Compromise of 1850: Wealth Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Section.Line)

Quote #1

The United States, in consideration of said establishment of boundaries, cession of claim—to territory, and relinquishment of claims, will pay to the State of Texas the sum of ten millions of dollars in a stock bearing five per cent. interest, and redeemable at the end of fourteen years, the interest payable half-yearly at the treasury of the United States. (Texas.Section 1.6)

How do you stop Texas from invading New Mexico and taking back some of its claimed territory? Pay it off. Texas had just finished fighting a war with Mexico over its southern border, so they weren't going to be very happy with its new government adjusting its western border.

Quote #2

[…] no member of the legislative assembly shall hold, or be appointed to, any office which shall have been created, or the salary or emoluments of which shall have been increased while he was a member, during the term for which he was elected, and for one year after the expiration of such term. (Texas.Section 9.1)

In the midst of all the talk about slavery, it's easy to forget that part of the Compromise of 1850 sets up territorial governments for New Mexico and Utah. Clay and Congress make it a point to throw in an anti-corruption measure to make sure that legislators in these new lands are in office because they want to be, not for the cash they can get.

Quote #3

[…] no law shall be passed interfering with the primary disposal of the soil; no tax shall be imposed upon the property of the United States; nor shall the lands or other property of non-residents be taxed higher than the lands or other property of residents. (Utah.Section 6.1)

This clause is a reminder that the Compromise was also dealing with westward expansion, which people were excited about because of its economic opportunity. Westward expansion gave ordinary folks a chance to own land and build up a little nest egg of their own. Taxing non-residents at a higher rate could discourage westward migration.