""we will no longer remain contented with what we have: the monopoly of official situations and the guarantee of the status quo are by far too miserable prerogatives for us. we claim a share of power. we, the vassals of the crown, must henceforth be endowed with the regulating powers of the state, while the executive shall remain vested in the sovereign. with respect to the people, our dependents shall fill the places vacated by the nobles of the land, whose duties henceforth shall consist solely in matters of government, the office of the district governors being altogether abolished. our prerogatives are totally and permanently inviolable. all laws must emanate from us, the select and illustrious of the land, in whom the authorities of the provinces and of the state are centered; and should these conditions not be accorded, we at once throw down the gauntlet, and will enforce them by open rebellion.""