A Socialistic
propaganda in times such as our own, an insistence upon the
principles of Christianity in a modern Christian state, the advocacy
of peace and good-will in an age when falsehood is the foundation of
the social structure, and internecine warfare is presupposed in
every compact between man and man, might anticipate that the test
would come soon, and be of a stringent nature. Accordingly it did
not surprise Mr. Westlake when he discerned the beginnings of
commotion in the Union of which he represented the cultured and
leading elements. A comrade named Roodhouse had of late been coming
into prominence by addressing himself in fiery eloquence to open-air
meetings, and at length had taken upon himself to more than hint
that the movement was at a standstill owing to the lukewarmness (in
guise of practical moderation) of those to whom its guidance had
been entrusted. The reports of Comrade Roodhouse's lectures were of
a nature that made it difficult for Mr. Westlake to print them in
the 'Fiery Cross;' one such report arrived at length, that of a
meeting held on Clerkenwell Green on the first Sunday of the new
year, to which the editor refused admission. The comrade who made it
his business to pen notes of the new apostle's glowing words, had
represented him as referring to the recognised leader in such very
uncompromising terms, that to publish the report in the official
columns would have been stultifying.
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