Liberals

in British politics, a new party name for the Whigs. Since the assumption of the name the Liberals have been "in" about three-fourths of the time. The Conservatives have been in power just enough to keep the Liberals up to their best work. The ministries of Grey, Melbourne, Russell, Aberdeen, Palmerston, Gladstone, and Rosebery were Liberal. Gladstone is without doubt the most prominent statesman produced by the Liberal Party. Among the important measures carried by the Liberals are the extension of the franchise; the emancipation of West Indian slaves; wholesome factory laws; the abolition of the pillory and the whipping post; the establishment of public schools; the adoption of free trade; a more just treatment of Ireland; and, in short, the long and honorable list of reforms that have kept the United Kingdom in the forefront for nearly a century.