They knew that the feeling of resentment among the Southern people must be kept at white-heat, and that whoever wished to speak a word of caution or moderation must be held as a public enemy, and subjected to the scorn and the vengeance of the people.
Blaine highlights the intense atmosphere in South Carolina that discouraged moderation and dissent.
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In all the revolted states, upon the testimony of your ablest generals, there is no safety to the property or lives of loyal men.
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.
An avenging God cannot sleep while such things find countenance.
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.
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