"But this system… we're not signing off on it." Smith raised the documents in his hand and added, "At least, not right now."
"We'll let the factories take the orders and start production. If they really insist on using those so-called 'notes' for payment…"
Smith paused.
"We'll accept the notes. But we need to leave ourselves an out."
"What kind of out?"
"If it turns out these notes can't be redeemed for cash, and if the workers start rioting because they aren't getting paid."
"We'll divert the heat to Pittsburgh."
"We'll tell the workers that Leo Wallace cheated us, that he used a pile of worthless paper to take our steel and cement, and that he's the reason they can't put food on the table."
"We're the victims. We were also duped by that silver-tongued young mayor."
"Shift the blame to Pittsburgh. To the Democratic Party."
"That way, we'll have an explanation for Warren: 'Look, we were taken in by a Democratic Party scheme. We're victims, too.'"
