Yesterday week, Mr. Gladstone made a very striking speech in
reply to Mr. Richard, who very nearly defeated the Govern- ment—though in a very thin house—on a resolution declarisg that the unauthorised action of our foreign representatives abroad in the contracting of engagements, the annexation of territories, and the declaration of war, is dangerous and, in spirit at least, quite unconstitutional. Mr. Gladstone, in reply, expressed his sympathy with Mr. Richard, but maintained that the facts of the case have hardly ever shown that the mischief is due to local representatives, where the event proves disas- trous. On the contrary, in the worst cases, such as the China war of 1857, the ultimate central authorities, the Ministers and the country, vehemently and cordially sanctioned the high-handed action of the local representative. Mr. Gladstone thought the great need was to take or hold down the high stomach of the central power, rather than to shackle the local representa- tives. Mr. Richard's resolution was rejected by only 72 against SA votes.
Previous page
