The New Northwest thus summarises an article upon Mrs. Gladstone:
"A sketch of Mrs. Gladstone, written by Eleanor Kirk, appears in the May Demorest's Monthly, from which it is evident that the Premier's wife is as remarkable as her distinguished husband. Born in 1812, the daughter of Sir Richard Glynne, from her infancy she showed capacities for leadership, tempered with kindness and unselfishness. In the selection of friends, Mrs. Gladstone is never influenced by birth, wealth or social position. She encourages industry and thrift among the cottagers around, personally assisting them in many ways; as, for instance, in the cultivation of trees and flowers around their homes.
"It is related of her, that during the Lancashire cotton famine, she worked night and day to alleviate the misery which prevailed, and to this end brought fifty men to make new paths and roads for Hawarden, her home, advancing the pay to support the families left behind. An industrial school for boys and an orphans' home at Clapham, which has now become a home for incurables, are among the charitable institutions founded by Mrs. Gladstone, and her energy and tact are only excelled by her kindness. To one whom she had helped, and who wished to do some service for her in return, Mrs. Gladstone said: 'Do something for somebody else. A kind word, a bit of practical advice, a helping hand, even if there is not much in it, will always be doing something for me. And more than that, my child, it will be doing something for yourself, and something for God.'
