The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 747 - 357: What is More Terrible Than a Civil War?_2

"The National Political Alliance that you lead is an exceptionally remarkable organization, tirelessly advocating for parliamentary reforms. You yourself have braved London’s heavy rain, delivering speeches daily to inspire supporters with zeal for reform. Frankly speaking, if I were still a student, I would undoubtedly join your ranks. This is why I have always tried to facilitate the rallies of the National Political Alliance within the scope of my duties. However..."

Arthur paused, then asked with a smile, "I wonder if you’ve noticed that many individuals under your leadership in the National Political Alliance have crossed the line. The law guarantees their freedom of association and speech, but it does not protect their right to destroy others’ property and threaten or intimidate good citizens."

Of course, I know these actions weren’t directed by you. Since you established this organization, you have always emphasized supporting the government’s push for parliamentary reform in a peaceful, decent, and useful manner. And your efforts have indeed paid off,"

"As you have heard, Earl Grey, the Prime Minister, in response to the enthusiasm of supporters and to preserve everyone’s achievements, proposed a reform bill to Parliament for the third time this morning."

At this point, Arthur took a pocket watch from his pocket and glanced at it, "Looking at the time, this ’Reform Bill’ has very likely passed the third reading in the House of Commons by now. It will soon be submitted to the House of Lords, sprinting towards ultimate success. I’m not in a position to tell you what to do, but I urge you to consider the stance of the general London public and temporarily halt all protest activities of the National Political Alliance."

"In the near future, it’s also best not to organize celebrations for the passing of the third reading of the bill in the House of Commons. According to files from Scotland Yard, last year, when the second edition of the ’Reform Bill’ passed the third reading, members of the National Political Alliance under your management engaged in violent activities during the celebratory procession."

Some participated in besieging the houses of opposition MPs and citizens who did not support the reform. During the encirclement of Duke Wellington’s residence, rioters hurled stones at his home and attempted to set fire to nearby trees and those in Hyde Park."

Being a lawyer by training, you are undoubtedly more aware that, although the ’Bloody Act’ was reformed, arson is still on the hangman’s list. And with the assault on Duke Wellington, Scotland Yard and the London District Attorney’s office have ample reason to believe such actions could initially constitute treason."

Price stared at the young man in neat uniform before him, his flawless white gloves paired with his gentle smile made him an enigma."

No one could understand how such a seemingly non-aggressive young man could utter such cold words."

But Price knew how to measure his actions; he belonged to the University of London circle and was a radical. If the Wellington Cabinet were still in power, he would have unequivocally refused Arthur’s request."

However, now that the Grey Cabinet was in power, he did not want to embarrass his old friend Brougham, and his mentor, Mr. Bentham, also disapproved of resolving issues through violence."

Price assured, "You can be at ease on this matter; I also worry about the violent tendencies among our members. But these kinds of behavior are just low-probability events. Our members are mostly respectable gentlemen with some standing in society—lawyers, journalists, small shop owners, vendors, craftsmen, and so on."

"Our rallies are to express our demands, not to oppose the government. On the contrary, our gatherings are actually in support of the government. We enthusiastically endorse the Cabinet’s actions to push the reform bill and are glad to pressure the opposition. But this pressure is more about public opinion, peaceful, non-violent pressure."

Arthur, hearing Price relent, knew he had managed to pry open a crack in the shell."

He quickly seized the moment, "Hearing this assurance from you is truly uplifting. Given that, could you promise me that the National Political Alliance will not join the planned sixty-thousand strong rally in London three days from now?"

"This..."

When Price heard Arthur’s wish for him to withdraw from that assembly, his earlier conciliatory stance quickly wavered."

Seeing his hesitation, Arthur did not rush him for an answer but stood up and poured him some wine."

"Mr. Price, you need not worry overly. It’s just one assembly; if you really must participate, finding another venue elsewhere is equally possible. Besides, you should know that we haven’t stopped you and your supporters from submitting petitions or protest letters to the government and Parliament during this period."

"In addition, I can assure you that the currently detained members of the National Political Alliance will not face official charges from the London District Attorney’s office. Of course, I cannot rule out that they might still face civil lawsuits from those who suffered property damage, but I promise you, as long as they compensate at market value, these charges will not escalate to the criminal level. And once the situation in London calms down, they will be released shortly."

Agares, lying on the windowsill, heard this and snorted at Arthur’s words, "My dear Arthur, listen to what you’re saying. Do you think this kind of leniency will earn their gratitude? Remember my words: failing to take a hard stance when necessary will only lead to uncontrolled situations."