support for the Liberal party. I am therefore of opinion that the
differences between us can only be decided by the constituencies."

'The Cardinal wrote concerning Chamberlain:

'"Mr. Chamberlain was good enough to send me his scheme for Local
Government in Ireland, in which in the main I agree, and did all in
my power to promote its acceptance. The Government went out, and you
asked of me to promote what I called a 'Midlothian in Ireland,'
under the eyes of the new Lord Lieutenant. (I wrote on this to
Chamberlain: 'I answered this at the time and have done so again
now.') Did Mr. Chamberlain understand my agreement with his scheme
as carrying any consequences beyond that scheme or any solidarity in
such an aggressive action against any party whatsoever in power?...
In the matter in which he was courteous enough to make known his
scheme to me, I have promoted it where and in ways he does not
know."

'In a day or two there came another letter from Manning:

'"It is true you did disclaim a Midlothian; but I told you that I
know my Irishmen too well, and believe that even Paul and Barnabas
would have been carried away. Moreover, if you had been silent as
fishes, the moral effect would have been a counter-move. Your
humility does not admit this. So you must absolve me for my one
word."'

Mr. Chamberlain commented in strong terms on the diplomatic methods of
the great ecclesiastic. The 'countermove' implied that there had been a
Tory move in the direction of Home Rule with a view to securing Irish