Three of the ring-leaders of the mob had been pounced upon,
and were safe in chokey.
Mr. Black manfully vindicated the diggers, by observing how they had been
insulted; that Britons hated to be bullied by the soldiery, and concluded
by stating our first 'demand.'
Mr. Rede, startled at our presumption, breathed out "Demand! - First of all,
I object to the word, because, myself, I am only responsible to government,
and must obey them only: and secondly, were those men taken prisoners
because they had not licences? Not at all. This is the way in which
the honest among the diggers are misled. Any bad character gets up
a false report: t soon finds it way in certain newspapers, and the
Camp officials are held up as the cause of all the mischief."
Mr. Black would not swallow such a perfidious insinuation.
Mr. Rede continued: "Now, Mr. Black, look at the case how it really stands.
Those men are charged with rioting; they will be brought before the magistrate,
and it is out of my power to interfere with the course of justice."
Mr. Hackett spoke his approbation to the Commissioner.
Mr. Black: "Will you accept bail for them to any amount you please
to mention?"
A consultation ensued between Rede and Hackett. Bail would be accepted
for two of the prisoners. Father Smyth would bring the required sureties
tomorrow morning.
