The Netherlands were free provinces, they were surrounded by free countries, they were determined to vindicate their ancient privileges.

Moreover, his Majesty was to be plainly informed of the frightful corruption which made the whole judicial and administrative system loathsome.

The venality which notoriously existed every where, on the bench, in the council chamber, in all public offices, where purity was most essential, was denounced by the Prince in scathing terms.

He tore the mask from individual faces, and openly charged the Chancellor of Brabant, Engelbert Maas, with knavery and corruption.

He insisted that the King should be informed of the necessity of abolishing the two inferior councils, and of enlarging the council of state by the admission of ten or twelve new members selected for their patriotism, purity, and capacity.