| Summary: | In the speech Dowdell argues in favor of a clause in the bill that would repeal the Missouri Compromise of 1820. He objects to a provision of the act that prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36ø 30' latitude line: "This line of 36ø 30', and the injustice and inequality resulting from its establishment, has done more to disturb our peace and endanger the Union than anything which has occurred since the formation of the Government. It was the first indication of dissolution--a rallying point for geographical parties, for contending sections, familiarizing the minds of men with the idea and possibility of separation, and more than once has urged us to the brink of this sad catastrophe."
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