on was my theme,
and the Bulgarian atrocities, execrable as they were, only a part of it."
The truth was that in making the atrocious doings in Bulgaria the main
object of his appeal, Mr. Gladstone had both displayed a sure instinct as
to the most effective method of popular approach, and at the same time did
justice to his own burning and innate hatred of all cruelty and
oppression, whether in Bourbon or Bashi-Bazouk. Humanity was at the root
of the whole matter; and the keynote of this great crusade was the
association of humanity with a high policy worthy of the British name.

October was passed in a round of visits to great houses, the popular tide
in the north still appearing to rise around him. To Lord Granville he
writes:--

_Alnwick Castle, Oct. 3, 1876._--We have advanced thus far in a
northern and eastern tour, and we hope to be at Castle Howard on
Wednesday. I left home at this particular time partly with ideas
of health and relaxation, partly because I thought that being
everywhere and nowhere I should escape a little from the turmoil
of the time. Through Cheshire and Lancashire we accomplished the
first stage of our journey to Raby without witnessing any
particular indication of public sentiment; and this rather
encouraged our extending a little the circle of our visits, which
I am now half tempted to regret. For at every point I have had the
greatest difficulty in maintaining any show of privacy, and
avoiding strong manifestations. I never saw such keen exhibitions
of the popular feeling, appearing so to pervade all ranks and
places. A tory county member said to my wife two days ago, "If
there were a dissolution now, I should not get a vote." This may
be in some degree peculiar to the northerners with their strong
character and deep emotions....

_Castle Howard, Oct. 7, 1876._--Before receiving your letter of the
5th, I had been driven to the conclusion that I must make a
further utterance, following the actual course of the
transactions. And upon the whole I adhere to this conclusion,
notwithstanding your opinion, to which I attach great weight.
There is a great difference in our situations, which I think
accounts for this difference of view. I found Ailesbury, of
course, full of friendship and loyalty to you, but disposed to
regret that you had not been able to see your way to a more
advanced