Emerson
refers to John Brown as a strict constructionist because he believes in the
Golden Rule and the Declaration of Independence; that according to him “Better
that a whole generation of men, women and children should pass away by a
violent death than one word of either should be violated in this country”.
Thus, there is a Unionist. Therefore there is a strict constructionist. Emerson
believes that Brown measures his actions by holding them accountable to his
beliefs and states that his actions were motivated by doing what was right for
the country. Emerson also demonstrates that Brown’s actions were governed by
his uncompromising for the welfare of the nation.
