At the bottom of the list we read, not without emotion, the words, "Signed with deep regret, A.von Thadden"; so far apart were now the two knight-errants of the Christian Monarchy.

It was in reality the end of the old Conservative party; it had done its work; Bismarck was now thrown on the support of the National Liberals.
Since 1866 they had grown in numbers and in weight.

They represented at this time the general sense of the German people; it was with their help that during the years down to 1878 the new institutions for the Empire were built up.

In the elections of 1871 they numbered 120; in 1874 their numbers rose to 152; they had not an absolute majority, but in all questions regarding the defence of the Empire, foreign policy, and the army they were supported by the moderate Conservatives; in the conflict with the Catholics and internal matters they could generally depend on the support of the Progressives; so that as long as they maintained their authority they gave the Government the required majority in both the Prussian and the German Parliament.

There were differences in the party which afterwards were to lead to a secession, but during this time, which they looked upon as the golden era of the Empire, they succeeded in maintaining their unity.