His measures were sure to be the subject of perpetual cavil.

If the city were besieged, there were nearly one hundred thousand mouths to feed, and nearly one hundred thousand tongues to dispute about furnishing the food.
For the government of Antwerp had been degenerating from a well-organised municipal republicanism into anarchy.

The clashing of the various bodies exercising power had become incessant and intolerable.

The burgomaster was charged with the chief executive authority, both for peace and war.
Nevertheless he had but a single vote in the board of magistrates, where a majority decided.

Moreover, he could not always attend the sessions, because he was also member of the council of Brabant.