The virtue of this law consisted mainly in the fact that it exhibited a willingness on the part of Congress to strike very hard blows and to trample the institution of slavery under foot whenever or wherever it should be deemed advantageous to the cause of the Union to do so.
Blaine emphasizes the law's importance in demonstrating Congress's commitment to undermining slavery for the Union's benefit.
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More from James Blaine
I am in no boastful mood: I shall not do more than I can, but I shall do all I can to save the Government, which is my sworn duty as well as my personal inclination.
I have long since wished that capital punishment were abolished.
I refer myself not to the men of my time, but to the judgment of history.
That is his work and it cannot properly be taken out of his hands.
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