resist. But it was not until Gladstone's Midlothian Campaign of 1879 that there arose any thought of political organisation among women. A presentation was made to him and Mrs. Gladstone at Dalkeith[1] of an album of photographic views of Scottish scenery from the ladies of the county, and a velvet tablecover from the women workers at a carpet factory at Lasswade. In acknowledging the gifts, Mr. Gladstone spoke of those political interests which appealed more especially to women, and pointed out how women might assist in the regeneration of the world. Addressing the women present he said:
"The harder and sterner and drier lessons of political economy are little to your taste. You do not concern yourselves with abstract propositions. It is that side of politics that is associated with the heart of man that I must call your side of politics." He then pointed out how "peace" was the one thing that must make a strong appeal to women, and how they could do much to influence its preservation among the nations; and to prevent the "mischief, indescribable and unredeemable, of causeless and unnecessary war." At the same time Gladstone made it clear that he knew that the
- ↑ 26th November 1879.
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