[Territories] [Slavery] Stevens, Thaddeus

[drop-title] Speech of Mr. Thaddeus Stevens, of Pennsylvania, in the House of Representatives, on the Reference of the President's Annual Message. Made in Committee of the Whole, February 20, 1850

[Washington]: Buell & Blanchard, 1850. Disbound. near Very Good binding. Item #8864

Octavo. 8 pp. Removed from volume. Inner margin a bit irregular; horizontal creases from being folded.

Stevens rails against "Southern gentlemen" who he argues have obstructed the business of Congress by speeches on the subject of slavery. The remedy? Another speech on slavery. And, no doubt, the subject was indeed occupying Congress and the country. In fact, the Compromise of 1850 and its Fugitive Slave Act was just months away from passage when Stevens took the floor with this searing speech against the institution of slavery and the Southern legislators who were holding Congress hostage. Stevens cites Mr. Clingman of North Carolina who, in Stevens's words, "was selected to open the debate in behalf of human bondage, distinctly notified us, that unless Congress, as a condition precedent, submitted to settle the Slavery question, according to Southern demands, there should be no legislation, even the passage of the ordinary appropriation bills necessary to sustain the Government." A heated time, indeed! Sabin 91565.

Price: $125.00