However far the laws of war may justify a belligerent in deceiving an enemy, the laws of honorable and humane dealing are violated with one's own partisans when a brave and confiding soldiery are led into a fight known by their commanders to be hopeless.
Blaine critiques the ethical responsibilities of military leaders towards their troops in hopeless situations.
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The wisdom of maintaining that institution was abundantly vindicated by the results of the war.
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