CHAPTER VII

1883-1884

THE PARTY MACHINE

A daring enterprise--The Fourth Party: final phase--The National Union and the Central Committee--The conference at Birmingham--The proceedings of the new council--Dispute with Lord Salisbury--Lord Randolph elected chairman--The ‘charter’ letter--‘Notice to quit’--A declaration of war--Close fighting--Lord Randolph resigns--Satisfaction in the House of Commons--Dismay in the Conservative party--Intervention of the provincial leaders--Lord Randolph reinstated--Progress of the conflict.....302