It could not grow.

It remained in the gristle--hardly more than a sentiment.

But the sentiment was a seed, the promise and potency of kindlier times.

With the close of the long struggle other questions arose; got the people's ears; fixed the attention of the leaders.

Scant notice could emancipation extort from men who had to repair the ravages of an exhausting war, reconstruct shattered fortunes, restore civil society in parts tumbling into ruinous disorder.