A Gentleman from Mississippi by Thomas A. Wise
page 41 of 203 (20%)
page 41 of 203 (20%)
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the naval committee."
"Me!" laughed Langdon. "Well, that would be going strong! But I tell you I'm for the naval base." "For Altacoola?" suggested Stevens. Langdon hesitated. Peabody and Stevens watched him as eagles watch their prey from the mountain crag. "Well, it looks to me like Altacoola ought to be a fine site. But the actual place isn't so important to me. I tell you, gentlemen," he said in impressive seriousness that rang with sturdy American manhood--"I tell you that what is important is that the great, sweeping curve of the gulf shall hold some of those white ships of ours to watch over the Indies and the canal and to keep an eye on South America. "And right there on our own Southern coast I want these ships built and equipped and the guns cast and the men found to man them. I want the South to have her part in the nation's defense. I want her to have this great naval city as the living proof that there is again just one country--the United States--and the North and the South both have forgiven." Senator Peabody clapped the new member on the back. "Good!" he exclaimed. "You've got to make some speeches like that. We'll have you as the orator for the naval base." Langdon's eyes opened wide. |
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