This is mere
desperation. If they had no connection, why are they always spoken of in
connection? Why has he so spoken of them a thousand times? Why has he
constantly called them a series of measures? Why does everybody call them
a compromise? Why was California kept out of the Union six or seven
months, if it was not because of its connection with the other measures?
Webster's leading definition of the verb "to compromise" is "to adjust
and settle a difference, by mutual agreement, with concessions of claims
by the parties." This conveys precisely the popular understanding of the
word "compromise."
We knew, before the Judge told us, that these measures passed separately,
and in distinct bills, and that no two of them were passed by the votes
of precisely the same members. But we also know, and so does he know,
that no one of them could have passed both branches of Congress but for
the understanding that the others were to pass also. Upon this
understanding, each got votes which it could have got in no other way. It
is this fact which gives to the measures their true character; and it is
the universal knowledge of this fact that has given them the name of
"compromises," so expressive of that true character.
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