to
guard these fresh lands for freedom.

But none of the new men, and none of the old leaders but Clay himself,
had such a part as Douglas in the actual settlement. He supported the
resolutions, and as chairman of the Committee on Territories he wrote
and introduced two bills: one to admit California, and one to organize
the Territories of New Mexico and Utah with no restrictions as to
slavery and to adjust the dispute with Texas. When Clay was put at the
head of a Committee of Thirteen, to which all the subjects of dispute
were referred, he was often in consultation with the chairman of the
Committee on Territories. Douglas was of opinion that the various
measures proposed would have a better chance of passing separately than
all in one, but Clay decided to deal with California, the Territories,
and the Texas boundary in a single measure. This, with separate bills on
the fugitive slave law and the slave trade in the District, he reported
early in May. The Omnibus, as the first bill was called, was simply
Douglas's two bills joined together with a wafer: the words, "Mr. Clay,
from the Committee of Thirteen," were substituted for the words, "Mr.
Douglas, from the Committee on Territories." But there was one important
change. Douglas's bill gave the territorial legislatures authority over
all rightful subjects of legislation, subject to the Constitution, save
that they could pass no law interfering with the primary disposal of the
soil. Clay's committee, contrary to his wish, added the clause, "nor in
respect to African slavery." Douglas moved to strike out the exception.
He was voted down, but bided his time, persuaded another senator to
renew the motion at a favorable moment, and it passed.

But the Omnibus could not pass. The death of President Taylor, who would
probably have vetoed it, brought Fillmore, a friend of the compromise,
into the White House; but there were only a handful of senators who
favored every one of the measures so combined. Late in July, after
months of debate and negotiation had wearied Clay out and driven him
from the scene, all but the part relating to Utah was stricken out, and
with that single passenger the Omnibus went through the Senate. Then
separately, one after another, as Douglas had advised, the other
measures were passed. The House quickly accepted them, Fillmore signed
them, and the last of the compromises was complete. Jefferson Davis had
opposed it, and had often been pitted again