THE LATE MR GLADSTONE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3440, 23 May 1898, Page 3

THE LATE MR GLADSTONE.

BY GABLE.

TRIBUTES FROMTHE NATION. By Telegraph,—-Press Association, — Copyright. London, May 20. Both the Nationalist and the Unionist journals of Ireland refer to the death of Gladstone as a national loss; An independent attitude is maintained by Messrs John and W. H. Redmond, on the ground that millions of Irishmen feel that their country has suffered instead of being benefited by the influence of the form r Liberal leader. The Continental newspapers and public join in giving most generous recognition of Mr Gladstone’s great abilities, TRIBUTES PROM RINGS AND STATESMEN. NOTABLE SPEECHES IN PARLIAMENT. "THE GREATEST OP THE CREATES r." UcooivoO May 22, 5.15 p.m.. LONDON; May 21.

Mr Gladstone will be interred the statesmen’s corner in Westminster Abbey. A space will bo reserved for Mrs Gladstone beside her husband, the precedent set up in Lord Palmerston’s ease being followed.

The funeral takas place on June Osh. Condolences have poured in by thousands from all parts of the world, from every kind of society or institution of all shades of political and religious opinions. Messages of sympathy have booh received from the Ring and Queen of Denmark, the Empress Frederick of Germany, King George of Greece, King Leopold of Belgium, Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria, and all the Continental Legislatures. The Czar telegraphed that the civilised world bewailed the loss of a great statesman, so humane and peaceful. Lord Salisbury, speaking in the House of Lords, said the secret of Mr Gladstone’s extraordinary influence lay in the fact that all his efforts Were inspired by a high moral ideal and the purest aspirations. He was an example of a great Christian, and the most distinguished politician of the Century. Lord Rosebery, who was greatly overcome, delivered a magnificent panegyric. Mr A. J. Balfour (First Lord of the Treasury), in the House of 0 ommons, said Mr Gladstone was the greatest member of the greatest deliberative assembly in the world. Sir William Hircourt slid the dead statesman always employed his divine

gifts to high and noble ends, its left to the race an undying numory and a precious inheritance of enduring example.

TRIBUTES IN THU CHURCHES). The Christian congregations of Wellington yesterday joined with their brethren throughout Christendom in paying a measure of respetit to the memory Of Mr Gladstone. For many reasons this Was the right thing to do, apart from th? one. especial reason thus referred to by Dr Bussell in his biography i “ Mr Gladstone has for the last half-century loomed so large in the public view as the politician, the Minister and latterly the demagogue, that other and deeper, aspects .of his character have beep overlooked and obscured. Thus it., yili probably seem to savour of paradox to affirm, as the writer is prepared •to do, that . the. papamount factor of Mr Gladstone’s nature is his religiousness, 'lho -religion in whiohi Mr Gladstone Uvea and moves and has bis being is an intensely vivid and energetic principles passionate on its emotional Hide, definite in its theory, imperious in its demands, practical, visible and tangible in its effects. It runs like a silver strand through the complex and variegated web of his long and chequered lifei If we assign the first place in Mr Gladstone’s character to his religiousness, we must certainly allow tile second to his lofo of power. And it is neither a sarcasm nor a jest (though it sounds like both) to say that tbis second characteristic is in some measure related to the first. Ambition has been part of hia religion ; for ambition means-with him nothing less than the resolute determination to possess that official control over the machine of State which will enable him to fulfil bis predestined part in the providential order, and to do, on the largest scale and with the amplest opportunities, what he conceives to be bis duty to God and man.”

BT. TAUL’B PttOCATHifDRAIi. Before commencing hia sermon on the As* oension at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral on Sunday morning, the vicar, the Rev T. H. Sprott, Baidt—‘*At the close of this service the funeral march will be plxyed in memory of Mr The deceased statesman’s career has been so recent—throughout his long life he has been so intimately identified with great and burning questions, which h&ve profoundly divided and still divide his countrymen—that I do not feel that one could fittingly devote a semon to any discussion of bis career in this house of God, w bich is a house of peace, to day. Butt as we all know, at Various tim?s throughout his life he undoubtedly had the sympathy and the enthusiastic allegiance of a majority, perhaps a large nujority, of our countrymen. Ue has impressed his influence deeply upon the coarse of oar imperial life, and withal he Was undoubtedly a devout, reverent and Sxrncsfc Christian m&n ; and I am sure we should all wish to pay this simple tribute to bis memory, of reverently standing while the grana and solemn music is being played, by which we English people are wont to mark our sense of departed greatness” After the blessing, which was pronounced by the Bishop of Wellington, the “Dead March *'in“Sxul” was played by the organist, Mr Robert Parker. The large congregation, which included the Governor, the Countess of Ranfurly Rear-Admiral Poarsou, remained standing until the march was concluded.

BAPTIST CHDTIOK. At the Vivian street Baptist Church last night the Kov C. Dallaston, referring to Mr Gladstone, said:—“Death has been very bnsy of late, and in the list of those claimed we find the names of many of the noble of the earth. From the Christian pulpit, from social organisations, from philanthropic movement leaders, man and women of conspicuous ability have bean removed, and their places are yet vacant. And now tidings reach ns of the passing away of yet another of the world’s heroeA William Ewart Gladstone, who was, I think, in the political world, the greatest man of the century. There was a charm about his character, for in it greatness and gentleness blended. Whether seen as the fond grand-parent sharing in the fun of little Dorothy Drew, or listened to as ho with vigour espoused the cause of the oppressed, ho was a man to be admired. As an orator Gladstone had few equals. Ho could by his eloquence and masterly marshalling of facts hold spellbound ten thousand people on Blackbeath Common, or win and sustain for hours the interest of the British House of Commons. Endowed with powers of a very high order, and guided by a heart in which there dwelt love for God and man, he laboured for more years than it is ordinarily given to man to labour in the saored cause to which hia life was devoted. Without doubt Gladstone made mistakes. He was but man, and his work was so groat that it would have been wonderful indeed had there been no flaw. Rising, however, above every other thought is the thought that this leader of the people was a man Ot God. He finished bis course and has entered into rest. The Grand Old Man has gone. Ho is richer, but the world is poorer.”

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH. At St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Chnroh yesterday morning, the “ Dead March ” was played. The Eev 0. S. Ogg, preaching from I. Corinthians, xv., £6-57, referred to Mr Gladstone in these terms : —ln the grand and influential pesitions he has held he was the convinced and eloquent exponent of t the principle of freedom, liberty, liberalism, but in the cave of that great and earnest man these words had a distinct moaning, such as their derivation implies. They meant the overthrow of foolish restrictions on tho activities oi the people, they meant the overthrow of monopolies, they meant the free exchange of the productions of the different countries, they meant the repudiation of the idea that tho entire population should pay an impost on the necessaries of life that certain classes might be benefited by raising their price and enjoy privileges at the expense of their fallow-citizens. In his dealings with foreign nations Mr Gladstone ever showed himself the friend of humanity. He di I much by pen and tongue for the emancipation of Italy. His early familiarity with the poets, historians and orators of anoient Greece moat powerfully enlisted bis sjmoathies for the modern inhabitants of ttat classic land. Every act of oppression, every abuse of power, excited his burning inlignation, and ho denounced such acts' in language which resounded through tho world and made tho tyrants tremble. It is interesting to us as Christians to know that the dead statesman was deeply concerned in all religions matters. He was a devout believer all his life, 11 may strengthen the minds of some simple persons who are at times perplexed by so many differences' of opinion on religious subjects, and by questions of criticism and interpretation, to know that one of tho foremost men in the world, one who was well acquainted with all those questions that are debated in the schools of philosophy and theology, was a true believer, and lived one of the noblest and purest lives that we know of. There may be differences of opinion on this part of the great man’s career, but there can be no differences of opinion as to the fact that the dead statesman presented a noble example of the employment of great talents in the service of mankind, of persevering industry, and of deen, practical, religious faith.

st. josh’s. At St. John’s Church yesterday morning the Rev J. Paterson in the course of his sermon alluded to Mr Gladstone’s death in tho following words :—“ We are to maintain loyalty to Christ in every position of life, in tho highest as well as the humblest, in public as well as private life.'' This last week a groat man and a groat statesman passed

away from this earthly scene. The late Mr Gladstone was a man of the rarest gifts and accomplishments, and these he devoted to the service of the state and humanity. He was distinguished as a scholar and literary man, and still more as an orator and states* man. As a statesman ho rendered great services to bia country. Whether he was always right in his views and actions we don’t take it upon us to say j it does not belong to this establishment to contider thatquestion,on which men’s opinions may be divided. But this, X think, all will agree in j that Gladstone was not only a great orator and statesman, but a man of great character and power; an. upright man, who carried his personal religion with him into every position and relationship of life. He realised that One was his Master —even Christ —and sought to be guided by His will both in public and private life. And, tbeiefore, it is that he is mourned to day by all ranks and classes —■ by ihts Qa-ieu on the throne to the humblest of her bunco's ; by foreign nations as well as by the nation he served so well and so long.*’ At tho evening service Mr Paterson again made reference to the deceased statesman, and the organist, Mr Maugbari Barnett, played the “ Head March ” as a tribute to his memory, the audience standing until the conclusion.

‘rtrsa&xt church. The Rev W. Baumber made special refers ence to the career of the late Mr Gladstone last evening, taking for his subject Acts xiii., —“ After he had served his own generation by the will of God be fell on sieop.” Mo words he said could more fittingly describe the life and character of Mr Gladstone. For mere than 60 years his voice had been heard in the council-hall of the nation, and bis influence had been felt in every quarter of the globe. We in Now Zealand felt and mourned the loss that JfiagUud felt and mourned. Wo mourn the man of amplest influence,

Yet clearest of ambitious crime, Our greatest, yet with least pretence, The foremost Stitedmaa of His time." True greatness was not measured by lordliness, but by service ; not by the place a man occupied, but by the work he did. Mr Gladstone was great as an orator, a statesman and a scholar, but his greatness was specially seen in tho ungrudging and splendii service rendered by him to his country. From the beginning of hla career to its oloso his character had been without reproach. He was no time-server, no. more politician. Ol him it could be truly said —He never sold the truth to serve the hour, nor paltered with Eternal God for power. There whs id Him an utter absence of selfseeking. Ho was also a hidU of deep religious character. He believed that he was God’s servant and sought to do God’s will. To have lived such a life before the nation was in itself a glorious service done by him to his generation. There was, however, mote than this; He had been on the side of every great reform daring the past half-century, and in many, instanced the prime mover. NoW, by the will of God, be had fallen asleep. " Tho long self-sacrifice of life is o’er.” Such a life condemned all selfishness and slothfulneOs. It renlinded ns of Him who came not to be administered unto but to minister.

There was a very large congregation, the church being filled. During tho service the solo 41 Thoii art Passing Hands" was sung by Mr H. B. Williams, arid the anthem “ They Best from their Labours ” was sung by tho choir. At the close tho ** Dead March” in “Saul" was played by the organist, Mr Harland.

ST. SEAbIe’S; At St. Mark’s in the evening a hymn find special prayers were offered in honour of the deceased statesman, and Archdeacon Stock made brief referenda to the occurrence in hia sermon. ST. PETiB’B. In his sermon at St. Peter’s last night the Rev W. 0. Waters made sympathetic reference to the loss sustained by the nation through the death of Mr Gladstone, and at the conclusion of the service Dr Fyffe played With fine effect the “ Dead March ’’ from " Saul.’* ST. TATfiICK*S OOIiLfiGB. Addressing the St. Patrick’s College boys on Saturday morning, the Very Rev Dr Watters made a special reference to the death of Mr Gladstone, whom he knew personally, and in whoso career he had interested himself for the past ,30 years, Briefly tracing the deceased statesman’s career in an appreciative sketch, Dr Watters impressed upon the boys the advantage of fallowing even fit a distance so noble an example. AT THE SYNAGOGUE. Preaching at the Synagogue on Saturday morning troni the turns to the earth as it was, hiid the spirit to God who gave it,’* the Rev H. Van Stavefen, Jewish Babbi, spoke of Mr Gladstone as the greatest ,t tatesmaiu,pf -the.. age,, and weeminently,a sympathiser-with humanity. The Rev H- Van Staveren offered a fervent prayer for the repose of the soul of “ the greatest friend Jewry had ever known.”

REFERENCES in cUBisrCHURCa. Bj Tdlsgraph.—Press Association, Christchurch, May 22. In the churches generally to-day reference WAS made to Mr Gladstone?a death, lathe Cathedral tfiefd WCfd Crowded (Jorigregations. In the absence of the Bishop, Canon Harper, in the morning, and C*non Knowles, in . the afternoon, preached thereon. The “ Dead March** from “Saul” and Beethoven’s “ Funeral Match” were played. In nearly all the other churches of all de* nominations there were similar proceedings.

BISHOP JULIUS’ TRIBUTE, By Telegraph,—Press Association. Timabu, May 23. Bishop Julius preached at St. Mary's this morning in eulogy of Mr Gladstone as an English Churchman and an example of a. learned, gifted man, who, taking part in many controversies, retained hia faith in Christianity and his adherence to the Church to the end. Ho spoke also of his great services to the Chilrchwhen, as Premier, he took exceptional dare in dhoosiug spirifcdal Men for spiritual appointments.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. — Copyright, Beoelvsd May 23, 12.35 a.m. Sydney. May 22. Pulpit references to Mr Gladstone wefo universal. The majority of the churches Were draped in black. Special music was given. Dunedin, May 21. The Mayor has cabled to Mrs Gladstone expressing the utmost sympathy of the citizens of Bdnediu With her in her bereavement.

The following cablegram was sent from Wellington to Mrs Gladstone on Saturday morning “ The Irish . Federation tender heartfelt sympathy great loss.—(rigned) Martin Kennedy.” The Premier possesses a photograph which is specially interesting at the present time, and which will always Be of mstorld interest. It is that which commemorates the vi-it which Mr Sadden and the other Premiers made to Mr Gladstone at Hawatden Castle in July last yeslr, while the colonial visitors were on their way to Gwynne Castle, the Welsh seat of Lord Carrington. The group are in ihe garden, and in the background are the walls of Hawarden Castle. Those who are photographed are Mr and Mrs Gladstone, Lady Carrington, Mr Seddon, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Mr Q. H. Reid, Lord Carrington and Sir Charles Davies. In saying good-bye to the Premiers at the railway station Mr Gladstone’s last words were, “ I hone God will bless your efforts and see you safe home.”