Davis of Massachusetts moved its adoption but inadvertently prolonged his speech in its favor until the hour for adjournment.

Hence there was no vote on the subject.

Subsequently the proviso in a new form again passed the House but failed of adoption in the Senate.
During the war the Wilmot Proviso was the subject of frequent debate in Congress and of continuous debate throughout the country until the treaty with Mexico was signed in 1848.

A vast territory had been acquired as a result of the war, and no decision had been reached as to whether it should remain free or be opened to settlement by slave-owners.

Another presidential election was at hand.