CHAPTER V.
EVEN before the treaty with Spain had been concluded in 1821, the slavery agitation had begun. The question of slavery will be discussed here only so far as its agitation became a factor in the contending forces which caused or obstructed territorial expansion.
In its first stages, the slavery agitation was not directed towards the abolition of slavery. It was a contest for the balance of power between the States. On the question of territorial expansion, the Northeastern leaders had fought and lost. The result had been to isolate their section. Each new State entered the Union as the friend and ally of the Republican party, to whose favor they owed existence. The immense area of territory, soon to be organized into States, seemed to offer permanent control to the allied South and West, and to leave New England a helpless faction in the government. No people of English blood have ever rested content with such a condition. The Northeastern leaders did what all sections have done when placed in similar circumstances. They looked about for some means of relief. Having studied the matter profoundly, they comprehended the situation. The Northern States had abolished slavery, and the geographical line of separation left the greater area to the north. Some political issue must be found which would force a new alignment of parties. This issue must be geographical and aggressive. It must be one on which the entire North could unite in sympathy,
