On the record
But it is an old maxim, repeatedly illustrated, that while men are ready to profit by the treason, they instinctively detest the traitor.
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gutenberg.orgJames Blaine: “But it is an old maxim, repeatedly illustrated, that while men are ready to profit by the treason, they instinctively…”
Editor's note · Context
Blaine reflects on the nature of betrayal and public perception of traitors.
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More from James Blaine
If this view of the subject be correct, as I think it is, then the Union must utterly perish at the moment when Congress shall arm one part of the people against another for any purpose beyond that of merely protecting the General…
Is any portion of the people bound to contribute their money or their blood to carry on a contest like that?
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.
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.
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