He told them they were there to initiate a great free voluntary movement of the people.

It had been thought wise, he said, to hold it with closed doors and to keep it out of the newspapers.

This would guarantee the league against the old underhand control by a clique that had hitherto disgraced every part of the administration of the city.

He wanted, he said, to see everything done henceforth in broad daylight: and for this purpose he had summoned them there at night to discuss ways and means of action.

After they were once fully assured of exactly what they wanted to do and how they meant to do it, the league he said, would invite the fullest and freest advice from all classes in the city.