Mr. Black would not swallow such a perfidious insinuation.
Mr. Rede continued: "Now, Mr. Black, look at the case how it really stands. Those men are charged with rioting; they will be brought before the magistrate, and it is out of my power to interfere with the course of justice."
Mr. Hackett spoke his approbation to the Commissioner.
Mr. Black: "Will you accept bail for them to any amount you please to mention?"
A consultation ensued between Rede and Hackett. Bail would be accepted for two of the prisoners. Father Smyth would bring the required sureties tomorrow morning.
Mr. Black proceeded to our second demand.
Mr. Rede took that for a full stop; and launched into declamation: "What do you think, gentlemen, Sir Charles Hotham would say to me, if I were to give such a pledge? Why Sir Charles Hotham would have at once to appoint another Resident Commissioner in my place!" and concluded with the eternal cant of all silver and gold lace, "I have a dooty to perform, I know my duty, I must 'nolens volens' adhere to it."
In vain Mr. Black entered the pathetic; and expostulated with the Commissioner, who had it in his power to prevent bloodshed.
Mr. Rede: "It is all nonsense to make me believe that the present agitation is intended solely to abolish the licence. Do you really wish to make me believe that the diggers of Ballaarat won't pay any longer two pounds for three months? The licence is a mere cloak to cover a democratic revolution."
Mr. Black acknowledged that the licence fee, and especially the disreputable mode of collecting it at the point of the bayonet, were not the only grievances the diggers complained of. They wanted to be represented in the Legislative Council; they wanted to 'unlock the lands.'