"I have already expressed my opinion that the interference of the noble Lord should have been for the suppression of the trade in opium, and that the war was not justified by any excesses committed on the part of the Chinese. I have already stated, that although the Chinese were undoubtedly guilty of much absurd phraseology, of no little ostentatious pride, and of some excess, justice, in my opinion, is with them, and, that whilst they, the Pagans, and semi-civilized barbarians, have it, we, the enlightened and civilized Christians, are pursuing objects at variance both with justice, and with religion."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Prime Ministers of the United KingdomPoliticians from EnglandTheologians from EnglandAcademics from the United KingdomNon-fiction authors from England
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Speech in the House of Commons (8 April 1840) against the First Opium War
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/William_Ewart_Gladstone
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
William Ewart Gladstone
1868 – 1874
William Ewart Gladstone (29 December 1809 – 19 May 1898) was a British Liberal politician and Prime Minister (1868–1874, 1880–1885, 1886 and 1892–1894). He was a notable political reformer, known for his populist speeches, and was for many years the main political rival of Benjamin Disraeli.
298 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by William Ewart Gladstone →
Related Quotes
"Now is the time for the true friend of his country to remind the masses that their present political elevation is owi…"
"I am a Free Trader on moral no less than on economic grounds: for I think human greed and selfishness are interwoven …"
"George III in his private character shows to advantage when compared with Charles II or George II. But, if George III…"
"I am thankful to have borne a part in the emancipating labours of the last sixty years; but entirely uncertain how, h…"
"[W]hat I call the ‘mad and drunk’ scheme of my colleagues on the naval estimates. ... [T]hat scheme (the most wanton …"
"In 1880, Midlothian leading the way, the nation nobly answered to the call of justice and [br]oadly recognised the br…"
"I am vexed to see portions of the labouring class beginning to be corrupted by the semblance of power as the other cl…"
"I cannot help regretting that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has felt it his duty to put the question. It is put unde…"
"I agree with you that a grave calamity overhangs the Liberal party in connection with the plan which I described to y…"
"This means war!"