Studies in American History 
441 
to be enforced and obeyed. The state elections which took 
place during the midst of the slavery and disunion excitement 
represented Democratic successes. The Democracy elected the 
governor in Ohio in 1850 and again in 1851, under the new 
constitution. Illinois Free Soilers were returning to their 
respective parties, and in the congressional election Richard 
Yates from the Springfield district was the only Whig re- 
turned to Congress. In Wisconsin, with old party alignments 
broken down, it seemed impossible to restore them, but the 
Democrats remained in control of the legislature. The Wis- 
consin Democracy under the leadership of the Madison Argus 
stood out strongly against the Fugitive Slave Law as “a 
monument of tyranny and a libel on civilization’'. Division 
of the opposition into Whigs and Free Soilers in Michigan 
left the legislature in control of the Democrats, but coalition 
candidates carried 2 of the 3 congressional districts. When 
in 1851 the Democrats made some concessions, they secured 
the support of the radicals and many of the Free Soilers 
as well, and elected the governor by a large majority. 
The nomination of General Scott for president was a 
triumph of the northern Free Soil wing of the Whig party. 
It was an attempt once more to carry an election on the 
strength of a military reputation. With the Democrats 
“finality” was the order of the day; the compromise had been 
made and no one expected to disturb the measures that had 
been included. Many Whigs were not convinced that the 
“finality” resolution of their national platform was the proper 
thing. They had swallowed the bitter dose, but did not see 
why the process had to be repeated every week or two. Illinois 
Democrats were almost unanimous in their choice of Douglas 
as the leader of “Young America”, and Indiana had a favorite 
son, Joseph Lane, “that gallant general” tried alike “in the 
tented field and the executive chair”, but old leaders still held 
the reins, and tho western Democrats might ask “Who is 
Franklin Pierce?” they accepted him. 
Both candidates were silent on the “finality” question. 
There was no real issue between the two parties and even 
“finality” disappeared long before the election. The campaign 
was a listless one, and mutual accusations of harboring 
Nativism filled the papers. Three of the states of the North- 
west held elections in 1852. The election by the Democrats 
of the governor, state ticket, legislature, and 10 of 11 Con- 
