The patronage placed a formidable weapon in the hands of the President which could be so used as to annoy or help every Republican representative in Congress,--so used, indeed, as to prevent the election of many who were peculiarly offensive to Mr.
Blaine highlights how presidential patronage can be wielded as a powerful tool to influence Congressional representatives.
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Their pirates burned your unarmed commerce upon every sea.
Durant speaks of no duty, apparently thinks of none resting upon Southern Union men.
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.
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.
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