THE QUEEN AND THE LIBERAL LEADERS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1167, 25 June 1880, Page 4

THE QUEEN AND THE LIBERAL LEADERS.

A correspondent writing from London on April 24th, states i Lord Hartington was first summoned, beyond- doubt on Lord Beaconsfield's ad]sio& This was done though the Qu.ee.ni was neither bound to ask the the retiring Premier. Dislike of Gladstone regained full sway in the Quelh'3 mind when a choice between the Liberal Leaders was seemingly possible. Speaking technically, the Queen might : sutntrion either Earl Granville or Lord Harrington. These constitutional forwere actually availed of in a manner coming dangerously near to obstructing the national will. Two Ihihgs averted this danger. First, the perfect understanding between Lord Hottington, Earl Granville and Mr Gladstone; second, the Queen's loyalty tojjher constitutional duty when she learned from Lord Hartington, and i afterwards from Lords Hartington and Granville together, the impossibility of HMr forming an Administration. The Queen's personal appeals to Lord Harting-tofefi-never shook him. Frjm the first mtarient he steadfastly insisted that Mr Gladstone must be sent for. The Queen's importunity continuing, Lord Hartington proposed that Earl Granville's advice be taken. Hence a joint audience, f (Mowed by the summons to Mr Gladstone. It f fe due to the Queen to say that when that Mr Gladstone was inevitable, she suppressed her personal antipathies and recognised promptly her constitutional obligations. Nevertheless, delays, obstacles, and hesitation produced a most anxious feeling in Liberal circles. The interviews between Lords Hartington and Granville and the Queen wtfre prolonged till alarm was excited. This was increased by the triumphant hojtßtfof Tory| intriguers, that whatever happened Mr Gladstone would never ajjain be Premier. Those jwho are well informed know that considerable peril b&s been overcome, that a different rSsult would have given a threatening s&ock to the Queen's popularity, if not menaced loyalty to the throne. I do not believe that real danger has existed, because the Queen was sure sooner or later to recognise her Tory advisers did their best to create danger. A trivial incident intensified the popular feeling. Lord Hartington, not finding a Royal carriage waiting at Windsor, walked from the railway station to the Castle and returned on foot from the Castle to the station through pouring rain. Some newspapers, especially the Standard, commented on this intentional discourtsey, contrasting the careful attention paid to Lord Beaconsfield whenever he was visiting the Queen. Three inconsistent explanations are published. The Castle officials, who were publicly accused, reply that Lord Hartington arrived before he was expected, but fail to explain why he walked back. The Queen is doubtless ignorant of the foolish Blight thus oftered, but it indicates clearly the hostile feeling toward the Liberals prevailing at theßoyal household. When Mr Gladstone went to Windsor yesterday the officials, having learned a lesson, had a carriage ready. Mr Gladstone received a hearty public welcome at Windsor, although it is a Royal borough and commonly takes its tone from the Castle. Enthusiastic crowds assembled at the Railway station in London and at Mr Gladstone's bouse in Harley street, refusing to dispense till Mr Adam announced that Mr Gladstone was Premier.