The Sun.
London, England, 1861-07-22 00:00:00

from a source which during the last 20 years has
contributed beyond any other, in guidance and influ-
ence, to the course of wise commercial legislation
that has made the period memorable, and has alike
conduced to the wealth and material power of the
country, to the stability of its institutions, and to
its friendly relations with other states and nations.
Nor could I on any grounds become a candidate for
a seat in Parliament more willingly than when it is
sought, as you propose, for the express reason that
I have to the best of my ability sustained and pro-
moted this course of action, and along with it the
enlightened policy with respect to foreign, and espe-
cially to Italian affairs, which has placed the name
of England in its due association with the cause of
peace, of justice, and of freedom, and has made the
Administration of Lord Palmerston, in this capital
point, a true representative, not merely of a power-
ful party, but of the great nation of whose affairs it
is intrusted with the charge. I must, however, be-
fore accepting new duties, consider, and especially
with reference to this peculiar juncture, whether I
can undertake them without prejudice to those
whose public interests are now placed in my hands.
The divided state of opinion in the University of Ox-
ford with respect to myself as one of its representa-
tives, and the long series of contests so unusual in
academical history, of which I have been the
occasion, might well suggest, and have suggested,
the belef that I could, consistently with my obliga-
tions to my present constituents, and even with a
view to the advantage of the University, seek to
withdraw from the arena of so many struggles. Yet
were I to entertain any such design, I could not
quit those who, with so much generous indulgence,
have returned me on six occasions during 14 criti-
cal years, except in a manner which would enable
me to feel that I had exposed them to no prejudice
by the. act. It may be _enough to say that were I
now to surrender the trdst IlAold; I should surren-
der it under circumstances unfavourable to the con-
stituency, and likewise peculiar to the moment ;
among which I may mention these—that the Par-
liament is still young, and that at this time such a
change could scarcely be expected by a widely scat-
tered, and at the same time a closely occupied body.
After maturely weighing the question with a view
to public interests, I have arrived at the conclusion
that I should not by such a step serve the cause, of
which you have in so conspicuous a manner selected
my name as the symbol. I must, therefore, with
the warmest expressions of gratitude for the mani-
festation now before me, beg leave to decline the
honour you propose to confer.—l have the honour
to remain, gentlemen, your much obliged and obe-
dient servant,

" W. E. GLADSTONE.
To the Chairmen of the Liberal Registration
Associations of South Lancashire."

It is rumoured that the Tory party are amply
provided with funds to contest the seat, and it is
further said that the fact of Mr. Gladstone having
declined to come forward has added greatly to their
resolution and augmented their courage in prepar-
ing for a contest.