Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/116

 IO2 History of the Radical Party in Parliament. [1807- The end of the performance was neither so melodramatic nor so dignified as its commencement and its progress. The release which was refused to popular pressure and could not be obtained by legal process, came about naturally by the prorogation of Parliament. The people, however, meant to make it the occasion of another great demonstration. It was known that Parliament would rise on the 2ist of June, and preparations were made, with the knowledge and approval of Burdett, for a great procession to carry the hero from his prison to his home. An enthusiastic response was given by the people to the invitation to join in the celebration. On the appointed day all the streets from the Tower to Burdett's home were crowded. There were organized bands of men with banners and colours, there was a mounted escort, and everywhere, in roadway and on housetops, at windows and on platforms, thousands of eager people, decked with the popular blue ribbons, waited to greet the champion of reform, the martyr to freedom of the press. The whole mass, leaders, organizers, escort, processionists, spectators, were doomed to disappointment. There was in many minds fear lest the excited crowds in the streets should come into contact with the soldiers, who were ordered to be ready to act. Sir Francis shared these fears, and 'at the last moment he decided to break his engagement with his friends, to disappoint the public, and go quietly by water from the Tower, avoiding all the demonstrations which had been prepared for his honour. So Major Cartwright and the sheriffs and the other leaders went away, and, although the people determined to have their procession and parade their forces, the display of incense without the idol was but a tame affair. There can be no doubt that this escapade weakened the influence of Burdett both in the country and in Parliament, and such a consequence was inevitable. Prudence and wisdom are admirable qualities, and are as valuable in political agitation as in any other undertaking. But prudence should be employed in the plan and design of a campaign ; what men want to see in its conduct is courage. Burdett