Page "William Ewart Gladstone" Paragraph 38

... by universal consent it was one of the grandest displays and most able financial statement that ever was heard in the House of Commons ; a great scheme, boldly, skilfully, and honestly devised, disdaining popular clamour and pressure from without, and the execution of it absolute perfection.

Even those who do not admire the Budget, or who are injured by it, admit the merit of the performance.

It has raised Gladstone to a great political elevation, and, what is of far greater consequence than the measure itself, has given the country assurance of a man equal to great political necessities, and fit to lead parties and direct governments.