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.