Stuyvesant took the alarm.

If the people could judge of Kieft's administration, his own might be exposed to the same ordeal.

Convening a special council, he said, "These petitioners are disturbers of the public peace.

If we grant their request, will not the cunning fellows, in order to usurp over us a more unlimited power, claim even greater authority against ourselves, should it happen that our administration may not square in every respect with their whims.

It is treason to petition against one's magistrate whether there be cause or not." The unfortunate petitioners were now arraigned on various charges.