12. It was not always so, however, for when the Constitution was framed in Philadelphia, in 1787, all the States but Massachusetts recognized the legality of slave property. Very soon afterwards, however, the "Society for African Emancipation" was formed, with Dr. Benjamin Franklin as its president. This body petitioned Congress to abolish slavery in the States and Territories, but was answered that the Constitution left this matter to the States, and that the Federal authorities had no powers.
13. The Northern States finding slave labor unprofitable, had all abolished this institution in their midst, and their slaves had been sent to the South and sold. Southern men, also, had been divided as to the policy of continuing a state of society so opposed to the general liberties of mankind; but this liberal spirit in the South was checked by the violent and unreasonable criticisms and denunciations of the Northern reformers.
QUESTIONS.
1. What growth was noticed in the Union during the years just considered?
2. What is said of immigration to North Carolina?
3. In what condition were the political parties of the country?
4. What is said of President Madison's administration?
5. What distinguished Frenchman visited North Carolina in the year 1825? How was he everywhere received by the people? How did Congress treat him?
6. What is said of the extraordinary rise in the price of cotton? How did it affect many people?
7. What was the effect of the election of John Quincy Adams? What two political parties then existed?