Sirs, that is to mock of us. They are not mice, they are Cliques of the Minister of the Justice (shouts of approval). This prevarication should be punished exemplarily (shouts of approval.).

Lie. It is necessary we establish a rule. When one attacks the Government, one passes information soon on the reason of the attack; so it is supposed that we proceeded in good faith, although these informations are useless.

Treble. Very well. There it goes. Mr. President, for the mice to be called to the responsibility, I demand that the Government be asked for information, that tells us how many wafers the mice gnawed, if the mice were big or small, if their teeth were rotten or healthy.

Lie. That; quite so, that is great.

Cupsaucer. The plague of the mice should be extinguished in this country, what is not difficult having a strong and diligent Government. When I governed the Espírito Santo Captaincy (oh, happy and blessed time) I observed in my Palace many large rats, whose voracity was without limits; I employed the use of the arsenic; but the best expedient that I found was the cats. Therefore, in addition to the solicitation of Mr. Treble, be recommended the Government that sends a battalion of cats against the mice.

Bignose. Since it is spoken in battalion, I have to send to the table an indication that seems to me

it is very fair. Gentlemen, the reign of the terror should be extirpated at once. Do we see this peaceful City obstructed with National Guards and Policemen, so that, in each corner one meets fixed bayonets, and other still for fixing, cutlasses; sabres, rifles, artillery pieces, etc. etc. Well, what for serves this military apparatus, except to threaten the Representatives of the Province? What is the need for an army of more than a thousand men? That....

Impartial. It is exaggeration. All the soldiers don't count to 300; and this is not a lot for the service and garrison of the Capital.

Guts. To the order. Don't interrupt who is speaking.

Bignose. Is there nothing more superfluous and dangerous than so much armed people? The Government or it is treacherous, or poltroon and coward. We should however oppose ourselves to this despotism, even so that our comittents know the zeal that we took in defending the nation against your oppressors (shouts of approval). I demand therefore that it is asked to the Government the following information: First, by order of whom it summoned this battalion; second, which the ordinance that decreed that decreed measure; third, if the Government fears some revolution close or remote; fourth, if the fear is big or small.

(The petition is generaly supported.)

Monkey. Mr. President, I only glimpse a horrible crisis o-