in behalf of these measures and in behalf of Douglas, who had a vision of their need and a practical mind for securing them.  Douglas did not hesitate on the matter of internal improvements.  He believed that they should be made by the state.  That obviated the centralization flowing from national aid.  Let Illinois use its own resources for building canals and railroads.  Let the state’s credit be pledged.  What state had greater natural riches?  The Illinois and Michigan canal must be completed.  The rivers must be made navigable.  At least two railroads must be constructed, which should cross the state from north to south, and from east to west.  The credit of the state must be pledged for a loan of money; and the interest on the loan should be paid by the sales of the land, which Illinois had been granted by the Federal government for the canal.

Douglas was full of youthful enthusiasm for this work of building up the state.  I could see his great energies moving like a restless tide through them as he talked these projects over with Reverdy and me.  I was only too glad to lend him my help.  It was to my interest.  I trusted his judgment, too.  I saw moderation and wisdom in his policies.

Already it was apparent that Douglas stood upon no idealistic immovability when the main thing was at stake.  And hence, when the bill which was brought in on the subject of railroads, appropriated the money for eight railroads instead of Douglas’ two, and bestowed consolations here and there to counties in order to get their support, Douglas showed his reluctance, but gave his vote.  The state capital was moved to Springfield as a part of the give and take of logrolling.

But on the occasion of this call Douglas stood for a very moderate program, as I have already said.  When he was elected and had legislative power he surrendered his moderation in order to get the railroads.  In fact the people were moving in this direction; there was much magnificent dreaming and hazardous experimentation and the general result could not be prevented.

I had gone to see Reverdy, partly to inquire about Zoe, partly with the hope that I could gain help as to Dorothy.  Now he had come to me with Douglas; and all the talk was of politics, with no chance to draw Reverdy aside for a private word.  When they arose to leave Reverdy took my hand.  His eyes grew wonderfully deep and sympathetic.  Then with a slap upon my back and a congratulation that I would help Douglas, the two departed.

Then I began to think whether I should write Dorothy.  Yes, her letter demanded some reply.  As I sat down to write, Dorothy’s view became mine in a flood of emotion of love’s willingness to sacrifice.  And I wrote: