Mr.Bryce was replaced by Mr.Birrell as Chief Secretary, but the scheme still fell short of what Redmond had hoped to attain.

Unfortunately, and it was a characteristic error, his sanguine temperament had led him to encourage in Ireland hopes as high as his own.

The production of the Irish Council Bill and its reception in Ireland was the first real shock to his power.
Mr.Birrell in introducing the measure spoke with his eye on the Tories and the House of Lords.

He represented it as only the most trifling concession; he emphasized not the powers which it conveyed but the limitations to them.

Redmond in following him was in a difficult position.