Opposition to it was not, however, grounded so much upon the existence of slavery as upon the alleged violation of the Constitution in forming a State from territory not included in the original government of the Union.
Blaine notes that opposition to Louisiana's admission was based on constitutional concerns rather than solely on slavery.
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Emboldened by the support of the National Administration, the Southern leaders believed that they could carry their designs through, and, instead of being restrained by the protest or the advice of Republicans, they chose with apparent…
It is to the eminent credit of the Republican members of Congress that they stood in a crisis of this magnitude true to principle, firm against all the power and all the patronage of the Administration.
Crises often arise in the conduct of National affairs when cherished opinions must be sacrificed and new departures taken.
Their success as civil magistrates, as legislators, as executives was not less marked and meritorious than their illustrious service in war.
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