.[137] He had too much self-respect, after
taking such a stand, to give the lie to all his protestations by voting
for the measure, so he quietly staid at home on a pretence of
sickness.[138] Referring to those who took a more determined stand, by
voting contrary to their pledges, Mr. Dickson says: "This change, I am
satisfied, arose from intimidation by the Local Government, who seemed
determined to carry the measure at any sacrifice. It was most painfully
manifest from their countenances and demeanour that the change was not
from conviction, but from coercion. The business of the Legislative
Council was suspended for two hours for a meeting of the Executive
Council. And I do believe that at that Council the members of the
Legislative Council holding offices were constrained at the peril of
their situations to vote for the measures they had a week before
decidedly opposed. Upon those members returning that day to their
legislative duties there was a change of voting, and one of those who
staid away on pretence of sickness was, to my knowledge, able to
attend." The reference here is presumably to Mr. Dunn. Mr. Dickson's
evidence then goes on to say that about ten minutes before the vote was
taken, a message was delivered to the Hon. James Baby that Major Hillier
wished to speak to him. Major Hillier was the Lieutenant-Governor's most
confidential secretary, and was employed in numberless little
transactions requiring the exercise of coolness and tact. In response to
the message Mr. Baby left his place in the House, and did not return for
some time. Upon his return from the interview to his accustomed seat he
was evidently much confused and agitated. Being spoken to by Mr. Dickson
he found it impossible to conceal his agitation, but told his
interlocutor, to that gentleman's great astonishment, that he must vote
for the Bill. When the time came he accordingly voted with the
Government, and the Bill was carried by a small majority, Messieurs
Dickson and Clark entering a determined protest against it. "After the
passing of the Bill," continues Mr. Dickson, "the Hon. Mr. Baby, after
leaving the House, put his hand upon his heart, and, with reference to
his change of conduct on the measure, said something about his children,
expressive of his regret at the necessity which drove him to the
abandonment of the course he had pursued."

Mr. Powell, who was then Speaker of the Legislative Council, was
evidently subjected to simila