'(3) Fair allocation of Imperial charges. '(4) A statutory basis seems to me to be better and safer than the revival of Grattan's Parliament, but I wish to hear more upon this, as the minds of men are still in so crude a state on the whole subject. '(5) Neither as opinions nor as intentions have I to anyone alive promulgated these ideas as decided on by me. '(6) As to intentions, I am determined to have none at present--to leave space to the Government--I should wish to encourage them if I properly could--above all, on no account to say or do anything which would enable the Nationalists to establish rival biddings between us. 'If this storm of rumours continues to rage, it may be necessary for me to write some new letter to my constituents, but I am desirous to do nothing, simply leaving the field open for the Government, until time makes it necessary to decide. Of our late colleagues, I have had most communication with Granville, Spencer, and Rosebery. Would you kindly send this on to Granville? I think you will find it in conformity with my public declarations, though some blanks are filled up. I have in truth thought it my duty, without in the least committing myself or anyone else, to think through the subject as well as I could, being equally convinced of its urgency and its bigness.' The remainder of this letter is not quoted in the Memoir. CHAPTER XLVI THE FIRST HOME RULE BILL FEBRUARY TO JULY, 1886 The acute political crisis now maturing within the Liberal party had a special menace for Sir Charles Dilke. It threatened to affect a personal tie cemented by his friend's stanchness through these months of trouble. On January 31st, 1886, he wrote: 'My Dear Chamberlain, 'I feel that our friendship is going to be subjected to the heaviest strain it has ever borne, and I wish to minimize any risks to it, in which, however, I don't believe. I am determined that it shall not dwindle into a form or pretence of friendship of which the substance has departed. It will be a great change if I do not feel that I can go to your house or to your room as freely as ever. At the same time confidence from one in the inner circle of the Cabinet to one wholly outside the Government is not easy, and reserve makes all conversation untrue. I think the awkwardness will be less if I abstain from taking part in home affairs (unless, indeed, in supporting my Local Government Bill, should that come up). In Foreign Affairs we shall not be brought into conflict, and to Foreign and Colonial affairs I propose to return. 'I intend to sit behind (in Forster's seat), not below the gangway, as long as you are in the Government.