During nearly two decades this had raged in army circles.

At length the friends of Porter, led by Curtin and Slocum, succeeded in passing a relief measure through Congress.

They were in ecstasies.

That there might be a presidential objection had not crossed their minds.
Senator McDonald, of Indiana, a near friend of General Porter, and a man of rare worldly wisdom, knew better.

Without consulting them he came to me.
"You are personally close to the President," said he, "and you must know that if this bill gets to the White House he will veto it.