Every reader of Parliamentary reports knows what it means to speak at eight o'clock.

By that time, three out of five at least of the members of the House have gone to their dinners in all quarters of London, and the assembly is given up to the faddists and the bores, who never get another opportunity of delivering themselves.

Nothing, therefore, could have been more unexpected than a speech from Mr.
Gladstone at such an hour, and especially a speech which, in the opinion of many, leaves far behind anything he ever did.

But, indeed, it is probable that Mr.Gladstone himself had no notion when the sitting began, or even a few minutes before he rose, that he would say anything very special.

It is one of the peculiarities of this extraordinary man to be always surprising you.