 Complex webs of support developed around those in power, not always entirely by what we today would judge to be ethical means.This sort of backroom dealing was tolerated by all involved as long as it didn't go “too far” although it seemed that the only way of discovering just how far was too far seemed to be to go there...and get caught.Beauharnois, increasingly marginalised, decided that this would be the way to remove his rival once and for all and to this end encouraged local magnates to petition the Ministry for a review of his activities.