He had the reputation of being somewhat unscrupulous as to political methods, somewhat careless in personal conduct, somewhat lax in personal morals; but to the one great object of his life, the destruction of slavery and the elevation of the slave, he was supremely devoted.
Blaine reflects on the complex character of a prominent political figure who was dedicated to the abolition of slavery despite personal flaws.
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This ratio of influence went into the Electoral College, and gave to the white men of South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana double the power of that enjoyed by white men in New York, Illinois and California.
The wisdom of maintaining that institution was abundantly vindicated by the results of the war.
The feeling in many portions of the country toward the emancipated slaves, especially among the ignorant and uneducated, is one of vindictive and malicious hatred.
That is his work and it cannot properly be taken out of his hands.
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