* Gladstone believed in the ‘[[Laissez faire|laissez-faire]]’ philosophy that good government does not interfere much in the affairs of individuals. His thrifty personal habits were reflected in his role as [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]]. He saw excess government expenditure as ‘a great moral evil’. | * Gladstone believed in the ‘[[Laissez faire|laissez-faire]]’ philosophy that good government does not interfere much in the affairs of individuals. His thrifty personal habits were reflected in his role as [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]]. He saw excess government expenditure as ‘a great moral evil’. |