Well, Mr. Representative Ashley! Tell us the news from the Hill.

Ah! Well, news...

Why for instance is this thus, and what is the reason for this thusness?

James, we want you to bring the anti-slavery amendment to the floor for debate...

Excuse me? What?

...immediately, and... you are the amendment's manager, are you not?

I am, of course, but... immediately?

And we're counting on robust radical support, so tell Mr. Stevens we expect him to put his back into it, it's not going to be easy, but we trust...

It's impossible. No, I am sorry, no, we can't organize anything immediately in the House. I have been canvassing the Democrats since the election, in case any of them softened after they got walloped. But they have stiffened if anything, Mr. Secretary. There aren't nearly enough votes—

We're whalers, Mr. Ashley!

Whalers? As in, uh, whales?

We've been chasing this whale for a long time. We've finally placed a harpoon in the monster's back. It's in, James, it's in! We finish the deed now, we can't wait! Or with one flop of his tail, [slaps Ashley's shoulder] he'll smash the boat and send us all to eternity!

On the 31st of this month, of this year, put the amendment up for a vote.