The second visit of Mr. Gladstone to Midlothian has been
a triumphant success. From Chester to Invercauld, wherever he has appeared, the people have assembled in thousands on the barest chance of seeing him, and giving him one cordial cheer. In Edinburgh, the thronging to hear his speeches was greater than in 1880, the workmen in particular assembling on Tuesday in Waverley Market in such numbers that even his voice was overstrained. Amidst the multitudes to whom he spoke, not one objection to his conduct was raised ; and the meetings pledged themselves, amid bursts of enthusiasm, to an unani- mous support. Whenever he spoke of the Franchise Bill, the vast assemblages showed their determination to have it; and whenever he hinted, even in the most shadowy way, that the Lords must submit or go, the audiences leapt to their feet in enthusiastic applause. Mr. Gladstone is their favourite, it is said, and Scotch by descent, and that is true ; but what is it, except his leadership, which makes of this Scotchman—English by training, Welsh by residence, and High Churchman by religious profession—the favourite of Scotland ? The Peers may rely on it now, as in 1880, that when Scotland is in this mood, Wales will keep step with her, and England will only be that single pace behind which befits her heavier weight. For Ireland no man may answer, but it will not be zealous for Peers.
