ABSTRACT
In 1880, as part of his Midlothian Campaign, William Gladstone articulated what he called some right principles of foreign policy. These principles represented what might now be called an ethical foreign policy. Gladstone had the opportunity to show whether Britain's foreign policy would sustain and develop these right principles through choppy diplomatic waters. Despite his frequent pronouncements on them, foreign affairs were not Gladstone's mtier. Gladstones stated desire to keep the powers of Europe in union together was unrealistic. Gladstone regarded Austria as an unworthy and inappropriate counterbalance either to growing German strength or, which was of more immediate importance, Russian expansionism in south-east Europe and Asia. Gladstone and his ministers had at least achieved their long-desired Concert of Europe. Gladstone's secretary was even less complimentary. Gladstone's Foreign Secretary throughout this ministry was Earl Granville, who did nothing to compensate for the Prime Ministers deficiencies.
