On the record
I did not ask for place or position, and was entirely without influence or the acquaintance of persons of influence, but was resolved to perform my part in a struggle threatening the very existence of the Nation.
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gutenberg.orgJames Blaine: “I did not ask for place or position, and was entirely without influence or the acquaintance of persons of influence, but…”
Editor's note · Context
Blaine reflects on his commitment to the nation during a time of crisis, emphasizing his resolve despite lacking influence.
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But this is a totally different thing from an offensive war to punish the people for the political misdeeds of their State Government, or to enforce an acknowledgment that the Government of the United States is supreme.
All these provisions are made to protect the States, not to authorize an attack by one part of the country upon another; to preserve the peace, and not to plunge them into civil war.
Under such circumstances, to send a military force into any State, with orders to act against the people, would be simply making war upon them.
Is any portion of the people bound to contribute their money or their blood to carry on a contest like that?
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