Washington,
Feb. 3, 1864.--The town is laughing at an amusing story of a recent interview between the
Secretary of War and the
President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
It is too good to be lost, and I give it as I find it afloat:
The draft has fallen with great severity upon the employes of our Company.
“Indeed?”
“If something is not done to relieve us, it is hard to foresee the consequences.”
“Let them pay the commutation.”
“Impossible! The men can't stand such a tax.”
“They have a rich Company at their back, and that's more than other people have.”
“They ought to be exempted, because they are necessary to the working of the road for the
Government.”
“That can't be.”
“Then I will stop the road.”
“If you do, I will take it up and carry it on.”
The discussion is said to have been dropped at this point, and the very worthy
President is still working the road as successfully as ever
