On the record
We stimulate the ardor of patriotism by the mere display of a flag which has no material force, but which is emblematic of all material force, and typifies the glory of the Nation.
Source
gutenberg.orgJames Blaine: “We stimulate the ardor of patriotism by the mere display of a flag which has no material force, but which is emblematic…”
Editor's note · Context
Blaine speaks about the symbolic power of the national flag in fostering patriotism.
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Without the exercise of those functions which belong exclusively to the civil service, the laws cannot be executed in any event, no matter what may be the physical strength which the Government has at its command.
Is any portion of the people bound to contribute their money or their blood to carry on a contest like that?
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.
The right of the General Government to preserve itself in its whole constitutional vigor by repelling a direct and positive aggression upon its property or its officers cannot be denied.
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