Re: A Terrible Comparison (#42972)
by Oscar Chamberlain on September 27, 2004 at 3:54 PM

Some truth here. In particular, the Republicans most assuredly had an eye for the main chance, like their Democratic oponents and in most ways they were no more moral. And most Republicans in the 1870s were willing to give up on Reconstruction.

I have some problems with other parts.

1. The Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional because it limited rights of states
The Compromise's impact on states after they entered the union was dubious, but the right of the national government to regulate the territories was on far firmer ground. Part of the claim made by Scott hinged upon his having resided in Wisconsin territory.

When Taney invoked the 5th amendment to deny this, it was a major departure from earlier assumptions concerning the power of the national government. That reach was one reason that some Republicans were concerned that future courts might impose the 5th amendment on the states. However, that was a bit paranoid and/or disingenious.

2. The "Free Labor Ideology" was mostly propaganda designed to arraign northern labor against the South's slave system
The Republican party formed first in Michigan and Wisconsin. The free soil ideology had real impact there, as many farmers did not want their sons moving west to have to compete with slavery. The appearance of escaped slaves in MIchigan and Wisconsin also turned people against slavery, particularly after enforcement of the new fugitive slave act began. AS far as they were concerned the "free soil ideology" was not simply propoganda.