Abolitionism Quotes
At the time his Vice President, John C. Calhoun, was expounding a theory of “nullification” by which the states could supersede and nullify federal law in their states. When Jackson finished his toast, it was Calhoun’s turn (See {635896}.) His toast supported the States’ Rights position over the federal government. In those days Presidents and Vice President’s were often political enemies or of opposite parties. The President’s advisors thought that his toast might be misinterpreted. So when they gave the toast to the press as “The Federal Union: It must be preserved.” That was the form in which the press reported the President’s toast and for many years that was the version most quoted even though it was never delivered that way. However Jackson was responsible for both versions.
In 1872 a proposed Constitutional amendment was debated throughout much of the country. The proposed “Christian Amendment” to the Constitution, recognized the Bible, God, and made Christianity the state religion requiring religious tests of public officials including belonging to an organized Christian Church. “Deists” as used then referred to people who had a general belief in a Supreme Being but did not belong to any formal or organized church.
While England was strongly opposed to slavery, the English textile industry benefited from importing American Southern cotton. So many in England were supportive of the Confederacy.
The nation in 1848 was very polarized over the issue of slavery. Taylor, never even mentioned the subject in his speeches and writings. He reused to answer any questions about the subject or indicate his own views. His strategy worked as the other politicians who took a stand—either way—alienated a large number of voters.
Of all the defenses is American slavery, this one is probably the most absurd. If it were remotely true, this may have been the only example in human history where people were beaten, debauched, tortured, murdered and degraded by their “friends.”
