A Man of the People Part 12

LINCOLN

Make the appointment later. They're all distinguished men. They can wait while the humbler people have their turn. I came up here from the wilderness. I know what it means to have the great rush by me----

[_Laughs._]

No--I'll see the common folks first----

NICOLAY

I think you'd better see this Committee right away, sir----

LINCOLN

Why----? What have you heard----?

NICOLAY

Some ugly rumors----

LINCOLN

Spare me the rumors! We've enough of them flying around Was.h.i.+ngton to poison us all. They can only wish me to hedge on some of my principles in this crisis. I've made all the campaign statements I'm going to make. I've faith in the good sense of the people. I'm going to plant my feet squarely on that faith and wait the verdict of this election----

NICOLAY

You won't see the Committee now----?

LINCOLN

No----! I'll take my bath of public opinion first. I want to see real men and women and feel their hearts beat close to mine. It tones me up for the day's work--let them in.

[STANTON _bursts into the room in a towering rage._]

STANTON

Mr. President, I've been kept waiting!

[_Confronting_ NICOLAY.]

[NICOLAY _turns away and laughs._]

Nicolay! How dare you keep me waiting in an anteroom, while you talk to the President! I want you to understand, sir, that as Secretary of War, I've the right to enter this room at any hour, day or night, announced or unannounced, and by G.o.d, I'm going to exercise that privilege!

[STANTON _paces the floor furiously._]

LINCOLN

[_Laughing._]

Well, you're here now, and it's all right, Stanton--Easy! Easy, or we'll have to put some rocks in your pocket to hold you down. What can I do----?

STANTON

Mr. President, I've come here this morning to make a square issue with you on the abuse of the pardoning power which you are making daily----

LINCOLN

As Chief Magistrate of the people, I have been clothed with that power, Stanton----

STANTON

[_Angrily._]

You have no right to exercise it under the present conditions!

Discipline in our armies must be maintained. You are hamstringing me and every General in the field--by suspending the death penalty of our Courts-Martial. Men are deserting in thousands and we've got to put a stop to it.

LINCOLN

That's what I say----! Bring to me the traitors who are causing them to desert, and see what I'll do to them!

STANTON

You can't evade the issue I'm making, sir! You'll be asked this morning to pardon a deserter. I call a halt here and now--will you stop to-day the use of this pardoning power----?

LINCOLN

I've got to hear both sides--it's my solemn duty----

STANTON

All right, I'm done. There's my resignation as your Secretary of War--Good-by!

[STANTON _strides angrily to the door and_ LINCOLN _speaks as he puts his hand on the k.n.o.b._]

LINCOLN

Wait a minute----

STANTON

It's no use----

LINCOLN

Come back here. I've something to say to you.

[STANTON _returns._]

STANTON