Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-07
CATECHIsING GLADSTONE.
Questions Put to Him on the Stump Ane
the "Grand Old Man,

Questions Put to Him on the Stump Anger
the "Grand Old Man."
LONDON, July when Mr.. Usher, the
brewer at Corstorphine, who questioned MIR.
Gladstone while the latter was addressing a lib
eral gathering at that place yes
terday began to put his ques-
tons from the huge manuscript he car
ried the crowd present greeted him with q
storm OF abuse, they thinking the questions
were put solely for the purpose of "heikling"
the speaker. After time the crowd insisted
that Mr.. Urher ascend the platform.
Mr.: Usher strobe past the reporters table to
Mr.. Gladstone's side, where, amid continued in
terruptions, he demanded whether the liberal
leader approved Of the plan of campaign in
Ireland.
Mr.. Gladstone jumped to his feet and in in
dignant tones said that the questioner had
never taken the pains to read his speeches. He
reiterated that it was the government that
brought about the plan Of campaign.
Mr.. Usher waited until the renewed and pro-
longed uproar had subsidized and then said:
''Then I understand that under the circum-
stances Mr.. Gladstone approved The 'plan Of
campaign:
MI. Gladstone responded with intense irony,
pointing and shaking his finger and saying:
II am not responsible for this gentleman's un-
derstanding."
This retort brought forth vociferous cheer
ing that continued for three minutes.
II am responsible" continued Mr.. Gladstone
dramatically "for the understanding the
Almighty has pleased to lodge in this skull Of
mine, tapping his head as he spoke. |'but am
not responsible for the understanding Almighty
God has been pleased to lodge in that skull Of
his" pointing to Mr.. Usher.
Mr.. Gladstone then asked If Mr.. Usher had
any further questions to put.
The latter thereupon asked about the law Of
conspiracy.
MI. Gladstone, with a fierce flash Of the eye,
said: ''You want to entangle me in q legal
question"
Mr.. Gladstone next replied to a question
about boycotting when Mr.. Usher demanded:
"WOuld you occept an alliance with the Par
nellites II you could get it?'
Mr.. Gladstone trembled with indignation.
He paused for a moment and then began: ~
shouted: "Don't answer" The chairman Of
the meeting declared that the question was i'm
pertinent and said that he would not allow it.
+ Mr.. Usher, undaunted, continued his ques-
tioning He asked: "Who have been the sup
porters Of law and order hitherto in Ireland?''
Mr.. Gladstone replied: mot the present
government, for in 1887 they shot down by
constabulary and soldiers three innocent men,
who were engaged in a legal and peaceable
meeting; and this gentleman supports them,"
concluded Mr.. Gladstone, emphatically.
A resolution of confidence in Mr. Gladstone
was proposed. Farmer Gray moved counter
resolution.
Mr.. Usher's son seconded Mr.. Gray's motion
and seven votes were cast in favor Of it.
Mr.. Gladstone, replying to this vote, said he
was glad the amendment was moved, as it tested
the sentiment Of the meeting-"This open meet
ing"
A voice here CALCULATED: "No, no, packedr'
While Mr.. Gladstone continued one Of his
supporters kept shouting: Five hands and Q
stick, ," in allusion to the votes on the amend
ment
Mr.. Gladstone was so annoyed that he turned
to the interrupter and said irritably: 81 will
not enter into conflict Of lungs with you, sir. +"
The meeting concluded with hearty cheers for
Mr. Gladstone