ABSTRACT
“The problem before Mr. Gladstone was to reconcile the claims of the younger Radicals with the real or supposed vested interests of such of his former colleagues as still survived and remained in political life. The dejection of men like Gladstone, Sir William Harcourt and Morley as they saw themselves irresistibly forced forward to the assumption of direct Imperial responsibility for what seemed unnecessary and unprofitable entanglements in Central Africa was intense. Finally may be noted the First Reading given on February 27th to the Liquor Traffic Bill. It was on the same day that Mr. Gladstone bore witness to the Government’s zeal for positive legislative achievement by demanding Morning Sittings of the House of Commons in order to increase its working-time. Ministers have surprised everybody, themselves probably most of all, by the success with which they have opened their first Session.
