["The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, protected by the equal Laws of a common government, finds in the productions of the latter, great additional resources of Maratime [sic] and commercial enterprise and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The South in the same Intercourse, benefitting by the Agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand."] George Washington

If I understand this right. Before the Morrill Act the South was better served than after it went into effect. The North was trying to protect it's corner of the planet but there were even those in the North in the wool mill industry who were not happy with the Morrill stuff. If the proceeds of those tacky taxes went into the US coffers, the South had to be unhappy just because the US was spending money expanding westward. Sort of took away their reason to give a flip because they were not getting any real returns on their huge production contribution.

It appears to me that even GW the 1st knew there was a potential for real problems if it wasn't handled with finesse. After reading some of the speeches and articles and the stand the US Government was a taking, finesse was not their strong suit. Still isn't. Some things never change.

Pam