The one signal proof of their dissent from the extreme doctrine was their absolute unwillingness to attempt an amendment to the Constitution by the ratification of three-fourths of the Loyal States only, and their insisting that it must be three-fourths of all the States, North and South.

Mr.Stevens deemed this a fatal step for the party, and his extreme opinion had the indorsement of Mr.Sumner; but against both these radical leaders the party was governed by its own conservative instincts.

They believed with Mr.
Lincoln that the Stevens plan of amendment would always be questioned, and that in so grave a matter as a change to the organic law of the Nation, the process should be unquestionable--one that could stand every test and resist every assault.
The Republicans, as might well have been expected, did not stand on the defensive in such a controversy with their opponents.

They became confidently aggressive.

They alleged that when the Union was in danger from secession the Northern Democrats did all in their power to inflame the trouble, urged the Southern leaders to persevere and not yield to the Abolitionists, and even when war was imminent did nothing to allay the danger, but every thing to encourage its authors.