Henry Clay Thesis

The way in which I speak to my fellows, both senators and my American brethren, is done with the purest and deepest respect. That same respect, I hope, will be self-evident in the issues that I would like to speak about, on this fine day in March, not so very long after the esteemed Webster and the unfortunately absent Calhoun’s speeches (1) (3). The issue of slavery, and of various other issues connected to it, is a topic that has been highly debated in our times, and I can scarcely see an end in sight to these discussions. I doubt that my words will have as much impact here, or be noted in the annuals of history, especially when the precedent for speaking on such matters has already been set. Nevertheless, I shall speak on such matters, although …show more content…
These matters, as they are, concern our great compromiser, Henry Clay, and his own great compromise (2). The issues that need to be resolved for the sake of the Union, what each of our respective sections stand to gain or lose in this, and my own opinion are my agendas today. As I have said, Henry Clay has purposed a compromise in order to appease everyone, as has always been his best occupation. Seventy years old, nearly as old as America herself, and yet he brings himself forth, shambling with pride (2). Of course, the issues he seeks to resolve are quite old, too. With the end of the war with Mexico, the possibility of more territory, and the gold rush from last year has led California to request for statehood as a free state (2). With this, there comes the question of balance in the Union between free and slave …show more content…
Starting with Texas, the land that is being debated over is to be relinquished, and for Texas’ troubles they will be given ten million dollars to be used at their discretion, although most likely it will be put toward their debt to Mexico (2). I will say once more that I have no qualms with this, as I am sure no one would like a repeat of another war. As for California, it would be a free state, although New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah are not mentioned on if they will be free or slave; I suspect it will either be addressed later or something their populace will decide (2). My trust is in the people to see what is right when they vote, and I am happy enough with California. As for the capitol, the slave trade is to be abolished, although slavery itself is permitted as a technicality (2). For all the bad taste in my mouth, I could stomach it were not for the Fugitive Slave Act put in there. It requires all citizens, be they from North or South, free or slave, to report about any runaway slaves to the proper authorities so they may be returned to the abysmal life they escaped from (2). This is Henry Clay’s compromise is truly about. It seeks to placate those from the North, those that align themselves with the abolitionists, and then sneak in an addendum that will put terror in the slaves of both runaway and free

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