Northern anti-slavery Whigs had a difficult task to keep their members in line.

There is evidence that Taylor held the traditional Southern view that the anti-slavery North was disposed to encroach upon the rights of the South.

Meeting fewer Northern Whig supporters, he became convinced that the more active spirit of encroachment was in the pro-slavery South.

California needed a state Government, and the President took the most direct method to supply that need.

As the inhabitants were unanimous in their desire to exclude slavery, their wish should be respected.