Postmaster-General James reflects a dialogue between Lincoln and one of
his Cabinet officers, evincing how the iron hand in the velvet glove
squeezed persons into his own mold.
"Mr. President"--Secretary Stanton speaking--"I cannot carry out that
order! It is improper, and I don't believe it is right."
"Well, I reckon, Mr. Secretary"--very gently--"that you will _hev_ to
carry it out."
"But I won't do it--it's all wrong!"
"I guess you will hev to do it!"
He guessed right, the first time.
* * * * *