Mr. W. H. Gladstone, Mr. Gladstone's eldest son, died on
the morning of Saturday last, after an exploratory operation, of which the intention was to find out whether or not it would be possible to remove a tumour which was pressing on his brain. It was found impossible to remove it ; indeed, no
attempt was made, and the patient recovered from the effect of the chloroform which had been administered, but sank under the exhaustion which followed. He was only fifty-one, and had been in Parliament for several years, representing successively Chester, Whitby, and East Worcestershire. He never spoke much in the House, but his sound judgment and high personal character commanded universal respect, and when his health and his duties as a landlord,—for the Hawarden estate was his,—induced him to retire, it was felt that the House had lost the aid of a calm and judicial Liberal. He was buried on Wednesday in Hawarden Churchyard, amidst unmistakable signs of the respect, reverence, and even love, with which not only his father but he himself was regarded by the whole country-side.
