His letter to his electors is good clap-trap.--Yours truly, H. LABOUCHERE. _Mr. Chamberlain to Mr. Labouchere_ BIRMINGHAM, May 4, 1886. MY DEAR LABOUCHERE,--My list alters every day as I receive further reports from my correspondents. I have only had notice of two deserters, and the total figures now stand as follows: Promised against, 133 Absolutely pledged, 84 I have not heard anything from Mr. Gladstone, but have written to Harcourt as you suggest. I am unable to make more of Mr. Gladstone's manifesto than of many other of his public utterances, but I note one point with satisfaction. He says in effect that the retention of Irish members is a mere detail: to me it is vital, but if it is only a detail to him surely there is no excuse for his not publicly giving way.--Believe me, yours very truly, J. CHAMBERLAIN. _Mr. Chamberlain to Mr. Labouchere_ HIGHBURY, MOOR GREEN, BIRMINGHAM, May 4, 1886. MY DEAR LABOUCHERE,--I have a number of enquiries as to what I am going to do. I thought I had made it all clear in my speeches, but I reply to every one that I shall certainly vote against Second Reading unless I can get satisfactory assurances beforehand; and that I will not vote for Second Reading unless I know that the Government will keep the Irish Representation {336} on its present footing. That means, of course, either 103 members or a reduction according to population. Any other representation would be illogical and absurd. The interest of Ireland in Imperial questions is in proportion to population and not to her share of total taxation. It might be in proportion to her share of the taxation for _Imperial_ objects. Surely the best plan would be to accept your suggestion and for the Government to agree to drop the clauses about Representation at Westminster, leaving it an open question for Committee whether there should be any reduction, or any restriction on their liberty of speaking and voting on non-Imperial subjects. But will not Mr. Gladstone be content to secure the affirmation of the principle by Second Reading, vote, and then commit the Bill _pro forma_ for amendments or withdraw it for the session? If anything is to be done it should be at once, otherwise I doubt if, even with my assistance, the Second Reading can be carried. The opposition is more numerous than I supposed, and is growing.--Yours very truly, J. CHAMBERLAIN. In a previous letter I have sent you my latest figures. _Mr. Labouchere to Mr. Chamberlain_ HOUSE OF COMMONS, May 6, 1886. MY DEAR CHAMBERLAIN,--Morley would have agreed to leave out the clause. Mr. Gladstone would not. He has elaborated some alternative scheme, which is to come before the Cabinet to-morrow. From your personal standpoint I should say "take it." It will be a substantial concession, and will be made to you. If you do not, very possibly several of your followers will accept it.