The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-12

not unnaturally cast about to see what new ar
tillery they can bring into into the field. Know
Ing that the raising OF the dsestablishment SUBJ
ject In ENGLAND was a most grave and heavy
question, Lord Salisbury took the earliest oppor-
tunity of expressing his conviction that should
propose the disesta blishment of the Church of
England, stating that he was sure the critical
time had come. Considering Lord Salisbury's
generosity and chivalry in throwing over party
interests for the benefit of the church, it is par
ticularly fortunate for him that nothing is SO
inconvenient as the introduction OF English dis
establishment These remarks induced many
Liberal politicians to forestall the question. l
do not complain of this but do protest against
making the church a test question to the exclus-
ION OF ever other. Just consider the effect of
voting for candidates on this question only.
There is sense in it. What I contend
is that there is state of things now
existing which makes it necessary, just, or al
lowable, to raise the question of English church
disestablishment just now. Disestablshment
in Scotland is a question the Scottish people
should deal with when the proper time comes.
1t would be outrageous folly for the Liberals to
allow themselves to be drawn from the other
real solid issues of the DAY by this question.
We confront the electors and say. vote for or
against the candidate on grounds connected with
the great questions rife for discussion which
Will be treated in practical manner, and so as
to De OF service to the country. Is the Liberal
party going to be constituted on the excommu-
nication principlel Is it to exclude from Par
Lament every body who docs not favor disestab
lishmentl This is simply impossible. Every
sensible man will devote attention to things
which can be dealt with in the coming Parlia-
ment. 1t would require good deal to turn
my opinion, which ninety-seven out of
every hundred Englishmen share,
that the question of disestablshment
of the Church of England is utterly remote from
the coming Parliament The Church of Eng
land, instead of being a mockery, is church
whose defenders claim that it has the adhesion
and support OF very large majority of the ma
ton. 1t is doubtful whether it is possible to
deny that the Church of England works very
hard and endeavors to do its business. 1t has
Infinite rami6cations through the whole fabric
and structure of society," and has laid deep
hold in many hearts and minds The disestab
lshment of the Church of England is gigantic
operation. The prophecies Of "the Tories often
break down. They ought to be merciful in ex-
amlning our predictions, because the popularity
of Tory predictions is that they always break
down. In the case of the Irish Church, the con-
stant allegation of the Tories that we should
disestablish the English Church Immediately af-
terwards. l answered that challenge then, to the
effect that disestablishing the Irish Church was
a great undertaking, and l doubted whether
man breathed the air Of Parliament who could
disestablish the Church of England. / have the
same doubts now. Many Of those writing about
disestablishment in England know little. They
frame utterly impossible plans. but the English
people cannot accept them, not having made up
their minds to question that Is strange, in
stead of familiar to the masses of the people
l don't envy the who undertakes the ex-
animation of the question. 1t strongly contrasts
the Church of Ireland which lacked an active
sympathetic public mind. The public mind now
was never more active. requiring every practic-
able and some impracuicable reforms. Attention
is now abundant. but the public mind in Eng
land is unprepared for such a tremendous
change, and until the public favor the movement
it is a mistake to appeal to it.
Now. coming nearer home, there are
considerations of this question applying to
the north as we'll as to the south. The first
result of urging disestablishment in Scotland
would be my English advice thrown to the
winds. The supporters of the church would
rush in solid phalanx to the polls against dis
establishment; therefore the subject in Scotland
ought likewise be left to future occasion. Dur
ing my journey north, on Monday. many per-
sons gathered at the various stations, and when
acknowledging kind compliments, one shouted
undoubtedly unpremeditatedly, Never mind dis
establishment! don't know whether he favored
or opposed it, but fancied he meant it not
the business you have in hand Another, whose
earnestness bespoke respect, shouted, Three
cheers for disestablishmentp Another however.
called out, Three cheers for the Liberal causep
bility taking political questions out of their pro-
per order.
I'VE have the most remarkable unarimity re-
spectiDg the questions which require first atten-
tion-the reform of the lands the CO mpletion of
the reform BILL and the settlement of the i'm
perlal relation towards Ireland. These ques-
tons afford record which will make the com
ing Parliament most effectual for this country
| cannot think but that it is an error to thrust
these things into darkness or the sake of the
question whose maturity l utterly deny. But
have been asked whether 1 will support DR..
Cameron's resolution, disesta blshing and dis
endowing the Scottish Church. No settlement
will satisfy Scotland, unless it be the genuine off
spring of Scottish belief | decline to support
an abstract resolution on any subject
l never do so unless I see prospect
that l shall be able to perform my
promise. [Cheers. In l858 resolution in
favor of the abolition of the paper-duty passed
the House of Commons, UNANIMOUSLY. but the
Tories fiercely opposed for two years, bill
giving effect thereto. The change in circum-
stances always provides an apology for change
of opinion
II am laboring now for Liberal unity. am
preaching unity to the best of my ability but l
hope the Liberal party will split before sacrlfc-
ing conscience A party is an instrument for
attaining great ends Do not let phantom lights
draw US from the straight line OF duty. We
have work to do. Nothing can release US from
our obligations to prosecute the work to its COM
pletion"
Mr. Gadstones speech lasted eighty minutes
He received an ovation on leaving.