Lee: Mr. President.
Hancock: Mr. Lee.
Lee: I nominate Colonel Washington as Commander in Chief of the American Army.
Member of Congress: I second that motion.
Hancock: It has been moved and seconded that Colonel Washington be made Commander in Chief of the American Army. All those in favor say Aye.
Aye! Aye!
Hancock: Not in favor, no. (All Aye). Then General Washington is Commander in Chief of the American Army.
(Cheers).
(Goes to ante room and brings in Washington who left during Mr. Adams' speech).
Gentlemen, this is General Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Army.
(More Cheers).
Washington: I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in this room that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity I do not think myself equal to the task I am honored with.
End of Act III.
ACT IV.
INTRODUCTION:
The signing of the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776 by a Congress of representatives of the Colonies assembled in the State House in Philadelphia.
The next act will be the signing of the Declaration of Independence as written by Thomas Jefferson of Virginia.
Pres. Hancock: After several days of debating in Congress the Declaration of Independence as written by Thomas Jefferson of Virginia is about to be accepted. Is there anything more to say on the subject, gentlemen? Mr. Jefferson have you?
Jefferson: Mr. Hancock and Gentlemen. We feel that good reasons must be shown to the world and to those brave Englishmen, Pitt and Burke who have been our defenders for breaking away from our Mother Country. We have tried to show these causes in the paper that I have written.
Hancock: Mr. Adams.
Adams: Mr. Hancock. We believe that all men are created equal with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The present King of England has shown himself a tyrant in his treatment of the Colonies by his repeated acts. Thomas Jefferson has written these facts so the world may see them.
Hancock: Mr. Sherman.
Sherman: Mr. Hancock. He has taxed us unjustly, without giving us a voice in the matter. He has tried to force us to pay the debts of England. These are more reasons we wish to give to the world for our present action.
Hancock: Mr. Franklin.
Franklin: We have sent petitions to him asking him to stop these abuses. He has answered with insult. A prince with such a character is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. We therefore, declare we are enemies in war, in peace friends.
Mr. Lee: Mr. Hancock.
Hancock: Mr. Lee.
Lee: I make a motion that the Declaration of Independence as written by Mr. Jefferson be accepted and the news be given to the world that we are a free people.
Member of House: I second that motion.
Hancock: It has been moved and seconded that the Declaration of Independence be accepted and the news be given to the world that we are a free people. All those in favor say Aye.
Aye! Aye!
Contrary minded, No. And now gentlemen, I sign my name in large letters so George Third may read it without spectacles (writes name). We must all hang together in this matter.
Franklin: Yes, we must all hang together, or we will hang separately.
Hancock: And now let the news be given to the world that we are a free people.
Boy: Ring! Grandpa, Ring! Oh Ring for Liberty!
End of Washington Act.
GEORGE ROGERS CLARK
INTRODUCTION:
George Rogers Clark was born in Virginia in 1752. Clark liked to roam the woods. He became a surveyor and an Indian fighter at the age of twenty-one. He was a great leader in Kentucky along with Boone and fought the Indians many times. The British officers aroused the Indians. They paid a certain sum for each scalp of an American. Clark decided to strike a blow at the British across the Ohio. He drilled his men at Corn Island at the falls of the Ohio, the beginning of Louisville. In June he shot the falls and after a long march they reached the old French town of Kaskaskia.
The first Act will be a dance at Kaskaskia.
ACT I.
(British and French dancing. Enter Clark and stands at door. Indian lying on floor springs to feet and gives terrible war whoop. The dancing stops. Women scream and men rush toward Clark).
Clark: Go on with your dance but remember you dance under Virginia and not under Great Britain.
(British General goes up to Clark).
Clark: I ask you to surrender in the name of Virginia.
British General: I surrender. (Hands his sword to Clark).
(French talk in corner. Father Gibault and other men come up to talk with Clark).
Father Gibault: We beg of you, Colonel Clark, to spare our lives and the lives of our families.
Clark: Father, your lives are safe. America makes war on no church and will protect you all from insult. The King of France has made a treaty with the United States and is sending ships and soldiers to help us. All we want you to do is put up the American Flag.
Father Gibault: We are glad to hear this news. It makes us all very happy indeed. I will go to Vincennes and tell the good news.
End of Clark Act.
ANDREW JACKSON
INTRODUCTION:
Andrew Jackson was born in North Carolina in 1767. His parents were Scotch Irish.
Schools were few and poor and Andy learned more from the woods than from books. As a boy he was full of fun and mischief and fond of sports, but he was very hot tempered.
When he was thirteen he learned what war meant for it was the time of the Revolution. Colonel Tarleton killed more than a hundred of Jackson's neighbors and friends, among them Andy's own brother. He never forgave the British.
At fourteen he was taken prisoner by the British.
The first act will be Andrew Jackson and a British officer. Enter soldiers dragging Andrew. Officer at desk. Men salute officer.
Men: We have found this young fellow acting in a suspicious manner around the camp, Colonel.
Officer: Well, well, a young rebel eh!
Andrew: Yes, a rebel.
Officer: We'll see what you are good for, boy. Clean these boots.
Jackson: I will not. I am a prisoner of war and expect to be treated as such.
Officer: You won't! Won't you! (Draws sword and strikes boy on head). (Soldiers drag him from room).
End of Act I.
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
At Camden smallpox killed his remaining brother and left Andrew poor and sickly looking. His mother also lost her life in caring for American prisoners. Jackson was left an orphan of the Revolution. He studied law and at twenty was admitted to practice in the courts of the State.
Stories from Tennessee made him long to see that beautiful country, so in company with nearly a hundred men, women and children he crossed the mountains into Tennessee.
The next Act will be Jackson and others sitting around a camp-fire, telling stories of the Revolution.
Jackson: This beautiful country of Nolichucky Jack's is worth the trouble we have had in coming. Something in the stillness of the night makes me think of those dreadful Revolutionary days. What a time it was and what a lot of great heroes our country had.
One of Men: Yes, those were stirring days. Well do I remember that day on the Boston Common. On the slopes of the hill where the State House now stands there was a fine place to skate and slide. We fellows learned our spelling those days for if we didn't we couldn't skate. One day after school we hurried to the hillside. We found the ice broken everywhere. We knew the British Redcoats had done the damage. They thought it fun to make the Yankees angry. We went to General Gage and told him what his soldiers had done. He said "You are plucky boys. If my soldiers bother you again, let me know."
One of the Girls: Have you ever heard the story of Lydia Darrah?
No, tell us.
Lydia was my grandmother. She lived in Philadelphia with her husband and younger children. General Howe's adjutant took up his quarters and secured a back room in which private councils could be held. Just before one of these my grandmother was told to retire early as the British officers would require the room at seven o'clock and would remain late. Lydia suspected that something against the patriot army was to take place. She sent the family to bed and taking off her shoes crept down the stairs and listened at the door. She learned that all the British troops were to march out and surprise General Washington and his army. She knew it lay in her power to save the lives of thousands of people. She decided to find a way of telling the news.
Going to the mill for flour, she left her sack to be filled and hurried on to the American camp where she told one of the officers she knew. He galloped off to Headquarters and informed General Washington.
The British officers never knew who gave Washington the information.
Jackson: She was a brave woman. There were many brave women and men.
Man: And that fight at Bunker Hill. Of course we lost because we didn't have enough powder but how our brave boys did fight, as long as the powder held out. They cut down whole ranks of the British army as they advanced up the shore.
Jackson: Well folks, I think we better go to bed. We have a hard journey ahead of us. I will keep watch.
(Jackson leans up against tree, smoking corncob pipe).
(Suddenly the sound of an owl is heard in the distance).
Jackson speaks to the man with him: "A little too natural that owl. I fear it is Indians. We must arouse the people and go."
(Goes and arouses people who get ready to leave.)
End of Act II.
ACT III.
INTRODUCTION:
Jackson was successful as a lawyer; was made district attorney and was finally elected to Congress. Later became a frontier judge and a man of business. He won fame as a fighter in the war of 1812, and in many fights with the Indians and won the name of "Old Hickory."
The next act will be calling for volunteers to fight at New Orleans.
Jackson's Speech: The British are again our enemies. They are capturing our men on the high seas and forcing them to fight for Great Britain. Shall we stand this? No, I say no. Perry and other great sailors are fighting hard with our vessels. The British, if we are not careful, will capture New Orleans. Who volunteers to go with me? On to New Orleans and Victory!!
End of Act III.
ACT IV
INTRODUCTION:
After the Battle of New Orleans Jackson was a great hero. In 1828 he was elected President of the United States. He had bitter quarrels with Clay, Calhoun and Webster over the U. S. Banks. In the Senate was another great man, Thomas H. Benton. He and Jackson had once fought a duel but were now good friends. Benton took Jackson's part against the other men. Refusal of South Carolina to pay the tariff caused trouble during Jackson's time. This act was called nullification.
The next act will be President Jackson talking to General Scott about South Carolina.
ACT IV
Jackson: South Carolina must be forced to obey the laws of the land. The tariff will be collected by force if necessary. To nullify an Act of Congress would be most dangerous to the Union. Take soldiers and war vessels, General Scott, to Charleston and enforce the law at all hazards.
General Scott: I will do my best to enforce the laws of the land, President Jackson.
JOHN C. FREMONT
INTRODUCTION:
John C. Fremont was born in Savannah, in the year 1813, while his parents were on a journey through the South. His father died soon after, and his mother moved to Charleston, South Carolina. He was well educated, and after college spent some years in travel.
He joined a company of engineers to explore the mountains between Tennessee and South Carolina to find a place for a railway. This region was a rough, beautiful, and wild country, and it gave Fremont a taste for exploring which never left him. His longing for wild life was gratified when he was made assistant to a famous Frenchman who went to explore the region between the Missouri and Canada.
He married Jessie Benton, daughter of the famous Senator Benton. Benton was interested in the growth of the West. He knew that Fremont was interested in exploring, and used his influence with President Van Buren to have Fremont explore the Rocky Mountains.
The first act will be Fremont talking to President Van Buren.
ACT I.
(Senator Benton talking to Van Buren:)
Benton: The West is a great country, Mr. President. We should have it explored and investigated.
Van Buren: I agree with you, Senator Benton. The West should be explored. If we had a good man to send on this expedition.
Benton: I know a man, Mr. President; John C. Fremont. He is an experienced engineer, and loves the wild life of adventure.
Van Buren: Bring Fremont to me.
(Fremont enters and is introduced by Benton).
Van Buren: You are an explorer of note, Mr. Fremont? Will you undertake a journey to the Rocky Mountains and bring back a report of that country?
Fremont: Yes, I am very much interested in exploring the West, and with your permission and the permission of Congress, will try to find out all that we can about that great country.
End of Act I.
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
The next act will be Fremont telling about his first and second trip to the West.
Secretary to President: Fremont and his famous guide, Kit Carson, have returned from their second exploring trip to the West and await outside.
President: Show them in.
(Enter Fremont and party).
Fremont: I have just returned from my explorations, and would like to tell you of the trips. On my first trip I left Kansas City and followed the Kansas River to the South Pass. On my second trip I followed the same route to the South Pass, where I took four men, and continued on, to the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains.
One of the Men: While there and on the top, we unfurled the stars and stripes in all its glory.
Fremont: Then I decided to cross the mountains. After many weary months we beheld a great lake.
One of the Men: You can imagine what feelings stirred the breasts of men shut in for months by mountains, at seeing what appeared to us to be an ocean here in the midst of a continent.
Fremont: As we strained our eyes along its silent shores, I could hardly repress the almost desire to continue our explorations.
Man: After making preparations, we crossed over the mountains till we reached the Columbia River, and traveled down to Vancouver. Here we were the guests of the Governor of the British Hudson Bay Company.
Fremont: On November tenth, we started across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and then on, till we came to Sutter's Fort.
Man: Here we met the remarkable Captain Sutter. Captain Sutter is a native of Switzerland. He came here with the intention of building a colony. The Spanish Governor, Alvarado, gladly gave him a great tract of land. Captain Sutter has great herds of cattle and many acres of grain.
Fremont: We then decided to cross the mountains farther to the south, where the San Joaquin River makes a gap. Here we beheld a great desert.
Man: An Indian told us that there was neither water nor grass—nothing. Every animal that goes on this desert dies.
Fremont: From here we traveled forward, reaching Salt Lake; having made a circuit of the Great Basin. Here we are, with the story of our trip.
President: You have had some wonderful experiences. And now, Mr. Fremont, I would like you to go on a third expedition—to explore the Pacific Coast.
Fremont: Very well, Mr. President.
End of Act II.
ACT III.
INTRODUCTION:
Fremont did not know about the war with Mexico. On his way to the north, he heard that Mexicans were planning to kill every American in California. Jose Castro was a Mexican general. The Mexicans had one hundred and fifty horses. The Americans captured these horses. That was the first victory in the conquest of California.
The Bear Flag Rebellion.
The Americans were indeed a rough looking lot. Mounted on horseback, wearing leggings, and carrying pistols and guns. If the Americans had known that war was going on, they would have raised the Stars and Stripes. But not knowing it they decided to make a flag of their own.
The next act will be the forming of the California Republic.
(Men and soldiers around room).
Man: We are now a Republic, and must have a Declaration of Independence.
Other Man: Yes, and we must have a flag. Here is one. Mr. Todd made it. A bear is drawn on it, and a star. Underneath are the words, "California Republic."
Other Man: We will raise this flag on the flagstaff of Sonoma. Now we are an independent Republic.
End of Act III.
ACT IV
INTRODUCTION:
The conquest of California came when a treaty was signed at the Rancho de Cahuenga. (Ca-wen-ga). The next act will be the Californians and Fremont at the Rancho de Cahuenga.
Fremont: General Flores, General Vallejo, General Pico, and Californians: You know why you have been called to this meeting?
General Flores: Yes, Captain Fremont, we know why we have been called. If we sign a treaty, and promise not to take up arms against the United States we will be pardoned for revolting.
Fremont: Yes, you will be pardoned under those conditions. Do you promise?
Californians: We promise.
Fremont: Very well, sign here.
(They sign.)
Fremont: That will do, you are pardoned. Good afternoon, gentlemen.
Californians: Good afternoon, Captain Fremont.
WEBSTER, CLAY and CALHOUN
INTRODUCTION:
We are going to tell you the story of Webster, Clay and Calhoun.
Daniel Webster was born in New Hampshire in 1782. He was a very weakly child, no one thought that some day he would have an iron body. He spent most of his time playing in the woods and fields. He loved the animals that he found there. He had a brother named Ezekiel. One day as they were walking through the field, they noticed that some of the cabbage had been eaten so they planned to catch the thief.
The first act will be the story of the woodchuck.
ACT I
(Daniel and Ezekiel find woodchuck in trap).
Ezekiel: Well Daniel I see that we have caught the woodchuck.
Daniel: What shall we do with him?
Ezekiel: I think that we should kill him.
Daniel: I think we should take him into the woods and let him go.
Ezekiel: Let us take the matter to father and let him settle it. (Go to father).
Daniel: Father, we have caught the woodchuck and we do not know what to do with him. We have brought the matter to you to settle. Ezekiel wants to kill him and I want to let him go.
Father: Well boys, we will hold a court. I will be the judge and you will be the lawyers. One defend the case and the other prosecute. Ezekiel you may speak first, you are the prosecutor.
Ezekiel: I think we should kill the woodchuck. If we let him go, he will be just as much trouble as ever, while if we kill him he can't eat any more cabbage and we can sell his skin for at least ten cents and small as that sum is it will help pay for some of the cabbage that he has eaten, so in either way he is of more value dead than alive.
Father: Very good, Ezekiel. Now Daniel we will hear from you.
Daniel's Speech: God made the woodchuck. He made him to live in the bright sunlight and the pure air. He made him to enjoy the free air and the good woods. The woodchuck is not a fierce animal like the wolf or the fox. He lives in quiet and peace. A hole in the side of a hill and a little food is all that he wants. He has harmed nothing but a few plants which he ate to keep himself alive. The woodchuck has a right to life, to food, to liberty, for God gave them to him.
Look at his soft pleading eyes. See him tremble with fear. He cannot speak for himself and this is the only way he can plead for the life that is so sweet to him. Shall we be so cruel as to kill him? Shall we be so selfish as to take from him the life that God gave him?
Father: Ezekiel, Ezekiel, let that woodchuck go!
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION: Webster.
One day in spring, Daniel Webster's father took Daniel to Exeter Academy to prepare for college. All the boys laughed at his rustic dress and manners.
He finally entered Dartmouth College at the age of fifteen. He was the best student there. All the students liked him. At the age of eighteen he gave a Fourth of July oration in his college town. After he had finished at Dartmouth, he taught school in order to help his parents send his older brother to school. Later, he entered Christopher Gore's law office. He studied very hard and won name and fame as a lawyer.
The approach of the war of 1812 brought him into politics.
He was elected to Congress and took his seat in 1813.
INTRODUCTION: Henry Clay.
Henry Clay was born in Virginia at the year of Burgoyne's surrender, 1777. His father died when he was four years old. Little Henry lived near the "Slashes" the name given to a low flat region and went to school in a log cabin. He worked on a farm to do his share in the support of the family. Sometimes he would be seen barefooted behind the plow or else riding a horse to mill. From this he was called the "Mill boy of the Slashes." At fourteen he was a clerk in a store but he was made for better use.
He was put in the office of a famous lawyer who was a clerk in one of Virginia's courts. He went to Richmond and studied law there. He formed a debating club and was made leader. From here he went to Lexington. There his rise in law was rapid, his fame grew and he was known as a lawyer who seldom lost his case.
He was elected to the House of Representatives and was made speaker. As speaker he helped to bring on the War of 1812.
INTRODUCTION: John C. Calhoun.
Calhoun was born in the same year as Webster, 1782. He was born in South Carolina. His parents were Scotch-Irish. He learned more from the woods than he did from books and filled his memory before people could fill it. At the age of eighteen he began to prepare for college with the aid of his brother-in-law, a Presbyterian minister. Two years later he entered Yale College, studied hard and soon graduated with much honor. He studied law for three years, a year and a half in his own state and a year and a half in Connecticut. He began to practice law in South Carolina. He did not have much success. Perhaps the law was too dry for him or perhaps because he was soon to be elected to Congress.
In 1811 he was married and elected to Congress.
Henry Clay (Speaker) immediately put Calhoun on an important committee.
The next act will be John C. Calhoun, Daniel Webster and Henry Clay speaking of the war of 1812.
Clay (speaker): Members of Congress and fellow citizens: England has been at war with France for a number of years. France under Napoleon has secured a large part of Europe. England has tried in various ways to injure France by proclaiming that no ships of any nation shall trade with France.
Napoleon retorted, issuing a decree that no ships shall trade with Europe and these laws hurt American commerce. Shall we stand this or demand our rights?
Gentlemen, I say we must fight. On to Canada!
Member of House: I think we should be very careful about going to war with Great Britain. She has a thousand war vessels, while the United States has only ten or twelve first-class vessels.
Member of Congress: England's troops are numerous, well drilled and have had much experience. Our troops are few and poorly disciplined and unused to war. I think, all matters in dispute could be arranged without fighting.
Member of Congress: We would make a great mistake to fight England and France at the same time.
Webster: The British in taking our men have made it a practice to stop American merchant ships and seize the best sailors. They claim these men are British citizens and could be rightfully seized. Whenever they see a fine looking seaman, they say: "You are an Englishman, we will take you!" We must fight with the navy. If the war must be continued go to the ocean. There the united wishes and exertions of the nation will go with you. Even our party divisions end at the water's edge.
Mr. Calhoun: We have tried in various ways to induce England and France to change these laws. These are not the only grievances we have. England has a large navy. She needs many sailors. When our ships were in her parts, she has seized our men and forced them on her ships. Is this right? Must we stand such treatment? No! So we call forth the patriotism and resources of our country to help us.
End of Act II.
ACT III
INTRODUCTION:
From 1819 to 1821, Congress was debating over the Missouri Compromise. The north opposed and the south favored. The excitement spread to the state Legislature and to the people. Many meetings were held.
Finally Henry Clay succeeded in getting Congress to pass the Missouri Compromise. This act admitted Missouri as a slave state.
Hayne had spoken against a protective tariff and for nullification and Daniel Webster felt called upon to reply so he made a great speech. His speech was considered by good judges the best ever delivered in Congress. He was probably the greatest orator of his time.
South Carolina refused to pay the tariff in 1832 and nullified the law of Congress. President Jackson hurried the army and navy to make her pay.
John Calhoun was for nullification. He said to save the South from the North, a state had a right to nullify a law of Congress.
The third act will be Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun, speaking on the right of nullification.
Speaker Clay: Gentlemen, we have been debating on the right of a state to nullify. We must think of this matter in a calm manner. It is one of the most serious times of our country. Our Union is in danger. We have heard Mr. Hayne speak on Nullification; also Mr. Calhoun.
Member of Congress: Congress has no right to force another state to pay a tariff and we declare a state has a right to nullify.
Member of Congress: President Jackson says the Federal Union must and shall be preserved. He has warned the people of South Carolina that any attempt at resistance will be put down with a high hand. We of the North feel that this must be done in order to save the Union.
Member of Congress: Tariff is helpful to the North but not to the South. There is always a difference between the North and South and we of the South feel that nullification is right to save us from the North.
Calhoun: Mr. Clay.
Clay: Mr. Calhoun.
Calhoun: The Southern people using slave labor will raise more tobacco and cotton than they need so the tariff is hurtful to them. The Northern people using free labor will manufacture all kinds of things and the tariff is helpful to them. The Southern people are for agriculture. The Northern people for manufacturing. The Southern are for slavery and the Northern are for free labor. To protect the South from the North the state has the right to nullify a law of Congress. The state has the right because the state is above the nation. The states made the constitution.
I believe that nullification is a means of saving the Union from secession.
Haynes: That is the way I feel, Gentlemen. Nullification is right.
Mr. Webster: Mr. Clay.
Mr. Clay: Mr. Webster.
Mr. Webster: We must not let South Carolina refuse to obey the laws of the Union. For if she does she leaves the Union. If South Carolina leaves the Union other states will also leave. Gentlemen of Congress: Nullification is another name for secession. When my eyes shall be turned to behold for the last time the sun in heaven, may I not see him shining on the broken and dishonored fragments of a once glorious nation. But may I see our flag without a single stripe erased or polluted, not a single star obscured but everywhere spread all over in characters of living light, that sentiment dear to every American heart, Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable.
Mr. Clay: Gentlemen: I offer a compromise hoping it will please both the North and South. I propose that the tariff be gradually reduced till 1842 when all duties shall be 20% on the value of the articles imported. I think, gentlemen this will be a solution of the question. We will debate on it at the next meeting.
End of Act III.
ACT IV
INTRODUCTION:
It was in 1848 that our country declared war on Mexico and won it with a great victory for the American Army. The treaty of peace with Mexico gave the United States all the territory then known as Alta (Upper California) and New Mexico.
The North and the South disputed over this territory. The South said: "It must be open to slavery." The North said: "It must be free." The quarrel grew so bitter that many men thought the Union would be destroyed.
Kentucky legislature sent Clay back to the United States Senate by a unanimous call, Democrats as well as Whigs joining in the vote. It was a proud moment for the old man.
Webster then went back to the United States Senate where he joined Clay in supporting the great Compromise of 1850. Calhoun opposed the Compromise.
The last act will be Clay, Webster and others talking on the Compromise of 1850.
Speaker of the House: Gentlemen, for many days we have been debating on the serious question of the danger of the South leaving the Union. Mr. Clay will read his Compromise.
(Mr. Clay enters on arm of friend. He is an old man now).
Mr. Clay: Mr. President and Gentlemen: I believe that the Union is in danger of destruction but if we can again compromise, I think it can be saved. This is what I propose: First that California shall be admitted as a free state. Second: That the slave trade be stopped in the District of Columbia. This should please the North. To please the South, First: I propose that all Federal Officers be given authority to hunt for slaves that have escaped to the North and without trial or jury be returned to their masters. Second: I propose that the new territories coming in as states decide for themselves whether they shall be free or slave.
Member of Congress: The fugitive slave law reads thus: 'Any slave escaping to the North might be seized wherever found and brought before a United States judge. He cannot give testimony, or prove that he is not a slave. All citizens are commanded to aid in the capture of the fugitive.' Are we willing to accept Mr. Clay's clause in this Compromise? As for myself, gentlemen, I think not.
Member of Congress: No, gentlemen, I do not think that we should accept this. Many of these people have escaped into the North and are living peaceably as free men. If this law goes into effect we will have men who for money will go into the North and return these people to slavery. There is a higher law even than an act of Congress. It is the Golden Rule: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
Member of Congress: I say, Sir, we should have our slaves returned. We need our slaves badly.
(Mr. Calhoun's speech is read).
Mr. Clay: I believe from the bottom of my soul that this measure is the re-union of the Union.
Member of Congress: Mr. Clay's country is Virginia. He does not understand that we of the South need slaves. If we of the South can't keep our slaves, we will leave the Union.
Mr. Clay: The honorable Senator speaks of Virginia being my country. This Union is my country, but even if my own state should raise the standard of disunion I would go against her. I would go against Kentucky much as I love her.
Mr. Calhoun's speech, Mr. President.
Mr. Calhoun is ill, I have a speech he wishes to be read.
Mr. President: Honorable Senator, read Mr. Calhoun's speech.
(Mr. Calhoun's speech).
Gentlemen of Congress: The Union is in danger today on account of the Abolitionists. They have stirred up strife. All agitation against slavery should be stopped. The relation existing between the two races has existed for two centuries. We cannot permit it to be destroyed. 'Slavery is a good, a positive good.' There should be an equal division of territory between the North and South. If you of the North will not do this, then let our Southern states separate and depart in peace.
Having faithfully done my duty to the best of my ability, both to the Union and my section, I shall have the consolation that I am free from all responsibility.
Mr. Webster: Mr. President.
Mr. President: Mr. Webster.
Mr. Webster: I wish to speak today not as a Massachusetts man nor as a Northern man, but as an American and a member of the United States Senate.
I speak today for the preservation of the Union. Hear me for my cause. I speak from an anxious heart for the return of the peace and quiet of this Union. I should rather have heard that this Union should never be dissolved than that word secession. Secession, peaceable secession. Sir, your eyes and mine will never see that miracle. Sir, I see as plainly as I see that sun in Heaven that secession means a war. It means a war, a war I cannot describe.
End of Play.