"Imperialism and Mr. Gladstone (1876-1887)" compiled by R. H. Gretton is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume is part of a series that provides a collection of primary sources and documents related to key events in British history, particularly focusing on the era of British imperialism and the political climate surrounding the figure of William Ewart Gladstone. The text likely explores the policies, speeches, and significant moments that defined Gladstone's approach to imperialism during this pivotal period. The opening of the work introduces the framework and purpose of the collection, outlining how it serves as a resource for students and teachers by offering a chronological arrangement of excerpts from debates, governmental decisions, and public sentiments of the time. Specifically, it sets the stage for discussing Gladstone's contention with the imperial policies of his day, especially in relation to the Suez Canal, Afghanistan, and the Bulgarian atrocities. The compiled documents aim to provide insight into both Gladstone's objections to certain imperial actions and the broader implications of these imperialist strategies on British politics and society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)