The Voice of William Ewart Gladstone (1888)

Audio recording of William Ewart Gladstone (1809 - 1898), made in London on 18 December 1888. Introduction by Col. George Edward Gouraud. Gladstone's voice is quiet.

There is another recording said to be of Gladstone, however the one presented here is more likely to be the original. The other one was probably made by an actor hired by Edison to recite Gladstones words in a louder (near theatrical) voice, because the original is very quiet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6-2eZwUZKk

This specific recording was already uploaded to Youtube, but the video has since been taken down.

List of earliest-born people who were recorded on audio:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTEfz_elWtfgRAF4cTCNByerxi5YSLn4Vl2tAd67O4v16J3BEXzHgBARHT99hx9EohDgeb8tzvRYRPq/pubhtml

0:00 Introduction by Col. Gouraud
1:05 Gladstone speaks

Transcript -

Gouraud:
"London, 18th December 1888. To Edison from good Colonel Gouraud,
introducing Mr. Gladstone. The phonograph salutation.

The latest form of science and of American genius bends its knee of steel and bows its neck of iron in reverential homage before the veteran statesman of England. Mr. Gladstone, the phonograph salutes you, and through the medium of the phonograph, Mr. Edison greets you.

Now, Edison, listen to a voice that has electrified its generation – the voice of William Ewart Gladstone."

Gladstone:
"Dear Edison, I am profoundly indebted to you for not the entertainment only, but the instruction and the marvels of one of the most remarkable evenings which it has been my privilege to enjoy.

The request, that you have done me honour to make – to receive the record of my voice – is one that I cheerfully comply with so far as lies in my power; though I lament to say that the voice which I transmit to you is only the relic of an organ, the employment of which has been overtrained. Yet I offer you as much as I possess and so much as old age has left me, with the utmost satisfaction, as being, at least, a testimony to the instruction and delight that I have received from your marvellous invention.

As to the future consequences, it is impossible to anticipate them. All I see is that wonders upon wonders are opening before us. Your great country is leading the way- is leading the way in the important work of invention. Heartily do we wish it well.

And to you, as one of its greatest celebrities, allow me to offer my hearty good wishes and earnest prayers that you may long live to witness its triumphs in all that appertains to the well-being of mankind.

William Ewart Gladstone."

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