Mr. Gladstone, in the coarse of his speech, gave a
list of the measures which he thought the Liberal Party, after the Irish struggle was over, would carry through. It would have been of great interest at another time; but practically we all know that while the Irish controversy lasts, nothing effectual or requiring much discussion will reach the stage of fruition. He ridiculed Pro- tection, asking how labourers were to be compensated for buying bread dear by also buying manufactures dear, but held that there must be free-trade in land. There must also be a large system of local self-government, based on representation, and accom- panied by such a system of local taxation that invisible pro- perty shall bear its share, and not leave the entire burden on property which is visible. The Liquor Laws must also be dealt with, but Mr. Gladstone did not say how. Finally, the Welsh and Scotch Churches must be disestablished whenever they returned solid bodies of members pledged to Disestablishment. That was nearly the ease in Wales already ; but Scotland was a little behiudhand. Mr. Gladstone added, with a pawkiness which his friends and enemies will alike appreciate, though in different ways, that Disestablishers were generally good Home- rulers.
