The Clause in the Constitution

• 1915
• Other, Drama

Edward Clay, a newspaper man, is in love with Rose Rankin, the ward of John Duffy, a politician. Clay calls upon Rose; Duffy overhears the proposal, is furious and drives Clay from his home. Whether or not the Canal Bill will pass the legislature depends upon the attitude of Governor Graham. John Ransom, the editor, assigns Clay to interview the Governor. The Governor tells Clay he will sign the Canal Bill as soon as it is passed. Clay, after writing his interview with the Governor, meets Rose in the park. Duffy approaches and Rose makes her escape. James O'Neill, president of the Eastern Pacific Railroad, is angry when he reads Clay's interview with Governor Graham. Duffy, the political boss, receives a telephone message from O'Neill, asking him to call. When Duffy sees O'Neill, he says : "If the Governor signs the Canal Bill our railroad loses half its profits." A check for $25,000 changes hands and then Duffy says, "The Governor won't sign. I'll fix him." Clay, through an accident, overhears the crooked deal, and decides upon quick action. Governor Graham tells Clay that he has received a telegram asking him to preside at the laying of the cornerstone at Mt. Holly University, and that he has accepted the invitation. Clay searches for paper to make a note of this, fails to find any and asks the Governor for the telegram. The Governor gives it to him and Clay puts it into his pocket. In the office of Lieutenant-Governor Rainey, Clay asks the official how he would like to be the next Governor, and Rainey merely laughs. Clay picks up a copy of the constitution and reads, "In case of the death of the Governor or his absence from the state, the duties and powers of said office shall devolve upon the Lieutenant-Governor." Clay shows Rainey and Ransom the telegram the Governor received and says, "The Governor will be out of the state twice tomorrow. You'll be Governor then by law." The next day the Governor leaves to preside at the laying of the cornerstone. The legislature meets to consider the Canal Bill. In the interior of the railroad car, Duffy, the politician, is conferring with Governor Graham. Duffy tells the Governor, "If you sign that bill I will drive you out of politics." The train passes the state line. The Lieutenant-Governor becomes Acting Governor. The Canal Bill passes the legislature by one vote. The Acting Governor immediately signs the bill during the absence of Governor Graham from the state, and it becomes a law. Clay's paper publishes the exclusive news, and Duffy the politician's power is thus snatched from him. Clay finally wins Rose.