9, and
the _three_ last elections, after each of which, the rule has been
acted upon, silent inference standing instead of a vote.

8. The present circumstances warrant, I think, an understanding as
above, between ministers and the nationalists; but not one between
us and the nationalists.

9. If from any cause the alliance of the tories and nationalists
which did exist, and presumably does exist, should be known to be
dissolved, I do not see how it is possible for what would then be
the liberal majority to shrink from the duty appertaining to it as
such, and to leave the business of government to the 250 men whom
it was elected to oppose.

10. This looks towards an amendment to the Address, praying her
Majesty to choose ministers possessed of the confidence of the
House of Commons.

11. Which under the circumstances should, I think, have the
sanction of a previous meeting of the party.

12. An attempt would probably be made to traverse the proceeding
by drawing me on the Irish question.

13. It is impossible to justify the contention that as _a
condition previous_ to asserting the right and duty of a
parliamentary majority, the party or the leaders should commit
themselves on a measure about which they can form no final
judgment, until by becoming the government they can hold all the
necessary communications.

14. But in all likelihood jealousy will be stronger than logic;
and to obviate such jealousy, it might be right for me [to go] to
the very farthest allowable point.

15. The case supposed is, the motion made--carried--ministers
resign--Queen sends for me.

Might I go so far as to say at the first meeting that in the case
supposed, I should only accept the trust if assured of the
adequate, that is of the general, support of the party to a plan
of duly guarded home rule?

16. If that support were withheld, it would be my duty to stand
aside.

17. In that event it would, I consider, become the duty of that
portion of the party, which was not prepared to support me in an
effort to frame a plan of duly guarded home rule, to form a
government itself if invited by the Queen to do so.

18. With me the Irish question would of course remain paramount;
but preferring a liberal government without an adequate Irish
measure to a tory government