Gladstone (II)

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

WILLIAM EWART, an English statesman, born in Liverpool, Dec. 29, 1809; was graduated at the University of Oxford in 1831; became a Tory member of the House of Commons WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE in 1832; appointed Junior Lord of the Treasury in 1834, and Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1835. He made his first great speech in 1852 in reply to Disraeli's famous address against the Liberals. Soon after this Gladstone became Chancellor of the Exchequer; and upon rendering his first budget speech which enthralled the made a house and gave him a high reputation as a speaker on the most difficult financial problems. In 1865 he was appointed Speaker of the House of Commons, but continued in that office for one year only when the Government resigned. He was first prime minister in 1868-1874, during which period he introduced three bills dealing with the great difficulties of Ireland. The first measure, that of the disestablishment of the State Church of Ireland, was adopted by a large majority; the second, having to do with land laws, was also adopted; but the third, treating of Irish education, was on which the ministry redefeated, signed. Mr. Gladstone was again prime in 1880-1885, in 1885-1886, and minister in 1892-1894. His publications include "The State in Its Relations with the Church" (1838); "Studies on Homer and the Homeric Age" (1858); "The Vatican Decrees" (1874); "Gleanings of Past Years" (1879); "The Irish Question" (1886); etc. He died in Hawarden Castle, Flintshire, North Wales, May 19, 1898.