human
I wonder if Miss Liberty will ever be lifted to her place on high?
gpt
If they do finish the dome, Betty replied,
human
A queer superstition has grown up in Washington that the dome of the Capitol will never be completed----
gpt
Do you believe it?
human
No. It will be finished. But I'm not sure whether Abraham Lincoln or Jefferson Davis will preside on that occasion.
gpt
And I haven't the slightest doubt on that point,
human
I thought you were not a student of politics?
gpt
I'm not. It's just a feeling. Women know things by intuition.
human
Anyhow, Miss Betty, he said smilingly,
gpt
We'll hope it's a sign for the future--shall we?
human
I hope so, was the serious answer.
gpt
God knows there haven't been many happy signs lately. It was dark and threatening at dawn this morning and a few drops of rain fell up to eight o'clock.
human
You were up at dawn?
gpt
Yes. The Senate has been in session all night over the new amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing to the South security in the possession of their slaves.
human
And they passed it?
gpt
Yes----
human
Over my father's prostrate form?
gpt
Yes--an administrative measure, too. I've an idea from the 'moderation' of your father's remarks that there'll be some fun between the White House and the Senate Chamber during the next four years. For my part I share his scorn for such eleventh hour repentance. It's too late. The mischief has been done. Secession is a fact and we've got to face it.
human
But we haven't heard from the new President yet,
gpt
No. That's why this crowd's so still. For the first time since the foundation of the government, the thousands banked in front of this platform really wish to hear what a President-elect has to say.
human
Isn't that a tremendous tribute to the man?
gpt
Possibly so--possibly not. He has been silent since his election. Not a word has fallen from his lips to indicate his policy. He has more real power from the moment he takes the oath of office than any crowned head of Europe. From his lips to-day will fall the word that means peace or war. That's why this crowd's so still.
human
It's weird, Betty whispered.
gpt
You can feel their very hearts beat. Do you suppose the new President realizes the meaning of such a moment?
human
I don't think this one will. I interviewed Stanton, the retiring Attorney General of Buchanan's Cabinet, yesterday. He knows Lincoln personally--was with him in a lawsuit once before the United States Court. Stanton says he's a coward and a fool and the ugliest white man who ever appeared on this planet. He has already christened him 'The Original Gorilla,' or 'The Illinois Ape'----
gpt
I wonder, Betty broke in with petulance,
human
They say he's a good stump speaker--a little shy on grammar, perhaps, but good on jokes--of the coarser kind. He ought to get one or two good guffaws even out of this sober crowd to-day.
gpt
You think he'll stoop to coarse jokes?
human
Of course----
gpt
Is that your brother?