Lincoln was disappointed at this proof of the sectional character of the contest, and he realized that if American nationality was to be preserved, it must look for help to the abounding resources and the patriotic loyalty of the free States.
Blaine reflects on Lincoln's realization that preserving American nationality depended on the loyalty of free States during the Civil War.
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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.
And if Congress shall break up the present Union by unconstitutionally putting strife and enmity and armed hostility between different sections of the country, instead of the domestic tranquility which the Constitution was meant to insure…
You can use force only to repel an assault on the public property and aid the Courts in the performance of their duty.
Is any portion of the people bound to contribute their money or their blood to carry on a contest like that?
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