The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-09-25
William T.. Gladstone Pleads
For Bleeding Armenia.
Ills SPEECH AT LIVERPOOL
Addressed a Great Crowd on the
Eastern Question.
GREAT BRITAIN SHOULD ACT
Thinks First Step Should be to Recall
Her Ambassador and Suspend
All Diplomatic Relations
With Turkey.

Liverpool, Sept. 24.-Enthusiastic
crowds of people assembled at an early
hour this morning in the vicinity of
Henglers circus, all anxious to hear
the eagerly anticipated address which
VIM. e. Gladstone had announced he
would make before the meeting called
by the Reform Club to protest against
the recent massacres of Armenians at
Constantinople and elsewhere in Tur-
key.
After the usual formalities of open
ing such a meeting had been conclud-
ed, the first resolution, proposed by a
Conservative and seconded by Lib
eral, was put. 1t read:
THAT this meeting desires to express
its Indignation and it's adherence of
the cruel treatment to which the Ar
menians are being subjected by their
Turkish rulers, and of the massacres
which have recently occurred at Con-
stantinople and which are disgrace to
the civilization of the Nineteenth cen
tury."
The resolution was adopted by accla-
nation.
When Mr.. Gladstone rose to speak,
he looked well and hearty for a man
of his years of hard work. He bowed
repeatedly in response to the outbursts
of cheering, which greeted him. When
he was able to make himself heard, Mr..
Gladstone, after few preliminary re-
marks, moved the following resolution
which was received with thunders of
applause, during which every person
present was upon his or her feet, wild
Iy waving hats, handkerchiefs, sticks
or umbrellas:
''That tlhis meeting resolve that Her
Maiesty's ministers, realizing to the
fullest extent the terrible condition
in which their fellow citizens are plac-
ed, viii do everything possible to OBJ
tain for them full security and pro-
lection; and this meeting assures Her
Majesty's ministers that they may re-
ly upon the cordial support of the citi-
zens of Liverpool in whatever steps
they may feel is necessary to take for
that purpose"
When the applause had been Gained
down by the outstretched hand of the
aged statesman, Mr.. Gladstone declar-
ed his adhesion to the principles con-
tanned in the resolution and said he
came here, not claiming any authority
except that of a citizen of Liverpool.
But, he added, the National platform
upon which the meeting was based
gave greater authority for sentiments
universally entertained throughout the
length and breadth of the country.
Continuing Mr. Gladstone said: ST
entertain the lively hope and strong
belief that the present deplorable sit
uation is not due to the act or default
of the government of this Great coun-
try" (Cries of "Ohl" and cheers.)
'"The present movement he added,
sis based ON the broad grounds of hui
manity, and is not directed against the
Mohammedans, but against the Turk
ish officials, evidence of whose barbar-
tiles rests in credible official reports.
But" the speaker further said, 1.-THE
weakness of diplomacy, trust is about
to be strengthened by the echo of this
nations voice" Great cheering)
Mr.. Gladstone then alluded to the SUI
pineness of the Ambassadors of the
Powers at Constantinople and said:
THE concert of Europe is an august
and useful instrument, but it has not
usually succeeded in dealing with the
Eastern question which has arrived az
a period when it is necessary to
strengthen the hands of the govern
ment by an expression of national
opinion. / believe that the continued
presence of the Ambassadors at Con-
stantinople has operated as a distinct
countenance to the Sultan, who is thus
their recognized ally.
But while urging the government
for the sake OF the great object in
view Great Britain should transplant
Europe into a state of war. On the
other hand however, we deny that
England must abandon her own right
to independent judgment and allow