The Forrest City times., 1891-10-09
DOWN WITH THE LORDS.
GLADSTONE OWES THE UPPER
 HOUSE A HARD SLAP.
epssch of the Grand old Man st she liberal Congrcss--The House Of
 Lords Advised to bs Careful.

among the delegates by submitting a set of resolutions reaffirming the declarations of the council of the na- tional liberal federation in favor of .mending or ending prolonged cheers Che House of Lords. lChecrs The resolutions also declare in favor of local option" Tn regard to public house regulations and advocated a thorough reform of the land laws of primogeniture and entail, tho enfrau- chisement of lease-holders and the establishment and disendowmept of the Church of Scotland
 After introducing these resolutions Sir Wilfrid. in speaking with refer- cncc to the section regarding the House of Lords, said: My own per sonal opinion is that the period for mending the House of Lords is passed --and l advise its complete abolish ment."
 Over 1000 persons were packed in tho Tynesidc theater to hear Mr. Glad stone. The stage was occupied by members of the House of Commons, officials of Liberal associations, etc. while the auditorium was crowded with delegates and other influential members of the party. Two hours be- fore the proceedings opened every inch of standing room was taken. The np- pcarance of Mir. and and Mrs. Glad stone was the signal for prolonged ovation. The audience rose and gave round after round of rapturous cheer ing.
 Mir. Gladstone, obviously delighted with the warmth of his reception, bowed again and again in response to the fervid enthusiasm of the audience. When quiet was restored Dr. Spence Watson moved. and Mf. Burt seconded . resolution expressing affection for and undiminished confidence in Mr. Gladstone. The resolution was car ricd with renewed acclamations.
 When the cheering subsided Mir. Gladstone rose to speak. He expressed profound gratitude for the reception accorded him. Hc met them. he nid, Tn part as citizens of Newcastle but more particularly as representatives of that liberal sentiment which he be- lieved dominated powerfully and cffectually the mind of the country at large. Looking back to 1886 they saw what was believed to be crushing de- feat. But during the years that had since elapsed tho horizon had bright cned. There were many precursors of certain victory and that victory they knew conNd not bc far distant.
 Referring to national economy. Mir. Gladstone said that much had been said about the late conversion of the national debt. All the saving thereon and more. he declared, had already been absorbed and elfaced from the public accounts not only by enormous increases in the charges for supply and necessary civil rates of the country, but also hy an enormous increase in the naval and mili ary expenditures And still the relentless appetite of those bringing 1t about had not been satisfied.
 Looking at the multitude of other topics calling for notice. MT Gladstone said he almost echoed the wish of the father of poets for ten mouths and ten tongues wherew with to speak. Laugh- ter, He must speak word of con. graduation and hope in regard to the temperance question. Although the Parliamentary proceedings on the subject in isao were negative and not affirmative, although they appeared to consist substantially only in the re ice ton ot a bad plan and not in the adop ton of u good one, yet they had this effect--ihev disposed for all time of the monstrous and enorm ous claims for the compensation of pubiicans which the present government ac- knowidcged.
 Those approaching my period of lifc.r sand Mir Gladstone, may not witness 1t. but many of you will see Il thorough ana effective reform of the 4n tgl xxsffp hn fy.saH Hixs ,,x alcohol, with an acknowledgment of the right of local populations to settle the question whether within their borders public houses shall exist"
 Mir. Gladstone then took up the ques- tion of the abolition Of hereditary peers He said
 desire to pass lightly over tks difficult question of the House of Lords. Owing to the priority of tho claims of other subjects this question at present IS rather in the shade, We'll, should not be sorry If 1t would remain in the shade still longer, provided the extra leasc thus gained were gained by it's wisdom. forhearancc and mode ration in dealing with public sentiment. But if the question IS remote. n mode exists whereby it may be made approxi- mateiy very neat, indeed n burning oueAtion; that is, fl in an evil hour the peers hc tempted to listen to tho coun. rel un ,uspielonsly given by Lord Sails. bury when he contemplated the possi. bility -his mind open to that exsent--- of h liberal victory at the general elec- tion. and reminded them that all would not be 0, CT even if the house of com mons should pass the home-rule bill; that they might still relyI am quot. ing his sacred wordson the play of other parts of the constitution.
 There is hut one other part of the constitution that could possibly per form such prank as to mterpose It. sclf between the deliberate judgment of the pntion and tho incorporation of the judgment in the form of a law and that is the House of Lords. They tried that game in lsai throughout the proceedings on the reform bill. The consequence was they had to undergo most painful humiliation, us they only succeeded in delaying the meas urc year, and they themselves destroyed whatever confidence the people then had in them.
 hope and believe thnt the Lords will not accept the deplorahlc suggcs- ton of the Premier But should they bc seduced they will themselves be the frat to repent, and those who address you from this platform will not tell you then that tho question of the House of Lords IS remote, but they will tell you that if shall have prece- dencc over every other question. be. cause then upon that alone will de- pend tho question whether the country ts self-QovcruiuR or whether there IS