It is but the result of constantly recurring changes in our political system.

Still you may feel surprise at his holding this commission, with the patriotic party--the pure one-- in power, as it now is.

That might be inexplicable even to myself, since I know that he will be traitor to our cause when convenient to him.

But I also know the explanation.

There is a power, even when the party exercising it is not in the ascendant--an influence that works by sap and secrecy.