Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-06-16
GIADsToNE,s FAUX Pas.

The scene that occurred in the British
house of commons on Monday evening is
without a precedent in modern times, and
will place Premier Gladstone in the not
enviable attitude of endeavoring to suppress
the freedom of parliamentary debate.
When Mr.. O'Donnell proposed to question
the government as to the status of the re-
Gently appointed French ambassador to
London, Mr.. Gladstone made the extraordi-
nary motion that he be not heard. This is
the first time in over two hundred years that
like attempt to silence member of par
lament has been made, and coming as it
naturally created lively scene in which
violent language was used on both sides of
the house.
The motion of Mr.. Gladstone is relic of
the absoIutism that once dominated Great
Britain. Though the right to make it is
still upon the statute books, it is more hon
ored in the breach than the observance.
The British people are jealous of their privi-
leges, and jealous of none more than the
privilege of being heard through their rep
resentatives in the commons. A denial of
that right is apt to provoke a revolution at
any time, and that Mr.. Gladstone should
signalize his restoration to power by endeav-
oring to apply such gag upon free speech
argues that he is either lacking in proper
appreciation of the sentiments of the nation,
or has an exaggerated opinion of his own
Importance and influence.
When the last British elections were in
progress the GLOBE expressed doubt as to
the craftsmanship of Gladstone. The events
of Monday night have converted that doubt
into conviction. No statesman would have
attempted to estop discussion by the
summary method adopted by him.
It will be argued in extenuation
of his course that the Interpolation
of Mr.. O'Donnell was an insult to a neigh
boring friendly nation. Admitting this, and
also admitting that the question proposed
was lndiscreet, there was no occasion for q
resort to gag of such antiquity and I'M
savory memory. Mr.. Gladstone was in a
position, controlling large majority of the
commons, to have defeated the motion with
scarcely an effort, and such defeat would
have been quite as emphatic rebuke to the
iniudlcious member, and far safer, than the
plan of resurrecting relic of oppression
from the dishonored tomb in which it has
rested for two centuries.
MIR. Gladstone's indiscretion in this par
ticular is likely to cost him dearly. In the
first place he has alienated from the liberal
party the entire home rule vote of Ireland
upon which he has counted in case Of emer-
gencies. He has also placed weapon in
the hands of the conservatives which they
will be sure to use with signal effect. The
simple fact that he has endeavored TO
silence the voice of member of parliament
will detract largely from his popularity with
the masses of the people. The further fact
that he had resort to long abandoned law
abandoned because of it's repugnauce to
the sentiment of the nation-to effect his
purpose, will add to his condemnation.
1t is safe to predict that, if the present in
cident is a specimen of what Mr.. Gladstone's
future course will be, he will have but q
short lease of power. The traditions of the
British people are reverenced far more than
their laws. When a premier outrages tradi-
ton, he may as well prepare for an early
fall, and though yet hardly settled in his
seat Mr.. Gladstone may count his beads at
as early day as is Convenient.