r 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 i