Originally published in the Manchester Guardian on 14 March 1873
Mr. Gladstone rose at half-past four, amid cheers. He stated that in consequence of the vote which had been come to by the House, Her Majesty's Government had thought it right to tender their resignation; and Her Majesty having been pleased to accept that resignation, he had now to move that the House at its rising adjourn till Monday next, in order to give time to make the necessary arrangements.
Mr Osborne expressed the opinion that the House ought to be informed whom the destinies of the country were about to be consigned, and whether this was to be a mere resignation to be followed by the old words, "as you were". Mr Gladstone replied that the statement was complete as far as it went, and that whatever else might happen would be part of a new chapter in the parliamentary history of the country.
The House adjourned at a quarter to five o'clock ---The Gladstone Cabinet has resigned. The announcement was made by Mr. Gladstone, from his place in the House of Commons, immediately after the commencement of proceedings yesterday. The right hon. gentleman stated that the Government had felt it to be their duty, in consequence of the vote on the Irish University Education Bill, to place their resignation in the hands of Her Majesty, and that it had been accepted. After an unsuccessful attempt on the part of Mr Osborne to obtain information with regard to the political movements that were then going on, and an announcement by Mr Gilpin that he would move, on the re-assembling of the House, a vote of confidence in the Gladstone Cabinet, the House adjourned until Monday.
The Cabinet met in the afternoon, and Mr. Gladstone, going from Downing-street to the Palace, informed Her Majesty of the decision which had been arrived at. It is understood that the right hon. gentleman recommended Her Majesty to summon Mr. Disraeli and the right hon. gentleman was met on his way to the House by a Royal Message requesting his attendance upon Her Majesty. At the conclusion of the audience, it was understood that Mr. Disraeli held counsel with the chief men of the party who were in London. The right hon. gentleman was cheered by a large crowd in New Palace Yard, and a very cordial greeting was also given to Mr Gladstone.
In the House of Lords, at five o'clock, Earl Granville briefly announced the resignation of the Cabinet. Notwithstanding the extraordinary state of affairs, their Lordships proceeded with business, and rejected the bill for legalising marriage with a deceased wife's sister.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/mar/14/archive-resignation-government-1873
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