human
This is bad; this is bad, Coleman, he began the interview.
gpt
What is it you want?
human
Peace, replied Coleman,
gpt
That's all very well, said Johnson pettishly,
human
The law is crippled, he told the governor in measured tones.
gpt
We want merely to accomplish what the crippled law should do but cannot. This done, we will gladly retire. Now, Governor, you have been asked by the mayor, and certain others, to bring out the militia and crush this movement. I assure you, it cannot be done; and if you attempt it, it will cause you and us great trouble. Do as Governor McDougall did in '51. See in this movement what he saw in that: a local movement for a local reform, in which the State is not concerned. We are not a mob; we demand no overthrow of institutions. We ask not a single court to adjourn; we ask not a single officer to vacate his position; we demand only the enforcement of the law--which, after all, we have made! He extended his strong fist and laid it on the table.
human
If you deem it the conscientious duty of your office to discountenance these proceedings--as perhaps you well may--then let your opposition be in appearance only. In your heart you must know the necessity of this measure; you know the standing of the men managing it, You know that this is no mob, no distempered faction. It is San Francisco herself who speaks! Let California stand aside; let her leave us to our shame and sorrow; for, as God lives, we will cleanse this city of her corruption or perish with her! So we have sworn!
gpt
But, he objected uncertainly,
human
Coleman, you must understand! This is against the law--and I have sworn to uphold the law!
gpt
That is a matter for your own conscience, rejoined Coleman a little impatiently.
human
Issue your proclamation, if you feel that the dignity of the law may be best maintained by frowning on justice--but confine yourself to that! Leave us alone in our righteous purposes!
gpt
Sir, he cried,
human
I am glad you feel that way, and that we understand each other,
gpt
But hasten the undertaking as much as you can, he begged.
human
The opposition is stronger than you suppose. The pressure on me is going to be terrible. What about the prisoners in the jail? asked Johnson anxiously.
gpt
What is your immediate plan?
human
That is in the hands of the committee,