The first issue of the Adams Administration is one raised by the Northern liberal followers of Benjamin Franklin. Arguing that slavery is a stain on the American conscience, the anti-slavery liberals and quakers of Pennsylvania proposed a compensated emancipation plan. Substantial opposition to the plan existed in Congress, from both Southern members, who supported the peculiar institution, and from many Northern members, who felt that the emancipation plan violated the Constitution’s prohibition on ending the slave trade until 1808. Many also thought the cost was ruinous. Only a concerted effort from President Adams would be able to push an end to slavery through.
End Slavery is a difficulty 7 issue. If resolved, it increases public support for the Liberal party by 2, and reduces reserves by 200. If ignored, it had no effect. There is no popularity change either way.
“I hold this practice abhorrent personally and morally. This administration will not support the spread of the ‘peculiar institution’ not will it aid any of the States in their maintenance of it. But the compromises, promises and agreements made by these thirteen United States, made in good faithe, established a nation. I will not see that nation and its comity, forged in blood, destroyed by the strife, conflict and upheaval caused by the sudden imposition of the end by of the ‘peculiar institution’ by a tyranny of the slimmest of majorities.”
From Speech by John Adams in Pennsylvania, June, 1797.
With the question of slavery off the table for the time being, the remainder of 1797 was largely uneventful. Early 1798 brought the first potentially new state to the union, as the people in the Kentucky territory requested admission to the union.
The admission of Kentucky is a difficulty 2 issue, resolved by the Secretary of State and Congress. It gives plus one popularity if successfully admitted. It is adjacent to Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and provides 4/10/13 electoral votes in the three eras.
In 1799, the Congressmen representing the territories obtained through the Northwest Indian War and Louisiana purchase proposed a Land Act, allowing for the sale of land to people willing to move to the territories at $2 an acre, with a minimum purchase of 320 acres. A quarter of this amount was due at time of purchase, with the remainder to be paid over 4 years in yearly installments.
The Land Act of 1804 is a difficulty 4 issue for the Treasury and Congress. If resolved: Public Support 2 to Liberal. 1IP to Conservative Leader. Revenue +5. Popularity +3. If Ignored or Rejected: Popularity -3.
@Navaronegun, will you pass this to Secretary J.Q. Adams or ignore the issue?
