LAD #13: John Calhoun's Speech

Calhoun Addressed the Senate in order to discuss an issue that had been threatening the well-being of the Union--slavery.  The 3/5 clause of the constitution originally seemed as a fair way of balancing the power between the North and South.  However, the North later gained more representation, giving them the power to take control of the government.  Calhoun believed that if a particular faction were to gain complete control, they would just need to have the majority of states and the majority of population present in the Senate.   At this time, the Union was about to gain 5 new northern states.  On the other hand, the south was was not gaining any new states, thus shifting the balance to favor the north.  Furthermore, Calhoun states that the tariffs used to collect revenue are also showing favoritism to the north, and strengthening the upper elite.  As a result, the wealthy northerners gained power at the expense of the southern farmers.  Also, the prosperous North attracted a larger amount of immigrants, also making the balance of power lean towards the North.  Perhaps the most important issue, slavery, was crippling the Union.  The North argued that it was an unmoral act whereas the southerners represented by Calhoun stated that it was a necessary aspect of their economy and if removed, would devastate the South.  Calhoun claims that the only way to make the balance of power between the North and South even again is if the North agrees to lend some power back to the South by giving the them rights to represent newly acquired territory and return fugitive slaves.  If this was accomplished, the threat of secession would be drastically reduced.