I, too feel bound to explain my attitude. Dr. Stockmann’s agitation seemed at first to find favour in several quarters, and I supported it as impartially as I could. But it presently appeared that we had been misled by a false representation of the facts—— DR. STOCKMANN. False——! HOVSTAD. Well then, an untrustworthy representation. This the Burgomaster’s report has proved. I trust no one here present doubts my liberal principles; the attitude of the _Messenger_ on all great political questions is well known to you all. But I have learned from men of judgment and experience that in purely local matters a paper must observe a certain amount of caution. ASLAKSEN. I entirely agree with the speaker. HOVSTAD. And in the matter under discussion it is quite evident that Dr. Stockmann has public opinion against him. But, gentlemen, what is an editor’s clearest and most imperative duty? Is it not to work in harmony with his readers? Has he not in some sort received a tacit mandate to further assiduously and unweariedly the interests of his constituents? Or am I mistaken in this? MANY VOICES. No, no, no! Hovstad is right! HOVSTAD. It has cost me a bitter struggle to break with a man in whose house I have of late been a frequent guest—with a man who, up to this day, has enjoyed the unqualified goodwill of his fellow citizens—with a man whose only, or, at any rate, whose chief fault is that he consults his heart rather than his head. A FEW SCATTERED VOICES. That’s true! Hurrah for Dr. Stockmann! HOVSTAD. But my duty towards the community has constrained me to break with him. Then, too, there is another consideration that impels me to oppose him, and, if possible, to block the ill-omened path upon which he is entering: consideration for his family—— DR. STOCKMANN. Keep to the water-works and sewers! HOVSTAD. ——consideration for his wife and his unprotected[12] children. MORTEN. Is that us, mother? MRS. STOCKMANN. Hush! ASLAKSEN. I will now put the Burgomaster’s resolution to the vote. DR. STOCKMANN. You need not. I have no intention of saying anything this evening of all the filth at the Baths. No! You shall hear something quite different. BURGOMASTER. [_Half aloud._] What next, I wonder? A DRUNKEN MAN. [_At the main entrance._] I'm a ratepayer, so I've a right to my opinion! And it’s my full, firm, incomprehensible opinion that—— SEVERAL VOICES. Silence up there! OTHERS.