1818 James Monroe - Illinois enters the Union

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 prohibited slavery in lands that include what is now Illinois. And, in 1818, Illinois was admitted into the Union as a 'free state'. This was viewed as a compromise, since Mississippi had just been admitted as a slave state in 1817, and Alabama was to follow in 1819. Technically Illinois constitution put the question of slavery on hold. It allowed the people of Illinois to decide that matter after statehood. From the perspective of the slave holders, this allowed the people to decide on the issue of slavery without the interference from Congress or the Northwest Ordinance. It was an early victory for 'popular sovereignty'.

James Monroe sought a gradual end to slavery, and he recognized that if the federal government were to try and outlaw slavery in the nation, it would destroy any confidence the states had in the role of the federal government. In this vein, he sung the praises of 'Popular Sovereignty' in his 1818 annual address to congress.

"I communicate with great satisfaction the accession of another State (Illinois) to our Union, because I perceive from the proof afforded by the additions already made the regular progress and sure consummation of a policy of which history affords no example, and of which the good effect can not be too highly estimated. By extending our Government on the principles of our Constitution over the vast territory within our limits, on the Lakes and the Mississippi and its numerous streams, new life and vigor are infused into every part of our system. By increasing the number of the States the confidence of the State governments in their own security is increased and their jealousy of the National Government proportionally diminished.
The impracticability of one consolidated Government for this great and growing nation will be more apparent and will be universally admitted. Incapable of exercising local authority except for general purposes, the General Government will no longer be dreaded. In those cases of a local nature and for all the great purposes for which it was instituted its authority will be cherished. Each Government will acquire new force and a greater freedom of action within its proper sphere."

Ironically, 36 years later, two men from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas would hold several debates over the doctrine of popular sovereignty. With respect to slavery, "Popular Sovereignty" would lose.

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=29460
http://www.lib.niu.edu/1995/iht29502.html
http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=76%2C4%2C3%2C4
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