ABSTRACT
Reform was debated several times at the Social Science Association, and the subject was attracting new scholarly attention from a group of emerging liberal academics. By 1865, the leadership of debate was passing into other hands. Gladstone's remarks gave new life to reformers and had serious implications for liberal moderates. With Palmerston declining, the direction of the Liberal party would soon be placed in new hands. Charles Buxton declared, in a famous letter to The Times, the exclusion of the working man was flat treason to the first principles of Liberalism, for it was the very essence of that creed to destroy monopoly and to represent all classes and interests. Trade unionism could be called in evidence for the growing political maturity of the lower orders. Stanley commented in his diary that Gladstone had become the central figure in politics, and the suspicion that he harboured radical opinions was exploited by Conservatives at the elections in 1865.
