If we overthrow our whole system of jurisprudence, why,
I've nothing to say. That's anarchy, not government. The South is
growing faster relatively than the North. The politicians on both
sides are scared about the balance of power, and they're simply
taking advantage of this cry of morality. They're putting the
moralists out as cat's-paws to the fire!" Judge Clayton almost
abandoned his usual calm.
"I imagine," ventured Doctor Jamieson, "that Missouri had as good a
right to come in unrestricted as Louisiana had in 1812, or Arkansas
in 1836."
"That argument was admitted by statesmen, but it was denied by
politicians: I make a distinction between the two," commented
Dunwody.
"Yes," rejoined Judge Clayton. "The politicians of the House,
controlled by the North, would not give up the intention to
regulate us into a place where it could hold us down. 'Very well,'
said the Senate--and there were a few statesmen in the Senate
the--'then you shall not have Maine admitted on your own side of
the line!' And that was how Missouri sneaked into this Union--this
state, one of the richest parts of the Union--by virtue of a
compromise which even waited until Maine was ready to come in!
Talk of principles--it was _politics_, and nothing less.
Pages:
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219