The Reform League, Grappling With The Right 'Stars'.
Monster Meeting continued:--
Proposed and seconded by blather reformers; of course, Vern had his go:--
"That this meeting being convinced that the obnoxious
licence-fee is an imposition and an unjustifiable tax
on free labour, pledges itself to take immediate steps
to abolish the same by at once burning all their licences;
that in the event of any party being arrested for having
no licence, that the united people will, under all
circumstances, defend and protect them."
"That this meeting will not feel bound to protect any
man after the 15th of December who shall not be a member
of the Reform League by that day."
The Rev. Mr. Downing proposed as an amendment, that the licences should not
be burned. Although the rev. gentleman was heard with patience and respect,
a sullen excitement pervaded the whole assemblage while he spoke.
Those even of his most devoted followers were of the opinion that
his sentiments did not accord with the spirit of the times, and the result was
that the rev. gentleman's amendment fell to the ground.
Here must not be forgotten a peculiar colonial habit. There was on the
platform a sly-grog seller, who plied with the black-bottle all the folks
there, and the day was very hot, the sun was almost burning.
Chapter XXXI.
Si Cessi Il Pianto, L'Ira Si Gusti.
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