the _Times_ to-day. I have replied that I was strongly against the
Bill for land purchase, but that as regards the chief Bill I had
said nothing, and was free to vote as I thought right when the time
came. I have called my caucus for Friday. We don't have reporters,
but I think I ought to tell them what I mean to do, and why.

'As to our being separated, I am most anxious, as you know, that you
should not vote against the second reading. I know the Bill is
doomed, but I fancy the Government know that, too, and that some
change will be made or promised, and it is a question of how much.
My difficulty in being one to _ask_ for those changes you want is
that I am against the chief change, as you know. If it is made--as
seems likely--I shall keep quiet and not say I am against it, but go
with you and the rest. But--what if it is not made? You see, I have
said over and over again that, if forced to have a big scheme, I had
sooner get rid of the Irish members, and that, if forced to choose
between Repeal and Federation, I prefer Repeal to any scheme of
Federation I have ever heard of. Now, all this I can swallow
quietly--yielding my own judgment--if I go with the party; but I
can't well fight against the party for a policy which is opposed to
my view of the national interest. If it is of any use that I should
remain free up to the last instant, I can manage this. I can explain
my views in detail to the caucus, and not say which way I intend to
vote; but I do not well see how, when it comes to the vote, I can
fail to vote for the second reading.

'The reason, as you know, why I am so anxious for YOU (which matters
more than I matter at present or shall for a long time) to find
yourself able if possible to take the offers made you, and vote for
the second reading, is that the dissolution will wreck the party,