It lacked dramatic possibilities, and there was always the chance that the leading papers might refuse to take any notice of the matter, or relegate the letters to a back page and small print.

Besides, a mere newspaper controversy would not make a strong appeal to the section of the Dublin populace on whose support she chiefly relied.

A much more attractive plan suggested itself.

Augusta Goold, with a few friends to act as aides-de-camp, would present herself to Mr.O'Rourke at his Rotunda meeting, and put the proposal to him then and there in the presence of the audience.
In the meantime the few days before the meeting were occupied in scattering suggestive seed over the hoardings and blank walls of the city.

One morning people were startled by the sight of an immense placard which asked in violent red letters, 'What is Ireland going to do ?' Public opinion was divided about the ultimate purpose of the poster.