One hundred years ago
There could be but one result to a vote of this kind, which was as direct a vote of want of confidence as has been passed in our time. The Cabinet met on Tuesday at noon, and at half-past four Mr Gladstone announced to an excited House that the Cabinet had made 'a dutiful communication to her Majesty,' — or, in other words, had tendered their resignations. The necessary com- munications were sent down to Balmor- al by messenger, Mr Gladstone being unable to risk the fatigue and exposure of so long a journey, and since then everything has awaited the pleasure of the Queen. It is stated, with some confidence, that her Majesty demanded 'personal explanations,' and that Lord Hartington agreed to go; but this arrangement has since been counter- manded.
Spectator, 13 June 1885
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