CHAPTER X

1885

THE ‘MINISTRY OF CARETAKERS’

Lord Salisbury’s difficulties--The last of the Woodstock elections--The new ministry--A truce at Westminster--A legislative feat--‘Maamtrasna’ and its consequences--Lord Carnarvon’s opinions--The ‘empty house’ meeting--The Prime Minister’s reticence--The Conservative Cabinet and Home Rule--The election campaign--General confusion--The ‘unauthorised programme’--Parnell’s demand--The lines of battle--Lord Randolph’s exertions and activities--A visit to Dublin--‘Come over and help us’--Dispute with Lord Hartington--The ‘boa-constrictor’ speech--The contest in Birmingham--Popularity of the Conservative Government--The poll--Victories of Tory Democracy in the boroughs--The loss of the counties--The Birmingham Election--‘Low water-mark’.....423