Buchanan’s message to Congress set the agenda for these efforts. He first blamed the North in general and Republicans in particular for “the incessant and violent agitation of the slavery question” which had now “produced its natural effects” by provoking disunion. Because of Republicans, said the president, “many a matron throughout the South retires at night in dread of what may befall herself and children before morning.” Buchanan stopped short of asking the Republican party to dissolve; instead he asked northerners to stop criticizing slavery, repeal their “unconstitutional and obnoxious”
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