THE PROPOSED TRIP OF MR. GLADSTONE TO AMERICA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8056, 17 September 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE PROPOSED TRIP OF MR. GLADSTONE TO AMERICA.

The London correspondent of the Boston Herald writes Rumours are again afloat to the effect that Mr. Gladstone intends making a visit to Amorioa, and coupled with them are hints that the chief object of Mr. Blaine's trip to London is to induce the vouerable Englishman to cross the Atlantio. Mr. Gladstone's private secretary sortie time ago denied the report of such an intention on the part of the great Liberal leader in a letter which was given to the public, aud the Grand Old Man himself intimated in a brief epistle to an American, also published, that it was unlikely that a man of his advanced years would undertake such a journey. Notwithstanding these denials, I find the belief quite general that the ex Premier lias the trip in contemplation, having been persuaded to a favourable view of it by Mr. Blaine, who, it is said, has represented that such a step would be of enormous benefit to the Home Rule cause by stimulating tho sympathy which already exists in the United States, and consequent)' enlarging tho flow of pecuniary support which has proved of such incalculable advantage to the National cause in Parliament. In this way, as the two wings of the Home Kule party are in full co-operation at tho polls, the chances of Gladstonian triumph in the next general election would be materially strengthened, and many politicians believe that an appeal to the people will come within a twelvemonth.

Mr. Gladstone is in excellent health. Ho is taking great care of himself, and has been noticed recently to be in bettor spirits than he was a few weeks back, though he fully realised tho impending defeat in the struggle over the Crimes Bill. It is argued that he is much more likely to yield to the temptation to go abroad now than last spring, when he was iu poor health aud a dubious Parliament contest coining ou. The scheme is, aecordiug to the' reports above quoted, for Mr. Gladstone to sail in the autumn, after the adjournment of Parliament, and when the ilauger of equinoctial storms is past. The reception arrangements are planned on the most impressive scale. Mr. Gladstone will bo escorted up New York Bay by a fliet of steamers, and all that bands and bunting can do to arouse enthusiasm and mark him as the guest of the American people will bo done with an unsparing hand. The biggest edifice available in New York will be secured for his introduction to the citizens of the metropolis, a fitting stage for tho noble oratorical effort, which doubtless will be called forth by the occasion. The reception proceedings, aside from the marine deiroustratiou, will be repeated at Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and possibly Cincinnati and St. Louis. 'J he tour will also bo extended to Washington. It is reported that Mrs. Glads-tone was at first strongly opposed to the projected trip, as she feared that her husband's health would sutler from the strain, but she has been won over by representations of the beneficial effect of a sea voyage and the complcto rest; it would afford after his parliamentary exertions. Furthermore, she is influenced in the matter.. political ambition, for it is well known that she is desirous of his restoration to power. 1 give this story as I have heard it, bit by bit, from various sources, English and American, Conservative and Liberal, Republican and Democrat.