Speech of Hon. Stephen A. Douglas on the Measures of Adjustment Delivered in the City Hall Chicago October 23 1850

<p>This is the complete text of a speech given by Hon. Stephen A. Douglas in Chicago on October 23 1850 regarding the Measures of Adjustment more commonly known as the Compromise of 1850. Douglas a prominent senator from Illinois was a key figure in the debates surrounding slavery and states' rights in the lead-up to the Civil War. </p> <p>In this address Douglas defends the Compromise as a necessary means of preserving the Union and resolving the contentious issue of slavery in the territories acquired after the Mexican-American War. He argues in favor of popular sovereignty allowing residents of each territory to decide the question of slavery for themselves. This speech provides valuable insight into the political climate of the time and Douglas's perspective on the critical issues facing the nation. </p> <p>Readers interested in American history the history of slavery and the political debates that shaped the nation will find this historical address an important primary source.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>