LAD #15 Lincoln’s Emancipation

LAD #15

President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation: January First, 1863

Similarly to the sweeping changes made on the twenty third day of September 1862, today ( the first of January 1863,) represents changes within the government and the society of the Untied States of America. Thus, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, are now and forever free. These freedoms will be recognized by the Executive Government of the United States, as well as the military and naval authorities. I believe this powerful decree to be an act of justice, under the Constitution, with military necessity. . I would also trust that reasonable wages be entrusted to free working citizens. This act has been passed by the Almighty and overseeing God, whom would warrant no violence be spurred by this decree, except that of self defense.

LAD #15, Second Inaugural

Second Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln
LAD #15
Saturday March 4, 1865
Fellow-Countrymen:

As this inauguration day begins my second term as President of the Untied States, and throughout the past four years the public views and concerns have been considered and measured in all affairs, there is less need today for a long and detailed speech. Although we have been forever devoted to a unified nation, averting civil war at all costs, the war came; as one party would make war rather than let the nation endure, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. The slaves that make up roughly one eighth of our population, (concentrated largely in the Southern territories,) made their powerful interests of freedom known, and God would have it so. Yet, Northerners and Southerners pray to one God and read one Bible, and we shall unite once again. Let us judge not, that we be not judged. Let not two hundred and fifty years of history be forgotten. With the love and bond of brotherhood I would call the nation to cleanse and heal the wounds of war, and work to wards peace and unity among us all.

LAD #14 Dred Scott vs. Sanford

Roger Taney's Decision in the Dred Scott vs. Sanford Supreme Court case
LAD #14

Although the court had favored a more moderate decision for Sanford, whilst disregarding the issues of Negro citizenship and the constitutionality of the Missouri Compromise, this decision was disregarded; as Justice Nelson was replaced with Roger Taney, for Nelson had passed the “majority” opinion off as his own. Ironically, the two most anti-slavery justices may have forced a more pro-slavery opinion than what the majority originally planned to decide, in regard to Justices Curtis and McLean. The conclusion of this anticipated case was near completion by February 1857, and President Buchanan used this information in his inauguration address, to support the court. Buchanan stated “ To their decision, in common with all good citizens, I shall cheerfully submit, whatever this may be.” March 6, 1857, 80 year old Taney appeared with nine other justices to report their decision. Their opinion stated that Negroes, even free Negroes, were not citizens of the United States, and that therefore Scott, as a Negro, did not even have the privilege of being able to sue in a federal court. Additionally, with consideration to the Missouri Compromise, the territories acquired from France in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, were dependent upon the national government, and the government could not act outside its framework as set forth in the Constitution. Therefore the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Sanford as the Constitution made no distinction between slaves and property.

LAD #13 Gettysburg

Gettysburg Address
As we are engaged in Civil War, so shortly upon arriving in the New World and creating this new nation of liberty and equality; we have been brought to this battlefield at Gettysburg. The valiant men who have died here will not be forgotten as they have given their lives for the life, freedom, and prosperity of this nation as a united whole. Their lives will forever be remembered and honored at Gettysburg for the brace souls they are.

LAD #12 , First Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln

First Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln
Monday, March 4, 1861
Fellow-Citizens of the United States,
As in accordance with the United States Government and the revered Constitution, I have appeared today to take the oath and address the nation, with consideration to calming the unreasonable apprehensions of the Southerner who feel as though their peace and personal security may be endangered. The rights of the States shall be respected and let it be known that I have no purpose, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. As to the controversial issue of the delivering up of fugitives from service or labor, the Constitution will forever be honored, particularly Section 10, stating “No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.” In all aspects of government, it is held that in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution the Union of these States is perpetual. The Union must be preserved as it has undergone several changes since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, including the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and finally in 1787, as it was proclaimed a “More Perfect Union.” The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the Government and to collect the duties and imposts; as violence or force shall only be exerted if necessary by national authority.
All profess to be content in the Union if all constitutional rights can be maintained. Coming back to the controversial issue if slavery and the separation of people’s opinion, the nation must not divorce each other, as both the North and the South offer essential aspects of our prideful nation. Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on God will carry us through this time of uncertainty, as each one of us must remain friends and not enemies. difficulty. The future of this country and the possibility of civil war is entirely in the hands of each and every one of you.

LAD#11, ClayComprimise1850

The Clay Compromise Measures

by John C. Calhoun

March 4, 1850

Senators,

I had rightly predicted that slavery would ultimately end in disunion, despite various delays and diversions. Our fair nation has been divided in to two parties regarding this issue, and thus the question that should be upon everyone’s lips should be ‘how can we preserve the union.’ To address this all important question, we must consider our knowledge of the Southern’s increasing agitation caused by excited political ties and long-continued agitation of the slave question on the part of the North. It should also be noted that the slavery question has been stressed due to the end of the equilibrium from when the Constitution was ratified. The addition of new states has been controversial in this issue, as the territories of Oregon and Minnesota are in the process of being added, ultimately adding states to the North; while no Southern states have been added. The system of revenue, taxation and altogether governmental policies have aggravated the disputes between the North and South. Overall the North has acquired a preponderance in every department of the government by its disproportionate increase of population and States. Something must be done to reduce this dividing agitation in this country, so that the union may be preserved. The issue is in the hands of the North, as only they can agree to do justice by conceding to the South an equal right in the acquired territory and the issue of returning slaves. The North must do this, if for nothing else, the love of the Union as a whole.

LAD#10, President Polk

Message of President Polk, May 11, 1846
To the Senate and House of Representatives,

In consideration to the relations between the United States of America and Mexico, the injuries and wrongdoings of the Mexican government have yet to be addressed. After a strong desire to make an honorable peace with Mexico, the Mexican Government not only refused to receive or listen to our propositions, but after a long-continued series of menaces, have invaded our territories, and taken many innocent lives. The origin, progress, and failure of the mission of friendly peace involved meetings in October and November, and our unwillingness to forget the sufferings of our people. The determination to restore friendly relations with the United States, and to receive our minister to negotiate for the settlement, was violently assailed, as on 21st of December, the Government of General Herrera refused to accredit Mr. Slidell. The Mexican Revolution, seeing changes in the form of government and policies, was accomplished solely by military force, meant the replacement of the Government of General Herrera, with the Government to General Paredes. Mr. Slidell was forced to return home as the note addressed to the new authorities was returned with the same conditions as before. Thus the Government of Mexico violated their plighted faith and refused the offer of a peaceful adjustment of our difficulties, and a military force was raised, concentrated at Corpus Christi. Troops were meant occupy left bank of the Del Norte due to the instructions of January 13th.
As the Army was moved from Corpus Christi on the 11th of March, and on the 28th of that month arrived on the left bank of the Del Norte opposite to Matamoras, the government was made to protect the respected personal and property rights of individuals. Official fighting took place after the 14th of April, where sixteen were killed or wounded, before the Mexicans were made to surrender. With an obvious war existing between Mexico and America, the commerce between the two nations has been almost annihilated. Texas, recently viewed as an independent nation, has joined with our Union; and hopes of reconciliation with Mexico still exist, as Mexico can decide when they are ready to consider our propositions.

DECLARATION OF SENTIMENTS

The Seneca Falls
1. DECLARATION OF SENTIMENTS

Through the natural course of history, certain men have claimed superior status over others. We however, hold true to the declaration that all men and women are created equal, with inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Furthermore, It is regarded that it is the role of the government to protect these rights. In this manner the government has failed; as countless usurpations and abuses have been suffered, namely in the blatant lacking of women’s rights. Men have oppressed women by striping them of dignity and respect, while treating them worse than foreigners and Indians, making them submit to laws, pushing them from elective franchise, depriving them of voice and representation, taking away their properties, degrading them through the details marriage. Only subordinate positions in the Church and State are offered, as all educational opportunities are also denied. Through this convention we must use our power to right the wrongs of women’s social and religious degradation in this nation, and in doing so halt this oppression.