Reverdy Johnson:
Could somebody bring me the transcript of today's trial?
Edwin Stanton:
Shall I read it aloud to you?
[brings transcript over]
Reverdy Johnson:
Oh, Ed.
Edwin Stanton:
Your young associate is putting up a spirited defense. Reminds me of a certain lawyer I had to face 25 years ago.
Reverdy Johnson:
Ah, he learned to fight in your army. Can I get you a drink?
Edwin Stanton:
No, no. No. I won't be staying long. Reverdy... You've done so much for this nation as any man I know.
Reverdy Johnson:
Oh. Feeling's mutual, Ed.
Edwin Stanton:
Don't you think it's time for us two old war horses to call a truce?
Reverdy Johnson:
Not if you insist on staging this travesty.
Edwin Stanton:
This trial will do more to keep the peace than any paper treaty could.
Reverdy Johnson:
Heh. How'd you convince yourself of that?
Edwin Stanton:
Because justice, swift and firm will help deter the South from ever conspiring again, as well as discouraging the North from seeking revenge.
Reverdy Johnson:
What about the rule of law?
Edwin Stanton:
My first responsibility is to ensure that this war stays won.
Reverdy Johnson:
Oh, and this is how you do it, by keeping fear alive as long as you see fit?
[shows headlines and stories in a newspaper]
Reverdy Johnson:
Look. "Stanton warns of future rebel plots", water supplies poisoned, firebombing cities, yellow fever spreading all over the place. This is a frightening country, Ed. And you don't need to scare us anymore.
Edwin Stanton:
And who is to say that none of these things could happen? The unspeakable already has- Our president assassinated, 600,000 dead. The world has changed, Reverdy.
Reverdy Johnson:
Abandoning the Constitution is not the answer.
Edwin Stanton:
You may prefer dining alone. I just hope your young associate does as well. If he pushes too hard, he will make enemies who will not soon forget. On this, you know I'm right.
