16 if you won’t contribute something to aid the “Society for the diffusion of useful Political Knowledge.” Dem.—You are a little too late. We old-fashioned War Democrats of the Jackson school have our own opinion of that society, and it is formed in part from a knowledge of the character of the men who compose it. Thus far, none of them seem to have fought for their country. It may be that they have constitutional scruples against doing so. We think that some people in this country sympathize so strongly, not with the South, but with the despots that are ruling the South, that, before long, it may be necessary to do what Gen. Washington recommended in a similar case—to send them where they properly belong. Your Society for the diffusion of useful political knowledge don’t suit me. I and my sort in this neighborhood are for the war, and have subscribed to the fund of the Loyal Publication Society. Cop.—Indeed! Then I am too late. Good day. [Aside.] This is really too bad! Since we failed in our secret negotiations with Kichmond, and it got out, these old Democrats appear to have turned against us. We must try some other dodge. If we can do no better, we must at least make the best use we can of the word “ constitutional.” I must consult with our old office-holders, now sorely against their will out of place, and see if they can’t get up some new organization that may break down this Loyal Publication Society and save us. It will never do to let this war be ended by plain fighting—for, if thakwere the case, where would we be ?
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