# XXVI: Congressman Cresswell explained — The Quest of the Silver Fleece

> Chapter companion for The Quest of the Silver Fleece by W. E. B. Du Bois.

## What happens

Harry Cresswell is elected to Congress through family influence and money. In Washington, his wife Mary Taylor Cresswell grows restless and dissatisfied with her marriage. Meanwhile, Bles Alwyn is slated for a high government position, but Sam Stillings and Teerswell conspire to undermine him. Stillings manipulates Alwyn into making a controversial speech, then alerts Congressman Cresswell, who works to block Alwyn's appointment. Mrs. Vanderpool defends Alwyn, but the plot advances.

## Themes in this chapter

### Corruption of Philanthropy and Politics

The chapter exposes the corrupt bargain behind Cresswell's election and the machinations to block Alwyn's appointment.

### Class and Color Hierarchy

Cresswell and Stillings exploit racial prejudice to maintain white supremacy and control over political appointments.

### The Intersection of North and South

Mary Taylor's Northern ideals clash with Southern political realities, and the plot involves Northern philanthropists and Southern politicians.

## Character check-ins

### Harry Cresswell

Elected to Congress through family influence; actively plots against Bles Alwyn's appointment.

### Mary Taylor

Now Mrs. Harry Cresswell, restless and unfulfilled in her marriage, yearning for a role in her husband's political life.

### Bles Alwyn

Slated for a high office; becomes the target of a conspiracy led by Stillings and Cresswell.

### Sam Stillings

Schemes to undermine Alwyn and secure a government position for himself, using Teerswell and Cresswell.

### Mr. Teerswell

Jealous of Alwyn's relationship with Carrie Wynn; joins Stillings' plot to destroy Alwyn.

### Mrs. Vanderpool

Defends Alwyn's appointment, showing interest in honest politics.

## Key lines

> The election of Harry Cresswell to Congress was a very simple matter. The Colonel and his son drove to town and consulted the Judge; together they summoned the sheriff and the local member of the State legislature.

Harry Cresswell's election was easily arranged through a meeting with local officials and a bribe.

_Illustrates the corrupt political process._

> Stillings, you look like a fool, but you're a genius.

Teerswell compliments Stillings on his cunning despite his appearance.

_Highlights the deceptive nature of the conspiracy._

> I'm interested in Alwyn; in fact, an honest man in politics, even if he is black, piques my curiosity.

Mrs. Vanderpool expresses curiosity about Alwyn's honesty, which is rare in politics.

_Shows her support for Alwyn._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/chapters/xxvi-congressman-cresswell
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/chapters