human
Well, now, perhaps in the case of England that is good politics, he began.
gpt
It is very possible that the people hate England as much as they do Mexico. Do you not think so?
human
I think they fear her more.
gpt
But I was only thinking of the popular imagination!
human
Fifty-four Forty or Fight!
gpt
You are always thinking of 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.
human
exclaimed Polk;
gpt
Trippingly on the tongue, yes! said John Calhoun.
human
But how would it sound to the tune of cannon fire? How would it look written in the smoke of musketry?
gpt
It might not come to that, said Polk, shifting in his seat
human
I was thinking of it only as a rallying cry for the campaign. Dash me--I beg pardon-- he looked around to see if there were any Methodists present--
gpt
And afterwards?
human
But England may back down, argued Mr. Polk.
gpt
A strong showing in the Southwest and Northwest might do wonders for us.
human
But what would be behind that strong showing, Mr. Polk? demanded John Calhoun.
gpt
We would win the combat with Mexico, of course, if that iniquitous measure should take the form of war. But not Oregon--we might as well or better fight in Africa than Oregon. It is not yet time. In God's 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 Saskatchewan--or even farther north.
human
Well, said the other,
gpt
The Lord God of Hosts, yes! half screamed old John Calhoun;
human
Sir, said he, reaching for his hat,
gpt
My God!