The Judicial History of Individual Liberty. many who advocated the use of force, and as time went on and the government's policy of rigorous repression became more and more severe, and the system of spies and in formers became more and more odious, the lawless element became stronger, especially
531
speaker, the proposed petition was adopted, and the meeting adjourned to December second to receive the Regent's answer. At the adjourned meeting, before Hunt's ar rival—whether by arrangement, or on the spur of the moment, is uncertain—a mob
'
THE REGENT, AFTERWARDS GEORGE IV.
in the provinces, where the members were mostly workingmen. The first conflict took place in the Spa Fields' riot of December 2, 1816. A mass meeting had been called at this place for November fifteenth, for the avowed purpose of petitioning the Regent. At this meeting, at which Henry Hunt was the leading
was led by William Watson into the city, where they ransacked the gun-shops and made a ridiculous demonstration before die Tower, but quickly dispersed at sight of a small detachment of the garrison. For their violence and robbery the minor actors were promptly punished, and Watson, Thistlewood, and two others were held, as leaders.
