But their extravagant and exasperating demands, and the splendid madness of their latter day tactics as illustrated in their warfare against Douglas, were the sure presages of their overthrow. There was method in their madness, but it was the method of self-destruction. This was made still more strikingly manifest during the months immediately preceding the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln. The Republicans, notwithstanding their great victory, so recoiled from the thought of sectional strife that for the sake of peace they were ready to forego their demand for the Congressional prohibition of slavery in the Territories. They were willing to abide by the Dred Scott decision and the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave law. They even proposed a Constitutional amendment which would have made slavery perpetual in the Republic; but the pampered frenzy of the slave oligarchy defied all remedies, and hurried it headlong into the bloody conspiracy which was to close forever its career of besotted lawlessness and crime. CHAPTER IX. THE NEW ADMINISTRATION AND THE WAR. Visit to Mr. Lincoln--Closing months of Mr. Buchanan's Administration --Efforts to avoid war--Character of Buchanan--Lincoln's Inauguration --His war policy--The grand army of office seekers--The July session of Congress--The atmosphere of Washington--Battle of Bull Run-- Apologetic resolve of Congress--First confiscation act--Regular session of Congress--Secretary Cameron--Committee on the conduct of the war--Its conference with the President and his Cabinet-- Secretary Stanton and General McClellan--Order to march upon Manassas.