Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-12-11
REFORM IN ENGLAND.
Mr.. Gladstone Addresses the Liberal
Federation Conference.
DOUBTFUL NEW YORK SEELTORSHIPS
The Storms Continue Throughout
Great Britain.
LATE TELEGRAPHIc NEWS.
MIR. Gladstone Addresses the National lia
eral Federation Conter~nce.

Mr.. Gladstone Addresses the National lib
eral Federation Confer~nce.
LONDON. Dec. u.-four hundred OF the
rural delegates to the national liberal fedora
tion conference. which opened yesterday IN
Memorial Hall, Farringdon street. partOok Of .
breakfast this morning. at which the principal
guest was Mr. Gladstone. The great liberal
leader was accompanied BY his wife, whose de-
NotioD TO her husband, both in his domestic
and political life. has become proverbisl
When Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone entered tho
great room IN which the breakfast was given
there was scene OF great enthusiasm The
delegates rose 10 their feet and with one voice
cheered their leader again and again
REFORMS N RURAL ENGLAND.
After the delegates and their guests had par
taken OF the breakfast Mr.. Gladstone addressed
them. He said he was reioiced 90 see that tho
deliberations Of the conference were attended
with union, moderation and decision, which, he
oeelared, we're sure precursors OF victory. Mr.
maidstone said he thought the time had como
Tor the commencement Of continuous efforts 70
bring about rural reforms and LIE added, these
efforts oagh: not TO be terminated until their
just ends had been attained
Speaking on the subject Of workingmeu Mr..
Gladstone said the labor question had a vide
range Home rule WIS part of the labor con-
tSoyersy, as the bulk OF those in whose behalf
they were struggling were laborers or small
farmers. The condition OF rural laborers was .
most urgent question. The proof Of tins state
ment lay an the constant migration of these
ls5orers. Every endeayor ought 20 be made 90
keep the laoorers at home. He hoped 20 SEQ
labor candidates for seats in parliament in
crease IN number. They onght not 10 be sad-
died with fnghtful election expenses.
Mr.. Gladstone enforced upon his hearers the
necessity for parish councils, which, he main
taihed, were a necessary complement TO local
government. He held that the laborer should
have free access TO land and that local au,hori-
ties ought TO be given powers 10 purchase OF
lease land tor tins purpose.
LAW AFFECTING LABOR
Mr.. Gladstone urged the abolition of the
common law against conspiracy. This Law, be
said. had given rise to proceedings that were
adverse 10 the liberties Of the people.
Speaking with particular reference 20 this
law, Mr.. Gladstone said: I'VE must provide
for the rural population Of Great Britain as
well as for the same class in Ireland. Nothing
must be crime which relates TO the prosecu-
tion OF labor interests, or because IL is done
by a combination Of men. unless it il an offenso
against the letter and the spirit of the law"
Mr.. Gladstone strongly urged that parish
councils should be charged with the control Of
parrish charities, the care Of roads and COM
mons and OF rights of way They should also
See that schools and dwellings we're in proper
sanitary condition. lie said that some scheme
ought to be devised 10 offer the laborer after q
long and blameless life. something better thsn
the work house. tntli that was done society
would not have discharged its duties and the
aims OF the present conference would not be
fully attained.