Not long after, Hermes appeared in a garment much too short for him, which, however, by way of compensation, was also a great deal too wide.
The assembly was now able to finish its deliberations in peace and quiet. The portraits having been unanimously approved of, No. 2 of the Agenda came up for discussion. This was, “Declaration of war against Holland on the ground of high treason.” The debate was lively and confused.
Bauer wanted to summon his men at once, surprise Maastricht the same night, take the garrison prisoners, and march farther into the country.
Conrads, on the other hand, could see no good in such incautious haste. “Let’s wait till we get the corn in; then we can bake bread for our men through the war.”
“No need of that!” shouted Bauer. “We’ll get all the bread we want from the Dutch.”
Holzert was inclined to agree with Conrads, but for other reasons. “We must ask for explanations first; that’s always the way,” he declared. “We ought to give them time to investigate the outrage committed on our president, and make their apologies. Besides that,” he added, “till we have stamps of our own we can’t declare war.”
“That’s true, that’s true!” cried several voices, “it would never do to declare war on Holland with Prussian stamps.”
“Very well, then,” raged Bauer, “but you must get them made directly, Bloemstein!”
“I’ll promise that,” replied the President.
Herewith the solemn session concluded.