Sir Charles replied:

'76, Sloane Street, S.W.,

'_Wednesday, May 5th_, 1886.

'My Dear Chamberlain,

'... It is a curious fact that we should without a difference have
gone through the trials of the years in which we were rivals, and
that the differences and the break should have come now that I
have--at least in my own belief, and that of most people--ceased for
ever to count at all in politics.... The fall was, as you know, in
my opinion final and irretrievable on the day on which the charge
was made in July last--as would be that, in these days, of any man
against whom such a false charge was made by conspiracy and careful
preparation. I think, as I have always thought, that the day will
come when all will know, but it will come too late for political
life to be resumed with power or real use....

'You say you never had a suspicion that we differed on the Irish
Question. As to land purchase--yes: we used to differ about it; and
we do not differ about the present Bill. As to the larger question--
when Morley and I talked it over with you in the autumn, I said
that, if I had to take a large scheme, I inclined rather to Repeal,
or getting rid of the Irish members, than to Home Rule. I don't
think, however, that I or you had either of us very clear or
definite views, and I am sure that Morley hadn't. You inclined to
stick to National Councils only, and I never heard you speak of
Federation until just before you spoke on the Bill in Parliament. I