The National tribune., 1903-03-19

wealth and influence in aid of the Govern
ment instead of robbing it. If he is in
danger of the penit''ntiary it is because
he deserves it, and ought to go there. 1
only wish that many more like him could
keep him company. I'd like to fill half
the penitentiaries in the country with just
such men. I'm tired of hearing about
the suffering of his innocent wife and
family. Why don't such men think of
their wives and families before they begin
robbing suffering country. Mr.. Wick
ham Ito n clerk, return these papers to
the Attorney-General, with directions from
the President. to proceed at once with
the case. Good morning, sir"
A Brigadier-General in full uniform
stepped up as the discounted attorney
turned away, and spoke in a low tone to
the Secretary, who listened impatiently.
$40. no" he broke in impatiently; 'I'll
hear no more excuses or pre.exts. Too
much time has already been wasted
by them from you and such as you.
You'll either leave for the front to-day and
report to Gen. Meade tomorrow for duty,
or you'll resign your commission and get
off the payroll. I'll not allow you to stay
here another day, to the prejudice of
men who are at the front doing the fight
there are so many Generals loafng around
Washington" ,a
Secretary Stanton" said the General,
drawing himself up haughtily, 'IlP'-
Not another word, SIR" interrupted
the Secretary, ''or I'll drop you from the
list this minute. I'm determined to make
a clearance in answer to Gen. Grants
complaints that he cannot get promotion
for the men who are doing the country gal
liant service, and if you say another word
I'll begin with your name"
'sThe Secretary has got up a full head
of steam quite early in the day." re-
marked Mr.. Julian, sarcastically, to the
ladies. Hes mad yet because Sherman
let Johnston get away. But We'll tackle
him. Come on"
"Good morning. Judge. What can
do for you?" said Secretary Stanton,
CURLY, turning away from the Brigadier-
General to greet the Congressman.
Mr.. Julian briefly explained his mis-
sion.
What! Give pass to three women
to go down to GoldsbOro, when We
are straining every nerve to. get sup
plies and provisions down there to Sher-
man:' exclaimed the Secretary. "Send
three women down there to augment
the mob that's already swarming over that
little burg? The women would be starved,
insulted and unutterably miserable. The
idea is preposterous. I'm amazed ut you,
Judge, for asking such thing"
"Now, see here, Stanton, said Julian.
whose temper was not the gentlest, Il
don't want any such tone or such ruffles.
l won't stand it. l know just as well
what I'm asking as you do, and l won't
have any frills. These women are from
Indiana, and are abundantly able to take
care of themselves. They know what
they're asking, as well as Secretary or
War, and I'll trust them to come out all
right. The boys they're going down to
see, and who are now at deaths door,
have been through the whole campaign,
and have done splendid service. l know
all about it. If you'll send these women
through it'll probably save those mems
lives. You certainly owe that much to
them"
'It's against express orders,' replied the
Secretary. "You know that as well as
do, Judge. You know l have refused
thousands of just such requests, and shall
refuse thousands more if they're made I'd
me. This is war, and while we are at
war we must be warlike."
"But this is very exceptional case,
Stanton" urged the Congressman.
ooh, they're all exceptional cases.
Every one of them would move n hea rt
of stone, but while we are at war we car-
not have hearts, even as soft as stones.
I won't give the pass"
And the Secretary turned to the next
to signify that the interview was at an
end.
''Then We'll go and see the President"
said the Congressman to the crushed
women, as he led them out of the War
Office.
(To be continued)