_As the lights rise again they reveal a small, comfortably furnished
clubroom, with a wide window opening on a balcony in the back, and doors
right and left. It is evening and the electric lamps are lit._
GROSVENOR, _a man of fifty-odd, large, sleek, unctuous,
well-groomed, is discovered in an arm-chair, surrounded by newspapers.
He glances with feverish interest at one after the other. A cheer is
heard outside, then the sound of fifes and drums. He rises excitedly and
throws open the French window. The tramp, tramp of a regiment is heard._
TWO OFFICERS _in uniform, a_ GENERAL _and a_ CAPTAIN, _enter left._
GENERAL
[_A strongly-built man in middle age, with a firm, resolute face._
Evening, Grosvenor. Not poaching on your rights if we come in here a
minute? The other windows were crowded.
GROSVENOR
Not at all, General, not at all. We're all making way for the khaki
today, sir. And proud to have the chance.
[_With overdone politeness to the Captain, a handsome man of the
romantic type._
Take my place, Captain.
CAPTAIN
Thanks. Great tune that, eh? Stirs up a man's vitals, eh?
GROSVENOR
Yes, indeed; yes, indeed.
CAPTAIN
Wait till we put that into the repertory of the enemy's bandmasters.
[_Leaning out of the window._
Come. They're a fine-looking lot, eh?
GENERAL
Fine! Fine! The pick of the land. Fighters to a finish, every one of
'em.
CAPTAIN
And say, but they're thanking God tonight for the war-scare that's
brought 'em back from manoeuvres.
GROSVENOR
[_Eagerly._
They are, eh?
CAPTAIN
Manoeuvres are too tame. They're crazy to get into a real fight.
GROSVENOR
[_In excited, subdued tones._
Then you think--there'll be war?
GENERAL
[_Turning._
The President expects to hear from our Ambassador any minute about the
private interview he wired he was about to have with the King.
GROSVENOR
[_Taking up the papers._
Seen the latest?
GENERAL
[_Picking out one paper with a particularly flaring headline._
"Iberia planning secret attack," eh? That man Pollen knows more things
that aren't so than a college graduate.
CAPTAIN
[_Taking another paper._
He's entertaining enough, though. I daresay he has some influence.
GROSVENOR
I pray to God that we may keep peace, but we must not let ourselves be
walked over--we must not--
CAPTAIN
[_Laughing._
Exactly. The nation is at last to see what it spends its army and navy
appropriations for. Eh?
GENERAL
No sane man wants war, but if--
CAPTAIN
I'm sane. And I want war. I want to go out and help lambaste those
infernally cocksure armies of that jelly-and-cream King. We've parleyed
long enough. Now we'll fight. Force is the only convincing argument
after all.
GROSVENOR
As our Master said, "I bring a sword"--
GENERAL
[_At the window again._
Fine fellows those. Look at that boy there, third from the end. And that
lieutenant. Strapping, wonderful fellows--with brains! That's the great
thing. Give me five hundred thousand of those and I'll hold off all
comers.
GROSVENOR
[_With nervous acuteness._
How long d'ye think it'll last?
GENERAL
Six months. Maybe a year.
GROSVENOR
[_Tentatively._
You couldn't, I suppose--say--more exactly?
GENERAL
[_With a glance of suspicion._
How should I--before it's even begun?
GROSVENOR
[_Hastily._
Oh--er--just a matter of curiosity.
CAPTAIN
[_Laughing._
At any rate, we'll be back in time for the next presidential election.
We're coming back with the General on our shoulders, and when we drop
him it'll be through the skylight of the President's house.
GENERAL
[_Self-consciously._
Don't talk nonsense.
CAPTAIN
There's nothing like a war to make a man President.
[_At window._
More and more and more of 'em. Bully lines. Not natty enough to be a
joke, just straight and trim. Those fellows'll carry you into the
presidency, General, if anyone can. A few of 'em'll have to choke first,
but that's fisherman's luck.
GENERAL
[_Turning._
That'll do, Dave.
[_A_ PAGE _enters Right._
PAGE
[_Crossing the room._
Mr. Grosvenor? Mr. Grosvenor?
GROSVENOR
[_Eagerly._
Here.
PAGE
[_Handing him a telegram._
Any answer?
GROSVENOR
Wait.
CAPTAIN
[_Still watching the soldiers._
They _are_ happy.
[_Pause._
I wonder which of 'em'll come back, and which won't.
GROSVENOR
[_Who has torn open the yellow envelope, sinks back in his chair. To_
PAGE.
No answer.
[_He mops his brow in utter dejection. The officers by the window do not
see him as he studies the telegram and studies it again as though he
could not believe his eyes._
CAPTAIN
[_Turning._
Any news, Mr. Grosvenor?
GROSVENOR
[_Thickly._
A plot, a damned Stock Exchange plot.
[_He hands the_ CAPTAIN _the message._
CAPTAIN
[_After a glance at the message._
Hello! Say, General, look at this.
GENERAL
[_Turning._
What's up?
CAPTAIN
The State Department has just had news from our Ambassador to Iberia.
Delightful interview with the King. Evident willingness to meet us half
way.
GENERAL
[_Coolly._
Is this straight? It sounds fishy.
CAPTAIN
They're trying to gain time. I don't believe it.
GROSVENOR
It's a damned plot.
GENERAL
Looks to me like a blind to stop our preparations. I'm going over to
the War Department. Coming, Captain?
CAPTAIN
It's that crafty Prime Minister over there playing us tricks, eh?
GROSVENOR
[_Hotly._
It's a plot!
GENERAL
Something's queer! Good night, Grosvenor!
GROSVENOR
[_Effusively._
Good night, General, good night. God be with us all in these dark days,
I say!
GENERAL
[_Solemnly._
Amen to that!
CAPTAIN
[_Saluting carelessly._
Good night.
GROSVENOR
Good night, good night.
[_The_ OFFICERS _go out._ GROSVENOR _strides excitedly
up and down._
It's a plot, it's a damned plot--
[_He goes toward the rear and picks up a telephone instrument on a desk
by the window._
Can you get me the House? Mr. Maynard. Yes. Making a speech? Never mind.
[_He hangs up the receiver and presses a button on the wall. Then he
quickly writes a message on the back of the telegram and encloses it in
an envelope. The_ PAGE _enters._
PAGE
Ring, sir?
GROSVENOR
Yes. Take this to the House at once. To Mr. Maynard. See that he gets it
himself. Here's a dollar.
PAGE
[_Touching his cap._
Thank you, sir.
[_Exit._
GROSVENOR
[_Taking up the telephone again._
Give me the Senate. Mr. Taney. Saw him go out?
[_He hangs up the receiver impatiently._
Isn't anyone on the job?
[_He strides up and down._
A damned plot!--
[_Enter, right, hurriedly,_ SENATOR TANEY_, a stout, red-haired
man, clean-shaven._
TANEY
[_Puffing._
Hello, Grosvenor.
GROSVENOR
Thank God, you're here.
TANEY
Only got a minute. Hell's loose in the Senate.
GROSVENOR
I've been nearly crazy waiting for news.
TANEY
God, man. Perhaps you think I ain't been busy rounding up a lot of
on-the-fence-men? It seems to me pretty nearly everybody was on the
fence. No decided opinions at all. But they're coming, they're coming.
GROSVENOR
How 'bout that report about the King over there wanting peace?
TANEY
That's what the row's about. The highbrows an' the peace people are
shouting hurrahs all over the place, an' the rest of us has to do what
we can to drown 'em out.
GROSVENOR
[_Restlessly moving about the room._
If it's true about the King, can you--work it--anyway?
TANEY
How do I know?
GROSVENOR
Got any figures? For or against?
TANEY
Yes. It's about an even go.
GROSVENOR
[_Disappointed._
You can't give me anything more definite?
TANEY
What's up, anyway? You look nervous.
GROSVENOR
I am. This business is cutting into my sleep. My last cent is tied up,
and I've got a good many other people's last cents as well. Damn it,
Taney, this is worse than Monte Carlo. You're dealing with cold-blooded
chance there, but here you're dealing with sentiments, emotions. It's
exhausting. War is a terrible thing, Taney. It worries me day and night.
Think of the lives! And yet we need this war, we need it for the good of
the nation. And now that we're ready, it would be a calamity if--
TANEY
[_Turning to go._
Don't you worry about that.
GROSVENOR
[_Nervously._
How's the House going?
TANEY
Don't know anything about the House. But I guess your man Maynard is
doing his job. I'm off to see Cottrell. Another man that wants news. Be
back in ten minutes.
GROSVENOR
Keep me posted, for God's sake. You know--I'm not ungrateful. You shan't
lose by your efforts, Taney. You know I'm a liberal man.
TANEY
[_Quietly, but with emphasis._
Look here. You're not Conroy and you're not Pollen. They're the whales
in this pond. You're only a nervous minnow. I'm working with bigger men
than you. And perhaps I've got some convictions of my own, had 'em for
years. If I hadn't, no money of yours would buy me. I believe the people
want this war to settle once and for all whether that wishy-washy King
or us is going to direct the universe, and if the people want it, it's
my business to see that they get it. If that means any money in your
pocket, it's none of my business. But I'm not your slave, Grosvenor. And
don't you forget it.
GROSVENOR
You'll keep me posted? If anything goes wrong, I've got to have time to
get from under. You'll surely keep me posted?
TANEY
Get your man Maynard on the string. I'm hanged if I'll be your office
boy.
GROSVENOR
[_Beseechingly._
Taney--
[TANEY _goes out._ GROSVENOR _takes a step toward the
door, stops, and drawing a cigar from his pocket, begins chewing the end
nervously. Then he turns quickly, and crossing to the right, picks up
the telephone instrument again._
Office of the "Morning Bulletin," please.
[_Pause._
Mr. Pollen, please. Out? This is Mr. Grosvenor. On his way to the Club?
Thanks.
[MR. CONROY _enters, right. He is a short, stockily-built man
with a belligerent chin covered by a close-cropped, grizzled beard._
CONROY
Hello, Grosvenor.
[_With a sharp glance and not entirely pleasant smile._
I might have known that I'd find you on the job. What is it this
time--canned goods, uniforms, hospital supplies--or just general
enthusiasm?
GROSVENOR
A little business, but mainly enthusiasm. A great time to be alive,
Conroy! Any news?
CONROY
Maynard's making a rousing speech. Spread eagle. Our honor as a nation.
The dearest, sweetest flag that ever waved over a noble, invincible
people. Damned rot. But the brethren from the rural districts lap it up
like cider in October. He's gaining votes. Protégé of yours, ain't he?
GROSVENOR
Yes. Used to be my office boy. Clever chap. Has a sensible view of
things. Realizes that our national honor and our property must be
defended at all hazards.
CONROY
[_Sitting down at the desk and beginning to write. With a cynical
laugh._
You mean _property_. You don't give a damn about national _honor_. You
know you don't. What's the use of trying to fool me?
GROSVENOR
Conroy, do you mean to impugn my patriotic motives?
CONROY
[_Without looking up, good-naturedly._
Grosvenor, we've known each other thirty years. I don't try to bluff you
because I know that you know too much about me. You made the beginnings
of your pile out of one big war and you've been playing up a lot of
little republics against each other ever since, harvesting a neat
little fortune every time. Now it's a real world-war you're after. If it
comes, you're made, if it don't, you're broke. It's a cinch. Mind you,
I'm not throwing stones. Only I don't want you to think you can pull the
noble patriotic guff on me.
GROSVENOR
I have certain investments, of course, which might possibly be promoted
by a war. But I am not thinking of that. I am thinking of the honor of
my country, that honor which has never yet been stained, and shall not
be stained if I can do aught by my own efforts and by my prayers to God,
to keep it pure.
CONROY
[_Rising._
You carry it off well. I couldn't bluff the way you can. I haven't your
religious feeling. I know why I want war. It's because I'm a
manufacturer of guns. Everybody knows my business, and they know that if
there wasn't war or a fear of war constantly, I and my wife and children
would starve. War is my work and it's been my work most of my life. And
I've worked for this war because it was the biggest thing in sight. I've
worked for it with all the brains I've got, just as I'd have worked for
two-hundred-egg hens if I'd been a chicken farmer. I'm not a
sentimentalist. Besides, war's a good thing occasionally. I believe that
absolutely. It quiets down your socialists, cuts down your superfluous
population, increases the moral stamina of the nation. A lot of this
talk of war being hell is mush. A few people get shot up, but no one
forced 'em to go. It's their own funeral.
GROSVENOR
No, Conroy, no. I don't agree with you. I may possibly not lose
financially by this war, but nevertheless, war is terrible, awful. The
Christian sense balks at it. Only, I feel this way, sometimes when the
honor of the nation demands--
CONROY
You damn bluff!
GROSVENOR
[_Confronting him._
Conroy! If you please!
[POLLEN, _a tall, thin man in the late forties, enters left.
He has an impassive, intellectual face, interesting though
unsympathetic. His manner is calm and quietly alert, suggestive of
reserve power._
POLLEN
[_Without cordiality._
Hello, Conroy. Hello, Mr. Grosvenor.
GROSVENOR
[_Obsequious at once._
Mr. Pollen!
CONROY
I was just going to send a note round to you, Pollen. Couldn't get you
on the phone. What d'ye think? Yes or no?
POLLEN
[_With a faint, ironic smile._
Yes.
GROSVENOR
[_Excitedly._
What?
CONROY
[_Deliberately._
Are you sure?
GROSVENOR
How can you be sure?
POLLEN
I have two reasons. One, because the biggest banker in the country told
me so. That's unimportant. He may have been lying. The other, because--
[_He smiles quietly._
my papers tell me so.
[_He picks up one of the papers off the floor._
I see you have been honoring me by reading them. Don't my papers tell
you that there's going to be war?
CONROY
No one pretends, Pollen, that your papers are wonders of undecorated
truth.
POLLEN
Well, this time, trust them. What if they do lie about facts
occasionally? I am not interested in facts. Facts are always misleading.
But I know something about psychology--
CONROY
And you're sure?
GROSVENOR
How can you be sure?
POLLEN
[_Standing at the window._
Because the people are smelling blood. That's why. And now they won't
let up till they're satisfied. I've watched the war-feeling growing for
a year. I tried 'em out on headlines and editorials, first little mild
fellows to set them thinking. Then, when their thoughts were set toward
trouble, well, we increased the percentage of oxygen.
[_Thoughtfully._
It's been extremely interesting. The psychology of crowds is one of the
most satisfying subjects I have ever studied. Say, fifteen, twenty
millions, that individually hate you, but as a crowd, a body of readers,
unconsciously, perhaps, even against their will, do exactly what you
say. We're going to have war, because the people have now got to a state
in which they believe that nothing short of war will save them from
utter ruin. They want war. I know it. The circulation of my papers has
mounted by the hundred thousand daily. And it isn't only because the
people want the news. They want the excitement. It's the gambling
instinct in them. They've seen the ball rolling, and they can't keep out
of the game. The very bigness of the thing lures them on; the bigger the
issue, the bigger the fascination. The millions of men and the billions
of dollars--that lures them. And the awfulness--the dead, the wounded,
the horrors, that lures them like nothing else. There was one thing
missing until tonight.
GROSVENOR
[_Fascinated._
What was that?
POLLEN
Fear. They were too cocksure. But I gave them fear in the eight o'clock
extra. There was a rumor that the rest of Europe would take part.
GROSVENOR
[_With a malicious glance._
That looks well for your business, Conroy.
CONROY
I'm not complaining.
POLLEN
We're playing the thing up in the late editions all over the country.
It'll give the people a queer catch in the throat. They'll see the
possibility of a fierce struggle, even of defeat. There'll be a
wonderful wave of patriotism. You watch. The people'll rise right up. In
twenty-four hours there won't be a man in the country that'll be able to
tell black from white. All they'll see will be red.
[_Pointing out of the window._
Look at the people out there, standing round. They can't stay indoors.
They're waiting for the extras. They won't believe 'em when they read
'em, but they can't resist the excitement. Well, the bonfire's ready.
Nothing lacking now except the match.
GROSVENOR
[_Striding up and down._
That's all very well, Mr. Pollen. But suppose the King over there backs
down?
POLLEN
He won't. The people won't let him.
CONROY
_His_ people? They don't want war.
POLLEN
Not _his_ people.
[_Pointing._
Ours. I tell you, they've smelt blood.
[_From a distance, faintly, but growing louder, boys are heard calling,
"Extra! Extra!"_
GROSVENOR
[_Excitedly._
Extra! I wonder--
CONROY
[_Going to the balcony, and calling down._
Here, boy!
POLLEN
[_Laughing softly._
There you go.
[_He presses a bell-button on the wall, bends over the writing-desk and
writes a line which he encloses in an envelope._
You're easy. And there are a hundred million like you. When it comes to
war, reason goes to sleep. You both of you knew perfectly well that I
had absolutely no later news than you, but you let yourself be
hypnotized like children. I can do anything I want with you.
[_Enter_ PAGE.
PAGE
Ring, sir?
POLLEN
Take this to the news-stand in the hall.
PAGE
Yes, sir.
[_Exit._
POLLEN
[_At the window again._
The edition is going like hotcakes. It has Maynard's speech in it. Did
either of you hear it?
CONROY
Yes. Damned rot, but effective.
POLLEN
He keeps the patriotism hot.
GROSVENOR
[_Proudly._
I trained that young man in patriotism.
[_Enter_ REPRESENTATIVE MAYNARD, _left; a young man, conceited
and with a swagger._
MAYNARD
Good evening, gentlemen.
GROSVENOR
Maynard!
CONROY
Great boy!
[_They all clap him on the shoulder and shake his hand._
POLLEN
A wonderful speech, my boy. We're playing you up for Governor of the
State in tonight's late editions.
MAYNARD
I'll sweep the State. It's patriotism, it's the flag, that gets the
rubes. You should have seen the whiskers of the rural sections waving in
the wind!
[_Shouts of newsboys outside: "Bulletin! War! All about the war!"_
CONROY
Eh?
MAYNARD
[_To Pollen._
Any news I've missed?
GROSVENOR
How's that? They're shouting "War" already.
POLLEN
[_Calmly._
I told 'em to. That was the message I sent down. That shout gave you a
thrill, didn't it? Well, that was what I was after. If I don't hold you
down in your chair you'll rush out to buy a copy, even though I should
stand here all night, shouting in your ears that it's a fake.
GROSVENOR
[_Shocked._
You are inflaming the people!
POLLEN
Exactly. There have been people unkind enough to assert that that was my
business. What's yours, Grosvenor?
GROSVENOR
Eh?
[_Hotly._
What d'ye mean?
CONROY
You're livin' in a crystal palace, Grosvenor. Don't you go and forget
that.
GROSVENOR
[_Indignantly._
I--
MAYNARD
[_To Grosvenor._
I've got to get back to the House, Mr. Grosvenor. I just came over to
see if you had any--suggestions?
GROSVENOR
[_Testily._
No. Only keep me posted. That's all.
[_Expanding again._
And remember, our honor as a nation is at stake.
MAYNARD
They're not forgetting our honor while I'm on the floor.
CONROY
[_Drawing_ MAYNARD _aside as he is about to go out, and
whispering._
Need any--ready money?
MAYNARD
[_Grinning._
There were a half dozen brethren on the steps as I came out, who
implied they were broke, and wouldn't object to a loan.
CONROY
[_Taking a wallet from his pocket and handing it to Maynard, after he
has made sure that Grosvenor and Pollen are not looking._
Here. Help the poor devils along.
MAYNARD
Thanks. I will.
[PAGE _enters right, with a card on a salver._
PAGE
Senator Taney?
MAYNARD
No.
[_Taking up the card._
Who wants him?
_[He whistles softly._
Harradan! No, son, Senator Taney is not here.
[_Exit_ PAGE, _left._
GROSVENOR
[_Excitedly._
Harradan's smelling a rat. He's getting after Taney!
POLLEN
[_Quietly._
Don't you worry. I can finish Harradan up in black-faced letters
tomorrow morning. He'll think he's reading his own tombstone.
[TANEY _enters, right._
TANEY
Hello, Pollen. Hello, Conroy. Well, Grosvenor, Cottrell is as jumpy as
you are.
GROSVENOR
Have you seen Harradan?
TANEY
Have I seen Harradan? I should say I had! He's leading the peace party
in the Senate. Fighting like a fiend.
[_Clearing his throat._
That man has nearly cost me my vocal chords.
[_Ruefully._
To see him you wouldn't connect him with the word "peace."
GROSVENOR
He's in the club. He's asked for you.
CONROY
Come on, Grosvenor. This is no place for an honest business-man to be
found conversing with a Senator.
GROSVENOR
[_Nervously._
Quite right.
TANEY
[_With a grin._
Well, Maynard, they don't seem to think we're safe company for good
little boys. Suppose we get back on the job?
[_They move toward the right._ POLLEN _remains standing, calm
and imperturbable, by the window._
POLLEN
You people act as though you had a bad conscience. I don't think I'd let
a mere Senator interfere with the freedom of my movements, if I were
you.
[SENATOR HARRADAN _enters, left. He is a soldierly-looking man
in the seventies._
HARRADAN
Good evening, gentlemen.
[_Pause._
I seem to have tumbled into headquarters.
TANEY
Hello, Harradan. Looking for me?
HARRADAN
Yes.
TANEY
You know these gentlemen?
HARRADAN
[_Coolly._
Sufficiently.
TANEY
I'm due back at the Senate. I'll talk with you till the cock crows after
we adjourn. Will that do?
HARRADAN
I should like to talk to you now.
MAYNARD
In that case, I'll go back to the House.
GROSVENOR
We won't intrude--
CONROY
The Senators have the floor--
[_They are about to beat a retreat._
HARRADAN
I wish you'd stay, gentlemen.
GROSVENOR
[_Looking at his watch, nervously._
I'm sorry I--
HARRADAN
You'll please stay, Mr. Grosvenor. You, too, Mr. Conroy.
CONROY
I'm hanged if I'll be dictated to.
HARRADAN
[_Quietly._
Do as you please. But if you don't stay, I'll have you both under arrest
in fifteen minutes.
CONROY
[_In disgust._
Oh, come off!
GROSVENOR
[_Indignantly._
What do you mean, Senator?
HARRADAN
[_Fiercely._
My God, man, don't make me mad. I'm twenty years older than you, but I
could wipe the floor up with you yet!
GROSVENOR
[_Nervously lights a cigar and during the ensuing scene shifts it with
his lips from one corner of his mouth to the other in extreme
agitation._
I don't know what you're talking about.
MAYNARD
Well, you don't need me.
HARRADAN
I do.
[MAYNARD _sits down, chewing his lips._
POLLEN
[_With an amused, patronizing smile._
You haven't expressed yourself about me yet, Senator. Am I invited to
the party?
HARRADAN
You may stay or not as you like.
POLLEN
Thanks.
[_Deliberately._
Do you know, if I were you, I don't think I'd detain these other
gentlemen just now.
HARRADAN
[_Calmly._
Go to the Devil to whom you belong, Mr. Pollen. I'll do as I see fit.
POLLEN
I merely advise you. It isn't always considered patriotic when the
people want war, for a Senator to want peace too hard. I shall strive to
point that out to twenty million people or so tomorrow morning. Make
your will, Senator. The avalanche is coming. You'll be the loneliest
voice that ever came out of the wilderness. I prophesy your swift
demise.
HARRADAN
This is wartime. Most of us are ready to die, if necessary. Only some of
us would rather die in the service of peace than in the service of war.
You're a very powerful man, Mr. Pollen. I don't doubt at all that you
can kill me if you put your mind on it. You have poisoned the whole
nation. You are at liberty to kill me outright, but I won't let you
slow-poison me.
[_Turning._
Taney, I've got information against you, and you've got to listen. You,
too, Maynard.
POLLEN
[_At window._
Am I out in the cold again? I'm listening intently.
[_He goes to the telephone and takes up the receiver._
News-stand, please.
HARRADAN
[_Pleadingly._
Taney--
POLLEN
[_At the telephone._
That you, Burke? Liven up your youngsters outside. They've gone to
sleep.
[_He hangs up the receiver, and complacently lights a cigarette._
HARRADAN
We were friends in the past, Taney. I always knew you were a jingo, but
I thought there was hope. I came here because I still thought so. I
didn't know you had lined up with the buzzards.
TANEY
See here, Harradan. What are you talking about anyway?
HARRADAN
We all know why Grosvenor and Conroy and their kind are here. And a few
of us have been wondering who were pulling the wires for them.
GROSVENOR
You've got me mixed up with somebody else. I'm here attending to--to my
regular business.
CONROY
[_Bluntly._
And why shouldn't we be down here? I'm in a legitimate business. Guns.
And I'm looking after my interests. I'm not declaring war. But if there
is a war I don't see any reason why I should get left in the scramble.
HARRADAN
War! God, do you know what the word means? I've been in two wars. I've
seen and heard and--smelt battlefields. And I've seen women and children
waiting at home--and waiting.
POLLEN
I'll give you a thousand dollars, Senator, for a thousand-word article
on the horrors of war. You can't make it strong enough.
MAYNARD
[_Laughing._
That's one on you, Senator.
HARRADAN
Taney, you're a man of sense, and you love your country. Now--
TANEY
Good night, gentlemen, I'm going.
[_He turns toward the door._
MAYNARD
Same here.
HARRADAN
[_Turning swiftly._
No, you're not. I want a list of names. I want a list of all the people
who are paying you to shout for war. Understand?
[_Fiercely._
I want that list now.
TANEY
[_Coolly._
Hell may grow buttercups, Harradan. But you don't get any names out o'
me.
[_Quickly._
Besides, I ain't got any to give. And I'll have you up for defamation of
character for saying that there's anybody can buy me!
HARRADAN
[_After a pause, quietly._
Taney, you've always been a business-man. You look at things just one
way. You aren't bothered much by imagination. Perhaps you don't know
what you're doing. War, man! Dead men by thousands, wounded men
shrieking for some one to put them out of their misery, fire, ruin,
starvation! For what good, for what good, ever?
POLLEN
I raise my offer, Senator. Make it two thousand.
TANEY
You ought to go into vaudeville, Senator. Subject, "The Horrors of War."
[_The others laugh._
HARRADAN
God, the country stands on the verge of the greatest calamity in its
history and you can't do anything but laugh!
MAYNARD
You're an inspiration, Senator. Just like that dago or Dutchman or
whoever he was who tried to smash up the windmills. But you haven't a
sense of humor.
HARRADAN
[_With quiet dignity._
No. My sense of humor died during our last war. Will you give me those
names that are going to help me kill this satanic craving for war? Are
you?
MAYNARD
You're talking through your hat, Senator. I don't know anything about
any names.
HARRADAN
Very well.
[_Turning to go._
I have five names. They'll do until to-morrow. God willing, they'll
bring Congress back to its senses. I thank my God that I found you
buzzards out in time. I'll fling your names across the Senate
tonight--yours, Conroy, and yours, Grosvenor, and yours, Taney, and
yours, Pollen, and yours, Maynard! By Heaven, the country shall hear
them from end to end. And there'll be less talk of war then! You and
your kind are stirring up the millions to dream of war, to shout about
defending our national honor--What honor is there in murder?--stirring
their blood with the fifes and drums of your rhetoric! Through your
newspapers, you are turning the thoughts of our children to war, our
children who should be to us the symbol of a nobler, purer future
rising out of the sordid wreckage of the present--you make them drunk
with your cant about national glory--_glory!_--until their innocent
faces glow feverishly up to you, hungry for battle. You will not rest
until you hear the terrible savage cry from their lips--War, war! You
shall not hear it if I can prevent it! I am going to the Senate now. In
fifteen minutes your names shall be a byword and a hissing among the
nations. The best you can do is to take your vile guns and turn them on
yourselves!
[_A great shout is heard outside. Then the fifes and drums again. The_
PAGE _enters excitedly._
PAGE
Message for Senator Taney.
TANEY
Here, quick.
[_He takes the paper._
Gentlemen, listen to this from the Iberian Foreign Office to the
Associated Press: "The King sent for the Ambassador of the Republic this
afternoon and outlined a plan that would satisfy the royal government.
The Ambassador regretted that he was unable to consider any compromise.
The King replied that he could have nothing further to say in the
matter."
[GROSVENOR _and the others jump to their feet with excited
exclamations._
HARRADAN
[_Quickly._
The thing's not true. There's a mistake somewhere. It doesn't fit in
with what went before.
MAYNARD
Fit in? Who cares? It's a challenge! They've insulted us!
GROSVENOR
They've challenged our national honor!
CONROY
Now, by God, they can pay!
HARRADAN
[_Rushing to the telephone._
Give me the Department of State.
[_There are more shouts outside and more bands. Suddenly the door,
left, is burst open by a crowd of men, some in dress clothes, some in
uniform, shouting "War!"_
TANEY
For God's sake, what's up?
AN OFFICER
[_Delightedly._
We're off!
GROSVENOR
What d'ye mean?
A CIVILIAN
They've declared war!
HARRADAN
[_Turning._
Who has?
OFFICER
Congress!
TANEY
Senator, you're left.
HARRADAN
[_With a sob._
God! You buzzard! You buzzard!
[_A band in the distance strikes up the national anthem._ GROSVENOR,
CONROY, POLLEN, TANEY _and_ MAYNARD _stand._
HARRADAN _sinks into a chair._
MAYNARD
Senator, it's the national anthem. Haven't you got _any_ patriotism?
[GROSVENOR _opens the windows. The notes of the anthem are
drowned out by shouts and cries and the calls of newsboys._
VOICES OF THE CROWD
War! War!
[_The anthem sounds loud and clear, but_ HARRADAN _buries his
face in his hands. The stage is gradually darkened. The music grows
fainter as if the band were marching away; and now and then the shouts
of the crowd make themselves heard above it. These subside, too, into a
low, muffled roar, sullen and ominous._