Duplicity is a weapon often employed against tyranny by its victims, and there is always danger that a popular election where law is unfairly administered and violence constantly impending, will bring into play on both sides the worst elements of society.
Blaine reflects on the moral complexities of elections under duress and the potential for corruption.
Share
More from James Blaine
Crises often arise in the conduct of National affairs when cherished opinions must be sacrificed and new departures taken.
Of course the Rebellion will never be suppressed in Louisiana if the professed Union men there will neither help to do it nor permit the Government to do it without their help. . . .
I have long since wished that capital punishment were abolished.
With whatever strength or prestige the President left Washington, he certainly returned to the Capital personally discredited and politically ruined.
Other voices in this conversation
