31.   As time went by, however, rival opium armies sprang up, diminishing his power.

32.   But the embarrassing probe unmistakably has weakened his presidency, diminished his power and darkened his future.

33.   Congress last year also vastly diminished the power of judges to waive deportation in extraordinary cases.

34.   The ministry faced opposition from some cabinet ministers who did not want their own powers diminished.