MR. GLADSTONE AND THE LIBERAL PARTY.
(TO TUE EDITOR OP THE SPECTATOR:]
Sin,—In common with thousands of other persons, I am glad to see the very definite line which the Spectator—the most in- tellectual organ of English Liberalism—is taking upon this all- important matter. Months ago, and long before the groat outburst of popular enthusiasm in Scotland, I ventured to use the following words, in concluding my "Life of Mr. Gladstone" :— "Notwithstanding the step of 1874, and Mr. Gladstone's subse- quent retirement, and notwithstanding the errors charged upon the ex-Premier by his opponents, it is the feeling of thousands of Liberals throughout the country that, whenever the Liberal party becomes once more thoroughly united—with a programme before it worthy of its achievements in the past—there is but one possible statesman who must be largely responsible for conducting its enterprises to a successful issue. Legislation never stands still,• and when disastrous wars—still disastrous when most successful— have once more ceased to mark the course of British policy, great questions will press forward for settlement. Would it be surprising, when this period shall have arrived, and a statesman is demanded who shall be able to carry through Parliament, in obedience to the popu- lar will, those great measures of domestic reform which cannot be. much longer delayed, that there should arise unbidden to the lips of the people the name of Mr. Gladstone P It may, of course, be pos- sible that his great legislative achievements have already reached their end, that he may not again take the chief control of affairs, or that the country may continue to support the Conservative Adminis- tration ; but if there should be a revival of political power for the Opposition, accompanied by a demand for each legislation as we have indicated, the Liberal party—interpreting now, as we have said, the sentiments of the bulk of that party—must inevitably tarn for its real, though not possibly for its nominal chief, to the statesman who has rendered his past Administration and its acts memorable in the annals of the country. When the 'bow of Ulysses requires to be bent, only Ulysses can bend it."
It is now obvious that the Liberal party is again looking forward towards Mr. Gladstone as its chief ; and a Cabinet in which he should occupy a subordinate position would soon be- come as palpable an inconvenience, as it is now an absurdity in the eyes of many Liberals. It is to be hoped that such a dis- aster will be avoided. The reaction against the Conservative rule is now in full progress, and he to whom it is so largely due must be our leader. The fruits of victory should not be lost by divided opinions upon the question of the leadership. As soon the time arrives—and it may not be far distant—the people will demand Mr. Gladstone as Premier ; and it would be a strange spectacle, indeed, to enact the play of Hamlet with the Prince
of Denmark relegated to the wings. I hope the Spectator will continue to agitate this matter.—I am, Sir, &c.,
GEORGE BARNETT SMITE.
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