Bismarck looked with disapproval on the constant journeys of the Emperor; he feared that he was compromising his dignity.

Moltke and others of the older generation retired from the posts they filled; Bismarck, with growing misgivings, stayed on.

His promises to his old master, his love of power, his distrust of the capacity of others, all made it hard for him to withdraw when he still might have done so with dignity.

We cannot doubt that his presence was irksome to his master; his influence and authority were too great; before them, even the majesty of the Throne was dimmed; the Minister was a greater man than the Sovereign.
If we are to understand what happened we must remember how exceptional was the position which Bismarck now occupied.

He had repeatedly defied the power of Parliament and shewn that he was superior to the Reichstag; there were none among his colleagues who could approach him in age or experience; the Prussian Ministers were as much his nominees as were the officials of the Empire.