"
"See then what must happen. Now mind you, I would never have restored
McClellan to command if I did not know that at this moment he can do the
work of putting this disorganized and defeated army into fighting shape
better than any other. McClellan thus returned to power must fight. He
must win or lose. If he wins I am vindicated and his success is mine. If
he loses, he loses his power over the imagination of his men and at last
I am master of the situation. I shall back him with every dollar and
every man the Nation can send into his next campaign. No matter whether
he wins or loses, I _must_ win because the supremacy of the civil power
will be restored."
"I see," Betty breathed softly.
She rose with a new look of reverence for a great mind.
"And the civil power was not supreme when you restored McClellan to his
command?"
"Miss Betty, you'd make a good lawyer!" he laughed.
"Was it?" she persisted.
"No."
"Thank you," she said, rising and extending her hand. "I learned exactly
what I wished to know."
"And you'll stop quarreling?"
"If he's reasonable----"
He lifted his long finger in solemn warning.
"Remember now! This administration is honestly and sincerely backing
General McClellan for all it's worth. It has always done this. We are
going to try to make even a better record in the next campaign----"
"When will it open?"
"Sooner than any of us wish it, if our scouts report the truth.
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