Mr. Leveson Gower has been directed by Mr. Gladstone to
explain that his letter to the Midlothian Liberal Association did not contain any promise to stand again, though it held out some prospect that Mr. Gladstone might, under certain circumstances, find it his duty to take that course. We interpret this as meaning that Mr. Gladstone's renewed acceptance of the post of leader—his health permitting—really depends on his seeing his way to being able to keep the organisation of the Liberal Party the same "great instrument" of steady progress which, in his letter to the Midlothian Liberal Association, he pronounced it to have been-for the last half century. We imagine that it will depend greatly on the other leaders of the Liberal Party whether Mr. Gladstone shall or shall not return to its head. If they choose to surrender them- selves sincerely to his guidance they may doubtless, if his health permits, obtain that guidance; and if not, not. But surrendering themselves to Mr. Gladstone's guidance cannot be held to be consistent with preferring their own views to his on all but the most exceptional occasions.
