Mr Gladstone's Feelings.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 36, 3 September 1887, Page 4

Mr Gladstone's Feelings.

At the beginning of his speech replying to the toast to his health at a recent gathering, Mr Gladstone said— I am not only impressed, but almost oppressed, with the sense of the events and manifestations of to-day; and if it were in your power really to invest me with the qualities which your kindness ascribes to me, I should possess faculties to serve my country indefinitely in advance of any that I can claim; but such as I have they are at the command of my country during the limited span that may still be alloted to me for public service after a term extended much beyond what is usually given to men. (Cheers). They are at the service of my country in spite of my deep sense that there is a violence done to nature in carrying on through old age, especially when it goes towards the extreme of old age, a life of contention; yet they are at the service of my country for a purpose so great and so special as, sir, has j ust been described by you—a purpose not only affecting the contentment, the happiness, the social order, the peace, and harmony of all classes in Ireland, but likewise having such a position in regard to Imperial affairs and to Imperialhonour that for the present at least it may be said to overshadow and almost to absorb in itself all other public questions. (Cheers.)- -Home Paper.