The least reflecting among those who took part in the mighty struggle perceived that the duties devolved upon the Government by victory--if less exacting and less critical than those imposed by actual war--were more delicate in their nature, and required statesmanship of a different character.
Blaine discusses the complexities of governance following a civil war and the need for skilled leadership.
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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…
Observing men in the loyal States regarded such a policy not only as weak and maudlin, but as utterly insufficient and assuredly dangerous to the future safety of the Government.
Their convention did more to popularize the Fourteenth Amendment as a political issue than any other instrumentality of the year.
With whatever strength or prestige the President left Washington, he certainly returned to the Capital personally discredited and politically ruined.
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