This made him look indecisive at times, but the words of admonishment he gave to the Emperor, which are mentioned later, were extremely appropriate, and Saionji's true worth as a politician can be felt through such actions.
このことは時に彼を優柔不断に見せたが、後述する天皇への諫言は極めて適切であったといえ、こうしたところに西園寺の政治家としての真骨頂を感じられる。