A skilful party-leader, Laurier kept from the first not only the affection of his political friends but the respect of his opponents; while enforcing the orderly conduct of public business, he was careful as first minister to maintain the dignity of parliament.
The Composition was the culminating point of Deak's political activity; but as a party-leader he still exercised considerable influence.
The old party-leader could never forget that he had once been a power in the state, and it is evident, from his Historiska Skrifter, how jealous he was of Gustavus's personal qualities.
But his haughtiness and love of power are undeniable, and he was perhaps too great a party-leader to be a great statesman.