No matter how large a majority might be returned to Congress in favor of again setting up the old landmark which had stood in peace and in honor for thirty-four years, with the sanction of all departments of the government, the Supreme Court had issued an edict that it could not be done.

The Court had declared that slavery was as much entitled to protection on the national domain as any other species of property, and that it was unconstitutional for Congress to decree freedom for a Territory of the United States.

The pro-slavery interest had apparently won a great triumph.

They naturally claimed that the whole question was settled in their favor.

But in fact the decision of the Court had only rendered the contest more intense and more bitter.