“_Rendered unfit for duty._--Superintendent, 1; inspectors, 2; police sergeants, 9; police constables, 33; total, 45.
“_Slightly injured._--Superintendents, 10; inspectors, 18; police sergeants, 23; police constables, 170; total, 221.
“The Commissioner was struck several times by stones thrown at him; he received a severe contusion on the side of the head, and a cut on the temple, which blackened his eye. Each of the assistant Commissioners was struck several times by stones thrown at them.”
Mr. Beales was, not long after, made a County Court Judge.
On 19th April, 1867, there was a meeting, convened by the “Working Men’s Rights Association,” held in Hyde Park, for the purpose of denouncing the Government Reform Bill, and to express their opinion “That the Parks are the People’s, and we hereby claim the right to the use of them for the purpose of discussing our political wrongs.” They had a red flag, surmounted by a Cap of Liberty, but, as they were quiet, the police did not interfere with their proceedings, although there was a reserve of mounted and foot police at the Magazine, to act in case their services were required.
On 17th April, 1867, it was resolved, at a meeting of the Council and delegates of the various branches of the Reform League, “That a demonstration of the Reformers of London be held in Hyde Park at 6 o’clock in the evening of Monday, the 6th of May.” This provoked much comment from the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, and from those who looked upon the Park as a place of recreation and innocent enjoyment; and on 1st May Mr. Walpole issued the following proclamation:--
“WHEREAS it has been publicly announced that a meeting will be held in Hyde Park on Monday, the 6th of May, for the purpose of political discussion; AND WHEREAS the use of the park for the purpose of holding such meeting is not permitted, and interferes with the object for which her Majesty has been pleased to open the Park for the general enjoyment of her people: Now all persons are hereby warned and admonished to abstain from attending, aiding, or taking part in any such meeting, or from entering the park with a view to attend, aid, or take part in such meeting.”
This was received with ridicule by some of the meeting, and Col. Dickson elegantly pointed out that it was a very milk-and-watery affair, and showed that there was some “funking” in official quarters; and Mr. Bradlaugh moved a resolution which, somewhat altered in words, was carried unanimously: “That this meeting, denying the right of S. H. Walpole, or any other person in this realm, to issue such a proclamation, and, regarding the parks as places open for the purpose of holding public meetings, which are the right of all Englishmen, reply to the proclamation, that they intend holding the meeting of Monday, and that the consequences of endeavouring to prevent it must rest with those who are wicked enough to take this course.”