But opposed to that were the dictates of prudence, honour and fear on the part of those in command of the army; and it seemed a more probable result that either the meeting would be allowed to proceed, or it would be illegally dispersed in the usual way by reading the Riot Act.

Even if the weight of conjecture were the other way, the consequences should be risked rather than falsify the national pledge.
To recede was cowardice; not the vulgar cowardice arising from personal weakness, but the moral cowardice which shrinks from an imperious obligation, because it is perilous.

The meeting should be held; every possible precaution should be taken to prevent an armed conflict.

If Power, drunk with its own advantage, risked an outrage, the people should be taught to yield; but only to yield with the purpose of entering a court of law, as prosecutors and avengers.

Even if worse consequences ensued after every effort to prevent them had been exhausted, the issue should be left to God.