The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 748 - 357

Arthur glanced at the Red Devil but did not respond to Agares’s sarcasm.

He had already calculated why it was Price, the leader of the National Political Alliance, who was invited over today instead of a workers’ representative from the British Workers’ Union.

As Price had said, members of the National Political Alliance mostly possessed some property and savings. In other words, these people would consider the pros and cons when making decisions.

Negotiating successfully with them was simple. Either make them feel that they would gain a lot after the negotiations, or make them fear losing a lot if the negotiations failed.

Although Arthur spoke cryptically, he believed that Price, with his level of intelligence, could fully decipher the underlying messages.

First, Scotland Yard was anxious about the violent activities occurring in the current protest movements.

Second, if the reform bill was rejected by the House of Lords, Scotland Yard believed that the London assembly, three days later, might experience large-scale violent incidents.

Third, Scotland Yard would deploy a significant police force to monitor the site of the London assembly.

Fourth, all violent crimes at this assembly would face the most severe punishment. If the National Political Alliance agreed to withdraw, not only would Scotland Yard guarantee their right to peaceful protest at other venues, but they would also absolve previous members who had been arrested.

Fifth, the reason Arthur had called Price alone was on the basis of their common connection through the University of London. If he were not asking for favor, he could have captured them all in one fell swoop.

Furthermore, considering the current government was from the Whig Party cabinet, Price had to carefully contemplate whether his instruction to lead his followers out of the London assembly was indeed instigated by Lord Brougham.

After all, the National Political Alliance had previously acted fearlessly on the streets, as many among them believed the current government would definitely back them up.

If phenomena contrary to their expectations occurred at the London assembly, Price’s status as a leader would also face a catastrophic blow.

Seeing that he did not speak for a long time, Arthur added indifferently, "Mr. Price, I must tell you very sincerely that the trial of the Swin riot is an exception. The phenomenon of leniency beyond the law will not recur for a long time."

"After the ’Reform Bill’ was rejected by the House of Lords last year, those rioters who set fire to the Duke of Newcastle’s castle and stormed the Glasgow City Hall will all be hanged, and their followers will be condemned to exile."

The reason why the Lord Chancellor’s office has not announced the trial results till now is first due to the large number of participants and a longer trial period. Secondly, they are worried that disclosing such severe punishment under the current circumstances might ignite the confrontational sentiment among the British public."

But not announcing temporarily does not mean never announcing. If the "Reform Bill" is eventually passed, their sentences will be executed immediately. While the marching crowd celebrates, their heads will also fall."

As you said, your supporters all have some economic base. Even if you wish to express your voices, you absolutely can use some peaceful but effective methods. Why must you be carried forward by violence?"

Upon hearing this, Price’s face turned slightly pale, but then he frowned and asked, "What effective methods do you mean?"

Arthur did not answer directly but simply held his wine glass and looked out the window, "Do you still remember what happened when this batch of us, the first graduates of the University of London, first enrolled? My God! It was then that I realized that everyone going to the bank to withdraw money actually worried the big shots more than waging war against Napoleon."

Upon hearing this, Price suddenly brightened up and stood up, slapping the table, "Are you referring to the bank crisis of 1825?"