have committed gross errors, it has
been owing to an excess much more than to a defect of professional
influence and counsel. In my opinion the qualities of a good administrator
and statesman go to make a good war minister, especially at this juncture,
far more than those of a good soldier. Show me the soldier who has those
equally with you, and then let him take your place as S.S. But not till
then. You were chosen for your office, not because you would do tolerably
for easy times, and then could walk out, but because you were the best man
the party could supply for the post. The reproaches aimed at you now are
merely aimed at the government through you, and you are chosen to be the
point of attack because the nation is sore on military matters in times of
crisis, and the press which ought to check excitement, by most of its
instruments ministers to its increase. You find yourself unable to suggest
a successor; and I have seen no plan that would not weaken the government
instead of strengthening it. You see what eulogies have been passed on
Bright, now he is gone. You would rise in the market with many after
resigning, to depreciate those who remain behind; but as I have said, you
would not be allowed to have had a legitimate cause of going, and as far
as my observation goes, retirements are quite as critically judged as
acceptances of office, perhaps more so. What is really to be desired, is
that we should get Storks into parliament if possible.

Mr. Gladstone's Financial Legacy, 1869

_Page __372_

_Mr. Gladstone to Mr. Lowe_

_Hawarden, Jan. 9, 1869._--I have referred to my list of remnants; and I
will begin with those that I tried in parliament and failed in: 1.
Collection of taxes by Queen's officers instead of local officers. 2.
Taxation of charities. 3. Bill for restraining, with a view to ultimately
abolishing, the circulation of the notes of private banks. 4. Plan for
bringing the chancery and other judicial accounts under the control of
parliament. Here I had a commission (on chancery accounts) but did not
dare to go farther.

The following are subjects which I was not able to take in hand:--

1. Abolition of the remaining duty upon corn; an exceeding strong case. 2.
I should be much disposed to abolish the tea licences as greatly
restrictive of the consumption of a dutiable and useful commodity. I
modified them; but am not sure that this was enough. The B.I.R. could
throw light on this subject