INTERESTING MEMOIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1928, Page 3

INTERESTING MEMOIRS

'Australian ifc N.Z! Cable Association.)

(Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 20.

“t have a great deal to say, only one side lias been given as regards tlio other side. The time lias not arrived lor mo to speak about my latl.-cr.” 1 liis is Viscount Gladstone’s reply to an invitation to comment on the references Gladstone contained in tlm letters of Queen Victoria. Sir Almerie Fitzro.v, who has been in the closest touch with the Ministeries since 1885, says lie was surprised at (lie publication. He was not prepared for such candid revelations ot Victoria’s private views. The Queen’s dislike for Gladstone was never concealed. She showed him no consideration and hardly courtesy. She never became reconciled to him. Glndston’s Eastern policy first aroused Victoria’s resentment. It must he said to Gladstone's credit, lie never commented on the Queen’s attitude and always showed the greatest respect and courtesy for the monarchy. The “Evening Standard'' editorially says: “We knew before that Victoria was hot tempered and stubborn, but we did not know how hot tempered and stubborn she was nor the full extent of her fears and dislikes. It was entirely natural that a woman of Victoria's character and upbringing should regard the advance of democracy with fear, and resentment, and should opposed it, with all the strength at her command. The most surprising thing of all is, that notwithstanding her determination and prestige she rarely got her own way. ’I he more one considers this aspect ol her reign the more natural it is for one to admire the statesmen who so stoutly resisted powerful force. One is impelled to as 4 k whether we have any such remaining with us.” The “Star” editorially says: “The present monarch is constitutional in fact as well as theory. We are not satisfied it is a good thing to bring the letters into the limelight. I hey might arouse s-ome future monarch to impossible ideas.”