Gilbert Winter, with his cold blue eyes flashing their slumbering fires
of hate, stalked into the White House as the Baltimore committee were
passing down the steps. Without announcement he confronted the
President.
"In the name of the outraged dignity of this Republic," he thundered, "I
demand that these traitors be arrested, tried by drumhead court-martial
and hanged as spies!"
The patient giant figure lifted a big hand in a gesture of mild protest:
"Hardly, Senator!"
"And what was your answer?"
"I have written the Governor and the Mayor," the quiet voice went on,
"that for the future troops _must_ be brought here, but I make no point
of bringing them through Baltimore----"
"Indeed!" Winter sneered.
"All I want is to get them here. I have ordered them to march around
Baltimore. And in fulfilment of this promise I've sent a regiment back
to Philadelphia to come by water----"
"Great God--could cowardice sink to baser crawling!"
The tall man merely smiled--his furious visitor starting for the door,
turned and growled:
"It is absolutely useless to discuss this question further?"
"Absolutely, Senator."
"And you will not order our regular troops to take Baltimore immediately
at the point of the bayonet?"
"I will not."
"Good day, sir!"
"Good day, Senator.
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