New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-12-14


less mischievous fancy, in other parts of the hall
The sngularly fine-looking body of men who
filed the great area was no ordinary audience.
There were delegates from every part of Scotland.
Members of different Liberal associations had come
from the most remote districts in the Highlands,
aud IN still greater numbers from the central and
southern counties. Glasgow alone had sent 500
to this aud the other meeting For some reason on
other il suits the Scotch to open their halls couple
of hours before the proceedings are 10 begin, and
the eagerneSs to hear Mr.. Gladstone-perhaps
also the doubt whether late would he sure of
admissionis such that the Exchange was crowded
before o'clock for a speech to begin at 3 Part OF
the interval was improved as a season for medita-
ton. Daring another part a band of university
students IN the rear sang a number of stanzas
adapted TO the tune of John Brown. and very odd
and striking II was to hear Scotch audience join
ing, they did with great heariness in the chorus
to which Northern regiments had kept time rs they
marched through the South. They were orderly
and patient hal. did the strong passions that
possessed them interfere with the preservation OF
an almost religious solemuity of dcmcanor.
never thought the time wasted during which could
study the bearing of the people among whom have
spent the week. Often as have seen great assem-
bages in England, this is my first experience Of
ScOtchmen in the mass, and think il must be said
that the Scotch audience with all its ausieriy and
hardness offers to the impartial spectator Il more
striking collection of than be in most
English meetings. was constantly reminded of "A
remark heard last Summer from distinguished
English Liberal. TO whom | was dlatng upon the
singular aptitude for political affairs | had OBJ
served in the men who took part IN the MoTayshirc
election in August. He said It did not surprise him
al all; that the loaver of British politics To be
found in Scotland, and that England was contin-
ually indebted to Scotch Liberalism for such prog
as was made in the direction of poltcllreform
CHARACTER OF THE AUDIENCE.
believe said something in previous letters of
the audiences had then seen, and of their more
marked peculiarites But this was the best of all !;
nor even in America have remarked higher aver
age of intelligence in any gathering of equal num-
bers. On almost every face set the seal OF that
conscientious thoughtfulness that power of contin
mons application of mind, that sincerity Of ntellec-
tual effort which have done much to make Scot
land what she is. The note of indiilerentism which
distinguishes the superior classes in England. and
above all in London. not to he found here. These
men are not ashamed to be in earnest 10 let j! be
seen that they are in earnest. Such degree of
seriousness would be voted slow in the clubs
of St. James's-st., and spread dismay among the
polished triflers who are the ornaments Of Bel
gravan dinneitables. But it Is probable that their
weightier qualities valuable for the purposes
of political life as the elaborate contemptuOusness
Of that more elegant society which has decrced
everything 10 be wSarisome which is not fippant,
and can tolerate no conversation in which frivolity
has not the greater share This is no time for dis
0uisitionS upon such matters, but must avOw that
during this visit have acquired new sense of
respect for the Scottish character, and better
knowledge of the elements which compose its great
ness.
.Ir Gladstone had driven from Lord Rosebery's
amid the demonstrations of popular respect which
have saluted him at every step. and which yester-
day were renewed on "A greater scale than ever. L
hear that long before he approached Edinburgh lac
had been surrounded by troop of hOrscmcn and by
crowds of carriages which went ont to meet hun
aud turned to accompany him into the city, driving
three and four abreast They were so numerous
that the road became almost impossible and lie
police had TO interfere. In the Grassmarket-a
name which has figured often in Edinburgh history
and down the steep streets by which il is en-
tered, aud even on the slopes OF the mighty
rock crowned by the Castle, the usual
multitude of spectators had collected. Their
cheers gave the first notice OF his arrival,
and when he entered the tumutuous outbursts of
previous days were heard once more. The extreme
respectability of this audience had effect in
diminishing the enthusiasm of the reception.
competent authority speaks of the gathering in the
Corn Exchange as the most influential, representa-
tive and significant political assembege ever held
beneath its roof. Great names certainly were not
wanting among those who figured on the platform.
Tue Earl of RoSebery presided; the Marquis and
Marchiomess OF Tweeddalc the Earl of AIlie the
Earl Of Elein, the Earl of Breadalbanc, the Earl OF
Aberdeen Lord Napier and Ettrick, Lord Reay,
Lord Bclhaven. and a host of members of Paria-
nvrtt aud men eminent various ways IN Scottish
life were among his supporters.
LORD RosEBERYs INTRODUCTION.
Lord Rosc6ery is extraordinarily popular. Amid
the tributes offered to Mr. Gladstone the audience
found time to applaud their chairman with untirng
energy. don't know whether Lord Rosebcry ever
made YOU a speech III America, but he is known
here as one of the rising orators in the House
Of Lords. His speech for the Greeks. at Willis's
Rooms last summer was far hey Ond the usual range
of English platform oratory. 1t was polished, vgor
GUS. original. So to-day he performed the duty
of introducing Mr. Gladstone in manner
ouIte mike the conventional performances
such occasions. His sentences uttered
with the ccarness of practised speaker
and they all told. There was not a sign of inn
patience as be pronounced a somewhat elaborate
panegyric on Mr. Gladstone prefaccd by an apology
for OBTAINING his hearers from the accents Of that
silver voice which during the past week has en-
chantcd Scotland and unclaimed the WORLD; and
followed by just delinoation of the popular
tribute TO the statesman "These have been no
prepared cbulltions of sympathy these have been
no calculated demonstrations. The heart of the
Nation has been touched" Lord Rosebery is young,
not over thirty, THINK and it is safe TO that
man who has shown his abilities and won his posi-
ton at that age-due though 1t be in part to his
rank-and who is capable of turning out phrases of
that degree OF rhetorical neatness, has every pros
pect Of brilliant public career.
nSr'c