He had always given them a fair hearing and a square deal.

They would not stand for any hold-up game of this sort.

It was a low-down game, anyway.
The promoters of the resolution began to be anxious for their cause.
They had not anticipated any such a strong opposition and were rather nonplussed as to the next move.

Brother Simmons was in a fury and was on the point of breaking forth into a passionate denunciation of scabs and traitors generally when, to the amazement of all and the intense delight of the supporters of the administration, McNish arose and gave unqualified support to the resolution.
His speech was a masterpiece of diplomacy, and revealed his long practice in the art of oratory in that best of all training schools, the labour union of the Old Land.

He began by expressing entire sympathy with the spirit of the opposition.