The atmosphere was thick with treason. Party spirit and old
party differences prevailed, however, amidst these accumulated
dangers. Secession was considered by most persons as a political
party question, not as rebellion. Democrats to a large extent
sympathized with the Rebels more than with the Administration,
which they opposed, not that they wished Secession to be
successful and the Union divided, but they hoped that President
Lincoln and the Republicans would, overwhelmed by obstacles and
embarrassments, prove failures. The Republicans on the other
hand, were scarcely less partisan and unreasonable. Patriotism
was with them no test, no shield from party malevolence. They
demanded the proscription and exclusion of such Democrats as
opposed the Rebel movement and clung to the Union, with the same
vehemence that they demanded the removal of the worst Rebels who
advocated a dissolution of the Union. Neither party appeared to
be apprehensive of, or to realize the gathering storm."
Seen against such a background, the political and diplomatic
frivolity of the Secretary of State is not so inexplicable as it
would otherwise be. This background, as well as the intrigue of
the Secretary, helps us to understand Lincoln's great task inside
his Cabinet.
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