newspapers what Parnell, _making_ for himself an opportunity, is
reported to have said about the elections in Ulster now at hand.
You have opened a vista which appears to terminate in a possible
concession to Ireland of full power to manage her own local
affairs. But I own my leaning to the opinion that, if that
consummation is in any way to be contemplated, action at a stroke
will be more honourable, less unsafe, less uneasy, than the
jolting process of a series of partial measures. This is my
opinion, but I have no intention, as at present advised, of
signifying it. I have all along in public declarations avoided
offering anything to the nationalists, beyond describing the
limiting rule which must govern the question. It is for them to
ask, and for us, as I think, to leave the space so defined as open
and unencumbered as possible. I am much struck by the increased
breadth of Salisbury's declaration last night; he dropped the "I
do not see how."

We shall see how these great and difficult matters develop
themselves. Meantime be assured that, with a good deal of
misgiving as to the future, I shall do what little I can towards
enabling all liberals at present to hold together with credit and
good conscience.

V

Mr. Gladstone's cardinal deliverance in November had been preceded by an
important event. On October 7, 1885, Lord Salisbury made that speech at
Newport, which is one of the tallest and most striking landmarks in the
shifting sands of this controversy. It must be taken in relation to Lord
Carnarvon's declaration of policy on taking office, and to his exchange of
views with Mr. Parnell at the end of July. Their first principle, said
Lord Salisbury, was to extend to Ireland, so far as they could, all the
institutions of this country. But one must remember that in Ireland the
population is on several subjects deeply divided, and a government is
bound 'on all matters of essential justice' to protect a minority against
a majority. Then came remarkable sentences: "Local authorities are more
exposed to the temptation of enabling the majority to be unjust to the
minority when they obtain jurisdiction over a small area, than is the case
when the authority derives its sanction and extends its jurisdiction over
a wider area. In a large central authority, the wisdom of several parts of
the country will correct the folly and mistakes