It was natural that the capital should be thought exposed to imminent danger.

At the same time, while every man who had hands was disposed to bear arms to defend the city, the Council seemed paralyzed.
The capital was insufficiently garrisoned, yet troops were not enrolling for its protection.

The state councillors obviously omitted to provide for defence, and it was supposed that they were secretly assisting the attack.

It was thought important, therefore, to disarm, or, at least, to control this body which was impotent for protection, and seemed powerful only for mischief.

It was possible to make it as contemptible as it was believed to be malicious.
An unexpected stroke was therefore suddenly levelled against the Council in full session.