Jeremy’s easy smile vanished. “The Guardian is able to take care of itself.”
“Up to a point. That I will concede. But, all things considered, would not the paper do well to make some friends now, instead of enemies?”
“That depends on the price to be paid.”
“Small. Ridiculously small.” Judge Dana spread out a pair of candid hands. “Mr. Robson, I’m not going to ask that The Guardian oppose the Corporation Control Bill when it comes up.”
“Indeed!”
“Nor that you’ll support the Blanket Franchise Bill.”
“I appreciate your forbearance.”
“But The Guardian has professed a profound regard for neutrality.”
“As to the war only.”
“Neutrality,” repeated the lawyer, “as to the war. Whether you have practiced what you preach is another matter. Some of our most influential citizens and business men—and business men—appear to think not. I don’t know,” he continued with intent, “whether The Guardian’s note for a considerable amount—say, well, twenty thousand dollars—would be considered safe today by the best of our local banks. I say, I don’t know.”