“Yesterday morning Hyde Park presented, along its eastern extremity, a pitiable spectacle. Between the Marble Arch and Grosvenor Gate the railings were entirely demolished, and the flower-beds were ruined. Between the Grosvenor and Stanhope Gates, moreover, not a railing remained erect, those not actually levelled being forced considerably out of the perpendicular. This had been done out of mere wantoness, after ingress had been effected at other points, as was evident from the fact of the flowers and shrubs having escaped damage. On the north and south sides of the Park much damage had also been done, the railings having been overturned in numerous places. In many cases the masonry had given way, and was still attached to the ironwork, while in others the rails had been forced from their sockets; and one could not but reflect what appalling results might have ensued had the mob used them as weapons. The trees and shrubs were greatly injured, and, in fact, the appearance of the north-western portion of the Park was as if it had been overrun by an invading army. Waggons were engaged, yesterday, in removing the broken railings and shattered masonry, and a considerable sum will, certainly, be required to restore the Park to its original condition.” [Illustration] [Illustration: decorative bar] CHAPTER XVIII. Reform League Meeting of 25th July, 1866--Burning a tree--Stone-throwing--Temporizing policy of the Government--Special constables sworn in--Meeting abandoned--Return of police injured--Meeting of “Working Men’s Rights Association,” 1867--Reform League Meeting of 6th May, 1867--Police warning--Legal opinions--Meeting held--Meeting on 5th August, 1867. But the London rough had tasted blood, and as a Reform Meeting was to be held in the Park on 25th, they gathered there in force. How the Park looked may be judged from the following, in _The Times_ of July 26th:--