Mr. Gladstone has written a letter to Dr. Spence Watson
thanking the Federation of Liberal Associations for their- cordial recognition of his services to the Liberal party during' his long connection with it. In this letter he disclaims having done much to further the purposes of that party. However, he has really done a great deal more than he- admits, and has indeed made a party for the Irish Home- rule measure, which did not so much as exist among English• Liberals before, though that party has not yet accom- plished, and we trust never will accomplish, its object. But he states no more than the truth when, after his modest disclaimer, he adds, "Subject to this observation, I conceive that the facts of my Parliamentary history during the nine- teenth century are such as will obtain conspicuous notice on, the page of history." Of course they will ; and there is more true simplicity and modesty in recognising this frankly, as Mr. Gladstone does, than in affecting, as public men too- often do, not to be conscious of their own great position.
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