the obstacles would be found
invincible, and that the minister would retire and leave others to
approach the task on other lines. Other important persons, it may be
observed, derived at this time a similar impression from Mr. Gladstone's
language to them: that he might discern the impossibility of his policy,
that he would admit it, and would then hand the responsibility over to
Lord Hartington, or whoever else might be willing to face it.

(M120) On the other hand, Mr. Bright left the minister himself not without
hopes that as things went forward he might count on this potent auxiliary.
So late as the middle of May, though he could not support, it was not
certain that he would actively oppose. The following letter to Mr.
Gladstone best describes his attitude at this time:--

_Mr. Bright to Mr. Gladstone._
_Rochdale, May 13th, 1886._

MY DEAR GLADSTONE,--Your note just received has put me in a great
difficulty. To-day is the anniversary of the greatest sorrow of my
life, and I feel pressed to spend it at home. I sent a message to
Mr. Arnold Morley last evening to say that I did not intend to
return to town before Monday next--but I shall now arrange to go
to-morrow--although I do not see how I can be of service in the
great trouble which has arisen.

I feel outside all the contending sections of the liberal
party--for I am not in favour of home rule, or the creation of a
Dublin parliament--nor can I believe in any scheme of federation as
shadowed forth by Mr. Chamberlain.

I do not believe that with regard to the Irish question "the
resources of civilisation are exhausted"; and I think the plan of
your bill is full of complexity, and gives no hope of successful
working in Ireland or of harmony between Westminster and Dublin. I
may say that my regard for you and my sympathy with you have made
me silent in the discussion on the bills before the House. I
cannot consent to a measure which is so offensive to the whole
protestant population of Ireland, and to the whole sentiment of
the province of Ulster so far as its loyal and protestant people
are concerned. I cannot agree to exclude them from the protection
of the imperial parliament. I would do much to clear the rebel
party from Westminster, and I do not sympathise with those who
wish to retain them, but admit there is much force in the
arguments on this poi