This indeed is the characteristic of the people; almost everything in their manners and mode of life is calculated to strike the senses and produce effect by dazzling and external display. Nothing can surpass the splendor of their religious processions, the rich and imposing decoration of their churches, and the pomp and parade and showy display which attend the solemnization of all their public festivals. The population of these countries are exceedingly sensitive to the effect of all these exhibitions, and their lively and acute feelings bring them under the influence of whatever is addressed strongly to their outward senses. They are little guided by sound reason and sober reflection, but are at the mercy of all the impulses that arise from a keen sensibility and an excitable imagination. Story of Philip Brusque. CHAPTER XI. _The meeting.--Discussion.--A government adopted.--Conclusion for the present._ The time for the meeting of the people to take measures for the establishment of a government for the island of Fredonia, was fixed for the day which followed the events narrated in the last chapter. This meeting was looked forward to with intense interest, by all parties. The men, who knew that there could be no peace or safety in society, without government, regarded the event as likely to decide whether the inhabitants of the island were to be happy or miserable. The women, who were perhaps not apt to reflect upon these things, had also learned from their experience that a government, establishing and enforcing laws, was indispensable to the quiet and security of society: they saw that their own lives, their freedom, their homes, were not secure, without the protection of law. Even the children had found that government was necessary, and these as well as the women, were now rejoicing at the prospect of having this great blessing bestowed upon the little community of Fredonia. The day for the meeting arrived, and the men of the island assembled, agreeably to the appointment. First came the men of the tent party, and then, those from the Outcast’s cave. The latter were greeted by a shout of welcome, and mingling with the rest, a kind shaking of hands took place between those, who so lately were arrayed against each other in deadly conflict. After a short time, Mr. Bonfils, being the oldest man of the company, called the assembly to order, and he being chosen chairman, went on to state the objects of the assembly, in the following words: