“More German propaganda. You’ve answered my question.”
“The demand of a peaceable people for peace,” controverted the Governor heatedly. “At the same time the newspapers all over the country will be urged to use their influence toward keeping us out of a war that can mean nothing but injury to their business. We’ll show that blundering fool in Washington—”
His visitor stiffened perceptibly in the chair. “Are you speaking of the President of the United States?” he demanded.
“Oh, between four walls,” Embree deprecated. “Since when did you swing around to the Schoolmaster?”
“Since he gave the word to close ranks.”
“He’s never given it. His whole attitude is a big bluff. The only danger is that the hot-heads will make capital of it. He does n’t intend to go through with it.”
“You’re wrong there.”
“If he does, he can’t do it. Congress has the final word. And Congress is responsive to the newspapers. Now, Jem, when the arguments from the other side come to The Guardian—”
“We’re being swamped with ’em already; machine-made letters to the editor, fresh every hour from the Deutschtum factory.”
“Give them a fair show. Publish them.”