had filled England with terror. In the
+first week of May announcement was made that Earl Cowper had resigned
+the Viceroyalty. Rather than share the responsibility of releasing Mr.
+Parnell, Mr. Dillon and Mr. O'Kelly, Mr. Forster left the Cabinet. Lord
+Spencer was appointed to the Viceroyalty, and Lord Frederick Cavendish
+succeeded Mr. Forster, and two days thereafter all England was thrilled
+with sorrow and indignation by the terrible news of the assassination in
+Phoenix Park. The news shattered the hopes of many concerning Ireland,
+and fell with special severity upon Mr. Gladstone, because he and Lord
+Cavendish enjoyed the closest friendship. The government presented a
+Prevention of Crimes Bill of a very stringent character. In the course
+of debate warm discussions arose over an "understanding" called, "The
+Kilmainham Compact," but Mr. Gladstone successfully defended the
+government in regard to its supposed negotiations with Mr. Parnell. This
+bill was directed against secret societies and illegal combinations, and
+it was hoped that as the Land League party had expressed its horror at
+the Phoenix Park crime, and charged that it was the work of American
+conspirators, they would allow the measure speedily to become law. Mr.
+Bright declared that the bill would harm no innocent person, and
+explained his own doctrine, that "Force is no remedy," was intended to
+apply not to outrages, but to grievances. For three weeks Mr. Parnell
+and his followers obstructed legislation in every conceivable way, and
+were finally suspended for systematic obstruction. The obstructionists
+removed, the bill was then passed, after a sitting of twenty-eight
+hours. The measure was passed by the Lords July 7th, and the Queen
+signed the bill July 12th. A crisis nearly arose between the Lords and
+the Commons over the Irish Arrears Bill, but the Lords finally yielded.
+
+[Illustration: GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE
+
+It is our purpose next to trace the events that led to the overthrow of
+the Second Administration of Mr. Gladstone, and to the formation of his
+Third Cabinet. The question that seemed to begin the work of weakening
+the foundations of his existing government was their policy in regard to
+Egypt, which began with the occupation of Egypt in 1882.
+
+The budget of the session of 1882 was presented by Mr. Gladstone April
+24th. It was not expected that anything novel in the way of legislation
+would be attempted in it. But its main interest was in this, that it
+proposed a vote of credit for the Egyptian Expedition, which was to be
+provided for by addition to the income-tax, making it sixpence
+half-penny in the pound for the year. The financial proposals were
+agreed to. In the course of the session Mr. Bright resigned his place in
+the Cabinet on the ground that the intervention in Egypt was a manifest
+violation of the moral law, that the Government had interfered by force
+of arms in Egypt, and directed the bombardment of Alexandria. Mr.
+Gladstone denied that the Ministry were at war with Egypt, and stated
+that the measures taken at Alexandria were strictly measures of
+self-defence. In justifying his resignation Mr. Bright said there had
+been a manifest violation of the moral law; but the Premier, while
+agreeing with his late colleague generally on the question of the moral
+law differed from him as to this particular application of it.
+
+The Prime Minister attended the Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Mansion
+House, August 9, 1882. In replying to the toast to Her Majesty's
+Ministers, after some preliminary remarks, Mr. Gladstone alluded to the
+campaign in Egypt, which had been so much discussed, and said: "Let it
+be well understood for what we go and for what we do not go to Egypt. We
+do not go to make war on its people, but to rescue them from the
+oppression of a military tyranny which at present extinguishes every
+free voice and chains every man of the people of that country. We do not
+go to make war on the Mohammedan religion, for it is amongst the
+proudest distinctions of Christianity to establish tolerance, and we
+know that wherever the British rule exists, the same respect which we
+claim for the exercise of our own conscientious convictions is yielded
+to the professors of every other faith on the surface of the globe. We
+do not, my Lord Mayor, go to repress the growth of Egyptian liberties.
+We wish them well; for we have no other interest in Egypt, which cannot
+in any other way so well and so effectually attain her own prosperity as
+by the enjoyment of a well regulated, and an expanding freedom."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's confidence respecting the early termination of the war
+in Egypt was somewhat justified by Sir Garnet Wolseley's victory at
+Tel-el-Kebir, but the future relations of England with Egypt were still
+left an open subject of discussion and speculation. Again, November 9th,
+at the banquet at the Guildhall, to the Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Gladstone
+spoke. He called attention to the settlement of the troubles in the East
+of Europe, congratulating his hearers on the removal by the naval and
+military forces of the Egyptian difficulty, and calling attention to
+Ireland, compared its condition with that of the previous March and
+October, 1881, showing a diminution of agrarian crime to the extent of
+four-fifths. This happy result had been brought about, not by coercive
+means alone, but by the exercise of remedial measures. "If the people of
+Ireland were willing to walk in the ways of legality, England was
+strong, and generous, and free enough to entertain in a friendly and
+kindly spirit any demand which they might make."
+
+On the 13th of December, 1882, Mr. Gladstone's political jubilee was
+celebrated. Fifty years before, on that day, he had been returned to
+Parliament as member for Newark. A large number of congratulatory
+addresses, letters, and telegrams complimenting him on the completion of
+his fifty years of parliamentary service were received by him. He had
+entered the first Reformed Parliament as a conservative, had gone ever
+forward in the path of reform, and was yet to lead in greater measures
+of reform.
+
+The excellent prospects regarding domestic measures with which the
+session of 1883 was opened were dispelled by prolonged and fruitless
+debates on measures proposed and on the address from the Queen. But Mr.
+Gladstone was absent, the state of his health requiring him to pass
+several weeks at Cannes. He returned home in March greatly invigorated,
+and at once threw himself with wonted ardour into the parliamentary
+conflict. Mr. Parnell offered a bill to amend the Irish Land Act of
+1887, which was opposed by the Premier and lost.
+
+An affirmation bill was introduced at this session by the Government,
+which provided that members who objected to taking the oath might have
+the privilege of affirming. The opposition spoke of the measure as a
+"Bradlaugh Relief Bill." Its rejection was moved, and in its defense
+Mr. Gladstone made one of his best speeches, which was warmly applauded.
+He said: "I must painfully record my opinion, that grave injury has been
+done to religion in many minds--not in instructed minds, but in those
+which are ill-instructed or partially instructed--in consequence of
+things which ought never to have occurred. Great mischief has been done
+in many minds by a resistance offered to the man elected by the
+constituency of Northampton, which a portion of the people believe to be
+unjust. When they see the profession of religion and the interests of
+religion, ostensibly associated with what they are deeply convinced is
+injustice, it leads to questions about religion itself, which commonly
+end in impairing those convictions, and that belief, the loss of which I
+believe to be the most inexpressible calamity which can fall either upon
+a man or upon a nation." But the measure was lost.
+
+During the session of 1883 the Bankruptcy Bill and the Patents Bill were
+both passed, and effected reforms which had long been felt to be
+necessary. The Corrupt Practices Act was designed to remove from British
+parliamentary and borough elections the stigma which attached to them in
+so many parts of the country. The Government was checked, however, in
+its policy in the Transvaal, and Mr. Childers' action in regard to the
+Suez Canal.
+
+Mr. Gladstone attended, in March, the celebration of the inauguration
+of the National Liberal party, predicting for it a useful and brilliant
+future, if it remained faithful to its time-honored principles and
+traditions.
+
+Sir Stafford Northcote, in the session of 1884, moved a vote of censure,
+and vigorously attacked the Egyptian policy of the administration. Mr.
+Gladstone defended the ministerial action with spirit and effect. He
+declared that the Government had found, and not made, the situation in
+Egypt and the Soudan. The Prime Minister "traced all the mischief to
+Lord Salisbury's dual control. Though the motive and object had been to
+secure a better government for Egypt, a great error had been committed.
+The British Government had fulfilled all the obligations imposed upon
+them, and they were acting for the benefit of the civilized world.
+Reforms had been effected in the judicature, legislature, police, and
+military organizations of Egypt; and they were resolved to see all the
+vital points recommended carried out by the Khedive's Government. As to
+the war in the Soudan, it was hateful to the people of Egypt; and
+England declined to have anything to do with the reconquest of the
+Soudan.... General Gordon, whom Mr. Gladstone characterized as a hero
+and a genius, had been despatched to Khartoum for the purpose of
+withdrawing, if possible, in safety the 29,000 soldiers of the Khedive
+scattered over the Soudan. The General's mission was not the reconquest
+of the Soudan, but its peaceful evacuation, and the reconstruction of
+the country, by giving back to the Sultan the ancestral power which had
+been suspended during the Egyptian occupation. The Government had to
+consider in any steps which they took the danger of thwarting Gordon's
+peaceful mission and endangering his life." Mr. Gladstone said that the
+policy of the Government was to "rescue and retire." Sir S. Northcote's
+resolution was rejected by 311 to 292 votes, showing the growing
+strength of the Opposition.
+
+The pacific mission of General Gordon to Khartoum having failed, there
+was great solicitude felt for that gallant soldier's welfare and safety.
+Sir M. Hicks-Beach offered another vote of censure, complaining of the
+dilatory conduct of the Government for not taking steps to secure the
+safety of General Gordon. Mr. Gladstone, in reply, admitted the
+obligations of the Government to General Gordon, and stated that on
+reasonable proof of danger he would be assisted. "The nation would never
+grudge adequate efforts for the protection of its agents, but it was the
+duty of the Government to consider the treasure, the blood, and the
+honor of the country, together with the circumstances of the time, the
+season, the climate, and the military difficulties. Conscious of what
+their obligations were, they would continue to use their best endeavours
+to fulfil them, unmoved by the threats and the captious criticisms of
+the Opposition." The proposed censure was defeated.
+
+A conference of European powers was held on Egyptian affairs, but was
+abortive; and Mr. Gladstone while announcing that he wished to get out
+of Egypt as soon as circumstances would allow, admitted that
+institutions, however good, were not likely to survive the withdrawal of
+our troops. Lord Northbrook was next despatched by the government on a
+mission to Egypt, with the object of rescuing her from her financial
+embarrassments, and averting the impending dangers of a national
+bankruptcy.
+
+In February, 1884, Mr. Gladstone introduced the Government Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons. It was a great measure and proposed to
+complete the work of parliamentary reform by conferring the suffrage
+upon every person in the United Kingdom who was the head of a household.
+Mr. Gladstone said that the results of the bill would be to add to the
+English constituency upwards of 1,300,000 voters; to the Scotch
+constituency over 200,000 voters; and to the Irish constituency over
+400,000 voters; which would add to the aggregate constituency of the
+United Kingdom, which was then 3,000,000 voters, 2,000,000 more, or
+nearly twice as many as were added in 1832. The Premier appealed for
+union on this great reform, and observed: "Let us hold firmly together,
+and success will crown our efforts. You will, as much as any former
+Parliament that has conferred great legislative benefits on the nation,
+have your reward, and read your history in a nation's eyes; for you will
+have deserved all the benefits you will have conferred. You will have
+made a strong nation stronger still--stronger in union without, and
+stronger against its foes (if and when it has any foes) within; stronger
+in union between class and class, and in rallying all classes and
+portions of the community in one solid compact mass round the ancient
+Throne which it has loved so well, and round the Constitution, now to be
+more than ever free and more than ever powerful."
+
+The measure was warmly debated. Besides this opposition there were,
+outside of the House, ominous utterances threatening the rejection of
+the scheme. Mr. Gladstone, referring to these hostile murmurings, said
+that hitherto the attitude of the government had been, in Shakespeare's
+words, "Beware of entrance to a quarrel; but, being in, bear it, that
+the opposer may beware of thee." He deprecated a quarrel and declared
+that the government had done everything to prevent a collision between
+the two Houses of Parliament on this question, which would open up a
+prospect more serious than any he remembered since the first
+Reform Bill.
+
+The House of Lords passed a resolution to the effect that the Lords
+would not concur in any measure of reform without having the complete
+bill before them, including the redistribution and registration, as well
+as an extension of the suffrage. The Premier promised to introduce a
+Redistribution Bill in the following session, but Lord Salisbury, since
+the death of Lord Beaconsfield, the leader of the Conservative party,
+declined to discuss the Redistribution Bill, "with a rope around his
+neck," by which he meant a franchise act under which his party must
+appeal to the country. Negotiations followed between the Liberal and
+Conservative leaders with fruitless results, and the House of Lords
+finally passed a resolution that it would be desirable for Parliament to
+have an autumn session, to consider the Representation of the People
+Bill, in connection with the Redistribution Bill, which the government
+had brought before Parliament.
+
+Public meetings were held at various places throughout the country, and
+the question of the enlargement of the franchise discussed. The policy
+of the Tories was strongly condemned at many large and influential
+public gatherings. In August Mr. Gladstone visited Midlothian and
+delivered a powerful address in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. He
+explained that the special purpose for which he appeared before his
+constituents was to promote, by every legitimate means in his power, the
+speedy passage of the Franchise Bill. "The unfortunate rejection of the
+measure," he observed, "had already drawn in its train other questions
+of the gravest kind, and the vast proportion of the people would soon be
+asking whether an organic change was not required in the House of Lords.
+He, however, did not believe that the House of Lords had as yet placed
+itself in a position of irretrievable error. He believed that it was
+possible for it to go back, and to go back with dignity and honor."
+
+With regard to the foreign policy of the Government, which had been
+attacked and compared unfavorably with the Midlothian programme of 1879,
+Mr. Gladstone defended it with spirit. He expressed his satisfaction
+with the expansion of Germany abroad, and reviewed the policy of the
+Government in Eastern Europe, Afghanistan, India and South Africa. As to
+the Transvaal, he contended that "they were strong and could afford to
+be merciful," and that it was not possible without the grossest and most
+shameful breach of faith to persist in holding the Boers to annexation,
+"when we had pledged ourselves beforehand that they should not be
+annexed except with their own good will." In reply to the oft-repeated
+question, "What took you to Egypt?" the Premier said: "Honor and
+plighted faith." The covenants they were keeping were those entered into
+by their Tory predecessors, and most unfortunate and most unwise he
+considered them to be. The Government had respected the sovereignty of
+the Porte and the title of the European Powers to be concerned in all
+matters territorially affecting the Turkish Empire; they had discouraged
+the spirit of aggression as well as they could, and had contracted no
+embarrassing engagements. Great improvements had been introduced in the
+administration of Egypt, but he regretted the total failure of the late
+Conference of the Powers to solve the problem of Egyptian finance. With
+regard to General Gordon the Government were considering the best means
+to be adopted for fulfilling their obligations.
+
+Parliament met in October, 1884. The Franchise Bill was introduced and
+sent to the House of Lords, and the Redistribution Bill, upon which a
+compromise with the Conservatives had been reached, was presented in the
+House of Commons. The measure, as altered, proposed to disfranchise all
+boroughs with a population under 15,000, to give only one member to
+towns with a population between 15,000 and 50,000, and to take one
+member each from the counties of Rutland and Hereford. By this
+arrangement one hundred and sixty seats would be "extinguished," which,
+with the six seats extinguished before, would be revived and distributed
+as follows: "Eight new boroughs would be created, the representation of
+London, Liverpool, and other large cities and towns would be greatly
+increased, while in dealing with the remainder of the seats
+unappropriated, the Government would apply equal electoral areas
+throughout the country." The Franchise Bill--a truly democratic
+bill---was carried through both Houses, and became a law. The
+Redistribution Bill was carried, January, 1885, after animated debate.
+Registration measures were also passed for England, Scotland and
+Ireland, which received the royal assent May 21st.
+
+January, 1885, Mr. Gladstone wrote a kindly, serious, yet courtly letter
+of congratulation to Prince Albert Victor, eldest son of the Prince of
+Wales and heir presumptive to the Crown, on the attainment of
+his majority.
+
+In the hour of triumph the government was doomed to receive a stunning
+blow. The news of the fall of Khartoum and the untimely death of General
+Gordon sent a thrill of horror and indignation throughout England. The
+government was seriously condemned for its procrastination in not
+sending timely relief, for the rescue of the imperiled English. But when
+the facts became fully known it was found that no blame could be
+attached to Mr. Gladstone, who was himself strongly moved by the death
+of General Gordon, whose work and character he highly esteemed. The
+Prime Minister was, however, equal to the emergency, and announced that
+it was necessary to overthrow the Mahdi at Khartoum, to renew operations
+against Osman Digna, and to construct a railway from Suakin to Berber
+with a view to a campaign in the fall. The reserves were called out by
+royal proclamation.
+
+However, these measures met with opposition. Sir Stafford Northcote
+brought forward a motion affirming that the risks and sacrifices which
+the government appeared to be ready to encounter could only be justified
+by a distinct recognition of England's responsibility for Egypt, and
+those portions of the Soudan which were necessary to its security. An
+amendment was proposed by Mr. John Morley, but regretting its decision
+to continue the conflict with the Mahdi. Mr. Gladstone replied forcibly
+to both motion and amendment, and appealed to the Liberal party to
+sustain the administration and its policy by an unmistakable vote of
+confidence. The government was sustained.
+
+The Great Powers of Europe, in convention for the settlement of the
+finances of Egypt, had concluded that it would require a loan of
+L9,000,000 to save Egypt from bankruptcy. This loan was to be issued on
+an international guarantee, with an international inquiry at the end of
+two years into the success of the scheme. This plan of adjustment was
+agreed to by the House. A short time after this settlement Mr. Gladstone
+announced a vote of credit to provide against any danger from Russian
+action, stated that no farther operations would be undertaken either on
+the Nile or near Suakin, and that General Graham's campaign would be
+abandoned, as well as the construction of the new railway.
+
+Great excitement was created in England by the announcement of the
+advance of the Russians on the Indian frontier. March 13th Mr. Gladstone
+stated in the House that as the protests formerly made against the
+advance of Russia had been allowed to lapse, it had been agreed that
+pending the delineation of the frontier there should be no further
+advance on either side. In April, however, a conflict occurred between
+the Russians and the Afghans, which seemed to indicate that General
+Komaroff had committed an act of unprovoked aggression on the Ameer. Mr.
+Gladstone moved a vote of credit on the 27th in a speech, whose
+eloquence and energy greatly stirred both sides of the House. Happily,
+the difficulty with Russia was adjusted by conceding Pendjeh to Russia
+in consideration of the surrender of Zulfiker to the Ameer.
+
+The administration of Mr. Gladstone, which had weathered through many
+storms, was destined to fall in a wholly unexpected way. When the budget
+for 1885 was produced there was a deficit of upwards of a million
+pounds, besides the depressed revenue and an estimated expenditure for
+the current year of not less than L100,000,000. Mr. Childers, the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer, proposed to make the taxation upon land
+proportionate to that on personal property, and to augment the duties on
+spirits and beer. But various interests were antagonized, and opposition
+was aroused. The country members demanded that no new taxes be put on
+the land until the promised relief of local taxation had been granted.
+The agricultural and liquor interests were discontented, as well as the
+Scotch and Irish members, with the whisky duty. Concessions were made,
+but they failed to reconcile the opposition. A hostile motion was
+offered by Sir M. Hicks-Beach, and Mr. Gladstone declared that the
+Cabinet would resign if defeated. Many Liberals were absent when the
+vote was taken, regarding a majority for the Ministry as certain, but
+the amendment was carried June 9th by a vote of 264 to 252, and the
+Premier and his colleagues resigned. The Liberals were desirous of
+passing a vote of confidence in the administration, but Mr. Gladstone
+deprecated this, as he felt the situation to be intolerable, and was
+desirous of being relieved from the responsibility of office.
+Misfortunes, both in reference to affairs at home and abroad, had fallen
+heavily upon the Government, for many of which they were not
+responsible, and the Cabinet had been held together chiefly by the
+masterly personality of the Premier. Hence it was not without a feeling
+of personal satisfaction that Mr. Gladstone transferred the seats of
+office to his successor, Lord Salisbury. On his retirement from office
+the Queen offered an Earldom to Mr. Gladstone, which he declined. Its
+acceptance would have meant burial in the House of Lords, and an end to
+his progressive action.
+
+The events that led to the third administration of Mr. Gladstone will
+next engage our attention.
+
+The first general election under the New Reform Act was held in
+November, 1885. Mr. Gladstone again appealed to his constituents, and,
+although nearly seventy-six years of age, spoke with an energy and force
+far beyond all his contemporaries. His attitude on the question of
+Dis-establishment drew back many wavering Scotch votes. He discussed the
+Scotch question at Edinburgh, and said there was no fear of change so
+long as England dealt liberally, equitably, and prudently with Ireland,
+but demands must be subject to the condition that the unity of the
+empire, and all the powers of the Imperial Parliament for maintaining
+that authority, must be preserved.
+
+In another address he stated his conviction, that the day had not come
+when the Dis-establishment of the Church in Scotland should be made a
+test question. The question pressing for settlement by the next
+Parliament was land reform, local government, parliamentary procedure,
+and the imperial relations between Ireland and England; and every
+sensible man would admit that it was right to direct attention to them
+rather than to a matter impossible of immediate solution.
+
+At West Calder Mr. Gladstone made an address, in which he "approved Lord
+Salisbury's action with regard to Servia, complained of the ministerial
+condemnation of Lord Ripon's Indian administration, ridiculed the idea
+of benefit resulting from a Royal Commission on trade depression, warned
+the electors against remedies which were really worse than the disease,
+and defended Free-Trade principles. He furthur advocated comprehensive
+land reforms, including free transfer, facility of registration, and the
+uprooting of mortmain."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE'S STUDY AT EDWARDEN.]
+
+Mr. Gladstone was returned again for Midlothian by an overwhelming
+majority. The elections resulted in the return of 333 Liberals, 249
+Conservatives, 86 Parnellites, and 2 Independents. The Liberals thus
+secured a substantial triumph. The agricultural districts were faithful
+to the Liberals, but they lost in the boroughs. The clergy and the
+publicans, and the Parnellites were found "arrayed" in "scandalous
+alliance" against the Liberal cause. The Liberal party was just short of
+the numbers required to defeat the combined forces of Tories and
+Parnellites. Lord Salisbury was retained in office, but the
+Conservatives were disunited, and the life of his administration hung by
+a thread. The Liberals were strong, hopeful, and united. In Mr.
+Chamberlain they had a popular champion of great ability and industry.
+
+December 17, 1885 England was astonished by the appearance of an
+anonymous paragraph in the _Times_, affirming that, if Mr. Gladstone
+returned to power, he would deal with a liberal hand with the demands of
+Home Rule. The author of the paragraph has never been clearly
+ascertained, but the atmosphere of mystery with which it was surrounded
+was not regarded as becoming, either to such an important policy or to
+the personal dignity of the illustrious statesman. A storm of questions,
+contradictions, explanations, enthusiasms, and jeremiads followed its
+appearance. Mr. Gladstone would neither affirm nor deny, but held his
+peace. The question, he said, was one for a responsible Ministry alone
+to handle. There was great uncertainty. It was, however, plain that if
+Mr. Gladstone should favor Home Rule, the Parnellites would support him,
+and the Tories must leave office. But only twelve months before Lord
+Shaftesbury wrote: "In a year or so we shall have Home Rule disposed of
+(at all hazards), to save us from daily and hourly bores."
+
+The Parliament of 1886 had scarcely opened before the Salisbury
+government was defeated upon an amendment to the Queen's address,
+affirming the necessity for affording facilities to agricultural
+laborers to obtain allotments and small holdings. Some of the leading
+Liberals opposed the amendment, but Mr. Gladstone earnestly favored it,
+as a recognition of the evils arising from the divorce of so large a
+proportion of the population from the land. The Irish and the Liberals
+coalesced, and the Government was placed in a minority of seventy-nine,
+and Lord Salisbury immediately resigned.
+
+Late at night, January 29, 1886, Sir Henry Ponsonby arrived at Mr.
+Gladstone's residence with a summons from the Queen for him to repair to
+her at Osborne. On the 1st of February Mr. Gladstone "kissed hands," and
+became for the third time Prime Minister of England. The new Premier was
+forced to face unusual difficulties, but he finally came to the
+conclusion that it was impossible to deal with the Irish question upon
+the old stereotyped lines. He was resolved to treat this subject upon
+large and generous principles. Accordingly, on the 8th of April, Mr.
+Gladstone, in the presence of a crowded House, brought forward his Home
+Rule Bill--his bill for the government of Ireland. With certain imperial
+reservations and safeguards the bill gave to Ireland what she had long
+demanded--the right to make her own laws. The interest in the expected
+legislation was so great that members began to arrive at half-past five
+in the morning, while sixty of them were so eager to secure seats that
+they breakfasted at Westminster.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's new measure was not only opposed by the Conservatives,
+but it alienated from the Premier some of the most influential of the
+Liberal party. Among the Liberals who opposed the measure were those who
+had been the colleagues of Mr. Gladstone only the June before in the
+Cabinet--Lord Hartington, Lord Shilborne, Lord Northbrook, Lord Derby
+and Lord Carlingford. Mr. Gladstone's forces, however, were reinforced
+by Mr. Morley, Lord Herschell and others. May 10th, Mr. Gladstone denied
+that he had ever declared Home Rule for Ireland incompatible with
+Imperial unity. It was a remedy for social disorder. The policy of the
+opposition was coercion, while that of the government was autonomy.
+
+On the 18th of April the Premier presented the Irish Land Purchase Bill,
+for the buying out of the Irish landlords, which was intended to come
+into operation on the same day as the Home Rule Bill. The object of this
+measure was to give to all Irish landowners the option of being bought
+out on the terms of the Act, and opening towards the exercise of that
+option where their rent was from agricultural land. The State authority
+was to be the purchaser, and the occupier was to be the proprietor. The
+nominal purchase price was fixed at twenty years' purchase of the net
+rental, ascertained by deducting law charges, bad debts, and cost of
+management from judicial rent. Where there was no judicial rental the
+Land Court could, if it chose, make use of Griffiths' valuation for
+coming to a fair decision. To meet the demand for the means of purchase
+thus established, Mr. Gladstone proposed to create L50,000,000 three per
+cents. The repayment of advances would be secured by a Receiver General,
+appointed by and acting upon British authority.
+
+The Land Purchase Bill was also opposed. It was the final cause which
+led to the retirement from the government of Mr. Chamberlain, "the able
+and enterprising exponent of the new Radicalism." He was soon followed
+by Sir George Trevelyan, "who combined the most dignified traditions,
+social and literary, of the Whig party with a fervent and stable
+Liberalism which the vicissitudes of twenty years had constantly tried
+and never found wanting." Mr. Bright also arrayed himself in opposition
+to the government, and accused Mr. Gladstone of successfully concealing
+his thoughts upon the Irish question in November. Mr. Gladstone replied
+that the position of Ireland had changed since 1881.
+
+The debate extended over many nights, and the opposition to the Irish
+bills of so many Liberal leaders in every constituency, soon led to
+disaffection among the people. What was lost in some districts, however,
+was to some extent made up, says an English writer, by "the support of
+that very broken reed, the Irish vote, which was destined to pierce the
+hand of so many a confiding candidate who leaned upon it." While this
+debate was in progress a bill directed against the carrying of arms in
+Ireland was introduced and pushed forward rapidly through both Houses,
+and became a law.
+
+Mr. Gladstone explained the position of the Cabinet on the Home Rule and
+Land Bills at a meeting of Liberals held at the Foreign Office, May
+27th. He stated that the Government at present only asked for an
+endorsement of the leading principles of the two measures; and in
+closing the debate afterwards on the second reading of the Home Rule
+Bill, in the House of Commons, he made an eloquent appeal for Ireland.
+But all parties were preparing for the conflict, and members of opposite
+parties were consolidating themselves for opposition. "The Whigs, under
+Lord Hartington, coalesced with the Radicals, under Mr. Chamberlain, and
+both together made a working alliance with the Tories. This alliance was
+admirably organized in London and in the constituencies."
+
+It seems that the Premier was deceived by his official counsellors of
+the Liberal party as to the real condition of affairs respecting Home
+Rule and the prospects for the passage of his bills. He did not dream of
+defeat, but if by some mischance they would suffer defeat, then he could
+appeal to the country with the certainty of being sustained by the
+popular vote. This was what Mr. Gladstone hoped, and what he thought he
+had the assurance of. But hopes of success began to give way to fears of
+defeat as the time drew near to take the vote. However, some still
+hopeful prophesied a small majority against the bill--only ten votes at
+the most. The Cabinet desperately resolved not to resign if beaten by so
+small a majority, but would have some adherent move a vote of
+confidence. This they argued would be favored by some opposed to Home
+Rule, and the question be deferred to another session, leaving the
+Liberals still in office. But these hopes were doomed to be blasted.
+Early in the morning of June 8th the momentous division took place, and
+it was found that the Government, instead of getting a majority, was
+defeated by thirty votes. It was found that ninety-three Liberals had
+voted with the majority.
+
+The Premier at once advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, and though
+Her Majesty at first demurred at the trouble of another election within
+seven months of the last, and begged Mr. Gladstone to reconsider his
+counsel, yet he argued that a general election would cause less trouble
+than a year of embittered and fanatical agitation against Home Rule.
+Besides, as he said to a colleague, "If we did not dissolve we would be
+showing the white feather." Mr. Gladstone finally had his way, the Queen
+yielded and Parliament was dissolved June 26, 1886. June 14th Mr.
+Gladstone issued an address to the electors of Midlothian, and later
+paid a visit to Edinburgh and Glasgow, where he made powerful addresses.
+He then spoke at Manchester, and, passing on to Liverpool, he advocated
+the cause of Ireland, calling upon the people to "ring out the old, ring
+in the new," and to make Ireland not an enemy but a friend.
+
+The result of this appeal to the country was the return of a decided
+majority of over a hundred against Home Rule, and thus, after a short
+term of five months in office, the third administration of Mr. Gladstone
+was brought to a close, and he became again the leader of the
+Opposition. The dissolution and appeal to the country was a practical
+blunder, but Mr. Gladstone's address to the people was skilfully worded.
+He freely admitted that the Irish bills were dead, and asked the
+constituencies simply to sanction a principle, and that, too, a very
+plain and reasonable one in itself. He invited the people to vote aye or
+no to this question: "Whether you will or will not have regard to the
+prayer of Ireland for the management by herself of the affairs
+specifically and exclusively her own?" The separation of the bare
+principle of self-government from the practical difficulties presented
+by the bills enabled many Liberals who were opposed to the measures to
+support Mr. Gladstone, but the majority of voters failed to make this
+distinction, and hence came defeat. The decision of the people was not
+regarded as final.
+
+In 1887 the Jubilee of the Queen was celebrated. Fifty years before
+Queen Victoria had ascended the throne of England. Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone celebrated the Queen's Jubilee by giving a treat to all the
+inhabitants of the estates of Hawarden, who were of the Queen's age,
+which was sixty-eight and upwards. The treat took the shape of a dinner
+and tea, served in a large tent erected in front of the castle, and the
+guests numbered upwards of two hundred and fifty. The principal toast,
+proposed by Mr. Gladstone, was the Queen. He contrasted the jubilee then
+being celebrated all over the English-speaking world, with that of
+George the Third, which was "a jubilee of the great folks, a jubilee of
+corporations and of authorities, a jubilee of the upper classes." On the
+other hand, he continued, the Victorian Jubilee was one when "the
+population are better fed, better clothed, and better housed--and by a
+great deal--than they were fifty years ago, and the great mass of these
+happy and blessed changes is associated with the name and action of
+the Queen."
+
+In the year of the Queen's Jubilee, 1887, Mr. Gladstone addressed many
+gatherings, and at Swansea, where he was the guest of Sir Hussey Vivian,
+he spoke to a vast concourse of people, estimated at one
+hundred thousand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME
+
+When Parliament met in 1887 Mr. Gladstone entered upon "a course of
+extraordinary physical and intellectual efforts, with voice and pen, in
+Parliament and on the platform, on behalf of the cause, defeated but not
+abandoned, of self-government for Ireland." The Tory administration
+passed a Crimes Prevention Bill for Ireland of great severity. Irish
+members of Parliament were thrown into prison, but the Act failed of its
+object--the suppression of the Land League.
+
+In December, 1887, Mr. Gladstone visited Italy and made Naples his
+headquarters. He was received with joy for the service he had rendered
+to the Italian people. The University of Bologna, in celebrating the
+eighth century of its existence, conferred upon him the degree of
+Doctor of Arts.
+
+In 1888 the House of Commons appointed a Commission to try the "Times"
+charges against Mr. Parnell. The charges were found to be false.
+
+Mr. Gladstone visited Birmingham in November, 1888. After paying a
+glowing tribute to John Bright, and expressing an earnest desire for his
+recovery to health, he condemned the Coercion Act. Mr. Gladstone
+received many handsome presents from the workingmen, and Mrs. Gladstone
+received from the ladies a medallion cameo portrait of her husband. A
+great demonstration was made at Bingley Hall, in which were gathered
+over 20,000 persons.
+
+A number of Liberals, who had deserted Mr. Gladstone, returned upon the
+promise of certain imperial guarantees which were granted, among them
+Sir George Trevelyan. Mr. Chamberlain, who had asked for these
+safeguards, did not accept them.
+
+July 25, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone celebrated their "Golden Wedding."
+Among the many to offer congratulations were the Queen by telegram, and
+the Prince of Wales by letter. A pleasant surprise met them at home. A
+portrait of Mr. Gladstone, by Sir John Millais, was found hanging in the
+breakfast-room, "A gift from English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish Women."
+
+In 1890 trouble came to the Liberal party through the scandal connecting
+the names of Mr. Parnell and Mrs. O'Shea. Mr. Gladstone announced that
+the Irish party must choose between himself and Mr. Parnell. In
+November, 1890, Mr. Parnell was deposed from the chairmanship of the
+United Irish National Party. This led to a division. Mr. Justin McCarthy
+was elected leader by the Anti-Parnellites, and the Parnellites
+selected Mr. John Redmond.
+
+Parliament would soon terminate by limitation, so Mr. Gladstone devoted
+himself to preparing the people for the coming general election.
+Besides, in February, 1891, he made an address, at the opening of St.
+Martin's Free Public Library, and in March to the boys at Eton College
+on Homeric Studies. June 28, 1892, Parliament came to an end. Mr.
+Gladstone's journey to Edinburgh, in July, was all along the route "a
+triumphal progress." He was re-elected. The question of the day was Home
+Rule, and wherever the people had the opportunity of declaring
+themselves, they pronounced condemnation upon the policy of Lord
+Salisbury's administration, and in favor of Home Rule for Ireland.
+
+The new Parliament met, and, August 12, 1892, a motion was made of "No
+Confidence" in the Salisbury government. The division was the largest
+ever taken in the House of Commons, the vote being 350 for the motion
+and 310 against it--a majority of 40 for Mr. Gladstone. The scene in
+the House which attended the overthrow of the Salisbury government was
+less dramatic than that which accompanied the defeat of the Gladstone
+ministry in 1885, but it was full of exciting episodes. The House was
+packed to the doors. The excitement was intense, and the confusion
+great. When the figures were announced, another wild scene of disorder
+prevailed and there was prolonged cheering. "Ten minutes later the great
+forum was empty and the excited assembly had found its way to the quiet
+outside under the stars."
+
+Monday, August 15, 1892, Mr. Gladstone repaired to Osborne on the Royal
+Yacht, and became for the fourth time Prime Minister. Since 1868 he had
+been the undisputed leader of his party. His main supporters in all his
+reform measures were the Nonconformists, whose claim for "the absolute
+religious equality of all denominations before the law of the land,"
+must, in time, it was thought, bring about the disestablishment of the
+Episcopal Church.
+
+In September, 1892, Mr. Gladstone went to Sir E. Watkin's _Chalet_ on
+Mount Snowdon, Wales, where he made his Boulder Stone speech. To
+commemorate his visit a slab of gray Aberdeen granite was "let into the
+actual brown rock," on which is the following inscription in Welsh and
+in English: "September 13, 1892. Upon this rock the Right Honorable
+W.E. Gladstone, M.P., when Prime Minister for the fourth time, and
+eighty-three years old, addressed the people of Eryi upon justice to
+Wales. The multitude sang Cymric hymns and 'The Land of My Fathers.'"
+
+December 29, 1892, Mr. Gladstone celebrated his eighty-third birthday.
+Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were at Biarritz. Congratulatory telegrams and
+messages were received in great numbers, besides many handsome presents.
+The event was celebrated all over England. The Midlothian Liberals sent
+congratulations upon the return of the Liberal Party to power under his
+leadership, and the completion of his sixty years' service in the House.
+Resolutions were passed deploring the wickedness of the dynamite outrage
+at Dublin, December 24, and yet avowing the justice of granting to
+Ireland the right to manage her own affairs.
+
+January 31, 1893, Parliament was opened. In the House of Commons there
+was a brilliant gathering, and nearly all the members were present, many
+of them standing. Just before noon the Hon. Arthur Wellesley Peel,
+Speaker, took his seat, and Archdeacon Farrar, Chaplain, offered prayer.
+When Mr. Gladstone entered from behind the Speaker's chair, every
+Liberal and Irish Nationalist stood up and greeted him with prolonged
+and enthusiastic cheers; and when he took the oath as Prime Minister,
+he received another ovation. The members were then summoned to the House
+of Lords to hear the Queen's speech, which was read by the Lord High
+Chancellor, Baron Herschall. The Prince of Wales and his son, the Duke
+of York, occupied seats on the "cross bench."
+
+February 13, the excitement in and about the Parliament Houses was as
+great as that which prevailed two weeks before. Enthusiastic crowds
+greeted Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone. When the doors of the House of Commons
+were opened, there was a "disorderly rush" of the members into the House
+to obtain seats, "the members shouting and struggling, several being
+thrown to the floor in the excitement." Peers, Commons, and visitors
+filled the floor and galleries. The Prince of Wales and other members of
+the royal family were present. When Mr. Gladstone arose he was greeted
+with applause. He reminded the House that for seven years the voices
+which used to plead the cause of Irish government in Irish affairs had
+been mute within the walls of the House. He then asked permission to
+introduce a "Bill to Amend the Provision for the Government of Ireland,"
+which was the title of the Home Rule Bill. Mr. Balfour led the
+opposition to the bill. Mr. Chamberlain declared that the bill would not
+accomplish its purpose, whereupon Mr. Justin McCarthy, for the
+anti-Parnellities, replied that the Irish would accept it as a message
+of everlasting peace, and Mr. John Redmond, for the Parnellites,
+answered that if disturbances followed in Ireland it would be due to the
+Conservatives.
+
+The Ulster Unionists opposed the bill. The Scotch-Irish Protestants of
+the north of Ireland declared that they preferred to stand where they
+did in 1690, when they defeated James II and his Catholic followers, in
+the battle of the Boyne, and fought for William of Orange for the
+English throne and liberty and Protestantism. Their opposition to Home
+Rule for Ireland grew out of their hostility to Roman Catholicism and
+the fear of its supremacy.
+
+After six months of earnest debate in the House of Commons, the Home
+Rule Bill for Ireland was passed, with slight amendments, September 1,
+1893, by a vote of 301 to 267, a majority of thirty-four, The struggle
+was perhaps the most heated in the history of Parliament.
+
+The bill was sent to the House of Lords, where it was defeated,
+midnight, September 8, by the surprising majority of 419 to 41, after
+only one week's discussion. Members that never attended were drummed up
+to vote against the bill. The usual working force of the House of Lords
+is from thirty to forty members. The vote was the largest ever taken in
+the Lords.
+
+At once the cry, "Down with, the House of Lords!" was heard. The
+National Liberal Federation issued a circular, in which were the words:
+"The question of mending or ending the House of Lords ... displaces for
+awhile all other subjects of reform." Mr. Gladstone was probably aware
+of the contents of this manifesto before it was issued, and the
+sentiments were in accord with those uttered by him two years before at
+New Castle.
+
+September 27th, Mr. Gladstone addressed his constituents at Edinburgh.
+He was received with an outburst of enthusiasm. He said that the
+People's Chamber had passed the bill. If the nation was determined it
+would not be baffled by the Peers. If the Commons should go before the
+country, then the Lords should go too, and if defeated, should do what
+the Commons would do--clear out.
+
+The Queen wanted Mr. Gladstone to appeal to the country, and there was
+an opinion among some that Mr. Gladstone would be defeated at the polls
+upon the question; but the Premier intimated to the Queen his intention
+not to appeal, and announced the readiness of the Cabinet to be
+dismissed by the Queen. However, the Queen would hardly expose the
+throne to the danger threatening the Peers.
+
+December 29, 1893, Mr. Gladstone attained the eighty-fourth year of his
+age. When he entered the House of Commons that day his political
+associates of the Liberal party all rose anta greeted him with cheers.
+When the applause had subsided, the Conservatives raised their hats and
+their leader, Mr. Balfour, rose and tendered his congratulations. Mr.
+Gladstone was much pleased with the demonstrations of his friends, as
+well as with the graceful compliments of his political opponents.
+Besides about two hundred congratulatory messages, letters and telegrams
+were received, those from Queen Victoria, and the Prince and Princess of
+Wales, being among the first.
+
+July 6, 1893, Prince George of Wales, Duke of York, and Princess Mary of
+Teck were married. The Prince was by inheritance heir, after the Prince
+of Wales, to the throne of England. Mr. Gladstone attended the wedding,
+arrayed in the blue and gold uniform of a brother of the Trinity House,
+with naval epaulettes, and was conducted to the royal pew reserved
+for him.
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+Among the great measures proposed at this time by Mr. Gladstone were the
+Employers' Liability, and the Parish Councils Bills. The latter was as
+evolutionary and as revolutionary as the Home Rule Bill. Its object was
+to take the control of 10,000 rural English parishes out of the hands of
+the squire and the parson and put it into the hands of the people. With
+its amendments regarding woman suffrage, to which Mr. Gladstone was
+opposed, it gave to every man and woman in England one vote--and only
+one--in local affairs. February 21, 1894, when Mr. Gladstone had
+returned from Biarritz, where he had gone for his health, there was
+again a notable assemblage in the House of Commons to hear him speak. It
+was expected that he would make a bitter attack upon the House of Lords,
+which had attempted to defeat both these bills by amendments. But he
+calmly spoke of the lamentable divergence between the two branches of
+the legislature upon the Employers' Liability Bill, and asked that the
+amendment be rejected, which was done by a majority of 225 to 6. The
+bill was therefore withdrawn, and the responsibility of its defeat
+thrown upon the Lords. The House also rejected all the important
+amendments of the Parish Councils Bill, but concurred in the unimportant
+changes made by the Lords. It was sent back then to the lords, and
+finally passed by them. But Mr. Gladstone greatly disappointed many of
+his political friends by his mild manner of dealing with the House of
+Lords. The extreme Radicals were angered and condemned severely the
+Premier for what they called his "backing down" and his "feeble speech."
+
+Rumors in reference to Mr. Gladstone's resignation, which had been
+started by the _Pall Mall Gazette_, while he was yet at Biarritz, were
+now renewed. February 28, 1894, Mr. Gladstone informed the Queen of his
+contemplated retirement, giving as reasons his failing eyesight,
+deafness and age. March 1st, he made an important speech in the House of
+Commons. He displayed so much vigor and earnestness in his speech that
+it was thought that he had given up the idea of retiring. But this was
+his last speech as Premier. March 2d, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were
+summoned to Windsor, where they dined with the Queen, and remained over
+night. Saturday, March 3, 1894, Mr. Gladstone tendered his resignation
+as Premier to the Queen, who accepted it with many expressions of favor
+and regret, and offered him again a peerage, which was declined. On the
+way to Windsor and return to London, Mr. Gladstone was greeted by a
+large and enthusiastic crowd. Hundreds of letters and telegrams
+expressing regret, because of his retirement, were received by the
+ex-Premier, On Sunday he attended church as usual and was looking well,
+Mr. Balfour in the Commons, and Lord Salisbury in the Lords, vied with
+Mr. Gladstone's political friends in speaking his praise, and referring
+in the highest terms to his character and labors. The press in all parts
+of the world spoke in glowing terms of his natural endowments, great
+attainments, invaluable services, pure character and wonderfully
+vigorous old age. It was quite evident that Mr. Gladstone's retirement
+was not enforced by mental or physical infirmities, or by his unfitness
+for the leadership of the House and the Premiership, but that as a wise
+precaution, and upon the solicitation of his family, he had laid down
+his power while he was yet able to wield it with astonishing vigor. Thus
+closed the fourth administration of this remarkable man, the greatest
+English statesman of his time. In all history there is no parallel case,
+and no official record such as his.
+
+Lord Rosebery was appointed Premier in the place of Mr. Gladstone, and
+Sir William V. Harcourt became the leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone wrote congratulating Lord Rosebery, and
+promised to aid him whenever his assistance was required. In assuming
+office Lord Rosebery eulogized Mr. Gladstone, and announced that there
+would be no change in the policy of reform of the Liberal party under
+the new administration, and declared for Home Rule for Ireland, the
+disestablishment of the church in Wales and Scotland, and the reform of
+the House of Lords.
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+
+IN PRIVATE LIFE
+
+Justin McCarthy, in the closing pages of his Story of Gladstone's Life,
+says: "The long political struggle was over and done. The heat of the
+opposition this way and that had gone out forever, and Mr. Gladstone had
+none left but friends on both sides of the political field. Probably
+that ceremonial, that installation of the Prince of Wales as Chancellor
+of the Welsh University, was the last occasion on which Mr. Gladstone
+would consent to make an appearance on a public platform. It was a
+graceful close to such a great career."
+
+The occasion referred to was the ceremonial at Aberystwith, Wales, June
+26, 1896, when the Prince of Wales was installed as Chancellor of the
+Welsh University, and when the Prince presented to the Princess of Wales
+and to Mr. Gladstone honorary degrees conferred upon them by the
+University. The appearance of Mr. Gladstone was the signal for great
+applause. The Prince in his remarks was very complimentary to Mr.
+Gladstone, and spoke of the honor paid the University by the presence of
+the aged scholar and statesman, and also said it was truly one of the
+proudest moments of his life, when he found himself in the flattering
+position of being able to confer an academic honor upon one furnishing
+the rare instance of occupying the highest position as a statesman and
+who at the same time had attained such distinction in scholarship.
+
+But Mr. McCarthy was mistaken about this being the closing public
+service in the life of Mr. Gladstone. It was very far from his last
+public appearance. After that event Mr. Gladstone appeared repeatedly.
+Though his official life had closed, yet he was to emerge from
+retirement many times, and especially when it became necessary for him
+to raise his strong voice for humanity. His advocacy of the great causes
+of Armenian rescue, of Grecian independence, of Arbitration instead of
+War, and the unity and harmony of the two great English-speaking people,
+was given with all the old time fire of youth. What Mr. Gladstone did
+and said with pen and voice since the occasion mentioned, was enough not
+only for another chapter, but a whole volume, and sufficient alone to
+immortalize any man.
+
+After the great struggle for Home Rule and during the sultry summer of
+1893, Mr. Gladstone repaired to his favorite winter resort, Biarritz, in
+the south of France, It was while he was there that rumors of his
+resignation were heard, based on the ground of his failing health. Dr.
+Granger, of Chester, who was also an oculist, was summoned to examine
+Mr. Gladstone's eyes. He told Mr. Gladstone that a cataract had
+obliterated the sight of one eye, and that another cataract had begun to
+form on the other. In other words Mr. Gladstone was threatened with
+total blindness. The Prime Minister reflected a moment, and then
+requested--almost ordered--the physician to operate immediately upon his
+eye. He said: "I wish you to remove the cataract at once." The physician
+replied that it was not far enough advanced for an operation. "You do
+not understand me," answered the patient, "it is the old cataract I wish
+removed. If that is out of the way, I shall still have one good eye,
+when the new cataract impairs the sight of the other." As the physician
+still hesitated, Mr. Gladstone continued: "You still seem not to
+understand me. I want you to perform the operation here and now while I
+am sitting in this chair." "But it might not be successful," said Dr.
+Granger. "That is a risk I accept," was the instant reply. However, the
+physician dared not then undertake it, and afterwards said that Mr.
+Gladstone's eyes were as good as they were a year before, and that his
+general health was also good.
+
+In May, 1894, Mr. Gladstone's eye was successfully operated upon for
+cataract. He took no anaesthetic, and was conscious during the time.
+Every precaution was taken to insure success, and the patient was put to
+bed for rest and quiet and kept on low diet. Mr. Gladstone's eyes were
+so improved by judicious treatment that before long he could read ten or
+twelve hours a day. This could be regarded as complete restoration of
+sight, and enabled him, upon his retirement from public life, to devote
+himself to the work he so well loved when at home in his study
+at Hawarden.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's retirement from public life, from the Premiership, the
+Cabinet, the leadership of the Liberal Party, and from Parliament did
+not mean his entrance upon a period of inactivity. In the shades of
+Hawarden and in the quiet of his study he kept up the industry that had
+characterized his whole life heretofore.
+
+It had been the custom for centuries for English statesmen, upon
+retiring from official life, to devote themselves to the classics. Mr.
+Gladstone, who was pre-eminently a statesman-scholar, found it very
+congenial to his mind and habits to follow this old English custom. He
+first translated and published "The Odes of Horace." Then he took
+Butler's "Analogy" as a text book, and prepared and published "Studies
+Subsidiary to the Works of Bishop Butler." The discussion necessarily
+takes a wide range, treating, among other matters, of Butler's method,
+its application to the Scriptures, the future life, miracles and the
+mediation of Christ. Says W.T. Stead: "No one who reads the strenuous
+arguments with which Mr. Gladstone summarizes the reasoning of Bishop
+Butler on the future life is conscious of any weakening in the vigorous
+dialectic which was so often employed with brilliant success in the
+House of Commons."
+
+One of Mr. Gladstone's latest productions was his "Personal
+Recollections of Arthur H. Hallam," which was written for the "Youth's
+Companion." It is a tribute to the memory and worth of one of his early
+friends at Eton.
+
+These and other literary works occupied most of his time. But Mr.
+Gladstone would not content himself with quiet literary work. He had too
+long and too intensely been active in the world's great movements and on
+humanity's behalf to stand aloof. Hence it was not long before he was
+again in the arena, doing valiant service for the Armenian and
+against the Turk.
+
+In 1892 the Sultan, in the execution of a plan devised in 1890, issued
+an edict against religious freedom. In 1894, he threw off the mask and
+began to execute his deliberate and preconcerted plan to force all
+Christian Armenians to become Mohammedans or to die. Robbery, outrage
+and murder were the means used by the hands of brutal soldiers.
+
+In a letter to an indignation meeting held in London, December 17th,
+1894, Mr. Gladstone wrote denouncing these outrages of the Turks. The
+reading of the letter was greeted with prolonged applause.
+
+A deputation of Armenian gentlemen, residing in London and in Paris,
+took occasion on Mr. Gladstone's 85th birthday, December 29th, 1894, to
+present a silver chalice to Hawarden Church as "a memorial of Mr.
+Gladstone's sympathy with and assistance to the Armenian people." Mr.
+Gladstone's address to the deputation was regarded as one of the most
+peculiar and characteristic acts of his life. He gave himself wholly to
+the cause of these oppressed people, and was stirred by the outrages and
+murders perpetrated upon them as he was 18 years before. He said that
+the Turks should go out as they did go out of Bulgaria "bag and
+baggage," and he denounced the government of the Sultan as "a disgrace
+to Mahomet, the prophet whom it professed to follow, a disgrace to
+civilization at large, and a curse to mankind." He contended that every
+nation had ever the right and the authority to act "on behalf of
+humanity and of justice."
+
+There were those who condemned Mr. Gladstone's speech, declaring that it
+might disrupt the peace of Europe, but there were many others who
+thought that the sooner peace secured at such a cost was disturbed the
+better. It was but natural for those who wrongfully claimed the
+sovereign right to oppress their own subjects, to denounce all
+interference in the affairs of the Sultan.
+
+It was reported, March 19, 1895, that Francis Seymour Stevenson, M.P.,
+Chairman of the Anglo-Armenian Association, on behalf of the Tiflis
+Armenians, would present to Mr. Gladstone, on his return to London, the
+ancient copy of the Armenian Gospels, inscribed upon vellum, which was
+to accompany the address to the ex-Premier, then being signed by the
+Armenians there. In a letter Mr. Gladstone had but recently declared
+that he had abandoned all hope that the condition of affairs in Armenia
+would change for the better. The Sultan, he declared, was no longer
+worthy of the courtesies of diplomatic usage, or of Christian tolerance.
+Mr. Gladstone promised that when these Gospels were formally presented
+to him he would deliver a "rattling" address on behalf of the Armenians.
+When a delegation waited on him, he said, after assuring them of his
+sympathy, that the danger in the Armenian situation now was that useful
+action might be abandoned, in view of the promises of the Turkish
+Government to institute reforms.
+
+In June 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attended the opening of the Kaiser
+Wilhelm Canal as guests of Sir Donald Currie, on his steamship
+Tantallon Castle, returning home on the twenty-fifth. During this trip
+an effort was made to arrange for an interview between the Ex-Premier
+and the Prince Bismarck, but the Prince seemed disinclined and the
+project failed.
+
+It was while Mr. Gladstone was at Kiel, that the Rosebery Ministry fell
+by an accidental defeat of the Liberal Party in Parliament, and which
+again brought Mr. Gladstone to the front in the public mind. Lord
+Rosebery telegraphed Mr. Gladstone full particulars of the situation,
+and Mr. Gladstone strongly advised against the resignation of the
+Government and urged that a vote of confidence be taken. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote that the Liberal Party could well afford to stand on its record.
+The Ministry with but two exceptions, was the same, as that formed by
+Mr. Gladstone in August 1892, and had his confidence.
+
+Nevertheless, the cabinet of Lord Rosebery resigned, and the Marquis of
+Salisbury again became Prime Minister,--on the very day of Mr.
+Gladstone's arrival home. However Lord Rosebery retained the leadership
+of the Liberal Party.
+
+There is no doubt that if the wishes of the Liberal Party had been
+gratified, Mr. Gladstone would have taken the leadership and again
+become Prime Minister. Subsequent events proved that he would have been
+equal, at least for a while, to the task of succeeding Lord Rosebery.
+But Mr. Gladstone was not willing. He refused to re-enter Parliament,
+and wrote a letter to his old constituents at Midlothian, declining
+their kind offer to send him to the House and bade them a kind farewell.
+In his letter he said that the Liberal Party is a party of progress and
+reform, and urged his constituents to stand by it. He regarded the
+changes of the century exceedingly beneficial.
+
+August 6, 1895, Mr. Gladstone made a great speech at Chester. A meeting
+was held in the Town Hall to arouse public sentiment against the
+slaughter of Armenian Christians within the Empire of the Sultan by
+Turkish soldiers, and to devise some means of putting an end to such
+crimes, and of punishing the oppressor. The audience was very large,
+including many Armenians resident in England, and rose with vociferous
+cheering when Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, the Duke of Westminster, the
+Bishop of Chester, and the Mayor of Chester entered the hall. The Bishop
+of Ripon was already there. The Duke of Westminster presided, and read a
+letter from the Marquis of Salisbury, the Premier.
+
+Mr. Gladstone arose amid an outburst of enthusiastic applause, and
+addressing the vast audience said:
+
+That the massacres in Armenia resulted from intolerable
+government--perhaps the worst in the world. He offered a resolution
+pledging the support of the entire nation to the British Government in
+its efforts to secure for the Armenians such reforms as would guarantee
+the safety of life, honor, religion and property. Mr. Gladstone said
+that language failed to describe the horrors of the massacre of Sussoun,
+which made the blood run cold. The Sultan was responsible, for these
+barbarities were not the act of the criminal class, such as afflicts
+every country, the malefactors who usually perpetrate horrible crime,
+but were perpetrated by the agents of the Sultan--the soldiers and the
+Kurds, tax-gatherers and police of the Turkish Government. And what had
+been done, and was daily being done, could be summed up in four awful
+words--plunder, murder, rape and torture. Plunder and murder were bad
+enough, but these were almost venial by the side of the work of the
+ravisher and the torturer. And the victims were defenceless men, women
+and children--Armenians, one of the oldest Christian civilized races,
+and one of the most pacific, industrious and intelligent races of
+the world.
+
+There was no exaggeration in the language used to describe the horrible
+outrages visited upon whole communities of innocent and helpless people.
+The truth of these terrible charges in their most hideous form, was
+established by unbiased American testimony, by Dr, Dillon, an eye
+witness, and by the representatives of England, France and Russia.
+
+Nothing but a sense of duty, said Mr. Gladstone, had brought him at his
+age to resign the repose, which was the last of many great earthly
+blessings remaining to him, to address them.
+
+If the Powers of Europe were to recede before the irrational resistance
+of the Sultan, they would be disgraced in the eyes of the world, and the
+Christian population of the Turkish Empire would be doomed to
+extermination, according to the plan of the Porte. Terrible word, but
+true in its application.
+
+As to the remedy the cleanest was to make the Turk march out of Armenia,
+as he did out of Bulgaria, "bag and baggage." He cautioned against
+trusting the promises of the government at Constantinople, which he knew
+from long experience, were worthless; and declared that the Sultan was
+bound by no treaty obligation. The word "ought" was not heeded at
+Constantinople, but the word "must" was understood fully there. Coercion
+was a word perfectly comprehended there--a drastic dose which never
+failed. If we have the smallest regard for humanity, he concluded, we
+shall, with the help of God, demand that which is just and necessary.
+Mr. Gladstone was frequently and loudly applauded during his speech, at
+the conclusion of which the resolution was adopted.
+
+The most powerful voice in all Britain had been raised with stirring
+and thrilling power for justice and humanity. The testimony of an eye
+witness is to the effect, that never did the grand old man seem in finer
+form. His undimmed eye flashed as he spoke with withering scorn against
+hypocrisy and with hottest hate against wrong. His natural force was not
+abated, his health robust, and his conviction unsubdued. His deeply
+lined and pale face was transfigured with the glow of righteous
+indignation. The aged statesman was in his old House of Commons vigor.
+"There was the same facile movement of his body, and the same
+penetrating look as though he would pierce the very soul of his
+auditors; the same triumphant march of sentence after sentence to their
+chosen goal, and yet the same subtle method of introducing qualifying
+clauses all along the march without loosing the grip of his theme; the
+same ascent to lofty principles and commanding generalizations, blended
+with the complete mastery of details; and, above all, the same sublimity
+of outlook and ringing emphasis of sincerity in every tone." It was an
+occasion never to be forgotten. A distinguished hearer said: "To read
+his speech, as thousands will, is much; but to have heard it, to have
+felt it-oh! that is simply indescribable, and will mark for many, one of
+the most memorable days of this last decade of this closing century.
+The sweet cadence of his voice, the fascination of his personality, and,
+above all, the consecration of his splendid gifts to the cause of
+plundered men and ravished women, raise the occasion into prominence in
+the annals of a great people. Chiefly, I feel the triumphs of soul. His
+utterance of the words 'wives,' 'women,' lifted them into an atmosphere
+of awe and solemnity, and his tone in speaking of 'rape' and 'torture'
+gave them an ineffable loathsomeness. It seemed as if so much soul had
+never been put into a Saxon speech. Keen satire, rasping rebuke, an
+avalanche of indignation, rapier-like thrusts to the vital fibre of the
+situation, and withal the invincible cogency of argument against the
+Turkish Government, gave the oration a primary place amongst the
+master-pieces of human eloquence."
+
+In the course of this famous speech Mr. Gladstone referred to America;
+once when welcoming the sympathy of the American people with the
+suffering Armenians, and again as he described the testimony of the
+United States as a witness that gained enormously in value because it
+was entirely free from suspicion.
+
+A large meeting was held in St. James Hall, London, October 19, 1896, in
+memory of Christian Martyrs in Turkey. The Bishop of Rochester presided.
+The hall was packed with an audience of 2,600, while nearly 7,000
+applied for admission. Many prominent persons were present. The large
+audience was in sombre funeral attire. About thirty front seats were
+occupied by Armenians. It was stated that 60,000 Armenians so far had
+been murdered with tortures and indignities indescribable. To this
+meeting Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter which was greeted with the
+wildest enthusiasm. He said that he hoped the meeting would worthily
+crown the Armenian meetings of the past two months, which were without a
+parallel during his political life. The great object, he said, was to
+strengthen Lord Salisbury's hands and to stop the series of massacres,
+which were probably still unfinished, and to provide against their
+renewal. As he believed that Lord Salisbury would use his powerful
+position for the best, personally he objected in the strongest manner to
+abridging Lord Salisbury's discretion by laying down this or that as
+things which he ought not to do. It was a wild paradox, without the
+support of reason or history, to say that the enforcement of treaty
+rights to stop systematic massacre, together with effective security
+against Great Britain's abusing them for selfish ends, would provoke the
+hostilities of one or more of the powers.
+
+To advertise beforehand in the ears of the Great Assassin that Great
+Britain's action would cut down--what the most backward of the six
+Powers think to be sufficient--would be the; abandonment of duty and
+prudence and would be to doom the national movement to disappointment.
+The concert of Europe was valuable and important, but such an
+announcement would be certain to be followed by its failure.
+
+One of the immediate effects of Mr. Gladstone's denunciation of the
+Sultan for the Armenian massacres was the resignation by Lord Rosebery
+of the leadership of the Liberal Party. Mr. Gladstone's return to
+politics, the agitation of the Turkish question and the differences
+between these two leaders of the Liberal movement as to the best way of
+dealing with the Sultan, were assigned as reasons by Lord Rosebery for
+his resignation.
+
+It was then again suggested that Mr. Gladstone assume the leadership of
+the Liberal Party and accept a peerage and a seat in the House of Lords,
+so often tendered him by the Queen. Then Sir William Vernon-Harcourt
+could lead in the House of Commons and bear the burden, while Mr.
+Gladstone could be at the head of affairs without the worry of the House
+of Commons. Besides, Mr. Morgan offered to resign his seat in the House
+of Commons in his favor. But Mr. Gladstone would not agree to any of
+these plans as far as they pertained to himself.
+
+July 22, 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone returned to London to attend a
+great social function, the marriage of one of the daughters of the
+Prince and Princess of Wales to Prince Charles of Denmark. Mr. Gladstone
+evinced much interest in everything connected with the important event,
+and was himself the object of much attention.
+
+September 23, 1896, Mr. Gladstone wrote a long letter to the Paris
+Figaro in response to an appeal from its editor, M. Leudet, to Mr.
+Gladstone to arouse the French press in behalf of the Armenians. After
+expressing his diffidence in complying with the request, Mr. Gladstone
+declared his belief that the population of Great Britain were more
+united in sentiment and more thoroughly aroused by the present outrages
+in Turkey than they were by the atrocities in Bulgaria in 1876.
+
+He said: "The question whether effect can be given to the national
+indignation is now in the balance, and will probably soon be decided. I
+have read in some Austrian newspapers an affected scruple against sole
+action by any one State in a European crisis, but there are two
+first-class Powers who will not make that scruple their own. One of
+these is Russia, who in 1878, earned lasting honors by liberating
+Bulgaria and, helping onward the freedom and security of other Balkan
+States. The other Power is France, who, in 1840, took up the cause of
+Egypt and pushed it single handed to the verge of a European war. She
+wisely forbore to bring about that horrible, transcendent calamity, but
+I gravely doubt whether she was not right and the combined Powers wrong
+in their policy of that period."
+
+Mr. Gladstone denounced the Sultan as the "Great Assassin," and
+continued: "For more than a year he has triumphed over the diplomacy of
+the six Powers, they have been laid prostrate at his feet. There is no
+parallel in history to the humiliation they have patiently borne. He has
+therefore had every encouragement to continue a course that has been
+crowned with such success. The impending question seems to be, not
+whether, but when and where he will proceed to his next murderous
+exploits. The question for Europe and each Power is whether he shall be
+permitted to swell by more myriads the tremendous total of his victims.
+
+"In other years when I possessed power I did my best to promote the
+concert of Europe, but I sorrowfully admit that all the good done in
+Turkey during the last twenty years was done, not by it, but more nearly
+despite it." The letter concludes by expressing the hope that the French
+people would pursue a policy worthy of their greatness, their fame and
+the high place they have held in European Christian history.
+
+September 24, 1896, a meeting was called by the Reform Club, of
+Liverpool, to protest against the recent massacres of 2000 Armenians at
+Constantinople at the affair of the Ottoman Bank, and many more
+throughout the Turkish Empire. Mr. Gladstone was asked to address the
+meeting. When requested by the agent of the Associated Press for an
+advanced proof of his speech he declined, but wrote that he would
+"recommend giving the warmest support to the Queen's government, and
+would contend that England should act alone if necessary for the
+fulfillment of the covenants which have been so disgracefully broken."
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with their son Herbert, arrived at noon at
+Liverpool, and were met at the railroad station by 2,000 enthusiastic
+people. The meeting was held in the vast auditorium of the Circus
+Building, which was filled. Thousands failed to obtain entrance.
+
+Before the arrival of Mr. Gladstone there was a spontaneous outburst of
+applause, everybody present standing and singing "God save the Queen."
+When Mr. Gladstone entered, the prolonged roar of applause could be
+heard for miles, arising from thousands inside and outside the hall.
+
+The Earl of Derby, Conservative, presided. He was accompanied by the
+Countess of Derby, who with many distinguished persons occupied
+the platform.
+
+Mr. Gladstone stepped briskly to the front of the platform at 12.30 p.m.
+bowing repeatedly in response to the applause. He looked strong and
+well for a man of his age and labors, and was easily heard. After a few
+preliminary remarks, he moved the following resolution:
+
+"That this meeting trusts that Her Majesty's ministers, realizing to the
+fullest extent the terrible condition in which their fellow Christians
+are placed, will do everything possible to obtain for them full security
+and protection; and this meeting assures Her Majesty's ministers that
+they may rely upon the cordial support of the citizens of Liverpool in
+whatever steps they may feel it necessary to take for that purpose."
+
+The resolution was received with great cheering.
+
+Mr. Gladstone resumed: "We have a just title to threaten Turkey with
+coercion, but that does not in itself mean war; and I think that the
+first step should be the recall of our Ambassador, and it should be
+followed by the dismissal of the Turkish Ambassador from London. Such a
+course is frequent and would not give the right of complaint to anybody.
+When diplomatic relations are suspended, England should inform the
+Sultan that she should consider the means of enforcing her just and
+humane demands. I do not believe that Europe will make war to insure the
+continuance of massacres more terrible than ever recorded in the dismal,
+deplorable history of crime.
+
+"Now, as in 1876, to the guilt of massacre is added the impudence of
+denial, which will continue just as long as Europe is content to listen.
+I doubt if it is an exaggeration to say that it was in the Sultan's
+palace, and there only, that the inspiration has been supplied, and the
+policy devised of the whole series of massacres. When the Sultan carries
+massacre into his own capital under the eyes of the Ambassadors, he
+appears to have gained the very acme of what it is possible for him to
+do. But the weakness of diplomacy, I trust, is about to be strengthened
+by the echo of this nation's voice."
+
+Mr. Gladstone then referred to the supineness of the Ambassadors of the
+Powers at Constantinople, and continued: "The concert of Europe is an
+august and useful instrument, but it has not usually succeeded in
+dealing with the Eastern question, which has arrived at a period when it
+is necessary to strengthen the hands of the Government by an expression
+of national opinion. I believe that the continued presence of the
+Ambassadors at Constantinople has operated as a distinct countenance to
+the Sultan, who is thus their recognized ally.
+
+"But, while urging the Government to act, it does not follow that, even
+for the sake of the great object in view, Great Britain should
+transplant Europe into a state of war. On the other hand, however, I
+deny that England must abandon her own right to independent judgment
+and allow herself to be domineered over by the other powers."
+
+Mr. Gladstone expressed the opinion that the purpose of the meeting was
+defensive and prospective, saying that no one can hold out the hope that
+the massacres are ended, although he ventured to anticipate that the
+words spoken at the meeting would find their way to the palace at
+Constantinople. "The present movement," he said, "is based on broad
+grounds of humanity, and is not directed against the Mohammedans, but
+against the Turkish officials, evidence of whose barbarities rests in
+credible official reports." Mr. Gladstone declared his adhesion to the
+principles contained in the resolution, and said he came to the meeting
+not claiming any authority for sentiments expressed except that of a
+citizen of Liverpool.
+
+"But," he remarked, "the national platform upon which the meeting is
+based gives greater authority for sentiments universally entertained
+throughout the length and breadth of the land, and I urge that in this
+matter party sympathy be renounced. I entertain the lively hope and
+strong belief that the present deplorable situation is not due to the
+act or default of the Government of this great country."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke about twenty minutes and was repeatedly interrupted
+by applause. He was in good voice, and did not seem fatigued when he
+had finished.
+
+The next day the Turkish Embassy at London telegraphed Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at Liverpool verbatim to the Sultan.
+
+The London Times in an editorial said: "The spectacle of the veteran
+statesman quitting his retirement to plead the cause of the oppressed is
+well calculated to move the sympathy and admiration of the nation. The
+ardor of Mr. Gladstone's feelings on this subject is notorious. All the
+more striking and significant is the comparative restraint and
+moderation of the speech."
+
+Other questions besides those mentioned were claiming the attention of
+English statesmen. In the Spring, prior to the great Liverpool meeting,
+the Venezuela boundary question was agitating the two great English
+speaking nations to the very verge of war. A large Peace Meeting was
+held in London, March 3, 1896, to favor arbitration. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote: "I am glad that the discussion of arbitration is to be separated
+from the Venezuela question, upon which I do not feel myself in final
+and full possession of the facts that I should wish. My views on
+arbitration in place of war were gathered from the part I took in the
+matter of the Alabama claims. I will only add that my conviction and
+sentiment on the subject grow in strength from year to year in
+proportion to the growth of that monstrous and barbarous militarism, in
+regard to which I consider England has to bear no small responsibility."
+
+The meeting favored permanent international arbitration, and an
+Anglo-American treaty was finally signed by the representatives of the
+two nations, providing for the settlement of all questions between the
+two nations by arbitration instead of by war, but the Senate of the
+United States refused to ratify the treaty.
+
+Mr. Gladstone deplored intensely the extraordinary misunderstanding
+which had prevailed on the subject of the Venezuela frontier. He seemed
+to think that nothing but a little common sense was needed to secure the
+pacific settlement of the question at any moment. A hundred square miles
+more or less on either side of the boundary of British Guiana was to him
+a matter of supreme indifference. He was extremely anxious to see
+justice done, and one of his last speeches in the House of Commons was
+in favor of permanent arbitration between England and the United States.
+
+Another one of the absorbing questions that came before the civilized
+world for consideration, and almost to the exclusion of the Armenian
+question, was the Cretan Question. Greece heroically sustained the
+insurrection of the Cretans against the Turkish rule. The scene of
+Turkish cruelty was now transferred to the isle of Crete. For the time
+the Armenian massacres were forgotten. The Greeks rushed to the rescue,
+while all Europe held aloof. Mr. Gladstone sent the following dispatch
+to the Chronicle: "I do not dare to stimulate Greece when I cannot help
+her, but I shall profoundly rejoice at her success. I hope the Powers
+will recollect that they have their own character to redeem." This was
+in February, 1897, Later he wrote that to expel the Greek troops from
+Crete and keep as police the butchers of Armenia, would further deepen
+the disgrace of the Powers of Europe.
+
+In March, 1897, Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter, now justly celebrated,
+on the same subject to the Duke of Westminster in which he expressed his
+opinion more fully, and which was evidently the sentiment of the English
+speaking people of the world. The letter was in the form of a pamphlet
+of 16 pages, published, and entitled The Eastern Crisis.
+
+In less than a week after this eloquent manifesto in behalf of the
+Cretans and of Greece was put forth, it was currently reported that the
+precise solution of the problem recommended by Mr. Gladstone was likely
+to be adopted. The Sultan himself, fearful of the effect of the appeal
+on public opinion in Europe, sought the settlement of the question in
+the manner suggested. The Greeks still clamored for war. In the war
+that followed between Greece and Turkey, Greece was defeated and crushed
+by the Turk. Only by the intervention of the Powers was Greece saved
+from becoming a part of the Sultan's Empire.
+
+After peace had been concluded between Turkey and Greece, Mr. Gladstone
+undertook to arouse public opinion by a trenchant review of the
+situation. Looking back over the past two years of England's Eastern
+policy, he inquires as to what have been the results, and then answers
+his own question. He thus enumerates:
+
+1. The slaughter of 100,000 Armenian Christians, men, women and
+children, with no guarantee against a repetition of the crime.
+
+2. The Turkish Umpire stronger than at any time since the Crimean war.
+
+3. Christian Greece weaker than at any time since she became a kingdom.
+
+These are facts, Mr. Gladstone claimed, for which the leading Christian
+nations and statesmen of Europe are responsible.
+
+While Mr. Gladstone thus expresses himself, yet his vigorous protests
+had not been without effect. His voice penetrated into the very palace
+of the Sultan, and into every Cabinet of Europe, and was heard by every
+statesman and ruler throughout the world, and aroused the people
+everywhere. It was a mighty voice lifted for right and against
+oppression. The Sultan was afraid and was compelled to desist; not that
+he feared the protests and the warnings of the Christian Nations of
+Europe, but because that one voice was the expression of the popular
+feeling of all Christians throughout the world, and to defy such
+sentiment would be to court the overthrow of his throne, if not of the
+dominion of the Turk in Europe.
+
+In June, 1894, an invitation was extended to Mr. Gladstone to visit the
+United States, signed by many representative men in public life. But Mr.
+Gladstone, while acknowledging the compliment, declined because of his
+age. It would, he thought, be a tremendous undertaking for him. The
+fatigue of the voyage and the strain of the receptions while in America,
+would prove greater than his physical condition could bear.
+
+Later Mr. Gladstone was waited on at Hawarden by one hundred members of
+the Philadelphia Manufacturer's Club. He personally escorted them over
+the Castle grounds and narrated the history of the Castle to them.
+Greatly pleased with the warmth of their reception, they thanked Mr.
+Gladstone for his courtesy. They then gave him three cheers. This token
+of appreciation was very gratifying to Mr. Gladstone, who said that it
+was the first time he had ever heard American cheers.
+
+Saturday afternoon, August 15, 1896, Li Hung Chang, the great Chinese
+Statesman and Embassador, visited Mr. Gladstone at Hawarden. Probably
+the three greatest living statesmen of the time were Gladstone, Bismarck
+and Li Hung Chang. The Embassador and his suite went to Chester in a
+special train, and were driven in three open carriages to Hawarden.
+Along the route as, well as at the station, the party was cheered by a
+large crowd. The Viceroy was sleeping when the train reached Chester and
+he was allowed to sleep until he awoke. Yet the party was ahead of time
+in reaching the Castle, but Mr. Gladstone hastened to receive them. The
+Chinese visitors were received at the door by Mr. Henry Gladstone. Li
+Hung Chang was escorted into the Library where he was introduced to Mr.
+and Mrs. Gladstone.
+
+The intention of Mr. Gladstone was to have as escort a guard of honor to
+the Viceroy, the Hawarden corps of the Welsh Fusiliers, which reached
+the Castle, owing to the visitors being ahead of time, ten minutes after
+the arrival of the party.
+
+The two aged statesmen sat near the window overlooking the terrace, and
+at once, with the aid of Lo Feug Luh, engaged in conversation, Li asked
+various questions concerning Mr. Gladstone's career, and was informed by
+Mr. Gladstone that he had been Prime Minister nearly thirteen years,
+and in the Cabinet nearly twenty-four years. When complimented upon the
+service he had rendered to his country, Mr. Gladstone replied that he
+had done what he could, but he should have done a great deal more. Li
+observed that British interests and British trade in China were greater
+than those of all other countries put together. The Viceroy also talked
+with Mr. Gladstone of free trade, of restrictions upon commerce, of the
+power of the British Navy, of the greatness of the British Revenues, of
+the vastness of the Colonial Empire, of the necessity of a railway
+system to commerce and upon a number of similar subjects. Refreshments
+were served which Li enjoyed, and then by request he wrote his autograph
+in three books, using Dorothy Drew's colors for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone and Li were photographed together sitting on chairs outside
+the porch. Mr. Gladstone presented Li with three books from his library,
+and then the Chinese visitors departed.
+
+On Saturday evening October 10, 1896, the Right Hon. and Most Rev.
+Edward White Benson, D.D., Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all
+England, arrived at Hawarden with Mrs. Benson on a visit to his old
+friend Mr. Gladstone. Sunday morning Dr. Benson went with the Gladstone
+family to Hawarden Church and occupied the Gladstone pew. After the
+service had commenced a commotion was observed. It was caused by the
+fall of Dr. Benson In the pew while kneeling in prayer. Attendants
+removed Dr. Benson to the Rectory, and medical aid was summoned, but
+death came soon after from apoplexy. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone, rector,
+proceeded with the service until notified of the death of the
+Archbishop, when he dismissed the congregation. Mr. Gladstone, who had
+not attended church from indisposition, was deeply affected by the death
+of his guest and friend.
+
+The morning papers of London, June 1, 1896, printed a long letter from
+Mr. Gladstone to Cardinal Rampolla for submission to the Pope Leo XIII,
+in favor of the unity of Christendom by means of a papal declaration in
+favor of the validity of Anglican orders. It created a great sensation.
+Shortly after this the Pope issued an Encyclical letter addressed to
+"all bishops in communion with the Holy See." The theme was the same as
+that of Mr. Gladstone's letter, to which it was regarded as an answer.
+The Pope invited all the English people "to return to the religion of
+the Roman Catholic Church." "This," remarks Mr. Justin McCarthy, "was
+exactly what any thoughtful person might have expected." While this
+letter and its answer did not satisfy the clergy of the established
+Church of England, who were favorably disposed towards Rome, on the
+other hand it aroused the dissenting Christians of England to reply
+that they were opposed to all state or established churches, whether
+Roman Catholic or English Episcopal.
+
+On December 29, 1896, the eighty-seventh anniversary of Mr. Gladstone's
+birth was celebrated at Hawarden, surrounded by his family and friends.
+There were the usual demonstrations by the villagers, consisting in the
+ringing of bells and the appointments of deputations to wait upon the
+aged statesman at the Castle with congratulations. An enormous flow of
+telegrams and messages continued throughout the day from all parts of
+the kingdom, the United States and the Continent. Among those sending
+congratulations were the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Baroness de
+Rothschild. Mr. Gladstone was in good health, and in the afternoon went
+out for a walk.
+
+May 10, 1897, the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the
+Princess Victoria, visited Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone at Hawarden. They were
+received by Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone in the porch erected in 1889 to
+commemorate their golden wedding. The mutual greetings were of the
+heartiest nature. The royal party inspected the ruins of the old castle,
+Mr. Gladstone acting as escort to the Princess of Wales. An interesting
+incident occurred on the lawn. The Princess took great interest in
+inspecting the favorite dogs of the Gladstone family. These were the
+black Pomeranians. Two puppies were carried in a basket, one of which
+the Princess accepted as a gift.
+
+June 22, 1897, was celebrated with great pomp and rejoicing the Diamond
+Jubilee of Victoria, the Queen of England and Empress of India, when the
+Queen reached the 60th anniversary of her reign, which is the longest in
+English history. Victoria became queen at the age of 19 years, in 1837,
+and then the British Isles possessed a population of 26,000,000 and they
+had became 40,000,000. Her Empire has been extended until in India,
+South, Central and Western Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North
+America, and including the British Isles, there were 360,000,000 people
+who owned her sway. And to this greatness and glory Mr. Gladstone had
+been one to contribute largely, while his influence has been felt more
+still by far in promoting the moral greatness of the people. Throughout
+all the Empire the event was celebrated, and the jubilee procession in
+London was swollen by representatives of all parts of the Queen's domain
+and all nations on earth which rendered it the greatest pageant ever
+beheld. Even the Turk was there, but Mr. Gladstone was not there, nor
+was his name even mentioned for a place in the march on jubilee day. Yet
+the period of Victoria's reign will often be spoken of in history as the
+Gladstonian Era.
+
+"The public life of a leading statesman," says an eminent writer,
+"offers the boldest and stateliest outline to the public view. It may be
+that the most striking and memorable chapters in a future biography of
+Mr. Gladstone will contain the story of his private affairs and domestic
+life." His daily life at home was a model of simplicity and regularity,
+and the great secret of the vast amount of work he accomplished was
+owing to the fact that every odd five minutes were occupied. He had a
+deep sense of the preciousness of time and the responsibility which
+everyone incurs who uses or misuses it. "To such a length did he carry
+this that at a picnic to a favorite Welsh mountain he has been seen to
+fling himself on the heather and bury himself in some pamphlet upon a
+question of the day, until called to lighter things by those who were
+responsible for the provision basket."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was ever a most severe economist of time, a habit acquired
+as long ago as 1839, when he awed his young wife by filling up all odd
+bits and scraps of time with study or work. Out of his pocket would come
+the little classic at every chance opportunity of leisure. This accounts
+for his ability to get through in one day more than most people do in a
+week. Then besides, he had the faculty of concentrating the whole power
+of his mind upon the one thing before him, whether small or great. He
+was unable to divide the machinery of his mind. Interruption was almost
+fatal to his train of thought, but he was generally oblivious to
+conversation buzzing around him. Hence it was some time before a
+questioner could get an answer--he did not seem to hear, but patience
+finally secured attention, after the train of absorbing thought
+was finished.
+
+It was this power of concentrating all his faculties upon what he was
+doing, whether it was work or play, that made Mr. Gladstone one of the
+ablest as well as happiest of the century. He took the keenest delight
+in the scholarly and beautiful, and this accounts for his disregard of
+minor ills and evils. He was too absorbed to be fretful or impatient.
+But to be absorbed in great things did not mean, in his case, to be
+neglectful of little things. At one time his mind and time were so
+completely taken up with the Eastern question, that he could not be
+induced to spare a thought for Ireland, and afterward it was quite as
+difficult to get him to think of any political question except that
+of Ireland.
+
+In the daily routine of private life none in the household were more
+punctual and regular than Mr. Gladstone. At 8 o'clock he was up and in
+his study. From 1842 he always found time, with all his manifold duties,
+to go to church regularly, rain or shine, every morning except when ill,
+at half-past 8 o'clock, He walked along the public road from the castle
+to Hawarden church. Writes an observer: "The old statesman, with his
+fine, hale, gentle face, is an interesting figure as he walks lightly
+and briskly along the country road, silently acknowledging the fervent
+salutations of his friends--the Hawarden villagers. He wears a long
+coat, well buttoned up, a long shawl wrapped closely around his neck,
+and a soft felt hat--a very different figure from that of the Prime
+Minister as he is known in London."
+
+At the Castle prayers were read to the family and household soon after 9
+o'clock daily. His customary breakfast was comprised of a hard-boiled
+egg, a slice of tongue, dry toast and tea. The whole morning whether at
+home or on a visit was devoted to business. Luncheon at Hawarden was
+without formality. "Lunch was on the hob," for several hours, to be
+partaken of when it suited the convenience of the various members of the
+family. Tea, of which Mr. Gladstone was particularly fond, and of which
+he could partake at any hour of the day, or night, was served in the
+afternoon at 5 o'clock,--after which he finished his correspondence.
+
+In the afternoon, Mr. Gladstone was accustomed to a walk in the grounds,
+accompanied by his faithful little black Pomeranian dog, Petz, who was
+obtained on a trip abroad, and became and remained for many years, an
+important member of the household, and one of Mr. Gladstone's most
+devoted followers. Increasing years of over fourscore, prevented finally
+walks of fifty miles a day once indulged in, and the axes stood unused
+in their stands in the vestibule and library, but still Mr. Gladstone
+kept up his walks with his silent companion Petz. After walking for half
+an hour longer in his library after his return to the Castle, Mr.
+Gladstone would dress for dinner, which operation usually took him from
+three to five minutes. At 8 o'clock he joined the family, at dinner,
+which was a cheerful meal. Like Goethe he ate heartily and enjoyed his
+meals, but his diet was extremely simple, Mr. Gladstone eating only what
+was prescribed by his physician. At dinner he talked freely and
+brilliantly even when none but his family were present. When visitors
+were present he would enter upon whatever was the subject of
+conversation, taking his share with others, and pouring a flood of light
+upon any theme suggested, giving all the benefit of the fund of wisdom
+and anecdote collected through two generations of unparalleled political
+and social activity.
+
+After dinner, when there were no visitors at Hawarden, Mr. Gladstone
+would quietly sit reading in his library, or conversing with his family.
+He never used tobacco. Shortly after 10 o'clock he retired to bed and to
+sleep. He never allowed himself to think and be sleepless. Mr. Bright
+had a habit of making his speeches after he had retired to bed, which
+Mr. Gladstone thought was detrimental to his health. Bight hours was the
+time Mr. Gladstone permitted himself to sleep. His bed-room was on the
+second floor and reached by a fine staircase. Everything in the room was
+plain and homely.
+
+On the walls of his bed-room and over the mantlepiece was a text
+emblazoned, on which at evening and morning he could look, which read:
+"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee."
+This not only expresses Mr. Gladstone's trust in God, but doubtless
+accounts in a large degree for that tranquility of mind so notably his,
+even in those trying times that prostrated many and carried many more
+away from their bearings.
+
+From the worry or weariness of business, Mr. Gladstone was ever ready to
+turn for rest to reading, which has thus proved of inestimable value to
+him. "His family cannot speak without emotion of that look of perfect
+happiness and peace that beamed from his eye on such occasions." When
+during the general elections of 1882, this was denied him, he turned
+with equal readiness to writing and thinking on other subjects. During
+the Midlothian Campaign and General Election, and through the Cabinet
+making that followed, he relieved the pressure on his over-burdened
+brain by writing an article on Home Rule, "written with all the force
+and freshness of a first shock of discovery;" he was also writing daily
+on the Psalms; he was preparing a paper for the Oriental Congress which
+was to startle the educated world by "its originality and ingenuity;"
+and he was composing with great and careful investigation his Oxford
+lecture on "The rise and progress of learning in the University
+of Oxford."
+
+All during the morning hours he would sit in the silence of that
+corner-room on the ground floor reading. There were three writing-desks
+in the library, and one was chiefly reserved for correspondence of a
+political nature, and another for his literary work, while the third was
+used by Mrs. Gladstone. He spent his evenings when at Hawarden in a cosy
+corner of the library reading. He had a wonderfully constructed lamp so
+arranged for him for night reading, as to throw the utmost possible
+light on the pages of the book. It was generally a novel that employed
+his mind at night. Occasionally he gives Mrs. Drew about two hundred
+novels to divide the sheep from the goats among them. She divides them
+into three classes--novels worth keeping, novels to be given away, and
+novels to be destroyed.
+
+Mr. Gladstone generally had three books in course of reading at the same
+time, changing from one to the other. These books were carefully
+selected with reference to their character and contents, and he was
+particular as to their order and variation. For instance at one time he
+was reading Dr. Laugen's Roman History, in German, in the morning,
+Virgil in the afternoon, and a novel at night. Scott was his preference
+among novelists. He read with pencil in hand, and he had an elaborate
+system of marking a book. Aristotle, St. Augustine, Dante and Bishop
+Butler were the authors who had the deepest influence upon him, so he
+himself said. His copy of the Odyssey of Homer he had rebound several
+times, as he preferred always to use the same copy.
+
+Mrs. Drew says of her father: "There could not be a better illustration
+of his mind than his Temple of Peace--his study, with its
+extraordinarily methodical arrangement. Away from home he will write an
+exact description of the key or paper he requires, as: 'Open the left
+hand drawer of the writing table nearest the fireplace, and at the back
+of the drawer, in the right hand corner, you will find some keys. You
+will see three on one string; send me the one with such and such teeth.'
+His mind is arranged in the same way; he has only to open a particular
+compartment, labelled so and so, to find the information he requires.
+His memory in consequence is almost unfailing. It is commonly found that
+in old age the memory may be perfect as regards times long gone by, but
+inaccurate and defective as to more recent events. But with Mr.
+Gladstone the things of the present are as deeply stamped on his brain
+as the things of the past." Some one has said of Mr. Gladstone that his
+memory was "terrible." It is evident that he always kept abreast of the
+times--informing himself of everything new in literature, science and
+art, and when over eighty years of age was as ready to imbibe fresh
+ideas as when he was only eighteen, and far more discriminating.
+
+Those who entered Mr. Gladstone's official room on a Sunday, during the
+busiest parliamentary session, could not fail to be struck by the
+atmosphere of repose, the signs and symbols of the day, the books lying
+open near the armchair, the deserted writing-table, the absence of
+papers and newspapers. On Sunday Mr. Gladstone put away all business of
+a secular nature, occupied his time in reading special books, suitable
+to the day, and generally attended church twice, never dined out, except
+he went on a mission of mercy, or to cheer some sorrowful friend. When
+the Queen invited him to Windsor Castle on Sunday for one night, as she
+did sometimes, he always arranged to stay in Windsor Saturday. In his
+dressing room he kept a large open bible in which he daily read.
+Physically, intellectually and spiritually Mr. Gladstone's Sundays were
+regarded by his family as a priceless blessing to him, and to have made
+him the man he was. Mr. Gladstone had strict notions of his duty to his
+church. Whenever he established himself in London, he always attended
+the nearest church, and became regular in his attendance, not only on
+the Sabbath, but daily. With an empire on his shoulders he found time
+for daily public devotion, and in church-going he was no "gadabout."
+When he resided at Carlton House Terrace he attended the church of St.
+Martin-in-the-Fields.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's daily correspondence, when Prime Minister, was simply
+enormous. At first he felt it to be a conscientious duty to deal with
+the most of it himself, but finally came to trust the bulk of it to
+secretaries as other ministers did. Some letters came to him daily that
+he had to answer with his own hand; for example, from ministers or on
+confidental business, from the court, At the end of every Cabinet
+Council the Premier has to write a letter with his own hand to his
+sovereign, giving full information of the business transacted. The same
+kind of report is required daily from Parliament. Of course Mr.
+Gladstone, whenever he was Prime Minister, faithfully attended to this
+duty and dispatched the required letters written with his own hand to
+the Queen.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was remarkable for the strength and endurance of his body
+as well as for the vigor of his intellect. "Don't talk to me of Mr.
+Gladstone's mind," said a contemporary; "it is his body which astonishes
+me." He never had any serious illness in his life, and up to quite
+recent years were vigorous exercise, sometimes walking when in Scotland
+20 miles at a stretch over rough and mountainous country. The physical
+effort of speaking to twenty thousand people, and being heard in every
+part of the vast building by the audience, as was the case at
+Birmingham, in 1889, was remarkable. His power of endurance was
+wonderful. In 1882, he once sat up through an all-night sitting of the
+House of Commons, and going back to 10 Downing Street, at 8 o'clock in
+the morning, for half an hour's rest, again returned to the House and
+remained until the conclusion of the setting. Tree-cutting, which was
+with him a frequent recreation until he became a very old man, was
+chosen "as giving him the maximum of healthy exercise in the minimum of
+time." This favorite pastime of the great statesman was so closely
+associated with him that it was deemed the proper thing to do to place
+on exhibition in the Great Columbian Exposition at Chicago one of the
+axes of Mr. Gladstone.
+
+The Psalmist says, "A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes
+upon the thick trees." These singular words were written long before
+Mr. Gladstone's day, but famous as he was for felling the great trees of
+the forest, the words have a deeper meaning and in more than one sense
+met their fulfilment in him. His swift and keen axe of reform brought
+down many hoary headed evils. Mr. Gladstone himself explained why he
+cultivated this habit of cutting down trees. He said: "I chop wood
+because I find that it is the only occupation in the world that drives
+all thought from my mind. When I walk or ride or play cricket, I am
+still debating important business problems, but when I chop wood I can
+think of nothing but making the chips fly."
+
+The following story illustrates Mr. Gladstone's remarkable powers and
+the surprise he would spring upon those who met him. Two gentlemen who
+were invited guests at a table where Mr. Gladstone was expected, made a
+wager that they would start a conversation on a subject about which even
+Mr. Gladstone would know nothing. To accomplish this end they "read up"
+an "ancient" magazine article on some unfamiliar subject connected with
+Chinese manufactures. When the favorable opportunity came the topic was
+started, and the two conspirators watched with amusement the growing
+interest in the subject which Mr. Gladstone's face betrayed. Finally he
+joined in the conversation, and their amusement was turned into
+confusion, when Mr. Gladstone said, "Ah, gentlemen, I perceive you have
+been reading an article I wrote in the ---- Magazine some thirty or
+forty years ago."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+CLOSING SCENES OF A LONG AND EVENTFUL LIFE
+
+Mr. Gladstone died at Hawarden Castle, at 5 o'clock, Thursday Morning,
+May 19, 1898.
+
+The first intimation of the rapidly approaching end of Mr. Gladstone was
+conveyed in a bulletin issued at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning, May 17. It
+read "Mr. Gladstone had a poor and broken sleep last night; he is
+somewhat exhausted, but suffers no discomfort." The report of the
+evening before was assuring as to any sudden change, so that the anxiety
+was increased. For hours no additional information was given, but there
+were indications outside the Castle of a crisis. Throughout the day
+could be heard expressions of deep regret among the working people,
+asking, "How is the old gentleman?" Despite the heavy rain the people
+collected in groups, and the hush and quiet that prevailed indicated the
+presence of death.
+
+A bulletin at 5 p.m. said: "Mr. Gladstone has taken a serious turn for
+the worse. His death may be expected in twenty-four hours." All day the
+condition of the patient had been critical. The doctor doubted that his
+patient was fully conscious at any time, he answered, "Yes," and "No."
+He refused all medicine, exclaiming No! No! It was remarked that when
+addressed in English, Mr. Gladstone would answer in French, and
+sometimes was praying in French.
+
+Later in the evening the servants of the household were admitted to the
+sick room for a final farewell. They found Mr. Gladstone lying in a deep
+sleep; each in turn knelt down, kissed his hand and tearfully withdrew.
+
+About 9 o'clock the patient rallied a little and fell into a peaceful
+sleep, which was thought to be his last.
+
+The rain had continued to fall during the night, but the villagers had
+been coming singly and in groups to glance silently at the rain-beaten
+scrap of paper which was the latest bulletin, and then silently
+returning to the gate, and disappearing in the darkness only to
+return later.
+
+About 4 o'clock in the morning Mr. Gladstone seemed to be sinking. The
+scene in the sick-room was painful. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read
+prayers and hymns, including Mr. Gladstone's favorite, "Rock of Ages."
+When this was concluded, Mr. Gladstone murmured, "Our Father." As Mrs.
+Gladstone leaned over her husband, he turned his head and his lips moved
+slightly. Though extremely distressed, Mrs. Gladstone bore up with
+remarkable fortitude. But Mr. Gladstone rallied again, and Wednesday
+morning he was still living. By his almost superhuman vitality he had
+fought death away.
+
+The morning was beautiful and clear and the sunshine came in at the open
+window of Mr. Gladstone's room. The aged sufferer was hovering between
+life and death, and only by the feeble beating of his pulse could it be
+told he was alive. He was sleeping himself away into eternal day. Mrs.
+Gladstone sat by the side of his bed, holding his hand, and never
+leaving except for needed rest. At times he seemed to recognize for a
+moment some of those with him. He surely knew his wife as she tenderly
+kissed his hand.
+
+It soon became known abroad that Mr. Gladstone was dying. In the House
+of Commons it caused profound sorrow. Everything else was stopped while
+members discussed how best to honor him, even by taking steps without,
+precedent as that of adjourning, because the circumstances were
+unprecedented. His former colleagues silently watched his last struggle
+with the relentless foe, to whom, true to himself, he was yielding
+slowly, inch by inch.
+
+Telegrams of inquiry and sympathy came from all parts of the world to
+the Castle. The Queen wrote making inquiries and tendering assurances of
+profound sympathy. A long telegram from the Princess of Wales concluded:
+"I am praying for you." The Prince of Wales wrote: "My thoughts are with
+you at this trying time., God grant that your father does not suffer."
+The Duke of Devonshire before the British Empire League referred
+touchingly to the mournful scenes at Hawarden, when "the greatest of
+Englishmen was slowly passing away." And all over the land people of all
+conditions and at all kinds of gatherings, politicians, divines,
+reformers, and women joined in expressions of grief and sympathy. Many
+were the messages of regard and condolence that came from other lands.
+
+Dr. Dobie furnishes the following picture of the dying man. "His grand
+face bears a most peaceful and beautiful look. A few days ago the deeply
+bitten wrinkles that so long marked it were almost gone; but now,
+strangely enough, they seem strong and deep as ever. He looks too in
+wonderfully good color."
+
+At 2 o'clock in the morning, it was evident that the time had come, and
+the family gathered about the bed of the aged man, from that time none
+of them left the room until all was over. The only absentee was little
+Dorothy Drew, who tearfully complained that her grandfather did not know
+her. Behind the family circle stood the physicians and the nurses, and
+the old coachman, who had been unable to be present when the other
+servants took their farewell, and who was now sent for to witness the
+closing scene.
+
+The end was most peaceful. There were no signs of bodily pain or of
+mental distress. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read prayers and repeated
+hymns. The nurse continued to bathe with spirits the brow of the
+patient, who showed gratitude by murmuring, "How nice!" While the son
+was engaged in praying, came the gentle, almost perceptible cessation of
+life, and the great man was no more. So quietly had he breathed his
+last, that the family did not know it until it was announced by the
+medical attendants. The weeping family then filed slowly from the room,
+Mrs. Gladstone was led into another room and induced to lie down. The
+only spoken evidence that Mr. Gladstone realized his surroundings in his
+last moments was when his son recited the litany. Then the dying man
+murmured, "Amen." This was the last word spoken by Mr. Gladstone and was
+uttered just before he died.
+
+The death of Mr. Gladstone was announced to the people of Hawarden by
+the tolling of the church bell. The following bulletin was posted at 6
+a.m.: "In the natural course of things the funeral will be at Hawarden.
+Mr. Gladstone expressed a strong wish to have no flowers at his funeral;
+and the family will be grateful if this desire is strictly respected."
+
+There was something indescribably pathetic in the daily bulletins about
+Mr. Gladstone. All the world knew that he was afflicted with a fatal but
+slow disease, and all the world was struck with wondering admiration at
+his sustained fortitude, patience, and resignation. The tragedy of a
+life, devoted simply and purely to the public service, drawing to an end
+in so long an agony, was a spectacle that struck home to the heart of
+the most callous. These bulletins were posted on the front door of the
+Jubilee Porch, at Hawarden Castle, at 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 10 o'clock at
+night daily, and published throughout the world.
+
+When the sad event was announced that Mr. Gladstone had passed away, the
+action of the House of Commons was prompt, decided and sympathetic. The
+House was crowded Thursday, May 19, when Speaker Gully called upon the
+government leader, Mr. A. J. Balfour, the First Lord of the Treasury,
+and all the members uncovering their heads, Mr. Balfour said:
+
+"I think it will be felt in all parts of the House that we should do
+fitting honor to the great man whose long and splendid career closed
+to-day, by adjourning.
+
+"This is not the occasion for uttering the thoughts which naturally
+suggest themselves. That occasion will present itself to-morrow, when it
+will be my duty to submit to the House an address to the Queen, praying
+her to grant the honor of a public funeral, if such honor is not
+inconsistent with the expressed wishes of himself or of those who have
+the right to speak in his behalf, and also praying the Queen to direct
+that a public monument be erected at Westminster with an inscription
+expressive of the public admiration, attachment and high estimate
+entertained by the House of Mr. Gladstone's rare and splendid gifts and
+devoted labors in Parliament and in high offices of State.
+
+"Before actually moving the adjournment, I have to propose a formal
+resolution that the House to-morrow resolve itself into committee to
+draw up an address, the contents of which I have just indicated."
+
+After a word of assent from Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Liberal
+leader, the resolution was adopted and the House adjourned.
+
+The House of Commons was crowded again on Friday, and went into
+committee of the whole to consider the address to the Queen in regard
+to the interment of the remains of Mr. Gladstone in Westminster Abbey.
+Not since the introduction of the Home Rule Bill by Mr. Gladstone had
+there been such an assemblage in the House, members filled every seat,
+clustered on the steps of the speaker's dais, and occupied every space.
+The galleries were all filled. In the Peer's gallery were the foremost
+members of the House of Lords. United States Ambassador Hay and all his
+staff were present with other Ambassadors. The members of the House were
+in deep mourning, and all removed their hats, as if in the presence of
+the dead. An unusual hush overspread all. After the prayer by the
+chaplain, there was an impressive silence for a quarter of an hour,
+before Mr. Balfour rose to speak. The whole scene was profoundly
+affecting. The eulogies of Mr. Gladstone formed an historic episode.
+All, without respect to party, united in honoring their late illustrious
+countryman.
+
+Mr. Balfour delivered a brilliant panegyric of the dead statesman, and
+his speech was eloquent and displayed great taste. He was so ill,
+however, from weakness of heart that he was barely able to totter to his
+place and to ask the indulgence of the speaker while he rested, before
+offering his oration. He was too sick for the sad duty imposed upon him,
+but he preferred to pay this last tribute to his friend. The
+circumstances were painful, but added a dramatic touch to the scene.
+His oration was lengthy and his eulogy spoken with evident emotion. He
+concluded by formally moving the presentation of the address to the
+Queen. The Liberal Leader, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the political as
+well as the personal friend of Mr. Gladstone, seconded the motion. He
+paid a heartfelt tribute to the memory of his eminent colleague, and
+spoke in a vein of lofty and glowing eloquence until overcome with
+emotion, so that he had to stop thrice to wipe his eyes; finally he
+completely broke down and was unable to proceed.
+
+Mr. Dillon, the Irish leader, in a speech of five minutes duration, and
+in his most oratorical style, dwelt on Mr. Gladstone's fervid sympathy
+for the oppressed people of all races, and touched a chord which stirred
+the House. As Mr. Dillon had spoken for Ireland, so Mr. Abel Thomas
+followed as the representative of Wales.
+
+The address to the Queen was unanimously adopted.
+
+In the House of Lords there was also a full attendance of members. The
+Marquis of Salisbury, Prime Minister, spoke feelingly of Mr. Gladstone,
+who, he said, "was ever guided in all his efforts by a lofty moral
+idea". The deceased will be remembered, not so much for his political
+work as for the great example, hardly paralleled in history, of the
+great Christian Statesman.
+
+The Earl of Kimberly, the liberal leader in the House of Lords, followed
+in a touching tribute, and the Duke of Devonshire expressed generous
+appreciation of Mr. Gladstone's services in behalf of the Liberal
+Unionists, saying their severance from Mr. Gladstone was a most painful
+incident. But, he added, he could "recall no word from Mr. Gladstone
+which added unnecessarily to the bitterness of the situation." The Earl
+of Rosebery delivered an eloquent panegyric. The honors of the occasion
+were unanimously accorded to him, whose eulogy of his predecessor in the
+leadership of the liberal party was a masterpiece of its kind. He spoke
+of the triumphs of life rather than the sorrows of death. Death was not
+all sadness. His life was full---his memory remains. To all time he is
+an example for our race and mankind. He instanced as an illustration of
+the fine courtesy always observed by Mr. Gladstone towards his political
+opponents, that the last letter he had written with his own hand was a
+private note to Lady Salisbury, several weeks since, congratulating her
+and her husband on their providential escape from a carriage accident at
+Hatfield. Lord Salisbury was visibly touched by Lord Rosebery's
+reference to this circumstance.
+
+The House of Lords then adopted the Resolution to the Queen.
+
+The body of Mr. Gladstone, un-coffined, was laid on a couch in the
+Library of the Castle--the room called the Temple of Peace. He was
+dressed in a suit of black cloth, over which were the scarlet robes of
+the university, and by his side the cap was placed. His hands were
+folded on his breast. He rested on a most beautiful white satin cloth,
+with a rich border in Eastern embroidery. Above his head in letters of
+gold were the words sewn into the satin: "Requiescat in pace." There was
+the beauty of death--the terror was all gone. During Tuesday the body
+was viewed by the tenants on the estate, the neighbors and friends.
+
+On Wednesday morning, May 25th, at 6 o'clock, the remains, having been
+enclosed in a plain panelled elm coffin, were removed to the village
+church, where they were lying in state during the day. The body was
+carried by half-a-dozen old retainers of the family to a bier on wheels,
+on which it was taken to the church, over the lawn, following the
+private path Mr. Gladstone used to tread on his way to church, and past
+the favorite nooks of the deceased in the park. The family--excepting
+Mrs. Gladstone, who came later, tenants, servants, friends, local
+officials and neighbors followed in procession, Thousands of people were
+arriving by public and private conveyances at Hawarden. At eleven
+o'clock the doors of the church were opened, when men, women and
+children, from all the surrounding country, and even tourists from
+abroad, entered to view the remains. All day long a constant stream of
+people poured into the church, while the streets were filled with people
+unable to gain admittance. Several ladies fainted from excess of emotion
+when passing the bier, and many men and women dropped on their knees and
+silently prayed.
+
+At 6 o'clock in the evening the body was removed from Hawarden Church
+and carried to the station for the journey to London. The procession to
+bear the remains was composed of the family, representatives of
+organizations, friends and neighbors. Vast crowds lined the route, afoot
+and in every kind of vehicle. The cortege stopped at the entrance to the
+Park--Hawarden Lodge, and sang one of Mr. Gladstone's favorite hymns.
+Again, when the procession reached the Castle, it paused at the entrance
+and sang another hymn loved by the late resident of the house, and went
+on its way to Broughton Hall Station. Every step of the way, after
+leaving the park, was again lined with sympathetic spectators. While at
+the station the spectacle was remarkable for the surrounding crush of
+human beings. A special train was provided for the body and the family.
+As the body of Mr. Gladstone was placed upon the funeral car the sorrow
+of the people was manifest. The representatives of the Earl Marshall, of
+England, took possession of the funeral at this point. Henry and Herbert
+Gladstone accompanied the body to London and Mrs. Gladstone and family
+returned to the castle to follow later.
+
+All along the route to London grief-stricken people were standing to
+view the funeral train as it passed at Chester, Crewe, Rugby, Stafford
+and Farnworth until the darkness and lateness of the night shut out
+the scene.
+
+When the train reached London and passed to Westminster, it was early in
+the morning. A group of some thirty gentlemen, connected with the
+ceremonies, was at the station; among them the Duke of Norfolk, About
+two hundred people looked silently on while the body was removed from
+the train to the hearse, and the funeral cortege moved on to Westminster
+Hall at once and entered the Palace Yard just as "Big Ben" tolled the
+hour of one like a funeral knell.
+
+The coffin was placed in position for lying in state in Westminster
+Hall, and at about 3 o'clock Canon Wilberforce conducted a special
+service in the presence of Henry and Herbert Gladstone and several
+members of the House of Commons.
+
+The scenes that followed were remarkably impressive and unparalleled.
+The people began to arrive at Westminster at 2 o'clock in the morning.
+The line formed was continually augmented by all classes of
+people,--peers, peeresses, cabinet members, members of the House of
+Commons, military and naval officers, clergymen, costermongers, old and
+young, until 6 o'clock, when the doors were opened and the procession
+commenced to stream into the Hall, and passed the catafalque.
+
+This long procession of mourners continued all day Thursday and Friday.
+Two hundred thousand people, at least, paid homage to the dead
+statesman. On Friday evening, after the crowd had departed, large
+delegations, representing Liberal organizations from all parts of the
+kingdom, visited the Hall, by special arrangement, and fifteen hundred
+of them paid respect to the memory of their late leader.
+
+Saturday morning, May 28, thousands of people assembled in the square
+outside to witness the passage of the funeral cortege from Westminster
+Hall, where it was formed, to the Abbey, to find sepulchre in the tomb
+of kings. The procession passed through two lines of policemen. It was
+not a military parade, with all its pomp, but a ceremony made glorious
+by the homage of the people, among them the greatest of the nation. The
+funeral was in every respect impressive, dignified and lofty, in every
+way worthy the great civilian, and the nation that accorded him a
+public burial with its greatest dead. And the people were there. Every
+spot on which the eye rested swarmed with human beings. They looked from
+the windows of the hospital, and from the roofs of houses. Everybody was
+dressed in black.
+
+The principal officials had assembled in Westminster Hall at 10 o'clock.
+The Bishop of London, the Right Rev. Mandell Creighton, D.D., read a
+brief prayer and at 10.30 o'clock the procession had formed and slowly
+passed through the crowds who with uncovered heads stood on either side
+of short pathway, a distance 300 yards, to the western entrance of the
+Abbey, between two ranks of the Eton Volunteers, the boys of the school
+where Mr. Gladstone received his early education, in their
+buff uniforms.
+
+The pall-bearers who walked on each side of the coffin were perhaps the
+personages who attracted the most attention during the day. They were
+the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Marquis of Salisbury, the
+Earl of Kimberly, A. J. Balfour, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Duke
+of Rutland, Lord Rosebery, Baron Rendel and George Armitstead, the two
+latter being life-long friends of the deceased statesman.
+
+When Mrs. Gladstone entered the Abbey the whole assembly rose and
+remained standing until she was seated. This honor was accorded only
+once beside--when the Princess of Wales, the Princess Mary and the
+Duchess of York appeared.
+
+The Abbey was filled with people. Every gallery, balcony and niche high
+up among the rafters held a cluster of deeply interested spectators.
+Temporary galleries had been erected in long tiers around the open
+grave, which was in the floor of the Abbey. There were 2,500 persons
+assembled in the Abbey, all--both men and women--clothed in black,
+except a few officials whose regalia relieved this sombre background by
+its brilliancy. The two Houses of Parliament sat facing each other,
+seated on temporary seats on opposite sides of the grave. About them
+were the mayors of the principal cities, delegates from Liberal
+organizations, representatives of other civic and political societies,
+representatives of the Non-Conformists, while the long nave was crowded
+with thousands of men and women, among them being most of the
+celebrities in all branches of English life. In each gallery was a
+presiding officer with his official mace beside him, whose place was in
+the centre, and who was its most prominent figure. It was a
+distinguished assembly in a famous place. Beneath were the illustrious
+dead; around were the illustrious living.
+
+The members of the bereaved family sat in the stall nearest the
+bier--Mrs. Gladstone, her sons Henry, Herbert and Stephen; with other
+members of the family, children and grand-children, including little
+Dorothy Drew, Mr. Gladstone's favorite grand-child, in her new mourning.
+
+The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of York occupied the Dean's pew
+opposite. Other royalties were present in person or by their
+representatives.
+
+Within the chancel stood the Dean of Westminster, and behind him were
+gathered the cathedral clergy, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the
+scarlet and white surpliced choir, filling the chapel.
+
+It was the wish of the deceased for simplicity, but he was buried with a
+nation's homage in the tomb of kings. In the northern transept, known as
+the "Statesmen's Corner", of Westminster Abbey, where England's greatest
+dead rests, the body of Mr. Gladstone was entombed. His grave is near
+the graves of Pitt, Palmerston, Canning and Peel, beside that of his
+life-long political adversary, Lord Beaconsfield (Benjamin Disraeli),
+whose marble effigy looks down upon it, decked with the regalia Mr.
+Gladstone had so often refused. Two possible future kings of Great
+Britain walked besides the great commoner's coffin and stood beside his
+grave, and all the nobility and learning of the nation surrounded his
+bier. This state funeral, the first since that of Lord Palmerston, was
+rendered more imposing by the magnificence of the edifice in which it
+was solemnized. The coffin rested on an elevated bier before the altar,
+its plainness hidden beneath a pall of white-and gold embroidered cloth.
+
+A choir of one hundred male singers, which had awaited the coffin at the
+entrance to the Abbey, preceded it along the nave, chanting, "I am the
+Resurrection and the Life." When the coffin was laid on the bier,
+Purcell's funeral chant, "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge," was sung,
+and Dean Bradley and the whole assemblage sang, "Rock of Ages," and then
+while the coffin was being borne along the aisle to the grave, sang Mr.
+Gladstone's favorite hymn, "Praise to the Holiest in the Height."
+
+The choir of Westminster Abbey is said to be fine at any time, but for
+this great occasion special arrangements had been made, and there was a
+recruiting of the best voices from several of the choirs of London, and
+many musical instruments beside. The result was to win general praise
+for the beauty, harmony and perfection of the music. The weird, dismal
+strains of a quartette of trombones, in a recess far above the heads of
+the congregation, playing the three splendid "Equali," Beethoven's
+funeral hymn, swept through the vaulted roof of the Abbey, in pure tones
+never to be forgotten. When these ceased and finally died away, the
+great organ and a band of brass instruments took up Schubert's funeral
+march, booming sonorously; and changed to Beethoven's funeral march with
+a clash of cymbals in the orchestral accompaniment. A third march being
+required, owing to the time needed by the procession to reach the Abbey,
+"Marche Solennelle" was played.
+
+The choir, and a large number of bishops and other clergy, joined the
+procession at the west door and together they all proceeded to
+the grave.
+
+There was no sermon. The service was simple and solemn. The final paean
+of victory over death and the grave from Paul's great epistle was read,
+and the last hymn sung was, "Oh God! Our Help in Ages Past." The dean
+read the appointed appropriate service, committing the body to the
+earth, and then the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a loud voice,
+pronounced the benediction. The family and others near the grave kneeled
+during the concluding ceremonies, and then Mrs. Gladstone was helped
+from her knees to her unoccupied chair at the head of the grave.
+
+After the benediction came one of the saddest moments of the day. Mrs.
+Gladstone stood, with great courage and composure, throughout the
+service, supported on the arms of her two sons, Herbert and Stephen, and
+with other members of her family near the grave. Her face was lifted
+upward, and her lips were moving as though repeating the lines of the
+service. She also kept standing during the one official feature of the
+service; "The Proclamation by Garter, by Norroy, King of Arms, of the
+Style of the Deceased," as the official programme had it, and in which
+the various offices which Mr. Gladstone had held in his lifetime, were
+enumerated. Then, when the final word was spoken, the widow, still
+supported by her sons, approached the edge of the grave and there took a
+last, long look and was conducted away. Other relatives followed, and
+then most of the members of Parliament. Finally the Prince of Wales, the
+Duke of York and other pall-bearers defiled past the grave, took a last
+view of the coffin in the deep grave, and when they had been escorted
+down the nave to entrance, the people slowly departed.
+
+The "Dead March" from "Saul" and the "Marche Solennelle" of Schubert
+was played as the congregation slowly wended its way out of the
+sacred edifice.
+
+Perhaps the most solemn function of all, witnessed by none but the
+Gladstone family and the officials, was when the casket was opened
+shortly after midnight on Thursday to allow the Earl Marshal to verify
+with his own eyes that it really contained the remains of the dead
+statesman. It was said that the old man's face, seen for the last time
+by the Duke of Norfolk, who is responsible to England for his sacred
+charge, was more peaceful and younger looking than it had seemed for
+years. At the very last moment a small gold Armenian cross, a memento of
+that nation for which the great statesman worked so zealously, was
+placed by his side. Then all was sealed.
+
+As the deceased statesman was undoubtedly the greatest parliamentarian
+of our time, the following concise expressions with regard to his
+character and influence have been collected from a number of
+representative members of different political parties in both Houses of
+Parliament:
+
+The Marquis of Londonderry said: "What impressed me about Mr. Gladstone
+was his extraordinary moral influence."
+
+Lord George Hamilton: "I doubt whether we ever had a parliamentarian who
+equalled Mr. Gladstone."
+
+The Marquis of Lorne: "I share the universal regret at Mr. Gladstone's
+death as a personal loss."
+
+Sir John Gorst: "One feature, which greatly distinguished Mr. Gladstone,
+was his remarkable candour in debate. He never affected to misunderstand
+his opponents' arguments, and spared no pains in trying to make his own
+meaning understood."
+
+Sir Charles Dilke: "I think Mr. Gladstone's leading personal
+characteristic was his old-fashioned courtesy. Whilst a statesman, his
+absolute mastery of finance, both in its principles and details, was
+incomparably superior to that of any of his contemporaries."
+
+Mr. Thomas Ellis, the chief Liberal Whip, confessed that the greatest
+interest of his life in Parliament was to watch Mr. Gladstone's face.
+"It was like the sea in the fascination of its infinite variety, and of
+its incalculable reserve and strength. Every motion in his great soul
+was reflected in his face and form. To have had opportunities of
+watching that face, and of witnessing one triumph after another, is a
+precious privilege, for some of the charms of his face, as of his
+oratory and character, were incommunicable. He more than any man helped
+to build up and shape the present commercial and political fabric of
+Britain, but to struggling nations his words and deeds were as the
+breath of life."
+
+Sir Joseph Pease: "His memory will be kept green by a grateful country.
+Death soon buries the battle-axe of party, and he who devoted a long
+life and immense intellectual power, coupled with strong convictions on
+moral and Christian ethics, to the well being of his country and the
+world, will never be forgotten by the English people."
+
+Mr. James Bryce, author of "The American Commonwealth": "This sad event
+is the most noble and pathetic closing of a great life which we have
+seen in England in historical memory. I cannot recall any other case in
+which the whole nation has followed the setting of the sun of life with
+such sympathy, such regret, and such admiration."
+
+Lord Kinnaird: "Few men in public life have been able to draw out such
+personal love and devotion from his followers and friends. In the midst
+of an ever-busy life he was always ready to take his part in the
+conflict of right against wrong, of truth against error, and he earned
+the gratitude of all patriots, for he was never ashamed of contending
+that no true progress could be made which left out of sight the moral
+well-being of the people."
+
+Mr. Labouchere: "What impressed me most in Mr. Gladstone was his power
+of concentrated effort. Once he had decided on a course, action at once
+followed. Every thought was bent to attain the end, no labour was deemed
+to arduous. He alone knew how to deal with supporters and opponents. The
+former he inspired with his own fierce energy."
+
+Mr. John Redmond, leader of the Parnellite group of the Irish
+Nationalists: "The loss to England is absolutely incalculable. I regard
+Mr. Gladstone as having been the greatest parliamentarian of the age,
+and the greatest parliamentary orator. Englishmen of all parties ought
+to be grateful to him for his services in promoting the greatness and
+prosperity of their empire."
+
+John Dillon: "The greatest and most patriotic of Englishmen. If I were
+asked to say what I think most characteristic of Gladstone, I should say
+his abiding love for the common people and his faith in the government
+founded upon them, so that, while he remained the most patriotic of
+Englishmen, he is to-day mourned with equal intensity throughout the
+civilized world."
+
+Justin McCarthy, M. P.: "The death of Mr. Gladstone closes a career
+which may be described as absolutely unique in English political
+history. It was the career of a great statesman, whose statesmanship was
+first and last inspired, informed and guided by conscience, by
+principle, and by love of justice. There were great English statesmen
+before Mr. Gladstone's time and during Mr. Gladstone's time, but we
+shall look in vain for an example of any statesman in office, who made
+genius and eloquence, as Mr. Gladstone did, the mere servants of
+righteousness and conscientious purpose. Into the mind of Gladstone no
+thought of personal ambition or personal advancement ever entered. He
+was as conscientious as Burke. In the brilliancy of his gifts he was at
+least the equal of Bolingbroke. He was as great an orator as either
+Pitt, and he has left the imprint of his intellect on beneficent
+political and social legislation. In eloquence he far surpassed Cobden
+and was the peer of Bright, while his position as Parliamentary leader
+enabled him to initiate and carry out measures of reform which Bright
+and Cobden could only support. He was, in short, the greatest and the
+best Prime Minister known to English history."
+
+Michael Davitt: "One can only join with the whole world in admiration of
+the almost boundless talents of Mr. Gladstone, which were devoted with
+unparalleled power of charm to the service of his fellow-men. He was
+probably the greatest British statesman and leaves behind a record of a
+career unequalled in the annals of English politics. For the magnitude
+of his national labors and integrity of his personal character, Irishmen
+will remember him gratefully."
+
+The _Daily Chronicle_ heads its editorial with a quotation from
+Wordsworth:
+
+     "This is the happy warrior: this is he:
+     That every man in arms should wish to be."
+
+The editorial says: "A glorious light has been extinguished in the land;
+all his life lies in the past, a memory to us and our children; an
+inspiration and possession forever. The end has come as to a soldier at
+his post. It found him calm, expectant, faithful, unshaken. Death has
+come robed in the terrors of mortal pain; but what better can be said
+than that as he taught his fellows how to live, so he has taught them
+how to die?
+
+"It is impossible at this hour to survey the mighty range of this
+splendid life. We would assign to him the title. 'The Great Nationalist
+of the Nineteenth Century;' the greatest of the master-builders of
+modern England. Timidity had no place in Mr. Gladstone's soul. Ho was a
+lion among men, endowed with a granite strength of will and purpose,
+rare indeed in our age of feeble convictions."
+
+The _Daily News_ says: "One of his most characteristics qualities was
+his personal humility. This cannot be explained without the key, for Mr.
+Gladstone did not in the ordinary meaning of the word, underrate
+himself. He was not easy to persuade. He paid little attention to other
+people's opinions when his mind was made up. He was quite aware of his
+own ascendency in counsel and his supremacy in debate. The secret of his
+humility was an abiding sense that these things were of no importance
+compared with the relations between God's creatures and their Creator,
+Mr. Gladstone once said with characteristic candour that he had a
+vulnerable temper. He was quickly moved to indignation by whatever he
+thought injurious either to himself or to others, and was incapable of
+concealing his emotions, for, if he said nothing, his countenance showed
+what he felt. More expressive features were never given to man.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's exquisite courtesy, which in and out of Parliament was
+the model for all, proceeded from the same source. It was essentially
+Christian. Moreover, nobody laughed more heartily over an anecdote that
+was really good. He was many men in one; but he impressed all alike with
+the essential greatness of his character.
+
+"He was built mentally and morally on a large scale. Of course it cannot
+be denied that such a face, such a voice, such natural dignity, and such
+perfect gesture produced in themselves an immense effect. There was
+nothing common-place about him. Mr. Gladstone was absolutely simple; and
+his simplicity was not the least attractive element of his fascinating
+personality.
+
+"His life presented aspects of charm to all minds. His learning
+captivated the scholar, his eloquence and statesmanship the politician,
+his financial genius the business man; while his domestic relations and
+simple human graciousness appealed to all hearts.
+
+"'There is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.'"
+
+_Public Ledger_, Philadelphia: "To write Gladstone's career is to write
+the history of the Victorian era and that of the closing years of the
+reign of William IV, for Gladstone took his seat in Parliament for the
+first time in 1832, two years after he was out of college, and
+Victoria's accession took place in 1837. Since that remote day Gladstone
+has been four times Premier; has delivered numberless speeches of the
+highest order of excellence; has published a multitude of pamphlets and
+volumes which attest consummate intellectual gifts, and has been a great
+force in English statesmanship and scholarship through an exceptionally
+long life and almost to the very close of it. It has been given to
+exceedingly few men to play so great, so transcendent a role in any
+country or at any time."
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook
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+Title: The Grand Old Man
+
+Author: Richard B. Cook
+
+Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9900]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAND OLD MAN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charlie Kirschner,
+Tom Allen, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+THE GRAND OLD MAN
+
+OR THE
+
+Life and Public Services
+
+of
+
+The Right Honorable William Ewart
+
+GLADSTONE
+
+
+Four Times
+
+Prime Minister of England
+
+BY
+
+Richard B. Cook, D.D.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+William E. Gladstone was cosmopolitan. The Premier of the British Empire
+is ever a prominent personage, but he has stood above them all. For more
+than half a century he has been the active advocate of liberty, morality
+and religion, and of movements that had for their object the prosperity,
+advancement and happiness of men. In all this he has been upright,
+disinterested and conscientious in word and deed. He has proved himself
+to be the world's champion of human rights. For these reasons he has
+endeared himself to all men wherever civilization has advanced to
+enlighten and to elevate in this wide world.
+
+With the closing of the 19th century the world is approaching a crisis
+in which every nation is involved. For a time the map of the world
+might as well be rolled up. Great questions that have agitated one or
+more nations have convulsed the whole earth because steam and
+electricity have annihilated time and space. Questions that have sprung
+up between England and Africa, France and Prussia, China and Japan,
+Russia and China, Turkey and Armenia, Greece and Turkey, Spain and
+America have proved international and have moved all nations. The daily
+proceedings of Congress at Washington are discussed in Japan.
+
+In these times of turning and overturning, of discontent and unrest, of
+greed and war, when the needs of the nations most demand men of
+world-wide renown, of great experience in government and diplomacy, and
+of firm hold upon the confidence of the people; such men as, for
+example, Gladstone, Salisbury, Bismark, Crispi and Li Hung Chang, who
+have led the mighty advance of civilization, are passing away. Upon
+younger men falls the heavy burden of the world, and the solution of the
+mighty problems of this climax of the most momentous of all centuries.
+
+However, the Record of these illustrious lives remains to us for
+guidance and inspiration. History is the biography of great men. The
+lamp of history is the beacon light of many lives. The biography of
+William E. Gladstone is the history, not only of the English
+Parliament, but of the progress of civilization in the earth for the
+whole period of his public life. With the life of Mr. Gladstone in his
+hand, the student of history or the young statesman has a light to guide
+him and to help him solve those intricate problems now perplexing the
+nations, and upon the right solution of which depends Christian
+civilization--the liberties, progress, prosperity and happiness of the
+human race.
+
+Hence, the life and public services of the Grand Old Man cannot fail to
+be of intense interest to all, particularly to the English, because he
+has repeatedly occupied the highest position under the sovereign of
+England, to the Irish whether Protestant or Catholic, north or south,
+because of his advocacy of (Reforms) for Ireland; to the Scotch because
+of his Scottish descent; to the German because he reminds them of their
+own great chancellor, the Unifier of Germany, Prince Bismarck; and to
+the American because he was ever the champion of freedom; and as there
+has been erected in Westminster Abbey a tablet to the memory of Lord
+Howe, so will the American people enshrine in their hearts, among the
+greatest of the great, the memory of William Ewart Gladstone.
+
+     "In youth a student and in eld a sage;
+        Lover of freedom; of mankind the friend;
+        Noble in aim from childhood to the end;
+      Great is thy mark upon historic page."
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+ANCESTRY AND BIRTH
+
+CHAPTER II
+AT ETON AND OXFORD
+
+CHAPTER III
+EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES
+
+CHAPTER IV
+BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE
+
+CHAPTER V
+TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE
+
+CHAPTER VI
+ENTERS THE CABINET
+
+CHAPTER VII
+MEMBER FOR OXFORD
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+CHAPTER IX
+THE FIRST BUDGET
+
+CHAPTER X
+THE CRIMEAN WAR
+
+CHAPTER XI
+IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT
+
+CHAPTER XII
+HOMERIC STUDIES
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+GREAT BUDGETS
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER
+
+CHAPTER XV
+THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+THE EASTERN QUESTION
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME
+
+CHAPTER XX
+IN PRIVATE LIFE
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+CLOSING SCENES
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone entering Palace Yard, Westminster.]
+
+
+
+                        "In thought, word and deed,
+     How throughout all thy warfare thou wast pure,
+     I find it easy to believe."
+                                --ROBERT BROWNING
+
+
+
+
+List of Illustrations.
+
+WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE (_Frontispiece_)
+
+GLADSTONE ENTERING PALACE YARD, WESTMINSTER
+
+GLADSTONE AND SISTER
+
+INTERIOR OF THE OLD HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+BIRTHPLACE OF GLADSTONE
+
+GLIMPSES OF GLADSTONE'S EARLIER YEARS
+
+HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
+
+GLADSTONE'S LONDON RESIDENCE
+
+LOBBY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+GRATTAN
+
+KILMAINHAM JAIL
+
+GLADSTONE'S MARRIAGE AT HAWARDEN
+
+NO. 10 DOWNING STREET, LONDON
+
+THE PARK GATE, HAWARDEN
+
+OLD HAWARDEN CASTLE
+
+HAWARDEN CASTLE, FROM THE PARK
+
+WATERFALL IN HAWARDEN PARK
+
+COURT YARD, HAWARDEN
+
+GLADSTONE READING THE LESSONS AT HAWARDEN CHURCH
+
+THE REV. H. DREW
+
+DOROTHY'S DOVECOTE
+
+DINING-ROOM IN THE ORPHANAGE
+
+STAIRCASE IN THE ORPHANAGE
+
+HAWARDEN CHURCH
+
+HAWARDEN CASTLE
+
+LOYAL ULSTER
+
+GLADSTONE'S EARLY ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES
+
+GLADSTONE'S LATER ENGLISH CONTEMPORARIES
+
+GLADSTONE IN WALES
+
+CITY AND COUNTY VOLUNTEERS OF DUBLIN
+
+CONDITION OF IRELAND, 1882
+
+GLADSTONE VISITING NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+GLADSTONE INTRODUCING HIS FIRST BUDGET
+
+THE SUNDERLAND SHIPOWNER SURPRISED
+
+FAMILY GROUP AT HAWARDEN
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
+
+GLADSTONE AND GRANDDAUGHTER
+
+GLADSTONE'S AXE
+
+GLADSTONE FAMILY GROUP
+
+SALISBURY MINISTRY DEFEATED
+
+THE OLD LION
+
+GLADSTONE'S RECEPTION IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+GLADSTONE'S MAIL
+
+RELEASE OF PARNELL, DILLON AND O'KELLY
+
+GLADSTONE ON HIS WAY HOME
+
+THE MIDLOTHIAN CAMPAIGN
+
+QUEEN VICTORIA
+
+GLADSTONE AND HIS SON, HERBERT
+
+GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
+
+IRISH LEADERS
+
+IRISH CONSTABULARY EVICTING TENANTS
+
+GLADSTONE'S STUDY AT HAWARDEN
+
+FOURTH ADMINISTRATION CABINET
+
+GLADSTONE ON THE QUEEN'S YACHT
+
+ST. JAMES PALACE
+
+QUEEN AND PREMIER
+
+GLADSTONE IN HIS STUDY, READING
+
+MR. AND MRS. GLADSTONE, 1897
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY.
+
+There are few, even among those who differed from him, who would deny to
+Mr. Gladstone the title of a great statesman: and in order to appreciate
+his wonderful career, it is necessary to realize the condition of the
+world of thought, manners and works at the time when he entered
+public life.
+
+In medicine there was no chloroform; in art the sun had not been
+enlisted in portraiture; railways were just struggling into existence;
+the electric telegraph was unknown; gas was an unfashionable light;
+postage was dear, and newspapers were taxed.
+
+In literature, Scott had just died; Carlyle was awaiting the publication
+of his first characteristic book; Tennyson was regarded as worthy of
+hope because of his juvenile poems; Macaulay was simply a brilliant
+young man who had written some stirring verse and splendid prose; the
+Brontės were schoolgirls; Thackeray was dreaming of becoming an artist;
+Dickens had not written a line of fiction; Browning and George Eliot
+were yet to come.
+
+In theology, Newman was just emerging from evangelicalism; Pusey was an
+Oxford tutor; Samuel Wilberforce a village curate; Henry Manning a young
+graduate; and Darwin was commencing that series of investigations which
+revolutionized the popular conception of created things.
+
+Princess, afterwards Queen Victoria, was a girl of thirteen; Cobden a
+young calico printer; Bright a younger cotton spinner; Palmerston was
+regarded as a man-about-town, and Disraeli as a brilliant and eccentric
+novelist with parliamentary ambition. The future Marquis of Salisbury
+and Prime Minister of Great Britain was an infant scarcely out of arms;
+Lord Rosebery, (Mr. Gladstone's successor in the Liberal Premiership),
+Lord Spencer, Lord Herschell, Mr. John Morley, Mr. Campbell-Bannerman,
+Mr. Asquith, Mr. Brice, Mr. Acland and Mr. Arnold Morley, or more than
+half the members of his latest cabinet remained to be born; as did also
+the Duke of Devonshire, Mr. Balfour and Mr. Chamberlain, among those who
+were his keenest opponents toward the end of his public career.
+
+At last the end of Mr. Gladstone's public life arrived, but it had been
+extended to an age greater than that at which any English statesman had
+ever conducted the government of his country.
+
+Of the significance of the life of this great man, it would be
+superfluous to speak. The story will signally fail of its purpose if it
+does not carry its own moral with it. We can best conclude these
+introductory remarks by applying to the subject of the following pages,
+some words which he applied a generation ago to others:
+
+In the sphere of common experience we see some human beings live and
+die, and furnish by their life no special lessons visible to man, but
+only that general teaching in elementary and simple forms which is
+derivable from every particle of human histories. Others there have
+been, who, from the times when their young lives first, as it were,
+peeped over the horizon, seemed at once to--
+
+       "'Flame in the forehead of the evening sky,'"
+     --Whose lengthening years have been but one growing
+              splendor, and who at last--
+       "------Leave a lofty name,
+     A light, a landmark on the cliffs of fame."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+ANCESTRY AND BIRTH
+
+All history, says Emerson, "resolves itself into the biographies of a
+few stout and earnest persons." These remarks find exemplification in
+the life of William Ewart Gladstone, of whom they are pre-eminently
+true. His recorded life, from the early period of his graduation to his
+fourth premiership, would embrace in every important respect not only
+the history of the British Empire, but very largely the international
+events of every nation of the world for more than half a century.
+
+William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., D.C.L., statesman, orator and scholar,
+was born December 27, 1809, in Liverpool, England. The house in which he
+was born, number 62 Rodney Street, a commodious and imposing
+"double-fronted" dwelling of red brick, is still standing. In the
+neighborhood of the Rodney Street house, and a few years before or after
+the birth of William E. Gladstone, a number of distinguished persons
+were born, among them William Roscoe, the writer and philanthropist,
+John Gibson, the sculptor, Doctor Bickersteth, the late Bishop of Ripon,
+Mrs. Hemans, the poetess, and Doctor James Martineau, Professor of
+Mental and Moral Philosophy in Manchester New College, and the brother
+of Harriet Martineau, the authoress.
+
+The Gladstone family, or Gledstanes, which was the original family name,
+was of Scottish origin. The derivation of the name is obvious enough to
+any one familiar with the ancestral home. A _gled_ is a hawk, and that
+fierce and beautiful bird would have found its natural refuge among the
+_stanes_, or rocks, of the craggy moorlands which surround the
+"fortalice of gledstanes." As far back as 1296 Herbert de Gledstane
+figures in the Ragman Roll as one of the lairds who swore fealty to
+Edward I. His descendants for generations held knightly rank, and bore
+their part in the adventurous life of the Border. The chief stock was
+settled at Liberton, in the upper part of Clydesdale. It was a family of
+Scottish lairds, holding large estates in the sixteenth century. The
+estate dwindled, and in the beginning of the seventeenth century passed
+out of their hands, except the adjacent property of Authurshiel, which
+remained in their possession for a hundred years longer. A younger
+branch of the family--the son of the last of the Gledstanes of
+Arthurshiel--after many generations, came to dwell at Biggar, in
+Lanarkshire, where he conducted the business of a "maltster," or
+grain merchant.
+
+Here, and at about this time, the name was changed to Gladstones, and a
+grandson of the maltster of Biggar, Thomas Gladstones, settled in Leith
+and there became a "corn-merchant." He was born at Mid Toftcombs, in
+1732, and married Helen Neilson, of Springfield. His aptitude for
+business was so great that he was enabled to make ample provision for a
+large family of sixteen children. His son, John Gladstone, was the
+father of William E. Gladstone, the subject of our sketch.
+
+Some have ascribed to Mr. Gladstone an illustrious, even a royal
+ancestry, through his father's marriage. He met and married a lovely,
+cultured and pious woman of Dingwall, in Orkney, the daughter of Andrew
+Robertson, Provost of Dingwall, named Ann Robertson, whom the
+unimpeachable Sir Bernard Burke supplied with a pedigree from Henry III,
+king of England, and Robert Bruce, of Bannockburn, king of Scotland, so
+that it is royal English and Scottish blood that runs in the veins of
+Mr. Gladstone.
+
+"This alleged illustrious pedigree," says E.B. Smith, in his elaborate
+work on William E. Gladstone, "is thus traced: Lady Jane Beaufort, who
+was a descendant of Henry III, married James I, of Scotland, who was a
+descendant of Bruce. From this alliance it is said that the steps can be
+followed clearly down to the father of Miss Robertson. A Scottish writer
+upon genealogy, also referring to this matter, states that Mr. Gladstone
+is descended on the mother's side from the ancient Mackenzie of Kintail,
+through whom is introduced the blood of the Bruce, of the ancient Kings
+of Man, and of the Lords of the Isles and Earls of Ross; also from the
+Munros of Fowlis, and the Robertsons of Strowan and Athole. What was of
+more consequence to the Gladstones of recent generations, however, than
+royal blood, was the fact that by their energy and honorable enterprise
+they carved their own fortunes, and rose to positions of public esteem
+and eminence." It has been their pride that they sprang from the ranks
+of the middle classes, from which have come so many of the great men of
+England eminent in political and military life.
+
+In an address delivered at the Liverpool Collegiate Institute, December
+21, 1872, Sir John Gladstone said; "I know not why the commerce of
+England should not have its old families rejoicing to be connected with
+commerce from generation to generation. It has been so in other
+countries; I trust it may be so in this country. I think it is a subject
+of sorrow, and almost of scandal, when those families who have either
+acquired or recovered wealth and station through commerce, turn their
+backs upon it and seem to be ashamed of it. It certainly is not so with
+my brother or with me. His sons are treading in his steps, and one of my
+sons, I rejoice to say, is treading in the steps of my father and
+my brother."
+
+George W.E. Russell, in his admirable biography of Mr. William E.
+Gladstone, says, "Sir John Gladstone was a pure Scotchman, a lowlander
+by birth and descent. Provost Robertson belonged to the Clan Donachie,
+and by this marriage the robust and business-like qualities of the
+Lowlander were blended with the poetic imagination, the sensibility and
+fire of the Gael."
+
+An interesting story is told, showing how Sir John Gladstone, the father
+of William E. Gladstone, came to live in Liverpool, and enter upon his
+great business career, and where he became a merchant prince. Born at
+Leith in 1763, he in due time entered his father's business, where he
+served until he was twenty-one years old. At that time his father sent
+him to Liverpool to dispose of a cargo of grain, belonging to him, which
+had arrived at that port. His demeanor and business qualities so
+impressed Mr. Corrie, a grain merchant of that place, that he urged his
+father to let him settle there. Consent was obtained and young Gladstone
+entered the house of Corrie & Company as a clerk. His tact and
+shrewdness were soon manifest, and he was eventually taken into the firm
+as a partner, and the name of the house became Corrie, Gladstone
+& Bradshaw.
+
+John Gladstone on one occasion proved the temporary preserver of the
+firm of which he had become a member. He was sent to America to buy
+grain for the firm, in a time of great scarcity in Europe, owing to the
+failure of the crops, but he found the condition of things the same in
+America. There was no grain to be had. While in great perplexity as to
+what to do he received advices from Liverpool that twenty-four vessels
+had been dispatched for the grain he was expected to purchase, to bring
+it to Europe. The prospect was that these vessels would have to return
+to Europe empty as they had come, and the house of Corrie & Company be
+involved thereby in ruin. It was then that John Gladstone rose to the
+emergency of the occasion, and by his enterprise and energy saved
+himself and partners from financial failure, to the great surprise and
+admiration of the merchants of Liverpool. It was in this way: He made a
+thorough examination of the American markets for articles of commerce
+that could be sold in Europe to advantage, and filling his vessels with
+them sent them home. This sagacious movement not only saved his house,
+but gave him a name and place among the foremost merchants of his day.
+His name was also a synonym for push and integrity, not only on the
+Liverpool exchange, but in London and throughout all England. The
+business of the firm became very great and the wealth of its members
+very large.
+
+During the war with Napoleon, on the continent, and the war of 1812 with
+the United States, the commerce of England, as mistress of the seas, was
+injured, and the Gladstone firm suffered greatly and was among the first
+to seek peace, for its own sake and in the interests of trade. In one
+year the commerce of Liverpool declined to the amount of 140,000 tons,
+which was about one-fourth of the entire trade, and there was a decrease
+of more than $100,000 in the dock-dues of that port. John Gladstone was
+among those who successfully petitioned the British government for a
+change of its suicidal policy towards the American States.
+
+After sixteen years of successful operations, during a part of which
+time it had been government agent, the firm was dissolved and its
+business was continued by John Gladstone. His six brothers having
+followed him from Leith to Liverpool, he took into partnership with him
+his brother Robert. Their business became very extensive, having a large
+trade with Russia, and as sugar importers and West India merchants. John
+Gladstone was the chairman of the West India Association and took an
+active part in the improvement and enlargement of the docks of
+Liverpool. In 1814, when the monopoly of the East India Company was
+broken and the trade of India and China thrown open to competition, the
+firm of John Gladstone & Company was the first to send a private vessel
+to Calcutta.
+
+John Gladstone was a public-spirited man and took great interest in the
+welfare of his adopted city. He was ever ready to labor for its
+prosperity, and consequently endeared himself to the people of all
+classes and conditions, and of every shade of political opinion.
+
+The high estimation in which he was held by the citizens of Liverpool
+was especially manifest October 18, 1824, when they presented him with a
+testimonial, consisting of a magnificent service of plate, of
+twenty-eight pieces, and bearing the following inscription: "_To John
+Gladstone, Esq., M.P., this service of plate was presented MDCCCXXIV, by
+his fellow townsmen and friends, to mark their high sense of his
+successful exertions for the promotion of trade and commerce, and in
+acknowledgment of his most important services rendered to the town of
+Liverpool_."
+
+John Gladstone, though devoted to commerce, had time for literary
+pursuits. He wrote a pamphlet, "On the Present State of Slavery in the
+British West Indies and in the United States of America; and on the
+Importation of Sugar from British Settlements in India." He also
+published, in 1830, another pamphlet, containing a statement of facts
+connected with the same general subject, "in a letter addressed to Sir
+Robert Peel." In 1846 he published a pamphlet, entitled "Plain facts
+intimately connected with the intended Repeal of the Corn Laws; or
+Probable Effects on the Public Revenue and the Prosperity of
+the Country."
+
+From the subject discussed it can be readily and truly imagined that
+John Gladstone had given thought to political subjects. He was in favor
+of a qualified reform which, while affording a greater enfranchisement
+of the people, looked also to the interests of all. Having an opinion,
+and not being afraid to express it, he was frequently called upon to
+address public meetings. The matters discussed by him were, however,
+rather national than municipal, rather humane than partisan. He was a
+strong advocate for certain reforms at home in 1818, and in 1823 on the
+seas, and for Greek independence in 1824. "On the 14th of February,
+1824, a public meeting was held in Liverpool Town Hall, 'for the purpose
+of considering the best means of assisting the Greeks in their present
+important struggle for independence.' Mr. Gladstone spoke impressively
+in favor of the cause which had already evoked great enthusiasm amongst
+the people, and enlisted the sympathies and support of Lord Byron and
+other distinguished friends of freedom."
+
+It was in 1818 that he addressed a meeting called "to consider the
+propriety of petitioning Parliament to take into consideration the
+progressive and alarming increase in the crimes of forging and uttering
+forged Bank of England notes." The penalties for these crimes were
+already heavy, but their infliction did not deter men from committing
+them, and these crimes increased at an enormous rate. Resolutions were
+passed at the Liverpool meeting, recommending the revision and amendment
+of existing laws.
+
+Then again, so late as the year 1823, the navigation between Liverpool
+and Dublin was in a lamentable condition, and human life was recklessly
+imperiled, and no one seemed willing to interfere and to interest
+himself in the interests of humanity. It was then that he again came to
+the front to advocate a just cause. To illustrate the dangers to vessels
+and passengers, the case of the sloop _Alert_ may be cited. It was
+wrecked off the Welsh coast, with between 100 and 140 persons on board,
+of whom only seventeen were saved. For the safety and rescue of all
+those souls on board this packet-boat there was only one small shallop,
+twelve feet long. Mr. Gladstone was impressed with the terrible nature
+of the existing evil, and obtained an amendment to the Steamboat Act,
+requiring imperatively that every passenger vessel should be provided
+with boats sufficient for every passenger it was licensed to carry. By
+this wise and humane provision thousands of lives were doubtless saved
+that would otherwise have been lost--the victims of reckless seamanship
+and commercial greed.
+
+John Gladstone, either through the influence of Mr. Canning, or from
+having imbibed some political taste, sat in the House of Commons nine
+years, representing Lancaster in 1819, Woodstock from 1821 to 1826, and
+Berwick in 1827; but he never would consent to sit in Parliament for the
+city of Liverpool, for he thought that so large and important a
+constituency required peculiar representation such as he was
+unqualified to give.
+
+He was the warm supporter and intimate friend of the celebrated Canning.
+At first he was a Whig, but finally came to support Mr. Canning, and
+became a Liberal Conservative. In 1812 he presided over a meeting at
+Liverpool, which was called to invite Mr. Canning to represent the
+borough in Parliament. After the election the successful candidates were
+claimed and carried in procession through the streets. The procession
+finally halted at Mr. Gladstone's house, in Rodney Street, from the
+balcony of which Mr. Canning addressed the populace. His election laid
+the foundation of a deep and lasting friendship between Mr. Canning and
+Mr. Gladstone. "At this time the son of the latter was but three years
+of age. Shortly afterwards--that is, as soon as he was able to
+understand anything of public men, and public movements and
+events"--says G.B. Smith, "the name of Canning began to exercise that
+strange fascination over the mind of William Ewart Gladstone which has
+never wholly passed away," and Mr. Gladstone himself acknowledged that
+he was brought up "under the shadow of the great name of Canning."
+
+John Gladstone presided at a farewell dinner given by the Liverpool
+Canning Club, in August, 1822, in honor of Mr. Canning, who had been
+Governor-General of India. But Mr. Canning, instead of going to India,
+entered the British Cabinet, and in 1827 became Prime Minister, and John
+Gladstone moved a congratulatory address to the king upon the formation
+of the Canning Ministry.
+
+In 1845 John Gladstone was created a baronet by Sir Robert Peel, but he
+lived to enjoy his deserved honors but a short time, for he died in
+1851, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. His motto had ever been,
+"Diligent in business." His enormous wealth enabled him to provide
+handsomely for his family, not only after death, but during
+his lifetime.
+
+At the time of his father's death, William E. Gladstone was still an
+adherent of the Tory party, yet his steps indicated that he was
+advancing towards Liberalism; and he had already reached distinction as
+a statesman, both in Parliament and in the Cabinet, while as yet he was
+but 42 years old, which was about half of his age when called for the
+fourth time to be Prime Minister of England.
+
+Sir John Gladstone and his wife had six children--four sons, Thomas
+Gladstone, afterwards baronet; John Gladstone, who became a captain, and
+died in 1863; Robert Gladstone, brought up a merchant, who died in 1875,
+and two daughters, Annie McKenzie Gladstone, who died years ago, and
+Helen Jane Gladstone. William E. Gladstone was the fourth son. The
+following is from the pen of the son, who says of his aged father, Sir
+John Gladstone: "His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated; he
+was full of bodily and mental vigor; whatsoever his hand found to do he
+did it with his might; he could not understand or tolerate those who,
+perceiving an object to be good, did not at once and actively pursue it;
+and with all this energy he gained a corresponding warmth, and, so to
+speak, eagerness of affection, a keen appreciation of humor, in which he
+found a rest, and an indescribable frankness and simplicity of
+character, which, crowning his other qualities, made him, I think, and I
+strive to think impartially, nearly or quite the most interesting old
+man I ever knew."
+
+Personally, Sir John Gladstone was a man of much intelligence and of
+sterling principle, of high moral and religious character, and his
+house consequently was a model home. "His house was by all accounts a
+home pre-eminently calculated to mould the thoughts and direct the
+course of an intelligent and receptive nature. There was a father's
+masterful will and keen perception, the sweetness and piety of the
+mother, wealth with all its substantial advantages and few of its
+mischiefs, a strong sense of the value of money, a rigid avoidance of
+extravagance and excesses; everywhere a strenuous purpose in life,
+constant employment, and concentrated ambition."
+
+Mrs. John Gladstone, the wife and mother, is described by one who knew
+her intimately as "a lady of very great accomplishments; of fascinating
+manners, of commanding presence and high intellect; one to grace any
+home and endear any heart."
+
+The following picture of the everyday life of the family is interesting
+and instructive, on account of Sir John Gladstone, as well as on that of
+his more distinguished son, and is from the pen of an eye-witness:
+"Nothing was ever taken for granted between him and his sons. A
+succession of arguments on great topics and small topics
+alike--arguments conducted with perfect good humor, but also with the
+most implicable logic--formed the staple of the family conversation. The
+children and their parents argued upon everything. They would debate as
+to whether a window should be opened, and whether it was likely to be
+fair or wet the next day. It was all perfectly good-humored, but curious
+to a stranger, because of the evident care which all the disputants took
+to advance no proposition, even as to the prospect of rain, rashly."
+
+In such a home as this was William E. Gladstone in training as the great
+Parliamentary debater and leader, and for the highest office under the
+British crown. This reminds us of a story of Burke. The king one day,
+unexpectedly entering the office of his minister, found the elder Burke
+sitting at his desk, with his eyes fixed upon his young son, who was
+standing on his father's desk in the attitude of speaking. "What are you
+doing?" asked the astonished king. "I am making the greatest minister
+England ever saw," was the reply. And so in fact, and yet all
+unconsciously, was Sir John doing for his son, William.
+
+William E. Gladstone "was born," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"at a critical moment in the fortunes of England and of Europe. Abroad
+the greatest genius that the world has ever seen was wading through
+slaughter to a universal throne, and no effectual resistance had as yet
+been offered to a progress which menaced the liberty of Europe and the
+existence of its States. At home, a crazy king and a profligate
+heir-apparent presided over a social system in which all civil evils
+were harmoniously combined. A despotic administration was supported by a
+parliamentary representation as corrupt as illusory; a church, in which
+spiritual religion was all but extinct, had sold herself as a bondslave
+to the governing classes. Rank and wealth and territorial ascendency
+were divorced from public duty, and even learning had become the
+handmaid of tyranny. The sacred name of justice was prostituted to
+sanction a system of legal murder. Commercial enterprise was paralyzed
+by prohibitive legislation; public credit was shaken to its base; the
+prime necessaries of life were ruinously dear. The pangs of poverty were
+aggravated by the concurrent evils of war and famine, and the common
+people, fast bound in misery and iron, were powerless to make their
+sufferings known or to seek redress, except by the desperate methods of
+conspiracy and insurrection. None of the elements of revolution were
+wanting, and the fates seemed to be hurrying England to the brink of a
+civil catastrophe.
+
+"The general sense of insecurity and apprehension, inseparable from such
+a condition of affairs, produced its effect upon even the robust minds.
+Sir John Gladstone was not a likely victim of panic, but he was a man
+with a large stake in the country, the more precious because acquired by
+his own exertion; he believed that the safeguards of property and order
+were imperilled by foreign arms and domestic sedition; and he had seen
+with indignation and disgust the excesses of a factious Whiggery, which
+was not ashamed to exult in the triumph of the French over the English
+Government. Under the pressure of these influences Sir John Gladstone
+gradually separated himself from the Whigs, with whom in earlier life he
+had acted, and became the close ally of Canning, whose return for
+Liverpool he actually promoted."
+
+With such surroundings it is not to be wondered at that William E.
+Gladstone entered political life a Tory, contending against the
+principles he afterwards espoused. His original bent, however, was not
+towards politics, but the church; and it was only at the earnest desire
+of his father that he ultimately decided to enter Parliament, and serve
+his country in the Legislature.
+
+His subsequent life proved the wisdom of the choice. In the Legislature
+of his country was begun, carried on and consummated grandly, one of the
+most remarkable careers in the annals of history for versatility,
+brilliancy, solidity and long continuance. Rarely has there been
+exhibited so complete a combination of qualities in statesmanship. His
+intellectual endowments were almost without a parallel, and his
+achievements without a precedent. In him seemed to be centered a rich
+collection of the highest gifts of genius, great learning and readiness
+in debate and discourse in the House of Commons, and extraordinary
+wisdom in the administration of the affairs of the nation. His financial
+talent, his business aptitude, his classical attainments, and above all
+his moral fervor, and religious spirit were conspicuous. Some men would
+have been contented with political power, or classical learning, or
+literary distinction, but he excelled in all these--not only as a
+statesman, but as a man of letters and a classical scholar. Neither has
+held him exclusively as its own--he belongs to all, or rather they
+belong to him--for he explored and conquered them. His literary
+productions equal in merit his papers of State, while his knowledge of
+the classics would do credit to any scholar.
+
+He possessed the unusual quality of throwing the light of his own mind
+on the greatest questions of national and international importance, of
+bringing them down to the understanding and appreciation of the masses
+of the people, of infusing, by his earnestness, the fire of his own soul
+in the people, and of arousing in them the greatest enthusiasm.
+
+In the biography of this wonderful person we propose to set before the
+reader the man himself--his words and his deeds. This method enables him
+to speak for himself, and thus the reader may study him and know him,
+and because thereof be lifted into a higher plane of nobler and better
+being. The acts and utterances of such a character are his best
+biography, and especially for one differing so largely from all other
+men as to have none to be compared with him.
+
+In this record we simply spread before the reader his private life and
+public services, connected together through many startling changes, from
+home to school, from university to Parliament, from Tory follower to
+Liberal leader, from the early start in his political course to the
+grand consummation of the statesman's success in his attainment to the
+fourth Premiership of this Grand Old Man, and the glorious end of an
+eventful life.
+
+We could not do better, in closing this chapter, than to reproduce a
+part of the character sketch of William E. Gladstone, from the pen of
+William T. Stead, and published in the "Review of Reviews:"
+
+"So much has been written about Mr. Gladstone that it was with some
+sinking of heart I ventured to select him as a subject for my next
+character sketch. But I took heart of grace when I remembered that the
+object of these sketches is to describe their subject as he appears to
+himself at his best, and his countrymen. There are plenty of other
+people ready to fill in the shadows. This paper claims in no way to be a
+critical estimate or a judicial summing up of the merits and demerits
+of the most remarkable of all living Englishmen. It is merely an attempt
+to catch, as it were, the outline of the heroic figure which has
+dominated English politics for the lifetime of this generation, and
+thereby to explain something of the fascination which his personality
+has exercised and still exercises over the men and women of his time. If
+his enemies, and they are many, say that I have idealized a wily old
+opportunist out of all recognition, I answer that to the majority of his
+fellow-subjects my portrait is not overdrawn. The real Gladstone may be
+other than this, but this is probably more like the Gladstone for whom
+the electors believe they are voting, than a picture of Gladstone,
+'warts and all,' would be. And when I am abused, as I know I shall be,
+for printing such a sketch, I shall reply that there is at least one
+thing to be said in its favor. To those who know him best, in his own
+household, and to those who only know him as a great name in history, my
+sketch will only appear faulty because it does not do full justice to
+the character and genius of this extraordinary man."
+
+Mr. Gladstone appeals to the men of to-day from the vantage point of
+extreme old age. Age is so frequently dotage, that when a veteran
+appears who preserves the heart of a boy and the happy audacity of
+youth, under the 'lyart haffets wearing thin and bare' of aged manhood,
+it seems as if there is something supernatural about it, and all men
+feel the fascination and the charm. Mr. Gladstone, as he gleefully
+remarked the other day, has broken the record. He has outlived Lord
+Palmerston, who died when eighty-one, and Thiers, who only lived to be
+eighty. The blind old Dandolo in Byron's familiar verse--
+
+     The octogenarian chief, Byzantium's conquering foe,
+
+had not more energy than the Liberal leader, who, now in his
+eighty-third year, has more nerve and spring and go than any of his
+lieutenants, not excluding the youngest recruit. There is something
+imposing and even sublime in the long procession of years which bridge
+as with eighty-two arches the abyss of past time, and carry us back to
+the days of Canning, and of Castlereagh, of Napoleon, and of Wellington.
+His parliamentary career extends over sixty years--the lifetime of two
+generations. He is the custodian of all the traditions, the hero of the
+experience of successive administrations, from a time dating back longer
+than most of his colleagues can remember. For nearly forty years he has
+had a leading part in making or unmaking of Cabinets; he has served his
+Queen and his country in almost every capacity in office and in
+opposition, and yet to-day, despite his prolonged sojourn in the malaria
+of political wire-pulling, his heart seems to be as the heart of a
+little child. If some who remember 'the old Parliamentary hand' should
+whisper that innocence of the dove is sometimes compatible with the
+wisdom of the serpent, I make no dissent. It is easy to be a dove, and
+to be as silly as a dove. It is easy to be as wise as a serpent, and as
+wicked, let us say, as Mr. Governor Hill or Lord Beaconsfield. But it is
+the combination that is difficult, and in Mr. Gladstone the combination
+is almost ideally complete.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone is old enough to be the grandfather of the younger race
+of politicians, but still his courage, his faith, his versatility, put
+the youngest of them to shame. It is this ebullience of youthful energy,
+this inexhaustible vitality, which is the admiration and despair of his
+contemporaries. Surely when a schoolboy at Eton he must somewhere have
+discovered the elixir of life, or have been bathed by some beneficent
+fairy in the well of perpetual youth. Gladly would many a man of fifty
+exchange physique with this hale and hearty octogenarian. Only in one
+respect does he show any trace of advancing years. His hearing is not
+quite so good as it was, but still it is far better than that of
+Cardinal Manning, who became very deaf in his closing years. Otherwise
+Mr. Gladstone is hale and hearty. His eye is not dim, neither is his
+natural force abated. A splendid physical frame, carefully preserved,
+gives every promise of a continuance of his green old age.
+
+"His political opponents, who began this Parliament by confidently
+calculating upon his death before the dissolution, are now beginning to
+admit that it is by no means improbable that Mr. Gladstone may survive
+the century. Nor was it quite so fantastic as it appears at first sight,
+when an ingenious disciple told him the other day that by the fitness of
+things he ought to live for twenty years yet. 'For,' said this political
+arithmetician, 'you have been twenty-six years a Tory, twenty-six years
+a Whig Liberal, and you have been only six years a Radical Home Ruler.
+To make the balance even you have twenty years still to serve.'
+
+"Sir Provo Wallis, the Admiral of the Fleet, who died the other day at
+the age of one hundred, had not a better constitution than Mr.
+Gladstone, nor had it been more carefully preserved in the rough and
+tumble of our naval war. If the man who smelt powder in the famous fight
+between the Chesapeake and the Shannon lived to read the reports of the
+preparations for the exhibition at Chicago, it is not so incredible that
+Mr. Gladstone may at least be in the foretop of the State at the dawn of
+the twentieth century.
+
+"The thought is enough to turn the Tories green with sickening despair,
+that the chances of his life, from a life insurance office point of
+view, are probably much better than Lord Salisbury's. But that is one of
+the attributes of Mr. Gladstone which endear him so much to his party.
+He is always making his enemies sick with despairing jealousy. He is the
+great political evergreen, who seems, even in his political life, to
+have borrowed something of immortality from the fame which he has won.
+He has long been the Grand Old Man. If he lives much longer he bids fair
+to be known as the immortal old man in more senses than one."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE'S BIRTHPLACE, RODNEY STREET, LIVERPOOL.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+AT ETON AND OXFORD
+
+There is very little recorded of the boyhood of some great men, and this
+is true of the childhood of William E. Gladstone, until he leaves the
+parental home for school, which he does in 1821, at the early age of
+eleven. He was fortunate in his parentage, but no less so in his early
+associations, both in and out of school. We refer particularly to his
+private preceptors, two of whom, the venerable Archdeacon Jones and the
+Rev. William Rawson, first Vicar of Seaforth, a watering-place near
+Liverpool, were both men of high character and great ability. Mr.
+Gladstone always highly esteemed Mr. Rawson, his earliest preceptor, and
+visited him on his death-bed. Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+was for two years young Gladstone's private tutor, beginning his
+instruction when his pupil left Eton in 1827.
+
+Besides these associations of his early life there were Canning, a
+frequent visitor, as has been mentioned, at his father's house, and
+Hannah More--"Holy Hannah," as Horace Walpole called her. She singled
+out "Billy" Gladstone for her especial pet out of the group of eleven
+children in whom her warm heart delighted, and it has been asked
+wonderingly if Miss More could preternaturally have lengthened her days
+until William E. Gladstone's present glory, whether she would have gone
+on dubbing him "Billy" in undignified brevity until the end.
+
+William E. Gladstone, when very young, gave such evidence of uncommon
+intellectual ability and promise of future greatness that his father
+resolved upon educating him in the best schools of England. There are
+four or five great schools in England in which the English youth are
+prepared in four or five years for Cambridge or Oxford. "Eton, the
+largest and the most celebrated of the public schools of England, ranks
+as the second in point of antiquity, Winchester alone being older."
+After the preparation at home, under private teachers, to which we have
+referred, William E. Gladstone was sent to Eton, in September, 1821. His
+biographer, George W.E. Russell, writes, "From a provincial town, from
+mercantile surroundings, from an atmosphere of money-making, from a
+strictly regulated life, the impressible boy was transplanted, at the
+age of eleven, to the shadow of Windsor and the banks of the Thames, to
+an institution which belongs to history, to scenes haunted by the
+memory of the most illustrious Englishmen, to a free and independent
+existence among companions who were the very flower of English boyhood.
+A transition so violent and yet so delightful was bound to produce an
+impression which lapse of time was powerless to efface, and no one who
+knows the man and the school can wonder that for seventy years Mr.
+Gladstone has been the most enthusiastic of Etonians."
+
+Eton of to-day is not in all respects the Eton of three-quarters of a
+century ago, and yet in some particulars it is as it was when young
+"Billy" Gladstone studied within its walls. The system of education and
+discipline pursued has undergone some modifications in recent
+years--notably during the provostship of the Rev. Francis Hodgson; but
+radical defects are still alleged against it. It is not remarkable,
+however, that every Eton boy becomes deeply attached to the school,
+notwithstanding the apprenticeship to hardships he may have been
+compelled to undergo.
+
+The "hardships" there must have been particularly great when young
+Gladstone entered Eton, at the close of the summer holidays of 1821. The
+school was under the head-mastership of "the terrific Dr. Keate." He was
+not the man to spare even the scholar who, upon the emphatic testimony
+of Sir Roderick Murchison, was "the prettiest boy that ever went to
+Eton," and who was as studious and well-behaved as he was good-looking.
+
+The town of Eton, in which the school is located, about 22 miles from
+London, in Berkshire, is beautifully situated on the banks of the river
+Thames, opposite Windsor Castle, the residence of the Queen of England.
+
+Eton College is one of the most famous and best endowed educational
+institutions of learning in England. It was founded in 1440 by Henry VI.
+The king was very solicitous that the work should be of a durable kind,
+and he provided for free scholarships. Eton of Mr. Gladstone's day,
+according to a critic, was divided into two schools--the upper and the
+lower. It also had two kinds of scholars, namely, seventy called king's
+scholars or "collegers," who are maintained gratuitously, sleep in the
+college, and wear a peculiar dress; and another class--the
+majority--called "oppidans," who live in the town. Between these two
+classes of students there prevails perpetual hostility. At Cambridge,
+there was founded, in connection with Eton, what is called King's
+College, to receive as fellows students from Eton, and to give them
+gratuitously an education. The ground on which students of Eton were
+promoted to King's College and these fellowships was, strangely to say,
+upon that of seniority, or long residence, and not of merit. Because
+there was no competition, scholars who were deficient in education at
+Eton were promoted to Cambridge, where they had no incentive to work,
+being exempt from the ordinary university examination.
+
+At Eton "no instruction was given in any branch of mathematical,
+physical, metaphysical or moral science, nor in the evidences of
+Christianity. The only subjects which it professed to impart a knowledge
+of were the Greek and Latin languages; as much divinity as can be gained
+from construing the Greek Testament, and reading a portion of Tomline on
+the Thirty-nine Articles, and a little ancient and modern geography." So
+much for the instruction imparted. As regards the hours of tuition,
+there seems to have been fault there, in that they were too few and
+insufficient, there being in all only eleven hours a week study. Then as
+to the manner of study, no time was given the scholar to study the style
+of an author; he was "hurried from Herodotus to Thucydides, from
+Thucydides to Xenophon, from Xenophon to Lucian, without being
+habituated to the style of any one author--without gaining an interest
+in the history, or even catching the thread of the narrative; and when
+the whole book is finished he has probably collected only a few vague
+ideas about Darius crying over a great army, Abydos and Nicias and
+Demosthenes being routed with a great army near Syracuse, mixed up with
+a recollection of the death of Cyrus and Socrates, some moral precept
+from Socrates, and some jokes against false philosophers and heathen
+gods." Hence the Eton student who goes to Cambridge finds he has done
+but a little desultory reading, and that he must begin again. It was
+charged that the system of education at Eton failed in every point. The
+moral discipline of the school was also called in question. The number
+of scholars was so great that the proper control of them seemed
+impossible under the management. Great laxity prevailed among the larger
+boys, while the younger and weaker students were exposed to the tyranny
+of the older and stronger ones without hope of redress. The result was
+that the system of "fagging," or the acting of some boys as drudges for
+the others, flourished. "The right" of fagging depended upon the place
+in the school; all boys in the sixth and fifth forms had the power of
+ordering--all below the latter form being bound to obey. This system of
+fagging has a very injurious effect upon most of the boys; "it finds
+them slaves and leaves them despots. A boy who has suffered himself,
+insensibly learns to see no harm in making others suffer in turn. The
+whole thing is wrong in principle, and engenders passions which should
+be stifled and not encouraged." Why free and enlightened England should
+tolerate, even then, such barbarous slavery cannot be understood and
+yet there are outrageous customs prevailing among college students of
+our day in every civilized land that should be suppressed.
+
+Flogging was in vogue, too, at Eton, with all its degrading and
+demoralizing effects, and was performed by the Head-Master himself. In
+1820, the year before Mr. Gladstone entered Eton, there were 280 upper
+students and 319 lower, a total of 612, and none were exempt.
+
+Some curious stories are told of flogging, which has ever existed at
+Eton, and from which even the largest boys were not exempt. Mr. Lewis
+relates how a young man of twenty, just upon the point of leaving
+school, and engaged to be married to a lady at Windsor, was well and
+soundly whipped by Dr. Goodford, for arriving one evening at his tutor's
+house after the specified time. And it is related that Arthur Wellesley,
+afterwards the Iron Duke of Wellington, was flogged at Eton for having
+been "barred out." At the same time there were eighty boys who
+were whipped.
+
+And the Eton of twenty years later was very little improved over its
+condition in Mr. Gladstone's time there, or in 1845. John D. Lewis,
+speaking of this period, says that after the boys reached the fifth
+form, then began "some of the greatest anomalies and absurdities of the
+then Etonian system." The student was now safe from the ordeal of
+examinations, and that the higher classes, including ten senior
+collegers and ten senior oppidans, contained some of the very worst
+scholars. "A boy's place on the general roll was no more a criterion of
+his acquirements and his industry than would be the 'year' of a young
+man at Oxford or Cambridge." The collegers, however, were required to
+pass some kind of examination, in accordance with which their place on
+the list for the King's college was fixed. But the evils regarding the
+hours of study and the nature of the studies were as bad. "The regular
+holidays and Saints' days, two whole holidays in a week, and two
+half-holidays, were a matter of common occurrence."
+
+Lord Morley, in his examination before the Commission on Public Schools,
+was asked whether a boy would be looked down upon at Eton for being
+industrious in his studies, replied, "Not if he could do something else
+well." And this seems to be the spirit of the Eton boy with whom a lack
+of scholarship is more than made up by skill in river or field sports.
+
+This is true to-day; for a recent writer in the _Forum_, upon "The
+Training of Boys at Eton," says: "Athletic prominence is in English
+public schools almost synonymous with social prominence; many a boy
+whose capacity and character commanded both respect and liking at the
+universities and in after life, is almost a nobody at a public school,
+because he has no special athletic gifts.... Great athletic capacity may
+co-exist with low moral and intellectual character."
+
+There were few inducements to study and to excel in scholarship, and
+plenty to idleness and neglect, hence he who did so must study in hours
+and out of hours, in season and out of season. The curriculum is still
+strictly classical, but French, German and mathematics are taught. The
+collegers of recent years have done very fair work and carried off many
+distinctions at Cambridge. With all these odds against them, and these
+difficulties to surmount, yet there were Eton boys whose attainments
+were deep and solid, and who became famous men, and one of these was
+William E. Gladstone.
+
+When young Gladstone entered Eton his brothers, Thomas and Robertson
+Gladstone, were already there, and the three boys boarded at Mrs.
+Shurey's, whose house "at the south end of the broad walk in front of
+the schools and facing the chapel," was rather nearer the famous
+"Christopher Inn" than would be thought desirable nowadays. On the wall
+opposite the house the name of "Gladstone" is carved. Thomas Gladstone
+was in the fifth form, and William was placed in the middle remove of
+the fourth form, and became his eldest brother's "fag." This doubtlessly
+saved him much annoyance and suffering, and allowed him better to
+pursue the studious bent of his indications.
+
+William E. Gladstone was what Etonians called a "sap"--in other words, a
+student faithful in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him at
+school--one who studied his lessons and was prepared for his recitations
+in the classroom. This agreeable fact has been immortalized in a famous
+line in Lord Lytton's "New Timon." He worked hard at his classical
+studies, as required by the rules of the school, and applied himself
+diligently to the study of mathematics during the holidays.
+
+It is said that his interest in the work of the school was first aroused
+by Mr. Hawtrey, who afterwards became Head-Master, who commended some of
+his Latin verses, and "sent him up for good." This led the young man to
+associate intellectual work with the ideas of ambition and success.
+While he did not seem to be especially an apt scholar in the restricted
+sense for original versification in the classical languages, or for
+turning English into Greek or Latin, yet he seemed to seize the precise
+meaning of the authors and to give the sense. "His composition was
+stiff," but yet, says a classmate, "when there were thrilling passages
+of Virgil or Homer, or difficult passages in 'Scriptores Graeci' to
+translate, he or Lord Arthur Hervey was generally called up to edify
+the class with quotations or translations."
+
+He had no prizes at Eton except what is called being sent up for good,
+on account of verses, and he was honored on several occasions. Besides
+he took deep interest in starting a college periodical, and with some of
+the most intellectual of the students sustained it with his pen. The
+more studious of Eton boys have on several occasions in the present
+century been in the habit of establishing periodicals for the purpose of
+ventilating their opinions. In 1786 Mr. Canning and Mr. Hookham Frere
+established the _Microcosm_, whose essays and _jeux d'esprit_, while
+having reference primarily to Eton, demonstrated that the writers were
+not insensible to what was going on in the great world without. It was
+for this college paper that Canning wrote his "Essay on the Epic of the
+Queen of Hearts," which, as a burlesque criticism, has been awarded a
+high place in English literature. Lord Henry Spencer, Hookham Frere,
+Capel Lofft, and Mr. Millish, were also contributors to the columns of
+the _Microcosm_. In the year 1820 W. Mackworth Praed set on foot a
+manuscript journal, entitled _Apis Matina_. This was in turn succeeded
+by the _Etonian_, to which Praed contributed some of his most brilliant
+productions. John Moultrie, Henry Nelson Coleridge, Walter Blunt, and
+Chauncy Hare Townshend were also among the writers for its papers, who
+helped to make it of exceptional excellence. Its articles are of no
+ordinary interest even now.
+
+In the last year of William E. Gladstone's stay at Eton, in 1827, and
+seven years after Praed's venture, he was largely instrumental in
+launching the _Eton Miscellany_, professedly edited by Bartholomew
+Bouverie, and Mr. Gladstone became a most frequent, voluminous and
+valuable contributor to its pages. He wrote articles of every
+kind--prologues, epilogues, leaders, historical essays, satirical
+sketches, classical translations, humorous productions, poetry and
+prose. And among the principal contributors with him were Sir Francis
+Doyle, George Selwyn, James Colville, Arthur Hallam, John Haumer and
+James Milnes-Gaskell. The introduction, written by and signed "William
+Ewart Gladstone" for this magazine, contained the following interesting
+and singular passage, which probably fairly sets forth the hopes and
+fears that beset statesmen in maturer years, as well as Eton boys of
+only seventeen years of age:
+
+"In my present undertaking there is one gulf in which I fear to sink,
+and that gulf is Lethe. There is one stream which I dread my inability
+to stem--it is the tide of Popular Opinion. I have ventured, and no
+doubt rashly ventured--
+
+     Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,
+     To try my fortune in a sea of glory,
+     But far beyond my depth."
+
+At present it is hope alone that buoys me up; for more substantial
+support I must be indebted to my own exertions, well knowing that in
+this land of literature merit never wants its reward. That such merit is
+mine I dare not presume to think; but still there is something within me
+that bids me hope that I may be able to glide prosperously down the
+stream of public estimation; or, in the words of Virgil,
+
+     '--Celerare viam rumore secundo.'
+
+"I was surprised even to see some works with the names of Shakespeare
+and Milton on them sharing the common destiny, but on examination I
+found that those of the latter were some political rhapsodies, which
+richly deserved their fate; and that the former consisted of some
+editions of his works which had been burdened with notes and mangled
+with emendations by his merciless commentators. In other places I
+perceived authors worked up into frenzy by seeing their own compositions
+descending like the rest. Often did the infuriated scribes extend their
+hands, and make a plunge to endeavor to save their beloved offspring,
+but in vain; I pitied the anguish of their disappointment, but with
+feelings of the same commiseration as that which one feels for a
+malefactor on beholding his death, being at the same time fully
+conscious how well he has deserved it."
+
+Little did this diffident and youthful editor imagine that he was
+forecasting the future for himself by the aid of youth's most ardent
+desires, and that he would live to become the Primate of all England and
+the foremost statesman of his day.
+
+There were two volumes of the _Miscellany_, dated June-July and
+October-November, respectively, and Mr. Gladstone contributed thirteen
+articles to the first volume. Among the contributions were an "Ode to
+the Shade of Watt Tyler," a vigorous rendering of a chorus from the
+Hucuba of Euripides, and a letter under the name of "Philophantasm,"
+detailing an encounter he had with the poet Virgil, in which the great
+poet appeared muttering something which did not sound like Latin to an
+Eton boy, and complaining that he knew he was hated by the Eton boys
+because he was difficult to learn, and pleading to be as well received
+henceforth as Horace.
+
+We give a quotation from a poem, consisting of some two hundred and
+fifty lines, from his pen, which, appeared also in the _Miscellany_:
+
+     "Who foremost now the deadly spear to dart,
+      And strike the javelin to the Moslem's heart?
+      Who foremost now to climb the leaguered wall,
+      The first to triumph, or the first to fall?
+      Lo, where the Moslems rushing to the fight,
+      Back bear their squadrons in inglorious flight.
+      With plumed helmet, and with glittering lance,
+     'Tis Richard bids his steel-clad bands advance;
+     'Tis Richard stalks along the blood-dyed plain,
+      And views unmoved the slaying and the slain;
+     'Tis Richard bathes his hands in Moslem blood,
+      And tinges Jordan with the purple flood.
+      Yet where the timbrels ring, the trumpets sound,
+      And tramp of horsemen shakes the solid ground,
+      Though 'mid the deadly charge and rush of fight,
+      No thought be theirs of terror or of flight,--
+      Ofttimes a sigh will rise, a tear will flow,
+      And youthful bosoms melt in silent woe;
+      For who of iron frame and harder heart
+      Can bid the mem'ry of his home depart?
+      Tread the dark desert and the thirsty sand,
+      Nor give one thought to England's smiling land?
+      To scenes of bliss, and days of other years--
+      The Vale of Gladness and the Vale of Tears;
+      That, passed and vanish'd from their loving sight,
+      This 'neath their view, and wrapt in shades of night?"
+
+Among other writers who contributed to the first volume of the
+_Miscellany_ were Arthur Henry Hallam and Doyle, also G.A. Selwyn,
+afterwards Bishop Selwyn, the friend of Mr. Gladstone, and to whom he
+recently paid the following tribute: "Connected as tutor with families
+of rank and influence, universally popular from his frank, manly, and
+engaging character--and scarcely less so from his extraordinary rigor as
+an athlete--he was attached to Eton, where he resided, with a love
+surpassing the love of Etonians. In himself he formed a large part of
+the life of Eton, and Eton formed a large part of his life. To him is
+due no small share of the beneficial movement in the direction of
+religious earnestness which marked the Eton of forty years back, and
+which was not, in my opinion, sensibly affected by any influence
+extraneous to the place itself. At a moment's notice, upon the call of
+duty, he tore up the singularly deep roots which his life had struck
+deep into the soil of England."
+
+Both Mr. Gladstone and the future Bishop of Selwyn contributed humorous
+letters to "The Postman," the correspondence department of the _Eton
+Miscellany_.
+
+In the second volume of the _Eton Miscellany_ are articles of equal
+interest to those that appeared in the first. Doyle, Jelf, Selwyn,
+Shadwell and Arthur Henry Hallam were contributors, the latter having
+written "The Battle of the Boyne," a parody upon Campbell's
+"Hohenlinden." But here again Mr. Gladstone was the principal
+contributor, having contributed to this even more largely than to the
+first, having written seventeen articles, besides the introductions to
+the various numbers of the volume. Indeed one would think from his
+devotion to these literary pursuits during his last year at Eton, that
+he had very little leisure for those ordinary sports so necessary to
+Eton boys. He seems to have begun his great literary activity. Among
+them may be mentioned an "Ode to the Shade of Watt Tyler," mentioned
+before, which is an example of his humorous style:
+
+     "Shade of him whose valiant tongue
+      On high the song of freedom sung;
+      Shade of him, whose mighty soul
+      Would pay no taxes on his poll;
+      Though, swift as lightning, civic sword
+        Descended on thy fated head,
+      The blood of England's boldest poured,
+        And numbered Tyler with the dead!
+
+     "Still may thy spirit flap its wings
+      At midnight o'er the couch of kings;
+      And peer and prelate tremble, too,
+      In dread of mighty interview!
+      With patriot gesture of command,
+        With eyes that like thy forges gleam,
+      Lest Tyler's voice and Tyler's hand
+        Be heard and seen in nightly dream.
+
+     "I hymn the gallant and the good
+      From Tyler down to Thistlewood,
+      My muse the trophies grateful sings,
+      The deeds of Miller and of Ings;
+      She sings of all who, soon or late,
+        Have burst Subjection's iron chain,
+      Have seal'd the bloody despot's fate,
+        Or cleft a peer or priest in twain.
+
+     "Shades, that soft Sedition woo,
+      Around the haunts of Peterloo!
+      That hover o'er the meeting-halls,
+      Where many a voice stentorian bawls!
+      Still flit the sacred choir around,
+        With 'Freedom' let the garrets ring,
+      And vengeance soon in thunder sound
+        On Church, and constable, and king."
+
+In a paper on "Eloquence," in the same volume, he shows that even then
+his young mind was impressed by the fame attached to successful oratory
+in Parliament. Visions of glory and honor open before the enraptured
+sight of those devoted to oratorical pursuits, and whose ardent and
+aspiring minds are directed to the House of Commons. Evidently the young
+writer himself "had visions of parliamentary oratory, and of a
+successful _debut_ in the House of Commons, with perhaps an offer from
+the Minister, a Secretaryship of State, and even the Premiership itself
+in the distance." But then there are barriers to pass and ordeals to
+undergo. "There are roars of coughing, as well as roars of cheering"
+from the members of the House, "and maiden speeches sometimes act more
+forcibly on the lungs of hearers than the most violent or most cutting
+of all the breezes which AEOLUS can boast." But the writer draws comfort
+from the fact that Lord Morfeth, Edward Geoffrey, Stanley and Lord
+Castlereagh who were all members of the Eton college debating society
+were then among the most successful young speakers in Parliament. This
+sounds more like prophecy than dreams, for within a very few years after
+writing this article the writer himself had passed the dreaded barrier
+and endured the ordeal, and had not only made his appearance in the
+House of Commons, but had been invited to fill an honorable place in the
+Cabinet of the Ministry then in power.
+
+Another contribution of Mr. Gladstone's to the _Miscellany_, and perhaps
+the most meritorious of the youthful writer's productions, was
+entitled, "Ancient and Modern Genius Compared," in which the young
+Etonian editor ardently and affectionately apostrophized the memory of
+Canning, his father's great friend and his own ideal man and statesman,
+who had just then perished untimely and amid universal regret. In this
+article he first takes the part of the moderns as against the ancients,
+though he by no means deprecates the genius of the latter, and then
+eloquently apostrophizes the object of his youthful hero-worship, the
+immortal Canning, whose death he compares to that of the lamented Pitt.
+The following are extracts from this production:
+
+"It is for those who revered him in the plenitude of his meridian glory
+to mourn over him in the darkness of his premature extinction: to mourn
+over the hopes that are buried in his grave, and the evils that arise
+from his withdrawing from the scene of life. Surely if eloquence never
+excelled and seldom equalled--if an expanded mind and judgment whose
+vigor was paralleled only by its soundness--if brilliant wit--if a
+glowing imagination--if a warm heart, and an unbending firmness--could
+have strengthened the frail tenure, and prolonged the momentary duration
+of human existence, that man had been immortal! But nature could endure
+no longer. Thus has Providence ordained that inasmuch as the intellect
+is more brilliant, it shall be more short-lived; as its sphere is more
+expanded, more swiftly is it summoned away. Lest we should give to man
+the honor due to God--lest we should exalt the object of our admiration
+into a divinity for our worship--He who calls the weary and the mourner
+to eternal rest hath been pleased to remove him from our eyes.
+
+"The degrees of inscrutable wisdom are unknown to us; but if ever there
+was a man for whose sake it was meet to indulge the kindly though frail
+feelings of our nature--for whom the tear of sorrow was to us both
+prompted by affection and dictated by duty--that man was
+George Canning."
+
+After Hallam, Selwyn and other contributors to the _Miscellany_ left
+Eton, at midsummer, 1827, Mr. Gladstone still remained and became the
+mainstay of the magazine. "Mr. Gladstone and I remained behind as its
+main supporters," writes Sir Francis Doyle, "or rather it would be more
+like the truth if I said that Mr. Gladstone supported the whole burden
+upon his own shoulders. I was unpunctual and unmethodical, so were his
+other vassals; and the '_Miscellany_' would have fallen to the ground
+but for Mr. Gladstone's untiring energy, pertinacity and tact."
+
+Although Mr. Gladstone labored in editorial work upon the _Miscellany_,
+yet he took time to bestow attention upon his duties in the Eton
+Society of the College, learnedly called "The Literati," and vulgarly
+called "Pop," and took a leading part in the debates and in the private
+business of the Society. The Eton Society of Gladstone's day was a
+brilliant group of boys. He introduced desirable new members, moved for
+more readable and instructive newspapers, proposing new rules for better
+order and more decorous conduct, moving fines on those guilty of
+disorder or breaches of the rules, and paying a fine imposed upon
+himself for putting down an illegal question. "In debate he champions
+the claims of metaphysics against those of mathematics, and defends
+aristocracy against democracy;" confesses innate feelings of dislike to
+the French; protests against disarmament of the Highlanders as
+inexpedient and unjust; deplores the fate of Strafford and the action of
+the House of Commons, which he claimed they should be able to "revere as
+our glory and confide in as our protection." The meetings of the Eton
+Society were held over Miss Hatton's "sock-shop."
+
+In politics its members were Tory--intensely so, and although current
+politics were forbidden subjects, yet, political opinions were disclosed
+in discussions of historical or academical questions. "The execution of
+Strafford and Charles I, the characters of Oliver Cromwell and Milton,
+the 'Central Social' of Rousseau, and the events of the French
+Revolution, laid bare the speakers' political tendencies as effectually
+as if the conduct of Queen Caroline, the foreign policy of Lord
+Castlereagh, or the repeal of the Test and Corporation Act had been the
+subject of debate."
+
+It was October 15, 1825, when Gladstone was elected a member of the Eton
+Society, and on the 29th of the same month made his maiden speech on the
+question "Is the education of the poor on the whole beneficial?" It is
+recorded in the minutes of the meeting that "Mr. Gladstone rose and
+eloquently addressed the house." He spoke in favor of education; and one
+who heard him says that his opening words were, "Sir, in this age of
+increased and increasing civilization." Says an eminent writer, by way
+of comment upon these words, "It almost oppresses the imagination to
+picture the shoreless sea of eloquence which rolls between that exordium
+and the oratory to which we still are listening and hope to listen for
+years to come."
+
+"The peroration of his speech on the question whether Queen Anne's
+Ministers, in the last four years of her reign, deserved well of their
+country, is so characteristic, both in substance and in form," that we
+reproduce it here from Dr, Russell's work on Gladstone:
+
+"Thus much, sir, I have said, as conceiving myself bound in fairness not
+to regard the names under which men have hidden their designs so much
+as the designs themselves. I am well aware that my prejudices and my
+predilections have long been enlisted on the side of Toryism (cheers)
+and that in a cause like this I am not likely to be influenced unfairly
+against men bearing that name and professing to act on the principles
+which I have always been accustomed to revere. But the good of my
+country must stand on a higher ground than distinctions like these. In
+common fairness and in common candor, I feel myself compelled to give my
+decisive verdict against the conduct of men whose measures I firmly
+believe to have been hostile to British interests, destructive of
+British glory, and subversive of the splendid and, I trust, lasting
+fabric of the British constitution."
+
+The following extracts from the diary of William Cowper, afterwards Lord
+Mount-Temple, we also reproduce from the same author: "On Saturday,
+October 27, 1827, the subject for debate was:
+
+"'Whether the deposition of Richard II was justifiable or not.' Jelf
+opened; not a good speech. Doyle spoke _extempore_, made several
+mistakes, which were corrected by Jelf. Gladstone spoke well. The Whigs
+were regularly floored; only four Whigs to eleven Tories, but they very
+nearly kept up with them in coughing and 'hear, hears,' Adjourned to
+Monday after 4.
+
+"Monday, 29.--Gladstone finished his speech, and ended with a great deal
+of flattery of Doyle, saying that he was sure he would have courage
+enough to own that he was wrong. It succeeded. Doyle rose amidst
+reiterated cheers to own that he was convinced by the arguments of the
+other side. He had determined before to answer them and cut up
+Gladstone!
+
+"December 1.--Debate, 'Whether the Peerage Bill of 1719 was calculated
+to be beneficial or not.' Thanks voted to Doyle and Gladstone; the
+latter spoke well; will be a great loss to the Society."
+
+There were many boys at Eton--schoolfellows of Mr. Gladstone--who became
+men of note in after days. Among them the Hallams, Charles Canning,
+afterwards Lord Canning and Governor-General of India; Walter Hamilton,
+Bishop of Salisbury; Edward Hamilton, his brother, of Charters; James
+Hope, afterwards Hope-Scott; James Bruce, afterwards Lord Elgin; James
+Milnes-Gaskell, M.P. for Wenlock; Henry Denison; Sir Francis Doyle;
+Alexander Kinglake; George Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand and of
+Litchfield; Lord Arthur Hervey, Bishop of Bath and Wells; William
+Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire; George Cornwallis Lewis; Frederic
+Tennyson; Gerald Wellesley, Dean of Windsor; Spencer Walpole, Home
+Secretary; Frederic Rogers, Lord Blachford; James Colvile, Chief Justice
+at Calcutta, and others.
+
+By universal acknowledgment the most remarkable youth at Eton in that
+day was Arthur Hallam, "in mind and character not unworthy of the
+magnificent eulogy of 'In Memoriam.'" He was the most intimate friend of
+young Gladstone. They always took breakfast together, although they
+boarded apart in different houses, and during the separation of
+vacations they were diligent correspondents.
+
+The father of William E. Gladstone, as we have seen, discovered
+premonitions of future greatness in his son, and we may well ask the
+question what impression was made by him upon his fellow school-mates at
+Eton. Arthur Hallam wrote: "Whatever may be our lot, I am confident that
+_he_ is a bud that will bloom with a richer fragrance than almost any
+whose early promise I have witnessed."
+
+James Milnes-Gaskell says: "Gladstone is no ordinary individual; and
+perhaps if I were called on to select the individual I am intimate with
+to whom I should first turn in an emergency, and whom I thought in every
+way pre-eminently distinguished for high excellence, I think I should
+turn to Gladstone. If you finally decide in favor of Cambridge, my
+separation from Gladstone will be a source of great sorrow to me." And
+the explanation of this latter remark is that the writer's mother wanted
+him to go to Cambridge, while he wished to go to Oxford, because
+Gladstone was going there.
+
+Sir Francis Doyle writes: "I may as well remark that my father, a man of
+great ability, as well as of great experience of life, predicted
+Gladstone's future eminence from the manner in which he handled this
+somewhat tiresome business. [The editorial work and management of the
+_Eton Miscellany._] 'It is not' he remarked, 'that I think his papers
+better than yours or Hallam's--that is not my meaning at all; but the
+force of character he has shown in managing his subordinates, and the
+combination of ability and power that he has made evident, convince me
+that such a young man cannot fail to distinguish himself hereafter.'"
+
+The recreations of young Gladstone were not in all respects like his
+school-mates. He took no part in games, for he had no taste in that
+direction, and while his companions were at play he was studiously
+employed in his room. One of the boys afterwards declared, "without
+challenge or contradiction, that he was never seen to run." Yet he had
+his diversions and was fond of sculling, and kept a "lock-up," or
+private boat, for his own use. He liked walking for exercise, and walked
+fast and far. His chief amusement when not writing, reading or debating,
+was to ramble among the delights of Windsor with a few intimate friends;
+and he had only a few whom he admitted to his inner circle. To others
+beyond he was not known and was not generally popular. Gladstone,
+Charles Canning, Handley, Bruce, Hodgson, Lord Bruce and Milnes-Gaskell
+set up a Salt Hill Club. They met every whole holiday or half-holiday,
+as was convenient, after twelve, "and went up to Salt Hill to bully the
+fat waiter, eat toasted cheese, and drink egg-wine." It is startling to
+hear from such an authority as James Milnes-Gaskell that "in all our
+meetings, as well as at almost every time, Gladstone went by the name of
+Mr. Tipple."
+
+[Illustration: HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.]
+
+The strongest testimony is borne to the moral character of young
+Gladstone while at Eton. By common consent he was pre-eminently
+God-fearing, orderly and conscientious. Bishop Hamilton, of Salisbury,
+writes: "At Eton I was a thoroughly idle boy; but I was saved from some
+worse things by getting to know Gladstone." This is the strong testimony
+of one school-boy after he has reached maturity and distinction for
+another. "To have exercised, while still a school-boy, an influence for
+good upon one of the greatest of contemporary saints, is surely such a
+distinction as few Prime Ministers ever attain."
+
+Two stories are told of him while at Eton that go to show the moral
+determination of the boy to do right. On one occasion he turned his
+glass upside down and refused to drink a coarse toast proposed,
+according to annual custom, at an election dinner at the "Christopher
+Inn." This shows the purity of his mind, but there is another
+illustrating the humane feeling in his heart. He came forth as the
+champion of some miserable pigs which it was the inhumane custom to
+torture at Eton Fair on Ash Wednesday, and when he was bantered by his
+school-fellows for his humanity, he offered to write his reply "in good
+round hand upon their faces."
+
+At Christmas, 1827, Gladstone left Eton, and after that studied six
+months under private tutors, Dr. Turner, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta,
+being one. Of this Mr. Gladstone writes: "I resided with Dr. Turner at
+Wilmslow (in Cheshire) from January till a few months later. My
+residence with him was cut off by his appointment to the Bishopric of
+Calcutta.... My companions were the present (1877) Bishop of Sodor and
+Man, and Sir C.A. Wood, Deputy-Chairman of the G.W. Railway. We employed
+our spare time in gymnastics, in turning, and in rambles. I remember
+paying a visit to Macclesfield. In a silk factory the owner showed us
+his silk handkerchiefs, and complained much of Mr. Huskisson for having
+removed the prohibition of the foreign article. The thought passed
+through my mind at the time: Why make laws to enable people to produce
+articles of such hideous pattern and indifferent quality as this?
+Alderly Edge was a favorite place of resort. We dined with Sir John
+Stanley (at Alderly) on the day when the king's speech was received; and
+I recollect that he ridiculed (I think very justly) the epithet
+_untoward_, which was applied in it to the Battle of Navarino."
+
+In 1828, and after two years as a private pupil of Dr. Turner, Mr.
+Gladstone entered Christ Church College, Oxford and in the following
+year was nominated to a studentship on the foundation. Although he had
+no prizes at Oxford of the highest class, unless honors in the schools
+be so called--and in this respect he achieved a success which falls to
+the lot of but few students. In the year 1831, when he went up for his
+final examination, he completed his academical education by attaining
+the highest honors in the university--graduating double-first-class.
+
+Of the city of Oxford, where Oxford University is situated, Matthew
+Arnold writes: "Beautiful city! So venerable, so lovely, so unravaged by
+the fierce intellectual life of our century, so serene! And yet, steeped
+in sentiment as she lies, spreading her gardens to the moonlight, or
+whispering from her towers the last enchantments of the Middle Age, who
+will deny that Oxford, by her ineffable charm, keeps ever calling us
+near to the true goal of all of us, to the ideal, to perfection--to
+beauty, in a word, which is only truth seen from another side."
+
+Describing Christ Church College, a writer has said that there is no
+other College where a man has so great a choice of society, or a man
+entire freedom in choosing it.
+
+As to the studies required, a greater stress was laid upon a knowledge
+of the Bible and of the evidences of Christianity than upon classical
+literature; some proficiency was required also, either in mathematics or
+the science of reasoning. The system of education accommodated itself to
+the capacity and wants of the students, but the man of talent was at no
+loss as to a field for his exertions, or a reward for his industry. The
+honors of the ministry were all within his reach. In the cultivation of
+taste and general information Oxford afforded every opportunity, but the
+modern languages were not taught.
+
+An interesting fact is related of young Gladstone when he entered
+Oxford, as to his studies at the university. He wrote his father that he
+disliked mathematics, and that he intended to concentrate his time and
+attention upon the classics. This was a great blow to his father, who
+replied that he did not think a man was a man unless he knew
+mathematics. The dutiful son yielded to his father's wishes, abandoned
+his own plan, and applied himself with energy and success to the study
+of mathematics. But for this change of study he might not have become
+the greatest of Chancellors of the Exchequer.
+
+Gladstone's instructors at Oxford were men of reputation. Rev. Robert
+Biscoe, whose lectures on Aristotle attracted some of the best men to
+the university, was his tutor; he attended the lectures of Dr. Burton on
+Divinity, and of Dr. Pusey on Hebrew, and read classics privately with
+Bishop Wordsworth. He read steadily but not laboriously. Nothing was
+ever allowed to interfere with his morning's work. He read for four
+hours, and then took a walk. Though not averse to company and suppers,
+yet he always read for two or three hours before bedtime.
+
+Among the undergraduates at Oxford then, who became conspicuous, were
+Henry Edward Manning, afterwards Cardinal Archbishop; Archibald Campbell
+Tait, Archbishop of Canterbury; Sidney Herbert, Robert Lowe, Lord
+Sherbrooke, and Lord Selborne. "The man who _took_ me most," says a
+visitor to Oxford in 1829, "was the youngest Gladstone of Liverpool--I
+am sure a very superior person."
+
+Gladstone's chosen friends were all steady and industrious men, and many
+of them were more distinctively religious than is generally found in the
+life of undergraduates. And his choice of associates in this respect was
+the subject of criticism on the part of a more secularly minded student
+who wrote, "Gladstone has mixed himself up with the St. Mary Hall and
+Oriel set, who are really, for the most part, only fit to live with
+maiden aunts and keep tame rabbits." And the question, Which was
+right--Gladstone or the student? may be answered by another, Which one
+became Prime Minister of England?
+
+"Gladstone's first rooms were in the 'old library,' near the hall; but
+for the greater part of his time he occupied the right-hand rooms on the
+first floor of the first staircase, on the right as the visitor enters
+Canterbury gate. He was, alike in study and in conduct, a model
+undergraduate, and the great influence of his character and talents was
+used with manly resolution against the riotous conduct of the 'Tufts,'
+whose brutality caused the death of one of their number in 1831. We read
+this note in the correspondence of a friend: 'I heard from Gladstone
+yesterday; he says that the number of gentlemen commoners has increased,
+is increasing, and ought to be diminished.' Every one who has
+experienced the hubristic qualities of the Tufted race, and its
+satellites, will cordially sympathize with this sentiment of an orderly
+and industrious undergraduate. He was conspicuously moderate in the use
+of wine. His good example in this respect affected not only his
+contemporaries but also his successors at the university; men who
+followed him to Oxford ten years later found it still operative, and
+declare that undergraduates drank less in the forties, because Gladstone
+had been courageously abstemious in the thirties."
+
+But there were those who better estimated Gladstone's worth and looked
+approvingly upon his course, as "the blameless schoolboy became the
+blameless undergraduate; diligent, sober, regular alike in study and
+devotion, giving his whole energies to the duties of the place, and
+quietly abiding in the religious faith in which he had been trained.
+Bishop Charles Wordsworth said that no man of his standing in the
+university habitually read his Bible more or knew it better. Cardinal
+Manning described him walking in the university with his 'Bible and
+Prayer-book tucked under his arm.' ... He quitted Oxford with a
+religious belief still untinctured by Catholic theology. But the great
+change was not far distant, and he had already formed some of the
+friendships which, in their development were destined to effect so
+profoundly the course of his religious thought."
+
+In reference to the religious and political opinions and influences
+prevailing at Oxford, it may be remarked that the atmosphere of Oxford
+was calculated to strengthen Mr. Gladstone's conservative views, and did
+have this effect, and as English statesmen had not then learned to put
+their trust in the people, the cause of reform found few or no friends
+at the university, and he was among those hostile to it, and was known
+for his pronounced Tory and High Church opinions.
+
+He belonged to the famous debating society known as the Oxford Union,
+was a brilliant debater, and in 1831 was its secretary, and later its
+president. On various occasions he carried, by a majority of one only, a
+motion that the Wellington Administration was undeserving of the
+confidence of the country; he defended the results of the Catholic
+Emancipation; he opposed a motion for the removal of Jewish
+disabilities, and he persuaded 94 students out of 130 to condemn Earl
+Grey's Reform Bill as a measure "which threatened not only to change the
+form of government, but ultimately to break up the very foundation of
+social order." His last speech at Oxford was in support of his own
+amendment to a motion for the immediate emancipation of the slaves in
+the West Indies. On a certain occasion he entertained a party of
+students from Cambridge, consisting of Sir Francis Doyle, Monckton
+Milnes, Sunderland, and Arthur H. Hallam, who discussed among them the
+superiority of Shelley over Byron as a poet. The motion was opposed by
+one Oxonion, the late Cardinal Manning, but Shelley received 90 votes to
+33 for Byron.
+
+One who heard the debate on the Reform Bill says that "it converted
+Alston, the son of the member in Parliament for Hertford, who
+immediately on the conclusion of Gladstone's speech walked across from
+the Whig to the Tory side of the house, amidst loud acclamations."
+Another who was present writes, "Most of the speakers rose, more or
+less, above their usual level, but when Mr. Gladstone sat down we all of
+us felt that an epoch in our lives had occurred. It certainly was the
+finest speech of his that I ever heard." And Bishop Charles Wordsworth
+writes his experience of Mr. Gladstone at this time, "made me feel no
+less sure than of my own existence that Gladstone, our then
+Christ-Church undergraduate, would one day rise to be Prime Minister
+of England."
+
+In the spring of 1832 Mr. Gladstone quitted Oxford. In summing up
+results it may be said, in the language of Mr. Russell: "Among the
+purely intellectual effects produced on Mr. Gladstone by the discipline
+of Oxford, it is obvious to reckon an almost excessive exactness in the
+statement of propositions, a habit of rigorous definition, a microscopic
+care in the choice of words, and a tendency to analyze every sentiment
+and every phrase, and to distinguish with intense precaution between
+statements almost exactly similar. From Aristotle and Bishop Butler and
+Edmund Burke he learned the value of authority, the sacredness of law,
+the danger of laying rash and inconsiderate hands upon the ark of State.
+In the political atmosphere of Oxford he was taught to apply these
+principles to the civil events of his time, to dread innovation, to
+respect existing institutions, and to regard the Church and the Throne
+as inseparably associated by Divine ordinance."
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone's London Home]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+EARLY PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCES
+
+It is customary for the sons of gentlemen who graduate at Cambridge and
+Oxford to spend some time in travel on the continent upon the completion
+of their university studies. The custom was observed in Mr. Gladstone's
+early days even more than at the present. In accordance then with the
+prevailing usage he went abroad after graduating at Oxford. In the
+spring of 1832 he started on his travels and spent nearly the whole of
+the next six months in Italy, "learning the language, studying the art,
+and revelling in the natural beauties of that glorious land." In the
+following September, however, he was suddenly recalled to England to
+enter upon his first Parliamentary campaign.
+
+At Oxford Toryism prevailed, and was of the old-fashioned type, far
+removed from the utilitarian conservatism of the present day. Charles I
+was a saint and a martyr, the claims of rank and birth were admitted
+with a childlike simplicity, the high functions of government were the
+birthright of the few, and the people had nothing to do with the laws,
+except to obey them. Mr. Gladstone was a Tory. The political views he
+held upon leaving Oxford had much to do with his recall from abroad and
+his running for a seat in the House of Commons. Of these opinions held
+by him then, and afterwards repudiated, he, in a speech delivered at the
+opening of the Palmerston Club, Oxford, in December, 1878, says: "I
+trace in the education of Oxford of my own time one great defect.
+Perhaps it was my own fault; but I must admit that I did not learn, when
+at Oxford, that which I have learned since, viz., to set a due value on
+the imperishable and inestimable principles of human liberty. The temper
+which, I think, too much prevailed in academic circles, was that liberty
+was regarded with jealousy and fear, which could not be wholly dispensed
+with, but which was continually to be watched for fear of excess.... I
+think that the principle of the Conservative party is jealousy of
+liberty and of the people, only qualified by fear; but I think the
+policy of the Liberal party is trust in the people, only qualified by
+prudence. I can only assure you, gentlemen, that now I am in front of
+extended popular privileges. I have no fear of those enlargements of the
+Constitution that seem to be approaching. On the contrary, I hail them
+with desire. I am not in the least degree conscious that I have less
+reverence for antiquity, for the beautiful, and good, and glorious
+charges that our ancestors have handed down to us as a patrimony to our
+race, than I had in other days when I held other political opinions. I
+have learnt to set the true value upon human liberty, and in whatever I
+have changed, there, and there only, has been the explanation of
+the change."
+
+It was Mr. Gladstone's Tory principles that led to an invitation from
+the Duke of Newcastle, whose son, the Earl of Lincoln, afterwards a
+member of Lord Aberdeen's Cabinet during the Crimean War, had been his
+schoolmate at Eton and Oxford, and his intimate friend; to return to
+England and to contest the representation of Newark in Parliament. In
+accordance with this summons he hurried home.
+
+Let us review the national situation. It was a time of general alarm and
+uncertainty, from political unrest, commercial stagnation, and
+devastating pestilence. "The terrors of the time begat a hundred forms
+of strange fanaticism; and among men who were not fanatics there was a
+deep and wide conviction that national judgments were overtaking
+national sins, and that the only hope of safety for England lay in a
+return to that practical recognition of religion in the political sphere
+at the proudest moments of English history. 'The beginning and the end
+of what is the matter with us in these days,' wrote Carlyle, 'is that we
+have forgotten God.'"
+
+England was in a condition of great political excitement and expectancy.
+One of the greatest battles in Parliamentary history had just been
+fought and won by the people. The Reform Bill, which admitted large
+classes, hitherto unrepresented, to the right of citizenship, had
+passed, after a long struggle, during which law and order were defied
+and riots prevailed in various parts of the kingdom.
+
+The King clearly perceiving that the wish of the people could no longer
+be disregarded with safety, and heedless of the advice of the
+aristocracy, gave his assent to the measure. This bill, which became a
+law June 7, 1832, "transformed the whole of the Electoral arrangements
+of the United Kingdom." It was demanded that the King be present in the
+House of Lords to witness the ceremony of the subjugation of his crown
+and peers, as it was deemed, but the King, feeling he had yielded enough
+to the popular will, refused. Walpole, in his history, writes: "King and
+Queen sat sullenly apart in their palace. Peer and country gentleman
+moodily awaited the ruin of their country and the destruction of their
+property. Fanaticism still raved at the wickedness of a people; the
+people, clamoring for work, still succumbed before the mysterious
+disease which was continually claiming more and more victims. But the
+nation cared not for the sullenness of the Court, the forebodings of the
+landed classes, the ravings of the pulpit, or even the mysterious
+operations of a new plague. The deep gloom that had overshadowed the
+land had been relieved by one single ray. The victory had been won. The
+bill had become law."
+
+The first reformed House of Commons, after the passage of the terrible
+Reform Bill, met and was looked upon by some of the friends of Reform
+with fond hopes and expectations, and by others, the Tories, with fear
+and apprehension. The poor looked upon the Reform Bill as a measure for
+their redemption, and the landed proprietors regarded it as the first
+sign of departed national greatness. Both classes were disappointed. It
+neither revived business nor despoiled owners. The result was a surprise
+to politicians of both parties. The Reformers did not, as was
+anticipated, carry their extreme measures, and the Tories did not
+realize the great losses they expected. While the Ministry preserved its
+power and even obtained some victories in England and Scotland, it
+sustained serious defeats in Ireland. In England many earnest and
+popular friends of Reform were defeated in the election, and some
+counties, among them Bristol, Stamford, Hertford, Norwich and Newark,
+were pronounced against the Ministry.
+
+The Duke of Newcastle, who was one of the chief potentates of the high
+Tory party, and had lost his control of Newark in 1831, by the election
+of a Radical, was determined to regain it. He regarded it as his right
+to be represented in the House of Commons, or that Newark should elect
+whom he nominated. And he had propounded the memorable political maxim,
+"Have I not a right to do what I like with my own?" The Duke wanted a
+capable candidate to help him regain his ascendency. His son, Lord
+Lincoln, here came to his aid. He had heard the remarkable speech of his
+friend, Mr. Gladstone, in the Oxford Union, against the Reform Bill, and
+had written home regarding him, that "a man had uprisen in Israel." At
+his suggestion the Duke invited the young graduate of Oxford to run as
+the Tory candidate for a seat in Parliament from Newark. The wisdom of
+this selection for the accomplishment of the purpose in view, was fully
+demonstrated.
+
+[Illustration: The Lobby of the House of Commons]
+
+His personal appearance at this time may be thus described: He was
+somewhat robust. His youthful face bore none of those deep furrows which
+have rendered his countenance so remarkable in maturer years. But there
+was the same broad intellectual forehead, the massive nose, the same
+anxious eyes and the earnest enthusiasm of later years. His look was
+bright and thoughtful and his bearing attractive. He was handsome and
+possessed a most intelligent and expressive countenance. Says his
+biographer, Mr. Russell: "William Ewart Gladstone was now twenty-two
+years old, with a physical constitution of unequalled vigor, the
+prospect of ample fortune, great and varied knowledge, and a natural
+tendency to political theorization, and an inexhaustible copiousness and
+readiness of speech. In person he was striking and attractive, with
+strongly marked features, a pale complexion, abundance of dark hair and
+eyes of piercing lustre. People who judged only by his external aspect
+considered that he was delicate."
+
+Young Gladstone found two opponents contesting with him to represent
+Newark in Parliament, W.F. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, afterwards Lord
+Chancellor Truro. The latter was an advanced Liberal and had
+unsuccessfully contested the borough in 1829 and 1830, and had in
+consideration of his defeat received from his sympathetic friends a
+piece of plate inscribed: "By his ardent friends, the Blue electors of
+the borough, who by their exertions and sufferings in the cause of
+independence, largely conduced to awaken the attention of the nation to
+the necessity of Reform in Parliament. Upon this humble token of respect
+(contributed in the hour of defeat) the Blue electors of Newark inscribe
+their sense of the splendid ability, unwearied perseverance, and
+disinterested public spirit displayed by Sergeant Wilde in maintaining
+the two contests of 1829 and 1830, in order to emancipate the borough
+from political thraldoms, and restore to its inhabitants the free
+exercise of their long-lost rights." But Sergeant Wilde was more
+successful the following year, 1831, when the "Reform fever" was at its
+height, and defeated the Duke of Newcastle's nominee and became member
+of the House of Commons for the borough. These facts made the coming
+election, which followed the passage of the Reform Bill, of unusual
+interest, to those concerned, and the struggle would be of a close and
+determined character.
+
+Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest with his experienced, able and
+popular antagonist, with much against him, for he was young, unknown and
+untried; but his youth and personal appearance and manly bearing were in
+his favor, and these, with his eloquence and ready wit, gained for him
+many friends. His speeches demonstrated that he lacked neither
+arguments, nor words wherewith to clothe them. He needed, however, to
+call into requisition all his abilities, for Sergeant Wilde was a
+powerful antagonist, and had no thought of being displaced by his
+youthful opponent, "a political stripling," as he called him, without a
+desperate struggle. But Mr. Gladstone had behind him the ducal influence
+and the support of the Red Club, so he entered upon the contest with
+energy and enthusiasm.
+
+The young Tory's first election address was delivered upon this
+occasion. It was dated October 9th, 1832, was all such an address should
+be, and was addressed, "To the worthy and independent electors of the
+borough of Newark." It began by saying that he was bound in his opinions
+by no man and no party, but that he deprecated the growing unreasonable
+and indiscriminating desire for change then so common, but confessed
+that labor has a right to "receive adequate remuneration." On the
+question of human slavery, then greatly agitated, he remarked, "We are
+agreed that both the physical and the moral bondage of the slave are to
+be abolished. The question is as to the _order_, and the order only; now
+Scripture attacks the moral evil _before_ the corporal one, the corporal
+one _through_ the moral one, and I am content with the order which
+Scripture has established." He saw insurmountable obstacles against
+immediate emancipation, one of which was that the negro would exchange
+the evil now affecting him for greater ones--for a relapse into deeper
+debasement, if not for bloodshed and internal war.
+
+He therefore advocated a system of Christian education, to make the
+negro slaves fit for emancipation and to prepare them for freedom, Then,
+he argued, without bloodshed and the violation of property rights, and
+with unimpaired benefit to the negro, the desirable end might be reached
+in the utter extinction of slavery.
+
+Of this appropriate address, so important in the light of coming events,
+we quote two paragraphs in full. In speaking of existing evils and the
+remedies for them, he observed: "For the mitigation of these evils, we
+must, I think, look not only to particular measures, but to the
+restoration of sounder general principles. I mean especially that
+principle on which alone the incorporation of Religion with the State in
+our Constitution can be defended; that the duties of governors are
+strictly and peculiarly religious; and that legislatures, like
+individuals, are bound to carry throughout their acts the spirit of the
+high truths they have acknowledged. Principles are now arrayed against
+our institutions; and not by truckling nor by temporizing--not by
+oppression nor corruption--but by principles they must be met.
+
+"And now, gentlemen, as regards the enthusiasm with which you have
+rallied round your ancient flag, and welcomed the humble representative
+of those principles whose emblem it is, I trust that neither the lapse
+of time nor the seductions of prosperity can ever efface it from my
+memory. To my opponents, my acknowledgments are due for the good humor
+and kindness with which they have received me; and while I would thank
+my friends for their jealous and unwearied exertions in my favor, I
+briefly but emphatically assure them, that if promises be an adequate
+foundation of confidence, or experience a reasonable ground of
+calculation, our victory _is sure_"
+
+The new candidate for Parliamentary honors was "heckled," as it is
+called, at the hustings, or was interrupted continually while speaking,
+and questioned by his opponents as to the circumstances of his
+candidature, his father's connection with slavery, and his own views of
+capital punishment. From his first appearance in Newark, Mr. Gladstone
+had been subjected to these examinations and he stood the ordeal well
+and answered prudently. An instance of this is given. A Radical elector,
+Mr. Gillson, asked the young Tory candidate if he was the Duke of
+Newcastle's nominee, and was met by Mr. Gladstone demanding the
+questioner's definition of the term "nominee." Mr. Gillson replied that
+he meant a person sent by the Duke of Newcastle to be pushed down the
+throats of the voters whether they would or not. But Mr. Gladstone was
+equal to the occasion, and said according to that definition he was not
+the nominee of the Duke, but came to Newark by the invitation of the Red
+Club, than whom none were more respectable and intelligent.
+
+This same Red Club was Conservative, and promised to Mr. Gladstone, the
+thorough Conservative candidate, 650 votes, the whole number within its
+ranks. He also received the promise of 240 votes of other electors. This
+was known before the election, so that the result was confidently
+predicted. On the 11th of December, 1832, the "nomination" was held and
+the polling or election was held on the two following days, and Mr.
+Gladstone was chosen by a considerable majority, the votes being,
+Gladstone, 882; Handley, 793; Wilde, 719. Sergeant Wilde was defeated.
+
+During the public discussions before the election Mr. Gladstone was
+placed at a great disadvantage. There were three candidates to be heard
+from and his speech was to be the last in order. Sergeant Wilde made a
+very lengthy speech, which exhausted the patience of his hearers, who
+had already stood for nearly seven hours, and showed disinclination to
+listen to another three hours' address, which, from Mr. Gladstone's
+talents, they were far from thinking impossible. The Sergeant was
+condemned for occupying the attention of the electors for such an
+inordinate length of time, but this did not prevent a scene of
+outrageous noise and uproar when the Tory candidate rose to speak. The
+important topic was slavery, but Mr. Gladstone had not proceeded far
+when the hooting and hissing drowned his voice so that he found it
+impossible to proceed. When a show of hands was demanded it was declared
+in favor of Mr. Handley and Sergeant Wilde, but when the election came,
+it was Mr. Gladstone who triumphed, as has been seen, and who was sent
+to Parliament as the member from Newark.
+
+In speaking of the manner in which the Parliamentary elections are
+conducted, an English writer says: "Since 1832, few of those scenes of
+violence, and even of bloodshed, which formerly distinguished
+Parliamentary elections in many English boroughs, have been witnessed.
+Some of these lawless outbreaks were doubtless due to the unpopularity
+of the candidates forced upon the electors; but even in the largest
+towns--where territorial influence had little sway--riots occurred upon
+which we look back with doubtful amazement. Men holding strong political
+views have ceased to enforce those views by the aid of brickbats and
+other dangerous missiles. Yet at the beginning of the present century
+such arguments were very popular. And to the violence which prevailed
+was added the most unblushing bribery. Several boroughs, long notorious
+for extensive bribery, have since been disfranchised. The practice,
+however, extended to most towns in the kingdom, though it was not always
+carried on in the same open manner. By a long established custom, a
+voter at Hull received a donation of two guineas, or four for a
+plumper. In Liverpool men were openly paid for their votes; and Lord
+Cochrane stated in the House of Commons that, after his return for
+Honiton, he sent the town-crier round the borough to tell the voters to
+go to the chief banker for £10 10s. each. The great enlargement of the
+constituencies, secured by the Reform Bill of 1832, did much to put an
+end to this disgraceful condition of things; but to a wider political
+enlightenment also, some portion of the credit for such a result must be
+attributed."
+
+What the friends and foes of the new Tory member for Newark thought of
+his successful canvass and election, it is interesting to learn. When
+Mr. Gladstone entered upon the contest the question was frequently put,
+"Who is Mr. Gladstone?" And it was answered, "He is the son of the
+friend of Mr. Canning, the great Liverpool merchant. He is, we
+understand, not more than four or five and twenty, but he has won golden
+opinions from all sorts of people, and promises to be an ornament to the
+House of Commons." And a few days after his election he addressed a
+meeting of the Constitutional Club, at Nottingham, when a Conservative
+journal made the first prophecy as to his future great political fame,
+saying: "He will one day be classed amongst the most able statesmen in
+the British Senate." The impression his successful contest made upon the
+late friends of his school-days may be learned from the following: A
+short time before the election Arthur Hallam, writing of his friend,
+"the old _W.E.G._," says: "I shall be very glad if he gets in.... We
+want such a man as that. In some things he is likely to be obstinate and
+prejudiced; but he has a fine fund of high, chivalrous Tory sentiment,
+and a tongue, moreover, to let it loose with." And after the election he
+exclaims: "And Gladstone has turned out the Sergeant!... What a triumph
+for him. He has made his reputation by it; all that remains is to keep
+up to it."
+
+That one of Mr. Gladstone's Liberal opponents was impressed by his
+talent and character is shown by the following lines of "descriptive
+prophecy, perhaps more remarkable for good feeling than for
+good poetry:"
+
+     "Yet on one form, whose ear can ne'er refuse
+      The Muses' tribute, for he lov'd the Muse,
+     (And when the soul the gen'rous virtues raise,
+      A friendly Whig may chant a Tory's praise,)
+      Full many a fond expectant eye is bent
+      Where Newark's towers are mirror'd in the Trent.
+      Perchance ere long to shine in senates first,
+      If manhood echo what his youth rehears'd,
+      Soon Gladstone's brows will bloom with greener bays
+      Than twine the chaplet of the minstrel's lays;
+      Nor heed, while poring o'er each graver line,
+      The far, faint music of a flute like mine.
+      His was no head contentedly which press'd
+      The downy pillow in obedient rest,
+      Where lazy pilots, with their canvas furl'd,
+      Let up the Gades of their mental world;
+      His was no tongue which meanly stoop'd to wear
+      The guise of virtue, while his heart was bare;
+      But all he thought through ev'ry action ran;
+      God's noblest work--I've known one honest man."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke at Newark in company with his friend, the Earl of
+Lincoln, shortly after his election, when another favorable testimony
+was given, and his address spoken of as "a manly, eloquent speech,
+replete with sound constitutional sentiments, high moral feeling, and
+ability of the most distinguished order."
+
+In commenting upon the result of the election a representative of the
+press of Newark wrote: "We have been told there was no reaction against
+the Ministry, no reaction in favor of Conservative principles. The
+delusion has now vanished, and made room for sober reason and
+reflection. The shadow satisfies no longer, and the return of Mr.
+Gladstone, to the discomfiture of the learned Sergeant and his friends,
+has restored the town of Newark to the high rank which it formerly held
+in the estimation of the friends of order and good government. We
+venture to predict that the losing candidate in this contest has
+suffered so severely that he will never show his face in Newark on a
+similar occasion."
+
+But Mr. Gladstone had made bitter political enemies already, who were
+not at all reconciled to his election, nor pleased with him. That they
+were not at all slow to express unbecomingly their bitterness against
+him, because of their unexpected defeat, the following shows from the
+_Reflector_: "Mr. Gladstone is the son of Gladstone of Liverpool, a
+person who (we are speaking of the father) had amassed a large fortune
+by West India dealings. In other words, a great part of his gold has
+sprung from the blood of black slaves. Respecting the youth himself--a
+person fresh from college, and whose mind is as much like a sheet of
+white foolscap as possible--he was utterly unknown. He came recommended
+by no claim in the world _except the will of the Duke_. The Duke nodded
+unto Newark, and Newark sent back the man, or rather the boy of his
+choice. What! Is this to be, now that the Reform Bill has done its work?
+Are sixteen hundred men still to bow down to a wooden-headed lord, as
+the people of Egypt used to do to their beasts, to their reptiles, and
+their ropes of onions? There must be something wrong--something
+imperfect. What is it? What is wanting? Why, the Ballot! If there be a
+doubt of this (and we believe there is a doubt even amongst intelligent
+men) the tale of Newark must set the question at rest. Sergeant Wilde
+was met on his entry into the town by almost the whole population. He
+was greeted everywhere, cheered everywhere. He was received with delight
+by his friends and with good and earnest wishes for his success by his
+nominal foes. The voters for Gladstone went up to that candidate's booth
+(the slave-driver, as they called him) with Wilde's colors. People who
+had before voted for Wilde, on being asked to give their suffrage said,
+'We cannot, we dare not. We have lost half our business, and shall lose
+the rest if we go against the Duke. We would do anything in our power
+for Sergeant Wilde and for the cause, but we cannot starve!' Now what
+say ye, our merry men, touching the Ballot?"
+
+However Mr. Gladstone had won as we have seen the golden opinions of
+many, and the dreams of his more youthful days were realized when he was
+sent to represent the people in the House of Commons.
+
+On the 29th of January, 1833, the first Reformed Parliament met, and
+William E. Gladstone, as the member from Newark, took his seat for the
+first time in "an assembly which he was destined to adorn, delight and
+astonish for more than half a century, and over which for a great
+portion of that period, he was to wield an unequalled and a paramount
+authority." There were more than three hundred new members in the House
+of Commons. Lord Althorp led the Whigs, who were largely in the majority
+and the Tories constituted a compact minority under the skillful
+leadership of Sir Robert Peel, while the Irish members who were hostile
+to the ministry followed O'Connell. On the 5th of February the king
+attended and delivered the speech from the throne in person. This
+Parliamentary session was destined to become one of the most memorable
+in history for the importance of the subjects discussed and disposed of,
+among them the social condition of Ireland, the position of the Irish
+church, the discontent and misery of the poor in England, and slavery in
+the British colonies; and for the fact that it was the first Parliament
+in which William E. Gladstone sat and took part.
+
+There was no reference made to the subject of slavery in the speech from
+the throne, but the ministry resolved to consider it. Mr. Stanley, the
+Colonial Secretary, afterwards fourteenth Earl of Derby and Prime
+Minister, brought forth, May 14th, 1833, a series of resolutions in
+favor of the extinction of slavery in the British colonies. "All
+children of slaves, born after the passage of the Act, and all children
+of six years old and under, were declared free. But the rest of the
+slaves were to serve a sort of apprenticeship--three-fourths of their
+time was for a certain number of years to remain at the disposal of the
+masters; the other fourth was their own, to be paid for at a fixed rate
+of wages." The planters were to be duly compensated out of the national
+treasury.
+
+It was during the discussion of these resolutions that Mr. Gladstone
+made his maiden speech in Parliament. It was made in answer to what
+seemed a personal challenge by Lord Howick, Ex-Under Secretary for the
+colonies, who, opposing gradual emancipation, referred to an estate in
+Demerara, owned by Mr. Gladstone's father, for the purpose of showing
+that great destruction of life had taken place in the West Indies owing
+to the manner in which the slaves were worked. In reply to this Mr.
+Gladstone said that he would meet some of Lord Howick's statements with
+denials and others with explanations. He admitted that he had a
+pecuniary interest in it as a question of justice, of humanity, and of
+religion. The real cause of the decrease, he said, was owing, not to the
+increased cultivation of sugar, but to the very large proportion of
+Africans upon the estate. When it came into his father's possession it
+was so weak, owing to the large number of negroes upon it, that he was
+obliged to add two hundred more people to the gang. It was well known
+that negroes were imported into Demarara and Trinidad up to a later
+period than into any of the colonies; and he should at a proper time, be
+able to prove that the decrease on his father's plantation, Vreeden
+Hoop, was among the old Africans, and that there was an increase going
+on in the Creole population, which would be a sufficient answer to the
+charges preferred. The quantity of sugar produced was small compared to
+that produced on other estates. The cultivation of cotton in Demarara
+had been abandoned, and that of coffee much diminished, and the people
+engaged in these sources of production had been employed in the
+cultivation of sugar. Besides in Demarara the labor of the same number
+of negroes, distributed over the year, would produce in that colony a
+certain quantity of sugar with less injury to the people, than negroes
+could produce in other colonies, working only at the stated periods
+of crops.
+
+He was ready to concede that the cultivation was of a more injurious
+character than others; and he would ask, Were there not certain
+employments in other countries more destructive of life than others? He
+would only instance those of painting and working in lead mines, both of
+which were well known to have that tendency. The noble lord attempted to
+impugn the character of the gentleman acting as manager of his father's
+estates; and in making the selection he had surely been most
+unfortunate; for there was not a person in the colony more remarkable
+for humanity and the kind treatment of his slaves than Mr. Maclean. Mr.
+Gladstone, in concluding this able defense of his father, said, that he
+held in his hand two letters from Mr. Maclean, in which he spoke in the
+kindest terms of the negroes under his charge; described their state of
+happiness, content and healthiness--their good conduct and the
+infrequency of severe punishment--and recommended certain additional
+comforts, which he said the slaves well deserved.
+
+On the 3d of June, on the resumption of the debate on the abolition of
+slavery, Mr. Gladstone again addressed the House. He now entered more
+fully into the charges which Lord Howick had brought against the
+management of his father's estates in Demarara, and showed their
+groundlessness. When he had discussed the existing aspect of slavery in
+Trinidad, Jamaica and other places, he proceeded to deal with the
+general question. He confessed with shame and pain that cases of wanton
+cruelty had occurred in the colonies, but added that they would always
+exist, particularly under the system of slavery; and this was
+unquestionably a substantial reason why the British Legislature and
+public should set themselves in good earnest to provide for its
+extinction; but he maintained that these instances of cruelty could
+easily be explained by the West Indians, who represented them as rare
+and isolated cases, and who maintained that the ordinary relation of
+master and slave was one of kindliness and not of hostility. He
+deprecated cruelty, and he deprecated slavery, both of which were
+abhorrent to the nature of Englishmen; but, conceding these things, he
+asked, "Were not Englishmen to retain a right to their own honestly and
+legally-acquired property?" But the cruelty did not exist, and he saw no
+reason for the attack which had recently been made upon the West India
+interest. He hoped the House would make a point to adopt the principle
+of compensation, and to stimulate the slave to genuine and spontaneous
+industry. If this were not done, and moral instruction were not imparted
+to the slaves, liberty would prove a curse instead of a blessing to
+them. Touching upon the property question, and the proposed plans for
+emancipation, Mr. Gladstone said that the House might consume its time
+and exert its wisdom in devising these plans, but without the
+concurrence of the Colonial Legislatures success would be hopeless. He
+thought there was excessive wickedness in any violent interference under
+the present circumstances. They were still in the midst of unconcluded
+inquiries, and to pursue the measure then under discussion, at that
+moment, was to commit an act of great and unnecessary hostility toward
+the island of Jamaica. "It was the duty of the House to place as broad a
+distinction as possible between the idle and the industrious slaves, and
+nothing could be too strong to secure the freedom of the latter; but,
+with respect to the idle slaves, no period of emancipation could hasten
+their improvement. If the labors of the House should be conducted to a
+satisfactory issue, it would redound to the honor of the nation, and to
+the reputation of his Majesty's Ministers, whilst it would be delightful
+to the West India planters themselves--for they must feel that to hold
+in bondage their fellow-men must always involve the greatest
+responsibility. But let not any man think of carrying this measure by
+force. England rested her power not upon physical force, but upon her
+principles, her intellect and virtue; and if this great measure were not
+placed on a fair basis, or were conducted by violence, he should lament
+it, as a signal for the ruin of the Colonies and the downfall of the
+Empire." The attitude of Mr. Gladstone, as borne out by the tenor of his
+speech, was not one of hostility to emancipation, though he was
+undoubtedly unfavorable to an immediate and indiscriminate
+enfranchisement. He demanded, moreover, that the interests of the
+planters should be duly regarded.
+
+The result of the consideration of these resolutions in the House of
+Commons was that human slavery in the British Colonies was abolished,
+and the sum of twenty million pounds, or one hundred million dollars was
+voted to compensate the slave-owners for their losses. Thus was the
+work begun by Wilberforce finally crowned with success.
+
+It is an interesting question how Mr. Gladstone's first efforts in
+Parliament were received. Among his friends his speech was anticipated
+with lively interest. That morning he was riding in Hyde Park, on his
+gray Arabian mare, "his hat, narrow-brimmed, high up on the centre of
+his head, sustained by a crop of thick curly hair." He was pointed out
+to Lord Charles Russell by a passer-by who said, "That is Gladstone. He
+is to make his maiden speech to-night. It will be worth hearing."
+
+From the first he appears to have favorably impressed the members of the
+House. Modest in demeanor, earnest in manner, and fluent in speech, he
+at once commanded the respect and attention of his fellow-members.
+
+And here is a later testimony as to the early impression made upon his
+colleagues and contemporaries, when he was twenty-nine years of age,
+erroneously stated as thirty-five: "Mr. Gladstone, the member for
+Newark, is one of the most rising young men on the Tory side of the
+House. His party expect great things from him; and certainly, when it is
+remembered that his age is only thirty-five, the success of the
+Parliamentary efforts he has already made justifies their expectations.
+He is well informed on most of the subjects which usually occupy the
+attention of the Legislature; and he is happy in turning his
+information to good account. He is ready on all occasions, which he
+deems fitting ones, with a speech in favor of the policy advocated by
+the party with whom he acts. His extempore resources are ample. Few men
+in the House can improvise better. It does not appear to cost him an
+effort to speak.... He is a man of very considerable talent, but has
+nothing approaching to genius. His abilities are much more the result of
+an excellent education and of mature study than of any prodigality of
+nature in the distribution of her mental gifts. _I have no idea that he
+will ever acquire the reputation of a great statesman. His views are not
+sufficiently profound or enlarged for that; his celebrity in the House
+of Commons will chiefly depend on his readiness and dexterity as a
+debater, in conjunction with the excellence of his elocution, and the
+gracefulness of his manner when speaking_.... His style is polished, but
+has no appearance of the effect of previous preparation. He displays
+considerable acuteness in replying to an opponent; he is quick in his
+perception of anything vulnerable in the speech to which he replies, and
+happy in laying the weak point bare to the gaze of the House. He now and
+then indulges in sarcasm, which is, in most cases, very felicitous. He
+is plausible even when most in error. When it suits himself or his party
+he can apply himself with the strictest closeness to the real point at
+issue; when to evade the point is deemed most politic, no man can wander
+from it more widely."
+
+How far these estimates were true we leave to the reader to determine,
+after the perusal of his life, and in the light of subsequent events.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, after his maiden speech, took an active part in the
+business of the House during the remainder of the session of 1833. He
+spoke upon the question of bribery and corruption at Liverpool, and July
+8th made an elaborate speech on the Irish Church Temporalities Bill. The
+condition of Ireland was then, as now, one of the most urgent questions
+confronting the Ministry. Macaulay "solemnly declared that he would
+rather live in the midst of many civil wars that he had read of than in
+some parts of Ireland at this moment." Sydney Smith humorously described
+"those Irish Protestants whose shutters are bullet-proof; whose
+dinner-table is regularly spread out with knife, fork, and cocked
+pistol; salt-cellar and powder-flask; who sleep in sheet-iron nightcaps;
+who have fought so often and so nobly before their scullery-door, and
+defended the parlor passage as bravely as Leonidas defended the pass of
+Thermopylae." Crime was rife and to remedy the serious state of affairs
+a stringent Coercion Bill was introduced by the government. Mr.
+Gladstone voted silently for the bill which became a law.
+
+The other bill introduced was that upon the Irish Church, and proposed
+the reduction of the number of Protestant Episcopal Bishops in Ireland
+and the curtailment of the income of the Church. This bill Mr. Gladstone
+opposed in a speech, and he voted against it, but it was passed.
+
+It was in the following session that Mr. Hume introduced his
+"'Universities Admission Bill,' designed to enable Nonconformists of all
+kinds to enter the universities, by removing the necessity of
+subscribing to the thirty-nine articles at matriculation." In the debate
+that followed Mr. Gladstone soon gave evidence that he knew more about
+the subject than did the author of the bill. In speaking against the
+bill, he said in part, "The whole system of the university and of its
+colleges, both in study and in discipline, aimed at the formation of a
+moral character, and that aim could not be attained if every student
+were at liberty to exclude himself from the religious training of the
+place." And in reply to a remark made by Lord Palmerston in reference to
+the students going "from wine to prayers, and from prayers to wine," Mr.
+Gladstone replied, he did not believe that in their most convivial
+moments they were unfit to enter the house of prayer. This bill was
+also passed.
+
+It might have been expected that Mr. Gladstone's active participation in
+the debates in the House of Commons, and the practical ability and
+debating power he manifested would not escape the attention of the
+leaders of his party. But the recognition of his merit came sooner than
+could have been expected. It became evident, towards the close of 1834
+that the downfall of the Liberal Ministry was near at hand. Lord
+Althorp, who had kept the Liberals together, was transferred to the
+House of Lords, and the growing unpopularity of the Whigs did the rest.
+The Ministry under Lord Melbourne was dismissed by the king, and a new
+Cabinet formed by Sir Robert Peel. The new Premier offered Mr. Gladstone
+the office of Junior Lord of the Treasury, which was accepted.
+
+Truly has an eminent writer said: "When a Prime Minister in
+difficulties, looking about for men to fill the minor offices of his
+administration, sees among his supporters a clever and comely young man,
+eloquent in speech, ready in debate, with a safe seat, an ample fortune,
+a high reputation at the university, and a father who wields political
+influence in an important constituency, he sees a Junior Lord of the
+Treasury made ready to his hand."
+
+Appealing to his constituents at Newark, who, two years before, had sent
+him to Parliament, he was re-elected. Mr. Handley having retired,
+Sergeant Wilde was elected with Mr. Gladstone without opposition. Mr.
+Gladstone was "chaired," or drawn by horses through the town, seated on
+a chair, after the election, and then addressed the assembled people to
+the number of 6,000, his speech being received with "deafening cheers."
+
+Shortly after Parliament assembled, Mr. Gladstone was promoted to the
+office of Under-Secretary for the Colonies. His official chief was Lord
+Aberdeen, afterwards Prime Minister; and thus began a relation which was
+destined to greatly affect the destinies of both statesmen.
+
+Mr. Gladstone gave ample proof in his new office of his great abilities
+and untiring energies.
+
+In March he presented to the House his first bill, which was for the
+better regulation of the transportation of passengers in merchant
+vessels to the continent and to the Islands of North America. This bill,
+which contained many humane provisions, was very favorably received. The
+new Parliament, which met February 10, 1835, contained a considerable
+Liberal majority. The old House of Commons had been destroyed by fire
+during the recess, and the new Commons reassembled in the chamber which
+had been the House of Lords, and for the first time there was a gallery
+for reporters in the House.
+
+"A standing order still existed, which forbade the publication of the
+debates, but the reporters' gallery was a formal and visible recognition
+of the people's right to know what their representatives were doing in
+their name." However, the new Ministry was but short-lived, for Sir
+Robert Peel resigned April 8th, and Mr. Gladstone retired with
+his chief.
+
+Mr. Gladstone spent the days of his retirement from ministerial office
+partly in study, and partly in recreation. Being free to follow the bent
+of his own inclinations, he ordered his life according to his own
+ideals. He lived in chambers at the Albany, pursued the same steady
+course of work, proper recreation and systematic devotion, which he had
+marked out at Oxford. He freely went into society, dined out frequently,
+and took part in musical parties, much to the edification of his friends
+who were charmed with the beauty and cultivation of his rich baritone.
+His friend Monckton Milnes had established himself in London and
+collected around him a society of young men, interested in politics and
+religion, and whom he entertained Sunday evenings. But this arrangement
+"unfortunately," as Mr. Milnes said, excluded from these gatherings the
+more serious members, such as Acland and Gladstone. Mr. Milnes expressed
+his opinion of such self-exclusion in these words: "I really think when
+people keep Friday as a fast, they might make a feast of Sunday." But
+Mr. Gladstone evidently was not of this opinion, and remained away from
+these Lord's Day parties. However at other times he met his friends, and
+received them at his own rooms in the Albany, and on one memorable
+occasion entertained Wordsworth at breakfast and a few admirers of this
+distinguished guest.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's relaxations were occasional, and the most of his time
+was devoted to his Parliamentary duties and study. His constant
+companions were Homer and Dante, and he at this time, it is recorded,
+read the whole of St. Augustine, in twenty-two octavo volumes. He was a
+constant attendant upon public worship at St. James', Piccadilly, and
+Margaret Chapel, and a careful critic of sermons. At the same time he
+diligently applied himself to the work of a private member of the House
+of Commons, working on committees and taking constant part in debate.
+
+In 1836 the question of slavery again came up before Parliament. This
+time the question was as to the working of the system of negro
+apprenticeship, which had taken the place of slavery. It was asserted
+that the system was only slavery under another name. He warmly and ably
+defended again the West Indian planters. He pleaded that many of the
+planters were humane men, and defended also the honor of his relatives
+connected with the traffic so much denounced, when it was assailed. He
+contended that while the evils of the system had been exaggerated, all
+mention of its advantages had been carefully withheld. The condition of
+the negroes was improving. He deprecated the attempt made to renew and
+perpetuate the system of agitation at the expense of candor and truth.
+He also at this time spoke on support of authority and order in the
+government of Canada, and on Church Rates, dwelling upon the necessity
+of national religion to the security of a state. Mr. Gladstone was not
+only a Tory but a High Churchman.
+
+King William IV died June 20, 1837, and was succeeded by Queen Victoria.
+A general election ensued. The Parliament, which had been prorogued by
+the young queen in person, was dissolved on the 17th of July. Mr.
+Gladstone, without his consent, was nominated to represent Manchester in
+the House, but was re-elected for Newark without opposition. He then
+turned his steps towards Scotland, "to see what grouse he could persuade
+into his bag." The new Parliament met October 20th, but no business of
+importance came before it until after the Christmas holidays.
+
+In 1838 a bill was presented in both Houses of Parliament for the
+immediate abolition of negro apprenticeship. Many harrowing details of
+the cruelties practiced were cited. Mr. Gladstone returned to the
+championship of the planters with increased power and success. His long,
+eloquent and powerful speech of March 30th, although on the unpopular
+side of the question, is regarded as having so greatly enhanced his
+reputation as to bring him to the front rank among Parliamentary
+debaters. Having impassionately defended the planters from the
+exaggerated charges made against them, he further said: "You consumed
+forty-five millions of pounds of cotton in 1837 which proceeded from
+free labor; and, proceeding from slave labor, three hundred and eighteen
+millions of pounds! And this, while the vast regions of India afford the
+means of obtaining at a cheaper rate, and by a slight original outlay,
+to facilitate transport, all that you can require. If, Sir, the
+complaints against the general body of the West Indians had been
+substantiated, I should have deemed it an unworthy artifice to attempt
+diverting the attention of the House from the question immediately at
+issue, by merely proving that delinquencies existed in other quarters;
+but feeling as I do that those charges have been overthrown in debate, I
+think myself entitled and bound to show how capricious are the honorable
+gentlemen in the distribution of their sympathies among those different
+objects which call for their application."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, "having turned the tables upon his opponents," concluded
+by demanding justice, and the motion before the House was rejected.
+
+About one month later Rev. Samuel Wilberforce, afterwards Bishop of
+Oxford, and of Winchester, wrote to Mr. Gladstone: "It would be an
+affectation in you, which you are above, not to know that few young men
+have the weight you have in the House of Commons, and are gaining
+rapidly throughout the country. Now I do not wish to urge you to
+consider this as a talent for the use of which you must render an
+account, for so I know you do esteem it, but what I want to urge upon
+you is that you should calmly look far before you; see the degree of
+weight and influence to which you may fairly, if God spares your life
+and powers, look forward in future years, and thus act _now_ with a view
+to _then_. There is no height to which you may not fairly rise in this
+country. If it pleases God to spare us violent convulsions and the loss
+of our liberties, you may at a future day wield the whole government of
+this land; and if this should be so, of what extreme moment will your
+_past steps_ then be to the real usefulness of your high station....
+Almost all our public men act from the merest expediency.... I would
+have you view yourself as one who may become the head of all the better
+feelings of this country, the maintainer of its Church and of its
+liberties, and who must now be fitting himself for this high
+vocation.... I think my father's life so beautifully shows that a deep
+and increasing personal religion must be the root of that firm and
+unwearied consistency in right, which I have ventured thus to press
+upon you."
+
+Mr. Gladstone began his Parliamentary life as a Tory. Later he developed
+into a Liberal, a Radical, and yet there is not one who conscientiously
+doubts his utter honesty. His life has been that of his
+century--progressive, liberal, humanitarian in its trend.
+
+[Illustration: Grattan]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+BOOK ON CHURCH AND STATE
+
+We have now followed Mr. Gladstone in his course until well on the way
+in his political career, and yet he is but twenty-eight years of age.
+His personal appearance in the House of Commons at this early stage of
+his Parliamentary life is thus described: "Mr. Gladstone's appearance
+and manners are much in his favor. He is a fine looking man. He is about
+the usual height and of good figure. His countenance is mild and
+pleasant, and has a highly intellectual expression. His eyes are clear
+and quick. His eyebrows are dark and rather prominent. There is not a
+dandy in the House but envies what Truefit would call his 'fine head of
+jet-black hair.' It is always carefully parted from the crown downwards
+to his brow, where it is tastefully shaded. His features are small and
+regular, and his complexion must be a very unworthy witness if he does
+not possess an abundant stock of health.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's gesture is varied, but not violent. When he rises he
+generally puts both his hands behind his back, and having there suffered
+them to embrace each other for a short time, he unclasps them and allows
+them to drop on either side. They are not permitted to remain long in
+that locality before you see them, again closed together and hanging
+down before him. Their reunion is not suffered to last for any length of
+time, Again a separation takes place, and now the right hand is seen
+moving up and down before him. Having thus exercised it a little, he
+thrusts it into the pocket of his coat, and then orders the left hand to
+follow its example. Having granted them a momentary repose there, they
+are again put into gentle motion, and in a few seconds they are seen
+reposing _vis-a-vis_ on his breast. He moves his face and body from one
+direction to another, not forgetting to bestow a liberal share of his
+attention on his own party. He is always listened to with much attention
+by the House, and appears to be highly respected by men of all parties.
+He is a man of good business habits; of this he furnished abundant proof
+when Under-Secretary for the Colonies, during the short-lived
+administration of Robert Peel."
+
+From this pen picture and other like notices of Mr. Gladstone he must,
+at that time, have attained great distinction and attracted a good deal
+of attention for one so young, and from that day to this he has
+commanded the attention not only of the British Senate and people, but
+of the world at large. And why? may we ask, unless because of his modest
+manner and distinguished services, his exalted ability and moral worth.
+
+"The House of Commons was his ground," writes Justin McCarthy. "There he
+was always seen to the best advantage."
+
+Nevertheless, Mr. Gladstone wrote with the same earnestness and ability
+with which he spoke. It was early in life that he distinguished himself
+as an author, as well as an orator and debater in the House of Commons.
+And it was most natural for him to write upon the subject of the Church,
+for not only his education led him to the consideration of such themes,
+but it was within his sphere as an English statesman, for the law of the
+land provided for the union of the Church and State. It was in 1838,
+when he was not thirty years of age, that he wrote his first book and
+stepped at once to the front rank as an author. He had ever been a
+staunch defender of the Established Church and his first appearance in
+literature was by a remarkable work in defense of the State Church
+entitled, "The State in its Relations with the Church." The treatise is
+thus dedicated: "Inscribed to the University of Oxford, tried and not
+found wanting through the vicissitudes of a thousand years; in the
+belief that she is providentially designed to be a fountain of
+blessings, spiritual, social and intellectual, to this and other
+countries, to present and future times; and in the hope that the temper
+of these pages may be found not alien from her own."
+
+This first published book of Mr. Gladstone's was due to the perception
+that the _status_ of the Church, in its connection with the secular
+power, was about to undergo the severe assaults of the opponents of the
+Union. There was growing opposition to the recognition of the Episcopal
+Church as the Church of the State and to taxation of people of other
+religious beliefs for its support; and this objection was to the
+recognition and support of any Church by the State. What is called the
+"American idea"--the entire separation of the Church and State--or as
+enunciated first by Roger Williams in 1636, in Rhode Island, that the
+magistrate should have authority in civil affairs only, was becoming
+more and more the doctrine of dissenters. Preparations were already
+being made for attacking the national establishment of religion, and
+with all the fervor springing from conviction and a deep-seated
+enthusiasm, he came forward to take part in the controversy on Church
+and State, and as a defender of the Established or Episcopal Church
+of England.
+
+Some of the positions assumed in this work have since been renounced as
+untenable, but its ability as a whole, its breadth and its learning
+could not be denied. It then created a great sensation, and has since
+been widely discussed. After an examination and a defense of the theory
+of the connection between Church and State, Mr. Gladstone thus
+summarizes his principal reasons for the maintenance of the Church
+establishment:
+
+"Because the Government stands with us in a paternal relation to the
+people, and is bound in all things not merely to consider their existing
+tastes, but the capabilities and ways of their improvement; because it
+has both an intrinsic competency and external means to amend and assist
+their choice; because to be in accordance with God's mind and will, it
+must have a religion, and because to be in accordance with its
+conscience, that religion must be the truth, as held by it under the
+most solemn and accumulated responsibilities; because this is the only
+sanctifying and preserving principle of society, as well as to the
+individual, that particular benefit, without which all others are worse
+than valueless; we must, therefore, disregard the din of political
+contention and the pressure of novelty and momentary motives, and in
+behalf of our regard to man, as well as of our allegiance to God,
+maintain among ourselves, where happily it still exists, the union
+between the Church and the State."
+
+Dr. Russell in the following quotation not only accounts for this
+production from the pen, of Mr. Gladstone, but gives also an outline of
+the argument:
+
+"Naturally and profoundly religious ... Mr. Gladstone conceived that
+those who professed the warmest regard for the Church of England and
+posed as her most strenuous defenders, were inclined to base their
+championship on mistaken grounds and to direct their efforts towards
+even mischievous ends. To supply a more reasonable basis for action and
+to lead this energy into more profitable channels were the objects which
+he proposed to himself in his treatise of 1838. The distinctive
+principle of the book was that the State had a conscience. This being
+admitted, the issue was this: whether the State in its best condition,
+has such a conscience as can take cognizance of religious truth and
+error, and in particular whether the State of the United Kingdom at that
+time was, or was not, so far in that condition as to be under an
+obligation to give an active and an exclusive support to the established
+religion of the country.
+
+"The work attempted to survey the actual state of the relations between
+the State and the Church; to show from history the ground which had been
+defined for the National Church at the Reformation; and to inquire and
+determine whether the existing state of things was worth preserving and
+defending against encroachment from whatever quarter. This question it
+decided emphatically in the affirmative. Faithful to logic and to its
+theory, the book did not shrink from applying them to the external case
+of the Irish Church. It did not disguise the difficulties of the case,
+for the author was alive to the paradox which it involved. But the one
+master idea of the system, that the State as it then stood was capable
+in this age, as it had been in ages long gone by, of assuming
+beneficially a responsibility for the inculcation of a particular
+religion, carried him through all. His doctrine was that the Church, as
+established by law, was to be maintained for its truth; that this was
+the only principle in which it could be properly and permanently upheld;
+that this principle, if good in England, was good also for Ireland; that
+truth is of all possessions the most precious to the soul of man; and
+that to remove this priceless treasure from the view and the reach of
+the Irish people would be meanly to purchase their momentary favor at
+the expense of their permanent interests, and would be a high offense
+against our own sacred obligations."
+
+We quote also from the opening chapter of the second volume of this
+work, which treats of the connection subsisting between the State of the
+United Kingdom and the Church of England and Ireland, and shows Mr.
+Gladstone's views at that period of his life upon the relations of the
+Church as affecting Ireland in particular. The passage also indicates
+the changes that have taken place in his mind since the time when he
+defended these principles. It also shows the style in which this
+remarkable book was written and enables us to compare, not only his
+opinions now and then, but his style in writing then with his style now.
+
+"The Protestant legislature of the British Empire maintains in the
+possession of the Church property of Ireland the ministers of a creed
+professed, according to the parliamentary enumeration, of 1835, by
+one-ninth of its population, regarded with partial favor by scarcely
+another ninth, and disowned by the remaining seven. And not only does
+this anomaly meet us full in view, but we have also to consider and
+digest the fact, that the maintenance of this Church for near three
+centuries in Ireland has been contemporaneous with a system of partial
+and abusive government, varying in degree of culpability, but rarely,
+until of later years, when we have been forced to look at the subject
+and to feel it, to be exempted in common fairness from the reproach of
+gross inattention (to say the very least) to the interests of a noble
+but neglected people.
+
+"But, however formidable at first sight the admissions, which I have no
+desire to narrow or to qualify, may appear, they in no way shake the
+foregoing arguments. They do not change the nature of truth and her
+capability and destiny to benefit mankind. They do not relieve
+Government of its responsibility, if they show that that responsibility
+was once unfelt and unsatisfied. They place the legislature of the
+country in the condition, as it were, of one called to do penance for
+past offences; but duty remains unaltered and imperative, and abates
+nothing of her demand on our services. It is undoubtedly competent, in a
+constitutional view, to the Government of this country to continue the
+present disposition of Church property in Ireland. It appears not too
+much to assume that our imperial legislature has been qualified to take,
+and has taken in point of fact, a sounder view of religious truth than
+the majority of the people of Ireland in their destitute and
+uninstructed state. We believe, accordingly, that that which we place
+before them is, whether they know it or not, calculated to be beneficial
+to them; and that if they know it not now, they will know it when it is
+presented to them fairly. Shall we, then, purchase their applause at the
+expense of their substantial, nay, their spiritual interests?
+
+"It does, indeed, so happen that there are powerful motives on the other
+side concurring with that which has here been represented as paramount.
+In the first instance we are not called upon to establish a creed, but
+only to maintain an existing legal settlement, when our constitutional
+right is undoubted. In the second, political considerations tend
+strongly to recommend that maintenance. A common form of faith binds the
+Irish Protestants to ourselves, while they, upon the other hand, are
+fast linked to Ireland; and thus they supply the most natural bond of
+connection between the countries. But if England, by overthrowing their
+Church, should weaken their moral position, they would be no longer
+able, perhaps no longer willing, to counteract the desires of the
+majority tending, under the direction of their leaders (however, by a
+wise policy, revocable from that fatal course) to what is termed
+national independence. Pride and fear, on the one hand, are therefore
+bearing up against more immediate apprehension and difficulty on the
+other. And with some men these may be the fundamental considerations;
+but it may be doubted whether such men will not flinch in some stage of
+the contest, should its aspect at any moment become unfavorable."
+
+Of course the opponents of Mr. Gladstone's views, as set forth in his
+book, strongly combated his theories. They replied that "the taxation of
+the State is equal upon all persons, and has for its object their
+individual, social and political welfare and safety; but that the
+taxation of one man for the support of his neighbor's religion does not
+come within the limits of such taxation, and is, in fact, unjust and
+inequitable."
+
+It was no easy task for Mr. Gladstone, with all his parliamentary
+duties, to aspire to authorship, and carry his book through the press.
+In preparing for publication he passed through all the agonies of the
+author, but was nobly helped by his friend, James R. Hope, who
+afterwards became Mr. Hope-Scott, Q.C., who read and criticised his
+manuscript and saw the sheets through the press. Some of the letters
+from the young Defender of the Faith to his friend contain much that is
+worth preserving. We give some extracts.
+
+He writes: "If you let them lie just as they are, turning the leaves one
+by one, I think you will not find the manuscript very hard to make out,
+though it is strangely cut in pieces and patched.
+
+"I hope its general tendency will meet with your approval; but a point
+about which I am in doubt, and to which I request your particular
+attention, is, whether the work or some of the chapters are not so
+deficient in clearness and arrangement as to require being absolutely
+rewritten before they can with propriety be published.... Between my
+eyes and my business I fear it would be hard for me to re-write, but if
+I could put it into the hands of any other person who could, and who
+would extract from my papers anything worth having, that might do.
+
+"As regards myself, if I go on and publish, I shall be quite prepared to
+find some persons surprised, but this, if it should prove so, cannot be
+helped. I shall not knowingly exaggerate anything; and when a man
+expects to be washed overboard he must tie himself with a rope to
+the mast.
+
+"I shall trust to your friendship for frankness in the discharge of your
+irksome task. Pray make verbal corrections without scruple where they
+are needed."
+
+Again: "I thank you most cordially for your remarks, and I rejoice to
+find you act so entirely in the spirit I had anticipated. I trust you
+will continue to speak with freedom, which is the best compliment as
+well as the best service you can render me.
+
+"I think it very probable that you may find that V and VI require quite
+as rigorous treatment as II, and I am very desirous to set both my mind
+and eyes at liberty before I go to the Continent, which I can now hardly
+expect to do before the first week in September. This interval I trust
+would suffice unless you find that the other chapters stand in
+equal need.
+
+"I entirely concur with your view regarding the necessity of care and of
+not grudging labor in a matter so important and so responsible as an
+endeavor to raise one of the most momentous controversies which has
+ever agitated human opinion,"
+
+Again: "Thanks for your letter. I have been pretty hard at work, and
+have done a good deal, especially on V. Something yet remains. I must
+make inquiry about the law of excommunication.... I have made a very
+stupid classification, and have now amended it; instead of faith,
+discipline and practice, what I meant was the rule of faith, discipline,
+and the bearing of particular doctrines upon practice.
+
+"I send back also I and II that you may see what I have done."
+
+The work was successfully issued in the autumn of 1838, and passed
+rapidly through three editions. How it was received it would be
+interesting to inquire. While his friends applauded, even his opponents
+testified to the ability it displayed. On the authority of Lord
+Houghton, it is said that Sir Robert Peel, the young author's political
+leader, on receiving a copy as a gift from his follower, read it with
+scornful curiosity, and, throwing it on the floor, exclaimed with truly
+official horror: "With such a career before him, why should he write
+books? That young man will ruin his fine political career if he persists
+in writing trash like this." However, others gave the book a heartier
+reception. Crabb Robinson writes in his diary: "I went to Wordsworth
+this forenoon. He was ill in bed. I read Gladstone's book to him."
+
+December 13, 1838, Baron Bunsen wrote: "Last night at eleven, when I
+came from the Duke, Gladstone's book was lying on my table, having come
+out at seven o'clock. It is a book of the time, a great event--the first
+book since Burke that goes to the bottom of the vital question; far
+above his party and his time. I sat up till after midnight, and this
+morning I continued until I had read the whole. Gladstone is the first
+man in England as to intellectual power, and he has heard higher tones
+than any one else in the land." And again to Dr. Arnold he writes in
+high praise of the book, but lamenting its author's entanglement in
+Tractarian traditions, adds: "His genius will soon free itself entirely
+and fly towards Heaven with its own wings."
+
+Sir Henry Taylor wrote to the Poet Southey: "I am reading Gladstone's
+book, which I shall send you if he has not.... His party begin to think
+of him as the man who will one day be at their head and at the head of
+the government, and certainly no man of his standing has yet appeared
+who seems likely to stand in his way. Two wants, however, may lie across
+his political career--want of robust health and want of flexibility."
+
+Cardinal Newman wrote: "Gladstone's book, as you see, is making a
+sensation." And again: "The _Times_ is again at poor Gladstone. Really I
+feel as if I could do anything for him. I have not read his book, but
+its consequences speak for it. Poor fellow! it is so noble a thing."
+
+Lord Macaulay, in the _Edinburgh Review_, April, 1839, in his well-known
+searching criticism, while paying high tribute to the author's talents
+and character, said: "We believe that we do him no more than justice
+when we say that his abilities and demeanor have obtained for him the
+respect and good will of all parties.... That a young politician should,
+in the intervals afforded by his Parliamentary avocations, have
+constructed and propounded, with much study and mental toil, an original
+theory, on a great problem in politics, is a circumstance which,
+abstracted from all considerations of the soundness or unsoundness of
+his opinions, must be considered as highly creditable to him. We
+certainly cannot wish that Mr. Gladstone's doctrine may become
+fashionable among public men. But we heartily wish that his laudable
+desire to penetrate beneath the surface of questions, and to arrive, by
+long and intent meditation, at the knowledge of great general laws, were
+much more fashionable than we at all expect it to become."
+
+It was in this article, by Lord Macaulay, that the mow famous words
+occurred which former Conservative friends of Mr. Gladstone delight to
+recall in view of his change of political opinions: "The writer of this
+volume is a young man of unblemished character and of distinguished
+parliamentary talents; the rising hope of those stern and unbending
+Tories who follow, reluctantly and cautiously, a leader whose experience
+and eloquence are indispensable to them, but whose cautious temper and
+moderate opinions they abhor. It would not be strange if Mr. Gladstone
+were one of the most unpopular men in England."
+
+Higginson writes: "The hope of the stern and unbending Tories has for
+years been the unquestioned leader of English Liberals, and though he
+may have been at times as unpopular as Macaulay could have predicted,
+the hostility has come mainly from the ranks of those who were thus
+early named as his friends. But whatever may have been Mr. Gladstone's
+opinions or affiliations, whoever may have been his friends or foes, the
+credit of surpassing ability has always been his."
+
+It was remarked by Lord Macaulay that the entire theory of Mr.
+Gladstone's book rested upon one great fundamental proposition, namely,
+that the propagation of religious truth is one of the chief ends of
+government _as_ government; and he proceeded to combat this doctrine. He
+granted that government was designed to protect our persons and our
+property, but declined to receive the doctrine of paternal government,
+until a government be shown that loved its subjects, as a father loves
+his child, and was as superior in intelligence to its subjects as a
+father was to his children. Lord Macaulay then demonstrated, by
+appropriate illustrations, the fallacy of the theory that every society
+of individuals with any power whatever, is under obligation as such
+society to profess a religion; and that there could be unity of action
+in large bodies without unity of religious views. Persecutions would
+naturally follow, or be justifiable in an association where Mr.
+Gladstone's views were paramount. It would be impossible to conceive of
+the circumstances in which it would be right to establish by law, as the
+one exclusive religion of the State, the religion of the minority. The
+religious teaching which the sovereign ought officially to countenance
+and maintain is that from which he, in his conscience, believes that the
+people will receive the most benefit with the smallest mixture of evil.
+It is not necessarily his own religious belief that he will select. He
+may prefer the doctrines of the Church of England to those of the Church
+of Scotland, but he would not force the former upon the inhabitants of
+Scotland. The critic raised no objections, though he goes on to state
+the conditions under which an established Church might be retained with
+advantage. There are many institutions which, being set up, ought not
+to be rudely pulled down. On the 14th of June, 1839, the question of
+National Education was introduced in the House of Commons by the
+Ministry of the day. Lord Stanley opposed the proposal of the government
+in a powerful speech, and offered an amendment to this effect: "That an
+address be presented to her Majesty to rescind the order in council for
+constituting the proposed Board of Privy Council." The position of the
+government was defended by Lord Morpeth, who, while he held his own
+views respecting the doctrines of the Roman Catholics and also
+respecting Unitarian tenets, he maintained that as long as the State
+thought it proper to employ Roman Catholic sinews, and to finger
+Unitarian gold, it could not refuse to extend to those by whom it so
+profited the blessings of education. Speeches were also made by Lord
+Ashley, Mr. Buller, Mr. O'Connell and others, and in the course of
+debate reference was freely made to Mr. Gladstone's book on Church and
+State. Finally Mr. Gladstone rose and remarked, that he would not flinch
+from a word he had uttered or written upon religious subjects, and
+claimed the right to contrast his principles, and to try results, in
+comparison with those professed by Lord John Russell, and to ascertain
+the effects of both upon the institutions of the country, so far as they
+operated upon the Established Church in England, in Scotland and in
+Ireland. It was at this time that a very remarkable scene was witnessed
+in the House. Turning upon Mr. O'Connell, who had expressed his great
+fondness for statistics, Mr. Gladstone said the use he had made of them
+reminded him of an observation of Mr. Canning's, "He had a great
+aversion to hear of a fact in debate, but what he most distrusted was a
+figure." He then proceeded to show the inadequacy of the figures
+presented by Mr. O'Connell. In reply to Lord Morpeth's declaration
+concerning the duty of the State to provide education for Dissenters so
+long as it fingered their gold, Mr. Gladstone said that if the State was
+to be regarded as having no other functions than that of representing
+the mere will of the people as to religious tenets, he admitted the
+truth of his principle, but not that the State could have a conscience.
+It was not his habit to revile religion in any form, but he asked what
+ground there was for restricting his lordship's reasoning to
+Christianity. He referred to the position held by the Jews upon this
+educational question, and read to the House an extract from a recent
+petition as follows: "Your petitioners feel the deepest gratitude for
+the expression of her Majesty's most gracious wish that the youth of the
+country should be religiously brought up, and the rights of conscience
+respected, while they earnestly hope that the education of the people,
+Jewish and Christian, will be sedulously connected with a due regard to
+the Holy Scriptures."
+
+Mr. Gladstone very pertinently asked how the education of the Jewish
+people, who considered the New Testament an imposture, was "to be
+sedulously connected with a due regard to the Holy Scriptures," which
+consisted of the Old and New Testaments? To oblige the Jewish children
+to read the latter would be directly contrary to the views of the
+gentlemen on the other side of the House. He would have no child forced
+to do so, but he protested against paying money from the treasury of the
+State to men whose business it was to inculcate erroneous doctrines. The
+debate was concluded, and the government carried its motion by a very
+small majority. Two years later, when the Jews' Civil Disabilities Bill
+was before Parliament, Mr. Gladstone again took the unpopular side in
+the debate and opposed the Bill, which was carried in the House of
+Commons but defeated in the House of Lords.
+
+Mr. Gladstone published, in 1840, another work, entitled "Church
+Principles Considered in their Results." It was supplementary to his
+former book in defense of Church and State, and was written "beneath the
+shades of Hagley," the house of Lord and Lady Lyttelton, and dedicated
+"in token of sincere affection" to the author's life-long friend and
+relative, Lord Lyttelton. He dwelt upon the leading moral
+characteristics of the English Episcopal Church, their intrinsic value
+and their adaptation to the circumstances of the times, and defined
+these characteristics to be the doctrine of the visibility of the
+Church, the apostolic succession in the ministry, the authority of the
+Church in matters of faith and the truths symbolized in the sacraments.
+
+In one chapter he strongly attacks Rationalism as a reference of the
+gospel to the depraved standard of the actual human natures and by no
+means to its understanding properly so called, as its measure and
+criterion. He says: "That therefore to rely upon the understanding,
+misinformed as it is by depraved affections, as our adequate instructor
+in matters of religion, is most highly irrational." Nevertheless, "the
+understanding has a great function in religion and is a medium to the
+affections, and may even correct their particular impulses."
+
+In reference to the question of the reconversion of England to
+Catholicism, earnestly desired by some, Mr. Gladstone forcibly remarked:
+"England, which with ill grace and ceaseless efforts at remonstrance,
+endured the yoke when Rome was in her zenith, and when her powers were
+but here and there evoked; will the same England, afraid of the truth
+which she has vindicated, or even with the license which has mingled
+like a weed with its growth, recur to that system in its decrepitude
+which she repudiated in its vigor?" If the Church of England ever lost
+her power, it would never be by submission to Rome, "but by that
+principle of religions insubordination and self-dependence which, if it
+refuse her tempered rule and succeed in its overthrow, will much more
+surely refuse and much more easily succeed in resisting the
+unequivocally arbitrary impositions of the Roman scheme." Here is the
+key-note of many of Mr. Gladstone's utterances in after years against
+the pretentious and aspirations of Rome. The defense of the English
+Church and its principles and opposition to the Church of Rome have been
+unchanging features in Mr. Gladstone's religious course. But, in the
+light of these early utterances, some have criticised severely that
+legislative act, carried through by him in later years, by which the
+Disestablishment of the Irish Church was effected. How could the author
+of "The State in its Relations with the Church" become the destroyer of
+the fabric of the Irish Church?
+
+To meet these charges of inconsistency Mr. Gladstone issued, in 1868, "A
+Chapter of Autobiography." The author's motives in putting forth this
+chapter of autobiography were two--first, there was "the great and
+glaring change" in his course of action with respect to the Established
+Church of Ireland, which was not due to the eccentricity or perversion
+of an individual mind, but to the silent changes going on at the very
+basis of modern society. Secondly, there was danger that a great cause
+then in progress might suffer in point of credit, if not of energy and
+rapidity, from the real or supposed delinquencies of the author.
+
+He stated that "The author had upheld the doctrine that the Church was
+to be maintained for its truth, and that if the principle was good for
+England it was good for Ireland too. But he denied that he had ever
+propounded the maxim _simpliciter_ that we were to maintain the
+establishment. He admitted that his opinion of the Church of Ireland was
+the exact opposite of what it had been; but if the propositions of his
+work were in conflict with an assault upon the existence of the Irish
+Establishment, they were even more hostile to the grounds upon which it
+was now sought to maintain it. He did not wish to maintain the Church
+upon the basis usually advanced, but for the benefit of the whole people
+of Ireland, and if it could not be maintained as the truth it could not
+be maintained at all."
+
+Mr. Gladstone contended that the Irish Episcopal Church had fallen out
+of harmony with the spirit and use of the time, and must be judged by a
+practical rather than a theoretic test. In concluding the author puts
+antithetically the case for and against the maintenance of the Church of
+Ireland: "An establishment that does its work in much and has the hope
+and likelihood of doing it in more; that has a broad and living way open
+to it into the hearts of the people; that can command the services of
+the present by the recollections and traditions of the past; able to
+appeal to the active zeal of the greater portion of the people, and to
+the respect or scruples of living work and service, and whose
+adversaries, if she has them, are in the main content to believe that
+there will be a future for them and their opinions; such an
+establishment should surely be maintained.
+
+"But an establishment that neither does nor has her hope of doing work,
+except for a few, and those few the portion of the community whose
+claims to public aid is the smallest of all; an establishment severed
+from the mass of the people by an impassable gulf and a wall of brass;
+an establishment whose good offices, could she offer them, would be
+intercepted by a long, unbroken chain of painful and shameful
+recollections; an establishment leaning for support upon the extraneous
+aid of a State, which becomes discredited with the people by the very
+act of leading it; such an establishment will do well for its own sake,
+and for the sake of its creed, to divest itself, as soon as may be, of
+gauds and trappings, and to commence a new career, in which renouncing
+at once the credit and the discredit of the civil sanction, and shall
+seek its strength from within and put a fearless trust in the message
+that it bears."
+
+Such, then, were the reasons that led the defender of the Irish Church
+to become its assailant, "That a man should change his opinions is no
+reproach to him; it is only inferior minds that are never open to
+conviction."
+
+Mr. Gladstone is a firm Anglican, as we have seen, but the following
+extract from his address made at the Liverpool College, in December,
+1872, gives a fine insight as to the breadth of his Christian
+sentiments:
+
+"Not less forcibly than justly, you hear much to the effect that the
+divisions among Christians render it impossible to say what Christianity
+is, and so destroy all certainty as to the true religion. But if the
+divisions among Christians are remarkable, not less so is their unity in
+the greatest doctrines that they hold. Well-nigh fifteen hundred years
+have passed away since the great controversies concerning the Deity and
+the person of the Redeemer were, after a long agony, determined. As
+before that time, in a manner less defined but adequate for their day,
+so, even since that time, amid all chance and change, more--aye, many
+more--than ninety-nine in every hundred Christians have, with one
+voice, confessed the Deity and incarnation of our Lord as the cardinal
+and central truth of our religion. Surely there is some comfort here,
+some sense of brotherhood; some glory due to the past, some hope for the
+times that are to come."
+
+Mr. Gladstone as Prime Minister of England, during his several
+administrations, has had a large Church patronage to dispense, in other
+words, has been called upon, by virtue of his office, to till many
+vacancies in the Established Church, but it has been truly testified
+that there has probably never been so laboriously conscientious a
+distributor of ecclesiastical crown patronage as Mr. Gladstone. In his
+ecclesiastical appointments he never took politics into consideration. A
+conspicuous instance of this may be mentioned. When it was rumored that
+he intended to recommend Dr. Benson, the present Archbishop, for the
+vacant See of Canterbury, a political supporter called to remonstrate
+with him. Mr. Gladstone begged to know the ground of his objection. "The
+Bishop of Truro is a strong Tory," was the answer; "but that is not all.
+He has joined Mr. Raikes's election committee at Cambridge; and it was
+only last week that Raikes made a violent personal attack upon
+yourself." "Do you know," replied Mr. Gladstone, "that you have just
+supplied me with a strong argument in Dr. Benson's favor? for, if he
+had been a worldly man or self-seeker he would not have done anything so
+imprudent."
+
+Mr. Gladstone sympathized more or less with the Nonconformists
+struggling against the application of university tests and other
+disabilities from which the Dissenters suffered, but it was not until
+1876 that he really discovered the true religions work of the English
+Nonconformists. The manner in which the Congregationalists, Baptists,
+Quakers and others rallied to the standard raised in the cause of
+Bulgarian nationality effected a great change in his attitude towards
+his Dissenting fellow countrymen. He entertained many of the
+representative Nonconformist ministers at breakfast, and the fidelity
+and devotion of Nonconformists generally to the Bulgarian cause left on
+his mind an impression which has only deepened with the lapse of time.
+The extent to which this influences him may be gathered from the reply
+which he made to Dr. Döllinger whilst that learned divine was discussing
+with him the question of Church and State. Dr. Döllinger was expressing
+his surprise that Mr. Gladstone could possibly coquette in any way with
+the party that demanded the severance of Church and State in either
+Wales or Scotland. It was to him quite incomprehensible that a statesman
+who held so profoundly the idea of the importance of religion could make
+his own a cause whose avowed object was to cut asunder the Church from
+the State. Mr. Gladstone listened attentively to Dr. Döllinger's
+remarks, and then, in an absent kind of way, said, "But you forget how
+nobly the Nonconformists supported me at the time of the Eastern
+Question." The blank look of amazement on Dr. Döllinger's face showed
+the wide difference between the standpoint of the politician and the
+ecclesiastic. But Mr. Gladstone knew upon whom to rely in the hour of
+need, when great moral issues were at stake. The Bishops of the House of
+Lords had not always done their duty. Lord Shaftesbury, himself a very
+ardent Churchman, wrote, June 16, 1855, in reference to the Religious
+Worship Bill: "The Bishops have exhibited great ignorance, bigotry and
+opposition to evangelical life and action, and have seriously injured
+their character, influence and position."
+
+Mr. Gladstone never displayed more marked respect for the "Nonconformist
+conscience" than when, in deference to their earnest appeal, he risked
+the great split in the Home Rule ranks that followed his repudiation of
+Mr. Parnell. Mr. Gladstone never hesitated or made the slightest
+pretense about the matter. If the Nonconformists had been as indifferent
+as the Churchmen, his famous letter about the Irish leadership would not
+have been written. "He merely acted, as he himself stated, as the
+registrar of the moral temperature which made Mr. Parnell impossible.
+He knew the men who are the Ironsides of his party too well not to
+understand that if he had remained silent the English Home Rulers would
+have practically ceased to exist. He saw the need, rose to the occasion
+and cleared the obstacle which would otherwise have been a fatal
+impediment to the success of his course. Mr. Gladstone is a practical
+statesman, and with some instinct divined the inevitable."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's religious belief, as well as his opinion of the Bible
+and the plan of salvation revealed in the Gospel, are manifest as
+expressed in the following words from his pen:
+
+"If asked what is the remedy for the deeper sorrows of the human
+heart--what a man should chiefly look to in his progress through life as
+the power that is to sustain him under trials and enable him manfully to
+confront his afflictions--I must point him to something which, in a
+well-known hymn is called 'the old, old story,' told of in an old, old
+book, and taught with an old, old teaching, which is the greatest and
+best gift ever given to mankind."
+
+Another may read the lessons on the Lord's day in Hawarden Church and
+write and speak in defense of the Established Church of England, but Mr.
+Gladstone did more--he put his trust in his Lord and Saviour, and
+believed in his word. Mr. Gladstone was denominationally a member of
+the Episcopal Church, but religiously he held to views commonly held by
+all Evangelical Christians, from which the temptations of wealth at
+home, of college and of politics never turned him.
+
+[Illustration: Kilmainham Jail, where the Irish M.P.'s were confined in
+1883]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+TRAVELS AND MARRIAGE
+
+Mr. Gladstone spent the winter of 1838-9 in Rome. The physicians had
+recommended travel in the south of Europe for his health and
+particularly for his eyes, the sight of which had become impaired by
+hard reading in the preparation of his book. He had given up lamps and
+read entirely by candle-light with injurious results. He was joined at
+Rome by his friend, Henry Manning, afterwards Cardinal, and in company
+they visited Monsignor, afterwards Cardinal, Wiseman, at the English
+College, on the feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury. They attended solemn
+mass in honor of that Saint, and the places in the missal were found for
+them by a young student of the college, named Grant, who afterwards
+became Bishop of Southwark.
+
+Besides visiting Italy he explored Sicily, and kept a journal of his
+tour. Sicily is a beautiful and fertile island in the Mediterranean
+Sea, and is the granary of Rome. His recorded observations show the
+keenness of his perceptions and the intensity with which he enjoyed the
+beautiful and wonderful in nature.
+
+Mount Etna, the greatest volcano of Europe, and which rises 10,000 feet
+above the sea, stirred his soul greatly, and he made an ascent of the
+mountain at the beginning of the great eruption of 1838. Etna has many
+points of interest for all classes of scientific men, and not least for
+the student of arboriculture. It bears at the height of 4000 feet above
+the level of the sea a wonderful growth--a very large tree--which is
+claimed by some to be the oldest tree in the world. It is a venerable
+chestnut, and known as "the father of the forest." It is certainly one
+of the most remarkable as well as celebrated of trees. It consists not
+of one vast trunk, but of a cluster of smaller decayed trees or portions
+of trees growing in a circle, each with a hollow trunk of great
+antiquity, covered with ferns or ivy, and stretching out a few gnarled
+branches with scanty foliage. That it is one tree seems to be evident
+from the growth of the bark only on the outside. It is said that
+excavations about the roots of the tree showed these various stems to be
+united at a very small depth below the surface of the ground. It still
+bears rich foliage and much small fruit, though the heart of the trunk
+is decayed, and a public road leads through it wide enough for two
+coaches to drive abreast. Travelers have differed in their measurements
+of this stupendous growth. Admiral Smyth, who takes the lowest estimate,
+giving 163 feet, and Brydone giving, as the highest, 204 feet. In the
+middle of the cavity a hut is built, for the accommodation of those who
+collect and preserve the chestnuts. One of the Queens of Arragon is
+reported to have taken shelter in this tree, with her mounted suite of
+one hundred persons; but, "we may, perhaps, gather from this that
+mythology is not confined to the lower latitudes."
+
+Further up the mountain is another venerable chestnut, which, with more
+reason, probably, may be described without fear of contradiction as the
+largest chestnut tree in the world. It rises from one solid stem to a
+remarkable height before it branches. At an elevation of two feet from
+the earth its circumference was found by Brydone to be seventy-six feet.
+These trees are reputed to have flourished for much more than a thousand
+years. Their luxuriant growth is attributed in part to the humid
+atmosphere of the Bosco, elevated above the scorching, arid region of
+the coast, and in part to the great richness of the soil. The luxuriance
+of the vegetation on the slopes of Etna attracts the attention of every
+traveler; and Mr. Gladstone remarked upon this point: "It seems as
+though the finest of all soils were produced from the most agonizing
+throes of nature, as the hardiest characters are often reared amidst
+the severest circumstances. The aspect of this side of Sicily is
+infinitely more active and the country is cultivated as well as most
+parts of Italy."
+
+He and his party started on the 30th of October, and found the path
+nearly uniform from Catania, but the country bore a volcanic aspect at
+every step. At Nicolosi their rest was disturbed by the distant booming
+of the mountain. From this point to the Bosco the scenery is described
+as a dreary region, but the tract of the wood showed some beautiful
+places resembling an English park, with old oaks and abundant fern.
+"Here we found flocks browsing; they are much exposed to sheep-stealers,
+who do not touch travelers, calculating with justice that men do not
+carry much money to the summit of Etna." The party passed the Casa degli
+Inglesi, which registered a temperature of 31°, and then continued the
+ascent on foot for the crater. A magnificent view of sunrise was
+here obtained.
+
+"Just before we reached the lip of the crater the guide exultingly
+pointed out what he declared to be ordinarily the greatest sight of the
+mountain, namely, the shadow of the cone of Etna, drawn with the utmost
+delicacy by the newly-risen sun, but of gigantic extent; its point at
+this moment rested on the mountains of Palermo, probably one hundred
+miles off, and the entire figure was visible, the atmosphere over the
+mountains having become and continuing perfectly and beautifully
+transparent, although in the hundreds of valleys which were beneath us,
+from the east to the west of Sicily, and from the mountains of Messina
+down to Cape Passaro, there were still abundant vapors waiting for a
+higher sun to disperse them; but we enjoyed in its perfection this view
+of the earliest and finest work of the greater light of heaven, in the
+passage of his beams over this portion of the earth's surface. During
+the hour we spent on the summit, the vision of the shadow was speedily
+contracting, and taught us how rapid is the real rise of the sun in the
+heavens, although its effect is diminished to the eye by a kind of
+foreshortening."
+
+The writer next describes in vivid and powerful language the scene
+presented to the view at the very mouth of the crater. A large space,
+one mile in circumference, which a few days before had been one
+fathomless pit, from which issued masses of smoke, was now absolutely
+filled up to within a few feet of the brim all round. A great mass of
+lava, a portion of the contents of this immense pit, was seen to detach
+itself by degrees from one behind. "It opened like an orange, and we saw
+the red-hot fibres stretch in a broader and still broader vein, until
+the mass had found a support on the new ground it occupied in front; as
+we came back on our way down this had grown black." A stick put to it
+took fire immediately. Within a few yards of this lava bed were found
+pieces of ice, formed on the outside of the stones by Frost, "which here
+disputes every inch of ground with his fierce rival Fire."
+
+Mr. Gladstone and his fellow-travelers were the first spectators of the
+great volcanic action of this year. From the highest peak attainable the
+company gazed upon the splendid prospect to the east spread out before
+them, embracing the Messina Mountains and the fine kindred outline of
+the Calabrian coast, described by Virgil in the third book of the
+Aeneid. Mr. Gladstone graphically describes the eruption which took
+place and of which he was the enraptured witness. Lava masses of 150 to
+200 pounds weight were thrown to a distance of probably a mile and a
+half; smaller ones to a distance even more remote. The showers were
+abundant and continuous, and the writer was impressed by the closeness
+of the descriptions in Virgil with the actual reality of the eruption
+witnessed by himself. On this point he observes:
+
+"Now how faithfully has Virgil (Ae. iii, 571, et seq.) comprised these
+particulars, doubtless without exaggeration, in his fine description!
+First, the thunder-clap, or crack--
+
+     'Horrificis juxta tonat Aetna ruinis.'
+
+Secondly, the vibration of the ground to the report--
+
+     'Et, fessum quoties mutet latus, intremere omnem
+      Murmure Trinacriam.'
+
+Thirdly, the sheet of flame--
+
+     'Attolitque globos flarmmarum, et sidera lambit.'
+
+Fourthly, the smoke--
+
+     'Et coelum subtexere fumo.'
+
+Fifthly, the fire shower--
+
+     'Scopulos avulsaque viscera montis
+      Erigit erucatans, liquefactaque saxa sub auras
+      Cum gemitu glomerat, fundoque exae tuat imo.'
+
+Sixthly the column of ash--
+
+     'Atram prorumpit ad aethera nubem
+      Turbine fumantem piceo et candente favilla.'
+
+And this is within the limits of twelve lines. Modern poetry has its own
+merits, but the conveyance of information is not, generally speaking,
+one of them. What would Virgil have thought of authors publishing poems
+with explanatory notes (to illustrate is a different matter), as if they
+were so many books of conundrums? Indeed this vice is of very
+late years."
+
+The entire description, of which this is but an extract, is very
+effective and animated, and gives with great vividness the first
+impressions of a mind susceptible to the grand and imposing aspects
+of nature.
+
+"After Etna," says Mr. Gladstone in his diary, "the temples are
+certainly the great charm and attraction of Sicily. I do not know
+whether there is any one among them which, taken alone, exceeds in
+beauty that of Neptune, at Paestum; but they have the advantage of
+number and variety, as well as of highly interesting positions. At
+Segesta the temple is enthroned in a perfect mountain solitude, and it
+is like a beautiful tomb of its religion, so stately, so entire; while
+around, but for one solitary house of the keeper, there is nothing,
+absolutely nothing, to disturb the apparent reign of Silence and of
+Death.... The temples enshrine a most pure and salutary principle of
+art, that which connects grandeur of effect with simplicity of detail;
+and, retaining their beauty and their dignity in their decay, they
+represent the great man when fallen, as types of that almost highest of
+human qualities--silent yet not sullen, endurance."
+
+While sojourning at Rome Mr. Gladstone met Lord Macaulay. Writing home
+from Rome in the same year, Lord Macaulay says: "On Christmas Eve I
+found Gladstone in the throng, and I accosted him, as we had met, though
+we had never been introduced to each other. He received my advances with
+very great _empressement_ indeed, and we had a good deal of pleasant
+talk." And again he writes: "I enjoyed Italy immensely; far more than I
+had expected. By-the-by, I met Gladstone at Rome. We talked and walked
+together in St. Peter's during the best part of an afternoon. He is
+both a clever and an amiable man."
+
+Among the visitors at Rome the winter that Mr. Gladstone spent in the
+eternal city were the widow and daughters of Sir Stephen Richard Glynne,
+of Hawarden Castle, Flintshire, Wales. He had already made the
+acquaintance of these ladies, having been a friend of Lady Glynne's
+eldest son at Oxford, and having visited him at Hawarden in 1835. He was
+thrown much into their society while at Rome, and became engaged to the
+elder of Lady Glynne's daughters, Catharine Glynne. It is strange to
+relate that some time before this when Miss Glynne met her future
+husband at a dinner-party, an English minister sitting next to her had
+thus drawn her attention to Mr. Gladstone: "Mark that young man; he will
+yet be Prime Minister of England." Miss Glynne and her sister were known
+as "the handsome Miss Glynnes."
+
+William E. Gladstone and Catharine Glynne were married July 25, 1839, at
+Hawarden Castle. At the same time and place Miss Mary Glynne was married
+to George William, fourth Lord Lyttleton, with whom Mr. Gladstone was on
+the most intimate terms of friendship until his lordship's untoward and
+lamented death. The brother of these ladies was Sir Stephen Glynne, the
+then owner of Hawarden. Mrs. Gladstone was "in her issue heir" of Sir
+Stephen Glynne, who was ninth and last baronet of that name.
+
+The marriage ceremony has been thus described by an eye-witness:
+
+"For some time past the little town of Hawarden has been in a state of
+excitement in consequence of the anticipated nuptials of the two sisters
+of Sir Stephen Glynne, Bart., M.P., who have been engaged for some time
+past to Lord Lyttelton and to Mr. W. Ewart Gladstone. Thursday last
+(July 25th) was fixed upon for the ceremony to take place; but in
+consequence of the Chartists having attacked Lord Lyttelton's mansion in
+Worcestershire, it was feared that the marriage would be delayed. All
+anxieties on this subject were put an end to by orders being issued to
+make ready for the ceremony, and the Hawarden folks lost no time in
+making due preparations accordingly. The church was elegantly and
+profusely decorated with laurels, while extremely handsome garlands,
+composed of the finest flowers, were suspended from the venerable roof.
+About half-past ten a simultaneous rising of the assembled multitude and
+the burst of melody from the organ announced that the fair brides had
+arrived, and all eyes were turned towards the door to witness the bridal
+_cortege_. In a few minutes more the party arrived at the communion
+table and the imposing ceremony commenced. At this period the _coup
+d'oeil_ was extremely interesting. The bridal party exhibited every
+elegance of costume; while the dresses of the multitude, lit up by the
+rays of a brilliant sunlight, filled up the picture. The Rev. the Hon.
+G. Neville performed the ceremony. At its conclusion the brides visited
+the rectory, whence they soon afterwards set out--Lord and Lady
+Lyttelton to their seat in Worcestershire, and Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone on
+a visit to Sir Richard Brooke, Norton Priory Mansion, in Cheshire. The
+bridal party having returned to the castle, the good folks of Hawarden
+filled up the day with rambling over Sir Stephen Glynne's delightful
+park, to which free access was given to all comers; and towards evening
+a dance on the green was got up."
+
+It is to be remarked that by his marriage Mr. Gladstone became allied
+with the house of Grenville, a family of statesmen, which, directly or
+in its ramifications, had already supplied England with four Prime
+Ministers. Baron Bunsen, who made his acquaintance that year, writes
+that he "was delighted with the man who is some day to govern England if
+his book is not in the way."
+
+Mrs. Gladstone is widely and deservedly known for her many philanthropic
+enterprises, but even better, perhaps, has proved herself to be a noble
+and devoted wife and mother. She has cheered by her sympathy her
+illustrious husband in his defeats as well as in his triumphs, in the
+many great undertakings of his political career, and been to him all the
+late Viscountess Beaconsfield was to Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary
+rival. As a mother, she nursed and reared all her children, and ever
+kept them in the maternal eye, carefully watching over and tending them.
+One of the most interesting buildings at Hawarden is Mrs. Gladstone's
+orphanage, which stands close to the castle. Here desolate orphans are
+well cared for, and find, until they are prepared to enter on the
+conflict and to encounter the cares of life, a happy home.
+
+Mrs. Gladstone, although in many respects an ideal wife, was never able
+to approach her husband in the methodical and business-like arrangement
+of her affairs. Shortly after their wedding, the story runs, Mr.
+Gladstone seriously took in hand the tuition of his handsome young wife
+in book-keeping, and Mrs. Gladstone applied herself with diligence to
+the unwelcome task. Some time after she came down in triumph to her
+husband to display her domestic accounts and her correspondence, all
+docketed in a fashion which she supposed would excite the admiration of
+her husband. Mr. Gladstone cast his eye over the results of his wife's
+labor and exclaimed in despair: "You have done them all wrong, from
+beginning to end!" His wife, however, has been so invaluable a helpmeet
+in other ways that it seems somewhat invidious to recall that little
+incident. She had other work to do, and she wisely left the accounts to
+her husband and his private secretaries.
+
+The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone has been blessed by eight children,
+all of whom save two still survive. There were four sons, the eldest,
+William Henry, was a member of the Legislature, and the second, the Rev.
+Stephen Edward Gladstone, is rector of Hawarden. The third son is named
+Henry Neville and the fourth Herbert John Gladstone. The former is
+engaged in commerce and the latter is the popular member for Leeds. The
+eldest daughter, Anne, is married to Rev. E.C. Wickham, A.M., headmaster
+of Wellington College; and the second, Catharine Jessy Gladstone, died
+in 1850; the third daughter, Mary, is married to Rev. W. Drew, and the
+fourth, Helen Gladstone, is principal of Newnham College. As Sir John
+Gladstone had the pleasure of seeing his son William Ewart become a
+distinguished member of Parliament, so Mr. Gladstone in his turn was
+able to witness his eldest son take his seat in the British Senate.
+
+It was a sad bereavement when the Gladstones were called upon to part
+with their little daughter, Catharine Jessy, April 9, 1850, between four
+and five years old. Her illness was long and painful, and Mr. Gladstone
+bore his part in the nursing and watching. He was tenderly fond of his
+little children and the sorrow had therefore a peculiar bitterness. But
+Mr. Gladstone has since had another sad experience of death entering the
+family circle. July 4, 1891, the eldest son, William Henry Gladstone,
+died. The effect upon the aged father was greatly feared, and the world
+sympathized with the great statesman and father in his sad trial, and
+with the afflicted family. In a letter dated July 9, the day after the
+interment, Mr. Gladstone wrote:
+
+"We, in our affliction are deeply sensible of the mercies of God. He
+gave us for fifty years a most precious son. He has now only hidden him
+for a very brief space from the sight of our eyes. It seems a violent
+transition from such thoughts to the arena of political contention, but
+the transition may be softened by the conviction we profoundly hold that
+we, in the first and greatest of our present controversies, work for the
+honor, well-being and future peace of our opponents not less than
+for our own."
+
+When away from the trammels of office, Mr. Gladstone taught his elder
+children Italian. All the sons went to Eton and Oxford, and the
+daughters were educated at home by English, French and German
+governesses. A close union of affection and sentiment has always been a
+marked characteristic of this model English family. Marriage and
+domestic cares, however, made little difference in Mr. Gladstone's
+mode of life. He was still the diligent student, the constant debater
+and the copious writer that he had been at Eton, at Oxford and in
+the Albany.
+
+[Illustration: THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE BRITISH PREMIER, No. 10
+DOWNING STREET, LONDON.]
+
+In the early days of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone lived in
+London with Lady Glynne, at 13 Carlton House Terrace. Later they lived
+at 6 Carlton Gardens, which was made over to them by Sir John Gladstone;
+then again at 13 Carlton House Terrace; and when Mr. Gladstone was in
+office, at the official residence of the Prime Minister, Downing Street.
+In 1850 Mr. Gladstone succeeded to his patrimony, and in 1856 he bought
+11 Carlton House Terrace, which was his London house for twenty years;
+and he subsequently lived for four years at 73 Harley Street. During the
+parliamentary recess Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone divided their time between
+Fasque, Sir John Gladstone's seat in Kincardineshire, and Hawarden
+Castle, which they shared with Mrs. Gladstone's brother, Sir Stephen
+Glynne, till in his death in 1874, when it passed into their sole
+possession. In 1854 Mrs. Gladstone's brother added to the castle a new
+wing, which he especially dedicated to his illustrious brother-in-law,
+and which is fondly known as "The Gladstone Wing." And Mr. Gladstone,
+having only one country house, probably spent as much time at Hawarden
+as any other minister finds it possible to devote to residence out
+of London.
+
+Hawarden, usually pronounced Harden, is the name of a large market-town,
+far removed from the centre and seat of trade and empire, in Flintshire,
+North Wales, six miles southwest from the singular and ancient city of
+Chester, of which it may be called a suburb. It is not pretty, but a
+clean and tolerably well-built place, with some good houses and the
+usual characteristics of a Welsh village. The public road from Chester
+to Hawarden, which passes by the magnificent seat of the Duke of
+Westminster, is not, except for this, interesting to the stranger. There
+is a pedestrian route along the banks of the river Dee, over the lower
+ferry and across the meadows. But for the most part the way lies along
+dreary wastes, unadorned by any of the beautiful landscape scenery so
+common in Wales. Broughton Hall, its pleasant church and quiet
+churchyard, belonging to the Hawarden estate, are passed on the way. The
+village lies at the foot of the Castle, and outside of the gates of
+Hawarden Park. The parish contains 13,000 acres, and of these the estate
+of Mr. Gladstone consists of nearly 7000. The road from the village for
+the most part is dreary, but within the gates the park is as beautiful
+as it is extensive. Richly wooded, on both sides of its fine drive are
+charming vistas opening amongst the oaks, limes and elms. On the height
+to the left of the drive is the ancient Hawarden Castle, for there are
+two--the old and the new--the latter being the more modern home of the
+proprietor.
+
+[Illustration: THE PARK GATE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+The ancient Castle of Hawarden, situated on an eminence commanding an
+extensive prospect, is now in ruins. What, however, was left of the old
+Castle at the beginning of the century stands to-day a monument of the
+massive work of the early masons. The remnant, which ages of time and
+the Parliamentary wars and the strange zeal of its first owner under
+Cromwell for its destruction, allowed to remain, is in a marvelous state
+of preservation, and the masonry in some places fifteen feet thick.
+There is a grandeur in the ruin to be enjoyed, as well as a scene of
+beauty from its towers. The old Castle, like the park itself, is open to
+the public without restriction. Only two requests are made in the
+interests of good order. One is that visitors entering the park kindly
+keep to the gravel walks, while the other is that they do not inscribe
+their names on the stone-work of the ancient ruin, which request has
+been unheeded.
+
+This ancient Castle was doubtless a stronghold of the Saxons in very
+early times, for it was found in the possession of Edwin of Mercia at
+the Norman Conquest, and was granted by William the Conqueror to his
+nephew, Hugh Lupus. In later times Prince Llewelyn was Lord of Hawarden,
+of which he was dispossessed by his brother, David. It was only after
+Wales was conquered that Hawarden became an English stronghold, held
+against the Welsh.
+
+[Illustration: OLD HAWARDEN CASTLE.]
+
+The Castle had its vicissitudes, both as to its condition and
+proprietorship, for many years, even generations. Somewhere between 1267
+and 1280 the Castle had been destroyed and rebuilt. It was rebuilt in
+the time of Edward I or Edward II, and formed one link in the chain by
+which the Edwards held the Welsh to their loyalty. Its name appears in
+the doomsday-book, where it is spelled Haordine. It was presented by
+King Edward to the House of Salisbury. Then the Earls of Derby came
+into possession, and they entertained within its walls Henry VII in the
+latter part of the fifteenth century. During the Parliamentary wars it
+was held at first for the Parliament, and was taken by siege in 1643.
+The royalists were in possession two years later, and at Christmas time,
+in 1645, Parliament ordered that the Castle be dismantled, which was
+effectively done. The latest proprietor of those times was James, Earl
+of Derby. He was executed and the estates were sold. They were purchased
+by Sergeant Glynne, Lord Chief Justice of England under Cromwell, from
+whom in a long line of descent they were inherited, upon the death of
+the last baronet, Sir Stephen Glynne, in 1874, by the wife of William E.
+Gladstone. Sergeant Glynne's son, Sir William, the first baronet, when
+he came into possession, was seized with the unaccountable notion of
+further destroying the old Castle, and by the end of the seventeenth
+century very little remained beyond what stands to-day.
+
+[Illustration: A GLIMPSE OF THE CASTLE FROM THE PARK.]
+
+Hawarden is supposed to be synonymous with the word Burg-Ardden, Ardin,
+a fortified mound or hill. It is usually supposed to be an English word,
+but of Welsh derivation, and is no doubt related to dinas, in Welsh the
+exact equivalent to the Saxon _burg_. The Welsh still call it Penarlas,
+a word the etymology of which points to a period when the lowlands of
+Saltney were under water, and the Castle looked over a lake. The
+earlier history of the Castle goes back to the time when it was held by
+the ancient Britons, and stood firm against Saxon, Dane, or whatever
+invading foe sought to deprive the people of their heritage in the
+soil. On the invasion of William, as we have seen, it was in the
+possession of Edwin, sovereign of Deira. "We find it afterwards," says
+another account, "in the possession of Roger Fitzvalarine, a son of one
+of the adventurers who came over with the Conqueror. Then it was held,
+subordinately, by the Monthault, or Montalt, family, the stewards of the
+palatinate of Chester. It is remarkable, as we noticed in our story of
+Hughenden Manor, that as the traditions of that ancient place touched
+the memory of Simon de Montfort, the great Earl of Leicester, so do they
+also in the story of the old Castle of Hawarden. Here Llewelyn, the last
+native prince of Wales, held a memorable conference with the Earl. With
+in the walls of Hawarden was signed the treaty of peace between Wales
+and Cheshire, not long to last; here Llewelyn saw the beautiful daughter
+of De Montfort, whose memory haunted him so tenderly and so long. Again
+we find the Castle in the possession of the Montalt family, from whom it
+descended to the Stanleys, the Earl of Derby.... Here the last native
+princes of Wales, Llewelyn and David, attempted to grasp their crumbling
+sceptre, Here no doubt halted Edward I, 'girt with many a baron bold;'
+here the Tudor prince, Henry VII, of Welsh birth, visited in the later
+years of the fifteenth century; and this was the occasion upon which it
+passed into the family whose representatives had proclaimed him monarch
+on Bosworth field. But when James, Earl of Derby, was beheaded, after
+the battle of Worcester, in 1651, the estate was purchased under the
+Sequestration Act by Sergeant Glynne, whose portrait hangs over the
+mantleshelf of the drawing-room; 'but,' says Mrs. Gladstone, in calling
+our attention to it, 'he is an ancestor of whom we have no occasion to
+be and are not proud.'"
+
+This remark of Mrs. Gladstone's may be explained by the following from
+the pen of a reputable author: "Sergeant Glynne, who flourished
+(literally flourished) during the seventeenth century, was a most
+unscrupulous man in those troubled times. He was at first a supporter of
+Charles I, then got office and preferment under Cromwell, and yet again,
+like a veritable Vicar of Bray, became a Royalist on the return of
+Charles II. The Earl of Derby, who was taken prisoner at the battle of
+Worcester, in 1661, was executed, and his estates forfeited. Of these
+estates Sergeant Glynne managed to get possession of Hawarden; and
+though on the Restoration all Royalists' forfeited estates were ordered
+to be restored, Glynne managed somehow to remain in possession of the
+property."
+
+[Illustration: WATERFALL IN HAWARDEN PARK.]
+
+It is very probable that Hawarden Castle was no exception to those cruel
+haunts of feudal tyranny and oppression belonging to the days of its
+power. Many years ago, when the rubbish was cleared away beneath the
+Castle ruin, a flight of steps was found, at the foot of which was a
+door, and a draw-bridge, which crossed a long, deep chasm, neatly faced
+with freestone; then another door leading to several small rooms, all,
+probably, places of confinement; and those hollows, now fringed with
+timber trees, in those days constituted a broad, deep fosse.
+
+The old Hawarden Castle, a curious ruin covered with moss and ivy, like
+many other ancient piles of stone in historic England, is a reminder of
+a past and warlike age, when an Englishman's home had to be a castle to
+protect him and his family from his enemies. But times have changed for
+the better, and long immunity from internal foes and invading armies has
+had its peaceful effects upon the lands and the homes of men. As the
+grounds of Hawarden show the remarkable cultivation produced by long
+periods of peaceful toil, so the ancient castle has given way for the
+modern dwelling, a peaceful abode whose only protecting wall is that
+with which the law surrounds it.
+
+Modern Hawarden Castle is a castle only in name. The new "Castle" has
+been the home of the Glynns' for generations, and ever since the
+marriage of Mr. Gladstone and Miss Glynn has been the dwelling of the
+Gladstones. Mr. Gladstone has greatly improved the Hawarden estate and
+the castle has not been overlooked. Among the improvements to the castle
+may be named the additions to the library and the Golden Wedding Porch.
+
+The new Castle was begun in 1752, by Sir John Glynne, who "created a
+stout, honest, square, red-brick mansion;" which was added to and
+altered in the Gothic style in 1814. The Glynnes lived in Oxfordshire
+till early in the eighteenth century, when they built themselves a small
+house, which was on the site of the present Castle. The new Hawarden
+Castle stands in front of the massive ruin of the old Castle, which has
+looked down on the surrounding country for six centuries. A recent
+writer speaking of the new structure as a sham Castle, with its plaster
+and stucco, and imitation turrets, says: "It would not have been
+surprising if the old Castle had, after the manner of Jewish chivalry,
+torn its hair of thickly entwined ivy, rent its garments of moss and
+lichen, and fallen down prostrate, determined forever to shut out the
+sight of the modern monstrosity."
+
+However, the author somewhat relents and thus describes the modern
+edifice:
+
+"The aspect of the house is very impressive and imposing, as it first
+suddenly seems to start upon the view after a long carriage-drive
+through the noble trees, if not immediately near, but breaking and
+brightening the view on either hand; yet, within and without, the house
+seems like its mighty master--not pensive but rural; it does not even
+breathe the spirit of quiet. Its rooms look active and power-compelling,
+and we could not but feel that they were not indebted to any of the
+aesthetic inventions and elegancies of furniture for their charm. Thus
+we have heard of one visitor pathetically exclaiming, 'Not one _dado_
+adorns the walls!' Hawarden is called a Castle, but it has not, either
+in its exterior or interior, the aspect of a Castle. It is a home; it
+has a noble appearance as it rises on the elevated ground, near the old
+feudal ruin which it has superseded, and looks over the grand and
+forest-like park, the grand pieces of broken ground, dells and hollows,
+and charming woodlands."
+
+[Illustration: COURT YARD, HAWARDEN CASTLE.]
+
+The traditional history of Hawarden Church, as well as that of the
+Castle, travels back to a very remote antiquity, and is the central
+point of interest to many a tragedy, and some of a very grotesque
+character. For instance, for many ages the inhabitants of Hawarden were
+called "Harden Jews," and for this designation we have the following
+legendary account. In the year 946, during the reign of Cynan ap Elisap
+Anarawd, King of Gwynedd North, there was a Christian temple at Harden,
+and a rood-loft, in which was placed an image of the Virgin Mary, with a
+very large cross in her hands, which was called "holy rood." During a
+very hot and dry summer the inhabitants prayed much and ardently for
+rain, but without any effect. Among the rest, Lady Trowst, wife of
+Sytsyllt, governor of Harden Castle, went also to pray, when, during
+this exercise, the holy rood fell upon her head and killed her. Such
+behavior upon the part of this wooden Virgin could be tolerated no
+longer. A great tumult ensued in consequence, and it was concluded to
+try the said Virgin for murder, and the jury not only found her guilty
+of wilful murder, but of inattention in not answering the prayers of
+innumerable petitioners. The sentence was hanging, but Span, of Mancot,
+who was one of the jury, opposed this act saying it was best to drown,
+since it was rain they prayed for. This was fiercely opposed by Corbin,
+of the gate, who advised that she should be laid on the sands by the
+river. So, this being done, the tide carried the lady, floating gently,
+like another lady, Elaine, upon its soft bosom, and placed her near the
+walls of Caerleon (now Chester), where she was found next day, says the
+legend, drowned and dead. Here the inhabitants of Caerleon buried her.
+Upon this occasion, it is said, the river, which had until then been
+called the Usk, was changed to Rood Die, or Rood Dee. We need not stay
+here to analyze some things belonging to locality and etymology, which
+appear to us somewhat anachronistic and contradictory in this ancient
+and queer legend.
+
+Hawarden Church is a fairly large structure, externally a plain old
+brick building with a low tower and a dwarf spire, standing in the midst
+of a large population of graves. There is preserved in the annals of
+the Church a list of the rectors of Hawarden as far back as 1180.
+
+About forty years ago a fire broke out in the Church, and when all was
+over, very little was left of the original structure except the walls.
+It was restored with great expedition, and was re-opened within the same
+year. The present building is a restoration to the memory of the
+immediate ancestor, from whom the estate is derived by the present
+family. It is the centre of hard, earnest work, done for an
+exceptionally large parish. But the Church population is occasionally
+recruited from all the ends of the earth.
+
+It is here that the Gladstone family worship on the plain, uncushioned
+pew, near the lectern and opposite the pulpit. When the estates came
+into the hands of the Glynnes the living was bestowed upon a member of
+the family. The Rector is Rev. Stephen Gladstone, second son of the
+Premier. He is not a great preacher, but he is quietly earnest and
+instructive. Mr. Gladstone was up early on Sunday mornings and seldom
+failed to be in his pew at Church. Crowds filled the Church Sunday,
+morning and evening, week after week, many of them strangers, to see the
+Prime Minister of England, and behold him leave his pew and, standing at
+the reading-desk, go through his part of the service--that of reading
+the lessons for the day, in this obscure village Church. After church
+Mr. Gladstone went to the rectory with his family, with his cloak only
+over his shoulders, when the weather required, and as he walked along
+the path through the churchyard would bow to the crowds that stood on
+either side uncovered to greet him as he passed by. The two brothers,
+until recently, lived at the rectory, and the whole family seemed to
+live in the most beautiful harmony together.
+
+Both Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attribute much of his health to the fact
+that he will have his Sabbath to himself and his family, undisturbed by
+any of the agitations of business, the cares of State, or even the
+recreations of literature and scholastic study. This profound public
+regard for the day of rest, whether in London or at Hawarden, awakens a
+feeling of admiration and puts us in mind of his great predecessor in
+statesmanship, Cecil, Lord Burleigh, who, when he arrived at Theobalds
+on a Saturday evening would throw off his cloak or chain of office and
+exclaim, "Lie there and rest, my good lord treasurer."
+
+[Illustration: THE REV. H. DREW, WARDEN OF ST. DENIOL'S.]
+
+One of the main points of interest at the home of Mr. Gladstone is the
+library. There is not a room in Hawarden Castle in which there is not an
+abundance of books, which are not all collected in the library, but
+distributed all over the house. Where other people have cabinets for
+curiosities, china, etc., there are here shelves and cases full of
+books. In ante-room and bed-room dressing-room and nursery they are
+found, not by single volumes, but in serried ranks; well-known and
+useful books. But it is in the library where Mr. Gladstone has collected
+by years of careful selection, a most valuable and large array of
+books, from all parts of the world, upon every subject. These books are
+classified and so arranged as to be of immediate use. All those on one
+particular subject are grouped together.
+
+[Illustration: DOROTHY'S DOVECOTE]
+
+Mr. Gladstone was a familiar figure in the book stores, and especially
+where rare, old books were to be found, and he seldom failed to return
+home with some book in his pocket. Mrs. Gladstone is said to have gone
+through his pockets often upon his return home, and sent back many a
+volume to the book-seller, that had found its way to the pocket of her
+husband, after a hasty glance at its title. He kept himself informed of
+all that was going on in the literary, scientific and artistic worlds,
+receiving each week a parcel of the newest books for his private
+readings. Every day he looked over several book-sellers's catalogues,
+and certain subjects were sure of getting an order.
+
+Hawarden library gave every evidence of being for use, and not show. Mr.
+Gladstone knew what books he had and was familiar with their contents.
+Some books were in frequent use, but others were not forgotten. He could
+put his hand on any one he wanted to refer to. At the end of a volume
+read he would construct an index of his own by which he could find
+passages to which he wished to refer.
+
+There are few stories that Mr. Gladstone told with greater relish than
+one concerning Sir Antonio Panizzi, who many years ago visited the
+library at Hawarden. Looking round the room and at its closely packed
+shelves, he observed in a patronizing tone, "I see you have got some
+books here." Nettled at this seemingly slighting allusion to the paucity
+of his library, Mr. Gladstone asked Panizzi how many volumes he thought
+were on the shelves. Panizzi replied: "From five to six thousand." Then
+a loud and exulting laugh rang round the room as Mr. Gladstone answered:
+"You are wrong by at least two thousand, as there are eight thousand
+volumes and more before you now." Since then the library has
+grown rapidly.
+
+[Illustration: DINING ROOM IN THE ORPHANAGE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+The fate of this large library was naturally a matter of much
+consideration to Mr. Gladstone. It was particularly rich in classical
+and theological works, so it occured to its owner to form a public
+library under a trusteeship, for the benefit of students, under the care
+of the Rector of Hawarden, or some other clergyman. So he caused to be
+erected at a cost to him of about $5,000, a corrugated iron building on
+a knoll just outside Hawarden Church. The name of this parish library is
+"The St. Deiniol's Theological and General Library of Hawarden." In
+1891, Mr. Gladstone had deposited about 20,000 volumes upon the shelves
+in this new building, with his own hands, which books were carried in
+hand-carts from the castle. Since that time thousands have been added to
+this valuable collection.
+
+[Illustration: STAIRCASE IN THE ORPHANAGE, HAWARDEN.]
+
+It was a happy thought of Mr. Gladstone to found a theological library
+in the immediate vicinity of Hawarden; also to have connected with it a
+hostel where students could be boarded and lodged for six dollars a week
+and thus be enabled to use the library in the pursuit of their studies.
+Mr. Gladstone has endowed the institution with $150,000. Rev. H. Drew,
+the son-in-law of Mr. Gladstone, is warden and librarian.
+
+[Illustration: HAWARDEN CHURCH.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+ENTERS THE CABINET
+
+We come now to another memorable period in the life of William E.
+Gladstone. This period, beginning with 1840, has been styled "a
+memorable decade" in the history of Parliament. His marriage and the
+publication of his first book were great events in his eventful life,
+but the young and brilliant statesman was soon to enter the British
+Cabinet. He was before long to demonstrate that he not only possessed
+the arts of the fluent and vigorous Parliamentary debater, but the more
+solid qualities pertaining to the practical statesman and financier. In
+following his course we will be led to observe the early stages of his
+changing opinions on great questions of State, and to trace the causes
+which led to his present advanced views as well as to his exalted
+position. The estimation in which he was then held may be indicated by
+the following, from one of his contemporaries, Sir Stafford Northcote,
+afterwards Lord Iddesleigh, and who subsequently succeeded him as
+leader of the House of Commons: "There is but one statesman of the
+present day in whom I feel entire confidence, and with whom I cordially
+agree, and that statesman is Mr. Gladstone. I look upon him as the
+representative of the party, scarcely developed as yet, though secretly
+forming and strengthening, which will stand by all that is dear and
+sacred in my estimation, in the struggle which I believe will come ere
+_very_ long between good and evil, order and disorder, the Church and
+the world, and I see a very small band collecting round him, and ready
+to fight manfully under his leading."
+
+In 1840 Mr. Gladstone crossed swords with the distinguished historian
+and Parliamentary debater, Lord Macaulay, in debate in the House of
+Commons on the relations of England with China. The speech of Mr.
+Gladstone was remarkable for its eloquent expression of anxiety that the
+arms of England should never be employed in unrighteous enterprises. Sir
+James Graham moved a vote of censure of the ministry for "want of
+foresight and precaution," and "especially their neglect to furnish the
+superintendent at Canton with powers and instructions calculated to
+provide against the growing evils connected with the contraband traffic
+in opium, and adapted to the novel and difficult situation in which the
+superintendent was placed." Mr. Gladstone, on the 8th of April, spoke
+strongly in favor of the motion, and said if it failed to involve the
+ministry in condemnation they would still be called upon to show cause
+for their intention of making war upon China. Answering the speech of
+Lord Macaulay of the previous evening, Mr. Gladstone said: "The right
+honorable gentleman opposite spoke last night in eloquent terms of the
+British flag waving in glory at Canton, and of the animating effects
+produced on the minds of our sailors by the knowledge that in no country
+under heaven was it permitted to be insulted. But how comes it to pass
+that the sight of that flag always raises the spirit of Englishmen? It
+is because it has always been associated with the cause of justice, with
+opposition to oppression, with respect to national rights, with
+honorable commercial enterprises; but now, under the auspices of the
+noble lord, that flag is hoisted to protect an infamous contraband
+traffic, and if it were never to be hoisted except as it is now hoisted
+on the coast of China, we should recoil from its sight with horror, and
+should never again feel our hearts thrill, as they now thrill with
+emotion, when it floats proudly and magnificently on the breeze." The
+ministry escaped censure when the vote was taken by a bare majority.
+
+In the summer of 1840 Mr. Gladstone, accompanied by Lord Lyttleton, went
+to Eton to examine candidates of the Newcastle Scholarship, founded by
+his political friend, the Duke of Newcastle. Mr. Gladstone had the
+pleasure in this examination of awarding the Newcastle medal to Henry
+Fitzmaurice Hallam, the youngest brother of his own beloved friend and
+son of the historian Hallam. One of the scholars he examined writes: "I
+have a vivid and delightful impression of Mr. Gladstone sitting in what
+was then called the library, on an _estrade_ on which the head master
+habitually sate, above which was placed, about 1840, the bust of the
+Duke of Newcastle and the names of the Newcastle scholars.... When he
+gave me a Virgil and asked me to translate Georg. ii, 475, _seq_., I was
+pleasantly surprised by the beautiful eye turning on me with the
+question, 'What is the meaning of _sacra fero_?' and his look of
+approval when I said, 'Carry the sacred vessels in the procession.'"
+
+"I wish you to understand that Mr. Gladstone appeared not to me only,
+but to others, as a gentleman wholly unlike other examiners or school
+people. It was not as _a politician_ that we admired him, but as a
+refined Churchman, deep also in political philosophy (so we conjectured
+from his quoting Burke on the Continual State retaining its identity
+though made up of passing individuals), deep also in lofty poetry, as we
+guessed from his giving us, as a theme for original Latin verse, 'the
+poet's eye in a fine frenzy,' etc. When he spoke to us in 'Pop' as an
+honorary member, we were charmed and affected emotionally: his voice was
+low and sweet, his manner was that of an elder cousin: he seemed to
+treat us with unaffected respect; and to be treated with respect by a
+man is the greatest delight for a boy. It was the golden time of
+'retrograding transcendentalism,' as the hard-heads called the
+Anglo-Catholic symphony. He seemed to me then an apostle of unworldly
+ardor, bridling his life."
+
+The Whig administration, which for some time had been growing very
+unpopular, was defeated and went out of power in 1841. From the very
+beginning of the session their overthrow was imminent. Among the causes
+which rendered the ministry obnoxious to the country, and led to their
+downfall, may be named the disappointment of both their dissenting
+English supporters and Irish allies; their financial policy had proved a
+complete failure and dissatisfied the nation; and the deficit in the
+revenue this year amounted to no less a sum than two millions and a half
+pounds. Every effort to remedy the financial difficulties offered by the
+ministry to the House was rejected, Hence it was felt on all sides that
+the government of the country must be committed to stronger hands.
+Accordingly, in May, Sir Robert Peel proposed a resolution in the House
+of Commons to the effect that the ministry did not possess sufficiently
+the confidence of the House to carry through measures deemed essential
+for the public welfare; and that their continuance in office was, under
+the circumstances, at variance with the Constitution, For five days this
+resolution was discussed, but Mr. Gladstone took no part in the debate.
+The motion of Sir Robert Peel passed by a majority vote of one, and on
+the 7th of June Lord John Russell announced that the ministry would at
+once dissolve Parliament and appeal to the country. Parliament was
+prorogued by the Queen in person June 22d, and the country was soon in
+the turmoil of a general election. By the end of July it was found that
+the ministry had been defeated and with greater loss than the Tories
+even had expected. The Tories had a great majority of the new members
+returned. The Liberal seats gained by the Tories were seventy-eight,
+while the Tory seats gained by Liberals were only thirty-eight, thus
+making a Tory majority of eighty. Mr. Gladstone was again elected at
+Newark, and was at the head of the poll; with Lord John Manners,
+afterwards Duke of Rutland, as his colleague.
+
+The new Parliament met in August, and the ministers were defeated, in
+both Houses, on the Address and resigned. Sir Robert Peel was called
+upon by the Queen to form a new ministry, and Mr. Gladstone was
+included by his leader in the administration. In appearing on the
+hustings at Newark Mr. Gladstone said that there were two points upon
+which the British farmer might rely--the first being that adequate
+protection would be given him, and, second, that protection would be
+given him through the means of the sliding scale. The duties were to be
+reduced and the system improved, but the principle was to be maintained.
+"There was no English statesman who could foresee at this period the
+results of that extraordinary agitation which, in the course of the next
+five years, was destined to secure the abrogation of the Corn Laws."
+
+There is a tradition that, having already conceived a lively interest in
+the ecclesiastical and agrarian problems of Ireland, Mr. Gladstone had
+set his affections on the Chief Secretaryship. But Sir Robert Peel, a
+consummate judge of administrative capacity, had discerned his young
+friend's financial aptitude, and the member for Newark became
+vice-president of the Board of Trade and master of the Mint.
+
+Although in the midst of engrossing cares of office as vice-president of
+the Board of Trade, yet Mr. Gladstone found time to renew his old
+interest in ecclesiastical concerns. In the fall of 1841 an English
+Episcopal Bishopric was established at Jerusalem, Mr. Gladstone dined
+with Baron Bunsen on the birthday of the King of Prussia, when, as
+reported by Lord Shaftesbury, he "stripped himself of a part of his
+Puseyite garments, spoke like a pious man, rejoiced in the bishopric of
+Jerusalem, and proposed the health of Alexander, the new Bishop of that
+see. This is delightful, for he is a good man, a clever man and an
+industrious man." And Baron Bunsen, speaking of the same occasion, said,
+"Never was heard a more exquisite speech, It flowed like a gentle,
+translucent stream. We drove back to town in the clearest starlight;
+Gladstone continuing with unabated animation to pour forth his
+harmonious thoughts in melodious tone." And Mr. Gladstone himself writes
+later; "Amidst public business, quite sufficient for a man of my
+compass, I have, during the whole of the week, perforce, been carrying
+on with the Bishop of London and with Bunsen a correspondence on, and
+inquisition into, the Jerusalem design, until I almost reel and stagger
+under it."
+
+And still later he writes: "I am ready individually to brave
+misconstruction for the sake of union with any Christian men, provided
+the terms of the union be not contrary to sound principle; and perhaps
+in this respect might go further, at least in one of the possible
+directions, than you. But to declare the living constitution of a
+Christian Church to be of secondary moment is of course in my view
+equivalent to a denial of a portion of the faith--and I think you will
+say it is a construction which can not fairly be put upon the design,
+as far as it exists in fixed rules and articles. It is one thing to
+attribute this in the way of unfavorable surmise, or as an apprehension
+of ultimate developments--it is another to publish it to the world as a
+character ostentatiously assumed."
+
+We have evidence also that at this time he was not permitted to forget
+that he was an author, for he thus writes, April 6, 1842, to his
+publisher: "Amidst the pressure of more urgent affairs, I have held no
+consultation with you regarding my books and the sale or no sale of
+them. As to the third edition of the 'State in its Relations,' I should
+think that the remaining copies had better be got rid of in whatever
+summary or ignominious mode you may deem best. They must be dead beyond
+recall. As to the others, I do not know whether the season of the year
+has at all revived the demand; and would suggest to you whether it would
+be well to advertise them a little. I do not think they find their way
+much into the second-hand shops. With regard to the fourth edition, I do
+not know whether it would be well to procure any review or notice of it,
+and I am not a fair judge of its merits, even in comparison with the
+original form of the work; but my idea is that it is less defective,
+both in the theoretical and in the historical development, and ought to
+be worth the notice of those who deemed the earlier editions worth
+their notice and purchase; that it would really put a reader in
+possession of the view it was intended to convey, which I fear is more
+than can with any truth be said of its predecessors. I am not, however,
+in any state of anxiety or impatience; and I am chiefly moved to refer
+these suggestions to your judgment from perceiving that the fourth
+edition is as yet far from having cleared itself."
+
+It was from this time that a marked change was observable in the
+subjects of Mr. Gladstone's Parliamentary addresses. "Instead of
+speaking on the corporate conscience of the State and the endowments of
+the Church, the importance of Christian education and the theological
+unfitness of the Jews to sit in Parliament, he was solving business-like
+problems about foreign tariffs and the exportation of machinery; waxing
+eloquent over the regulation of railways and a graduated tax on corn;
+subtle on the momentary merits of half-farthings and great in the
+mysterious lore of quassia and cocculus indicus."
+
+In the short session of Parliament, in 1841, that which followed the
+accession of Sir Robert Peel to the office of Prime Minister, he was
+questioned by his opponents as to his future policy. The Premier
+declined to state the nature of the measures he intended to present, or
+which he contemplated making, in the intervening months of the recess
+of Parliament so near at hand. He wanted time for the arrangement of his
+plans and the construction of his political programme. An effort was
+made to embarrass the administration by refusing to vote the necessary
+supplies, until inquiry should be made into the existing distress, but
+it was defeated. Three weeks later Parliament was dissolved by Royal
+commission. In the following sitting of Parliament several measures of
+high practical character were presented.
+
+Sir Robert Peel acceded to office in very critical times. The condition
+of the country was truly lamentable. Distress and discontent were
+widespread and the difficulties of the government were greatly enhanced
+by popular tumults. The Free Trade agitation was already making great
+headway in the land, and when the Premier brought forward his new
+sliding scale of duties in the House of Commons it was denounced by Mr.
+Cobden as an insult to a suffering people. The Premier said that he
+considered the present not an unfavorable time for discussing the corn
+laws; that there was no great stock on hand of foreign growth to alarm
+the farmers; that the recess had been marked by universal calm; that
+there was no popular violence to interrupt legislation; and that there
+was a disposition to view any proposal for the adjustment of the
+question with calmness and moderation.
+
+The Premier's view of the situation did not seem to be wholly in accord
+with the well-known facts, for the Queen even, on her appearance at the
+London theatres, had been hooted, and the Prime Minister himself was
+burnt in effigy during a riot at Northampton; great excitement prevailed
+throughout the country, and Lord John Russell moved as an amendment
+"That this House, considering the evils which have been caused by the
+present corn laws and especially by the fluctuation of the graduated or
+sliding scale, is not prepared to adopt the measure of her Majesty's
+government, which is founded on the same principles and is likely to be
+attended by similar results."
+
+It was incumbent upon Mr. Gladstone to lead the opposition to this
+motion. He showed that the proposed plan was not founded on the same
+principle of the existing one, except that both involved a sliding
+scale; that the present distress was caused by fluctuation of the
+seasons and not by the laws; that high prices of food were chargeable to
+successive failures of the crops; that these unavoidable fluctuations
+were not aggravated by the corn laws; that Sir Robert Peel's plan of
+working was far superior to that of Lord John Russell; that the drains
+upon the currency, caused by bad harvests, were not to be prevented by a
+fixed duty; that a uniform protection could not be given to corn, as to
+other articles, because at high prices of corn no duty could be
+maintained, and that, therefore, at low prices, it was but just to give
+a duty which would be an effectual protection. The debate which followed
+was characterized by vigorous speeches from Mr. Roebuck and Lord
+Palmerston. Lord John Russell's amendment was lost by a large majority.
+A motion presented by Mr. Villiers, the Free Trade advocate, for the
+immediate repeal of the corn laws was also lost by a majority of over
+three hundred.
+
+On the 11th of March Sir Robert Peel introduced his budget. The budget
+for 1842 was produced under depressing circumstances. There was a
+deficit of £2,750,000, or about $15,000,000, and taxation upon articles
+of consumption had been pushed to its utmost limit. Peel was a great
+financier, but the fiscal difficulties by which he was now surrounded
+were enough to appall the most ingenious of financial ministers.
+
+Mr. Gladstone rendered the Premier invaluable service in the preparation
+both of his budget and of his tariff scheme. The merit of the budget was
+its taxation of wealth and the relief of the manufacturing industry. The
+second branch of the financial plan, the revised tariff--a customs
+duties scheme--was very important, and it was understood to be mainly
+the work of Mr. Gladstone. Out of nearly 1200 duty-paying articles, a
+total abolition, or a considerable reduction, was made in no fewer than
+750. This was certainly a great step towards the freedom of
+manufacturers, Sir Robert Peel's boast that he had endeavored to relieve
+manufacturing industries was more than justified by this great and
+comprehensive measure. The very best means for relieving the
+manufacturing industries had been devised.
+
+But while this great relief to industry was welcomed the Opposition did
+not relax their efforts for the abolition of the corn laws, which were
+continued into the session of 1843. Sir Robert Peel acknowledged, amidst
+loud cheers from the Opposition, that all were agreed in the general
+rule that we should purchase in the cheapest market and sell in the
+dearest; but he added, "If I propose a greater change in the corn laws
+than that which I submit to the consideration of the House I should only
+aggravate the distress of the country, and only increase the alarm which
+prevails among important interests." Mr. Hume hailed with joy the
+appearance of the Premier and his colleagues as converts to the
+principles of Free Trade; Mr. Gladstone replied, that, whoever were the
+authors of the principles on which the government measures rested, he
+must protest against the statement that the ministry came forward as
+converts to principles which they had formerly opposed.
+
+During the progress of the debate of 1842, on the revised Tariff Bill,
+Mr. Gladstone's labors were very great. He was called upon to explain or
+defend the details of the scheme, and had something to say about every
+article of consumption included in, or excluded from, the list. He spoke
+one hundred and twenty-nine times, chiefly on themes connected with the
+new fiscal legislature. He demonstrated his capacity for grasping all
+the most complicated details of finance, and also the power of
+comprehending the scope and necessities of the commercial interests of
+the country. No measure with which his name has since been connected has
+done him more credit. He spoke incessantly, and amazed the House by his
+mastery of details, his intimate acquaintance with the commercial needs
+of the country, and his inexhaustible power of exposition. On March 14th
+Greville wrote, "Gladstone has already displayed a capacity which makes
+his admission into the Cabinet indispensable." A commercial minister had
+appeared on the scene, and the shade of Hoskisson had revived.
+
+Though engrossed in schemes of practical legislation, and in all the
+excitements and interests of office, he could, as he has ever done
+during his long career, turn aside for the discourse on social and
+educational questions with much earnestness and eloquence, as if they,
+and only they, possessed his mind. In January, 1843, he spoke at the
+opening of the Collegiate Institute of Liverpool, and delivered a
+powerful plea for the better education of the middle classes, which was
+one of the most forcible speeches he ever delivered. He said:
+
+"We believe that if you could erect a system which should present to
+mankind all branches of knowledge save the one that is essential, you
+would only be building up a Tower of Babel, which, when you had
+completed it, would be the more signal in its fall, and which would bury
+those who had raised it in its ruins. We believe that if you can take a
+human being in his youth, and if you can make him an accomplished man in
+natural philosophy, in mathematics, or in the knowledge necessary for
+the profession of a merchant, a lawyer, or a physician; that if in any
+or all of these endowments you could form his mind--yes, if you could
+endow him with the science and power of a Newton, and so send him
+forth--and if you had concealed from him, or, rather, had not given him
+a knowledge and love of the Christian faith--he would go forth into the
+world, able indeed with reference to those purposes of science,
+successful with the accumulation of wealth for the multiplication of
+more, but 'poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked' with reference to
+everything that constitutes the true and sovereign purposes of our
+existence--nay, worse, worse--with respect to the sovereign purpose--
+than if he had still remained in the ignorance which we all commiserate,
+and which it is the object of this institution to assist in removing."
+
+It was admitted on all hands that great fiscal reforms had been
+conceived and executed; and speaking of the session of 1842, a writer,
+not favorable to the Tories, wrote: "The nation saw and felt that its
+business was understood and accomplished, and the House of Commons was
+no longer like a sleeper under a nightmare. The long session was a busy
+one. The Queen wore a cheerful air when she thanked Parliament for their
+effectual labors. The Opposition was such as could no longer impede the
+operations of the next session. The condition of the country was fearful
+enough, but something was done for its future improvement, and the way
+was now shown to be open for further beneficent legislation."
+
+The corn law reformers renewed their efforts, led by Lord Howick, as
+soon as the parliamentary session of 1843 opened. An inquiry by the
+whole House was demanded into the causes of the long continued
+manufacturing depression referred to in the Queen's speech. Mr.
+Gladstone replied that while the Opposition proposed to repeal the corn
+laws, they offered no measure of relief in their place. The corn laws
+were at the root of the distress in the country, but the difficulty was
+to unite the ranks of the Opposition in opinion as to what ought to
+follow the repeal of the corn laws. The question between the government
+and the Opposition was not really so great as the latter wished to make
+out. It was simply as to the amount of relaxation the country could bear
+in the duties. It was the intention of the First Lord of the Treasury to
+attain his object "by increasing the employment of the people, by
+cheapening the prices of the articles of consumption, as also the
+articles of industry, by encouraging the means of exchange with foreign
+nations, and thereby encouraging in return an extension of the export
+trade; but besides all this, if he understood the measure of the
+government last year, it was proposed that the relaxation should be
+practically so limited as to cause no violent shock to existing
+interests, such as would have the tendency of displacing that labor
+which should be employed, and which, if displaced, would be unable to
+find another field." The measure of the previous year had nothing but a
+beneficial effect, but the repeal of the corn laws would displace a vast
+mass of labor. Lord Howick's motion was defeated and so were others
+offered by Mr. Villiers and Lord John Russell, by diminishing
+majorities, and Mr. Gladstone protested against the constant renewal of
+uneasiness in the country by successive motions of this kind in
+Parliament.
+
+The year 1843 was one destined to witness a great advance in Mr.
+Gladstone's progress towards the front rank among statesmen. June 10th,
+Lord Ripon, who was President of the Board of Trade, left this place for
+the Board of Control, and Mr. Gladstone was appointed to the position,
+and thus became a member of the Cabinet at the age of thirty-three Mr.
+Gladstone now became in name what he had been already in fact--the
+President of the Board of Trade. He states that "the very first opinion
+which he was ever called upon to give in Cabinet" was an opinion in
+favor of withdrawing the bill providing education for children in
+factories; to which vehement opposition was offered by the Dissenters,
+on the ground that it was too favorable to the Established Church. It
+seemed that his position was assured and yet in October he wrote to a
+friend: "Uneasy, in my opinion, must be the position of every member of
+Parliament who thinks independently in these times, or in any that are
+likely to succeed them; and in proportion as a man's course of thought
+deviates from the ordinary lines his seat must less and less resemble a
+bed of roses." Mr. Gladstone possibly felt when he penned these lines
+that the time was at hand when his convictions would force him to take a
+position that would array against him some of his most ardent friends.
+
+During the session of 1844 Mr. Gladstone addressed the House on a
+variety of subjects, including rail ways, the law of partnership, the
+agricultural interest, the abolition of the corn laws, the Dissenters'
+Chapel Bill and the sugar duties. One very valuable bill he had carried
+was a measure for the abolition of restrictions on the exportation of
+machinery. Another was the railway bill, to improve the railway system,
+by which the Board of Trade had conditional power to purchase railways
+which had not adopted a revised scale of tolls. The bill also
+compulsorily provided for at least one third-class train per week-day
+upon every line of railway, to charge but one penny a mile, regulated
+the speed of traveling, compelled such trains to stop at every station,
+and arranged for the carrying of children under three years of age for
+nothing and those under twelve at reduced fares. This measure, conceived
+so distinctly in the interests of the poorer classes, met with
+considerable opposition at first from the various railway companies, but
+it was ultimately passed into law. These were measures passed in the
+spirit of reform, though by a Conservative government.
+
+There was another matter legislated upon which shows how Mr. Gladstone's
+mind was undergoing changes in the direction of religious toleration.
+Lady Hewley had originally founded and given to Calvinistic Independents
+certain charities which had gradually passed to Unitarians, who were
+ousted from their benefits. A bill was proposed to vest property left to
+Dissenting bodies in the hands of that religions body with whom it had
+remained for the preceding twenty years. The measure was passed, but
+when it was discussed in the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone said that it
+was a bill which it was incumbent upon the House to endorse; that there
+was no contrariety between his principles of religious belief and those
+on which legislation in this case ought to proceed; that there was a
+great question of justice, viz., whether those who were called
+Presbyterian Dissenters, and who were a century and a half ago of
+Trinitarian opinions, ought not to be protected at the present moment in
+possession of the chapels which they held, with the appurtenances of
+those chapels? On the question of substantial justice he pronounced the
+strongest affirmative opinion. "After this speech there were those who
+thought, and expressed their hope and belief in words, that the
+'champion of Free Trade' would ere long become the advocate of the most
+unrestricted liberty in matters of religion. Their hope, if sanguine as
+to its immediate fulfillment, was far from groundless."
+
+However, in December of the same year Mr. Gladstone wrote to his friend
+Archdeacon, afterwards Bishop Wilberforce, about the prospects of the
+Church of England: "I rejoice to see that your views on the whole are
+hopeful. For my part I heartily go along with you. The fabric
+consolidates itself more and more, even while the earthquake rocks it;
+for, with a thousand drawbacks and deductions, love grows larger, zeal
+warmer, truth firmer among us. It makes the mind sad to speculate upon
+the question how much better all might have been; but our mourning
+should be turned into joy and thankfulness when we think also how much
+worse it _was_."
+
+The next event in the life of Mr. Gladstone is marked by a momentous
+change in his political position. Scarcely had Parliament met in
+January, 1845, when it was announced to the astonishment of everyone
+that Mr. Gladstone had resigned his place as President of the Board of
+Trade in the Cabinet. He set a good deal of speculation at rest by the
+announcement made in his speech on the address of the Queen, that his
+resignation was due solely to the government intentions with regard to
+Maynooth College. Before, however, he had resigned, Mr. Gladstone had
+completed a second and revised tariff, carrying further the principles
+of the revision of 1842.
+
+In the session of 1844 Sir Robert Peel, in response to the requests of
+Irish members, had promised that the Government would take up the
+question of academical education in Ireland, with the view of bringing
+it more nearly to the standard of England and Scotland, increasing its
+amount and improving its quality. In fulfillment of this pledge the
+government, at the beginning of the session of 1845, proposed to
+establish non-sectarian colleges in Ireland, and to increase the
+appropriation to Maynooth. The College of Maynooth, which was
+established for the education of Roman Catholic priests and laymen, had
+fallen into poverty and decay. In order to gratify the Irish, the
+government offered to increase the grant already made from $45,000 to
+$150,000 a year. This appropriation was not to be subject to any annual
+vote, and the affairs of the College were to be executed by the Board of
+Works. These proposals placed Mr. Gladstone in a position of great
+difficulty. He must either support Sir Robert Peel's measure, or retire
+from the Cabinet into isolation, if not subject to the imputation of
+eccentricity. He took council with his friends, Archdeacon Manning and
+Mr. Hope, who advised him to remain, and with Lord Stanley who warned
+him that his resignation must be followed by resistance of the proposals
+of the government, which would involve him in a storm of religious
+agitation. But Mr. Gladstone persisted in his intention, in what seemed
+like giving up his brilliant prospects, but said it would not
+necessarily be followed by resistance to the proposal about Maynooth.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that the proposed increase in the Maynooth endowment
+and the establishment of non-sectarian colleges were at variance with
+views he had written and uttered upon the relations of the Church and
+State. "I am sensible how fallible my judgment is," said Mr. Gladstone,
+"and how easily I might have erred; but still it has been my conviction
+that although I was not to fetter my judgment as a member of Parliament
+by a reference to abstract theories, yet, on the other hand, it was
+absolutely due to the public and due to myself that I should, so far as
+in me lay, place myself in a position to form an opinion upon a matter
+of so great importance, that should not only be actually free from all
+bias or leaning with respect to any consideration whatsoever, but an
+opinion that should be unsuspected. On that account I have taken a
+course most painful to myself in respect to personal feelings, and have
+separated myself from men with whom and under whom I have long acted in
+public life, and of whom I am bound to say, although I have now no
+longer the honor of serving my most gracious Sovereign, that I continue
+to regard them with unaltered sentiments both of public regard and
+private attachment."
+
+Then again he said: "My whole purpose was to place myself in a position
+in which I should be free to consider any course without being liable
+to any just suspicion on the ground of personal interest. It is not
+profane if I now say, '_with a great price obtained I this freedom_.'
+The political association in which I stood was to me at the time the
+_alpha_ and _omega_ of public life. The government of Sir Robert Peel
+was believed to be of immovable strength. My place, as President of the
+Board of Trade, was at the very kernel of its most interesting
+operations; for it was in progress from year to year, with continually
+waxing courage, towards the emancipation of industry, and therein
+towards the accomplishment of another great and blessed work of public
+justice. Giving up what I highly prized, aware that
+
+                            male sarta
+     Gratia nequicquam coit, et rescinditur.
+
+I felt myself open to the charge of being opinionated and wanting in
+deference to really great authorities, and I could not but know that I
+should inevitably be regarded as fastidious and fanciful, fitter for a
+dreamer, or possibly a schoolman, than for the active purposes of public
+life in a busy and moving age."
+
+There were some of his party angry and others who thought that there was
+something almost Quixotic in Mr. Gladstone's honorable resignation,
+because so soon as he felt himself free he gave his support to the
+Maynooth Bill and also to the scheme for the extension of academical
+education in Ireland, which latter was described by Sir R. Inglis as a
+"gigantic scheme of godless education." In Greville's "Memoirs" we find:
+"Gladstone's explanation is ludicrous. Everybody said that he had only
+succeeded in showing that his resignation was unnecessary. He was
+criticised as the possessor of a kind of supernatural virtue that could
+scarcely be popular with the slaves of party, and he was considered
+whimsical, fantastic, impracticable, a man whose 'conscience was so
+tender that he could not go straight,' a visionary not to be relied
+on--in fact, a character and intellect useless to the political
+manager." "I am greatly alarmed at Gladstone's resignation. I fear it
+foretells measures opposed to the Church truth," wrote Wilberforce; and
+Peel told Gladstone beforehand that his reasons for his resignation
+would be considered insufficient. But Mr. Gladstone's resignation, when
+understood, elicited the liveliest expressions of regret from friend and
+foe, as well as the most flattering testimonies as to his ability and
+character. His chief, Sir Robert Peel, and Lord John Russell, the leader
+of the Opposition, were alike complimentary in their remarks.
+
+Dr. Russell, the biographer of Mr. Gladstone, says: "Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement, by impairing his reputation for common sense, threatened
+serious and lasting injury to his political career, But the whirligig
+of time brought its revenges even more swiftly than usual. A conjunction
+of events arose in which he was destined to repair the mischief which
+the speculative side had wrought; but for the moment the speculative
+side was uppermost."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was fast leaving his Toryism behind. To show how far his
+views had changed in the course of seven years, it may be said that in
+his speech on these measures he observed how that exclusive support to
+the Established Church was a doctrine that was being more and more
+abandoned. Mr. Burke considered it contrary to wise policy to give
+exclusive privileges to a negative creed like that of Protestantism.
+They could not prove their religious scruples for denying this grant to
+Roman Catholics, because they gave their votes of money to almost every
+Dissenting seat. He hoped the concession now made--which was a great and
+liberal gift, because unrestricted and given in a spirit of
+confidence--would not lead to the renewal of agitation in Ireland by Mr.
+O'Connell. It might be well for him to reflect that agitation was a
+two-edged sword. Being conformable to justice and not contrary to
+principle, he hoped the measure proposed would pass into a law.
+
+W.T. Stead, in a recent article, said, in relation to Mr. Gladstone's
+retirement from the Cabinet, that "It is ridiculous to pretend, with
+Mr. Gladstone's career before us, that his course has been swayed by
+calculating self-interest. He has been the very madman of politics from
+the point of view of Mr. Worldly Wiseman. 'No man,' said he, the other
+day, 'has ever committed suicide so often as I,' and that witness is
+true. The first and perhaps the most typical of all his many suicides
+was his resignation of his seat in Sir Robert Peel's Cabinet, not
+because he disapproved of the Maynooth Grant, but because, as he had at
+one time written against it, he was determined that his advocacy of it
+should be purged of the last taint of self-interest. As Mr. George
+Russell rightly remarks, 'This was an act of Parliamentary Quixotism too
+eccentric to be intelligible. It argued a fastidious sensitiveness of
+conscience, and a nice sense of political propriety so opposed to the
+sordid selfishness and unblushing tergiversation of the ordinary
+place-hunter as to be almost offensive.' But as Mr. Gladstone was then,
+so he has been all his life--the very Quixote of conscience. Judged by
+every standard of human probability, he has ruined himself over and over
+and over again. He is always ruining himself, and always rising, like
+the Phoenix, in renewed youth from the ashes of his funeral pyre. As was
+said in homely phrase some years ago, he 'always keeps bobbing up
+again.' What is the secret of this wonderful capacity of revival? How
+is it that Mr. Gladstone seems to find even his blunders help him, and
+the affirmation of principles that seem to be destructive to all chance
+of the success of his policy absolutely helps him to its realization?"
+
+From a merely human standpoint it is inexplicable. But
+
+     'If right or wrong in this God's world of ours
+      Be leagued with higher powers,'
+
+then the mystery is not so insolvable. He believed in the higher powers.
+He never shrank from putting his faith to the test; and on the whole,
+who can deny that for his country and for himself he has reason to
+rejoice in the verification of his working hypothesis?
+
+'We walk by faith and not by sight,' he said once; 'and by no one so
+much as by those who are in politics is this necessary.' It is the
+evidence of things not seen, the eternal principles, the great invisible
+moral sanctions that men are wont to call the laws of God, which alone
+supply a safe guide through this mortal wilderness.
+
+     'Men of a thousand shifts and wiles, look here!
+        See one straightforward conscience put in pawn
+      To win a world; see the obedient sphere
+        By bravery's simple gravitation drawn!
+      Shall we not heed the lesson taught of old,
+        And by the Present's lips repeated still?
+      In our own single manhood to be bold,
+        Fortressed in conscience and impregnable.'
+
+"Mr. Gladstone has never hesitated to counter at sharp right angles the
+passion and the fury of the day. Those who represent him as ever strong
+upon the strong side, wilfully shut their eyes to half his history. He
+challenged Lord Palmerston over the Don Pacifico question, and was
+believed to have wrecked himself almost as completely as when in 1876 he
+countered even more resolutely the fantastic Jingoism of Lord
+Beaconsfield. It is easy for those who come after and enter into the
+spoils gained by sacrifices of which they themselves were incapable to
+describe the Bulgarian agitation as an astute party move. The party did
+not think so. Its leaders did not think so. Some of those who now halloo
+loud enough behind Mr. Gladstone were then bitter enough in their
+complaint that he had wrecked his party. One at least, who was
+constrained to say the other thing in public, made up for it by bitter
+and contemptuous cavilings in private. Now it is easy to see that Lord
+Beaconsfield was mistaken and that Mr. Gladstone held the winning card
+all along. But no one knew it at the time when the card had to be
+played, certainly not Mr. Gladstone himself. He simply saw his duty a
+dead sure thing, and, like Jim Bludsoe on the burning boat, 'He went for
+it there and then.' It turned up trumps, but no one knew how heavy were
+the odds against it save those who went through the stress and the
+strain of that testing and trying time by his side."
+
+In the summer of 1845 Mr. Gladstone proposed to his intimate friend, Mr.
+J.R. Hope, that they should spend the month of September in a working
+tour in Ireland, giving evidence of his characteristic desire always to
+come in personal contact with any question that he had to discuss. He
+suggests "their eschewing all grandeur, and taking little account even
+of scenery, compared with the purpose of looking, from close quarters,
+at the institutions for religion and education of the country, and at
+the character of the people. It seems ridiculous to talk of supplying
+the defects of second-hand information by so short a trip; but although
+a longer time would be much better, yet even a very contracted one does
+much when it is added to an habitual, though indirect, knowledge." The
+projected trip, however, had to be abandoned.
+
+Towards the close of the year 1845 Mr. Gladstone issued a pamphlet
+entitled "Remarks upon recent Commercial Legislation," in which he not
+only discussed the salutary effects of the late commercial policy, but
+used arguments clearly showing that he was advancing to the position of
+a free-trader. His general conclusion was that English statesmen should
+use every effort to disburden of all charges, so far as the law was
+concerned, the materials of industry, and thus enable the workman to
+approach his work at home on better terms, as the terms in which he
+entered foreign markets were altered for the worse against him.
+
+While Mr. Gladstone was so willing to deal generously more than ever
+before with the Irish Roman Catholics, his confidence in the Established
+Episcopal Church of Ireland was growing less. "I am sorry," he wrote to
+Bishop Wilberforce, "to express my apprehension that the Irish Church is
+not in a large sense efficient; the working results of the last ten
+years have disappointed me. I may be answered, Have faith in the
+ordinance of God; but then I must see the seal and signature, and these,
+how can I separate from ecclesiastical descent? The title, in short, is
+questioned, and vehemently, not only by the Radicalism of the day, but
+by the Roman Bishops, who claim to hold succession of St. Patrick, and
+this claim has been alive all along from the Reformation, so that lapse
+of years does nothing against it."
+
+The name of Dr. Döllinger, the distinguished reformed Roman Catholic,
+has been mentioned already in connection with that of Mr. Gladstone. In
+the fall of 1845 Mr. Gladstone went to Munich and paid his first visit
+to Dr. Döllinger. For a week he remained in daily intercourse with this
+eminent divine, and the foundation was laid of a friendship which was
+sustained by repeated visits and correspondence, and which lasted until
+the doctor's death in 1890.
+
+In the winter of 1845 Mr. Gladstone met with a painful accident that
+resulted in a permanent injury to his hand. He was by no means what is
+termed a sportsman, yet he was somewhat fond of shooting. His gun was
+prematurely discharged while he was loading it, and shattered the first
+finger of his left hand, so that amputation was necessary.
+
+[Illustration: Loyal Ulster]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+
+MEMBER FOR OXFORD
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's career," says his biographer, G.W.E. Russell,
+"naturally divides itself into three parts. The first of them ends with
+his retirement from the representation of Newark. The central part
+ranges from 1847 to 1868. Happily the third is still incomplete." The
+first division, according to Dr. Russell, of this remarkable life, we
+have considered, and we now pass on to the development of the second
+period. The causes which led up to Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the
+representation for Newark to that of Oxford we will now proceed
+to trace.
+
+The agitation by the ablest orators against the corn laws had been going
+on for ten years, when an announcement was made in the "Times" of
+December 4, 1845, that Parliament would be convened the first week in
+January, and that the Queen's address would recommend the immediate
+consideration of the corn laws, preparatory to their total abolition.
+This startling news took the other daily papers by surprise, for there
+had been recently a lull in the agitation, and several of them
+contradicted it positively. Yet the newspapers had noticed the unusual
+occurrence of four cabinet meetings in one week. The original statement
+was confirmed. The ministry was pledged to support the measure. The hour
+had come, the doom of the corn laws was sealed. Mr. Gladstone's thoughts
+and labors for some years past had been leading him away from
+Protection, in which he had been brought up, in the direction of Free
+Trade; and although he was unable to participate in the last part of the
+struggle in Parliament, because he was not a member of the House, he was
+yet in harmony with Sir Robert Peel, and indeed is said to have
+converted the Premier to Free Trade views. Such a change of views was
+not the sudden impulse of an hour. The next step was to announce his
+changed convictions. And so upon other occasions in his life, his
+attitude on the question of the corn laws led to his separation from
+some old and greatly cherished political and personal friends, and among
+the first to disapprove of his new departure must have been his own
+father, who would think his son was going to ruin the country.
+
+The Duke of Buccleuch and Lord Stanley informed Sir Robert Peel that
+they could not support a measure for the repeal of the corn laws, and
+Sir Robert Peel, being doubtful whether he could carry through the
+proposed measure in the face of such opposition, tendered his
+resignation as premier to the Queen. Lord John Russell was called upon
+to form a new ministry, but, having failed in this, the Queen desired
+Sir Robert Peel to withdraw his resignation, and resume the head of the
+government again.
+
+It was found when the list of the new Peel Cabinet was published, that
+Mr. Gladstone was a member of it; having accepted the office of Colonial
+Secretary, in the place of Lord Stanley, who had resigned because not in
+sympathy with the proposed movement and of repeal. Accepting office in a
+ministry pledged to repeal the corn laws led to the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone from the House of Commons as the representative for Newark.
+The Duke of New Castle, the patron and friend of Mr. Gladstone, was an
+ardent Protectionist, and could not sanction the candidature of a
+supporter of Free Trade principles. His patronage was therefore
+necessarily withdrawn from Mr. Gladstone. Indeed, the Duke had turned
+his own son, Lord Lincoln, out of the representation of Nottinghamshire
+for accepting office under Sir Robert Peel, and he naturally showed no
+mercy to the brilliant but wayward politician, whom his favor had made
+member for Newark. Besides, Mr. Gladstone felt he held opposite
+principles from those he held when elected, and that unless the
+constituency had changed with him, he could no longer honorably continue
+to represent them, even if the influence and friendship of the Duke
+permitted it.
+
+Accordingly he did not offer himself for re-election, but retired and
+issued an address to the electors of Newark, dated January 5, 1846, of
+which the following is an extract: "By accepting the office of Secretary
+of State for the Colonies, I have ceased to be your representative in
+Parliament. On several accounts I should have been peculiarly desirous
+at the present time of giving you an opportunity to pronounce your
+constitutional judgment on my public conduct, by soliciting at your
+hands a renewal of the trust which I have already received from you on
+five successive occasions, and held during a period of thirteen years.
+But as I have good reason to believe that a candidate recommended to
+your favor through local connections may ask your suffrages, it becomes
+my very painful duty to announce to you on that ground alone my
+retirement from a position which has afforded me so much of honor and of
+satisfaction." Mr. Gladstone further goes on to explain that he accepted
+office because he held that "it was for those who believed the
+Government was acting according to the demands of public duty to testify
+that belief, however limited their sphere might be, by their
+co-operation." He had acted "in obedience to the clear and imperious
+call of public obligation."
+
+It was in this way that Mr. Gladstone became a voluntary exile from the
+House of Commons during this important season, and took no part in the
+debates, his personal powerful advocacy being lost in the consideration
+of the great measure before the House. He was a member of the Cabinet,
+but not of the House of Commons. It was no secret, however, that he was
+the most advanced Free Trader in the Peel Cabinet, and that the policy
+of the government in regard to this great measure of 1846 was to a large
+extent moulded by him.
+
+It is also known that his representations of the effects of Free Trade
+on the industry of the country and the general well-being of the people
+strengthened the Premier in his resolve to sweep away the obnoxious corn
+laws. His pamphlet on recent commercial legislation had prepared the way
+for the later momentous changes; and to Mr. Gladstone is due much of the
+credit for the speedy consummation of the Free Trade policy of the Peel
+Ministry. Mr. Gladstone may be regarded as the pioneer of the movement.
+
+Just at this time a calamity occurred in Ireland which furnished Sir
+Robert Peel an additional argument for the prompt repeal of the corn
+laws; namely, a prospective famine, owing to the failure of the potato
+crop. With threatened famine in Ireland, such as had never been
+experienced, the Prime Minister saw clearly that corn must be admitted
+into the country free of duty. The Anti-Corn Law League was growing
+powerful and even irresistible, while both in England and Ireland many
+landlords of influence, who did not belong to the League, were in
+sympathy with the movement started by the Premier and ready to extend to
+him a hearty support.
+
+But the friends of Protection did not leave the Premier without
+opposition. Knowing that Sir Robert Peel's personal influence was
+greater than that of any minister who had "virtually governed the
+empire," they used every means at their command, fair and unfair, to
+defeat the bill. However, their efforts were destined to failure. Some
+contended that the presentation and passage of the corn law repeal bill
+ought to be left to the Liberals. But Free Trade had not received the
+support of every member of the Liberal party, and Sir Robert Peel was in
+a position to carry out the measure, and it was not in accordance with
+the wisdom of practical politics to halt. Indeed, at this very juncture,
+Mr. Cobden wrote to the Premier that he had the power, and that it would
+be disastrous to the country for him to hesitate. Writing from
+Edinburgh, Lord John Russell announced his conversion to total and
+immediate repeal of the corn laws. Sir Robert Peel hesitated no longer,
+but, feeling that the crisis had arrived, determined to grapple with it.
+It was duty to country before and above fancied loyalty to party to be
+considered. It is strange what remedies some men deem sensible,
+suggested to prevent famine in Ireland.
+
+"Obviously the Government was in difficulties. What those difficulties
+were it was not hard to guess. In the previous autumn it had become
+known that, after a long season of sunless wet, the potatoes had
+everywhere been attacked by an obscure disease. The failure of this crop
+meant an Irish famine. The steps suggested to meet this impending
+calamity were strange enough. The head of the English peerage
+recommended the poor to rely on curry-powder as a nutritious and
+satisfying food. Another duke thought that the government could show no
+favor to a population almost in a state of rebellion, but that
+individuals might get up a subscription. A noble lord, harmonizing
+materialism and faith, urged the government to encourage the provision
+of salt fish, and at the same time to appoint a day of public
+acknowledgment of our dependence on Divine goodness. The council of the
+Royal Agricultural Society, numbering some of the wealthiest noblemen
+and squires in England, were not ashamed to lecture the laborers on the
+sustaining properties of thrice-boiled bones."
+
+When Parliament assembled the Premier entered into an explanation of the
+late ministerial crisis, and unfolded his projected plans. He said that
+the failure of the potato crop had led to the dissolution of the late
+government, that matters now could brook no further delay; that prompt
+action must now be taken on the Corn Laws; that the progress of reason
+and truth demanded it; that his opinions on the subject of Protection
+had undergone a great change; that the experience of the past three
+years confirmed him in his new views; that he could not conceal the
+knowledge of his convictions, however much it might lay him open to the
+charge of inconsistency; that, though accused of apathy and neglect, he
+and his colleagues were even then engaged in the most extensive and
+arduous inquiries into the true state of Ireland; and that, as these
+inquiries progressed, he has been forced to the conclusion that the
+protection policy was unsound and consequently untenable.
+
+It is worthy of note that Mr. Disraeli, the future Parliamentary rival
+of Mr. Gladstone, took part, as a member of the House of Commons, in the
+discussion of the question under consideration. The following words show
+his attitude: "To the opinions which I have expressed in this House in
+favor of Protection I adhere. They sent to this House, and if I had
+relinquished them I should have relinquished my seat also." "It would be
+an unprofitable talk," writes Barnett Smith, "to unravel the many
+inconsistencies of Lord Beaconsfield's career; but with regard to this
+deliverance upon Protection, the curious in such matters may turn back
+to the records of 1842, when they will discover that at that time he was
+quite prepared to advocate measures of a Free Trade character. But we
+must pass on from this important question of the Corn Laws, with the
+angry controversy to which it gave rise. Sir Robert Peel brought forward
+his measure, and after lengthened debate in both Houses, it became law,
+and grain was admitted into English ports under the new tariff."
+
+After all their success in carrying through the important Corn Law
+Repeal scheme, the ministry of Sir Robert Peel was doomed to fall upon
+an Irish question. The very day that brought their victory in the
+passage of the Corn Law Repeal Act in the House of Lords saw the defeat
+of the ministry in the House of Commons on their bill for the
+suppression of outrage in Ireland. Sir Robert Peel found himself in a
+minority of 73 and therefore tendered his resignation. It was accepted
+and Sir Robert Peel went out of office forever. Lord John Russell was
+sent for by the Queen, and he succeeded in forming a Whig Ministry.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's return to the Cabinet of Sir Robert Peel, as we have
+seen, cost him his seat in the House of Commons. It was not until the
+brief session of 1847, that he appeared again in Parliament. The Queen
+dissolved Parliament in person, July, 23d. The election succeeding
+turned in many instances upon ecclesiastical questions, and especially
+upon the Maynooth grant.
+
+It was announced early in 1847 that one of the two members of the House
+of Commons for the University of Oxford intended to retire at the next
+general election. Mr. Canning had pronounced the representation of the
+university as the most coveted prize of public life, and Mr. Gladstone
+himself confessed that he "desired it with an almost passionate
+fondness." Mr. Gladstone, as a graduate of Oxford, was looked upon not
+only by his contemporaries, but by his seniors and those who came after
+him, with feelings of enthusiastic admiration. The feeling then was
+reciprocal, and he was proposed for the vacant seat. Sir R.N. Inglis was
+secure in his seat, and so the contest lay between Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Round, who was of the ultra-Protestant and Tory school. The contest
+excited the keenest interest and was expected on all hands to be
+very close.
+
+Mr. Gladstone in his address to the electors of his _Alma Mater_
+confessed that in the earlier part of his public life he had been an
+advocate for the exclusive support of the national religion of the
+state, but it had been in vain; the time was against him. He said: "I
+found that scarcely a year passed without the adoption of some fresh
+measure involving the national recognition and the national support of
+various forms of religion, and, in particular, that a recent and fresh
+provision had been made for the propagation from a public chair of Arian
+or Socinian doctrines. The question remaining for me was whether, aware
+of the opposition of the English people, I should set down as equal to
+nothing, in a matter primarily connected not with our own but with their
+priesthood, the wishes of the people of Ireland; and whether I should
+avail myself of the popular feeling in regard to the Roman Catholics for
+the purpose of enforcing against them a system which we had ceased by
+common consent to enforce against Arians--a system, above all, of which
+I must say that it never can be conformable to policy, to justice or
+even to decency, when it has become avowedly partial and one-sided in
+its application."
+
+This address intensified the determination of those opposed to Mr.
+Gladstone to defeat him. A great portion of the press was, however, in
+his favor. Some of the journals that were enthusiastic for Mr. Gladstone
+were very bitter against Mr. Round. Mr. Gladstone's distinguished talent
+and industry were lauded, as well as his earnest attachment to the
+Church of England. He had, however, renounced the exclusiveness of his
+politico-ecclesiastical principles, and no longer importuned Parliament
+to ignore all forms of religion but those established by law, or which
+were exactly coincident with his own belief. "His election," declared
+one journal, "unlike that of Mr. Round, while it sends an important
+member to the House of Commons, will certainly be creditable, and may be
+valuable to the university; and we heartily hope that no negligence or
+hesitation among his supporters may impede his success." Even outside of
+church circles the election was regarded with great interest.
+
+The nomination took place July 29th. After the usual ceremony, the
+voting commenced in convocation-house, which was densely crowded. So
+great was the pressure of the throng that men fainted and had to be
+carried out. Mr. Coleridge, afterward Lord Coleridge, was the secretary
+of Mr. Gladstone's committee. Distinguished men, among them Sir Robert
+Peel, his colleague in the Cabinet, came from a great distance to
+"plump" for Mr. Gladstone. The venerable Dr. Routh, then nearly
+ninety-two years old, came forth from his retirement at Magdalen College
+to vote for him. Mrs. Gladstone, according to Mr. Hope-Scott, was an
+indefatigable canvasser for her husband. At the close of the poll the
+vote stood: Inglis, 1700; Gladstone, 997; Round, 824. Of course Sir
+Robert Inglis, with his "prehistoric Toryism," stood at the head. To the
+supporters of Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Round must be added 154 who were
+paired. Mr. Gladstone received a majority of 173 over his
+ultra-Protestant opponent. The total number of those polled exceeded
+that registered at any previous election, showing the intense and
+general interest in the result.
+
+This period of Mr. Gladstone's life has been very properly styled by one
+of his biographers, as the transition period. "On one side the
+Conservative Free-trader clings fondly and tenaciously to the Toryism of
+his youth, on another, he is reaching out toward new realms of Liberal
+thought and action. He opposes marriage with a deceased wife's sister on
+theological and social grounds, asserting roundly that such marriage is
+'contrary to the law of God, declared for three thousand years and
+upwards.' He deprecates the appointment of a Commission to enquire into
+the Universities, because it will deter intending benefactors from
+effecting their munificent intentions. He argues for a second chamber in
+Australian legislatures, citing, perhaps a little unfortunately, the
+constitutional example of contemporary France. In all these utterances
+it is not hard to read the influence of the traditions in which he was
+reared, or of the ecclesiastical community which he represents in
+Parliament.
+
+"Yet even in the theological domain a tendency towards Liberalism shows
+itself. His hatred of Erastianism is evinced by his gallant but
+unsuccessful attempt to secure for the clergy and laity of each colonial
+diocese the power of self-government. Amid the indignant protests of his
+Tory allies, and in opposition to his own previous speech and vote, he
+vindicates the policy of admitting the Jews to Parliament. He defends
+the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Court of Rome; he
+supports the alteration of the parliamentary oath; and, though he will
+not abet an abstract attack on Church Rates, he contends that their
+maintainance involves a corresponding duty to provide accommodation in
+the church for the very poorest of the congregation.
+
+"On the commercial side his Liberalism is rampant. With even fanatical
+faith he clings to Free Trade as the best guarantee for our national
+stability amid the crash of the dynasties and constitutions which went
+down in '48. He thunders against the insidious dangers of reciprocity.
+He desires, by reforming the laws which govern navigation, to make the
+ocean, 'that great highway of nations, as free to the ships that
+traverse its bosom as to the winds that sweep it.'
+
+"And so the three years--1847, 1848, 1849--rolled by, full of stirring
+events in Europe and in England, in Church and in State, but marked by
+no special incidents in the life of Mr. Gladstone. For him these years
+were a period of mental growth, of transition, of development. A change
+was silently proceeding, which was not completed for twenty years, if,
+indeed, it has been completed yet. 'There have been,' he wrote in later
+days to Bishop Wilberforce, 'two great deaths, or transmigrations of
+spirit, in my political existence--one, very slow, the breaking of ties
+with my original party.' This was now in progress. The other will be
+narrated in due course."
+
+One of the features of the general election of 1847 that excited the
+wildest popular comment was the election of Baron Rothschild for the
+City of London. There was nothing illegal in the election of a Jew, but
+he was virtually precluded from taking his seat in the House of Commons,
+because the law required every member to subscribe not only to the
+Christian religion, but to the Protestant Episcopal faith. To obviate
+this difficulty, Lord John Russell, soon after Parliament assembled,
+offered a resolution affirming the eligibility of Jews to all functions
+and offices to which Roman Catholics were admissible by law. Sir R.H.
+Inglis opposed the resolution and Mr. Gladstone, his colleague,
+supported it.
+
+Mr. Gladstone inquired whether there were any grounds for the
+disqualification of the Jews which distinguished them from any other
+classes in the community. They contended for a "Christian Parliament,
+but the present measure did not make severance between politics and
+religion, it only amounted to a declaration that there was no necessity
+for excluding a Jew, as such, from an assembly in which every man felt
+sure that a vast and overwhelming majority of its members would always
+be Christian. It was said that by admitting a few Jews they would
+un-Christianize Parliament; that was true in word, but not in
+substance." He had no doubt that the majority of the members who
+composed it would always perform their obligations on the true faith of
+a Christian. It was too late to say that the measure was un-Christian,
+and that it would call down the vengeance of heaven. When he opposed the
+last law of the removal of Jewish disabilities, he foresaw that if he
+gave the Jew municipal, magisterial and executive functions, we could
+not refuse him legislative functions any longer. "The Jew was refused
+entrance into the House because he would then be a maker of the law; but
+who made the maker of the law? The constituencies; and into these
+constituencies had been admitted the Jews. Now were the constituencies
+Christian constituencies? If they were, was it probable that the
+Parliament would cease to be a Christian Parliament?"
+
+Mr. Gladstone admitted the force of the prayer in Bishop Wilberforce's
+petition, that in view of this concession measures should be taken to
+give greater vigor to the Church, and thus operate to the prevention of
+an organic change in the relations between Church and State. In
+concluding his defence of Lord John Russell's resolution Mr. Gladstone
+expressed the opinion that if they admitted Jews into Parliament,
+prejudice might be awakened for awhile, but the good sense of the people
+would soon allay it, and members would have the consolation of knowing
+that in case of difficulty they had yielded to a sense of justice, and
+by so doing had not disparaged religion or lowered Christianity, but
+rather had elevated both in all reflecting and well-regulated minds. The
+logic of this speech could not be controverted, though Mr. Newdegate
+declared that Mr. Gladstone would never have gained his election for the
+University of Oxford had his sentiments on the Jewish question been then
+known. The resolution of Lord John Russell was carried by a large
+majority, whereupon he announced first a resolution, and then a bill, in
+accordance with its terms.
+
+The year 1848 was a year of excitement and revolution. All Europe was in
+a state of agitation, and France by a new revolution presented another
+one of her national surprises. The news of a revolution in France caused
+the greatest perturbation throughout England, and disturbances in the
+capital of the country. Great demonstrations were made at Trafalgar
+Square and Charing Cross, March 6th, but the meetings assumed more of a
+burlesque than of a serious character. In Glasgow and other parts of the
+country there were serious riots. Shops were sacked, and the military
+was called out to quell the disturbance, which was not effected until
+the soldiers fired with fatal results upon the rioters. There were
+uprisings and mob violence also at Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, but
+they were of a less formidable character. A Chartist meeting was held on
+Kennington Common, March 13th, but, though the meeting had been looked
+forward to with great apprehensions by all lovers of law and order, yet
+it passed off without the serious results anticipated.
+
+Though great preparations were made in view of the demonstration, yet,
+fortunately it passed off without loss of life. The meeting however had
+furnished a pretext for the gathering of a lawless mob, although but few
+were politically concerned in it. It was deemed necessary, to provide
+against every emergency, so special constables in great numbers were
+sworn in previous to the meetings, and it is interesting to observe that
+amongst the citizens who came forward in London to enroll themselves as
+preservers of the peace of society were William Ewart Gladstone, the
+Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Derby, and Prince Louis Napoleon,
+afterwards Emperor of France.
+
+The people were becoming dissatisfied with the government of the
+country, particularly with its financial measures. A deficiency of two
+million pounds appeared, and additional taxation would be necessary
+owing to the Caffre War. It was therefore proposed to continue the
+income tax for five years and increase it slightly. Owing to the
+distress in Ireland it was not proposed to extend the operation of this
+measure to that country. The property tax was defended on the same
+principles laid down by Mr. Pitt, and in 1842, by Sir Robert Peel. But
+this scheme was bitterly opposed and many attributed the depressed
+condition of the finances to free trade. Sir Robert Peel decided to
+support the proposed tax for three years. Mr. Disraeli desired the
+success of Sir Robert Peel's policy, and described himself as a
+"free-trader, but not a free-booter of the Manchester school;" and he
+dubbed the blue-book of the Import Duties Committee "the greatest work
+of imagination that the nineteenth century has produced." He said that
+the government, by acting upon it, and taking it for a guide, resembled
+a man smoking a cigar on a barrel of gunpowder.
+
+This epigrammatic speech of Mr. Disraeli brought Mr. Gladstone to his
+feet. He said, by way of introduction, that he could not hope to sustain
+the lively interest created by the remarkable speech of his
+predecessor--a display to which he felt himself unequal--he would pass
+over the matters of a personal description touched upon by the
+honorable gentleman, and confine himself to defending the policy which
+had been assailed. Mr. Gladstone then demonstrated, by a series of
+elaborate statistics, the complete success of Sir Robert Peel's policy.
+He also said, that the confidence of the public would be greatly shaken
+by an adverse vote, and he alluded to the unsettled condition of affairs
+in the Cabinet. "I am sure," said Mr. Gladstone, "that this House of
+Commons will prove itself to be worthy of the Parliaments which preceded
+it, worthy of the Sovereign which it has been called to advise, and
+worthy of the people which it has been chosen to represent, by
+sustaining this nation, and enabling it to stand firm in the midst of
+the convulsions that shake European society; by doing all that pertains
+to us for the purpose of maintaining social order, the stability of
+trade, and the means of public employment; and by discharging our
+consciences, on our own part, under the difficult circumstances of the
+crisis, in the perfect trust that if we set a good example to the
+nations--for whose interests we are appointed to consult--they, too,
+will stand firm as they have in other times of almost desperate
+emergency; and that through their good sense, their moderation, and
+their attachment to the institutions of the country, we shall see these
+institutions still exist, a blessing and a benefit to prosperity,
+whatever alarms and whatever misfortunes may unfortunately befall other
+portions of civilized Europe."
+
+"It was fortunate for the future interests of the country," says Dr.
+Smith, his biographer, "that the proposals of the government were at
+this juncture supported by a great majority of the House of Commons. In
+a moment of unreasoning panic there was some danger of the adoption of a
+reactionary policy--a step that would have lost to the country those
+blessings which it subsequently enjoyed as the outcome of Free Trade."
+
+May 15, Mr. Labouchere, President of the Board of Trade, proposed a plan
+for the modification of the navigation laws. Reserving the coasting
+trade and fisheries of Great Britain and the Colonies, it was proposed
+"to throw open the whole navigation of the country, of every sort and
+description." But the Queen claimed the right of putting such
+restrictions as she saw fit upon the navigation of foreign countries, if
+those countries did not meet England on equal terms; and that each
+colony should be allowed to throw open its coasting trade to foreign
+countries. Mr. Gladstone made a lengthy speech, examining closely the
+operation of existing laws, and showing the necessity for their repeal.
+With regard to the power claimed by the Queen in Council, with a view to
+enforcing reciprocity, Mr. Gladstone said, "I confess it appears to me
+there is a great objection to conferring such a power as that which is
+proposed to be given to the Queen in Council." He contended also for a
+gradual change in the laws. The policy of excluding the coasting trade
+from the measure he also condemned. "It would have been much more frank
+to have offered to admit the Americans to our coasting trade if they
+would admit us to theirs." If England and America concurred in setting
+an example to the world, he hoped we should "live to see the ocean, that
+great highway of nations, as free to the ships that traverse its bosom
+as the winds that sweep it. England would then have achieved another
+triumph, and have made another powerful contribution to the prosperity
+of mankind." The bill was postponed until the following year.
+
+During the session of 1848 Mr. Gladstone spoke upon the proposed grant
+of Vancouver's Island to the Hudson's Bay Company; and upon the Sugar
+Duties Bill; but the most important speech delivered by him at that time
+was upon a measure to legalize diplomatic relations with the Court of
+Rome. It was objected that thus recognizing the spiritual governor of
+Rome and of all the Roman Catholic population of the world, would
+neither conciliate the affections of the Protestants, nor satisfy the
+wishes of the Roman Catholics, who had denounced it strongly to
+the Pope.
+
+Mr. Gladstone took broad and comprehensive views of the question. To
+some features of the Bill he was opposed, but was in favor of its
+principle. It was unfortunate as to time, owing to the condition of
+affairs in Italy. England must take one of two positions. If she
+declined political communication with the See of Rome, she had no right
+to complain of any steps which the Pope might take with respect to the
+administration of his own ecclesiastical affairs; but an act so directly
+in contravention of the laws of the land as the partitioning of the
+country into archbishoprics and bishoprics was a most unfortunate
+proceeding; wrong because it was generally and justly offensive to the
+feelings of the people of England, and totally unnecessary, as he
+believed, for Roman Catholic purposes, but also because it ill assorted
+with the grounds on which the Parliament was invited by the present bill
+to establish definite relations with the See of Rome. For one hundred
+years after the Reformation the Pope was actually in arms for the
+purpose of recovering by force his lost dominions in this country. It
+was only natural, therefore, that we should have prohibited relations
+with the See of Rome when it attacked the title of the Sovereign of
+these realms, but there was no such reason for continuing the
+prohibition at the present moment.
+
+Those who have studied Mr. Gladstone's career carefully attest that this
+speech would have been impossible from his lips ten years before the
+time it was delivered; and early in the next session of Parliament he
+delivered another speech which furnishes us an example of the growth of
+his liberal views in matters of conscience. Lord John Russell proposes
+further relief upon the matter of oaths to be taken by members of
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said that the civil political claims of the
+Jew should not be barred, and he deprecated the tendency to degenerate
+formalism in oaths, but he was glad that the words, "on the true faith
+of a Christian" in respect to all Christian members of the House of
+Commons had been retained. He also, later in the session, favored
+correcting the enormous evils growing out of the Church rate system,
+with taxation of all the further support of the State Church. He did not
+believe in imposing an uncompensated burden upon any man. Every man
+contributing his quota was entitled to demand a free place in the house
+of his Maker. "But the centre and best parts of the Church were occupied
+by pews exclusively for the middle classes, while the laboring classes
+were jealously excluded from almost every part of light and hearing in
+the Churches, and were treated in a manner most painful to
+reflect upon."
+
+When Mr. Labouchere re-introduced the ministerial bill for the repeal of
+the Navigation Laws, in the session of 1849, Mr. Gladstone supported
+generally the measure in a full and exhaustive speech. He favored the
+bill with certain modifications. The Marquis of Granby expressed fears
+at the consequences of the change proposed, and Mr. Gladstone answered
+him: "The noble Marquis," he observed, "desired to expel the vapours and
+exhalations that had been raised with regard to the principle of
+political economy, and which vapours and exhalations I find for the most
+part in the fears with which those changes are regarded. The noble
+Marquis consequently hoped that the Trojan horse would not be allowed to
+come within the walls of Parliament. But however applicable the figures
+may be to other plans, it does not, I submit, apply to the mode of
+proceeding I venture to recommend to the House, because we follow the
+precedent of what Mr. Huskisson did before us. Therefore more than one
+moiety of the Trojan horse has already got within the citadel--it has
+been there for twenty-five years, and yet what has proceeded from its
+bowels has only tended to augment the rate of increase in the progress
+of your shipping. Therefore, let us not be alarmed by vague and dreamy
+ratiocinations of evil, which had never been wanting on any occasion,
+and which never will be wanting so long as this is a free State, wherein
+every man can find full vent and scope for the expression, not only of
+his principles, but of his prejudices and his fears. Let us not be
+deterred by those apprehensions from giving a calm and serious
+examination to this question, connected as it is with the welfare of our
+country. Let us follow steadily the light of experience, and be
+convinced that He who preserved us during the past will also be
+sufficient to sustain us during all the dangers of the future."
+
+Mr. Disraeli seized the opportunity to make a caustic speech, in which
+he fiercely attacked both Mr. Labouchere and Mr. Gladstone, and alluded
+sarcastically to their "great sacrifices," and said that the latter was
+about to give up that good development of the principle of reciprocity
+which the House had waited for with so much suspense. Mr. Gladstone
+replied, "I am perfectly satisfied to bear his sarcasm, good humoured
+and brilliant as it is, while I can appeal to his judgment as to whether
+the step I have taken was unbecoming in one who conscientiously differs
+with him on the freedom of trade, and has endeavoured to realize it;
+because, so far from its being the cause of the distress of the country,
+it has been, under the mercy of God, the most signal and effectual means
+of mitigating this distress, and accelerating the dawn of the day of
+returning prosperity."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke also during the session upon the subject of Colonial
+Reform which came before the House on several occasions, and especially
+in connection with riots in Canada; and on a bill for the removal of
+legal restrictions against marriage with a deceased wife's sister. He
+opposed the latter measure upon theological, social, and moral grounds,
+and begged the House to repeat the almost entire sentiment of the
+country respecting the bill. To do otherwise would be to inflict upon
+the Church the misfortune of having anarchy introduced among its
+ministers. He hoped they would do all that in them lay to maintain the
+strictness of the obligations of marriage, and the purity of the
+hallowed sphere of domestic life. The bill was rejected.
+
+In the Parliamentary session of 1850 one of the chief topics of
+discussion was the great depression of the agricultural interests of the
+country. The country was at peace, the revenues were in a good
+condition, foreign trade had increased, but the farmers still made loud
+complaints of the disastrous condition, which they attributed to
+free-trade measures, which they contended had affected the whole of the
+agricultural interests. Consequently, February 19th, Mr. Disraeli moved
+for a committee of the whole House to consider such a revision of the
+Poor Laws of the United Kingdom as might mitigate the distress of the
+agricultural classes. Some thought that this was a movement against
+free-trade, but Mr. Gladstone courted the fullest investigation, and
+seeing no danger in the motion, voted for it. However, the motion of
+Mr. Disraeli was lost.
+
+Mr. Gladstone likewise favored the extension of the benefits of
+Constitutional government to certain of the colonies,--for example as
+set forth in the Australian Colonies Government Bill; and twice during
+the session he addressed the House on questions connected with slavery,
+and upon motion of Mr. Haywood for an inquiry into the state of the
+English and Irish universities, and the government unexpectedly gave
+their consent to the issuing of a Royal Commission for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone said that any person who might be deliberating with himself
+whether he would devote a portion of his substance for prosecuting the
+objects of learning, civilization and religion, would be checked by the
+prospect that at any given time, and under any given circumstances, a
+minister, who was the creature of a political majority, might institute
+a state inquiry into the mode in which the funds he might devise were
+administered. It was not wise to discourage eleemosynary establishments.
+It would be better for the Crown to see what could be done to improve
+the colleges by administering existing laws.
+
+In reviewing the past ten years we exclaim, truly has the period from
+1841 to 1850, in the political life of Mr. Gladstone, been called a
+memorable decade.
+
+It was in the year 1850, as we have seen, that the Gladstones were
+plunged into domestic sorrow by the death of their little daughter,
+Catharine Jessy; and it was this same year that brought to Mr. Gladstone
+another grief from a very different source. This second bereavement was
+caused by the withdrawal of two of his oldest and most intimate friends,
+the Archdeacon of Chichester and Mr. J.R. Hope, from the Protestant
+Episcopal Church of England and their union with the Roman Catholic
+Church. Mr. Hope, who became Hope-Scott on succeeding to the estate of
+Abbotsford, was the gentleman who helped Mr. Gladstone in getting
+through the press his book on Church and State, revising, correcting and
+reading proof. The Archdeacon, afterwards Cardinal Manning, had, from
+his undergraduate days, exercised a powerful influence over his
+contemporaries. He was gifted with maturity of intellect and character,
+had great shrewdness, much tenacity of will, a cogent, attractive style,
+combined with an impressive air of authority, to which the natural
+advantages of person and bearing added force. Besides having these
+qualifications for leadership, he had fervid devotion, enlarged
+acquaintance with life and men, and an "unequalled gift of
+administration;" though a priest, he was essentially a statesman, and
+had at one time contemplated a political career. He was Mr. Gladstone's
+most trusted counsellor and most intimate friend.
+
+The cause, or rather occasion for these secessions from the Church of
+England to the Church of Rome, is thus related: "An Evangelical
+clergyman, the Rev. G.C. Gorham, had been presented to a living in the
+diocese of Exeter; and that truly formidable prelate, Bishop Phillpotts,
+refused to institute him, alleging that he held heterodox views on the
+subject of Holy Baptism. After complicated litigation, the Judicial
+Committee of the Privy Council decided, on March 8, 1850, that the
+doctrine held by the incriminated clergyman was not such as to bar him
+from preferment in the Church of England. This decision naturally
+created great commotion in the Church. Men's minds were rudely shaken.
+The orthodoxy of the Church of England seemed to be jeopardized, and the
+supremacy of the Privy Council was in a matter touching religious
+doctrine felt to be an intolerable burden."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, as well as others, was profoundly agitated by these
+events, and June 4th he expressed his views in a letter to Dr.
+Blomfield, Bishop of London. The theme of his letter was, "The Royal
+Supremacy, viewed in the light of Reason, History and the Constitution."
+He contended that the Royal Supremacy, as settled at the Reformation,
+was not inconsistent with the spiritual life and inherent jurisdiction
+of the Church, but the recent establishment of the Privy Council as the
+ultimate court of appeal in religious causes was "an injurious and even
+dangerous departure from the Reformation settlement."
+
+In this letter Mr. Gladstone said, in summing up: "I find it no part of
+my duty, my lord, to idolize the Bishops of England and Wales, or to
+place my conscience in their keeping. I do not presume or dare to
+speculate upon their particular decisions; but I say that, acting
+jointly, publicly, solemnly, responsibly, they are the best and most
+natural organs of the judicial office of the Church in matters of
+heresy, and, according to reason, history and the constitution, in that
+subject-matter the fittest and safest counsellors of the Crown."
+
+But this view regarding the Church of England did not suit some minds,
+and among them the two friends with whom Mr. Gladstone had, up to this
+time, acted in religious matters. These troubles in the Church so
+powerfully affected them that they withdrew.
+
+The following quotation shows Mr. Gladstone's firmness in regard to his
+own choice of the Protestant Christianity over and above Catholicism, In
+a letter, written in 1873, to Mrs. Maxwell-Scott, of Abbotsford, the
+daughter of his friend Hope, he thus writes of an interview had with
+her father: "It must have been about this time that I had another
+conversation with him about religion, of which, again, I exactly
+recollect the spot. Regarding (forgive me) the adoption of the Roman
+religion by members of the Church of England as nearly the greatest
+calamity that could befall Christian faith in this country, I rapidly
+became alarmed when these changes began; and very long before the great
+luminary, Dr. Newman, drew after him, it may well be said, 'the third
+part of the stars of Heaven.' This alarm I naturally and freely
+expressed to the man upon whom I most relied, your father."
+
+[Illustration: Gladstone in Wales; addressing a meeting at the foot of
+Snowden]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+THE NEAPOLITAN PRISONS
+
+In considering Mr. Gladstone's exposure of the cruelties practiced in
+the prisons of Naples, we are confronted with his attitude in the House
+of Commons just before, in a case where the same principles seemed to be
+involved, and in which Mr. Gladstone took the directly opposite course.
+We refer to the Don Pacifico case. Both were at first merely personal
+questions, but finally became international. Mr. Gladstone to many
+appeared to take an inconsistent course in these seemingly similar
+cases, in that while opposing national intervention in the affairs of
+Don Pacifico, he tried to stir up all Europe for the relief of the
+sufferers in the Neapolitan prisons. "It is not a little remarkable that
+the statesman who had so lately and so vigorously denounced the 'vain
+conception that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice
+and folly, of abuse and imperfection, among the other countries of the
+world,' should now have found himself irresistibly impelled by
+conscience and humanity to undertake a signal and effective crusade
+against the domestic administration of a friendly power."
+
+The most memorable debate in the new chamber of the House of Commons,
+which was first occupied in 1850, was that associated with the name of
+Don Pacifico. It is however conceded that the circumstances from which
+it all proceeded were comparatively trivial in the extreme. Don Pacifico
+was a Maltese Jew and a British subject, dwelling at Athens. He had made
+himself distasteful to the people of Athens, and consequently his house
+was destroyed and robbed by a mob, April 4, 1847. He appealed to the
+government at Athens for redress, demanding over $150,000 indemnity for
+the loss of his property, among which "a peculiarly sumptuous bedstead
+figured largely." Don Pacifico's claim was unheeded, probably because it
+was exorbitant and the Greek government was poor. Lord Palmerston was
+then the Foreign Secretary of the English Government. He was rash and
+independent in his Foreign policy, and often acted, as the Queen
+complained, without consultation and without the authority of the
+Sovereign.
+
+The Foreign Secretary had had other quarrels with the Government at
+Athens. Land belonging to an English resident in Athens had been seized
+without sufficient compensation; Ionian subjects of the English Crown
+had suffered hardships at the hands of the Greek authorities, and an
+English Midshipman had been arrested by mistake. Lord Palmerston looked
+upon these incidents, slight as they were in themselves, as indicative
+of a plot on the part of the French Minister against the English, and
+especially as the Greek Government was so dilatory in satisfying the
+English claims. "This was enough. The outrage on Don Pacifico's bedstead
+remained the head and front of Greek offending, but Lord Palmerston
+included all the other slight blunders and delays of justice in one
+sweeping indictment; made the private claims into a national demand, and
+peremptorily informed the Greek Government that they must pay what was
+demanded of them within a given time. The Government hesitated, and the
+British fleet was ordered to the Piraeus, and seized all the Greek
+vessels which were found in the waters. Russia and France took umbrage
+at this high-handed proceeding and championed Greece. Lord Palmerston
+informed them it was none of their business and stood firm. The French
+Ambassador was withdrawn from London, and for awhile the peace of Europe
+was menaced." The execution of the orders of Lord Palmerston was left
+with Admiral Sir William Parker, who was first to proceed to Athens with
+the English fleet, and failing to obtain satisfaction was to blockade
+the Piraeus, which instructions he faithfully obeyed.
+
+The debate began in Parliament June 24, 1850. The stability of the Whig
+administration, then in power, depended upon the results. In the House
+of Lords, Lord Stanley moved a resolution, which was carried, expressing
+regret that "various claims against the Greek Government, doubtful in
+point of justice and exaggerated in amount, have been enforced by
+coercive measures, directed against the commerce and people of Greece,
+and calculated to endanger the continuance of our friendly relations
+with foreign powers." A counter-resolution was necessary in the House of
+Commons to offset the action of the Lords, so a Radical, Mr. Roebuck,
+much to the surprise of many, came to the defense of the Government and
+offered the following motion, which was carried: "That the principles
+which have hitherto regulated the foreign policy of Her Majesty's
+Government are such as were required to preserve untarnished the honor
+and dignity of this country, and, in times of unexampled difficulty, the
+best calculated to maintain peace between England and the various
+nations of the world."
+
+The debate which followed, and which was prolonged over four nights, was
+marked on both sides by speeches of unusual oratorical power and
+brilliancy. The speeches of Lord Palmerston, Sir Robert Peel, Mr.
+Cockburn, Mr. Cobden, Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone were pronounced as
+remarkable orations. Sir Robert Peel made a powerful speech against the
+Ministers, which was made memorable not only for its eloquence, but
+because it was his last. Lord Palmerston defended himself vigorously in
+a speech of five hours' duration. "He spoke," said Mr. Gladstone, "from
+the dusk of one day to the dawn of the next." He defended his policy at
+every point. In every step taken he had been influenced by the sole
+desire that the meanest, the poorest, even the most disreputable subject
+of the English Crown should be defended by the whole might of England
+against foreign oppression. He reminded them of all that was implied in
+the Roman boast, _Civis Romanus sum_, and urged the House to make it
+clear that a British subject, in whatever land he might be, should feel
+confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of England could
+protect him. This could not be resisted. _Civis Romanus sum_ settled
+the question.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's reply was a masterpiece. It was exhaustive and
+trenchant, and produced a great effect. He first spoke upon the position
+of the Government and the constitutional doctrines which they had laid
+down in regard to it, and then severely condemned the conduct of the
+Premier for being so heedless of the censure of the House of Lords and
+in trying to shield himself behind the precedents which are in reality
+no precedents at all. With reference to the Greek question, he
+repudiated precedents which involved the conduct of strong countries
+against weak ones. The Greek Government had put no impediment in the way
+of arbitration. Instead of trusting and trying the tribunals of the
+country and employing diplomatic agency simply as a supplemental
+resource, Lord Palmerston had interspersed authority of foreign power,
+in contravention both of the particular stipulations of the treaty in
+force between Greece and England and of the general principles of the
+law of nations. He had thus set the mischievous example of abandoning
+the methods of law and order, and resorted to those of force.
+Non-interference had been laid down as the basis of our conduct towards
+other nations, but the policy of Lord Palmerston had been characterized
+by a spirit of active interference.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's words were in part as follows: "Does he [Lord
+Palmerston] make the claim for us [the English] that we are to be lifted
+upon a platform high above the standing-ground of all other nations?...
+It is indeed too clear ... that he adopts, in part, the vain conception
+that we, forsooth, have a mission to be the censors of vice and folly,
+of abuse and imperfection among the other countries of the world; that
+we are to be the universal schoolmasters, and that all those who
+hesitate to recognize our office can be governed only by prejudice or
+personal animosity, and shall have the blind war of diplomacy forthwith
+declared against them."
+
+Again: "Let us recognize, and recognize with frankness, the equality of
+the weak with the strong; the principles of brotherhood among nations,
+and of their sacred independence. When we are asking for the maintenance
+of the rights which belong to our fellow-subjects, resident in Greece,
+let us do as we would be done by, and let us pay all respect to a feeble
+State and to the infancy of free institutions.... Let us refrain from
+all gratuitous and arbitrary meddling in the internal concerns of other
+States, even as we should resent the same interference if it were
+attempted to be practiced toward ourselves."
+
+In this address Mr. Gladstone evinces his inclination to appeal to the
+higher and nobler nature of man, to the principles of brotherhood among
+nations, to the law of God and nature, and to ask as a test of the
+foreign policy of the government, not whether it is striking, or
+brilliant, or successful, but whether it is right.
+
+This speech of Mr. Gladstone's was recognized as the finest he had
+delivered in Parliament, and its power was acknowledged by both sides of
+the House, by political opponent and friend. Lord Chief Justice
+Cockburn, then a member of the House, referring in a speech the
+following evening to Mr. Gladstone and his remarkable speech, uttered
+these words: "I suppose we are now to consider him as the representative
+of Lord Stanley in the House--Gladstone _Vice_ Disraeli, am I to say,
+resigned or superseded?" The government was sustained.
+
+We have already stated that it was during this memorable debate that Sir
+Robert Peel made his last speech.--On the following day, 29th of June,
+1850, Sir Robert called at Buckingham Palace for the purpose of leaving
+his card. On proceeding up Constitution Hill on horse back he met one of
+Lady Dover's daughters, and exchanged salutations. Immediately
+afterwards his horse became restive and shying towards the rails of the
+Green Park, threw Sir Robert sideways on his left shoulder. Medical aid
+was at hand and was at once administered. Sir Robert groaned when lifted
+and when asked whether he was much hurt replied, "Yes, very much." He
+was conveyed home where the meeting with his family was very affecting,
+and he swooned in the arms of his physician. He was placed upon a sofa
+in the dining-room from which he never moved. His sufferings were so
+acute that a minute examination of his injuries could not be made. For
+two or three days he lingered and then died, July 2d. An examination
+made after death revealed the fact that the fifth rib on the left side
+was fractured, the broken rib pressing on the lung, producing effusion
+and pulmonary engorgement. This was probably the seat of the mortal
+injury, and was where Sir Robert complained of the greatest pain.
+
+The news of Sir Robert's death produced a profound sensation throughout
+the land. Great and universal were the tokens of respect and grief.
+There was but one feeling,--that England had lost one of her most
+illustrious statesmen. Even those who had been in opposition to his
+views, alluded to the great loss the nation had sustained and paid a
+fitting tribute to his memory. The House of Commons, on motion of Mr.
+Hume July 3d, at once adjourned. In the House of Lords the Duke of
+Wellington and Lord Brougham spoke in appreciative words of the departed
+statesman. "Such was the leader whom Mr. Gladstone had faithfully
+followed for many years."
+
+Supporting Mr. Hume's motion, Mr. Gladstone said: "I am quite sure that
+every heart is much too full to allow us, at a period so early, to enter
+upon a consideration of the amount of that calamity with which the
+country has been visited in his, I must even now say, premature death;
+for though he has died full of years and full of honors, yet it is a
+death which our human eyes will regard as premature; because we had
+fondly hoped that, in whatever position he was placed, by the weight of
+his character, by the splendor of his talents, by the purity of his
+virtues, he would still have been spared to render to his countrymen the
+most essential services. I will only, sir, quote those most touching and
+feeling lines which were applied by one of the greatest poets of this
+country to the memory of a man great indeed, but yet not greater than
+Sir Robert Peel:"
+
+     'Now is the stately column broke,
+      The beacon light is quenched in smoke;
+      The trumpet's silver voice is still;
+      The warder silent on the hill.'
+
+"Sir, I will add no more--in saying this I have, perhaps, said too much.
+It might have been better had I confined myself to seconding the motion.
+I am sure the tribute of respect which we now offer will be all the more
+valuable from the silence with which the motion is received, and which I
+well know has not arisen from the want, but from the excess of feeling
+on the part of members of this House."
+
+Upon the death of Sir Robert Peel began the disintegration of the party
+distinguished by his name--Peelites. Some of its members united with the
+Conservatives, and others, such as Sir James Graham, Sidney Herbert, and
+Mr. Gladstone held themselves aloof from both Whigs and Tories.
+Conservative traditions still exercised considerable influence over
+them, but they could not join them, because they were already
+surrendering to strong liberal tendencies. It is said that Mr. Gladstone
+at this time, and for a decade thereafter, until the death of Sir James
+Graham, was greatly indebted to this statesman, not only for the growth
+of his liberal principles, but for his development as a practical
+statesman. Sir James wielded great influence over his contemporaries
+generally, because of his great knowledge of Parliamentary tactics, and
+the fact that he was the best educated and most thoroughly accomplished
+statesman of his age. "If he could be prevailed upon to speak in the
+course of a great debate, his speech was worth fifty votes," so great
+was his influence and power. "However great may have been the
+indebtedness of Mr. Gladstone to Sir James Graham, if the former had not
+been possessed of far wider sympathies--to say nothing of superior
+special intellectual qualities--than his political mentor, he never
+could have conceived and executed those important legislative acts for
+which his name will now chiefly be remembered."
+
+The other case occupying the attention of Parliament, to which we have
+alluded, we must now consider--Mr. Gladstone and the prisons of Naples.
+Owing to the illness of one of his children, for whom a southern climate
+was recommended, Mr. Gladstone spent several months of the Winter of
+1850-1 in Naples. His brief visit to this city on a purely domestic
+mission was destined to assume an international importance. It came to
+his knowledge that a large number of the citizens of Naples, who had
+been members of the Chamber of Deputies, an actual majority of the
+representatives of the people, had been exiled or imprisoned by King
+Ferdinand, because they formed the opposition party to the government,
+and that between twenty and thirty thousand of that monarch's subjects
+had been cast into prison on the charge of political disaffection. The
+sympathies of Mr. Gladstone were at once enlisted in behalf of the
+oppressed Neapolitans. At first Mr. Gladstone looked at the matter only
+from a humanitarian and not from a political aspect, and it was only
+upon the former ground that he felt called and impelled to attempt the
+redress of the wrongs which were a scandal to the name of civilisation
+in Europe. And it was not long before England and the Continent were
+aroused by his denunciations of the Neapolitan system of government. Mr.
+Gladstone first carefully ascertained the truth of the statements made
+to him in order to attest their accuracy, and then published two letters
+on the subject addressed to the Earl of Aberdeen. These letters were
+soon followed by a third. In the first of these letters, dated April 7,
+1851, he brings an elaborate, detailed and horrible indictment against
+the rulers of Naples, especially as regards their prisons and the
+treatment of persons confined in them for political offenses. He
+disclaimed any thought of having gone to Naples for the purpose of
+political criticism or censorship, to look for defects in the
+administration of the government, or to hear the grievances of the
+people, or to propagate ideas belonging to another country. But after a
+residence of three or four months in their city he had returned home
+with a deep feeling of the duty upon him to make some endeavor to
+mitigate the horrors in the midst of which the government of Naples was
+carried on.
+
+There were chiefly three reasons that led him to adopt the present
+course: "First, that the present practices of the Government of Naples,
+in reference to real or supposed political offenders, are an outrage
+upon religion, upon civilization, upon humanity and upon decency.
+Secondly, that these practices are certainly, and even rapidly, doing
+the work of Republicanism in that country--a political creed which has
+little natural or habitual root in the character of the people. Thirdly,
+that as a member of the Conservative party in one of the great family of
+European nations, I am compelled to remember that party stands in
+virtual and real, though perhaps unconscious alliance with all the
+established Governments of Europe as such; and that, according to the
+measure of its influence, they suffer more or less of moral detriment
+from its reverses, and derive strength and encouragement from its
+successes."
+
+He passed over the consideration of the all important question whether
+the actual Government of the Two Sicilies was one with or without a
+title, one of law or one of force, and came to the real question at
+issue. His charge against the Neapolitan Government was not one of mere
+imperfection, not corruption in low quarters, not occasional severity,
+but that of incessant, systematic, deliberate violation of the law by
+the power appointed to watch over and maintain it.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, with impassionate language, thus formulates his fearful
+indictment: "It is such violation of human and written law as this,
+carried on for the purpose of violating every other law, unwritten and
+eternal, human and divine; it is the wholesale persecution of virtue,
+when united with intelligence, operating upon such a scale that entire
+classes may with truth be said to be its object, so that the Government
+is in bitter and cruel, as well as utterly illegal hostility to whatever
+in the nation really lives and moves, and forms the mainspring of
+practical progress and improvement; it is the awful profanation of
+public religion, by its notorious alliance in the governing powers with
+the violation of every moral rule under the stimulants of fear and
+vengeance; it is the perfect prostitution of the judicial office which
+has made it, under veils only too threadbare and transparent, the
+degraded recipient of the vilest and clumsiest forgeries, got up
+wilfully and deliberately, by the immediate advisers of the Crown, for
+the purpose of destroying the peace, the freedom, aye, and even, if not
+by capital sentences, the life of men among the most virtuous, upright,
+intelligent, distinguished and refined of the whole community; it is the
+savage and cowardly system of moral as well as in a lower degree of
+physical torture, through which the sentences obtained from the debased
+courts of justice are carried into effect.
+
+"The effect of all this is a total inversion of all the moral and social
+ideas. Law, instead of being respected, is odious. Force and not
+affection is the foundation of government. There is no association, but
+a violent antagonism between the idea of freedom and that of order. The
+governing power, which teaches of itself that it is the image of God
+upon earth, is clothed in the view of the overwhelming majority of the
+thinking public with all the vices for its attributes. I have seen and
+heard the strong expression used, 'This is the negation of God erected
+into a system of Government.'"
+
+It was not merely the large numbers imprisoned unjustly, to which public
+attention was directed, that called for righteous indignation and made
+Mr. Gladstone's words create such a sensation in Europe, but the mode of
+procedure was arbitrary in the extreme. The law of Naples required that
+personal liberty should be inviolable, except under warrant from a court
+of justice. Yet in utter disregard of this law the authorities watched
+the people, paid domiciliary visits, ransacked houses, seized papers and
+effects, and tore up floors at pleasure under pretense of searching for
+arms, imprisoned men by the score, by the hundred, by the thousand
+without any warrant whatever, sometimes without even any written
+authority whatever, or anything beyond the word of a policeman,
+constantly without any statement whatever of the nature of the offense.
+Charges were fabricated to get rid of inconvenient persons. Perjury and
+forgery were resorted to in order to establish charges, and the whole
+mode of conducting trials was a burlesque of justice.
+
+He thus describes the dungeons of Naples, in which some of the prisoners
+were confined for their political opinions: "The prisons of Naples, as
+is well known, are another name for the extreme of filth and horror. I
+have really seen something of them, but not the worst. This I have seen,
+my Lord: the official doctors not going to the sick prisoners, but the
+sick prisoners, men almost with death on their faces, toiling up stairs
+to them at that charnel-house of the Vicaria, because the lower regions
+of such a palace of darkness are too foul and loathsome to allow it to
+be expected that professional men should consent to earn bread by
+entering them." Of some of those sufferers Mr. Gladstone speaks
+particularly. He names Pironte, formerly a judge, Baron Porcari, and
+Carlo Poerio, a distinguished patriot. The latter he specially speaks of
+as a refined and accomplished gentleman, a copious and elegant speaker,
+a respected and blameless character, yet he had been arrested and
+condemned for treason. Mr. Gladstone says: "The condemnation of such a
+man for treason is a proceeding just as conformable to the laws of
+truth, justice, decency, and fair play, and to the common sense of the
+community--in fact, just as great and gross an outrage on them all--as
+would be a like condemnation in this country of any of our best known
+public men--Lord John Russell, or Lord Lansdowne, or Sir James Graham,
+or yourself."
+
+There was no name dearer to Englishmen than that of Poerio to his
+Neapolitan fellow-countrymen. Poerio was tried and condemned on the sole
+accusation of a worthless character named Jerrolino. He would have been
+acquitted nevertheless, by a division of four to five of his judges, had
+not Navarro (who sat as a judge while directly concerned in the charge
+against the prisoner), by the distinct use of intimidation, procured
+the number necessary for a sentence. A statement is furnished on the
+authority of an eye-witness, as to the inhumanity with which invalid
+prisoners were treated by the Grand Criminal Court of Naples; and Mr.
+Gladstone minutely describes the manner of the imprisonment of Poerio
+and six of his incarcerated associates. Each prisoner bore a weight of
+chain amounting to thirty-two pounds and for no purpose whatever were
+these chains undone. All the prisoners were confined, night and day, in
+a small room, which may be described as amongst the closest of dungeons;
+but Poerio was after this condemned to a still lower depth of calamity
+and suffering. "Never before have I conversed," says Mr. Gladstone,
+speaking of Poerio, "and never probably shall I converse again, with a
+cultivated and accomplished gentleman, of whose innocence, obedience to
+law, and love of his country, I was as firmly and as rationally assured
+as your lordship's or that of any other man of the very highest
+character, whilst he stood before me, amidst surrounding felons, and
+clad in the vile uniform of guilt and shame." But he is now gone where
+he will scarcely have the opportunity even of such conversation. I
+cannot honestly suppress my conviction that the object in the case of
+Poerio, as a man of mental power sufficient to be feared, is to obtain
+the scaffold's aim by means more cruel than the scaffold, and without
+the outcry which the scaffold would create.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that it was time for the veil to be lifted from
+scenes more fit for hell than earth, or that some considerable
+mitigation should be voluntarily adopted. This letter was published in
+1851--the year of the great Exposition in London--and a copy was sent to
+the representative of the Queen in every court of Europe. Its
+publication caused a wide-spread indignation in England, a great
+sensation abroad, and profoundly agitated the court of Naples.
+
+In the English Parliament Sir De Lacy Evans put the following question
+to the Foreign Secretary: "If the British Minister at the court of
+Naples had been instructed to employ his good offices in the cause of
+humanity, for the diminution of these lamentable severities, and with
+what result?" In reply to this question Lord Palmerston accepted and
+adopted Mr. Gladstone's statement, which had been confirmed from other
+quarters, expressing keen sympathy and humanitarian feeling with the
+cause which he had espoused, but Lord Palmerston pointed out that it was
+impossible to do anything in a matter which related entirely to the
+domestic affairs of the Government at Naples. He said: "Instead of
+confining himself to those amusements that abound in Naples, instead of
+diving into volcanoes, and exploring excavated cities, we see him going
+into courts of justice, visiting prisons, descending into dungeons, and
+examining great numbers of the cases of unfortunate victims of
+illegality and injustice, with the view afterwards to enlist public
+opinion in the endeavor to remedy those abuses." This announcement by
+the Foreign Secretary was warmly applauded by the House. "A few days
+afterwards Lord Palmerston was requested by Prince Castelcicala to
+forward the reply of the Neapolitan Government to the different European
+courts to which Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet had been sent. His lordship,
+with his wonted courage and independent spirit, replied that he 'must
+decline being accessory to the circulation of a pamphlet which, in my
+opinion, does no credit to its writer, or the Government which he
+defends, or to the political party of which he professes to be the
+champion.' He also informed the Prince that information received from
+other sources led him to the conclusion that Mr. Gladstone had by no
+means overstated the various evils which he had described; and he [Lord
+Palmerston] regretted that the Neapolitan Government had not set to work
+earnestly and effectually to correct the manifold and grave abuses which
+clearly existed."
+
+The second paper of Mr. Gladstone upon the same subject was a sequel to
+the first. His wish was that everything possible should be done first
+in the way of private representation and remonstrance, and he did not
+regret the course he had taken, though it entailed devious delays. In
+answer to the natural inquiry why he should simply appear in his
+personal capacity through the press, instead of inviting to the grave
+and painful question the attention of the House of Commons, of which he
+was a member, he said, that he had advisedly abstained from mixing up
+his statements with any British agency or influences which were
+official, diplomatic, or political. The claims and interests which he
+had in view were either wholly null and valueless, or they were broad as
+the extension of the human race and long-lived as its duration.
+
+As to his general charges he had nothing to retract. His representations
+had not been too strongly stated, for the most disgraceful circumstances
+were those which rested upon public notoriety, or upon his own personal
+knowledge. It had been stated that he had overestimated the number of
+prisoners, and he would give the Neapolitan Government the full benefit
+of any correction. But the number of political prisoners _in itself_,
+was a secondary feature of the case, for "if they were fairly and
+legally arrested, fairly and legally treated before trial--fairly and
+legally tried, that was the main matter. For the honor of human nature
+men would at first receive some statements with incredulity. Men ought
+to be slow to believe that such things could happen, and happen in a
+Christian country, the seat of almost the oldest European civilization."
+But those thus disposed in the beginning he hoped would not close their
+minds to the reception of the truth, however painful to believe. The
+general probability of his statements could not, unfortunately
+be gainsaid.
+
+Many replies were made to Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet that were violent and
+abusive. They appeared not only in Naples, Turin, and Paris, but even
+in London.
+
+All these answers, were in truth no replies at all, for they did not
+disprove the facts. These professed corrections of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements did not touch the real basis of the question. It was
+necessary to say something if possible by way of defense, or justice,
+which had as yet not been done.
+
+There was one reply that was put forth that Mr. Gladstone felt demanded
+some attention, namely, the official answer of the Neapolitan Government
+to his charges. To this he replied in a letter, in 1852. In his reply he
+placed, point by point, the answers in the scales along with his own
+accusations. There was in the Neapolitan answers to the letters really a
+tacit admission of the accuracy of nine-tenths of Mr. Gladstone's
+statements, Mr. Gladstone enumerated the few retractions which he had
+to make, which were five in number. That the prisoner, Settembrine, had
+not been tortured and confined to double chains for life, as was
+currently reported and believed; that six judges had been dismissed at
+Reggio upon presuming to acquit a batch of political prisoners, required
+modifying to three; that seventeen invalids had not been massacred in
+the prison of Procida during a revolt, as stated; and that certain
+prisoners alleged to have been still incarcerated after acquittal had
+been released after the lapse of two days. These were all the
+modifications he had to make in his previous statements. And as to the
+long list of his grave accusations, not one of them rested upon hearsay.
+He pointed out how small and insignificant a fraction of error had found
+its way into his papers. He fearlessly reasserted that agonizing
+corporal punishment was inflicted by the officials in Neapolitan
+prisons, and that without judicial authority. As to Settembrine, the
+political prisoner named, he was incarcerated in a small room with eight
+other prisoners, one of whom boasted that he had murdered, at various
+times, thirty-five persons. Several of his victims had been his prison
+companions, and "the murders of this Ergastolo" had exceeded fifty in a
+single year. It was true that at the massacre at Procida the sick had
+not been slain in the prisons, yet prisoners who hid under beds were
+dragged forth and shot in cold blood by the soldiery after order had
+been restored. The work of slaughter had been twice renewed, and two
+officers received promotion or honors for that abominable enormity.
+
+Mr. Gladstone found in the reply of the Government of Naples no reason
+to retract his damaging statements in reference to Neapolitan
+inhumanity, on the other hand he discovered grounds for emphasizing his
+accusations. And as to his statement regarding the number of the
+sufferers from Neapolitan injustice and cruelty, he defended at length
+his statement as to the enormous number of the prisoners.
+
+It was clear to all candid minds that all the replies had failed to
+prove him wrong in any of his substantial changes, which retained their
+full force. "The arrow has shot deep into the mark," observed Mr.
+Gladstone, "and cannot be dislodged. But I have sought, in once more
+entering the field, not only to sum up the state of the facts in the
+manner nearest to exactitude, but likewise to close the case as I began
+it, presenting it from first to last in the light of a matter which is
+not primarily or mainly political, which is better kept apart from
+Parliamentary discussion, which has no connection whatever with any
+peculiar idea or separate object or interest of England, but which
+appertains to the sphere of humanity at large, and well deserves the
+consideration of every man who feels a concern for the well-being of
+his race, in its bearings on that well-being; on the elementary demands
+of individual domestic happiness; on the permanent maintenance of public
+order; on the stability of thrones; on the solution of that great
+problem, which, day and night, in its innumerable forms must haunt the
+reflections of every statesman, both here and elsewhere, how to
+harmonize the old with the new conditions of society, and to mitigate
+the increasing stress of time and change upon what remains of this
+ancient and venerable fabric of the traditional civilization of Europe."
+
+Mr. Gladstone also said, that the question had been asked, whether a
+government "could be induced to change its policy, because some
+individual or other had by lying accusations held it up to the hatred of
+mankind," yet he had the satisfaction of knowing that upon the challenge
+of a mere individual, the government of Naples had been compelled to
+plead before the tribunal of general opinion, and to admit the
+jurisdiction of that tribunal. It was to public sentiment that the
+Neapolitan Government was paying deference when it resolved on the manly
+course of a judicial reply; and he hoped that further deference would be
+paid to that public sentiment in the complete reform of its departments
+and the whole future management of its affairs.
+
+After a consideration of the political position of the throne of the
+Two Sicilies, in connection with its dominions on the mainland, Mr.
+Gladstone thus concluded his examination of the official reply of the
+Neapolitan Government: "These pages have been written in the hope that,
+by thus making, through the press, rather than in another mode, that
+rejoinder to the Neapolitan reply which was doubtless due from me, I
+might still, as far as depended on me, keep the question on its true
+ground, as one not of politics but of morality, and not of England but
+of Christendom and of mankind. Again I express the hope that this may be
+my closing word. I express the hope that it may not become a hard
+necessity to keep this controversy alive until it reaches its one only
+possible issue, which no power of man can permanently intercept. I
+express the hope that while there is time, while there is quiet, while
+dignity may yet be saved in showing mercy, and in the blessed work of
+restoring Justice to her seat, the Government of Naples may set its hand
+in earnest to the work of real and searching, however quiet and
+unostentatious, reform; that it may not become unavoidable to reiterate
+these appeals from the hand of power to the one common heart of mankind;
+to produce these painful documents, those harrowing descriptions, which
+might be supplied in rank abundance, of which I have scarcely given the
+faintest idea or sketch, and which, if laid from time to time before the
+world, would bear down like a deluge every effort at apology or
+palliation, and would cause all that has recently been made known to be
+forgotten and eclipsed in deeper horrors yet; lest the strength of
+offended and indignant humanity should rise up as a giant refreshed with
+wine, and, while sweeping away these abominations from the eye of
+Heaven, should sweep away along with them things pure and honest,
+ancient, venerable, salutary to mankind, crowned with the glories of the
+past and still capable of bearing future fruit."
+
+The original purpose of these letters, though at first not gained, was
+unmistakable in the subsequent revolution which created a regenerated,
+free and united Italy. The moral influence of such an exposure was
+incalculable and eventually irresistible. The great Italian patriot and
+liberator of Italy, General Garibaldi, was known to say that Mr.
+Gladstone's protest "sounded the first trumpet call of Italian liberty."
+If France and England had unitedly protested against the Neapolitan
+abuse of power and violation of law, such a protest would have been
+heard and redress granted, but such joint action was not taken. The
+letters reached the fourteenth edition and in this edition Mr. Gladstone
+said that by a royal decree, issued December 27, 1858, ninety-one
+political prisoners had their punishment commuted into perpetual exile
+from the kingdom of the two Sicilies, but that a Ministerial order of
+January 9, 1859, directed that they should be conveyed to America; that
+of these ninety-one persons no less than fourteen had died long before
+in dungeons, and that only sixty-six of them embarked January 16, 1859,
+and were taken to Cadiz, where they were shipped on board an American
+sailing vessel, which was to have carried them to New York, but
+eventually landed them at Cork. "Eleven men were kept behind, either
+because it was afterwards thought advisable not to release them, as in
+the case of Longo and Delli Franci, two artillery officers, who were
+still in the dungeons of Gaeta. Whenever the prisoners were too sick to
+be moved, as was the case with Pironti, who was paralytic; or because
+they were in some provincial dungeons too remote from Naples." Such was
+the fate of some of the patriots officially liberated by Ferdinand's
+successor, Francis II.
+
+The charges of Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan Government met with
+confirmation from another source nearer home. In 1851 Mr. Gladstone
+translated and published Farini's important and bulky work, entitled,
+"The Roman State, from 1815 to 1850." The author, Farini, addressed a
+note to his translator, in which he said that he had dedicated the
+concluding volume of his work to Mr. Gladstone, who, by his love of
+Italian letters, and by his deeds of Italian charity, had established a
+relationship with Italy in the spirit of those great Italian writers who
+had been their masters in eloquence, in civil philosophy and in national
+virtue, from Dante and Macchivelli down to Alfieri and Gioberti. Signor
+Farini endorsed the charges made by Mr. Gladstone against the Neapolitan
+Government. He wrote: "The scandalous trials for high treason still
+continue at Naples; accusers, examiners, judges, false witnesses, all
+are bought; the prisons, those tombs of the living, are full; two
+thousand citizens of all ranks and conditions are already condemned to
+the dungeons, as many to confinement, double that number to exile; the
+majority guilty of no crime but that of having believed in the oaths
+made by Ferdinand II. But, in truth, nothing more was needed to press
+home the indictment."
+
+At the period of Mr. Gladstone's visit to Naples there was a growing
+sentiment throughout Italy for Italian independence and union. The
+infamous measures adopted by the King of Naples to repress in his own
+dominions every aspiration after freedom, only succeeded in making the
+people more determined and the liberty for which they sighed surer in
+the end. His system of misgovernment went on for a few years longer and
+was the promoting cause of the revolutionary movements which continually
+disturbed the whole Italian peninsula. A conference was held in Paris
+upon the Italian question, which failed to accomplish anything, against
+which failure Count Cavour addressed a protest to the French and British
+Governments in April, 1856. Afterwards the King of Naples and his
+Ministers were remonstrated with, but this was of no avail, only drawing
+forth an assertion that the sovereign had the right to deal with his own
+subjects as he pleased. France and England finally withdrew their
+representatives from Naples, and the storm soon afterwards broke. The
+brilliant success of Garibaldi in 1860 filled Francis II with terror. He
+was now, like all evil men, ready to make the most lavish promises of
+liberal reform to escape the consequences of his misdeeds. However, his
+repentance came too late. The victorious Garibaldi issued a decree
+ultimately, stating that the Two Sicilies, which had been redeemed by
+Italian blood, and which had freely elected him their dictator, formed
+an integral part of one and indivisable Italy, under the constitutional
+King Victor Emmanuel and his descendants. Francis II was dethroned and
+expelled from his kingdom by the legitimate fruits of his own hateful
+policy and that of his predecessor. "Count Cavour was the brain as
+Garibaldi was the hand of that mighty movement which resulted in the
+unity of Italy," says an English writer, "but as Englishmen we may take
+pride in the fact that not the least among the precipitating causes of
+this movement was the fearless exposure by Mr. Gladstone of the
+cruelties and tyrannies of the Neapolitan Government."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE VISITING NEAPOLITAN PRISONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+
+THE FIRST BUDGET
+
+The precise date at which Mr. Gladstone became a Liberal cannot be
+determined, but during the Parliamentary sessions of 1851 and 1852 he
+became finally alienated from the Conservative party, although he did
+not enter the ranks of the Liberals for some years afterward. He himself
+stated that so late as 1851 he had not formally left the Tory party,
+nevertheless his advance towards Liberalism is very pronounced at this
+period. It is well for us to trace the important events of these two
+sessions, for they also lead up to the brilliant financial measures of
+1853, which caused Mr. Gladstone's name to be classed with those of Pitt
+and Peel. Mr. Gladstone's trusted leader was dead, and he was gradually
+coming forward to take the place in debate of the fallen statesman.
+
+When Mr. Gladstone returned home from Italy he found England convulsed
+over renewed papal aggressions. The Pope had, in the preceding
+September, issued Letters Apostolic, establishing a Roman Catholic
+Hierarchy in England, and in which he had mapped out the whole country
+into papal dioceses. This act of aggression produced a storm of public
+indignation. It was regarded by the people generally as an attempt to
+wrest from them their liberties and enslave them. It was looked upon by
+the Protestants indignantly as an attack upon the Reformed Faith.
+Anglicans resented it as an act which practically denied the
+jurisdiction and authority of the Church of England, established already
+by law. Englishmen, faithfully devoted to the British Constitution,
+which guaranteed the Protestant Religion, were incensed by this
+interference with the prerogative of the Crown; while all ardent
+patriots were influenced by the unwarranted and unsolicited interference
+of a foreign potentate. Every element of combustion being present,
+meetings were held everywhere, inflammatory speeches were made on every
+public occasion, and patriotic resolutions were passed. Pulpit and
+platform rang with repeated cries of "No Popery," and echoed at the Lord
+Mayor's banquet, at the Guildhall, and even at Covent Garden Theatre in
+Shakesperian strains. The Prime Minister, Lord John Russell, published
+his famous Durham letter, addressed to the Bishop of Durham, rebuking
+and defying the Pope, and charging the whole High Church Party of the
+Church of England with being the secret allies and fellow-workers
+of Rome.
+
+In the beginning of the Parliamentary session of 1851 Lord John Russell
+moved for permission to bring in a bill to counteract the aggressive
+policy of the Church of Rome, on account of which aggression of the Pope
+the whole country was well-nigh in a condition of panic. The measure was
+debated for four days, and was entitled the Ecclesiastical Faiths Bill.
+It was designed to prevent the assumption by Roman Catholic prelates of
+titles taken from any territory or place in England. Severe penalties
+were attached to the use of such titles, and all acts done by, and
+requests made to, persons under them were to be void. The bill was not
+well received by some, being thought, on one side too mild and on the
+other as too stringent. Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone both opposed it;
+the latter because the change was wanted by English Catholics rather
+than by the Vatican. He condemned the vanity and boastful spirit of the
+papal documents, but contended that his fellow Catholic countrymen
+should not suffer for that. The difficulty of applying it to Ireland,
+where the system objected to already existed, was pointed out. However
+the preliminary motion was passed by 395 votes against 63, "this
+enormous majority," says an English author, "attesting the wide-spread
+fear of Romish machinations." The measure became a law, but it was a
+dead letter, and was quietly repealed twenty years afterwards at Mr.
+Gladstone's request.
+
+Before, however, the bill was passed a ministerial crisis had
+intervened. During this session other difficulties were encountered by
+the Ministry. The financial as well as this ecclesiastical question was
+a problem. The Conservatives were strong and compact, and enjoyed the
+adhesion of the Peelites, while the Ministerial party was to a great
+extent demoralized. Mr. Disraeli, owing to the deep distress that
+prevailed in the agricultural districts, renewed his motion upon the
+burdens on land and the inequalities of taxation, and consequently he
+presented a resolution that it was the duty of the government to
+introduce measures for the alleviation of the distress without delay.
+The government admitted the distress, but denied that it was increasing.
+They attempted to prove that pauperism had decreased in all parts of the
+kingdom--England, Ireland and Scotland. Commerce was in a most
+prosperous condition, while the revenues had reached the unexampled
+amount of $350,000,000. "Sir James Graham stigmatized the motion as an
+attempt to turn out the administration, to dissolve Parliament, and to
+return to Protection." The Ministry was sustained by a small majority,
+and was successful in some measures, but soon suffered several minor
+defeats and finally was forced to retire.
+
+One of the successful measures was that introduced by Mr. Loche King,
+and opposed by Lord John Russell, for assimilating the country franchise
+to that of the boroughs. The budget of the government introduced January
+17th was unpopular. It demanded a renewed lease for three years of the
+obnoxious income-tax, but promised a partial remission of the window
+duties, which was a tax upon every window in a house, together with some
+relief to the agriculturists. The first budget having been rejected a
+second financial statement was offered later in the session. It imposed
+a house-tax, withdrew the bonus to agriculturists, repealed the
+window-tax, but re-demanded the income-tax for three years. The main
+features of the budget were acceptable to the House, but the Government
+suffered defeat on minor financial questions, which tendered still
+further to diminish the popularity of the ministry.
+
+Upon the resignation of Lord John Russell and his Cabinet, in February,
+1851, Lord Stanley was called upon to form a new administration, and Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the Cabinet. Lord Stanley
+having failed, Lord Aberdeen was invited to form a new Cabinet, by the
+Queen, with like results. Both these gentlemen having declined the task
+of forming a new administration, Lord John Russell and his colleagues
+resumed office, but the reconstructed ministry was soon to receive a
+fatal blow through Lord Palmerston, the foreign Secretary.
+
+On the 2d of December, 1851, Louis Napoleon, Prince President of the
+French Republic, by a single act of lawless violence, abolished the
+constitution, and made himself Dictator. The details of this monstrous
+deed, and of the bloodshed that accompanied it, created a profound
+sensation in England. The Queen was very anxious that no step should be
+taken and no word said by her ministry which could be construed into an
+approval by the English government of what had been done. Indeed the
+Queen who knew the failing of her Foreign Secretary to act hastily in
+important matters of State without the consent or advice of Queen or
+Cabinet, questioned the Premier and was assured that nothing had been
+done in recognition of the new government in Paris. Indeed the Cabinet
+had passed a resolution to abstain from the expression of opinions in
+approval or disapproval of the recent _coup d'état_ in France. But it
+soon leaked out that Lord Palmerston who thought he understood full well
+the foreign relations of England, and what her policy should be, had
+both in public dispatches and private conversation spoken favorably of
+the policy adopted by Louis Napoleon. He had even expressed to Count
+Walewski, the French Ambassador in London, his entire approval of the
+Prince President's act. This was too much for the Queen, who had as
+early as the August before, in a memorandum sent to the Premier,
+imperatively protested against the crown's being ignored by the Foreign
+Secretary, so Lord Palmerston was dismissed from office by Lord John
+Russell, Christmas Eve, 1851. He bore his discharge with meekness, and
+even omitted in Parliament to defend himself in points where he was
+wronged. But Justin McCarthy says: "Lord Palmerston was in the wrong in
+many if not most of the controversies which had preceded it; that is to
+say, he was wrong in committing England as he so often did to measures
+which had not the approval of the sovereign or his colleagues."
+
+In February following, 1852, Lord Palmerston enjoyed, as he expressed
+it, his "tit-for-tat with Johnny Russell" and helped the Tories to
+defeat his late chief in a measure for reorganizing the militia as a
+precaution against possible aggression from France. The ministry had not
+saved itself by the overthrow of Lord Palmerston.
+
+Upon the retirement of Lord John Russell from office, in 1852, the Earl
+of Derby, formerly Lord Stanley, succeeded him as Prime Minister. Mr.
+Gladstone was invited to become a member of the new Tory Cabinet, but
+declined, whereupon Lord Malmesbury dubiously remarked, November 28th:
+"I cannot make out Gladstone, who seems to me a dark horse." Mr.
+Disraeli was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer, and became Leader in
+the House of Commons, entering the Cabinet for the first time. "There
+was a scarcely disguised intention to revive protection." It was Free
+Trade or Protection, and the Peelites defended their fallen leader,
+Peel. "A makeshift budget" was introduced by Mr. Disraeli and passed. It
+was destined, it seems, that the Derby Administration was not to be
+supported, but to be driven out of power by Mr. Gladstone, who was to
+cross swords before the nation with his future parliamentary
+rival, Disraeli.
+
+Mr. Disraeli seemed now bent upon declaring the Free Trade Policy of Sir
+Robert Peel a failure. Mr. Disraeli's power of forgetfulness of the past
+is one of the most fortunate ever conferred upon a statesman. During the
+debate he declared that the main reason why his party had opposed Free
+Trade was not that it would injure the landlord, nor the farmer, but
+that "it would prove injurious to the cause of labor." "He also said,
+though interrupted by cries of astonishment and of 'Oh, oh!' that not a
+single attempt had been made in the House of Commons to abrogate the
+measure of 1846." Mr. Sidney Herbert, who was wounded to the quick by
+the assaults on Sir Robert Peel, rose to defend the great Conservative
+statesman. His speech contained one passage of scathing invective
+addressed to Mr. Disraeli.
+
+Mr. Herbert said: "The memory of Sir Robert Peel requires no
+vindication--his memory is embalmed in the grateful recollection of the
+people of this country; and I say, if ever retribution is wanted--for it
+is not words that humiliate, but deeds--if a man wants to see
+humiliation, which God knows is always a painful sight, he need but look
+there!"--and upon this Mr. Herbert pointed with his finger to Mr.
+Disraeli sitting on the Treasury Bench. The sting of invective is truth,
+and Mr. Herbert certainly spoke daggers if he used none; yet the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer sat impassive as a Sphinx.
+
+Parliament was dissolved soon after the formation of the new government,
+July 1, 1852, and during the recess, September 14, 1852, the Duke of
+Wellington passed away and a public funeral was given the victor
+of Waterloo.
+
+On the assembling of Parliament Mr. Gladstone delivered a eulogy on the
+Duke, drawing special lessons from his illustrious career, which had
+been prolonged to a green old age. Mr. Gladstone said: "While many of
+the actions of his life, while many of the qualities he possessed, are
+unattainable by others, there are lessons which we may all derive from
+the life and actions of that illustrious man. It may never be given to
+another subject of the British Crown to perform services so brilliant as
+he performed; it may never be given to another man to hold the sword
+which was to gain the independence of Europe, to rally the nations
+around it, and while England saved herself by her constancy, to save
+Europe by her example; it may never be given to another man, after
+having attained such eminence, after such an unexampled series of
+victories, to show equal moderation in peace as he has shown greatness
+in war, and to devote the remainder of his life to the cause of internal
+and external peace for that country which he has so well served; it may
+never be given to another man to have equal authority, both with the
+Sovereign he served and with the Senate of which he was to the end a
+venerated member; it may never be given to another man after such a
+career to preserve, even to the last, the full possession of those great
+faculties with which he was endowed, and to carry on the services of one
+of the most important departments of the State with unexampled
+regularity and success, even to the latest day of his life. These are
+circumstances, these are qualities, which may never occur again in the
+history of this country. But these are qualities which the Duke of
+Wellington displayed, of which we may all act in humble imitation: that
+sincere and unceasing devotion to our country; that honest and upright
+determination to act for the benefit of the country on every occasion;
+that devoted loyalty, which, while it made him ever anxious to serve the
+Crown, never induced him to conceal from the Sovereign that which he
+believed to be the truth; that devotedness in the constant performance
+of duty; that temperance of his life, which enabled him at all times to
+give his mind and his faculties to the services which he was called on
+to perform; that regular, consistent, and unceasing piety by which he
+was distinguished at all times of his life; these are qualities that are
+attainable by others, and these are qualities which should not be lost
+as an example."
+
+At this session of Parliament Mr. Disraeli brought forward his second
+budget in a five hour speech. The new Chancellor of the Exchequer
+proposed to remit a portion of the taxes upon malt, tea, and sugar, but
+to counterbalance these losses he also proposed to extend the income-tax
+and house-tax. The debate, which was very personal, was prolonged
+several days, and Mr. Disraeli, towards its close, bitterly attacked
+several members, among them Sir James Graham, whom Mr. Gladstone not
+only defended, but in so doing administered a scathing rebuke to the
+Chancellor for his bitter invective and personal abuse. Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at the close of Mr. Disraeli's presentation was crushing, and was
+generally regarded as giving the death-blow to this financial scheme.
+
+Mr. Gladstone told Mr. Disraeli that he was not entitled to charge with
+insolence men of as high position and of as high character in the House
+as himself, and when the cheers which had interrupted him had subsided,
+concluded: "I must tell the right honorable gentleman that he is not
+entitled to say to my right honorable friend, the member for Carlisle,
+that he regards but does not respect him. And I must tell him that
+whatever else he has learnt--and he has learnt much--he has not learnt
+to keep within those limits of discretion, of moderation, and of
+forbearance that ought to restrain the conduct and language of every
+member in this House, the disregard of which, while it is an offence in
+the meanest amongst us, is an offence of tenfold weight when committed
+by the leader of the House of Commons."
+
+The thrilling scene enacted in the House of Commons on that memorable
+night is thus described: "In the following month the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer produced his second budget. It was an ambitious and a skillful
+attempt to reconcile conflicting interests, and to please all while
+offending none. The government had come into office pledged to do
+something for the relief of the agricultural interests. They redeemed
+their pledge by reducing the duty on malt. This reduction created a
+deficit; and they repaired the deficit by doubling the duty on inhabited
+houses. Unluckily, the agricultural interests proved, as usual,
+ungrateful to its benefactors, and made light of the reduction on malt;
+while those who were to pay for it in double taxation were naturally
+indignant. The voices of criticism, 'angry, loud, discordant voices,'
+were heard simultaneously on every side. The debate waxed fast and
+furious. In defending his hopeless proposals, Mr. Disraeli gave full
+scope to his most characteristic gift; he pelted his opponents right and
+left with sarcasms, taunts, and epigrams, and went as near personal
+insult as the forms of Parliament permit. He sat down late at night, and
+Mr. Gladstone rose in a crowded and excited House to deliver an
+unpremeditated reply which has ever since been celebrated. Even the cold
+and colorless pages of 'Hansard' show signs of the excitement under
+which he labored, and of the tumultuous applause and dissent by which
+his opening sentences were interrupted. 'The speech of the Chancellor of
+the Exchequer,' he said, 'must be answered on the moment. It must be
+tried by the laws of decency and propriety.'" He indignantly rebuked his
+rival's language and demeanor. He reminded him of the discretion and
+decorum due from every member, but pre-eminently due from the leader of
+the House. He tore his financial scheme to ribbons. It was the beginning
+of a duel which lasted till death removed one of the combatants from the
+political arena. 'Those who had thought it impossible that any
+impression could be made upon the House after the speech of Mr.
+Disraeli had to acknowledge that a yet greater impression was produced
+by the unprepared reply of Mr. Gladstone.' The House divided and the
+government were left in a minority of nineteen. This happened in the
+early morning of December 17, 1852. Within an hour of the division Lord
+Derby wrote to the Queen a letter announcing his defeat and the
+consequences which it must entail, and that evening at Osborne he placed
+his formal resignation in her majesty's hands.
+
+It is related as an evidence of the intense excitement, if not frenzy,
+that prevailed at the time, that Mr. Gladstone met with indignity at his
+Club. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says that, "twenty ruffians of the
+Carleton Club" had given a dinner to Major Beresford, who had been
+charged with bribery at the Derby election and had escaped with only a
+censure, and that "after dinner, when they were drunk, they went up
+stairs and finding Mr. Gladstone alone in the drawing-room, some of them
+proposed to throw him out of the window. This they did not quite dare to
+do, but contented themselves with giving some insulting message or order
+to the waiter and then went away." Mr. Gladstone, however, remained a
+member of the Club until he joined the Whig administration in 1859.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's crushing _exposé_ of the blunders of Mr. Disraeli's
+budget was almost ludicrous in its completeness, and it was universally
+felt that the scheme could not survive his brilliant attack. The effect
+that the merciless criticism of Disraeli's budget was not only the
+discomfiture of Mr. Disraeli and the overthrow of the Russell
+administration, but the elevation of Mr. Gladstone to the place vacated
+by Chancellor Disraeli.
+
+The Earl of Aberdeen became Prime Minister. The new government was a
+coalition of Whigs and Peelites, with a representative of the Radicals
+in the person of Sir William Molesworth. Mr. Gladstone, the Duke of
+Newcastle, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert were the Peelites in
+the Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone was chosen Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+
+We may refer here to a letter of Mr. Gladstone, written Christmas, 1851,
+in order to show his growing Liberalism. The letter was to Dr. Skinner,
+Bishop of Aberdeen and Primus, on the positions and functions of the
+laity in the Church. This letter is remarkable, because, as Dr. Charles
+Wordsworth, Bishop of St. Andrew's, said at the time, "it contained the
+germ of liberation and the political equality of all religions." The
+Bishop published a controversial rejoinder, which drew from Dr.
+Gaisford, Dean of Christ Church, these emphatic words: "You have proved
+to my satisfaction that this gentleman is unfit to represent the
+University," meaning the representation for Oxford in Parliament.
+
+This feeling was growing, for when the Russell Ministry fell and it
+became necessary for Mr. Gladstone, because he accepted a place in the
+Cabinet, to appeal for re-election to his constituents at Oxford, he met
+with much opposition, because of his Liberalism. Appealing to his
+university to return him, and endorse his acceptance of office in the
+new Ministry of the Earl of Aberdeen, Mr. Gladstone soon discovered that
+he had made many enemies by his manifest tendencies toward
+Liberal-Conservatism. He had given unmistakable evidence that he held
+less firmly the old traditions of that unbending Toryism of which he was
+once the most promising representative. Lord Derby, whom he had deposed,
+had been elected Chancellor of the University to succeed the Duke of
+Wellington, deceased. Consequently his return to the House was ardently
+contested. His opponents looked around for a candidate of strong
+Conservative principles. The Marquis of Chandos, who was first elected,
+declined to run in opposition to Mr. Gladstone; but at length a suitable
+opponent was found in Mr. Dudley Perceval, of Christ Church, son of the
+Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, who was nominated January 4th.
+
+Dr. Hawkins, Provost of Oriel, one of the twenty colleges of Oxford,
+proposed Mr. Gladstone, and Archdeacon Denison, leader of the High
+Church party, proposed Mr. Dudley Perceval. According to the custom at
+university elections, neither candidate was present. It was objected to
+Mr. Gladstone that he had voted improperly on ecclesiastical questions,
+and had accepted office in "a hybrid ministry." The "Times" described
+Mr. Perceval as "a very near relative of our old friend Mrs. Harris. To
+remove any doubt on this point, let him be exhibited at Exeter Hall with
+the documentary evidence of his name, existence and history; his
+first-class, his defeat at Finsbury, his talents, his principles. If we
+must go to Oxford to record our votes it would at least be something to
+know that we were voting against a real man and not a mere name." The
+"Morning Chronicle," on the other hand, affirmed that a section of the
+Carleton Club were "making a tool of the Oxford Convocation for the
+purpose of the meanest and smallest political rancor against Mr.
+Gladstone."
+
+Mr. Gladstone, who fought the battle on ecclesiastical lines, wrote,
+after the nomination, to the chairman of his election committee,
+as follows:
+
+"Unless I had a full and clear conviction that the interests of the
+Church, whether as relates to the legislative functions of Parliament,
+or the impartial and wise recommendation of fit persons to her majesty
+for high ecclesiastical offices, were at least as safe in the hands of
+Lord Aberdeen as in those of Lord Derby (though I would on no account
+disparage Lord Derby's personal sentiments towards the Church), I should
+not have accepted office under Lord Aberdeen. As regards the second, if
+it be thought that during twenty years of public life, or that during
+the latter part of them, I have failed to give guarantees of attachment
+to the interests of the Church--to such as so think I can offer neither
+apology nor pledge. To those who think otherwise, I tender the assurance
+that I have not by my recent assumption of office made any change
+whatever in that particular, or in any principles relating to it."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was again elected by a fair majority and returned to
+Parliament. Seventy-four of the professors voted for Mr. Gladstone and
+fifteen for Mr. Perceval.
+
+When Parliament assembled the Earl of Aberdeen announced in the House of
+Lords that the measures of the Government would be both Conservative and
+Liberal,--at home to maintain Free Trade principles and to pursue the
+commercial and financial system of the late Sir Robert Peel, and abroad
+to secure the general peace of Europe without relaxing defensive
+measures.
+
+Mr. Gladstone had already proved himself to have a wonderful mastery of
+figures, and the confused technicalities of finance. He did not
+disappoint the hopes of his friends in regard to his fiscal abilities.
+On the contrary, he speedily inaugurated a new and brilliant era in
+finance. Previous to presenting his first budget, in 1853, Mr. Gladstone
+brought forward a scheme for the reduction of the national debt, which
+was approved by Radicals as well as Conservatives, and adopted by the
+House. The scheme worked most successfully until the breaking out of the
+Crimean war. During this very short period of two years the public debt
+was reduced by more than $57,500,000.
+
+In consequence of his general reputation and also of this brilliant
+financial scheme, the first budget of Mr. Gladstone was waited for with
+intense interest. His first budget was introduced April 18, 1853. It was
+one of his greatest budgets, and for statesmanlike breadth of conception
+it has never been surpassed. In bringing it forward Mr. Gladstone spoke
+five hours, and during that length of time held the House spellbound.
+The speech was delivered with the greatest ease, and was perspicuity
+itself throughout. Even when dealing with the most abstruse financial
+detail his language flowed on without interruption, and he never paused
+for a word. "Here was an orator who could apply all the resources of a
+burnished rhetoric to the elucidation of figures; who could make pippins
+and cheese interesting and tea serious; who could sweep the widest
+horizon of the financial future and yet stoop to bestow the minutest
+attention on the microcosm of penny stamps and post-horses. The members
+on the floor and ladies in the gallery of the House listened attentively
+and showed no signs of weariness throughout." A contemporary awarded to
+him the palm for unsurpassed fluency and choice of diction, and says:
+
+"The impression produced upon the minds of the crowded and brilliant
+assembly by Mr. Gladstone's evident mastery and grasp of the subject,
+was, that England had at length found a skillful financier, upon whom
+the mantle of Peel had descended. The cheering when the right honorable
+gentleman sat down was of the most enthusiastic and prolonged character,
+and his friends and colleagues hastened to tender him their warm
+congratulations upon the distinguished success he had achieved in his
+first budget."
+
+The budget provided for the gradual reduction of the income tax to
+expire in 1860; for an increase in the duty on spirits; for the
+abolition of the soap duties; the reduction of the tax on cabs and
+hackney coaches; the introduction of the penny receipt stamp and the
+equalization of the assessed taxes on property. By these provisions it
+was proposed to make life easier and cheaper for large and numerous
+classes. The duty on 123 articles was abolished and the duty on 133
+others reduced, the total relief amounting to $25,000,000. Mr. Gladstone
+gave a clear exposition of the income tax, which he declared was never
+intended to be permanent. It had been the last resort in times of
+national danger, and he could not consent to retain it as a part of the
+permanent and ordinary finances of the country. It was objectionable on
+account of its unequal incidence, of the harassing investigation into
+private affairs which it entailed and of the frauds to which it
+inevitably led.
+
+The value of the reduction in the necessities of life proposed by Mr.
+Gladstone is seen from the following from a contemporary writer:
+
+"The present budget, more than any other budget within our recollection,
+is a cupboard budget; otherwise, a poor man's budget. With certain very
+ugly features, the thing has altogether a good, hopeful aspect, together
+with very fair proportions. It is not given to any Chancellor of the
+Exchequer to make a budget fascinating as a fairy tale. Nevertheless,
+there are visions of wealth and comfort in the present budget that
+mightily recommend it to us. It seems to add color and fatness to the
+poor man's beef; to give flavor and richness to the poor man's
+plum-pudding. The budget is essentially a cupboard budget; and let the
+name of Gladstone be, for the time at least, musical at the poor man's
+fireside."
+
+It unquestionably established Gladstone as the foremost financier of
+his day. Greville, in his "Memoirs," says of him: "He spoke for five
+hours; and by universal consent it was one of the grandest displays and
+most able financial statements that ever was heard in the House of
+Commons; a great scheme, boldly and skillfully and honestly devised,
+disdaining popular clamor and pressure from without, and the execution
+of its absolute perfection."
+
+We reproduce some extracts from this important speech: "Depend upon it,
+when you come to close quarters with this subject, when you come to
+measure and test the respective relations of intelligence and labor and
+property in all their myriad and complex forms, and when you come to
+represent those relations in arithmetical results, you are undertaking
+an operation of which I should say it was beyond the power of man to
+conduct it with satisfaction, but which, at any rate, is an operation to
+which you ought not constantly to recur; for if, as my noble friend once
+said with universal applause, this country could not bear a revolution
+once a year, I will venture to say that it cannot bear a reconstruction
+of the income tax once a year.
+
+"Whatever you do in regard to the income tax, you must be bold, you must
+be intelligible, you must be decisive. You must not palter with it. If
+you do, I have striven at least to point out as well as my feeble
+powers will permit, the almost desecration I would say, certainly the
+gross breach of duty to your country, of which you will be found guilty,
+in thus putting to hazard one of the most potent and effective among all
+its material resources. I believe it to be of vital importance, whether
+you keep this tax or whether you part with it, that you should either
+keep it or should leave it in a state in which it will be fit for
+service on an emergency, and that it will be impossible to do if you
+break up the basis of your income tax.
+
+"If the Committee have followed me, they will understand that we found
+ourselves on the principle that the income-tax ought to be marked as a
+temporary measure; that the public feeling that relief should be given
+to intelligence and skill as compared with property ought to be met, and
+may be met with justice and with safety, in the manner we have pointed
+out; that the income tax in its operation ought to be mitigated by every
+rational means, compatible with its integrity; and, above all, that it
+should be associated in the last term of its existence, as it was in the
+first, with those remissions of indirect taxation which have so greatly
+redoubled to the profit of this country and have set so admirable an
+example--an example that has already in some quarters proved contagious
+to the other nations of the earth, These are the principles on which we
+stand, and these the figures. I have shown you that if you grant us the
+taxes which we ask, to the moderate amount of £2,500,000 in the whole,
+much less than that sum for the present year, you, or the Parliament
+which may be in existence in 1860, will be in the condition, if it shall
+so think fit, to part with the income tax."
+
+Sir, I scarcely dare to look at the clock, shamefully reminding me, as
+it must, how long, how shamelessly, I have trespassed on the time of the
+committee. All I can say in apology is that I have endeavored to keep
+closely to the topics which I had before me--
+
+          --immensum spatiis confecimus aequor,
+     Et jam tempus equum fumantia solvere colla.
+
+"These are the proposals of the Government. They may be approved or they
+may be condemned, but I have at least this full and undoubting
+confidence, that it will on all hands be admitted that we have not
+sought to evade the difficulties of our position; that we have not
+concealed those difficulties, either from ourselves or from others; that
+we have not attempted to counteract them by narrow or flimsy expedients;
+that we have prepared plans which, if you will adopt them, will go some
+way to close up many vexed financial questions--questions such as, if
+not now settled, may be attended with public inconvenience, and even
+with public danger, in future years and under less favorable
+circumstances; that we have endeavored, in the plans we have now
+submitted to you, to make the path of our successors in future years not
+more arduous but more easy; and I may be permitted to add that, while we
+have sought to do justice, by the changes we propose in taxation, to
+intelligence and skill as compared with property--while we have sought
+to do justice to the great laboring community of England by furthering
+their relief from indirect taxation, we have not been guided by any
+desire to put one class against another. We have felt we should best
+maintain our own honor, that we should best meet the views of
+Parliament, and best promote the interests of the country, by declining
+to draw any invidious distinctions between class and class, by adapting
+it to ourselves as a sacred aim to differ and distribute--burden if we
+must, benefit if we may--with equal and impartial hand; and we have the
+consolation of believing that by proposals such as these we contribute,
+as far as in us lies, not only to develop the material resources of the
+country, but to knit the hearts of the various classes of this great
+nation yet more closely than heretofore to that throne and to those
+institutions under which it is their happiness to live."
+
+It is seldom that a venture of such magnitude as Mr. Gladstone's first
+budget meets with universal success. But from the outset the plan was
+received with universal favor. Besides the plaudits with which the
+orator was greeted at the conclusion of his speech, his proposals were
+received favorably by the whole nation. Being constructed upon Free
+Trade principles, it was welcomed by the press and the country. It added
+greatly, not only to the growing reputation of the new Chancellor of the
+Exchequer as a financier, but also to his popularity.
+
+The following anecdote of Mr. Gladstone is told by Walter Jerrold and is
+appropriate as well as timely here:
+
+"During Mr. Gladstone's first tenure of office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer, a curious adventure occurred to him in the London offices of
+the late Mr. W. Lindsay, merchant, shipowner and M.P. There one day
+entered a brusque and wealthy shipowner of Sunderland, inquiring for Mr.
+Lindsay. As Mr. Lindsay was out, the visitor was requested to wait in an
+adjacent room, where he found a person busily engaged in copying some
+figures. The Sunderland shipowner paced the room several times and took
+careful note of the writer's doings, and at length said to him, 'Thou
+writes a bonny hand, thou dost.'
+
+"'I am glad you think so,' was the reply.
+
+"'Ah, thou dost. Thou makes thy figures weel. Thou'rt just the chap I
+want.'
+
+"'Indeed!' said the Londoner.
+
+"'Yes, indeed,' said the Sunderland man. 'I'm a man of few words. Noo,
+if thou'lt come over to canny ould Sunderland thou seest I'll give thee
+a hundred and twenty pounds a year, and that's a plum thou dost not meet
+with every day in thy life, I reckon. Noo then.'
+
+"The Londoner replied that he was much obliged for the offer, and would
+wait till Mr. Lindsay returned, whom he would consult upon the subject.
+Accordingly, on the return of the latter, he was informed of the
+shipowner's tempting offer.
+
+"'Very well,' said Mr. Lindsay, 'I should be sorry to stand in your way.
+One hundred and twenty pounds is more than I can afford to pay you in
+the department in which you are at present placed. You will find my
+friend a good and kind master, and, under the circumstances, the sooner
+you know each other the better. Allow me, therefore, Mr.----, to
+introduce you to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, Chancellor of the
+Exchequer.' The Sunderland shipowner was a little taken aback at first,
+but he soon recovered his self-possession, and enjoyed the joke quite as
+much as Mr. Gladstone did."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+
+THE CRIMEAN WAR
+
+The Crimean War, the great event with which the Aberdeen Cabinet was
+associated, was a contest between Russia and Turkey, England and France.
+A dispute which arose between Russia and Turkey as to the possession of
+the Holy Places of Jerusalem was the precipitating cause. For a long
+time the Greek and the Latin Churches had contended for the possession
+of the Holy Land. Russia supported the claim of the Greek Church, and
+France that of the Papal Church. The Czar claimed a Protectorate over
+all the Greek subjects of the Porte. Russia sought to extend her
+conquests south and to seize upon Turkey. France and England sustained
+Turkey. Sardinia afterwards joined the Anglo-French alliance.
+
+The people of England generally favored the war, and evinced much
+enthusiasm at the prospect of it. Lord Aberdeen and Mr. Gladstone wished
+England to stand aloof. The Peelite members of the cabinet were
+generally less inclined to war than the Whigs. Lord Palmerston and Lord
+John Russell favored England's support of Turkey. Some thought that
+England could have averted the war by pursuing persistently either of
+two courses: to inform Turkey that England would give her no aid; or to
+warn Russia that if she went to war, England would fight for Turkey. But
+with a ministry halting between two opinions, and the people demanding
+it, England "drifted into war" with Russia.
+
+July 2, 1853, the Russian troops crossed the Pruth and occupied the
+Danubian Principalities which had been by treaty, in 1849, evacuated by
+Turkey and Russia, and declared by both powers neutral territory between
+them. London was startled, October 4, 1853, by a telegram announcing
+that the Sultan had declared war against Russia. England and France
+jointly sent an _ultimatum_ to the Czar, to which no answer was
+returned. March 28, 1854, England declared war.
+
+On the 12th of March, while great excitement prevailed and public
+meetings were held throughout England, declaring for and against war,
+Mr. Gladstone made an address on the occasion of the inauguration of the
+statue of Sir Robert Peel, at Manchester. He spoke of the designs of
+Russia, and described her as a power which threatened to override all
+other powers, and as a source of danger to the peace of the world.
+Against such designs, seen in Russia's attempt to overthrow the Ottoman
+Empire, England had determined to set herself at whatever cost. War was
+a calamity that the government did not desire to bring upon the country,
+"a calamity which stained the face of nature with human gore, gave loose
+rein to crime, and took bread from the people. No doubt negotiation is
+repugnant to the national impatience at the sight of injustice and
+oppression; it is beset with delay, intrigue, and chicane; but these are
+not so horrible as war, if negotiation can be made to result in saving
+this country from a calamity which deprives the nation of subsistence
+and arrests the operations of industry. To attain that result ... Her
+Majesty's Ministers have persevered in exercising that self-command and
+that self-restraint which impatience may mistake for indifference,
+feebleness or cowardice, but which are truly the crowning greatness of a
+great people, and which do not evince the want of readiness to
+vindicate, when the time comes, the honor of this country."
+
+In November a conference of some of the European powers was held at
+Vienna to avert the war by mediating between Russia and Turkey, but was
+unsuccessful. Mr. Gladstone said: "Austria urged the two leading
+states, England and France, to send in their _ultimatum_ to Russia, and
+promised it her decided support.... Prussia at the critical moment, to
+speak in homely language, bolted.... In fact, she broke up the European
+concert, by which France and England had hoped to pull down the
+stubbornness of the Czar."
+
+Mr. Gladstone had opposed the war, not only on humanitarian and
+Christian grounds, but also because the preparation of a war budget
+overthrew all his financial schemes and hopes; a new budget was
+necessary, and he as Chancellor of the Exchequer must prepare it.
+Knowing that the struggle was inevitable, he therefore bent his energies
+to the task and conceived a scheme for discharging the expenses of the
+war out of the current revenue, provided it required no more than ten
+million pounds extra, so that the country should not be permanently
+burdened. It would require to do this the imposition of fresh taxes.
+
+"It thus fell to the lot of the most pacific of Ministers, the devotee
+of retrenchment, and the anxious cultivator of all industrial arts, to
+prepare a war budget, and to meet as well as he might the exigencies of
+a conflict which had so cruelly dislocated all the ingenious devices of
+financial optimism."
+
+Mr. Gladstone afterwards moved for over six and a half millions of
+pounds more than already granted, and proposed a further increase in the
+taxes. Mr. Disraeli opposed Mr. Gladstone's budget. He devised a scheme
+to borrow and thus increase the debt. He opposed the imposition of new
+taxes. Mr. Gladstone said: "Every good motive and every bad motive,
+combated only by the desire of the approval of honorable men and by
+conscientious rectitude--every motive of ease, comfort, and of certainty
+spring forward to induce a Chancellor of the Exchequer to become the
+first man to recommend a loan." Mr. Gladstone was sustained.
+
+The war had begun in earnest. The Duke of Newcastle received a telegram
+on the 21st of September announcing that 25,000 English troops, 25,000
+French and 8000 Turks had landed safely at Eupatoria "without meeting
+with any resistance, and had already begun to march upon Sebastopol."
+
+The war was popular with the English people, but the ministry of Lord
+Aberdeen, which inaugurated it, was becoming unpopular. This became
+apparent in the autumn of 1854. There were not actual dissensions in the
+Cabinet, but there was great want of harmony as to the conduct of the
+war. The Queen knew with what reluctance Lord Aberdeen had entered upon
+the war, but she had the utmost confidence in him as a man and a
+statesman. She was most desirous that the war be prosecuted with vigor,
+and trusted the Premier for the realization of her hopes and those of
+the nation, but unity in the Cabinet was necessary for the successful
+prosecution of the war.
+
+Parliament assembled December 12, 1854, "under circumstances more
+stirring and momentous than any which had occurred since the year of
+Waterloo." The management of the war was the main subject under
+discussion. The English troops had covered themselves with glory in the
+battles of Alma, Balaclava and Inkermann. But the sacrifice was great.
+Thousands were slain and homes made desolate, while the British army was
+suffering greatly, and the sick and wounded were needing attention. Half
+a million pounds were subscribed in three months, and Miss Florence
+Nightingale with thirty-seven lady nurses, soon to be reinforced by
+fifty more, set out at once for the seat of war to nurse the sick and
+wounded soldiers. It is recorded that "they reached Scutari on the 5th
+of November, in time to receive the soldiers who had been wounded at the
+battle of Balaclava. On the arrival of Miss Nightingale the great
+hospital at Scutari, in which up to this time all had been chaos and
+discomfort, was reduced to order, and those tender lenitives which only
+woman's thought and woman's sympathy can bring to the sick man's couch,
+were applied to solace and alleviate the agonies of pain or the torture
+of fever and prostration."
+
+It was natural to attribute the want of proper management to the
+ministry, and hence the Government found itself under fire. In the House
+of Lords the Earl of Derby condemned the inefficient manner in which the
+war had been carried on, the whole conduct of the ministry in the war,
+and the insufficiency of the number of troops sent out to check the
+power of Russia. The Duke of Newcastle replied, and while not defending
+all the actions of the ministry during the war, yet contended that the
+government were prepared to prosecute it with resolve and unflinching
+firmness. While not standing ready to reject overtures of peace, they
+would not accept any but an honorable termination of the war. The
+ministry relied upon the army, the people, and upon their allies with
+the full confidence of ultimate success.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, attacked the policy of the
+ministry from beginning to end. Everything was a blunder or a mishap of
+some description or other; the government had invaded Russia with 25,000
+troops without providing any provision for their support.
+
+When the House of Commons assembled, in January, 1855, it became
+apparent that there was a determination to sift to the bottom the
+charges that had been made against the ministry regarding their manner
+of carrying on the war. The Queen expressed her sympathy for Lord
+Aberdeen, who was in a most unenviable position. Motions hostile to the
+government were introduced in the House of Lords, while in the House of
+Commons Mr. Roebuck moved for a select committee "to inquire into the
+condition of the army before Sebastopol, and into the conduct of those
+departments of the government whose duty it has been to minister to the
+wants of the army."
+
+Lord John Russell resigned his office and left his colleagues to face
+the vote. He could not see how Mr. Roebuck's motion could be resisted.
+This seemed to portend the downfall of the ministry. The Duke of
+Newcastle, Secretary of War, offered to retire to save the government.
+Lord Palmerston believed that the breaking up of the ministry would be a
+calamity to the country, but he doubted the expediency of the retirement
+of the Duke of Newcastle, and his own fitness for the place of Minister
+of War, if vacated. Finally the Cabinet resolved to hold together,
+except Lord John Russell.
+
+In the debate it was declared that the condition of things at the seat
+of war was exaggerated; but the speech of Mr. Stafford caused a great
+sensation. He described the sufferings which he declared he had himself
+witnessed. He summed up by quoting the language of a French officer, who
+said: "You seem, sir, to carry on war according to the system of the
+Middle Ages." The situation of the ministry was critical before, but
+this speech seemed to make sure the passage of the resolutions.
+
+It was under all these depressing circumstances that Mr. Gladstone rose
+to defend himself and his colleagues. In a fine passage he thus
+described what the position of the Cabinet would have been if they had
+shrunk from their duty: "What sort of epitaph would have been written
+over their remains? He himself would have written it thus: Here lie the
+dishonored ashes of a ministry which found England at peace and left it
+in war, which was content to enjoy the emoluments of office and to wield
+the sceptre of power so long as no man had the courage to question their
+existence. They saw the storm gathering over the country; they heard the
+agonizing accounts which were almost daily received of the state of the
+sick and wounded in the East. These things did not move them. But as
+soon as the Honorable Member for Sheffield raised his hand to point the
+thunderbolt, they became conscience-stricken with a sense of guilt, and,
+hoping to escape punishment, they ran away from duty."
+
+This eloquent passage was received with tumultuous cheers. Mr.
+Gladstone claimed that there had been many exaggerations as to the state
+of the army and there were then more than 30,000 British troops under
+arms before Sebastopol. The administration of the War Department at home
+was no doubt defective, but he declined to admit that it had not
+improved, or that it was as bad as to deserve formal censure, and the
+Duke of Newcastle did not merit the condemnation sought to be cast on
+him as the head of the War Department.
+
+Mr. Disraeli was eagerly heard when he rose to speak. He said that the
+government admitted that they needed reconstruction, and that now the
+House was called upon to vote confidence in the administration. It was
+not the Duke of Newcastle nor the military system, but the policy of the
+whole Cabinet which he characterized as a "deplorable administration."
+
+The result of the vote was a strange surprise to all parties, and one of
+the greatest ever experienced in Parliamentary history. The vote for Mr.
+Roebuck's committee was 205; and against it, 148; a majority against the
+ministry of 157. "The scene was a peculiar and probably an unparalleled
+one. The cheers which are usually heard from one side or the other of
+the House on the numbers of a division being announced, were not
+forthcoming. The members were for a moment spellbound with
+astonishment, then there came a murmur of amazement and finally a burst
+of general laughter." The resignation of the Aberdeen ministry was
+announced February 1st, the Duke of Newcastle stating that it had been
+his intention to give up the office of Secretary of War whether Mr.
+Roebuck's resolution had passed or not.
+
+Thus was overthrown the famous coalition Cabinet of Lord Aberdeen--one
+of the most brilliant ever seen--a Cabinet distinguished for its
+oratorical strength, and for the conspicuous abilities of its chief
+members. Mr. Gladstone, who was the most distinguished Peelite in the
+Cabinet, certainly could not, up to this period, be suspected of
+lukewarmness in the prosecution of the war. Lord Palmerston formed a
+reconstructed rather than a new Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone and his friends
+at first declined to serve in the new Cabinet, out of regard for the
+Duke of Newcastle and Lord Aberdeen, the real victims of the adverse
+vote. But these noblemen besought Mr. Gladstone not to let his personal
+feelings stand in the way of his own interests, and not to deprive the
+country of his great services, so he resumed office as Chancellor of the
+Exchequer. Lord Palmerston had been regarded as the coming man, and his
+name carried weight upon the Continent and at home. But the new
+ministry was surrounded by serious difficulties, and did not pull
+together very long. The War Minister, Lord Panmure, entered upon his
+duties with energy, and proposed, February 16th, his remedy for existing
+evils; but on the 19th of February Mr. Layard in the House of Commons
+said, "the country stood on the brink of ruin--it had fallen into the
+abyss of disgrace and become the laughing-stock of Europe." He declared
+that the new ministry differed little from the last.
+
+Lord Palmerston, in answer to inquiries, lamented the sufferings of the
+army and confessed that mishaps had been made, but the present ministry
+had come forward in an emergency and from a sense of public duty, and he
+believed would obtain the confidence of the country. But another strange
+turn in events was at hand. Mr. Roebuck gave notice of the appointment
+of his committee. Hostility to the ministry was disclaimed, but Mr.
+Gladstone, Sir James Graham and Mr. Sidney Herbert took the same view of
+the question they had previously taken. They were opposed to the
+investigation as a dangerous breach of a great constitutional principle,
+and if the committee was granted, it would be a precedent from whose
+repetition the Executive could never again escape, however unreasonable
+might be the nature of the demand. They therefore retired from office.
+
+The report of the committee, when presented, practically advised a vote
+of censure upon the Aberdeen Cabinet for the sufferings of the British
+army, hence the house declined to entertain it by a large majority of
+107. As the appointment of the committee, however, was the only way to
+allay the popular excitement, there were many who thought that the
+Peelites would have done well to recognize the urgency of the crisis and
+not to have abandoned the Government.
+
+The resignation of Mr. Gladstone made him very unpopular. However, "the
+wave of unpopularity lasted perhaps for a couple of years, and was
+afterwards replaced by a long-sustained popularity, which has not been
+exceeded by any statesman of the country. Greville referred to Gladstone
+about this time as 'the most unpopular man in the country.'"
+
+March 2d the Emperor Nicholas died suddenly, and there were momentary
+hopes of peace; but his successor, Alexander, resolved to prosecute the
+struggle rather than yield the positions taken by the late Czar. He
+issued a warlike proclamation, and though he agreed to take part in the
+Vienna Conference of European powers, to be held March 15th, there were
+no signs that he intended to recede from the Russian claims.
+
+Lord John Russell was sent to Vienna as English Plenipotentiary. The
+English aimed to secure the limitation of the preponderance of Russia in
+the Black Sea, and the acknowledgment of Turkey as one of the great
+European powers. To gain these points would, it was thought, end the
+war. Russia "would not consent to limit the number of her ships--if she
+did so she forfeited her honor, she would be no longer Russia. They did
+not want Turkey, they would be glad to maintain the Sultan, but they
+knew it was impossible; he must perish; they were resolved not to let
+any other power have Constantinople--they must not have that door to
+their dominions in the Black Sea shut against them." The Conference
+failed, and Lord John Russell was held responsible for its failure, and
+was eventually forced out of the Cabinet on that account. The failure of
+the Vienna negotiations produced great excitement, and the ministry were
+attacked and defeated in both Houses of Parliament. Mr. Disraeli offered
+a resolution of dissatisfaction in the House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone
+spoke during the debate on the failure of the Vienna Conference, and
+defended the war of the Crimea. He did not consider it a failure, for
+Russia now agreed to most of the points raised by the allies, and the
+only matter to be adjusted, was the proposition to limit the power of
+Russia in the Black Sea. Personally, he had formerly favored the
+curtailment of Russia's power there, but he now thought that such a
+proposal implied a great indignity to Russia. He believed that the
+proposal of Russia to give to Turkey the power of opening and shutting
+the straits was one calculated to bring about a peaceful settlement. The
+time was favorable to make peace. Lord John Russell replied vigorously
+to Mr. Gladstone. The House decided by a majority of 100 to support the
+ministry in the further prosecution of the war until a safe and
+honorable peace could be secured.
+
+But on the 10th of July Sir E. Bulwer Lytton offered the following
+resolution: "That the conduct of our Ministry, in the recent
+negotiations at Vienna, has, in the opinion of this House, shaken the
+confidence of this country in those to whom its affairs are entrusted."
+Lord John Russell again declined to face discussion and resigned. During
+the debate on the motion Mr. Disraeli bitterly attacked Lord John
+Russell and the Premier, Lord Palmerston. But Mr. Gladstone said that so
+far from blaming the Ministry for hesitating about the offers of peace
+at Vienna, he blamed them for not giving the propositions that
+consideration which their gravity demanded, and for abruptly
+terminating the Conference and closing the hope of an honorable peace.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, on the 3d of August, made another powerful appeal for the
+cessation of the war. He held that there was now no definite object for
+continuing the struggle; defended the Austrian proposals; defied the
+Western powers to control the future destinies of Russia, save for a
+moment; and he placed "the individual responsibility of the continuance
+of the war on the head of the Ministry."
+
+But while Sebastopol held out there was no prospect of peace with
+Russia. Finally, in September, that fortress was taken and destroyed,
+and the Peace of Paris was concluded, March, 1856.
+
+[Illustration: HOUSE OF COMMONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+
+IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT
+
+It was in February, 1855, that Mr. Gladstone resigned his seat in the
+Cabinet. After the Treaty of Paris, March, 1856, which put an end to the
+Crimean War, Mr. Gladstone found himself in opposition to the Ministry
+of Lord Palmerston. He had assumed a position of independence,
+associating politically with neither party. The political parties
+dreaded criticism and attack from him, for he was not properly
+constructed for the defense of either. He had himself declared his
+"sympathies" were "with the Conservatives, and his opinions with the
+Liberals," and that he and his Peelite colleagues, during this period of
+political isolation, were like roving icebergs on which men could not
+land with safety, but with which ships might come into perilous
+collision. Their weight was too great not to count, but it counted first
+this way and then that. Mr. Gladstone was conscientious in his
+opposition. He said: "I greatly felt being turned out of office. I saw
+great things to do. I longed to do them. I am losing the best years of
+my life out of my natural service. Yet I have never ceased to rejoice
+that I am not in office with Palmerston, when I have seen the tricks,
+the shufflings, the frauds he daily has recourse to as to his business.
+I rejoice not to sit on the Treasury Bench with him."
+
+In August, 1855, Lord Aberdeen said; "Gladstone intends to be Prime
+Minister. He has great qualifications, but some serious defects. He is
+supreme in the House of Commons. He is too obstinate; if a man can be
+too honest, he is too honest. I have told Gladstone that when he is
+Prime Minister, I will have a seat in his Cabinet, if he desires it,
+without an office."
+
+During 1856, several measures came before Parliament which Mr. Gladstone
+opposed. He vindicated the freedom of the Belgian press, whose liberty
+some of the powers would curtail, and opposed resolutions to consider
+the state of education in England and Wales, as tending to create a
+central controlling power, involving secular instruction and endless
+religious quarrels. He also opposed the budget of Sir G.C. Lewis, which
+imposed more duties upon the tea and sugar of the working-man, and was
+said to be generally at variance with the policy pursued by every
+enlightened minister of finance. Besides, he condemned the continuance
+of the war duties in times of peace. "He was a particularly acute thorn
+in the side of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and criticised the
+budget with unsparing vigor. 'Gladstone seems bent on leading Sir George
+Lewis a weary life,' wrote Mr. Greville. But finance was by no means the
+only subject of this terrible free-lance."
+
+A resolution was offered in the House of Commons expressing
+disapprobation with the English Cabinet for sanctioning, in 1855 and
+'56, the violation of international law, by secretly enlisting the
+subjects of the United States as recruits for the British army, by the
+intervention of the English Ambassador. Mr. Gladstone said: "It appears
+to me that the two cardinal aims that we ought to keep in view in the
+discussion of this question are peace and a thoroughly cordial
+understanding with America for one, the honor and fame of England for
+the other. I am bound to say that in regard to neither of these points
+am I satisfied with the existing state of things, or with the conduct of
+Her Majesty's Government. A cordial understanding with America has not
+been preserved, and the honor of this country has been compromised."
+
+Lord Palmerston, though very popular with the people, had greatly
+offended a large portion of the House of Commons by his interference in
+China. A lorcha, called the _Arrow_, flying the British flag, had been
+seized by the Chinese, and the question arose as to the right of the
+vessel to the protection of England. The opponents of the government
+contended that the vessel was built in China, was captured by pirates,
+and recaptured by the Chinese, and hence had no claim to British
+protection. To bring the matter to an issue Mr. Cobden introduced a
+resolution of inquiry and censure. For five nights the debate was
+protracted, and many able speeches were made on both sides, but Mr.
+Gladstone made one of the most effective speeches, against the ministry.
+He said: "Every man, I trust, will give his vote with the consciousness
+that it may depend upon his single vote whether the miseries, the
+crimes, the atrocities that I fear are now proceeding in China are to be
+discountenanced or not. We have now come to the crisis of the case.
+England is not yet committed. With you, then, with us, with every one of
+us, it rests to show that this House, which is the first, the most
+ancient, and the noblest temple of freedom in the world, is also the
+temple of that everlasting justice without which freedom itself would
+only be a name or only a curse to mankind."
+
+The Premier ably defended himself, but the resolution of Mr. Cobden was
+passed. Parliament was dissolved March 21, 1857, and Lord Palmerston
+appealed to the country. He was victorious at the polls. Among the
+prominent Liberals who lost their seats were Cobden, Bright, and Milner
+Gibson. The Peelites suffered loss too, but Mr. Gladstone was again
+elected for Oxford University. However, Mr. Greville writes, under date
+of June 3d: "Gladstone hardly ever goes near the House of Commons, and
+never opens his lips." But his indifference and silence were not to
+last long.
+
+When the Divorce Bill, which originated in the Lords, came up in the
+Commons, Mr. Gladstone made an impassioned speech against the measure,
+contending for the equality of woman with man in all the rights
+pertaining to marriage. He dealt with the question on theological, legal
+and social grounds. He contended that marriage was not only or chiefly a
+civil contract, but a "mystery" of the Christian religion. By the law of
+God it could not be so annulled as to permit of the re-marriage of the
+parties. "Our Lord," he says, "has emphatically told us that, at and
+from the beginning, marriage was perpetual, and was on both sides
+single." He dwelt with pathetic force on the injustice between man and
+woman of the proposed legislation, which would entitle the husband to
+divorce from an unfaithful wife, but would give no corresponding
+protection to the woman; and predicted the gloomiest consequences to the
+conjugal morality of the country from the erection of this new and
+odious tribunal. Nevertheless the bill became a law.
+
+In 1858 a bill was introduced in the House of Commons by Lord
+Palmerston, to make conspiracy to murder a felony. It grew out of the
+attempt of Orsini upon the life of Napoleon III. The bill at first was
+carried by an immense majority, but the conviction spread that the
+measure was introduced solely at the dictation of the French Emperor,
+and hence the proposal was strongly opposed. Mr. Gladstone said: "These
+times are grave for liberty. We live in the nineteenth century; we talk
+of progress; we believe we are advancing, but can any man of observation
+who has watched the events of the last few years in Europe have failed
+to perceive that there is a movement indeed, but a downward and backward
+movement? There are few spots in which institutions that claim our
+sympathy still exist and flourish.... But in these times more than ever
+does responsibility centre upon the institutions of England, and if it
+does centre upon England, upon her principles, upon her laws and upon
+her governors, then I say that a measure passed by this House of
+Commons--the chief hope of freedom--which attempts to establish a moral
+complicity between us and those who seek safety in repressive measures,
+will be a blow and a discouragement to that sacred cause in every
+country in the world."
+
+The bill was defeated by a majority of nineteen, and Lord Palmerston
+again resigned. He was succeeded by Lord Derby, who once more came into
+power. Mr. Disraeli again became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and leader
+of the House of Commons. The new ministry, which existed largely on
+sufferance, passed some good measures.
+
+The one hundredth anniversary of the battle of Plassey was celebrated in
+England June 23, 1857, to obtain funds for a monument to Lord Clive, who
+secured India to England. The English then felt secure in the government
+of that land, yet at that very time one of the most wide-spread,
+destructive and cruel rebellions was raging, and shaking to its very
+foundations the English rule in Hindostan. Suddenly the news came of the
+terrible Indian mutiny and of the indiscriminate slaughter of men, women
+and children, filling all hearts with horror, and then of the crushing
+out of the rebellion. Lord Canning, Governor-General, issued a
+proclamation to the chiefs of Oudh, looking to the confiscation of the
+possessions of mutineers who failed to return to the allegiance of
+England. It was meant as clemency. But Lord Ellenborough, the officer in
+charge of affairs in India, dispatched "a rattling condemnation of the
+whole proceeding." Says Justin McCarthy: "It was absurd language for a
+man like Lord Ellenborough to address to a statesman like Lord Canning,
+who had just succeeded in keeping the fabric of English government in
+India together during the most terrible trial ever imposed on it by
+fate." The matter was taken up by Parliament. Lord Shaftesbury moved
+that the Lords disprove the sending of the dispatch. In the Commons the
+ministry were arraigned. But Lord Ellenborough took upon himself the
+sole responsibility of the dispatch, and resigned. Mr. Gladstone was
+invited to the vacant place, but declined.
+
+The most important among the bills passed by Parliament was the India
+Bill, by which the government of India was transferred from the East
+India Company to the Crown and the Home government. Mr. Gladstone, who
+opposed the bill, proposed a clause providing that the Indian troops
+should not be employed in military operations beyond the frontiers
+of India.
+
+In November, 1858, Mr. Gladstone accepted from the Premier the post of
+Lord High Commissioner Extraordinary to the Ionian Islands. The people
+of the Ionian Islands, which in 1800 was formed into the Republic of the
+Seven Islands, and was under the protection of Great Britain from 1815,
+were desirous of adding themselves to Greece. But the British government
+objected to the separation and their union with Greece. Mr. Gladstone
+was to repair to Corfu for the purpose of reconciling the people to the
+British protectorate. The Ionians regarded his appointment as a virtual
+abandonment of the protectorate of Great Britain. Mr. Gladstone,
+December 3d, addressed the Senate at Corfu in Italian. He had the
+reputation of being a Greek student, and the inhabitants of the Islands
+persisted in regarding him not as a Commissioner of a Conservative
+English Government, but as "Gladstone the Phil-Hellene!" He made a tour
+of the Islands, holding levees, receiving deputations and delivering
+harangues, and was received wherever he went with the honors due to a
+liberator. His path everywhere was made to seem like a triumphal
+progress. It was in vain he repeated his assurance that he came to
+reconcile them to the protectorate and not to deliver them from it. But
+the popular instinct insisted upon regarding him as at least the
+precursor of their union with the Kingdom of Greece. The legislative
+assembly met January 27, 1859, and proposed annexation to Greece.
+Finding that this was their firm wish and determination, Mr. Gladstone
+despatched to the Queen a copy of the vote, in which the representatives
+declared that "the single and unanimous will of the Ionian people has
+been and is for their union with the Kingdom of Greece." Mr. Gladstone
+returned home in February, 1859. The Ionians continued their agitation,
+and in 1864 were formally given over to the government of Greece.
+
+Parliament was opened February 3, 1859, by the Queen, who in her speech
+from the throne said that the attention of Parliament would be called
+to the state of the law regulating the representation of the people. The
+plan of the government was presented by Mr. Disraeli. "It was a fanciful
+performance," says an English writer. The ministry proposed not to alter
+the limits of the franchise, but to introduce into boroughs a new kind
+of franchise founded on personal property. Mr. Disraeli characterized
+the government measure as "wise, prudent, adequate, conservative, and
+framed by men who reverence the past, are proud of the present, and
+confident of the future." Two members of the Cabinet promptly resigned
+rather than be parties to these proposals. Mr. Bright objected because
+the working classes were excluded. An amendment was moved by Lord John
+Russell condemning interference with the franchise which enabled
+freeholders in boroughs to vote in counties, and demanding a wider
+extension of the suffrage in boroughs.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, though agreeing with these views, declined to support the
+amendment, because, if carried, it would upset the government and bring
+in a weaker administration. He did not propose to support the
+government, but he desired to see a settlement of the question of
+reform, and he thought the present opportunity advantageous for such
+settlement. He pleaded eloquently for the retention of the
+small boroughs.
+
+The bill was lost by a majority of thirty-nine. Lord Derby having
+advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, this was done April 3d. The
+general elections which resulted from the defeat of the Conservatives in
+the House of Commons on the Reform Bill, resulted in returning the
+Liberals with a considerable majority. Mr. Gladstone was again returned
+unopposed for the University of Oxford. The Queen opened the new
+Parliament June 7th. In reply to the speech from the throne an amendment
+to the address was moved by Lord Hartington, proposing a vote of want of
+confidence in the ministers. After three nights debate it was carried on
+June 10th, by a majority of thirteen, Mr. Gladstone voting with the
+government. Lord Derby and his colleagues immediately resigned. The
+Queen being averse to choosing between Lord John Russell and Lord
+Palmerston, turned to Lord Granville, leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Lords. He failed to form a Cabinet, and Lord Palmerston again
+became Prime Minister.
+
+The revolution of the political wheel once more brought Mr. Gladstone
+into office as Chancellor of the Exchequer. It became necessary in
+accepting a Cabinet position to again appeal to his constituents at
+Oxford for re-election. He voted as he did to sustain Lord Derby's
+administration and to settle the Reform question, yet he was
+misunderstood and some of his constituents alienated. He was strongly
+opposed by the Conservative Marquis of Chandos. The Conservatives
+claimed that he should not be returned, because, as Professor Mansel
+said, by his "acceptance of office he must now be considered as giving
+his definite adhesion to the Liberal party, as at present reconstructed,
+and as approving of the policy of those who overthrew Lord Derby's
+government." It was found on the conclusion of the poll, which continued
+for five days, that Mr. Gladstone was returned with a majority of nearly
+two hundred over his opponent. It is worthy of note that this same year
+Cambridge conferred upon Mr. Gladstone the honorary degree of D.C.L.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+
+HOMERIC STUDIES
+
+"The plenitude and variety of Mr. Gladstone's intellectual powers," says
+G. Barnett Smith, "have been the subject of such frequent comment that
+it would be superfluous to insist upon them here. On the political side
+of his career his life has been as unresting and active as that of any
+other great party leader, and if we regard him in the literary aspect we
+are equally astonished at his energy and versatility. Putting out of
+view his various works upon Homer, his miscellaneous writings of
+themselves, with the reading they involve, would entitle their author to
+take high rank on the score of industry.... We stand amazed at the
+infinity of topics which have received Mr. Gladstone's attention."
+
+To solve the problems associated with Homer has been the chief
+intellectual recreation, the close and earnest study of Mr. Gladstone's
+literary life. "The blind old man of Scio's rocky isle" possessed for
+him an irresistible and a perennial charm. Nor can this occasion
+surprise, for all who have given themselves up to the consideration and
+attempted solution of the Homeric poems have found the fascination of
+the occupation gather in intensity. It is not alone from the poetic
+point of view that the first great epic of the world attracts students
+of all ages and of all countries. Homer presents, in addition, and
+beyond every other writer, a vast field for ethnological, geographical,
+and historical speculation and research. The ancient world stands
+revealed in the Homeric poems. Besides, almost numberless volumes have
+been written based upon the equally debatable questions of the Homeric
+text and the Homeric unity.
+
+Some literary works of Mr. Gladstone have been already noticed. "Studies
+on Homer and Homeric Age" shows Mr. Gladstone's classic tastes and
+knowledge as well as his great industry and ability. This work was
+published in three volumes, in 1858. It is his _magnum opus_ in
+literature, and exhibits wide and laborious research. "It discusses the
+Homeric controversy in its broad aspects, the relation of Homer to the
+Sacred Writings, his place in education, his historic aims, the probable
+period of the poet's life, the Homeric text, the ethnology of the Greek
+races, and the politics and poetry of Homer. Among subsequent Greek
+studies by Mr. Gladstone were his 'Juventus Mundi' and the 'Homeric
+Synchronism.' There is probably no greater living authority on the text
+of Homer than Mr. Gladstone, and the Ancient Greek race and literature
+have exercised over him a perennial fascination."
+
+Mr. Gladstone dwells much on the relation of Homer to Christianity. "The
+standard of humanity of the Greek poet is different, yet many of his
+ideas almost carry us back to the early morning of our race; the hours
+of its greater simplicity and purity, and more free intercourse with
+God.... How is it possible to overvalue this primitive representation of
+the human race in a form complete, distinct and separate, with its own
+religion, stories, policy, history, arts, manners, fresh and true to the
+standard of its nature, like the form of an infant from the hand of the
+Creator, yet mature, full, and finished, in its own sense, after its own
+laws, like some masterpiece of the sculptor's art?" The Homeric scene of
+action is not Paradise, but it is just as far removed from the vices of
+a later heathenism.
+
+Mr. Gladstone compares the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," which he believed
+to be the poems of one poet, Homer, with the Old Testament writings, and
+observes that "Homer can never be put into competition with the
+Scriptures as touching the great fundamental, invaluable code of truth
+and hope;" but he shows how one may in a sense be supplementary to the
+other. As regards the history of the Greek race, it is Homer that
+furnishes "the point of origin from which all distances are to be
+measured." He says: "The Mosaic books, and the other historical books of
+the Old Testament, are not intended to present, and do not present, a
+picture of human society or of our nature drawn at large. The poems of
+Homer may be viewed as the complement of the earliest portion of the
+sacred records."
+
+Again: "The Holy Scriptures are like a thin stream, beginning from the
+very fountain-head of our race, and gradually, but continuously, finding
+their way through an extended solitude into times otherwise known, and
+into the general current of the fortunes of mankind. The Homeric poems
+are like a broad lake, outstretched in the distance, which provides us
+with a mirror of one particular age and people, alike full and
+marvelous, but which is entirely disassociated by a period of many
+generations from any other records, except such as are of the most
+partial and fragmentary kind. In respect of the influence which they
+have respectively exercised upon mankind, it might appear almost profane
+to compare them. In this point of view the Scriptures stand so far apart
+from every other production, on account of their great offices in
+relation to the coming of the Redeemer and to the spiritual training of
+mankind, that there can be nothing either like or second to them."
+
+Mr. Gladstone thinks that "the poems of Homer possess extrinsic worth as
+a faithful and vivid picture of early Grecian life and measures; they
+have also an intrinsic value which has given their author the first
+place in that marvelous trinity of genius--Homer, Dante, and
+Shakespeare."
+
+As to the historic aims of Homer, Mr. Gladstone says: "Where other poets
+sketch, Homer draws; and where they draw he carves. He alone of all the
+now famous epic writers, moves (in the 'Iliad' especially) subject to
+the stricter laws of time and place; he alone, while producing an
+unsurpassed work of the imagination, is also the greatest chronicler
+that ever lived, and presents to us, from his own single hand, a
+representation of life, manners, history, of morals, theology, and
+politics, so vivid and comprehensive, that it may be hard to say whether
+any of the more refined ages of Greece or Rome, with their clouds of
+authors and their multiplied forms of historical record, are either more
+faithfully or more completely conveyed to us."
+
+Mr. Gladstone fixes the probable date of Homer within a generation or
+two of the Trojan war, assigning as his principal reason for so doing
+the poet's visible identity with the age, the altering but not yet
+vanishing age of which he sings, and the broad interval in tone and
+feeling between himself and the very nearest of all that follow him. He
+presents several arguments to prove the trustworthiness of the text
+of Homer.
+
+In 1877, Mr. Gladstone wrote an article on the "Dominions of the
+Odysseus," and also wrote a preface to Dr. Henry Schliemann's "Mycenae."
+
+One of his most remarkable productions bore the title of, "The Vatican
+Decrees in their Bearing on Civil Allegiance; a Political
+Expostulation." This book was an amplification of an article from his
+own pen, which appeared October, 1874, in the _Contemporary Review_. It
+created great public excitement and many replies. One hundred and twenty
+thousand copies were sold. Mr. Higginson says: "The vigor of the style,
+the learning exhibited, and the source whence it came, all contributed
+to give it an extraordinary influence.... It was boldly proclaimed in
+this pamphlet that, since 1870, Rome has substituted for the proud boast
+of _semper eadem_, a policy of violence and change of faith;... 'that
+she had equally repudiated modern thought and ancient history;' ... 'that
+she has reburnished and paraded anew every rusty tool she was thought to
+have disused,' and 'that Rome requires a convert who now joins her to
+forfeit his moral and mental freedom, and to place his loyalty and
+civil duty at the mercy of another.'"
+
+Mr. Gladstone issued another pamphlet, entitled "Vaticanism; and Answers
+to Reproofs and Replies," He reiterated his original charges, saying:
+"The Vatican decrees do, in the strictest sense, establish for the Pope
+a supreme command over loyalty and civil duty.... Even in those parts of
+Christendom where the decrees and the present attitude of the Papal See
+do not produce or aggravate open broils with the civil power, by
+undermining moral liberty, they impair moral responsibility, and
+silently, in the succession of generations, if not in the lifetime of
+individuals, tend to emasculate the vigor of the mind."
+
+Mr. Gladstone published in seven volumes, in 1879, "Gleanings of Past
+Years." The essay entitled "Kin Beyond the Sea" at first created much
+excitement. "The Kin Beyond the Sea" was America, of which he says: "She
+will probably become what we are now, the head servant in the great
+household of the world, the employer of all employed; because her
+services will be the most and ablest." Again: "The England and the
+America of the present are probably the two strongest nations in the
+world. But there can hardly be a doubt, as between the America and the
+England of the future, that the daughter, at some no very distant time,
+will, whether fairer or less fair, be unquestionably yet stronger than
+the mother." Mr. Gladstone argues in support of this position from the
+concentrated continuous empire which America possesses, and the enormous
+progress she has made within a century.
+
+In an address at the opening of the Art Loan Exhibition of Chester,
+August 11, 1879, Mr. Gladstone said: "With the English those two things
+are quite distinct; but in the oldest times of human industry--that is
+to say amongst the Greeks--there was no separation whatever, no gap at
+all, between the idea of beauty and the idea of utility. Whatever the
+ancient Greek produced he made as useful as he could; and at the same
+time, reward for work with him was to make it as beautiful as he could.
+In the industrial productions of America there is very little idea of
+beauty; for example, an American's axe is not intended to cut away a
+tree neatly, but quickly. We want a workman to understand that if he can
+learn to appreciate beauty in industrial productions, he is thereby
+doing good to himself, first of all in the improvement of his mind, and
+in the pleasure he derives from his work, and likewise that literally he
+is increasing his own capital, which is his labor."
+
+In his articles on "Ecce Homo" he expresses the hope "that the present
+tendency to treat the old belief of man with a precipitate, shallow,
+and unexamining disparagement, is simply a distemper, that inflicts for
+a time the moral atmosphere, that is due, like plagues and fevers, to
+our own previous folly and neglect; and that when it has served its work
+of admonition and reform, will be allowed to pass away."
+
+The "Impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture" is the title of a book by Mr.
+Gladstone, the articles of which were originally published in _The
+Sunday School Times_, Philadelphia.
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE'S AXE]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+GREAT BUDGETS
+
+The year 1860 marked the beginning of the second half of Mr. Gladstone's
+life as a statesman, in which he stood prominently forward as a
+Reformer. July 18, 1859, as Chancellor in the Liberal government of Lord
+Palmerston, he brought forward his budget. The budget of 1860 was the
+greatest of all his financial measures, for a new departure was taken in
+British commerce and manufactures. Mr. Cobden, in behalf of the English
+Government, had negotiated with France a treaty based on free trade
+principles--"a treaty which gave an impetus to the trade of this
+country, whose far-reaching effects are felt even to our day."
+
+The Chancellor explained the various propositions of his financial
+statements. Speaking of discontent with the income tax he observed: "I
+speak on general terms. Indeed, I now remember that I myself had, about
+a fortnight ago, a letter addressed to me complaining of the monstrous
+injustice and iniquity of the income tax, and proposing that, in
+consideration thereof, the Chancellor of the Exchequer should be
+publicly hanged."
+
+Mr. Gladstone said that the total reduction of duties would be over
+£1,000,000, requiring a slight extension of taxation; that by this means
+nearly £1,000,000 would be returned to the general revenue; that the
+loss to the revenue by the French Treaty, which was based upon free
+trade principles, and the reduction of duties, would be half made up by
+the imposts specified; that the abolition of the paper duty would
+produce the happiest results from the spread of cheap literature. The
+reductions proposed would give a total relief to the consumer of nearly
+£4,000,000, and cause a net loss of the revenue of over £2,000,000, a
+sum about equivalent to the amount coming in from the cessation of
+government annuities that year. The total revenue was £70,564,000, and
+as the total expenses of government was £70,000,000, there remained an
+estimated surplus of £464,000.
+
+Mr. Gladstone concluded; "There were times, now long by, when sovereigns
+made progress through the land, and when at the proclamation of their
+heralds, they caused to be scattered whole showers of coin among the
+people who thronged upon their steps.... Our Sovereign is enabled,
+through the wisdom of her great council, assembled in Parliament around
+her, again to scatter blessings among her subjects by means of wise and
+prudent laws; of laws which do not sap in any respect the foundations of
+duty or of manhood, but which strike away the shackles from the arm of
+industry."
+
+"It was one of the peculiarities of Mr. Gladstone's budget addresses
+that they roused curiosity in the outset, and, being delivered in a
+musical, sonorous, and perfectly modulated voice, kept the listeners
+interested to the very close. This financial statement of 1860 was
+admirably arranged for the purpose of awakening and keeping attention,
+piquing and teasing curiosity, and sustaining desire to hear from the
+first sentence to the last. It was not a speech, it was an oration, in
+the form of a great State paper, made eloquent, in which there was a
+proper restraint over the crowding ideas, the most exact accuracy in the
+sentences, and even in the very words chosen; the most perfect balancing
+of parts, and, more than all, there were no errors or omissions; nothing
+was put wrongly and nothing was overlooked. With a House crowded in
+every corner, with the strain upon his own mental faculties, and the
+great physical tax implied in the management of his voice, and the
+necessity for remaining upon his feet during this long period, 'the
+observed of all observers,' Mr. Gladstone took all as quietly, we are
+told, as if he had just risen to address a few observations to Mr.
+Speaker. Indeed, it was laughingly said that he could address a House
+for a whole week, and on the Friday evening have taken a new departure,
+beginning with the observation, 'After these preliminary remarks, I will
+now proceed to deal with the subject matter of my financial plan.'"
+
+The ministry was supported by large majorities, and carried their
+measures, but when the bill for the repeal of the duty on paper at home,
+as well as coming into the country, came before the House of Lords, it
+was rejected. Mr. Gladstone appeared to be confronted by the greatest
+constitutional crisis of his life. He gave vent to his indignation, and
+declared that the action of the Lords was a gigantic innovation, and
+that the House of Commons had the undoubted right of selecting the
+manner in which the people should be taxed. This speech was pronounced
+by Lord John Russell "magnificently mad," and Lord Granville said that
+"it was a toss-up whether Gladstone resigned or not, and that if he did
+it would break up the Liberal party." Quiet was finally restored, and
+the following year Mr. Gladstone adroitly brought the same feature
+before the Lords in a way that compelled acceptance.
+
+The budget of 1861 showed a surplus of £2,000,000 over the estimated
+surplus, and proposed to remit the penny on the income tax, and to
+repeal the paper duty. Instead of being divided into several bills as in
+the previous year, the budget was presented as a whole--all included in
+one. By this device the Lords were forced to acquiesce in the repeal of
+the paper duty, or take the responsibility of rejecting the whole bill.
+The Peers grumbled, and some of them were enraged. Lord Robert Cecil,
+now Marquis of Salisbury, rudely declared that Mr. Gladstone's conduct
+was only worthy of an attorney. He begged to apologize to the attorneys.
+They were honorable men and would have scorned the course pursued by the
+ministers. Another member of the House of Lords protested that the
+budget gave a mortal stab to the Constitution. Mr. Gladstone retorted:
+"I want to know, to what Constitution does it give a mortal stab? In my
+opinion it gives no mortal stab, and no stab at all, to any Constitution
+that we are bound to care for. But, on the contrary, so far as it alters
+anything in the most recent course of practice, it alters in the
+direction of restoring that good old Constitution which took its root in
+Saxon times, which grew from the Plantagenets, which endured the iron
+repression of the Tudors, which resisted the aggressions of the Stuarts,
+and which has come to its full maturity under the House of Brunswick. I
+think that is the Constitution, if I may presume to say so, which it is
+our duty to guard, and which--if, indeed, the proceedings of this year
+can be said to affect it at all--will be all the better for the
+operation. But the Constitution which my right honorable friend worships
+is a very different affair."
+
+In 1860, Mr. Gladstone was elected Lord Rector of Edinburgh University,
+and the degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, in 1861, introduced one of his most beneficial
+measures--a bill creating the Post Office Savings Bank. The success of
+the scheme has gone beyond all expectation. At the close of 1891, the
+amount deposited was £71,608,002, and growing at the average rate of
+over £4,000,000 annually.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's financial measures for 1862, while not involving such
+momentous issues as those of the preceding year, nevertheless
+encountered considerable opposition. The budget was a stationary one,
+with no surplus, no new taxes, no remission of taxes, no
+heavier burdens.
+
+In October, 1862, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone made a journey down the Tyne,
+which is thus described: "It was not possible to show to royal visitors
+more demonstrations of honor than were showered on the illustrious
+Commoner and his wife.... At every point, at every bank and hill and
+factory, in every opening where people could stand or climb, expectant
+crowds awaited Mr. Gladstone's arrival. Women and children, in all
+costumes and of all conditions, lined the shores ... as Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone passed. Cannon boomed from every point;... such a succession
+of cannonading never before greeted a triumphant conqueror on
+the march."
+
+It was during this journey that Mr. Gladstone made the memorable speech,
+at New Castle, upon the American Civil War, which had broken out the
+same year. There had been much speculation as to whether the English
+government would recognize the Confederacy as a separate and independent
+power, and the utterance of a member of the Cabinet under the
+circumstances was regarded as entirely unwarranted. Mr. Gladstone
+himself frankly acknowledged his error in 1867: "I must confess that I
+was wrong; that I took too much upon myself in expressing such an
+opinion. Yet the motive was not bad. My sympathies were then--where they
+had long before been, where they are now--with the whole
+American people."
+
+The session of 1863 was barren of important subjects of debate, and
+hence unusual interest was centered in the Chancellor's statement, which
+was another masterly financial presentation, and its leading
+propositions were cordially received. The whole reduction of taxation
+for the year was £3,340,000, or counting the total reductions, present
+and prospective, of £4,601,000. This still left a surplus of £400,000.
+
+In four years £8,000,000 had been paid for war with China out of the
+ordinary revenues. A proposition to subject charities to the income tax,
+although endorsed by the whole cabinet, led to such powerful opposition
+throughout the country that it was finally withdrawn. The arguments of
+the Chancellor were endorsed by many who were opposed to the
+indiscriminate and mistaken beneficence which was so prevalent on
+death-beds.
+
+A bill was introduced at this session by Sir Morton Peto, entitled the
+"Dissenters' Burial Bill," the object of which was to enable
+Nonconformists to have their own religious rites and services, and by
+their own ministers, in the graveyards of the Established Church. The
+bill was strongly opposed by Lord Robert Cecil and Mr. Disraeli. Mr.
+Gladstone favored the measure. The bill was rejected, and Mr. Gladstone
+at a later period discovered that his progress in ecclesiastical and
+political opinions was creating a breach between himself and his
+constituents at Oxford.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's financial scheme for 1864 was received with undiminished
+interest. It was characterized as "a policy of which peace, progress and
+retrenchment were the watchwords." An available surplus of £2,260,000
+enabled him to propose reductions.
+
+The subject of reform, which had been coming up in the House of Commons
+in one way or another and agitating the House and the country since
+1859, when the Conservative party was beaten on the question, reappeared
+in 1864. The question of lowering the borough franchise came up, and Mr.
+Gladstone startled the House and the country by his declaration upon the
+subject of reform, which showed the rapid development of his views upon
+the subject. The Conservative party was filled with alarm, and the hopes
+of the Reform party correspondingly elated. "The eyes of all Radical
+Reformers turned to Mr. Gladstone as the future Minister of Reform in
+Church and State. He became from the same moment an object of distrust,
+and something approaching to detestation in the eyes of all steady-going
+Conservatives."
+
+Mr. Gladstone said: "I say that every man who is not presentably
+incapacitated by some consideration of personal unfitness or political
+danger, is morally entitled to come within the pale of the
+constitution." This declaration was the first note sounded in a conflict
+which, twelve months later, was to cost Mr. Gladstone his seat for
+Oxford University, and finally to culminate in the disruption of the
+Liberal Government. The general feeling in regard to this speech was
+that if the Liberal party had failed in its duty on the subject of
+reform in the existing Parliament after Mr. Gladstone's utterances,
+that the condition of things must undergo a change, so great was the
+effect of his speech in the country. The bill, which was presented by a
+private member and lost, was made memorable by the speech of the
+Chancellor. The eyes of careful political leaders were again turned
+towards Mr. Gladstone, and strong predictions made of his coming
+exaltation to the Premiership. Mr. Speaker Denison said, in October,
+1864: "I now anticipate that Mr. Gladstone will be Premier. Neither
+party has any leader. I hope Mr. Gladstone may get support from the
+Conservatives who now support Palmerston." And these expectations were
+known to Mr. Gladstone himself, for Bishop Wilberforce had a
+conversation with him and writes: "Long talk with Gladstone as to
+Premiership: he is for acting under John Russell." Again to Mr.
+Gladstone: "Anything which breaks up, or tends to break up, Palmerston's
+supremacy, must bring you nearer to the post in which I long to see you,
+and, if I live, shall see you." Lord Palmerston himself said: "Gladstone
+will soon have it all his own way; and whenever he gets my place we
+shall have strange things."
+
+The hostile feeling towards the Palmerston government, which had been
+growing in intensity, chiefly on the ground of its foreign policy,
+reached its full height in a fierce battle between the Ministry and the
+Opposition. July 4, 1864, Mr. Disraeli brought forward his motion of
+"no confidence." Mr. Gladstone replied for the government, and sought to
+rebut the accusations made by the leader of the Opposition. He said that
+it was the very first time in which the House of Commons had been called
+upon to record the degradation of the country, simply for the sake of
+displacing a ministry.
+
+An amusing episode which occurred during this debate is worthy of record
+here; Mr. Bernard Osborne "grew amusingly sarcastic at the expense of
+the government, though he paid at the same time a great compliment to
+Mr. Gladstone. He likened the Cabinet to a museum of curiosities, in
+which there were some birds of rare and noble plumage, both alive and
+stuffed. There had been a difficulty, unfortunately, in keeping up the
+breed, and it was found necessary to cross it with the famous Peelites.
+'I will do them the justice to say that they have a very great and noble
+Minister among them in the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and it is to his
+measures alone that they owe the little popularity and the little
+support they get from this Liberal party.' Describing Mr. Milner Gibson,
+the honorable gentleman said he was like some 'fly in amber,' and the
+wonder was 'how the devil he got there.' Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright must
+have been disappointed in this 'young man from the country.' He had
+become insolent and almost quarrelsome under the guidance of the noble
+lord. Should that Parliament decide on terminating its own and their
+existence, they would find consolation that the funeral oration would be
+pronounced by Mr. Newdegate, and that some friendly hand would inscribe
+on their mausoleum, 'Rest and be thankful.'" Mr. Disraeli's motion was
+lost, and the ministry was sustained.
+
+The budget of 1865 represented the country as in a prosperous financial
+condition. The total reduction was over £5,000,000. Such a financial
+showing gained the warm approval of the people, and excited but little
+opposition in the House. It was evident that a master-hand was guiding
+the national finances, and fortunately the Chancellor's calculations
+were verified by the continued prosperity of the country. At a later
+period, in commenting upon the policy of the two parties--Conservative
+and Liberal--Mr. Gladstone said: "From thence it follows that the policy
+of the Liberal party has been to reduce the public charges and to keep
+the expenditure within the estimates, and, as a result, to diminish the
+taxation of the country and the national debt; that the policy of the
+Tory government, since they took office in 1866, has been to increase
+the public charges, and to allow the departments to spend more than
+their estimates, and, as a result, to create deficits and to render the
+reduction of taxation impossible. Which policy will the country prefer?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+LIBERAL REFORMER AND PRIME MINISTER
+
+July, 1865, Parliament having run its allotted course, according to the
+constitution, was dissolved, and a general election took place, which
+resulted in the Liberal party being returned again with a majority. Mr.
+Gladstone's relations with many of his constituents were not harmonious,
+owing to his pronounced Liberal views, and his seat for Oxford was
+seriously imperilled. Mr. Gathorne Hardy was nominated to run against
+him. The High Tory party resolved to defeat him, and he was defeated by
+a majority of 180. "The electors preferred the uncompromising defender
+of the Church and Toryism to the brilliant statesman and financier."
+Almost all of the distinguished residents of Oxford and three-fourths of
+the tutors and lecturers of the University voted for Mr. Gladstone, and
+his rejection was entirely owing to the opposing vote of non-residents
+and the bigotry of the hostile country clergymen of the Church of
+England. From the Bishop of Oxford Mr. Gladstone received the following
+indignant protest:
+
+"I cannot forbear expressing to you my grief and indignation at the
+result. It is needless for me to say that everything I could with
+propriety do I did heartily to save our University this great loss and
+dishonor, as well from a loving honor of you. You were too great
+for them."
+
+"The enemies of the University," observed the _Times_, "will make the
+most of her disgrace. It has hitherto been supposed that a learned
+constituency was to some extent exempt from the vulgar motives of party
+spirit, and capable of forming a higher estimate of statesmanship than
+common tradesmen or tenant-farmers."
+
+His valedictory address to his former constituents was short: "After
+an arduous connection of eighteen years, I bid you, respectfully,
+farewell.... It is one imperative duty, and one alone, which induces me
+to trouble you with these few parting words, the duty of expressing my
+profound and lasting gratitude for indulgence as generous, and for
+support as warm and enthusiastic in itself, and as honorable from the
+character and distinctions of those who have given it, as has, in my
+belief, ever been accorded by any constituency to any representative."
+
+One event in Parliament, in 1865, contributed much to Mr. Gladstone's
+defeat: In March, 1865, Mr. Dillwyn, the Radical member for Swansea,
+moved "that the present position of the Irish Church Establishment is
+unsatisfactory, and calls for the early attention of her Majesty's
+Government."
+
+Sir Stafford Northcote wrote: "Gladstone made a terribly long stride in
+his downward progress last night, and denounced the Irish Church in a
+way which shows how, by and by, he will deal not only with it, but with
+the Church of England too.... He laid down the doctrines that the tithe
+was national property, and ought to be dealt with by the State in a
+manner most advantageous to the people; and that the Church of England
+was only national because the majority of the people still belong
+to her."
+
+"It was now felt that henceforth Mr. Gladstone must belong to the
+country, and not to the University." He realized this himself, for
+driven from Oxford, he went down to South Lancashire, seeking to be
+returned from there to Parliament, and in the Free Trade Hall,
+Manchester, said: "At last, my friends, I am come among you, and I am
+come among you unmuzzled." These words were greeted with loud and
+prolonged applause. The advanced Liberals seemed to take the same view,
+and regarded Mr. Gladstone's defeat at Oxford by the Conservatives as
+his political enfranchisement. His defeat was not wholly unexpected to
+himself. In 1860 he said: "Without having to complain, I am entirely
+sick and weary of the terms upon which I hold the seat."
+
+Mr. Gladstone felt keenly the separation, for he wrote to the Bishop of
+Oxford: "There have been two great deaths, or transmigrations of spirit,
+in my political existence--one, very slow, the breaking of ties with my
+original party, the other, very short and sharp, the breaking of the tie
+with Oxford. There will probably be a third, and no more." And in a
+speech at Liverpool, there was something of pathos in his reference to
+Oxford, when he said that if he had clung to the representation of the
+University with desperate fondness, it was because he would not desert a
+post to which he seemed to have been called. But he had now been
+dismissed from it, not by academical, but by political agencies.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was elected to represent his native district in
+Parliament, and he was at the head of the poll in Manchester, Liverpool,
+and all the large towns. The result of the general elections was a
+considerable gain to the Liberal party, but that party sustained a
+severe loss by the death of Lord Palmerston, October 18, 1865.
+
+A new cabinet was constructed, with Earl Russell as Premier, and Mr.
+Gladstone as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr. Gladstone became for
+the first time the recognized leader in the House of Commons, which
+then meant virtually Prime Minister, for with the aged Premier in the
+House of Lords, and the youthful Chancellor in the Commons, it meant
+nothing else. But Earl Russell and his younger colleague were calculated
+to work in harmonious action, for they were both Reformers. The ardent
+temperament and the severe conscientiousness of the leader was the cause
+of much speculation and anxiety as to his management. His first
+appearance as leader of the House was therefore waited for with much
+curiosity. The new Parliament was opened February 6, 1866, by the Queen
+in person, for the first time since the death of Prince Albert. In the
+speech from the throne it was announced that Parliament would be
+directed to consider such improvements in the laws which regulate the
+right of voting in the election of the members of the House of Commons
+as may tend to strengthen our free institutions, and conduce to the
+public welfare. Bishop Wilberforce wrote: "Gladstone has risen entirely
+to his position, and done all his most sanguine friends hoped for as
+leader.... There is a general feeling of insecurity of the ministry, and
+the Reform Bill to be launched to-night is thought a bad rock."
+
+May 3, 1866, Mr. Gladstone brought forward what was destined to be his
+last budget for some years. There was a surplus of over a million and a
+quarter of pounds, which allowed a further and considerable reduction
+of taxation.
+
+The condition of Ireland was very grave at this time, and as
+apprehensions were felt in regard to the Fenians, a bill suspending the
+Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland was passed. Mr. Gladstone, in explaining
+the necessity for the measure, said that the government were ready at
+any time to consider any measure for the benefit of Ireland, but it was
+the single duty of the House at the moment to strengthen the hands of
+the Executive in the preservation of law and order. The bill was renewed
+by the Derby government, and passed as before, as the result of an
+anticipated great Fenian uprising under "Head-Centre" Stephens.
+
+During a debate on the bill for the abolition of Church rates, Mr.
+Gladstone said that the law requiring Church rates was _prima facie_
+open to great objection, but he could not vote for total abolition. He
+offered a compromise and proposed that Dissenters be exempted from
+paying Church rates, and at the same time be disqualified from
+interfering with funds to which they had not contributed. The compromise
+was accepted, but failed to become a law.
+
+On the subject of reform, mentioned in the address, there were great
+debates, during the session of 1866. The new Cabinet, known as the
+Russell-Gladstone Ministry, set themselves to work in earnest upon a
+question that had baffled all the skill of various administrations. As a
+part of the reform scheme, Mr. Gladstone brought forward a Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons, March 12th.
+
+The bill satisfied most of the Liberal party. Mr. Robert Lowe, a
+Liberal, became one of its most powerful assailants. His enmity to the
+working classes made him extremely unpopular. Mr. Horseman also joined
+the Conservatives in opposing the bill. Mr. Bright, in a crushing
+retort, fastened upon the small party of Liberals, led by these two
+members in opposition to the bill, the epithet of "Adullamites." Mr.
+Horseman, Mr. Bright said, had "retired into what may be called his
+political Cave of Adullam, to which he invited every one who was in
+distress, and every one who was discontented. He had long been anxious
+to found a party in this house, and there is scarcely a member at this
+end of the House who is able to address us with effect or to take much
+part, whom he has not tried to bring over to his party and his cabal. At
+last he has succeeded in hooking ... Mr. Lowe. I know it was the opinion
+many years ago of a member of the Cabinet that two men could make a
+party. When a party is formed of two men so amiable and so disinterested
+as the two gentlemen, we may hope to see for the first time in
+Parliament a party perfectly harmonious and distinguished by mutual and
+unbroken trust. But there is one difficulty which it is impossible to
+remove. This party of two is like the Scotch terrier that is so covered
+with hair that you could not tell which was the head and which was the
+tail." This sally, which excited immoderate laughter, remains one of the
+happiest examples of Parliamentary retort and badinage.
+
+During this session the Conservative party met at the residence of the
+Marquis of Salisbury, and decided upon strongly opposing the measure
+proposed by the Liberal government. Mr. Bright characterized it as "a
+dirty conspiracy." On the other hand, the country supported the bill,
+and great meetings were held in its interest. Mr. Gladstone spoke at a
+great meeting at Liverpool. He said: "Having produced this measure,
+founded in a spirit of moderation, we hope to support it with
+decision.... We have passed the Rubicon, we have broken the bridge and
+burned the boats behind us. We have advisedly cut off the means of
+retreat, and having done this, we hope that, as far as time is yet
+permitted, we have done our duty to the Crown and to the nation." This
+was regarded as the bugle-call to the Liberal party for the
+coming battle.
+
+The debate began April 12th, and continued for eight nights. "On no
+occasion since, and seldom before, has such a flow of eloquence been
+heard within the walls of the House of Commons." Mr. Disraeli spoke for
+three hours against the bill, and in his speech accused Mr. Gladstone of
+introducing American ideas of Government, and of having once assailed
+the very principles he now advocated, when in the Oxford Union he spoke
+against the Reform Bill of 1832. Mr. Gladstone's reply was one of the
+most noteworthy parts of this famous debate. He rose at one o'clock in
+the morning to conclude a legislative battle which had begun two weeks
+before. "At last," Mr. Gladstone said, "we have obtained a declaration
+from an authoritative source that a bill which, in a country with five
+millions of adult males, proposes to add to a limited constituency
+200,000 of the middle class and 200,000 of the working class, is, in the
+judgment of the leader of the Tory party, a bill to reconstruct the
+constitution upon American principles.
+
+"The right honorable gentleman, secure in the recollection of his own
+consistency, has taunted me with the errors of my boyhood. When he
+addressed the honorable member of Westminster, he showed his magnanimity
+by declaring that he would not take the philosopher to task for what he
+wrote twenty-five years ago; but when he caught one who, thirty-six
+years ago, just emerged from boyhood, and still an undergraduate at
+Oxford, had expressed an opinion adverse to the Reform Bill of 1832, of
+which he had so long and bitterly repented, then the right honorable
+gentleman could not resist the temptation."
+
+The bill was put upon its passage. The greatest excitement prevailed.
+"The house seemed charged with electricity, like a vast thunder-cloud;
+and now a spark was about to be applied. Strangers rose in their seats,
+the crowd at the bar pushed half-way up the House, the Royal Princes
+leaned forward in their standing places, and all was confusion."
+Presently order was restored, and breathless excitement prevailed while
+the tellers announced that the bill had been carried by a majority of
+only five.
+
+"Hardly had the words left the teller's lips than there arose a wild,
+raging, mad-brained shout from floor and gallery, such as has never been
+heard in the present House of Commons. Dozens of half-frantic Tories
+stood up in their seats, madly waved their hats and hurrahed at the top
+of their voices. Strangers in both galleries clapped their hands. The
+Adullamites on the Ministerial benches, carried away by the delirium of
+the moment, waved their hats in sympathy with the Opposition, and
+cheered as loudly as any. Mr. Lowe, the leader, instigator, and prime
+mover of the conspiracy, stood up in the excitement of the
+moment--flushed, triumphant, and avenged.... He took off his hat, waved
+it in wide and triumphant circles over the heads of the very men who had
+just gone into the lobby against him.... But see, the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer lifts up his hand to bespeak silence, as if he had something
+to say in regard to the result of the division. But the more the great
+orator lifts his hand beseechingly, the more the cheers are renewed and
+the hats waved. At length the noise comes to an end by the process of
+exhaustion, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer rises. Then there is a
+universal hush, and you might hear a pin drop."
+
+"Few, if any, could anticipate at this time, that in the course of one
+short year a Conservative Government would find itself compelled to take
+up that very question of Reform, whose virtual defeat its opponents now
+hailed with such intoxicating expressions of delight." However, the bill
+was unexpectedly wrecked June 18th, by an amendment substituting a ratal
+instead of a rental basis for the borough franchise. The ministry
+regarding this as a vital point, could not agree to it, and consequently
+threw up their measure and resigned office. The Queen was unwilling to
+accept their resignation. But the ministry felt that they had lost the
+confidence of the House, so their resignation was announced June 26th.
+
+The apathy of the people about reform that Earl Russell thought he
+perceived, as far as London was concerned, at once disappeared. A great
+demonstration was made at Trafalgar Square, where some ten thousand
+people assembled and passed resolutions in favor of reform. A serious
+riot occurred at Hyde Park in consequence of the prohibition by the
+Government of the meeting of the Reform League. The Reformers then
+marched to Carleton House Terrace, the residence of Mr. Gladstone,
+singing songs in his honor. He was away from home, but Mrs. Gladstone
+and her family came out on the balcony to acknowledge the tribute paid
+by the people. It is said that Mr. Gladstone, now for the first time,
+became a popular hero. Great meetings were held in the interest of
+reform in the large towns of the North and the Midlands, where his name
+was received with tumultuous applause. Mr. Gladstone was hailed
+everywhere as the leader of the Liberal party. Reform demonstrations
+continued during the whole of the recess. A meeting was held at
+Brookfields, near Birmingham, which was attended by nearly 250,000
+people. The language of some of the ardent friends of reform was not
+always discreet, but Mr. Gladstone appears to have preserved a calm and
+dignified attitude.
+
+In the summer of 1866, Lord Derby had announced his acceptance of office
+as Premier, and the formation of a Conservative Cabinet. The
+demonstrations of the people compelled the Conservatives to introduce
+measures in Liberal Reform. Accordingly, in 1867, Mr. Disraeli and his
+colleagues passed a Reform Bill, which, after various modifications, was
+far more extreme than that presented by the Liberals and defeated.
+
+Owing to a division in the ranks of the Liberal members on the pending
+bill, Mr. Gladstone withdrew from the active leadership of the House,
+but soon resumed it. Mr. Bright said, at Birmingham, that since 1832,
+there had been no man of Mr. Gladstone's rank as a statesman who had
+imported into the Reform question so much of conviction, of earnestness,
+and of zeal.
+
+Not long after this deputations from various parts of the country,
+accompanied by their representatives in Parliament, called on Mr.
+Gladstone to present addresses expressive of confidence in him as
+Liberal leader.
+
+Lord Cranborne expressed his astonishment at hearing the bill described
+as a Conservative triumph. It was right that its real parentage should
+be established. The bill had been modified by Mr. Gladstone. All his
+points were conceded. If the adoption on the principles of Mr. Bright
+could be described as a triumph, then indeed the Conservative party, in
+the whole history of its previous annals, had won no triumphs so simple
+as this. In the House of Lords the Duke of Buccleuch declared that the
+only word in the bill that remained unaltered was the first word,
+"whereas."
+
+"The work of reform was completed in the session of 1868, by the passing
+of the Scotch and Irish Reform Bills, a Boundary Bill for England and
+Wales, an Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill, and
+the Registration of Voters Bill. The object of the last-named measure
+was to accelerate the elections, and to enable Parliament to meet before
+the end of 1868."
+
+In the autumn of 1866, Mr. Gladstone and his family again visited Italy,
+and at Rome had an audience with Pope Pio Nono. It became necessary two
+years later, owing to this interview, for Mr. Gladstone formally to
+explain his visit.
+
+In February, 1868, Lord Derby, owing to failing health, resigned. The
+Derby Ministry retired from office, and Mr. Disraeli became Prime
+Minister. An English author writes: "There was, of course, but one
+possible Conservative Premier--Mr. Disraeli--he who had served the
+Conservative party for more than thirty years, who had led it to
+victory, and who had long been the ruling spirit of the Cabinet."
+
+The elevation of Mr. Disraeli to the Premiership before Mr. Gladstone,
+produced, in some quarters, profound regret and even indignation. But
+Mr. Disraeli, though in office, was not in power. He was nominally the
+leader of a House that contained a large majority of his political
+opponents, now united among themselves. The schism in the Liberal party
+had been healed by the question of Reform, and they could now defeat the
+government whenever they chose to do so; consequently Mr. Gladstone took
+the initiative. His compulsory Church Rates Abolition Bill was
+introduced and accepted. By this measure all legal proceedings for the
+recovery of church rates were abolished. The question that overshadowed
+all others, however, was that of the Irish Church.
+
+On the 16th of March Mr. Gladstone struck the first blow in the struggle
+that was to end in the disestablishment of the Irish Church. Mr. Maguire
+moved that the House consider the condition of Ireland. Mr. Gladstone
+said that Ireland had a controversy with England and a long account
+against England. It was a debt of justice, and he enumerated six
+particulars, one of which was the Established Episcopal Church.
+Religious Equality, he contended, must be conceded. He said, in
+referring to his speech made on the motion of Mr. Dillwyn in 1865: "The
+opinion I held then and hold now--namely, that in order to the
+settlement of this question of the Irish Church, that Church, as a State
+Church must cease to exist."
+
+This speech excited feelings of consternation amongst the
+Ministerialists. Mr. Disraeli bewailed his own unhappy fate at the
+commencement of his career as Prime Minister, at finding himself face
+to face with the necessity of settling an account of seven centuries
+old. He complained that all the elements of the Irish crisis had existed
+while Mr. Gladstone was in office, but no attempt had been made to deal
+with them.
+
+March 23d Mr. Gladstone proposed resolutions affirming that the Irish
+Episcopal Church should cease to exist as an establishment, and asking
+the Queen to place at the disposal of Parliament her interest in the
+temporalities of the Irish Church.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's resolution was carried by a majority of 65, and the
+Queen replied that she would not suffer her interests to stand in the
+way of any measures contemplated by Parliament. Consequently Mr.
+Gladstone brought in his Irish Church Suspensory Bill, which was adopted
+by the Commons, but rejected by the Lords. During the discussion,
+ministerial explanations followed; Mr. Disraeli described, in his most
+pompous vein, his audiences with the Queen. His statement amounted to
+this--that, in spite of adverse votes, the Ministers intended to hold on
+till the autumn, and then to appeal to the new electorate created by the
+Reform Act.
+
+Lord Houghton wrote: "Gladstone is the great triumph, but as he owns
+that he has to drive a four-in-hand, consisting of English Liberals,
+English Dissenters, Scotch Presbyterians, and Irish Catholics, he
+requires all his courage to look the difficulties in the face and trust
+to surmount them."
+
+An appeal was now made to the country. The general election that
+followed, in November, was fought out mainly upon this question. A great
+Liberal majority was returned to Parliament, which was placed at 115.
+But there were several individual defeats, among them Mr. Gladstone
+himself, who was rejected by South Lancaster. This was in part owing to
+the readjustment of seats according to the Reform Bill. But Mr.
+Gladstone received an invitation from Greenwich, in the southwestern
+division, where he was warmly received by the electors. "He spoke
+everywhere, with all his fiery eloquence, on the monstrous foolishness
+of a religious establishment which ministered only to a handful of the
+people." Is the Irish Church to be or not to be? was the question. He
+was returned for that borough by a large majority over his Conservative
+opponents.
+
+Archbishop Wilberforce wrote in November: "The returns to the House of
+Commons leave no doubt of the answer of the country to Gladstone's
+appeal. In a few weeks he will be in office at the head of a majority of
+something like a hundred, elected on the distinct issue of Gladstone and
+the Irish Church."
+
+The feeling was so enormously great in its preponderance for Mr.
+Gladstone's policy of Liberal Reform, especially for the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church, that Mr. Disraeli did not adopt
+the usual course of waiting for the endorsement of the new Parliament,
+which he felt sure would be given to Mr. Gladstone, but resigned, and
+the first Disraeli Cabinet went out of office, December 2d.
+
+December 4, 1868, the Queen summoned Mr. Gladstone to Windsor to form a
+Cabinet. He had now attained the summit of political ambition. He was
+the first Commoner in the land--the uncrowned king of the British Empire
+--for such is the English Premier. "All the industry and self-denial of
+a laborious life, all the anxieties and burdens and battles of five and
+thirty years of Parliamentary struggle were crowned by this supreme and
+adequate reward. He was Prime Minister of England--had attained to that
+goal of the Eton boy's ambition; and, what perhaps was to him of greater
+consideration, he was looked up to by vast numbers of the people as
+their great leader."
+
+December 9th the new government was completed and the ministers received
+their seals from the Queen. Mr. Bright, contrary to all expectation,
+became President of the Board of Trade. In offering themselves for
+re-election, the members of the new Cabinet found no trouble--all were
+returned. Mr. Gladstone was returned by Greenwich.
+
+With the year 1869 Mr. Gladstone entered upon a great period of Reform.
+The new Parliament was opened December 10th. On the 11th Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone paid a visit to Lord and Lady Salisbury, at Hatfield. Bishop
+Wilberforce was there and had opportunity to observe his old and honored
+friend in the first flush of his new dignity. Here are his comments:
+"Gladstone, as ever, great, earnest, and honest; as unlike the tricky
+Disraeli as possible." To Dr. Trench the Bishop wrote: "The nation has
+decided against our establishment, and we bow to its decision, and on
+what tenure and conditions it is to be held, remains confessedly open."
+"But his sagacious and statesmanlike counsel was disregarded. The Irish
+Bishops ranged themselves in bitter but futile hostility to the change.
+A frantic outbreak of Protestant violence began in Ireland and spread to
+England." Bishop Wilberforce notes this conversation at Windsor Castle:
+"The Queen very affable. 'So sorry Mr. Gladstone started this about the
+Irish Church, and he is a great friend of yours.'"
+
+On the 15th of February Parliament assembled. March 1st Mr. Gladstone
+introduced his momentous bill in a speech of three hours, his first
+speech as Prime Minister, which was characterized as "calm, moderate and
+kindly." It was proposed that on January 1, 1871, the Irish Church
+should cease to exist as an establishment and should become a
+free Church.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the Commons, moved the rejection of the bill. In
+opposing the measure he objected to disestablishment, because he was in
+favor of the union of Church and State.
+
+Mr. Gladstone eloquently concluded as follows: "As the clock points
+rapidly towards the dawn, so as rapidly flow out the years, the months,
+the days, that remain to the existence of the Irish Established
+Church.... Not now are we opening this great question. Opened, perhaps,
+it was when the Parliament which expired last year pronounced upon it
+that emphatic judgment which can never be recalled. Opened it was,
+further, when in the months of autumn the discussions were held in every
+quarter of the Irish Church. Prosecuted another stage it was, when the
+completed elections discovered to us a manifestation of the national
+verdict more emphatic than, with the rarest exceptions, has been
+witnessed during the whole of our Parliamentary history. The good cause
+was further advanced towards its triumphant issue when the silent
+acknowledgment of the late government, that they declined to contest the
+question, was given by their retirement from office, and their choosing
+a less responsible position from which to carry on a more desultory
+warfare against the policy which they had in the previous session
+unsuccessfully attempted to resist. Another blow will soon be struck in
+the same good cause, and I will not intercept it one single
+moment more."
+
+The bill passed by an overwhelming vote--368 against 250--and went up to
+the Lords, where stirring debates occurred. But there, as well as in the
+House, the Irish Establishment was doomed. The bill, substantially
+unaltered, received the Royal assent July 26, 1869.
+
+The Annual Register for 1869 declared that the bill "was carried through
+in the face of a united and powerful opposition, mainly by the resolute
+will and unflinching energy of the Prime Minister.... Upon the whole,
+whatever may be thought of its merits or demerits, it can hardly be
+disputed that the Act of the Disestablishment of the Irish Church,
+introduced and carried into a law within somewhat less than five months,
+was the most remarkable legislative achievement of modern times."
+
+The parliamentary session of 1870 was rendered memorable by the passing
+of a scarcely less popular and important measure--the Irish Land Bill.
+Mr. Gladstone, in speaking of Ireland, had referred to three branches of
+an Upas tree, to the growth of which her present sad condition was
+largely owing--the Irish Church, the Irish Land Laws, and the Irish
+Universities. The first branch had fallen with the disestablishment of
+the Irish Church, and Mr. Gladstone, pressing on in his reform, now
+proposed to lop off the second branch by his Irish Land Bill, which was
+in itself a revolution. It was claimed for Mr. Gladstone's new bill, or
+Land Scheme, that while it insured for the tenant security of holding,
+it did not confiscate a single valuable right of the Irish land-owner.
+Mr. Gladstone remarked that he believed there was a great fund of
+national wealth in the soil of Ireland as yet undeveloped, and said he
+trusted that both tenant and landlord would accept the bill because it
+was just. The bill passed, and received the approval of the Queen,
+August 1, 1870.
+
+[Illustration: The Old Lion]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+
+THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIBERALISM
+
+In what has been denominated the "Golden Age of Liberalism" the Liberal
+party was united, enthusiastic, victorious, full of energy, confidence
+and hope. "I have not any misgivings about Gladstone personally," says
+an English writer, "but as leader of the party to which the folly of the
+Conservatives and the selfish treachery of Disraeli, bit by bit, allied
+him, he cannot do what he would, and, with all his vast powers, there is
+a want of sharp-sighted clearness as to others. But God rules. I do not
+see how we are, after Disraeli's Reform Bill, long to avoid fundamental
+changes, both in Church and State."
+
+Justin McCarthy has well summed up the aims of Mr. Gladstone and his
+party on their accession to power: "Nothing in modern English history is
+like the rush of the extraordinary years of reforming energy on which
+the new administration had now entered. Mr. Gladstone's government had
+to grapple with five or six great questions, any one of which might
+have seemed enough to engage the whole attention of an ordinary
+administration. The new Prime Minister had pledged himself to abolish
+the State Church in Ireland, and to reform the Irish Land Tenure system.
+He had made up his mind to put an end to the purchase of commissions in
+the army. Recent events and experiences had convinced him that it was
+necessary to introduce the system of voting by ballot. He accepted for
+his government the responsibility of originating a complete system of
+national education."
+
+The first great measure of the new administration had been successfully
+pushed through, and, flushed with triumph, the Liberal leaders were now
+ready to introduce other important legislation. In 1870, the Elementary
+Education Act, providing for the establishment of school boards, and
+securing the benefits of education for the poor in England and Wales was
+introduced. By it a national and compulsory system of education was
+established for the first time. "It is important to note that the
+concessions made during its course to the convictions of Tories and
+Churchmen, in the matter of religious education, stirred the bitter and
+abiding wrath of the political Dissenters." The measure was passed,
+while the half-penny postage for newspapers, and the half-penny post
+cards were among the benefits secured.
+
+In April, 1870, a party of English travelers in Greece were seized by
+brigands. The ladies were released and also Lord Muncaster, who was sent
+to Athens to arrange for ransom and a free pardon. But the Greek
+Government sending soldiers to release the captives and capture the
+captors, the English were murdered. The English Minister at Athens was
+in treaty for the release of his countrymen, but the great difficulty
+was to procure pardon from the Greek government. This terrible affair
+created a profound sensation in England, and it was brought before
+Parliament. Mr. Gladstone pleaded for further information before taking
+decided steps. But for the arrest and execution of most of the brigands,
+and the extirpation of the band, the diabolical deed went unavenged.
+
+In July, war broke out suddenly between France and Germany, which
+resulted in the dethronement of Napoleon III. England preserved
+neutrality. However, Mr. Gladstone had his opinion regarding the war and
+thus represented it: "It is not for me to distribute praise and blame;
+but I think the war as a whole, and the state of things out of which it
+has grown, deserve a severer condemnation than any which the nineteenth
+century has exhibited since the peace of 1815." And later, in an
+anonymous article, the only one he ever wrote, and which contained the
+famous phrase, "the streak of silver sea," he "distributed blame with
+great impartiality between both belligerent powers."
+
+Among the business transacted in the session of 1870 was the following:
+All appointments to situations in all Civil Departments of the State,
+except the Foreign Office and posts requiring professional knowledge,
+should be filled by open competition; and the royal prerogative that
+claimed the General Commanding-in-Chief as the agent of the Crown be
+abolished, and that distinguished personage was formally declared to be
+subordinate to the Minister of War. Mr. Gladstone announced the
+intention of the government to release the Fenian prisoners then
+undergoing sentences for treason or treason-felony, on condition of
+their not remaining in or returning to the United Kingdom. The Premier,
+alluding to the enormity of their offenses, said that the same
+principles of justice which dictated their sentences would amply
+sanction the prolongation of their imprisonment if the public security
+demanded it. The press and country generally approved this decision of
+the Premier, but some condemned him for the condition he imposed in the
+amnesty. The religious test imposed upon all students entering at the
+universities was abolished, and all students of all creeds could now
+enter the universities on an equal footing. Heretofore special
+privileges were accorded to members of the Established Episcopal Church,
+and all others were cut off from the full enjoyment of the
+universities.
+
+A bill to establish secret voting was rejected by the Lords, but was
+passed the next session. The House of Lords, emboldened by their success
+in throwing out the voting bill, defeated a bill to abolish the purchase
+of commissions in the army, but Mr. Gladstone was not to be turned from
+his purpose, and startled the peers by a new departure--he dispensed
+with their consent, and accomplished his purpose without the decision of
+Parliament. Finding that purchase in the army existed only by royal
+sanction, he, with prompt decision, advised the Queen to issue a royal
+warrant declaring that on and after November 1, 1871, all regulations
+attending the purchase of commissions should be cancelled. The purchase
+of official positions in the army was thus abolished. It was regarded as
+a high-handed act on the part of the Prime Minister, and a stretch of
+executive authority, and was denounced by Lords and Commons, friends and
+foes. Tories and Peers especially were enraged, and regarded themselves
+as baffled.
+
+The condition of affairs in Ireland was alarming. The spread of an
+agrarian conspiracy at Westmeath compelled the government to move for a
+committee to inquire into the unlawful combination and confederacy
+existing. "Mr. Disraeli was severely sarcastic at the expense of the
+government."
+
+The grant proposed by the government to the Princess Louise on her
+marriage aroused the opposition of some members of the House, who
+claimed to represent the sentiments of a considerable number of people.
+It was proposed to grant £30,000 and an annuity of £6,000. The Premier
+stated that the Queen in marrying her daughter to one of her own
+subjects, had followed her womanly and motherly instincts. He dwelt upon
+the political importance of supporting the dignity of the crown in a
+suitable manner; upon the value of a stable dynasty; and the unwisdom of
+making minute pecuniary calculations upon such occasions. It was carried
+by a remarkable majority of 350 votes against 1.
+
+In 1871 the treaty of Washington was concluded. But the Geneva awards
+for the damage done to American shipping by the "Alabama," did much to
+undermine Mr. Gladstone's popularity with the warlike portion of the
+British public and there were various indications that the Ministry were
+becoming unpopular. There were other causes tributary to this effect.
+His plans of retrenchment had deprived Greenwich of much of its trade,
+hence his seat was threatened. Mr. Gladstone resolved to face the
+difficulty boldly, and to meet the murmurers on their own ground,
+October 28, 1871, he addressed his Greenwich constituents. The air was
+heavy with murmurs and threats. Twenty thousand people were gathered at
+Blackheath. It was a cold afternoon when he appeared bare-headed, and
+defended the whole policy of the administration. "His speech was as
+long, as methodical, as argumentative, and in parts as eloquent, as if
+he had been speaking at his ease under the friendly and commodious
+shelter of the House of Commons." The growing unpopularity of the
+Government was evidenced in the first reception given to the Premier by
+his constituents. Groans and cheers were mingled, and his voice at first
+was drowned by the din. Finally he was heard, and won the day, the
+people enthusiastically applauding and waving a forest of hats. One
+cause of unpopularity was what is called "the Ewelme Scandal," and
+another the elevation of Sir Robert Collin to the Judicial Committee of
+the Privy Council.
+
+Mr. Gladstone said: "I have a shrewd suspicion in my mind that a very
+large proportion of the people of England have a sneaking kindness for
+the hereditary principle. My observation has not been of a very brief
+period, and what I have observed is this, that wherever there is
+anything to be, done, or to be given, and there are two candidates for
+it who are exactly alike--alike in opinions, alike in character, alike
+in possessions, the one being a commoner and the other a lord--the
+Englishman is very apt indeed to prefer the lord." He detailed the great
+advantage which had accrued from the legislation of the past generation,
+including free-trade, the removal of twenty millions of taxation, a
+cheap press, and an education bill, Mr. Gladstone thus restored himself
+to the confidence of his constituents, but the ministry did not wholly
+regain the popularity they once enjoyed. The Gladstone period had passed
+its zenith and its decadence had already begun.
+
+During the autumn Mr. Gladstone received the freedom of the city of
+Aberdeen, and made a speech, in which occurred a remarkable reference to
+"the newly-invented cry of Home Rule." He spoke of the political
+illusions to which Ireland was periodically subject, the extremes to
+which England had gone in satisfying her demands, and the removal of all
+her grievances, except that which related to higher education. He said
+that any inequalities resting between England and Ireland were in favor
+of Ireland, and as to Home Rule, if Ireland was entitled to it, Scotland
+was better entitled, and even more so Wales.
+
+Ireland had proved the glory of Mr. Gladstone's administration. Its name
+had been associated with the most brilliant legislative triumphs of
+government. But Ireland was also destined to be the government's most
+serious stumbling-block, and fated to be the immediate measure of its
+overthrow. In the session of 1873 Mr. Gladstone endeavored to further
+his plans for Reform, and consequently vigorously attacked the third
+branch of the "upas tree," to which he had referred. He labored to put
+the universities on a proper basis, that they might be truly educational
+centres for the whole of Ireland, and not for a small section of its
+inhabitants alone. This step followed legitimately after the
+disestablishment of the Irish Church. He introduced to this end a large
+and comprehensive measure, but although it was favorably received at the
+outset, a hostile feeling soon began and manifested itself. Mr.
+Gladstone pleaded powerfully for the measure, and said: "To mete out
+justice to Ireland, according to the best view that with human infirmity
+we could form, has been the work--I will almost say the sacred work--of
+this Parliament. Having put our hands to the plough, let us not turn
+back. Let not what we think the fault or perverseness of those whom we
+are attempting to assist have the slightest effect in turning us, even
+by a hair's-breadth, from the path on which we have entered. As we begun
+so let us persevere, even to the end, and with firm and resolute hand
+let us efface from the law and practice of the country the last--for I
+believe it is the last--of the religious and social grievances of
+Ireland." Mr. Disraeli made fun of the bill, stalwart Liberals condemned
+it, and the Irish members voted against it, hence the bill was defeated
+by a small majority of three votes. Mr. Gladstone consequently resigned,
+but Mr. Disraeli positively declined to take office with a majority of
+the House of Commons against him, and refused to appeal to the country.
+Mr. Gladstone read an extract from a letter he had addressed to the
+Queen, in which he contended that Mr. Disraeli's refusal to accept
+office was contrary to all precedent. But under the extraordinary
+circumstances he and his colleagues consented to resume office, and they
+would endeavor to proceed, both with regard to legislation and
+administration upon the same principle as those which had heretofore
+regulated their conduct. Mr. Lowe, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
+having resigned, Mr. Gladstone assumed the duties of the office himself,
+thus serving in the double offices of Premier and Chancellor. During the
+recess various speeches were made in defence of the Ministerial policy,
+but the government failed to recover its once overwhelming popularity.
+
+On the 19th of July, 1873, Mr. Gladstone lost by sudden death one of his
+oldest and most highly esteemed friends--Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of
+Winchester. He was riding to Holmbury with Earl Granville, when he was
+thrown from his horse and killed instantly.
+
+The end of Mr. Gladstone's first ministry was now drawing near. The
+people no longer desired to keep up with the reforming zeal of the
+administration. Mr. Disraeli's strongly exaggerated description of the
+Premier's policy had the effect of forming the popular discontent;
+Liberal members were deserting him. The Bible was in danger of being
+left out of the schools, and beer was threatened with taxation. The flag
+of "Beer and the Bible"--strange combination--having been hoisted by
+clergy and publicans, the cry against the ministry became irresistible.
+Deserted by the people and by many of his own party, what was to be done
+unless to appeal to the country and decide by a general election what
+was wanted and who would be sustained.
+
+January, 1874, Mr. Gladstone issued a manifesto dissolving Parliament.
+In this document, entitled to be called a State paper for its political
+and historical importance, Mr. Gladstone stated his reasons for what was
+regarded by many as a _coup d' tat_. It is impossible to describe the
+public excitement and confusion which attended the general election thus
+unexpectedly decreed. Mr. Gladstone, recovering from a cold, appealed
+with great energy to Greenwich for re-election. The general election
+resulted in the defeat of the Liberals, and gave to the Conservatives a
+majority of forty-six in the House. Mr. Gladstone was elected, but
+Greenwich which returned two members, placed the Premier second on the
+poll--below a local distiller. Following the example of his
+predecessor, in 1868, Mr. Gladstone resigned. "Thus was overthrown one
+of the greatest administrations of the century; indeed, it may be
+doubted whether any other English Ministry was ever able to show such a
+splendid record of great legislative acts within so short a period.
+There was not one measure, but a dozen, which would have shed lustre
+upon any government; and the six years of Mr. Gladstone's first
+Premiership are well entitled to the epithet which has been accorded to
+them of 'the Golden Age of Liberalism.'"
+
+Before the next Parliament met Mr. Gladstone was to give the country
+another surprise. He was now sixty-four years old, had been forty years
+in active parliamentary labors, and thought himself justified in seeking
+rest from the arduous duties of public life, at least the pressing cares
+as leader of one of the great political parties. When his contemplated
+retirement had before become known to his friends, they induced him for
+a while longer to act as leader, but in February, 1875, he finally
+retired from the leadership and indeed appeared but rarely in the House
+of Commons during that session.
+
+"The retirement of Mr. Gladstone from active leadership naturally
+filled his party with dismay. According to the general law of human
+life, they only realized their blessings when they had lost them. They
+had grumbled at their chief and mutinied against him and helped to
+depose him. But, now that this commanding genius was suddenly withdrawn
+from their councils they found that they had nothing to put in its
+place. Their indignation waxed fast and furious, and was not the less
+keen because they had to some extent, brought their trouble on
+themselves. They complained with almost a ludicrous pathos that Mr.
+Gladstone had led them into a wilderness of opposition and left them
+there to perish. They were as sheep without a shepherd and the ravening
+wolves of Toryism seemed to have it all their own way."
+
+Between the time of Mr. Gladstone's retirement from the Premiership and
+his resignation of leadership in the House, he had quickly reappeared in
+the House of Commons and vigorously opposed the Public Worship
+Regulation Bill. Mr. Gladstone attacked the bill with a power and
+vehemence which astonished the House. The great objection to it was its
+interference with liberty, and with the variety of customs which had
+grown up in different parts of the country. To enforce strict uniformity
+would be oppressive and inconvenient. The bill became law, however,
+though it has largely proved inoperative, Mr. Gladstone also opposed the
+Endowed Schools Act Amendment Bill, which practically gave to the Church
+of England the control of schools that were thrown open to the whole
+nation by the policy of the last Parliament. So great a storm was raised
+over this reactionary bill that Mr. Disraeli was obliged to modify its
+provisions considerably before it could become a law. Mr. Gladstone was
+also active at this time in delivering addresses at Liverpool College,
+the Buckley Institute and the well-known Nonconformist College at
+Mill Hill.
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE'S MAIL]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+THE EASTERN QUESTION
+
+During his retirement from the leadership of the Liberal Party, Mr.
+Gladstone employed his great abilities in theological controversy and
+literary productions. It was during this period that he collected his
+miscellaneous writings, entitled "Gleanings from Past Years." A little
+more than a year had elapsed when he again entered the political arena.
+"He threw aside polemics and criticisms, he forgot for awhile Homer and
+the Pope," and "rushed from his library at Hawarden, forgetting alike
+ancient Greece and modern Rome," as he flung himself with impassioned
+energy and youthful vigor into a new crusade against Turkey. A quarter
+of a century before he had aroused all Europe with the story of the
+Neapolitan barbarities, and now again his keen sense of justice and
+strong, humanitarian sympathies impel him with righteous indignation to
+the eloquent defence of another oppressed people, and the denunciation
+of their wrongs. It was the Eastern Question that at once brought back
+the Liberal leader into the domain of politics. "The spirit of the
+war-horse could not be quenched, and the country thrilled with his fiery
+condemnation of the Bulgarian massacres." His activity was phenomenal.
+"He made the most impassioned speeches, often in the open air; he
+published pamphlets which rushed into incredible circulations; he poured
+letter after letter into the newspapers; he darkened the sky with
+controversial postcards, and, as soon as Parliament met in February,
+1877, he was ready with all his unequalled resources of eloquence,
+argumentation and inconvenient enquiry, to drive home his great
+indictment against the Turkish government and its champion, Mr.
+Disraeli, who had now become Lord Beaconsfield."
+
+"The reason of all this passion is not difficult to discover. Mr.
+Gladstone is a Christian; and in the Turk he saw the great
+anti-Christian power where it ought not, in the fairest provinces of
+Christendom, and stained with the record of odious cruelty practised
+through long centuries on its defenceless subjects who were worshippers
+of Jesus Christ."
+
+Turkish oppression, which had for a long time existed in its worst
+forms, resulted in an insurrection against Turkey and Herzegovina,
+July 1, 1875. This, however, was only the beginning, for others suffering
+under Ottoman oppression rebelled, and all Europe was involved.
+
+In January, 1876, the Herzegovinians gained a victory over the Turkish
+troops. The European powers then suggested a settlement favorable to the
+insurgents, which was accepted by the Sultan. But early in May another
+insurrection broke out in several Bulgarian villages, which was quickly
+followed by the most horrible atrocities. A conference on the Eastern
+question was held at Berlin in May, and soon afterward the English
+ministers announced in Parliament that they were unable to assent to the
+terms agreed upon at the Berlin Conference. This announcement caused
+much surprise and comment in England. Public feeling already aroused,
+was not allayed when it became known that the British fleet in the
+Mediterranean had been ordered to Besiki Bay, seemingly for the
+protection of the Turkish Empire.
+
+June 28th the Bulgarian insurrection was suppressed. On the 10th of July
+the Sultan, Abdul Aziz, was deposed and was succeeded by Murad V, who
+declared that he desired to guarantee liberty to all. Mr. Disraeli
+stated, in the House of Commons, that the steps taken by the Ministry
+would lead to permanent peace. But within two weeks the _Daily News_
+published a letter from Constantinople detailing the massacre in
+Bulgaria by the Turks, which moved all England with indignation.
+Innocent men, women and children had been slaughtered by the thousands;
+at least sixty villages had been utterly destroyed; the most revolting
+scenes of violence had been enacted; and a district once the most
+fertile in the Empire had been laid waste and completely ruined. Forty
+girls were shut up in a straw loft and burnt, and outrages of the most
+fearful description were committed upon hundreds of defenceless
+captives.
+
+Mr. Disraeli, in the House of Commons, grew "jocular upon the cruelties
+and sufferings almost unparalleled in the world's history," and
+expressed his belief that the outrages committed by the Turkish troops
+had been exaggerated, and sneered at the rumor as "coffee-house babble;"
+while as to the torture of the impalement, which had caused universal
+anger and disgust, that an Oriental people have their way of executing
+malefactors, and generally terminated their connection with culprits in
+an expeditious manner.
+
+In the official report presented to Parliament by Mr. W. Baring, the
+reported outrages in Bulgaria were corroborated. No fewer than 12,000
+persons had perished in the sandjak of Philippopolis! The most fearful
+tragedy, however, was at Batak, where over 1000 people took refuge in
+the church and churchyard. The Bashi-Bazouks fired through the windows,
+and, getting upon the roof, tore off the tiles and threw burning pieces
+of wood and rags dipped in petroleum among the mass of unhappy human
+beings inside. At last the door was forced in and the massacre was
+completed. The inside of the church was then burnt, and hardly one
+escaped. "The massacre at Batak was the most heinous crime which stained
+the history of the present century;" and for this exploit the Turkish
+Commander, Achmet Agha, had bestowed on him the order of the Medjidie.
+Sir Henry Elliot, the English Ambassador at Constantinople, was directed
+to lay these facts before the Sultan and to demand the punishment of the
+offenders. The demand, however, was never enforced.
+
+Prince Milan issued a proclamation to his people, declaring that, while
+professing neutrality, the Sultan had continued to send military forces
+of savage hordes to the Servian frontier. In June, Prince Milan left
+Belgrade and joined his army on the frontier. The Montenegrins declared
+war on Turkey and joined forces with Servia. July 6th the Servians were
+defeated. Thus was Turkey plunged into war with her Christian provinces,
+and all through her own misrule in peace and her barbarities in war.
+
+Mr. Disraeli in a speech made in the House of Commons, August 11th,
+explained that he had not denied the existence of the "Bulgarian.
+Atrocities," but he had no official knowledge of them. He affirmed that
+Great Britain was not responsible for what occurred in Turkey, nor were
+the Turks the special _protégés_ of England. He announced that the
+special duty of the Government at that moment was to preserve the
+British Empire, and that they would never consent to any step that would
+hazard the existence of that empire, This speech, which was
+distinguished by much of his old brilliancy and power, was his last
+speech in the House. On the morning after this speech it was publicly
+announced that Mr. Disraeli would immediately be elevated to the peerage
+under the title of the Earl of Beaconsfield.
+
+In September, 1876, deeming it high time that the indignant voice of
+England should be heard in demonstration of the infamous deeds practiced
+by the Turk, Mr. Gladstone issued his pamphlet, entitled "Bulgarian
+Horrors and the Question of the East." It had an enormous circulation.
+He called for a stop to be put to the anarchy, the misrule and the
+bloodshed in Bulgaria, and demanded that the Ottoman rule should be
+excluded, not only from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also from Bulgaria.
+The Turks must clear out, "bag and baggage," from the provinces they
+have desolated and profaned. The pamphlet, and the latter expression
+especially, produced a great sensation.
+
+The pamphlet "brought home to the English people the idea that for these
+horrors which were going on, they too, as non-interfering allies of
+Turkey, were in part responsible." Soon after this Mr. Gladstone
+addressed a large concourse of his constituents at Blackheath, in which
+he severely arraigned the Government. This address was one of the most
+impassioned and eloquent of Mr. Gladstone's political orations, and at
+some points the people were literally carried away with their feelings.
+
+November 1st, Turkey was forced by Russia to agree to an armistice of
+eight weeks. On the 2d the Russian Emperor pledged his word to the
+English Ambassador that he had no intention of acquiring Constantinople;
+that if compelled to occupy Bulgaria, it would be only until the safety
+of the Christian inhabitants be secured; and urged the Ambassador to
+remove the distrust of Russia prevailing in England. Yet, in the face of
+all these assurances, Lord Beaconsfield delivered a war-like speech, at
+the banquet at Guildhall, November 9th. Informed of this speech the Czar
+declared that if the Porte did not accede to his demands, Russia would
+then act independently.
+
+On the 8th of December there was a great conference at St. James' Hall,
+London, to discuss the Eastern question. The Duke of Westminster
+presided at the afternoon meeting. At the evening gathering Lord
+Shaftesbury occupied the chair. Mr. E. Freeman said: "Perish the
+interests of England, perish our dominion in India, sooner than we
+should strike one blow or speak one word on behalf of the wrong against
+the right." The chief interest of the occasion centered in the speech of
+Mr. Gladstone who was received with unbounded applause. He declared that
+there had been no change in public sentiment in England on the question;
+that the promoters of that meeting had no desire to embarrass the
+Government; that the power and influence of England had been employed to
+effect results at variance with the convictions of the country; that
+Lord Beaconsfield had only recently appeared anxious; and that England
+had duties towards the Christian subjects of Turkey. Mr. Gladstone
+continued that he hoped that the instructions given to Lord Salisbury,
+who had been sent for conference to Constantinople, were not in
+accordance with the speech at Guildhall, but that he would be left to
+his own clear insight and generous impulses; that the conference would
+insist upon the independence of the provinces, or at least would insure
+them against arbitrary injustice and oppression, and that the work
+indicated was not merely a worthy deed but an absolute duty.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, during the recess of Parliament, delivered speeches upon
+the burning question of the day all over England. At Hawarden he
+pleaded that it was the wretched Turkish system that was at fault, and
+not the Turks themselves, and hoped for a remedy. To the electors of
+Frome he spoke of the tremendous responsibility of the Ministers. In a
+speech at the Taunton Railway Station, he said, in reference to the
+injunction for himself and friends to mind their own business, that the
+Eastern question was their own business. And when the Constantinople
+Conference failed he spoke of this "great transaction and woeful
+failure," and laid all the blame of failure on the Ministry. As to the
+treaties of 1856 being in force, his opinion was, that Turkey had
+entirely broken those treaties and trampled them under foot.
+
+January 20, 1877, the conference closed. Parliament met February 8, 1877,
+and the conflict was transferred from the country to that narrower
+arena. In the House of Lords the Duke of Argyle delivered a powerful
+speech, to which the Premier, Disraeli, replied, that he believed that
+any interference directed to the alleviation of the sufferings of the
+Turkish Christians would only make their sufferings worse. He asked for
+calm, sagacious and statesmanlike consideration of the whole subject,
+never forgetting the great interests of England, if it was to have any
+solution at all.
+
+Mr. Gladstone, upon his appearance in the House, was greeted as a Daniel
+come to judgment. He was taken to task by Mr. Chaplin, who complained
+that Mr. Gladstone and others of the Liberal party "had endeavored to
+regulate the foreign policy of the country by pamphlets, by speeches at
+public meetings, and by a so-called National Conference, instead of
+leaving it in the hands of the Executive Government," and intimated that
+Mr. Gladstone was afraid to meet the House in debate upon the question.
+Mr. Gladstone, rebuking Mr. Chaplain, said that it was the first time in
+a public career extending over nearly half a century, he had been
+accused of a disinclination to meet his opponents in a fair fight, and
+promised him that neither he nor his friends would have reason to
+complain of his reticence. Tories and Liberals knew he had not shrunk
+from meeting the public on this question. He was glad that there was a
+tremendous feeling abroad upon this Eastern question. He had been told
+that by the pamphlet he wrote and the speech he delivered, he had done
+all this mischief, and agitated Europe and the world; but if that were
+the case why did not the honorable gentleman, by writing another
+pamphlet, and delivering another speech, put the whole thing right? If
+he (the speaker) had done anything, it was only in the same way that a
+man applies a match to an enormous mass of fuel already prepared. Mr.
+Gladstone closed with the following words: "We have, I think, the most
+solemn and the greatest question to determine that has come before
+Parliament in my time.... In the original entrance of the Turks into
+Europe, it may be said to have been a turning point in human history. To
+a great extent it continues to be the cardinal question, the question
+which casts into the shade every other question."
+
+April 24, 1877, war was declared by Russia against Turkey. The Czar
+issued a manifesto, assigning as reasons for this war the refusal of
+guarantee by the Porte for the proposed reforms, the failure of the
+Conference and the rejection of the Proteol signed on the previous 31st
+of March. England, France and Italy proclaimed their neutrality. Mr.
+Gladstone initiated a great debate in the House of Commons, May 7th,
+which lasted five days. He presented a series of resolutions expressing
+grave dissatisfaction with the policy of Turkey, and declared that she
+had forfeited all claim to support, moral and material. Mr. Gladstone
+asked whether, with regard to the great battle of freedom against
+oppression then going on, "we in England could lay our hands upon our
+hearts, and in the face of God and man, say, 'We have well and
+sufficiently performed our part?'"
+
+These resolutions were of course hostile to the Government, and many
+Liberals refused to vote for them, because they pledged England to a
+policy of force in connection with Russia. Besides the Government gave
+assurances to avail themselves of any opportunity of interposing their
+good offices. The resolutions consequently were lost. Mr. Gladstone was
+not quite the leader of his party again.
+
+Shortly after this debate, and before the close of the session, Mr.
+Gladstone addressed a large meeting at Birmingham on the Eastern
+question and the present condition of the Liberal party. Later on he
+visited Ireland. On his return he addressed, by their request, the
+people gathered to receive him. He expressed his belief that Turkey
+would have yielded to the concerted action of Europe; noticed the change
+in the tone of the ministry from the omission in the Premier's speech of
+the phrase, "the independence of Turkey;" protested strongly against
+England being dragged into war, and warmly eulogized the non-conformists
+for the consistency and unanimity with which they had insisted on
+justice to the Eastern Christians. Political feeling entered into
+everything at this time, but as an evidence of the hold Mr. Gladstone
+retained in the Scottish heart, he was in November elected Lord Rector
+of Glasgow University by a large majority. Lord Beaconsfield was the
+retiring Lord Rector, and the Conservatives nominated Sir S. Northcote,
+the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as Mr. Gladstone's opponent.
+
+The war in the East went disastrously for the Ottoman arms. January 23,
+1878, the Porte agreed to accept the terms of peace submitted by the
+Grand Duke Nicholas.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was invited January 30, 1878, to attend a meeting of
+undergraduates at Oxford, held to celebrate the formation of a Liberal
+Palmerston Club. He strongly condemned the sending of the British fleet
+into the Dardanelles as a breach of European law; and confessed that he
+had been an agitator for the past eighteen months, day and night, to
+counteract what he believed to be the evil purposes of Lord
+Beaconsfield.
+
+In February the House of Commons passed a vote of credit, but on the 3d
+of March a treaty of peace was signed between Turkey and Russia, at
+Sanstefano, the terms of which in part were: Turkey to pay a large war
+indemnity; Servia and Montenegro to be independent and to receive
+accessions of territory; Bulgaria to be formed into a principality with
+greatly extended boundaries, and to be governed by a prince elected by
+the inhabitants; the navigation of the Straits was declared free for
+merchant vessels, both in times of peace and war; Russian troops to
+occupy Bulgaria for two years; Batoum, Ardahan, Kars and Bayazid, with
+their territories, to be ceded to Russia, and Turkey to pay an indemnity
+to Roumania. The terms of the treaty were regarded oppressive to Turkey
+by the Beaconsfield Ministry, who proposed that the whole treaty be
+submitted to a congress at Berlin, to meet in June, 1878. The treaty was
+approved after some modifications. The English Plenipotentiaries were
+the Earl of Beaconsfield and Marquis of Salisbury, who, for their share
+in the treaty, received a popular ovation and rewards from the Queen.
+Thus was Turkey humiliated and Russia benefited, having obtained her
+demands. To the people assembled Lord Beaconsfield said from the window
+of the Foreign Office: "Lord Salisbury and myself have brought you back
+peace, but a peace, I hope with honor, which may satisfy our Sovereign
+and tend to the welfare of the country." But at this very time the envoy
+of Russia, whom the ministry thought to be circumvented, was entering
+the Afghan capital; so that, although there was peace on the Bosphorus,
+as a direct result of the Eastern policy, there was war in Afghanistan.
+The Conservatives were very ready for awhile to use as a watchword the
+phrase, "Peace and Honor," but before long it became the occasion
+of ridicule.
+
+Parliament was called upon to appropriate £8,000,000 to defray the cost
+of the Afghan and Zulu wars. When Mr. Gladstone's government retired
+from office, there was a surplus of over £3,000,000, but the budgets of
+1878 and 1879 both showed large deficits. The people had applauded the
+"imperial policy," "the jingoism" of Lord Beaconsfield's administration
+during the past two or three years, but they were not so appreciative
+when they found it so costly a policy to themselves. The depression in
+business also had its effect upon the country. The unpopularity of the
+Liberal government, which culminated in its defeat in 1873, was now, in
+1879, being shifted to their Conservative opponents, whose term of
+office was fast drawing to a close.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's resolute and splendid hostility to Lord Beaconsfield's
+whole system of foreign policy restored him to his paramount place among
+English politicians. For four years--from 1876 to 1880--he sustained the
+high and holy strife with an enthusiasm, a versatility, a courage and a
+resourcefulness which raised the enthusiasm of his followers to the
+highest pitch, and filled his guilty and baffled antagonists with a rage
+which went near to frenzy. By frustrating Lord Beaconsfield's design of
+going to war on behalf of Turkey, he saved England from the indelible
+disgrace of a second and more gratuitous Crimea. But it was not only in
+Eastern Europe that his saving influence was felt. In Africa and India,
+and wherever British honor was involved, he was the resolute and
+unsparing enemy of that odious system of bluster and swagger and might
+against right, on which Lord Beaconsfield and his colleagues bestowed
+the tawdry nickname of Imperialism."
+
+[Illustration: MR. GLADSTONE ON HIS WAY HOME]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SECOND PREMIERSHIP
+
+The leadership of the Liberal party had, upon the retirement of Mr.
+Gladstone, been turned over to Lord Hartington. His sympathies were upon
+the right side on the Eastern question, but he was a calm, slow-moving
+man. At the proper time he would have taken the right measures in
+Parliament, but the temper of the Liberal party and of the people
+demanded present action and emphatic speech, then Mr. Gladstone came to
+the rescue, and Lord Hartington found himself pushed aside. Mr.
+Gladstone was again in fact the leader of the Liberal party, whose
+standard he had carried aloft during those stirring times when the
+Eastern question was the all-absorbing topic of debate in Parliament and
+among the people of the land. The foreign policy of Lord Beaconsfield in
+1878 and 1879 found a sleepless critic in Mr. Gladstone.
+
+The day after the Parliament of 1878 had adjourned for the Easter
+recess, it was announced that the Ministry had ordered the Indian
+Government to dispatch 7000 native troops to the Island of Malta. The
+order occasioned much discussion--political, legal, and constitutional.
+It was warmly debated. It was thought that Lord Beaconsfield had
+transcended his powers and done what could be done only by a vote of
+Parliament. In the House of Commons Mr. Gladstone condemned the
+proceedings as unconstitutional, and pointed out the dangers of the
+Ministerial policy. Lord Beaconsfield received what he calculated
+upon--the support of the House. For a member to differ from his policy
+was almost to incur the imputation of disloyalty to Crown and country.
+Indeed, Mr. Gladstone was seriously accused of treason by a member of
+the House for an article in the _Nineteenth Century_.
+
+Mr. Gladstone undauntedly continued the contest. He addressed a meeting
+of Liberals in the Drill Hall, Bermondsey, July 20th, in which he said
+that the Dissolution of Parliament could not long be postponed, and
+urged the union and organization of all Liberals, and prompt measures to
+secure such representation as the Liberals deserved in the coming
+Parliament. Speaking of the Anglo-Turkish treaty, he pointed out the
+serious obligations which devolved upon England under it. He added,
+regarding the Turkish Convention, that, possibly it was necessary to
+sustain the credit of the country, but whether that credit should be
+sustained at such a price remained for the people to determine at the
+polls. He rejoiced that these most unwise, extravagant, unwarrantable,
+unconstitutional and dangerous proceedings had not been the work of the
+Liberal party, but he was grieved to think that any party should be
+found in England to perform such transactions.
+
+A great debate arose in the House of Commons, extending over the whole
+range of the Eastern question: The Treaty of Berlin, the Anglo-Turkish
+Convention, the acquisition of Cyprus, the claims of Greece, etc. It was
+begun by the Marquis of Hartington, who offered a resolution regretting
+the grave responsibilities the Ministry had assumed for England with no
+means of securing their fulfillment, and without the previous knowledge
+of Parliament. Mr. Gladstone's speech during this debate is described as
+"a long and eloquent address, unsurpassable for its comprehensive grasp
+of the subject, its lucidity, point, and the high tone which animated it
+throughout." Mr. Gladstone denied that his strictures upon the
+Government in a speech made out of Parliament could be construed as Lord
+Beaconsfield had taken them as a personal attack and provocation. If
+criticism of this kind is prohibited the doors of the House might as
+well be shut. He observed that, "Liberty of speech is the liberty which
+secures all other liberties, and the abridgment of which would render
+all other liberties vain and useless possessions." In discussing the
+Congress at Berlin, Mr. Gladstone said, that he could not shut his eyes
+to the fact that the Sclavs, looking to Russia had been freed, while the
+Greeks, looking to England, remained with all their aspirations
+unsatisfied; that Russia had secured much territory and large indemnity,
+with the sanction of Europe; that the English Plenipotentiaries at the
+Congress, Lord Salisbury and Lord Beaconsfield, as a general rule, took
+the side of servitude, and that opposed to freedom.
+
+With regard to the English responsibilities in Asiatic Turkey put upon
+England at the Convention, he called them an "unheard of," and
+"mad-undertaking," accomplished "in the dark," by the present Ministry.
+Dealing with the treaty-making power of the country, he claimed that it
+rested with Parliament in conjunction with the Executive. The strength
+and the eloquence were on the side of the opposition, but the votes were
+for the Government. The resolutions of Lord Hartington were defeated,
+and the "imperial policy" of the Ministry was sustained. The _Spectator_
+said, that, "Reason, prudence, and patriotism have hardly ever in our
+times been voted down with so little show of argument, and even of
+plausible suggestion."
+
+The next step taken by the Ministry was to undertake war with
+Afghanistan, in hopes of checking the advances of Russia in that
+direction and of redressing grievances. England accomplished her purpose
+in part, but greatly suffered for her exploit. Mr. Gladstone could not
+remain quiet under the "adventurous policy" of the Premier. He condemned
+the ministerial policy which had made the Queen an Empress, then
+manipulated the prerogative in a manner wholly unexampled in this age,
+and employed it in inaugurating policies about which neither the nation
+nor the Parliament had ever been consulted. But arguments were of no
+avail. The Conservative majority in Parliament had imbibed the idea that
+the honor of England had to be protected. Some thought it had never been
+assailed, but Lord Beaconsfield declared it was in peril, and men and
+money were voted to defend it. "So the order was given for distant
+peoples to be attacked, English blood to be spilled, the burdens of the
+people, already too heavy, to be swollen, and the future liabilities of
+this country to be enormously increased."
+
+In November, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Lord Beaconsfield, speaking of
+Eastern affairs, said that the Government was not afraid of any invasion
+of India by its northwestern frontier; but the frontier was "haphazard
+and not a scientific one," and the Government wanted a satisfactory
+frontier. Mr. Gladstone, in a letter to the Bedford Liberal Association,
+asked: "What right have we to annex by war, or to menace the territory
+of our neighbors, in order to make 'scientific' a frontier which is
+already safe?"
+
+In the autumn of 1879 Mr. Gladstone, having resolved to retire from the
+representation of Greenwich at the next election, paid a farewell visit
+to his constituents. At a luncheon given by the Liberal Association he
+dwelt upon the necessity of a Liberal union. The Liberals had, owing to
+their dissensions, given twenty-six votes to their opponents in 1874,
+while the Government had been carried on for years by a Conservative
+majority of less than twenty-six, showing the importance of
+organization. At night Mr. Gladstone attended a great public meeting in
+the Plumstead Skating Rink. On his entrance the whole audience rose and
+cheered for several minutes. An address was presented, expressing regret
+at his retirement, and the pride they would ever feel at having been
+associated with his name and fame. Mr. Gladstone alluded to Lord
+Beaconsfield's phrase respecting "harassed interests," and said he knew
+of only one harassed interest, and that was the British nation. He
+protested against the words "personal government" being taken to imply
+that the Sovereign desired to depart from the traditions of the
+constitution, yet he charged the advisers of the Crown with having
+invidiously begun a system intended to narrow the liberties of the
+people of England and to reduce Parliament to the condition of the
+French Parliaments before the great Revolution.
+
+Mr. Gladstone threw the whole responsibility of the Afghan war on the
+Ministry, and maintaining that England had departed from the customs of
+the forefathers, concluded as follows: "It is written in the eternal
+laws of the universe of God that sin shall be followed by suffering. An
+unjust war is a tremendous sin. The question which you have to consider
+is whether this war is just or unjust. So far as I am able to collect
+the evidence, it is unjust."
+
+In December, 1878, the following resolution was offered in the House of
+Commons: "That this House disapproves the conduct of her Majesty's
+Government, which has resulted in the war with Afghanistan." Mr.
+Gladstone strongly condemned the war with Afghanistan and the irritating
+policy towards the Ameer, and concluded his address with the following
+eloquent responses to the historical and moral aspects of the Afghan
+difficulty: "You have made this war in concealment from Parliament, in
+reversal of the policy of every Indian and Home Government that has
+existed for the last twenty-five years, in contempt of the supplication
+of the Ameer and in defiance of the advice of your own agent, and all
+for the sake of obtaining a scientific frontier." This powerful speech
+greatly impressed, for the moment, both parties in the House, but the
+vote of censure was defeated, and the policy of the administration was
+endorsed. During the debate Mr. Latham made a witty comparison. He said
+that the Cabinet reminded him of the gentleman, who seeing his horses
+run away, and being assured by the coachman that they must drive into
+something, replied, "Then smash into something cheap!"
+
+The Ministry presented a motion that the revenues of India should be
+applied for the purposes of the war. Mr. Gladstone observed that it was
+the people of England who had had all the glory and all the advantage
+which resulted from the destruction of the late administration, and the
+accession of the present Cabinet; and hence it was the people who must
+measure the _pros_ and the _cons_, and who must be content, after having
+reaped such innumerable benefits, to encounter the disadvantage of
+meeting charges which undoubtedly the existing government would leave
+behind it as a legacy to posterity. England gained her end in the
+humiliation of Russia, but there were those who felt that the result of
+the English policy would further the advance of Russia in Europe, and
+that force would never make friends of the Afghans.
+
+In the sessions of 1879 the Greek question came up in the House of
+Commons on a motion, "That, in the opinion of this House, tranquillity
+in the East demands that satisfaction be given to the just claims of
+Greece, and no satisfaction can be considered adequate that does not
+ensure execution of the recommendations embodied in Protocol 13 of the
+Berlin Congress." Mr. Gladstone hoped that even in the present House
+there would be found those who would encourage the first legitimate
+aspirations of the Hellenic races after freedom. The government had
+given pledges to advance the claims of Greece that had not been redeemed
+at Berlin. Not one of the European powers was now averse to the claims
+of the Greek kingdom, whose successful pleadings depended wholly upon
+England for favorable answer. But the government objected, and the
+motion was rejected. In July, Sir Charles Dilke called the attention of
+the House to the obligations of Turkey under the Treaty of Berlin, when
+Mr. Gladstone again earnestly enforced the claims of "Greece, weak as
+she may be, is yet strong in the principles in which she rests."
+
+December 29, 1879, Mr. Gladstone attained the seventieth year of his
+age. His friends in Liverpool, and the Greenwich Liberal Association
+presented him with congratulatory addresses. The journals paid him warm
+tributes for his long and eminent public services. But few thought that
+the veteran that had so successfully gone through one electoral campaign
+was destined in a few months to pass through another, still more
+remarkable, and yet be fresh for new triumphs. In the autumn of 1879 Mr.
+Gladstone resolved upon a very important, and as his enemies thought, a
+hopeless step. He had retired from the representation of Greenwich, and
+he now boldly decided to contest the election for Midlothian, the county
+of Edinburgh. He consequently proceeded to Scotland, in November, where
+such an ovation was given him as has never been accorded to any man in
+modern times. During the period of three weeks he addressed meetings
+numbering seventy-five thousand people, while a quarter of a million of
+people, with every exhibition of good-will and admiration, took part in
+some way in the demonstration in his honor. In this canvass of
+delivering political speeches he performed an oratorical and
+intellectual feat unparalleled in the history of any statesman who had
+attained his seventieth year. Mr. Gladstone addressed large concourses
+of people. When he reached Edinburgh, "his progress was as the progress
+of a nation's guest, or a king returning to his own again."
+
+Midlothian, the scene of Mr. Gladstone's astonishing exertions, was one
+of the Conservative strongholds, under the dominent influence of the
+Duke of Buccleuch, whose son, Lord Dalkeith, Mr. Gladstone opposed in
+contesting for the representation in Parliament. Mr. Gladstone said:
+"Being a man of Scotch blood, I am very much attached to Scotland, and
+like even the Scottish accent," and he afterwards said, "and Scotland
+showed herself equally proud of her son." He spoke at Edinburgh,
+November 26th, and on the following day at Dalkeith, in the very heart
+of the Duke of Buccleuch's own property to an audience of three thousand
+people, mostly agriculturists. At Edinburgh he met nearly five thousand
+persons at the Corn Exchange, representing more than one hundred
+Scottish Liberal Associations. In the Waverley Market Mr. Gladstone
+addressed more than twenty thousand people, one of the largest
+congregations ever assembled in-doors in Scotland, and met with a
+reception which for enthusiasm was in keeping with the vastness of the
+audience. December 5th, at Glasgow, he delivered his address as Lord
+Rector to the students of the University, and in the evening addressed
+an immense audience of nearly six thousand in St. Andrew's Hall. He was
+most enthusiastically received, and he dwelt chiefly on Cyprus, the Suez
+Canal, India, and Afghanistan. "We had Afghanistan ruined," he urged,
+"India not advanced, but thrown back in government, subjected to heavy
+and unjust charges, subjected to what might well be termed, in
+comparison with the mild government of former years, a system of
+oppression; and with all this we had at home the law broken and the
+rights of Parliament invaded."
+
+On the 8th of March, 1880, the immediate dissolution of Parliament was
+announced in both Houses of Parliament, and the news created intense
+political excitement and activity throughout the land. In his manifesto,
+in the shape of a letter to the Duke of Marlborough, the Prime Minister
+referred to the attempt made to sever the constitutional tie between
+Great Britain and Ireland, and said: "It is to be hoped that all men of
+light and leading will resist this destructive doctrine. There are some
+who challenge the expediency of the Imperial character of this realm.
+Having attempted and failed to enfeeble our colonies by their policy of
+decomposition, they may now perhaps recognize in the disintegration of
+the United Kingdom a mode which will not only accomplish, but
+precipitate, that purpose. Peace rests on the presence, not to say the
+ascendency, of England in the councils of Europe."
+
+Mr. Gladstone and Lord Hartington issued their counter-manifestoes. Mr.
+Gladstone repudiated Lord Beaconsfield's dark allusion to the repeal of
+the union and the abandonment of the colonies, characterizing them as
+base insinuations, the real purpose of which was to hide from view the
+policy pursued by the Ministry, and its effect upon the condition of
+the country; and said that public distress had been aggravated by
+continual shocks from neglected legislation at home, "while abroad they
+had strained the prerogative by gross misuse, had weakened the Empire by
+needless wars, and dishonored it in the eyes of Europe by their
+clandestine acquisition of the Island of Cyprus."
+
+Mr. Gladstone began the electoral campaign with a speech at Marylebone
+on the 10th of March, in which he announced Lord Derby's secession from
+the Conservative to the Liberal party; and then he left London to enter
+upon his second Midlothian campaign. At various points on the journey
+Mr. Gladstone stopped and addressed the people from the cars, and it is
+a remarkable fact that wherever he delivered an address the Liberals
+gained a seat.
+
+The first address made by Mr. Gladstone on his own account, was
+delivered on the 17th of March, in the Music Hall, Edinburgh. After
+dwelling at great length upon various questions of foreign policy, he
+concluded with the following references personal to his opponents and
+himself: "I give them credit for patriotic motives; I give them credit
+for those patriotic motives which are incessantly and gratuitously
+denied to us. I believe that we are all united, gentlemen--indeed it
+would be most unnatural if we were not--in a fond attachment, perhaps in
+something of a proud attachment, to the great country to which
+we belong."
+
+In his final speech at West Calder Mr. Gladstone drew a powerful
+indictment against the administration, and placed the issue before the
+country in a strong light. Throughout all the campaign, as the time for
+the general election was approaching, only one question was submitted to
+the electors, "Do you approve or condemn Lord Beaconsfield's system of
+foreign policy?" And the answer was given at Easter, 1880, when the
+Prime Minister and his colleagues received the most empathic
+condemnation which had ever been bestowed upon an English Government,
+and the Liberals were returned in an overwhelming majority of fifty over
+Tories and Home Rulers combined. Mr. Gladstone succeeded in ousting Lord
+Dalkeith from the representation of Midlothian by a respectable
+majority. He was also elected at Leeds, but this seat was afterwards
+given to his son, Herbert Gladstone. At the conclusion of the election
+all the journals joined in admiring the indomitable energy and vigor of
+the orator, who could carry out this great enterprise when he had
+already passed the age of three-score years and ten. Edinburgh was
+illuminated in the evening, and everywhere were to be witnessed signs of
+rejoicing at Mr. Gladstone's victory. The result of the elections
+throughout the country exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the
+Liberals. So large a proportion of Liberal members had not been returned
+to the House of Commons since the days of the first Reform Bill.
+
+Lord Beaconsfield, as soon as the result of the election was known, and
+without waiting for the meeting of Parliament, resigned. The Queen, in
+conformity with the constitutional custom, summoned Lord Hartington, the
+titular leader of the Liberal party in the House of Commons, to form a
+cabinet. But he could do nothing. Then the Queen sent for Lord
+Granville, who with Lord Hartington, went to Windsor April 23d. They
+both assured the Queen that the victory was Mr. Gladstone's; that the
+people had designated him for office, and that the Liberal party would
+be satisfied with no other, and that he was the inevitable Prime
+Minister. They returned to London in the afternoon, sought Mr. Gladstone
+at Harley Street, where he was awaiting the message they brought from
+the Queen--to repair to Windsor. That evening, without an hour's delay,
+he went to Windsor, kissed hands, and returned to London Prime Minister
+for the second time.
+
+Mr. Gladstone again filled the double office of Premier and Chancellor
+of the Exchequer in the new cabinet, which for general ability and
+debating power was one of the strongest of the century. While some of
+the cabinet officers were like Mr. Gladstone himself, without title,
+others were representatives of the oldest nobility of the land. At the
+very beginning the new administration were confronted by perplexing
+questions. The Eastern question, chiefly by Mr. Gladstone's influence,
+had been settled in accordance with the dictates of humanity and
+religion. But there were other difficulties to be overcome. "At home,
+his administration did good and useful work, including the extension of
+the suffrage to the agricultural laborers; but it was seriously, and at
+length fatally, embarrassed by two controversies which sprang up with
+little warning, and found the Liberal party and its leaders totally
+unprepared to deal with them."
+
+The first embarrassing question which arose when the new Parliament met
+was the great deficit of nine million pounds instead of an expected
+surplus in the Indian Budget, owing to the Afghan war.
+
+Foremost among the difficulties encountered was the case of Mr. Charles
+Bradlaugh, elected a member of Parliament for Northampton. He demanded
+to be permitted to make a solemn affirmation or declaration of
+allegiance, instead of taking the usual oath. The question created much
+discussion and great feeling, and Mr. Bradlaugh's persistence was met by
+violence. Mr. Bright contended for liberty of conscience. Mr. Gladstone
+favored permitting Mr. Bradlaugh to affirm on his own responsibility
+which was finally done, but Mr. Bradlaugh was prosecuted in the courts.
+The great difficulty arose from Mr. Bradlaugh's atheism.
+
+A considerable share of the session of 1880 was occupied in the
+consideration of the Irish Compensation for Disturbance Bill and other
+Irish measures. In consequence of the rapid increase of evictions by
+landlords, this protective measure had become absolutely necessary in
+the interests of the Irish tenants. After prolonged debate--very
+prolonged for so short a bill--thirty-five lines only--the bill was
+passed by the Commons, but defeated by the Lords. The result was "seen
+in a ghastly record of outrage and murder which stained the
+following winter."
+
+Home Rule for Ireland, which movement was started in the "seventies,"
+was gaining ground, and every election returned to the House more
+members pledged to its support. Those who were bent upon obtaining Home
+Rule at any cost used obstructive means against other legislation to
+gain their object, but as yet the movement was confined to the members
+who had been elected by Irish constituents.
+
+About the close of the session of 1880 the heavy burdens and
+responsibilities of public service borne by Mr. Gladstone began to tell
+upon him. At the end of July, while returning from home for the House
+of Commons, Mr. Gladstone was taken ill. He was prostrated by fever and
+great fears for his recovery were entertained by his family, his party
+and a host of admirers throughout the country. A great outburst of
+popular sympathy was manifested and frequent messages were received from
+the Queen and many foreign potentates and celebrities. Distinguished
+callers and telegrams continued to arrive at Downing Street for ten days
+while the patient was confined to his bed at home. The President of the
+United States and the King and Queen of the Belgians were among those
+who sent messages of sympathy. "Rarely indeed, if ever, has there been
+witnessed such a general and spontaneous expression of the national
+sympathy towards a distinguished statesman whose life had been
+imperilled by illness."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's large store of vital energy brought him safely through
+his dangerous illness and on approaching convalescence he took a sea
+voyage round the entire coast of England in Sir Donald Currie's steamer,
+"Grantully Castle."
+
+Three years after this voyage around England the Premier visited the
+Orkneys on a similar trip, in the "Pembroke Castle," the poet laureate
+being of the party on this occasion. From the Orkneys he sailed across
+to Denmark and suddenly appeared at Copenhagen, where Mr. Gladstone
+entertained the Czar and Czarina, the King of Greece, and the King and
+Queen of Denmark, and many others of their relatives who happened to be
+visiting them at that time.
+
+A great meeting was held June 21, 1880, in Her Majesty's opera house,
+for the purpose of presenting an address from the Liberals of Middlesex
+to Mr. Herbert Gladstone, who had made a gallant contest in that country
+at the general election. The entrance of the Premier some time after the
+meeting began was the signal for an outburst of enthusiasm. Before Mr.
+Gladstone appeared, the chairman, Mr. Foster, had paid a high tribute to
+the Premier for his great abilities and his self-denial in the public
+service. After his son had received the address, the Premier arose to
+speak, when the whole audience arose to their feet and welcomed him with
+immense cheering.
+
+Mr. Gladstone referred at length to the Midlothian campaign, and paid a
+tribute to the spirit and energy of the Liberals of the whole country.
+The sound which went forth from Midlothian reverberated through the land
+and was felt to be among the powerful operative causes which led to the
+great triumph of the Liberal party.
+
+At the Lord Mayor's banquet, November 9, 1880, Mr. Gladstone's speech
+was looked forward to with much anxiety, owing to the singularly
+disturbed condition of Ireland. Referring to the "party of disorder" in
+Ireland, he said that as anxious as the government was to pass laws for
+the improvement of the land laws, their prior duty was to so enforce the
+laws as to secure order. If an increase of power was needed to secure
+this, they would not fail to ask it.
+
+In 1881, at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Mr. Gladstone said that he was
+glad to discern signs of improvement in Ireland during the last twelve
+months; but the struggle between the representatives of law and the
+representatives of lawlessness had rendered necessary an augmentation of
+the executive power.
+
+In August, 1881, at Greenwich, the Liberals of the borough presented Mr.
+Gladstone with an illustrated address and a carved oak chair as a token
+of their esteem and a souvenir of his former representation of their
+borough. On the cushion back of the chair were embossed in gold the arms
+of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with a motto "Fide et Virtute," and above, in
+the midst of some wood-carving representing the rose, the thistle, the
+shamrock, and the leek, was a silver plate, bearing a suitable
+inscription.
+
+The Parliamentary session of 1881 was almost exclusively devoted to
+Irish affairs. Instead of the contemplated Land Act, the ministry were
+compelled, on account of the disturbed condition of Ireland, to bring
+in first a Coercion Act, although the measure was naturally distasteful
+to such friends of Ireland in the Cabinet as Mr. Gladstone and Mr.
+Bright. Property and life had become very insecure, and there was a
+startling increase of agrarian crime that such a measure was deemed
+necessary. But while passing the Coercion Act, Mr. Gladstone accompanied
+it by a great and beneficial measure--a second Irish Land Bill, which
+instituted a court for the purpose of dealing with the differences
+between landlord and tenant.
+
+This bill--one of Mr. Gladstone's greatest measures--became a law August
+23, 1881. Mr. Gladstone in his speech remarked that the complaint was
+made that the bill was an infringement of liberty in Ireland and was
+aimed at the Land League, but no person or body could be touched by the
+bill unless they violated the law, and then could only be arrested upon
+reasonable suspicion of crime committed or of inciting to crime or of
+interfering with law or order. There would be the fullest freedom of
+discussion allowed. Dealing with the Land League he said it had been
+attempted to compare it with the Corn Laws, but Mr. Bright had
+completely demolished that miserable argument. It was compared also to
+the trade unions, but they made an onward step in the intelligence and
+in the love of law and order among the working classes. They had never
+tainted themselves by word or deed which would bring them into suspicion
+in connection with the maintenance of law. The leaders of the Land
+League were now put forward as martyrs on the same platform as
+O'Connell; but on every occasion of his life-long agitation O'Connell
+set himself to avoid whatever might tend to a breach of law and order.
+Then Mr. Gladstone showed the necessity of the Coercion Act from the
+condition of Ireland, where during the past year there had been a great
+increase of crime, and the outrages were agrarian, and not connected
+with the distress. It was a significant fact that the agrarian outrages
+had risen and fallen with the meetings of the Land League. Nothing could
+be more idle than to confound the agrarian crime of Ireland with the
+ordinary crime of England, or even of Ireland. In regard to general
+crime, Ireland held a high and honorable place, but how different was
+the case with agrarian crime! He referred to the miscarriage of justice
+in Ireland, and said that the bill, if passed, would restore to Ireland
+the first conditions of Christian and civilized existence. But it "only
+irritated while it failed to terrify."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's was a great speech and showed his mastery of details,
+and his power of expounding and illustrating broad and general
+principles. He began his exposition by confessing that it was the most
+difficult question with which he had ever been called upon to deal. He
+concluded with an eloquent invocation to justice.
+
+On the 19th of April, 1881, Lord Beaconsfield died. For many years he
+and Mr. Gladstone had been at the head of their respective parties.
+"Their opposition, as one critic has well and tersely put it, like that
+of Pitt and Fox, was one of temperament and character as well as of
+genius, position and political opinions." The Premier paid an eloquent
+tribute to him and proposed a public funeral, which was declined. Mr.
+Gladstone then moved for a monument in Westminster Abbey to the memory
+of the deceased Earl.
+
+In October, 1881, Mr. Gladstone made a visit to Leeds, for which borough
+he was returned in 1880, but for which his son Herbert sat. He delivered
+several important addresses on subjects which then absorbed the public
+attention, especially dealing with the land question local government,
+and Free Trade _versus_ Fair Trade. Mr. Gladstone said:
+
+"My boyhood was spent at the mouth of the Mersey, and in those days I
+used to see those beautiful American liners, the packets between New
+York and Liverpool, which then conducted the bulk and the pick of the
+trade between the two countries. The Americans were then deemed to be
+so entirely superior to us in shipbuilding and navigation that they had
+four-fifths of the whole trade between the two countries in their hands,
+and that four-fifths was the best of the trade. What is the case now,
+when free trade has operated and has applied its stimulus to the
+intelligence of England, and when, on the other hand, the action of the
+Americans has been restrained by the enactment, the enhancement and the
+tightening of the protective system? The scales are exactly reversed,
+and instead of America doing four-fifths and that the best, we do
+four-fifths of the business, and the Americans pick up the leavings of
+the British and transact the residue of the trade. Not because they are
+inferior to us in anything; it would be a fatal error to suppose it; not
+because they have less intelligence or less perseverance. They are your
+descendants; they are your kinsmen; and they are fully equal to you in
+all that goes to make human energy and power; but they are laboring
+under the delusion from which you yourselves have but recently escaped,
+and in which some misguided fellow-citizens seek again to entangle you.
+
+"I am reminded that I was guilty on a certain occasion of stating in an
+article--not a political article--that, in my opinion, it was far from
+improbable that as the volume of the future was unrolled, America, with
+its vast population and its wonderful resources, and not less with that
+severe education which, from the high price of labor, America is
+receiving in the strong necessity of resorting to every description of
+labor-saving contrivances, and consequent development, not only on a
+large scale, but down to the smallest scale of mechanical genius of the
+country--on that account the day may come when that country may claim to
+possess the commercial primacy of the world, I gave sad offence to many.
+I at present will say this, that as long as America adheres to the
+protective system your commercial primacy is secure. Nothing in the
+world can wrest it from you while America continues to fetter her own
+strong hands and arms, and with these fettered arms is content to
+compete with you, who are free, in neutral markets. And as long as
+America follows the doctrine of protection, or the doctrines now known
+as those of 'fair trade,' you are perfectly safe, and you need not
+allow, any of you, even your slightest slumbers to be disturbed by the
+fear that America will take from you your commercial primacy."
+
+After his return to London Mr. Gladstone received an address from the
+Corporation, setting forth the long services he had rendered to the
+country. Mr. Gladstone, in his reply, touched upon Irish obstruction,
+and announced, incidentally, the arrest of Mr. Parnell. Mr. Parnell, the
+leader of the Irish party, having openly defied the law, had been
+arrested and imprisoned without trial, under the Coercion Act, passed at
+the last session.
+
+On the opening night of the Parliament, of 1882, Mr. Gladstone laid
+before the House the proposed new rules of Parliamentary procedure. The
+_clōture_, by a bare majority, was to be established, in order to secure
+the power of closing debate by a vote of the House.
+
+The House of Lords decided upon the appointment of a Select Committee to
+inquire into the working of the Land Act, including the alleged total
+collapse of the clauses relating to purchase, emigration, and arrears.
+The Prime Minister in the House of Commons introduced a resolution
+condemning the proposed inquiry as tending to defeat the operation of
+the Land Act and as injurious to the good government of Ireland.
+
+Early in May, 1882, the whole country was startled and terrified by the
+news of the assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish, the new chief
+secretary for Ireland, and Mr. Burke under-secretary, in the Phoenix
+Park, Dublin. A social revolution was raging in Ireland. Outrages and
+murders had been fearfully frequent, and such brutal murders as those of
+Mrs. Smythe and Mr. Herbert had filled England with terror. In the
+first week of May announcement was made that Earl Cowper had resigned
+the Viceroyalty. Rather than share the responsibility of releasing Mr.
+Parnell, Mr. Dillon and Mr. O'Kelly, Mr. Forster left the Cabinet. Lord
+Spencer was appointed to the Viceroyalty, and Lord Frederick Cavendish
+succeeded Mr. Forster, and two days thereafter all England was thrilled
+with sorrow and indignation by the terrible news of the assassination in
+Phoenix Park. The news shattered the hopes of many concerning Ireland,
+and fell with special severity upon Mr. Gladstone, because he and Lord
+Cavendish enjoyed the closest friendship. The government presented a
+Prevention of Crimes Bill of a very stringent character. In the course
+of debate warm discussions arose over an "understanding" called, "The
+Kilmainham Compact," but Mr. Gladstone successfully defended the
+government in regard to its supposed negotiations with Mr. Parnell. This
+bill was directed against secret societies and illegal combinations, and
+it was hoped that as the Land League party had expressed its horror at
+the Phoenix Park crime, and charged that it was the work of American
+conspirators, they would allow the measure speedily to become law. Mr.
+Bright declared that the bill would harm no innocent person, and
+explained his own doctrine, that "Force is no remedy," was intended to
+apply not to outrages, but to grievances. For three weeks Mr. Parnell
+and his followers obstructed legislation in every conceivable way, and
+were finally suspended for systematic obstruction. The obstructionists
+removed, the bill was then passed, after a sitting of twenty-eight
+hours. The measure was passed by the Lords July 7th, and the Queen
+signed the bill July 12th. A crisis nearly arose between the Lords and
+the Commons over the Irish Arrears Bill, but the Lords finally yielded.
+
+[Illustration: GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+THIRD ADMINISTRATION AND HOME RULE
+
+It is our purpose next to trace the events that led to the overthrow of
+the Second Administration of Mr. Gladstone, and to the formation of his
+Third Cabinet. The question that seemed to begin the work of weakening
+the foundations of his existing government was their policy in regard to
+Egypt, which began with the occupation of Egypt in 1882.
+
+The budget of the session of 1882 was presented by Mr. Gladstone April
+24th. It was not expected that anything novel in the way of legislation
+would be attempted in it. But its main interest was in this, that it
+proposed a vote of credit for the Egyptian Expedition, which was to be
+provided for by addition to the income-tax, making it sixpence
+half-penny in the pound for the year. The financial proposals were
+agreed to. In the course of the session Mr. Bright resigned his place in
+the Cabinet on the ground that the intervention in Egypt was a manifest
+violation of the moral law, that the Government had interfered by force
+of arms in Egypt, and directed the bombardment of Alexandria. Mr.
+Gladstone denied that the Ministry were at war with Egypt, and stated
+that the measures taken at Alexandria were strictly measures of
+self-defence. In justifying his resignation Mr. Bright said there had
+been a manifest violation of the moral law; but the Premier, while
+agreeing with his late colleague generally on the question of the moral
+law differed from him as to this particular application of it.
+
+The Prime Minister attended the Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Mansion
+House, August 9, 1882. In replying to the toast to Her Majesty's
+Ministers, after some preliminary remarks, Mr. Gladstone alluded to the
+campaign in Egypt, which had been so much discussed, and said: "Let it
+be well understood for what we go and for what we do not go to Egypt. We
+do not go to make war on its people, but to rescue them from the
+oppression of a military tyranny which at present extinguishes every
+free voice and chains every man of the people of that country. We do not
+go to make war on the Mohammedan religion, for it is amongst the
+proudest distinctions of Christianity to establish tolerance, and we
+know that wherever the British rule exists, the same respect which we
+claim for the exercise of our own conscientious convictions is yielded
+to the professors of every other faith on the surface of the globe. We
+do not, my Lord Mayor, go to repress the growth of Egyptian liberties.
+We wish them well; for we have no other interest in Egypt, which cannot
+in any other way so well and so effectually attain her own prosperity as
+by the enjoyment of a well regulated, and an expanding freedom."
+
+Mr. Gladstone's confidence respecting the early termination of the war
+in Egypt was somewhat justified by Sir Garnet Wolseley's victory at
+Tel-el-Kebir, but the future relations of England with Egypt were still
+left an open subject of discussion and speculation. Again, November 9th,
+at the banquet at the Guildhall, to the Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Gladstone
+spoke. He called attention to the settlement of the troubles in the East
+of Europe, congratulating his hearers on the removal by the naval and
+military forces of the Egyptian difficulty, and calling attention to
+Ireland, compared its condition with that of the previous March and
+October, 1881, showing a diminution of agrarian crime to the extent of
+four-fifths. This happy result had been brought about, not by coercive
+means alone, but by the exercise of remedial measures. "If the people of
+Ireland were willing to walk in the ways of legality, England was
+strong, and generous, and free enough to entertain in a friendly and
+kindly spirit any demand which they might make."
+
+On the 13th of December, 1882, Mr. Gladstone's political jubilee was
+celebrated. Fifty years before, on that day, he had been returned to
+Parliament as member for Newark. A large number of congratulatory
+addresses, letters, and telegrams complimenting him on the completion of
+his fifty years of parliamentary service were received by him. He had
+entered the first Reformed Parliament as a conservative, had gone ever
+forward in the path of reform, and was yet to lead in greater measures
+of reform.
+
+The excellent prospects regarding domestic measures with which the
+session of 1883 was opened were dispelled by prolonged and fruitless
+debates on measures proposed and on the address from the Queen. But Mr.
+Gladstone was absent, the state of his health requiring him to pass
+several weeks at Cannes. He returned home in March greatly invigorated,
+and at once threw himself with wonted ardour into the parliamentary
+conflict. Mr. Parnell offered a bill to amend the Irish Land Act of
+1887, which was opposed by the Premier and lost.
+
+An affirmation bill was introduced at this session by the Government,
+which provided that members who objected to taking the oath might have
+the privilege of affirming. The opposition spoke of the measure as a
+"Bradlaugh Relief Bill." Its rejection was moved, and in its defense
+Mr. Gladstone made one of his best speeches, which was warmly applauded.
+He said: "I must painfully record my opinion, that grave injury has been
+done to religion in many minds--not in instructed minds, but in those
+which are ill-instructed or partially instructed--in consequence of
+things which ought never to have occurred. Great mischief has been done
+in many minds by a resistance offered to the man elected by the
+constituency of Northampton, which a portion of the people believe to be
+unjust. When they see the profession of religion and the interests of
+religion, ostensibly associated with what they are deeply convinced is
+injustice, it leads to questions about religion itself, which commonly
+end in impairing those convictions, and that belief, the loss of which I
+believe to be the most inexpressible calamity which can fall either upon
+a man or upon a nation." But the measure was lost.
+
+During the session of 1883 the Bankruptcy Bill and the Patents Bill were
+both passed, and effected reforms which had long been felt to be
+necessary. The Corrupt Practices Act was designed to remove from British
+parliamentary and borough elections the stigma which attached to them in
+so many parts of the country. The Government was checked, however, in
+its policy in the Transvaal, and Mr. Childers' action in regard to the
+Suez Canal.
+
+Mr. Gladstone attended, in March, the celebration of the inauguration
+of the National Liberal party, predicting for it a useful and brilliant
+future, if it remained faithful to its time-honored principles and
+traditions.
+
+Sir Stafford Northcote, in the session of 1884, moved a vote of censure,
+and vigorously attacked the Egyptian policy of the administration. Mr.
+Gladstone defended the ministerial action with spirit and effect. He
+declared that the Government had found, and not made, the situation in
+Egypt and the Soudan. The Prime Minister "traced all the mischief to
+Lord Salisbury's dual control. Though the motive and object had been to
+secure a better government for Egypt, a great error had been committed.
+The British Government had fulfilled all the obligations imposed upon
+them, and they were acting for the benefit of the civilized world.
+Reforms had been effected in the judicature, legislature, police, and
+military organizations of Egypt; and they were resolved to see all the
+vital points recommended carried out by the Khedive's Government. As to
+the war in the Soudan, it was hateful to the people of Egypt; and
+England declined to have anything to do with the reconquest of the
+Soudan.... General Gordon, whom Mr. Gladstone characterized as a hero
+and a genius, had been despatched to Khartoum for the purpose of
+withdrawing, if possible, in safety the 29,000 soldiers of the Khedive
+scattered over the Soudan. The General's mission was not the reconquest
+of the Soudan, but its peaceful evacuation, and the reconstruction of
+the country, by giving back to the Sultan the ancestral power which had
+been suspended during the Egyptian occupation. The Government had to
+consider in any steps which they took the danger of thwarting Gordon's
+peaceful mission and endangering his life." Mr. Gladstone said that the
+policy of the Government was to "rescue and retire." Sir S. Northcote's
+resolution was rejected by 311 to 292 votes, showing the growing
+strength of the Opposition.
+
+The pacific mission of General Gordon to Khartoum having failed, there
+was great solicitude felt for that gallant soldier's welfare and safety.
+Sir M. Hicks-Beach offered another vote of censure, complaining of the
+dilatory conduct of the Government for not taking steps to secure the
+safety of General Gordon. Mr. Gladstone, in reply, admitted the
+obligations of the Government to General Gordon, and stated that on
+reasonable proof of danger he would be assisted. "The nation would never
+grudge adequate efforts for the protection of its agents, but it was the
+duty of the Government to consider the treasure, the blood, and the
+honor of the country, together with the circumstances of the time, the
+season, the climate, and the military difficulties. Conscious of what
+their obligations were, they would continue to use their best endeavours
+to fulfil them, unmoved by the threats and the captious criticisms of
+the Opposition." The proposed censure was defeated.
+
+A conference of European powers was held on Egyptian affairs, but was
+abortive; and Mr. Gladstone while announcing that he wished to get out
+of Egypt as soon as circumstances would allow, admitted that
+institutions, however good, were not likely to survive the withdrawal of
+our troops. Lord Northbrook was next despatched by the government on a
+mission to Egypt, with the object of rescuing her from her financial
+embarrassments, and averting the impending dangers of a national
+bankruptcy.
+
+In February, 1884, Mr. Gladstone introduced the Government Franchise
+Bill in the House of Commons. It was a great measure and proposed to
+complete the work of parliamentary reform by conferring the suffrage
+upon every person in the United Kingdom who was the head of a household.
+Mr. Gladstone said that the results of the bill would be to add to the
+English constituency upwards of 1,300,000 voters; to the Scotch
+constituency over 200,000 voters; and to the Irish constituency over
+400,000 voters; which would add to the aggregate constituency of the
+United Kingdom, which was then 3,000,000 voters, 2,000,000 more, or
+nearly twice as many as were added in 1832. The Premier appealed for
+union on this great reform, and observed: "Let us hold firmly together,
+and success will crown our efforts. You will, as much as any former
+Parliament that has conferred great legislative benefits on the nation,
+have your reward, and read your history in a nation's eyes; for you will
+have deserved all the benefits you will have conferred. You will have
+made a strong nation stronger still--stronger in union without, and
+stronger against its foes (if and when it has any foes) within; stronger
+in union between class and class, and in rallying all classes and
+portions of the community in one solid compact mass round the ancient
+Throne which it has loved so well, and round the Constitution, now to be
+more than ever free and more than ever powerful."
+
+The measure was warmly debated. Besides this opposition there were,
+outside of the House, ominous utterances threatening the rejection of
+the scheme. Mr. Gladstone, referring to these hostile murmurings, said
+that hitherto the attitude of the government had been, in Shakespeare's
+words, "Beware of entrance to a quarrel; but, being in, bear it, that
+the opposer may beware of thee." He deprecated a quarrel and declared
+that the government had done everything to prevent a collision between
+the two Houses of Parliament on this question, which would open up a
+prospect more serious than any he remembered since the first
+Reform Bill.
+
+The House of Lords passed a resolution to the effect that the Lords
+would not concur in any measure of reform without having the complete
+bill before them, including the redistribution and registration, as well
+as an extension of the suffrage. The Premier promised to introduce a
+Redistribution Bill in the following session, but Lord Salisbury, since
+the death of Lord Beaconsfield, the leader of the Conservative party,
+declined to discuss the Redistribution Bill, "with a rope around his
+neck," by which he meant a franchise act under which his party must
+appeal to the country. Negotiations followed between the Liberal and
+Conservative leaders with fruitless results, and the House of Lords
+finally passed a resolution that it would be desirable for Parliament to
+have an autumn session, to consider the Representation of the People
+Bill, in connection with the Redistribution Bill, which the government
+had brought before Parliament.
+
+Public meetings were held at various places throughout the country, and
+the question of the enlargement of the franchise discussed. The policy
+of the Tories was strongly condemned at many large and influential
+public gatherings. In August Mr. Gladstone visited Midlothian and
+delivered a powerful address in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. He
+explained that the special purpose for which he appeared before his
+constituents was to promote, by every legitimate means in his power, the
+speedy passage of the Franchise Bill. "The unfortunate rejection of the
+measure," he observed, "had already drawn in its train other questions
+of the gravest kind, and the vast proportion of the people would soon be
+asking whether an organic change was not required in the House of Lords.
+He, however, did not believe that the House of Lords had as yet placed
+itself in a position of irretrievable error. He believed that it was
+possible for it to go back, and to go back with dignity and honor."
+
+With regard to the foreign policy of the Government, which had been
+attacked and compared unfavorably with the Midlothian programme of 1879,
+Mr. Gladstone defended it with spirit. He expressed his satisfaction
+with the expansion of Germany abroad, and reviewed the policy of the
+Government in Eastern Europe, Afghanistan, India and South Africa. As to
+the Transvaal, he contended that "they were strong and could afford to
+be merciful," and that it was not possible without the grossest and most
+shameful breach of faith to persist in holding the Boers to annexation,
+"when we had pledged ourselves beforehand that they should not be
+annexed except with their own good will." In reply to the oft-repeated
+question, "What took you to Egypt?" the Premier said: "Honor and
+plighted faith." The covenants they were keeping were those entered into
+by their Tory predecessors, and most unfortunate and most unwise he
+considered them to be. The Government had respected the sovereignty of
+the Porte and the title of the European Powers to be concerned in all
+matters territorially affecting the Turkish Empire; they had discouraged
+the spirit of aggression as well as they could, and had contracted no
+embarrassing engagements. Great improvements had been introduced in the
+administration of Egypt, but he regretted the total failure of the late
+Conference of the Powers to solve the problem of Egyptian finance. With
+regard to General Gordon the Government were considering the best means
+to be adopted for fulfilling their obligations.
+
+Parliament met in October, 1884. The Franchise Bill was introduced and
+sent to the House of Lords, and the Redistribution Bill, upon which a
+compromise with the Conservatives had been reached, was presented in the
+House of Commons. The measure, as altered, proposed to disfranchise all
+boroughs with a population under 15,000, to give only one member to
+towns with a population between 15,000 and 50,000, and to take one
+member each from the counties of Rutland and Hereford. By this
+arrangement one hundred and sixty seats would be "extinguished," which,
+with the six seats extinguished before, would be revived and distributed
+as follows: "Eight new boroughs would be created, the representation of
+London, Liverpool, and other large cities and towns would be greatly
+increased, while in dealing with the remainder of the seats
+unappropriated, the Government would apply equal electoral areas
+throughout the country." The Franchise Bill--a truly democratic
+bill---was carried through both Houses, and became a law. The
+Redistribution Bill was carried, January, 1885, after animated debate.
+Registration measures were also passed for England, Scotland and
+Ireland, which received the royal assent May 21st.
+
+January, 1885, Mr. Gladstone wrote a kindly, serious, yet courtly letter
+of congratulation to Prince Albert Victor, eldest son of the Prince of
+Wales and heir presumptive to the Crown, on the attainment of
+his majority.
+
+In the hour of triumph the government was doomed to receive a stunning
+blow. The news of the fall of Khartoum and the untimely death of General
+Gordon sent a thrill of horror and indignation throughout England. The
+government was seriously condemned for its procrastination in not
+sending timely relief, for the rescue of the imperiled English. But when
+the facts became fully known it was found that no blame could be
+attached to Mr. Gladstone, who was himself strongly moved by the death
+of General Gordon, whose work and character he highly esteemed. The
+Prime Minister was, however, equal to the emergency, and announced that
+it was necessary to overthrow the Mahdi at Khartoum, to renew operations
+against Osman Digna, and to construct a railway from Suakin to Berber
+with a view to a campaign in the fall. The reserves were called out by
+royal proclamation.
+
+However, these measures met with opposition. Sir Stafford Northcote
+brought forward a motion affirming that the risks and sacrifices which
+the government appeared to be ready to encounter could only be justified
+by a distinct recognition of England's responsibility for Egypt, and
+those portions of the Soudan which were necessary to its security. An
+amendment was proposed by Mr. John Morley, but regretting its decision
+to continue the conflict with the Mahdi. Mr. Gladstone replied forcibly
+to both motion and amendment, and appealed to the Liberal party to
+sustain the administration and its policy by an unmistakable vote of
+confidence. The government was sustained.
+
+The Great Powers of Europe, in convention for the settlement of the
+finances of Egypt, had concluded that it would require a loan of
+£9,000,000 to save Egypt from bankruptcy. This loan was to be issued on
+an international guarantee, with an international inquiry at the end of
+two years into the success of the scheme. This plan of adjustment was
+agreed to by the House. A short time after this settlement Mr. Gladstone
+announced a vote of credit to provide against any danger from Russian
+action, stated that no farther operations would be undertaken either on
+the Nile or near Suakin, and that General Graham's campaign would be
+abandoned, as well as the construction of the new railway.
+
+Great excitement was created in England by the announcement of the
+advance of the Russians on the Indian frontier. March 13th Mr. Gladstone
+stated in the House that as the protests formerly made against the
+advance of Russia had been allowed to lapse, it had been agreed that
+pending the delineation of the frontier there should be no further
+advance on either side. In April, however, a conflict occurred between
+the Russians and the Afghans, which seemed to indicate that General
+Komaroff had committed an act of unprovoked aggression on the Ameer. Mr.
+Gladstone moved a vote of credit on the 27th in a speech, whose
+eloquence and energy greatly stirred both sides of the House. Happily,
+the difficulty with Russia was adjusted by conceding Pendjeh to Russia
+in consideration of the surrender of Zulfiker to the Ameer.
+
+The administration of Mr. Gladstone, which had weathered through many
+storms, was destined to fall in a wholly unexpected way. When the budget
+for 1885 was produced there was a deficit of upwards of a million
+pounds, besides the depressed revenue and an estimated expenditure for
+the current year of not less than £100,000,000. Mr. Childers, the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer, proposed to make the taxation upon land
+proportionate to that on personal property, and to augment the duties on
+spirits and beer. But various interests were antagonized, and opposition
+was aroused. The country members demanded that no new taxes be put on
+the land until the promised relief of local taxation had been granted.
+The agricultural and liquor interests were discontented, as well as the
+Scotch and Irish members, with the whisky duty. Concessions were made,
+but they failed to reconcile the opposition. A hostile motion was
+offered by Sir M. Hicks-Beach, and Mr. Gladstone declared that the
+Cabinet would resign if defeated. Many Liberals were absent when the
+vote was taken, regarding a majority for the Ministry as certain, but
+the amendment was carried June 9th by a vote of 264 to 252, and the
+Premier and his colleagues resigned. The Liberals were desirous of
+passing a vote of confidence in the administration, but Mr. Gladstone
+deprecated this, as he felt the situation to be intolerable, and was
+desirous of being relieved from the responsibility of office.
+Misfortunes, both in reference to affairs at home and abroad, had fallen
+heavily upon the Government, for many of which they were not
+responsible, and the Cabinet had been held together chiefly by the
+masterly personality of the Premier. Hence it was not without a feeling
+of personal satisfaction that Mr. Gladstone transferred the seats of
+office to his successor, Lord Salisbury. On his retirement from office
+the Queen offered an Earldom to Mr. Gladstone, which he declined. Its
+acceptance would have meant burial in the House of Lords, and an end to
+his progressive action.
+
+The events that led to the third administration of Mr. Gladstone will
+next engage our attention.
+
+The first general election under the New Reform Act was held in
+November, 1885. Mr. Gladstone again appealed to his constituents, and,
+although nearly seventy-six years of age, spoke with an energy and force
+far beyond all his contemporaries. His attitude on the question of
+Dis-establishment drew back many wavering Scotch votes. He discussed the
+Scotch question at Edinburgh, and said there was no fear of change so
+long as England dealt liberally, equitably, and prudently with Ireland,
+but demands must be subject to the condition that the unity of the
+empire, and all the powers of the Imperial Parliament for maintaining
+that authority, must be preserved.
+
+In another address he stated his conviction, that the day had not come
+when the Dis-establishment of the Church in Scotland should be made a
+test question. The question pressing for settlement by the next
+Parliament was land reform, local government, parliamentary procedure,
+and the imperial relations between Ireland and England; and every
+sensible man would admit that it was right to direct attention to them
+rather than to a matter impossible of immediate solution.
+
+At West Calder Mr. Gladstone made an address, in which he "approved Lord
+Salisbury's action with regard to Servia, complained of the ministerial
+condemnation of Lord Ripon's Indian administration, ridiculed the idea
+of benefit resulting from a Royal Commission on trade depression, warned
+the electors against remedies which were really worse than the disease,
+and defended Free-Trade principles. He furthur advocated comprehensive
+land reforms, including free transfer, facility of registration, and the
+uprooting of mortmain."
+
+[Illustration: GLADSTONE'S STUDY AT EDWARDEN.]
+
+Mr. Gladstone was returned again for Midlothian by an overwhelming
+majority. The elections resulted in the return of 333 Liberals, 249
+Conservatives, 86 Parnellites, and 2 Independents. The Liberals thus
+secured a substantial triumph. The agricultural districts were faithful
+to the Liberals, but they lost in the boroughs. The clergy and the
+publicans, and the Parnellites were found "arrayed" in "scandalous
+alliance" against the Liberal cause. The Liberal party was just short of
+the numbers required to defeat the combined forces of Tories and
+Parnellites. Lord Salisbury was retained in office, but the
+Conservatives were disunited, and the life of his administration hung by
+a thread. The Liberals were strong, hopeful, and united. In Mr.
+Chamberlain they had a popular champion of great ability and industry.
+
+December 17, 1885 England was astonished by the appearance of an
+anonymous paragraph in the _Times_, affirming that, if Mr. Gladstone
+returned to power, he would deal with a liberal hand with the demands of
+Home Rule. The author of the paragraph has never been clearly
+ascertained, but the atmosphere of mystery with which it was surrounded
+was not regarded as becoming, either to such an important policy or to
+the personal dignity of the illustrious statesman. A storm of questions,
+contradictions, explanations, enthusiasms, and jeremiads followed its
+appearance. Mr. Gladstone would neither affirm nor deny, but held his
+peace. The question, he said, was one for a responsible Ministry alone
+to handle. There was great uncertainty. It was, however, plain that if
+Mr. Gladstone should favor Home Rule, the Parnellites would support him,
+and the Tories must leave office. But only twelve months before Lord
+Shaftesbury wrote: "In a year or so we shall have Home Rule disposed of
+(at all hazards), to save us from daily and hourly bores."
+
+The Parliament of 1886 had scarcely opened before the Salisbury
+government was defeated upon an amendment to the Queen's address,
+affirming the necessity for affording facilities to agricultural
+laborers to obtain allotments and small holdings. Some of the leading
+Liberals opposed the amendment, but Mr. Gladstone earnestly favored it,
+as a recognition of the evils arising from the divorce of so large a
+proportion of the population from the land. The Irish and the Liberals
+coalesced, and the Government was placed in a minority of seventy-nine,
+and Lord Salisbury immediately resigned.
+
+Late at night, January 29, 1886, Sir Henry Ponsonby arrived at Mr.
+Gladstone's residence with a summons from the Queen for him to repair to
+her at Osborne. On the 1st of February Mr. Gladstone "kissed hands," and
+became for the third time Prime Minister of England. The new Premier was
+forced to face unusual difficulties, but he finally came to the
+conclusion that it was impossible to deal with the Irish question upon
+the old stereotyped lines. He was resolved to treat this subject upon
+large and generous principles. Accordingly, on the 8th of April, Mr.
+Gladstone, in the presence of a crowded House, brought forward his Home
+Rule Bill--his bill for the government of Ireland. With certain imperial
+reservations and safeguards the bill gave to Ireland what she had long
+demanded--the right to make her own laws. The interest in the expected
+legislation was so great that members began to arrive at half-past five
+in the morning, while sixty of them were so eager to secure seats that
+they breakfasted at Westminster.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's new measure was not only opposed by the Conservatives,
+but it alienated from the Premier some of the most influential of the
+Liberal party. Among the Liberals who opposed the measure were those who
+had been the colleagues of Mr. Gladstone only the June before in the
+Cabinet--Lord Hartington, Lord Shilborne, Lord Northbrook, Lord Derby
+and Lord Carlingford. Mr. Gladstone's forces, however, were reinforced
+by Mr. Morley, Lord Herschell and others. May 10th, Mr. Gladstone denied
+that he had ever declared Home Rule for Ireland incompatible with
+Imperial unity. It was a remedy for social disorder. The policy of the
+opposition was coercion, while that of the government was autonomy.
+
+On the 18th of April the Premier presented the Irish Land Purchase Bill,
+for the buying out of the Irish landlords, which was intended to come
+into operation on the same day as the Home Rule Bill. The object of this
+measure was to give to all Irish landowners the option of being bought
+out on the terms of the Act, and opening towards the exercise of that
+option where their rent was from agricultural land. The State authority
+was to be the purchaser, and the occupier was to be the proprietor. The
+nominal purchase price was fixed at twenty years' purchase of the net
+rental, ascertained by deducting law charges, bad debts, and cost of
+management from judicial rent. Where there was no judicial rental the
+Land Court could, if it chose, make use of Griffiths' valuation for
+coming to a fair decision. To meet the demand for the means of purchase
+thus established, Mr. Gladstone proposed to create £50,000,000 three per
+cents. The repayment of advances would be secured by a Receiver General,
+appointed by and acting upon British authority.
+
+The Land Purchase Bill was also opposed. It was the final cause which
+led to the retirement from the government of Mr. Chamberlain, "the able
+and enterprising exponent of the new Radicalism." He was soon followed
+by Sir George Trevelyan, "who combined the most dignified traditions,
+social and literary, of the Whig party with a fervent and stable
+Liberalism which the vicissitudes of twenty years had constantly tried
+and never found wanting." Mr. Bright also arrayed himself in opposition
+to the government, and accused Mr. Gladstone of successfully concealing
+his thoughts upon the Irish question in November. Mr. Gladstone replied
+that the position of Ireland had changed since 1881.
+
+The debate extended over many nights, and the opposition to the Irish
+bills of so many Liberal leaders in every constituency, soon led to
+disaffection among the people. What was lost in some districts, however,
+was to some extent made up, says an English writer, by "the support of
+that very broken reed, the Irish vote, which was destined to pierce the
+hand of so many a confiding candidate who leaned upon it." While this
+debate was in progress a bill directed against the carrying of arms in
+Ireland was introduced and pushed forward rapidly through both Houses,
+and became a law.
+
+Mr. Gladstone explained the position of the Cabinet on the Home Rule and
+Land Bills at a meeting of Liberals held at the Foreign Office, May
+27th. He stated that the Government at present only asked for an
+endorsement of the leading principles of the two measures; and in
+closing the debate afterwards on the second reading of the Home Rule
+Bill, in the House of Commons, he made an eloquent appeal for Ireland.
+But all parties were preparing for the conflict, and members of opposite
+parties were consolidating themselves for opposition. "The Whigs, under
+Lord Hartington, coalesced with the Radicals, under Mr. Chamberlain, and
+both together made a working alliance with the Tories. This alliance was
+admirably organized in London and in the constituencies."
+
+It seems that the Premier was deceived by his official counsellors of
+the Liberal party as to the real condition of affairs respecting Home
+Rule and the prospects for the passage of his bills. He did not dream of
+defeat, but if by some mischance they would suffer defeat, then he could
+appeal to the country with the certainty of being sustained by the
+popular vote. This was what Mr. Gladstone hoped, and what he thought he
+had the assurance of. But hopes of success began to give way to fears of
+defeat as the time drew near to take the vote. However, some still
+hopeful prophesied a small majority against the bill--only ten votes at
+the most. The Cabinet desperately resolved not to resign if beaten by so
+small a majority, but would have some adherent move a vote of
+confidence. This they argued would be favored by some opposed to Home
+Rule, and the question be deferred to another session, leaving the
+Liberals still in office. But these hopes were doomed to be blasted.
+Early in the morning of June 8th the momentous division took place, and
+it was found that the Government, instead of getting a majority, was
+defeated by thirty votes. It was found that ninety-three Liberals had
+voted with the majority.
+
+The Premier at once advised the Queen to dissolve Parliament, and though
+Her Majesty at first demurred at the trouble of another election within
+seven months of the last, and begged Mr. Gladstone to reconsider his
+counsel, yet he argued that a general election would cause less trouble
+than a year of embittered and fanatical agitation against Home Rule.
+Besides, as he said to a colleague, "If we did not dissolve we would be
+showing the white feather." Mr. Gladstone finally had his way, the Queen
+yielded and Parliament was dissolved June 26, 1886. June 14th Mr.
+Gladstone issued an address to the electors of Midlothian, and later
+paid a visit to Edinburgh and Glasgow, where he made powerful addresses.
+He then spoke at Manchester, and, passing on to Liverpool, he advocated
+the cause of Ireland, calling upon the people to "ring out the old, ring
+in the new," and to make Ireland not an enemy but a friend.
+
+The result of this appeal to the country was the return of a decided
+majority of over a hundred against Home Rule, and thus, after a short
+term of five months in office, the third administration of Mr. Gladstone
+was brought to a close, and he became again the leader of the
+Opposition. The dissolution and appeal to the country was a practical
+blunder, but Mr. Gladstone's address to the people was skilfully worded.
+He freely admitted that the Irish bills were dead, and asked the
+constituencies simply to sanction a principle, and that, too, a very
+plain and reasonable one in itself. He invited the people to vote aye or
+no to this question: "Whether you will or will not have regard to the
+prayer of Ireland for the management by herself of the affairs
+specifically and exclusively her own?" The separation of the bare
+principle of self-government from the practical difficulties presented
+by the bills enabled many Liberals who were opposed to the measures to
+support Mr. Gladstone, but the majority of voters failed to make this
+distinction, and hence came defeat. The decision of the people was not
+regarded as final.
+
+In 1887 the Jubilee of the Queen was celebrated. Fifty years before
+Queen Victoria had ascended the throne of England. Mr. and Mrs.
+Gladstone celebrated the Queen's Jubilee by giving a treat to all the
+inhabitants of the estates of Hawarden, who were of the Queen's age,
+which was sixty-eight and upwards. The treat took the shape of a dinner
+and tea, served in a large tent erected in front of the castle, and the
+guests numbered upwards of two hundred and fifty. The principal toast,
+proposed by Mr. Gladstone, was the Queen. He contrasted the jubilee then
+being celebrated all over the English-speaking world, with that of
+George the Third, which was "a jubilee of the great folks, a jubilee of
+corporations and of authorities, a jubilee of the upper classes." On the
+other hand, he continued, the Victorian Jubilee was one when "the
+population are better fed, better clothed, and better housed--and by a
+great deal--than they were fifty years ago, and the great mass of these
+happy and blessed changes is associated with the name and action of
+the Queen."
+
+In the year of the Queen's Jubilee, 1887, Mr. Gladstone addressed many
+gatherings, and at Swansea, where he was the guest of Sir Hussey Vivian,
+he spoke to a vast concourse of people, estimated at one
+hundred thousand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+PRIME MINISTER THE FOURTH TIME
+
+When Parliament met in 1887 Mr. Gladstone entered upon "a course of
+extraordinary physical and intellectual efforts, with voice and pen, in
+Parliament and on the platform, on behalf of the cause, defeated but not
+abandoned, of self-government for Ireland." The Tory administration
+passed a Crimes Prevention Bill for Ireland of great severity. Irish
+members of Parliament were thrown into prison, but the Act failed of its
+object--the suppression of the Land League.
+
+In December, 1887, Mr. Gladstone visited Italy and made Naples his
+headquarters. He was received with joy for the service he had rendered
+to the Italian people. The University of Bologna, in celebrating the
+eighth century of its existence, conferred upon him the degree of
+Doctor of Arts.
+
+In 1888 the House of Commons appointed a Commission to try the "Times"
+charges against Mr. Parnell. The charges were found to be false.
+
+Mr. Gladstone visited Birmingham in November, 1888. After paying a
+glowing tribute to John Bright, and expressing an earnest desire for his
+recovery to health, he condemned the Coercion Act. Mr. Gladstone
+received many handsome presents from the workingmen, and Mrs. Gladstone
+received from the ladies a medallion cameo portrait of her husband. A
+great demonstration was made at Bingley Hall, in which were gathered
+over 20,000 persons.
+
+A number of Liberals, who had deserted Mr. Gladstone, returned upon the
+promise of certain imperial guarantees which were granted, among them
+Sir George Trevelyan. Mr. Chamberlain, who had asked for these
+safeguards, did not accept them.
+
+July 25, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone celebrated their "Golden Wedding."
+Among the many to offer congratulations were the Queen by telegram, and
+the Prince of Wales by letter. A pleasant surprise met them at home. A
+portrait of Mr. Gladstone, by Sir John Millais, was found hanging in the
+breakfast-room, "A gift from English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish Women."
+
+In 1890 trouble came to the Liberal party through the scandal connecting
+the names of Mr. Parnell and Mrs. O'Shea. Mr. Gladstone announced that
+the Irish party must choose between himself and Mr. Parnell. In
+November, 1890, Mr. Parnell was deposed from the chairmanship of the
+United Irish National Party. This led to a division. Mr. Justin McCarthy
+was elected leader by the Anti-Parnellites, and the Parnellites
+selected Mr. John Redmond.
+
+Parliament would soon terminate by limitation, so Mr. Gladstone devoted
+himself to preparing the people for the coming general election.
+Besides, in February, 1891, he made an address, at the opening of St.
+Martin's Free Public Library, and in March to the boys at Eton College
+on Homeric Studies. June 28, 1892, Parliament came to an end. Mr.
+Gladstone's journey to Edinburgh, in July, was all along the route "a
+triumphal progress." He was re-elected. The question of the day was Home
+Rule, and wherever the people had the opportunity of declaring
+themselves, they pronounced condemnation upon the policy of Lord
+Salisbury's administration, and in favor of Home Rule for Ireland.
+
+The new Parliament met, and, August 12, 1892, a motion was made of "No
+Confidence" in the Salisbury government. The division was the largest
+ever taken in the House of Commons, the vote being 350 for the motion
+and 310 against it--a majority of 40 for Mr. Gladstone. The scene in
+the House which attended the overthrow of the Salisbury government was
+less dramatic than that which accompanied the defeat of the Gladstone
+ministry in 1885, but it was full of exciting episodes. The House was
+packed to the doors. The excitement was intense, and the confusion
+great. When the figures were announced, another wild scene of disorder
+prevailed and there was prolonged cheering. "Ten minutes later the great
+forum was empty and the excited assembly had found its way to the quiet
+outside under the stars."
+
+Monday, August 15, 1892, Mr. Gladstone repaired to Osborne on the Royal
+Yacht, and became for the fourth time Prime Minister. Since 1868 he had
+been the undisputed leader of his party. His main supporters in all his
+reform measures were the Nonconformists, whose claim for "the absolute
+religious equality of all denominations before the law of the land,"
+must, in time, it was thought, bring about the disestablishment of the
+Episcopal Church.
+
+In September, 1892, Mr. Gladstone went to Sir E. Watkin's _Chalet_ on
+Mount Snowdon, Wales, where he made his Boulder Stone speech. To
+commemorate his visit a slab of gray Aberdeen granite was "let into the
+actual brown rock," on which is the following inscription in Welsh and
+in English: "September 13, 1892. Upon this rock the Right Honorable
+W.E. Gladstone, M.P., when Prime Minister for the fourth time, and
+eighty-three years old, addressed the people of Eryi upon justice to
+Wales. The multitude sang Cymric hymns and 'The Land of My Fathers.'"
+
+December 29, 1892, Mr. Gladstone celebrated his eighty-third birthday.
+Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were at Biarritz. Congratulatory telegrams and
+messages were received in great numbers, besides many handsome presents.
+The event was celebrated all over England. The Midlothian Liberals sent
+congratulations upon the return of the Liberal Party to power under his
+leadership, and the completion of his sixty years' service in the House.
+Resolutions were passed deploring the wickedness of the dynamite outrage
+at Dublin, December 24, and yet avowing the justice of granting to
+Ireland the right to manage her own affairs.
+
+January 31, 1893, Parliament was opened. In the House of Commons there
+was a brilliant gathering, and nearly all the members were present, many
+of them standing. Just before noon the Hon. Arthur Wellesley Peel,
+Speaker, took his seat, and Archdeacon Farrar, Chaplain, offered prayer.
+When Mr. Gladstone entered from behind the Speaker's chair, every
+Liberal and Irish Nationalist stood up and greeted him with prolonged
+and enthusiastic cheers; and when he took the oath as Prime Minister,
+he received another ovation. The members were then summoned to the House
+of Lords to hear the Queen's speech, which was read by the Lord High
+Chancellor, Baron Herschall. The Prince of Wales and his son, the Duke
+of York, occupied seats on the "cross bench."
+
+February 13, the excitement in and about the Parliament Houses was as
+great as that which prevailed two weeks before. Enthusiastic crowds
+greeted Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone. When the doors of the House of Commons
+were opened, there was a "disorderly rush" of the members into the House
+to obtain seats, "the members shouting and struggling, several being
+thrown to the floor in the excitement." Peers, Commons, and visitors
+filled the floor and galleries. The Prince of Wales and other members of
+the royal family were present. When Mr. Gladstone arose he was greeted
+with applause. He reminded the House that for seven years the voices
+which used to plead the cause of Irish government in Irish affairs had
+been mute within the walls of the House. He then asked permission to
+introduce a "Bill to Amend the Provision for the Government of Ireland,"
+which was the title of the Home Rule Bill. Mr. Balfour led the
+opposition to the bill. Mr. Chamberlain declared that the bill would not
+accomplish its purpose, whereupon Mr. Justin McCarthy, for the
+anti-Parnellities, replied that the Irish would accept it as a message
+of everlasting peace, and Mr. John Redmond, for the Parnellites,
+answered that if disturbances followed in Ireland it would be due to the
+Conservatives.
+
+The Ulster Unionists opposed the bill. The Scotch-Irish Protestants of
+the north of Ireland declared that they preferred to stand where they
+did in 1690, when they defeated James II and his Catholic followers, in
+the battle of the Boyne, and fought for William of Orange for the
+English throne and liberty and Protestantism. Their opposition to Home
+Rule for Ireland grew out of their hostility to Roman Catholicism and
+the fear of its supremacy.
+
+After six months of earnest debate in the House of Commons, the Home
+Rule Bill for Ireland was passed, with slight amendments, September 1,
+1893, by a vote of 301 to 267, a majority of thirty-four, The struggle
+was perhaps the most heated in the history of Parliament.
+
+The bill was sent to the House of Lords, where it was defeated,
+midnight, September 8, by the surprising majority of 419 to 41, after
+only one week's discussion. Members that never attended were drummed up
+to vote against the bill. The usual working force of the House of Lords
+is from thirty to forty members. The vote was the largest ever taken in
+the Lords.
+
+At once the cry, "Down with, the House of Lords!" was heard. The
+National Liberal Federation issued a circular, in which were the words:
+"The question of mending or ending the House of Lords ... displaces for
+awhile all other subjects of reform." Mr. Gladstone was probably aware
+of the contents of this manifesto before it was issued, and the
+sentiments were in accord with those uttered by him two years before at
+New Castle.
+
+September 27th, Mr. Gladstone addressed his constituents at Edinburgh.
+He was received with an outburst of enthusiasm. He said that the
+People's Chamber had passed the bill. If the nation was determined it
+would not be baffled by the Peers. If the Commons should go before the
+country, then the Lords should go too, and if defeated, should do what
+the Commons would do--clear out.
+
+The Queen wanted Mr. Gladstone to appeal to the country, and there was
+an opinion among some that Mr. Gladstone would be defeated at the polls
+upon the question; but the Premier intimated to the Queen his intention
+not to appeal, and announced the readiness of the Cabinet to be
+dismissed by the Queen. However, the Queen would hardly expose the
+throne to the danger threatening the Peers.
+
+December 29, 1893, Mr. Gladstone attained the eighty-fourth year of his
+age. When he entered the House of Commons that day his political
+associates of the Liberal party all rose anta greeted him with cheers.
+When the applause had subsided, the Conservatives raised their hats and
+their leader, Mr. Balfour, rose and tendered his congratulations. Mr.
+Gladstone was much pleased with the demonstrations of his friends, as
+well as with the graceful compliments of his political opponents.
+Besides about two hundred congratulatory messages, letters and telegrams
+were received, those from Queen Victoria, and the Prince and Princess of
+Wales, being among the first.
+
+July 6, 1893, Prince George of Wales, Duke of York, and Princess Mary of
+Teck were married. The Prince was by inheritance heir, after the Prince
+of Wales, to the throne of England. Mr. Gladstone attended the wedding,
+arrayed in the blue and gold uniform of a brother of the Trinity House,
+with naval epaulettes, and was conducted to the royal pew reserved
+for him.
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+Among the great measures proposed at this time by Mr. Gladstone were the
+Employers' Liability, and the Parish Councils Bills. The latter was as
+evolutionary and as revolutionary as the Home Rule Bill. Its object was
+to take the control of 10,000 rural English parishes out of the hands of
+the squire and the parson and put it into the hands of the people. With
+its amendments regarding woman suffrage, to which Mr. Gladstone was
+opposed, it gave to every man and woman in England one vote--and only
+one--in local affairs. February 21, 1894, when Mr. Gladstone had
+returned from Biarritz, where he had gone for his health, there was
+again a notable assemblage in the House of Commons to hear him speak. It
+was expected that he would make a bitter attack upon the House of Lords,
+which had attempted to defeat both these bills by amendments. But he
+calmly spoke of the lamentable divergence between the two branches of
+the legislature upon the Employers' Liability Bill, and asked that the
+amendment be rejected, which was done by a majority of 225 to 6. The
+bill was therefore withdrawn, and the responsibility of its defeat
+thrown upon the Lords. The House also rejected all the important
+amendments of the Parish Councils Bill, but concurred in the unimportant
+changes made by the Lords. It was sent back then to the lords, and
+finally passed by them. But Mr. Gladstone greatly disappointed many of
+his political friends by his mild manner of dealing with the House of
+Lords. The extreme Radicals were angered and condemned severely the
+Premier for what they called his "backing down" and his "feeble speech."
+
+Rumors in reference to Mr. Gladstone's resignation, which had been
+started by the _Pall Mall Gazette_, while he was yet at Biarritz, were
+now renewed. February 28, 1894, Mr. Gladstone informed the Queen of his
+contemplated retirement, giving as reasons his failing eyesight,
+deafness and age. March 1st, he made an important speech in the House of
+Commons. He displayed so much vigor and earnestness in his speech that
+it was thought that he had given up the idea of retiring. But this was
+his last speech as Premier. March 2d, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were
+summoned to Windsor, where they dined with the Queen, and remained over
+night. Saturday, March 3, 1894, Mr. Gladstone tendered his resignation
+as Premier to the Queen, who accepted it with many expressions of favor
+and regret, and offered him again a peerage, which was declined. On the
+way to Windsor and return to London, Mr. Gladstone was greeted by a
+large and enthusiastic crowd. Hundreds of letters and telegrams
+expressing regret, because of his retirement, were received by the
+ex-Premier, On Sunday he attended church as usual and was looking well,
+Mr. Balfour in the Commons, and Lord Salisbury in the Lords, vied with
+Mr. Gladstone's political friends in speaking his praise, and referring
+in the highest terms to his character and labors. The press in all parts
+of the world spoke in glowing terms of his natural endowments, great
+attainments, invaluable services, pure character and wonderfully
+vigorous old age. It was quite evident that Mr. Gladstone's retirement
+was not enforced by mental or physical infirmities, or by his unfitness
+for the leadership of the House and the Premiership, but that as a wise
+precaution, and upon the solicitation of his family, he had laid down
+his power while he was yet able to wield it with astonishing vigor. Thus
+closed the fourth administration of this remarkable man, the greatest
+English statesman of his time. In all history there is no parallel case,
+and no official record such as his.
+
+Lord Rosebery was appointed Premier in the place of Mr. Gladstone, and
+Sir William V. Harcourt became the leader of the Liberal party in the
+House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone wrote congratulating Lord Rosebery, and
+promised to aid him whenever his assistance was required. In assuming
+office Lord Rosebery eulogized Mr. Gladstone, and announced that there
+would be no change in the policy of reform of the Liberal party under
+the new administration, and declared for Home Rule for Ireland, the
+disestablishment of the church in Wales and Scotland, and the reform of
+the House of Lords.
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+
+IN PRIVATE LIFE
+
+Justin McCarthy, in the closing pages of his Story of Gladstone's Life,
+says: "The long political struggle was over and done. The heat of the
+opposition this way and that had gone out forever, and Mr. Gladstone had
+none left but friends on both sides of the political field. Probably
+that ceremonial, that installation of the Prince of Wales as Chancellor
+of the Welsh University, was the last occasion on which Mr. Gladstone
+would consent to make an appearance on a public platform. It was a
+graceful close to such a great career."
+
+The occasion referred to was the ceremonial at Aberystwith, Wales, June
+26, 1896, when the Prince of Wales was installed as Chancellor of the
+Welsh University, and when the Prince presented to the Princess of Wales
+and to Mr. Gladstone honorary degrees conferred upon them by the
+University. The appearance of Mr. Gladstone was the signal for great
+applause. The Prince in his remarks was very complimentary to Mr.
+Gladstone, and spoke of the honor paid the University by the presence of
+the aged scholar and statesman, and also said it was truly one of the
+proudest moments of his life, when he found himself in the flattering
+position of being able to confer an academic honor upon one furnishing
+the rare instance of occupying the highest position as a statesman and
+who at the same time had attained such distinction in scholarship.
+
+But Mr. McCarthy was mistaken about this being the closing public
+service in the life of Mr. Gladstone. It was very far from his last
+public appearance. After that event Mr. Gladstone appeared repeatedly.
+Though his official life had closed, yet he was to emerge from
+retirement many times, and especially when it became necessary for him
+to raise his strong voice for humanity. His advocacy of the great causes
+of Armenian rescue, of Grecian independence, of Arbitration instead of
+War, and the unity and harmony of the two great English-speaking people,
+was given with all the old time fire of youth. What Mr. Gladstone did
+and said with pen and voice since the occasion mentioned, was enough not
+only for another chapter, but a whole volume, and sufficient alone to
+immortalize any man.
+
+After the great struggle for Home Rule and during the sultry summer of
+1893, Mr. Gladstone repaired to his favorite winter resort, Biarritz, in
+the south of France, It was while he was there that rumors of his
+resignation were heard, based on the ground of his failing health. Dr.
+Granger, of Chester, who was also an oculist, was summoned to examine
+Mr. Gladstone's eyes. He told Mr. Gladstone that a cataract had
+obliterated the sight of one eye, and that another cataract had begun to
+form on the other. In other words Mr. Gladstone was threatened with
+total blindness. The Prime Minister reflected a moment, and then
+requested--almost ordered--the physician to operate immediately upon his
+eye. He said: "I wish you to remove the cataract at once." The physician
+replied that it was not far enough advanced for an operation. "You do
+not understand me," answered the patient, "it is the old cataract I wish
+removed. If that is out of the way, I shall still have one good eye,
+when the new cataract impairs the sight of the other." As the physician
+still hesitated, Mr. Gladstone continued: "You still seem not to
+understand me. I want you to perform the operation here and now while I
+am sitting in this chair." "But it might not be successful," said Dr.
+Granger. "That is a risk I accept," was the instant reply. However, the
+physician dared not then undertake it, and afterwards said that Mr.
+Gladstone's eyes were as good as they were a year before, and that his
+general health was also good.
+
+In May, 1894, Mr. Gladstone's eye was successfully operated upon for
+cataract. He took no anaesthetic, and was conscious during the time.
+Every precaution was taken to insure success, and the patient was put to
+bed for rest and quiet and kept on low diet. Mr. Gladstone's eyes were
+so improved by judicious treatment that before long he could read ten or
+twelve hours a day. This could be regarded as complete restoration of
+sight, and enabled him, upon his retirement from public life, to devote
+himself to the work he so well loved when at home in his study
+at Hawarden.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's retirement from public life, from the Premiership, the
+Cabinet, the leadership of the Liberal Party, and from Parliament did
+not mean his entrance upon a period of inactivity. In the shades of
+Hawarden and in the quiet of his study he kept up the industry that had
+characterized his whole life heretofore.
+
+It had been the custom for centuries for English statesmen, upon
+retiring from official life, to devote themselves to the classics. Mr.
+Gladstone, who was pre-eminently a statesman-scholar, found it very
+congenial to his mind and habits to follow this old English custom. He
+first translated and published "The Odes of Horace." Then he took
+Butler's "Analogy" as a text book, and prepared and published "Studies
+Subsidiary to the Works of Bishop Butler." The discussion necessarily
+takes a wide range, treating, among other matters, of Butler's method,
+its application to the Scriptures, the future life, miracles and the
+mediation of Christ. Says W.T. Stead: "No one who reads the strenuous
+arguments with which Mr. Gladstone summarizes the reasoning of Bishop
+Butler on the future life is conscious of any weakening in the vigorous
+dialectic which was so often employed with brilliant success in the
+House of Commons."
+
+One of Mr. Gladstone's latest productions was his "Personal
+Recollections of Arthur H. Hallam," which was written for the "Youth's
+Companion." It is a tribute to the memory and worth of one of his early
+friends at Eton.
+
+These and other literary works occupied most of his time. But Mr.
+Gladstone would not content himself with quiet literary work. He had too
+long and too intensely been active in the world's great movements and on
+humanity's behalf to stand aloof. Hence it was not long before he was
+again in the arena, doing valiant service for the Armenian and
+against the Turk.
+
+In 1892 the Sultan, in the execution of a plan devised in 1890, issued
+an edict against religious freedom. In 1894, he threw off the mask and
+began to execute his deliberate and preconcerted plan to force all
+Christian Armenians to become Mohammedans or to die. Robbery, outrage
+and murder were the means used by the hands of brutal soldiers.
+
+In a letter to an indignation meeting held in London, December 17th,
+1894, Mr. Gladstone wrote denouncing these outrages of the Turks. The
+reading of the letter was greeted with prolonged applause.
+
+A deputation of Armenian gentlemen, residing in London and in Paris,
+took occasion on Mr. Gladstone's 85th birthday, December 29th, 1894, to
+present a silver chalice to Hawarden Church as "a memorial of Mr.
+Gladstone's sympathy with and assistance to the Armenian people." Mr.
+Gladstone's address to the deputation was regarded as one of the most
+peculiar and characteristic acts of his life. He gave himself wholly to
+the cause of these oppressed people, and was stirred by the outrages and
+murders perpetrated upon them as he was 18 years before. He said that
+the Turks should go out as they did go out of Bulgaria "bag and
+baggage," and he denounced the government of the Sultan as "a disgrace
+to Mahomet, the prophet whom it professed to follow, a disgrace to
+civilization at large, and a curse to mankind." He contended that every
+nation had ever the right and the authority to act "on behalf of
+humanity and of justice."
+
+There were those who condemned Mr. Gladstone's speech, declaring that it
+might disrupt the peace of Europe, but there were many others who
+thought that the sooner peace secured at such a cost was disturbed the
+better. It was but natural for those who wrongfully claimed the
+sovereign right to oppress their own subjects, to denounce all
+interference in the affairs of the Sultan.
+
+It was reported, March 19, 1895, that Francis Seymour Stevenson, M.P.,
+Chairman of the Anglo-Armenian Association, on behalf of the Tiflis
+Armenians, would present to Mr. Gladstone, on his return to London, the
+ancient copy of the Armenian Gospels, inscribed upon vellum, which was
+to accompany the address to the ex-Premier, then being signed by the
+Armenians there. In a letter Mr. Gladstone had but recently declared
+that he had abandoned all hope that the condition of affairs in Armenia
+would change for the better. The Sultan, he declared, was no longer
+worthy of the courtesies of diplomatic usage, or of Christian tolerance.
+Mr. Gladstone promised that when these Gospels were formally presented
+to him he would deliver a "rattling" address on behalf of the Armenians.
+When a delegation waited on him, he said, after assuring them of his
+sympathy, that the danger in the Armenian situation now was that useful
+action might be abandoned, in view of the promises of the Turkish
+Government to institute reforms.
+
+In June 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attended the opening of the Kaiser
+Wilhelm Canal as guests of Sir Donald Currie, on his steamship
+Tantallon Castle, returning home on the twenty-fifth. During this trip
+an effort was made to arrange for an interview between the Ex-Premier
+and the Prince Bismarck, but the Prince seemed disinclined and the
+project failed.
+
+It was while Mr. Gladstone was at Kiel, that the Rosebery Ministry fell
+by an accidental defeat of the Liberal Party in Parliament, and which
+again brought Mr. Gladstone to the front in the public mind. Lord
+Rosebery telegraphed Mr. Gladstone full particulars of the situation,
+and Mr. Gladstone strongly advised against the resignation of the
+Government and urged that a vote of confidence be taken. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote that the Liberal Party could well afford to stand on its record.
+The Ministry with but two exceptions, was the same, as that formed by
+Mr. Gladstone in August 1892, and had his confidence.
+
+Nevertheless, the cabinet of Lord Rosebery resigned, and the Marquis of
+Salisbury again became Prime Minister,--on the very day of Mr.
+Gladstone's arrival home. However Lord Rosebery retained the leadership
+of the Liberal Party.
+
+There is no doubt that if the wishes of the Liberal Party had been
+gratified, Mr. Gladstone would have taken the leadership and again
+become Prime Minister. Subsequent events proved that he would have been
+equal, at least for a while, to the task of succeeding Lord Rosebery.
+But Mr. Gladstone was not willing. He refused to re-enter Parliament,
+and wrote a letter to his old constituents at Midlothian, declining
+their kind offer to send him to the House and bade them a kind farewell.
+In his letter he said that the Liberal Party is a party of progress and
+reform, and urged his constituents to stand by it. He regarded the
+changes of the century exceedingly beneficial.
+
+August 6, 1895, Mr. Gladstone made a great speech at Chester. A meeting
+was held in the Town Hall to arouse public sentiment against the
+slaughter of Armenian Christians within the Empire of the Sultan by
+Turkish soldiers, and to devise some means of putting an end to such
+crimes, and of punishing the oppressor. The audience was very large,
+including many Armenians resident in England, and rose with vociferous
+cheering when Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, the Duke of Westminster, the
+Bishop of Chester, and the Mayor of Chester entered the hall. The Bishop
+of Ripon was already there. The Duke of Westminster presided, and read a
+letter from the Marquis of Salisbury, the Premier.
+
+Mr. Gladstone arose amid an outburst of enthusiastic applause, and
+addressing the vast audience said:
+
+That the massacres in Armenia resulted from intolerable
+government--perhaps the worst in the world. He offered a resolution
+pledging the support of the entire nation to the British Government in
+its efforts to secure for the Armenians such reforms as would guarantee
+the safety of life, honor, religion and property. Mr. Gladstone said
+that language failed to describe the horrors of the massacre of Sussoun,
+which made the blood run cold. The Sultan was responsible, for these
+barbarities were not the act of the criminal class, such as afflicts
+every country, the malefactors who usually perpetrate horrible crime,
+but were perpetrated by the agents of the Sultan--the soldiers and the
+Kurds, tax-gatherers and police of the Turkish Government. And what had
+been done, and was daily being done, could be summed up in four awful
+words--plunder, murder, rape and torture. Plunder and murder were bad
+enough, but these were almost venial by the side of the work of the
+ravisher and the torturer. And the victims were defenceless men, women
+and children--Armenians, one of the oldest Christian civilized races,
+and one of the most pacific, industrious and intelligent races of
+the world.
+
+There was no exaggeration in the language used to describe the horrible
+outrages visited upon whole communities of innocent and helpless people.
+The truth of these terrible charges in their most hideous form, was
+established by unbiased American testimony, by Dr, Dillon, an eye
+witness, and by the representatives of England, France and Russia.
+
+Nothing but a sense of duty, said Mr. Gladstone, had brought him at his
+age to resign the repose, which was the last of many great earthly
+blessings remaining to him, to address them.
+
+If the Powers of Europe were to recede before the irrational resistance
+of the Sultan, they would be disgraced in the eyes of the world, and the
+Christian population of the Turkish Empire would be doomed to
+extermination, according to the plan of the Porte. Terrible word, but
+true in its application.
+
+As to the remedy the cleanest was to make the Turk march out of Armenia,
+as he did out of Bulgaria, "bag and baggage." He cautioned against
+trusting the promises of the government at Constantinople, which he knew
+from long experience, were worthless; and declared that the Sultan was
+bound by no treaty obligation. The word "ought" was not heeded at
+Constantinople, but the word "must" was understood fully there. Coercion
+was a word perfectly comprehended there--a drastic dose which never
+failed. If we have the smallest regard for humanity, he concluded, we
+shall, with the help of God, demand that which is just and necessary.
+Mr. Gladstone was frequently and loudly applauded during his speech, at
+the conclusion of which the resolution was adopted.
+
+The most powerful voice in all Britain had been raised with stirring
+and thrilling power for justice and humanity. The testimony of an eye
+witness is to the effect, that never did the grand old man seem in finer
+form. His undimmed eye flashed as he spoke with withering scorn against
+hypocrisy and with hottest hate against wrong. His natural force was not
+abated, his health robust, and his conviction unsubdued. His deeply
+lined and pale face was transfigured with the glow of righteous
+indignation. The aged statesman was in his old House of Commons vigor.
+"There was the same facile movement of his body, and the same
+penetrating look as though he would pierce the very soul of his
+auditors; the same triumphant march of sentence after sentence to their
+chosen goal, and yet the same subtle method of introducing qualifying
+clauses all along the march without loosing the grip of his theme; the
+same ascent to lofty principles and commanding generalizations, blended
+with the complete mastery of details; and, above all, the same sublimity
+of outlook and ringing emphasis of sincerity in every tone." It was an
+occasion never to be forgotten. A distinguished hearer said: "To read
+his speech, as thousands will, is much; but to have heard it, to have
+felt it-oh! that is simply indescribable, and will mark for many, one of
+the most memorable days of this last decade of this closing century.
+The sweet cadence of his voice, the fascination of his personality, and,
+above all, the consecration of his splendid gifts to the cause of
+plundered men and ravished women, raise the occasion into prominence in
+the annals of a great people. Chiefly, I feel the triumphs of soul. His
+utterance of the words 'wives,' 'women,' lifted them into an atmosphere
+of awe and solemnity, and his tone in speaking of 'rape' and 'torture'
+gave them an ineffable loathsomeness. It seemed as if so much soul had
+never been put into a Saxon speech. Keen satire, rasping rebuke, an
+avalanche of indignation, rapier-like thrusts to the vital fibre of the
+situation, and withal the invincible cogency of argument against the
+Turkish Government, gave the oration a primary place amongst the
+master-pieces of human eloquence."
+
+In the course of this famous speech Mr. Gladstone referred to America;
+once when welcoming the sympathy of the American people with the
+suffering Armenians, and again as he described the testimony of the
+United States as a witness that gained enormously in value because it
+was entirely free from suspicion.
+
+A large meeting was held in St. James Hall, London, October 19, 1896, in
+memory of Christian Martyrs in Turkey. The Bishop of Rochester presided.
+The hall was packed with an audience of 2,600, while nearly 7,000
+applied for admission. Many prominent persons were present. The large
+audience was in sombre funeral attire. About thirty front seats were
+occupied by Armenians. It was stated that 60,000 Armenians so far had
+been murdered with tortures and indignities indescribable. To this
+meeting Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter which was greeted with the
+wildest enthusiasm. He said that he hoped the meeting would worthily
+crown the Armenian meetings of the past two months, which were without a
+parallel during his political life. The great object, he said, was to
+strengthen Lord Salisbury's hands and to stop the series of massacres,
+which were probably still unfinished, and to provide against their
+renewal. As he believed that Lord Salisbury would use his powerful
+position for the best, personally he objected in the strongest manner to
+abridging Lord Salisbury's discretion by laying down this or that as
+things which he ought not to do. It was a wild paradox, without the
+support of reason or history, to say that the enforcement of treaty
+rights to stop systematic massacre, together with effective security
+against Great Britain's abusing them for selfish ends, would provoke the
+hostilities of one or more of the powers.
+
+To advertise beforehand in the ears of the Great Assassin that Great
+Britain's action would cut down--what the most backward of the six
+Powers think to be sufficient--would be the; abandonment of duty and
+prudence and would be to doom the national movement to disappointment.
+The concert of Europe was valuable and important, but such an
+announcement would be certain to be followed by its failure.
+
+One of the immediate effects of Mr. Gladstone's denunciation of the
+Sultan for the Armenian massacres was the resignation by Lord Rosebery
+of the leadership of the Liberal Party. Mr. Gladstone's return to
+politics, the agitation of the Turkish question and the differences
+between these two leaders of the Liberal movement as to the best way of
+dealing with the Sultan, were assigned as reasons by Lord Rosebery for
+his resignation.
+
+It was then again suggested that Mr. Gladstone assume the leadership of
+the Liberal Party and accept a peerage and a seat in the House of Lords,
+so often tendered him by the Queen. Then Sir William Vernon-Harcourt
+could lead in the House of Commons and bear the burden, while Mr.
+Gladstone could be at the head of affairs without the worry of the House
+of Commons. Besides, Mr. Morgan offered to resign his seat in the House
+of Commons in his favor. But Mr. Gladstone would not agree to any of
+these plans as far as they pertained to himself.
+
+July 22, 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone returned to London to attend a
+great social function, the marriage of one of the daughters of the
+Prince and Princess of Wales to Prince Charles of Denmark. Mr. Gladstone
+evinced much interest in everything connected with the important event,
+and was himself the object of much attention.
+
+September 23, 1896, Mr. Gladstone wrote a long letter to the Paris
+Figaro in response to an appeal from its editor, M. Leudet, to Mr.
+Gladstone to arouse the French press in behalf of the Armenians. After
+expressing his diffidence in complying with the request, Mr. Gladstone
+declared his belief that the population of Great Britain were more
+united in sentiment and more thoroughly aroused by the present outrages
+in Turkey than they were by the atrocities in Bulgaria in 1876.
+
+He said: "The question whether effect can be given to the national
+indignation is now in the balance, and will probably soon be decided. I
+have read in some Austrian newspapers an affected scruple against sole
+action by any one State in a European crisis, but there are two
+first-class Powers who will not make that scruple their own. One of
+these is Russia, who in 1878, earned lasting honors by liberating
+Bulgaria and, helping onward the freedom and security of other Balkan
+States. The other Power is France, who, in 1840, took up the cause of
+Egypt and pushed it single handed to the verge of a European war. She
+wisely forbore to bring about that horrible, transcendent calamity, but
+I gravely doubt whether she was not right and the combined Powers wrong
+in their policy of that period."
+
+Mr. Gladstone denounced the Sultan as the "Great Assassin," and
+continued: "For more than a year he has triumphed over the diplomacy of
+the six Powers, they have been laid prostrate at his feet. There is no
+parallel in history to the humiliation they have patiently borne. He has
+therefore had every encouragement to continue a course that has been
+crowned with such success. The impending question seems to be, not
+whether, but when and where he will proceed to his next murderous
+exploits. The question for Europe and each Power is whether he shall be
+permitted to swell by more myriads the tremendous total of his victims.
+
+"In other years when I possessed power I did my best to promote the
+concert of Europe, but I sorrowfully admit that all the good done in
+Turkey during the last twenty years was done, not by it, but more nearly
+despite it." The letter concludes by expressing the hope that the French
+people would pursue a policy worthy of their greatness, their fame and
+the high place they have held in European Christian history.
+
+September 24, 1896, a meeting was called by the Reform Club, of
+Liverpool, to protest against the recent massacres of 2000 Armenians at
+Constantinople at the affair of the Ottoman Bank, and many more
+throughout the Turkish Empire. Mr. Gladstone was asked to address the
+meeting. When requested by the agent of the Associated Press for an
+advanced proof of his speech he declined, but wrote that he would
+"recommend giving the warmest support to the Queen's government, and
+would contend that England should act alone if necessary for the
+fulfillment of the covenants which have been so disgracefully broken."
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, with their son Herbert, arrived at noon at
+Liverpool, and were met at the railroad station by 2,000 enthusiastic
+people. The meeting was held in the vast auditorium of the Circus
+Building, which was filled. Thousands failed to obtain entrance.
+
+Before the arrival of Mr. Gladstone there was a spontaneous outburst of
+applause, everybody present standing and singing "God save the Queen."
+When Mr. Gladstone entered, the prolonged roar of applause could be
+heard for miles, arising from thousands inside and outside the hall.
+
+The Earl of Derby, Conservative, presided. He was accompanied by the
+Countess of Derby, who with many distinguished persons occupied
+the platform.
+
+Mr. Gladstone stepped briskly to the front of the platform at 12.30 p.m.
+bowing repeatedly in response to the applause. He looked strong and
+well for a man of his age and labors, and was easily heard. After a few
+preliminary remarks, he moved the following resolution:
+
+"That this meeting trusts that Her Majesty's ministers, realizing to the
+fullest extent the terrible condition in which their fellow Christians
+are placed, will do everything possible to obtain for them full security
+and protection; and this meeting assures Her Majesty's ministers that
+they may rely upon the cordial support of the citizens of Liverpool in
+whatever steps they may feel it necessary to take for that purpose."
+
+The resolution was received with great cheering.
+
+Mr. Gladstone resumed: "We have a just title to threaten Turkey with
+coercion, but that does not in itself mean war; and I think that the
+first step should be the recall of our Ambassador, and it should be
+followed by the dismissal of the Turkish Ambassador from London. Such a
+course is frequent and would not give the right of complaint to anybody.
+When diplomatic relations are suspended, England should inform the
+Sultan that she should consider the means of enforcing her just and
+humane demands. I do not believe that Europe will make war to insure the
+continuance of massacres more terrible than ever recorded in the dismal,
+deplorable history of crime.
+
+"Now, as in 1876, to the guilt of massacre is added the impudence of
+denial, which will continue just as long as Europe is content to listen.
+I doubt if it is an exaggeration to say that it was in the Sultan's
+palace, and there only, that the inspiration has been supplied, and the
+policy devised of the whole series of massacres. When the Sultan carries
+massacre into his own capital under the eyes of the Ambassadors, he
+appears to have gained the very acme of what it is possible for him to
+do. But the weakness of diplomacy, I trust, is about to be strengthened
+by the echo of this nation's voice."
+
+Mr. Gladstone then referred to the supineness of the Ambassadors of the
+Powers at Constantinople, and continued: "The concert of Europe is an
+august and useful instrument, but it has not usually succeeded in
+dealing with the Eastern question, which has arrived at a period when it
+is necessary to strengthen the hands of the Government by an expression
+of national opinion. I believe that the continued presence of the
+Ambassadors at Constantinople has operated as a distinct countenance to
+the Sultan, who is thus their recognized ally.
+
+"But, while urging the Government to act, it does not follow that, even
+for the sake of the great object in view, Great Britain should
+transplant Europe into a state of war. On the other hand, however, I
+deny that England must abandon her own right to independent judgment
+and allow herself to be domineered over by the other powers."
+
+Mr. Gladstone expressed the opinion that the purpose of the meeting was
+defensive and prospective, saying that no one can hold out the hope that
+the massacres are ended, although he ventured to anticipate that the
+words spoken at the meeting would find their way to the palace at
+Constantinople. "The present movement," he said, "is based on broad
+grounds of humanity, and is not directed against the Mohammedans, but
+against the Turkish officials, evidence of whose barbarities rests in
+credible official reports." Mr. Gladstone declared his adhesion to the
+principles contained in the resolution, and said he came to the meeting
+not claiming any authority for sentiments expressed except that of a
+citizen of Liverpool.
+
+"But," he remarked, "the national platform upon which the meeting is
+based gives greater authority for sentiments universally entertained
+throughout the length and breadth of the land, and I urge that in this
+matter party sympathy be renounced. I entertain the lively hope and
+strong belief that the present deplorable situation is not due to the
+act or default of the Government of this great country."
+
+Mr. Gladstone spoke about twenty minutes and was repeatedly interrupted
+by applause. He was in good voice, and did not seem fatigued when he
+had finished.
+
+The next day the Turkish Embassy at London telegraphed Mr. Gladstone's
+speech at Liverpool verbatim to the Sultan.
+
+The London Times in an editorial said: "The spectacle of the veteran
+statesman quitting his retirement to plead the cause of the oppressed is
+well calculated to move the sympathy and admiration of the nation. The
+ardor of Mr. Gladstone's feelings on this subject is notorious. All the
+more striking and significant is the comparative restraint and
+moderation of the speech."
+
+Other questions besides those mentioned were claiming the attention of
+English statesmen. In the Spring, prior to the great Liverpool meeting,
+the Venezuela boundary question was agitating the two great English
+speaking nations to the very verge of war. A large Peace Meeting was
+held in London, March 3, 1896, to favor arbitration. Mr. Gladstone
+wrote: "I am glad that the discussion of arbitration is to be separated
+from the Venezuela question, upon which I do not feel myself in final
+and full possession of the facts that I should wish. My views on
+arbitration in place of war were gathered from the part I took in the
+matter of the Alabama claims. I will only add that my conviction and
+sentiment on the subject grow in strength from year to year in
+proportion to the growth of that monstrous and barbarous militarism, in
+regard to which I consider England has to bear no small responsibility."
+
+The meeting favored permanent international arbitration, and an
+Anglo-American treaty was finally signed by the representatives of the
+two nations, providing for the settlement of all questions between the
+two nations by arbitration instead of by war, but the Senate of the
+United States refused to ratify the treaty.
+
+Mr. Gladstone deplored intensely the extraordinary misunderstanding
+which had prevailed on the subject of the Venezuela frontier. He seemed
+to think that nothing but a little common sense was needed to secure the
+pacific settlement of the question at any moment. A hundred square miles
+more or less on either side of the boundary of British Guiana was to him
+a matter of supreme indifference. He was extremely anxious to see
+justice done, and one of his last speeches in the House of Commons was
+in favor of permanent arbitration between England and the United States.
+
+Another one of the absorbing questions that came before the civilized
+world for consideration, and almost to the exclusion of the Armenian
+question, was the Cretan Question. Greece heroically sustained the
+insurrection of the Cretans against the Turkish rule. The scene of
+Turkish cruelty was now transferred to the isle of Crete. For the time
+the Armenian massacres were forgotten. The Greeks rushed to the rescue,
+while all Europe held aloof. Mr. Gladstone sent the following dispatch
+to the Chronicle: "I do not dare to stimulate Greece when I cannot help
+her, but I shall profoundly rejoice at her success. I hope the Powers
+will recollect that they have their own character to redeem." This was
+in February, 1897, Later he wrote that to expel the Greek troops from
+Crete and keep as police the butchers of Armenia, would further deepen
+the disgrace of the Powers of Europe.
+
+In March, 1897, Mr. Gladstone addressed a letter, now justly celebrated,
+on the same subject to the Duke of Westminster in which he expressed his
+opinion more fully, and which was evidently the sentiment of the English
+speaking people of the world. The letter was in the form of a pamphlet
+of 16 pages, published, and entitled The Eastern Crisis.
+
+In less than a week after this eloquent manifesto in behalf of the
+Cretans and of Greece was put forth, it was currently reported that the
+precise solution of the problem recommended by Mr. Gladstone was likely
+to be adopted. The Sultan himself, fearful of the effect of the appeal
+on public opinion in Europe, sought the settlement of the question in
+the manner suggested. The Greeks still clamored for war. In the war
+that followed between Greece and Turkey, Greece was defeated and crushed
+by the Turk. Only by the intervention of the Powers was Greece saved
+from becoming a part of the Sultan's Empire.
+
+After peace had been concluded between Turkey and Greece, Mr. Gladstone
+undertook to arouse public opinion by a trenchant review of the
+situation. Looking back over the past two years of England's Eastern
+policy, he inquires as to what have been the results, and then answers
+his own question. He thus enumerates:
+
+1. The slaughter of 100,000 Armenian Christians, men, women and
+children, with no guarantee against a repetition of the crime.
+
+2. The Turkish Umpire stronger than at any time since the Crimean war.
+
+3. Christian Greece weaker than at any time since she became a kingdom.
+
+These are facts, Mr. Gladstone claimed, for which the leading Christian
+nations and statesmen of Europe are responsible.
+
+While Mr. Gladstone thus expresses himself, yet his vigorous protests
+had not been without effect. His voice penetrated into the very palace
+of the Sultan, and into every Cabinet of Europe, and was heard by every
+statesman and ruler throughout the world, and aroused the people
+everywhere. It was a mighty voice lifted for right and against
+oppression. The Sultan was afraid and was compelled to desist; not that
+he feared the protests and the warnings of the Christian Nations of
+Europe, but because that one voice was the expression of the popular
+feeling of all Christians throughout the world, and to defy such
+sentiment would be to court the overthrow of his throne, if not of the
+dominion of the Turk in Europe.
+
+In June, 1894, an invitation was extended to Mr. Gladstone to visit the
+United States, signed by many representative men in public life. But Mr.
+Gladstone, while acknowledging the compliment, declined because of his
+age. It would, he thought, be a tremendous undertaking for him. The
+fatigue of the voyage and the strain of the receptions while in America,
+would prove greater than his physical condition could bear.
+
+Later Mr. Gladstone was waited on at Hawarden by one hundred members of
+the Philadelphia Manufacturer's Club. He personally escorted them over
+the Castle grounds and narrated the history of the Castle to them.
+Greatly pleased with the warmth of their reception, they thanked Mr.
+Gladstone for his courtesy. They then gave him three cheers. This token
+of appreciation was very gratifying to Mr. Gladstone, who said that it
+was the first time he had ever heard American cheers.
+
+Saturday afternoon, August 15, 1896, Li Hung Chang, the great Chinese
+Statesman and Embassador, visited Mr. Gladstone at Hawarden. Probably
+the three greatest living statesmen of the time were Gladstone, Bismarck
+and Li Hung Chang. The Embassador and his suite went to Chester in a
+special train, and were driven in three open carriages to Hawarden.
+Along the route as, well as at the station, the party was cheered by a
+large crowd. The Viceroy was sleeping when the train reached Chester and
+he was allowed to sleep until he awoke. Yet the party was ahead of time
+in reaching the Castle, but Mr. Gladstone hastened to receive them. The
+Chinese visitors were received at the door by Mr. Henry Gladstone. Li
+Hung Chang was escorted into the Library where he was introduced to Mr.
+and Mrs. Gladstone.
+
+The intention of Mr. Gladstone was to have as escort a guard of honor to
+the Viceroy, the Hawarden corps of the Welsh Fusiliers, which reached
+the Castle, owing to the visitors being ahead of time, ten minutes after
+the arrival of the party.
+
+The two aged statesmen sat near the window overlooking the terrace, and
+at once, with the aid of Lo Feug Luh, engaged in conversation, Li asked
+various questions concerning Mr. Gladstone's career, and was informed by
+Mr. Gladstone that he had been Prime Minister nearly thirteen years,
+and in the Cabinet nearly twenty-four years. When complimented upon the
+service he had rendered to his country, Mr. Gladstone replied that he
+had done what he could, but he should have done a great deal more. Li
+observed that British interests and British trade in China were greater
+than those of all other countries put together. The Viceroy also talked
+with Mr. Gladstone of free trade, of restrictions upon commerce, of the
+power of the British Navy, of the greatness of the British Revenues, of
+the vastness of the Colonial Empire, of the necessity of a railway
+system to commerce and upon a number of similar subjects. Refreshments
+were served which Li enjoyed, and then by request he wrote his autograph
+in three books, using Dorothy Drew's colors for the purpose. Mr.
+Gladstone and Li were photographed together sitting on chairs outside
+the porch. Mr. Gladstone presented Li with three books from his library,
+and then the Chinese visitors departed.
+
+On Saturday evening October 10, 1896, the Right Hon. and Most Rev.
+Edward White Benson, D.D., Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all
+England, arrived at Hawarden with Mrs. Benson on a visit to his old
+friend Mr. Gladstone. Sunday morning Dr. Benson went with the Gladstone
+family to Hawarden Church and occupied the Gladstone pew. After the
+service had commenced a commotion was observed. It was caused by the
+fall of Dr. Benson In the pew while kneeling in prayer. Attendants
+removed Dr. Benson to the Rectory, and medical aid was summoned, but
+death came soon after from apoplexy. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone, rector,
+proceeded with the service until notified of the death of the
+Archbishop, when he dismissed the congregation. Mr. Gladstone, who had
+not attended church from indisposition, was deeply affected by the death
+of his guest and friend.
+
+The morning papers of London, June 1, 1896, printed a long letter from
+Mr. Gladstone to Cardinal Rampolla for submission to the Pope Leo XIII,
+in favor of the unity of Christendom by means of a papal declaration in
+favor of the validity of Anglican orders. It created a great sensation.
+Shortly after this the Pope issued an Encyclical letter addressed to
+"all bishops in communion with the Holy See." The theme was the same as
+that of Mr. Gladstone's letter, to which it was regarded as an answer.
+The Pope invited all the English people "to return to the religion of
+the Roman Catholic Church." "This," remarks Mr. Justin McCarthy, "was
+exactly what any thoughtful person might have expected." While this
+letter and its answer did not satisfy the clergy of the established
+Church of England, who were favorably disposed towards Rome, on the
+other hand it aroused the dissenting Christians of England to reply
+that they were opposed to all state or established churches, whether
+Roman Catholic or English Episcopal.
+
+On December 29, 1896, the eighty-seventh anniversary of Mr. Gladstone's
+birth was celebrated at Hawarden, surrounded by his family and friends.
+There were the usual demonstrations by the villagers, consisting in the
+ringing of bells and the appointments of deputations to wait upon the
+aged statesman at the Castle with congratulations. An enormous flow of
+telegrams and messages continued throughout the day from all parts of
+the kingdom, the United States and the Continent. Among those sending
+congratulations were the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Baroness de
+Rothschild. Mr. Gladstone was in good health, and in the afternoon went
+out for a walk.
+
+May 10, 1897, the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the
+Princess Victoria, visited Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone at Hawarden. They were
+received by Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone in the porch erected in 1889 to
+commemorate their golden wedding. The mutual greetings were of the
+heartiest nature. The royal party inspected the ruins of the old castle,
+Mr. Gladstone acting as escort to the Princess of Wales. An interesting
+incident occurred on the lawn. The Princess took great interest in
+inspecting the favorite dogs of the Gladstone family. These were the
+black Pomeranians. Two puppies were carried in a basket, one of which
+the Princess accepted as a gift.
+
+June 22, 1897, was celebrated with great pomp and rejoicing the Diamond
+Jubilee of Victoria, the Queen of England and Empress of India, when the
+Queen reached the 60th anniversary of her reign, which is the longest in
+English history. Victoria became queen at the age of 19 years, in 1837,
+and then the British Isles possessed a population of 26,000,000 and they
+had became 40,000,000. Her Empire has been extended until in India,
+South, Central and Western Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North
+America, and including the British Isles, there were 360,000,000 people
+who owned her sway. And to this greatness and glory Mr. Gladstone had
+been one to contribute largely, while his influence has been felt more
+still by far in promoting the moral greatness of the people. Throughout
+all the Empire the event was celebrated, and the jubilee procession in
+London was swollen by representatives of all parts of the Queen's domain
+and all nations on earth which rendered it the greatest pageant ever
+beheld. Even the Turk was there, but Mr. Gladstone was not there, nor
+was his name even mentioned for a place in the march on jubilee day. Yet
+the period of Victoria's reign will often be spoken of in history as the
+Gladstonian Era.
+
+"The public life of a leading statesman," says an eminent writer,
+"offers the boldest and stateliest outline to the public view. It may be
+that the most striking and memorable chapters in a future biography of
+Mr. Gladstone will contain the story of his private affairs and domestic
+life." His daily life at home was a model of simplicity and regularity,
+and the great secret of the vast amount of work he accomplished was
+owing to the fact that every odd five minutes were occupied. He had a
+deep sense of the preciousness of time and the responsibility which
+everyone incurs who uses or misuses it. "To such a length did he carry
+this that at a picnic to a favorite Welsh mountain he has been seen to
+fling himself on the heather and bury himself in some pamphlet upon a
+question of the day, until called to lighter things by those who were
+responsible for the provision basket."
+
+Mr. Gladstone was ever a most severe economist of time, a habit acquired
+as long ago as 1839, when he awed his young wife by filling up all odd
+bits and scraps of time with study or work. Out of his pocket would come
+the little classic at every chance opportunity of leisure. This accounts
+for his ability to get through in one day more than most people do in a
+week. Then besides, he had the faculty of concentrating the whole power
+of his mind upon the one thing before him, whether small or great. He
+was unable to divide the machinery of his mind. Interruption was almost
+fatal to his train of thought, but he was generally oblivious to
+conversation buzzing around him. Hence it was some time before a
+questioner could get an answer--he did not seem to hear, but patience
+finally secured attention, after the train of absorbing thought
+was finished.
+
+It was this power of concentrating all his faculties upon what he was
+doing, whether it was work or play, that made Mr. Gladstone one of the
+ablest as well as happiest of the century. He took the keenest delight
+in the scholarly and beautiful, and this accounts for his disregard of
+minor ills and evils. He was too absorbed to be fretful or impatient.
+But to be absorbed in great things did not mean, in his case, to be
+neglectful of little things. At one time his mind and time were so
+completely taken up with the Eastern question, that he could not be
+induced to spare a thought for Ireland, and afterward it was quite as
+difficult to get him to think of any political question except that
+of Ireland.
+
+In the daily routine of private life none in the household were more
+punctual and regular than Mr. Gladstone. At 8 o'clock he was up and in
+his study. From 1842 he always found time, with all his manifold duties,
+to go to church regularly, rain or shine, every morning except when ill,
+at half-past 8 o'clock, He walked along the public road from the castle
+to Hawarden church. Writes an observer: "The old statesman, with his
+fine, hale, gentle face, is an interesting figure as he walks lightly
+and briskly along the country road, silently acknowledging the fervent
+salutations of his friends--the Hawarden villagers. He wears a long
+coat, well buttoned up, a long shawl wrapped closely around his neck,
+and a soft felt hat--a very different figure from that of the Prime
+Minister as he is known in London."
+
+At the Castle prayers were read to the family and household soon after 9
+o'clock daily. His customary breakfast was comprised of a hard-boiled
+egg, a slice of tongue, dry toast and tea. The whole morning whether at
+home or on a visit was devoted to business. Luncheon at Hawarden was
+without formality. "Lunch was on the hob," for several hours, to be
+partaken of when it suited the convenience of the various members of the
+family. Tea, of which Mr. Gladstone was particularly fond, and of which
+he could partake at any hour of the day, or night, was served in the
+afternoon at 5 o'clock,--after which he finished his correspondence.
+
+In the afternoon, Mr. Gladstone was accustomed to a walk in the grounds,
+accompanied by his faithful little black Pomeranian dog, Petz, who was
+obtained on a trip abroad, and became and remained for many years, an
+important member of the household, and one of Mr. Gladstone's most
+devoted followers. Increasing years of over fourscore, prevented finally
+walks of fifty miles a day once indulged in, and the axes stood unused
+in their stands in the vestibule and library, but still Mr. Gladstone
+kept up his walks with his silent companion Petz. After walking for half
+an hour longer in his library after his return to the Castle, Mr.
+Gladstone would dress for dinner, which operation usually took him from
+three to five minutes. At 8 o'clock he joined the family, at dinner,
+which was a cheerful meal. Like Goethe he ate heartily and enjoyed his
+meals, but his diet was extremely simple, Mr. Gladstone eating only what
+was prescribed by his physician. At dinner he talked freely and
+brilliantly even when none but his family were present. When visitors
+were present he would enter upon whatever was the subject of
+conversation, taking his share with others, and pouring a flood of light
+upon any theme suggested, giving all the benefit of the fund of wisdom
+and anecdote collected through two generations of unparalleled political
+and social activity.
+
+After dinner, when there were no visitors at Hawarden, Mr. Gladstone
+would quietly sit reading in his library, or conversing with his family.
+He never used tobacco. Shortly after 10 o'clock he retired to bed and to
+sleep. He never allowed himself to think and be sleepless. Mr. Bright
+had a habit of making his speeches after he had retired to bed, which
+Mr. Gladstone thought was detrimental to his health. Bight hours was the
+time Mr. Gladstone permitted himself to sleep. His bed-room was on the
+second floor and reached by a fine staircase. Everything in the room was
+plain and homely.
+
+On the walls of his bed-room and over the mantlepiece was a text
+emblazoned, on which at evening and morning he could look, which read:
+"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee."
+This not only expresses Mr. Gladstone's trust in God, but doubtless
+accounts in a large degree for that tranquility of mind so notably his,
+even in those trying times that prostrated many and carried many more
+away from their bearings.
+
+From the worry or weariness of business, Mr. Gladstone was ever ready to
+turn for rest to reading, which has thus proved of inestimable value to
+him. "His family cannot speak without emotion of that look of perfect
+happiness and peace that beamed from his eye on such occasions." When
+during the general elections of 1882, this was denied him, he turned
+with equal readiness to writing and thinking on other subjects. During
+the Midlothian Campaign and General Election, and through the Cabinet
+making that followed, he relieved the pressure on his over-burdened
+brain by writing an article on Home Rule, "written with all the force
+and freshness of a first shock of discovery;" he was also writing daily
+on the Psalms; he was preparing a paper for the Oriental Congress which
+was to startle the educated world by "its originality and ingenuity;"
+and he was composing with great and careful investigation his Oxford
+lecture on "The rise and progress of learning in the University
+of Oxford."
+
+All during the morning hours he would sit in the silence of that
+corner-room on the ground floor reading. There were three writing-desks
+in the library, and one was chiefly reserved for correspondence of a
+political nature, and another for his literary work, while the third was
+used by Mrs. Gladstone. He spent his evenings when at Hawarden in a cosy
+corner of the library reading. He had a wonderfully constructed lamp so
+arranged for him for night reading, as to throw the utmost possible
+light on the pages of the book. It was generally a novel that employed
+his mind at night. Occasionally he gives Mrs. Drew about two hundred
+novels to divide the sheep from the goats among them. She divides them
+into three classes--novels worth keeping, novels to be given away, and
+novels to be destroyed.
+
+Mr. Gladstone generally had three books in course of reading at the same
+time, changing from one to the other. These books were carefully
+selected with reference to their character and contents, and he was
+particular as to their order and variation. For instance at one time he
+was reading Dr. Laugen's Roman History, in German, in the morning,
+Virgil in the afternoon, and a novel at night. Scott was his preference
+among novelists. He read with pencil in hand, and he had an elaborate
+system of marking a book. Aristotle, St. Augustine, Dante and Bishop
+Butler were the authors who had the deepest influence upon him, so he
+himself said. His copy of the Odyssey of Homer he had rebound several
+times, as he preferred always to use the same copy.
+
+Mrs. Drew says of her father: "There could not be a better illustration
+of his mind than his Temple of Peace--his study, with its
+extraordinarily methodical arrangement. Away from home he will write an
+exact description of the key or paper he requires, as: 'Open the left
+hand drawer of the writing table nearest the fireplace, and at the back
+of the drawer, in the right hand corner, you will find some keys. You
+will see three on one string; send me the one with such and such teeth.'
+His mind is arranged in the same way; he has only to open a particular
+compartment, labelled so and so, to find the information he requires.
+His memory in consequence is almost unfailing. It is commonly found that
+in old age the memory may be perfect as regards times long gone by, but
+inaccurate and defective as to more recent events. But with Mr.
+Gladstone the things of the present are as deeply stamped on his brain
+as the things of the past." Some one has said of Mr. Gladstone that his
+memory was "terrible." It is evident that he always kept abreast of the
+times--informing himself of everything new in literature, science and
+art, and when over eighty years of age was as ready to imbibe fresh
+ideas as when he was only eighteen, and far more discriminating.
+
+Those who entered Mr. Gladstone's official room on a Sunday, during the
+busiest parliamentary session, could not fail to be struck by the
+atmosphere of repose, the signs and symbols of the day, the books lying
+open near the armchair, the deserted writing-table, the absence of
+papers and newspapers. On Sunday Mr. Gladstone put away all business of
+a secular nature, occupied his time in reading special books, suitable
+to the day, and generally attended church twice, never dined out, except
+he went on a mission of mercy, or to cheer some sorrowful friend. When
+the Queen invited him to Windsor Castle on Sunday for one night, as she
+did sometimes, he always arranged to stay in Windsor Saturday. In his
+dressing room he kept a large open bible in which he daily read.
+Physically, intellectually and spiritually Mr. Gladstone's Sundays were
+regarded by his family as a priceless blessing to him, and to have made
+him the man he was. Mr. Gladstone had strict notions of his duty to his
+church. Whenever he established himself in London, he always attended
+the nearest church, and became regular in his attendance, not only on
+the Sabbath, but daily. With an empire on his shoulders he found time
+for daily public devotion, and in church-going he was no "gadabout."
+When he resided at Carlton House Terrace he attended the church of St.
+Martin-in-the-Fields.
+
+Mr. Gladstone's daily correspondence, when Prime Minister, was simply
+enormous. At first he felt it to be a conscientious duty to deal with
+the most of it himself, but finally came to trust the bulk of it to
+secretaries as other ministers did. Some letters came to him daily that
+he had to answer with his own hand; for example, from ministers or on
+confidental business, from the court, At the end of every Cabinet
+Council the Premier has to write a letter with his own hand to his
+sovereign, giving full information of the business transacted. The same
+kind of report is required daily from Parliament. Of course Mr.
+Gladstone, whenever he was Prime Minister, faithfully attended to this
+duty and dispatched the required letters written with his own hand to
+the Queen.
+
+Mr. Gladstone was remarkable for the strength and endurance of his body
+as well as for the vigor of his intellect. "Don't talk to me of Mr.
+Gladstone's mind," said a contemporary; "it is his body which astonishes
+me." He never had any serious illness in his life, and up to quite
+recent years were vigorous exercise, sometimes walking when in Scotland
+20 miles at a stretch over rough and mountainous country. The physical
+effort of speaking to twenty thousand people, and being heard in every
+part of the vast building by the audience, as was the case at
+Birmingham, in 1889, was remarkable. His power of endurance was
+wonderful. In 1882, he once sat up through an all-night sitting of the
+House of Commons, and going back to 10 Downing Street, at 8 o'clock in
+the morning, for half an hour's rest, again returned to the House and
+remained until the conclusion of the setting. Tree-cutting, which was
+with him a frequent recreation until he became a very old man, was
+chosen "as giving him the maximum of healthy exercise in the minimum of
+time." This favorite pastime of the great statesman was so closely
+associated with him that it was deemed the proper thing to do to place
+on exhibition in the Great Columbian Exposition at Chicago one of the
+axes of Mr. Gladstone.
+
+The Psalmist says, "A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes
+upon the thick trees." These singular words were written long before
+Mr. Gladstone's day, but famous as he was for felling the great trees of
+the forest, the words have a deeper meaning and in more than one sense
+met their fulfilment in him. His swift and keen axe of reform brought
+down many hoary headed evils. Mr. Gladstone himself explained why he
+cultivated this habit of cutting down trees. He said: "I chop wood
+because I find that it is the only occupation in the world that drives
+all thought from my mind. When I walk or ride or play cricket, I am
+still debating important business problems, but when I chop wood I can
+think of nothing but making the chips fly."
+
+The following story illustrates Mr. Gladstone's remarkable powers and
+the surprise he would spring upon those who met him. Two gentlemen who
+were invited guests at a table where Mr. Gladstone was expected, made a
+wager that they would start a conversation on a subject about which even
+Mr. Gladstone would know nothing. To accomplish this end they "read up"
+an "ancient" magazine article on some unfamiliar subject connected with
+Chinese manufactures. When the favorable opportunity came the topic was
+started, and the two conspirators watched with amusement the growing
+interest in the subject which Mr. Gladstone's face betrayed. Finally he
+joined in the conversation, and their amusement was turned into
+confusion, when Mr. Gladstone said, "Ah, gentlemen, I perceive you have
+been reading an article I wrote in the ---- Magazine some thirty or
+forty years ago."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+CLOSING SCENES OF A LONG AND EVENTFUL LIFE
+
+Mr. Gladstone died at Hawarden Castle, at 5 o'clock, Thursday Morning,
+May 19, 1898.
+
+The first intimation of the rapidly approaching end of Mr. Gladstone was
+conveyed in a bulletin issued at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning, May 17. It
+read "Mr. Gladstone had a poor and broken sleep last night; he is
+somewhat exhausted, but suffers no discomfort." The report of the
+evening before was assuring as to any sudden change, so that the anxiety
+was increased. For hours no additional information was given, but there
+were indications outside the Castle of a crisis. Throughout the day
+could be heard expressions of deep regret among the working people,
+asking, "How is the old gentleman?" Despite the heavy rain the people
+collected in groups, and the hush and quiet that prevailed indicated the
+presence of death.
+
+A bulletin at 5 p.m. said: "Mr. Gladstone has taken a serious turn for
+the worse. His death may be expected in twenty-four hours." All day the
+condition of the patient had been critical. The doctor doubted that his
+patient was fully conscious at any time, he answered, "Yes," and "No."
+He refused all medicine, exclaiming No! No! It was remarked that when
+addressed in English, Mr. Gladstone would answer in French, and
+sometimes was praying in French.
+
+Later in the evening the servants of the household were admitted to the
+sick room for a final farewell. They found Mr. Gladstone lying in a deep
+sleep; each in turn knelt down, kissed his hand and tearfully withdrew.
+
+About 9 o'clock the patient rallied a little and fell into a peaceful
+sleep, which was thought to be his last.
+
+The rain had continued to fall during the night, but the villagers had
+been coming singly and in groups to glance silently at the rain-beaten
+scrap of paper which was the latest bulletin, and then silently
+returning to the gate, and disappearing in the darkness only to
+return later.
+
+About 4 o'clock in the morning Mr. Gladstone seemed to be sinking. The
+scene in the sick-room was painful. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read
+prayers and hymns, including Mr. Gladstone's favorite, "Rock of Ages."
+When this was concluded, Mr. Gladstone murmured, "Our Father." As Mrs.
+Gladstone leaned over her husband, he turned his head and his lips moved
+slightly. Though extremely distressed, Mrs. Gladstone bore up with
+remarkable fortitude. But Mr. Gladstone rallied again, and Wednesday
+morning he was still living. By his almost superhuman vitality he had
+fought death away.
+
+The morning was beautiful and clear and the sunshine came in at the open
+window of Mr. Gladstone's room. The aged sufferer was hovering between
+life and death, and only by the feeble beating of his pulse could it be
+told he was alive. He was sleeping himself away into eternal day. Mrs.
+Gladstone sat by the side of his bed, holding his hand, and never
+leaving except for needed rest. At times he seemed to recognize for a
+moment some of those with him. He surely knew his wife as she tenderly
+kissed his hand.
+
+It soon became known abroad that Mr. Gladstone was dying. In the House
+of Commons it caused profound sorrow. Everything else was stopped while
+members discussed how best to honor him, even by taking steps without,
+precedent as that of adjourning, because the circumstances were
+unprecedented. His former colleagues silently watched his last struggle
+with the relentless foe, to whom, true to himself, he was yielding
+slowly, inch by inch.
+
+Telegrams of inquiry and sympathy came from all parts of the world to
+the Castle. The Queen wrote making inquiries and tendering assurances of
+profound sympathy. A long telegram from the Princess of Wales concluded:
+"I am praying for you." The Prince of Wales wrote: "My thoughts are with
+you at this trying time., God grant that your father does not suffer."
+The Duke of Devonshire before the British Empire League referred
+touchingly to the mournful scenes at Hawarden, when "the greatest of
+Englishmen was slowly passing away." And all over the land people of all
+conditions and at all kinds of gatherings, politicians, divines,
+reformers, and women joined in expressions of grief and sympathy. Many
+were the messages of regard and condolence that came from other lands.
+
+Dr. Dobie furnishes the following picture of the dying man. "His grand
+face bears a most peaceful and beautiful look. A few days ago the deeply
+bitten wrinkles that so long marked it were almost gone; but now,
+strangely enough, they seem strong and deep as ever. He looks too in
+wonderfully good color."
+
+At 2 o'clock in the morning, it was evident that the time had come, and
+the family gathered about the bed of the aged man, from that time none
+of them left the room until all was over. The only absentee was little
+Dorothy Drew, who tearfully complained that her grandfather did not know
+her. Behind the family circle stood the physicians and the nurses, and
+the old coachman, who had been unable to be present when the other
+servants took their farewell, and who was now sent for to witness the
+closing scene.
+
+The end was most peaceful. There were no signs of bodily pain or of
+mental distress. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone read prayers and repeated
+hymns. The nurse continued to bathe with spirits the brow of the
+patient, who showed gratitude by murmuring, "How nice!" While the son
+was engaged in praying, came the gentle, almost perceptible cessation of
+life, and the great man was no more. So quietly had he breathed his
+last, that the family did not know it until it was announced by the
+medical attendants. The weeping family then filed slowly from the room,
+Mrs. Gladstone was led into another room and induced to lie down. The
+only spoken evidence that Mr. Gladstone realized his surroundings in his
+last moments was when his son recited the litany. Then the dying man
+murmured, "Amen." This was the last word spoken by Mr. Gladstone and was
+uttered just before he died.
+
+The death of Mr. Gladstone was announced to the people of Hawarden by
+the tolling of the church bell. The following bulletin was posted at 6
+a.m.: "In the natural course of things the funeral will be at Hawarden.
+Mr. Gladstone expressed a strong wish to have no flowers at his funeral;
+and the family will be grateful if this desire is strictly respected."
+
+There was something indescribably pathetic in the daily bulletins about
+Mr. Gladstone. All the world knew that he was afflicted with a fatal but
+slow disease, and all the world was struck with wondering admiration at
+his sustained fortitude, patience, and resignation. The tragedy of a
+life, devoted simply and purely to the public service, drawing to an end
+in so long an agony, was a spectacle that struck home to the heart of
+the most callous. These bulletins were posted on the front door of the
+Jubilee Porch, at Hawarden Castle, at 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 10 o'clock at
+night daily, and published throughout the world.
+
+When the sad event was announced that Mr. Gladstone had passed away, the
+action of the House of Commons was prompt, decided and sympathetic. The
+House was crowded Thursday, May 19, when Speaker Gully called upon the
+government leader, Mr. A. J. Balfour, the First Lord of the Treasury,
+and all the members uncovering their heads, Mr. Balfour said:
+
+"I think it will be felt in all parts of the House that we should do
+fitting honor to the great man whose long and splendid career closed
+to-day, by adjourning.
+
+"This is not the occasion for uttering the thoughts which naturally
+suggest themselves. That occasion will present itself to-morrow, when it
+will be my duty to submit to the House an address to the Queen, praying
+her to grant the honor of a public funeral, if such honor is not
+inconsistent with the expressed wishes of himself or of those who have
+the right to speak in his behalf, and also praying the Queen to direct
+that a public monument be erected at Westminster with an inscription
+expressive of the public admiration, attachment and high estimate
+entertained by the House of Mr. Gladstone's rare and splendid gifts and
+devoted labors in Parliament and in high offices of State.
+
+"Before actually moving the adjournment, I have to propose a formal
+resolution that the House to-morrow resolve itself into committee to
+draw up an address, the contents of which I have just indicated."
+
+After a word of assent from Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Liberal
+leader, the resolution was adopted and the House adjourned.
+
+The House of Commons was crowded again on Friday, and went into
+committee of the whole to consider the address to the Queen in regard
+to the interment of the remains of Mr. Gladstone in Westminster Abbey.
+Not since the introduction of the Home Rule Bill by Mr. Gladstone had
+there been such an assemblage in the House, members filled every seat,
+clustered on the steps of the speaker's dais, and occupied every space.
+The galleries were all filled. In the Peer's gallery were the foremost
+members of the House of Lords. United States Ambassador Hay and all his
+staff were present with other Ambassadors. The members of the House were
+in deep mourning, and all removed their hats, as if in the presence of
+the dead. An unusual hush overspread all. After the prayer by the
+chaplain, there was an impressive silence for a quarter of an hour,
+before Mr. Balfour rose to speak. The whole scene was profoundly
+affecting. The eulogies of Mr. Gladstone formed an historic episode.
+All, without respect to party, united in honoring their late illustrious
+countryman.
+
+Mr. Balfour delivered a brilliant panegyric of the dead statesman, and
+his speech was eloquent and displayed great taste. He was so ill,
+however, from weakness of heart that he was barely able to totter to his
+place and to ask the indulgence of the speaker while he rested, before
+offering his oration. He was too sick for the sad duty imposed upon him,
+but he preferred to pay this last tribute to his friend. The
+circumstances were painful, but added a dramatic touch to the scene.
+His oration was lengthy and his eulogy spoken with evident emotion. He
+concluded by formally moving the presentation of the address to the
+Queen. The Liberal Leader, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the political as
+well as the personal friend of Mr. Gladstone, seconded the motion. He
+paid a heartfelt tribute to the memory of his eminent colleague, and
+spoke in a vein of lofty and glowing eloquence until overcome with
+emotion, so that he had to stop thrice to wipe his eyes; finally he
+completely broke down and was unable to proceed.
+
+Mr. Dillon, the Irish leader, in a speech of five minutes duration, and
+in his most oratorical style, dwelt on Mr. Gladstone's fervid sympathy
+for the oppressed people of all races, and touched a chord which stirred
+the House. As Mr. Dillon had spoken for Ireland, so Mr. Abel Thomas
+followed as the representative of Wales.
+
+The address to the Queen was unanimously adopted.
+
+In the House of Lords there was also a full attendance of members. The
+Marquis of Salisbury, Prime Minister, spoke feelingly of Mr. Gladstone,
+who, he said, "was ever guided in all his efforts by a lofty moral
+idea". The deceased will be remembered, not so much for his political
+work as for the great example, hardly paralleled in history, of the
+great Christian Statesman.
+
+The Earl of Kimberly, the liberal leader in the House of Lords, followed
+in a touching tribute, and the Duke of Devonshire expressed generous
+appreciation of Mr. Gladstone's services in behalf of the Liberal
+Unionists, saying their severance from Mr. Gladstone was a most painful
+incident. But, he added, he could "recall no word from Mr. Gladstone
+which added unnecessarily to the bitterness of the situation." The Earl
+of Rosebery delivered an eloquent panegyric. The honors of the occasion
+were unanimously accorded to him, whose eulogy of his predecessor in the
+leadership of the liberal party was a masterpiece of its kind. He spoke
+of the triumphs of life rather than the sorrows of death. Death was not
+all sadness. His life was full---his memory remains. To all time he is
+an example for our race and mankind. He instanced as an illustration of
+the fine courtesy always observed by Mr. Gladstone towards his political
+opponents, that the last letter he had written with his own hand was a
+private note to Lady Salisbury, several weeks since, congratulating her
+and her husband on their providential escape from a carriage accident at
+Hatfield. Lord Salisbury was visibly touched by Lord Rosebery's
+reference to this circumstance.
+
+The House of Lords then adopted the Resolution to the Queen.
+
+The body of Mr. Gladstone, un-coffined, was laid on a couch in the
+Library of the Castle--the room called the Temple of Peace. He was
+dressed in a suit of black cloth, over which were the scarlet robes of
+the university, and by his side the cap was placed. His hands were
+folded on his breast. He rested on a most beautiful white satin cloth,
+with a rich border in Eastern embroidery. Above his head in letters of
+gold were the words sewn into the satin: "Requiescat in pace." There was
+the beauty of death--the terror was all gone. During Tuesday the body
+was viewed by the tenants on the estate, the neighbors and friends.
+
+On Wednesday morning, May 25th, at 6 o'clock, the remains, having been
+enclosed in a plain panelled elm coffin, were removed to the village
+church, where they were lying in state during the day. The body was
+carried by half-a-dozen old retainers of the family to a bier on wheels,
+on which it was taken to the church, over the lawn, following the
+private path Mr. Gladstone used to tread on his way to church, and past
+the favorite nooks of the deceased in the park. The family--excepting
+Mrs. Gladstone, who came later, tenants, servants, friends, local
+officials and neighbors followed in procession, Thousands of people were
+arriving by public and private conveyances at Hawarden. At eleven
+o'clock the doors of the church were opened, when men, women and
+children, from all the surrounding country, and even tourists from
+abroad, entered to view the remains. All day long a constant stream of
+people poured into the church, while the streets were filled with people
+unable to gain admittance. Several ladies fainted from excess of emotion
+when passing the bier, and many men and women dropped on their knees and
+silently prayed.
+
+At 6 o'clock in the evening the body was removed from Hawarden Church
+and carried to the station for the journey to London. The procession to
+bear the remains was composed of the family, representatives of
+organizations, friends and neighbors. Vast crowds lined the route, afoot
+and in every kind of vehicle. The cortege stopped at the entrance to the
+Park--Hawarden Lodge, and sang one of Mr. Gladstone's favorite hymns.
+Again, when the procession reached the Castle, it paused at the entrance
+and sang another hymn loved by the late resident of the house, and went
+on its way to Broughton Hall Station. Every step of the way, after
+leaving the park, was again lined with sympathetic spectators. While at
+the station the spectacle was remarkable for the surrounding crush of
+human beings. A special train was provided for the body and the family.
+As the body of Mr. Gladstone was placed upon the funeral car the sorrow
+of the people was manifest. The representatives of the Earl Marshall, of
+England, took possession of the funeral at this point. Henry and Herbert
+Gladstone accompanied the body to London and Mrs. Gladstone and family
+returned to the castle to follow later.
+
+All along the route to London grief-stricken people were standing to
+view the funeral train as it passed at Chester, Crewe, Rugby, Stafford
+and Farnworth until the darkness and lateness of the night shut out
+the scene.
+
+When the train reached London and passed to Westminster, it was early in
+the morning. A group of some thirty gentlemen, connected with the
+ceremonies, was at the station; among them the Duke of Norfolk, About
+two hundred people looked silently on while the body was removed from
+the train to the hearse, and the funeral cortege moved on to Westminster
+Hall at once and entered the Palace Yard just as "Big Ben" tolled the
+hour of one like a funeral knell.
+
+The coffin was placed in position for lying in state in Westminster
+Hall, and at about 3 o'clock Canon Wilberforce conducted a special
+service in the presence of Henry and Herbert Gladstone and several
+members of the House of Commons.
+
+The scenes that followed were remarkably impressive and unparalleled.
+The people began to arrive at Westminster at 2 o'clock in the morning.
+The line formed was continually augmented by all classes of
+people,--peers, peeresses, cabinet members, members of the House of
+Commons, military and naval officers, clergymen, costermongers, old and
+young, until 6 o'clock, when the doors were opened and the procession
+commenced to stream into the Hall, and passed the catafalque.
+
+This long procession of mourners continued all day Thursday and Friday.
+Two hundred thousand people, at least, paid homage to the dead
+statesman. On Friday evening, after the crowd had departed, large
+delegations, representing Liberal organizations from all parts of the
+kingdom, visited the Hall, by special arrangement, and fifteen hundred
+of them paid respect to the memory of their late leader.
+
+Saturday morning, May 28, thousands of people assembled in the square
+outside to witness the passage of the funeral cortege from Westminster
+Hall, where it was formed, to the Abbey, to find sepulchre in the tomb
+of kings. The procession passed through two lines of policemen. It was
+not a military parade, with all its pomp, but a ceremony made glorious
+by the homage of the people, among them the greatest of the nation. The
+funeral was in every respect impressive, dignified and lofty, in every
+way worthy the great civilian, and the nation that accorded him a
+public burial with its greatest dead. And the people were there. Every
+spot on which the eye rested swarmed with human beings. They looked from
+the windows of the hospital, and from the roofs of houses. Everybody was
+dressed in black.
+
+The principal officials had assembled in Westminster Hall at 10 o'clock.
+The Bishop of London, the Right Rev. Mandell Creighton, D.D., read a
+brief prayer and at 10.30 o'clock the procession had formed and slowly
+passed through the crowds who with uncovered heads stood on either side
+of short pathway, a distance 300 yards, to the western entrance of the
+Abbey, between two ranks of the Eton Volunteers, the boys of the school
+where Mr. Gladstone received his early education, in their
+buff uniforms.
+
+The pall-bearers who walked on each side of the coffin were perhaps the
+personages who attracted the most attention during the day. They were
+the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Marquis of Salisbury, the
+Earl of Kimberly, A. J. Balfour, Sir William Vernon-Harcourt, the Duke
+of Rutland, Lord Rosebery, Baron Rendel and George Armitstead, the two
+latter being life-long friends of the deceased statesman.
+
+When Mrs. Gladstone entered the Abbey the whole assembly rose and
+remained standing until she was seated. This honor was accorded only
+once beside--when the Princess of Wales, the Princess Mary and the
+Duchess of York appeared.
+
+The Abbey was filled with people. Every gallery, balcony and niche high
+up among the rafters held a cluster of deeply interested spectators.
+Temporary galleries had been erected in long tiers around the open
+grave, which was in the floor of the Abbey. There were 2,500 persons
+assembled in the Abbey, all--both men and women--clothed in black,
+except a few officials whose regalia relieved this sombre background by
+its brilliancy. The two Houses of Parliament sat facing each other,
+seated on temporary seats on opposite sides of the grave. About them
+were the mayors of the principal cities, delegates from Liberal
+organizations, representatives of other civic and political societies,
+representatives of the Non-Conformists, while the long nave was crowded
+with thousands of men and women, among them being most of the
+celebrities in all branches of English life. In each gallery was a
+presiding officer with his official mace beside him, whose place was in
+the centre, and who was its most prominent figure. It was a
+distinguished assembly in a famous place. Beneath were the illustrious
+dead; around were the illustrious living.
+
+The members of the bereaved family sat in the stall nearest the
+bier--Mrs. Gladstone, her sons Henry, Herbert and Stephen; with other
+members of the family, children and grand-children, including little
+Dorothy Drew, Mr. Gladstone's favorite grand-child, in her new mourning.
+
+The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of York occupied the Dean's pew
+opposite. Other royalties were present in person or by their
+representatives.
+
+Within the chancel stood the Dean of Westminster, and behind him were
+gathered the cathedral clergy, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the
+scarlet and white surpliced choir, filling the chapel.
+
+It was the wish of the deceased for simplicity, but he was buried with a
+nation's homage in the tomb of kings. In the northern transept, known as
+the "Statesmen's Corner", of Westminster Abbey, where England's greatest
+dead rests, the body of Mr. Gladstone was entombed. His grave is near
+the graves of Pitt, Palmerston, Canning and Peel, beside that of his
+life-long political adversary, Lord Beaconsfield (Benjamin Disraeli),
+whose marble effigy looks down upon it, decked with the regalia Mr.
+Gladstone had so often refused. Two possible future kings of Great
+Britain walked besides the great commoner's coffin and stood beside his
+grave, and all the nobility and learning of the nation surrounded his
+bier. This state funeral, the first since that of Lord Palmerston, was
+rendered more imposing by the magnificence of the edifice in which it
+was solemnized. The coffin rested on an elevated bier before the altar,
+its plainness hidden beneath a pall of white-and gold embroidered cloth.
+
+A choir of one hundred male singers, which had awaited the coffin at the
+entrance to the Abbey, preceded it along the nave, chanting, "I am the
+Resurrection and the Life." When the coffin was laid on the bier,
+Purcell's funeral chant, "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge," was sung,
+and Dean Bradley and the whole assemblage sang, "Rock of Ages," and then
+while the coffin was being borne along the aisle to the grave, sang Mr.
+Gladstone's favorite hymn, "Praise to the Holiest in the Height."
+
+The choir of Westminster Abbey is said to be fine at any time, but for
+this great occasion special arrangements had been made, and there was a
+recruiting of the best voices from several of the choirs of London, and
+many musical instruments beside. The result was to win general praise
+for the beauty, harmony and perfection of the music. The weird, dismal
+strains of a quartette of trombones, in a recess far above the heads of
+the congregation, playing the three splendid "Equali," Beethoven's
+funeral hymn, swept through the vaulted roof of the Abbey, in pure tones
+never to be forgotten. When these ceased and finally died away, the
+great organ and a band of brass instruments took up Schubert's funeral
+march, booming sonorously; and changed to Beethoven's funeral march with
+a clash of cymbals in the orchestral accompaniment. A third march being
+required, owing to the time needed by the procession to reach the Abbey,
+"Marche Solennelle" was played.
+
+The choir, and a large number of bishops and other clergy, joined the
+procession at the west door and together they all proceeded to
+the grave.
+
+There was no sermon. The service was simple and solemn. The final paean
+of victory over death and the grave from Paul's great epistle was read,
+and the last hymn sung was, "Oh God! Our Help in Ages Past." The dean
+read the appointed appropriate service, committing the body to the
+earth, and then the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a loud voice,
+pronounced the benediction. The family and others near the grave kneeled
+during the concluding ceremonies, and then Mrs. Gladstone was helped
+from her knees to her unoccupied chair at the head of the grave.
+
+After the benediction came one of the saddest moments of the day. Mrs.
+Gladstone stood, with great courage and composure, throughout the
+service, supported on the arms of her two sons, Herbert and Stephen, and
+with other members of her family near the grave. Her face was lifted
+upward, and her lips were moving as though repeating the lines of the
+service. She also kept standing during the one official feature of the
+service; "The Proclamation by Garter, by Norroy, King of Arms, of the
+Style of the Deceased," as the official programme had it, and in which
+the various offices which Mr. Gladstone had held in his lifetime, were
+enumerated. Then, when the final word was spoken, the widow, still
+supported by her sons, approached the edge of the grave and there took a
+last, long look and was conducted away. Other relatives followed, and
+then most of the members of Parliament. Finally the Prince of Wales, the
+Duke of York and other pall-bearers defiled past the grave, took a last
+view of the coffin in the deep grave, and when they had been escorted
+down the nave to entrance, the people slowly departed.
+
+The "Dead March" from "Saul" and the "Marche Solennelle" of Schubert
+was played as the congregation slowly wended its way out of the
+sacred edifice.
+
+Perhaps the most solemn function of all, witnessed by none but the
+Gladstone family and the officials, was when the casket was opened
+shortly after midnight on Thursday to allow the Earl Marshal to verify
+with his own eyes that it really contained the remains of the dead
+statesman. It was said that the old man's face, seen for the last time
+by the Duke of Norfolk, who is responsible to England for his sacred
+charge, was more peaceful and younger looking than it had seemed for
+years. At the very last moment a small gold Armenian cross, a memento of
+that nation for which the great statesman worked so zealously, was
+placed by his side. Then all was sealed.
+
+As the deceased statesman was undoubtedly the greatest parliamentarian
+of our time, the following concise expressions with regard to his
+character and influence have been collected from a number of
+representative members of different political parties in both Houses of
+Parliament:
+
+The Marquis of Londonderry said: "What impressed me about Mr. Gladstone
+was his extraordinary moral influence."
+
+Lord George Hamilton: "I doubt whether we ever had a parliamentarian who
+equalled Mr. Gladstone."
+
+The Marquis of Lorne: "I share the universal regret at Mr. Gladstone's
+death as a personal loss."
+
+Sir John Gorst: "One feature, which greatly distinguished Mr. Gladstone,
+was his remarkable candour in debate. He never affected to misunderstand
+his opponents' arguments, and spared no pains in trying to make his own
+meaning understood."
+
+Sir Charles Dilke: "I think Mr. Gladstone's leading personal
+characteristic was his old-fashioned courtesy. Whilst a statesman, his
+absolute mastery of finance, both in its principles and details, was
+incomparably superior to that of any of his contemporaries."
+
+Mr. Thomas Ellis, the chief Liberal Whip, confessed that the greatest
+interest of his life in Parliament was to watch Mr. Gladstone's face.
+"It was like the sea in the fascination of its infinite variety, and of
+its incalculable reserve and strength. Every motion in his great soul
+was reflected in his face and form. To have had opportunities of
+watching that face, and of witnessing one triumph after another, is a
+precious privilege, for some of the charms of his face, as of his
+oratory and character, were incommunicable. He more than any man helped
+to build up and shape the present commercial and political fabric of
+Britain, but to struggling nations his words and deeds were as the
+breath of life."
+
+Sir Joseph Pease: "His memory will be kept green by a grateful country.
+Death soon buries the battle-axe of party, and he who devoted a long
+life and immense intellectual power, coupled with strong convictions on
+moral and Christian ethics, to the well being of his country and the
+world, will never be forgotten by the English people."
+
+Mr. James Bryce, author of "The American Commonwealth": "This sad event
+is the most noble and pathetic closing of a great life which we have
+seen in England in historical memory. I cannot recall any other case in
+which the whole nation has followed the setting of the sun of life with
+such sympathy, such regret, and such admiration."
+
+Lord Kinnaird: "Few men in public life have been able to draw out such
+personal love and devotion from his followers and friends. In the midst
+of an ever-busy life he was always ready to take his part in the
+conflict of right against wrong, of truth against error, and he earned
+the gratitude of all patriots, for he was never ashamed of contending
+that no true progress could be made which left out of sight the moral
+well-being of the people."
+
+Mr. Labouchere: "What impressed me most in Mr. Gladstone was his power
+of concentrated effort. Once he had decided on a course, action at once
+followed. Every thought was bent to attain the end, no labour was deemed
+to arduous. He alone knew how to deal with supporters and opponents. The
+former he inspired with his own fierce energy."
+
+Mr. John Redmond, leader of the Parnellite group of the Irish
+Nationalists: "The loss to England is absolutely incalculable. I regard
+Mr. Gladstone as having been the greatest parliamentarian of the age,
+and the greatest parliamentary orator. Englishmen of all parties ought
+to be grateful to him for his services in promoting the greatness and
+prosperity of their empire."
+
+John Dillon: "The greatest and most patriotic of Englishmen. If I were
+asked to say what I think most characteristic of Gladstone, I should say
+his abiding love for the common people and his faith in the government
+founded upon them, so that, while he remained the most patriotic of
+Englishmen, he is to-day mourned with equal intensity throughout the
+civilized world."
+
+Justin McCarthy, M. P.: "The death of Mr. Gladstone closes a career
+which may be described as absolutely unique in English political
+history. It was the career of a great statesman, whose statesmanship was
+first and last inspired, informed and guided by conscience, by
+principle, and by love of justice. There were great English statesmen
+before Mr. Gladstone's time and during Mr. Gladstone's time, but we
+shall look in vain for an example of any statesman in office, who made
+genius and eloquence, as Mr. Gladstone did, the mere servants of
+righteousness and conscientious purpose. Into the mind of Gladstone no
+thought of personal ambition or personal advancement ever entered. He
+was as conscientious as Burke. In the brilliancy of his gifts he was at
+least the equal of Bolingbroke. He was as great an orator as either
+Pitt, and he has left the imprint of his intellect on beneficent
+political and social legislation. In eloquence he far surpassed Cobden
+and was the peer of Bright, while his position as Parliamentary leader
+enabled him to initiate and carry out measures of reform which Bright
+and Cobden could only support. He was, in short, the greatest and the
+best Prime Minister known to English history."
+
+Michael Davitt: "One can only join with the whole world in admiration of
+the almost boundless talents of Mr. Gladstone, which were devoted with
+unparalleled power of charm to the service of his fellow-men. He was
+probably the greatest British statesman and leaves behind a record of a
+career unequalled in the annals of English politics. For the magnitude
+of his national labors and integrity of his personal character, Irishmen
+will remember him gratefully."
+
+The _Daily Chronicle_ heads its editorial with a quotation from
+Wordsworth:
+
+     "This is the happy warrior: this is he:
+     That every man in arms should wish to be."
+
+The editorial says: "A glorious light has been extinguished in the land;
+all his life lies in the past, a memory to us and our children; an
+inspiration and possession forever. The end has come as to a soldier at
+his post. It found him calm, expectant, faithful, unshaken. Death has
+come robed in the terrors of mortal pain; but what better can be said
+than that as he taught his fellows how to live, so he has taught them
+how to die?
+
+"It is impossible at this hour to survey the mighty range of this
+splendid life. We would assign to him the title. 'The Great Nationalist
+of the Nineteenth Century;' the greatest of the master-builders of
+modern England. Timidity had no place in Mr. Gladstone's soul. Ho was a
+lion among men, endowed with a granite strength of will and purpose,
+rare indeed in our age of feeble convictions."
+
+The _Daily News_ says: "One of his most characteristics qualities was
+his personal humility. This cannot be explained without the key, for Mr.
+Gladstone did not in the ordinary meaning of the word, underrate
+himself. He was not easy to persuade. He paid little attention to other
+people's opinions when his mind was made up. He was quite aware of his
+own ascendency in counsel and his supremacy in debate. The secret of his
+humility was an abiding sense that these things were of no importance
+compared with the relations between God's creatures and their Creator,
+Mr. Gladstone once said with characteristic candour that he had a
+vulnerable temper. He was quickly moved to indignation by whatever he
+thought injurious either to himself or to others, and was incapable of
+concealing his emotions, for, if he said nothing, his countenance showed
+what he felt. More expressive features were never given to man.
+
+"Mr. Gladstone's exquisite courtesy, which in and out of Parliament was
+the model for all, proceeded from the same source. It was essentially
+Christian. Moreover, nobody laughed more heartily over an anecdote that
+was really good. He was many men in one; but he impressed all alike with
+the essential greatness of his character.
+
+"He was built mentally and morally on a large scale. Of course it cannot
+be denied that such a face, such a voice, such natural dignity, and such
+perfect gesture produced in themselves an immense effect. There was
+nothing common-place about him. Mr. Gladstone was absolutely simple; and
+his simplicity was not the least attractive element of his fascinating
+personality.
+
+"His life presented aspects of charm to all minds. His learning
+captivated the scholar, his eloquence and statesmanship the politician,
+his financial genius the business man; while his domestic relations and
+simple human graciousness appealed to all hearts.
+
+"'There is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.'"
+
+_Public Ledger_, Philadelphia: "To write Gladstone's career is to write
+the history of the Victorian era and that of the closing years of the
+reign of William IV, for Gladstone took his seat in Parliament for the
+first time in 1832, two years after he was out of college, and
+Victoria's accession took place in 1837. Since that remote day Gladstone
+has been four times Premier; has delivered numberless speeches of the
+highest order of excellence; has published a multitude of pamphlets and
+volumes which attest consummate intellectual gifts, and has been a great
+force in English statesmanship and scholarship through an exceptionally
+long life and almost to the very close of it. It has been given to
+exceedingly few men to play so great, so transcendent a role in any
+country or at any time."
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grand Old Man, by Richard B. Cook
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