POTTER United Families

Louis concluded by returning to the question of the caliber of men
in William's ministry, men he thought were moved only by personal
interest, or feared of losing their positions, and thus feared everyone
else. Louis believed that if William would surround himself with new
and more capable men, this would then be a model kingdom.
Although Louis enumerated all of the major controversies of the era,
in almost a state of the opposition address, the lower classes of
Belgium seized upon his suggestion that brewing, milling and other
taxes be abolished as the sign that Louis had indeed the interests of
the country at heart. The controversy over these taxes went as far
back as the beginning of the decade, when wages were frozen in 1820,
and new taxes on flour milling and beer brewing in 1822 meant a
rapid rise in the cost of living.
The proceeds from these taxes were poured back into the expansion
of industry, profiting the industrial bourgeoisie while the working
class suffered à lot. The lower classes, concluding that this particular
issue was the one that had placed Louis in jail, rallied to his cause as
never before, and his popularity spread throughout the country.
At least one concrete victory resulted from Louis’ actions and other
attacks by colleagues journalists on the Dutch government. On May
16, 1829, a new law concerning freedom of press was proclaimed
which led to reinforce the sacred “Unionism” conceived by Louis.
Meanwhile, Mr. de Potter, continuing his master piece, released from
his prison several writings being all impatiently awaited and read with
enthusiasm. He became the most popular person in Belgium. His
name was pronounced with respect by all parties and classes. He
became the idol of the Belgians and the fear of the Dutch ministers.
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