I must still think, however, that the text of the Constitution is best interpreted by reference to the tripartite theory of Government, to which practice had conformed, and which so long and uniform a practice would seem to have established.
Blaine emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Constitution through the lens of the tripartite government theory.
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In all the revolted states, upon the testimony of your ablest generals, there is no safety to the property or lives of loyal men.
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. . . .
Such an opportunity would have been a menace to the public credit, and would have proved a constant source of corruption.
I refer myself not to the men of my time, but to the judgment of history.
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