Hay—War? Is there also a war?
Mor.—Sir, you astonish me! Am I to suppose that you do not know that secession entails war? I learned that more than forty years ago.
Hay—Dear me! Then we shall have to protect American interests. How do you think it would do to send word to our Consul at Colon to be duly vigilant in the matter? Or perhaps it would be better to have our Minister at Bogota notify Colombia that there must be no bloodshed.
Mor.—I think, if you want to know, that that would be taking the side of Panama.
Hay—We cannot, of course, do that: it would look like a violation of neutrality. Really, the situation is embarrassing. I wish those hot-headed southern Republics would be good.
Mor.—Well, sir, if you have nothing to propose, I shall speak of the matter in the Senate.
Hay—Oh, thank you so much. I promise you that we will await the conclusion of your remarks before taking any action in the Nicaraguan matter.
Mor. (aside)—Hoist with my own petard!
[Exit Morgan; Hay goes to telephone.]
Hay—Hello! Give me the Secretary of the Navy.