The Sun.
London, England, 1868-10-10 00:00:00

MR, GLADSTONE'S ADDRESS.

The following is Mr. Gladstone's address to the electors
of South-West Lancashire :

" Gentlemen,--From you, the electors of the South.
western Division of the County of Lancashire, I solicit a
renewal of the trust which was confided to me in 1865,
in a manner demanding from me peculiar gratitude, by
the constituency of the entire southern division.
" I then came before you as the advocate of a policy of
trust in the people, tempered by prudence, and averse to
violent and hasty change.

" In the spirit of that profession, I was a party in 1866
to proposals for the extension of the franchise, which I
thought the smallest that could meet the just claims of
the unenfranchised classes, and which were studiously
limited, in order, if possible, to disarm jealousy, prejudice
and fear.

" We were met by an opposition, not indeed as direct,
but yet as persevering and detrimental, as was ever offered
to any measure. At length a point was reached at which
the Government of Earl Russell found that the resigna.
tion of their offices appeared to be the most becoming
method by which they could secure the early triumph of
Reform.

`We resigned accordingly. The result was, that the
opponents of reduction in the franchise took office, and
found themselves compelled by the public sentiment, after
much vacillation, to make proposals on that subject which,
though not only narrow, but strongly reactionary in the
shape in which they were presented to Parliament, issued
in the passing of a measure larger and more democratic
than the bill which, in 1866, we were told by the highest
authority, would reduce our institutions to the pattern of
the American Republic.

" From the extensive though unequal enfranchisement
which has thus been secured for the people, past expe-
rience and all present signs lead me to anticipate in •
creased strength for our institutions, and a more vigorous
march both of legislative and administrative policy.
" The bills which have been passed, and especially that
relating to England, introduced by the Government, but
amended and almost transformed by the Opposition,
present the marks of conflicting handiwork, and lend a
doubtful aspect to a settlement which ought to have been
conclusive. One point, indeed, I fear that the expe-
rience of the present year already proves to be, not
only of great, but also of pressing importance. In 1847
289 gentlemen voted that the borough franchise, founded
on rated occupation, should be enjoyed alike, whether the
rate were laid on the owner or on the occupier. The
rejection of this proposal by Parliament, under the menace
of the Government to drop the bill if it were carried, has
led to grievous inconvenience and vexation in a large num-
ber of boroughs. This, you will readily believe, that we,
who struggled hard to avert them, shall be not less anxious
under more favourable auspices, to remove.

" The rapid growth of wealth, especially among the
classes of the greatest activity and enterprise, has led, for
a number of years past, to a diminished watchfulness,
.outside the walls of Parliament, respecting the great and
cardinal subject of economy in the public charges, and
the relation between the income of the State and
its expenditure. I earnestly desire that the paramount
interest of the lately enfranchised classes in thrifty
administration may operate powerfully to bring about a
change. This tendency cannot but be strengthened
by the present decline of the permanent revenue,
and by the addition, since the present Government
took office, of three millions (in round numbers) to the
public charges, apart from the demands of the Abyssinian
war. This increase has extended not less to the civil than
in the military and naval departments. In my opinion it
has not been justified, either by the wishes of the country
or by the demands of the public service.
" I perceive with satisfaction that attention has of late
been increasing7y directed to the local charges of the
country. Their amount, the manner of their incidence,
and the means provided for their administration and
control, appear to demand careful consideration. It will,
in my opinion, be just and politic to allow the ratepayers,
by the principle of representation, a control over county
expenditure.

" No question is at the present day more complicated by
differences of opinion than that of primary education.
But all are agreed both upon its vital importance and

upon its pressing urgency. In the year 1839, Earl Russell,
for the Government of Lord Melbourne, placed upon
official record the desire of her Majesty that the rights of
conscience should be respected, and that the youth of this
country should be religiously brought up. Further
measures are certainly required to establish and secure
the first of these great principles ; and they need
not in my opinion involve the slightest disparage-
ment to the second. I think that the declaration
of Earl Russell still marks the proper basis of national
policy in education for the three kingdoms. But it has
become increasingly desirable that the State should stand
clearly apart from responsibility for the teaching of
particular and conflicting creeds in schools aided by grants
from any national fund.

"There are many subjects of public moment, some of
tnem especially affecting your great and varied interests,
which I am unable to notice within the limits of this