We grant a fugitive slave
law because it is so "nominated in the bond"; because our fathers so
stipulated--had to--and we are bound to carry out this agreement. But
they did not agree to introduce slavery in regions where it did not
previously exist. On the contrary, they said by their example and
teachings that they did not deem it expedient--did n't consider it
right--to do so; and it is wise and right to do just as they did about
it. [Voices: "Good!"] And that it what we propose--not to interfere with
slavery where it exists (we have never tried to do it), and to give them
a reasonable and efficient fugitive slave law. [A voice: "No!"] I say
YES! [Applause.] It was part of the bargain, and I 'm for living up to
it; but I go no further; I'm not bound to do more, and I won't agree any
further. [Great applause.]
We, here in Illinois, should feel especially proud of the provision of
the Missouri Compromise excluding slavery from what is now Kansas; for an
Illinois man, Jesse B. Thomas, was its father. Henry Clay, who is
credited with the authorship of the Compromise in general terms, did not
even vote for that provision, but only advocated the ultimate admission
by a second compromise; and Thomas was, beyond all controversy, the real
author of the "slavery restriction" branch of the Compromise.
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