It would have opened anew the old struggle for equality between free States and slave States, and would in all probability have led the country to war within three years from its adoption,--war with Mexico for the border States of that Republic, war with Spain for the acquisition of Cuba.
Blaine discusses the potential consequences of a political decision regarding slavery and its implications for war.
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Such an opportunity would have been a menace to the public credit, and would have proved a constant source of corruption.
Emboldened by the support of the National Administration, the Southern leaders believed that they could carry their designs through, and, instead of being restrained by the protest or the advice of Republicans, they chose with apparent…
In all the revolted states, upon the testimony of your ablest generals, there is no safety to the property or lives of loyal men.
If you are not ready to be the Moses of an oppressed people, do not become their Pharaoh.
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