MR. GLADSTONE AND THE MAYNOOTH GRANT.
[TO THE EDITOR or rue Brae...M.] SIR,—The Spectator of July 23rd speaks of Mr. Gladstone's
sacrifice of office because Sir Robert Peel proposed the endow- ment of Maynooth." Will you permit me to say that these words hardly describe adequately what happened ? They seem to imply that Mr. Gladstone—as other statesmen have done under like circumstances—resigned office rather than vote for a measure which he did not approve. But Mr. Gladstone spoke and voted in favour of Sir Robert Peel's proposal, avowing that he had seen reason for giving up the view which he had formerly main- tained on the subject. He resigned office only that it might be clear beyond suspicion that in supporting the measure he was not actuated by personal ambition or interest. Some men have given up office rather than support a policy they disapproved ; some have silently acquiesced, rather than break up the Govern- ment to which they belonged ; some have tendered their resignation more or less pro formes, and then remained to carry out their new policy ; but I remember no other instance in our time of such high-mindedness as that of Mr. Gladstone on the occasion referred to. And this, too, at the moment when high office had first become open to the young statesman.—I am, Sir, Arc., [We are very glad that our correspondent has brought out the full bearing of the case.—En. Spectator.]
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