Judson Brand, a powder manufacturer, is approached by the envoys of two warring nations, but before entering into a contract with Baron Von Halstyn, envoy for Gravonia, he sends his son, Marshall, to investigate the country's financial condition. Burghoff, Sashofen's envoy, is advised of a blockade and instructed to halt shipments of munitions to the enemy. Both envoys try to enlist the help of Jan Bernheim, a clever political exile from Gravonia. Out of revenge, she promises to aid Burghoff, but patriotism prevails and she goes over to Von Halstyn, although pretending to remain in the employ of Burghoff. Elinor, Brand's daughter, is engaged to Fosdick, a humanitarian propagandist, who opposes Brand's mercenary attitude in furnishing munitions. Burghoff allies himself with Fosdick, and together they hope to control the vote of the congressional committee against furnishing munitions.