[Tenderly.]
But, come now, my son, put yourself in my place! I'm here to save the Union for which you are fighting—for which you have poured out your blood. I've armed two million men and we are spending four millions a day, to fight the South for trying to secede. My opponents, taking advantage of our sorrow, harangue the people and elect hostile legislatures in the Northern states. They were about to pass ordinances of Secession and establish a Northwestern Confederacy! Shall I fight Secession in the South and merely argue with it here? I was compelled to suspend the civil law, arrest these men and hold them without bail or trial——
Vaughan
You are using the naked power of an emperor then?
Lincoln
[Shaking his head sadly.]
I have been entrusted with that power for a brief term by the people. I am using it sorrowfully but firmly—and I am backed by the prayers of the mothers whose sons are dying for our cause—and the silent millions out there, whom I can't at this moment see—but whom I love and trust.
Vaughan
[With angry tears.]
The Constitution of the Republic guarantees to every freeman the right to trial in open court, confronted by his accusers——