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.