The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1910-05-18
BY EMERSON HOUGH
Il think they lear her more" /"

you are always thinking or the
popular imagination, jim. You have
been thinking Of that FOR SOME time
in Tennessee. All that outcry about
the whole of Oregon is ill-timed to-
day"
Fifty-Four Forty or Fight that
sounds well!n exclaimed Polk 'eh?"
"Trippingly on the tongue, yes.'
said John Calhoun. But how would
it sound to the tune of cannon fire?
How would 1t look written in the
smoke Of musketry?"
1T might not come to that" said
Polk. shifting In his seat Il was
thinking Of 1t only as rallying cry
for the campaign Dash mel beg
pardon" he looked round to see ii
there were any .Methodists present
but believe could go into the con
vention with that war cry behind me
and sweep the boards of all opposi-
tion!"
And afterwards"
"But England may back down" ar
gued Mr.. Polk. "A strong showing in
the southwest and northwest might do
wonders for U.S."
"But what would be behind that
strong showing, Mr.. Polk?' demanded
John Calhoun. "We would win the
combat with Mexico, of course, If that
ubiquitous measure should take the
form of war But not Oregon--we
might as well or better fight in Africa
than Oregon. 1t Is not yet time. In
Gods name, Jim Polk, be careful of
what you do! Cease this cry OF ta-
king all of Oregon. You will plunge
this country not into one war, but
two. Watt Only wait, and we will
own all this continent to the Saskatch-
ewan--or even farther north"
WELL" said the other, have you
not said there is God of Battles?'
"The Lord God of Hosts, yesl" half
screamed old John Calhoun yes, the
God of Battles for nations, for princi-
ples-but not for parties. For the
principle of democracy, Jim Polk, yes,
yes; but for the Democratic party, or
the Whig party, or for any demagogue
who tries to lead either, no, MOI"
The forid face of Polk went livid.
"Sir,' said he, reaching for his hat,
"at least have learned what came
to learn + know how you will appear
on the floor OF the convention. Sir,
you will divide this party hopelessly.
You are traitor to the Democratic
party; | charge it to your face, here
and now. came to ask of you your
support and find you only talking of
principles Sir, tell me, what have
principles to do with elections?'
John Calhoun looked at him for one
long instant He looked down then at
his own thin, bloodless hands, his
wasted limbs. Then he turned slowly
and rested his arms on the table, his
face resting In his hands. my God!'
| heard him groan.
TO see my chief abused was thing
not In my nature to endure. forgot
myself. | committed an act whose re-
suits pursued me for many year.
Mr.. Polk, SIR said |, rising and
facing him, damn you, sir, you are
not fit to unite Mr. Calhoun's shoe! l
will not see you offer him one word
of insult Quarrel with me If you
like! You viii gain no votes here
now in any case, that is sure!"
Utterly Mortified at this, Mr. Polk
fumbed with his hat and cane, and.
very red in the face, bowed himself
out, still mumblmg, Mr.. Calhoun RI
sing and bowing his adeaux.
My chief dropped into his chair
again. For moment he looked at me
directly. Nick" said he at length
slowly, you have divided the Demo
cratic party. You split that party.
right then and there"
"Never!" l protested; "but If did,
twas ready enough for the division,
Let 1t split, then, or any party like it,
IL that Is what must hold 1t together
will not stay in this work. Mr.. Cal.
houn, and hear you viliied. Plat
forms!"
Platforms" echoed my chief. His
white hand dropped on the table as he
still sat looking at me. but he will
get you some time, Nicholasl" he
smiled. Jim Polk viii not forget"
Let him come at me as he likes!'
l fumed.
At last, seeing me so wrought up
Mr. Calhoun rose, and smiling, shook
me heartily by the hand.
"Of course, this had to come one
time or another" said he. "The split
was in the wood of their proposed
platform of bluff and insincerity
What do the people say? asks jim
Polk What do they think?' asks
John Calhoun. And being now, In
Gods providence, chosen to do some
thinking for them, | have thought"
He turned to the table and took W
a long, folded document, which saw
was done in his cramped hand anc
with many interlineations. Copy thii
out fair for me tonight. Nicholas.
said hes This is our answer to thu
Aberdeen note. You have alread,
learned its tenor, the time we me
Mr.. Pakenham with Mr.. Tyler at thu
White House"
grinned. Shall we not take 1
across direct to Mr.. Blair for publica
tion In his Globe?"
Mr.. Calhoun smiled rather bitterl.