The cordiality which ultimately marked his relations with Redmond was of later growth--fostered by the necessity which Mr.Dillon found imposed on him of defending loyally the party's leader against attacks from the men who had been most active in selecting him.
A part of the compact under which Redmond was elected to the chair limited the power of the newly chosen.

He was to be Chairman, not leader; that is to say, he was not to act except after consultation with the party as a whole: he was not to commit them upon policy.

This meant in practice that he acted as head of a cabinet, which from 1906 onwards consisted of Mr.Dillon, Mr.Devlin and Mr.T.P.

O'Connor--the last representing not only a great personal parliamentary experience and ability, but also the powerful and zealous organization of Irish in Great Britain.

Redmond adhered scrupulously to the spirit of this compact.