human
Yes, I know that some very strange things happen in politics,
gpt
But, God bless me! you don't call it out of the way for me to seek the nomination? _Some_ one must be president! Why not myself? Now, I ask your support.
human
My support is worth little, Jim, said my chief.
gpt
But have you earned it? You have never consulted my welfare, nor has Jackson. I had no majority behind me in the Senate. I doubt even the House now. Of what use could I be to you?
human
At least, you could decline to do anything definite in this Texas matter.
gpt
Why should a man ever do anything _in_definite, Jim Polk?
human
But you may set a fire going which you can not stop. The people may get out of hand _before the convention!_
gpt
Why should they not? They have interests as well as we. Do they not elect us to subserve those interests?
human
I yield to no man in my disinterested desire for the welfare of the American people,
gpt
Of course not, said Calhoun grimly.
human
My own idea is that it is well to give the people what is already theirs. They feel that Texas belongs to them.
gpt
True, said the Tennesseean, hesitating;
human
Your own case is not under discussion, Jim. It is the case of the United States! I hold a brief for them, not for you or any other man!
gpt
How do you stand in case war should be declared against Mexico? asked Mr. Polk.
human
That ought to be a popular measure. The Texans have captured the popular imagination. The Alamo rankles in our nation's memory. What would you say to a stiff demand there, with a strong show of military force behind it?
gpt
I should say nothing as to a strong _showing_ in any case. I should only say that if war came legitimately--not otherwise--I should back it with all my might. I feel the same in regard to war with England.
human
With England? What chance would we have with so powerful a nation as that?
gpt
There is a God of Battles,