History Plays for the Grammar Grades

by Mary Ella Lyng

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.