men.

He said Hartington might lead a whig government aided by the
tories, or might lead a radical government.... I recommended his
considering carefully the personal composition of the group of
leading men, apart from a single personality on which reliance
could hardly be placed, except in the single contingency to which
I have referred as one of a character probably brief.

He said it might be right for him to look as a friend on the
formation of a liberal government, having (as I understood)
moderate but intelligible plans, without forming part of it. I
think this was the substance of what passed.

Interesting as was this interview, it did not materially alter Mr.
Gladstone's disposition. After it had taken place he wrote to Lord
Granville (Nov. 10):--

_To Lord Granville._

I quite understand how natural it is that at the present juncture
pressure, and even the whole pressure, should from both quarters
be brought to bear upon me. Well, if a special call of imperial
interest, such as I have described, should arise, I am ready for
the service it may entail, so far as my will is concerned. But a
very different question is raised. Let us see how matters stand.

A course of action for the liberals, moderate but substantial, has
been sketched. The party in general have accepted it. After the
late conversations, there is no reason to anticipate a breach upon
any of the conditions laid down anywhere for immediate adoption,
between the less advanced and the more advanced among the leaders.
It must occupy several years, and it may occupy the whole
parliament. According to your view they will, unless on a single
condition [_i.e._ Mr. Gladstone's leadership], refuse to combine
in a cabinet, and to act, with a majority at their back; and will
make over the business voluntarily to the tories in a minority, at
the commencement of a parliament. Why? They agree on the subjects
before them. Other subjects, unknown as yet, may arise to split
them. But this is what may happen to any government, and _it_ can
form no reason.

But what _is_ the condition demanded? It is that a man of
seventy-five,(143) after fifty-three years' service, with _no_
particular qualification for the questions in view should enter
into a fresh contract of service in the House of Commons, reaching
according