Note 161 — Chapter XXIII · FALL OF LORD BEACONSFIELD.

The contest in Midlothian excited the keenest interest. When the poll had been counted it was found that Mr. Gladstone had obtained the seat by a majority of 211 votes, the figures being Gladstone 1,579, Dalkeith 1,368. As soon as the result became known the utmost enthusiasm was aroused throughout the country. In Edinburgh the excitement was intense and Mr. Gladstone had to address the shouting crowd, under a fall of snow, from the balcony of Lord Rosebery’s House in George Street.