Excerpt from The Political Crisis of 1861: A Reply to Mr. Blaine
The published chapter of Mr. Blame's book deals with that crisis in the history of the country which culminated in civil war. The distinguishing characteristic of Mr. Blaine's literary workmanship is in his directness of appeal to his reader's sympathies and prejudices. His point of view is that of the advocate and not that of the judge, and that portion of his book which has been given to the public is a printed oration and not an historical essay. Yet were his subject less important, and were his style less attractive, his words would command attention, because of popular appreciation of the brilliant certainties of his past, and popular interest in the still more brilliant possibilities of his future.
Mr. Blaine's conclusion is that Mr. Buchanan could, by prompt and vigorous action, have suppressed the rebellion, and changed the course of history; and he necessarily bases this conclusion upon the assumption that the lawful exercise of executive authority would have crushed the revolt in its incipiency. That assumption involves a misapprehension of the relative powers of the legislative and executive departments of the government of the United States, a misunderstanding of the actual condition of public affairs in the latter part of 1860 and early part of 1861, and an inadequate appreciation of Mr. Buchanan's clearness of perception and earnestness of purpose.
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