Earl Fitzwilliam is displeased with Mr. Gladstone's conduct on the
Eastern Question. He writes to the Sheffield Independent to say that though he has spoken to many leading members of the Liberal party, he has found no one to approve the language used by Mr. Gladstone,—language calculated to mislead the Govern- ments of other countries. " None can doubt the cruel and deceit- ful character of the aggressive policy of Russia," which it requires unanimity in England to check. His Lordship hopes, therefore, that the independent will make it clear that "a vast and influential portion of the Liberal party is prepared to lay aside all personal and party feeling," and vote, we suppose, for the Govern- ment. The "vast and influential portion" of the party con- sists, we presume, of a few Whig families, all the Radicals and a majority of Liberals having pronounced against the Govern- ment. Tories understand party tactics, and if Lord Beaconsfield had believed in his hold upon the country, instead of frankly ad- mitting that he did not possess any, he would have called an autumn Session. The misconception entertained by foreign Governments—if they do misconceive—is based upon his speech, not Mr. Gladstone's.
