The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-01-17

manded John Calhoun. eve would
win the combat with Mexico. of
not Oregon-we might as well or
course, if that iniquitous measure
should take the form of war. But
better fight in Africa than Oregon.
It is not yet time. In Gods name,
Jim Polk, be careful of what you
do! Cease this cry of taking all of
Oregon. You will plunge this
country not into one war, but two.
Wait! Only wait, and we will own
all this continent to the Saskatche-
wan--or even farther north.
WELL" said the other, have you
not said there is a God of Battles p
"The Lord God of Hosts, yes!"
half screamed old John Calhoun
"yes, the God of Battles for ma.
tions, for principles-but not for
parties! For the principle Of de-
mocracy. Jim Polk, yes. yes; but
for the Democratic party, or the
Wing party, or for any demagogue
who tries to lead either, no, no."
The florid face of Polk went
livid. Sir" said he, reaching fol
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 9
traitor to the Democratic party;
charge 1t 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 cleo
tions?"
John Calhoun looked at him fol-
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" l heard him
grOan.
To see my chief abused was q
thing not in my nature to endure
I forgot myself l committed an
act whose results pursued me fol-
many year.
"Mr. Polk, sir" said |, rising and
facing him, damn you, sir, you are
not fit to unite Mr. CalhOun's shoe!
| will not see you offer him one
word of insult. Quarrel with me il
you like. You will gain no votes
here now in any case, that is sure!
Utterly Mortified at this, Mr.. Polk
fumbled with his hat and cane
and, very red in the face, bowed
himself out, still mumbling, Mr.
Calhoun rising and bowling his
adieux.
My chief dropped into his chair
again For moment he looked a,
me directly. "Nick," said he al
length slowly, "you have divided
the Democratic party. You split
that party, right then and there"
Never" | protested; "but if
did, twas ready enough for the di
vision. Let it split, then, or any
party like it. if that is what must
hold it together. l will not stay
in this work, Mr.. Calhoun, and heal
you yillified. Platforms"
"Platforms." echoed my chief
His white hand dropped on the ia
bic as he still sat looking at me
But he will get you some time
Nicholas" he smiled. Jim Poll
will not forget"
Let him come at me as he
! likes" | 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
lime or another said he. "The
split was in the wood of their pro
| posed platform OF bluff and inSin
| cerity. What do the people say?
asks Jim Polk. What do the,
think?' asks John Calhoun. Ant
being now, in Gods providence
chosen to do some thinking fol
them, have thought" t.
He turned to the table and tool
up a long, folded document, which
| saw was done in his cramDeC
hand and with many interlinea
tons. Copy this out fair for me
tonight, Nicholas" said he. This
is our answer to the Aberdeen note
You have already learned its tenor
The time we met Mr.. Pakenhan
with Mr.. Tyler at the white house.
| grinned. shall we.not take il
across direct to Mr.. Blair for pub
| iication in his Globe?"
Mr.. Calhoun smiled rather bitter
ly at this jest. The hostility o.
Blair to the Tyler administration
was q fact rather more than wei
| known.
Twill all get into Mr.. Polk,
newspaper fast enough" comment
ed he at last. He gets all the
news of the Mexican ministry"
"Ah. you think he cultivates tn,
/ )ona LucreZia, rather than adore!
ler."
Il know it. One-third of jim
Polk may be human. but the othel
wo-thirds is politician. He will
latter that lady into condolences
She is well nigh distracted at best
these days, what with the tickle
ness of her husband and the We
| harder abandonment by the ole
4 ~ yin W II
cajole her into disclosures, never
/ fear. In return, when the time
comes, he will send an army of oc
cupation into her country, And al
/ The while, on the one side and the
other, he will appear to the publ,
as a moral and lofty-minded man.
If we temporarily lack the Bar
oness Won Ritz to add zest to on
game | hazarded, I'VE still have
the Dona Lucrezia and her littl,
/ iealousies."
Calhoun turned quickly upon m,
with sharp glance, as though
seized by some sudden thought
by the Lord Harry. boy, you Civ,
me an idea. Wait, now, for mo
ment Do you go on with you,
copying there, and excuse me for /;
| time"
An instant later he passed from
| tha ynnpp hic toll fiufrn liant hi,