striking out the restriction in the Missouri Bill. The report in the National Intelligencer says:—
"Mr. Lowndes spoke briefly in support of the Compromise recommended by the Committee of Conference, and urged with great earnestness the propriety of a decision which would restore tranquillity to the country, which was demanded by every consideration of discretion, of moderation, of wisdom, and of virtue.
"Mr. Mercer, of Virginia, followed on the same side with great earnestness, and had spoken about half an hour, when he was compelled by indisposition to resume his seat."
Such efforts, pressed with southern ardor, were not unavailing. In conformity with the report of the committee, the whole question was forthwith put at rest. Maine and Missouri were each admitted into the Union as independent States. The restriction of slavery in Missouri was abandoned by a vote in the House of 90 yeas to 87 nays; and the prohibition of slavery in all Territories north of 36° 30', exclusive of Missouri, was substituted by a vote of 134 yeas to 42 nays. Among the distinguished southern names in the affirmative, are Louis McLane, of Delaware; Samuel Smith, of Maryland; William Lowndes, of South Carolina; and Charles Fenton Mercer, of Virginia. The title of the Missouri Bill was amended, in conformity with this prohibition, by adding the words, "and to prohibit slavery in certain Territories." The bills then passed both Houses without a division; and on the morning of the 3d March, 1820, the National Intelligencer contained an exulting article, entitled "The Question Settled."
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