He indicated also the need for reform in the composition of that House.

But, above all, he disclaimed as improper and impossible any attempt to secure in advance a pledge for the contingent exercise of the Royal prerogative.
"I have received no such guarantee and I have asked for no such guarantee," he said.
The change was marked indeed from the moment when he uttered in the Albert Hall his sentence against assuming office or holding office without the necessary safeguards--an assurance at which the whole vast assembly rose to their feet and cheered.

Every word in his speech on the Address added to the depression of his followers and the elation of the Opposition.

Redmond followed him at once.

In such circumstances as then existed, it was exceedingly undesirable for the Irish leader to emphasize the fact that his vote could overthrow the Government: and the least unnecessary display of this power would naturally and properly have been resented by the Government's following.