MR. WEBSTER: We must not let South Carolina refuse to obey the laws of the Union. For if she does she leaves the Union. If South Carolina leaves the Union other states will also leave. Gentlemen of Congress: Nullification is another name for secession. When my eyes shall be turned to behold for the last time the sun in heaven, may I not see him shining on the broken and dishonored fragments of a once glorious nation. But may I see our flag without a single stripe erased or polluted, not a single star obscured but everywhere spread all over in characters of living light, that sentiment dear to every American heart, Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable. MR. CLAY: Gentlemen: I offer a compromise hoping it will please both the North and South. I propose that the tariff be gradually reduced till 1842 when all duties shall be 20% on the value of the articles imported. I think, gentlemen this will be a solution of the question. We will debate on it at the next meeting. _End of Act III._ ACT IV INTRODUCTION: It was in 1848 that our country declared war on Mexico and won it with a great victory for the American Army. The treaty of peace with Mexico gave the United States all the territory then known as Alta (Upper California) and New Mexico. The North and the South disputed over this territory. The South said: "It must be open to slavery." The North said: "It must be free." The quarrel grew so bitter that many men thought the Union would be destroyed. Kentucky legislature sent Clay back to the United States Senate by a unanimous call, Democrats as well as Whigs joining in the vote. It was a proud moment for the old man. Webster then went back to the United States Senate where he joined Clay in supporting the great Compromise of 1850. Calhoun opposed the Compromise. The last act will be Clay, Webster and others talking on the Compromise of 1850. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Gentlemen, for many days we have been debating on the serious question of the danger of the South leaving the Union. Mr. Clay will read his Compromise. (Mr. Clay enters on arm of friend. He is an old man now). MR. CLAY: Mr. President and Gentlemen: I believe that the Union is in danger of destruction but if we can again compromise, I think it can be saved. This is what I propose: First that California shall be admitted as a free state. Second: That the slave trade be stopped in the District of Columbia. This should please the North. To please the South, First: I propose that all Federal Officers be given authority to hunt for slaves that have escaped to the North and without trial or jury be returned to their masters. Second: I propose that the new territories coming in as states decide for themselves whether they shall be free or slave.