They could begin anew with organic laws adapted to the great revolution which had swept over them, or they could patch up the old constitutions now become indissolubly associated with a rebellion which had been fostered and protected under their provisions.
Blaine reflects on the choices faced by Southern states after the Civil War regarding their constitutions.
Share
More from James Blaine
In turn, the course of the National Administration would certainly be influenced, and its fate in large degree determined, by the conduct of the Southern men, in whom the President was placing unbounded trust.
With whatever strength or prestige the President left Washington, he certainly returned to the Capital personally discredited and politically ruined.
In all the revolted states, upon the testimony of your ablest generals, there is no safety to the property or lives of loyal men.
Another theory and another practice were now to prevail; for it had been demonstrated to the thoughtful statesmen who then controlled the Government, that every thing which may be done by either Nation or State may be better and more…
Other voices in this conversation
