LESTER BURRELL SHIPPEE
284
Thus retreat
locked, unable to proceed because neither side would its stand, the question stood when Polk, on the
from
sixth of July, transmitted to both houses the ratified treaty
with Mexico, and urged provision for a territorial organization in the region newly acquired by the United States. 35 Not alone to this public message did the President trust but he held long interviews with the Senators of his party and impressed upon
them the necessity of
settling the question in order "to allay excitement, prevent the organization of geographical parties, & preserve the harmony of the union." 36 Bright was a frequent visitor at the
White House and was one of those most eager
in one of his interviews he suggested as the most satisfactory solution the adoption of the phraseology of 30' the Texas Annexation Resolution which extended 36 as the dividing line between free and slave territory.
to secure action
The
preliminary step for a compromise was taken by adopting Clayton's (Maryland) motion for a committee of eight, two from each party in each section, following the precedent set at the time of the Missouri Compromise and the Comh 37 This was seconded by Foote. promise Tariff of 1833. out that the act of 1787 was a Calhoun, however, pointed had it null by refusing to the North rendered but compromise return fugitive slaves, a charge which he had previously
Several brought, especially against the people of Michigan. because the would to the scheme committee have the objected
Oregon bill before it, when it was understood that slavery would not be permitted there. Since no one could suggest any other solution the motion was adopted by a vote of 31 to 14.
from
All the votes against the compromise committee were the free States, eight Whigs and six Democrats. The
which as selected by ballot, was composed of Clayton (Chairman), Underwood (Ky.), Whigs, and Calhoun and Atchison (Mo.), Democrats, for the south; Clarke (R. I.),
committee,
35 Richadson, Messrages, IV, 587-93. 36 Polk, Diary, IV, 9, 12-14. Cobb, Houston, Bowden (Ala.), McLane (Md.), Sebastian (Ark.), Bright (Ind.), and several from the House talked with the President. 37 Globe, XVIII, 928 seq.; Appen., 914 seq.
