liberality of his
character," he said, "and by the nobility of his political ideal, Mr.
Gladstone had worthily served his country and humanity." The entire French
government requested the British ambassador in Paris to convey the
expression of their sympathy and assurance of their appreciation,
admiration, and respect for the character of the illustrious departed. The
Czar of Russia telegraphed to Mrs. Gladstone: "I have just received the
painful news of Mr. Gladstone's decease, and consider it my duty to
express to you my feelings of sincere sympathy on the occasion of the
cruel and irreparable bereavement which has befallen you, as well as the
deep regret which this sad event has given me. The whole of the civilised
world will beweep the loss of a great statesman, whose political views
were so widely humane and peaceable."

In Italy the sensation was said to be as great as when Victor Emmanuel or
Garibaldi died. The Italian parliament and the prime minister telegraphed
to the effect that "the cruel loss which had just struck England, was a
grief sincerely shared by all who are devoted to liberty. Italy has not
forgotten, and will never forget, the interest and sympathy of Mr.
Gladstone in events that led to its independence." In the same key,
Greece: the King, the first minister, the university, the chamber,
declared that he was entitled to the gratitude of the Greek people, and
his name would be by them for ever venerated. From Roumania, Macedonia,
Norway, Denmark, tributes came "to the great memory of Gladstone, one of
the glories of mankind." Never has so wide and honourable a pomp all over
the globe followed an English statesman to the grave.

IV

On May 25, the remains were brought from Hawarden, and in the middle of
the night the sealed coffin was placed in Westminster Hall, watched until
the funeral by the piety of relays of friends. For long hours each day
great multitudes filed past the bier. It was a striking demonstration of
national feeling, for the procession contained every rank, and contingents
came from every part of the kingdom. On Saturday, May 28, the body was
committed to the grave in Westminster Abbey. No sign of high honour was
absent. The heir to the throne and his son were among those who bore the
pall. So were the prime minister and the two leaders of the parties in
both Houses. The other pall-bearers were Lord Rosebery who had succeeded
him as prime minister, the Duke of Rutland who