Westminster Corridors
Wednesday being the Day appointed for the Start of the annual Assembly of the Movement of Artisans, the Town was astonished when its Proceedings actually began on that morning. No actual Violence having been offered to Master Jenkins or Master Prentice in the following Days, and the Gathering having graciously consented to admit that the Earth was not flat, but instead displayed a sensible Curvature which, if slight, nonetheless had to be reckoned with, the Hacks and Scribblers of Grub Street joined in unison to celebrate a mighty Triumph for Moderation, the Constitution and the many virtuous Objects favoured by Master Rees._ Mogg.
Yet it was not lost on the more percipient Observers, amongst whom Puzzle counts himself, that this Euphoria was based upon assuming in advance that the Fanaticks were certain to conquer on all Topicks, and then saluting their rare Failures as clear Proof that their Cause had sustained a general and powerful Reverse, Not even the Prowess and Reputation of an Alexander could survive such a one-eyed Scrutiny. Nor were the Fanatick Victories any less significant because anticipated.
Indeed, on the Issue of Union with the Continental Powers, they achieved a greater Gain than was generally predicted, inasmuch as their Resolution was supported by a majority of All, despite the Opposition of the Executive Committee, on which the Fanaticks exercised their small Pre-dominance with Excessive Caution, This Resolution, moreover, had no Truck with the notion of Compromise. For it called boldly on the Government, in its dealings with the Continental Powers, to uphold the historic Right of Parliament to reject or amend any Regulations, Ordinances, Laws, et al, issuing from Brussels, and to IVIaintain the unreformed Power to control the Exchange of monies between this nation and its Neighbours, and more in like Vein, that would entail the Treaty of Rome to be altogether Re-written.
To ensure that these Sentiments might not be piously endorsed and conveniently ignored by the Queen's Ministers, in particulaf Master Wilson and Master Callaghan, the Fanaticks tagged on the Insistence that a further Assembly, established for the especial Purpose of assessing the Results of the present Negotiations, should be held before even the Cabinet had determined its Advice to the People. From which Decision, much Conflict, Intrigue, Muddle and Entertainment will assuredly flow.
In pursuit of their Contention that 'tis an Impiety to lay hands on any Member of a Workmen's Combination, the Fanaticks also secured the acceptance of a Motion that the Home Secretary, Master Jenkins himself, should immediately free from Prison two such, tried at Shrewsbury Assizes, and there sentenced, and known in consequence as the "Shrewsbury Two."
Tom Puzzle
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