measures,
including the fugitive-slave law (specially designated after the
example of the Democratic convention), "are received and acquiesced
in by the Whig party of the United States as a settlement in
principle and in substance of the dangerous and exciting questions
which they embrace." They further declared that this position was
"essential to the nationality of the Whig party and the integrity
of the Union." Alexander H. Stephens has stated that this resolution
was shown to him by Mr. Webster before the convention assembled,
and while Mr. Choate was his guest. The inference apparently
intended was that Mr. Choate carried it to the convention as the
expression of the Northern Whigs, who believed in the Compromise
measures. The agreement--if one existed--that this resolution
should be adopted, did not involve all the Northern Whigs. Sturdy
resistance was made by many, and the final vote disclosed a powerful
minority opposed to the resolution.

For the first few weeks of the canvass the Whigs had strong hope
of success. The name of General Scott evoked much enthusiasm, and
his splendid military reputation, acquired in two wars, was favorably
contrasted with that of General Pierce, who was one of President
Polk's political brigadiers. But these indications were the bubbles
and froth that floated on the surface. The personal characteristics
of the candidates were lost sight of in the face of the great issues
involved. The people soon perceived that if there was indeed merit
in the Compromise measures, it would be wise to intrust them to
the keeping of the party that was unreservedly--North and South--
in favor of upholding and enforcing them. On this point there was
absolutely no division in the Democratic ranks. In New York the
friends of Marcy and the political heirs of Wright cordially
harmonized in favor of the Compromise. Mr. Van Buren returned to
Tammany Hall as fresh and buoyant as if his allegiance had never
been broken; and in a great convocation of the Democracy, the
prodigal was welcomed, Pierce's nomination applauded, the platform
cheered, the anti-slavery creed forsworn, the Whig party roundly
abused, and word sent forth to the uttermost parts of the Union
that the Empire State had resumed her place at the head of the
Democratic line.

The Whigs soon found to their dismay that the platform and the
candidate were inseparable. They could not make a canvass upon
the one in the South and upon