And Becker immediately made his point.

He declared, justly enough, that the proposal was hostile, and argued that it was impossible he should attend a meeting under a flag with which his sovereign was at war.

Upon one occasion of urgency, he was invited to meet the two other consuls at the British consulate; even this he refused; and for four months the municipality slumbered, Martin still in office.

In the month of October, in consequence, the British and American ratepayers announced they would refuse to pay.

Becker doubtless rubbed his hands.