THE LATE MR GLADSTONE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3439, 21 May 1898, Page 3

THE LATE MR GLADSTONE.

BY CABLE.

AN AMERICAN TRIBUTE. “ A LOSS TO THE WORLD/’ By Telegraph.—Frege Association.—Copyright. London, May 19. Dr Dobie, one of Mr Gladstone’s medical attendants, states that the final change in Mr Gladstone’s condition was noted at 2 o’clock this morning) when the pulse fell and the breathing became laboured. Mrs Gladstone remained at the bedside throughout the night, holding her husband’s hands. He died in perfect peace, all the 'members of the family being present in thejbed-chamber. Mr Gladstone had the habit of sleeping with his hands clasped on his breast, i t was in this position that he died. The Queen has sent a touching message to Mrs Gladstone.

The leading American newspapers publish tributes, and refer to Mr Gladstone’s death as a loss to the world. On the House of Commons meeting in the afternoon it adjourned for the day on the motion of Mr Balfour (First Lord of the Treasury), seconded by Sir Wm. Harcourt (Leader of the Opposition); as a mark of respect to the deceased atat^smatr. SYMPATHY OP THE GREEKS. London, May 19. Many of the British newspapers have been issued with black column rales, in token of mourning for Mr Gladstone’s death. The flags ard half-mast on all public buildings. The Greeks have placed on record their national gratitude to the departed statesman for his work on behalf of their country. A NATIONAL MOURNING, SOLEMN SCENE IN THE COMMONS. UNIVERSAL SYMPATHY. HOME AND FOREIGN CONDOLi3N(iSs. PUBLIC OBSEQUIES PROPOSED. Received May 21, 1.5 a.m; , London, May 20. Mr Gladstone passed away without a struggle. He gave two slight gasps, and died so gently that the doctors alone were aware that the end had cdnie. Though Mr Gladstone and his wife preferred that the body should be buried at Hawarden, the family will probably acquiesce in the desire of Parliament and the people that the remains should rest in Westminster Abbey. Tributes of sympathy have been received from public men of all parties, The press in their obituary articles Unanimously recognise the lofty character, the great services and unique personality of the dead statesman. Received May 21,12.15 a.m. London, May 20.

Many official messages of condolence have been received by Mr Gladstone’s family from foreign countries. President McKinley cabled America’s sympathy and sorrow for the death of the most notable of modern statesmen.

President Failre’a oil behalf of the French says that Mr Gladstone nobly served his Country and humanity.

llroeoe deplores the loss of a father, protector and friend,

Italy's expressions 6f gtief are intense.

There were touching and impressive scenes In the House of Commons.

All tha members were in. mourning, their complete silence testifying the depth of their emotion. Mr Balfour, Leader of the House, though suffering from the after effects of influenza, in a broken voice announced his intention to move to-day that an address be presented to the Queen, praying that unless inconsistent with Mr Gladstone's wishes he be accorded a public funeral and a monument in Westminster Abbey, as expressing the public admiration and Parliament’a high sense of tha rare and splendid gifts he had devoted t o his labours in Parliament and to great offices of State. The House then silently adjourned. The Lords did not sit.

Gladstone’s last word was " Amen,” uttered in response to the Rev Stephen Gladstone’s prayerMessages of profound sorrow have been received from all parts of the United Kingdom, especially from London, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Dublin. The Tory and Liberal Clubs in the metropolis drew their blinds when the death was announced. "When Mr Bilfour rose in the House of Commons every head was uncovered.

The Prince of W ales and all the members of the Royal Family sent tender condolences.

The American and colonial newspapers and public men have been moat cordial in their recognition of Mr Gladstone’s great achievements. Received May 21, 12.20 a.m.

London, May 20.

Before he died Mr Gladstone expressed a desire that no flowers should be placed ou his grave. Many social functions, including a State ball fixed for Monday, have been postponed out of respect for his memory.

AUSTRALIAN EULOGIES. Sydney, May 20. The morning papers publish lengthy notices of Mr Gladstone and eulogistic leaders upon his career. The Sydney Morning Herald says:—“Looking at the broad generalities of his career and character, we but echo the verdict of public opinion throughout the Empire when we say that these will continue to present for us and those who come after us the finest standard of highly-developed citizenship and enlightened statesmanship.” The Daily Telegraph says:—"No life butter spent, more worthy of honour or more honoured, can be told of in the long list of those who have done much for the making of England or the advancement of humanity. The greatest of all great English statesmen is dead.” The Premier (Mr Eeid), in the joint name of the Australian Premiers, sent the following message to Mr Gladstone, which it is believed would reach him shortly before he died :

“We have watched your illness with deep anxiety, and fear to intrude at suoh a time, but we feel most strongly moved to offer you the tribute of esteem of tbe Australian people and their united gratitude for your long and illustrious labours in the cause of Constitutional liberty within the British Empire, and ill the cause of humanity among all nations." There was no time to communicate with the Premier of New Zealand. His name was therefore not included. Kcceivefl May 21.12.15 a.m. Sydney, May 20. Expressions of sorrow are general. The flags were at half-mast, and many business places were draped in black. Mr Raid (Premier), in the name of the Australian Premiers, cabled to Mrs Gladstone expressing the profound regret of the Australian people at tbe death of her honoured and illustrious husband, adding that he trusted that the world-wide admiration and estimation in which his name was held would be enshrined for all time, and help to sustain her in her lifelong sorrow.

SYMPATHY OP THE COLONIES. Christchurch, May 20. Expressions of deep regret and sympathy ■were general throughout the city last night when the news of the death of Mr Gladstone was reserved. The Cathedral bell was tolled at intervals of a minute, one toll being given for each year of Mr Gladstone’s age. Ddnsdin, May 20. The Soman Catholics of Dunedin have sent a message of condolence to Mis Gladstone. Auckland, May 20. The flags were at half-mast high at the Municipal Buildings to-day, owing to the 4eath of Mr Gladstone.

BY CABLE.

Mrs seddon’s message op SYMPATHY.

Mrs Seddon yesterday sent the following cable to Mrs Gladstone :

Mrs Gladstone, Hawarden Castle. England) —Pray accept oUr women’s heartfelt sympathy. We trust that God may comfort and strengthen you to bear with fortitude irreparable loss by death of your noble-minded and good husband. — Louisa J. Seddon.

A message of condolence was yesterday sent to Mrs Gladstone through His Excellency the Governor on behalf of the people cf the colony; ih which sympathy was expressed at her personal bereavement and reference made to the loss sustained by the Empire through the death of the gieat statesman.

The Mayor of Wellington cabled as follows yesterday to Mrs Gladstone: —" Citizens tender their sincere sympathy.” At the weekly meeting of St. Patrick’s Literary and Debating Society last night, the Very Rev Dr Watters in the chair, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr George Edmonds, seconded by Mr James Ecoleton, “ That this Society put upon record its regret at the death of the Right Hon W. E. Gladstone.” The chairman spoke to the motion, and the meeting passed it standing, in silence.