The world will never again be in doubt whether, when driven to war, we will end it in a gush of sentimentality or a shiver of unmanly apprehension over untried responsibilities, by fleeing from our plain duty, and hastening to give up what we are entitled to, before we have even taken an opportunity to look at it.
Reid addresses the seriousness of war, arguing against a sentimental approach and advocating for a responsible stance.
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You see, General, this is alarming, and you must acknowledge that we are not safe.
Fully believing the debts of their Rebel Government legal and just, they were prepared to repudiate them at a hint from Washington.
Suppose it to be merely a war in defense of our own just rights and interests.
Congress is supreme, and, for all the purposes of this department, has all the powers of the people of the United States, except such as have been expressly or by implication reserved in the prohibitions of the Constitution.