15 NOVEMBER 1879, Page 2

At a crowded meeting held in Hawkstone Hall, Westminster Bridge

Road, on Tuesday, to hear from the Rev. M. MacColl a lecture on "The Condition and Prospects of the Christian Pope-. lations of the Ottoman Empire," a somewhat notable incident occurred, showing how great is the magic of Mr. Gladstone's name. Mr. MacColl did not mention that name. He only said that the sole remedy for the ruin of Turkey was the "abo- lition of Turkish law and administration, bag and baggage." This incidental allusion to Mr. Gladstone produced quite a "scene." The loudest cheers and cries of "Gladstone 1" interrupted the lecturer, and one of the audience rising to propose "Three cheers for Mr. Gladstone !" the whole audience joined in them with enthusiasm. This is a matter for the deep consideration of the Liberal leaders. The difference between the desire of the country for the Liberal policy, and its desire to be led by Mr. Gladstone, is the difference between a principle and a passion. We may, and as we trust shall, win the elections, either way ; but we shall lose the magic of a great triumph, if our leaders do not choose us to fight it under the prestige of a name like that of Gladstone.