Chapter 33

§§ 340, 341.--_a_. Why was there little question whether Oregon would be slave or free?

_b_. Explain carefully Wilmot's suggestion. What would be the arguments in Congress for and against this "proviso"?

_c_. What is meant by "squatter sovereignty"? What do you think of the wisdom and justice of such a plan?

§§ 342, 343.--_a_. Describe the discovery of gold in California and the rush thither. What difference did _one year_ make in the population of California?

_b_. What attitude did California take on the slavery question? Why?

§§ 344, 345.--_a_. How had the question of slavery already divided the country?

_b_. What extreme parties were there in the North and the South?

_c_. Why was the question about the territories so important?

_d_. What action did President Taylor take? Why? What do you think of the wisdom of this policy?

§§ 346, 347.--_a_. State the provisions of Clay's compromise plan. Which of these favored the North? The South?

_b_. What law had been made as to fugitive slaves? Why had it not been enforced? Why was the change made in 1850 so important?

_c_. How would you have acted had you been a United States officer called to carry out the Fugitive Slave Law?

§ 348.--_a_. Who was Mrs. Stowe? What view did she take of slavery?

_b_. Were there any good points in the slave system?

_c_. Why is this book so important?