THE G.O.M.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 184, 6 August 1925, Page 7

THE G.O.M.

PILLORIED AFTER DEATH.

HIS SON'S OBJECT,

LONDON, July 26.

Reflections upon the character of William Ewart Gladstone, in a hook by Captain Peter Wright entitled "Portraits and Criticisms," have led to strong protests from two of the sons. Lord Gladstone has written to Captain Wright charging him with slandering the dead and of being "a liar" and "a coward," as well as "a fool," for thinking that the public will accept "such inventions."

The Hon. Harry Gladstone associates himself with his brother.

The passage to which the sons of Mr. Gladstone particularly object reads: "The Liberals worshipped God and Mammon with equal zeal ,assigning inward service to Mammon and leaving God to content Himself with their outward professions. Gladstone, their leader, founded a great tradition, since observed by many of his followers with pious fidelity, namely, publicly to speak in language of the highest and strictest principle, and privately to pursue and possess every sort of woman."

Liberal papers are defending Mr. Gladstone's reputation at length. The publishers of Captain Wright's book declare that the manuscript, when accepted, did not contain the offending passage, and that it was inserted in the proof. They express regret that it was overlooked.

Mr. Gladstone's sons have' invited Captain Wright to sue them for libel in connection with their letter to him.

Captain Wright, interviewed by the "Daily News," declined the offer, but offered Lord Gladstone a percentage on the increased sales of the book, which he said were due to his letter.