Mr. Goschen on Saturday, the 14th inst., was entertained by
the Cecil Club at a dinner in Willis's Rooms, and addressed the audience in a spirited speech, very badly reported. He said the strange political situation, with all old landmarks submerged, was due to the coincidence of a great democratic change in the Constitution with a revolutionary movement in Ireland. Great victories had been won occasionally with raw levies ; but the leader just then "was not a steady leader." Mr. Gladstone's action, the Irish Land Act, with its disturbing effect on econo- mists, the fall in prices, and the development of obstruction, had together produced a situation of unparalleled difficulty ; but he thought that the Unionists, though they most not try the arts of demagogy, might appeal to the middle classes, now despised by Radicals ; to the classes which ordinarily abstained from politics, but could be attracted by firm leaders ; and to those who feel that desire for order, that latent Conservatism, so widely diffused in England. The Tories must abandon their antiquated fortresses, and suit their methods of warfare to modern require- ments; but if they did that, and substituted principles for principles, instead of sentimental gush, they would secure
success. For his own part, he held it to be as possible to be enthusiastic for moderation as for Utopias."
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