The Glowworm, an evening paper which appears to be an
organ of the Red party, stated on Wednesday with some show of authority that on the defeat of Mr. Disraeli, Lord Granville will be requested to form a Ministry. The report is exceedingly unlikely, but we mention it because there is always a possibility that an intrigue of that kind may be set on foot by persons who overestimate the need of conciliating aristocratic Liberals, and rely on Mr. Gladstone's reluctance ever to advance a personal claim. In this case, how- ever, we do not doubt that Mr. Gladstone will remember that his duty is not to himself, but to his country. The nation is electing him Premier by an overwhelming majority, and his acceptance of any other post, even if it implied a virtual leadership, would not only break up the party, but still further weaken confidence in the honour of public men, and appear to Ireland a direct breach of faith. Hundreds of thousands have voted on the promise that their members would obey Mr. Gladstone, and not Lord Granville, or any other person, however much entitled to respect.
