STATESMAN’S MEMORY VINDICATED

Wairarapa Age, 5 February 1927, Page 3

STATESMAN’S MEMORY VINDICATED

THE WRIGHT-GLADSTONE LIBEL.

JURY’S VERDICT AND RIDER.

T. P. O’CONNOR'S MEMORIES.

LONDON, February 3.

The libel action of Captain Peter

Wright against Lord Gladstone in connection with a letter written, by the latter in July last and published condemning the plaintiff for his references to the late William Ewart Gladstone in his book, was concluded before Mr Justice Avory to-day.

Prominent events of Victorian days were unfolded with an extraordinarily clear vision by Mr. T. P. O’Connor, giving evidence on behalf of Lord Gladstone. “I have been a member of the House of Commons for 47 years,” he said, “and I am familiar with events in England and Ireland from 1880 onwards.”

Mr. Birkett, K.C., for the defence, referred to a passage in Mr. O’Connor’s obituary notice of Lord Milner in which he ascribed to Lord Milner the words: “One never knows what Gladstone is going to do until one knows what the seraglio has decided. Mr. Birkett: “Wright says that seraglio means harem; what do you think it means?” There was a tremor in his voice when the witness replied: “There is not the slightest doubt that what Lord Milner meant was the extraordinary solicitude of Mrs. Gladstone, which was notorious at the time. Often and often she was in the inner lobby after Mr Gladstone had made a great speech in order to muffle him up properly for the homeward journey. That’s what Milner meant. ’ ’

THE PARNELL CASE. Questioned as to Gladstone’s connivance at the relationship of Charles Parnell and Mrs. O’Shea, the witness answered unhesitatingly that Gladstone had no knowledge or conviction of this nor had he even considered it.

The witness -withstood a lengthy cross-examination as to incidents and events extending over years. He concluded with the observation that even if Lord Milner had suspected a wrbng relationship between Mr Gladstone and the ladies he was far too great a gentleman to mention it.

Mr. Eveleigh Nash, chairman of the publishing firm of that name, emphatically asserted that he did not see the offending passage, -which must have been inserted by Wright in the proofs. The jury were absent two and a half hours. On their returning the foreman said that they were agreed that Lord Gladstone’s letter of July 27 was true. The Judge: “That is a verdict for the defendant.”

The public began to applaud. The Judge: “If anyone attempts to make a noise, I shall commit him or her for contempt of Court.” The foreman of the jury: ,f We wish to add that we are unanimously of the opinion that the evidence given has completely vindicated the high moral character of Mr. Gladstone.”

The Judge then entered judgment for defendant with costs. Mr. Birkett, on behalf of Lord Gladstone, added an expression of his client’s deep appreciation to the members of the jury for their verdict. Lord and Lady Gladstone were then the recipients of general congratulations from their friends. Interviewed, Lord Gladstone said:— “I am completely satisfied with the verdict, particularly with the rider. But it is much too big to talk about.”— (A. and N.Z.)