Compromise
of 1850
It being desirable, for the peace, concord,
and harmony of the union of these States, to settle and adjust amicably all
existing questions of controversy between them arising out of the institution of
slavery upon a fair, equitable and just basis: therefore,
- Resolved, That
California, with suitable boundaries, ought, upon her application to be
admitted as one of the States of this Union, without the imposition by
Congress of any restriction in respect to the exclusion or introduction of
slavery within those boundaries.
- Resolved, That as
slavery does not exist by law, and is not likely to be introduced to any
of the territory acquired by the United States from the Republic of
Mexico, it is inexpedient for Congress to provide by law either for its
introduction into, or exclusion from, any part of the said territory; and
that appropriate territorial governments ought to be established by
Congress in all of the said territory, not assigned as the boundaries of
the proposed State of California, without the adoption of any restriction
or condition on the subject of slavery.
- Resolved, That the
western boundary of the State of Texas ought to be fixed in the Rio del
Norte, commencing one marine league from its mouth, and running up that
river to the southern line of New Mexico; thence with that line
eastwardly, and so continuing in the same direction to the line as
established between th United States and Spain,
excluding any part of New Mexico whether lying on the east or west of that
river.
- Resolved, That it be proposed to the State of Texas, that the
United States will provide for the payment of all portion of the
legitimate and bona fide public debt of that State contracted prior to its
annexation to the United States.
- Resolved, That it is inexpedient to abolish slavery in the
District of Columbia whilst that institution continues in the State of
Maryland, without consent of that State, without the consent of the people
of the District, and without just compensation to the owners of slaves
within the District.
- But,
resolved,
That it is expedient to prohibit, within the
District, the slavetrade in slaves brought into
it from States or places beyond the limits of the District, either to be
sold therein as merchandise, or to be transported to other markets without
the District of Columbia.
- Resolved, That more
effectual provision ought o be made by law, according to the requirement
of the constitution, for the restitution and delivery of persons bound to
service or labour in any State, who may escape
into any other State or Territory in the Union, And,
- Resolved, That Congress
has no power to promote or obstruct the trade in slaves between the
slaveholding States; but that the admission or exclusion of slaves brought
from one into another of them, depends
exclusively upon their own particular laws.