“From five o’clock, the crowd increased considerably, but the fresh arrivals comprised a large proportion of respectable working men, who appeared, for the most part, to be actuated only by curiosity. Some short time afterwards, Mr. Beales and some of his friends came into the park. Mr. Beales was, of course, immediately surrounded by an admiring multitude, and for the rest of the evening was the centre of attraction. Wherever he went, he moved, so to speak, in crowds. A rumour had for some time prevailed to the effect that the police were to be withdrawn, and this rumour was now developed into a certainty. Mr. Beales informed the people that his visit to Mr. Walpole had resulted in that gentleman’s promising that the right of public meeting in the Park should be legally tested at as early a moment as possible. Mr. Walpole had agreed to permit the holding of a meeting in the Park on Monday next,[51] and, in the meanwhile, it was expected that the Reformers should abstain from any proceedings, the Government having undertaken not to make any demonstration of police or military force. One of the leading reformers now arrived with a paste-pot and bills; and soon the various gates of the Park were covered with the following official announcement:-- “THE REFORM LEAGUE AND THE GOVERNMENT. “The Government, by the Right Hon. Spencer Walpole, the Home Secretary, have this day agreed with the Council of the Reform League, to facilitate in every way their obtaining a speedy decision, either in Parliament or a court of law, as to the right of the people to hold public meetings in the parks, and it is earnestly requested that in the meantime, and until the question is decided, no further attempt be made to hold a meeting in Hyde Park, except, only, on next Monday afternoon, July 30th, at 6 o’clock, by arrangement with the Government. And it is further earnestly requested that all will abstain from disorderly acts, and do everything in their power to preserve the peace, and protect property, the Government undertaking, on their part, not to make any further demonstration of the military or police. “EDMOND BEALES, President.” This had the desired effect. Several speeches were made, the mob was congratulated on its “great and glorious victory,” and, in spite of the bitter feeling against the police, there was no further rioting; but the truth of the placard just given was denied by the Government, vide _Times_, July 26th, 1866.