It set forth, first, the belief of its signers that Congress had the constitutional power "to make such a prohibition a condition on the admission of a new State into the Union, and that it is just and proper that they should exercise that power." Then came an argument on the constitutional question, and then the reasons for the exercise of the power as a general policy.

The first point was that it would prevent further inequality of representation, such as existed under the Constitution in the old States, but which could not be increased without danger.

The next argument went straight to the merits of the question, as involved in slavery as a system.

After pointing out the value of the ordinance of 1787 to the Northwest, the memorial continued:-- "We appeal to the justice and the wisdom of the national councils to prevent the further progress of a great and serious evil.

We appeal to those who look forward to the remote consequences of their measures, and who cannot balance a temporary or trifling convenience, if there were such, against a permanent growing and desolating evil.
"...