On the record
But though these peculiarly odious transactions exerted a deeper influence on public opinion than the Democratic leaders imagined, they were local and apparently under control.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Blaine reflects on the local impact of fugitive slave laws on public opinion, contrary to Democratic leaders' beliefs.
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Crises often arise in the conduct of National affairs when cherished opinions must be sacrificed and new departures taken.
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.
I refer myself not to the men of my time, but to the judgment of history.
Such an opportunity would have been a menace to the public credit, and would have proved a constant source of corruption.
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