For my own part, sometimes I think
that Millard Fillmore's idea was right--that the government should
buy these slaves and deport them. That would be, as you say, far
cheaper than a war. It was the North that originally sold most of
the slaves. If they, the South, as half the country, are willing
to pay back their half of the purchase price, ought not the North
to be satisfied with that? That's putting principles to the
hardest test--that of the pocket."
In his excitement he rose and strode about the room, his face
frowning, his slender figure erect, martial even in its civilian
dress. Presently he turned; "But it is noble of you, magnificent,
to think of doing what a government hesitates to do! And a woman!"
"Could it be done?" she demanded. "It would require much money.
But what a noble solution it would be!"
"Precisely. I rejoice to see that your mind is so singularly clear
although your heart is so kind."
"You speak in the voice of New England."
"Yes, yes, I'm a New Englander.
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