t a continuance of the favourable prospects of harvest and
of business. Lastly, we cannot do it unless we can frame our
estimates in a manner to show our desire to adhere to the
principles of economy which we proposed and applied with such
considerable effect in 1868-70. But, subject to the fulfilment of
these conditions, my opinion is that we _can_ do it: can frame a
budget large enough and palpably beneficial enough, not only to do
much good to the country, but sensibly to lift the party in the
public view and estimation. And this, although a serious sum will
have to be set apart, even in the present year, for the claims of
local taxation....

If we can get from three-quarters of a million upwards towards a
million off the naval and military estimates jointly, then as far
as I can judge we shall have left the country no reason to
complain, and may proceed cheerily with our work; though we should
not escape the fire of the opposition for having failed to
maintain the level of Feb. 1870; which indeed we never announced
as our ultimatum of reduction. I have had no communication with
those of our colleagues who would most keenly desire reductions; I
might say, with any one.... I will only add that I think a broad
difference of opinion among us on such a question as this would be
a difference of the kind which I described near the opening of
this letter, as what might be in certain circumstances, however
unwelcome in itself, an escape from a difficulty otherwise
incapable of solution.

Let me now wind up this long story by saying that my desire in
framing it has been simply to grasp the facts, and to set aside
illusions which appear to me to prevail among sections of the
liberal party, nowhere so much as in that section which believes
itself to be the most enlightened. If we can only get a correct
appreciation of the position, I do not think we shall fail in
readiness to suit our action to it; but I am bound to confess
myself not very sanguine, if the _best_ come to the best, as to
immediate results, though full of confidence, if we act aright, as
to the future and early reward.

II

(M153) In notes written in the last year of his life, Mr. Gladstone adds a
detail of importance to the considerations set out in the letter to Lord
Granville. The reader will have observed that amon