Politics & government > Political speeches in Scotland in 1890

IN THE CORN EXCHANGE, EDINBURGH
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reference to the future. I will only say that what he has said of the
future as much exceeds my expectations, and perhaps my wishes, as
what he has said of the past undoubtedly exceeds my deserts.
However, there is a past—and a considerable past—and it is my
duty, after an interval of no less than four and a half years, to
endeavour to render to you something like an account of my
stewardship. I say ‘ to you,’ because I feel myself to stand in a
special relation to the whole of the Liberal constituencies of Scotland,
although I stand in a relation still more particular, close, and grateful,
and I may say perhaps affectionate, to the constituency of Midlothian.
These have been eventful years. The period is long. No
part of it has been vacant. It will be my duty to avail myself
of the various occasions which your indulgence, and the indulgence
of the different parts of the county, may afford me to go with what
care I can through the leading subjects of public interest that have
marked the experience of the bygone period, or that now stand
facing us for the near future. I shall endeavour, but not to-day, to
deal with various subjects ,of which I may enumerate a few. I shall
endeavour to deal with the office and work of the present Parliament,
and to show how it has failed, where it has failed, and why it has
failed. Some of the events that have taken place in foreign lands cannot
altogether be omitted; and I am so unfashionable in these days, that I
may perhaps even venture to say a single word, though it must be a very
brief word, upon the establishments of the country, and upon the
manner in which public economy is now regarded. I think that
perhaps you will not be surprised if I also take notice, on such an
occasion as shall seem fitting, of the question which has come forward
with extraordinary rapidity of late years, and which probably will
make, in the time to come, yet larger demands upon your attention—
I mean the relations of labour and capital. Then I need not say
that I shall not forget to enter upon the principal Scottish questions
of interest, with regard to which I see abundant proofs that your
minds are active and engaged; but as I have the advantage during
these days of communication with Scotsmen, I think it may be
most convenient that I should profit by these communications to the
uttermost, and that I should postpone yet for some days the attempt
to deal with those particularly Scottish questions to which I have
referred.
The Question of Ireland.
But, ladies and gentlemen, there is one question that overshadows
and eclipses every other, and that absorbs into itself every other
question at the present day—I mean the question of Ireland. It is