Yet the undercurrent of opposition
to the further dictation by the party ring was shown by the applause
that greeted every reference by the speaker to the conditions that
existed in the party. On the text of Spinney, personating Protest, the
orator preached to willing converts who clamored for change, even though
no better leader than Spinney offered. Spinney got perfunctory applause;
suggested change was cheered tumultuously.
The convention was ripe for revolution against dominant conditions,
without exactly understanding how to rebel wisely and well.
Suddenly a clarion voice raised itself from the convention floor. They
in the little room could hear every word.
"That's Linton," said the General, calmly. "He balked under my pat, but
he's plunging into the traces handsomely under the whip!"
"Linton! After refusing? Is he presenting your name?"
"Oh, he's a politician, and one must allow a politician to weigh out his
stock of goods on his own scales, and hope that he will give good
measure. I'll be grateful in this instance, Mr.
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