The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-12-12
CHURCH AND SQUIRE.
English Rural Population in
Rebellion Against Both.
GLADSTONE TO THE FARMERS.
The Prince OF Wales Son VIII Be Foreed
A Row In tho French Deputies.

LONDON, Dee u.-Four hundred rural dele
gates TO the National Liberal Federation con.
ference partook Of breakfast this morning, at
which the principal guest was Gladstone.
Gladstone addressed them. He said he thought
the time had come for the commencement OF
continuous efforts to bring about rural reforms
Speaking on the subject of workingmen Glad
stone said the labor question had q wide range.
Home rule was part OF the labor controversy
The condition Of rural laborers was the most
urgent question. The proof OF this statement
lay in the constant migration OF these laoorers
Every endeavor ought to be made to keep tho
laborers at home. He hoped TO see the labor
candidates for seats In parliament increase in
number. Gladstone argued for the abolition OF
the law against conspiracy. This law, he said,
had given rise to proceedings adverse to the
liberties Of the people.
II the conference represented with absolute
fidelity the spirit of the agricultural element OF
Great Britain, this country IL on the eve OF
social and political revolution. No assemblage
OF supposed representative men ever held IN
England displayed such hostility TO parsons
and landowners. Delegates Boosting them
selves as persistent parson-hghters and denounc-
ing squire tyranny were cneered to the echo,
and their scorniul illusions to the patronizing
airs OF the clergy towards the rural In
habitarts was keenly relishec. The entire
sympathy of the conference was reserved
for the motto. "Down With the Church and the
Landlord" but 1t would be misleading TO INFER
from the character of the conference that tho
rural poor have deserted the church en- masse,
or have become infused with political designs
agains. the squirearchy. The conference, whiie
indicating clearly and actively an existent force
70 be accounted with incoming elections, owes
Its greatest importance TO its foreshadowing the
future agricultural policy. When the spirit OF
the delegates has permeated the electorate the
hereditary privileges OF landlordism and churcn-
ism will vanish.
Gladstone's speech today was distinct dis
appointment to many delegates, who were ex-
pccting definite assurance with regard TO the
Liberal programme. which they hoped would
be declared ana would include some OF their
aspirations Some men who urged the imme-
diate application to England of the principles
OF fair play for rent fxity OF tenure and iree
sale, and others who wanted the abolition OF
primogenl.ure and limitation of the size OF cs-
tates, got only enlarged illusions to the New
castle programme Gladstone spoke through
out as leader who was sympathetic, but
doomed not to lead in the struggle in which
his hearers were most concerned.
The chairman's incidental reference to Glad
stones projected trip 10 Biarritz as "a journey
to that beautiful land" was misinterpreted by
the audience and brought tears to many eyes.
Gladstone's own illusions to the limitation pf
his physical powers and his sensibiiity OF the
disadvantage in which his party was placed
owing to his advanced years caused renewed
emotion among his hearers There were many
cries OF "No, no; you'll have long life yet"
otc.
Gladstone and his wife will start on their trip
on Tuesday morning, and will reach Paris on
Tueday evening Gladstones criticism OF
Goschens 81 note scheme has killed the chances
OF the bill In parliament.