Nor were the cases quite similar in motive and influence, for although it might be admitted that the entire nation would be benefitted by the ultimate result, the people knew that the process would bring embarrassment to vast numbers and would reduce not a few to bankruptcy and ruin.
Blaine discusses the contrasting motivations behind national policies and their impact on individuals.
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The two schools in short marked the dividing line between the radical and the conservative.
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.
He had placed himself in a position from which he could not with grace retreat, and to go forward in which was still further to blight his hopes of promotion in his party.
In all the revolted states, upon the testimony of your ablest generals, there is no safety to the property or lives of loyal men.
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